BUSINESS SHOWCASE
A Farm, A Fight, And A Life That Inspires
Karinda Anderson knows what it means to live life with purpose. After surviving a catastrophic brain aneurysm in 2004 and carrying the weight of an ongoing cancer diagnosis, she has faced many nights in despair. Yet through every struggle has emerged a woman whose heart beats for others, whose compassion drives her, and whose farm has become a lifeline of inspiration. Karinda and her husband Dale are the soul of Oh Deere Farm Stay and Tours, a Calen treasure where sugarcane isn’t just a crop, b
Read the full storyFrom Farm To Frontage: The Bishopp Story
From a humble father-and-son venture on a farm outside Maryborough in 1993 to a powerhouse in regional media, Bishopp has charted a remarkable journey. What began with CEO Brad Bishopp’s first hand-painted billboard for Dundathu Turf Farm has grown into a sprawling network that seamlessly connects businesses with audiences across Australia and New Zealand. Along the way, the company has combined entrepreneurial grit, community focus, and a commitment to innovation—turning a simple idea into one
Read the full storyBright Patch Café A Wonderland of Coffee, Colour and Connection
Step through the doors of Bright Patch Café and you’re not just ordering a coffee, you’re entering a wonderland of colour, creativity and connection. With a bright, colourful mural, playful nooks, and an amazing playpen, this is no ordinary café. It’s a community hub where inclusivity and imagination shine as brightly as the décor. The vision belongs to Jameela Walker and her family. Bright Patch Café has been a family venture sparked by a shared love of food, family, and adventure. Jameela g
Read the full storyBeat Stress, Anxiety & Depression Brahmanandam Meditation School
Hi, I am Prabha Srinivasan. I grew up in southern India. Teachings of Yoga was so entrenched in my upbringing that I didn’t know otherwise. After moving to Australia in 2005, I had to integrate Australian lifestyle with my Indian roots. In 2016, I felt compelled to go back to India and complete a Yoga teacher training intensive. As part of the training, I was introduced to the philosophical texts behind ancient meditation practices. Formal meditation practise has since transformed my life and th
Read the full storyFrom Boardrooms To Glowing Ideas
Glow Sphere Marketing
When Gabriella Sóvágó walked away from the corporate world in 2017, she was determined to create a business that fused her passion for marketing with her love of travel. That vision became Glow Sphere Marketing, a full-service agency that has grown from its beginnings as a flexible coaching practice into a trusted partner for businesses across Australia.
Gabriella’s fascination with marketing began in high school. With both parents running their own businesses, she saw firs
Read the full storyConsistency Is Key Ashleigh Lindner
Born and bred in Mackay, Ashleigh Lindner has always called the region home. With her entire family close by and three daughters attending local schools, her life is deeply tied to the community she now helps others settle into. “People get scared to move to the Northern Beaches, but everywhere you turn, there’s a school, a shopping centre, you’re central to everything,” she says. “When I tell people I’m local, born and bred here, they realise I really do know the area.”
Ashleigh's route into re
Read the full storyRedefining Beauty And Confidence
With Bre Sanders From Sense Of Skin Mackay-born Bre Sanders is proving that talent, tenacity, and authenticity can turn a dream into national recognition. As owner of the acclaimed beauty salon Sense of Skin, she is one of just four winners across Australia selected for the prestigious ABIA Beauty Squad 2025, held in Sydney on August 17. “I didn’t always dream of having my own clinic; however, when working for others, it soon became a dream of mine... I didn’t want the limitations,” Bre recal
Read the full storyLukas Vaid: Back Where He Belongs Returning to Real Estate with Family, Focus and Community in Mind
After a three-year break from the Whitsunday property market, familiar face Lukas Vaid is back—and this time with a fresh perspective shaped by family, community and a genuine passion for helping people find their perfect home. Although he never really left the region, Lukas stepped away from full-time real estate to work fly-in, fly-out. Becoming a dad was the catalyst for his return. “Starting a family and having a daughter made me want to be more present,” he said. “I wanted to enjoy watchi
Read the full storyThe Power of Not Snacking by Clinical Nutritionist, Rebecca Tarver
In today’s wellness world, the idea of eating “little and often” is everywhere. Yet, more and more research, along with my clinical experience, shows that the opposite approach may be more powerful for digestion, weight management, and better energy. I encourage my clients to focus on three balanced meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with water in between. Here’s why: Weight management Snacking can secretly add up to hundreds of extra calories without us realising. Grazing on “just a
Read the full storyYour Day, Your Way With Barb Baretta Queensland’s Award-Winning Celebrant
When it comes to saying "I do," Barb Baretta is the name couples trust to make their moment special. Crowned the 2025 Wedding Industry Award winner for Civil Marriage Celebrant in the Whitsundays and Mackay region, Barb has become one of Queensland’s most respected and sought-after wedding celebrants. In just eight years, she has officiated more than 200 weddings, combining experience, professionalism, and a heartfelt personal touch that has earned her a cherished place in the lives and storie
Read the full storyCelebrate In Style At Club Northern Beaches
Club Northern Beaches, winner of the 2025 Australian Wedding Industry Awards for Whitsundays & Mackay, is a licensed wedding venue renowned for exceptional service and stunning event spaces. Located in the charming Northern Beaches of Mackay, Queensland, it offers the ambience of a tropical retreat while being only 20 minutes from the Mackay CBD. Boasting three unique venues within the facility, Club Northern Beaches is a destination that can host exceptional and unique events. The deck can acc
Read the full storyCelebrating In Style With Confetti Creations
What began as a side project during maternity leave has grown into one of Mackay’s most in-demand event styling businesses. Confetti Creations, owned by talented creative Allana Bullock, delivers unique signage, backdrops, and custom décor for weddings, parties, and corporate events. With over 15 years’ study and experience as a qualified signwriter, and almost a decade of shaping Confetti Creations into what it is today, Allana brings a rare mix of trade skill and artistic flair. Today, she de
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