April News
Welcome to the April edition of my CammConnect Newsletter! I'm pleased to share details of what's been happening recently in the Whitsunday Electorate and in Parliament.
Lest We Forget
It was a great honour to join our veterans and our community at Anzac Day Services, marking 110 years since the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops landed on the shore at Gallipoli.
I attended services in Farleigh and Bucasia, and was represented at other services across the electorate.
A special thank you to Nate Ralph for accompanying me, and to Lucas Purdie and Rory McPhail for laying wreaths on my behalf. I’m especially proud that the Anzac spirit lives on in our younger generations.
Youth News…Allegra in Villers-Bretonneux!
In my February newsletter, I introduced you to Allegra Bradley, a student at Proserpine State High School and a worthy recipient of the Premier’s Anzac Prize for 2025. Together with other Queensland students, Allegra attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux, France, and will share her experiences with local students when she returns home. The Anzac legacy will remain as strong as ever, thanks to young Queenslanders such as Whitsunday’s very own Allegra.
Youth News…Nate in Parliament!
Mackay and the Whitsundays was proudly represented by Nate Ralph in the 30th Queensland Youth Parliament this month. The six-month program inspires future leaders and ensures perspectives of young Queenslanders are part of the conversation around our State’s future. Nate said the highlight of the weekend was speaking in the Chamber, a place with such rich history. He is embracing the opportunity to draft a bill in the coming months, Royalties for Regions, bringing regional perspectives to the forefront and working with other passionate young Queenslanders to drive real change.
Proserpine State High School Student Leaders
I was honoured to attend Proserpine State High School’s Anzac Day Service. The students, including Army and Air Force Cadets, conducted a wonderful tribute to our Anzacs. After the service, I took the opportunity to meet with the 2025 school leaders. We had a great discussion about their leadership roles, priorities for their school and plans for their futures. Opportunities like these, to spend time with our young people, are one of the favourite parts of my job.
Game On for Whitsunday Netball
It was great to be in Airlie Beach to celebrate with Whitsunday Netball Association at the Grand Opening of their new courts!
Grass roots sports are at the heart of a community and the Whitsunday Netball Association and the Whitsunday Regional Council are to be commended for their dedication to providing a great facility for our local players.
I look forward to supporting greater participation and future growth of this great sport!
Proserpine Golf Club - Happy 100 Years!
My very best wishes to Proserpine Golf Club as they celebrate their 100 Years Anniversary!
I recently caught up with golf pro Roger Vandenberg to pass my congratulations on to the club and wish them a wonderful celebration of golf, history and community.
I look forward to playing a round at the club soon!
That Holiday Feeling!
Queensland’s newest brand - That Holiday Feeling - was officially launched last week.
With a 20-year tourism plan, we can showcase Queensland to the world in the lead-up to the 2032 Games. We want visitors to come for the Games and stay for the state to experience ‘that holiday feeling’ they won’t find anywhere else.
Queensland is the home of the holiday, and the Whitsundays are the jewel in the crown!
Enjoy the new ad here: That Queensland Holiday Feeling
Parliament News…Landmark Domestic and Family Violence Reforms
On 30th April, I introduced landmark legislation in Parliament; major domestic and family violence reform to protect victims sooner and hold perpetrators to account.
Under the reforms, police will be able to issue on-the-spot 12-month Police Protection Directions to provide immediate long-term protection to victim-survivors and reduce trauma through exposure to judicial processes.
The introduction of this legislation coincided with the eve of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which begins on 1st May.
Throughout May, events across the state will take place in tribute to those affected by domestic and family violence and the frontline service workers who support people on their pathway to safety.
For more information on how to get involved during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, including resources to show support, visit www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth
Parliament News…Hospital Rescue Plan
The Crisafulli Government has announced its Hospital Rescue Plan.
Queenslanders deserve to have a health system they can rely on, which is why we are delivering upgrades to both Proserpine Hospital and Mackay Base Hospital.
For the past four years, I have advocated for quality health care services and facilities for the Greater Whitsunday region. The Northern Beaches of Mackay and the Whitsundays has experienced unprecedented population growth. As our population grows and ages, we deserve a world class health system.
More details to come on the planned upgrades. Watch this space!
Parliament News…Whitsundays Bus Improvement Package
I’m pleased to announce that as of 26th May, the Whitsundays are set for a public transport boost!
The Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting regional areas and making sure we have the transport services needed to cater for our growing community.
Highlights of the Whitsundays Bus Improvement Package include:
Existing Route 860
🚍 Residential areas in south-eastern Proserpine will have direct access to public transport, with buses realigned to travel via Fuljames Street and Renwick Road.
🚍 All trips will travel via Whitsunday Plaza, making it easy to get to and from the shopping precinct.
🚍 Journeys are expected to be quicker and more direct, with the removal of infrequently used stops.
🚍 An earlier start on weekdays, departing Fuljames Street at 5.19am
New Route 861
🚍 New bus service connecting Whitsunday Plaza and Jubilee Pocket.
🚍 Buses will run hourly from 6.30am to 10pm, seven days a week, providing 217 new trips a week.
🚍 Customers will be able to catch Route 861 at 30 existing Route 860 bus stops (from Whitsunday Plaza to Manadalay), plus six new ones.
Visit Translink or call 13 12 30 for public transport information to plan your journey.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund
$100,000 Super Round - opening Monday 9th June and closing Friday 18th July
For more information, and to apply, visit: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants
Have Your Say and win a Weber Q!
I’m asking Mackay and Whitsunday residents to take a moment to complete my 30-Second Survey so I can hear your concerns and advocate for what's important to you and our region.
Thank you to everyone who has completed my 30 second survey to date.
I encourage those who haven't, to jump on and tell me what's important. It literally only takes 30 seconds and could WIN YOU A NEW WEBER!
I have two of these fabulous blue Webers to give away. The first draw will be in June, so be sure to get your survey in!
