Having come from a background in marine tourism, GLOWS has been a huge shift for myself into a field that is completely new – I never saw myself driving a bobcat in a million years!

Shane however with his extensive background in landscaping, was of course a natural step when the opportunity arose to take on this completely run down yard.

Together, we have enjoyed recreating an amazing space for people to come and meander through and to find inspiration for their own home projects. It’s been as much our personal growth together as well as creating a business.

Running a business here also means supporting other local operators. We collaborate, recommend one another, and understand

that when one business thrives, the whole town benefits. Being locally owned means decisions are made with the community in mind — sustainability, honesty, and long-term care for the future vision we share in wanting Mission Beach to thrive again and strive into the future.

Supplying raw materials and garden supplies in a beachside environment such as Far North Queensland comes with unique challenges, but that’s part of the joy. Coastal conditions demand quality products: compost that enriches tired/sandy soil, mulches that retain moisture, and materials that support sustainable, resilient gardens.

Helping people transform their outdoor spaces — from small courtyards to sprawling tropical gardens — is incredibly rewarding. There’s pride in knowing that what we supply becomes part of someone’s home, their retreat, or their family space.

At the end of the day, I lock up knowing I’ve contributed something real: healthier gardens, greener spaces, and stronger connections with outdoor spaces.

In a small beachside town,a garden centre isn’t just about raw materials — it’s about nurturing growth, community, and a lifestyle that values both hard work and the simple beauty of nature.

I moved to Mission Beach in 2009 with my husband Michael and our three children, Tarkyn, Piper, and Brecken. We were drawn here by the relaxed lifestyle and strong sense of community, and while I thought it would simply be an amazing place to raise our kids, it soon became the perfect place to build a business I love.

After Cyclone Yasi, I purchased the former Mission Beach Organic Hair Studio, renamed it Minx Hair Design, and completed my hairdressing apprenticeship. By 2013, the salon had outgrown its original space, and I joined forces with my sister Lynette to create Minx Hair and Beauty.

In July 2022, Minx moved into its most vibrant home yet — a beautiful, modern salon that also brings together women-owned small businesses, including Out of the Ashes cosmetic tattooing and Beauty by Sarah. With this move came fresh energy and new talent, including emerging stylist Mikayla, who has already become a much-loved part of our Minx family.

For me, Minx has always been about more than just hair and beauty. It’s about confidence, connection, and community. I love making people feel good about themselves, and that passion runs through everything our team does. After more than a decade, I feel proud knowing Minx is part of the Mission Beach story and grateful every day to be building a business in a community I love.

I grew up on the Cassowary Coast, a farmer’s daughter at heart, and always knew this part of the world would call me home again. In 2014, I returned to Mission Beach, drawn back by its natural beauty and relaxed pace — the perfect place to raise my young family.

In 2020, once my youngest child started school, I quietly launched The Bowerbird’s Pantry from a small corner of the Mad Bakers Wholesale Bakery. My vision was to shine a light on local artisanal produce — stocking everything from fresh eggs and dairy to chocolate, tea, coffee, vanilla, pepper, chutneys, sauces, jams, and sourdough. This complemented my other business, The Wholefood Company, where I also love to use local ingredients in our house-made cakes, cookies, quiches, and desserts.

As the business grew, I relocated to a larger South Mission Beach premises. Today, The Bowerbird’s Pantry offers a wider range of specialty groceries as well as wholesome takeaway food and drinks. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 2 pm, and I’m excited to soon launch online ordering to make it even easier for people to shop local.

For me, it has always been about more than just running a store. It’s about celebrating local producers, nourishing the community, and sharing the flavours of Mission Beach. After a decade back home, I feel grateful to see how the Pantry has grown and proud to play a small part in supporting this amazing region.

We first discovered Mission Beach in 1991 while living in Cairns. Life in the city was becoming too hectic, so we set off on a road trip along the Bruce Highway in search of a new lifestyle. By the time we returned from the Victorian border, we knew Mission Beach was the place we wanted to call home.

Not long after, we bought a small booking office that offered camping and bike hire in The Hub. As the town grew and changed, so did we. That little venture has since evolved into Mission Beach Workx — a much-loved store offering surf and resort wear for men, women, and children, along with hats, shoes, sunglasses, souvenirs, shell jewellery, and dive gear.

Beyond the shop, we’ve always been active in the community. Chris has enjoyed being part of Rotary, helping to run the Mission Beach Markets and playing a role in creating the Splash Pad at Wongaling Beach — an attraction families now flock to and enjoy.

What we love most are the people. We’ve had the joy of welcoming travellers from all over the world, listening to their stories, and reconnecting with those who return year after year. After 31 years, many of our visitors now bring their children and even grandchildren back to see us. That, to us, feels like the greatest reward. Mission Beach truly is a special place, and we’re proud to have made it our home and to still be part of its story.

I choose to set up my business in Mission Beach as it boasts a very strong community spirit. There is a mixture of those born and bred locally, holiday-makers and newcomers who have decided to make this town their home. Mission Beach is full of outgoing personalities and people who dedicate time to volunteering for the community and environment.

After an early morning walk on the beach spotting the occasional dolphin, there’s nowhere better to relax, recharge and unwind than the outdoor deck at Shanti Café, With a cool breeze, by lush tropical greenery, it’s the perfect little spot to satiate the soul.

It’s the food at Shanti Cafe is what keeps people coming back. We are very proud to have a loyal band of locals arriving daily for early morning coffee and snacks.

We welcome everyone to Shanti for a leisurely meal under the bamboo watching the world wander by. If in a hurry no problem, there’s always fresh housemade cakes, muffins, tarts and the ever-popular banana bread for those on the go.

Our chefs are long-standing members of the Mission Beach community, with decades of experience running their own cafes and restaurants both locally and around the country.

We are proud to host “Science in the Pub” evenings, once a month to sell out crowds…..all part of the Mission Beach vibe.

In 1999, Bruce and I came to Mission Beach to skydive—sky in our hearts, wind in our bones. I conceived our son the moment we arrived—there’s magic in this water!!!!

Years later, I turned inward, drawn by a quiet question: Why do I live in this body?

From city lights to rainforest stillness, a new chapter opened—and with it, the healing path I now follow and offer.

With over 22 years of experience in massage and craniosacral therapy, I bring a deeply intuitive and holistic approach to bodywork. I combine massage, craniosacral therapy,and foundation bodywork,addressing not just physical misalignment but also the emotional and lifestyle factors that may contribute to discomfort or tension.

Each session is uniquely tailored to support the body’s natural ability to heal, restore balance, and reconnect with ease.

I have also started to run a foundational body awareness class every third Sunday of the month at the Progress Hall.

I am very passionate about promoting Mission Beach as a wellness destination, and the co-creator of Wellness Mission Beach, which is behind the Wellness Weekend event we hold towards the end of May every year

So far, this year marks our 5th event, confirming that the event is getting stronger and deeper each year. So stay tuned for 2026.