EXCLUSIVE MARINA FRONT RESIDENCE COMPLETION LATE 2026
148 East - Airlie Beach Prestige Living
An architectural masterpiece in the making, 148 EAST represents the next evolution of luxury waterfront living in the Whitsundays.
• Private 12m marina berth
• Multi level architectural design of 577sqm
• Individual private swimming pool
• Internal lift connecting each level
• High end luxury finishes
• Expansive outdoor entertaining terraces
• Secure gated entry & double garage
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
CONTACT: Rob Taylor 0428 466 124 rob@tpsre.com.au
Space, seclusion, and a view you never outgrow
Perched high above the everyday on 29 private acres, this remarkable retreat delivers breathtaking ocean views, space to breathe, room for every toy imaginable, and a lifestyle where sunsets, firepit nights and childhood adventures become part of daily life.
• Mesmerising ocean views from home and pool
• Solid rendered double-brick construction throughout
• Soaring gable ceilings with exposed timber beams
• Master suite with ensuite and walk-through robe
• 10m x 7m shed plus additional shed
• Large carport for boats, vehicles and equipment
• Landscaped lawns, firepit area and pergola
• Garden irrigation for effortless grounds maintenance
• 13kW solar power reduces ongoing electricity costs
• Freshwater bore plus three additional water tanks
• Wireless broadband internet with excellent connectivity
• Treehouse with bed for unforgettable sleepovers
FOR SALE 1839 Conway Road, Conway CONTACT: Brad Sobott 0411 236 507 brad@tpsre.com.au
387sqm Versatile Commercial Space – Cannonvale
First floor tenancy with excellent natural light and available as one tenancy or can be split into two separate tenancies.
• Private offices & meeting room
• Open plan workspace
• Large common area
• Kitchenette, exclusive amenities & storage area
• Rear space ideal for wellness, pilates or similar uses
• Excellent signage exposure
• Dual stairwell access
FOR LEASE $44,000 per annum plus outgoings & GST
14 William Murray Drive, Cannonvale
CONTACT: Ali Swain 0461 496 380 commercial@tpsre.com.au
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS DAILY
• Outstanding exposure to constant highway traffic
• Approx. 71sqm retail/commercial tenancy
• Previously operated as a food business
• Existing shop fit out available for purchase
• Licensed outdoor seating area
• Convenient customer parking
• Ready for immediate occupation
Position your business in a high profile location with excellent visibility and strong passing trade. Ideal for a range of commercial, retail or service based businesses
FOR LEASE 174-176 Main Street, Proserpine
CONTACT: Ali Swain 0461 496 380 commercial@tpsre.com.au
COMBINATION MEALS
90. Includes Chicken, Beef, BBQ Pork & King Prawns
“Why do we let negative thoughts creep into our minds when we could be thinking about that time we were five years old, picking raspberries?”
It’s a question my Mum and I were pondering this morning after waking early to watch Australia take on Egypt in the World Cup, only to realise we’d got the day wrong and it was actually Austria playing.
I found myself remembering the joy of plucking a fat, red raspberry from a bush in the English countryside where I grew up, the tart burst as I bit into it and the inevitable crimson juice dancing across my lips.
Surely that’s a better thing to think about than our failures, weaknesses and flaws?
Yet we all do it. And if we let it, negative self-talk can take over.
One of my favourite stories in this issue is about motivational speaker McQuility ‘Coco’ Qurikewith who survived an explosion while serving in the Defence Force. He was ejected through the rear hatch of his rescue vehicle and flung 30 metres into the air. I won’t spoil the rest of the story, but after the incident Coco endured 40 operations and battled depression, alcohol addiction and suicidal thoughts.
One pivotal moment changed everything, and today he dedicates his life to motivating, inspiring and empowering others facing similar struggles. An example of how we can turn tragedy into strength. Negative thoughts into positive.
Another theme running through this edition is our Men in Industry feature. Time and again, the leaders we spoke to were just as passionate about building positive workplace cultures as they were about productivity and performance. Once again, it is the positive environments that allow us each to flourish and our businesses to shine.
Before I sign off, I want to finish by acknowledging the local Business Chambers we proudly partner with across Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Home Hill, Whitsunday and Mackay. These organisations work tirelessly to strengthen our business communities, and we’re grateful to support them.
If you’re not already a member of your local chamber, I’d encourage you to join - you’ll even receive a special advertising credit with us!
Until next time,
CORE PUBLISHING AND EVENTS PTY LTD p. 0429 035 046 e. office@lifepublishinggroup.com
Community Life
Men in Industry & Mining
Home, Property & Garden
QME Special Feature
Local Business Spotlight
Tripping Magazine
ON THE COVER
Strong coffee. Straight talk. No leaks. Meet Brad Geiger, the down-to-earth CEO behind one of Mackay’s leading roofing and plumbing businesses. Built on family values, quality workmanship and a teamfirst culture, Geiger Solutions has earned a reputation for doing things the right way.
Cover concept: Life Publishing Group
Photography: Photos By Nell
ON THE COVER TRIPPING
One year of unforgettable adventures. Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island is celebrating its first anniversary, giving even more visitors the chance to experience the best of the Whitsundays. From Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet to hidden snorkelling spots, discover why this family-owned tourism icon continues to deliver one of the region’s most memorable experiences.
Publisher: Rebecca Douthwaite. Editor in Chief: Rachael Smith rachael@corelife.com.au. Graphic Design: Marc Evans Tarnate, Taylor Trewartha and Camila Espinoza. Production: Trisha Coetzee and Georgia McDonald. Sales Managers: Jess Clark jess@corelife.com.au, Trish Jandt trish@lifepublishinggroup.com, Sherie Hensler-Adams sherie@lifepublishinggroup.com and Jack Bridgett jack@lifepublishinggroup.com. Writers: Hannah McNamara, Suzanna McLoughlin, Victoria Velton, Jacob Casha, Chelsea Ravizza and Zach Houtenville. Photography: R Jean Photography, Alyce Holzy, Sarah Anderson and Photos by Nell.
OVERCOMING THE INVISIBLE SCARS
McQuility ‘Coco’ Qurikewith was flung high into the air when an Improvised Explosive Device hit the vehicle he was travelling in as a medic in Afghanistan. Earlier that evening, his team had been called away from the patrol base on a rescue mission to retrieve wounded soldiers. They had successfully loaded them into the vehicle and were just one kilometre from returning to camp when the explosive struck, launching the truck more than 10 metres into the air. Coco was ejected through the rear hatch, soaring almost 30 metres into the sky.
Over the next three days he died three times. Each time, he was resuscitated. The world wasn’t done with him yet, he had a greater purpose to fulfil.
“I remember an intense flash, then three shadows standing over me, then I came-to again on the resuscitation table, the next thing I know I was landing in Germany,” said Coco.
Thankfully, the rest of his team and the wounded soldiers survived the incident, receiving treatment in Afghanistan. Coco was the only one who required lifesaving medical attention and in the 15 years since the incident, he has undergone more than 40 surgeries.
The physical scars, however, were not as deep as the mental ones.
The incident in Afghanistan in 2011 was the
second time Coco had diced with death. The first was in Iraq in 2006. He had been dining with a platoon of American soldiers, sharing laughs and camaraderie, before waving them off on patrol that evening. Just hours later, he learned they had been attacked and that 16 of the 18 soldiers had been killed.
The tragedy triggered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Coco and, although he was still trying to understand its impact, he immediately knew he wanted to use his experience to help others. He began giving talks on managing PTSD and raising awareness among fellow service personnel. It marked the beginning of a journey into advocacy, speaking in schools, supporting wounded diggers and teaching leadership.
Those skills, he would later discover, became invaluable when he was forced to face his own demons once again.
After returning to Townsville following the explosion which nearly claimed his life Afghanistan, Coco chose to remain in the Defence Force while studying for a degree in Sports Science. In 2017, he left the military and began working for the NRL.
The career change, however, did not allow him to escape spiralling depression caused by PTSD. For a long time, only alcohol managed to blanket the pain. Until one night, his strong and
supportive
told
was enough. It was the alcohol or her and the kids. He had to make a choice.
Fortunately, he chose his family.
From there, sobriety allowed him to pour all of his energy into helping others. He doubled down on his motivational speaking, supporting fellow diggers and advocating for mental health within the returned service personnel community.
“It’s the best feeling in the world!” he shared.
“Even if it’s just one person out of a hundred, it’s still a successful day for me. It’s something that gives me a lot of gratitude – giving someone off the street a push in the right direction is my way of giving back.”
When asked about his message for others navigating similar mental health journeys, he said, “don’t do it alone”.
“Find yourself a support team. We do everything as a team in the defence force, it’s easy when you have a team, and often we forget to ask for support.
“Professional help is also massive, it’ll help you get through the worst.”
“I think in today’s world we should try not to judge, be an ear to listen instead, you might actually learn something if you’re more understanding and empathetic.”
wife
him enough
CHANGE LIVES ONE MATE AT A TIME
All over Australia, there are brilliant and talented young people waiting for an opportunity to be seen. For many, that chance never comes. Simply because they don’t have a mate to lead them in the right direction. That’s exactly what the JT Academy is working to change.
Once-in-a-generation talent Johnathan Thurston, who inspired millions in a North Queensland Cowboys jersey, launched the academy with the vision of making an equally meaningful impact off the field.
Their latest initiative, JTMates, has a vision: to bring together businesses and individuals to help create brighter futures for young Australians.
Having been overlooked by many early in his own career because of his size, Johnathan understands better than most what can happen when someone believes in your potential. He came into his own when playing for the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2002 – an opportunity that led him to the Cowboys, where he became arguably one of the greatest NRL players of all time.
The opportunity he was given changed the course of his life.
Now, through JT Academy, Johnathan is on a mission to ensure more young Australians are
given a similar chance to realise their potential. JTMates is a way the broader community can get involved.
By signing up to the program, members join a community committed to shaping the next generation. Alongside the satisfaction of making a real difference, members receive recognition through the JTMates brand, website acknowledgement, exclusive merchandise, invitations to Academy events and a letter of appreciation from JT.
The program supports the four pillars of the academy – JTBelieve, JTLeadLikeAGirl, JTSucceed, and JTYouGotThis.
JTBelieve is centred around the classroom, helping young people build the confidence to believe in themselves and their abilities. Recognising that many students struggle with self-esteem throughout their education, the program instills the mindset, resilience and practical tools they need to succeed both in the classroom and later in the workforce.
Through a series of inspiring workshops, JTLeadLikeAGirl empowers young women to discover their potential and embrace leadership opportunities. The program encourages participants to back themselves as they navigate systemic barriers, strengthen their teamwork skills and develop the confidence to pursue their goals.
Success can be harder to come by in some regional and remote parts of Australia, where young people often face fewer opportunities than their urban counterparts. JTSucceed is designed to help bridge that gap, preparing participants for employment through practical, work-ready training that creates genuine pathways into the workforce.
Then there’s JTYouGotThis. Designed for vulnerable and at-risk young people, the program aims to break the cycle of offending by providing the support, guidance and connections needed to build a brighter future. Through reconnecting participants with their families, delivering weekly workshops and surrounding them with a strong support network, the program helps keep young people out of the criminal justice system.
The Academy now reaches more than 1,700 young people every year, empowering the next generation with the confidence, resilience, courage and leadership qualities that defined Thurston’s legendary career. The JTMates initiative is sure to expand their reach even further.
For Johnathan Thurston, one opportunity changed everything. The next life-changing opportunity belongs to another young Australian – all they need is a good set of mates to get them there.
jtacademy.com.au
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WHERE OPPORTUNITY MEETS CONVENIENCE
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Jennifer Rattray Sales Agent
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Jayne Discombe Senior Property Manager
Samantha Haywar Property Manager
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Dayle Buckley Senior Property Manager
Whitsunday
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CHARTING A COURSE TO OLYMPIC GLORY
At just 12 years old, Reid Martin is already making a stir in the boating scene.
The young Whitsunday Local is striving towards dreams of becoming a future Olympian, training and competing across the world.
Backed by his community, Reid is making ripples as he pushes against greater and greater competition to engrave his name on the world stage.
The journey began when Reid first stepped on a boat at just seven years old. It quickly became clear that boating was in his blood.
Along the way, there have been obstacles for Reid to overcome – a major factor being the distance he must travel to compete.
While many of Australia's top junior sailors live close to major centres of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and can just drive across town when an opportunity comes knocking, Reid and his family regularly travel vast distances to access the same. Fortunately, he has one of the best world-class training grounds right here in the Whitsundays where he can refine his craft.
From state championships and national regattas to training camps and development programs, competing at the highest level requires significant commitment, sacrifice and determination. Luckily, Reid and his family have that in spades.
Reid has risen to every challenge that he has faced so far, with his efforts paying off to establish him as one of Australia's leading young sailors, collecting podium finishes at state and national events across the country- and beyond.
At just 12 years old, the talented Whitsunday sailor has already represented Australia internationally in Thailand and Turkey. His next feat will be competing at the 2026 IODA Asian and Oceania Championships in Sri Lanka, having earnt selection in the Australian Optimist Sailing Team for a third consecutive year.
The Optimist class constitutes the world's premier junior sailing category for children under 15. The class has produced countless Olympic and America's Cup sailors, making it the traditional starting point for many of the sport's biggest names. Selection to represent Australia is fiercely competitive, with only a small number of sailors chosen each year based on consistent performances at national level – but Reid is dedicated to proving his passion.
This year alone, Reid's schedule includes NSW and Queensland State Championships, Youth Week events, Sail Airlie, Sail Brisbane, national training camps and the Australian Championships in Melbourne, adding thousands more kilometres to an already impressive sailing journey. Alongside him every step of the way has been his younger brother Rory, who shares the same passion for sailing and is rapidly making a name for himself on the water.
Behind every race result is a significant commitment from the boys’ parents, whose support allows them to pursue their
COURSE GLORY
dreams.
Together, the brothers proudly represent not just their clubs, but the entire Whitsunday region – and the community stand proudly behind them- including the Mayor, Ry Collins.
"What Reid and Rory are achieving is nothing short of remarkable.” Mayor Ry Collins said, proudly.
“These young men are competing against athletes who often have world-class facilities and coaching on their doorstep, yet they continue to prove that talent, determination and hard work can come from anywhere — including the Whitsundays."
For Reid, the focus remains simple — keep learning, keep improving and keep chasing the next challenge.
In 2032, arguably the world’s biggest sailing events will be coming to Reid’s home in the Whitsundays, where he will be able to see Olympic medals fought for across the bays they call their training ground- and who knows, maybe bringing one home himself.
BRAD GEIGER
The Heart & Humour Behind Geiger Solutions
Photo credit: Photos by Nell
As the CEO of Geiger Solutions, Brad Geiger has helped shape one of Mackay’s most respected trade businesses, delivering roofing and plumbing services across the region and beyond. But behind the business is a man whose approach is refreshingly straightforward: work hard, do the job properly, look after your people and never lose your sense of humour along the way.
So far, that formula has served him well.
On paper, Brad runs a fast-growing operation with a broad footprint across Mackay, Emerald, Clermont, Moranbah and the Bowen Basin. Geiger Solutions offers everything from roof maintenance and reroofing to emergency plumbing, all backed by a team of licensed specialists under the one banner.
In person, though, Brad doesn’t present like a man trying to sell a polished corporate line. He’s quick to laugh, generous with praise for his team and family, and strongly committed to doing things the right way.
Ask him what a good day on the tools looks like and the answer comes without hesitation: “Early coffee before the sun comes up, blue skies, no rain…”
It’s a simple picture, but it says a lot. Brad is someone who still genuinely loves the work he does.
Brad originally founded the business in 2014 after his grandfather retired. He moved to Germany in 2016 before returning to Mackay in 2024 to restart Geiger Solutions with renewed momentum.
“My grandfather Roy Geiger took me under his wing at age 15 and made me his apprentice,” Brad says.
What began with a focus on roofing has grown into a respected roofing and plumbing business built around quality work, done by qualified people.
That drive is something Brad is fiercely protective of.
When asked about the most common issue the team gets called to fix, he doesn’t sugar-coat the answer.
“Leaking roofs, usually due to unqualified people having done maintenance on them,” he says.
“Unfortunately, this is one of the main reasons, besides the obvious damage from the elements, that metal roofs need to be replaced these days. It’s important to always make sure someone competent is keeping your largest asset dry.”
The benchmarks he sets for himself and his business are nonnegotiable: “No leaks, customer satisfaction, reliability and strong business relationships.”
“If you really care about what you are doing and hold yourself to account, that’s quality,” he says.
“It doesn’t just stop on the tools, it flows into your relationship with your customers and the greater community.”
That broader view of business seems to sit at the heart of how Brad operates. For him, it’s part of the fabric of the region. It’s why Geiger Solutions invests in local communities, sponsors sporting teams, buys local where possible and maintains a strong presence in the towns it services.
It’s also why team culture matters so much.
“The team is everything,” Brad says.
One person who has played a major role in the company’s recent growth is Brad’s brother, Chris Geiger, who returned to the family business as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Brad says Chris does “all the heavy lifting” behind the scenes, and his return to the business has been a game changer.
Whether it’s long days, difficult jobs or the kind of weather that Queensland tradies know all too well, he says morale always comes down to what you built before the pressure hit.
“It’s the team environment you create in the good times that will carry it through the hard times,” he says.
“The team here are really in tune with keeping morale up and keeping each other motivated… we look out for each other.”
That family-style culture extends from the office to the worksite, and from the worksite right back to Brad’s own front door.
And there’s one person he credits above all.
“My wife Christine… she is amazing. She has been the wind in my sails for so many years.”
For all the toughness and trade talk, he’s a family man first, the kind who knows exactly who’s been in his corner through the years and isn’t shy about saying it.
That loyalty, it seems, runs in every direction.
One of the jobs he’s most proud of was the recent transformation of an old Queenslander and adjoining two-storey building into one large home under a single roof in Goldsmith Street.
“It was a great challenge and a rewarding end product,” he says.
“We have fought the weather all year but especially with this project. It was a massive team effort for great customers I might add. Very patient, very honest. It makes all the difference.”
“Shaking their hand with smiles on our faces when we are done. It is the feeling of accomplishment that we have done a great job with great results and knowing that our client will surely recommend us to friends. Nothing better!”
That pride in a finished product probably explains why roofing remains his favourite part of the business.
“There is nothing better than standing back and looking at a brand new Colorbond roof glistening in the sun after hosing it down on completion! It just looks amazing every time!”
And away from work, Brad’s version of winding down is a little more luxurious than you might expect.
“I hit the sauna and magnesium bath at Fitness Cartel, it’s my happy place!” he says.
Even his advice to others in the trade comes with wit and a story behind it.
“While it’s raining porridge, hold out your spoon!”
Driven, grounded, community-minded and quietly ambitious, he’s a man who has built a business on standards, and a reputation on character.
Strong coffee. Straight talk. No leaks.
That’s Brad Geiger!
What’s always in your pocket that you couldn’t do without?
My Buck knife! I must use it 20 times a day for different things. I feel naked without it on my belt.
Coffee or an energy drink to get you started on site?
COFFEEEEEEEEEEEE- STRONG!
geigersolutions.au
POWERING THE FUTURE
SMOOTH TORQUE MARINE CHARTS
A COURSE TOWARDS GREENER BOATING
The gentle sound of waves lapping against a hull could soon replace the rumble of engines across local waters, as local business Smooth Torque Marine positions itself at the forefront of a major evolution in boating.
For more than a decade, the company has built a reputation providing marine mechanical, electrical and vessel support services throughout the region.
Now, the business is looking ahead and championing electric propulsion technology; an innovative, accessible way to futureproof the reef, whilst helping local boaties beat the fuel crisis and improve their experience on the water.
“The way the world is heading with clean energy is a primary focus for us,” said Smooth Torque Marine’s Glenn Moore, who coowns the company with his partner Monique.
“We live here, we boat here, and we want to do something positive for the environment.”
On top of that, Glenn says many boat owners are surprised to learn just how much they could save through reduced maintenance and operating costs with one of their refits. Electric systems eliminate the need for regular oil changes, filters, cooling systems and major engine rebuilds, significantly reducing ongoing servicing requirements.
What’s more, they’re quiet.
“With electric propulsion, you're hearing the ocean instead of the engine,” Glenn said.
The technology can be easily fitted to all kinds of vessels, allowing passengers to enjoy conversations and the sound of the environment instead of the roar of an engine.
Having seen the technology take off in Norway, Finland, the USA and the Netherlands, the team spent over a year researching and building relationships with suppliers to bring similar innovation into the region, identifying the potential it offers our reef, tourists, fishermen and leisure-seekers.
Now, they are pioneering Electric Propulsion in North Queensland.
As a veteran marine tradesman with decades of experience, Glenn says the technology represents a significant departure from the industry he entered.
“I come from a very old-school diesel fitting background,” he said.
“But being part of something innovative and helping pioneer the next generation of marine propulsion is incredibly exciting. We want to be at the forefront of where the industry is going.”
smoothtorque.au
ONE DAY, THIS COULD BE THEI R OLYMPIC STORY
Meet Reid and Rory Martin, the first athletes featured in our Home Grown: Future Olympians series.
As we look towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it's not just about sailing. It's about creating opportunities for the next generation. Investing in facilities, participation & community pride, and celebrating the people who make our region special.
JOURNEY TO 2032
Iwantto “increasesales “
COMING HOME TO THE OG THE STORY OF HOG’S BREATH CAFE AIRLIE BEACH
When Don Algie opened the very first Hog’s Breath Cafe in Airlie Beach in 1989, he wasn’t just starting a restaurant, he was creating what would become one of Australia’s most recognisable hospitality brands.
Built on a simple but powerful formula of good food, great service, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, Hog’s Breath quickly grew from a local steakhouse into a national success story.
The Airlie Beach restaurant, affectionately known today as “The OG,” is no longer in its original location. It moved a few hundred metres down the street many years ago, but the spirit of that first store never left. Generations of locals, travellers, backpackers, and hospitality workers have passed through its doors.
A Personal Connection
In 1995, a young JP Afflick travelled to Darwin to help a friend run a Hog’s Breath Café. What started as a job became life-changing - it was there, at Hog’s Breath Darwin, that JP met his future wife.
Just 18 months later, he was given the opportunity to operate the Byron Bay store with a mate, where he remained until 2001. Even after leaving the brand, JP continued sailing with Don Algie and regularly visiting Airlie Beach, maintaining close ties with the town and the people who made the place special.
That same year marked a major turning point for Hog’s Breath when Don Algie leased the chain out for the next 20 years. But time has a way of bringing stories full circle.
Life Beyond the Restaurant
In 2010, JP began a completely different journey, entering the world of international land speed racing. Today, he is a world record holder in both the 50cc and 100cc motorcycle classes, competing on some of the most iconic salt lakes in the world.
Alongside his racing career, JP also built a successful technology business providing asset management and compliance software for the railway industry, demonstrating the same drive and long-term commitment that defined his hospitality career.
Visitors to the OG Hog’s Breath will spot part of this story on the walls, with images of JP’s race bikes on display. Soon, his 50cc world record motorcycle will return to Airlie Beach to be permanently showcased inside the restaurantanother chapter of the journey coming home.
Back Where It All Began Fast forward to 2024.
With the Hog’s Breath brand back in the hands of the Algie family, JP Afflick recognised the significance of the Airlie Beach store - the one that started it all. A venue that has welcomed thousands upon thousands of guests, launched
countless hospitality careers, and helped shape lifelong friendships and family stories.
Together with business partner Adam Zakharoff, JP purchased Hog’s Breath Café Airlie Beach, determined to honour its history while giving it new life.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, the OG Hog’s Breath is focused on the same values that built the brand in the first place: Great food. Genuine service. A place where everyone feels welcome.
It’s a legacy JP proudly shares with his longtime friend Don Algie, who can still occasionally be found at the front bar sharing a story and a beer. Adam Zakharoff plays a key role in day-to-day operations, helping steer the restaurant forward while respecting the culture that made it special.
In a world that’s changed dramatically since 1989, some things remain timeless — a good steak, a cold drink, friendly service, and a place that feels like home.
For those who remember the “old days” of Hog’s Breath, Airlie Beach is as close as it gets to stepping back into that era.
And for a new generation discovering it for the first time?
The OG is still doing what it’s always done best. Welcome in.
REDEFINING REAL ESTATE
WITH ROB TAYLOR FROM TAYLORS PROPERTY SPECIALISTS
In an industry often driven solely by targets, transactions and competition, Rob Taylor has built a business on something less tangible, but ultimately far more valuable: trust.
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, he launched his own operation, with a vision of a real estate business where clients felt seen, where staff genuinely enjoyed coming to work, and where independence allowed the business to evolve with the community it served rather than follow a corporate blueprint.
That vision became Taylors Property Specialists.
When Rob opened the agency just over eight years ago, they had just five staff members working from a small office at the Whitsunday Business Centre. Today, it employs more than 20 people, operates from a purpose-built headquarters in Cannonvale complete with a dedicated auction room, and has expanded into Proserpine with the opening of a second office.
Such rapid growth wasn’t necessarily part of the plan – it was a by-product of doing business differently.
“The biggest highlight would have to be the acceptance of the market when we first opened,” Rob reflects.
“It demonstrated that people wanted a different choice outside of the mainstream.”
The willingness to forge his own path has defined much of Rob’s career.
Long before personal branding became
commonplace in real estate, he was one of the first local agents to put his own face on marketing material.
Today it seems obvious. At the time, it was anything but.
“Having your picture on a sign didn’t really exist back then,” he says.
“I loved it because it personalised your branding.”
The idea was simple. The strongest business relationships are personal- built through trust.
That same thinking ultimately influenced one of the biggest decisions of his career not to join a franchise.
Remaining independently-owned gave Rob the freedom to shape every aspect of the business, from its culture to its customer experience.
“I’ve always liked doing things a little differently,” he says.
“We’ve been able to create our own brand and maintain integrity to that brand in the way we believe a business should be run and how people should be treated.”
Those values have become the foundation of Taylors Property Specialists.
There’s an emphasis on relationships rather than hierarchy, collaboration over competition and service above sales.
Rob describes it as a work family, believing culture isn’t something that happens by accident but
something created with intention.
“When you walk through the door, this is your work family and this is your work home,” he says.
“I believe everyone who works here has virtually identical morals and standards.”
The result is a close-knit team where property managers, sales specialists and support staff work seamlessly together, ensuring clients experience the same level of care regardless of which department they’re dealing with.
That consistency has helped establish Taylors Property Specialists as one of the region’s most respected agencies.
Industry awards recognise performance, and Taylors have taken home plenty, but Rob believes the feedback that matters most comes directly from the community.
“The feedback we consistently receive is that people feel like we’re part of the community,” he says.
“They trust us.”
That outlook mirrors the way he approaches business itself – focusing on quality and values, and not forcing growth at any expense – but finding it as a result of exceptional service.
That’s the philosophy that has taken Taylors Property Specialists from a small start-up to one of the Whitsundays’ leading independent agencies. taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au
photo credit: R Jeran Photography
A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP STARTS HERE
AT BEDSHED MACKAY
In 2004, after leaving the Navy, Tony Larsen travelled to London for what was intended to be a two-year working holiday that turned into seven years after meeting his wife.
In 2011, he and his wife moved to Mackay from London –this time, with a family in tow, and a plan to stay for good.
In December 2025, Tony took ownership of Bedshed Mackay, where he turned his focus to building a business where exceptional service is just as important as the products on the showroom floor.
“We take pride in our amazing staff’s ability to connect with customers and provide great service from purchase to delivery,” Tony said.
Having worked in the store before gaining experience in other sales roles and the mining industry, Tony believed he could bring something different to the Mackay market.
Bedshed Mackay caters to customers across all budgets, with the team focused on helping every customer find the right sleep solution.
“Most of us spend more time in our bed then we do in our cars, so investing in a quality sleep system is an investment in better physical and mental wellbeing.”
As a local veteran-owned business, giving back to the community is a core value, with Tony also passionate about supporting fellow veterans and investing in the region he’s made his home.
Stay tuned for upcoming sales, particularly on adjustable bases and mattresses designed to enhance both comfort and sleep quality at Bedshed Mackay.
bedshed.com.au
TOMORROW’S BUSINESSES START TODAY
With Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The business world never stops.
It’s a consistently evolving landscape, where AI, rising costs and changing customer expectations are reshaping the way regional businesses operate.
On August 27, some of the Whitsundays’ brightest business minds will come together to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
From business leaders and industry experts to government representatives, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference will unite the region’s decisionmakers of collaboration and forward-thinking.
“This is about bringing together businesses, industries, educators, leaders, and emerging talent to have honest conversations about where the region is heading and how we build stronger businesses together,” said Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Allan Milostic.
It starts with a panel of rising stars, from young employees, trainees and apprentices, discussing what they’re looking for in the future of work. What they’re looking for in a ‘Whitsundays Workplace’.
Then, award-winning media and communications expert, Ian Cohen from Cozalive Media, will deliver the keynote presentation.
Drawing on decades of global experience, he’ll reveal how to build a brand that thrives under pressure.
The conference then branches into a series of concurrent sessions, putting delegates in the driver’s seat to tailor their own experience.
“We’ve moved toward a more intensive program format this year, with deeper sessions, more interaction,” said Chamber Vice President and Chair of the Conference Sub-Committee, Jannah Baker.
Whether it’s mastering AI with Rachel Hay and Naomi Porter from James Cook University.
Building high-performing teams for the future workplaces with Michele Tocci.
Or strengthening cash flow with Gus Walsgott, every session leaves business with practical tools they can use now.
The day culminates in an interactive Long Lunch, bringing everyone together for business showcases, more networking opportunities and final announcements.
It’s the perfect finale to a day built around the future of regional business.
Conference Details
What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: 8:30am-3:00pm Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsundays, Airlie Beach
With Jason King from Regional Queensland Investigations
any people’s conception of the work of a private investigator is shaped by what they have seen on television—big cities, stakeouts, and dirty tactics.
The reality can be very different.
Four years ago, private investigator Jason King moved from Melbourne to Mackay. There, he observed unmet demand which led him to rebrand his company J&D Online Investigations and bring a regional focus to the forefront of his business. Now, he operates as Regional Queensland Investigations, bringing extensive expertise to complex cases in communities that don’t often feature on crime dramas.
With a team of trusted investigators, Jason solves cases, provides answers, and helps people who feel let down by institutions across Queensland and beyond—from Mackay to Cairns, to Western Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“I’m born and bred from country Victoria, so I’m not a city person—I understand people in the regions and how they like to be treated,” he explained.
Jason brings vast experience to every case, having led an impressive career across the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and the legal sector, holding degrees in law and computer science.
His impact has been felt across counter-terrorism investigations, child exploitation cases, fraud, cybercrime, and more. He is even working on a cold-case murder from 1988.
Currently, a significant focus for the company is workplace investigations, where they can provide an independent and expert perspective to identify fraud and resolve complex dynamics and conflicts.
“When I go in, I don’t know Peter from Paul,” Jason explained.
“My role is to look at the evidence and make recommendations based on what I find. No conflict of interest.”
As Queensland Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Private Investigators, Jason is passionate about industry standards.
“There are P.I.s out there who aren’t licensed. Even if they do a good job, if the case goes to court, that can cause it to be thrown out.”
His vision for Regional Queensland Investigations is to ensure everyone has access to experienced professionals if they find themselves in a tough situation—wherever they live.
“Regional communities deserve the same quality of service as the cities,” Jason said.
“They shouldn’t have to settle for less.” rqinv.com.au
THE MAN BEHIND THE WIRES
For Jesse Spina, building a successful business has always been about creating something built on trust, community, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
As the owner, director and electrician behind SpinFX NQ, Jesse has grown the business from humble beginnings into a trusted provider of solar, electrical and airconditioning solutions across North Queensland. Starting in 2019, Jesse took the leap into business ownership after a period of subcontracting, beginning with hydro cleans before expanding into the broader range of services SpinFX NQ offers today.
“I made it a priority to provide electrical services to my community as well as remote areas like Georgetown and Croydon,” Jesse says.
That focus on community remains a driving force behind Jesse’s approach to business. He believes strong relationships, both with clients and his team, are what create lasting success.
Jesse credits his parents as a major influence on his values and leadership style, saying,
“The way they treat clients and staff truly resembles how I conduct myself in business,”
For Jesse, building a strong team culture is just as important as delivering quality workmanship.
“It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels respected and supported. When you invest in your team, it naturally leads to better collaboration and loyalty.”
While running a growing business brings its challenges, Jesse finds balance through the simple moments outside of work, including time with his dogs, Luna and Luigi.
“They remind me to slow down, switch off, and recharge,” he says.
With SpinFX NQ continuing to grow, Jesse remains focused staying true to the values that started it all: hard work, respect and giving back to the community that supported him along the way.
Photo credit: Alyce Holzy
Jesse Spina, SpinFX NQ
photo credit: Bella Drewett
WE HELP BUSINESSES BY FOCUSING ON PEOPLE
At SHIIFT, we focus on leadership, culture and performance, the magic trio for running a thriving business. We help organisations create real, lasting change through practical, no-jargon training and tailored solutions that work in the real world.
We understand that people are your greatest asset and often your biggest challenge, so we support you in building stronger teams, improving communication and getting everyone aligned and moving in the same direction. From emerging leaders to experienced professionals, our engaging approach develops skills, boosts productivity and strengthens accountability, helping your team grow without burnout while driving meaningful business results.
From team-mate to stepping up to manage the team MATE 2 MANAGER
Learn the art of productive conversations DIFFICULT DISCUSSIONS & CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS
The Leadership skills to build trust, accountability and motivation
Personal & Professional development to
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More Than Dentistry
Connecting Oral Health, Airway Function & Whole-Body Wellbeing.
For over a decade, Dr Hany Aziz (Dentist) and the Oral Health & Beyond Collective (OHB) encompassing DentalCareXtra, KIDS, Snoring Laser Care and NovoGen have been exploring a broader approach to oral healthcare — helping patients and families throughout the Isaac Region and beyond understand the relationship between breathing, sleep, oral function and overall wellbeing.
His philosophy extends beyond individual procedures, focusing on education, assessment and collaborative care to support informed healthcare decisions.
“We don’t just look at teeth. We look at the person behind the smile.”
Our Areas of Focus
AIRWAY FOCUSED DENTISTRY
Helping patients better understand the relationship between breathing, sleep and oral health.
ORAL DYSFUNCTION
Supporting awareness of oral function, development and lifelong wellbeing.
EARLY ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR GROWING SMILES
Nearly invisible
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Providing treatment options for patients requiring additional support and comfort.
GENERAL ANAESTHETIC CLEAR ALIGNER
Modern orthodontic solutions designed for children, teens and adults.
Our vision is to bridge dentistry and healthcare through education, innovation and collaborative care.
WHOLE-BODY RED LIGHT THERAPY
Reduces pain & inflammation
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Enhances overall wellbeing NOVOGENQLD.COM.AU
PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES, A GENERATIONAL SHIFT
Budget Shifts: A Turning Point for Property, Tax and Family Wealth
Every so often, a Federal Budget signals more than minor adjustments. The 2026 Budget is one of those moments.
With proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax (CGT), and discretionary family trusts, the Government has targeted three of the most common strategies Australians use to build wealth.
For many locals—whether investors, business owners or families planning ahead—this is not just a policy update. It’s a shift that could influence decisions for years to come.
Negative Gearing – A Narrower Approach
Negative gearing has long supported property investors by allowing rental losses to reduce taxable income from other sources. That flexibility is now being scaled back.
From 1 July 2027, negative gearing will largely be limited to newly built properties, with existing investments continuing under current rules. New purchases of established properties will still allow deductions, but those losses can no longer offset salary income and instead must be carried forward to offset future property income or gains.
In simple terms, the immediate tax benefit reduces, changing the cashflow profile for many investors. The intention is to direct investment toward new housing supply and improve opportunities for first-home buyers. However, these changes are also likely to influence behaviour. Investors may become more selective, development demand could increase, and the property market may begin to split between those operating under old and new rules.
Capital Gains Tax – A Structural Shift
Alongside this sits a significant change to capital gains tax.
The long-standing 50% CGT discount is proposed to be replaced with inflation indexation, along with a minimum 30% tax rate on gains from 1 July 2027. Rather than applying a blanket discount, the system will focus on taxing gains above inflation, while ensuring a base level of tax is still paid. While the concept sounds straightforward, the implications are broader. Investment strategies— particularly long-term business, property and share holdings—may need to be reassessed. Importantly, gains accumulated before the change are expected to be protected, which may lead to increased planning and restructuring ahead of implementation.
Family Trusts – Reduced Flexibility
The third key change involves discretionary (family) trusts.
From 1 July 2028, a minimum 30% tax rate is proposed on trust income, regardless of how it is distributed. Historically, trusts have allowed income to be distributed across family members in different tax brackets. This has been a common strategy for both small business and investment structures. Under the new rules, that benefit is significantly reduced.
Trusts will still play a role in asset protection and estate planning, but the tax outcome becomes more consistent, particularly limiting incomesplitting advantages.
A Shift in Direction
Taken together, these measures reflect a broader shift.
The system is moving towards more consistent taxation of capital, while easing reliance on concessions that have historically favoured investors. The goals—improving housing affordability and fairness—are clear. However, the outcome will ultimately depend on how markets and individuals respond.
What Should You Do?
At this stage, it’s important to remember these proposals are not yet law. There will be further consultation before final implementation.
For now, the focus should be on awareness, not reaction:
• Understand your current structures
• Be mindful of how future investments may be treated
• Review whether your strategy remains appropriate
• Seek advice before making major decisions
Final Thoughts
Tax rules evolve alongside economic priorities, and this Budget marks a clear pivot.
For some, that will create opportunity. For others, it may require adjustment.
Either way, those who understand the changes early are best placed to respond.
WHO ARE WE?
LiquaForce
For over three decades, LiquaForce has been a cornerstone of North Queensland’s agricultural industry, acting as the trusted, local partner for liquid fertilising in the sugarcane and horticulture sectors. In May 2024, the company joined RLF AgTech Limited (ASX:RLF), combining deeprooted regional expertise with the global resources and advanced research capabilities of an ASX-listed leader.
This partnership ensures that while Queensland farmers continue to receive the same dedicated on-theground service, they now benefit from an expanded range of specialty crop nutrition products, increased manufacturing capacity, and a shared commitment to building a resilient, innovative agricultural future in Australia.
Now open in Walkerston
RESIDENTIAL VS HOLIDAY LETTING
EXPLORING PROPERTY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WHITSUNDAYS WITH TAYLORS PROPERTY SPECIALISTS
Property investment has long been one of Australia’s preferred wealth-building strategies, offering the potential for rental income, long-term capital growth and financial security. However, not all investment properties are created equal. In regions such as the Whitsundays, investors often face an important decision: should they invest in the traditional residential rental market or explore the opportunities offered by holiday accommodation?
Both approaches have their advantages, and understanding the differences can help investors make informed decisions based on their financial goals, lifestyle preferences and appetite for risk.
The Residential Rental Market
Residential investment properties are leased to long-term tenants, typically under fixed-term agreements ranging from six to twelve months.
One of the biggest advantages of residential investing is stability. Investors generally receive consistent rental income, making budgeting and cash flow management more predictable. Property management is often straightforward, with lower tenant turnover and fewer day-to-day demands on the owner.
The Whitsundays, like many regional areas throughout Queensland, has experienced strong demand for rental accommodation in recent years. Population growth, lifestyle migration and limited housing supply have contributed to a competitive rental market, creating opportunities for investors seeking reliable long-term returns.
Benefits of residential investment can include:
• Consistent rental income
• Lower vacancy risk
• Less frequent wear and tear
• Simpler management processes
• Long-term tenant relationships
While residential properties provide stability, they may not generate the same peak income levels that can sometimes be achieved through short-term holiday accommodation during busy tourism periods.
The Appeal of Holiday Letting
Holiday letting involves renting a property to short-term guests, often through specialised booking platforms and local accommodation providers.
For many investors, the appeal lies in the potential for higher returns during peak tourism seasons. The Whitsundays is one of Australia’s most recognised holiday destinations, attracting visitors from around the country and overseas who come to experience Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and the region’s 74 tropical islands.
Holiday letting can provide:
• Higher nightly rental rates
• Flexibility for owners to enjoy the property
themselves
• Exposure to a thriving tourism market
• Opportunities to maximise income during peak travel periods
However, occupancy levels can fluctuate with tourism demand, weather events and broader economic conditions. Investors should also consider additional costs such as cleaning, linen services, booking fees and property presentation.
Professional Management Makes Holiday Letting Easier
One common misconception about holiday accommodation is that owners must personally manage every booking, guest enquiry and maintenance issue. In reality, many investors choose to engage a licensed holiday letting management company to handle the day-to-day operation of their property.
The Whitsundays is home to several experienced holiday accommodation specialists who can manage the entire guest experience on behalf of owners. Services often include marketing the property across multiple online booking platforms, managing reservations, guest communications, check-ins and check-outs, coordinating professional cleaning between stays, arranging linen services and overseeing routine maintenance and repairs.
Professional managers also monitor occupancy levels, adjust pricing in response to seasonal demand and market conditions, and provide owners with regular reporting on the performance of their investment.
For investors who live outside the region, this can provide peace of mind while allowing them to benefit from the holiday accommodation market without the demands of self-management.
Why Investors Are Looking at the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays has long been recognised as one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations, but increasingly it is also attracting attention from property investors seeking both lifestyle and investment opportunities.
Strong Tourism Demand
Home to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and an abundance of natural attractions, the region welcomes visitors year-round. This ongoing tourism activity supports a vibrant holiday accommodation market and creates opportunities for investors seeking short-term rental income.
Population Growth and Lifestyle Migration
More Australians are choosing to relocate from major metropolitan areas in search of a better work-life balance. The Whitsundays offers an enviable coastal lifestyle, modern amenities and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive destination for families, professionals and retirees.
A Tight Residential Rental Market
Demand for long-term rental accommodation continues to outpace supply in many parts of the region. This has created opportunities for investors looking for stable tenancy demand and consistent rental returns.
Continued Growth and Investment
Ongoing investment in infrastructure, retail development, tourism and community facilities continues to support the local economy and attract new residents. These factors contribute to long-term confidence in the region’s property market.
Capital Growth Still Matters
While rental income is an important consideration, experienced investors often focus equally on long-term capital growth.
A property’s location, surrounding infrastructure, future development potential and overall demand can significantly influence its value over time. Investors should consider not only what income a property can generate today, but also how it may perform over the next five, ten or twenty years.
Which Strategy Is Right for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to property investment.
Investors seeking predictable cash flow and lower involvement may prefer a traditional residential rental property. Those comfortable with a more active investment and interested in tourism-driven returns may find holiday letting appealing.
Some investors even choose to diversify, owning both residential and holiday accommodation properties to benefit from different market conditions and income streams.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re considering a residential rental property or exploring opportunities in the holiday accommodation sector, thorough research and professional advice remain essential. Understanding your financial goals, expected returns and preferred level of involvement will help determine which strategy best suits your circumstances.
With strong lifestyle appeal, ongoing population growth, a thriving tourism industry and demand across both the residential and holiday accommodation sectors, the Whitsundays continues to present compelling opportunities for property investors looking to secure their future in one of Queensland’s most desirable coastal regions.
This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial, legal or taxation advice. Investors should seek independent professional advice relevant to their individual circumstances.
BURDEKIN OPEN FOR BUSINESS
BURDEKIN OPEN FOR BUSINESS
INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALE & NEW DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES INTRODUCED
Burdekin Shire Council is encouraging businesses from across North Queensland and beyond to take advantage of the exciting investment opportunities now available in the Burdekin, with the Ayr Industrial Precinct nearing completion and a new development incentive policy adopted to support business growth.
The Ayr Industrial Precinct represents a major milestone in the region’s economic development, offering fully serviced, competitively priced industrial land in a strategic location ideal for manufacturing, logistics, trade services and emerging industries.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the time has never been better for businesses to consider establishing or expanding their operations in the Burdekin.
“The Ayr Industrial Precinct provides the kind of well-connected, serviced industrial land that businesses are actively looking for,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“We’re seeing growing interest from across the region, and we’re confident the Burdekin offers the right conditions for long-term business success.”
Stage 1 lots are now available from $50 per square metre plus GST, with a variety of lot sizes
and flexible configurations designed to meet different industry needs.
Mayor Dalle Cort said Council is committed to supporting both new investment and the expansion of existing businesses.
“Council understands that development costs can be a barrier, particularly for businesses looking to scale up or relocate,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“That’s why the new Economic Stimulus Policy for Development Incentives is so important - it gives developers and business owners a transparent, streamlined pathway to seek reductions in fees and infrastructure charges.”
The new Economic Stimulus Policy reinforces
Council’s strategy to foster innovation, attract investment, and support long-term economic sustainability in line with the Burdekin Shire Council Corporate Plan 2025–2030.
“We want businesses to know that the Burdekin is open for business — and that we’re here to work with them,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“With affordable industrial land, strong infrastructure, and a Council committed to growth, the Burdekin is an ideal location for businesses planning their next move.”
Businesses interested in securing land or learning more about the development incentives available are encouraged to download the Land Sales Prospectus at www.burdekin.qld.gov.au.
“WE’RE LOCAL ALL THE WAY”
Foundations built on community at Raine & Horne Ayr
For Carla Healy, principal of Raine & Horne Ayr, a community can only thrive when locals support locals. That philosophy is at the centre of everything the local real estate stalwart does.
At the helm since 2024, Ms Healy has made a point of supporting local events. She calls it a duty to the community that has given her and her business so much.
“It’s always been a philosophy of mine,” she said. “We rely on the community. All businesses rely on the community to support us, so if we can give back any way we can—whether big or small—
we’re happy to do so.”
Most recently, the business stood as a major sponsor of Burdekin Growers Race Day—a local favourite event that Carla said “attracts everyone.”
The business also sponsors the Karrie Webb Junior Masters golfing event, Burdekin Singers, and Student Balls among others, investing in the next generation of locals.
She said it was incumbent upon local businesses to keep the region ticking.
“We have to keep our community going, and the only way to keep our community going is locals
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
With 26 years of experience and a results-driven reputation, Stacey Arlott has firmly established herself as one of Queensland’s most accomplished real estate professionals.
She is widely recognised, receiving great industry acclaim, but prides herself most on the trust she has garnered from the community she serves in Mackay.
In 2021 Stacey reached a huge milestone in her career, being declared the number one agent in Australia by Real Estate Business’s dealmaker ranking - the first in Mackay to receive such an accolade. The win occurred during a volatile time for the market, with COVID-19 challenges failing to knock Stacey off-course.
What sets Stacey apart is not only her consistent sales performance, but also her disciplined work ethic and ability to foster long-term client relationships.
Her career is marked by a series of accolades, including the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and induction into the REMAX Hall of Fame (2020).
From 2022 to 2025, she has consistently ranked among the Top 10 agents in Queensland and Top 20 nationally - an indication of her ongoing push for excellence
in a dynamic and demanding market.
Beyond industry recognition, Stacy’s success is strongly validated by client feedback. She has earned multiple “Agent of the Year” titles through RateMyAgent, including four consecutive wins for East Mackay (2021–2024) and the broader Mackay region in 2023.
These consistently high ratings across major platforms reflect a reputation built on transparency, communication, and results.
Having previously owned and operated her own agency and served as REIQ Zone Chairperson, Stacey does more than transactional sales.
She brings a comprehensive understanding of the real estate landscape, from regulatory frameworks to market strategy; a depth of knowledge that allows her to guide clients with confidence through every stage of the buying and selling process.
Known for her approachable style, Stacey’s secret to success is communication. She prioritises keeping clients informed to ensure they feel supported throughout their property journey. Her business is driven by referrals and repeat clients, a testament to the trust she builds and the outcomes she delivers. remax.com.au/select/stacey-arlott
supporting locals,” she said.
“We’re local all the way.”
Ms Healy said that Raine & Horne’s engagement with the community goes beyond mere monetary support. She called it a “philosophy” that governs everything her and her staff do.
“To make everything work in a community, everybody’s got to be involved. It’s all about give and take, and the more that you can give, the community does see the benefits of it all.”
“We’ve always been givers more so than takers.”
raineandhorne.com.au
With Stacey Arlott from REMAX Select
For over a decade, Deftec has designed, built and supported control systems for Australia’s toughest industrial environments. Our team of 50+ engineers and technicians delivers PLC and SCADA systems, electrical engineering, and site digitisation for Tier 1 mining operations across the Bowen Basin and beyond.
Simulate before you commission — full closed-loop plant simulation
by people who run plants, for people who run plants.
Author device types, processes, and applications against a typed industrial standard library — templates that mirror Rockwell AOIs and Ignition UDTs, extended with UI, alarms, and AI context.
Consystence is a new cloud platform for building, simulating and operating industrial plants — launching 20 July. Run your control logic in closed-loop simulation that behaves like the real PLC: train operators, prove changes, and replay incidents without going near live equipment. AI-driven screens explain what your plant is doing in plain language — advisory and diagnostic only. It never changes control. Built on two decades of production PLC code from Tier 1 mine sites.
that explains your plant — never controls it Launching 20 JULY
Simulate
Run closed-loop simulation that behaves like the real PLC — native sim or a full Phoenix Contact vPLCnext in a container. Train operators, replay incidents, and validate logic before it touches the field.
Operate
Server-rendered control screens assembled in real time from operator queries and live plant state. One semantic UI tree, rendered to the browser and the CLI today — native next.
QME 2026 INSIDE QUEENSLAND’S MINING FUTURE THE
For more than 30 years, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has stood at the centre of Australia’s resources conversation, firmly anchored in Mackay’s identity as a powerhouse of mining innovation. In 2026, the event returns to the Mackay Showgrounds, bringing together industry leaders, suppliers and decision-makers for three days of connection, collaboration and cutting-edge capability.
Recognised as Queensland’s largest mining and engineering event, QME showcases more than 300 leading suppliers and attracts thousands of visitors from across the sector. In 2024 alone, the exhibition welcomed more than 5,000 attendees, underscoring its reputation as a key meeting point for mining professionals seeking the latest technology, equipment and services driving the industry forward.
Far more than a traditional trade show, QME offers a dynamic platform where ideas and
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Effective pest control projects require rigorous planning and professional execution.
Our experience enables us to develop pragmatic and structured plans to provide the best value for money solutions for you and surrounding land owners.
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innovation intersect. Exhibitors gain unrivalled access to a targeted audience of industry professionals, while visitors are given a front-row seat to the products and solutions shaping the future of mining in Queensland and beyond.
Complementing the bustling exhibition floor is the free-to-attend Leadership Series, a program designed to explore the challenges and opportunities currently facing the sector. Featuring expert speakers and industry insights, the series delivers practical value across a wide range of mining functions, from operations to strategy.
Set to run from 21–23 July 2026, QME will take place daily from 9am to 5pm at the Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay, QLD 4740.
As the industry continues to evolve, QME remains a vital hub of progress and partnership—where global capability meets regional strength. Whether you’re a longtime industry professional or simply curious about the future of mining, this is an event not to be missed.
LEADERS SHAPING THE INDUSTRY AHEAD
Across the three days of the Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo, a wide cross-section of leaders from government, industry, research, engineering and community sectors will share insights shaping the future of the resources sector.
Senior government and policy representatives include Mayor Greg Williamson, Queensland Minister Dale Last, Senator Susan McDonald, Bryson Head MP, Darren Moor (Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development), James Purtill (Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner), Neil MacDonald and Stephen Land (NAIF), and Ken Singer (Resources Safety and Health Queensland).
Industry leadership features Andre Desbiens (MacKellar Group), Mark Scott (Hastings Deering | Sime), Dan Iliffe (Whitehaven Coal), Sven Thiele (BMA), Justin Doherty (BMA Caval Ridge), Anthony Gabb (Macmahon), John Wimmer (Stanmore Resources), Danny Ullmer (BMA CQ Rescue), Chris Caine (Hastings Deering), and Mick Bryan (Hastings Deering), covering operations, equipment and workforce capability across major mining regions.
Technical and engineering expertise is represented by Schaeffler, Emerson, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, CSIRO, TUNRA Bulk Solids and Vayeron, including speakers Ben Kang, Jon Weidenbaum, Sean Ryan, Wayne Stasinowsky, Daniel Grasser and Yusuf Badat.
Academic and research voices include Professor Sue Harrison, Professor Rick Valenta and Professor Mohsen Yahyaei (University of Queensland), alongside Dr Ali Nezhad, Dr Steph Byrom, Dr Helen Degeling, Dr Neville Plint and Dr Benjamin Carey, focusing on sustainability, innovation and resource science.
Broader sector and community contributors include Janette Hewson (Queensland Resources Council), Jyi Lawton (AEMEE), Taryn Hughes (TAFE Queensland), Trent Bazley (MATES in Mining), Lina Gillespie (PowerSkillsAi) and Melissa Green (Mackay Community Foundation), highlighting workforce, skills and regional development.
Together, the program delivers a comprehensive cross-sector view of the mining and engineering landscape in Queensland. queenslandminingexpo.com.au
Image source: Shutterstock
MAKINEX RENEWABLES RESHAPING REMOTE POWER SOLUTIONS
Makinex Renewables is setting an ambitious target, saving 100 million litres of diesel in five years.
In an industry long reliant on traditional diesel generators, the Australian-made and owned company is helping reshape how remote and off-grid operations power their sites.
Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is working with customers to lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining the dependable power their operations require.
“The 100 million litre target gives us a clear and measurable objective to work towards
STILL RELYING ON DIESEL GENERATORS?
while highlighting the impact renewable energy solutions can have across industries that traditionally rely on diesel power,” the company said.
“It’s a goal that keeps us focused on developing practical solutions that deliver real-world results for our customers.”
Designed for businesses operating in remote environments, Makinex Renewables’ modular systems can be deployed as standalone units, integrated together, or incorporated into existing site power setups.
The company’s solutions are already delivering measurable results in mining. Following a trial installation, a mine site adopted Makinex Renewables’ Hybrid Power System and
additional solar arrays, reducing generator runtime from 24 hours a day to approximately six to seven hours. Since the HPS45 was deployed in February, the site has cut generator fuel use by 125 litres a day, delivering annual diesel savings of around $91,000 and projected savings of $640,000 over the site’s seven-year life.
Brad Cliff, Director of Generator Services Australia, said the project highlighted the benefits of continuing to challenge traditional ways of thinking and finding better solutions to longstanding industry challenges.
To learn more about Makinex Renewables’ solutions, visit the team at the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in July.
"Do
you use diesel generators on your mine site? Talk to us about a better way."
There's a better way. Reduce fuel costs, lower emissions, and power your mine site with Makinex Renewables Hybrid Power Systems.
Our Hybrid Power Systems are designed to reduce diesel consumption and emissions while providing reliable power for a range of mining applications, including:
• Bore pumps
• Weighbridges
• Site compounds
• Rail sidings
• Communications towers
www.makinex.com.au/makinex-renewables
Not every business starts with a blueprint. For some, it begins as a calling… in more ways than one.
Burdekin local Robert Hayward had been in the hydraulics industry since he was 18. A diligent worker who loved his job, he quickly built a reputation locally as one of the best in the business.
But despite a mutual affinity with the industry that had formed over years, he stepped away in the early 1990s to help his father-in-law maintain a cane property in Clare.
Until he received a call.
Then another… and another.
Rob quickly realised that, despite his brief hiatus, his reputation in hydraulics had not faded. With that, he was pulled back into the game, this time with nothing but a $2,000 ute, a toolbox, and work up to his neck.
And the only way to keep himself from drowning in it was, ironically, to go in deeper.
“As the Burdekin is, if you do a very good job, word travels quickly between the community. One farmer talked to another, he talked to another, he talked to another…
“Until I sat down with my wife one day and said, ‘I think we can make a business out of this.’”
His ute would eventually make way for a permanent space—a small sub-shed at Larry
HAYWARD HYDRAULICS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY
BY JACOB CASHA
Hudson Engineering in the Ayr Industrial Estate that would serve as his headquarters for the following four years.
He tackled the first year solo, before demand forced him to put an apprentice on in the second year, and a qualified tradesman in the third.
By the end of the fourth, Rob’s work had outgrown its humble base, moving down the road into a new purpose-built shed that would become the home of Hayward Hydraulics.
That shed would officially open in 1996, spurring a 30-year legacy sustained by three defining pillars.
GROWING WITH THE INDUSTRY
“I had no idea how to use computers,” Rob said with a smirk.
Admittedly, he hadn’t realised he signed himself up for a three-decade, three-fold evolution between an entire industry, his own business, and himself. What he did know was that he was ready to learn, and eager to grow.
It started with the basics. For Rob, that meant wrapping his head around modern computers, attending TAFE courses on emerging welding techniques, and becoming a leader.
“I went from being a very good tradesman to having to be an employer,” he said.
“You have to be a people's person, you have to treat people the right way, treat your workers the right way. That part I never even thought of until
we started getting into it.”
Rob treated this evolution as a marathon rather than a sprint, dedicating the business's first decade cementing its reputation as a local leader. After striking up deals with major companies, including Queensland Rail and Wilmar Sugar in the mid-2000s, he decided to take the leap into the mining industry in the early 2010s as a safety net for the unpredictable sugar industry.
With that growth, Hayward Hydraulics’ shed would undergo its third structural expansion to accommodate its continuously increasing popularity and modernised technology.
He built a habit of gleaning ideas from various online hydraulic magazines, and then building on them to not only keep up with the industry, but to will it into the future himself.
“I eventually built a reputation for thinking outside of the square. If somebody's been doing something for 20 years, I'll look at a better way of doing it,” he said.
Albeit, he admits he and the business are still evolving today.
“I've seen harvesters and planters go from chain and sprocket to hydraulic motors, to hydraulic motors being linked to satellite GPS,” he said.
“The industry has changed in leaps and bounds, and you have to keep finding ways to move with it.”
Continued . . .
HAYWARD HYDRAULICS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
SEALING SOLUTIONS THAT KEEP MINING MOVING
- Custom Seal Machining
- Extensive range of OEM & aftermarket seals
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HSA supplies dependable sealing solutions for mining and heavy industry across Queensland.
Rob and his current team. Back L-R: Chase Pearce, Stephan Du Plessis Front L-R: Kade Pearce, Renee Viero, Robert Hayward, Tina Dennis, Bryan Parison
Absent: Sam Tomasetig
Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Hayward Hydraulics’ evolution was founded on something Rob didn’t need to be taught.
Care.
And he makes sure his team cares, too..
“I didn’t come from a real wealthy family, so we were brought up to work; you work, you do the job right, you get paid,” he said.
“So if I’m not happy with something, I’ll ask my workers: ‘would you pay for that?’”
When the mining industry began to boom in Queensland, Rob admits he had a difficult time retaining workers. To compete, he was forced into paying top-dollar for what he called “good quality workers,” causing financial tension.
When asked if compromising staff quality for cost was ever an option, with the conviction of a true-blue purist, he said:
“No.”
“I’ve always maintained that a business is only as good as your employees. You can be the best boss in the world, but if you’ve got workers that people don’t like, they don’t come through the door,” he said.
“My current staff are up there with the best that I’ve had. I just try to make sure they’re happy to come to work every day.”
With quality and care as its engine, Hayward
Hydraulics became known not just for technical know-how, but for doing things the right way.
As its stature in the industry continued to grow, so did the scope of its customer base. Calls started coming in from as far north as Tully, all the way to Mackay and Western Queensland, all saying the same thing:
“We heard you were the guy to talk to about this problem.”
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY AT ITS HEART
For the last 10 years especially, the business has made a point of supporting local organisations and sports clubs, most notably the Burdekin Roosters Rugby League Club.
Rob described it as a duty to a community that has given so much to him and the company.
“The community has been so important to it all. I’ve got some customers that have been with me from day one, and with some, I’m onto the third generation of the same family,” he said.
“The’ve given a lot to me. They’ve helped me grow and supported me, so it’s about time I supported them back.”
Beneath it all, though, he points to his family as the driving force.
“I remember those early days when we were setting up the new workshop, building benches and all that, my two brothers-in-law and my
father came out and gave me a hand,” he said.
“But my biggest support is my wife. Especially in the early days when I wasn’t home, and she solely looked after the kids and everything.
“It got to the stage where I was working seven days a week, 12 hour days, and my wife would bring the kids on a Saturday and Sunday, and we’d sit on the shop floor and have lunch.
“She’s been with me through the lows and the highs, and that I thank her for.”
Now, thirty years later, it’s his family pulling him out of the industry. Driven by the desire to make up for lost time with his wife and kids, Rob has loosened his grip on business operations, working four days a week with plans to eventually let his brainchild find its own footing.
As for right now, he’s not yet ready to call time on a chapter that was, perhaps, never meant to last this many pages.
“I still love what I do,” he said.
“The early days come with sacrifices, but when I look back now, it was all worth it.
“I remember when it all first started, looking on the ATO website and coming across that statistic that most businesses fail within five years.
“When I read it, I said to myself, ‘well, I’m gonna make sure I’m not that statistic.’”
And that, he did.
LOCALS CARING FOR LOCALS
Nurse Next Door Mackay is led by Mackay locals Sarah Ryan and George Blackie, supported by a dedicated team of Nurses and Caregivers. As a locally owned and locally operated business, their work is built around one core purpose, Making Lives Better, helping people across the region stay living safely and happily in their own homes. What began as two locals wanting better for their community has grown into one of the most respected care providers in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
Before launching Nurse Next Door three years ago, Sarah spent years working locally as an NDIS Support Coordinator, giving her a deep understanding of just how much genuinely person-centred care matters to the people who rely on it. George brought years of experience leading large teams in demanding FIFO mining environments, where reliability was never optional. Together they saw an opportunity to bring something special to the region, and set out to do exactly that, determined to deliver care the way it should be done.
Sarah and George understand the trust it takes to welcome someone into your home, and they carry that responsibility personally. Every Caregiver is thoughtfully matched to the person they support, an approach known as the Perfect Match, so care feels consistent, familiar and genuinely human. They embrace even the most complex, high-needs care with confidence, and through patience and real connection, build trusting relationships that restore a genuine sense of belonging.
That dedication has built something special. In just over three years, Sarah and George have grown their team to 147 local people, including 22 Registered Nurses, and delivered more than 209,000 hours of care across the region. Their support reaches well beyond the home, too, sponsoring SNAGS, a local group running inclusive social events for people living with disability, and turning out for the Mackay Marina Run and the Pink Out for Cancer golf day in Moranbah.
It is care that has not gone unnoticed. After being named Rookie of the Year within the national Nurse Next Door network in 2024, Sarah and George were named Australian Single Unit Franchisee of the Year 2026 at the National Franchise Industry Awards in Brisbane, recognised as the best in the country from a field of 240 entries across 113 brands. For two locals who simply were passionate about making a difference in their local community, it is a remarkable result.
From a little help around the house through to skilled nursing and complex care, Sarah, George and their team are there so locals can keep doing the things they love, in the place they feel most comfortable. In Mackay, that is what Making Lives Better looks like, and it is why they remain Passionate About Making a Difference.
To learn more or book a free Caring Consult, contact the Care Services team 24/7 on 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au
Scan Me
HOSTED JOURNEYS
Hassle free holidays from Mackay
For more than 35 years, Hosted Journeys has been creating unforgettable travel experiences for Australians seeking more than just a holiday. Our carefully crafted itineraries take travellers to incredible destinations across Australia and around the globe, with every detail expertly managed from start to finish.
What sets Hosted Journeys apart is the support of a professional Tour Host who travels with the group, providing assistance, peace of mind and a seamless travel experience. From navigating airports to handling unexpected changes, your host ensures you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Whether you're exploring remote regions, iconic landmarks or hidden gems, Hosted Journeys connects like-minded travellers through shared experiences, new friendships and a passion for discovery. Simply relax and enjoy the adventure while we take care of the rest.
The Murray River, Australia’s longest waterway, winds through diverse landscapes, from lush wetlands to dramatic limestone cliffs. It nurtures rich ecosystems, supports historic river towns, and offers tranquil beauty. A lifeline for agriculture and wildlife, the Murray is both a natural wonder and a cultural treasure of South Australia.
Journey through the ancient heart of Southeast Asia, where rich history, culture and tradition come alive. Discover golden temples, vibrant markets and timeless rituals, and experience the warmth and depth of one of the world’s most captivating regions.
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of Antarctica’s most stunning and accessible regions, known for its towering glaciers, rugged mountains and dramatic ice-filled seascapes. Its unique location and milder climate make it a prime destination for expedition cruises and abundant wildlife encounters.
40 YEARS OF TRAVEL, TRUST & LOCAL EXPERTISE AT HELLOWORLD TRAVEL MACKAY & MT PLEASANT
For more than four decades, the travel industry has evolved in remarkable ways; from handwritten tickets and printed brochures to instant online bookings and digital itineraries. Yet despite the rapid pace of change, one thing has remained constant: the value of trusted, local travel expertise.
At Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant, that personal approach to travel has remained at the heart of the business through every era of change.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a major turning point for Australian travellers. International holidays, once considered a luxury, became increasingly accessible as airfares grew more competitive and travel opportunities expanded. Families, couples and solo travellers began exploring the world in greater numbers, often relying on experienced travel agents to guide them through passports, visas and complex itineraries.
During this time, travel planning was deeply personal. Clients would sit down face-to-face with their travel consultant, discussing dream destinations, budgets and once-in-a-lifetime
experiences. Trust and professional knowledge were central to every booking; values that continue to define Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant today.
As the industry moved into the late 1990s and early 2000s, the arrival of the internet transformed how people researched and booked travel. Email replaced fax machines, online schedules became accessible and digital ticketing emerged, creating greater convenience for travellers. While technology streamlined many parts of the process, the role of experienced travel professionals became even more important; helping clients navigate airline changes, interpret information and create seamless travel experiences tailored to their individual needs.
The following decades saw travel become increasingly experience-driven. Travellers began seeking meaningful moments and personalised adventures rather than simply ticking destinations off a list. Social media inspired new journeys, while smartphones changed the way people planned, booked and shared their travels. With more choice came more complexity, and
the importance of knowledgeable, local guidance only continued to grow.
More recently, global disruptions and changing travel requirements have highlighted just how valuable professional support can be. Travellers are now prioritising flexibility, reassurance and expert advice more than ever before. Throughout these changes, businesses like Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant have continued supporting clients every step of the way, providing clarity, advocacy and peace of mind when it matters most.
Looking back across four decades, the story of travel is one of innovation, connection and unforgettable experiences. While technology and trends will continue to evolve, the heart of great travel planning remains unchanged: understanding people, listening to their goals and helping turn travel dreams into reality.
As Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant celebrates its longstanding place within the region’s travel community, one thing is clear; trusted local advice and personalised service continue to matter more than ever.
LEADING WITH EXPERIENCE AND A LIFELONG PASSION FOR TRAVEL
With Stacey Brownsey, Manager of Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant
For Stacey Brownsey, travel has never been just a career; it has always been part of who she is.
Now Manager of Helloworld Travel, Stacey has spent almost 25 years helping Mackay travellers explore the world, after first entering the industry through a trainee position advertised in the Daily Mercury in 2001.
Her passion for travel began long before that.
“I’ve loved travel from a very early age,” she said.
“I started travelling internationally through sport when I was 15, and I also grew up listening to stories from my
mum about living and working in Canada in the 1960s. Travel has always been a big part of my life; it’s something that really feels like it’s in my blood.”
Over the years, Stacey has helped clients plan everything from family holidays and tailor-made European itineraries to cruises and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Stacey believes the business’s strong local foundation has played a major role in its success across the Mackay region.
“Being locally owned and operated has always been something really special about our business,” she said.
“Over the years we’ve continued to
evolve through innovation, training and industry changes, and I think the resilience of our team has been one of our greatest strengths.”
She said travellers were increasingly seeking more meaningful and personalised experiences, with nature-based travel and smaller group journeys continuing to grow in popularity.
“We’re seeing more people wanting unique, off-thebeaten-track destinations and experiences connected to wildlife and nature,” she said.
THREE DECADES OF TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
With Helloworld’s Daneal Rokic
fter first joining Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant in 1993, Daneal Rokic is now celebrating more than 30 years in the travel industry.
Starting out working Thursday nights and Saturday mornings at the Mt Pleasant office, Ms Rokic later secured a full-time role in 1996 and has remained part of the Helloworld team ever since.
Her passion for travel first began as a teenager after being selected for Mackay City Council’s sister city exchange trip to Matsuura, Japan, in 1992.
“That travel experience opened my eyes to a new world,” Ms Rokic said.
“I knew I wanted to explore the world, and the travel industry was the perfect platform.”
Throughout her career, Ms Rokic has helped countless clients plan holidays around the globe while also creating unforgettable travel memories of her own.
One experience that has stayed with her was completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in South America.
“It was definitely the hardest thing
I’ve ever done, and to get to the end of walking for four days to view the incredible site at sunrise was something I will never forget,” she said.
Ms Rokic said the supportive team culture and family feel at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant had played a major role in her longstanding career with the company.
She said destinations including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and New Zealand were currently among the most popular choices for travellers, and her hot travel tip? Air tags, air tags, air tags!
DECADES OF EXPERIENCE DRIVE PASSION FOR TRAVEL AT HELLOWORLD
After almost three decades with Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant, International and Domestic Travel Consultant Jill Johansen still finds joy in helping clients bring their travel dreams to life.
A lifelong fascination with travel first inspired Jill to enter the industry in 1970, where she applied for roles as both a travel consultant and ground hostess.
“I thought if I was unable to travel all the time, I should plan and bring clients’ dreams to life,” she said.
Over the years, Jill has witnessed enormous changes across the travel industry, but says the excitement of travel has never faded.
“There have been so many memorable moments throughout my career,” she said.
“I never get tired of watching aircraft thundering down runways at airports and people watching. I always imagine where people are travelling to when you see all their happy faces.”
Jill said trust, loyalty and personalised service continue to
set Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant apart.
“We treasure customer and staff loyalty as a priority always,” she said.
“Repeat business is everything and clients need to know that trust is everything.”
Having travelled extensively herself, Jill lists Africa, Antarctica, Greece and Malta among her favourite destinations, while seeing polar bears in the wild remains firmly on her bucket list!
SHARING A PASSION FOR TRAVEL THROUGH HOSTED JOURNEYS
Johanna Wood’s love of travel began at a young age, and nearly two decades later, that passion continues to shape her career as Groups and Training Manager at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant.
Having worked with the business for 19 years, Johanna joined
Helloworld Travel, then Harvey World Travel, just two years after finishing school.
“I always knew I wanted to work in the travel industry,” she said.
“I began working at Helloworld Travel just two years out of school and I have never looked back.”
One of Johanna’s favourite parts of the role is hosting group tours and travelling alongside clients on hosted journeys.
CREATING EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES OVER 26 YEARS
With 26 years at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant, Matthew Perre, Senior Manager of Sales has built a career around helping clients create memorable travel experiences across the globe.
about our clients and each other while maintaining strong professionalism, teamwork and a commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences,” he said.
Having travelled extensively, Africa remains a standout destination for Matthew thanks to its wildlife,
“Being able to travel with our customers and share those experiences with them is one of my favourite things,” she enthused.
When it comes to current travel trends, Johanna said Japan remained one of the most sought-after destinations.
Johanna also noted cruising, both river and ocean, continue to grow in popularity among travellers seeking unique experiences around the world!
Driven by a passion for travel and connecting people with unforgettable destinations, Matthew said the industry offered the perfect opportunity to turn clients’ dream holidays into reality.
“I loved the idea of creating memorable experiences for people,” he explained.
“Over time, my passion for travel and sharing those experiences with others led me to help turn other people’s travel dreams into reality.”
Matthew believes the supportive and relationshipfocused culture at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant is what continues to set the business apart.
“We genuinely care
CONGRATULATIONS ON 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS, HELLOWORLD MACKAY
Fitness Cartel Mackay Launches Oasis Health Retreat
For many, busy schedules often take priority over personal wellbeing, and finding time to truly slow down can be easier said than done. That’s why Fitness Cartel Mackay is offering their spectacular Oasis Health Retreat, featuring a seven-day wellness experience designed to help you reset, recover and reconnect.
Taking place from 25th April to 1st May 2027 at Komune Resort on Bali’s east coast, the retreat offers a fundamental program centred on movement, recovery and mindfulness.
Whether participants are seeking a physical reset, navigating burnout or simply looking for time away from the demands of everyday life, this retreat has been designed to provide a supportive environment for people to invest in themselves.
Over seven days and six nights, participants will be guided by a
handpicked team of professional coaches specialising in strength, mobility, recovery and breathwork, with sessions designed to suit a range of fitness levels.
The daily program includes strength and functional fitness led by Coach T, Pilates with Stephi Mathews, Vinyasa, Hatha and Nidra yoga with Lynn Treis, along with breathwork and meditation with Ben Watson.
Each retreat package includes six nights’ accommodation at Komune Resort, full access to the daily program, recovery facilities, daily breakfasts, and welcome and finale dinners.
Fitness Cartel Mackay is currently offering Early Bird pricing, with savings of more than $1,000 off the recommended retail price for a limited time – so don’t miss out!
