Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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Brinkley is a beautiful four month old girl with the sweetest soul. She just needs a little time to show it.
Found dumped along Collinsville Road, Brinkley’s start in life was far from ideal. Despite that, she is learning what safety and love feel like in foster care and is making gentle progress each day.
She can be very shy at first and needs time to adjust to new people and environments. Once she knows she is safe, she becomes a cuddly, sassy little character who enjoys snuggling up and watching television with her humans.
About Brinkley
Brinkley is a four month old mixed breed puppy with medium energy. She may be timid initially, but she is affectionate and playful once comfortable. She loves other dogs and is good with children. She has not yet been tested with cats.
Her Ideal Home
Brinkley would thrive with a patient and understanding family who can offer consistency and reassurance. A secure fence is essential, along with a commitment to basic training and helping her build confidence at her own pace.
She is not a “plug and play” puppy. Brinkley needs kindness, structure and time to settle. In return, she will form a deep and loyal bond with her family.
Health and Vet Care
Brinkley is fully vaccinated and microchipped, and she will be desexed at six months of age.
Adoption Fee
Her adoption fee is $400. These fees help cover veterinary care and allow Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue to continue saving animals in need. The organisation operates as a non-profit, no kill rescue.
Brinkley did not deserve to be dumped, but she does deserve a safe and loving forever home.
To organise a meet and greet in Bowen, please message bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com directly. Sharing her story may help Brinkley find the patient family she is waiting for.
Captions
Photo source: Facebook
Whitsunday’s own Karen Jacobsen is bringing her remarkable story to the stage at the Adelaide Fringe Festival this March.
Originally from Airlie Beach, Jacobsen has built an international career that spans music, motivational speaking and a claim to fame she is the voice of Australian Siri. A New York City audition years ago led to her speaking voice being embedded in more than a billion devices worldwide.
Now, the Whitsundays-raised performer is premiering a new one-woman show that blends live music with storytelling and inspiration. The production explores her journey from regional Queensland to New York, charting the highs of global success alongside deeply personal challenges, including chronic anxiety and financial hardship.
Described as part concert and part motivational experience, the show weaves Jacobsen’s original songs with behind-the-scenes stories about becoming “the voice with an answer for everything” and what it takes to find your own voice in the process.
Community members with ties to the Whitsundays may feel a special sense of pride as one of the region’s own takes to the Adelaide stage, sharing a story that proves big dreams can come true.
CAPTION: From Airlie Beach to Adelaide! Karen Jacobsen will dazzle audiences at the Adelaide Fringe Festival this March! Photo supplied
Tourism Whitsundays has officially joined the Destination Think Collective, a global network of forward-thinking destinations committed to building a more sustainable future for tourism.
The Collective includes regions such as Auckland, Banff, Copenhagen, Queenstown, Hawai’i and Aruba. Together, they share the belief that when tourism evolves to meet modern challenges, it can become a powerful force for good, supporting communities while protecting the natural places visitors come to experience.
For The Whitsundays, joining the Collective reflects our ongoing commitment to caring for the Great Barrier Reef and the broader region. As custodians of one of the world’s most recognised natural assets, sustainability is not a trend here, it is a responsibility.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the move is about collaboration and shared learning.
“By joining the Collective, we’re strengthening our commitment to safeguard what makes this region special while connecting with destinations around the world who are on the same journey.”
The Collective aims to build a tourism industry that benefits local communities, supports resilient economies and protects the planet. It also recognises that travel can inspire positive change, with visitors experiencing sustainability initiatives firsthand and taking those lessons home.
Across The Whitsundays, operators, community groups and citizen science projects are already setting a strong example in environmental stewardship. Membership in the Collective allows the region to share that leadership while continuing to learn and improve for the future.
Contributed with thanks to Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays.
BMA CQ Rescue has released its 2026 Community Report, revealing 2025 as the busiest year in the lifesaving service’s history, with crews responding to hundreds of missions across the Whitsundays and wider Central and North Queensland.
Over the past 12 months, BMA CQ Rescue flew more than 339,000 kilometres, responded to 778 missions and provided urgent aeromedical care to 834 patients. The missions ranged from inter-hospital transfers to primary response and search and rescue operations across some of the region’s most remote and challenging terrain.
Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said the figures highlight both increasing demand and the vital role community support plays in keeping the service operational.
“Behind every one of those 778 missions is a person facing one of the hardest days of their life. A family waiting. A community counting on help to arrive in time,” Mr Healee said.
“2025 was our busiest year yet, but it was also a year of extraordinary progress. With two state-of-the-art AW139 helicopters and our own Air Operator Certificate, BMA CQ Rescue has become one of the most capable and independent aeromedical providers in regional Australia.”
The report also marks a milestone year as the service celebrates 30 years of operation, including the arrival of its second AW139 helicopter in June 2025 and continued investment in crew training and community engagement.
General Manager Lisa Martin said the report focuses on the human impact behind the statistics.
“This report is about more than numbers. It is about lives saved, families reunited, and communities supported,” Ms Martin said.
“When floodwaters isolated North Queensland communities last year, our crew stepped forward without hesitation. When our community needs help, we will always be there to deliver lifesaving support when every second counts.”
Operating 24 hours a day, BMA CQ Rescue services the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions, remaining free for patients thanks to the ongoing support of local donors, businesses and volunteers.
CAPTION: Bowen, Dysart, Moranbah, Proserpine, Townsville, Clermont,
Collinsville, Hamilton Island, and Nebo were among BMA CQ Rescue’s top serviced locations in 2025. Photo supplied
When most people think about Council’s Budget, they think about June — that’s when it’s adopted and when headlines tend to appear.
But what many don’t see is that the real work starts months earlier.
Councillors have now formally begun work on the 2026/2027 Budget, and I want to reassure our community that this is a careful, staged and considered process. Budgets are not put together overnight, and they’re certainly not decisions made on a whim.
This year we are holding a series of Special Budget Meetings, allowing Councillors to work progressively through the draft Budget in detail. Each session focuses on different areas — revenue, operational costs, capital works, service levels and long-term financial impacts. It is methodical, deliberate work.
At the adoption of last year’s Budget, I was upfront in acknowledging that our General Fund had developed a structural deficit over previous terms of government— a position that is not sustainable over the long term. Since then, we have been working to reset Council’s financial settings so we can restore balance in a measured and responsible way.
As Mayor, I believe we have a responsibility to address that rather than doing nothing and passing the pressure to future councils and future generations.
In practice this means examining expenditure, challenging assumptions and testing long-term impacts to ensure Council lives within its means. That doesn’t mean cutting for the sake of cutting, but it does mean being disciplined and responsible with public funds. That work will inevitably involve making choices about priorities, timing and how services are delivered so they remain sustainable into the future.
We also understand that many households and businesses across the Whitsundays are feeling cost-of-living pressures. That reality reinforces the importance of Council operating efficiently and ensuring every dollar delivers value to the community.
Our goal is to deliver a responsible and sustainable Budget that maintains essential services, provides value for money and strengthens Council’s long-term financial position.
The final Budget will be adopted in June, but the foundation is being laid now. This is deliberate work aimed at strengthening Council’s financial position while maintaining the services our community relies on.
As Mayor, I can assure the community that we are approaching this task with care, transparency and a clear focus on long-term financial sustainability.
Reef Side Buyers Agents is an independent property buying service based in the Whitsundays, dedicated to helping people purchase homes and investment properties with confidence. Working exclusively for buyers, the team provides end-to-end support from property search through to settlement, ensuring clients feel informed and supported at every stage.
The business was founded after more than 20 years in the building and housing industry, alongside extensive personal experience as long-term property investors.
After relocating to the Whitsundays with their young family, founders Rachael and Tyson experienced first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate the local market — particularly for interstate buyers and first-home purchasers without on-the-ground support. Reef Side Buyers Agents was created to help bridge that gap.
Services range from full search-to-settlement support for clients seeking a completely hands-off experience, to targeted assistance with property research, negotiation, and auction representation. The focus is always on honest advice, strong local market knowledge, and personalised service aligned with each client’s lifestyle and financial goals.
The Whitsundays continues to attract strong interest from interstate families relocating for lifestyle reasons, as well as investors seeking long-term growth. In a competitive market, buyers are increasingly looking for trusted local guidance rather than relying solely on online listings. Access to off-market opportunities has also become increasingly valuable.
As a newer local business, building relationships with agents, developers, and industry professionals has been a key priority over the past year. By actively engaging in the community and delivering consistent results, Reef Side Buyers Agents has quickly established strong local insight.
Their advice to fellow business owners is simple: be present in your community, listen closely to your clients, and prioritise long-term relationships over short-term gains.
As Chamber members, they value the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s continued growth.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Rachael and Tyson Griffiths
Photo supplied
One of Queensland’s most destructive pest animals are being targeted under a new management action plan and more boots on the ground with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming news that Whitsunday farmers and landholders will also benefit.
Mr Last said the release of the draft Queensland Feral Pig Management Action Plan 2026 –2031 was a chance for landholders, stakeholders and industry to have their say on the state’s coordinated approach to tackling feral pigs.
“In the space of one year it was estimated feral pigs caused $95 million in production losses and direct control costs including over $4 Million in the Whitsunday’s horticulture crop alone,” Mr Last said.
“The damage these animals do and risk to human health cannot be understated which is why it is crucial we have a feral pig management plan that recognises the individual needs of each region, including Bowen.”
“Feral pigs do not just damage crops, they have been known to degrade waterways, carry infectious diseases and kill young stock and native fauna.”
Mr Last said the draft plan had been developed through regional workshops, consultation and stakeholder input but now was the chance for local landholders and industry groups to also have their say.
“Having a management plan is about delivering real solutions with the funding needed to take meaningful action on the population of feral pigs across Queensland and in Bowen,” Mr Last said.
“Already the Crisafulli Government is delivering an additional 100 biosecurity officers added to the front line and investing in innovative techniques and control tools within six priority regions.”
“The better the engagement now, the better the outcome for everyone so it’s important every stakeholder takes the time to have their say. By working with landholders, regional groups and industry we ensure this plan actually works effectively on the ground.”
Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Electorate Office.
The Bowen Turf Club is excited to announce it has been allocated an additional race day for 2026. This now means there will be a total of seven race days for the 2026 calendar. This is incredibly exciting news for all involved. The dates are listed below:
Sat 11th April - April Race Day
The first race day of the 2026 season - family friendly, free entry, Filby's vehicle display, kid's activities, bar, jumping castle, face painting + more!!
Sunday 10th May - Mother's Day Race Day
A TAB race day, celebrating all the mothers in the Whitsunday region!!
Sat 30th May - Whitsunday Cup Race Day
Join the club in celebrating the iconic region for the annual "winter" race day!!
Sunday 21st June- Sunday Race Day
Saturday 15th August - Ben Bolt Cup
Celebrating the track namesake, and the local horticulture industry with additional human races (melon and tomato) plus kids events alongside country thoroughbred races.
Tues 15th September - TAB mid-week Race Day
Sat 10th October - Filby's Motors Bowen Cup 2026
Aka - "The Race That Stops Whitsundays", packed with racing action, marquees, Fashions on the Field and more!!
The Bowen Turf Club are looking forward to another fantastic season of country racing in the Whitsundays and hope to see you trackside!!
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango, is continually expanding the range of merchandise and souvenirs available – and have now added “Spotto” Books to the range.
An extension of the game “I Spy” or “Spotto”, often played in the car on long trips to eliminate boredom, the newly released Spotto Books have taken the joy of the classic pass time and transformed it into an educational and fun activity for the whole family!
There are several books in the series including the Classic edition but also Coastal, Queensland, Australia and “Big Things”.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Big Mango was featured in the Big Things edition, so the team decided it was a great idea to stock them at our very own iconic big thing.
“We have only just added them to our range of merchandise, and they are already proving popular,” she said.
The creator of the books, Jess, is an experienced tour guide who originally created them for her own kids as she wanted them to relax on long road trips, so she could relax.
According to the Spotto Books website, Jess was frustrated that her kids weren’t looking out the window at the beautiful landscape and unique animals.
The website states that she created a Spotto Book filled with animals, plants, vehicles, iconic locations and Big Things to spot and tick off. When she saw how well they worked at entertaining her kids, and how excited they became when they spotted something in the book, she decided to create them for everyone.
The business won two NSW Tourism Awards last year.
Call in to the Big Mango and grab some books for the kids – and check out all the other merchandise and local produce while you are there.
Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism and Business.
Bowen Tourism and Business team member Julieanne Firmin with the Spotto books now available at the Big Mango. Photo supplied
As regional communities continue to navigate workforce shortages and rising living costs, access to a driver’s licence remains one of the most significant barriers facing young people. In Bowen, one local program is working to remove that barrier, but it urgently needs more volunteers to keep the wheels turning.
The PCYC Queensland initiative, Braking the Cycle (BTC), is currently seeking volunteer mentors in Bowen to support young learner drivers who are unable to complete the mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving required to gain a Queensland licence.
Delivered locally through PCYC Bowen, Braking the Cycle is designed to assist young people facing barriers such as financial hardship, limited access to a suitable vehicle, or a lack of a licensed supervisor. Without support, many of these young people remain unable to obtain their licence, limiting their access to employment, training and education opportunities.
The program matches learner drivers with trained volunteer mentors and provides a safe, fully insured vehicle for lessons. Mentors play a practical role in helping participants develop safe driving skills and positive road safety behaviours, while also offering encouragement and a supportive community connection.
The benefits of the program extend beyond the individual learner. Research consistently links supervised mentoring programs with improved safe driving behaviours, reduced crash risk and stronger community engagement. Locally and statewide, Braking the Cycle reports that around 70 per cent of graduates move into employment or further education within three to six months of obtaining their licence.
However, the program’s continued success relies heavily on volunteer support. BTC Bowen is currently running critically low on mentors, placing pressure on its ability to meet demand from young people eager to complete their driving hours.
For those with time to give, even a few hours a week can make a measurable difference. In regional communities where public transport options are limited, a driver’s licence is often the key to independence, employment and connection.
As demand for the program continues, BTC Bowen’s call for volunteers highlights a broader truth: community-based initiatives rely on community participation. Without additional mentors stepping forward, some young people may face longer waits to access the support they need.
Residents interested in attending the morning tea or learning more about volunteering with Braking the Cycle are encouraged to contact PCYC Bowen for further information.
Photos supplied
The start of the new year offers a unique opportunity to reset the energy, focus and engagement of your team. After the Christmas break, people return with a mix of emotions — refreshed, distracted, pumped!, or still carrying the mental load of last year. Try to avoid jumping straight back into deadlines and deliverables and focus on reconnecting your people to purpose, priorities and each other. Why? Because research shows investing time in connecting your team increases productivity, job satisfaction, and staff retention. All the things a small business needs!
Regardless of how small your team is - start your year with an honest conversation about highlights, challenges and lessons from the previous year. It helps teams draw the line on one ‘era’ before starting the next. People are more engaged when we validate their experiences and align it to how they make a difference. Then shift the focus forward. Be clear about what success looks like in the months ahead, what will be different, and what the real priorities are.
Then focus on connection. Team cohesion dips after a break so use this discussion to re-establish best ways of working, communication preferences, reinforce shared values and behaviours and give feedback as to how they made a difference last year.
February is also the time to be intentional about leadership development. Rather than relying on ad hoc, reactive training, step back and plan for the challenges ahead — managing change, difficult conversations, creating a better workplace culture, managing time (and let’s be honest there is always simple fixes to gain more time) or building resilience. Map your needs early and show your team they’re supported with the training (and real-world application) they need to succeed. When leadership growth is planned, visible and ongoing, it sends a strong message to your team – you care!
Finally, check the capacity of your team. The new year often starts with big ambitions, but the long year ahead requires realistic pacing. Discuss workloads, potential stresses and challenges early on and identify simple support strategies. And if you can’t really change anything, just be honest – at least they feel heard which always increases engagement and productivity.
Don’t avoid these discussions. Having honest, authentic team chats means you’re always informed of what’s really happening for your team and your business. It’s a risk assessment which also shouts, “we care”. Too many of us think because “we’re just a small team - everyone knows how I feel about them”. Not so! By scheduling time for this you’re sending a strong signal “I value you!” which results in a workplace culture or ‘vibe’ that no-one wants to leave.
Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter
Feb Month 9–Contract Reviews
Before you sign anything, send it our way.
Just because it’s "standard" doesn’t mean it’s safe. Whether it's a business contract, a private agreement, or anything with a signature box, it’s worth having us take a look. We’ll flag anything risky, explain your obligations in plain English, and make sure you’re protected.
Is Your Property Ready?
Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty is launching the Whitsundays’ most prestigious ever auction event, with campaigns commencing 30 March and culminating in live and online auctions on 10 May 2026.
A curated collection of prestige properties will be presented under one unified campaign, supported by national print placement, strategic public relations and access to our international buyer network. Sellers may choose between a live auction on Hamilton Island or a structured 30-day online auction, ensuring the most appropriate pathway for each property.
Participation in this inaugural event is limited, with campaign commitments closing 6 March.
If you are considering selling in 2026, we invite you to contact us to discuss whether your property is suited to Auction Week.
Donations raised at Life Publishing Group’s sold-out Enchanted Garden fundraiser in October 2025 are now being distributed, with a total of $56,000 shared among eight charities doing vital work across North Queensland.
In the first handover, a cheque for $8,000 was presented to Ailen Lord, President of Fauna Rescue Whitsundays.
The funds will go to vital medical equipment, food and provisions for native wildlife rescued from our region, as the non-profit organisation rehabilitates injured, orphaned and sick animals with a goal to send them back to the wild.
Ailen would like to thank the community for their kind donations that evening.
“At first I didn't believe it,” she said.
“I was like, No, it can't be $8,000… then I went and read the email. We were really overwhelmed and very thankful because we normally don't get that much money to help us, and mainly, people don't even know what we're doing... It's just so nice.
“So, thank you so much everyone. And I know you don't actually see the impact you put towards donating this money. But it's huge, so I'll try to share some photos so you guys can see where that money goes and how the wildlife gets back out there thanks to this. So thank you so much, everybody.”
With the charity currently spending $10,000 on vet bills alone, and another $10,000 a year on food, the donation will go far to help the volunteers sustain the amazing work they do.
With a baby pinky brush-tailed possum tucked into her shirt as she accepted the cheque, it’s clear that Ailen and the team care deeply for the wildlife that surrounds the Whitsundays, and will continue to put their all into the cause.
Other animals the organisation rescues and rehabilitates include rock wallabies, birds, reptiles and native frogs, with a specialised frog hospital located in Mackay.
Ailen said plans are underway to establish additional outdoor enclosures for recovering wallabies, which can be difficult to house in volunteer homes. With continued community support, the team hopes to expand its facilities and make an even greater impact in the year ahead.
1 – Ailen Lord accepts $8,000 raised by last year’s fundraiser, with Life Publishing’s Rachael Smith and Trish Jandt. Photo: Suzanna Mcloughlin.
2,3,4 – Some of the cuties saved by Fauna Rescue Whitsundays. Photos: Facebook.
Investment in skills and training is continuing to support local jobs and inclusive employment across the Whitsundays, with the Skilling Queensland for Work initiative helping community organisations deliver practical training and pathways into employment.
The program supports community-based organisations to provide training, mentoring and hands-on work experience for Queenslanders looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, while also delivering real benefits to local industries and communities.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the program was helping create meaningful opportunities across the region.
“Programs like Skilling Queensland for Work are creating real pathways for people in our community to gain skills, build confidence and move into meaningful employment,” Ms Camm said.
“In regional areas like the Whitsundays, investing in local training and workforce development is essential to supporting businesses and strengthening our economy.”
In Cannonvale, Endeavour Foundation continues to support people with disability through tailored training and employment programs that build independence and job-ready skills.
“Endeavour Foundation does incredible work supporting people with disability to develop confidence and practical workplace skills,” Ms Camm said.
“These programs help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the workforce and be part of our community.”
Local industry groups, including Canegrowers, are also benefiting from workforce initiatives aimed at supporting the future of Queensland’s agriculture sector, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers for the region.
Ms Camm said continued investment in skills and training would deliver long-term benefits for the Whitsundays.
“By supporting local organisations and industry to deliver training and employment pathways, we are creating opportunities for individuals and building a stronger future for our region,” she said.
Amanda Camm with the Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale
Photo supplied
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