Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Zach Houtenville A family of four was winched to safety in an early morning helicopter rescue last weekend after their vessel ran aground on a Reef about 120 kilometres offshore. On the afternoon of 18th September, Gary Dorman and his family departed the Whitsundays aboard their yacht, setting off for a 30-to-36-hour passage to Herald Cays, about 180 nautical miles north, where they planned to anchor and explore the remote islands and reefs. But at around 1am, while Gary kept watch, the voyage took a terrifying turn. Despite the family’s electronic charts showing they were travelling through deep water, the yacht suddenly struck a reef north of Elizabeth Reef, coming to an abrupt stop before listing about 60 degrees onto its side. “The first thing I noticed was that the dinghy had started to surf on white water, like a small wave, and then we came to a stop,” Gary said. “The boat listed to about 60 degrees because the keel was sitting on the reef, leaving it supported by the keel and the side of the hull.” The family placed a Mayday call via satellite phone and activated their emergency beacon, but what followed was six harrowing hours as waves repeatedly lifted the yacht and slammed it back onto the reef. “It’s a horrific sound, having the keel scrape along the rocky bottom of the ocean while the boat groans as it tries to stay together,” Gary said. “For six hours, we were being thrown around by waves, as the boat would lift slightly as each wave hit, then fall onto its side again and be dragged along the bottom.” Gary praised the way his family remained calm during the ordeal, working together as a team to manage the situation until help arrived. “All three of them handled it remarkably,” Gary said. “They understood the gravity of the situation and knew we had to keep it together, work as a team and get each other through it.” Within an hour of the distress call, a rescue vessel was launched from Airlie Beach, while an AMSA Challenger jet arrived soon after to monitor the stranded family from above. As daylight approached, the BMA CQ Rescue helicopter was dispatched from Mackay, reaching the yacht around sunrise as its condition continued to deteriorate. With the mast and violent movement of the vessel making it too dangerous to approach directly, a rescue swimmer was lowered into the water before helping each family member reach the winch cable. “The rescue crew were absolutely fantastic, from the pilot and paramedic through to the rescue swimmer,” Gary said. “One by one, she took my family from the boat. It would have been a lot more difficult if we had needed to be rescued from that reef by another vessel.” The family was winched to safety and, despite the ordeal, escaped relatively unscathed, other than Gary sustaining a minor head injury. While grateful his family survived, Gary said the incident had raised serious concerns about the reliability of electronic navigational charts. He said the reef was missing from the electronic charts used aboard the yacht, which showed the family travelling through deep water when the vessel ran aground, and one he claims was visible on paper maps. “This was a known reef because it’s on the paper charts, but it’s not on the electronic charts,” Gary said. “It’s unacceptable that, this close to mainland Australia, we have charts that are not showing hazardous terrain.” For Gary, ensuring those hazards are accurately mapped could prevent another family from enduring the same ordeal. Photo 1- Marooned boat north of Elizabeth Reef. Photo supplied: BMA CQ Rescue
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By Hannah McNamara On Friday 11th September, women from all walks of life gathered at the Barrel Room Deli Nook to take part in the ‘Women Over 40’ Portrait Project Exhibition, where stories and smile lines were captured and framed in celebration of the lives and stories of 16 women over 40. Behind the art was Alyce Holzy, owner of Holzy Photography and Boudoir By Alyce. The idea stemmed from Alyce’s passion for portraits which she says was inspired by the photographs on the walls of her Nan’s house, as well as the recent milestone of turning 40 herself. On the night of the event, Alyce stood by the entryway admiring all the women she had photographed, now gathered together in one space and staring at their pictures framed on the wall. With tears in her eyes, she expressed her immense gratitude and honour for the women who had been part of her special project. “Now that it’s all here, I’m pretty emotional watching everyone’s reactions.” “It’s just lovely to see everyone supporting one another.” “There’s laughter, there’s joy, and I can see there’s some realisation of the amount of work that’s gone into this project … I’m still pinching myself that all of this has come together, and here we are celebrating these incredible women and the stories they bring with them.” “I’m really proud of this project, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out.” Throughout the project, women were pampered, photographed and professionally framed, with each participant also given the opportunity to share her story. A coffee-table-style book was created featuring the women and their stories, with each participant gifted a copy at the special exhibition and gala. Alyce said the project has become close to her heart, filled with moments of connection, laughter and emotion. “I’ve had laughs with some of the women, even belly laughs!” “I’ve also shed tears with some of the women – it’s truly been a touching experience.” The project also proudly supported The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay, with the 40 Over 40 Portrait Project donating $1,600 to the organisation. Alyce also acknowledged the local businesses, organisations and community members who helped bring the project to life, thanking Funk It Up Mackay, Atkins Lab, Barrel Room by Plattered Up/The Deli Nook, Soleil Coastal, Nancy’s Gym, Ella Bache Mackay, Laffos, Hotel Mackay, Laffos Cookies, The Avenue, Hairway Mackay and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, as well as the many unsung heroes who advocated for the 40 Over 40 Project. Local women gathered at Barrel Room Deli Nook to celebrate 16 women and their stories through Alyce Holzy’s ‘Women Over 40’ Portrait Project Exhibition. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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I reckon there are several things that give a true indication of an underlying confidence in a city’s economy and its future. There might be many others that I am far too unsophisticated to have noted but the ones I am referring to are: new childcare centres, new aged care facilities and pub renovations. When companies invest money in the construction and infrastructure required for these businesses they have had to do their research. The cost of building and fitting out a childcare centre is huge and there are new ones dotted around Mackay. You don’t invest the sort of money that is required for that unless you are very, very confident that there is going to be a strong and prolonged demand for the services of the childcare centre. Now this is one of the many areas in which I have no expertise whatsoever, however I find myself thinking about these things and I imagine there are a few key things that an investor in child care centres takes into account before deciding to spend millions of dollars building a new facility. One reasonably obvious question they would ask themselves is: are there going to be enough kids in this town to create the demand we need to justify the investment we are making? There might be lots of kids now but will there be plenty in 10 years’ time? I imagine that if the answer to those questions is “no”, the childcare operators would walk away before spending the money. But there has been a proliferation of childcare centres. Now these kids are not hanging around Mackay by themselves; they are part of families and have parents who are living and working in Mackay. The childcare operator obviously feel that these families are putting down roots in Mackay. They’re not fly-by-nighters, they are here for the long-term, working, buying a property, raising kids. It’s similar with aged care facilities and retirement homes. You don’t invest the enormous amount of money required to set them up unless you expect long-term strong demand for the services of the facility. These facilities are for people who have spent significant portions of their lives in Mackay. Many of them will have families, adult children and grandkids who are still in the region and nearby. Just like the decision to build childcare centres, you only invest in them if you have done your research and strongly believe that there is going to be continuing population growth that will sustain your investment for many years to come. You don’t invest if you think the city is heading for a decline in activity and population. It’s a great vote of confidence in Mackay. The city has a strong, more diverse economy and offers employment and lifestyle opportunities that attract people from all over the country. Coal is still a driver of our economy but most of what we dig up and export is coking coal, which is used to make steel. Iron ore and coking coal creates steel and we have the best coal in the world. We do have a more diverse economy these days, which adds to the confidence. As for pubs, several have been extensively renovated and brought to life in the past couple of years. The thing about pubs is that they rely on customers having discretionary income … spare cash that they can spend at the bistro with the family, having a few beers with mates on a Friday night. Again, that is a vote of confidence in Mackay’s economy and its future. The evidence is telling the pub investors that Mackay is a vibrant, busy city with a good economy where people make enough money to enjoy the social side of life. Otherwise you wouldn’t invest the millions in renovating pubs and bringing them back to life. At a time of national concern about the Australian property market, all this bodes well for the Mackay property sector.
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Photo source: ShutterstockWhat if some of the waste going into your kitchen bin each week could instead help feed your garden? Starting a compost cycle at home does not have to be complicated, and even a small backyard can have a simple system that turns everyday food scraps and garden waste into useful compost. At its most basic, composting is about combining different types of organic material and allowing them to break down naturally. There are plenty of everyday items that can become part of the compost pile, including: Fruit and vegetable scraps Fruit and vegetable peels Coffee grounds and coffee filters Tea leaves and tea bags, provided the bag is compostable Crushed eggshells Fresh grass clippings Dry leaves Small garden prunings Flowers and plant trimmings Weeds before they have gone to seed Straw and untreated hay Shredded newspaper Plain, non-glossy paper Uncoated cardboard, torn or cut into smaller pieces Small amounts of untreated sawdust or wood shavings A good place to start is with a compost bin, tumbler or designated area of the garden. It should have some airflow and ideally be positioned somewhere convenient, rather than hidden away where it will be forgotten. The trick is finding a balance between ‘green’ and ‘brown’ materials. Green materials are generally wetter and richer in nitrogen, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, fresh grass clippings and coffee grounds. Brown materials provide carbon and include dry leaves, cardboard, paper and other dry garden material. Rather than filling the compost with one type of material, try to mix the two. If the pile becomes very wet or starts to smell, it may need more dry material and airflow. If it is very dry and nothing seems to be breaking down, adding some moisture can help. Food scraps can be added gradually. Chopping larger pieces into smaller pieces can also help them break down faster. There are some things best left out of a basic backyard compost system. Meat, bones, dairy products, oils and greasy foods can attract unwanted pests and create problems. Avoid adding pet waste, diseased plants and materials that may contain chemicals or contaminants. A healthy compost pile should smell earthy rather than rotten. Turning or mixing it occasionally helps introduce oxygen and distributes moisture and materials throughout the pile. Eventually, the scraps and garden waste you started with will become a dark, crumbly material that can be added to garden beds or mixed into soil.
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It's been another busy few weeks across Mackay, with Child Protection Week providing an important opportunity to reflect on the responsibility we all share in keeping children safe, alongside a range of activities involving local schools, community groups and organisations.
This week I had the pleasure of meeting with students from Mackay State High School during their visit to Queensland Parliament in Brisbane. School visits to Parliament provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn about our democratic system, ask questions and gain a firsthand understanding of how government works. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged and interested in the parliamentary process.
Last week, I also attended a number of Child Protection Week events, including the Lotus Place CQ Remembrance Day ceremony and Party in the Park. These events highlighted the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children and young people can thrive, while recognising the vital role our community plays in protecting and supporting local families.
Community safety continues to be a priority for many local residents, which is why I'm encouraging people to get involved in our upcoming Secure Your Home Day event at Wake House Australia in Andergrove on 23 September at 3:00pm until 4:45pm.
Delivered in partnership with Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, the event will provide practical advice on home security, crime prevention and CCTV registration. The event is designed to help residents protect their homes, keep our children safer on our roads, reduce opportunities for theft and connect with others who share an interest in building safer communities.
There has also been encouraging news on the crime front, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing a decline in the number of crime victims across Queensland over the past 12 months. While there is always more work to do, any reduction in crime is positive news for families, businesses and communities across our region.
While community safety remains important, it's equally important to celebrate local successes. I'd also like to congratulate local business owner Danny Aprile from Happy Bagel, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 AusMumpreneurAwards in the Tourism and Hospitality category.
Many locals will know Danny from the markets, where her handcrafted bagels have become a favourite. What started in her home kitchen has grown into a thriving small business, and she will now proudly represent Mackay on the national stage in Sydney later this month. We wish Danny every success and thank her for showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our region so special.
Supporting local community groups also remains an important focus. Round 127 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open, providing eligible organisations with an opportunity to secure funding of up to $35,000 for projects and equipment that benefit the community.
Recently, I visited the Magpie District Dog Obedience Club to see the new ATV purchased with support from a previous funding round. It was great to see firsthand how these grants deliver practical outcomes for local organisations and help volunteers continue the important work they do across our region.
As always, if I can assist you with any State Government matter, please contact my electorate office.
Nigel Dalton MP
Member for Mackay
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The Mackay Malayalee Association (MMA) celebrated Onam on 5th September at Tommy Webster Memorial Hall in Walkerston, bringing community members and guests together for a day of cultural performances, traditional food and family activities.
MMA is a non-profit organisation representing people from Kerala, a southern state of India. Onam is celebrated by Malayalees around the world and honours the legendary King Mahabali’s annual return to visit his people.
The celebrations began with a welcome address from MMA President Nidheeshkumar, followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting led by chief guest and Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Willimson.
Mayor Willimson was joined for the ceremony by Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, Council Community Development Officer Tamara Flynn and Mackay Indian Association President Oilver Sabu.
The event featured a range of cultural performances, including the traditional Thiruvathira dance, as well as presentations by adults and children.
Senior community member Ledger Zacharia Fernandez was also honoured during the event, while MMA Secretary Jinoop Palakkunnel delivered the vote of thanks.
Following the performances, guests enjoyed a traditional Onam feast before taking part in outdoor games for families and children. Tug-of-war competitions for both men and women added to the day's activities.
The celebration brought together members of Mackay’s Malayalee community to share Kerala’s traditions, culture and food while strengthening community connections.
Mackay’s Malayalee community came together to celebrate Onam with traditional food, cultural performances, family activities and community spirit. Photo credit: Reji Rajan
Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock
By Hannah McNamara
Youth mentoring program Project Booyah is sparking discussion in Mackay, with concerns being raised by local parents about the reduced role of Queensland Police Service officers in the program.
The program, which has been operating in Mackay since 2021, supports disconnected and at-risk young people through mentoring, practical skills, education, training and employment opportunities, with the aim of building confidence, resilience and stronger connections with the community.
Project Booyah has traditionally been delivered through a partnership between the Queensland Police Service and PCYC, with police officers playing a hands-on role alongside youth workers.
It is understood that new changes mean the program’s delivery will now sit with the youth workers, with police being involved in a reduced capacity compared with their previous hands-on role.
Parent Kristy Lee Fox, whose daughter completed Project Booyah earlier this year, has publicly raised concerns about changes to the program.
“This is not about PCYC versus QPS,” Kristy said.
“The PCYC youth workers do an incredible job and are an important part of Booyah. What we are fighting for is to preserve the partnership that already works and, particularly, the direct, hands-on involvement of QPS officers with the young people throughout the program.”
Kristy said her daughter’s experience had highlighted the importance of the relationship between participants and police.
“When she was recently asked whether she would have done the program if it wasn’t for the police officer who led her cohort, her immediate answer was ‘No.’
“I completely understand the importance of frontline policing, but I also believe prevention is frontline policing,” Kristy added.
“Putting police back on the streets shouldn't mean taking them away from the young people we're trying to keep off those streets.”
Kristy has also called for more information about how the changes will affect the program, including whether graduates, families and those delivering Booyah were consulted.
“I also think it is important that people understand Booyah isn't about replacing parents. Young people can become at risk for many different reasons. Recognising that your child is heading down the wrong path and reaching out for additional support is part of responsible parenting.”
Earlier this year Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall described the partnership between QPS and PCYC as valuable to helping young people move forward.
“QPS and PCYC work in partnership to help disengaged young people gain experience and qualifications, with the aim of helping them build better lives,” he said.
For many of the young people and families who have experienced it, Project Booyah has been described as “life-changing”.
Kristy said she had seen the impact of Project Booyah firsthand through her daughter, watching her confidence grow, develop resilience and gain a different perspective on her future.
“As a parent, I will forever be grateful for what Senior Constable Keiran and the Project Booyah team did for my daughter.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project had seen great success. He shared that a former Queensland Police Commissioner had conducted a 100-day review linked to the changes, which included efforts to return as many police officers as possible to frontline duties.
“As far as I understand, the police will still have involvement. They won’t have the administration behind it, but uniformed police will still be involved in the project,” he said.
“I hope those fears will be put to rest, because police will still be involved, but it just won’t be somebody who is administrating the whole course or project.”
“The police will be in there regularly, engaging with the youngsters and helping them on their way to become much better citizens.”
With changes on the horizon for the program’s delivery in Mackay, questions remain around how the new model will operate and whether the strong relationships built between young people and the police will continue.
A petition titled ‘Keep Project Booyah Police-led’ has also been created, with 387 signatures recorded at the time of print.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson with representives from Chances House and Rotary North. Photo source: Chances House Mackay
A local woman who purchased just three tickets in the Chances House Community Car Fundraiser has walked away with a brand-new set of wheels.
The winner, who has recently retired, had previously spoken with Chances House about how she and her husband could support the organisation.
With approximately 70,000 tickets sold across the fundraiser, Chances House representatives said they were delighted to see the winning ticket go to someone who had already shown an interest in supporting the local community.
“She purchased just three tickets...proof that you really do have to be in it to win it!” a Chances House representative said.
The fundraiser, made possible through North Jacklin Motor Group and the Rotary Club of Mackay North, provided a valuable boost to Chances House, with ticket sales through the organisation raising $3,000.
The funds will go directly towards supporting local people experiencing homelessness, adding another positive outcome to the community initiative.
Chances House thanked everyone who purchased tickets through the organisation and congratulated the winner on her new car.
A 31-year-old woman, identified as Payge Leembruggen, was found deceased near Mackay Harbour North Wall shortly after 8am on Tuesday 15th September, with police seen throughout the day investigating amongst the sand dunes to the far left of the recently renovated section of the beach.
Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch detectives are now appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into the circumstances and cause of her death.
She was described as Caucasian, approximately 178cm tall, with brown hair, and was last seen wearing a white top, bright red trousers and a red bow in her hair.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or had contact with Payge between September 11 and September 15, or anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
In 1917, Walter Perroux’s composite photograph of Proserpine’s leading citizens included not one woman. Yet women have long played vital roles in the shire’s farming, business and community life. One such woman was Edith (Edie) Grimstone, affectionately known as Mrs Grimmie.
Edith Grace Elizabeth Pepper was born December 29th 1918, in Wolfram Camp North Queensland where her father was Mining Warden. She was the youngest of six children born to parents, William Arthur Pepper and Edith Annie nee Williams.
Hoping for an easier life, Edith’s father travelled to Cannon Valley to purchase a block of land for farming. Relatives, the Byers’ family, had already moved into the district. Once William had established somewhere for the family to live, he sent for them. With two horses and all their goods and chattels, Edith and her children travelled by wagon, boat and rail to reach their new home.
And so began many years of struggling to make the farm sustainable with the older children missing school to assist their parents. Edith (Edie) attended Windermere State School for her primary years and was regarded as a very bright student, however, difficulties of the time such as low sugar prices and impending war meant that she was unable to continue with further education.
In her early working life, Edie spent some time at Yarrabah Mission in North Queensland where she lived with the Anglican Minister and his wife and was governess to their children. She also taught some of the aboriginal children there.
Prior to the war, there was a national push by the government to boost fitness levels of Australians. When the local council called for nominations, Edie successfully applied and was sent to Brisbane to do a physical fitness training course. Upon her return, she ran fitness classes. Edie maintained that the secret to her longevity was her exercising. Perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that despite having a licence, she walked everywhere.
When the war broke out, Edie answered the call and went to work in a munitions factory in Brisbane. It was there that she married Eric Grimstone, a returned WW2 soldier, on March 31, 1945.
Upon their return to Proserpine, Edie and Eric opened a menswear and sports store near the Grand Picture Theatre which was in the old Faust Building. This was the beginning of an outstanding retail service; a service that operated for over 50 years. ln 1966, they moved across the street to the old ABC Café and opened a new shop. In 1975, they purchased the building.
Edie opened the business out of hours for customers; she ordered special items if she didn’t have them. She was renowned for knowing where every item could be located right up until her retirement at the age of 80 when she sold the business.
Although best known for her years serving customers at Grimstone’s Store, Mrs Grimmie was also active in the local tennis club and was women’s champion for several years. Her love of tennis began on courts her brothers built below their house. She and Eric were life members of the Proserpine Tennis Club and often donated sports goods to local schools and charities. She was also devoted to the Anglican Church, attending every Sunday, volunteering and baking for church events.
When Edith Grace Elizabeth Grimstone died on Christmas Day 2016, just four days before her 98th birthday, the community lost a much-loved and remarkable woman.
Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives; photo used with family permission.
Minnie has a way of winning people over quickly. It could be her expressive eyes, her goofy smile or the fact she will velcro herself on you within minutes of meeting you.
At around eight years old and 40 kilograms, this mixed-breed girl is gentle, bright and full of character.
She is a dog of principle, such as her dinner manners, sitting and waiting patiently until she is given permission to eat. She is equally particular about affection, with a light pat on the back or bottom guaranteed to get her happily groaning and her tail going.
Windy days can make her anxious, but carrying a blanket around like a security cape until everything feels calm again is her adorable way to cope
She is good with people and other dogs, toilet-pad trained and could suit a home with a small yard or apartment. Minnie is still working on her lead manners, so a patient owner willing to continue her training would be ideal. But if she brings the same discipline she shows at dinnertime, she should have her walking routine mastered in no time
If Minnie sounds right for your family, message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue with your name, phone number and “Minnie” to begin the adoption process.
Photo credit: R Jean Photography
After three decades spent building Taylors Property Specialists into a trusted local agency, Rob Taylor is preparing to place its future in the hands of experienced real estate professional Beau-Lea Miller.
With more than 25 years in the industry, Beau plans to strengthen the business while preserving the team, values and community connections Rob has established.
“I’m not here to change the business Rob created,” she said.
“I’m here to strengthen what he has built and support the team he has created, so they can be the very best they can be for the community they serve.
“We’re really blessed that Rob is giving us the opportunity to continue that dream for him.”
Beau began her real estate career at 17 and has since worked across property management, residential sales, agency ownership, business development, technology and team leadership.
She established and led her own independent Brisbane agency, Beautique Realty, before moving into a state operations role with Elders Real Estate across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
There, she oversaw around 12,500 properties across six offices. While she valued the experience, Beau missed the personal connection that came with working inside a close-knit local agency.
“It was important to me to get back into a business where I could be innovative, lead change and make a difference for people,” she said.
One of her priorities at Taylors will be finding the right balance between the agency’s traditional, personal approach and the systems and technology now available to support its staff.
“There’s a younger generation of agents coming through, and I really want to make sure their lives are easier,” she said.
“It’s about building on those old-fashioned ways of doing things and bringing them into the new world.
“Technology is here, but how do we make sure we keep the human element in those transactions?”
With a strong background in property management, Beau is keen to give Taylors’ rental division the attention she believes it deserves, equipping staff to help clients look after their investments.
“The rental business is always the thing that keeps the doors open, and many people forget that,” she said.
“I’m pretty passionate about saying that it is the core of the business, and it will continue to be that for Taylors.”
The team has already made a strong impression on her, particularly through the way its members support one another, with a strong willingness to collaborate and share ideas.
“They call each other a family, but I think they’re a team in the truest sense,” she said.
“Everybody supports everybody else to do their best. I haven’t seen many businesses that operate like that, and that legacy belongs to Rob.”
That connection extends well beyond the office, with the company's longstanding supporter of local schools, sporting teams, events and community initiatives, something Beau intends to continue.
“I want to make sure that whatever impact we make here genuinely makes a difference,” she said.
With the Whitsundays and its property market continuing to grow, Taylors is preparing for what comes next without losing the local values that have guided the agency for the past 30 years.
Proserpine State High School Year 12 student, Wiremu Tairaki, reflects on what it means to learn, grow and pursue opportunity in the Whitsundays.
Growing up in the Whitsundays builds a unique kind of grit. There are genuine disadvantages to being a regional student, and I do not think we should pretend otherwise. We do not have the same endless maze of electives, university programs or specialised opportunities sitting on our doorstep. Sometimes that does limit our choices. But the real story of regional students is not that we are somehow unaffected by those limits. It is what we do with the pathways we are given.
In our community, our educational landscape is materially different. We do not have a university campus on every corner or one hundred niche subjects on the school timetable; I have seen that first-hand in Year 12. When I wanted to push myself further in Law and Business, I could not simply walk into the Walter Harrison Law Library after school. Instead, I pursued Mooting and Business competitions through school and took the external opportunities I could access.
The opportunities our local schools and businesses do provide are targeted, practical and deeply valued. Whether we are engaging in Marine Science, securing a local trade certificate or utilising online learning, we learn to commit fully. This kind of education teaches us resourcefulness.
On paper, it can feel as though we have drawn the short straw - and sometimes, in terms of choice, we have. But that environment can also foster an unmatched drive. When choices are streamlined, we do not become passive, we become hungry. I have learned that being a regional student means setting a goal, valuing the expertise of local educators and making the most of opportunities when they appear, because there may not be ten identical alternatives waiting behind them.
Geography changes the nature of our opportunities, but it does not determine our potential. Regional students can be disadvantaged by distance without being defined by it. Future excellence is not decided by whether our timetable offers Advanced German or Digital Forensics and Cyber Security. It is decided by the grit and focus we bring to the opportunities we do have. We do not need equal access to prove equal ability.
Bowen State High School pupils spelling out T-O-M for Tournament of Minds. Photo supplied: Bowen State High School
Contributed with thanks to Bowen State High School.
Bowen State High School is celebrating the efforts of the students who competed in the Tournament of Minds (TOM) State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane over the weekend.
Tournament of Minds is an international problem-solving program that challenges students to work collaboratively in teams to solve demanding, open-ended challenges.
The competition encourages creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and communication across disciplines including Language, Literature, STEM, Social Sciences and The Arts. Students are required to think on their feet, respond to spontaneous challenges, and present innovative solutions, making TOM a valuable learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.
This year, three teams from Bowen State High School represented the school at the State Finals.
“Congratulations to all students involved on their commitment, teamwork and excellent efforts in reaching this level of competition,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris.
A special congratulations goes to Bowen State High School’s winning Language Literature team, consisting of Isaiah Howell, Sienna Davies, Frankie Brown, Justin Davidson and Hayley Hickey.
Their success at the State Finals means the team has now qualified for the International Finals in Darwin in October — an outstanding achievement for both the students and the school community.
Year 10 student Isaiah Howell reflected positively on his Tournament of Minds experience.
“Thinking creatively and including different team members’ ideas and perspectives not only creates a bond between team members but also helps us think on the spot and adapt to different situations. This has been helpful when I am learning new subjects,” Isaiah said.
Fellow team member Hayley Hickey said the experience had helped her develop important personal and academic skills.
“It has helped improve my teamwork and resilience when dealing with challenges. TOM provides an opportunity for students to interact with peers, strengthen relationships and connect with other like-minded students across the state and the world,” Hayley said.
Hayley also said the upcoming International Finals would be a valuable opportunity for learning and growth.
“The International Finals will provide us with an amazing opportunity to learn from students from around the world and how they think and consider topics in different ways based on their culture and values,” she said.
Bowen State High School would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the local businesses that generously sponsored the students’ attendance at the State Finals.
Community support will again play an important role as the team prepares to travel to Darwin for the International Finals. If you are interested in sponsoring the team, please contact Bowen State High School on 4786 9888.
Fr Emannuel Anroe and St Catherine’s Principal, Samantha Hinton. Photo supplied: St Catherine’s Catholic College
Long-time Local Appointed Principal At St Catherine’s
A new chapter has begun at St Catherine’s Catholic College, with long-time educator and Whitsundays local Samantha Hinton officially appointed as the school’s new principal.
Following her recent stint as acting principal, she was appointed in an official announcement with the school’s new catholic priest, Fr Emmanuel Anroe.
“I didn’t think I’d take on the principal role, but here I am,” Mrs Hinton said.
“I’m looking forward to what happens next and continuing to grow this really great community we have here at St Catherine’s.
“Being a Catholic school adds an extra layer to our community, and I want to build on what we already do here as a faith-filled community.”
Mrs Hinton’s connection with St Catherine’s spans about 20 years, beginning when it was still a primary campus on Marathon Street and continuing as the college expanded.
Over the past 15 years, she has held several leadership positions, including Deputy Principal of Primary and Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching across Prep to Year 10, along with many others.
“I believe I’ve built trust within our community and in what we do at St Catherine’s,” Mrs Hinton said.
“An important part of education is being connected with families and the wider community.
“Having been here for so long, I hope I’ve developed the trust needed to engage everyone in what we want to achieve.”
Before settling in the Whitsundays, Mrs Hinton’s career took her to schools in Brisbane, Sydney and London, giving her a broader perspective that she can now draw on in leading the college.
Mrs Hinton hopes to draw on that perspective as she supports the college’s continued growth, with a focus on consistent teaching practices, strong expectations and closer connections with families.
“I want to support that growth by making sure we have consistent practices across the school for behaviour and learning, along with high expectations,” she said.
“I want that consistency so we can continue to grow for our families, while improving what we do and maintaining those high expectations.”
She now hopes to guide St Catherine’s through its next stage of development as the college and wider Whitsunday community continue to expand.
“I’d certainly love to see more buildings as we grow and continue to beautify our spaces as we welcome more students,” she said.
“I want to make sure that as we grow physically, we also continue improving what we do and maintaining high expectations.
“We’re such a growing community, and St Catherine’s has been growing alongside it.”
A New Community Heart Taking Shape in Collinsville
There’s something exciting taking shape in Collinsville, and if you’ve been past the site of our new Community Hub lately, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Construction is now approaching the halfway mark and we’re starting to get a real sense of what this $16 million facility will become for the Collinsville and Scottville communities.
The wall and ceiling framing is complete, new footpaths are in, polished concrete has been finished through the library and mezzanine areas, and work is continuing on essential services.
Over the coming weeks we’ll see more visible progress, including work on the timber stage and gabion rock walls, along with plastering, tiling, external cladding, window glazing and installation of the rooftop solar system.
But while watching a major construction project come together is exciting, for me the most important part is what will happen inside those walls once the doors open.
The new Hub will bring the Collinsville Library, Council Customer Service Centre, computer services, gym and Community Hall together under one roof.
It means one modern, welcoming and accessible place where people can borrow a book, access Council services, use a computer, exercise, attend an event, catch up with friends or simply spend some time.
Importantly, it’s an investment in the future of Collinsville and Scottville and another example of making sure our smaller communities continue to receive quality facilities and services.
At $16 million, it’s a significant project for our region and one we simply couldn’t deliver without the support of the Queensland Government, which is contributing $14.6 million.
I want to acknowledge the Crisafulli Government for that support and also thank everyone involved in bringing the Hub to life, from our Council team and contractors through to the local community who have helped shape the project.
There’s still plenty of work ahead but reaching almost 50 per cent completion is a great milestone.
I’m looking forward to watching the final pieces come together and, more importantly, seeing this fantastic new community space full of people and activity.
That’s when a building really becomes a community hub and I reckon Collinsville is going to have one it can be very proud of.
Allan Milostic. Photo supplied: Julia Evans
If you charge customers a fee for paying by card, there’s an important change coming on 1st October 2026.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is reminding local businesses that from 1st October, businesses will no longer be able to add a separate surcharge when customers pay by eftpos, Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
In simple terms: if you currently add 1% or 2% to a customer’s bill when they pay by card, that will need to stop.
The change applies to debit, credit, and prepaid cards.
So, what should businesses do?
First, talk to your payment provider. If you use an EFTPOS machine, online checkout, booking system, accounting software, or payment links, check what changes you need to make. Your provider may update your system automatically, but it’s worth checking.
Next, look at your pricing. Businesses will still have costs associated with accepting card payments. You may need to consider whether your overall prices need to change to account for those costs.
If you do change your prices, make sure customers can clearly see what they are paying and that your pricing complies with Australian Consumer Law.
It’s also a good time to check your menus, websites, invoices, quotes, signs, and booking systems. If they mention a card surcharge, those references may need to be removed or updated.
And don’t forget your staff. Make sure everyone knows what is changing so they can answer customer questions.
The Chamber is also reminding businesses that not every surcharge is disappearing.
The new rules are specifically about card payment surcharges. Other charges, such as clearly advertised weekend or public holiday surcharges, can still apply where permitted. However, businesses should make sure these charges are not simply a card surcharge under another name.
Until 30th September, the existing card surcharge rules continue to apply.
“Our message to local businesses is simple – don’t leave it until 1st October,” said Chamber President, Allan Milostic.
“Check with your payment provider, review your pricing and make sure your business is ready.”
For more information, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) websites.
Leanne Aberthery with the Kent Family. Photo supplied: Bowen Tourism and Business
Three descendants of one of Bowen’s pioneering families returned to the region last week, retracing their family history across all corners of the town.
Last week, siblings Colin, Cameron and Dianne Kent returned to Bowen for a small family reunion and to reconnect with their family history.
The trio are great-great-grandchildren of G.F. Sandrock and grandchildren of prominent Bowen farmer George Kent. During their visit, they visited all the big sites in Bowen, from the Big mango, to the museum and their family’s original property, Woodlands.
“It was a really nice trip down memory lane,” said Colin.
“The accommodation we stayed at on the harbour felt so surreal, especially since that’s where our grandfather was the harbour master.”
George Frederick ‘G.F.’ Sandrock is credited with bringing mango seeds from India to Bowen in 1871, helping establish what would eventually become one of Australia’s best-known varieties, the Kensington Pride or ‘Bowen Special’.
He was also appointed the town’s Customs Officer and Sub-Collector of Customs during the 1860s before later serving as Harbourmaster and Police Magistrate.
One of his homesteads and orchards, Woodlands, on the outskirts of Bowen, where he helped cultivate a wide variety of produce still intertwined into the community.
“While Sandrock grew various crops at Woodlands, the orchard’s lasting place in Australian horticultural history comes from its role as the birthplace of the Kensington Pride mango,” Colin said.
“He had his fingers in just about everything in Bowen.”
During the late 19th century, Bowen was an important trading port and shipping hub for the British–Indian horse trade. Ships returning from India often carried exotic plants, fruit and spices, and Mr Sandrock asked their captains to bring him different mango seeds and other tropical varieties.
He planted the seeds at Woodlands, where it is believed his experimental orchard contained about 40 types of mango trees. Each was reportedly identified by an engraved copper plaque bearing its botanical name.
At the time, growing tropical fruit in Queensland involved considerable trial and error. Mr Sandrock observed how each variety responded to the local soil and climate, noting differences in yield, flavour and the texture of the fruit.
Colin said these experiments helped lay the foundations for North Queensland’s commercial mango industry.
“His early plantings produced the direct lineage of the Kensington Pride, which remains one of Australia’s most widely grown and recognised mango varieties today,” he said.
His grandson, George Kent, continued the family’s legacy as one of Bowen’s early tomato growers, eventually earning the nickname the “Tomato King”.
He was looking for a crop that would offer a quick return following the 1903 cyclone and started growing them on Woodlands property.
He later helped turn tomato growing into a major commercial industry for Bowen during the early 20th century, distributing the region’s produce across Australia and as far as New Zealand.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was a pleasure to meet the three descendants of these early pioneers.
“It was very interesting to learn more about the history,” she said.
Emergency services day set to showcase your local heroes. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
From police dogs and fire trucks to rescue boats, the emergency services that keep the Whitsundays safe will come together on Saturday 10th October for a free, family-friendly community field day.
Organised by Whitsunday Police Station, the field day will feature Queensland Police, Ambulance and Fire services, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Whitsunday Water Police and Whitsunday Regional Council’s disaster management.
“All the frontline emergency services will come together and do a bit of a show and tell,” said PCYC Whitsunday Sergeant Billy Li.
“The purpose of the event is to show the community a different light of emergency services available.
“It’s really an all-ages event and will be a fun day for everyone.”
Visitors will have plenty to see and do throughout the day. Each service will run its own live demonstrations, giving visitors a closer look at the skills and equipment crews use when responding to emergencies.
“All the frontline emergency services will come together for a bit of show and tell, with each agency displaying what it has to offer,” Sergeant Billy said.
“The community will be able to ask questions of emergency personnel and learn more about each service.”
During previous events, the VMR showed the community how to sandbag and let off flares, QFS conducted a swift water marine rescue, while Queensland Ambulance Service taught vital first aid skills, such as wrapping snake bites.
The program may even include some friendly rivalry between crews, with games and a possible tug-of-war giving the community a chance to pick a side and cheer them on, and join in on the action.
Younger visitors can climb aboard rescue boats, explore emergency vehicles and watch police dogs in action, while speaking directly with local personnel about their equipment and roles.
Beyond the safety lessons, the games and friendly agency challenges, this outing will allow families to see the more relaxed side of our first responders.
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