A 29-year-old woman has died following a serious single-vehicle crash at Sarina on May 13^th, with the Forensic Crash Unit continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.  

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Around 6.15pm, emergency services were called to reports a Toyota Hilux utility had lost control and crashed on Homebush Road.  

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The male driver, aged 25, sustained minor injuries, while the female passenger suffered life-threatening head injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital, where she later passed away.  

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Police are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage. Tributes shared online describe her as a “beautiful young woman,” with heartfelt messages of love, loss and condolences from family and friends mourning a life gone too soon.

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Volunteers from the Mackay SES are among the thousands of Queenslanders being recognised during the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Community volunteers across Mackay and the Whitsundays are being celebrated as part of the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards, which recognised nearly 50,000 volunteers across the state.

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This year’s awards featured 275 nominations, recognising volunteers working across emergency services, sporting clubs, charities, tourism events and community support programs.

Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said volunteers played a vital role in keeping Queensland communities connected and supported.

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“Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, and our government is proud to be delivering practical support and recognition for the people who selflessly give their time to help others,” Minister Leahy said.

Mackay and Whitsundays communities rely heavily on volunteers across major events, surf lifesaving clubs, emergency response groups and local sporting organisations.

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“These awards are about honouring the thousands of Queenslanders who step up every day to support others, strengthen communities and deliver real impact across our state,” she said.

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CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said volunteers continued to support their communities during challenging economic times.

“At a time when cost of living pressures and increasing demand for support are placing strain on Queenslanders, volunteers continue to step up and be the steady hands helping to hold our communities together,” Ms Hedger said.

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Since launching in 2016, the Queensland Volunteering Awards have highlighted the efforts of volunteers and organisations making significant contributions across the state.

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The team at Belle Property Whitsundays at ‘A Morning For Fern’ on Sunday. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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The community came together on Sunday to raise money for single-mum, Fern Wilson, who is battling incurable cancer following a second tragic diagnosis earlier this year.

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Fern had spent two years in remission after successful treatment for stage 3 breast cancer in 2023, but sadly began to feel unwell in January and scans confirmed the worst.

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As the devastating news reached the community, many people rallied around to show their support and within a matter of weeks planning for ‘A Morning For Fern’ was underway.  

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Organised by Reanne Burnett and hosted by Steph McQuirter and her team at Belle Property Whitsundays, the event saw more than 300 people attend on Sunday morning.

Following dedicated effort from a broad support team, an impressive $30,000 was raised to help Fern as she navigates her battle for survival from Bali where she is currently receiving treatment.

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A total of 35 raffle prizes, contributed by 70 local businesses and valued at $3,000, were up for grabs on the day. These items raised $9,602.

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In addition, 15 silent auction prizes generated a further $6,044 and a GoFundMe site garnered $14,120.

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With additional donations still filtering in, organisers are expecting to exceed this amount in the coming days.

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Every cent is going directly towards Fern, taking away the financial pressure as she navigates life and embraces hope for the future.

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Earlier this week, Fern thanked everyone who had contributed towards making the morning a success.

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“I especially want to thank Belle for putting together this beautiful morning tea and for all the love, effort, and support that has gone into making today possible. Your kindness means more to me than words can express,” she shared.

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“To all the sponsors and everyone who donated the incredible prizes - thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity is helping make my overseas treatment possible and is giving me the opportunity to continue healing, living, and fighting for my future.”

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“I also want to say a very special thank you to Jacquie from the Trudy Crawley Foundation, and to the beautiful nurses Kris and Rosie, for supporting me throughout my cancer journey. They have been an absolute godsend and such a blessing in my life.”

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‘A Morning For Fern’ was kindly supported by a host of local vendors who all donated their time on the day, many also giving their proceeds to Fern.

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Lumos café, Whitsunday Sweet Delights, Mrs Beans Coffee Van, Rilo real fruit ice cream & smoothies, Smoking Gunns BBQ, Samuel McCann Musician, Cliolistic Face painting, Elementa – 74 Island Bar and Top Tukka all donated their services.

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The following businesses also contributed to making the event special: Palm Co Media- Videographer, TP Events and Styling, Karen Hill Florists and The Balloon Emporium.

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Organisers would also like to thank all the local businesses who donated prizes on the day and everyone who came along to the event and contributed to the money raised.

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Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort (left) and Officer in Charge of Ayr Police Station Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields (right) with survivors following the tragic bus rollover near Gumlu. Photo: Jacob Casha

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A bus crash in Gumlu, north of Bowen last week, has made national news after the incident tragically took the life of one of the passengers.  

Emergency Services were called to the Bruce Highway north of Bowen just before 4pm on May 14^th after the southbound flexibus travelling from Cairns to Airlie Beach left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Passengers were transported to hospitals across Townsville, Ayr and Bowen.  

According to passengers, the bus driver had warned everyone that the bus was ‘not the best one’, before the departure. A bus crash occurred on the same stretch of highway two years ago, claiming three lives.  

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Tragedy On Bruce Highway As Bus Rolls Near Gumlu

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A young overseas tourist has died and dozens of passengers were left shaken after a bus crash near Gumlu last Thursday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the Bruce Highway north of Bowen just before 4pm on 14^th May, after a southbound FlixBus travelling from Cairns to Airlie Beach left the roadway and rolled onto its side.

The bus was carrying 29 people at the time of the crash. The driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was taken to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries.

Police confirmed 26-year-old Serena Andreatta, a dual Argentinian and Italian national, died at the scene.

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Several other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals in Townsville, Ayr and Bowen for treatment.

One passenger who survived the crash told Life Publishing they became concerned about the bus’s movements in the hours before the rollover.

“I did not feel so safe,” the passenger said, claiming the bus appeared to be “swerving” at times.

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The passenger said the concern prompted them to fasten their seatbelt.

They then recalled the bus striking a barrier before rolling, describing chaotic scenes inside the vehicle as passengers and belongings were thrown around the cabin.

Following the crash, passengers were cared for in Ayr overnight before continuing their journey south on another bus.

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Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort attended to check on passengers and assisted in sourcing medication for those affected. Passengers lauded the response efforts of Burdekin Shire Council, Ayr Police, and the wider community.

The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.

The incident occurred on the same stretch of highway where a fatal Greyhound bus crash in 2024 claimed three lives.

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Superintendent Dean Cavanagh described the crash scene as “very confronting” and praised emergency crews for their rapid response.

“This was a very complex incident, it was a very serious incident, and it was in an isolated area,” he said.

“Although we tragically lost a life, I believe that effort that we saw absolutely went into saving many [more].”

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Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins issued support, thanking the emergency service providers who promptly responded.

“My thoughts are with those involved, their family and loved ones, and the first responders, including our council traffic crews who worked through a very serious incident.”

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Premier David Crisafulli described the incident as a tragedy, expressing condolences for the woman who died and noting multiple patients were still fighting for life in hospital.

He declined to speculate the cause of the crash, but reiterated his commitment to improving safety on the Bruce Highway.

“It’s a road that means everything to the state, and it’s a road that’s a long way short of where it should be.”

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the winners of its 2026 Stanza Bonanza poetry competition and inaugural Fast Fiction competition, showcasing storytelling talent inspired by the Whitsundays’ landscapes, people and imagination.

Sydney writer and journalist Linda Daniele was named the winner of the 2026 Stanza Bonanza poetry competition, while Airlie Beach author Natalie Stockdale took out the festival’s first Fast Fiction title.

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Presented to mark World Poetry Day, the Stanza Bonanza competition invited poets of all levels to submit an original poem of up to 20 lines inspired by the prompt: “A Whitsundays postcard from 100 years ago, or 100 years from now.”

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Meanwhile, the Fast Fiction competition — launched for International Day of Storytelling — challenged writers to craft a story in 250 words or less responding to the prompt: “Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach…”

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Festival Director Richard Evans said both competitions attracted a strong response from writers across a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels.

“The response to Stanza Bonanza was a wonderful reminder of how powerfully poetry can connect place, memory and imagination,” Richard said.

“Writers embraced the prompt in inventive and surprising ways, and the standard of entries was exceptionally strong.”

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Speaking about the inaugural Fast Fiction competition, Richard said the quality of submissions highlighted the creativity within the region and beyond.

“The standard of entries in our first Fast Fiction competition was excellent,” he said.

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“It was exciting to see so many writers embrace the challenge of telling a compelling story with limited words and time.”

Based in Sydney, Ms Daniele is a writer, journalist and editor who has worked in legal publishing for more than 15 years, alongside freelance journalism and editorial work for On The Side. Her writing has also been recognised in the Sydney Mardi Gras Short Story Competition.

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Her winning poem, Dear You—, explored themes of memory, time and environmental reflection through imagery inspired by the Whitsundays landscape.

Airlie Beach-based Ms Stockdale is published by Big Sky Publishing and works professionally as a memoir writer. Like many locals, she draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, including Whitehaven Beach, which she describes as “our own backyard”.

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Her winning short story follows a man confronting memories of conflict after discovering a rusted rifle washed ashore decades after losing it during the Rhodesian conflict.

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A highlight of the Fast Fiction competition was the participation of students from Whitsunday Christian College and Proserpine State School.

“Seeing teachers and students encourage with the competition reminds us why these opportunities matter – they create space for young people to imagine, write, and share their voices,” Richard said.

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Both winners will receive a $100 cash prize and a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, which will be held on Sunday, September 13, at the Whitsunday Marine Club.

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Richard encouraged entrants to continue exploring opportunities through the festival’s literary programs and competitions.

“We’re grateful to everyone who entered,” he said.

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“The quality of work we received was inspiring, and we encourage all entrants to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep sharing their work.”

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Festival organisers have confirmed the full 2026 program and tickets are now available through the festival website.

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Bella is looking for her forever family in the Whitsundays and beyond.  

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She is a one year old Staffordshire cross, medium sized, full of love, and so ready for someone to choose her and mean it.

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She has been through more than most. Surrendered, rehomed, then unwell, and then without a home again through no fault of her own. Through all of it she has remained gentle, affectionate, and completely devoted to the people around her.

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Bella loves children, thrives on connection, and just wants to be close to her people. She is best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time because when she has her person, she gives everything she has.

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She has already been through so much. She just needs someone to choose her for life.

To adopt Bella, DM Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc on Facebook with your name, phone number and "Bella".  

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The adoption fee is $400. She is microchipped, recovered and healthy.

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Tamara Noble and Rebecca Woods from the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre with raffle prizes at the organisation’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has raised $1,860 for Cancer Council Queensland during its annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event.

Held with a tropical theme, the fundraiser brought together locals for a colourful morning filled with community spirit, laughter and friendly competition, including prizes for the loudest tropical shirt.

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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre thanked everyone who attended, donated and supported the event, with special recognition given to Club Whitsunday for partnering on the event and providing the brunch menu.

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Organisers said events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea highlight the strength of the local community in supporting people impacted by cancer.

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Volunteers with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. sort and remove marine debris collected from Whitsunday islands as part of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef and turn ocean waste into recycled products. Photo supplied

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A new North Queensland billboard campaign is calling on the community to help turn ocean waste into something useful, as Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. continues its mission to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

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Every year, Eco Barge removes tonnes of marine debris from islands across the reef. Now, in partnership with Paradise Outdoor Advertising (POA), the organisation is urging locals to join volunteers in transforming 24 tonnes of collected ocean waste into recycled products.

The campaign, displayed across key regional locations, encourages people to sign up and become part of the solution by volunteering in the Whitsundays.

Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, said the initiative represents an important next step in the organisation’s work.

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“Every piece of marine debris we remove from the islands has a story,” Libby said.  

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“With the support of our volunteers, we’re now working to transform that debris into new products, showing that what washes up on our shores can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.”

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Since 2009, Eco Barge volunteers have removed 277,947 kilograms of marine debris, completed 569 clean-up trips, engaged 14,291 volunteers, and cared for 297 sick and injured marine turtles.

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POA CEO Mitch James said billboards were a powerful way to inspire action. “Billboards are designed to capture attention and deliver a powerful message, in this case giving people an opportunity to protect the Great Barrier Reef through local action.”

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He added the campaign aims to turn awareness into participation across the region.

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The campaign will run year-round. More information is available at www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au

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Zoran teaches self-defence across all age groups, equipping individuals with important skills. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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With 43 years of experience across 8 different martial arts, Whitsunday local Zoran Stublin is passionate about bringing his expertise to the region. Zoran runs the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy, a completely free community initiative open to all members of the public.  

Zoran’s approach to self-defence training comes from a synthesis of 8 different martial arts – Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Ninjutsu, Kyosho, Jutsu, Kapap, Krav Maga and Russian systema.

Moving to Whitsundays in 2021, he set up what is now known as the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy to provide guidance to the community on public safety and self-protection.  

Zoran has also taken his training across the country, acting as a visiting instructor in Melbourne and Cairns.

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Zoran’s professional background plays a huge part in what he does. His military training and additional consultancy work in security and government have helped him form a program that extends beyond just physical defence – examining ways to navigate different social situations when a person is under threat.

“It’s not just about martial arts.” Zoran said.  

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“There is a psychological element. I teach people how to recognise sociopaths and psychopaths. I also teach them how to de-escalate aggressive situations.”  

“When I started the academy, a major issue amongst kids was bullying and harassment. I started a bullying programme that looks at navigating those situations. I also developed a specialised programme for women and self-defence. I teach them about home intrusion and provide tips on how to use everyday household objects such as spoons, towels and pans to defend themselves.”

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Zoran’s self-defence program also covers theft attempts in carparks, sexual predators, abductions, kidnappings and ATM holdups.  

“I’ve tried to create a realistic programme to equip people with skills for domestic situations.” He said.

Participants attend the class in their everyday clothes to prepare them for potential real-life situations.

“When you make someone wear a uniform in a dojo it creates a certain kind of psychology. They may be unprepared in a real-life situation without their uniform.” Zoran explained.  

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“Making people wear civil clothes removes the comfort that someone might get from putting on a uniform and prepares them better for real life situations.”  

In the midst of Queensland Domestic and Violence month, Zoran’s priority is ensuring protection in domestic environments.

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“It’s an issue in the region. I collaborate with counselling services, providing tips such as arrangement of furniture that would allow easier escape routes and better protection.”  

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At the core of Zoran’s initiative is a passionate desire to help the community as much as he can.  

“My only aim for the region is to promote confidence in people, so they don’t walk around with fear. I’m not teaching them to be paranoid, but rather to be aware. I want to provide everyone with basic tools for their toolbox that they can take out when they need it.”

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Sessions are conducted at Club Whitsunday every Tuesday and Thursday with kids’ sessions running from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and adult sessions commencing at 6pm.

Zoran strongly urges anyone interested to come along.

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Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer, Julia Evans said many Whitsunday businesses were built over decades through personal sacrifice and should not be treated as speculative investments. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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By Julia Evans
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer 

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has listened to the deep concern among local business owners following last week’s Federal Budget.

Proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing settings, particularly the potential move from the 50 per cent CGT discount to inflation indexation, have raised serious questions for family businesses, farmers, and sole operators across our region.

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For many Whitsunday business owners, their enterprise is not a speculative asset. It is a lifetime of hard work, a retirement plan, a family legacy, and the backbone of local employment.

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Under current proposals, when that business is sold to fund retirement, the tax outcome could be significantly higher, especially for those who built value over decades from modest starting capital. That risk is not abstract. It directly affects succession planning, reinvestment, and the economic stability of our communities.

In the Whitsundays, around 4,200 businesses employ more than 21,000 people. They already carry the weight of income tax, company tax, payroll tax, GST, and rising compliance costs from federal, state and local governments. Adding poorly designed CGT changes without proper regional consultation would risk making local businesses collateral damage in a national tax debate.

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But this statement is not about attacking the government.

It is a clear signal that the Whitsunday business community cannot afford to be silent or fragmented. The scarcity of visible consultation with our North Queensland region reinforces one hard truth: without a strong, united voice, our realities will not be understood in Canberra.

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The Chamber is calling on every regional business – micro, family, or medium-sized – to join us. Not just to complain, but to shape solutions. To feed real experiences into advocacy that matters. To ensure that future policy encourages investment, not uncertainty, and backs the people who build regional Australia.

As one, we are a strong and loud voice. Alone, we are easily overlooked.

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages all local businesses to become members and help drive a practical, united response to the policy challenges ahead.

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Each year the Federal Budget arrives with big headlines and plenty of commentary, and this year has been no exception. The recent Budget has generated most of its attention around proposed changes to property taxation, particularly capital gains tax and negative gearing, while at the same time leaving the superannuation and pension system largely untouched.

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The biggest proposed changes relate to property investors. The Government has flagged plans to limit negative gearing on residential property so that, from 1 July 2027, it would apply only to newly constructed dwellings. Existing investment properties would be grandfathered, meaning current owners could continue using negative gearing under today’s rules until they sell. The stated aim is to encourage new housing supply and improve affordability for first‑home buyers.

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Alongside this is a proposed overhaul of capital gains tax. The familiar 50 per cent discount for assets held longer than 12 months would be replaced with an inflation‑based indexation method, combined with a minimum tax rate on realised gains. These changes are also proposed to start from 1 July 2027 and would apply prospectively, with transitional rules to ensure gains already accrued are not retrospectively taxed under the new system.

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While these announcements sound dramatic, it is important to remember that they are proposals only. None of these measures are law yet, and they will not take effect for more than a year at the earliest.

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In contrast, there were very few new announcements affecting superannuation and the Age Pension. Most Australians will see little direct change to the retirement system as a result of this Budget. Previously legislated measures, such as the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee to 12 per cent and the introduction of payday super from July 2026, are proceeding as planned, but these were already known. Pension rates will continue to be adjusted through the normal indexation process, and there were no major structural changes announced.

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Another key point often lost in the Budget noise is the legislative process itself. For these tax changes to become law, they must be drafted into legislation and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in identical form before receiving Royal Assent. This process can take months, and it is common for amendments to be made along the way, particularly for complex or controversial tax measures.

History shows that what is announced on Budget night is not always what ultimately becomes law. Start dates, thresholds and exemptions can change as legislation moves through Parliament.

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For investors, retirees and those planning ahead, the sensible response is not to panic or rush into decisions based on headlines. This is a time to review, seek advice if needed, and wait for clarity. In Canberra, as in financial markets, proposed change and final outcomes are often not the same thing.

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If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.

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This year brought a few surprises. So did some of your legal questions.

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Whether it was "Can I leave my estate to my dog?" or "Do I really need a lawyer to buy land off my cousin?" - we’ve heard it all. And we’re still smiling.

Here’s to another year of good advice, plenty of coffee, and helping our local community through whatever comes next.

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Whitsunday Law – Still here. Still local. Still on your side.

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What a milestone moment for our market. On Sunday, 10^th May our auction event exceeded expectations, generating incredible energy, strong buyer interest, and competitive bidding across 8 of our 13 auctions. One property even sold prior to auction, highlighting the urgency and demand created before the day began.

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Most excitingly, the event reignited buyer engagement across several properties that had experienced quieter enquiry periods, with multiple homes now in active post-auction negotiations with motivated buyers.

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The atmosphere in the room was electric and a powerful reminder of what a well-executed auction campaign can achieve for buyers, sellers, and the broader market.

Stay tuned...the best results may still be to come.

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Photo supplied

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Bird’s Fish Bar is becoming more than just a local spot for fresh seafood and fish and chips — it’s also becoming one of Bowen’s most unique waterfront function spaces.

The newly expanded dining area offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere perfect for gatherings of all sizes. From intimate baby showers and birthdays to corporate functions, Christmas parties, weddings, wakes and community events, the space can be tailored to suit both casual and formal occasions.

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Located right on Bowen Marina, the bar is home to stunning views of the bay, boasting some of Bowen’s most vibrant and stunning coastal scenery. As the sun sets over the water and fishing boats drift through the marina, the venue transforms into a truly memorable setting that captures the relaxed spirit of North Queensland living.

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With fresh local seafood at the heart of the menu, guests can enjoy everything from grazing platters and seafood smorgasbords to casual fish and chip style catering, offering something for everyone. Freshly caught local produce and a genuine paddock-and-ocean-to-plate approach add to the experience, giving guests a real taste of the region. The licensed bar, waterfront views and indoor/outdoor dining options create the perfect setting for locals and visitors alike to celebrate special moments.

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As a third-generation family-owned business, Bowen’s Fish Bar pride themselves on creating a welcoming and authentic Bowen experience while showcasing the best seafood our region has to offer. Their passion for local hospitality and connection to the community shines through in every event, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and memorable.

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This is more than just a food and drink venue; it is a wonderful experience that brings together the best aspects of Bowen – its beauty, charm and laid-back vibe. Guests can relax with the sea breeze, enjoy fresh seafood straight from local waters, and soak in the vibrant marina atmosphere that makes Bowen such a special destination.

Whether it’s a long lunch, a business gathering, or a milestone celebration, Bird’s Fish Bar offers a unique “boat-to-plate” experience that combines fresh local seafood, relaxed hospitality and one of Bowen’s best marina views.

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Burdekin Member Dale Last with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli Photo source: Facebook

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has issued his response to the 2026/2027 Federal Budget, stating the Burdekin’s farmers, motorists, resource workers, families and small businesses had every right to feel disappointed.

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“The Burdekin’s major industries have been economic powerhouses, not only for our state but our nation and the hardworking men and women in those sectors have every right to feel like they have been treated like cash cows,” Mr Last said.

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“Looking across the state, there is no new infrastructure funding and an attempt by the federal government to turn their backs on a funding agreement to provide the crucial safety upgrades we need for the Bruce Highway.”

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“The Crisafulli Government fought hard to reinstate the 80-20 funding deal with the federal government for the nationally recognised highway after it fell by the wayside under the former Labor state government.”

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“The Bruce Highway is an artery to the beating heart of industries that drive our nation’s economy and in the North we have called for a co-ordinated approach to back the investment that artery needs, yet the federal budget fell short of this.”

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Mr Last said the hit for regional communities didn’t stop at the highway with $21.4 million cut from regional communications and a key federal program supporting feral pest eradication projects stripped of funding from 2027/2028.

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“Our major industries deserve to have federal government support reflecting the contribution they give to our nation’s economy, be it funding to manage biosecurity risks, having reliable communications or safer roads to connect our paddocks to export markets.

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“At a time of uncertainty rather than showing leadership, the federal government has placed more pressure on our essential services, our housing and current infrastructure, leaving Queensland to do more with less.”

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