Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Leading Mackay real estate business REMAX Select has announced the appointment of highly respected business professional Samantha Self as General Manager. The appointment is set to further strengthen the agency's high-performing team across the Mackay region, with Principal Nikita Kinnane describing Ms Self's arrival as an exciting step forward for the business. “We are heading in a really exciting direction with our business, and I cannot be more excited to have Samantha join our leadership team to build on that momentum,” Ms Kinnane said. Ms Kinnane said the recruitment process was focused on finding a leader whose values aligned with those of the business, it was Ms Self's shared commitment to those values and vision that made her the ideal candidate. "Samantha will play an important role in shaping the future REMAX Select, bringing exceptional experience in property, management and leadership to help drive growth and innovation, and this will flow into enhancing every aspect of our business. "Importantly, Samantha shares our core values and commitment to putting Mackay first, and we share the same drive to really make impactful change, bring big city ideas and execute them in our own country girl way.” It was the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and trust that Ms Self aligned with, sharing her goal to continue to build on the trust and integrity the agency has established in Mackay, while supporting the continued growth and development of both the team and business. “I’m excited to take on the role of general manager and work alongside Nikita and the entire team at REMAX Select,” Ms Self said. “REMAX Select has a strong team with exceptional talent which is highly respected throughout the community and I’m excited to be part of its continued success.” Ms Self steps into the role after eight years as retail manager of the largest shopping centre in northern Australia. During that time, she was the key driver of building positive, collaborative relationships with retailers, creating an environment where retailers were genuine partners in success. Having led sales performance analysis and market insight initiatives, Ms Self said she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience to support the continued success of the REMAX Select team. “I am dedicated to empowering our team members through training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “My goal is to continue to foster the team’s culture of professionalism, responsiveness and customer-first approach and I look forward to collaborating with our talented agents and staff to create a dynamic and successful environment here at REMAX Select.” REMAX Select is an award-winning real estate business, recently recognised as the 2025 REIQ Medium Agency of the Year and finalist at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence. The office consistently ranks in the National Top 10 Offices in the REMAX Australia network, recognised as the #3 individual office for commissions and transactions at the REMAX Australia Annual Awards 2025 earlier this year, where they were also named a finalist for the network’s community service award and special achievement in marketing for an office award. REMAX Select is located at 133B Victoria Street, Mackay. Contact (07)4829 4612 or visit remax.com.au/select/ for an award winning real estate experience. Newly appointed General Manager, Samantha Self (Left) with REMAX Select Principal Nikita Kinnane (Right).
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In 2000, Peter and Denise Phillips laid the foundation for what would become one of Mackay’s most recognisable holistic, all in one property, insurance and financial services ecosystem. Starting as a Mortgage Choice franchise, Gardian was built on a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions with local people in the know! Over the decades, that foundation has steadily evolved. Today, Gardian encompasses a wide range of services, including all manner of finance, general and business insurance, financial planning, real estate sales, property management, and commercial sales, management and leasing. What began as a single offering has grown into an integrated business model serving individuals, families, businesses, and community across the region. Now, the organisation enters its next chapter. After many years at the helm with her late husband Peter, Denise Phillips will step down from her role as Managing Director. Her leadership has been central to Gardian’s growth — not just in size, but in culture, reputation, and its connection to the local community. Taking over the role is Ben Phillips, Owner/Director and Head of Gardian Finance. Having been closely involved in all aspects of the business and its clients, he brings both continuity and a forward-looking perspective to the position. Leadership transitions often mark defining moments for organisations. In this case, the change represents both the continuation of a strong legacy and the opportunity to build on it. The evolution of Gardian — from a small franchise to a diversified advisory group — reflects the importance of adaptability, strategic growth, and staying aligned to core values to the community. For the Mackay business community, this transition highlights the strength of long-term vision and succession planning, particularly within locally grown enterprises. It also reinforces the impact that leadership grounded in community and relationships can have over time. As Gardian moves forward under new leadership, it does so with deep roots, a clear purpose, and a platform built for continued growth.
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I don’t know about you, but I find morning TV hosts incredibly annoying. I rarely get to see them, with their contrived laughter, over-the-top friendliness, stupid nicknames for each other, make-up and perfect hair cuts. But sometimes, if there has been some event that might interest me, or if I’m curious about what’s going on, I might flick on the TV and see what’s happening as I’m getting ready for work. I immediately regret it and start flicking channels to try to find someone bearable. It’s a challenge that usually lasts a couple of minutes before I turn the TV off and do something much more pleasant, like go to work. I did like Karl Stefanovic but he has been flicked, apparently because his employer didn’t like his podcast guests. There seemed something real about Karl but he was an island in a sea of fakery so there’s no point in me turning on Channel 9 anymore. There’s an Irish journalist/host on ABC TV, Catherine Murphy, who I also like. She’s funny and real and seems to want to stick to simply presenting a story in her slightly quirky style without imposing an agenda. But that’s about it for me. One thing the morning shows have an abundance of is “experts”. Whatever the drama that’s emerged, there’s an expert to explain it to you, pull it apart and tell you how concerned you should be. The expert needs to do it in about 17 seconds because everyone is going to get bored soon and we’ve got an ad break coming up. The more dramatic the event and the more it impacts the loyal viewers, the more vital it is that an expert is on hand. The current disaster of note it a neat combo: the economy/inflation/interest rates/housing downturn. This is the type of news drama you want when you’re planning the show because it affects the viewers, hits their hip pockets. But experts are everywhere in the media on this one, not just the morning shows. They’re out there giving their views on interest rates (some say they will go up, others say they will go down), the economy (some say it will be okay, others say we are headed for a recession), inflation (some say it will get worse and others say it will ease). Part of this blockbuster, of course, is house prices. Some experts say prices will drop in big cities like Sydney and Brisbane. Others say they will drop everywhere. Some say there will be a small, temporary drop but things will soon start going up again because there is a lack of housing supply across the nation. One group of experts that are worth paying attention to are the valuers from Herron Todd White, who put out their monthly property clock, which is a snapshot of how they see particular markets. The position on the clock face a particular city is located (we’re talking analogue here kids, not digital) tells you where it sits in the market. Twelve o’clock is top of the market, 3 o’clock is a falling market, 6 o’clock is the bottom of the market, 9 o’clock is a rising market. Things can change quickly and there a times a property can go from falling market to bottom of the market and up to rising market very quickly. HTW’s June clock would have been a challenge for them because tax changes and other events had happened but their longer-term impacts are unclear. They had Bundaberg and Toowoomba at the top of the market, Sydney at 2 o’clock and starting to decline, The Whitsundays, Gladstone and Sunshine Coast approaching the top of the market and Mackay, along with Rocky, Townsville and Cairns, in a rising market. Most agents in Mackay will tell you there has been a change but there is still activity, investors are still engaged and properties are selling. Most are being alert, not alarmed.
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The Agent Services Team at RE/MAX Select Mackay plays an important behind-the-scenes role in supporting the agency’s sales and property management teams. From organising marketing materials and advertising campaigns to coordinating letterbox drops and administrative tasks, the team works to ensure agents can focus on delivering results for clients. Led by Nikita Kinnane, the department provides operational and marketing support across the business, helping streamline processes and maintain the high standard of service the agency is known for. Nikita Kinnane can be contacted on 0401 928 281. CAPTION: The Agent Services Team at RE/MAX Select Mackay supports agents across the business with administration, marketing and operational assistance. Photo source: RE/MAX Select Mackay
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Once a terrified dog with a heartbreaking past, Zephyr is now learning what it truly means to feel safe and loved. This gentle boy came into rescue after experiencing significant trauma, and while the scars on his face tell part of his story, they don’t define who he is today. Thanks to patience, care, and the comfort of a stable foster home, Zephyr has begun to flourish into a loyal and affectionate companion.
In foster care, Zephyr has proven himself to be calm, gentle, and incredibly devoted. He loves spending time with his people and has shown just how resilient he can be when given kindness and consistency. His transformation from fear to trust has been remarkable.
About Zephyr:
• Gentle, loyal and affectionate
• Calm and easygoing once he feels secure
• Enjoys walks and quiet companionship
• Best suited to a peaceful home with patient owners
• Has been around a cat but will need supervision
• Desexed, vaccinated and microchipped
Zephyr has come a long way—he now plays, cuddles and greets each day with a little more confidence. All he needs is a forever home where he can continue his journey surrounded by understanding and care.
To learn more or arrange a meet-and-greet, get in touch with Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue by emailing bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com. Zephyr is ready for his happy ending — he just needs someone willing to give him the chance.
Following its successful return, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is strengthening its foundation with a new leadership team dedicated to celebrating the region’s own literary voices.
The Festival is proud to announce the appointment of three local professionals to guide its future. Richard Evans, a Whitsunday author of nine political thrillers will serve as President and Festival Director. He will be joined by Secretary, Strategy and Marketing Manager Cait Fleming and Treasurer and Operations Manager Dr Julia Evans, who also works as a publishing services consultant. They will be supported by a committee of local authors, community specialists, and representatives from regional libraries and schools. Together, they hope to build upon the legacy of outgoing President Karen Jacobsen and her committee.
“Our core mission is to provide a platform for the exceptional writers we have right here in the Whitsundays and to connect them directly with our community of readers,” said incoming President Richard Evans. “We are building a festival that is by, for, and about our region’s literary culture. Our vision is bold: to shine a spotlight on local literary talent.”
The team’s first priority is a focused, community-centred event in 2026, which will pave the way for future growth.
The Festival Committee is now seeking expressions of interest from local authors for programming and participation in the 2026 event and beyond. Writers in the Whitsundays region are invited to contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com
“This is a festival built on local talent,” said Cait Fleming. “We want to hear from our writers, involve them in the journey, and create an event that truly reflects the stories of our home.”
The Whitsundays Writers Festival promises to strengthen its community focus of fostering a vibrant literary culture by connecting local authors with readers and celebrating the power of local storytelling.
All are welcome to save the date for a special one-day celebration of local literary talent.
• When: Sunday 13 September 2026
• Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Airlie Beach
• What: A day dedicated to local authors, local stories, and the readers who bring them to life.
Contributed with thanks to Dr Julia Evans
Welcoming the new team. Photo supplied
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Looking Out for Each Other This Time of Year
I had the privilege of joining the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) breakfast in Cannonvale recently as a guest speaker, and it was one of those mornings that remind you just how strong and connected our community really is.
Before most people had even hit the snooze button, the turnout was incredible with a mix of tradies in hi-vis, small business owners grabbing a cuppa on their way to work, emergency services staff coming off shift, and plenty of familiar community faces. All there for one reason: to look out for each other.
Events like this matter. They create space for honest conversation, which we often avoid because life gets busy or because we’re conditioned to “just get on with it.”
But the truth is, all of us, at some point, carry heavy things. As the guest speaker, I shared a bit about my own journey with the group as like anyone, I’ve had my ups and downs, and there have been times where stress has crept up on me more than I’d like to admit. This time of year, especially, the fatigue, the deadlines, the cost pressures, and the general rush of life can stack up quickly.
One of the most important things I’ve learned, and I’m still learning, is that we’re not meant to carry everything alone. Talking helps. Good mates help. Checking in helps. Even just recognising that you’re not the only one feeling stretched can take some weight off your shoulders.
A big hats off to Matt Stokes and the whole WSPN team for continuing to build these safe and open spaces. They don’t just run events they help shift culture and remind us that real strength isn’t staying quiet; it’s speaking up and listening without judgement.
Thanks to ShirtFront Solutions and Enzed Whitsunday for hosting and to Amanda Camm MP for sponsoring the breakfast. These partnerships show what can happen when business, community and leaders lean in together.
As we head into the tail end of the year, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment for yourself and a moment for someone else. Slow down where you can. Reach out if you’re struggling. And if someone crosses your mind, then send the text, make the call, say g’day.
We’re a better, stronger Whitsundays when we look out for each other.
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The Bowen Tourism and Business staff and volunteers celebrated Christmas with a get-together in Bowen last Sunday afternoon.
About 40 people attended the Christmas party including volunteers and their partners, staff and committee members.
Everyone received a Secret Santa gift from the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.
Manager Leanne Abernethy said volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and the Christmas party was all about celebrating their dedication, passion and efforts.
“We simply couldn’t do what we do without them,” she said.
Steve Fisher, better known as Fish, volunteers at the Big Mango every week.
He spoke on behalf of the volunteers and mentioned several awards that Bowen Tourism and Business had won in 2025 including Top Tourist Town in Queensland, Best Big Thing in Queensland, Community Champion in the Whitsundays and a Bronze Medal for volunteers at State Level.
He thanked the staff for their dedication and spoke about the busy Grey Nomad season in 2025.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomed a record number of visitors in the 2024/25 financial year and have already welcomed more visitors since July than the same period last year.
Bowen Tourism Volunteers - Back row: Viv Clark, Margaret Hurst. Front row: Marie Bailey, Colleen Skinner.
Bowen Tourism Volunteers - Anne Steen, Anne Mason and Mark Steen with the Chair of the committee Jenn Honnery.
Photos supplied
After almost 20 years running the community’s much-loved St. Paul’s Op Shop, Chris Hinschen is preparing to retire from management and the St. Pauls Anglican Church are set to take over the role in the new year.
All current volunteers have already agreed to return, with Annette Pryce and Noreen Sainsbury announcing they will each assist a couple of days a week.
Saturday trading, has been trialled for several months and has become popular with visitors from as far as Mackay, Annette and Noreen say they will continue Saturday trading.
Chris’s final day will be on Friday 19th December, with the shop reopening on Monday 19th January under the new management.
Although the setup will remain largely unchanged, the church will now take on full overheads including rent, rates and insurance. Volunteers note that while prices remain affordable, the shop will now operate as a business to help fund essential costs such as the church roof repairs.
St. Pauls Anglican Church hope to expand the shop’s community focus by creating a welcoming space for conversation, coffee, sitting areas, pastoral care and support services in the future.
New volunteers are warmly invited, with even an hour of help making a difference. Contact Father Jeffery Akoai on 0458 451 230, Nerine Pryce on 0448 846 805 or Annette Sainsbury on 0409 417 180 to express interest or visit the Op Shop located on Dobbins Lane in Proserpine in the new year.
Donations will pause during the break to allow volunteers to prepare and avoid a backlog.
Father Jeffery Akoai, Nerine Pryce and Annette Sainsbury at the St. Paul’s Op Shop in Proserpine. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
As we wrap up the year here in The Whitsundays, it feels like the perfect time to take a breath, look back on what we’ve achieved together and get excited for what’s shaping up to be a huge summer for our region.
It’s been a pretty exciting year of progress. We’ve had the announcements of the Ngaro Track and Twin Creeks Mountain Track and big momentum behind the Whitsunday Skyway. Plus, with new island developments underway on Hook and Lindeman Island, there’s plenty happening that will keep our region moving forward in all the right ways.
Holiday bookings are looking really strong, currently up 10% on last year with Christmas and New Year sitting at around 85% occupancy. It’s safe to say it’s going to be a lively festive season across The Whitsundays, and busy for our tourism businesses. January’s a little softer at the moment at around 50%, but we all know how many travellers book on a whim, so we’re expecting that to lift.
Because this is my last column for the year, I want to say a huge thank you to our community, our tourism partners and everyone who backs The Whitsundays day in, day out. Your enthusiasm and hard work are what give this region its magic.
Wishing you all a safe, happy and very sunny festive season. Whether you’re working through, travelling, or just kicking back with friends and family, enjoy it. Here’s to an even bigger 2026.
Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth CEO, Tourism Whitsundays
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth. Photo sourced: Online
What started as uncertainty has quickly turned into excitement, connection, and festive cheer as Proserpine prepares to come together this Friday night for the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair.
Only a short time ago, it looked as though the much-loved Christmas fair might not go ahead this year. However, following a team discussion at the office of Amanda Camm MP, about how best to support a community Christmas celebration, a decision was made - even if a little last minute - to bring people together and make it happen.
By joining forces with Whitsunday Regional Council and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair was born, with one clear goal: to give the community a chance to connect, celebrate, and share in the Christmas spirit.
Since announcing the event, the response from the community has been overwhelming. Local businesses, stallholders, food vendors, and volunteers have all stepped forward, keen to be involved and support the evening.
Already, excitement is building, with shops and dining venues planning to stay open on the night, live entertainment and market stalls coming together, and families looking forward to enjoying a relaxed festive evening in the heart of town.
This Friday night’s fair is shaping up to be a wonderful example of what Proserpine does best - coming together with generosity, enthusiasm, and community pride.
Everyone is invited to head into Main Street, enjoy the atmosphere, support local businesses, and share in a joyful celebration as Proserpine lights up for Christmas.
WHAT: Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair
WHERE: Main Street, Proserpine
WHEN: Friday 12 December, 5pm - 8pm
Contributed with thanks to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP
Just before 10.00am on Saturday 6 December, emergency services received a Triple Zero call reporting a vegetation fire along Kingfisher Terrace, with smoke visible across the area. Initial alerts listed the warning zone as Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket, Cannonvale, Woodwark and surrounding areas.
As the incident escalated, multiple crews were deployed, including a mix of Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue units. Due to the location and size of the fire front, an aerial water bomber was also tasked to assist.
Water bombing operations began just before 3.30pm, with aircraft collecting seawater for repeated drops over the fire ground.
Firefighters worked throughout the afternoon to contain the blaze. According to a Queensland Fire Department spokesperson, crews achieved containment at approximately 6.00pm on Saturday 6 December.
By around 9.00pm, teams were conducting perimeter patrols and confirmed the fire was still burning safely within containment lines.
Crews returned to the scene at about 6.00am the following morning to reassess conditions. The fire remained within control lines and was expected to continue producing light smoke for several days.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed the Police are investigating the grass fire.
They announced their were no threats to members of the public and no injuries were reported.
Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding the fires to come forward.
Photos sourced: Facebook
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched its “12 Days of Christmas Business Preparation” campaign to help local businesses navigate the pressures and opportunities of the peak festive trading period.
Designed as a practical, day-by-day guide, the initiative provides targeted advice across business continuity, staffing, customer service, cash flow, cyber safety, and wellbeing. The campaign recognises that the Christmas and New Year period represents both a critical revenue opportunity and a high-risk period for operational strain, particularly for small and regional businesses.
The resource encourages businesses to plan ahead by reviewing staffing rosters, preparing contingency plans, strengthening cash flow management, and refreshing marketing and customer engagement strategies. It also places strong emphasis on leadership wellbeing, urging business owners to consider their own health, decision-making stamina and support networks during one of the busiest times of the year.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the campaign was developed in response to growing feedback from members seeking simple, actionable support.
“This is about giving businesses clear, practical tools to minimise risk and maximise opportunity during a demanding period. Strong preparation helps protect both profitability and people,” he said.
The campaign is freely available via the Chamber’s website and is supported by links to additional resources and expert guidance.
Businesses are reminded that the advice is general in nature, and specialist support should be sought where circumstances require tailored financial, legal or operational advice.
The Chamber continues to encourage all businesses to review the resource and use it as a practical checklist to finish the year strong and prepare for a productive start to the new year.
Learn more: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/12-days-of-christmas/
We would like to welcome our new Production Co-Ordinator, Georgia McDonald.
As one of our newest additions to the team, Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Georgia initially started in hospitality, working as an assistant manager for a hotel back in England. After moving to Australia, she continued her hospitality work, working at Beaches Bar & Grill in Airlie Beach for two years before deciding to pursue a different career path.
As a fan of journalism, Georgia had always dreamt of working for a magazine, so it became a dream come true when she landed the role with the Whitsunday Life team. Among Georgia’s greatest skills are her abilities to read situations, focus on important tasks and interact with people. Her interpersonal skills are also informed by experience working in a call centre for an insurance company, as well as time spent as a recruitment consultant.
She enjoys the busy pace of the job and the ability to communicate and foster working relationships with the clients every week.
In her spare time, Georgia enjoys exercise, whether it be at the gym or walking as well as exploring as much of the landscape that she can. She also has a great passion for reading, particularly fantasy. Most of all, Georgia enjoys hanging out with friends.
The Whitsunday and Mackay Life team are thrilled to have Georgia on board as we warmly welcome her. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to what we'll accompolish together.
Production Co-Ordinator Georgia McDonald Photo credit: R Jean Photography
This week's photo of the week was taken by Corrine Hendrikse. The theme was Summer and the photograph depicts a common scene during summer in the Whitsundays – irrigating sugar cane.
Proserpine’s Bicentennial Committee. An offer of land at the junction of Shute Harbour Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road suitable for a botanical park was being considered but the cost may be a problem.
Sugar. World Sugar prices on the World stock markets remained depressed
Heavy rains on Monday delivered a final blow to the 1985 crushing season causing the mill to close finally for the season.
Instrumental Music Teacher Appointed. Ron Patrick was appointed as instrumental music teacher for Proserpine and Bowen schools. Local musicians provided the background music to Saturday’s ESA Flea Market in the Cultural Hall Park.
Obituary
Ada May Hinschen died aged 76. She was a member of the well known Staniland family and wa sborn in Proserpine.
Lillias [Billie] Fiske, a resident of Cannonvale, died aged 73.
Clement Cecil [Mick] Walton’s death occurred in Chartyrs Towers. He was a member of the Walton family who lived in Cannonvale and were co-discoverers of the Mary Kathleen uranium deposits.
Child Stung at Conway Beach. One of a number of children paddling in ankle deep water at Conway suffered a marine sting on the foot. Vinegar was applied and the child received medical attention.
Top Apprentice. Proserpine Mill apprentice, Paul Telford was judged best overall first year apprentice in Queensland in Fitting Instrumentation.
Rise In Post Compulsory Schooling. High School Principal David Sutton noted that of the 114 year 10 students,102 had applied for year 11 for 1986 compared with 23 graduating from year 12 in 1984. This was due to decreased opportunities for employment from year 10 and led to moves to include courses in Tourism and Marine Studies, and TAFE courses.
New Bridges For Bruce Highway. Two way bridges were planned for Duck Creek and Hay Gully 18 kilometres South of Bowen.
Hi lovely readers!
It’s officially December, can you believe it?
Last Friday, I attended the Mackay Regional Council Wonkley Awards, where local media representatives gathered with Mayor Greg Williamson for a night of laughs and celebration.
The Wonkleys are Mackay’s light-hearted take on the Walkley Awards, playfully celebrating the region’s journalists and media teams.
The evening was full of laughs, good company, drinks, and snacks, which gave us journos a chance to unwind and reflect on a year of local reporting.
It was great catching up with fellow journalists who share the same passion for telling local stories, and I was so honoured to receive my very first Wonkley award!
I got the ‘Rising to the Challenge Award,’ recognising my journey from cadet journalist to this role as the main on-the-ground journo over the past year.
While the event is light-hearted and funny, being acknowledged for this is something I’m pretty proud of. I even received a box of goodies from the Sugar Shed, which has been a great addition to my pantry!
I’m so blessed to be a part of this community.
Thanks to Mackay Regional Council and the Mayor for putting on such a great night, and thank you readers, for sticking with us and supporting local journalism that keeps our community informed and connected
Scripture of the week: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13
Whitsunday Anglican School students demonstrated the power of service in action this week, raising more than $29,000 for national charities through two inspiring, student-led initiatives.
The Ponytail Project saw a group of courageous students cut their hair to support cancer services across Australia. Participants Matilda, Tilly, Joannah, Chayvae, Senara, Arhamah, Sophie, Jade, Jamaica, Amreen, Emma, Darci, Aarna, Lydia, and Saskia collectively raised over $17,000. The initiative also drew support from staff, including Alice from Boarding, who joined the hair-cutting efforts, and teacher Sophie, who donated over 50 centimetres of her hair.
At the same time, the Year 11 cohort embraced Mullets for Mental Health, raising awareness and funds for early intervention, education, and wellbeing programs for young Australians. Students Rohan, Soham, Josh, Reuben, Kieran, Akshaj, Bodie, Nicholas, Ishan, and Nate helped raise more than $12,000, with the support of Principal Mr Wheaton, Head of Senior School Mr Novosel, and teacher Mr Harris, who proudly donned their own mullets for the cause.
The school community came together on Friday, 28 November, to celebrate the students’ efforts, recognising the courage, creativity, and generosity displayed by both students and staff. Through these initiatives, Whitsunday Anglican School reinforced its commitment to fostering empathy, leadership, and community-mindedness, showing that even small acts of service can have a powerful impact.
By combining energy, teamwork, and compassion, the students at Whitsunday Anglican School left a lasting mark, proving that giving back is a core part of their school’s culture, and a reminder that helping others can be both meaningful and fun.
Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
The Mayor’s Charity Ball committee have announced the beneficiaries for the 2026 event during a tour of one of the charity’s facilities.
While speaking at The Neighbourhood Hub on Thursday, Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the red-carpet event was to support two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each group and to make a real impact in our community.
“Proceeds from the 2026 event will be split 50-50 between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and new beneficiary The Neighbourhood Hub,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Grapevine Group drops off this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s great to see the positive impact of funds they received from 2024 and 2025, helping local organisations to establish safeTALK trainers within their workplace,” he said.
“The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service is continuing for their second year, which is timely, as the demand for their services has increased significantly.”
Nicolette Ffrost, The Neighbourhood Hub General Manager, said they were honoured to be selected as a charity partner for the Mayor's Charity Ball.
“This partnership changes everything – enabling us to build the staff capacity needed to turn our volunteer-dependent Food Diversion Program into a sustainable, coordinated service,” Ms Ffrost said.
“Our Food Diversion Program alone supported more than 9000 people in 2024/2025 – a nine percent increase from the previous year.
“The Mayor's Charity Ball partnership will help us meet this growing demand while continuing to create powerful environmental and social impact for our region.”
Sponsors are still being confirmed for the 2026 event and the event committee encourages any local business who are interested in getting involved to email communications@mackay.qld.gov.au.
Platinum partners for the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball include long term sponsors Fergus Builders, Daly Bay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
Pentacon have come on board again as a Gold sponsor and North Queensland Bulk Ports and CQ Soil Testing have returned as Silver sponsors.
Media partners for the Ball are 7 News Mackay, Hit 100.3, Triple M and Tropical Exposure.
In-kind sponsors include Signarama and Twilight Mackay.
More details and the event history can be found on the council website
The 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball will split its funds between The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service and The Neighbourhood Hub, supporting both organisations to expand their vital community programs. Photo supplied
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