Occupational Therapist and Owner at Empowering Kids Therapy, and Owner of Bright Patch Café Pty Ltd

Fast Facts

Star Sign: Cusp: Capricorn and Aquarius

Favourite Colour: Purple

Best Holiday Destination: Singapore

Music You Love: Taylor Swift, Pop Music and Musical Theatre

What You Love To Watch: Show - Home and Away / Movie - Wicked

Inspirational Quote:  “To create is to step into wonder, and to thrive is to invite others in.”

Jameela Walker is equal parts Occupational Therapist and business owner. She is the imaginative force behind the upcoming Empowering Kids Therapy clinic and the Bright Patch Café. Both will be vibrant spaces that celebrate inclusion, creativity and connection in the heart of the Whitsundays.

As a child, Jameela loved to act and dance, she performed with the SBS Children’s Choir and Orchestra, studied cello and drama, and dove headfirst into the world of performance with boundless enthusiasm. That love of the stage never really left; it simply transformed. These days, instead of centre stage, she shines behind the scenes, creating environments where kids and families can find their own spotlight.

“Empowering Kids Therapy is about supporting kids and families to be their best authentic selves through functional skill development by using an Occupational Therapy Lens,” Jameela said.

Empowering Kids Therapy clinic was born from Jameela’s personal passion and deep desire to make a difference. She wanted to empower children and families to celebrate their differences.  

Empowering Kids Therapy will boast an indoor and outdoor sensory gym where children can explore, play, and thrive, rain or shine.

But her creativity didn’t stop there.

If Empowering Kids is the heart, Bright Patch Café is the soul. Inspired by the playful spirit of Alice in Wonderland, the café is a family-friendly haven where good food meets feel-good vibes.  

“I wanted to create an inclusive space for the community to eat, play and thrive whilst enjoying a fun and bright atmosphere,” Jameela added.

She’s also no stranger to giving back, supporting causes close to her heart, including MND and cancer foundations, and lending a hand in the community whenever possible.

“I think of life as a bit of an adventure,” she reflects.  

“Building Empowering Kids Therapy and Bright Patch Café has been the most life-changing adventure of all.

“I wanted to craft a place where every family could step out of the ordinary and into a world where curiosity is celebrated, difference is beautiful, and everyone belongs.”

Bright Patch Café will open end of July / early August 2025 at 22 Main Street, Proserpine  and Empowering Kids Therapy clinic will open early next year or late 2025 at Bright Patch Café as an ‘extra’ in the back yard.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“My coffee order is a barista’s nightmare: Cappuccino, warm, coconut milk, half strength and honey.”

What’s next for Bright Patch Café, and how does it align with your future and values?

“We will be hosting events and already have a number of prearranged bookings. We aim to connect Empowering Kids Therapy and Bright Patch Café as one for our junior hospitality program we may launch in 2026.”

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Fast Facts
Star Sign: Gemini
Fav Colour: Green
Fav Holiday Destination: Japan
Fav Music: A little bit of everything
Fav TV Show or Movie: I love a good documentary
Fav Quote: “If you could make something better for someone, why wouldn’t you?” – Cal Wilson
With a career spanning law, real estate, and disability support, Beryl Nielsen has mastered the art of organisation, adaptability, and keeping things running smoothly—even when life throws a curveball (or a surprise baby delivery!). As the Practice Manager at Ritu Rana Medical, she’s the glue that holds the fast-paced clinic together, ensuring everything flows seamlessly, no matter how unpredictable the day becomes.
Flexibility is key, she says, because what starts as a routine day can quickly turn into an action-packed one. But with a team that thrives under pressure and a leader like Dr. Rana who takes every twist in stride, Beryl ensures patients receive the best care—always with a smile. She might be a master of logistics, but she never takes herself too seriously!
Outside of work, Beryl embraces the great outdoors. Living on a few acres out of town with her husband, 9-year-old son, 18-year-old daughter, and their beloved staffy, life is a blend of family chaos, weekend camping trips, and beachside relaxation.
But her heart beats strongest for charity. For the past 15 years, Beryl has been passionately raising funds for Epilepsy Awareness, driven by the hope of one day seeing a cure.
And when it comes to adventure, Japan stole her heart. The food, the culture, the vibrant energy—it was a trip to remember, and she’s already dreaming of the next one!
What’s something interesting about you that not many people know?
"I like to bake all things sweet!"

Fast Facts

Star Sign: Aquarius
Fav Colour: Pink!
Fav Holiday Destination: Whitsunday Islands
Fav Music: Jessie Murph
Fav TV Show or Movie: I can’t choose just one!
Fav Quote: “Believe you can and you’re already halfway there”

At just 19, Edyn Paro took a bold leap and launched her own business—Boss Babes Beauty. Fast forward seven years, and she’s built a thriving empire, enhancing women’s beauty with high-quality lash services while mentoring young, ambitious women to follow in her footsteps.

“I’ve worked hard to make my dreams a reality,” she said. “Now, I love helping other young women become their own boss and start their journey in the lash industry.”

Outside of work, Edyn has a passion for combat sports and she now trains in Muay Thai to stay fit and focused. Strength and discipline aren’t just part of her workouts—they’re the foundation of her business success. When she’s not throwing punches in the gym she will be with her French Bulldog, who’s more a best mate than a pet. If she’s not in the salon or the gym, you’ll find her spending quality time with him.

For Edyn, success isn’t just about business, it’s about balance. Whether she’s unwinding with a coffee in hand, enjoying downtime with friends, or finding new ways to challenge herself, she embraces every moment with the same passion she puts into her work.

Her journey is proof that hard work and heart can turn dreams into reality.

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Fast Facts
Star Sign: Aquarius
Fav Colour: Green
Fav Holiday Destination: Tasmania. We just went down there for Christmas and loved every minute of it. The food, the walking, the scenery...
Fav Music: Depends on my mood but very into Heidi Rojas at the moment.
Fav TV Show or Movie: Zombie genre in general. Bonus points for things blowing up. 

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Fav Quote: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” JRR Tolkien
A midwife on a mission to revolutionise maternity care in Mackay, Chris Raines founded Generation Her—a service designed to give women the personalised, compassionate support they deserve at every stage of their reproductive journey.
As a private midwife, Chris provides everything from family planning and pre-conception support to pregnancy, postnatal care, breastfeeding guidance, and birth debriefing. With the ability to write prescriptions, order tests, and refer to specialists, she ensures women receive comprehensive, individualised care—not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Her philosophy? When women thrive, society thrives. That belief extends beyond the clinic. Chris is passionate about health and wellbeing, balancing modern medicine with lifestyle choices. She walks daily, follows a vegetarian diet, and even brews her own calming herbal tea to keep stress in check.
Outside of work, celebrations are serious business. Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or International Midwives Day, Chris plans well in advance—Christmas shopping starts in June, and no event is complete without cake.
Adventure is also in her DNA. Having travelled from Cape York to Kangaroo Island, she’s lived in almost every state, first as a solo traveller and now with her family. At home, she, her husband and two children share their lives with two rescue pets—Evie the dog and Pandora the cat, both cherished members of their “adopt, don’t shop” household.
Whether she’s supporting women birthing babies or organising midwifery conferences, Chris Raines is all about supporting women, one thoughtful step at a time.

What’s something interesting about you that not many people know?
“I have a compulsive urge to grow herbs.”

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Fast Facts

Star Sign: ARIES
Fav Colour: Royal Blue.
Fav Holiday Destination: The Whitsundays or Gold Coast.
Fav Music: I’m so alternative but I love anything that’s catchy and fun!
Fav TV Show or Movie: Those corny real estate series on Netflix.
Fav Quote: A person that never made a mistake, never made anything.

If you think steel and fitness have nothing in common, think again—because Simone Aitken proves they’re both about strength, resilience, and breaking barriers. As the Owner of East Coast Steel Supplies, Simone isn’t just running a business she redefines what it means to be a powerhouse in a male-dominated industry.

Simone’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive are as strong as the steel she supplies. She prides herself in being 100% locally owned and operated, and she’s also a hands-on expert in the reinforcement steel industry.

She aims to deliver high-quality products with convenience and expertise all while breaking the gender stereotype. Her fearless mindset is what saw her leap into business ownership, her proudest achievement yet.

But Simone isn’t all business, in Mackay she’s known as a fitness trainer, she’s a wife, and a mum to three busy kids. When she’s not ensuring Mackay’s construction projects stay on track, you’ll find her chasing adventure with her family. From football and gymnastics to beach days and exploring local waterholes, she’s all about making memories and leading by example.

From reinforcing steel to reinforcing self-belief, Simone Aitken is proof that strength comes in many forms and she’s just getting started.

Describe yourself with three fast facts?

Entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, wife and mother of three.

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Fast Facts

Star Sign: Sagittarius 
Fav Colour: Forest Green
Fav Holiday Destination: Always Whitsundays
Fav Music: Indie Rock and Soul
Fav TV Show or Movie:  Soul (2020) 
Fav Quote: “Be the example of the love, respect, and kindness you wish to see in the world.”

Originally from Germany, Josephine Carter's holiday to Australia turned into a whole new life. Within a month, she made the daring decision to stay in the land down under, knowing no one but ready to build something special. That leap of faith led to the thriving business she runs today.

With a camera in hand and an eye for the extraordinary, she has built a career capturing raw emotion, unfiltered joy, and those fleeting, magical moments that turn into lifelong memories.

Whether she’s shooting a dreamy Whitsundays wedding or helping a brand come to life with striking visuals, her approach is simple. “I’m all about capturing the real stuff,” she said.

“Your laughter, your love, your story.”

When she’s not behind the lens, Josephine is a devoted mum, a health-conscious home chef, and a proud dog mum to Otto, a sausage dog with a big personality, so big, in fact, he’s convinced he’s her husband.

“His attitude is both hilarious and slightly concerning!” she joked.

She loves to be active, and in her spare time, you can see her on walks, but she can also be low-key.

She loves a good book, an airbed in the pool, some music, and a pineapple coconut smoothie, and then she is in her happy place.

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Fast Facts

Star Sign: Sagittarius
Fav Colour: I have two that must go together and are my business colours - teal and purple
Fav Holiday Destination: The furthest I've travelled has been to Japan and New Zealand - both were amazing!
Fav Music: I have a pretty eclectic taste in music but I do have a special place in my heart for 80's and 90's music.
Fav TV Show or Movie: Sense8 - this is a must watch!

Jess Clark is on a mission to help women feel strong, energised, and in control of their health. As the founder of Intentional Well-being and Movement, she takes a rounded approach, combining functional health, nutrition, energy healing, and coaching to create real, lasting change.

Following a successful career in information science and management, Jess brings a research-driven, structured approach to health, making her coaching insightful and empowering.

Away from work, Jess is all about family. She and her husband are proud parents to three grown boys, doting grandparents to three grandsons, and have three lovable fur babies keeping them on their toes.

When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her at the gym, grounding herself with beach walks or escaping into nature.

Favourite Quote: "Do your best with whatever you can, with whatever you have, wherever you are - Every. Single. Day.”

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Star Sign: Gemini
Fav Colour: Red
Fav Holiday Destination: Anywhere in the Whitsundays.
Fav Music: The Cure
Fav Quote: Be true to you.
Something most people don’t know about you? “I was a language teacher, and my specialty was Japanese.

Empowering women to lead, succeed, and make a difference is at the heart of Belinda Berg’s mission as the newly appointed CEO of Mackay Women's Services. With over 25 years of diverse experience spanning the public sector, private healthcare, and law enforcement, Belinda is uniquely positioned to guide and support the women of Mackay.

Born in Melbourne and raised in Townsville, Belinda has called Mackay home for the past 12 years. Armed with a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Public Administration, her career has been dedicated to public service and community welfare. One of her most significant achievements, however, was recently stepping into the role of CEO for Mackay Women's Services.

“Also eloping to Las Vegas and getting married was pretty big too,” she laughs.

Outside of work, Belinda enjoys spending time with her husband of 13 years, and she finds joy in traveling, connecting with life-long friends, and of course, family.

Belinda attributes much of her success to her former boss and close friend, Carlene York APM, who played a significant role in her career while they worked together in law enforcement. Belinda is determined to make a similar impact for women in Mackay, embodying the same grace and intelligence that Carlene demonstrated while rising to the top of a male-dominated field.

“I had an amazing boss,” Belinda said.

“She would say, ‘Everyone makes mistakes, but owning them and what you do next is what makes the difference.’

“She also showed me how easy it is to be present in the workplace and really know what is going on with your staff and your business.”

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Star Sign: Taurus
Fav Movie: Zombieland
Fav Colour: Green
Fav Holiday Destination: Anything to do with the ocean/beach
Fav Music: I do love my country music but listen to a bit of everything
Fav Quote: Day one or one day
Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? I grew up with 2 super rare medical conditions that often made it hard for me to go to school, so I did Distance Education for my last few years of high school.

Fayith has been taking photos since high school and developed such a skill and passion for the craft that she decided to make it her business. She was born in Cairns but has always called Airlie Beach her home and used to enter her photos into the local Proserpine Show.
Initially starting her business as a hobby while working in the hospitality industry and earning her Diploma in Social Media and Marketing, Fayith decided to make photography her full-time job in 2024 and hasn’t looked back since.
Airlie Beach has always been a place that inspires her, and she loves the ocean here, often choosing to dive in local waters and get out to the beach as much as she can.
Growing up with medical conditions that sometimes kept her wheelchair bound Fayith found solace in photography as an “outlet for me to find things that I thought were beautiful and interesting in a world where I felt anything but.”
Discovering early on that the typical 9-5 would not be possible for her, Fayith created the business so she could follow her creative passion and make her own schedule.
With her family encouraging her, and her mum as a personal cheerleader there’s nothing that won't stop Fayith. She describes herself as resilient and a perfectionist with the love of her partner and fur-babies behind her, she plans on making 2025 a beautiful snapshot in her career.

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Star Sign: Sagittarius
Fav Colour: Blue
Fav Holiday Destination: Vegas
Fav Quote: “We live everyday so we should make the most of it as we can.”
Something Most People Don’t Know About You: I’m a bit weird, I’m very inquisitive and I love to learn new things.

Meet Dave Sampson, an adventurous soul who swapped Melbourne’s busy streets for the stunning Whitsundays 11 years ago. Dave’s passion for exploring his beautiful surroundings fuels his love for road trips, beach days, and bushwalks. When he’s not on an adventure, you might just find him cracking codes in an escape room or curling up with a good book. At his side is Beast, his loyal fury companion - a mix of staffy, shepherd, and bullarab who shares his zest for life.

With family back in Melbourne and a tight-knit group of friends in the Whitsundays, Dave has carved out a vibrant life in paradise. A former entertainer for hens’ parties, he’s banked up quite a few wild stories over the past 13 years…yet he recently traded the stage for a camera lens, reinventing himself as an all-in-one entertainer and event planner.

Through his business, Depicting Dreamscapes, Dave has been capturing unforgettable moments for the past two years while planning weddings, events, and more alongside his photobooth and entertainment agency partnerships.

Amongst his greatest milestones, building his first home and turning the lights off on his entertainment days was a standout recollection for him.

Quirky, curious and endlessly eager to learn, Dave’s journey is anything but ordinary…and he wouldn’t have it any other way!

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Star Sign: Libra

Fav Movie: The Notebook

Fav Colour: All the colours!

Fav Holiday Destination: Anywhere near the beach.

Fav Music: Country

Fav Quote: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Tell Us Something Most People Don't Know About You?
I love Brussels sprouts.

Having grown up in Ayr her whole life, Tipsy Taps co co-owner, Sarina is a Burdekinite through and through. Growing up here gives Sarina a unique perspective and deep appreciation for life in the Burdekin, no matter the season.

Now that she’s a successful business owner of Tipsy Taps, a devoted wife, and loving mother of two gorgeous kids under four, she couldn’t be happier doing it all right here, in the place she grew up.

Tipsy Taps caters for any event, including weddings, birthdays, corporate events, hens and bucks parties, Christmas parties, fundraisers, and everything in between. Since starting, they’ve been doing things differently in so much as it means people can pour their own drinks from a self-serve mobile tap bar and cold room, which helps to keep drinks chilled and ready to pour.

When Sarina’s not working, she’s working out at the gym, but more often than not, she can be found spending time with her family and friends.

“I enjoy the little things in life and making lots of memories. My husband and I have two beautiful children and 10 chickens, and we love spending time with friends,” Sarina explains.

A qualified hairdresser, Sarina has also worked in the mines, but her favourite role is her current one – being a stay-at-home mum while running her business.

“The best thing that’s ever happened to me is finding my husband who has blessed me with our two beautiful children and our incredible life,” she smiles.

To meet Sarina, one can’t help but walk away happy, knowing that her kindness, care, determination and warmth not only make her a great mum but an exceptional businesswoman.

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Mackay Pet Rescue Inc, President

Star Sign: Virgo, however I identify as more a Leo

Fav Movie: I love horror - Talk to me, Scream, Insidious

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav Holiday destination: Thailand

Fav Music: Obsessed with Chappell Roan at the moment and am a big Taylor Swift Fan

Fav Quote: Don’t assume the answer is no before you ask the question.

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? I’m also a burlesque performer and love to rhinestone all my costumes

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Zanika lives in Mackay and says moving to this vibrant city was the best thing she has ever done. During her time here she has made new friends, become a part of a community that finds fulfilment in animal rescue and discovered a new passion in Burlesque dancing.

Both Zanika and her husband love animals; the couple have a total of four cats in their home at the moment - Kataya and Lucia, foster cats with Mackay Pet Rescue Inc, Leo their gorgeous 9-year-old ginger cat, and ‘foster fail’, Mizuki, a stunning 3-year-old grey kitty.  Zanika explained in the rescue community a “foster fail cat” is a cat that a carer is supposed to find a forever home for, but instead decide to adopt themselves, every foster carer has at least one!

When she isn’t caring for her cats, or putting on burlesque performances, you can find her and her husband exploring some of the small islands near Seaforth on their recently purchased tinny.

Zanika is the newly appointed President of Mackay Pet Rescue. In her day job she is an audit manager, meaning she brings a ‘by the rules’ mentality to the rescue shelter. She has her Chartered Accountant certification, and has been in audit for seven years.

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Regional Sales Executive, Hamilton Island

Star Sign: Cancer

Fav Movie: Love Actually

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav Holiday destination: Anywhere with snow or a good beach!

Fav Music: Pop, alternative/rock, dance

Fav Quote: Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? Despite my love of music, I’m not the greatest of singers!

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A boomerang resident of the Whitsundays, Roxy grew up in Adelaide but moved to Hamilton Island in 2007. She then spent some time in Brisbane and worked multiple snow seasons in Perisher, before an opportunity arose to return to Hamilton Island to work in weddings and events, she jumped right at the opportunity.

Roxy has worked in hospitality the majority of her life, she has managed bars and pubs and absolutely loved the social aspect of the job. Her years in hospitality and love of working with people made her excel in her current role of Regional Sales Executive on Hamilton Island.

In her role as Regional Sales Executive Roxy looks after a huge area in regional Queensland, from Gladstone to Port Douglas. She loves showcasing Hamilton Island and the experiences the island offers.

Roxy loves the beach and boating, and what better place in the world to pursue these passions than right here the Whitsundays? When she isn’t working Roxy will usually be doing some Whitsundays adventures on her boat with her fiancé. If she isn’t on her boat exploring the islands, you can find her on her paddle boards on the lookout for turtles and whales. She also loves chasing water inland and finding waterfalls.

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Independent Distributor

Star Sign: Cancer the Crab

Fav movie: Any Movie with actress Angelina Jolie 

Fav colour: Red

Fav Holiday: Anywhere overseas learning and living new cultures - I love a new adventures!

Fav Music: Blues and Roots

Fav quote: I love you 

Tell Us Something most people don’t know about you: I loved racing, I raced offroad cars in my younger years.  I learnt to ride a Honda 400 four road bike at 12 years old.  I was born with a love of motorcycle's running in my veins.

Before launching a thriving career in sharing the amazing Vidafy Bio Nanofied Curcumin drops, Naomi was in the Bowen Basin area working for the mining industry. Extremely proud of her mining career, Naomi says she loved her time driving some of the biggest mining trucks in Australia.

She now resides in Sunnyside QLD with her high school sweetheart, husband Rick, and their five amazing dogs.

Naomi is passionate about sharing the benefits of natural wellness Curcumin drops with others. She started using Curcumin drops in March this year for her Fibromyalgia, and within three months she said she was able to come off all strong pain medication, sleeping pills and anti-depressants.

“I have suffered extremely badly with Fibromyalgia and Vestibular Migraines for six years; it took me away from mining as I was too ill to work. But now I have found an all-natural product that has helped me, I’m beyond happy,” she explained.

Now 51 years young, Naomi enjoys going to mining communities to share the Curcumin drops that have helped her immensely.  Naomi explained, “The science behind the drops is what makes them different.  They disperse in water, hence getting into every cell of her body. Unlike any other Curcumin product on the market worldwide.”

She also says the drops have helped one of her dogs that has arthritis. Now he is running around with much younger dogs, jumping over obstacles and thriving once again.  The Curcumin drops help people and pets !

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Owner of Beauty by Mia

Star Sign: Aries

Fav TV Show: The Rookie

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Holiday destination: My dream holiday destination is Greece

Fav Music: Country Music

Fav Quote: Everything happens for a reason

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? Most people in my life don’t know that I spent a lot of my childhood competing in equestrian events and I have a huge love and passion for my horses.

Originally from Darwin, Mia relocated to the Whitsundays 12 years ago with her grandparents, parents, and older brother. Since then, she has made the vibrant region her home, nurturing her love for beauty and eventually turning her passion into a thriving business.

Mia's weekends are spent enjoying simple pleasures like going on walks, attending Pilates classes, and spending quality time with her family. Although she doesn’t have many hobbies, her love for her two dogs, Marley and Louis, is undeniable—calling them her pride and joy.

From a young age, Mia had a deep-seated passion for the beauty industry, something her family always knew would shape her future. Her journey into beauty began while she was still in school, where she enrolled in online courses to feed her growing interest. By the time she was halfway through Year 11, Mia’s dedication had already earned her an opportunity at a local beauty salon. This experience fuelled her desire to learn more, leading her to enrol in numerous courses and gain extensive knowledge in the field.

Today, Mia is the proud owner of Beauty by Mia, specialising in all things lashes and brows. Though she is qualified in a variety of beauty services, these are her favourites to perform.

Opening a business at just 18 years old was nerve-wracking, but Mia’s determination and passion helped her overcome the initial fears.

Describing herself as loving, friendly, and funny, Mia is a young entrepreneur who brings warmth and joy to her clients, making Beauty by Mia a beloved part of the Whitsunday community.

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