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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Owner of Sam Dunbar Electrical Pty Ltd

Star Sign: Aquarius

Fav Movie: Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav Holiday Destination: Hamilton Island

Fav Music: Triple J

Fav Quote: Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better

Sam Dunbar is a man who values his time both on and off the clock. When he's not busy managing his electrical business, which he founded in 2020 after starting his apprenticeship in 2009, you might find him indulging in a round of golf or working on his property. However, the role he cherishes most is that of a father and a partner.

Sam is engaged to his "gorgeous" fiancé, Angela, and together they are raising three daughters: Dempsey, Eloise, and Bronte. Their family is rounded out by their three fur babies, a collection of goats, and plenty of chickens, all contributing to the bustling household.

Balancing the demands of running a business and being a present father to three young girls is, according to Sam, his greatest challenge yet. Despite the busyness of life, Sam maintains a positive outlook, describing himself as a chatterbox, hard-working, and a comedian. These three words capture the essence of a man who is not only dedicated to his work but also knows how to keep the mood light and enjoy the moments that matter most.

In a life full of activity and responsibility, Sam Dunbar finds joy and fulfilment in the love of his family and the satisfaction of a job well done.

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AimBig Employment Business Development

Star Sign: Libra

Fav Movie: Stepbrothers

Fav Colour: Black

Fav Holiday destination: Italy

Fav Music: Dermot Kennedy

Fav Quote: It is what it is

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you?

I am a very superstitious person

Shannon Reynolds, who is originally from Rockhampton, has been a proud resident of Mackay since 2012. With a passion for creativity and a strong commitment to her community, Shannon’s life is a blend of artistic expression and heartfelt service.

Shannon loves spending her weekends cheering on her 11-year-old son at soccer games and carnivals. Alongside her professional career, she also runs a Balloon and Event business which allows her to channel her creative energy into making people smile, which she finds immensely fulfilling.

Shannon’s personal life is anchored by a loving and supportive family and a circle of fiercely loyal friends. She cherishes these relationships, valuing the encouragement and care they bring to her life.

Professionally, Shannon’s journey began with a hairdressing apprenticeship, but she quickly realised it wasn’t her true calling. Despite this, she completed the course, embodying her belief in finishing what she starts. For the past eight years, Shannon has thrived in the field of Employment Services, gaining experience in Transition to Work, Disability Employment Services (DES), and now AimBig Employment.

In her current role, Shannon is committed to providing honest and reliable service, focusing on quality over quantity. She collaborates with local employers in the Mackay and Whitsundays region, tailoring services to meet the unique needs of both employers and job seekers. Her dedication to community engagement has also earned her a spot on the Mackay Local Employment Task Force Committee.

Shannon describes herself as honest, positive, and empathetic—qualities that shine through in both her personal and professional life. Above all, she finds joy in helping others and making a positive impact, believing that loving what you do is the key to changing lives.

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Star Sign: Gemini

Fav Movie: The Notebook

Fav Colour: Red

Fav Holiday Destination: Greece & Italy

Fav Music: Any Genre

Fav Quote: “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” - Estée Lauder

Originally from Victoria, Kerri McIntyre has enjoyed a dynamic and colouful career across a diverse range of sectors, before finding her passion in real estate almost two decades ago.

She started out as a hairdresser and, at the age of 20, owned her own business. At 21 Kerri bought her first home and her career as a hairdresser resulted in 17 years in the profession. She then gathered further experience at a Solicitors office working alongside legal professionals which she found interesting.

Another goal of Kerri’s is to help other people achieve theirs, and she found she was able to do this best by becoming a real estate agent, a career change she absolutely loves!

“I love communicating with people, I have now been a Real Estate Agent for 16 years and absolutely love it,” said Kerri.

“Connecting and building relationships with people is a fantastic aspect of Real Estate and those relationships sometimes turn into lifelong friendships. Thank you’ to all past and future clients for entrusting me with your greatest asset; I am grateful.”

Life has not always been easy for Kerri who tragically lost her husband to cancer, forever changing the life of her family. Having gone through such pain, she reflects that she can always connect with people on a deeper level and is always touched when others share their stories, offering support to those in need.

“This is something that touches my heart dearly when I hear of these all-too-familiar stories from other families, going through tough times. I like to be a support for them and help out any way I can.”

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Fast Facts:

Star Sign: Leo

Fav Movie: Secondhand Lions

Fav Colour: Orange

Fav Holiday destination: Anywhere in the Whitsundays

Fav Music: Folk and Rock

Fav Quote: “Go the extra mile, it’s never crowded”

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: Worst Karaoke singer

Tiffany Clark, Director of Coastal Blinds Mackay did not always have a career in homeware and decorating, she originally worked as a legal secretary but quickly found her passion in interior design when she worked for a local floorcovering company. It was there that she fell in love with helping people with their houses and inspiring them with practical ways to turn a house into a home.

“After marrying a local builder and having three beautiful children, dreams of becoming the next Metricon Homes took a reality check,” says Tiffany with a laugh.

“We soon realised we wanted to find a job that was challenging and interesting, yet still flexible enough to work around family life.”

Tiffany and her husband started to work together and when they did, they worked alongside a mentor who had run a successful window coverings business interstate. Their mentor provided them with the ins and outs of the industry and Tiffany and her husband became hooked and knew it was the profession for them.

Tiffany said her and her husband make a great team. “Leigh measures, meets our wonderful customers and installs. Apart from the odd times extra assistance is required with colour selections, I do most of the behind-the-scenes jobs – quoting, invoicing, stock control etc. We often joke that he is the looks of the organisation and I am the brains,” said Tiffany.

When Tiffany is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family on the beach.

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Fast Facts:

Star Sign: Leo

Fav Movie: It would have to be Notting Hill. I’m a sucker for a romantic movie

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Holiday Destination: Europe

Fav Music: That’s a hard one; I like a bit of everything

Fav Quote: Character is power

Tell Us Something most people don’t know about you: I am not a fan of heights

A born and bred Mackay local Lauren Leeson is the owner of House of Lavender.

Before purchasing House of Lavender, Lauren was a kindergarten teacher but as the years went by, she realised she wanted to pursue her dreams of running her own business. Despite missing the children she loved watching grow, Lauren felt a calling for change.

Having always loved homeware and gifts, Lauren wanted to open a store of her own.

With a little nudge from her husband, Lauren purchased House of Lavender and she has never looked back!

Although purchasing the store and changing career paths has been a highlight for Lauren, stepping out of her comfort zone was also very challenging. Despite this, she adores her store and lovingly nurtures its growth.

Lauren and her husband have two sons and Millie the staffy completes the family. Her weekends are filled with sports, she plays netball and is always spending her free time around sports, whether her own or her two boys.

When she’s not rushing around on the weekend, Lauren enjoys spending time with her friends and if they get the chance, her and her family love to go camping and enjoy lots of family time together.

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