Conservation dogs Cooper and Wally are helping locate European red fox dens across Mackay to protect local wildlife, particularly nesting turtles and hatchlings. Photo supplied by Mackay Regional Council

‍

Two four-legged visitors have been putting their noses to work across Mackay, with conservation dogs Cooper and Wally on the hunt for European red fox dens.

‍

The specially trained English springer spaniels have been working alongside handler Tom Garrett, who has brought the pair to coastal areas across the region each year since 2018 to help locate fox dens.

‍

European red foxes pose a major threat to native Australian wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, small mammals and turtles.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the conservation dogs had played a critical role in helping protect native species.

‍

“Over the years the dogs have helped our Pest Management Team to locate and identify active and inactive fox dens on public and private land between Calen and Cape Palmerston,” Mayor Williamson said.

‍

“We are particularly concerned about the impact these pest animals have on turtle populations, with foxes not only digging up nests, but also preying on hatchlings as they try to make their way to the water.”

Spokesperson for Mackay and District Turtle Watch, Fay Griffin, said the timing of the detection program is important.

‍

“Turtle nesting season usually commences in October, with hatching starting in mid-December and continuing until March,” Mrs Griffin said.

“By getting in now and identifying where dens may be, we can try and reduce the chance of turtles being attacked, nests disturbed and hatchlings preyed on.”

‍

The Flatback Turtle is the most common turtle species nesting in the Mackay region, with the occasional Green Turtle also recorded.

Several years ago, a confirmed Olive Ridley turtle nest was found on one of Mackay’s southern beaches, marking the only confirmed nesting of the species on Australia’s east coast.

‍

Previous operations have located up to 15 fox dens in a single year, with Calen, Hay Point, Cape Palmerston and Slade Point identified as hotspots.

Foxes found in active dens are humanely euthanised in line with Queensland’s animal welfare laws.

‍

The work is made possible through partnerships with Queensland Parks and Wildlife, North Queensland Bulk Ports, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Urbex and Reef Catchments.

‍

Residents concerned about foxes in their area are encouraged to contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

‍

‍

Andrew Willcox MP is encouraging Dawson community groups to apply for a share of $150,000 in funding for local projects. Photo supplied

‍

Local groups with a project on the wish list could have the chance to turn their plans into reality, with a $150,000 funding pool now open across Dawson.

‍

Mackay and Dawson community groups are being encouraged to think about the projects they have been hoping to get off the ground, with grants of up to $20,000 available through the Stronger Communities Programme.

‍

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP is calling on community organisations, not-for-profits and local groups to put forward an Expression of Interest for projects that could benefit their members and the wider community.

“Our communities are full of people with great ideas, but sometimes it is the funding that stands between a good idea and getting it off the ground,” Mr Willcox said.

‍

“The Stronger Communities Programme is about backing those local ideas and helping community organisations deliver projects that will benefit the people they serve.

‍

“That could mean new equipment, improvements to a community facility, creating a better shared space or a project that brings people together.

“I want to see what Dawson’s community groups have been working towards and what they could achieve with a little extra support.”

‍

The programme provides $150,000 for each federal electorate, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 available for eligible small capital and infrastructure projects.

Projects must have a total cost of no more than $50,000.

‍

Mr Willcox said even a relatively modest investment could make a difference to local organisations.

‍

“Local volunteers do an enormous amount with very little, and I know there are plenty of groups across Dawson with projects sitting on a wish list waiting for the opportunity to make them happen,” he said.

‍

“This is a chance to move some of those projects from the wish list to the work list.

“I encourage community groups to start thinking about what would make a real difference to their members and their local community, and get their Expression of Interest in.”

‍

Eligible organisations must have an Australian Business Number and meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028.

‍

Funding can cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs for eligible applicants other than local governing bodies. Local governing bodies can receive up to 50 per cent, with at least 50 per cent matched funding required.

‍

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Sunday 25^th October 2026.

‍

Photo source: Shutterstock

‍

E-Mobility Enforcement

Mackay Whitsunday police seized 47 non-compliant e-mobility devices during the first three months of statewide Operation Yankee Surety.

‍

Between 1^st July and 29^th September, officers in the district also issued 133 traffic infringement notices relating to e-mobility devices.

Four positive roadside breath tests were recorded among e-mobility riders.

‍

The statewide operation has targeted non-compliant devices, licensing and age requirements, as well as dangerous behaviours including speeding, drink riding and riding without a helmet.

Across Queensland, police seized 558 non-compliant devices and issued 2,486 infringement notices during the period.

‍

Next Wave Of First Year Constables Ready To Serve

Yesterday, 35 recruits graduated from the QPS Academy in Oxley, and will now be deployed to locations across Queensland to protect and serve the local communities, with one constable joining in Sarina, and one in Mackay.

‍

After spending seven years as a police officer in Taiwan, Constable Kai Chin says he aligns with the QPS values and is looking forward to starting a rewarding career in Mackay.

‍

“I imagine being a police officer in a different country will be challenging but rewarding, I’m really looking forward to it,” Constable Chin said.

“The members of the QPS live their values of integrity, respect and courage.

‍

These are values that I align with both professionally and personally.”

Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to the QPS, acknowledging the commitment and discipline they had demonstrated throughout their training.

‍

“Graduation marks a significant milestone and the beginning of a rewarding career in service to the Queensland community,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.

‍

“Each new officer brings their own strengths, experiences and perspectives to the QPS. I encourage them to continue learning, uphold the highest standards and earn the trust of the communities they serve.”

‍

Premier David Crisafulli visited Mackay last Thursday to outline proposed bail law changes, including a new offence carrying a mandatory 12-month jail term for breaching bail. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

‍

On Mackay grounds last Thursday 1^st October, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the State Government was focus remained on reducing the number of victims of crime, with new bail legislation before Parliament set to introduce what he described as the “strongest bail laws in Australia.”

‍

Mr Crisafulli said the proposed standalone bail breach offence would apply to adults and youth offenders who committed certain offences while on bail, with a minimum mandatory 12-month prison term for those convicted of the new offence.

‍

“It will be the most significant change to bail laws in the history of Queensland, and it will create the strongest bail laws in the country,” he said.

‍

Mr Crisafulli said the proposed offence would apply to youth offenders who committed an adult crime, adult time offence while on bail, as well as adults who committed comparable offences.

“In essence, a new standalone offence. If you breach bail, you will have a minimum mandatory period of 12 months in jail,” Mr Crisafulli said.

‍

“It sends the clearest and strongest possible message that there are consequences for actions.”

“It removes people who shouldn't be in the community from the community and makes sure that they are off the streets.”

‍

Mr Crisafulli said victim numbers in Queensland had increased by 193 per cent over the previous 10 years, while preliminary figures following the introduction of the Government’s adult crime, adult time policy showed victim numbers had fallen by 9.6 per cent.

‍

“Yes, it's heading in the right direction, but there is a long, long way to go,” he said.

“We are going to keep going. It will be strong bail by Christmas, and if you breach bail, you will go to jail. No ifs, no buts, a minimum mandatory period of 12 months.”

‍

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the proposed changes would provide clear consequences for people who breached bail.

“There are people here who are wanting changes, and the Premier has outlined exactly what we'll be doing before Christmas,” Mr Dalton said.

‍

“If you breach bail, and you have that privilege of getting to court and you can get out until that sentencing date, but you breach that, you will go to jail for 12 months.”

‍

“That's quite straightforward, and that's what people want to see. They want to see consequences for action.”

Mr Dalton said regional Queensland MPs had been driving the proposed changes.

‍

“The North Queensland MPs have driven this, right from Cairns, right down to Rocky. We are driving this change.”

‍

Glenella resident Sam Dawes, who said she was a victim of crime, shared her experience with the restorative justice process following an attempted break-in at her property around 2024.

‍

Ms Dawes said it took about a year after reporting the incident to police before she received a letter advising the offender had been found and issued with a restorative justice order.

‍

“I just think that's not good enough.”

Ms Dawes said she had been willing to follow the process but did not see an outcome.

‍

“It just wastes the taxpayers' money, and I was a willing participant ready to go follow the process of what they wanted done and nothing came from it.”

‍

“I'm hopeful that these new laws will make a difference.”

‍

The Neighbourhood Hub  

‍

A representative of The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay has thanked Mater Private Hospital Mackay for once again supporting its Anti-Poverty Community Appeal, marking the third consecutive year the hospital team has contributed.

‍

The Mater team recently handed over its Mercy Week collection, with donated items set to support Neighbourhood Hub Mackay’s Emergency Relief Program and Food Diversion Program.

‍

The programs provide local families experiencing hardship with food and essential items, while also helping connect people with support services.

A representative of Neighbourhood Hub Mackay said the organisation was grateful for the Mater team’s continued support.

‍

“Three years in a row now, and the Mater team keeps showing up for our community!!”

‍

The collection forms part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to support people experiencing hardship in the Mackay community.

The representative said every item donated would help local people access food and essential supplies when they needed them most.

‍

“To the Mater team, thank you for being part of that, not just during Anti-Poverty Week but in everything we do throughout the year. We see it and we're so grateful.”

‍

The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay representative said the organisation’s work was focused on helping people access the support they needed to thrive, whatever their circumstances.

‍

The community was encouraged to support the organisation’s work through advocacy, donations and volunteering.

‍

Mackay and Isaac tourism businesses were recognised across multiple categories at the 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards last Friday, celebrating the region’s growing tourism industry. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍

Mackay is putting itself on the tourism map! From farm stays and reef adventures to local food, events and accommodation, our region’s tourism businesses have come away with a swag of wins at the 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.  

‍

Local operators have been recognised across a wide range of categories, with six Mackay Isaac finalists now set to represent the region at the Queensland Tourism Awards.  

‍

There’s plenty happening right here on our doorstep, and plenty for the Mackay region to be proud of. 

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Congratulations To The Following 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Award Recipients!

‍

Festivals & Events
• Harrup Park – First Place 

Ecotourism
• Nautical By Nature Mackay – First Place

Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
• Mount Pleasant Centre – First Place

Business Event Venues
• Harrup Park – First Place
• Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre – Second Place

Tour & Transport Operators
• Oh Deere Farm Stay – First Place
• Nautical By Nature Mackay – Second Place
• Bush Heli Services – Third Place

Adventure Tourism
• Nautical By Nature Mackay – First Place

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
• One Hungry Mumma – First Place

Unique Accommodation
• Oh Deere Farm Stay – First Place

4 or 4.5 Star Accommodation
• Quest Mackay on Gordon – First Place
• Rydges Mackay Suites – Second Place

Excellence in Food Tourism
• One Hungry Mumma – First Place

Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
• Adrian Young

People’s Choice Award – Accommodation
• Oh Deere Farm Stay

People’s Choice Award – Experiences & Services
• Nautical By Nature Mackay

‍

‍

‍

See more photos here:

https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/mackay-businesses-take-out-top-tourism-honours

‍

https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/mackay-businesses-take-out-top-tourism-honours-2

‍

‍

Born in Tasmania and having spent 16 years on the stunning Gold Coast, I’ve always been drawn to beautiful locations. My career took me to the high seas, working on super yachts based in Palma Mallorca, where I developed a keen eye for luxury and attention to detail.

‍

After a memorable visit to the Whitsundays, I found my forever home in this tropical paradise, a place where I can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds us and be part of a friendly close-knit community.

‍

As the first point of contact in the front office, I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming and professional experience for all clients and visitors. With a background in customer service and administration, I take pride in maintaining smooth day-to-day operations, managing enquiries efficiently, and ensuring everyone feels supported from the moment they walk through the door.  

‍

My goal is to provide a positive and helpful experience in every interaction.

‍

When I am not making real estate dreams come true, I love going on adventures with my daughter and have a love for all things sport, health and fitness.

‍

By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival

‍

Before most of us have finished breakfast, we have probably written something.

‍

A shopping list. A text message. A reminder to buy milk. Perhaps a note that makes perfect sense at 7am and looks remarkably mysterious by lunchtime.

None of this feels particularly literary. Yet these small acts belong to the same human impulse that produces a poem, a diary or a novel.

‍

We write to communicate, certainly. But we also write to think.

A thought that seemed perfectly clear in our head can become surprisingly slippery once we try to write it down. Suddenly we have to decide what we actually mean.

‍

The novelist E.M. Forster put it neatly: “How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?”

Writing slows us down just enough to make us choose.

‍

A vague feeling becomes a sentence. A complicated idea becomes something we can explain.  

An argument that sounded convincing in our head can occasionally be exposed as complete nonsense.

‍

Writing is one of the ways we work out what we have to say in the first place.

Nor does it need to be long. Consider the six-word story often credited to Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

‍

Six words, and an entire story of hope and loss. There is no evidence Hemingway wrote it, but it shows what every writer learns: what we leave out can matter as much as what we put in.

Think about how many forms writing takes.

‍

The email that prevents a misunderstanding. The handwritten note that says, “I was thinking of you.” The diary where private thoughts have somewhere to land. The story that allows us to briefly inhabit somebody else’s life.

‍

The manuscript is a different beast. It requires persistence, patience and the willingness to discover that yesterday’s brilliant sentence may not be quite so brilliant today.

‍

Writing is also exercise for the mind. It asks us to remember, concentrate, organise ideas, make choices and use our imagination.

The keyboard has made writing faster, but speed is not necessarily the same as depth. Writing by hand, with its deliberate pace, can give the mind more time to select, connect and remember.

Either way, the important thing is that we keep doing it.

‍

At the Whitsundays Writers Festival, we see people with different ambitions. Some want to write a memoir or poetry. Some dream of a crime novel. Others simply want encouragement to put the first words on the page.

‍

Writing is not reserved for the naturally gifted. It is a practice. And like most things we practise, we get better at it.

‍

So here is my suggestion for today. Write something.

Not a novel. Not even a short story.

‍

Describe the view from your window. Record something funny that happened this week. Try a six-word story. Write a letter to someone you care about, even if you never send it.

‍

It doesn’t have to be good. It just has to be written.

‍

Every time we put words on a page, we give our thoughts somewhere to live.

And sometimes, that is where the interesting things begin.

‍

‍

Colour The Whitsundays Brings Art To The Highway  

‍

If you’ve driven along the Bruce Highway through Proserpine recently, you may have noticed something colourful across from the Community Gallery.  

The palm trees have been transformed with bold artworks as part of Colour the Whitsundays, a public art project bringing creativity into everyday spaces and showcasing local talent to passing motorists.  

‍

The project began in January 2025, with six potential highway sites identified and two ultimately selected for installations.  

‍

The first, now outside the Community Gallery, was created by the Whitsunday Public Art Group working together on the installation. A second project by students from St Catherine’s Catholic College will soon add another splash of colour to the precinct.  

‍

The installation presented some practical challenges. While the original concept was to “fibre bomb” the palms, natural fibres were unlikely to withstand the Whitsundays’ harsh climate. Instead, the group developed a system using UV-resistant outdoor fabric, specialised fabric paint and UV-resistant thread, secured with shock cord without permanently attaching anything to the trees.  

‍

The design also needed to make an impact for motorists travelling past at around 60km/h.  

‍

Supported through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), with assistance from Whitsunday Regional Council, Creative Connections Whitsunday and local creatives, the project brings art beyond the Gallery and into the community.  

‍

And this may only be the beginning. Who knows where Colour the Whitsundays might appear next?  

‍

‍

‍

‍

From Cane Fields to Coral Reefs: The Whitsundays Through the Eyes of Local Artists  

‍

A new exhibition celebrating the landscapes and character of the Whitsundays is now on display at the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Community Creative Space at Whitsunday Plaza.  

From Cane Fields to Coral Reefs: The Whitsundays Through the Eyes of Local Artists brings together work by six local artists, each offering a different perspective on the region and the places that inspire them.  

‍

Lenny Pennell showcases her reef-inspired work, Whispers Beneath the Whitsundays, capturing the energy of the region's marine environment.  

Linda Forrester is also featured with Border Island, a painting capturing the landscape and afternoon light of the Whitsundays.  

‍

The exhibition also includes work by Carol Shannon, Jacqui Henderson, Lucy Seddon Brown and Oliver Seddon Brown.  

The Community Creative Space is part of an ongoing partnership between Creative Connections Whitsundays and Bendigo Community Bank, providing local artists with opportunities to exhibit in community spaces.  

‍

The exhibition is free to visit Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4pm, with a lunch closure from 1–2pm.  

‍

All artworks are available for purchase, supporting local artists.  

‍

Tim Oberg with his supporting family. Photo supplied  

‍

Five years after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Local Tim Oberg is sharing his story in the hope of offering support to others navigating life with the condition.

‍

A teacher, coach and founder of Parkrun Australia and the Healthy Kids Project, Tim marked the start of Mental Health Awareness Month by encouraging anyone living with Type 1 diabetes, newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one to reach out for a chat.  

‍

Diagnosed on September 29th 2021, he has spent the past five years learning to manage the daily challenges while connecting with others who understand them.  

‍

“There is something incredibly valuable about talking to people who just get it, without needing much explanation,” Tim said.

‍

“I have learned a lot from others, and these days I also get a huge amount of satisfaction from being able to support people who are newly diagnosed and trying to make sense of it all.”

‍

Tim has faced his share of challenges along the way, including finding the confidence to tell his children about his diagnosis. For the first couple of years, he kept it to himself, worried they would be frightened by seeing him inject insulin.

“When I finally did tell them, the relief was enormous. And, of course, they were completely fine,” he said.

‍

“These days I can inject insulin in front of them and nobody bats an eyelid. It is simply part of Dad being Dad.”

For Tim, coping starts with approaching the diagnosis as a challenge he can learn to manage, supported by a daily routine that helps him look after his health.

‍

“I could see myself as a ‘victim’ of diabetes, or I could treat it as another challenge to understand, confront and manage. I chose the latter,” he wrote.

‍

Discipline plays a big part in that approach, with Tim finding a routine that suits him personally, including a low-carbohydrate diet and daily movement, whether it’s a workout or a walk.

“Five years in, I would never pretend Type 1 diabetes is easy, as it requires attention every day and there are no holidays from it,” Tim said.  

‍

“Diabetes is something I manage, it is not who I am.”

While Tim would happily give back the diagnosis, he says the past five years have helped him better understand his body.

‍

“While I would happily give it back tomorrow, I can also say that it has made me more disciplined, more conscious of my health, more connected to others, and more determined to look after myself and keep moving every day,” he said.

‍

Connecting with others in the Type 1 diabetes community has also made a difference, and Tim hopes to offer that same understanding to anyone who needs a chat.

‍

“Another really positive part of the last five years has been connecting with other people in the Type 1 diabetes community, both in the flesh and online,” said Tim.  

‍

“There is something incredibly valuable about talking to people who just get it, without needing much explanation.

‍

“Please reach out, I am always happy to talk.”

‍

April McEachern. Photo supplied

‍

April McEachern is rolling her way through October, aiming to skate 100 kilometres in an effort to raise money for mental health awareness.  

‍

Taking part in the One Foot Forward challenge, April is swapping the suggested fundraising walks or runs for her longtime passion of roller skating.

‍

“Last year I aimed at 80 kilometres, I managed to get 99 kilometres, so this year we’re doing 100ks,” April said.

‍

For April, the challenge is personal. Having lost her father to suicide when she was just three and later faced difficult relationships and her own mental health struggles, she knows how much it matters to have someone in your corner.

Those experiences have shaped her desire to support others, sparking her work in aged care and previous roles in pathology, community care and disability support, as well as time spent checking in on friends or shopping for a 91-year-old former client.

‍

“I want people to feel compassion, care and know that there is always someone that will be there,” April said.

Getting outdoors has become an important part of maintaining her positivity, with skating holding a special place in her life since childhood.

‍

Her late brother worked as a DJ at their local skating rink, where she spent weekends joining in the games and sitting with him in the booth. Years later, after moving to Bowen, joining roller derby helped her find a community of her own.

“But with skating, for me, that’s my freedom. I can put them on. I forget who I am. Everything that I’ve had to deal with is gone,” April said.  

‍

“So if I finish my shift and I’ve had a rough day, if I’ve had a resident pass away or we’ve had issues with them, I can put my skates on, I can put my headphones on and I can just let it go.”

“I found being outside, doing active things has really helped me get through my struggles.”

‍

Now, she is hoping to raise through the challenge while encouraging others to get involved, with all the money being raised being put in mental health services around Bowen. She also has a longer-term ambition to see a mental health hub establishedin Bowen, giving people a place to connect and feel supported.

“If I can even just raise $100, that’s $100 that’s going to help,” April said.  

‍

“I want a mental health hub here in Bowen, I want it for the entire community,” April said.

“I want a place where they can all come and get together and be a part of the community.”

‍

April is well and truly underway in her quest.

‍

To support her cause, visit here.  

‍

Could trauma sometimes look like ADHD?

‍

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and trauma are very different experiences, but some of the difficulties they create can look remarkably similar. Problems with concentration, forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, irritability, emotional regulation and sleep can occur in both.

‍

This can make understanding what is really happening more complicated than simply ticking off a list of ADHD symptoms.

A child who has experienced ongoing stress or trauma may appear distracted, restless, impulsive or emotionally reactive. An adult who has lived through trauma may struggle to concentrate, organise everyday tasks or regulate their emotions. These difficulties can sometimes look like ADHD, particularly when the impact of trauma has been present for a long time.

‍

At the same time, someone with ADHD may also experience trauma during their lifetime. ADHD and trauma can therefore exist together, making it important not to assume that one explanation automatically rules out the other.

‍

Understanding when the difficulties started is an important part of assessment. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, with symptoms beginning in childhood, whereas trauma-related difficulties may develop or become more noticeable following traumatic experiences. However, when adversity occurs early in life or continues over time, the picture can be much more complex.

‍

There is also an important reminder here: the body can hold the score of what we have experienced.

Trauma does not simply affect our thoughts or memories. Stress can influence the way the body responds to perceived threat, including sleep, muscle tension, arousal, energy, concentration and emotional responses. Sometimes the body continues to respond as though it needs to remain alert, even when the person consciously knows they are safe.

‍

This is one reason it is important to look at the whole person rather than focusing only on a list of symptoms.

‍

A thorough assessment considers developmental history, experiences of trauma and adversity, current functioning and how difficulties occur across different environments. Information from parents, teachers, partners or other important people can also help build a clearer picture. Most importantly, the person's own understanding of their experiences needs to be heard.

‍

At Personal Transitions, we believe that understanding why someone is struggling is just as important as identifying what they are struggling with. ADHD, trauma or both may require different approaches, and getting the formulation right helps guide an appropriate treatment plan.

‍

If you or your child are experiencing difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, behaviour or coping, seeking a comprehensive assessment can be an important first step.

‍

For more support with ADHD, trauma or emotional wellbeing, visit Personal Transitions- https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or contact Cristie on 0488 667 264 or Sharon on 0418 708 214.

‍

Donna Lawrence and Dr Paul Henderson. Photo supplied: Donna Lawrence

‍

Donna Lawrence shared a personal side of her life through art, when her exhibition opened at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Saturday 3rd October.

‍

Held as part of Mental Health Week, the free community opening began at 3pm and introduced work exploring Donna’s lived experience with bipolar disorder.

‍

“I was really, really pleased with the turnout,” Donna said.

“A lot of people came that I didn’t even know. So that was really fantastic.”

‍

The nationally recognised visual artist used her work to express emotions and experiences that can be difficult to explain in conversation, offering a window into life with mental health challenges.

“My work actually aims to describe emotions or moods that occur … from day to day, you know, ups and downs and everything in between,” Donna said.  

‍

The exhibition invited people to spend time with those experiences, consider another perspective and begin conversations of their own.

While the artwork was central to the afternoon, the opening allowed people to meet Donna and learn first-hand about the personal journey behind her creative practice. Her willingness to share that part of her life gave the exhibition a purpose beyond displaying her work.  

‍

Visitors on Saturday night were also treated to a talk by Mackay psychiatrist Dr Paul Henderson, who helped support the event’s focus on mental health awareness.

‍

“The speech by Paul Henderson was just beautiful, it made a lot of people cry,” Donna said.

The exhibit will remain up in the Sailing Club till Monday 12th October.  

‍

A sea of pink. Photos supplied: Colin Edgerton

‍

Port Denison Gun Club turned pink on 27th September, raising $4,760 for breast cancer support, with the club topping up the donation to $5,000.

‍

Sponsored by Mardos Mangoes, the fundraiser attracted 44 shooters for a day of competition, with donated raffle prizes and pink morning teas adding a big of flavour to the meet.

‍

“Even our morning teas were all pink, we had marshmallows and cakes, everything was pink,” said Club Secretary Colin Edgerton.  

‍

Shooters competed in a 25-target point score event and a 75-target Champion of Champions event, shot from 18 metres, which drew interest from competitors across the Burdekin, Townsville and Mackay areas.

‍

Following the successful event, members plan a blue-themed fundraiser supporting prostate cancer awareness next year.

‍

“It went really well, and because it was such a success, we’re going to do it again next year but next year, we’re going to do it for prostate cancer,” Colin said.  

‍

Meet Grundy, a nine-year-old Kelpie cross with a heart of gold and plenty of love left to give.  

‍

Calm, confident and loyal, Grundy is the kind of dog who loves being by your side. He enjoys his daily walks, gets along well with other dogs and is great with kids.

‍

Grundy takes his role as a yard protector seriously, but once the job is done, he’s happiest relaxing with his people.

He would suit a calm family home with secure fencing or a ground-floor apartment. Grundy must be allowed to sleep inside and isn’t suited to homes with cats or chickens.

‍

He is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm negative and up to date with flea, tick and worming treatments.

After nine years of giving his loyalty and love, Grundy is ready to find someone who will give it back.  

‍

Grundy’s adoption fee is $300 and he is available now through Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.

‍

To enquire, send the rescue a direct message to Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue or email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com with your name, phone number and “Grundy”.

‍

Ocean Rafting Scenic Flights. Photo supplied

‍

Tourism in the Whitsundays is riding high, with Bowen’s Visitor Information Centre welcoming a record number of visitors in a single day and international spending across the region reaching an all-time high.

‍

The latest figures released by Tourism Whitsundays show international visitor spending reached a record $273 million in the year ending June 2026, up 26.9 per cent on the previous year. Overseas travellers were also taking their time on their Whitsundays holidays, staying an average of 7.8 nights and spending $1,542 per person.

‍

“International expenditure is at an all time high and visitors from around the world are now staying longer in the region than ever before, indicating that global markets have real confidence in The Whitsundays and the experiences on offer here,” said Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth.  

‍

Aussies were also making their presence felt, with domestic travellers contributing $997 million in spending and 678,000 Australians staying overnight in the region.

For local businesses, the figures reflect a positive year, with the Sales and Marketing Captain for Ocean Rafting Nathan Fleming saying the team had noticed strong international presence, while also enjoying the Aussie faces that simply wanted to escape the cold.  

‍

“Especially with our scenic flights, it seems to be a bucket list for a lot of people, but also our boat portion as well,” he said.

“[Aussies] do like to get out of the old cold weather and explore the nicer, warmer climate, especially over that winter period over the last few months.”

‍

Bowen’s Visitor Information Centre also enjoyed a strong financial year, with the team beside the Big Mango welcoming more than 65,000 visitors through its doors, up 16 per cent on the previous year.

‍

That momentum continued into its busiest September yet, with 8,576 people stopping by during the month. This included a record day on 24th September, when the team greeted 552 visitors.

This broke the previous records from last September when the team saw 545 people, a result that Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy was pleasantly surprised with.  

‍

“We didn’t think we would ever be able to top those numbers again, but we did,” she said.

‍

‍

“We have certainly noticed an increase in the number of people making a daytrip to Bowen when staying in Airlie Beach for the holidays.

“They absolutely love our beaches, walks and lookouts and the fact you can snorkel directly off the beach.”

‍

Despite the strong results, concerns remain over changes to working holiday visas, with businesses such as Ocean Rafting hoping the proposal is rectified quickly in order to keep this success.  

“That's a demographic for us, not just coming to play in the Whitsundays, but also work in the Whitsundays as well,” he said.

‍

“So we do need to get that sorted to hopefully keep that youth and adventure market driving through for us because that's a very big key part of our market.”

‍