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A rigorous march has turned into a major win for homeless veterans, with more than $27,600 raised for CASA Mackay through the Just Keep Marching campaign. Led by 2025 Young Citizen of the Year Murray Macgroarty, the community-backed effort smashed its original target, transforming a personal challenge into real-world support for veterans facing housing insecurity. The funding, presented by RSL Mackay, will be used to assist veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping cover short-term accommodation and other critical supports. Local service provider CASA said the donation will help fill key gaps, ensuring veterans can access emergency housing and practical assistance when existing options fall short. The campaign has highlighted the ongoing challenges facing veterans transitioning to civilian life, while showing the power of grassroots community action to deliver real, measurable change. The donation is expected to provide immediate assistance for vulnerable veterans and strengthen local efforts to reduce veteran homelessness across the region. RSL Mackay members met with CASA representatives on Tuesday, 10th February, to present the $27,660 donation for veteran homelessness support. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara Continued from cover… RSL Mackay Donation Boosts Veteran Homelessness Support Through CASA RSL Mackay presented a very generous donation of just over $27,600 to CASA Mackay in support of its ongoing work helping individuals experiencing homelessness, following the recent Murray’s Just Keep Marching fundraising campaign. The funds were raised through an extraordinary community effort led by young cadet and 2025 Young Citizen of the Year Murray Macgroarty, whose long-distance walk captured widespread support and significantly exceeded its original fundraising target. President of Mackay RSL Ken Higgins said the organisation was committed to ensuring the funds were directed where they were most needed. “We want to make sure the money went to where it should go to, and that's to veteran homelessness in this area,” he said. He confirmed the funds would directly support short-term housing needs for vulnerable veterans. While exact figures are difficult to track due to the transient nature of the veteran community, the RSL estimates there are a number of veterans doing it tough locally. “I would think there’d be probably 20 or 30 around the area that are coming and going,” he said. He also highlighted the challenges many veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. “One of the big problems with veterans is the transition from being very comfortable in their environment to now wandering around, and finding it hard to adapt to civilian life,” he said. Mackay RSL Secretary Georgia-Lee Ricketts, a younger veteran herself, said she understood firsthand how difficult the transition from military life can be. “I was discharged from the Army after 15 years, four years ago,” she said. “I know firsthand how difficult it really is to try and find a place in the community once you leave the military.” She said rebuilding life outside the structured military environment could be confronting. “At 35 years old, I had to try and learn to live my life as an individual, and it is really difficult.” CASA General Manager Will Stafford said the organisation was grateful to receive the funding and to partner with RSL Mackay to support veterans experiencing housing insecurity. “We’re delighted to receive this funding,” Mr Stafford said. “It was really amazing to follow Murray’s journey — that initial target of $5,000 to over $27,000 was incredible.” Mr Stafford said CASA and the RSL had worked together to ensure the funds would be used strategically. “After conversations with the RSL, we’ve got a plan to make this money work for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” he said. He said homelessness numbers in Mackay had stabilised but remained a significant concern. “We’ve seen numbers stabilise — we’re sitting around 50 homeless individuals across Mackay.” “We want to see that number go down.” Mr Stafford said CASA had supported around 12 veterans in the past three months, and that the funding would allow CASA to fill critical gaps in support. “If we have a homeless vet or someone at risk of homelessness, we want to be able to ensure the existing framework’s able to support them, and if in the rare instance it’s not, we can use this money to support them in any way we can.” The donation will help ensure more veterans in Mackay receive timely support, practical assistance and a pathway toward safer, more stable housing. RSL Mackay presented a generous donation to CASA earlier this week, following Murray Macgroarty’s Just Keep Marching campaign, to support veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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A 36-year-old East Mackay man has been charged with multiple weapons and drug-related offences following an early-morning police operation in Mackay late last month. Mackay Tactical Crime Squad officers, with assistance from the Dog Squad, attended a Bridge Road motel in East Mackay at approximately 7.30am on 31 January in relation to a wanted person, declaring an emergent search. Police allege that during the search, officers located a shortened firearm, ammunition, a quantity of dangerous drugs, and drug utensils. The man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine and buprenorphine, along with one count each of possessing a relevant substance (butanediol), unlawful possession of a weapon (shortened firearm), authority required to possess explosives (ammunition), and possessing utensils. He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Mackay Magistrates Court on 24 February. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, available 24 hours a day. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Quote reference number: QP2600199545.
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Estelle is an older lady of refinement, experience and very strong opinions — and she is currently looking for a loving home to call her own. Coming into care in need of emergency surgery, Estelle bravely underwent the removal of her hip joint. While the procedure was dramatic, her recovery has been anything but. Slow, steady and nothing short of remarkable, Estelle has handled the process with quiet determination and would like it known that she is not fragile — she is seasoned. One of Estelle’s firmly held beliefs is that humans exist primarily for patting purposes. “Pat me, Human” is not a request, but a management directive. Her foster carer works from home in what appears to be a very important role, though Estelle remains unimpressed. She has observed that humans have two hands: one for emails and one for the cat. This, in Estelle’s view, is simply efficient workplace management. Estelle also lives by a strict interior design code: if it’s flat, it’s a bed. If it fits, she sits. And if there’s a laptop mat nearby, it is clearly intended for her comfort. She prefers to be wherever her human is — desk, couch, bed, paperwork or keyboard — with pats continuing, even while she sleeps. This is non-negotiable. Despite her age and recent surgery, Estelle is calm, affectionate and wonderfully companionable. There is no chaos or curtain climbing here, just gentle company and the occasional reminder that pats are overdue. To meet Estelle, contact Peta on 0423 500 650.
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Returning to school can be a challenge for many families, but thanks to the generosity of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have begun the school year with the tools they need to succeed. As part of the Back to School Supply Drive, staff from across Mackay HHS donated hundreds of essential items, including pens, rulers, rubbers, glue sticks, books, scissors, lunchboxes, water bottles, backpacks, and other learning equipment. The donations were collected by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit and delivered to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS Mackay) to support families who are doing it tough. Contributions came from various hospital units, including the Executive Leadership team and contracts department, demonstrating a strong commitment to health equity and efforts to help Close the Gap. Organisers say the drive does more than provide supplies; it eases the financial burden on families while encouraging students to attend school regularly, reinforcing the importance of the 'Every Day Counts' message. “A backpack filled with school supplies is the first step towards a mind filled with knowledge,” a spokesperson said. Through this small but thoughtful gesture, Mackay HHS staff are helping local students pursue their learning and big dreams, showing how community support can make a real difference in the lives of families and young learners.
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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville.
“I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.”
Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on their toes year‑round. “We have a mix of cattle and crops, so there’s always plenty to do,” he said. “There’s not really such a thing as a day off on the property.”
Max is no stranger to getting his hands dirty. When he’s home, he’s often found helping his dad with jobs around the station, including driving tractors and mustering cattle, to basic maintenance like greasing machinery and checking equipment.
Max already has one eye on the future. His goal is to gain trade qualifications that will help him bring even more value to the family business.
“I think if I can do an apprenticeship as a mechanic or a diesel fitter or something like that, it’ll be great for working on the farm,” he said.
When he’s not lending a hand with station work, Max makes time for his own kind of fun. A keen rider, he often jumps on his CRF230 motorbike or catches up with friends. “We like to go pigging on weekends and in the school holidays,” Max said with a grin.
Despite the change of pace, Max has taken boarding school life in his stride. At Tec‑NQ House, he’s made strong friendships and settled well into the rhythm of living away from home. “In my free time, I go to Planet Fitness with my mates or watch the Storm play in the NRL,” Max said. “I’m enjoying it so far, it’s much better than regular school.”
Max is one of many regional students who benefit from Tec‑NQ House, a purpose‑built boys-only boarding facility located in Rosslea, Townsville. Opened in March 2022, it provides accommodation for up to 40 senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, helping them access Tec‑NQ’s unique trade‑focused senior school program.
The facility is designed to promote social connection and inclusivity while maintaining a nurturing, homely atmosphere. Students enjoy 24/7 supervised care, air‑conditioned double‑occupancy rooms, modern communal areas, streaming services, computers, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.
Tec‑NQ House balances structure and support. Dedicated staff foster wellbeing and independence, while the on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals. Students also enjoy after‑hours excursions, sports, and social activities. Daily transport is provided to the Tec‑NQ Douglas co-educational campus and work placements.
For Max, Tec‑NQ House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a launchpad. With support and pathways into trade careers, students like Max are shaping their own promising futures, firmly grounded in both boots and books.
Members of the Uniting Church at St. Martin’s say they would love to see more people attend one of the local church services held at the venue each week.
Church goer Pete Harling said he enjoys going because it gives him time to stop each week.
“It gives me time in the week, just to stop and to listen and communicate with my friend Jesus," he explained.
“I believe that kindness and forgiveness are the ways to behave and I think they're so hard to do all the time that you need help from somewhere and I think that Jesus is the role model that helps me do that.”
The small numbers in the church has allowed Pete and the rest of the congregation get to know each other well.
Reverend at the Uniting Church Suzy Sitton says that although the group is small, the welcome is big.
Worship times at St. Martin’s are:
7.30 am Uniting Church
10.00 am Baptist Church
3.00 pm Lutheran Church [4th Sunday of month]
6.00 pm Roman Catholic Mass.
At the Uniting Church, new arrivals are greeted joyfully and a friendly atmosphere thrives as people gather to follow their friend, Jesus, and accept his encouragement to live lives of kindness and forgiveness.
St. Martin's Church in Cannonvale. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays Writers Festival returns to Airlie Beach on Friday, 12 September 2025, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, featuring a stellar line-up of authors and guest speakers.
A highlight is the Love Letter to Queensland event with keynote speaker Dr. Anita Heiss, an award-winning author of over 20 books across multiple genres. A proud Wiradyuri woman, she is also an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland.
Joining her are Gold Walkley Award winner Hedley Thomas, Queensland Literary Award winner Steve MinOn, and acclaimed author and journalist Matthew Condon OAM. These speakers will read their personal love letters to Queensland, take part in a panel discussion, and sign books. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP will also share her love letter, and Karen Jacobsen—local performer and “The GPS Girl®”—will perform a love song to Queensland.
Community submissions are open until August 31 for love letters (300 words max), with fantastic prizes: a $1000 Daydream Island voucher (adults), $500 Tropix Photography gift certificate (under 18s), and gifts from Street Library Australia and Kitten Vintage Mackay (young writers).
Mayor Ry Collins, Festival Patron, will read the winning letters and announce the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, including The Gloria Burley Award for unpublished fiction and the Short Story Award for under 18s, supported by the Roderick Centre.
Also on Friday are Memoir Writing Sessions with award-winning author and journalist Dr. Lindsay Simpson, designed for aspiring writers.
Tickets and info: www.whitsundayswriters.com
Award-winning author Dr. Anita Heiss will present the keynote address at the 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival
The countdown is officially on! The Whitsunday Tourism Awards are back on October 18 and we couldn’t be more excited to give a big shoutout to this year’s amazing finalists.
An impressive 93 businesses have been named across 14 categories, covering everything from great places to stay, to eat and to experience. These awards are all about celebrating the people and places that make our region one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots.
In a fresh twist this year, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are based on results from the Best of Queensland Experience Program, meaning no submissions, just recognition based on real results and customer reviews. Out of 123 Best of Queensland recognised products, 50 scored a perfect 100. That’s a huge achievement and a true reflection of the quality across our region.
Whether it’s an island stay, a reef adventure, a beachfront cafe or a land-based tour, these finalists represent the heart and soul of tourism in the Whitsundays. They work hard, deliver amazing customer service and help showcase everything we love about our region.
We can’t wait to celebrate them all on October 18. It’s going to be a night to remember and a well-earned moment in the spotlight for the people and businesses who make our region shine.
Congrats again to all the finalists, you’ve done the Whitsundays proud!
Contributed with thanks to Tourism Whitsundays
Some of last years' winners at the glamorous Whitsunday Tourism Awards event held on Daydream Island
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference on Thursday 28 August, bringing together more than 120 business leaders and stakeholders from across the region.
The full-day program, designed by locals for locals, was shaped following an expression of interest process earlier this year to ensure the topics and speakers reflect the needs of Whitsunday businesses.
Attendees can expect keynote speakers, panel discussions, and 14 concurrent sessions delivering practical insights and strategies across marketing, workforce development, technology, partnerships, and business resilience.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the region’s business community.
“Our goal is to create an environment where local businesses can connect, learn from each other, and gain tools they can put into action straight away. This conference is about more than ideas – it’s about building the confidence and capacity to make those ideas happen.”
Conference Committee Chair Megan Taylor of Kapow Interactive said the locally led approach is key to its impact.
“By inviting the business community to help shape the program, we’ve ensured every session is relevant and actionable. We’ve brought together experts who understand our opportunities and challenges, so attendees leave inspired and ready to take the next step.”
With formal sessions, interactive activities, and networking the conference promises to deliver both professional value and community spirit.
Whitsunday Business Conference Sells Out – Join the waitlist
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference is officially sold out, with more than 120 delegates and 70 organisations confirmed to attend.
Missed out? Contact the Chamber to join the waiting list and be notified if places become available: admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Nationally recognised business coach and keynote speaker Judy Porter of Shiift will deliver an energising presentation, Getting Out of Your Own Way, at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference. With over 25 years as a multi-industry business owner and a background in psychology, Judy understands how personality, beliefs, and leadership styles shape business culture.
Judy challenges leaders to reflect on their approach, build genuine trust, and embrace their role as visionary leaders.
“Growing a passion into a business is a wild, rewarding ride,” she says. “But what happens when you’re still in the driver’s seat, tooting your own horn, and holding the map with white knuckles? At some point, you have to trust the team, step into the leadership space, and create a culture where your people can drive the vision forward with you – not just ride along.”
Drawing on experience managing teams of up to 250 staff, Judy offers practical tools to move from micromanagement to empowerment. Known for her engaging style, humour, and actionable strategies, she is a former Chamber Board member and active contributor to regional initiatives.
Judy will also lead a concurrent session, The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business. This interactive workshop explores how feedback can motivate teams and improve culture without causing defensiveness or discomfort.
Attendees will gain valuable insights to unlock their team’s potential and drive sustainable business growth.
9:00am: Official Opening with Mayor Ry Collins
9:20am: Keynote – Get Out of Your Own Way with Judy Porter
9:50am: Plenary Panel – Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact with Terry Archer (Whitsunday Sailing Club), Justin Butler (Whitsunday Sportspark) and Carol Norris (Greater Whitsunday Communities)
11:00am: Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? with Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Alliance), Gerard Millican (Queensland Business Concierge), Julia Wheway (TAFE Queensland), Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation), Leigh-Ann Pool (Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training), Paul Hanlon (Whitsunday Regional Council), Robert Cocco (Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays), and Roxanne Birse (Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
11:45am: Concurrent Sessions – Round One
• The Art of Feedback: The F-Word That Could Save Your Team and Your Business by Judy Porter (Shiift)
• Business & Community: Partnering for Impact with Rebecca Woods (Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre), Annika Thomson (Ocean Crusaders), Courtney Quinn-McCabe (Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm) and Libby Edge (Eco Barge Australia)
• From Solo to Scalable: Building a Business That Works with You with Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media)
1:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Two
• Money Matters for Modern Business with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service), Kim Jamieson (Accountancy Plus Whitsundays), Justin Butler (Eclipse Financial Planning), Luke Sheppard (Bendigo Bank business banking), Doug O’Connor (Option Insurance Brokers) and Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting)
• International Recruitment & Migration by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance)
• Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
• The Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Branding to Grow Your Business with Rachael Smith (Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine)
2:00pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Three
• Local Marketing That Works with Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo) and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life).
• Tendering: Top Ten Tips by Ros Wesche (Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure)
• The Dying Art of Customer Service: 12 Rules for Success with Rick Brown
• Smarter People Management for Small Business with Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group)
3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions – Round Four
• Leveraging AI and VR for Business Innovation and Social Impact with Lisa Green (Telstra AI Solutions), Simon Lowe (People Tech Revolution) and Kirra Tully (Greater Whitsunday Innovation),
• From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams by Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee)
• Finding Support Before You Need It with Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway)
4:00pm: Plenary – Power Up: What’s Next for Your Business
The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference opens with Mayor Ry Collins officially launching the event and announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council – an initiative of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner that brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive.
A key morning feature is the Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact panel, bringing together regional leaders to discuss how collaboration is driving progress in infrastructure, housing, investment, and community development. Panellists include Terry Archer from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, who will discuss creating an Olympic legacy through strategic partnerships; Justin Butler of Whitsunday Sportspark, sharing insights on securing $4.5 million for sports infrastructure improvements; and Carol Norris of Greater Whitsunday Communities, presenting coordinated efforts to address workforce housing challenges.
Following the panel, the Get Connected: Who’s Here to Help Your Business? session offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly eight key government and regional development agencies and programs. Participants will hear quick introductions from representatives of government and regional development bodies, then join two rounds of speed dating discussions to explore tailored support and collaboration opportunities.
Following the morning program, attendees have the choice of 14 interactive concurrent sessions, held over four rounds across the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday campus.
Attendees will then continue networking at the Tourism Whitsunday monthly networking event at Mirage Whitsunday, Cannonvale.
See the full program: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference
Mayor Ry Collins officially launches the event by announcing Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment as a Small Business Friendly Council
At the Conference, learn how to grow your business through powerful storytelling, exceptional customer service, and effective local marketing.
Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, will share how personal storytelling and authentic branding build trust and deepen community connections in regional areas.
Rick Brown brings decades of experience in building a $20 million business and delivering outstanding customer service, will reveal twelve key rules that create loyalty, enhance reputation, and set businesses apart.
Marketing experts Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) will guide attendees on using social media, print, radio, and digital channels. Their panel offers strategies for selecting the right media mix to expand reach, strengthen ties, and boost growth.
Together, these sessions provide practical tools to help local businesses connect with their audience, deliver standout service, and market with confidence and impact.
TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference,serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats,prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookerystudents.
Attendees willenjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant,where students get real hands-on experience.
This is a greatway to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helpingstudents get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of theWhitsundays’ biggest industries.
By featuring TAFEstudents at the conference, we’re not only celebrating their hardwork but also helping build a skilled local workforce. It’s a winfor the students, the businesses, and the whole community, showinghow education and industry working together can boost our region’sgrowth and future.
Open to thepublic, Palmers Restaurant is hosting a la carte lunch services form12pm-1:30pm Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Bookings essentialphone 4940 2777 or PalmersRestaurant.north@tafeqld.edu.au
TAFE hospitality and cookery students will be serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats at the conference.Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsundays Chamber extends its thanks to the major sponsors behind the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, recognising their vital role in bringing the sold-out event to life.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generous contributions of:
• Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a locally owned branch offering full banking services and investing back into the Whitsunday community.
• My Pathway connects people and businesses through employment, training, and community services, including the Self-Employment Assistance program.
• Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, unites local business and community leaders and training providers to deliver relevant employment and training solutions.
• TAFE Queensland’s Whitsundays campus offers practical courses in cookery, hospitality, and early childhood education.
• Shiift provides tailored leadership, culture, and performance solutions for aligned, motivated teams that drive real results.
• Tassal, with its Proserpine Prawn Farm, is a major regional employer committed to sustainable aquaculture and investment.
• Mackay and Whitsunday Life supports the community by documenting and celebrating the diverse stories of the Whitsundays.
A shoutout also to the Conference Champions who are also powering this year’s Conference –Club Whitsunday, Kapow Interactive, Option Insurance Brokers, Scallywag Fabrications, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, Telstra, and Your Business Angels – for stepping up with their generous support.
All these businesses are true business champions, making sure the conference offers the best insights, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and see how they can help your business thrive.
A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
• Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
• Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
• Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.
Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club
Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark
Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join
The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.
Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business
Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session
Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session
At the Conference, business owners can gain valuable insights and practical tools across operations, finance, and support services to help their businesses grow and stay resilient.
For business owners ready to grow, From Solo to Scalable. Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media) will show how to scale a business using systems, automation, and tech tools—without the stress or need for a big team. This session provides a clear roadmap to future-proof your business and improve customer engagement.
In Money Matters for Modern Business, a panel of six finance specialists will cover essential topics like lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning. With experts from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus, Bendigo Bank, and more, attendees can ask specific questions and get practical advice to build a strong financial foundation and boost resilience.
Finding Support Before You Need It guides business owners through free, government-backed mentoring and support programs to avoid pitfalls and stay empowered. Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will share how to connect with these resources early and confidently.
Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will present Finding Support BeforeYou Need It, a session guiding business owners through free,government-backed mentoring and support programs designed to helpthem stay empowered and avoid common pitfalls
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