Of these, five apprentices are based at the Proserpine Mill, training in the electrical, boilermaking and fitting and turning trades.

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said he was pleased to welcome such a high calibre group of first-year apprentices into the business.

“Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has a long history of developing great tradespeople in our sugar milling regions,” Mr Shipard said.

“We’re one of North Queensland’s largest apprenticeship providers, with about 150 apprentices employed across our operations at any one time.

“Our program is also one of the most successful in Australia, with a completion rate of 98 per cent.”

Mr Shipard said this year’s intake included five young women, one of whom had transitioned from a school-based apprenticeship with the company.

“We’ve also signed up five seasonal employees, who were keen to get into our apprenticeship program and learn a trade,” he said.

Brooke Smith, from the Burdekin, was Wilmar’s first school-based apprentice and is now enrolled as an apprentice boilermaker at Pioneer Mill.

She said she was excited to be working full time and developing her trade skills.

“Getting into Wilmar’s apprenticeship program means I’m finally going to get more experience and get more involved in what goes on in the workshops,” she said.

“It also means I can really be part of the Wilmar business, instead of just being there one day a week.”

First-year electrical apprentice Cody Masters said an apprenticeship with Wilmar meant being able to learn on the job, while living in his hometown of Ingham.

“It means I get to go home to mum and dad’s cane farm and still get to give back to the community,” he said.

Mr Shipard said the first-year apprentices kicked off their trade training with a two-week ‘Safe Start’ program, in December, before beginning work at their respective sites.

“Our Safe Start program equips our apprentices to hit the ground running,” Mr Shipard said.

“It’s a comprehensive introduction that gives them important safety and technical skills, as well as the confidence to thrive in their new roles.”

PHOTO:

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables new Proserpine apprentices, from left: Will Flynn (boiler making), Tyson Austin (electrical), Jack Scharf (boiler making), Thomas Raiteri (fitting and turning), and Will Muller (fitting and turning).

The week was a great success, offering the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and expand our region’s knowledge of innovative farming tools and methods.

EvokeAg kicked off with a Team Queensland breakfast and insights from one of our favourite Queensland legends, Billy Slater.

Over two hours, Billy inspired the audience with tales from his career as a player and a coach, drawing insightful parallels between the sporting and farming industries and how leadership styles can make or break a team.

Breakfast was followed by the Qld Agtech Summit, a series of presentations by both tech companies and producers, highlighting the advancements made in Queensland and the bright future ahead for our state’s industry.

One key message for the day was the state government’s commitment to increase agricultural production to $30bn, by 2030, and discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities this target presented.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the team was immersed in the EvokeAg experience, combining innovative ideas, inspirational lectures and hands-on demonstrations of the latest products entering the agtech space.

Of particular interest was discussion around new weight loss injections and the potential disruption such practices might have on food producing businesses.

While initially presented as a challenge to the industry, it quickly became apparent that there were real opportunities to explore in nutrient extraction and value-added products.

The EvokeAg audience was also treated to a session hosted by Australian journalist Leigh Sales.

Focusing on the power of storytelling, Ms Sales encouraged the audience to find those tales unique to our regions, industry and businesses and explore the nuances that captivate audiences.

The greatest benefit for our team, however, was the chance to establish, build and renew connections within the industry.

Of significant interest to many was the upcoming Bowen Food Futures Precinct, with conversations revolving around experiences and lessons learned in other regions and opportunities to collaborate to advance the project.

The future certainly looks bright and exciting for the agriculture industry and the Bowen Gumlu region.

Contributed by BGGA CEO Jenn Honnery.

The Sunflower Program is an international initiative that helps individuals with non-visible disabilities, through discreetly signaling they may need additional assistance, patience or understanding.

People who have a disability that is not immediately apparent do this by wearing a sunflower symbol on a lanyard, wristband, badge or lapel pin.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism, who own Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours, and Whitsunday Coast Airport have both joined the program in recent months.

Designed to help approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide who live with a disability, the program acknowledges that many conditions – whether neurological, cognitive, physical or sensory-related – can impact individuals in various ways and often remain unseen.

Through this initiative, SeaLink aims to empower guests who may need extra support to engage fully in their travel experience.

“As one of Australia’s largest marine and tourism operators, the SeaLink Marine & Tourism family welcomes more than 9 million people annually on our various experiences across 21 locations, where our goal is to provide brilliant, memorable and positive experiences to all our guests,” SeaLink Marine & Tourism CEO Donna Gauci said.

“Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program strengthens our commitment to diversity and inclusion across our brands and locations.

“We’re genuinely excited to join this initiative in many of our business units in 2025, ensuring every one of our guests feels supported when visiting and experiencing Australia’s iconic holiday destinations or getting wherever they need to go.”

With 1 in 5 Australians identifying as having a disability, it is estimated that 80 to 85 percent are not identifiable by the use of a wheelchair, walking stick, hearing aid or seeing-eye dog etc.

Whitsunday Coast Airport has also adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, marking the airport’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing a welcoming travel experience for all passengers.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins applauded the airport’s proactive approach to inclusivity.

“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a fantastic step forward in making our community and facilities more accessible and understanding for everyone,” he said.

“It’s heartening to see the Whitsunday Coast Airport team leading the way in this space and demonstrating their dedication to providing a supportive environment for passengers with hidden disabilities.”

Airport staff have undergone specialised training to better understand and implement the program.

The training equips staff with the knowledge and tools to recognise the sunflower symbol and provide the appropriate support to passengers who may require it.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia/NZ director Justin Bruce said travelling with a hidden disability can be difficult for many people.

“It can also be difficult for staff to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges travellers face,” he said.

“Wearing the Sunflower icon will help to discreetly indicate to the trained airport staff that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time.

“Congratulations to the Whitsunday Coast Airport for working to ensure that the facilities are more inclusive for everyone and we thank them for becoming part of the ever growing Sunflower community.”

Mayor Collins encourages local residents and businesses to learn about the initiative and how it can make a real difference for those in the community.

“Whether you’re travelling or simply want to support someone you know, the sunflower symbol is a simple yet powerful way to promote kindness and understanding,” he said.

To further promote the initiative, Whitsunday Coast Airport has updated its website to include information about the program under its accessibility section.

For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and how you can participate, visit https://hdsunflower.com/au/.

The development, known as Edenvale, fronts Shute Harbour Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road.

To be developed by Queensland-based Alder, Edenvale is proposed to become ‘the region’s premier residential community’ and will be delivered in more than 20 stages over a 10-year period, if council approval is granted.

Locals are encouraged to have their say on how Edenvale will be developed, with community consultations getting underway this month.

The Onsite Information Sessions will be held at 1405 Shute Harbour Road, Cannon Valley, this Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1, from 9am to 11am.

More than 800 dwellings will be included in the development with townhouses, apartments and family homes alongside a mixed-use precinct, extensive parks and green spaces, as well as active transport routes to connect the development with the wider Whitsundays community.

Alder’s General Manager of Development Frank Galvin said Edenvale was envisioned to be a thriving, connected community conveniently positioned on the main arterial road leading into Airlie Beach.

“Creating connections is at the heart of what we do at Alder and, with quality and sustainability underpinning the communities we create, we can be instrumental in enhancing how people live, work, play and connect within their environment,” Mr Galvin said.

“Edenvale will emulate these qualities by carefully considering the community’s needs to ensure there are residential areas, green spaces and walking paths that not only provide an idyllic backdrop for a vibrant lifestyle but form the foundation of a place residents are proud to call home.”

Mr Galvin said locals were encouraged to provide their feedback and become informed on what is proposed to be included in the community, by completing the Community Insights Survey online, by filling out the contact form via the website, or attending one of the onsite information sessions.

“Edenvale will be shaped by the local Whitsundays community with all feedback and suggestions offered during our consultation considered during the design and planning of the development, to ensure a vibrant community is created that works for everyone in Cannon Valley,” Mr Galvin said.

“Not only will the community consultations give locals a voice to share their preferences for housing and amenities, but they also have the opportunity to ask questions, see the prospective project plans, and discuss how the project will benefit Cannon Valley and the wider Whitsundays region.”

The development application for Edenvale has not yet been approved by Whitsunday Regional Council.

“The proponent has indicated to council they are about to commence public notification of the development,” a council planning department spokesperson said.

“Once this process concludes, council will take onboard all feedback received before making its decision.”

Edenvale is the second major development for Alder in the Whitsundays, with the company currently developing the 24-hectare Airlie Summit, in Airlie Beach.

The Community Insights Survey and the contact form for the Edenvale development are available at www.edenvalewhitsundays.com.au.

About Alder Group:

Alder Developments and Alder Constructions (Alder Group) is a Southeast Queensland business that delivers a wide range of residential, education, commercial and industrial projects. Alder Developments controls land on the Gold Coast and north Queensland, with a key land holding at Pimpama on the M1. The business is expanding operations throughout Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW.

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) held a ‘Possibilities for Proserpine’ event at Filby’s Motors, Proserpine, last Wednesday (February 12).

The free event – designed to bring Proserpine businesses together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for growth – attracted a good crowd of about 30 people.

It was an opportunity to connect with other local traders and engage directly with Chamber board members.

The creation of a Proserpine sub-committee was also discussed, focusing on local challenges, opportunities, and collaborative solutions to strengthen the community and economy.

One of the chamber’s newest board members, Emily Harvey, hosted the event.

Ms Harvey is the marketing, branding and customer experience manager for Filby’s Motors, in both Bowen and Proserpine. 

“I look forward to working with the Chamber in reinvigorating awareness and membership opportunities in the Proserpine region and assisting in advocating for businesses in the region,” Ms Harvey said.

If you are a business in the Proserpine region and would like to get involved, email admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au

WCCI has an exciting events program planned for 2025.

The 2025 event program will include a variety of events aimed at supporting business growth, keeping businesses informed on industry trends and regional developments, and providing ample networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.

2025 event program highlights:

• Business breakfast events: Start your day with insightful discussions and networking.
• Meet the Federal Election Candidates Forum: Engage with candidates and discuss key issues impacting local businesses.
• Pop-Up Chamber gatherings: Informal, interactive events to connect and collaborate.
• Bites & Insights webinars: Online sessions with expert speakers covering a range of business topics.
• Whitsunday Job Fair: A platform for businesses to connect with local talent.
• Specialised workshops: A deep dive into specific areas of business growth and strategy.

The flagship event of the year, the Whitsunday Business Conference, will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus, followed by Tourism Whitsundays’ monthly networking night.

To ensure the Chamber’s events meet the needs of businesses, they are invited to complete an online survey on the business topics they would like to explore in 2025.

Feedback will help shape a program that truly supports business success.

Have your say in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25TNA

Event registrations are now open: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/

This wet season has reminded us that our focus on advocacy for the region is a top priority for Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, and we have both understanding and support from the three levels of government.

Last week, the State Government released details on its long-term plan to future proof Queensland’s primary industries, committing to increasing the sector’s output to $30bn, by 2030.

At BGGA, we welcome the initiative and plans to establish a 25-year blueprint to ensure our growers remain competitive, productive, profitable and resilient.

Later in February, BGGA president Carl Walker will be participating in the Department of Primary Industries forum, which aims to develop this blueprint alongside key industry representatives from across the state.

Representation from our region will ensure our key priorities around cost of production pressures, supply chain, workforce, market access, biosecurity and water security are front of mind and form the basis of the blueprint.

Over the past 10 years, BGGA has participated in the Queensland Horticulture Council (QHC), working with other regional grower groups to shape horticulture policy in Queensland.

While each region faces different challenges, the QHC provides an opportunity, where appropriate, to develop a co-ordinated approach to advocacy and representation, at a state and federal level.

BGGA CEO Jenn Honnery was recently elected as chair for the QHC and is looking forward to using her skills to ensure the council continues to be a strong voice for growers.

BGGA president Carl Walker and vice president Kayla Castorina are also members of QHC, guaranteeing strong representation for our region into the future.

Contributed by the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

It’s only February, and so much is already happening this year!

Congratulations to Club Whitsunday opening their doors. It promises to be a massive asset for both the sporting community and the region at large. Well done JB and team!

A big thank you to Whitsunday Regional Council for hosting a spectacular Australia Day Awards event.

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) was proud to sponsor the Citizen of the Year Award, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matt Stokes, our 2025 Citizen of the Year.

Your dedication and contributions to our community are truly inspiring.

Major federal funding has been secured for our region.

In exciting news, Whitsunday Regional Council has been awarded $29.8m under the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program.

Mayor Ry Collins announced that this funding will help deliver two transformative projects:

• $29.7m Cannonvale Community Hub – A central space for community services and support.
• $30m Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct – Enhancing sporting facilities for our growing region.

These projects mark a significant investment in the future of the Whitsundays, strengthening our community and local economy.

Pop-Up Chamber: Possibilities for Proserpine – Proserpine businesses, this one’s for you!

Join us for a Pop-Up Chamber event with Filby’s Motors, to connect with fellow local businesses and discuss key opportunities for Proserpine.

WHERE: Filby’s Motors, Proserpine

WHEN: February 12, 2025

TIME: 9am – 10am

The Chamber Board will be on hand to hear your ideas and concerns, and we’re keen to establish a Proserpine sub-committee to address local challenges and opportunities.

This event will be a great chance to discuss the sub-committee’s purpose, scope and structure, ensuring it reflects the needs of our Proserpine business community.

Come along, share your thoughts, and be part of shaping the future of business in Proserpine!

Business Preparedness During Flooding

With recent heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of Queensland, businesses should remain vigilant.

Here are some key tips to help keep your operations safe and prepared:

• Review your emergency plan – Ensure your team knows the procedures in case of extreme weather.
• Check insurance coverage – Confirm policies cover flood-related disruptions and damages.
• Protect key assets – Safeguard important documents, inventory and electrical equipment.
• Communicate with customers and staff – Keep everyone informed about potential delays or closures.

Most importantly, stay safe and look out for one another.

If your business has been affected, support services are available.

As we continue into what promises to be an action-packed year, the Chamber remains committed to supporting our local businesses and advocating for the Whitsundays community.

Stay safe, stay engaged, and here’s to a strong start to 2025!

Contributed by Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Allan Milostic.

Mr Afflick is the franchisee of Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach and a renowned record holder in land speed racing.

J-P Afflick, whose passion for speed has led him to chase and set records globally, will now proudly carry the Hogs Breath Cafe banner on his land speed racing team.

The partnership marks a significant return for Hogs Breath Cafe to the motorsport arena, underscoring its commitment to adventure, excellence and community engagement.

The collaboration is set to propel both J-P Afflick and Hogs Breath Cafe into a thrilling 2025 season.

The team will compete at the prestigious salt flats of Lake Gairdner, in Australia, and Bonneville, in the USA, aiming to break new records.

“We are incredibly excited to join forces with J-P Afflick and support his remarkable endeavours in land speed racing,” Hogs Breath Café CEO Steven Spurgin said.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our brand’s adventurous spirit and dedication to pushing boundaries.

“We look forward to an unforgettable year on the salt flats and sharing this journey with our loyal customers and fans.”

Mr Spurgin said J-P Afflick’s storied career in land speed racing, combined with his entrepreneurial success at Hogs Breath Cafe Airlie Beach, made him a ‘perfect’ ambassador for the brand.

“This partnership is more than a sponsorship; it’s a shared vision of breaking barriers and achieving the extraordinary,” he said.

“At Hogs Breath Cafe, we live by our mantra: ‘There are many things we’ve never done, but we ain’t never had too much fun’.

“This spirit of fun and adventure will drive our journey with J-P Afflick, as we embrace the challenges and excitement of the 2025 racing season.

“Stay tuned for updates on our racing adventures, behind the scenes insights, and exclusive content, as we gear up for an exciting 2025 season.”

The 2025 event program will include a variety of exciting events aimed at supporting business growth and keeping businesses informed about industry trends and regional developments.

The events will also provide ample networking opportunities for business owners and managers with like-minded professionals.

The events will cover a range of topics to ensure businesses stay ahead of the curve.

So, save the dates for the following Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2025 business events:

• Business breakfast events: Start your day with insightful discussions and networking.
• Meet the Federal Election Candidates Forum: Engage with candidates and discuss key issues impacting local businesses.
• Pop-Up Chamber gatherings: Informal, interactive events to connect and collaborate.
• Bites & Insights webinars: Online sessions with expert speakers covering a range of business topics.
• Whitsunday Job Fair: A platform for businesses to connect with local talent.
• Specialised workshops: Deep dive into specific areas of business growth and strategy.

The flagship event of the year, the Whitsunday Business Conference, will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 9am to 5pm, at the TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus, in Cannonvale, followed by Tourism Whitsundays’ monthly networking night.

To ensure the chamber’s events meet business needs, business owners and managers are invited to share their thoughts through the chamber’s online survey on the business topics they would like to explore, in 2025.

“Your feedback will help shape a program that truly supports your business success,” Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans said.

Have your say in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25TNA

Event registrations are now open: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/.

Visy is Australia’s largest integrated manufacturing and recycling business.

Tassal’s sustainable packaging goals see them on track to remove more than 55,000 prawn polystyrene boxes, with the launch of the fully recyclable 4kg prawn carton and now, this season, the 10kg carton.

The move has earned the company – which operates a prawn farm north of Proserpine – recognition from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Australasian Packaging Innovation and Design Awards, for sustainability efforts.

Tassal general manager marketing and innovation Libby Williams said Tassal prawns were a much-loved part of Aussie summers.

“Our new 10kg cardboard prawn box is a win for the industry and the environment,” she said.

“By partnering with Visy, we’re able to utilise recyclable cardboard, while maintaining freshness and quality, so consumers can be assured that their favourite prawns this summer are in a sustainable package versus the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) boxes previously used.”

Tassal senior manager ESG Heidi Smith said Tassal’s Responsible Business Roadmap guides the integration of environment, sustainability and governance (ESG) regarding how the business behaves, thinks and measures its success in driving sustainable change.

“We are committed to achieving 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by December 31, 2025,” Ms Smith said.

“At Tassal, we are dedicated to delivering ongoing innovations in packaging, so we can continue to sustainably feed tomorrow!

“As demand grows for our seafood, so does the need to find more sustainable packaging options.”

The new boxes, made from up to 74 per cent recycled content, replace hard-to-recycle Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) containers.

The boxes are being made at Visy’s Carole Park site, in Ipswich, Queensland, before being packed with fresh prawns at Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm.

Sustainability and food safety go hand in hand, said Visy’s executive general manager for fibre packaging, Adrian Dalgleish.

“By working closely with Tassal, we have created a purpose-built box, which we can recycle back into new packaging after use, ensuring Australians get fresh prawns without the polystyrene waste,” Mr Dalgleish said.

“By manufacturing cardboard recyclable boxes locally, we’re keeping manufacturing jobs in Australia.

“Having the most extensive network of corrugated box plants in Australia ensures we are close to customers and can respond to their needs quickly.”

Visy has worked closely with the team at Tassal to produce the new cardboard box for prawns.

Together, they have run market trials to ensure the box meets rigorous quality standards now and into the future.