Bowen, a hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays, features eight secluded beaches, stunning lookouts, scenic bushwalks, 27 murals, Queensland's oldest cinema, delicious seafood, and a beautiful oceanfront golf course—all enhanced by warm country hospitality.
It is one of very few places where you can snorkel directly off the beach.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is located next to the iconic Big Mango on the Bruce Highway, just 5km south of Bowen.
It is operated by Bowen Tourism and Business - a not-for-profit organisation supported by more than 200 members.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy has been promoting Bowen to domestic and international visitors as well as locals for more than three years.
She said the dedicated team always aimed to provide excellence in customer service and visitor experiences.
The organisation’s achievements in the past 12 months include a record number of visitors – more than 51,000 at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and more than 5000 at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
“We continually look for ways to improve our services,” she said.
“In the past 12 months, we have introduced a ‘Driver Reviver’ service to promote road safety and we have continued to expand our range of local produce and Bowen merchandise.
Leanne said the team was proud to again be nominated for a tourism award.
Their past successes include two consecutive Gold Awards for Visitor Information Services at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and a Bronze at the Queensland Tourism Awards. This year, Bowen also secured a Bronze in the Queensland Top Tourism Awards and was a finalist for the friendliest Grey Nomad town.

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The three full-time staff at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre – Cindy Tonks, Leanne Abernethy and Glenn Womal. Photo supplied

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Coral Sea Resort provides elegant accommodations with stunning views of the Coral Sea and convenient access to Coral Sea Marina, where guests can easily partake in a variety of water-based tourism activities.
Coral Sea Resort offers 77 rooms in 14 distinct styles, including luxurious penthouses, to accommodate a variety of guests. Additionally, the resort has made a $20 million investment in upgrades to enhance the overall guest experience.

Ricky Chang, has been front office manager at Coral Sea Resort for three and a half years, and absolutely loves his job and working on the waterfront:

“Arguably we have the best ocean views in Airlie Beach!”

Alongside the stunning views Coral Sea Resort has an extremely convenient location, being only a short walk from the main parts of town as well as having various tour meeting points nearby.

While the central location is one of the fantastic perks of staying at Coral Sea Resort, it is also distant enough for the guest to enjoy the tranquillity of the pool.

“Our team work hard every day and understand the high standard we set for ourselves,” Ricky explained.

“We consider our resort to be the number one place to stay in Airlie Beach, and we believe our guests feel the same way.

“Being nominated for this award recognises the hard work we put in and highlights the appreciation that everybody has for our Coral Sea Resort community.”

The team at Coral Sea Resort are all thrilled and proud to have been nominated for the prestigious Whitsunday Tourism Award, marking a milestone in their journey of excellence.

They added that this recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of their team.

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Coral Sea Resort Front Office Manager Ricky Chang

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Grand View Hotel is based in an outstanding location, close to Bowen’s front beach and iconic jetty. The Hotel also brings you a taste of the Whitsundays with their menu being a step above the average pub meal and showcasing the local produce that the region has to offer.

The Grand View Hotel fosters an aesthetic costal meets country vibe, which makes the place beautifully inviting to all its guests.

One of the key figures behind the magic of The Grand View Hotel is Venue Manager Emma Heiniger, who has been with the team for six months. Remarkably, the hotel itself has been delighting guests for an incredible 100 years and currently has 30-45 staff members, alongside the biggest outdoor digital screen that Bowen has to offer, showing a variety sporting events.

Emma explained how her team is looking forwards to the awards, and is proud of their nomination:

“Being nominated at the Tourism Awards is a huge recognition of our whole team's hard work.”

Although this isn't the first time the Grand View Hotel has been nominated for an award, it has previously been recognised as a finalist in several categories: in 2019 for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group; in 2022 for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group (Silver), and for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services (Silver); and in 2023 for Excellence in Food Tourism (Silver).

Managers: Nellie Hore, Alex Tottey, Emma Heiniger

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The Whitsundays Tourism Awards have been running since 2002 and have evolved over the years becoming a highly sought-after award, some winners from 2002 are still winning gold today.

This year the Whitsundays Tourism Awards are on Daydream Island, and Tourism Whitsunday Interim Chief Executive Officer Aimee Cameron said it's amazing to see the island reach new heights and showcase the region’s beauty.

“Hosting our awards here highlights the exceptional Daydream Island and allows us to honour the island's history and connection to The Whitsundays,” she said.

“Celebrating our industry’s achievements in such an iconic and beloved location is truly a privilege.”

At this year's Whitsundays Tourism Awards, the event has shifted from the traditional gala dinner format to a formal networking, awards party-style event that celebrates everything about The Whitsundays.

There will be live entertainment and networking which will lead into the business awards program, presented in partnership with the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bowen Tourism and Business.

Following the awards will be an evening of cocktails, food and dancing featuring DJ Brian from Whitsunday AV.

Plus a few surprises are in store.

Aimee is thrilled to announce that this year's Awards are sold out and believe it is a testament to the tourism industry.

“It highlights the strong belief that our operators, stakeholders, councils, and the community have in what Tourism Whitsundays is delivering for the region,” said Aimee.

“The energy around this event is a clear indication of the excitement and pride in our collective achievements, and we’re so proud to be part of such a passionate and united industry.”

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Tourism Whitsunday Interim Chief Executive Officer Aimee Cameron, Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Jetski Tours has been in operation for 14 years at Coral Sea Marina and has a fantastic crew of 15 with a 50/50 mix of men and women guides.
Experience the thrill with Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours! Ride the latest jet skis and wear top-quality gear, all included in your package. Stylish sunglasses and professional photos of your adventure are also covered, when they say everything is included – it is!
Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours prioritise safety and sustainability by using the latest equipment and recycling old gear, and their commitment to crew development ensures exceptional training, resulting in great guest experiences.
Team Leader Alex Cooney has been with the business four years, and believed the commitment to their team is the best equipment they have available:

“Getting brand new skis every year is a pretty good Christmas present! Having the best of the best means the guests in return receive the best! Best equipment, best trained guides, best experience!”

Alex explained what it means to the team to have been nominated:

“It means a lot! It's such a great way to be recognised for our commitment to our guests and providing the best experience possible every single tour.”

“Being nominated means all our hard work every day is worth it.”

Alex explained how this is the first time since he has been with Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours that they have been nominated and that they are extremely excited.

“It's such a pleasure to work at Whitsunday Jet Ski tours.”

“It's fun, professional, unique and every single tour is different.”

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Alex and guests enjoying the Whitsundays water

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Paul and Francine Tuddenham have been successfully managing Peninsula Airlie Beach since acquiring the management rights on July 1, 2021. Over the past three years, they have dedicated themselves to enhancing the guest experience and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all.
What sets the Peninsula Airlie Beach apart from the rest is its customer service:
“Our customer service is paramount to us,” Paul explained.
“We go the extra mile to make our guests feel welcome. They are given a hamper for special occasions, and Fran can offer personalised service for the tour bookings.
“The units are large and fully self-contained, with large balconies that overlook the water.”
Alongside their top-notch customer service and beautiful self-contained units, the location of Peninsula Airlie Beach is unmatched, situated right on the Coral Sea and near Coral Sea Marina.
Peninsula has been nominated in the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, and Paul said he is thrilled to participate.
“It confirms to our guests—and potential guests—that the work we do and the service we provide is validated by a very trusted body, Tourism Whitsundays.”
Airlie Beach Peninsula has a strong awards history, winning the Tourism Whitsunday Customer Excellence Award and the ARAMA Residential Manager of the Year in its first year, with subsequent finalist placements. They’ve also received TripAdvisor awards and a 9.8 rating from Booking.com for customer reviews.
Paul and Francine don’t manage everything alone; they’re grateful for their part-time Office Manager, Dorothy, as well as Lex, their handyman and gardener, and Martie with her Eco Clean team, who handle the cleaning.

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Paul and Francine Tuddenham, the Managers Of Peninsula Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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Marketing Specialist for Red Cat Adventures, Kelvin Ho, joined the team in February 2020, on a sponsorship, and is incredibly grateful for their support which led to his permanent residency approval in May 2024.

Kelvin explains what truly sets Red Cat Adventures apart from the rest is their unique culture:

“I work with incredible people every day,” Kelvin stated.

“The marine tourism industry allows me to learn from the ocean and boating community.”

“Our custom-designed vessels reflect Asher's extensive knowledge, tailored specifically for the Whitsundays to ensure optimal performance.”

“We're proud to be recognised as Climate Action Leaders and the only marine Savannah Guide Enterprise, highlighting our commitment to sustainability.”
“Our dedicated crew goes above and beyond to ensure our guests have unforgettable experiences.”
Kelvin mentioned how being nominated for a tourism award means the world to the Red Cat Adventures team.
“Each team member pours their heart and soul into their role, and this acknowledgement boosts our motivation and pride in our brand.”
Red Cat Adventures celebrated a major milestone in 2021 by receiving double Hall of Fame for Adventure Tourism and Major Tour and Transport Operator. Kelvin noted that Red Cats has had an impressive journey, winning numerous regional, state, and national gold tourism awards from 2018 to 2021, followed by a two-year break from nominations.
“In our award submission, we emphasised our innovative product development, marketing initiatives, and eco commitments. We also highlighted our community involvement and ability to evolve as a business.”

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Kelvin Ho Marketing Specialist at Red Cat

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Overseeing two nominated Whitsunday Regional Council owned assets – Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal – Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Business, says he is thrilled the two impressive local services are up for an award again this year.

The 73-year-old Whitsunday Coast Airport goes beyond typical airport services, with a dedicated customer service officer available for each arriving flight to assist passengers and answer questions. The airport features the impressive 35,000-litre Heart Reef Aquarium, providing a warm welcome to visitors.

Meanwhile, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands, hosts many marine tours and is increasingly favoured by cruise ships, welcoming 80,000 visitors last year. Originally a tourism port since 1961, it was redeveloped and reopened in 2021 after damage from Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Craig has been working with Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal for six years, and is very proud of their nominations:

“To be highlighted at this high level in industry is a testament to the hard work and dedication each and every one gives to their role.”

“Regardless of outcome, we all have a common goal – to provide a high level of service to tourists and visitors, enhancing their Whitsundays experience.”

Whitsunday Coast Airport has previously entered the awards seven times, winning gold the last two years, while Shute Harbour Marine Terminal is entering for the third year, having won bronze and silver previously.

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Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Business for Whitsunday Regional Council

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Last Tuesday 8 October Bowen State High School debating team students competed in their last debate competition of the year against Proserpine SHS and St. Catherine’s Catholic College.

Two Junior teams and two Senior teams debated on topics such as ‘Parents should monitor their child’s social media’, and ‘Justice is more important than peace’.

Both Senior teams reached the semi-finals while one of the Junior teams made it to the finals. After a tough final debate, that junior team came away with the win!

Congratulations to all teams that participated and for their efforts, dedication, and strong debates. Thank you to Proserpine SHS and St. Catherine’s Catholic College for travelling to Bowen to compete, and to the staff and parents that attended to show their support or assisted in the afternoon.

Bowen State High School Principal Rob Harris said he is proud of all students that participated and that students demonstated many lifelong skills that will be useful in the future.

“Debating provides so many opportunities for students to develop a range of livelong skills,” he said.

“Not only does debating improve community skills, it also improves one's ability to articulate ideas and produce a sharp, well-planned argument on any topic.

“Throughout this year, our students have been fortunate to work with our teachers and their peers to be able to develop teamwork and critical thinking skills.

“Afterall, working together isn’t dull when you’re debating. Our teachers have observed students growth in confidence and in making quicker decisions and this has assisted in their academic results as well.”

The debate teams look forward to participating in more competitions next year.

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Bowen State High School, Proserpine State High School and St. Catherine’s Catholic College compete in debate. Photo supplied

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After a devastating house fire on Wellington Street left two sisters homeless, the family received an overwhelming outpouring of support from their local community.

The girls’ big sister took to a Facebook community page, reaching out for help with securing basic essentials. They had found a unit but were still in desperate need of two queen-sized mattresses to get started.

In her heartfelt message, she mentioned how funds were tight but was hopeful that the community might be able to lend a hand.

What followed was an incredible response. Offers poured in for not only mattresses but also additional items such as bedding, towels, kitchenware, and even toys for the children. The generosity didn’t stop there…locals continued to offer cupboards, drawers and other needed furniture to help the family rebuild their home.

The family is truly overwhelmed by the community’s kindness and willingness to help.

Strangers took time out of their day to go through their belongings and find things they could donate. Messages of support flooded in, with many eager to assist in any way they could.

The family expressed their immense gratitude, deeply touched by the kindness of their neighbours, friends and even strangers who rallied together to help them in their time of need.

A later comment from the older sister read: “Thank you so much to everyone who has taken their time to message, comment or go through their houses to give what they can!

“My family is very very grateful…thank you.”

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Proserpine Lake saw a successful Kids Fishing Day at the weekend, with 92 campsites booked out and around 400 people in attendance almost doubling last year's turnout.
Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Businesses at Whitsunday Regional Council, expressed his excitement for next year's event, looking ahead for continued growth and the introduction of live music.
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Mayor Ry Collins and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm with two children at the Lake Proserpine Kids Fishing Day. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

Droppin’ A Line At The Kids Fishing Day

Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot and sourced via Facebook

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As we step into Get Ready Queensland Week (8-13 October), it's crucial to reflect on the recent devastating weather events that have unfolded globally. The toll of Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic, claiming over 230 lives across multiple states in the US. Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region, marking the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland since Katrina in 2005.

Hot on Helene's heels, Hurricane Milton is set to strike Florida with unprecedented force, hitting similar states to Helene. With over a million residents in the Tampa Bay area ordered to evacuate, the urgency of preparedness cannot be overstated. At the time of writing, people in Tampa were working furiously to prevent furniture, appliances and other waterlogged wreckage from Helene from becoming deadly projectiles in Milton. Additionally, the destruction caused by Typhoon Shanshan in Japan and Super Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam last month reminds us of the ongoing threat posed by natural disasters.

As we face the approaching cyclone season in Mackay, we must remember that complacency is not an option. The goal isn’t to instill panic but to encourage proactive measures. Consider how you would prepare for a week in the wilderness: ensure you have enough food and water, essential medications, and important documents ready to go. Think about what comforts you might need, such as insect repellent, and have sturdy footwear for unexpected flooding.

Know when to evacuate, where to go, and what to take with you. This preparedness can make all the difference in a crisis.

For more information on how to get ready, turn to page 8 for guidelines from the Mackay Regional Council.

And don’t forget about your furry companions. Ensure your food and water for a week includes them, and don’t forget about keeping an eye on them during extreme heat. Don’t walk your pets on hot pavement or sand during the heat of the day, check the temperature with the back of your hand, and keep those water bowls filled.

Stay vigilant and prepared as cyclone season approaches, the time to get ready is now.

Amanda

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A major funding boost for a significant piece of Whitsunday boating infrastructure could be a game changer for local boaties, with upgrades announced this week to the Shute Bay Boat Ramp and Carpark.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm was at the site of the current boat ramp last week and vocalised her intentions to deliver a new four-lane boat ramp and 130 trailable carparks if she is elected for a second term in the upcoming state elections due to be held later this month.
The current boat ramp has been a point of contention for boat owners within the Whitsunday community since it opened in 2021.
The $1.8 million state-owned structure has been called an “engineering disgrace” as it becomes submerged at hightide, with many boaties calling it dangerous and not fit for use.
With the Whitsundays having the highest boat ownership per capita in the state, Ms Camm is concerned our boating infrastructure is not sufficient to meet demand.
If elected, Ms Camm says the LNP government will deliver a new boat ramp and carpark at Shute Harbour, to improve access and safety for the Whitsundays boating community and visitors.
Ms Camm said local boaties have been missing out for too long with second class infrastructure.
“The LNP will restore a government that works for you, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Ms Camm said.
“This $10 million investment in infrastructure is exactly what this community needs.
“Better boat ramps and more carparks mean improved safety for those using Shute Bay.
“The Labor Government had a chance to get it right after the Shute Harbour Boat ramp was damaged in Cyclone Debbie.
“Instead, what we saw was a government that refused to listen to the community and offer up a dangerous substandard ramp.
“Well, the LNP and I have listened, and we know that we need better boat ramps and more carparks.
“If elected in October we will commit $10m to a four-lane floating boat ramp with more than 130 trailable car parks,” said Ms Camm.
Mayor Ry Collins welcomed the announcement.
“Having these facilities in place will ensure we can grow as a region and that our boaties in the region will be served for years to come”, said Mayor Collins.
“The LNP are committed to delivering for our regional communities.”
Ms Camm said Queenslanders could vote for a new boat ramp and a government focused on delivering for regional Queensland, by voting LNP at this election.
“Our state needs a fresh start and only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland.”

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Shaun Cawood from Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Councillor Jan Clifford. Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot
The current boat ramp is said not to be fit for purpose

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Mackay’s Leap Into Bio-Manufacturing

A groundbreaking development is set to revolutionise Mackay, as Australian food-tech company Cauldron Ferm partners with the Queensland government to establish the region’s first precision fermentation contract manufacturing facility. The $100 million-plus "Cauldron Bio-fab" will become the largest end-to-end contract manufacturer of precision-fermented products in the Asia-Pacific, deploying state-of-the-art ‘hyper-fermentation’ technology to drive down costs and boost production.

The facility, which will have the capacity to produce over 1,000 tonnes of bioproducts annually, is a major step forward in both local and national biofutures. From food and nutrition to beauty, personal care, chemicals, and biofuels, this Mackay-based hub will supply key ingredients and materials to a variety of sectors.

Cauldron Ferm’s new venture will build on the company’s success at its 25,000-litre demonstration site in New South Wales, representing its first industrial-scale bio-manufacturing site and laying the foundation for future global expansion. The Queensland government’s support comes from its $415.5 million Industry Partnership Program, which is committed to growing the biofutures sector and creating new economic opportunities for regional communities like Mackay.

This initiative is poised to accelerate Mackay’s status as a bio hub, leveraging years of government investment in the Queensland University of Technology’s Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant. It will also provide a critical commercialisation pathway for precision fermentation, aligning with forecasts from CSIRO, which predicts Australia’s market for precision fermentation protein ingredients could reach $13 billion by 2030.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said, “Cauldron is a step closer towards building a first-of-a-kind facility that will produce ingredients used in fibre, fuel, feed and food products at commercial scale.

“The United Nations predicts that globally 70% more food, especially protein, will need to be produced by 2050 – a demand that traditional protein production systems cannot meet alone.

“This is another example of an important new industry being developed with assistance from the IPP supporting Queensland’s economic shift by establishing new regional industries and boosting regional supply chains.”

Michele Stansfield, co-founder and CEO of Cauldron, said, “We are honoured to be receiving support from the Queensland Government to develop our first industrial-scale operations in Mackay.

“This funding enables us to scale our innovative technology as a major milestone in our journey to redefine the scope of biomanufacturing. We look forward to developing the critical infrastructure to produce essential bioproducts more efficiently and sustainably to meet growing demand.”

The development scheme for the Mackay State Development Area (SDA) has also been approved, helping to unlock land for new and emerging industrial development and supporting the creation of more jobs.

The SDA sets aside 907 hectares of land adjacent to the Racecourse Mill and at Rosella to support value adding industries to the existing sugar cane production.

The development scheme will support the Mackay Whitsunday region to become Queensland’s home of an emerging biofutures sector dedicated to the development and manufacturing of innovative products from sustainable resources.

Labor candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan added that, “Queensland is leading the nation in the biofutures sector, so it’s tremendous to have Mackay at the core of this drive to unlock future industry development opportunities.”

The Labor Government also supports the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC), Tully Sugar, and Wilmar Sugar through the Queensland Bioenergy Fund.

The ASMC, Tully Sugar and Wilmar Sugar are the first three recipients from the fund.

The ASMC will receive $330,000 for studies that will advance the sugar industry’s understanding of the commercial viability of liberalising feedstock and investing in greater cogeneration capacity.

Tully Sugar Limited will receive $175,000 for studies towards developing best practice cogeneration efficiency and assessing potential future investment to optimise network cogeneration capacity.

Wilmar Sugar will receive $700,000 for studies to increase cogeneration capacity of bioenergy and reduce electricity imports and coal consumption.

Assistant Minister for State Development and Infrastructure and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said that, “Our communities in regional Queensland, including Mackay, know this program is creating high value jobs and bringing new skills and capabilities to established and emerging industries.

“Biofutures is the sector of today, for tomorrow. It brings together old and new industry creating new products and opportunities around energy, waste and emissions.

“The Queensland Bioenergy Fund aligns with the Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy and the Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan to decarbonise by capitalising on the use of waste and other by-products of traditional industry to support demand for renewable energy.

“Bioenergy is an emerging industry and can only change on the scale needed to support decarbonisation and meet domestic demand with government intervention and proactive industry partners.”

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Hi Everyone,

It’s a kid’s life here in the Whitsundays!

Everywhere I turn there seems to be another event for our little darlings to enjoy – from the recent Kids Fishing Day to the upcoming Healthy Kids Expo – there is so much for families to enjoy, no wonder we are considered one of the most liveable places in Queensland for young families.

I remember when I first arrived in Airlie Beach as a 23-year-old backpacker on a Grey Hound Bus almost 20 years ago – it was certainly a different place!

Like many of us, I fell in love with the view of the turquoise ocean as I rounded the hill and saw our iconic panoramic vista for the first time.

I could live here! I thought.

Back then, however, Airlie Beach was a party-town and backpacker mecca – great for me in my younger years - but I remember thinking it was a little ‘wild’ to raise a family back then.

How wrong I was! – over the past 20 years the town (and probably myself!) has evolved into a diverse and thriving community that, in my opinion, is the perfect place to raise a family.

Our entire region encompasses a broad demographic of families, oldies, working professionals, backpackers and everyone in between.

I love how cosmopolitan our community feels, there are so many different nationalities choosing to settle here, so many different accents you hear on the streets – we truly are a melting pot of cultures!

But we all share one thing in common – a love of natural beauty and a holiday atmosphere -which is likely the reason most of us chose to create a life here.

As you flick through the pages of the paper this week, enjoy the diversity, enjoy the colour and the life of our community.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Beauty can be bold or natural, but it always has to be in harmony with the individual” (Danny Sanz)

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