Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Bowen’s Don River Dash has received a $20,000 boost through the Government’s Homegrown Destination Event Fund, helping strengthen the off-road motorsport event’s reputation as a major tourism drawcard. Member for Burdekin Dale Last has welcomed the funding for the event which had cemented itself on the national motorsport calendar. “There is no other event in Queensland like the Don River Dash, bringing together more than 5000 visitors to the Bowen region for an exhilarating off-road endurance race along the riverbed of the Don River,” Mr Last said. “The Don River Dash is more than a race - it’s a celebration of community, adrenaline, and Queensland’s rugged beauty. And it’s an event that the Crisafulli Government is proud to support and one that I am proud to support as the local member.” “It’s events like this that drive our regional tourism and bring real, tangible results for Bowen including a $3.8 million injection into the local economy.” Mr Last said supporting homegrown events like the Don River Dash was part of the Government's 2045 plan towards making Bowen a long-term tourism destination. “Queensland is fast becoming the events capital of Australia, and we’re investing in more homegrown events to keep that momentum going,” Mr Last said. “With something for everyone, events like the Don River Dash will once again be a standout experience for locals and visitors alike. “We said we would deliver through Destination 2045 — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.” Photo caption: Dale Last at last year’s Don River Dash. Photo supplied: Mikayla Colquhoun.
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Progress has been made on plans to replace one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, Bowen Jetty, with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming the acknowledgement of its economic and historical significance. Mr Last said the Bowen community’s advocacy to preserve the Bowen Jetty was commendable, with the project now due to take its next steps. “Across the years the Bowen Jetty has provided recreational access for residents and visitors while supporting operations associated with the nearby Port of Abbot Point, however ongoing deterioration has meant the iconic infrastructure has reached its end of service life,” Mr Last said. “The broad ranging economic benefits for the Bowen region cannot be understated, from supporting the tourism economy to the maintenance and maritime small businesses who rely on its ability to support towage operations.” “I have been proud to stand with the Bowen community and advocate for a wharf they can be proud of and know it continues to support their economy each and every day.” Mr Last said the positive steps in the redevelopment of the Bowen Jetty went hand in hand with progress on the Bowen Boat Harbour Master Plan and capped off a more-than-decade-long fight to better shape the future of Bowen’s foreshore. “The Master Plan is the missing piece when it comes to the Bowen foreshore precinct. It is absolutely essential that the redevelopment of the jetty and upgrades of the foreshore tie into any redevelopment at the harbour, and vice versa, so we end up with the best result possible,” Mr Last said. “This is an opportunity to transform the entire foreshore area into an oasis for locals and tourists alike less than 1km from the Bowen CBD. It’s about realising Bowen’s potential when it comes to economic development and job creation.” Photo caption: Dale Last has praised the local community’s advocacy to preserve the Bowen Jetty. Photo supplied: Mikayla Colquhoun.
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One Bowen local’s journey from university graduate to practicing dentist has led them home, back to the community that first inspired a career in oral health. Back in January, Gregory Reinke started his first official practice work at Kylie's Family Dental, working within a team he knew he wanted to be a part of. "I find that the work that is done here is both reliable and honest,” Dr Reinke said. “I had done work experience at this clinic multiple times, had shadowed Kylie and seen the type of work she does. “It's exactly the work I would like to do." Dr Reinke grew up in Bowen, and from Year 8 he knew he wanted to become a dentist. This ambition never wavered, leading him to study a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University. Dr Reinke completed his work clinical placements in Townsville and Proserpine before returning to Bowen, where he looks to continue honing his craft, while delivering excellent oral care. “Since it's so early in my career, I still think there's still plenty for me to learn,” Dr Reinke said. “In the last six months, I feel like I'm a different clinician, which has a lot to do with the support from Dr. Kylie.” When it comes to oral health, Gregory recommends rinsing your mouth after consuming sugary or acidic food and drinks. “I know every dentist is going to tell you to brush and floss, you can also rinse your mouth after you've had anything sugary or acidic,” Dr Reinke said. “It can make a huge difference.” Gregory Reinke launched his dentistry career at Kylie's Family Dental in Bowen. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
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One of the things I love most about living in the Whitsundays is the way our community always comes together when it matters most. Whether it's lending a hand after a storm, supporting a local sporting club, volunteering at community events or digging deep for a worthy cause, generosity is simply part of who we are. It's what makes our region such a special place to call home. This Saturday night, that community spirit will once again be on full display at the Mayor's Charity Ball at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. While the evening promises to be a fantastic celebration filled with great food, entertainment and plenty of fun, the real purpose is much bigger than a night out. It's about supporting a service that none of us ever hope to need, but one we are incredibly grateful is there when lives are on the line. BMA CQ Rescue provides a vital lifeline across the Whitsundays and surrounding regions. Whether responding to serious road crashes, workplace incidents, medical emergencies, rescues at sea or emergencies on our islands, their highly skilled crews are there when every second counts. Living in a region as diverse and expansive as ours, we understand just how important that rapid response capability is. Quite simply, lives are saved because of the work they do. The Mayor's Charity Ball is our community's opportunity to give something back. Every ticket purchased, every auction bid, every raffle ticket and every donation helps ensure CQ Rescue can continue delivering this lifesaving service to the people of our region. I want to sincerely thank our sponsors, volunteers, organising committee and everyone attending on Saturday night. Events like this simply wouldn't happen without your generosity and commitment to our community. Whether you're joining us at the Ball or simply supporting the cause from afar, thank you. The Whitsundays has always been a community that looks after its own. I'm confident this year's Mayor's Charity Ball will once again showcase that incredible spirit and make a real difference for a service that is there for all of us, whenever we need it most.
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AgServices sales agronomists Drew McGilchrist and Marc Tanizar on farm with Mackay grower Rowan Westcott, who’s beginning fertiliser application on his 2027 crop now. Photo supplied: Wilmar
Jasmin Lewis
Customer Service & Logistics Supervisor, Wilmar AgServices
With the sugar production season now in full swing across North Queensland, now is the time to focus on the nutrition of your 2027 crop.
Applying Bio Dunder immediately after the harvester is an effective way to begin replacing nutrients removed during harvest while returning valuable organic matter to the soil.
As part of a balanced nutrition program, Bio Dunder can help improve soil fertility, support soil biology, and create a stronger foundation for healthy crop establishment.
Following the harvester also means you don’t lose valuable growing time, and enables you to stay on top of your fertilising schedule.
Early nutrient application allows paddocks to begin recovering sooner, maximising the opportunity for strong early crop growth.
The decisions you make today will influence the performance of your next crop. By following the harvester with Bio Dunder and other essential nutrients, you can keep your soils productive and give your 2027 crop the best possible start.
Our sales agronomists Drew McGilchrist and Marc Tanizar are available to provide tailored agronomy advice for your crop nutrition needs.
To confirm pricing and supply, call us on 1800 881 957. Alternatively, email
AgServices@Wilmar.com.au
Community sporting clubs in Dawson are being urged to get their applications in for the newly opened Game On grants program, a vital initiative to help our local organisations cut costs and keep the lights on.
Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that for many of our clubs, the burden of rising energy bills is a constant challenge that detracts from the real work of supporting junior athletes and maintaining facilities.
“Our local sports clubs are the lifeblood of our communities,” Mr Willcox said.
“They aren’t just places to play footy or netball; they are hubs for families and volunteers who put in countless hours to keep our regions connected.”
Mr Willcox said that his funding is a practical step to help those clubs reduce their overheads. “Whether it is installing energy-efficient technologies, upgrading lighting, or investing in battery storage, these grants are designed to lower electricity bills so that money can be reinvested straight back into equipment, improving playing surfaces, and supporting our kids on the field.”
The Game On program offers one-off grants of up to $100,000 to eligible community sporting organisations. Applications for Round 1 are currently open and will close on 28 July 2026.
Mr Willcox encouraged local clubs to act quickly, noting that the investment pool is finite and may close earlier if fully allocated.
"As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032, we want to ensure our next generation of champions has every opportunity to shine, but we know that cost-of-living pressures are making it incredibly tough for families right now.
“Mums and dads can only do so much, and our hardworking volunteers shouldn't have to carry the burden alone. Any measure that reduces costs and keeps our kids on the field should be embraced.
“These upgrades aren't just about modernising facilities, they are about future-proofing the places that bring us together and ensuring that sport remains accessible, affordable, and strong for every young athlete in Dawson."
For full eligibility criteria and to apply via GrantConnect, visit:
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/programs/sports-clubs-energy-upgrades.
By Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
When managed with care and vision, migration does not just grow an economy; it enriches our nation.
It brings fresh ideas, vital skills, and a rich heritage that communities display proudly across regional Queensland. From the Italian and Maltese pioneers who developed the region's cane farms to the international workers supporting our agricultural sector today, regional Australia understands the value of a targeted, functional immigration system.
However, a successful immigration program must be matched to the country's capacity. Under the Albanese Labor Government, this balance has collapsed.
Labor's migration numbers have been too high while entry standards have been too low. By allowing a record 1.4 million people into the country since being elected, the government has created a shortfall of roughly 400,000homes, an infrastructure deficit the size of Canberra's entire population.
By dropping the ball on compliance, Labor has also failed to protect our social cohesion. The Coalition is committed to restoring integrity by enforcing a permanent red light to radicals, ensuring visa overstayers are promptly sent home, and making compliance with the Australian Values Statement a universal visa condition.
This is not a criticism of migrants; it is a rejection of a system running ahead of the homes, roads, hospitals and schools Australia can provide. Every weekend, young Australian couples face the consequences, competing with dozens of others at rental inspections while prices continue to rise.
The Coalition's Migration and Housing Pledge is simple: Australia should only bring in as many people as it can house. For the first time, net overseas migration will be legally tied to the number of new homes completed. If Australia builds the homes, we can welcome the people. If we do not, we cannot continue at an unsustainable pace.
We must also boost housing supply. The Coalition will establish a $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund to deliver essential infrastructure, including water, sewerage, utilities and access roads. Thirty per cent of the fund will be dedicated to regional areas, helping councils unlock up to 400,000 new homes nationwide.
We will also reduce building costs by making the 2022 National Construction Code energy and accessibility mandates optional, cutting up to $70,000 from the cost of a new home and unlocking an estimated 120,000 homes over the next decade.
An immigration system must serve the nation, not strain it.
By Cr Namarca Corowa
When people think about council decisions, they often picture the vote, but the reality is quality decisions are built long before anyone enters the council chamber.
Think about buying a home. Very few people would inspect a property for five minutes and immediately sign the contract. Most of us would take time to look carefully, ask questions, compare options, speak with people we trust and reflect before making such a significant commitment.
Why? Because we know that good decisions are rarely rushed. Good decisions don't simply depend on the person making them. They also depend on the environment in which they're made.
Local government is no different.
Councils make decisions that affect thousands of people, our roads, parks, libraries, sporting facilities, planning, disaster recovery, community services and the long-term financial sustainability of our region. These are rarely simple choices with obvious answers.
That's why good governance isn't just about reaching a decision. It's about creating the conditions for good decision-making.
In my view, those conditions include timely access to important information, the opportunity to ask questions, enough time to consider different perspectives and an environment where respectful disagreement is welcomed rather than avoided.
Healthy disagreement is often evidence that people are taking their responsibilities seriously. When people with different experiences respectfully challenge one another's thinking, assumptions are tested, blind spots become visible and ideas are refined. The result isn't always agreement, but it is often a stronger decision.
The goal isn't consensus - it’s a shared understanding. Healthy deliberation doesn't eliminate disagreement it helps ensure that disagreement is informed, respectful and constructive.
We live in a world where negative news is constant. Social media, television and even everyday conversations can leave us believing that everything is broken. While it's important to acknowledge genuine challenges, it's equally important not to lose sight of the many good things happening around us.
Every day, volunteers give their time, community groups strengthen neighbourhoods, local businesses invest in our region, families support one another and countless acts of kindness happen without ever making the headlines.
If we only focus on what's wrong, we risk overlooking opportunities. If we only focus on what's right, we risk ignoring problems that need attention.
No council will ever have every answer, and no councillor will ever have perfect information. Leadership often requires making decisions with uncertainty. The challenge is finding the balance and having the conviction to make important decisions when the time comes.
Ultimately, our community doesn't elect councillors simply to vote. They elect us to ask questions, to hear the answer and consider the balance. They elect us to reflect our community’s voices. They ultimately elect us to think. That means creating an environment where understanding comes before judgement, where healthy disagreement is recognised as a strength, where optimism is grounded in reality and where thoughtful deliberation has the opportunity to occur before the vote is ever taken.
Photo source: Queensland.com
Water play will be on hold for a few weeks, with Bluewater Lagoon closing from Monday, July 13, for its annual maintenance and repair program.
The popular attraction is expected to reopen on August 13, with the closure allowing for essential upkeep. Any changes to the schedule due to weather or unforeseen circumstances will be communicated to the community.
Included in the schedule of works this year is:
The works are essential to ensure the facility remains safe and operational and continues to provide a high recreational experience. Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
Alternative swimming opportunities are available at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Centre and the Memorial Pool.
Glenella-Richmond Road and Holts Road improvements. Image for illustrative purposes, by Mackay Regional Council
Council will be progressing some interim measures at the Holts Road/Glenella-Richmond Road intersection to address immediate safety concerns.
Council’s long-term intention is for the intersection to be upgraded to a roundabout.
Works planned for early August will involve a speed limit reduction to 60kmh on all approaches, additional safety signage, vegetation clearing to improve visibility and line marking.
A guardrail will also be installed along a bend on Glenella-Richmond Road, between Larkins Road and Davey Street.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the intersection was a high priority for council and a community petition had received more than 6000 signatures calling for a roundabout and improved safety at the site.
“This intersection has a known crash history, including the fatal crash in March this year, and council has been advocating for funding for some time to deliver a roundabout at this location,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Traffic volumes at this location have increased as our region grows, and as traffic patterns shift due to congestion on major routes like Mackay-Bucasia Road and the Mackay Ring Road,” he said.
Mayor Williamson said previous funding applications had been unsuccessful largely due to a mismatch between available funding and the project’s overall cost, which was more than $8 million.
“We are still awaiting assessment and outcomes from several funding applications; however, council acknowledges that action is needed now to reduce risks at this location.
“We have worked with the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to implement a change of speed limit at the site and our teams will be installing new signage over the next few weeks to make that official.
“We have also progressed the design of the roundabout and begun discussions with neighbouring landowners around land acquisitions to ensure the roundabout project is shovel ready.”
Works on the guardrail on the bend up from the intersection will begin today (Monday, July 13), weather permitting. Works include construction of a sidetrack, pavement replacement, installation of steel beam guardrails, regulatory and hazard signage and associated landscaping.
Construction of the guardrail is expected to take about six weeks. Traffic control will be in place during the works, including single-lane access with alternating traffic flow where required during work periods.
Mackay LAC volunteers are strengthening community preparedness by sharing life-saving emergency skills and resources at local events. Photos supplied
Members of the Mackay Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) have been out in the community promoting emergency preparedness through a series of local events.
On Monday, 6th July, Mackay LAC volunteers joined Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics at market stalls during Mackay's NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony to help build community awareness of CPR and snake bite treatment. Around 60 snake bite kits were distributed to attendees, who also learned how to correctly apply broad pressure immobilisation bandages over a suspected bite site.
The Mackay Local Ambulance Committee is a volunteer group that supports the Queensland Ambulance Service through community education and awareness activities.
Earlier this year, LAC members joined students and community groups at the Rotary Club of Mackay's Respect in Every Step march on May 29, helping promote respect and take a stand against domestic and family violence.
During the event, volunteers distributed Emergency Plus cards and information about the "Stop the Bleed" program, providing practical resources to help people respond in an emergency. Emergency Plus is a free Australian app that helps users contact the appropriate emergency service and provide accurate location information to Triple Zero (000), particularly in unfamiliar locations. "Stop the Bleed" is a community education program that teaches people how to recognise life-threatening bleeding and provide care until paramedics arrive.
The Mackay Local Ambulance Committee thanked the local Rotary clubs for organising the Respect in Every Step march and providing the opportunity to share information about the Emergency Plus app and the "Stop the Bleed" program.
The committee is also encouraging community members interested in volunteering to consider joining the Mackay LAC. For more information, visit Local Ambulance Committees | Queensland Ambulance Service online.
A police search of a Bucasia address allegedly uncovered seven stolen firearms, including three pistols and four rifles. Photo source: Queensland Police Service
Residents have been left in disbelief and shock after two separate shooting incidents rocked Mackay's Northern Beaches, prompting a major police investigation and multiple arrests.
Queensland Police have charged four people following investigations into two shootings that occurred on July 8.
Around 2.10am, police were called to reports of shots being fired outside a licensed premises on Andergrove Road, Andergrove. It will be alleged four people drove to the location before firing several shots at an unoccupied parked vehicle.
As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at a Bucasia address on July 9, where officers allegedly located and seized seven stolen firearms, including three pistols and four rifles.
A 25-year-old South Mackay man has been charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possession of weapons and authority required to possess explosives.
A 26-year-old Beaconsfield man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, contravening an order about information necessary to access information stored electronically, unlawful possession of weapons, authority required to possess explosives, and possessing tainted property.
Both men were due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 10.
A 19-year-old North Mackay woman has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of weapons.
A 31-year-old North Mackay man has been charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils, along with one count each of unlawful possession of weapons, producing dangerous drugs, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and authority required to possess explosives.
They are due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 27.
Police are also continuing to investigate a separate incident reported about 2.40am on July 8, when residents reported gunshots being fired at a Denman Avenue residence in Shoal Point. The occupants were not physically injured.
Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing, including whether they are linked.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the general public and are urging anyone with relevant information or CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
Reference numbers: QP2601321346, QP2601319882
Local retirement villages have welcomed visits from the District Crime Prevention Unit, with residents learning more about the Safe & Found program and the role it plays in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
The program provides police with important information to assist in quickly locating vulnerable people who may wander and are reported missing, helping support efforts to bring them home safely.
The sessions have attracted strong interest from residents, families, carers and local businesses, with attendees learning how Safe & Found operates and the ways it can provide added support within the community.
The visits are helping spread awareness of the program and highlight the importance of community connections when it comes to keeping vulnerable people safe.
Donations of pre-loved soccer boots and training gear are being sought to support young footballers in Lusaka, Zambia. Photo supplied
A simple pair of soccer boots could make a world of difference for young footballers in Zambia, with one community member calling on locals to donate their pre-loved sporting gear.
The appeal is seeking soccer boots for boys and men aged 10 through to adults, along with training equipment such as soccer balls, to support several small teams on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia.
Many of the young players currently take to the field barefoot or wearing worn-out footwear, making even a second-hand pair of boots a valuable gift.
Organisers are encouraging anyone with unused soccer boots or training gear tucked away at home to consider donating them, giving the equipment a second life while helping young athletes pursue the sport they love.
Every donation, no matter how small, will help provide local teams with the equipment they need to train and play more safely.
Anyone interested in donating soccer boots or training gear is encouraged to get in touch with Riah Pearl via private message to arrange a collection.
A major housing boost will see 131 social and affordable homes delivered or underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Mackay's ongoing housing shortage has been targeted with a major social housing announcement, with the Queensland Government confirming 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million boost for housing and homelessness services.
During a visit to Mackay on Wednesday, Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the investment would help increase housing supply and support vulnerable Queenslanders.
“We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government,” Mr O'Connor said.
Local Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the work was an important step in addressing Mackay’s housing pressures.
“We need to make sure that we keep on building... so that people can say, 'This is my home,'” he said.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor was on the ground in Mackay on Wednesday, 15 July, to announce 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million investment in frontline housing and homelessness services, with the Queensland Government saying the measures will help alleviate the region's housing pressures.
The announcement is said to be part of the Queensland Government's $5.7 billion statewide investment in social and community housing.
Mr O'Connor said more than 130 homes were currently underway, building on the 79 social and affordable homes delivered in the region since the Government was elected.
He said the funding would support specialist homelessness services and crisis support, helping vulnerable Queenslanders access housing sooner.
“We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the announcement would help address housing pressures facing vulnerable residents in Mackay.
“I think it's going a long way. We need to make sure that we keep on building and we keep on constructing this type of housing so that people can say, 'This is my home.' That's our intention, and we're working towards it all the time. This is a prime example of that.”
The pair toured the construction site, where 18 social homes are being built in Mackay's CBD.
“It is so sad to see people who are vulnerable and homeless, and these units are going to be able to house them into the future. It's so exciting because we've got a great location in the city, close to schools, shops and services. It's exactly the right place,” Mr Dalton said.
Mr O'Connor also announced an additional investment in local housing support.
“I can also announce today that, as part of our budget delivered just a few weeks ago, we will be investing a boost of $8.6 million into housing and homelessness services in this region.
“It's really important we have the services available to help people get on a housing pathway and ultimately into homes just like these ones we're building right here.”
Mr O'Connor said the development would provide social housing for eligible applicants on the housing register.
“They'll be for people on the register, and by definition, people who are eligible to enter social housing are the most vulnerable in our community.”
He added that “The rent is capped at 25% of the residents' income.”
Hannah Kimber
Four years ago, Hannah Kimber arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa with no plans of staying in the Whitsundays. Today, she's helping others find their home in the region.
Originally from the UK, Hannah arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa and spent nine months in Sydney before heading north to complete her regional work. Although she planned on seeing more of Australia, the Whitsundays said otherwise.
"I kept on making plans to leave or go and do something else, and the area just kept bringing me back," Hannah said.
"I just fell in love with the area."
After deciding to officially just stay, Hannah was ready to take the next step professionally.
That's when Hannah found Taylors Property Specialists. Through the agency's cadetship program, she was able to learn from experienced agents while laying the foundations for a career in real estate.
“It's definitely a career, not a short term job,” Hannah said.
Working across the local market has also given Hannah a new appreciation and passion for the homes that make the Whitsundays such a sought-after place to live.
“Most properties in the area are very unique and different from one another,” Hannah said.
“I think that's really nice to go in and see the individuality of each property.”
Hannah believes the same individuality found in the region's homes should be reflected in the way buyers are treated, taking the time to understand exactly what they're looking for before matching them with the right property.
"You can't force someone to buy a house, but you can get to know them and understand what they're after," Hannah said.
To get in touch with Hannah Kimber at Taylor's Property Specialists, call 0411 599 126 or email hannah@tpsre.com.au.
By Richard Evans, Festival Director and President Whitsundays Writers Festival
How many times have you said it? One day I'll write a book.
One day, when the kids are grown, when work settles down, when you finally feel ready. But here's the truth nobody mentions: that day doesn't arrive on its own. Fear keeps it at bay. Fear of grammar, of not having enough time, of not being "good enough." The good news? None of those barriers are as solid as they seem. Today, more than ever, the page is waiting for you. And while tools like AI can polish your language, they cannot replicate what only you possess: a life fully, specifically, irreplaceably lived.
Let's bust a few myths first.
You need perfect English. No: clarity matters far more than correctness, and editing comes later.
You need a big, dramatic idea. Wrong again: everyday stories resonate most deeply with readers.
You must write an entire book immediately. Absolutely not: start with moments, memories, and fragments.
Publishing is impossible. There are more pathways than ever: local print runs, self-publishing platforms, online communities. The gates are open. Walk through them.
So where do you actually begin?
Start small. Start a daily journal. Just five to ten minutes, one memory, one observation can build writing habits without the pressure. Journaling is not about diarising events or activities, rather it is about observation and thoughts.
Personal experiences translate beautifully into short stories; rename the people, shape the narrative, and suddenly you have fiction story rooted in truth. If the blank page feels daunting, record voice notes on your phone and use AI to transcribe them. This is how Barbara Cartland worked. She strolled the beach and recorded her romance stories transcribing them later.
A retiree writing about their first job, a cyclone season, or raising a family in the Whitsundays can create vivid, locally meaningful stories that no bestseller list could replicate.
You're not too late. You never were. If not now, when?
4 Ways to Start Today
Picture it: a book resting on your knee, a salt breeze drifting in off the Coral Sea, the afternoon unhurried. Now rewind. Where did that book come from?
Did it come from a warehouse interstate, picked by an algorithm, packed by a machine? Or did it travel a shorter, more personal road. Perhaps it was hand-selected by someone who knows this coast, these readers, this community? That difference matters more than we often stop to consider.
Books travel. Here, they travel with people.
The Whitsundays has a quiet but vital reading ecosystem. Independent bookshops curate their shelves with genuine care, often knowing their regulars by name and reading history. Newsagents remain an accessible, everyday touchpoint for readers who might not seek out a dedicated bookstore.
And the region's four public libraries stand as free, inclusive gateways. Places where discovery costs nothing and everyone is welcome. These aren't simply outlets. They're spaces where conversations happen, where a staff member might press a title into your hands and say, trust me on this one.
A bookseller is not an algorithm.
Unlike a platform that tracks clicks and serves recommendations based on data, a bookseller remembers what moved you last time. They champion local and emerging authors whose books might never surface in a search result. They bridge the gap between a story that exists and a reader who needs it – a quiet act of matchmaking that keeps regional voices visible and valued.
Local writers need local readers.
Authors in this region rely on these same shops, libraries, and community networks to reach the people most likely to connect with their work. The Whitsundays Writers Festival is where that relationship becomes visible. A gathering point for writers and readers to meet, to listen, to ask questions, and to recognise that literature is not distant or abstract. It is made by people from places exactly like this one. Buying a book locally, or borrowing one from your library, directly supports the writers and the cultural life of your own backyard.
Libraries deserve a second look.
If it's been a while since you visited, go back. Libraries offer far more than borrowing. They host events, support learning, and provide community spaces that welcome everyone regardless of budget or background.
In September do something simple: attend a session at the Whitsundays Writers Festival. Meet a local author. Ask them something real. Then pick up your next read close to home.
3 Ways to Support Local Reading
Whitsundays Writers Festival
Richard Evans
Festival Director and President
hello@whitsundayswriters.com
Book early to secure your place at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers
Creative Connections Whitsunday
Glenda Brown
President
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com
Visit the Community Gallery in Proserpine and save the date 30 July to 2 August for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.
Together, these two organisations champion the creative spirit of the Whitsundays – supporting writers, artists, and the cultural life of our region.
Sweet Foxy cross Coco just wants her forever family. Photo sourced: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Coco may be small in stature, but she has a heart big enough to fill an entire home. Now, all this gentle seven-year-old Foxy cross needs is someone to share her loving nature with.
Loyal, affectionate and wonderful with children, Coco has also been very popular with every dog she’s called a friend.
While she can be a tad anxious at times, it’s mainly because she’s looking for a calm and patient family who will let her settle in at her own pace, giving her the love and assurance she needs to relax.
Coco would be best suited to a home with secure fencing and no chooks or livestock to annoy her, where she can enjoy a quiet environment, with plenty of companionship.
If you think Coco could be the perfect addition to your family, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Coco" to begin the adoption process.
Left: Emma and Anthony Colfelt at Whitsunday Cairn, one of the walks featured in the Walking The Whitsundays book. Photograph credit: Felix Colfelt
A new guide to walking the Whitsundays has been launched by the family behind the region's much-loved boating "Bible", following more than a decade of research, island adventures and one broken ankle.
Published by Windward Publications, Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is a 304-page guide covering 45 walks across the Whitsunday islands, Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen.
Designed as the hiking companion to 100 Magic Miles, it features maps, photographs, elevation profiles and practical information, alongside insights into the region's history, wildlife, geology and culture.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the book encourages visitors and locals to discover another side of the region.
"Walking The Whitsundays encourages people to slow down, explore more deeply and experience a different side of the landscapes, stories and natural beauty that make this region so special," Mr Booth said.
Anthony Colfelt said the book grew naturally from a lifetime of walking the Whitsundays with his family.
"The walks have always been a big part of our sailing trips," he said.
"We have long wanted to include more about them in 100 Magic Miles, but quickly realised they deserved a book in their own right because they are not just for boaties. These walks are for everybody."
The guide includes national park island walks, resort island walks and selected mainland tracks around Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen, including the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail and the new Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island.
The Colfelts began researching the project in 2011, exploring the islands by boat, camping and walking as many tracks as possible while continuing to update new editions of 100 Magic Miles.
The project wasn't without setbacks. While photographing Coral Cove on Hamilton Island, Emma Colfelt slipped on a wet rock and broke her ankle, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. Much of the book's writing and historical research was completed from bed while she recovered.
"Having the book to focus on helped me cope with the pain after surgery and the weeks stuck in bed," she said.
Anthony Colfelt said the accident became part of the story behind the book.
"It was a reminder that this book was a real family effort," he said.
"Researched on foot, refined around the kitchen table and, at one point, written from a sick bed."
The guide also explores the Whitsundays' rich history, from the enduring connection of the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people to Country through to early settlers and the pioneers of island tourism. Alongside local stories and wildlife observations, it features previously unpublished historical photographs and images by photojournalist Sharon Smallwood, capturing a side of the region many visitors never experience.
Emma Colfelt said she hoped the guide would encourage more people to explore the Whitsundays on foot.
"We hope the book inspires people to explore, helps them know what to expect, and enriches their experience of this special place," she said.
Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is available now for $49.95 from The Beach Book Boutique in Airlie Beach, News Whitsunday in Cannonvale, Trader Pete's on Hamilton Island, selected local outlets and online at 100magicmiles.com.
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