Editor's Note 31 October

Hi Everyone,

I’ve attended many wonderful events this year, but Saturday night was the first time we’ve had the privilege of hosting our own here in the Whitsundays.

The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden Event was an ambitious project spearheaded by our Mackay Sales Manager Jessica Clark, who brought together clients, business associates, and community members to raise funds for seven regional charities.

Before long, our entire team was involved in bringing the event to life, and a big thank you also goes to our Whitsunday Sales Manager Trish Jandt for working closely alongside Jess on sponsorships, auction items, and the many behind-the-scenes details that ensured the night’s success.

In the weeks leading up to the event, it was a true flurry of collaboration and creativity. Our talented graphic designers produced stunning event booklets, auction forms, presentation videos, and more — and a special thank you to Danny from Graphic House for generously contributing toward some of the printing costs.

Our Office Coordinator Trisha Coetzee managed the complex transport logistics, including bus timetables, and the whole team rallied on Friday afternoon to finalise every last detail.

On the night, each team member stepped up as hosts and fundraisers, and it truly warmed my heart to see everyone working together so seamlessly to make our very first event such a success. Every staff member generously gave up their Saturday night to volunteer, and their collective effort played a vital role in helping raise funds for the seven regional charities.

Making the evening even more special, Life Publishing Group owner Bec Douthwaite flew in from the UK to attend, sharing in what was a magical moment for our entire team.

A heartfelt thank you also to Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and Whitsunday Councillor Gary Simpson for joining us on the night.

It’s incredible to think that more than $50,000 was raised, which will be shared equally between our seven selected regional charities. I look forward to announcing the final total in next week’s paper.

We’re already planning next year’s event, so if you’d like to be involved as a sponsor or nominate as a beneficiary, please reach out to our office — we’d love to hear from you.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this inaugural event such a beautiful success. It was truly a night where community, generosity, and celebration bloomed together.

Rach

Quote of the Week: "It takes real planning to organise this kind of chaos" (Mel Odom)

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