Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry

19/06/2026

📢 Chamber in the news

Chamber responds to Whitsunday Regional Council's 2026-27 Budget.

👉 See our full statement: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/council-budget-proof-not-promises/

19/06/2026

🎉 Member News

The Whitsundays Chamber congratulates Scallywag Fabrication on securing funding through the Queensland Government’s Business Growth Fund program.

The investment will support the rollout of advanced technology at its Proserpine facility, boosting local production capacity, strengthening capability, and creating future employment opportunities in the Whitsundays.

👉 Learn more: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/scallywag-fabrication-secures-funding-to-accelerate-advanced-manufacturing-growth-in-the-whitsundays/

18/06/2026

📢 Chamber response to Council Budget

The Whitsundays Chamber welcomes Council’s focus on long-term financial sustainability, while noting businesses will be watching closely to ensure rate increases deliver clear outcomes.

With multiple cost pressures converging from 1 July, the Chamber says clarity and visible improvements in services, infrastructure and the business environment will be essential.

👉 See full statement: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/council-budget-proof-not-promises/

18/06/2026

🎉 Five Weeks to Go! Whitsunday Business Awards

2026 Award Categories include:
🏆 Business Legends of the Whitsundays
🏆 Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year (small and medium-to-large divisions)
🏆 Business Leader of the Year (small and medium-to-large divisions)
🏆 Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee
🏆 Customer Service Excellence (small and medium-to-large divisions)
🏆 Community Champion
🏆 Think Big

👉 Apply now: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/business-awards/

Applications close 11:59pm Friday 17 July.
Enter up to 2 categories.
Eligibility, terms & conditions apply.

Save the date for the Awards Ceremony 5:30pm Friday 9 October.

18/06/2026

📢 Join us in July!

When Things Go Wrong: Practical Lessons from Real Workplace Investigations

What: Chamber's July Business Breakfast Briefing
When: 7:30am-9am Thursday 23 July
Where: Club Whitsunday, 2489 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
Tickets:
🎟️ Open to all!
🎟️ Free tickets for members & discounted non-member tickets from $18.75
🎟️ Includes breakfast treats and barista coffee

Workplace problems rarely start as major crises.

Staff complaints, misconduct allegations, bullying claims, fraud concerns, conflicts of interest, cyber incidents, and reputational risks often begin as small issues — but can escalate quickly when handled poorly.

In this practical and engaging breakfast session, Jason King from
Regional Queensland Investigations Pty Ltd will draw on real-world workplace investigation experience to explain what businesses can do when things go wrong.

👉 Register now: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/july-business-breakfast-briefing-airlie-beach/

17/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our Giveaway Winners!

To celebrate reaching 2,000 Facebook followers, we ran a giveaway for a free 12-month Chamber subscription — and we’re excited to announce our two winners.

Please join us in congratulating:

Quodstruct Carpentry
Providing quality residential and commercial carpentry throughout Proserpine and the Whitsundays, Quodstruct Carpentry is owned and operated by a proud born-and-bred local, delivering trusted workmanship across the region.

Aussie Claws Mobile Pet Grooming
Serving the Whitsundays and Bowen region, Aussie Claws brings professional pet care to your doorstep. With six years’ industry experience, they offer a full range of services.

We’re proud to support and celebrate the diverse and growing businesses that make up our Chamber community.

Congratulations again to both winners — we look forward to seeing your businesses continue to thrive.

17/06/2026

📢 Second stage consultation on potential Queensland DAMA

Migration Queensland is undertaking a second stage consultation on a potential Queensland state-led Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

Feedback is sought on operational design, occupations, concessions, and skills shortages. Input will help inform government consideration, a possible business case to the Australian Government, and the 2026–27 Queensland Skilled Occupation List.

👉 Learn more & have your say: https://migration.qld.gov.au/dama-consultation

👉 Learn more about DAMA in the Whitsundays: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/dama/

A DAMA is an agreement between the Australian Government and a regional or state authority that provides greater flexibility within the skilled migration system to respond to local workforce and economic needs. 

17/06/2026

📢 Early Bird Tickets Close 30 June!

Join regional businesses, industry leaders, and government representatives on Thursday 27 August in Airlie Beach for a day focused on practical ideas, future opportunities, and meaningful connections.

This year’s program features:
✔️ Vision for the Whitsundays insights
✔️ Rising Stars future workforce panel
✔️ Keynote presentation from media expert Ian Cohen (Cozalive Media)
✔️ Two rounds of interactive workshops
✔️ Conference Long Lunch proudly supported by Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine

📍 PCYC Whitsunday & Club Whitsunday
🕣 8:30am–3:00pm Thursday 27 August
🎟️ Early bird tickets now available

👉 Learn more & register today: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/

For sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities, or further information, contact us.

16/06/2026

📢 Last Call!

Understanding Your Internet Connection: What Every Business Needs to Know

What: Chamber's June Business Breakfast Briefing
When: 7:30am-9am Thursday 18 June
Where: Filby's Motors, 62 Main Street, Proserpine
Tickets:
🎟️ Open to all!
🎟️ Free tickets for members & discounted non-member tickets from $18.75
🎟️ Includes breakfast treats and pre-order barista coffee from Little Vintage Cafe!

Join us and NBN Australia for a practical and straightforward session designed to help local businesses better understand:
✔️ Internet connectivity
✔️ Technology options
✔️ Upgrade pathways
✔️ Common causes of poor performance
✔️ Where to go for support when issues arise

Bring your questions, check your address on arrival, and learn more about the technology servicing your property.

👉 Register now: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/june-business-breakfast-briefing-proserpine/