The Mackay region’s ingenuity and resilience were on full display at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards Gala Dinner, held Friday 22 August at the MECC. The black-tie celebration, hosted by Ed Kavalee and backed by live music from the Luke Miller Band, showcased the best of the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and resources sector. Seven awards recognised excellence across safety, culture, community, manufacturing, innovation and inclusion, with standout winner
Read the full storyIt’s not every day you see police horses patrolling the town with their respected riders from Queensland Police Service. But that’s exactly what Mackay locals experienced this week, when two mounted officers from Brisbane arrived in town after completing patrols in Airlie Beach. Children reached out to pat the horses, parents snapped photos, and plenty of locals were left starstruck at the sight of Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte with police horse Lance, and Constable Debbie Brunschlight wi
Read the full storyAirlie Beach has won Bronze in the Small Top Tourism Town category at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra on Wednesday 3 September. This is a huge award on the national scale and Bowen was also a nominee for the Top Tourism Town. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor was in Canberra for the announcement and said he was incredibly proud to see Airlie Beach recognised as the third best Small Tourism Town in the nation at the 2025 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards. “This award is more
Read the full storyBowen Collinsville Pet Rescue is urging for more foster carers to step forward. Unfortunately, they have been left in the position where they have been turning away animals. With every foster home already full, the rescue centre is struggling to keep up with desperate requests even for animals facing euthanasia. The rescue centre covers vet work, food, and ongoing support, while foster carers provide love, safety, and a temporary home. Every time someone fosters, it means one more dog or cat
Read the full storyGet ready for a splash of colour and community fun at the Coral Sea Marina annual Colour Fun Run on Saturday, 13 September, as part of Queensland Child Protection Week 2025. Organised by Whitsunday Counselling & Support (WC&S), this free, action-packed event at the Marina Gardens from 9am to 12pm promises a morning full of laughter, family activities, and vibrant festivities. Participants can enjoy live music, face painting, a sausage sizzle, kid-friendly games, and the iconic colourful ‘fun ru
Read the full storyPolice are appealing for public assistance to help locate a 42-year-old man missing from Bowen since 19 August. Brett Breeze was last seen leaving a health facility at Gregory Street around 4.30pm on Tuesday and has not been seen since. Brett is described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall, with a solid build, auburn hair and blue eyes. Brett was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve fishing shirt, black shorts and sneakers with a dark coloured backpack. Police and family hold concerns fo
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
Good Deed Feed In the spirit of community connection, Bowen Meals on Wheels received some extra helping hands this week as part of National Meals on Wheels Day. Whitsundays Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Councillors Michelle Wright (Deputy Mayor, Whitsunday Regional Council), John Finlay (Division 6) joined Christine and the rest of the Bowen Meals on Wheels team to assist with meal deliveries across town. The group spent the day delivering warm meals, friendly smiles, and cheerful convers
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
Hi Everyone! I’m back from my travels around Western Australia and the Northern Territory and I’m excited to get stuck in again. The trip was nothing short of incredible. There were plenty of long drives, but even more unforgettable views, gorges, towns and people. I feel so grateful to have had the chance to see more of this beautiful country and to experience a true Aussie road trip. Along the way I picked up plenty of travel stories, tips and advice that I can’t wait to share in Ruth2Reef
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
At around midday on Sunday 31 August the Queensland Fire Department were made aware of a fire near Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach. A smoke issue was given but Queensland Fire Department announced on Facebook that no properties were at risk, but the smoke should be avoided. “Stay inside and close windows and doors as smoke could be harmful.” Was the advice given on the Facebook page. A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson confirmed the fire was put out at around 4:05pm on Sunday 31 August
Read the full storySeptember 4, 2025
The warm-up event to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s major light tackle tournament is the club’s Billfish and Tuna Rally, set for September 13 and 14. This rally offers teams a great chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of this year’s Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament, which runs from October 16 to 19. It’s an opportunity to try new tactics, get an idea of where the fish are holding, and score valuable club and QGFA points. The rally begins with registration and a brief
Read the full storySeptember 4, 2025
Michael Kimpton, President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Race Director of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, is privileged to be selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Ironman World Championships in Nice, France, on 14 September. This will be Michael’s seventh time representing Australia in international World Triathlon Championships, taking him to all corners of the globe, including St. George in Utah, Samorin in Slovakia, multiple times to Kona in Hawaii,
Read the full storySeptember 4, 2025
With the regular season wrapping up last weekend, Whitsunday United Football Club now turns its focus to finals, with an impressive nine out of ten teams finishing inside the top four. The club celebrated several standout achievements, with the U23 Men crowned Premiers, while the U13 FQPL and Division 1 Men secured second place — a remarkable reflection of the depth and commitment across the club, particularly given that half of their fixtures require travelling to Mackay. At home, the Divisio
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
Get ready for a splash of colour and community fun at the Coral Sea Marina annual Colour Fun Run on Saturday, 13 September, as part of Queensland Child Protection Week 2025. Organised by Whitsunday Counselling & Support (WC&S), this free, action-packed event at the Marina Gardens from 9am to 12pm promises a morning full of laughter, family activities, and vibrant festivities. Participants can enjoy live music, face painting, a sausage sizzle, kid-friendly games, and the iconic colourful ‘fun ru
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
Friday 5 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) KC's: Bear Brewer (from 8pm) Saturday 6 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Big Stadium Rock (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Daybreak (from 8pm) KC's: Chris Booroff (from 8pm) Sunday 7 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Big Stadium Rock (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Brother Hollow (4pm - 8pm) KC's:
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
September 5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm **7 Father’s Day ** 7 Don River Dash 300 Day 3, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 7 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 9 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 9 Tech Help, C
Read the full storySeptember 5, 2025
Airlie Beach has become a second home for rock performer Dellacoma Rio, celebrated for his high-energy tribute shows and as the frontman for the INXS Revived band. The acclaimed artist has developed a devoted fan base at the Airlie Beach Hotel and is once again returning on Saturday 20 September, and Sunday 21 September, from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. The shows promises to be a powerful celebration of both Michael Hutchence and the iconic INXS catalogue but also aims to recreate the band’s legendary li
Read the full storySeptember 4, 2025
Friday 5th September ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Friday Guided W
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