Mayor Ry Collins - Whitsunday Regional Council

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Mayor Ry Collins - Whitsunday Regional Council

Mayor Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council

08/09/2026

🌿 Our first regional Environment Strategy is now open for public consultation.

The Whitsundays is growing, and we need to make sure we grow in a way that protects the natural assets that underpin our lifestyle, economy and identity — from the Great Barrier Reef and islands to our beaches, waterways, forests and productive farmland.

The draft Strategy has been developed with input from our Environmental Advisory Group and key stakeholders, and is designed to set a five year direction including supporting sustainable communities and industries, guide future Council investment, identify priority actions, and clarify where Council should lead, partner or advocate.

Importantly, it’s still a draft — and now we want to hear from the broader community.

This is your opportunity to tell us what matters most, what we’ve got right, and where you think the Strategy can be improved before it is finalised.

📅 Consultation closes Sunday 27 September 2026.

Have your say here 👉 https://bit.ly/ShapeEnvStrat

06/09/2026

🌈 A colourful start to the morning at the Whitsunday Sports Park!

I had the pleasure of opening today’s Colour Run, hosted by Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc. as part of Child Protection Week.

There was plenty of fun, colour and families getting involved, but the message behind the event is an important one — every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, supported, valued and loved.

Child Protection Week is also a reminder that keeping kids safe is something we all have a role in. Families, friends, neighbours, schools, community organisations and support services all help create the environments where children can thrive.

A big thank you everyone who helped bring today together. 👏

01/09/2026

🏗️ A major milestone for the Cannonvale Community Hub

Great to join fellow Councillors today to officially turn the first sod on the new Cannonvale Hub at Galbraith Park.

Cannonvale is one of the fastest-growing localities not just in the Whitsundays but all of Australia, and this project has been planned for many years to ensure the community infrastructure and services available to residents keep pace with that growth.

The new Hub will deliver a modern library, customer service centre, meeting rooms, flexible community spaces and outdoor areas — creating an important new place for people to learn, meet and connect.

Importantly, the project has secured a significant $15 million investment from the Australian Government through its Growing Regions Program, helping Council turn a long-held community priority into reality. Thank you to the Albanese Federal government for your support and backing our community.

Stage 1 of the Galbraith Park Master Plan will also improve access and pathways through the park and lay the groundwork for further improvements over time.

After many years of planning, it was particularly satisfying to see construction getting underway.

Growing communities need investment in the infrastructure that supports them, and I’m looking forward to seeing this important project take shape towards completion in late 2027. 👏

Nita Green - Senator for Queensland
Kristy McBain MP
Catherine King
Anthony Albanese

31/08/2026

🇦🇺 34 new Australians — and 34 different stories that now form part of our Whitsunday story.

It was a privilege to preside over today’s Australian Citizenship Ceremony at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Whitsundays joined by Andrew Willcox MP and Councillors Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.

Our newest citizens came from more than a dozen countries around the world, reflecting the wonderful diversity of people who now call the Whitsundays home.

Some have made Australia home relatively recently, while others have been part of our community for decades — including Beverley Holmes (pictured) who has called Australia home for around 60 years before taking the pledge today. Well done Beverley!

Citizenship ceremonies are always special. Hearing people from so many different backgrounds stand together and make their commitment to Australia is a reminder that our communities are continually being shaped by people who choose to make this region their home.

Congratulations to our 34 newest Australian citizens. We’re very pleased to have you as part of the Whitsundays and part of our continuing story. 🇦🇺👏

31/08/2026

🏗️ A significant investment in the future of aged care in Bowen.

Great to be onsite at this morning at Murroona Gardens to turn the first sod on their $16 million expansion.

The upgrade will deliver 24 dedicated dementia care units, new in-house laundry facilities and a new Men’s Shed — increasing local capacity while providing better facilities and support for residents.

The statistics are clear — dementia and demand for aged care are increasing. For a region growing quickly like the Whitsundays, having quality care available close to family, friends and community is increasingly important.

A big congratulations to Dave and the entire Murroona Gardens team for securing this important investment and continuing to grow and innovate to meet our community’s needs. 👏

Looking forward to seeing construction take shape over the next year!

30/08/2026

🏉🏆 What a night yesterday celebrating an incredible year for the Bowen Mudcrabs (and Jennies)!

With such a special achievement after all three senior teams brought home premierships, presentation night was a chance to celebrate not only the results, but the people and winning culture behind them.

With around 90 senior players this year and an incredible 150 kids already trialling for the junior Sandcrabs, there’s clearly something special building at this club.

A huge congratulations to President Brandon Mackie and everyone who has contributed to that success — coach Tom, players, committee, volunteers, sponsors, families and supporters. Clubs don’t achieve seasons like this by accident; it comes from a strong culture and a lot of work behind the scenes.

Great job Dan Pilcher keeping things ontrack as MC, while Burnsey celebrated his life membership in style with a very entertaining spoken-word poem and a brilliant caricature to mark the occasion. And congratulations to those important behind-the-scenes contributors including Kayla Turner, named Club Person of the Year. 👏

In 10, 20 or 30 years’ time, I reckon plenty of people in Bowen will still remember 2026 as the Year of the Mudcrab. 🏆🏆🏆

Congratulations, Muddies! 🦀

Bowen Rugby Union Inc.

30/08/2026

🐢💙 A nice community moment at Cannonvale Beach this morning to see Marissa and Bentley, two juvenile green sea turtles, released back into the Whitsunday waters after being cared for and rehabilitated by the team at Eco Barge CleanSeas.

There’s something pretty special about seeing them make their way back to their home.🌊🐢

Well done to Libby and the entire Eco Barge team, along with their supporters, for the fantastic work they continue to do caring for our marine environment.

A great Whitsunday moment! 💙💚

29/08/2026

🚗🍲 This week marked National Meals on Wheels Day, recognising an incredible service that supports people in communities right across Australia.

I joined fellow Councillors and the wonderful volunteers at Bowen Meals On Wheels, helping with meal deliveries and catching up with some of the locals who rely on this valued service. ❤️

Across Australia, Meals on Wheels supports more than 200,000 older Australians each year, with around 35,000 volunteers helping make it possible.

And it’s about much more than a meal. Right across the Whitsundays, our Meals on Wheels teams provide a friendly face, a conversation and an important connection that helps people remain independent in their own homes.

A huge thank you to our volunteers across the region who give their time so generously to care for others. 👏❤️

28/08/2026

💼 Connection, inspiration and a little bit of fun at the Whitsunday business conference!

I had the pleasure of closing yesterday’s event and officially announcing the 46 finalists for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards, ahead of the awards night on October 9th. Congratulations to everyone recognised — a great cross-section of the businesses, organisations and people contributing to our region. 👏🏆

It was also great to see the kick off the inaugural Whitsunday Business Games, with plenty of friendly competition to round out the day! 🏃‍♂️🏅

Particularly good to see a number of good sport Council staff getting involved — not only competing, but spending the day engaging directly with our business community.

Business engagement and Local content matters to us. As Council delivers a significant pipeline of infrastructure and procurement, we want to see as much of that opportunity as possible flowing through to local businesses, local jobs and our regional economy.

Congratulations to the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry on another successful annual conference — there’s plenty of momentum across the Whitsundays and plenty more opportunity ahead. 📈

Address

83/85 Main Street
Proserpine, QLD
4800

Telephone

+611300972753

Website

https://www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/

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