Local organisations, volunteers and service providers came together at Queens Park for Together for Shelter last Thursday, connecting vulnerable community members with support, services and practical assistance during Homelessness Week. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Dozens of local organisations united at Queens Park last week as CASA Mackay's annual Together for Shelter event returned, bringing essential services, support and connection to some of the region's most vulnerable residents.

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Held during Homelessness Week for the first time, the event welcomed close to 40 organisations and service providers offering everything from housing and health advice to meals, mental health support, veterinary care and practical assistancefor families, young people, pets and those experiencing hardship.

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The event has grown significantly in recent years, prompting organisers to move from CQUniversity to the larger Queens Park venue and rebrand the event from the Homeless Expo to Together for Shelter.

CASA Mackay General Manager Will Stafford said the day was about ensuring people knew support was available when they needed it.

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"We're really trying to build a community of community services. People might access one service, but they often need support in a few different areas, so having strong relationships between organisations translates into a better experience for clients," Mr Stafford said.

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The CASA representative said rising living costs and increasing housing pressures had highlighted the importance of ensuring support services were both visible and accessible.

"We're seeing increasing cost-of-living pressures and rising rents, and we need to remove the stigma around asking for help. We want people to know the community cares and that support is available," he said.

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"What keeps us up at night isn't the hard work we do during the day. It's the fear that there are people out there who think services like ours are for someone else, or that they don't know support is available."

Among the organisations in attendance was the Mackay Salvation Army, which emphasised the importance of collaboration between local support services.

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"Together for Shelter is a great reminder that none of us can meet the needs of our community on our own," representative David Dobbie said.

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"At The Salvation Army, we're really grateful to stand alongside so many other local organisations as we support people. When we work together, we can offer practical help, compassion and hope, and hopefully remind people that they're not alone."

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Mackay Pet Rescue Inc volunteers and Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital representatives also joined the event to provide health checks for furry friends and offer free support and essential supplies for pets belonging to people experiencing hardship.

St Patrick's College students and staff were also on hand, showcasing the school's Brekky Van initiative.

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"This is a representation of what our Brekky Van does every Wednesday and Friday morning in partnership with Orange Sky," assistant principal Andrea Crocker said.

"We provide breakfast for people in our community who need a hot, nourishing meal."

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Year 11 St Patrick's College student Camilla Cicchelli said the experience had been rewarding.

"We're here today to help our community in any way we can," she said.

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"It's been a fantastic day, we've met lots of wonderful people, and hopefully we've been able to help plenty of people with a nice meal as well."

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Organisations providing housing support, first aid, free haircuts, employment assistance, healthcare services, community support, pet supplies and street chaplaincy services were among those in attendance, offering a broad range of practical assistance to people across the5e region.

With housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures continuing to challenge many households, the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between local organisations and the role these services play in supporting the community.

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Mackay’s Vietnam veterans will gather at Jubilee Park on August 18th to mark 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan and remember those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Sixty years after the Battle of Long Tan, Mackay’s Vietnam veterans will gather at Jubilee Park to remember those who served, those who were wounded and those who never returned home.

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Vietnam Veterans Day in Mackay will be held on Tuesday 18th August from 5pm, marking the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan where17 Australians were killed and 26 wounded.

For Legacy Mackay President and Vietnam veteran Les Palmer, the day carries great significance.

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Les was 22 when he went to Vietnam in November 1969, just one month after marrying his wife. His service came through compulsory national service, after he had completed an apprenticeship at the Daily Mercury.

While the Battle of Long Tan is central to Vietnam Veterans Day, Les said the occasion also provided an opportunity to remember veterans who were lost in other battles and incidents throughout the war.

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He was wounded during a separate incident involving his battalion, in which nine were killed and 16 wounded.

“Everybody who served, was impacted in some sort of way, even if you didn't get wounded,” he said.

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Les said recognition of Vietnam veterans had also changed over the decades, with greater acknowledgement of the experiences and sacrifices of those who returned home.

The annual ceremony will include a parade, the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, wreath-laying and the laying of poppies at the memorial. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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This year, a naval cadet commanding officer will deliver the guest address, with the local veterans group keen to provide an opportunity for younger members of the Australian Defence Force to take part.

For Les Palmer, the enduring friendships formed during military service are among the memories that remain strongest.

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“Out there you made a lot of mates, and the memories you make with them are the main thing that you take with you,” he said.

Decades after the war, reunions continue to bring former servicemen together.

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Les also remembers the outlook he had as a young man preparing to serve.

“I was actually keen to go because Dad had served in World War 2 and I thought, well, if he can do it, so can I,” he said.

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He acknowledged his father understood the realities of war more deeply than he did at the time.

“He wasn't happy, because he knew what happened in wars, and I was just young and thought I was bulletproof.”

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As the number of Vietnam veterans continues to decline, Les said the Legacy Mackay Veterans Support Group was also looking towards the future of encouraging younger veterans to become involved.

“What we really need now are Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, all types of servicemen to come together, even those that are young, and carry the legacy,” he said.

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For those attending Vietnam Veterans Day, the ceremony will provide an opportunity to pause and remember not only the events of Long Tan, but the many Australians whose lives were lost, reshaped and forever changed by the Vietnam War.

What? Remembering the Vietnam War
When? August 18^th, 5pm
Where? Jubilee Park

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Hundreds of Mackay locals came together for the 2026 BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run. Photo credit: Coffee and Hobbs Photography  

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Hundreds of Mackay residents laced up their runners, volunteered their time and cheered from the sidelines as the community came together in support of the annual BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run earlier this month.

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Held at Iluka Park last Sunday 2nd August, the event saw participants tackle 5km, 7.78km and 10km courses along the Bluewater Trail, with every registration and donation helping to keep the region's community-funded rescue helicopter in the air.

Beyond the runners, the success of the event relied on a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped with everything from course setup and water stations to merchandise sales and event coordination.

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BMA CQ Rescue thanked everyone who played a part in making the morning such a success.

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"Thank you to every single person who laced up their runners, volunteered their time, cheered from the sidelines, or helped make the day such a success," the organisation said.

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"Your support helps keep our community-funded rescue helicopter flying for those who need it most."

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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli was in Mackay on Tuesday to unveil the long-awaited Mackay Base Hospital master plan, promising major upgrades to services, capacity and parking set to be delivered by 2030. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli was in Mackay on Tuesday 11th August to unveil a long-awaited master plan for the Mackay Base Hospital, describing the future facility as “world-class”.

The announcement comes after years of community concern around hospital capacity, parking and pressure on services, with local politicians describing the plan as a significant step forward for the growing region.  

For many Mackay residents, the announcement was long-awaited, with locals now looking to see the plans translate into action.

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“We’ve Now Got The Plan”

Mackay Base Hospital Upgrades Set To Be Complete By 2030

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After years of community concern surrounding capacity, car parking and pressure on services, a long-awaited master plan for Mackay Base Hospital has been unveiled.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli was in Mackay on Tuesday 11^th August, visiting the hospital to announce the release of the plan, which outlines the next stage of a major expansion, with Mr Crisafulli describing the planned facility as “world-class”.

Stage 1 of the expansion is set to deliver at least 128 new overnight beds, expanded emergency, maternity, birthing, surgical, endoscopy, neonatal and paediatric services, a new Mackay Birth Centre, more than 1,000 new car parks and a rooftop helipad.

Main construction works are scheduled to commence in 2027, with all Stage 1 packages now expected to be delivered by 2030.

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Mr Crisafulli said the master plan provided a long-term blueprint for the hospital as the region continues to grow. He also said the government had increased the Queensland Health workforce in the Mackay region by 270 people since coming to government.

“Today is about a blueprint for the future. It’s about saying to the people in Mackay that you do deserve a world-class facility, staffed by world-class clinicians,” he said.

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the master plan was the next step in addressing the region’s hospital needs.

“We know the car parking has been an issue. Many, many people come to my office and speak to me about those issues. We’re going to fix that,” he said.

“We’ve now got the plan, we’re going to move forward.”

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the expanded services would benefit families across the Greater Whitsunday region, including those travelling to Mackay for healthcare.

“If you’re a young mum or you’re contemplating starting a family, you deserve a world-class maternity service,” Ms Camm said.

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She also highlighted the recommissioning of the hospital’s on-site helipad, which is intended to restore direct helicopter transfers for critically ill and injured patients.

“We know, in an emergency, that those seconds count,” she said.

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Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the master plan followed a review of the previous expansion program and consultation with the hospital and health service board, clinicians and staff.

“Our recommendation is to replan. And so we have replanned, and we have taken the time to replan, in consultation with the hospital and health service board, and with the clinicians and with the staff here at the hospital,” Mr Nicholls said.

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While the announcement was taking place, a local woman who had been a patient at the hospital also shared her experience after approaching the visiting politicians. After spending the previous 10 days in and out of the hospital, she said she had observed the pressure on staff.

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“The staff are so hammered and so flat out. They are giving care from the heart, but you can see the anguish in their face when they just don’t have time to do something,” she said.

“You’ve got to start asking people on the ground what they need.”

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With the master plan now released, the focus shifts to its delivery, with main construction works scheduled to commence in 2027 and Stage 1 packages expected to be delivered by 2030.

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12^th August 2026

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For more than 8 years, World Wide Boat Brokers (WWBB) has been helping people buy, sell and enjoy boating across Australia. With eight locations nationwide, the team combines local knowledge with a global network and experience across both new and pre-owned vessels.

Here in the Whitsundays, the team is led by locals Dan and Jennie Howcroft, who have called the region home for more than 20 years. Based at Port of Airlie, the Whitsundays office provides local expertise backed by the reach of the wider World Wide Boat Brokers team.

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World Wide Boat Brokers has recently expanded its offering, having been appointed Queensland Agent for the Hanse Group. The appointment brings an exciting selection of internationally recognised sailing and motor yacht brands to Queensland, giving local boat buyers greater choice when considering a new vessel.

The range includes Excess performance catamarans, Southerly Yachts with their innovative swing keel, Hanse cruising yachts, Moody luxury true deck saloons, Dehler cruiser-racers, Fjord head-turning day boats and Sealine family motor yachts.

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With Airlie Beach as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular cruising grounds, having access to the right boat can open up an entirely different way of exploring the region.

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Whether it’s sailing the Whitsunday Islands, relaxing at Whitehaven, heading offshore to the Great Barrier Reef, spending weekends with family or setting off on bluewater adventures, there is now a broader range of new boats to explore alongside WWBB’s extensive brokerage listings.

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Dan and Jennie have built a strong reputation as preferred Whitsunday brokers, going above and beyond for the local boating community. They also offer boat management and superyacht services, while WWBB provides brokerage services and expert advice on ownership options, including syndicates.

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The team’s presence across North Queensland is growing, with new broker Mike Adlard based in Townsville and servicing the wider region. Supporting this expansion is Alex Wenger, WWBB’s New Boat Sales & Liaison, dedicated to new boat sales across the entire range.

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As part of the new Hanse offering, WWBB Whitsundays will host a Hanse Open Yacht Day on Saturday 15 August, from 12pm–5pm, during the lay day of Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Weeks. Visitors are invited to step aboard a Hanse 410 and meet the team.

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Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, explore ownership options or simply curious about what’s available, drop into the Whitsundays office at The Boathouse, Port of Airlie Marina.

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“Dan and Jennie are a real power duo and have been excelling in the Whitsundays. They are integral members of the team, playing a key role in our continued expansion. We couldn’t do it without them.” - Ant Kovacevic, WWBB Managing Director

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“We’re incredibly fortunate to live and work in the Whitsundays, and we see firsthand how much there is to enjoy on the water. We’re excited to offer locals more choice and help them find a boat that genuinely fits what they’re looking for.” - Dan Howcroft, WWBB Whitsundays

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With more brands, boats and local expertise on your doorstep, there has never been a better opportunity to find the right boat for you.

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worldwideboatbrokers.com.au

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For Whitsunday renters, the latest figures suggest finding a home remains a significant challenge. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Whitsunday rental market has tightened further, with the region recording one of Queensland’s biggest declines in rental availability during the June quarter.

The latest Residential Vacancy Rate Report from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) found the Whitsunday vacancy rate fell by 0.4 percentage points over the three months to June, dropping to just 0.9 per cent.

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The result places Whitsunday firmly within the REIQ’s classification of a ‘tight’ rental market, with any vacancy rate below 2.5 per cent considered tight.

Whitsunday was among the regions experiencing the most significant tightening across Queensland, alongside Mount Isa, which recorded a 0.7 percentage point decline, and Townsville and Lockyer Valley, which each fell by 0.3 percentage points.

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The latest figures come as Queensland’s rental market remains constrained overall, despite more than half of the regions monitored by the REIQ recording an increase in vacancies during the quarter.

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Statewide, the vacancy rate edged up to 1.0 per cent, still well below the REIQ’s ‘healthy’ range of 2.6 to 3.5 per cent. Of the 50 regions tracked, 29 recorded vacancy rates of 1.0 per cent or less.

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REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the market remained under pressure, with affordability influencing both tenants and property owners.

“We’re seeing more regions relax than tighten, particularly across parts of regional Queensland, but we're still a long way from what anyone would call a healthy rental market,” Ms Mercorella said.

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She said increasing housing supply remained the most sustainable solution to Queensland’s rental and affordability pressures.

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For Whitsunday renters, however, the latest figures suggest finding a home remains a significant challenge, with fewer than one in every 100 rental properties estimated to be vacant.  

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$88,000 is set to boost one of Bowen’s oldest sporting institutions, with the Bowen Turf Club securing funding that’ll help keep horses and riders safe for years to come.  

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The grant comes as part of the Racing Queensland’s Country Club Asset Funding program, which was gifted $450,000 by the government as a means of infrastructure upgrades. The commitment to broader industry, as part of the The Next Lap: A Plan for the Future of Queensland Racing initiative.  

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP welcomed the funding, with the Burdekin Race Club receiving $365,000 and the Bowen Turf Club receiving $88,000.  

“Both the Burdekin Growers Race Day and the Bowen Cup have cemented themselves into the North’s social calendar drawing thousands of visitors to our regions and boosting local economies,” Mr Last said.

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“Racing Queensland’s Country Club Asset Funding program provides support towards infrastructure repairs, maintenance and asset replacement to ensure our country race clubs can continue to host the race days that become calendar highlights each year.”

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"By supporting the investment into new jockey and stewards rooms at the Burdekin Race Club we provide opportunities to host more of our favourite race days right here at Home Hill."

For the Bowen Turf Club, the funding gives the volunteer-run organisation that has been working in the region for more than 160 years, a chance for a much needed upgrade.  

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The money will go towards replacing the ageing running rail around the club’s training track with a new poly running rail, helping keep horses and riders safe at a facility that continues to be regularly used for training.  

“It’s huge because for a club to pull that sort of money out of the bank, that’s enough to wreck clubs,” said Steven Daly, President of the Bowen Turf Club.

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“It’s critical infrastructure, especially when you’ve got horses trained at the track, for the safety of the horse and the rider.”

This money comes at a great time, with upcoming events like the Ben Bolt Cup this weekend and the heavily anticipated Bowen Cup in October.

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These events draw thousands of people to Bowen, with the Ben Bolt Cup bringing in around 800 to 1,000 people and the Bowen Cup pulling crowds of more than 3,000.  

For those trackside, Steven said the new rail would also give the facility a cleaner, more professional look, helping keep the club attracting these crowds for years to come.  

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“The new stuff looks professional to the punter, but it’s critical for the horses and riders,” Steven said.  

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“We’ve got to maintain what we’ve got and keep upgrading.”  

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Thousands of fish were photographed crowded together in the tunnel net sock during one of the trials conducted in Bowen in 2025. Photo credit: John Haenke

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Growing community opposition has emerged over the Queensland Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) trials of tunnel nets in the Whitsundays, with residents, tourism operators and recreational fishers voicing concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the proposed alternative to gill net fishing.

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In May, more than 120 members of the Whitsundays community attended an information evening about the DPI’s trials of tunnel nets of up to 1.6 kilometres long, as part of research into alternative commercial fishing methods following the phase-out of inshore gillnets, with trials conducted in North Airlie, Double Bay, Shute Harbour, Bowen, Edgecumbe Bay and Sinclair Bay.

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During the meeting, organisers from the Inshore Flats Project said trial data showed the nets captured more than 30,000 fish across 17 trial deployments and raised concerns about the potential impact on fish stocks, juvenile fish habitats, dugong protection areas and popular recreational and tourism sites. Coincidingly, the Inshore Flats Project also used the meeting to launch an online petition, available via www.change.org/p/stop-a-new-tunnel-net-fishery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area, opposing the introduction of a tunnel net fishery, which has since attracted more than 10,500 signatures.

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“A new tunnel net fishery means deploying huge nets up to 1.6 km long, which lack capture selectivity, onto our beaches, bays and foreshores, to harvest high volumes of lower-value seafood. These sites include fish nursery and protected species habitats in a World Heritage Area,” said a spokesperson of the Inshore Flats Project.

“This risks depleting local fish stocks, damaging coastal ecosystems, and harming local businesses that depend on recreational fishing and tourism. Accordingly, we have asked the QLD Government to permanently cease all tunnel net trials and divert the allocated public funds toward supporting the seafood industry in better ways.”

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Concerns raised at the meeting also prompted questions about the level of community consultation surrounding the trials, with opponents arguing the large nets could affect popular recreational fishing areas and tourism activities, including boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Among those in attendance was local resident Sammantha Wood, who said she had been unaware of the proposal until the presentation and believed many others were in the same position.

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“I genuinely hadn’t heard about the proposal before attending the presentation, and many people I spoke to afterwards hadn’t either,” said Ms Wood.

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“Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I believe the community deserves to know what’s being proposed so they can educate themselves, ask questions and be involved in the conversation before any long-term decisions are made.”

A Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said the trials form part of research into alternative low-impact fishing methods following the removal of gillnets, with the department highlighting the research would help build the evidence base to inform future fisheries management decisions.

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“The Queensland Government is committed to working with industry to identify sustainable, practical and evidence-based solutions that support the long-term future of Queensland’s inshore fishing industry as it transitions away from large mesh gillnets,” said a spokesperson for DPI.

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“The Department of Primary Industries is working with commercial fishers, researchers and other stakeholders to assess a range of alternative fishing gears that could support a sustainable and commercially viable fishing industry. The purpose of the trials is to collect scientific and operational information to inform future fisheries management decisions.”

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Ms Wood said the strong turnout at the information evening showed there was significant community interest in the proposal, with many attendees wanting more information about the potential impacts on the region.

“While people have different opinions, there seems to be a common feeling that the community wants to be informed and have a voice, and the majority of people I’ve spoken to feel that this is not the right area for them.”

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Ms Wood said her concerns centred on protecting the region’s marine environment and ensuring any future decisions were supported by scientific evidence and meaningful community consultation.

“We [the Whitsundays region] rely heavily on healthy marine ecosystems, recreational fishing and tourism, and I think it’s important that any decisions are based on robust science, transparency and genuine community consultation,” she said.

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“If there’s any risk of significant impacts on sensitive inshore habitats or species, I believe those risks should be carefully assessed before permanent changes are made.”

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Tourism Whitsundays Public Relations and Social Media Manager Rosanagh Gallivan said the organisation had not been formally consulted on the trials but was actively monitoring the issue after concerns were raised by tourism operators andintended to write to Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell to outline those concerns.

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“The Whitsundays is the leading destination on the Great Barrier Reef, and our pristine marine environment is at the heart of the visitor experience - it's vital that any decisions affecting it are carefully considered,” Ms Gallivan said.

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“Tourism operators have raised concerns with us about the proposed tunnel net trials, and while Tourism Whitsundays has not been formally consulted, we are actively monitoring the issue and will be raising those concerns with the State Government to ensure the tourism industry's perspective is heard.”

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Several members of the Inshore Flats Project from across the Mackay and Hinchinbrook regions have also voiced concerns about the tunnel net trials, with charter guides and recreational fishers expressing fears about the potential impact on the region's marine environment and tourism industry.

North Queensland flats charter guide Clint Isaac said he could not understand why the proposal was being considered.

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“It blows my mind that the Queensland Government is even considering the introduction of 1.6 kilometre-long nets into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Mr Isaac said.

Retired North Queensland flats charter guide John Haenke, who witnessed one of last year's tunnel net trials at Bowen, said the experience reinforced his concerns about the proposed fishing method.

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“What I saw at Bowen was completely unsustainable – trapped turtles and rays, plus thousands of stressed fish jammed together in a small mesh chamber, including dead and injured fish,” Mr Haenke said.

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DPI said the FishLIGHT program would continue evaluating a range of alternative fishing methods and technologies to better understand their operational performance, environmental outcomes and suitability for Queensland fisheries, with data collected through the trials continuing to be analysed ahead of the statewide phase-out of inshore gillnets in June 2027.

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“No decisions have been made about any future fisheries management arrangements,” said a spokesperson for DPI.

"Any future consideration of changes would be informed by the available scientific evidence and be subject to the appropriate regulatory processes and stakeholder consultation.”

It’s only ever feedback

By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival  

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We all know the moment. You send the email, hand in the report, share the poem, cook the dinner, make the decision, and then the responses arrive. Some land like a hand on your shoulder. Others feel like a shove. Learning to tell criticism from feedback, and learning to manage both, is one of the most useful skills any of us can build, in art, at work, and at home.  

At its simplest, criticism judges; feedback helps you grow.  

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Criticism sounds like a verdict: "This is good." "This is bad." "I like it." "I don’t." It tells you how something landed in someone else’s world, but not how to make it land better.  

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Feedback is more like a set of tools. It’s specific and pointed toward improvement: "This part loses me." "It would help if you explained your reasoning here." "I think this arrangement is crowding you."  

There’s an old truth in this: it’s easy to criticise, harder to give useful feedback.  

Anyone can say "I didn’t like it." Fewer people can say "here’s what didn’t work, and why." One person points at a flaw; another offers a path forward. Both are reacting, only one is offering something you can use. Your job isn’t to accept every comment. It’sto learn to sort them.  

Separate the thing from yourself. People aren’t commenting on the whole of who you are; they’re responding to what you put in front of them; the draft, the decision, the meal, the plan. That distinction won’t stop it stinging. It will sting. But it helps to remember: feedback is about the work, not your worth. Being criticised is a normal part of doing anything that matters, not a sign you shouldn’t be doing it.  

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Don’t respond immediately. When something harsh or confusing arrives, pause. Read it. Acknowledge it if you need to. Then step away. A few hours, ideally a day. Resist the urge to defend, explain, or argue in the moment. "Thanks, I’ll think about that" is often enough. This protects your energy, and it protects the relationship.  

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Once you’ve made space, run the comment through some filters.  

• Substance: Does this point to something real: a gap, an unclear step, a genuine consequence?  

• Fit: Does acting on it support what you’re actually trying to do, or someone else’s version of it?  

• Source: Who’s saying it? Someone who knows you and means well, or a passing remark with no skin in the game? If several people, independently, raise the same point, it’s usually worth serious thought.  

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You don’t have to use all feedback. But it’s wise to listen before you decide.  

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It helps to sort criticism into types.  

• constructive, specific, and something you can act on.  

• simply taste, "not for me," which tells you more about the person than the work.  

• Just noise. Sharpness for its own sake, with nothing to build on.  

Learn from the first two. Let the third go. Keep a mental folder of the kind, useful words people have given you and revisit it when a harsh one lands. Talk to people who know what you’re aiming for. They’ll help you read the feedback for what it actually is.  

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Criticism and feedback are both mirrors. One shows you how something landed. The other shows you how to help it land better next time.  

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The task was never to avoid the sting. It’s to stay standing, stay curious, and keep going.  

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Community Creative Space Showcases the Vibrant Work of Whitsunday Artist Gemma Louise Pap  

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Creative Connections Whitsundays is delighted to present a new exhibition by Gemma Louise Pap in the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Community Creative Space.  

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Gemma has been a finalist in every Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition since 2024, and her latest collection continues to showcase the bright, colourful style that has become her signature.  

This rotating exhibition program, delivered in partnership with Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, features a new Creative Connections Whitsundays artist every six weeks, providing valuable exhibition opportunities for both emerging and established members.  

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Inspired by the landscapes and native wildlife of North Queensland, Gemma's work celebrates the beauty and character of Australia's unique fauna. Combining expressive acrylic backgrounds with detailed oil painting, her vibrant artworks capture everything from familiar favourites to lesser-known native species in bold, contemporary ways.  

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Creativity has always been part of Gemma's life. Growing up in a home filled with artwork created by her mother, a commercial artist, she was encouraged to draw and paint from an early age. Today, as a full-time artist, she is passionate about making art accessible through original paintings, prints and Australian-made gifts.  

Visitors can also discover more of Gemma’s work at the Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine, where locally created artworks are available to view and purchase during Bendigo Community Bank opening hours.  

What: Community Creative Space   
When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm)
Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale   

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Who says networking has to end when the Conference finishes?  

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New for 2026, the Chamber Games is set to become one of the most anticipated events on the annual local business calendar – bringing together businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and individuals for an afternoon of friendly competition.  

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Held immediately following the Whitsunday Business Conference, the Games are designed to celebrate the people behind our businesses.  

Forget elite sporting ability. This is all about teamwork, participation, and having a go.  

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Teams of four will rotate through a series of fun, fast-paced challenges. Expect plenty of laughs, a little healthy competition, and the chance to discover who really has the best team spirit.  

Whether you're entering with work mates, friends, clients or fellow Chamber members, the Chamber Games is a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships outside the workplace while meeting new people from across the region.  

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Better still, you don't need to attend the Business Conference to participate. The Chamber Games is open to everyone, making it a fantastic way for businesses, community organisations and sporting clubs to connect with the wider business community.  

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There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, the Best Dressed Team Award, and the coveted Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy, which will be proudly displayed by the winning team until next year's event.  

So dust off your team colours, start thinking about your costumes, and gather your teammates and cheer squad.  

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Business is serious enough. The Chamber Games is your chance to finish the day with a smile and create memories that will be talked about long after the medals have been handed out.  

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The only question is... who will take home the inaugural Chamber Games title?  

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Still deciding whether to attend?  

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Here are five reasons why the Whitsunday Business Conference deserves a place in your diary.  

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1. Practical ideas Hear strategies and insights you can implement immediately.  

2. Inspiring speakers Learn from business leaders and regional experts who understand today's challenges.  

3. Valuable connections Meet fellow business owners, suppliers, and decision-makers from across the region.  

4. Explore the Business Expo Discover products, services, and opportunities that could benefit your business.  

5. Continue the experience Finish the day with the inaugural Chamber Games – a fun celebration of teamwork and community.  

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One day away from your business could change the next twelve months within it.  

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Join us on Thursday 27 August and invest in your business, your team and your future.  

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Tickets are on sale now.  

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All photos supplied by Julia Evans.

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The best conferences don't just inspire – they equip you with ideas you can use the very next day.  

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That's the philosophy behind the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference speaker line-up. Every presenter has been selected because they bring practical experience, proven expertise, and a genuine understanding of the challenges facing regional businesses today.  

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Leading the program is keynote speaker Ian Cohen from Cozalive, whose engaging presentation will challenge attendees to rethink the way they communicate, market, and build their brand. Through real-world examples, practical insights, and plenty of humour, Ian will explore how effective communication can strengthen reputation, increase visibility, and create tangible commercial opportunities.  

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Across the day, delegates can tailor their own Conference experience by choosing from a series of interactive concurrent sessions covering the issues shaping the future of business.  

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If you're looking to work smarter, Associate Professor Rachel Hay and PhD candidate Naomi Porter from James Cook University will demonstrate how practical systems, artificial intelligence, and work-integrated learning can reduce administration, improve productivity, and strengthen workforce capability without overwhelming your business.  

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For businesses wanting to secure larger opportunities, Damien Dederer from Abbot Point Operations and Bowen Rail Company and Mick Spencer from the Australian Agave Project will discuss how regional businesses can better connect with major industry, strengthen local supply chains, and capture more of the value created in our region.  

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People remain every business's greatest asset, and leadership specialist Michele Tocci will share practical strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel confident to contribute ideas, solve problems, and help businesses innovate.  

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Cash flow continues to challenge even profitable businesses. Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack common financial pitfalls and provide practical tools to improve cash flow, identify warning signs early, and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.  

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Marketing also takes centre stage through a practical panel discussion featuring Tolita Dukes from 8 Seconds and Melissa Ardern from The Creek Whitsundays. Together, they'll explore what's working in today's marketplace, including building brand visibility, using AI effectively, creating efficient marketing systems, and turning your brand into a genuine competitive advantage.  

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Whether you're looking to grow your business, build a stronger team, improve cash flow, embrace AI, sharpen your marketing, or connect with major industry opportunities, you'll leave with practical strategies, new perspectives, and the confidence to put ideas into action.  

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Because great businesses aren't built by knowing more – they're built by applying what matters most.  

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Chamber President, Allan Milositc with Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie.  

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Running a business has never been more challenging. Rising costs, workforce shortages, artificial intelligence, changing customer expectations, and increasing regulation are reshaping the way we work—and standing still is no longer an option.  

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That's why the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed to deliver one thing: practical value.  

Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this year's Conference will bring together business owners, government, educators, and entrepreneurs for a full day of ideas, connections, and opportunities that can be put into practice immediately.  

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Forget theory. This is a program built around regional success stories, practical solutions, and conversations that matter.  

Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers and build their own Conference experience by choosing from interactive sessions on leadership, workforce, artificial intelligence, marketing, productivity, innovation, and business growth – ensuring every delegate walks away with practical insights relevant to their business.

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Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continues to evolve alongside the needs of local businesses.  

"The business landscape is changing rapidly, and our role is to ensure local businesses have access to the ideas, people, and opportunities that help them stay competitive," Allan said.  

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"Whether you're looking to solve a challenge, discover a new opportunity, or simply reconnect with the wider business community, the Conference is one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your business."  

Learning is only part of the experience. Throughout the day, delegates can connect with suppliers, exhibitors, government representatives, and fellow business owners before continuing conversations over the Conference Long Lunch.  

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No matter your industry or stage of business, you'll leave with fresh ideas, valuable contacts, and renewed confidence for the year ahead.  

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One day. Endless possibilities for your business.  

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What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference  
When: 8:30am-3pm Thursday 27 August 2026  
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsundays, Airlie Beach  
Tickets: From $99 at www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/august-whitsunday-business-conference  

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If you're going to invest a day away from your business, it needs to be worth it.  

That's exactly what the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed to deliver.  

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No fluff. Just practical ideas, valuable connections, and fresh thinking to help you work smarter, grow stronger, and tackle the challenges facing business today.  

Better still, it's a conference designed by Whitsunday business owners, for Whitsunday business owners.  

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7:30am | Coffee & Conversations  

Arrive early to catch up over coffee and juice before the formal program begins. This is where the conversations start.  

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8:30am | Think Differently  

Keynote speaker Ian Cohen will challenge the way you think about branding, communication, and reputation – sharing practical strategies that can create lasting commercial value for your business.

10:00am | Build Your Own Conference  

No two businesses are the same, so your Conference experience shouldn't be either.  

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Choose the sessions most relevant to your business, covering topics such as:  

• Building your brand. Protecting your reputation. Increasing your worth. Growing your communication.  

• Future-Ready in Practice: Simple Strategies for Smarter Business Systems and AI  

• Connecting with Big Business  

• The Future Workforce: Creating Teams That Speak Up, Contribute & Innovate  

• Busy but broke? Profitable on paper but short on cash?  

• Your Brand in Action  

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You'll leave with ideas you can put into practice immediately—not six months from now.  

12:50pm | Keep the Momentum Going  

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The learning doesn't stop when the presentations finish.  

The Conference Long Lunch and Business Expo provide the opportunity to meet exhibitors, discover new products and services, explore procurement and funding opportunities, and continue conversations with fellow business owners.  

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Here's a more editorial version that highlights the value to delegates rather than reading like a list of exhibitors:  

From finance and insurance to telecommunications, workforce development, education, media, procurement, and major project opportunities, you'll connect with organisations that can genuinely help move your business forward. Meet representatives from Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, Brisbane 2032, Club Whitsunday, James Cook University, nbn Co., Option Insurance Brokers, StarFM, TAFE Queensland, Whitsunday Life, and Whitsunday Regional Council's Corporate Services, Procurement and Investment Attraction teams – all in one place, all ready to connect with local business.  

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The best business opportunities often begin with a conversation.  

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The Whitsunday Business Conference creates dozens of them in just one day.  

Bring your team. Bring your questions. Leave with ideas, contacts, and opportunities that could shape your business for years to come.  

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Powered by Partnership  

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The Whitsunday Business Conference is more than a one-day event – it's a community effort, made possible by businesses and organisations that are committed to supporting a stronger, more connected Whitsundays.  

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry sincerely thanks this year's Conference partners, exhibitors, and supporters for investing in an event that brings together local businesses to learn, connect, and grow.

This year's partners include Whitsunday Life, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, Club Whitsunday, PCYC Whitsunday, AWB First Aid First, Brisbane 2032, James Cook University, Mrs Bean Coffee Van, nbn Co., Option Insurance Brokers, Rilo Real Fruit Ice Cream & Smoothies, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, StarFM, TAFE Queensland, and Whitsunday Regional Council.  

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Their support helps the Chamber deliver an affordable, high-quality Conference featuring inspiring speakers, practical learning sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and an interactive Business Expo showcasing organisations that support regional business success.  

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‍There are still a limited number of exhibitor opportunities available.  

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If your business wants to showcase its products or services, generate new leads, and connect with more than 100 business owners and decision-makers, now is the time to secure your place.  

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To enquire about exhibiting at the Conference Long Lunch and Business Expo, contact the Chamber team today on admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au  

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Students from Asaka Nishi High School in Japan spent 8 days in Proserpine with host families from Proserpine State High School. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life

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Proserpine State High School recently welcomed students from Asaka Nishi High School in Japan for as part of a longstanding sister school program that has been in place since 1997.  

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The Japanese students have been staying with Whitsunday host families, and getting a taste of Aussie weather and wildlife; experiencing the Great Barrier Reef Festival, taking an Ocean Rafting Trip, and getting up close with native animals through Wildlife Whitsunday.  

Head of Department for English & Languages Corinne Raiteri  said that the exchange is an opportunity to learn language skills and foster cross-culture connection, also built through virtual connection during the school year.  

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“We have Japanese here as a language, and one of the one of the things that we do is we get the kids on Teams so that they can talk to each other.” Corinne explained.  

“If they know each other personally, it's even more effective in terms of learning. Having having that interplay between them is fantastic, and it just builds relationships further.”  

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“It’s been so awesome to give them new experiences,” said Proserpine State High student Myka Kelly.  

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“She’s been teaching me some Japanese… it’s been super fun!”

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Pupils Ruby Lou and Nahla Bullen said they’ve made great friends and learnt ‘heaps’ of Japanese through the program, bonding with the Japanese students over their shared interests.  

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/proserpine-state-high-welcomes-japanese-sister-school-students

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