BUSINESS SHOWCASE
Reinventing The Local Icon
When Paul stepped back into the fold at Australian Venue Co., it was a homecoming of sorts, and it just happened to coincide with one of the biggest transformations in Airlie Beach hospitality. As the regional manager for Australian Venue Co., Paul oversees several venues in the region, but none quite like the Airlie Beach Hotel, a local landmark that has recently undergone a major transformation. Under Paul’s watch, the beloved pub has been reimagined with a $3.5 million renovation to its sport
Read the full storyDriving Growth, Innovation and Opportunity in the Whitsundays
Someone who knows the Whitsundays like the back of his hand is Craig Turner. With more than 30 years of experience across tourism, aviation, development, and local government, Craig has worn many hats — each one driven by the same passion: helping the region grow and flourish for generations to come.
Read the full storyLifting Local Industry, One Crane At A Time
Jack ‘Lofty’ Loft is raising more than just cranes; he’s lifting the standard for reliable, community-focused heavy lifting solutions with his business, Whitsunday Crane Hire. A local through and through, Lofty was born and bred in the Whitsundays, and after years of working away in the mining industry, he found his way back home with a dream to build something solid—and be there every night to tuck his two daughters into bed.
Read the full storyPrecision. Performance. People.
From sugar mills and ports to draglines, shovels, and CHPP shutdowns, Boremetrics Maintenance & Engineering is fast becoming a name synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability in Queensland’s industrial sector.Based in Mackay and proudly owned and operated by Luke Temple, Boremetrics has grown into a 30-strong permanent team, with a wider pool of 50-plus professionals deployed during peak shutdown periods.
Read the full storyCommunity At The Core
In the heart of Cannonvale, one business owner is proving that good old-fashioned community spirit is still a powerful recipe for success.When Rich Bates took over News Whitsunday as part of his retirement plan, slowing down was the last thing on his mind. Instead, he transformed the newsagency into a thriving hub—where laughs are shared, names are known, and locals feel at home.
Read the full storyBuilt on Trust, Backed by Teamwork
From humble beginnings to a leading security provider, Reef Security Whitsundays has built a strong reputation based on trust, teamwork and genuine care for both clients and crew.The business was founded by Tom Rimene and Andrew Sheedy, who recognised a clear need for something better in the local security industry. “I saw a clear gap in the market, and I started up the business,” he says.
Read the full storyYoung Achiever Nominee Leads Chemical Safety Innovation From Mackay
What began as a passion for computers has evolved into a game-changing initiative transforming chemical safety practices across the country.Tristan Turnbull, a 23-year-old Mackay-based rising star, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Channel 7 Young Achiever Awards for his pioneering work in hazardous chemical management. With a sharp focus on compliance, safety, and digital transformation, he has become one of the go-to experts in the mining and construction sectors for chemical handling, st
Read the full storyUnlocking Ancient Wisdom: Beyond the Needle
In a world increasingly looking for holistic approaches to well-being, the ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) continues to prickle the interest of many. And at the forefront of this resurgence, bringing a healthy dose of straight talk and remarkable results to Queensland, is Dr. Scott Martin. Far from your average practitioner, Dr. Martin blends deep expertise with a refreshingly candid approach, ensuring that when it comes to your health, he gets "To The Point."
Read the full storyGrace and Grit in a Changing Market
With decades of experience and a boutique agency built on integrity and insight, Robyn Faa Real Estate remains one of Mackay’s most trusted names. Amidst interstate migration, first-home fervour and low stock, Robyn offers clients calm, steady guidance in a fast-moving market.
Read the full storyKeys To A Comeback
After three years away from the local property scene, familiar face and real estate agent Lukas Vaid has returned, bringing with him not just experience but a renewed passion shaped by family, community, and a desire to make a difference.Although Lukas never truly left the Whitsundays, it was the pull of family life that ultimately brought him back to real estate full-time, after a period of working fly-in, fly-out.
Read the full storyMeet Your Real Estate Expert
As Knight Frank’s Sales and Leasing Executive in Accommodation and Hospitality, Glen Cummins manages one of Queensland’s most diverse and far-reaching portfolios.But for Glen, success isn’t measured in distance – it’s measured in people.“I love helping clients achieve their goal of buying into the industry, or retiring out of it,” he says.“It’s about solving problems. If someone says, ‘I want to be closer to family,’ and we help make that happen — that’s what matters.”
Read the full storyLuxury In An Instant
What began as a practical solution has grown into a local success story, transforming backyards across the Whitsundays, one plunge pool at a time. Spotting a clear gap in the market, Instant Pools Whitsundays stepped in to deliver high-quality, Australian-made plunge pools to properties previously considered too difficult for installation. Jack ‘Lofty’ Loft and Casey Loft, founders of Instant Pools Whitsundays and also the team behind Whitsunday Crane Hire, shared the story of how their pool bus
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