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Footy fever shows no signs of slowing in the Whitsundays, with 72 junior rugby union teams preparing to descend on the region for the biggest Viking Cup yet. Now in its 15 year and expanding to three days for the first time, the October 1st to 3rd carnival will bring players from under-sixes through to under-16s to the Whitsunday Sports Park, alongside exhibition matches for women and men’s masters. Teams will travel from across North Queensland and beyond, including Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Townsville and Mount Isa, with the western Queensland contingent taking the title of the carnival’s furthest travellers. Sponsored by Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, It’s an event marked by the footy played on the field, and the fun had off it. “It’s not just about the rugby but about coming to our beautiful town and staying for three, four or five days,” said event organiser Tim Oberg. “We want everyone to have a great rugby experience, but we also want families to stay a little longer, visit Whitehaven Beach and enjoy everything the region has to offer. “It creates that all-round family experience, which is exactly what we’re trying to achieve.” This year’s Viking Cup will also support Ronald McDonald House Northern Australia and FightMND, two charities with personal connections to members of the organising committee. “Both charities are ones that people in our committee have personally been involved with over the last 12 months,” Tim said. “So we wanted to support them at our event.” With future plans to extend into a four-day, the hope is that the Viking Cup will eventually become one of Queensland’s largest junior rugby union events. “The ambition is for this to become the largest junior rugby union carnival in the state, and we’re not a million miles away from that already,” Tim said. “In time, we want to attract rugby clubs from across New Zealand, the Pacific and potentially even Asia.” Entry will be free across all three days, with locals encouraged to head down and enjoy the action. Photo supplied
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Rugby Juniors Training When: Wednesday 30th September, 4.30pm–6.30pm Where: Fields 1 and 2 AFL Bald Eagles Training When: Wednesday 30th September, 5.30pm–7pm Where: Oval Viking Cup 10s – Under-6s to Under-10s When: Thursday 1st October, 12pm–7pm Where: Full Sportspark Mixed Under-6s finish at 5pm, Mixed Under-8s at 6pm and Mixed Under-10s at 7pm. Viking Cup 10s – Under-10s to Under-16s When: Friday 2nd October, 10am–8pm Where: Full Sportspark Mixed Under-10s and Under-12s, Girls Under-13s and Under-15s, and Boys Under-14s and Under-16s. Rugby Juniors Training When: Friday 2nd October, 4.30pm–6.30pm Where: Fields 1 and 2 Viking Cup 10s – Under-12s to Under-16s When: Saturday 3rd October, 10am–7.30pm Where: Full Sportspark Mixed Under-12s, Girls Under-13s and Under-15s, and Boys Under-14s and Under-16s.
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Grand Finals weekend delivered plenty of action for Whitsunday United FC, with two championship wins capping off an incredible 2026 season. First up were the U14/15 Division One side, who faced Country United FC on Friday night at Mackay Football Park. After an intense opening, Kobe Marjoram broke the deadlock 20 minutes in to put WUFC ahead. The team looked confident throughout the second half, controlling the tempo before Marjoram struck again in the 85th minute to seal an impressive 2-0 Grand Final victory. Next up were the Division One Men against Mackay Lions. Having secured the premiership a few weeks earlier, WUFC were hungry for the double, but despite a determined performance, went down 1-0. WUFC’s U14/15 FQPL season also ended with a narrow 2-1 Grand Final loss to Mackay Rangers at BB Print Stadium. After conceding twice in the first half, WUFC lifted after the break. Shannon Matthews found the net to make it 2-1 and give the team belief. The boys continued to create opportunities and press hard but couldn’t find the equaliser. A disappointing result, but an outstanding season to be proud of. The final game saw the FQPL3 Men take on Mackay Lions. WUFC started confidently, with an Allan O’Donnell through ball finding Reef Peel, who put WUFC 1-0 ahead before half-time. The momentum continued after the break, with Ethan Rose scoring his 38th goal of the season to make it 2-0. Clinical defending in the final stages preserved the clean sheet and WUFC were crowned 2026 FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men’s Champions. WUFC would like to thank all players, coaches and managers for their incredible commitment this season. With five premierships and two championships won by the club, 2026 has been a remarkable year on the pitch across all grades. Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe. Division 1 Men’s Championship team. Photo supplied
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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rusmussen. Cannonvale Cannons swimmers delivered another exciting evening of racing at their latest Club Night, celebrating personal bests, upgrades, and an impressive new club record. Congratulations to Zavier Woolston, who set his first club record in the 11-year 200m Butterfly, recording an outstanding time of 3:09.41. Cooper Konopka, Hudson Willems, Bodhi Willems, Airlie Mladenovski, Stella Mullis, Asher Springbett, Zara Temple, Joshua Ketchup, Archie Johnston, and Madison McIntrye were recognised for earning club upgrades. Chocolate Awards for personal-best performances went to Airlie Mladenovski, Wilson Hounsell, Isla Johnston, Lily Woolston and Jake Temple, while Finn Temple received the Coaches’ Award for his excellent 25m Butterfly. The Cannons’ newest swimmers performed extremely well. Boston and Madison McIntyre are swimming extremely well, with both achieving personal bests in their freestyle events. Romy De Keyser powered through her 25m Freestyle in 22.87 seconds, while Bowie Hounsell impressed at his first Club Night, completing the 12m Freestyle in 21.24 seconds. Charlie Pozzoli also performed strongly across all four of his events, displaying great technique and recording excellent times. Brothers Asher and Reid Springbett produced a thrilling 25m Freestyle race, finishing just 0.12 seconds apart. The three Willem brothers continue to grow stronger each week, with all three achieving personal bests in the 25m Freestyle. Eloise Chegwidden and Mackenzie Bennett tackled the challenging 100m Butterfly, with both girls recording personal-best times. Evie Doherty and Miranda Palmero swam fantastic times in their 100m IM. Coaches praised Eric Mulliss, Tora Delac, Zavier Woolston, Matilda Nicholes, Roxy Groom and Miller Eaves for progressing to and completing 200m events. Photo 1- Zara Temple. Photo supplied Photo 2- Zavier Woolston
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Collinsville Bowling Club has made it to their century mark, celebrating in style with an afternoon of music, themed gifts and bowls to roll. The centenary brought generations of locals and former residents back to the greens for barefoot bowls in an event built around the community that has supported the club since 1926. “A very big congratulations to the Collinsville Bowls Club celebrating 100 years,” the Collinsville Neighborhood Centre shared after the afternoon. “The community spirit was certainly activated!” Tamie Buchanan and her mother Joy provided a relaxing musical backdrop, while the Collinsville Lions Club kept guests fed with a barbecue. “Bowls were rolled, food was eaten, songs were sang, cake was cut, and pretty sure everyone had a smile on their face,” shared the Collinsville Lions. “Here's to the next 100 years.” A multi-draw raffle raised money to be donated to Collinsville’s three primary schools, ensuring the milestone celebration gave something back to the next generation. Among the special prizes was the club’s handmade 100-year quilt, which was won by Sharon and David Bowen-Evans. Finally, families and friends gathered around to culminate the one of the longest-standing community institutions with a cutting of the centenary cake. Photo 1- Cutting the cake for this momentus occasion. Photo supplied: Collinsville Neighborhood Centre Photo 2- A full celebration of bowls
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Life does not always follow the plan we imagined. Relationships change, children grow, careers take unexpected turns, families adjust, and sometimes we simply reach a point where the way we have been living no longer feels right. These transitions can be challenging, even when everything appears to be going well from the outside. We may continue working, caring for our families and meeting our responsibilities while privately feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or disconnected from the things that once mattered. Understanding what is happening is often the first step towards finding a way forward. Rather than focusing only on a problem or diagnosis, it can be helpful to consider the whole person, their experiences, relationships, environment, strengths, values and goals. Psychological support is not always about finding something that is “wrong”. Sometimes it is about having a safe space to pause, make sense of change, recognise patterns and develop practical strategies for managing what comes next. Exploring the 6 Domains of life (Health, Family, Friends, Career or study or retirement, Spirit, and Finances) and setting clear goals in these areas help us achieve our goals in each area. It's like having a road map to wherever you're travelling. You get there more efficiently and faster. Because getting through life and truly living it are not always the same thing. Personal Transitions — turning life into living. www.personaltransition.com.au or give Cristie 0488667264 or me 0418708214.
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Proserpine was swept up in footy madness as the 18th annual Paul Bowman Challenge drew 82 junior rugby league teams from across Queensland. The event attracted teams from as far south as the Gold Coast and Brisbane, north to Cairns and west to Mount Isa, Longreach and Charleville, with Warwick taking the title of the furthest-travelled team. Across two action-packed days, players enjoyed plenty of footy, friendly cross team banter and even a relaxed evening under the tents. Partnered by former North Queensland Cowboy Paul Bowman, the weekend was a testament to the years of success since its inception. “We’re extremely thankful, and I’m proud of how big the tournament is,” Paul said. “I think it’s pretty much at capacity now, just with the fields and accommodation in Proserpine, Airlie Beach and the surrounding areas. “If we can keep it at this size moving forward, it’ll be awesome.” The young players received a special visit from North Queensland Cowboys stars Jake Clifford and Braidon Burns, while Lily Peacock and Kai O’Donnell also returned home for the event to sign autographs and share some footy advice. “It's actually really nostalgic seeing all the young kids running around, especially in the Brahman’s shirt,” Lily said. “It feels like yesterday that I was down here running around as a little 10-year-old with the boys.”
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Airlie Beach locals could soon find themselves in front of the camera, with casting now underway for background and supporting roles in an international television series set to film in the region from late October to early November. The project is casting for North Queensland-based people of any Asian heritage, aged from three to 100. The opportunity includes both single and multi-day roles, with most successful applicants to spend two days on set after attending a fitting the week before filming. The production will give locals a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes, experience life on a professional television set and perhaps even spot themselves on screen when the series is released. Behind the search is Bud Hopes Film and Television Casting, a Gold Coast-based company with more than 60 production credits to its name, that has spent more than 20 years helping everyday people step onto film and television sets. “I sort of fell into it,” said Founder Anthony "Bud" Hopes. “It was in the early days of the Queensland film industry when someone rang and asked if I wanted to give the job a go. I said yes, and 20 years later, I’m still here.” The company works with talent agencies and community groups to find background performers who reflect the places, cultures and stories being brought to the screen. “In the bigger metro cities, we have an ecosystem of agents that we use, and we combine that with delving into communities as well,” Bud said. “When we go north to places that don’t have a whole lot of agents, we get straight into the community and put it out there through social media and the press. “Bud Hopes Casting is passionate about bringing realness and authenticity to all the stories we tell, and we'll go to any length to nail the brief every time.” Bud Hopes Casting has built an impressive list of credits across film and television, with its portfolio including Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, the action thriller Land of Bad and work connected to the Godzilla vs Kong franchise, with more recent projects include Anaconda, Balls Up, The Bluff and Runner. Photo caption: Photo 1- Background shots from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Photo supplied: Anthony ‘Bud’ Hopes Photo 2- Thor Ragnorak Photo 3- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tells No Tale
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Giddy needs a little extra care and is looking for a long term foster carer who truly understands what makes him special. Giddy lives with a spinal and hip condition, which means he needs careful, hands on management every single day. He can't be left to run wild in the yard, and he needs a lead for walks to protect his back and hips. But here's the thing about Giddy: none of his issues have dimmed who he is. He is smart, affectionate and in decent overall health despite everything his body deals with. He has a big personality too, including a bit of a habit of trying to be the boss with other dogs. Interestingly, the fix for this is a confident female dog! Every time he's tried to lord it over one, she's put him straight back in his place, and he takes it completely in his stride. Can't foster but want to help support Giddy's care? Donate via PayID: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com
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By Glenda Brown, President of Creative Connections Whitsunday AI (Artificial Intelligence) seems to have found its way into almost every part of our lives, and the art world is no exception. For artists, AI presents some interesting possibilities – it can help develop an idea, experiment with composition, change lighting, test colours or take a rough concept in a completely different direction. But it also raises some uncomfortable questions. If an artist uses AI to help create an image and then paints that image, is it still entirely their work? How is that different from painting from a photograph? And at what point does AI stop being a tool and start doing too much of the creative process? There doesn't appear to be a simple answer, and even among our own Creative Connections Whitsunday (CCW) artists, opinions and approaches vary considerably. A tool for ideas, but not necessarily for making art CCW Vice President and artist Linda Forrester uses AI for writing and as a tool to explore and develop creative ideas. She sees value in its ability to quickly test possibilities, suggest different approaches and help visualise ideas, while recognising that it can also make it easy to rely too heavily on generated imagery. Artist Jamie Stickland takes a slightly different view. He believes AI is inevitably going to become a large part of what we do, but there is something fundamental about creating art that he doesn't believe technology can replace. For Jamie, some of the best parts of creating happen when things don't go according to plan. "I create better when I'm scared or uncertain of the final outcome," he says, describing the process of learning from mistakes and discovering new directions while working. Perhaps that's an important distinction – making art isn't simply about producing the best possible image. Often it's the mistakes, changes of direction and decisions made along the way that make the finished work interesting. So where should artists draw the line? Perhaps there isn't one line. AI isn't going away, and artists will make their own decisions about whether to embrace it, avoid it, or find somewhere comfortable in between. For now, perhaps the most important thing is that we keep talking about it, remain transparent about how it's being used, and make sure the artist doesn't disappear from the art. Local artist Jamie Strickland break out box Get in touch Creative Connections Whitsunday Glenda Brown President info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com Creative Connections Whitsundays supports local artists through opportunities to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive.
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The Airlie Beach Foreshore is about to turn into an open air cinema once again, as balmy summer evenings open the door to movie nights under the stars. It’s time to dig out your picnic blankets, pack a bag full of snacks, round up the kids and prepare for an evening of classic entertainment, delivered a little differently. Friday nights during the school holidays are a great excuse to get outdoors and connect with the community, as the big cinema screen on the Foreshore showcases two family favourites. This coming Friday 25th September, the sweetest pig in showbusiness takes centre stage in the heart-warming classic, Babe. The following Friday 2nd October, we step back into 1989 nostalgia with Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Prepare for plenty of laughs, family fun and cosy moments on your picnic blanket under the stars. If you fancy a treat, ditch the bag of snacks and enjoy a selection of delicious offerings from the food trucks on site. With classic films, delicious food and a beautiful foreshore setting, these movie nights are the perfect way to enjoy a balmy evening together. WHAT: Babe WHEN: Friday, 25th September WHAT: Honey I Shrunk The Kids WHEN: Friday 2nd October WHERE: The big screen on Airlie Beach Foreshore
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Bowen is preparing for one of the biggest social days on its calendar, with the Bowen Cup returning on Saturday 10th October. Known as “The Race That Stops the Whitsundays”, the annual race day is expected to attract around 3,000 people for an afternoon of country racing and extravagant fashion. Racegoers will travel from across North Queensland, with coachloads expected from Airlie Beach, Burdekin, Mackay and Townsville. President of the Bowen Turf Club Steven Daly said the Cup is a great opportunity for tourists to see Bowen but also a reunion, with many former residents using the event as a chance to return home and reconnect. “A lot of patrons use the Bowen Cup as a reunion,” he said. “Everyone comes back to town for the Cup to join their friends for that race.” On the track, the feature Bowen Cup will headline the racing, while plenty will be happening all over the grounds. The Fashions on the Field competition will return, judged by Queens of Clothing, alongside live entertainment and food from Whole Hogg BBQ, Tropical Pizzas, Indian cuisine and Meraki grazing boxes. The club has been busy preparing for the big day, with further irrigation work ensuring the home straight has that extra touch of polish and a professional finish. “It’ll look as good as Flemington on Cup Day,” Stephen said. With seating limited, racegoers are encouraged to book a table or ticket package early to guarantee their place. Scan here for tickets: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/de84b97c-9939-4644-8bfb-76b1f8b048aa
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Photo 2- Small Business Hero, EDGE Dance Studio Whitsunday Photo 4- Customer Service Excellence, Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach Photo 5- Eco Excellence Winner, Coral Sea Marina Photo 6- Community Champion Winner, Bowen Tourism and Business Photo 7- Regional Game Changer, Whitsunday Life Newspaper Photo 8- Business Leader of the Year, Kellee Fogg, Whitsunday Law
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There are 46 nominees, seven award categories and plenty of secrets still to be revealed when the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards take over the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. The nominees know they are in the running. What they don’t know is what the judges have decided. That will be revealed live, with winners announced across categories celebrating business leadership, customer service, emerging talent, community contribution, ambitious ideas and long-standing regional achievement. Keeping the night moving will be Kaley and Scott from StarFM’s breakfast show, bringing plenty of energy and fun to the stage. This year’s theme is From High Glam to High Vis, inviting guests to dress up, show their business pride or put their own spin on celebrating in the Whitsundays. The night will feature grazing and networking, an alternate-drop main course and the interactive Luxe Dessert Bar, where guests can decorate their own individual cake. Return buses will operate from Bowen, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, while a cash bar will run throughout the evening. The sold-out awards are presented by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council. A waitlist remains open. 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards 5pm–9:30pm, Friday 9 October 2026 Proserpine Entertainment Centre
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The Whitsunday Business Awards shine a light on local businesses and the people behind them – but an event celebrating regional business also relies on regional businesses getting behind it. The 2026 Awards are supported by organisations from across the Whitsundays and wider region, each helping recognise a different part of the local business community. James Cook University is the 2026 Principal Partner, supporting the Awards’ focus on regional people, skills, innovation and opportunity. StarFM is supporting Business of the Year, recognising businesses making a strong contribution to the Whitsunday economy and community. Abbot Point Operations is sponsoring Business Leader of the Year. Its mission, “Grow Local”, is a natural fit for an award recognising the people leading regional businesses. “That's why we're proud to support the Whitsunday Business Awards and celebrate the businesses, leaders and teams who help drive our region's success,” Abbot Point Operations said. “Recognising business excellence is important to Abbot Point Operations because strong local businesses create jobs, support families and contribute to a thriving regional economy.” TAFE Queensland is supporting Rising Star, recognising employees, apprentices and trainees building their careers and contributing to the region’s future workforce. LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach is supporting Customer Service Excellence, celebrating the businesses and people who make looking after customers part of their everyday work. McDonald’s Restaurants Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Bowen is backing Community Champion, recognising businesses and organisations making a difference beyond the workplace. Bishopp Outdoor Advertising is supporting Think Big, celebrating ambitious ideas and businesses prepared to look beyond the expected. Mackay and Whitsunday Life is the Awards’ print media partner, helping share the stories of the nominees, sponsors and winners with the wider community. Whitsunday Transit is supporting the event’s transport, helping nominees and guests travel to and from the Awards ceremony. Sponsorship is about more than putting a logo on an event. It provides an opportunity for businesses to actively support the people, organisations, and ideas that contribute to the region. The Awards partners thank all sponsors and supporters for getting behind the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards. Photo caption: 2025 Winner of the legends of the Whitsundays hall of fame, Abbot Point Operations
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Behind every Whitsunday business are people creating jobs, training apprentices, supporting families, sponsoring community groups and investing in the place they call home. That’s what the Whitsunday Business Awards are designed to recognise — not simply business success, but the people and organisations making a contribution to the region. Now in their second year, the Awards bring together businesses from across the Whitsundays through a joint initiative of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council. This year, James Cook University (JCU) is Principal Partner, supporting an event that shares its focus on regional people, skills and opportunity. “JCU is proud to support the Whitsunday Business Awards and recognise the businesses, leaders and innovators contributing to our region. Supporting local talent, skills and regional communities is an important part of what we do.” For the Awards organisers, that support reflects the broader role business plays in regional communities. A strong local economy needs skilled workers, opportunities for young people and businesses that are prepared to invest, grow and employ locally. It also relies on businesses supporting the community around them. The 2026 nominees reflect that contribution, with categories recognising everything from customer service and emerging talent to community impact, innovation, leadership and long-standing regional contribution. The Awards partners thank JCU and all sponsors and supporters for helping create an opportunity to stop, recognise the achievements of local business and celebrate the people behind them. Photo caption: Photo 1- 2025 winner, Trailblazing young entrepreneur, Sam Yanderpoel from Rolling with Netherpoel Photo 2- 2025 Winner, Rising Star Shontelle Bretzel from Bowen Rail Company. Photo supplied: Julia Evans
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The Whitsundays has plenty to celebrate, with 46 nominees competing across seven categories in the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards. Representing tourism, trades, retail, health, manufacturing, professional services and community organisations, this year’s nominees are: Business of the Year: Airlie Adventure Tours; Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours; Australian Agave Co.; Belle Property Whitsundays; Bowen Rail Company; Magnums Unique Accommodation; NQ Aerovation; Ocean Rafting. Business Leader of the Year: Aaron Doherty, Coastal Brush; Emma Whybird, Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday; Hayley Moran, Airlie Health Hub; Stephanie McWhirter, Belle Property Whitsundays; Tenielle Matheson, Wildlife Whitsundays. Rising Star: Dean Leslie, Australian Agave Co.; Giulian Grasso, Whitsunday Law; Sam Mckay, Hamilton Island Enterprises; Soumya Santosh, Tassal. Customer Service Excellence: Airlie Beach Tourism; Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours; Airlie Health Hub; Airlie Legal; Ambitious Cakes; Bounce Airlie Beach; Bowen Tourism and Business; Bright Patch Cafe; Coastal Brush; Divine Weddings Whitsundays; Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday; Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach; Kath Barker, Compass Realty Whitsundays; Mana Skin Body & Soul; Mark Milligan, Pilcher’s Mitre 10; Rolling with Netherpoel; Team Whitsundays Body Corporate Management. Community Champion: Bowen Community Op Shop; Bowen Flexi Care Inc.; Compass Realty Whitsundays; GRB Mining; Healthy Kids Project; Proserpine Historical Museum Society; Whitsunday Community Services; Whitsunday Counselling & Support; Whitsunday Self Defense Academy; Wildlife Whitsundays; Zero Waste Solutions. Think Big: Bowen Community Council; GRB Mining; Hidden Valley Whitsundays; Scallywag Fabrication; Tassal. Hall of Fame: Bowen Tourism and Business; Chloe Bauer; Elizabeth Hackett; Jennifer Rush; Lowcock Builders; Pilcher’s Mitre 10; Rabia Morris; Wayne Singleton; Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre. Winners will be revealed on Friday 9 October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. 1: 2025 Business of the Year: Bowen Old People’s Home Society (Murroona Gardens) 2: 2025 Hall of Fame: Abbot Point Operations
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By Michael Kimpton Val & I moved to the Whitsundays from the big smoke 10 years back for a number of reasons. Primarily, it was to enjoy the tropical lifestyle and warm weather, marine activities and a tight-knit community feel. We were aware as we approached our twilight years we would experience challenges with our new location. Compared to larger metropolitan cities our research showed there would be a lack of resources and infrastructure with stretched medical services. Another big wake up call for us was Cyclone Debbie and the impact it created for our community. But what struck us the most was: why was Northern Qld dealt a bad hand of cards when trying to donate blood? Val & I were regular blood donors in Victoria but moving to Airlie Beach made this virtually impossible. Back in 1977 after a traumatic motorcycle accident I received two units of blood on the side of the road which saved my life. This is where our commitment and passion come from to do the community thing and donate blood. Whenever possible as our time frame permits, we donate blood in Mackay- just last Monday both Val & I commuted to Mackay to give blood. We have already been contacted to advise that the blood has been delivered to a patient at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, which was wonderful news! But it’s not possible to donate closer to home. This month blood services in England, Canada and Australia issued a critical joint appeal as National blood reserves have dropped globally by 30%. The key decision makers of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood have been found wanting in their management plan for Northern Queensland regional centres. Townsville’s permanent centre only accepts plasma now which is very confusing. Plasma donating will take 45 minutes compared to normal whole blood donation time of 10 minutes. Val & I had a formal meeting with Tim Nicholls MP and staff at the deputation Community Cabinet meeting in Mackay last November, liaison with Queensland and Federal politicians, Mayors & Councillors. We also raised the topic during our meeting with the Premier David Crisafulli MP last month in Proserpine. Our region wants to think BIG for our future but we are all hamstrung by policies outside of our decision-making. Lachlan Jackwitz died in April this year in regional Queensland after waiting for 2 hours for blood. It is unacceptable that our Whitsunday community of 40,000 people has lost the opportunity to conveniently donate blood and help reduce the chronic shortage of blood. A mobile blood bank operated out of Proserpine some time ago but why was it discontinued? Michael Kimpton 0417 717 818 mkmotivationalspeaker@gmail.com
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Planning to retire soon? If retirement is on your horizon in the next few years, now is the time to start preparing. There are plenty of questions to work through. How much income will you need during the active, slowing and sedentary stages of retirement? Do you have enough super and other investments to support the lifestyle you want? Could you qualify for the Age Pension? Would moving money between super, personal investments or spouses improve your position? Then there is another important question: what happens if investment markets fall just before or after you retire? While you are working, you are generally a regular buyer of investments. Your employer contributions, and perhaps your own extra contributions, continue purchasing assets through your super. When markets fall, those contributions buy investments at lower prices. Retirement changes that position completely. Once you begin drawing an income from your super and investments, you become a regular seller. If markets fall and you still need to fund monthly pension payments, you may be forced to sell investments when their values are temporarily depressed. That can make it harder for your retirement savings to recover. We have seen several major downturns over recent decades, including the technology crash, the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID market fall. Each was different, but they all demonstrated that investment markets can fall sharply and may take time to recover. The aim is not to predict the next downturn. Nobody can do that reliably. The aim is to have a retirement income strategy that reduces the chance of selling quality investments at the wrong time when they are undervalued. At Eclipse Financial Services, we use our Bucket Strategy to help protect retired clients through changing investment markets. It is designed to provide money for pension payments while allowing longer-term investments time to recover after a downturn. The key message is simple: if you are hoping to retire in the next few years, start planning now. A well-prepared retirement strategy can give you a clearer picture of the income you may receive, how your money should be structured and how you could manage future market volatility. Do not let an unexpected downturn delay the retirement years you have worked so hard to enjoy. Plan early, understand your options and put suitable protections in place. For a free consultation with local people who understand these and other financial matters, contact Eclipse Financial Services in Cannonvale on 4946 7359 or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au.
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Contributed with thanks by Bowen Pipeline Company Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval provides greater planning certainty for proposed 182-kilometer North Queensland water pipeline Bowen Pipeline Company welcomes approval of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) for the Bowen Pipeline Project by the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP. The Decision Notice marks an important milestone for the project providing formal recognition for the proposed 182-kilometre water pipeline under Queensland’s infrastructure planning framework. The Bowen Region produces 1/5th of Australia’s vegetables (over 250 million kilograms sold at the farm gate) and is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area supplying over 90% of some vegetables supplying Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and internationally. The region has no reliable, secure water supply relying on summer rains. The approval provides greater planning certainty following extensive technical assessment, stakeholder engagement and consultation with government, Traditional Owners, landholders, growers, councils, industry participants and regional stakeholders. Bowen Pipeline Company Chairman Carl Walker said the decision represented an important step forward for the project and recognised the considerable work undertaken to reach this point. “This is an important milestone for the Bowen Pipeline Project and for the many people who have contributed their time, knowledge and support along the way,” Mr Walker said. “A significant amount of work sits behind this decision, from technical studies and planning through to engagement with landholders, growers, Traditional Owners, government, councils, industry and communities across the region. “There is still work ahead, but the MID gives us greater planning certainty as we continue progressing the remaining approvals, funding pathways and development work required to move the project forward.” The Bowen Pipeline Project is designed to transfer water from the Burdekin River south towards Bowen providing a reliable long-term water supply to support agriculture, industry, horticulture, aquaculture, citrus, algae, green energy and communities. Mr Walker said the significance of the project ultimately lies in what greater water security could make possible for the region. The project’s broader economic case centres on using reliable water infrastructure to enable greater agricultural production, investment and industry development across the Bowen-Burdekin corridor. Preliminary economic analysis cited by Bowen Pipeline Company indicates the project has the potential to support around $300 million in annual economic output and approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs when operational across agriculture, industry and regional services. “For growers, businesses and communities across the region, reliable access to water is fundamental to planning for the future. Greater water security has the potential to support agricultural production, encourage investment and create new opportunities for the region over the long term,” Mr Walker said. “That is what we are working towards, and this decision takes us another important step forward.” Early engagement with prospective water users has demonstrated strong interest in securing future water allocations from the Bowen Pipeline Project. Mr Walker said the response provided further confidence in the need for the project. “Over recent weeks we have seen strong interest from prospective water users and new market entrants, reinforcing both the demand for greater water security and the confidence people have in investing in the future of this region. “Their participation is an important part of building the commercial foundation required to progress the project.” Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said reliable water supply could unlock significant opportunities for the region. “Where you have water, you have opportunities. It is those opportunities that are the reason I support ensuring a reliable water supply for an area that offers so much untapped potential,” Minister Last said. “There is 100,000 hectares of arable land in the Burdekin-Bowen-Collinsville area that could be used for primary production if there was a reliable source of water. Whether you look at it from a self-sufficiency or an export perspective, that is a lot of jobs that could be created and huge financial benefit for the region.” “The Crisafulli LNP government has set a target to boost Queensland’s primary production output to $30 Billion by 2030. To take full advantage of Queensland’s potential when it comes to primary production, we need to back the infrastructure the industry needs to turn potential into reality.” “Approving the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation is a clear sign that the project has received a positive result during public consultation. Whilst the approval does not signal the start of construction, it sends a strong message that the Crisafulli government recognises the potential benefits and has played its part in seeing the project move forward.” Photo 1- Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, President of BGGA, Carl Walker, BPC Director Sean Brown, and Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins (WRC). Photo supplied
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Last week was a good reminder that advocacy is rarely about one meeting, one announcement or coming home with a cheque in your pocket. More often, it is about making sure the Whitsundays is in the room, building relationships and consistently putting our region’s opportunities and challenges in front of the people who can help shape what comes next. There was no better way to start than seeing Airlie Beach named Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2026 at Parliament House in Canberra. After six years of nominations, it was fantastic to finally bring the national title home. More importantly, it recognises the thousands of people across our tourism industry who work every day to make the Whitsundays such a memorable destination. We also used that national platform to highlight two issues that matter enormously to tourism regions like ours. The first is the future of the Working Holiday Maker program. International visitors are an important market in their own right but working holiday makers are also a critical part of the workforce that keeps many regional tourism and hospitality businesses operating. The second is disaster recovery funding. Regions regularly exposed to cyclones and severe weather need funding arrangements that allow communities and critical infrastructure to recover quickly and build greater resilience for the future. Later in Canberra, I met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, joined by representatives from Gilmour Space, to discuss another very different opportunity — the role Bowen and Abbot Point could play in Australia’s future sovereign space and defence capability. That conversation extends beyond the Bowen Orbital Spaceport itself to opportunities around advanced manufacturing, logistics, fuel, supply chains and other industries that could develop alongside it. From Canberra it was on to Sydney, where I met with major investors and developers about opportunities across the Whitsundays, particularly in tourism, accommodation and regional development. None of these conversations guarantees an outcome tomorrow. But investment and government decisions are rarely made because a region waited patiently for someone to notice it. We have an exceptional story to tell — a growing population, a strong economy, world-class tourism, emerging industries and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon. My job is to make sure that story is heard, and that when opportunities arise, the Whitsundays is firmly part of the conversation.
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With a strong local presence and the support of a national brand, Belle Property Whitsundays is bringing a fresh approach to residential real estate across the region. The locally owned agency specialises in residential sales, property management and leasing. The team combines its knowledge of the Whitsunday market with the marketing, technology and network available through Belle Property. For the team, it is this balance between being local and having access to a national network that makes a real difference. The team lives in the Whitsundays and understands what makes the region such a special place to live. At the same time, they have access to the broader Belle Property network, giving clients the benefit of wider exposure and professional marketing support. “We pride ourselves on personalised service, attention to detail and achieving great results for our clients,” said Principal Stephanie McWhirter. “We genuinely care about our clients and our community, and we want to make sure people feel supported throughout the process.” The agency continues to see interest from a range of buyers looking to move to the Whitsundays, invest in the area or enjoy the lifestyle the region offers. For sellers, the team believes that good presentation, effective marketing, and realistic pricing are all important when bringing a property to market. Having a team that understands the local market also helps ensure each property is positioned in a way that appeals to the right buyers. For Stephanie and the team, one of the biggest challenges over the past 12 months has been managing the growth of the business while continuing to provide the level of service their clients expect. As a relatively new business, building relationships and establishing a presence in the local community has also been a key focus. Growing the team, putting the right systems in place, and maintaining regular communication with clients have all played an important role. Just as important has been creating a positive team environment. The team’s advice to other business owners is simple: build a good team, look after your customers, and keep communicating. “We believe communication is one of the most important parts of what we do,” Stephanie said. “Our clients want to know what is happening, and our team needs to be on the same page. Keeping those lines of communication open makes a big difference.” The business also sees its Chamber membership as a great opportunity to connect with other local businesses and be involved in the wider Whitsunday community. Being able to meet other business owners, share ideas and support local initiatives is an important part of being a local business. As a locally owned agency, Belle Property Whitsundays is proud to support other businesses in the region and play its part in the local community. For the team, it is about building genuine relationships and being part of the Whitsundays for the long term. Belle’s Property team. Photo supplied: Julia Evans
Read moreProserpine Mill processed about 84,990 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season-to-date total to more than 1,055,136 tonnes. Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 15.06 units.The highest weekly CCS sample for the week was 18.26 units, from a rake of Q183 Ratoon cane in the Lethebrook productivity district. Now that the school holidays have started, we again ask parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near the cane rail network. Please only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings andalways look out for cane trains before proceeding. Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so remember to use your train brain.
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After months of listening to young people across the Whitsundays, Council has transformed its libraries with upgraded technology, flexible furniture and new activities aimed at bringing more young people through the doors. The Your Say initiative was a youth engagement project that ran between January and June, asking young people whether the library was somewhere they wanted to spend time, what programs and technology interested them, and what they felt was missing. Now, that time and feedback is being seen on full display, with libraries in Proserpine, Cannonvale, Bowen and Collinsville all receiving a refresh. “We were able to purchase adaptable furniture, upgraded technology, like a switch and VR technology,” said Alicia Mulcahy, team leader at the Proserpine library. “They certainly wanted technology, which we expected, but the main thing they were after was just a space where they could feel comfortable, relax and be themselves.” The upgrades have also led to new programs, including a permanent Dungeons and Dragons group at Bowen Library, while Proserpine and Cannonvale are looking to follow suit if local Dungeon Masters can be found. The consultation with young people will continue even now that the upgrades are in place, with a permanent program held at Proserpine Library every Tuesday giving participants a chance to socialise and shape future activities. “They actually tell us what they want to do going forward,” she said. “The young people are also putting their little shine on it as well, it’s their space.” Kids enjoying the library with their school holidays. Photo supplied: Whitsunday Regional Council
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With no shark nets, drumlines or government-run sighting platform across the Whitsundays, a free community-powered app is helping ocean dwellers find out what may be moving beneath the water before diving in. Created by former professional surfer Sarah Beardmore, Dorsal allows beachgoers to view and report shark sightings in real time, with new smartwatch alerts and public drone-reporting technology set to strengthen its reach ahead of summer. “It’s not to scare people but It’s just an additional tool, like putting on sunscreen or checking the forecast,” she said. “In Queensland, our reports are 100 per cent community-generated, compared to New South Wales, where they already have drone programs and other programs in place that push those reports out to the public. “So in Queensland, we’re relying completely on people going to the beach, going fishing and heading out on boats.” Sarah spent around 12 years competing as a professional surfer, travelling the world before eventually settling in Byron Bay. After spending much of her life in and around the ocean, Sarah understood how quickly conditions could change. When a series of shark attacks struck northern New South Wales in 2015 and 2016, she saw a clear gap in the way vital sighting information was being shared, inspiring her to create Dorsal. “In some of these events, sharks had been seen in the area the day before and on the day of the attack, but there was no real way for people to share that information,” Sarah said. Shark safety has returned to the national spotlight following a series of incidents across Australia, including a fatal attack at Sorrento Beach near Perth. Sixty-three-year-old swimmer Greg O’Neill was reportedly attacked by a great white shark close to shore, with the tragedy unfolding in the clear view of onlookers. The incident marked Western Australia’s third fatal shark attack of 2026 and followed several shark encounters around Sydney earlier in the year, as well as one fatal attack in Far North Queensland back in May. Against that backdrop, Sarah believes fast and reliable sighting information can help people make better-informed decisions before entering the water and hopefully mitigate these incidents. Dorsal works through a network of everyday of up to 750,000 users, allowing people to check recent shark activity before heading to the beach or submit their own sighting. Reports from trusted and verified contributors can appear immediately, while new submissions are checked using details such as GPS location, time stamps and image-recognition technology. Users can attach a photograph or video where possible, although Sarah understands that sightings often happen too quickly to capture on camera. Any report flagged by the system is reviewed by Sarah or another member of the team, who may contact the person who submitted it before making the information public. Once verified, the sighting is shared through the app, helping warn swimmers, surfers, fishers and boaties within minutes. “We try to get shark sightings and information to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible,” Sarah said. Sarah Beardmore. Photo supplied
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