Hi everyone,
This week, my daily commute has taken a surprising turn — and what a ride it’s been!
Instead of crawling through traffic like you might on a congested motorway, inching forward in a sea of brake lights, I’ve been sailing across the Whitsunday waters on a Cruise Whitsundays ferry from Hamilton Island. It’s been an hour and a half each way — but when your journey involves ocean breezes and island views it’s hard to complain.
So why the island life this week? My husband’s side of the family are all holidaying on Hamilton Island — 15 of us in total — and we’ve joined them for a week of family time, fun and a few sandy feet. It’s been a beautiful reminder of how special this part of the world is, and how important it is to make time for those we love.
Fittingly, one story in this edition highlights new tourism figures from Tourism Whitsundays, showing that while visitor numbers are slightly down, international travellers are staying longer and spending more. It’s a great sign that people aren’t just passing through — they’re truly experiencing and connecting with the region, just like we have this week.
In this edition, we’re also celebrating a major win for the community: the long-awaited flood mitigation works on Hamilton Plains are finally underway. This has been a long-standing frustration for locals and visitors alike, and a massive thank you goes to the local politicians and advocates who’ve helped push this forward. Once complete, it’ll be a game-changer during the wet season.
As I sit on the ferry each day, watching the sunlight sparkle across the water, I keep coming back to one idea: quality of life. Whether it’s better infrastructure, longer holidays, or just making time for the people who matter, that’s what ties everything together.
My commute may have been longer this week — but every second has been worth it. I’ve been able to support my work ‘family’ while being present with my own family, and I’m so grateful that our region’s tourism infrastructure made that possible.
Big thanks to Cruise Whitsundays — you’ve made this “tough commute” one I’ll never forget.
Rach
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