A locally produced community publication that began five years ago, sharing positive stories, helpful information, and local opportunities with residents across the Fraser Coast. In December 2025, I was honoured to be invited to become the new owner of Alive Magazine, continuing its legacy of bringing a strong focus on supporting local businesses and community connection. Distributed monthly throughout the region, the magazine highlights local people, small businesses, community initiatives, and topics that encourage wellbeing and belonging. Each edition is personally curated and distributed with the intention of keeping the community informed, inspired, and connected, while offering businesses an accessible and meaningful way to reach local readers and build lasting relationships within the community.
Supporting Small Businesses Across the Fraser Coast
Welcome
I’m Kelly Penny, Wife, mum to three children, and fur mum to our Border Collie and Golden Labrador. We’re lucky to call the beautiful Fraser Coast region of Queensland, Australia, our home.
Island View Designs started as my creative outlet and has now grown to support and advocate for Fraser Coast small businesses. In 2025, I made the decision to turn Island View Designs from a side hustle showcasing my landscape photography and digital art into my full-time work. I wanted to focus my energy on creating meaningful projects that make an impact and build something centred around what I genuinely enjoy doing, helping local businesses be seen, supported, and connected within their community.
Small businesses are what give our towns character and connection. The people behind them are our neighbours, juggling countless roles every day, and I’m passionate about helping them grow, tell their stories, and connect with the community that supports them.
Below are the projects that I am currently working on in 2026
Digital Publication - Island View Connect Magazine
Each new issue of Island View Connect Magazine is released on the 20th of every month.
This monthly magazine is designed to shine a light on the Fraser Coast’s small businesses and community groups, helping them connect with residents across the region.
My goal for this magazine is that it not only makes it easier for residents to discover and support local businesses but also serves as a resource for individuals and families to find community groups that foster wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen community ties. This can be especially valuable for those new to the Fraser Coast.
For small businesses, Island View Connect Magazine has no print or distribution expenses, making it an affordable advertising option, with every ad including clickable links so readers can easily explore services or book directly.
Readers can read the magazine each month in several ways:
- By joining the free mailing list to receive it directly via email
- Through notifications and pinned posts on our Facebook page
- By following us on Instagram
- Or by visiting the website at any time to read the latest issue
This year, Island View Connect has been growing into the following spin-off digital publications.
Island View Connect Business Directory
This is an online community resource designed to make it easy for residents to discover and support local businesses across the Fraser Coast. Created as an extension of Island View Connect Magazine, the directory provides businesses with ongoing visibility beyond each monthly issue, giving them a consistent place where potential customers can find their services, connect directly, and learn more at any time. Rather than information being lost in social media feeds, the directory acts as a reliable local guide, bringing together a wide range of services in one convenient location while encouraging residents to shop local, support small businesses, and stay connected with their community.Advertise your Fraser Coast business with Island View Connect
Island View Connect Community & Social Groups Directory
A free online resource created to help residents across the Fraser Coast discover local community groups, social activities, support networks, and volunteer opportunities all in one place. Designed to strengthen community connection, the directory makes it easier for individuals and families — especially those new to the region — to find welcoming groups that encourage social inclusion, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. Working alongside Island View Connect Magazine, the directory ensures community organisations can share their services and reach more people, helping reduce isolation while building a more connected and supportive local community.
Fraser Coast Artist Directory
This is a digital publication created to showcase and support the region’s talented artists, makers, and creatives. Designed to give local creatives greater visibility, the directory brings together artists from across the Fraser Coast in one easy-to-access space where residents, visitors, and businesses can discover local art, connect directly with creators, and support the creative community. By providing artists with a space to promote themselves, the directory helps strengthen local creative industries, encourage collaboration, and celebrate the diverse artistic talent that makes the Fraser Coast unique.
Printed Publication - Alive Magazine
Island View Gift Hampers
Our first gift hamper, A Taste of Fraser, was created to celebrate and support the Fraser Coast region's local producers and makers by bringing together a curated selection of locally sourced products in one thoughtfully presented gift. Each hamper showcases the flavours and creativity of the Fraser Coast, making it a meaningful way to share a taste of the region while supporting multiple local businesses at once. A donation from each hamper sold is donated to the Fraser Coast Hospice. The gift hamper is designed for welcoming new residents, corporate appreciation, or special occasions. A Taste of Fraser reflects the same values behind Island View Designs: community connection, collaboration, and proudly supporting local.
Australian Landscape Photography
All of the photographs featured here are my own, captured during our travels across Australia. They are available as digital downloads, giving you the freedom to print them at home or through your preferred local or online print service, in the size and finish that best suits your space.
You can also follow Island View Designs, Alive Magazine, Island View Connect Magazine and now Island View Gift Hampers on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest news and updates.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Kelly
Owner + Founder of Island View Designs
Businesses across Hervey Bay, Maryborough and the wider Fraser Coast choose Island View Connect as a trusted local platform to promote their services, connect with the community and build long-term visibility through locally focused advertising.
Follow Island View Connect Magazine on Facebook