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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