May News
Welcome to the May edition of my CammConnect Newsletter! I'm pleased to share details of what's been happening recently in the Whitsunday Electorate and in Parliament.
A Month of Recognition ⭐
May has been a busy month of recognition for many different organisations, events and initiatives. Over the last 4 weeks we have recognised Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Queensland Small Business Month, Neighbourhood Centre Week, National Volunteer Week, and Under 8’s Week, just to name a few. It has been my privilege to be involved in all of these initiatives. Read on for more details…
Festival has Proserpine “Hopping”!
Proserpine was “hopping” on the second weekend of May, thanks to the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival!
I’m a proud sponsor of this wonderful event and offer a huge congratulations to the crew at Creative Connections Whitsunday who organised this fabulous four days of fun for our community!
An art exhibition, art and craft workshops, handmade markets, a Mother’s Day morning tea, entertainment and even a Wallaby Treasure Hunt, brought the community together.
Treasure Hunters…did you find ‘Ralph’ in the garden outside my office? He was created by local artist Grace McDonald, who recycled wine and beer bottles to mosaic the statue. Thank you, Grace. Ralph is fabulous!
Northern Beaches News…Club Upgrade!
It’s all happening at Club Northern Beaches as construction forges ahead on Stage 1 of their development.
The construction now underway will house a new and improved sports bar, gaming room, coffee lounge, kids indoor play area and terrace deck.
Construction is due for completion at the end of October, ready for a grand opening in November.
Home to the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, this facility hosts community, corporate and school bowling events. It also fosters junior bowlers and aims to instill a love of the sport in our younger generation.
But Club Northern Beaches is also more than a bowling facility. It is a true community hub, hosting anything from birthday parties, weddings, markets and bands to charity fundraising events, bingo and craft groups.
It really is a multi-purpose venue at the heart of the Northern Beaches community.
It was great to receive an update from General Manager Doug Dalley this month, and full credit to Doug and his team for the incredible progress so far.
I am proud to have secured $500,000 in sports and recreation funding for Club Northern Beaches. This funding will go towards the construction of a canopy, to ensure the bowling green can be an all-weather facility.
Election commitment delivered! ✔
The Northern Beaches Bowls Club is also proudly flying a brand-new Queensland State Flag! Chairman Adam Johnstone was on hand to hoist the flag the moment it was received!
Northern Beaches News…Playgroup!
What better way was there to celebrate Under 8’s Week and World Bee Day, than with BMA Playfest!?
Bucasia Esplanade was the place to ‘bee’ on Tuesday 20th May when the Northern Beaches Community Playgroup hosted the fun-filled event.
From face painting to playdough, and kite making to music, youngsters and the young-at-heart enjoyed all that was on offer.
I proudly support these events and thank each and every volunteer for everything they do to provide these regular playgroups that support families and my littlest constituents!
Big Morning Out at Proserpine State School
There were lots of happy faces at Proserpine State School’s ‘Under 8’s Big Morning Out’ on Thursday 22nd May.
Many thanks to the teachers, parents and community for making the day so special - a day when our littles embrace learning through play!
A special mention of the Quota Club of Whitsunday Inc who were in attendance to run the all-important sausage sizzle and morning tea! It happened to be National Volunteer Week, so how fitting that these dedicated ladies were there, embodying the community volunteer spirit they are famous for!
National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day
Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control, highlight the support services available, and send a clear message that violence has no place in our communities.
As the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, I was humbled by the response this year to National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
Candlelight vigils took place across the state as we paused and remembered lives lost to domestic and family violence. These vigils have become a poignant tradition in the last 20 years, on the first Wednesday in May.
I attended a vigil in Brisbane, and wish to acknowledge the services held in my electorate by Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc and Mackay Women’s Services.
Acknowledging Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc
Across the state, critical services like Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc, support victim survivors through refuge and transitional housing accommodation, as well as providing support for sexual assault counselling and support for children.
Across the state, there are also embedded workers in police stations to ensure that if you walk into a station, there is someone there who is trained to recognise and understand domestic and family violence and coercive control.
As the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, I thank all staff involved in these critical services.
Acknowledging the Queensland Ambulance Service - Mackay Whitsunday District
I recently met with the District Superintendent of the Queensland Ambulance Service, Mackay Whitsunday District, in Beaconsfield. I thank James and his team for all they do in the fight against domestic and family violence. The challenges they face and the incredible work they do on the front lines is not to be underestimated.
Dancing CEO’s Night of Nights
What better way to conclude Domestic Violence Prevention Month than with the final gala event of the Dancing CEO’s at Brisbane City Hall?
This initiative has raised an incredible $877,810 for the Women’s Legal Service Qld, which will in turn support victims of domestic and family violence.
Our Whitsunday Dancing CEO’s team did us proud in the competition, winning not one, but two awards! They were crowned the 2025 Fundraising Champions (raising $238,734) as well as Community Awareness Champions!
To Kate, Julie, Candice and...a huge Whitsunday congratulations to you on this wonderful achievement!
Special mention must also be made of the team behind the Dancing CEO’s, especially Katelyn Aslett-Collins. Katelyn is a WLSQ Ambassador and Dancing CEOs alumni, and her dedication towards making the Whitsunday team shine, is tribute to her generous spirit.
Neighbourhood Centre Week
During Neighbourhood Centre Week, I was pleased to visit Rebecca and the team at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre to thank them for the incredible work they do to support our community. Whether it is emergency relief, offering connections, supporting those in need or providing opportunities for locals to get involved in volunteering, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has it covered.
To cap off Neighbourhood Centre Week, they also hosted an ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ in partnership with Club Whitsunday. Congratulations to Abbi Chohan who was the winner of my Lucky Door Prize!
Queensland Small Business Month
As part of Queensland Small Business Month, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted an event at Whitsunday Sailing Club to bring together the Whitsunday business community, government representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss critical regional issues and opportunities.
Thank you to Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper for livestreaming the event and providing the following video, where you can listen to my talking points:
Mackay and Whitsunday Life Video 📽
Show Ball - Glam at the Grounds!
Proserpine Show Grounds was full of glitz and glamour on Saturday the 10th of May, when The Show Ball Committee held their spectacular ‘Glam at the Gounds’ event.
These events take tremendous organisation and effort, and the success of the night is a true credit to the wonderful team of committee members and volunteers.
All funds raised from the ball go back to the Proserpine AP&I Association, to ensure that the showgrounds are maintained and upgraded so this community hub can thrive.
Show Ball Committee…your contribution to our local showgrounds is amazing. THANKYOU!
I’m a proud sponsor of The Show Ball and I can’t wait for the next one!
Mobile Office - Dittmer Community Meeting
I recently held a Mobile Office at Dittmer, to listen to residents and inform the community of the status of the application process regarding the Dittmer Gold Mine project.
The meeting was well attended by both residents of Dittmer and landowners from the surrounding area. There is both real interest in the proposed application for Dittmer to be an operating mine, as well as environmental concerns. Concerns regarding development, impact on the road and water networks was evident, and needs to be respected.
As this matter now sits with the Land Court as an independent review, I will await the outcome and will continue to foster open communication with the community and keep them updated on the project status and the importance of community engagement and consultation, no matter the outcome.
The Land Court hearing was held on the 6th of May, and the court has six months to make a decision. Once this decision is made, I can seek advice from the Minister to ascertain the next steps.
I am committed to representing the priorities and concerns of the Dittmer community, while ensuring any potential development adheres to strict regulation and controls.
Best of Queensland!
The 2025 Best of Queensland Results are in, and of course The Whitsundays have come out on top!
123 local businesses have been recognised for their excellence in this year’s program, highlighting The Whitsundays’ reputation for exceptional tourism experiences!
What better way to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month?
To find out more and to explore the full list of winners, follow this link:
Best of Queensland Experiences Program | Tourism and Events Queensland
Celebrating our Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Ambassadors!
In May, wished a ‘Happy National Volunteer Week’ to all of the amazing volunteers we have here in The Whitsundays! We are fortunate to have so many local people who generously give their time to support our community in so many ways.
A special mention of the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors - Airlie Beach, who, with their local knowledge, blue flowery shirts and big, happy smiles, welcome visitors to our region from all over the world.
I wasn’t able to attend their celebration at Whitsunday Sailing Club, but they enjoyed my cupcakes and my very best wishes to each and every one of them!
Let’s Celebrate Queensland Day!
It’s Queensland Day on Friday, 6th June!
I hope you’ve been following my Facebook posts and voting for things like our state’s best beach, best fish and chips, best pie and local legends!
We definitely have lots of “bests” right here in the Whitsundays, so I hope to see some Whitsunday winners when the announcements are made!
How can you celebrate on the day?
Whitsunday Regional Council will be holding a free, fun-filled event, “Queensland Day - Our Whitsunday Way!”, on Friday 6th June at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 5pm to 8pm.
Wear your maroon and join the community for this special event that brings together the best of our region with an afternoon full of entertainment, local flavour and good old Queensland spirit!
Parliament News…Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety
It was announced on Sunday 18th May that the Crisafulli Government will hold a Commission of Inquiry into the broken Child Safety System.
The Commission will investigate systemic issues within the state's child safety system and aims to uncover failures and recommend reforms to better protect vulnerable children.
The Commission commence on 1 July 2025 and submit a final report to Government by 30 November 2026.
The Commission will be led by Paul Anastassiou KC. Mr Anastassiou is a former Federal Court Judge and is currently a member of the Victorian Bar.
Parliament News…Making Queensland Safer Laws
The Crisafulli Government has passed a second tranche of the Making Queensland Safer Laws. We have added more than 20 more offences to the Adult Crime, Adult Time Laws. This is about holding perpetrators to account and putting victims first.
Queensland Parliament voted to include 20 additional offences to Adult Crime, Adult Time, delivering on Crisafulli Government’s promise to continue strengthening youth crime laws.
Youth offenders will now face tough consequences for 33 offences under Adult Crime, Adult Time.
New offences include arson, torture, kidnapping, trafficking in dangerous drugs, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, ramming a police vehicle while driving and attempted murder.
Since Adult Crime Adult Time became law in December, early police data has revealed green shoots in the reduction of key offences including stolen cars, break-ins and robberies.
Labor opened the door to youth criminals through a decade of weak laws and inaction, but with Adult Crime Adult Time, we are taking steps to make our community safer.
Funding Delivered for 14 Whitsunday Electorate organisations!
Fourteen local community organisations will share more than $350,000 in the latest Gambling Community Benefit Fund round!
These grants give recognition to grassroots organisations that are at the heart of our community. My congratulations to the following local organisations who successfully secured funding:
💰Dingo Beach Progress Association - $33,064 Digital sign and POS systems.
💰Mackay and District Woodchopping Association - $32,131.90 Shed repair and power.
💰My Gym Club Proserpine - $35,000 New shed.
💰Proserpine Junior Cricket Association - $34,600 Amenities upgrade and buggy.
💰Proserpine Kennel Club - $ 7,413.40 Gazebos and fridge.
💰Whitsunday Brahmans RLFC - $35,000 New bus.
💰RSL Proserpine - $35,000 Exhaust system.
💰Seaforth Boating Club - $10,000 Solar system.
💰Whitsunday Bald Eagles - $35,000 New trailer.
💰Whitsunday Community Gardens Inc - $20,795 Solar system, workshop, advertising and equipment.
💰Whitsunday Equestrian Group - $26,249.80 Grandstand and seating.
💰Whitsunday Family History Group - $4,500 New computers.
💰Whitsundays Arts Festival Inc - $33,683 Events equipment.
💰Whitsunday Zonta - $9,533.55 IT equipment and emergency information packages.
Applications open for the next round, the $100,000 SUPER ROUND, on Monday 9th June and close on 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 is coming up at the end of June, so be sure to get your survey in!
