Have your say
As businesses across the Whitsundays reopen following Tropical Cyclone Koji, it has been encouraging to see the resilience and determination of our local business community.
We also recognise that the impacts of the cyclone have not been the same for everyone, with some businesses experiencing significant disruption or ongoing challenges.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is your voice in advocating to local, state and federal government.
To ensure we accurately represent the real economic impacts of TC Koji, we are seeking direct input from businesses across the region.
This short survey will capture the effects of the cyclone on business operations, revenue, staffing, and recovery outlook. The insights gathered will be used to inform advocacy efforts, support requests, and discussions around recovery measures and future preparedness.
All responses will be confidential and reported in aggregate only.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by Friday 30 January and help us advocate effectively on behalf of the Whitsundays business community.
Open for Business – Helping Share the Message
In the days following weather events, clear and consistent messaging is critical. Visitors, customers and suppliers are often unsure what’s happening on the ground, and uncertainty can quickly lead to cancelled bookings, lost trade and delayed recovery.
The Whitsundays business community plays an important role in helping share accurate, positive information. Where safe and appropriate, letting customers and the broader public know that your business is operating as normal helps rebuild confidence and keeps economic activity moving.
We understand that handling media enquiries can feel overwhelming during recovery. If you receive a request and don’t have the capacity or feel comfortable responding, please forward it to the Chamber on admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au and we can assist.
If you do feel comfortable speaking with the media, we encourage members to use the following consistent statement to reinforce a clear regional message:
“The Whitsundays is a resilient region and thankfully sustained minimal damage during TC Koji. Clean-up efforts are underway, and the Whitsundays is open for business as usual.”
Beyond media, businesses can help by:
- Updating social media and Google listings to confirm trading status
- Sharing positive, factual updates with customers and suppliers
- Supporting neighbouring businesses by amplifying their “open” messages
- Using consistent language that builds confidence and avoids speculation
Together, a united and confident message helps protect local jobs, supports tourism and trade, and accelerates recovery for the entire region.
Look After Yourself
Running a business is rewarding but after an event, like a cyclone, it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. As the clean-up continues and trading resumes, it’s important to look after your own wellbeing as much as your business.
Fatigue, stress and decision-pressure are normal after disruptions like storms, supply issues or staff shortages. Taking time to rest, reflect and reset helps you stay focused, make good decisions, and build resilience for the weeks ahead. Your health is not separate from your business — it underpins its long-term sustainability.
Lean on your team, fellow business owners and community networks. Sharing experiences, checking in on each other and accessing support can make a real difference.
Free support is available if you need it with Lifeline, BeyondBlue, and regional Small Business Wellness Coaching that offers confidential one-on-one coaching.
Using these tools is a smart way to strengthen yourself and your business. By prioritising wellbeing now, you’ll be better placed to move forward with confidence.
Start the year right with the Chamber