Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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After 46 years of caring for generations of Mackay patients, Mater Private Hospital Mackay nurse Helena Waddell has retired from a career she describes as her “life’s purpose”. Photo supplied
After almost five decades spent caring for the Mackay community, beloved Mater nurse Helena Waddell is finally hanging up her scrubs.
From beginning her career as a 17-year-old in a starched white uniform to witnessing the arrival of electronic medical records and robotic surgery, Mrs Waddell has watched healthcare transform throughout her remarkable 46-year career.
But among the changing technology, night shifts and even the occasional celebrity patient, it is the people she cared for who have stayed with her most.
“My career has been my life’s purpose and one I wouldn’t ever change,” Helena said.
“Nursing is about leaving a good and lasting impression with every patient. You treat every one of them like a queen or a king. That's how we were taught.”
Helena began nursing in 1977, and her connection to Mater Private Hospital Mackay stretches back even further.
“The brick of the original building was hand-laid by my very grandfather. I spent most of my life walking those very halls until the old building was demolished to make way for the new hospital in 2003.”
Over the decades, Helena completed 29 years of night shifts and cared for countless patients, including one whose life she helped save following a cardiac arrest.
“One of my patients had a cardiac arrest on me,” she said.
“It saved his life. I had him as a patient for 15 years after that and he would always thank me for that extra time.”
She also earned the affectionate title of the hospital's “celebrity nurse”, having cared for a Hollywood actor and, on another occasion, a late country music star.
“We had the privilege of nursing a famous country music star for one shift,” Helena said.
“She was leaving in a black limousine, and all the Mater staff were standing on the open verandah of the original building at the time, all waving her goodbye.”
Her career also connected generations.
In her early years, Helena conducted rounds alongside the late Dr Alfred Davidson. Decades later, while working in Mater Mackay's modern theatre department, she discovered she was working alongside his son, gastroenterologist Associate Professor Dr James Daveson.
“I said to him one day in theatre, 'Oh my gosh, you're related to Dr Daveson senior?'” she said.
“I told him a couple of beautiful stories of his dad. It was emotional and beautiful.”
Helena went on to help establish Mater Mackay's first pre-operative scope clinic and lived through the enormous technological shift from handwritten patient charts to electronic medical records.
“I threatened to quit,” she joked.
“I was thrown in the deep end with the new systems, but it was the best thing ever.”
Fittingly, one final encounter brought her career full circle during her retirement dinner last week.
“I was having dinner with my husband, my daughter and my granddaughter when a man called out to me,” Helena said.
“He put his two hands up in the air and he clapped. He said, 'Thank you for saving my life... it was your voice that was so reassuring when you nursed me.'”
Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said the hospital had been incredibly fortunate to have Helena caring for the community for so many years.
“Forty-six years is remarkable, and we are deeply thankful for Helena’s dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to her patients and their families,” Karen said.
“Helena dedicated her life to improving the health of her patients and has played a crucial role in helping our community.”
After a career-spanning generations of Mackay families, it is perhaps that chance encounter at her retirement dinner that best captures the legacy Helena leaves behind — in patients who, decades later, still remember the nurse who cared for them.
Photo supplied
Transitioning to a new venue, adopting a new theme and pulling a charity event together in six short weeks is an undertaking most would not even embark upon, but it is something the team at My Hospital Foundation seemingly took in their stride.
Less than two months before the annual Dinner on the Runway was due to take place, unforeseen circumstances demanded a venue change, but when many would have postponed for a year, a small but mighty group of Mackay locals stepped up to the challenge.
They were of course helped by the broader community, local businesses and sponsors, all uniting to create the inaugural Gather & Graze event held at Note Park.
“Six weeks. One brand-new event. One incredible community. And more than $40,000 raised to support our local hospitals!” shared a My Hospital Foundation spokesperson.
“When we set out to bring Gather & Graze to life with just six weeks to pull it all together, we knew we were going to need a little help from our friends. What we received was so much more than that.
“To every sponsor, business, donor, volunteer and guest who backed us — THANK YOU! This result belongs to all of you.”
An evening under the stars, guests were encouraged to embrace a country chic vibe and enjoy the remote rural location for a unique event with music thanks to the Cade Geiger Band and catered by Sinful Kitchen.
Of course, the evening would not have been made possible without Joe and the team at Note Park Grazing Co.
“Thank you for welcoming us to your beautiful property and giving Gather & Graze the perfect home. We couldn’t have asked for a more stunning setting.”
A host of local businesses also donated items for auction on the night.
My Hospital Foundation would like to thank the following: Daly Bay, Helloworld Travel Mackay, QRL - Queensland Rugby League, Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay, Guzman y Gomez Mt Pleasant, Fitness Cartel Mackay, Iona West Men’s Shed Inc., Mackay Cutters, Brooke Galloway Photography, Cape Palmerston Holiday Park, Wright Aviation, MACS Laser Solutions, BCF, Bunnings North Mackay, True Blue Camping, Porters Mackay, Blacks Beach Tavern, Dan Murphy’s Mackay, Woolworths Walkerston & Rural View, Coles Moranbah, Bucasia Quilters, Beacon Lighting, Kmart, Khloe Ann, Nextra,Body Renew, VLH Lash, Aqua Massage, Saige & Sohl, Cannonbee, Car Lovers, @The Deli Nook, Local Eyes, Bing’s, Beachfront Bar & Restaurant, YAW Bakehouse, Crusty’s Bakery, Bottletops & Brushes, X-Golf, Airlie Beach Music Festival, 2 Burts Industries, Quest Mackay on Gordon, Note Park Grazing Co., Let the Children Play and Regional Queensland Investigations.
“A big thank you also to Tyler Henry Littlewoodfor bringing the energy to our live auction, our amazing volunteers, and the My Hospital Foundation team, who worked their absolute socks off to make this event happen.
“And finally, to everyone who bought a ticket, placed a bid, made a donation or simply came along and supported us — thank you for getting behind this event and the hospitals that care for our community.”
All proceeds from the event are put directly back into improving services and facilities within our local health care system.
“To Alana from Confetti Creations and Gabby from Just Smitten Weddings Events and Hire for our amazing signs, backdrops and decorations, it truly helped us bring the whole event together.”
Photo source: Mackay North State School
When students and teachers sat in the barber’s chair at Mackay North State School recently they came away with more than just a new look, raising more than $7,000 through their World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser.
The total is still growing, with donations continuing to come in following the event.
A school representative said the day was a huge success, with students and staff getting behind the fundraiser and helping turn a few haircuts into a significant contribution.
“[Student] Seth Wright was the mastermind behind this event,” a school representative shared.
“Well done for raising awareness and honouring Dad with your efforts.”
One of the standout fundraisers was Zane Harold, who topped the school’s donations tally after raising an impressive $2,142 on his own.
The day also featured a surprise haircut, with Mrs Williams deciding to chop off and donate her long locks.
“A huge thank you to all our participants today, as well as Jamayne and Dontae from Elite Studio 11, Jacqui Rose, Faye, Liam, Miss Lileigh and Miss Hollee our very talented hair dressers and barbers,” the school representative said.
Mackay families will gather at Bluewater Quay this Saturday, September 26, for a rally highlighting the experiences of families caring for children with complex disabilities and their concerns surrounding NDIS reform. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
By Hannah McNamara
Mackay families caring for children with complex disabilities will come together at Bluewater Quay this Saturday, September 26, calling for their voices to be heard amid upcoming NDIS reforms. Local mothers Lisa and Haylee are encouraging parents, carers, families and supporters to stand alongside them as they raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with significant support needs. While supporting efforts to address fraud and misuse of the scheme, the mothers want reforms to recognise the individual circumstances and ongoing needs of families requiring genuine support. The rally is a call for understanding, fairness and disability rights across the Mackay community.
Two passionate local mothers are on a mission to help vulnerable families feel heard as they, along with others, prepare to take a stand for disability rights at Bluewater Quay in Mackay on Saturday 26th September.
Lisa and Haylee both care for children with significant and complex disabilities, with their families requiring various levels of medical, therapeutic, behavioural and daily support.
On top of this, both women work in the disability support sector, giving them personal and professional experience with complex disabilities.
Their families, along with many others in the region, rely on various forms of support, including NDIS-funded assistance, to manage daily care, work and safety.
In an exclusive interview with Mackay Life, Lisa and Haylee offered insight into what families like theirs face on a daily basis, including the physical, emotional and financial pressures that can come with caring for children with complex needs.
“We don’t have much of a life – we go to work, come home, and provide round the clock care to our kids. We love our children, but most people don’t see the real struggles we deal with daily.”
For Haylee, behavioural incidents involving her non-verbal 14-year-old son Rhyder, who has autism, intellectual impairment and outbursts of anger and aggression, have resulted in serious physical injuries and ongoing fear for her own safety.
She is concerned about how changes to the NDIS could affect the level of support available to families with high and complex needs.
The Australian Government is introducing a range of NDIS reforms, including changes to participant budgets, planning and how reasonable and necessary supports are assessed.
From the 1st October 2026, some participant budgets for social, civic and community participation and capacity-building daily activities will be reset when plans are reassessed or renewed, while critical support budgets will not change. From 1st February 2027, tighter criteria around reasonable and necessary supports will progressively apply, with new framework planning beginning from April 2027.
Larger changes to NDIS access are scheduled from the 1st January 2028, including a new standardised assessment of functional capacity and changes affecting children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, who will instead be supported through the new Thriving Kids program. According to the Australian Government, children with permanent and significant disability, including children with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS.
Haylee said Rhyder requires 24/7 support and his professional team has recommended two-to-one support, while she currently receives significantly less assistance.
“First of all, I’d like to say well done for looking at the people that shouldn’t be on NDIS, because there’s a lot of them – that’s a major step forward – but how about we start looking at kids like Rhyder, who needs a good package, but isn’t getting it?” Haylee said.
Meanwhile, Lisa is a single 51-year-old mother of five, caring for a 12-year-old son with complex medical and behavioural needs, including a history of craniosynostosis that required 29 skull operations at age two and an eight-month hospital stay.
Her 19-year-old son is also on the NDIS with autism and difficulties with emotional regulation, while she says her other children are at risk of being mentally affected by their siblings.
Lisa says the needs of her children affect the whole family, all while managing her own health issues, relying on support workers in the mornings and afternoons to help care for her children so she can continue working and keep her family financially afloat.
She is concerned about future funding and support arrangements, particularly as her children’s needs change.
Both women noted that they are not opposed to reforming the NDIS and support efforts to address fraud, providers doing the wrong thing and people they believe should not be receiving funding. Their main concern is that families with genuinely complex needs could be overlooked if changes do not adequately account for individual circumstances, early intervention and the ongoing support required by parents and carers.
Lisa said the rally, due to take place this Saturday at Bluewater Quay, was about standing in support of all families who face similar circumstances.
“We’re strong advocates, but most of all, we’re really just local mothers who believe in justice – I believe in fairness, and I believe we need to be heard,” Lisa said.
“We’re doing this for our kids and for other families that go through the exact same struggles.”
“It’s not just for us. We’re doing it for them as well.”
“Walk beside us, stand with families, stand for disability rights”
Both women are encouraging families, carers, parents and supporters to attend and raise awareness of the potential impacts of NDIS reforms on people with disability and their families.
Meet Cassie, the dynamic force behind property management at Taylors Property Specialists. Born and raised in the Whitsundays, Cassie brings a blend of local insight and worldly experience to the table. Having jet-setted across the globe several times, she’s returned home with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for creating seamless property experiences.
As a devoted mum, Cassie knows the value of family and time well-spent. When she's not orchestrating the perfect property match, you can find her soaking up precious moments with her loved ones.
With a knack for problem-solving and a keen eye for detail, Cassie thrives in the bustling world of property management. She's not just about transactions; she's about building relationships. By prioritising open communication and fostering trust, she ensures both owners and tenants feel heard and valued.
At Taylors Property Specialists, Cassie is more than just a manager; she's a catalyst for happiness. Whether it's finding the ideal tenant or swiftly addressing maintenance needs, she's dedicated to making every interaction positive and productive.
With her winning blend of professionalism and warmth, you'll soon discover why clients trust her to make their property dreams a reality.
With a wealth of experience spanning many years, Ali is known for her unwavering commitment and exceptional service and always goes above and beyond to ensure a positive outcome.
Ali’s strength lies in her ability to cultivate lasting relationships with clients and tenants alike. Whether you’re a property owner seeking management solutions, a business looking to lease space or you need a storage shed.
Approachable, knowledgeable and professional, Ali is dedicated to providing a personalised service to suit your needs.
Having relocated to the Whitsundays in 2000, Ali moved to the area after enjoying many happy childhood holidays spent on her grandparents’ sugar cane farm in Glen Isla.
For all your inquiries regarding the management or leasing of your commercial investment property, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Ali on 0461 496 380 or email commercial@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au
Life does not always follow the plan we imagined. Relationships change, children grow, careers take unexpected turns, families adjust, and sometimes we simply reach a point where the way we have been living no longer feels right.
These transitions can be challenging, even when everything appears to be going well from the outside. We may continue working, caring for our families and meeting our responsibilities while privately feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or disconnected from the things that once mattered.
Understanding what is happening is often the first step towards finding a way forward. Rather than focusing only on a problem or diagnosis, it can be helpful to consider the whole person, their experiences, relationships, environment, strengths, values and goals.
Psychological support is not always about finding something that is “wrong”. Sometimes it is about having a safe space to pause, make sense of change, recognise patterns and develop practical strategies for managing what comes next.
Exploring the 6 Domains of life (Health, Family, Friends, Career or study or retirement, Spirit, and Finances) and setting clear goals in these areas help us achieve our goals in each area. It's like having a road map to wherever you're travelling. You get there more efficiently and faster.
Because getting through life and truly living it are not always the same thing.
Personal Transitions — turning life into living.
www.personaltransition.com.au or give Cristie 0488667264 or me 0418708214.
Giddy needs a little extra care and is looking for a long term foster carer who truly understands what makes him special.
Giddy lives with a spinal and hip condition, which means he needs careful, hands on management every single day. He can't be left to run wild in the yard, and he needs a lead for walks to protect his back and hips.
But here's the thing about Giddy: none of his issues have dimmed who he is. He is smart, affectionate and in decent overall health despite everything his body deals with.
He has a big personality too, including a bit of a habit of trying to be the boss with other dogs. Interestingly, the fix for this is a confident female dog! Every time he's tried to lord it over one, she's put him straight back in his place, and he takes it completely in his stride.
Can't foster but want to help support Giddy's care?
Donate via PayID: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com
Local artist Jamie Strickland
By Glenda Brown, President of Creative Connections Whitsunday
AI (Artificial Intelligence) seems to have found its way into almost every part of our lives, and the art world is no exception.
For artists, AI presents some interesting possibilities – it can help develop an idea, experiment with composition, change lighting, test colours or take a rough concept in a completely different direction. But it also raises some uncomfortable questions.
If an artist uses AI to help create an image and then paints that image, is it still entirely their work? How is that different from painting from a photograph? And at what point does AI stop being a tool and start doing too much of the creative process?
There doesn't appear to be a simple answer, and even among our own Creative Connections Whitsunday (CCW) artists, opinions and approaches vary considerably.
A tool for ideas, but not necessarily for making art
CCW Vice President and artist Linda Forrester uses AI for writing and as a tool to explore and develop creative ideas. She sees value in its ability to quickly test possibilities, suggest different approaches and help visualise ideas, while recognising that it can also make it easy to rely too heavily on generated imagery.
Artist Jamie Stickland takes a slightly different view. He believes AI is inevitably going to become a large part of what we do, but there is something fundamental about creating art that he doesn't believe technology can replace.
For Jamie, some of the best parts of creating happen when things don't go according to plan.
"I create better when I'm scared or uncertain of the final outcome," he says, describing the process of learning from mistakes and discovering new directions while working.
Perhaps that's an important distinction – making art isn't simply about producing the best possible image. Often it's the mistakes, changes of direction and decisions made along the way that make the finished work interesting.
So where should artists draw the line?
Perhaps there isn't one line.
AI isn't going away, and artists will make their own decisions about whether to embrace it, avoid it, or find somewhere comfortable in between.
For now, perhaps the most important thing is that we keep talking about it, remain transparent about how it's being used, and make sure the artist doesn't disappear from the art.
Get in touch
Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Creative Connections Whitsundays supports local artists through opportunities to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive.
Looking for something creative to do with the kids these school holidays?
Creative Connections Whitsunday is hosting a School Holiday Creative Fun Day, 10am-2pm Wednesday 30 September, at the CCW Community Gallery in Proserpine.
Children and families can enjoy a colourful, hands-on day of art, games, and creative activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Activities will include kids’ canvas painting, face painting, colouring and activity tables, craft, giant Jenga and giant Yahtzee, along with creative sessions led by local artists.
When: 10am-2pm Wednesday 30 September
Where: CCW Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine
By Michael Kimpton
Val & I moved to the Whitsundays from the big smoke 10 years back for a number of reasons. Primarily, it was to enjoy the tropical lifestyle and warm weather, marine activities and a tight-knit community feel.
We were aware as we approached our twilight years we would experience challenges with our new location. Compared to larger metropolitan cities our research showed there would be a lack of resources and infrastructure with stretched medical services. Another big wake up call for us was Cyclone Debbie and the impact it created for our community.
But what struck us the most was: why was Northern Qld dealt a bad hand of cards when trying to donate blood? Val & I were regular blood donors in Victoria but moving to Airlie Beach made this virtually impossible.
Back in 1977 after a traumatic motorcycle accident I received two units of blood on the side of the road which saved my life. This is where our commitment and passion come from to do the community thing and donate blood.
Whenever possible as our time frame permits, we donate blood in Mackay- just last Monday both Val & I commuted to Mackay to give blood. We have already been contacted to advise that the blood has been delivered to a patient at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, which was wonderful news!
But it’s not possible to donate closer to home.
This month blood services in England, Canada and Australia issued a critical joint appeal as National blood reserves have dropped globally by 30%.
The key decision makers of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood have been found wanting in their management plan for Northern Queensland regional centres.
Townsville’s permanent centre only accepts plasma now which is very confusing. Plasma donating will take 45 minutes compared to normal whole blood donation time of 10 minutes.
Val & I had a formal meeting with Tim Nicholls MP and staff at the deputation Community Cabinet meeting in Mackay last November, liaison with Queensland and Federal politicians, Mayors & Councillors. We also raised the topic during our meeting with the Premier David Crisafulli MP last month in Proserpine.
Our region wants to think BIG for our future but we are all hamstrung by policies outside of our decision-making. Lachlan Jackwitz died in April this year in regional Queensland after waiting for 2 hours for blood.
It is unacceptable that our Whitsunday community of 40,000 people has lost the opportunity to conveniently donate blood and help reduce the chronic shortage of blood. A mobile blood bank operated out of Proserpine some time ago but why was it discontinued?
Visit to view Michael’s petition to bring a mobile blood bank to the Whitsundays: https://www.change.org/p/bring-a-mobile-blood-bank-to-the-whitsundays
Michael Kimpton
0417 717 818
mkmotivationalspeaker@gmail.com
Planning to retire soon?
If retirement is on your horizon in the next few years, now is the time to start preparing.
There are plenty of questions to work through. How much income will you need during the active, slowing and sedentary stages of retirement? Do you have enough super and other investments to support the lifestyle you want? Could you qualify for the Age Pension? Would moving money between super, personal investments or spouses improve your position?
Then there is another important question: what happens if investment markets fall just before or after you retire?
While you are working, you are generally a regular buyer of investments. Your employer contributions, and perhaps your own extra contributions, continue purchasing assets through your super. When markets fall, those contributions buy investments at lower prices.
Retirement changes that position completely. Once you begin drawing an income from your super and investments, you become a regular seller. If markets fall and you still need to fund monthly pension payments, you may be forced to sell investments when their values are temporarily depressed. That can make it harder for your retirement savings to recover.
We have seen several major downturns over recent decades, including the technology crash, the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID market fall. Each was different, but they all demonstrated that investment markets can fall sharply and may take time to recover.
The aim is not to predict the next downturn. Nobody can do that reliably. The aim is to have a retirement income strategy that reduces the chance of selling quality investments at the wrong time when they are undervalued.
At Eclipse Financial Services, we use our Bucket Strategy to help protect retired clients through changing investment markets. It is designed to provide money for pension payments while allowing longer-term investments time to recover after a downturn.
The key message is simple: if you are hoping to retire in the next few years, start planning now.
A well-prepared retirement strategy can give you a clearer picture of the income you may receive, how your money should be structured and how you could manage future market volatility. Do not let an unexpected downturn delay the retirement years you have worked so hard to enjoy. Plan early, understand your options and put suitable protections in place.
For a free consultation with local people who understand these and other financial matters, contact Eclipse Financial Services in Cannonvale on 4946 7359 or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, President of BGGA, Carl Walker, BPC Director Sean Brown, and Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins (WRC). Photo supplied
Contributed with thanks by Bowen Pipeline Company
Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval provides greater planning certainty for proposed 182-kilometer North Queensland water pipeline
Bowen Pipeline Company welcomes approval of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) for the Bowen Pipeline Project by the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development,
Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP.
The Decision Notice marks an important milestone for the project providing formal recognition for the proposed 182-kilometre water pipeline under Queensland’s infrastructure planning framework.
The Bowen Region produces 1/5th of Australia’s vegetables (over 250 million kilograms sold at the farm gate) and is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area supplying over 90% of some vegetables supplying Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and internationally. The region has no reliable, secure water supply relying on summer rains.
The approval provides greater planning certainty following extensive technical assessment,
stakeholder engagement and consultation with government, Traditional Owners, landholders,
growers, councils, industry participants and regional stakeholders.
Bowen Pipeline Company Chairman Carl Walker said the decision represented an important step forward for the project and recognised the considerable work undertaken to reach this point.
“This is an important milestone for the Bowen Pipeline Project and for the many people who
have contributed their time, knowledge and support along the way,” Mr Walker said.
“A significant amount of work sits behind this decision, from technical studies and planning
through to engagement with landholders, growers, Traditional Owners, government, councils,
industry and communities across the region.
“There is still work ahead, but the MID gives us greater planning certainty as we continue
progressing the remaining approvals, funding pathways and development work required to
move the project forward.”
The Bowen Pipeline Project is designed to transfer water from the Burdekin River south towards Bowen providing a reliable long-term water supply to support agriculture, industry, horticulture, aquaculture, citrus, algae, green energy and communities.
Mr Walker said the significance of the project ultimately lies in what greater water security could make possible for the region. The project’s broader economic case centres on using reliable water infrastructure to enable greater agricultural production, investment and industry development across the Bowen-Burdekin corridor.
Preliminary economic analysis cited by Bowen Pipeline Company indicates the project has the potential to support around $300 million in annual economic output and approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs when operational across agriculture, industryand regional services.
“For growers, businesses and communities across the region, reliable access to water is
fundamental to planning for the future. Greater water security has the potential to support
agricultural production, encourage investment and create new opportunities for the region over
the long term,” Mr Walker said.
“That is what we are working towards, and this decision takes us another important step
forward.”
Early engagement with prospective water users has demonstrated strong interest in securing
future water allocations from the Bowen Pipeline Project.
Mr Walker said the response provided further confidence in the need for the project.
“Over recent weeks we have seen strong interest from prospective water users and new market entrants, reinforcing both the demand for greater water security and the confidence people have in investing in the future of this region.
“Their participation is an important part of building the commercial foundation required to
progress the project.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional
and Rural Development and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said reliable water supply could
unlock significant opportunities for the region.
“Where you have water, you have opportunities. It is those opportunities that are the reason I
support ensuring a reliable water supply for an area that offers so much untapped potential,” Minister Last said.
“There is 100,000 hectares of arable land in the Burdekin-Bowen-Collinsville area that could be
used for primary production if there was a reliable source of water. Whether you look at it from
a self-sufficiency or an export perspective, that is a lot of jobs that could be created and huge
financial benefit for the region.”
“The Crisafulli LNP government has set a target to boost Queensland’s primary production
output to $30 Billion by 2030. To take full advantage of Queensland’s potential when it comes
to primary production, we need to back the infrastructure the industry needs to turn potential
into reality.”
“Approving the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation is a clear sign that the project has received a positive result during public consultation. Whilst the approval does not signal the start of construction, it sends a strong message that the Crisafulli government recognises the potential benefits and has played its part in seeing the project move forward.”
Last week was a good reminder that advocacy is rarely about one meeting, one announcement or coming home with a cheque in your pocket.
More often, it is about making sure the Whitsundays is in the room, building relationships and consistently putting our region’s opportunities and challenges in front of the people who can help shape what comes next.
There was no better way to start than seeing Airlie Beach named Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2026 at Parliament House in Canberra.
After six years of nominations, it was fantastic to finally bring the national title home. More importantly, it recognises the thousands of people across our tourism industry who work every day to make the Whitsundays such a memorable destination.
We also used that national platform to highlight two issues that matter enormously to tourism regions like ours.
The first is the future of the Working Holiday Maker program. International visitors are an important market in their own right but working holiday makers are also a critical part of the workforce that keeps many regional tourism and hospitality businesses operating.
The second is disaster recovery funding. Regions regularly exposed to cyclones and severe weather need funding arrangements that allow communities and critical infrastructure to recover quickly and build greater resilience for the future.
Later in Canberra, I met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, joined by representatives from Gilmour Space, to discuss another very different opportunity — the role Bowen and Abbot Point could play in Australia’s future sovereign space and defence capability.
That conversation extends beyond the Bowen Orbital Spaceport itself to opportunities around advanced manufacturing, logistics, fuel, supply chains and other industries that could develop alongside it.
From Canberra it was on to Sydney, where I met with major investors and developers about opportunities across the Whitsundays, particularly in tourism, accommodation and regional development.
None of these conversations guarantees an outcome tomorrow.
But investment and government decisions are rarely made because a region waited patiently for someone to notice it.
We have an exceptional story to tell — a growing population, a strong economy, world-class tourism, emerging industries and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon.
My job is to make sure that story is heard, and that when opportunities arise, the Whitsundays is firmly part of the conversation.
Belle’s Property team. Photo supplied: Julia Evans
With a strong local presence and the support of a national brand, Belle Property Whitsundays is bringing a fresh approach to residential real estate across the region.
The locally owned agency specialises in residential sales, property management and leasing. The team combines its knowledge of the Whitsunday market with the marketing, technology and network available through Belle Property.
For the team, it is this balance between being local and having access to a national network that makes a real difference.
The team lives in the Whitsundays and understands what makes the region such a special place to live. At the same time, they have access to the broader Belle Property network, giving clients the benefit of wider exposure and professional marketing support.
“We pride ourselves on personalised service, attention to detail and achieving great results for our clients,” said Principal Stephanie McWhirter.
“We genuinely care about our clients and our community, and we want to make sure people feel supported throughout the process.”
The agency continues to see interest from a range of buyers looking to move to the Whitsundays, invest in the area or enjoy the lifestyle the region offers.
For sellers, the team believes that good presentation, effective marketing, and realistic pricing are all important when bringing a property to market. Having a team that understands the local market also helps ensure each property is positioned in a way that appeals to the right buyers.
For Stephanie and the team, one of the biggest challenges over the past 12 months has been managing the growth of the business while continuing to provide the level of service their clients expect.
As a relatively new business, building relationships and establishing a presence in the local community has also been a key focus. Growing the team, putting the right systems in place, and maintaining regular communication with clients have all played an important role.
Just as important has been creating a positive team environment.
The team’s advice to other business owners is simple: build a good team, look after your customers, and keep communicating.
“We believe communication is one of the most important parts of what we do,” Stephanie said.
“Our clients want to know what is happening, and our team needs to be on the same page. Keeping those lines of communication open makes a big difference.”
The business also sees its Chamber membership as a great opportunity to connect with other local businesses and be involved in the wider Whitsunday community.
Being able to meet other business owners, share ideas and support local initiatives is an important part of being a local business.
As a locally owned agency, Belle Property Whitsundays is proud to support other businesses in the region and play its part in the local community. For the team, it is about building genuine relationships and being part of the Whitsundays for the long term.
Proserpine Mill processed about 84,990 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season-to-date total to more than 1,055,136 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 15.06 units.The highest weekly CCS sample for the week was 18.26 units, from a rake of Q183 Ratoon cane in the Lethebrook productivity
district.
Now that the school holidays have started, we again ask parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near the cane rail network.
Please only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings andalways look out for cane trains before proceeding. Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so remember to use your train brain.
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