This week I’d like to focus more on the new Book Club segment. Please keep submitting both your poetry and book reviews. It is always a pleasure to see the immense creative passion across the region. This week’s book review is from Lisa Mitchell who runs her own ‘Bookstagram’ account where she shares new releases, reviews and other book related content. You can find her content on Instagram via the handle @serenity.of.books

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It is really inspiring to see Australian creators perform so well on the global stage. I have always been a strong advocate for fostering arts and culture within Australia. As a country that sometimes seems to view the arts as a lesser priority, we have always been at risk of a ‘brain drain’, in which creatives head overseas for better opportunities. I too have been tempted by such a move, however I’ve realised that Australia is my home, and I think art can be a powerful way to make sense of who we are and where we come from.  

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We need art made by Australians that interrogates what it means to live in this country. I think there are too many Australian artists trying to replicate American or British work. That’s been done. We need stories that truly reflect the landscape, the environment and the history.  

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Creative talent is everywhere in Australia. We just need to nurture it.

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‘At once a gripping mystery, an exquisitely written ode to the natural world, and a taut, psychological thriller, Wild Dark Shore is a triumph….’ -- This is how one of my favourite authors, Hannah Kent, describes this book, and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve discovered a new favourite author in Charlotte McConaghy.

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Dominic Salt and his three children are the last caretakers of Shearwater, a remote island near Antarctica that shelters the world’s largest seed bank. As they prepare the seeds for relocation, isolation weighs heavily: Raff wrestles with heartbreak, Fen seeks solace among the seals, Orly clings to his love of botany, and Dominic remains trapped in grief. Their world shifts when Rowan, a mysterious woman, washes ashore during a storm. As bonds of trust form, long-buried secrets emerge—sabotaged radios, a grave, and Dominic’s hidden past. With the storms closing in, the family must decide whether they can trust one another enough to protect the seeds and forge a new beginning.

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The island’s wild, elemental beauty and the fragile family story unfolding against it completely captured my imagination, pulling me deeper until I was as invested in the setting as in the characters—on edge, as with any great thriller. I finished this book weeks ago and still can’tstop thinking about Shearwater. I’ve recommended it to everyone I know, because no words I can find do it justice. All I can say is: read it for yourself—it’s an absolute gem.

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The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis (what a great run she is having) for theme ‘Golden Hour’. The photo was taken at Glenden.  

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Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers

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Support For Rodeo. Proserpine Chamber of Commerce will support the advent of the Australian Championship Rodeo in May with a Main Street Mardi Gras, late night shopping, increased lighting and taped music for the Main Street Shopping Centre. Local poet Reg Beck described the occasion in verse [page 1]

More Main Street Promotion. Overland coaches and Proserpine Carrying were tending to avoid Main Street if possible. Trees planted along the edge of footpaths not concrete planters was considered, as were signs on the Highway.

Big Surprise. If you go down to the Cultural Hall today you’re sure of a big surprise. Family Day Care Scheme is hosting its first Annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Saturday May 17th.

Country Press Impressed With Proserpine. Visiting journalists from all over Queensland were impressed with the local facilities, especially the Cultural Hall foyer, the RSL, and the Jupp Street sporting area, but the highlight was undoubtedly the cruise aboard “Highland Warrior” around the islands and the reef.

Carnival Capers. Cannonvale School is busy preparing entertainment and stalls for the annual school fete on the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

Shire Engineer Appointed. New contractual engineer, Don Bullock saw the role as a challenge.

Hayman Island. Ansett’s ‘super-luxury ocean transport, the ‘Sun Goddess’ promoted the island over May Day Weekend with pleasure cruises out of Mackay and Airlie. Also WTA were organising a big promotion with help from their sponsor TAA.

High School Report. Whitsunday School Trials took place for hockey, squash and soccer and the North Queensland Netball trials took place at Ingham where Katrina and Tammy Mullins were both selected to travel to Brisbane in the NQ team.

Lisa Meets Miss Australia. Whitsunday entrant for Miss Australia Lisa Marquart met Miss Australia for afternoon tea in Mackay on Saturday.

ARL. Airlie Bloods went down narrowly to Mackay City 62-54 at the Proserpine Showgrounds on Saturday. ARL regional coaching director gave Airlie Little Bleeders a coaching session at Cannonvale School.

Whitsunday Sailing Club. 100 boats of different sizes took part in squally conditions. The only division won outright by WSC in the May Regatta was the Stingray Class taken out by Brendan Howes and Stuart Lock.

A comprehensive plan for developing the Whitsunday coast was overdue. This was the liberal party opinion.

A Yellow Submarine. The arrival of a twenty metre long yellow submarine was immanent and should prove ‘a great asset’ to the Whitsundays.

Last Swimming Carnival of Season. This took place in Ayr. Local swimmers Marcus Mudie and Michelle Perkins won several medals. Michelle Mudie, Donna Nosworthy and Daniel Perkins were among other noteworthy performers.

Three Track Race Meeting. Proserpine Motor Cycle Club held this at Dray Park, attracting 45 entries including 5 speedway side car teams one of which is the only ladies sidecar team in Queensland comprising of Debbie Broome and Tamara Gailes. Russell Magee won the unlimited section and Clint Burke won the Pee Wees.

Bowls: winners of the Ernie Gasper Memorial Shield were Val De Boni, Peter Sala, Renzo Spala and John Daffara.

Whitsunday Open Squash Tournament drew over 80 nominations to a heavily sponsored event won by John Towler from Gladstone.

Junior Soccer. Whitsunday entered 2 teams in the traditional Mackay Under 10 Carnival in which goalie Neil McBride and forward Connie Hinschen played particularly well.

Pony Club took part in the Borthwick Cup with Peter Van Drie and Kelly Hinschen showing well.

NQ Archery Championships hosted by Whitsunday Archery Club were sent indoors by wet weather to Proserpine Primary school assembly area where 32 archers let fly.

Rugby League. Foley Shield Mackay Sea Eagles beat Whitsunday 16-2

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Fosca Zeglio Show Ball Queen 1950s

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The opportunity to dress up in one’s finest attire and dance the night away has long been a much-anticipated occasion. Our forefathers relished this opportunity to change from their everyday clothes – functional yet often dull and worn – and escape the humdrum of the daily grind of life and work. Records from our past paint a picture of a vibrant society in which people often enjoyed a ball a month!  

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In the early 1900s, one of the most eagerly awaited balls was the Show Ball. The inaugural Proserpine Show Ball was held in 1910 at the Oddfellows Hall; the year of the first Proserpine Show. Papers described details of the gowns worn by the women who attended. In 1911, the “Proserpine Guardian” stated that the Show Ball was the most successful ball ever held in Proserpine. About 130 people danced until the small hours of the morning.  

The Great Depression of 1929 did not appear to dampen spirits with the Show Ball of that year heralded as “a great success. About 200 people spent a most enjoyable evening, the weather for dancing being ideal. Mesdames Mackenzie, Hinschen, and Holmes were kept very busyserving out refreshments. The sum of £28 was taken at the door.” (“The Daily Mercury” July 10, 1929)

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In May 1948, “Proserpine Guardian” reported on the first show ball for years. In 1949, the popularity of its return was again demonstrated in the article below.  

The following year, 1950, was no exception with nearly 400 attendees and door takings of £93. A locally composed foxtrot added a novel feature to the evening. Composed and played by N. Ruge and Mr. W. Biggs (Jnr), it proved popular with dancers. Mrs. A. V. Perske wrote words for the piece, and it was intended to seek publication rights.

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The tradition of selecting a “Belle of the Ball” at the Show Ball appears to have developed over time, though the exact year of its introduction remains unclear. However, Show Whitsunday’s 100 Year publication offers some insight, recording that in the 1950s, Miss Fosca Zegliowas a popular recipient of the title. As Show Queen, she won a week’s cruise aboard “Esmeralda” donated by Mr and Mrs E H Gray; Mr Gray being President of the Show Association. Although there has been no Show Queen competition for many years, in its heyday, especially from the late 80s to the 90s, it was a keenly anticipated showtime event and an important fundraiser held at the then Proserpine Cultural Hall.  

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After a lengthy hiatus, thanks to the energies and enthusiasm of a young committee, the Show Ball made its return to the social calendar in May of 2021. With a changed venue and a different format, interest in the event has been reignited. This year, on May 23, the showgrounds will once again be the venue, and “Pretty in the Paddock” promises to be a fun-filled evening.  

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Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Friday 8 May

Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm – 7pm)

Grandview Hotel: DJ Night (8pm)

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Saturday 9 May

Airlie Beach Hotel: Oz Boyz (2pm – 5.30pm)

Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)

Grandview Hotel: Zed Charles Band (8pm)

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Sunday 10 May

Airlie Beach Hotel: Oz Boyz (2pm – 5.30pm)

Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

Coral Sea Marina Resort: Andrew Baldino (1pm – 5pm)

Grandview Hotel: Nite Johnson (1pm – 5pm)

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Monday 11 May

Sorrento: Will Heta (1pm – 5pm)

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Tuesday 12 May

Sorrento: Will Heta (1pm – 5pm)

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Wednesday 13 May

Sorrento: Will Heta (1pm – 5pm)

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Thursday 14  May

Airlie Beach Hotel: Aaron Saxon (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

Sorrento: Lucy Rose (1pm – 5pm)

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May

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12 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
12 Bowen Community Centre Open Day, 9.30am-11.30am
13 Luke Kidgell – Good Intentions, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm
16 & 17 Whitsunday Equestrian Group T-Shirt Competition, Cannonvalley Pony Club, 8am- 4pm
18 Placing of the flags, Proserpine Cemetery, 9am
19 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am
19 Whitsunday Whale Heritage Area Information Night, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6:30pm
21 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am
23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm
24 Community Volunteer Expo, Bowen Sunday Markets
26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am
29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am

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June

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3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am
6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm
6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm
9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event
18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am
23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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Brian’s band ‘Uncanny X-Men' were a staple of 80s rock. Photo supplied

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Singer Brian Mannix is a staple of Australia’s cultural history. Whether it is acting, rock n roll vocals or musical theatre, Brian has had a vast and brilliant career.

Best known as the lead singer of Australian band ‘Uncanny X-Men’, Brian is renowned for classics such as ’50 Years’ and ‘Work’.  

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He has also appeared as a guest role in the Australian soap opera Neighbours and famously performed at the 2006 AFL Grand Final.  

It was only natural that he would become a heavy-hitter performer for the Absolutely 80s show.  

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“Scott and I did a couple of shows together and we thought – we should do this with more people,” Brian said.  

“Scott’s a whizz-bang booking agent and manager, so we thought we’d give it a go. Here we are 20 years later.”  

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Brian will now head to Airlie Beach with the group, performing in a place he has always had deep admiration for.  

“I love coming to Airlie Beach. It’s a great little town, beautiful weather.”  

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As a certified member of Australia’s music history, Brian reflected on what made his period of music so great.  

“The circumstances were great in the 70s and 80s. It was because you had Countdown. Most families only had one television. 3 million people would all tune in to Countdown every week.  

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“Radio was also so strong back in the day. They would always be playing new music. Radio, Countdown, Hey Hey It’s Saturday – these all produced the stars.”

Brian expressed admiration for his musical co-stars who he continues to tour with as part of Absolutely 80s.  

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“Scott and I are really good friends. Ally is a lovely person and incredibly smart. Wilbur’s always got something to say – he’s a good talker and a great sax player.”  

The singer can’t wait to participate in a big birthday bash.  

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“I love birthday parties. I feel very privileged to be coming. I reckon we’ll have a lot of fun,” he said.

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Brian will also perform the following weekend alongside Scott for their Back2Back Show. This is a special show featuring the singer’s hits along with covers Australian classics by icons such as INXS, Dragon, Models, AC/DC, Billy Idol, Spandau Ballet, Simple Minds and A-ha.  

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Scott’s band ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ have toured with the likes of Culture Club Photo supplied

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Legend Scott Carne has toured with and managed Absolutely 80s for over 20 years.  

The singer is best known for his role as lead vocalist of iconic 80s pop/new wave group ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ who formed in 1983. The group’s debut album ‘Shine’ went platinum yielding numerous top 10 singles such as ‘Current Stand’, ‘Something That You Said’, ‘Change in Mood’ and ‘Bitter Desire’.  

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Scott brings his impressive background to Absolutely 80s, bringing together some of Australia’s most talented musicians for a show of rock-fuelled extravagance.  

“Everyone’s got a different story as to how we formed. Mine is that Brian [Mannix] and I along with a bunch of other stars really connected on the Countdown 2006 Spectacular Tour,’ said Scott.  

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“20 years on we’re still working with the likes of Brian Mannix, Wilbur Wilde and Ally Fowler. It’s a lot of fun and high energy.”

“It’s fun being on stage together. It’s great to be able to get away for a few days to play at the great Airlie Beach Hotel!”  

The music often draws great crowds – a testament to its timelessness.  

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“Sometimes you get Mums and daughters coming up. Some families will follow us around. We get a young crew attending as well. We do originals and covers. We’re performing music that holds a very special place in our heart.”

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Scott says the key to putting on a memorable show is staying true to the music.  

“It’s about showbiz and having fun and getting everyone to dance and reminisce. We play the songs as the sound on the record. We go for a proper reproduction in respect to these great artists.”

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Scott reflected on his passion for singing in the leadup to his performance – speaking of his heroes and icons he wishes to imbue.  

“In terms of heroes it would be Peter Garret, Farnesy, but especially Michael Hutchence. I met him backstage at Madison Square Garden. He was incredible. We lost a great one there.”

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The music’s age has not made a dent on its longevity. Scott expressed his gratitude to still be performing after all these years.  

“I’m 61 and one of the younger ones to still be doing it.”  

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You can catch Scott at both the Pub’s Birthday on Friday May 15^th and over the following weekend as he does his Back2Back show with Brian Mannix.  

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Ally is a double threat with great acting and music credits to her name Photo supplied

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Known for her acting as well as her music, multi-talented artist Ally Fowler will bring her extensive performance chops to the Airlie Beach Hotel.  

Ally is best known for her vocals as part of 1980s Australian Pop Group, ‘Chantoozies’ – known for hits ‘Witch Queen’, ‘Wanna Be Up’, ‘He’s Gonna Step On You Again’, ‘Kiss n Tell’ and ‘Love the One You’re With’.  

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She has had a prolific acting career appearing on shows The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, Neighbours, The Flying Doctors, Frankie’s House and Wentworth.  

Like her co-performers, Ally Fowler became involved in Absolutely 80s during the Countdown Spectacular 2006 Tour.  

“There were a lot of 70s/80s acts doing a tour around Australia,” Ally said.  

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“The Chantoozies were one of the bands on the lineup, as were Scott Carne and Brian Mannix. Scott approached us about joining the group. We started the odd gig, and performed with them occasionally. As time moved on the other Chantoozies left and it was just me. I’ve been doing it on my own with them for quite some time and it’s been a lot of fun.”

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Ally has performed in Airlie Beach before and is excited to return.  

“I can’t wait. You have such beautiful weather. I’ve been to Airlie Beach a few times. I toured with a David Williamson play called Let the Sunshine which performed at Proserpine and we ended up staying in Airlie Beach. I was there for a few days and absolutely loved it.”  

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Ally has also performed with Chantoozies in the region.  

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“We were here about seven or eight years ago, opening for Leo Sayer. It was a big festival right by the beach. I have really happy memories of Airlie Beach and look forward to coming back.”  

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Despite different music backgrounds, Ally expresses a clear fondness when describing connection with her bandmates.  

“We really come together because we have a shared history with a lot of common threads. We know a lot of the same venues and runs. We also know a lot of the same people because the industry really comes together. We perform slightly differently but that’s part of the charm. If we were all the exact same, you wouldn’t feel like you were getting bang for your buck. That fact that each person offers something different is fun.”  

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Ally along with her performers are dedicated to putting on a good show.  

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“We take the job seriously. We want to put on the best show possible. That’s the motto of the show. We have a lot of fun but hopefully that irreverence flows over into the audience. It’s a fun night.”  

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Wilbur’s great sax playing was enjoyed for years on the classic show Hey Hey It’s Saturday Photo supplied

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Wilbur Wilde is not an individual who goes unnoticed easily. A saxophonist, television presenter, broadcaster and all-round character – he brings his charm and proficiency to the Absolutely 80s Show.  

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Wilbur first got his start as a tenor saxophonist for groups Ol’55 and Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons in the 70s. He rose to fame through his role as part of the house band of the wildly popular variety television program Hey Hey It’s Saturday.  

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He has made numerous TV appearances over the span of his career including The Flying Doctors, MDA, The Paul Hogan Show, Spicks and Specks and The Russell Gilbert Show. His CV even boasts a series of movie credits such as roles for Trojan Warrior, The Coolangatta Gold and Aussie cult classic Mad Max – an experience he is very passionate about.  

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As a seasoned performer, Wilbur is no stranger to Airlie Beach.  

“I’ve been up a couple of times -- Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. Once you’ve been there, you wish you could come back more often,” Wilbur said.  

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His frequent visits have not dampened his excitement for his next return.  

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“I’m really looking forward to visiting Airlie again. I was last here for the music festival a few years ago and it was just a fantastic vibe. I know I won’t be disappointed. I’m looking forward to a great time.”

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When asked about how he got involved in Absolutely 80s, Wilbur merely replied – “I’m a rockstar.”

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“We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve worked with Brian and Scott in different outfits. Ally and I have done theatre together. We’re all friends so it’s lovely to get together. We’ve got a wonderful band.”

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Despite his own talents, Wilbur showed true excitement at performing the hits of others.  

“The show is full of crowd pleasers. Kids in the Kitchen, Uncanny X-Men, The Chantoozies, Mondo Rock, The Angels. We’ve got a lot of faces covered with the great lineup of versatile singers.”

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Wilbur can’t wait to bring the lively show to an even livelier venue.  

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“The venue, I hear, goes off!!”  

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With such a prolific career, one of the most interesting credits is Wilbur’s performance in the legendary Australian film Mad Max as one of the ‘young lovers’ in the first scene. Although his role was small, he spoke of the experience fondly.  

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“I was only there for one day, but it was a fantastic experience. There were a few musos on set playing small roles.”

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Head on down to Airlie Beach Hotel to witness Wilbur’s saxophone brilliance as he performs alongside a great set of talented performers.  

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Absolutely 80s features some of Australia’s most iconic music outfits Photo source: Facebook

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Behind the celebratory birthday show is an iconic project that has featured an impressive roster of Aussie rock icons.  

Over the past 20 years, Absolutely 80s has been a who’s-who of Australian rock royalty, starring the likes of: Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera), Mark Gable (Choirboys), Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum (legendary music journalist and TV personality), Ross Wilson (Mondo Rock), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Grace Knight (Eurogliders) and Shane Howard (Goanna) – just to name a few.  

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Each act sold hundreds of thousands of records nationally and internationally back in the 80s, and now they bring their expertise to the modern circuits.  

Absolutely 80s boasts a loyal fan base of 35,000 people across the country who show their support and prove that Australian 80s music has indeed stood the test of time. Whether it’s the austere grit of Midnight Oil, the sentimentality of INXS, the neurotic charm of Men at Work or the golden nostalgia of Cold Chisel, the period of music has maintained relevancy for its enthusiasm, authenticity and intensity.  

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Songs such as the anthemic ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ (INXS), politically engaged ‘Beds Are Burning’ (Midnight Oil), sparse ‘Great Southern Land’ (Icehouse) among many others continue to receive frequent airtime, whilst Absolutely 80s take extensive circuits around the country.

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Expect singalongs, energy, Friday night birthday vibes and big hits including ‘Everybody Wants To Work’, ‘Change In Mood’, ‘Wanna Be Up’, ‘Witch Queen’.

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WHAT: The Pub’s Birthday Featuring Absolutely 80s ‘Supergroup’, FREE SHOW

WHEN: Friday 15^th May, 5pm onwards

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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WHAT: BACK2BACK – Absolutely 80s, 2 FREE SHOWS  

WHEN: Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May, 2pm – 5.30pm  

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Tardis Nightclub back in the 80s Photos supplied

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It’s party time and you’re invited…

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On Friday 15^th May The Airlie Beach Hotel will be celebrating it’s 58^th birthday with an epic show from Absolutely 80s Super Group, a band comprised of four Australian icons from the 80s: Scott Carne (Kids in the Kitchen), Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men), Ally Fowler (Chantoozies) and Wilbur Wilde (Jo Jo Zep/Ol’55).  

To commemorate the hotel’s origins, the venue is going back in time to the 80s, the days in which it was famed for it’s nightclub - ‘The Tardis’. A LED light up dancefloor will be bringing back that same dance fever.  

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The Airlie Beach Hotel has been a staple of Airlie’s night life for almost 6 decades, with many of the original crowds still spotted at the bar, reminiscing fondly about the pub’s early days.  

Founding member/President of the local R.A.G Club and former Airlie Beach Hotel barman Ashley Wayne Kennedy had much to say about the early days of the iconic venue.  

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“When I worked [at ABH] in 1979 the road to Shute Harbour had only just been sealed, the fundraising for the area had only just started,” Ashley said.

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The R.A.G Club, also known as the ‘rough as guts’ crew, were a social club founded by Ashley back in the 80s.  

“By 1980 a boom had started in town with the development of Hamilton Island. Fundraising exploded. The area went from a small contingent of boats to hundred over a couple of years.”

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Syd Anderson -- an original attendee whose photo features on the wall – also looked back on the early days with a great fondness.

“It’s all a blur really. The town was a lot smaller than it is now. Everybody knew each other. It was a tight-knit community,” he said.

“Its still a great place to be.”  

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The venue’s birthday festivities will run over the entire weekend with additional performances from Absolutely 80s’ Scott Carne and Brian Mannix in their iconic BACK2BACK Show. This show will feature chart-topping hits in homage to Australia’s most iconic frontmen. It is a high-octane spectacle filled with the biggest 80s hits, performed by the stars of the time.  

Dress in your best 80s outfit for the chance to win prizes, and get ready for birthday cake, fun, games and celebration all night long. Air guitar and lip sync will be offering further prizes.  

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WHAT: The Pub’s Birthday Featuring Absolutely 80s ‘Supergroup’, FREE SHOW

WHEN: Friday 15^th May, 5pm onwards

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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Sydney Writers’ Festival Live & Local is coming to Whitsunday Regional Libraries! Streaming live to Proserpine and Bowen libraries across 21 and 22 May, the program features authors including Stephanie Alexander, Susan Choi and Trent Dalton. Enjoy inspiring talks, panels and live Q&As, with audiences able to text questions to the stage. The sessions are free to attend, with no bookings required. 

For more information, head to the Libraries section on Council’s website.

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Kellee Fogg with the Whitsunday Law team Photo supplied

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry will bring the local business community together this May for its monthly Chamber Business Breakfast Briefing, combining key regional updates with a celebration of Queensland Small Business Month.

The May Breakfast Briefing will be held from 7:30am to 9:00am on Thursday 21 May at Club Whitsunday, 2489 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach.

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Designed to keep local businesses informed, connected, and involved in shaping the region’s future, the May event will feature a Chamber update on key regional developments and the organisation’s strategic priorities for the year ahead, followed by an open Q&A session.

As part of Queensland Small Business Month, the event will also spotlight the outstanding achievements of the Whitsundays business community through an informal panel discussion with select winners from the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards. Guests will hear firsthand from local business leaders as they share their stories, lessons, and reflections on building successful businesses in the region.

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The event will also provide an early look at plans for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards program.

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Featured panel guests include:

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Kellee Fogg, Whitsunday Law – Winner, Business Leader of the Year

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Recognised for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to strengthening the Whitsundays economy, Kellee Fogg has built Whitsunday Law into a cornerstone of the region’s business community. Through local employment, investment in regional suppliers, and strong community involvement, her leadership continues to deliver both economic and social impact.

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Elizabeth Hackett from Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – Winner, Customer Service Champion

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Known for its guest-first culture, Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach was recognised for delivering exceptional customer service through empathy, innovation, and care. Their focus on service excellence, staff wellbeing, and thoughtful guest experiences has helped build a strong reputation across the region.

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Sam Vanderpoel, Rolling with Netherpoel – Winner, Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur

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At just 17 years old, Sam Vanderpoel has built a strong local reputation through Rolling with Netherpoel, providing roller and panel door repairs, servicing, and handyman support across Bowen and the Whitsundays. Sam’s entrepreneurial drive, technical skill, and commitment to quality have made him one of the region’s most exciting young business leaders.

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Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the May Breakfast Briefing is an opportunity to both celebrate local business success and strengthen connections across the region.

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“Queensland Small Business Month is a chance to recognise the people behind the businesses that keep our region moving,” Allan said.

“This event is about celebrating that success, sharing practical insights, and bringing the business community together to stay informed and connected.”

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The Chamber Business Breakfast Briefing is open to members and non-members, with registrations now open.

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Event Details
What: Chamber Business Breakfast Briefing – May
When: 7:30am–9:00am, Thursday 21 May
Where: Club Whitsunday, 2489 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach

Tickets: Open to all, discounted non-member tickets available

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For registrations and more information, visit https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/may-business-breakfast-briefing-airlie-beach/

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Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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