CQUniversity is thrilled to celebrate the success of alumna Lauren Hamilton Neill, who has secured the co-lead role in the upcoming Australian feature film The Girl in the Shadows, directed by award-winning filmmaker Darren K Hawkins.

A graduate of CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Music Theatre program, Lauren’s career has taken flight both nationally and internationally, with her latest project set to debut at an advanced screening on July 12.

The Girl in the Shadows marks a major milestone in Lauren’s fast-rising career.

Hawkins described Lauren as “a powerhouse performer,” adding that her “preparation, professionalism, and emotional depth” set a benchmark on set.

“She is, without a doubt, one of this country’s most unheralded premier acting talents,” he said.

“Lauren brought intensity, adaptability, and a profound connection to her character – and it’s clear that her time at CQUniversity helped build that foundation.”

Lauren credits her time at CQUniversity’s Conservatorium of Music for equipping her with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the industry.

“The access to industry professionals and the demanding yet supportive environment laid a foundation for every role I’ve taken on,” she shared.

Director of the Central Queensland Convervatorium of Music, based at CQUniversity, Professor Judith Brown expressed pride in Lauren’s accomplishments.

“Lauren is a shining example of what our graduates can achieve with passion and perseverance.

“Her journey from the Conservatorium to the big screen is inspiring, and we’re incredibly proud to have played a role in her artistic development.

“Her story speaks to the power of training that blends technical skill with real-world experience.

“She’s not only excelling in front of the camera, but now also stepping into screenwriting – showing just how versatile and driven she is,” Professor Brown added.

Lauren’s performance in the Canadian feature film Stage 5 also garnered acclaim, and she has now been cast as the lead in Hawkins’ next film Kennedy, which she is also co-writing – an extraordinary step for a first-time screenwriter.

“She has a gift for understanding character and story at a deep level,” Hawkins said.

“The world is about to discover a remarkable Australian talent.

“As these projects are released, I hope more people, especially women attending CQUniversity, look to Lauren and be inspired by her talent and her journey."

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Mackay Regional Council Libraries want you to tell us what a great library service looks like and what’s on your library wish list.

Part yearly health check and part strategic planning tool, the annual Community Survey is Libraries’ way of giving the regional community a say in how their libraries operate.

The survey is live from today. Jump in and complete it online at www.connectingmackay.com.au/libraries-annual-survey or visit your local library to complete the survey and go into the draw to win one of five $100 WISH gift vouchers.

Mayor Greg Williamson said our libraries were constantly evolving hubs.

“Although traditional library services are still highly valued by our community, we no longer only read or borrow books from the library,” Mayor Williamson said.

“They are centres of knowledge, technology and social interaction – somewhere you can discover something you didn’t know was on offer,” he said.

“You will find things like robots, a sound booth and podcasting setup, sewing machines, a variety of musical instruments, gaming consoles and so much more.

“Community needs, hopes and expectations of public libraries are ever-changing, and it’s important that we hear from you so we can continue to improve and deliver the services you want and need.

“This survey is important because it helps influence our future priorities and initiatives – we want the good and the bad, because all feedback helps to shape this fantastic service.”

Questions in the survey cover topics like:

Do you feel connected to your community when visiting the library?
How do you Library? What library services do you use?
How happy are you with the libraries’ services and features?

The survey runs until Thursday, May 22.

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Burdekin Shire Council is delighted by the strong interest shown following the release of land in Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Precinct.Nutrien Harcourt McCathies have received numerous enquiries since the release with negotiations underway for a number of lots.Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Ayr Industrial Precinct presents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in North Queensland.“The strong response to the Stage 1 land release highlights the confidence businesses have in the future of the Burdekin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.“Land within the Ayr Industrial Precinct is competitively priced, starting from $50 per square metre plus GST, with pricing varying depending on the size and location within the precinct.“Council has worked to ensure the Ayr Industrial Precinct is not only well-located and fully serviced, but also priced to attract a diverse range of businesses.“Whether you are looking for a smaller site or a larger parcel, there are flexible options available to suit a variety of business needs.“Council is committed to supporting economic growth and creating new opportunities for our community by delivering strategic projects like the Ayr Industrial Precinct, which lay the foundations for a stronger, more resilient local economy for current and future generations.”To learn more about the opportunities available within the Ayr Industrial Precinct, download a copy of the Land Sales Prospectus at www.burdekin.qld.gov.au. For all sales enquiries contact Nutrien Harcourt McCathies on 4783 1911 or for any other enquiries, contact Burdekin Shire Council on (07) 4783 9800.

To ensure your dog and others around them are safe, it is important to keep your pet under effective control.

Effective control means holding your dog by a leash that is no longer than 2 metres when you are in a public place such as parks, foreshores or residential areas. It is also essential that you are physically able to control your dog.

When you are at home, please ensure that your dog has adequate fencing and is not aggressive towards people or other animals through the fence, including livestock in rural areas.

For further information on responsible pet ownership please visit Council’s website.

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Thank you for trusting me to be your representative for another three years. As the reelected Member for Dawson, I will repay your faith by continuing to work hard and fight
for our region’s fair share.

Saturday night was bittersweet. I celebrated our local team’s increased vote with family
and supporters, while also mourning the missed opportunity for the Coalition to form
government.

Labor has made many promises in retaining government, and I intend to hold them to
account for our region. I’ll continue to fight for upgrades to the Bruce Highway and other
vital infrastructure, demand real action on the cost of living, pursue greater investment
in our local economies, and remind the government that regional Australians need
access to affordable GPs and medical services.

To me, one of the most important attributes a member of parliament should have, is the
ability to listen. Listening helps me represent all constituents in the best way possible.
My team and I are here for everyone, and I welcome any feedback that helps enhance
our region.

To my dedicated campaign team and volunteers — thank you. Your tireless efforts, long
hours, and commitment played a major role in my re-election.

To my small but mighty electoral office team, your hard work and positive community
engagement make my job so much easier — thank you.

Raylene, Jack, Shannon and Tom — you keep me grounded, humbled and grateful.
Family is everything. You make the challenges lighter, the successes sweeter, and life
better.

To everyone who voted for me — thank you. And to those who didn’t, thank you in
advance for the opportunity to earn your support. I’m proud to be on Team Dawson and
will continue working hard for all Dawson residents to build a stronger future.

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Andrew Willcox re-elected for second term as Federal Member for Dawson. Photos supplied

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This month we meet, Drew and Lara Kell-Colliver of Whitsundays Property Buyers – the region’s first and only exclusive buyers agency.

Established in May 2024, they offer three core services – a comprehensive buying service from search to settlement: an exclusive access to pre-market and off-market properties; negotiation only service for buyers who want expert guidance to secure the best price, terms, and inclusions; and auction representation providing a clear, confident strategy on auction day.

Whitsundays Property Buyers was established with a clear purpose – to put buyers first.

“Having experienced the challenges of buying from out of area ourselves, we saw just how valuable it would be to have a dedicated buyers service – one that offered the same support, strategy, and advocacy sellers receive,” said Lara.

Their first year of business been focused on raising awareness on their purpose and how it benefits those moving to the region, first home buyers, and time-poor investors. Educating the community has paid off as they are now proudly working with several returning clients.

Lara and Drew believe in giving back, with $500 from their service fee going to a local charity or regional not-for-profit of their client’s choice.

Their top tips to other business owners include:

Know your value and communicate it – Understand exactly who you help, what problems you solve, and why it matters. People choose businesses they trust, built through real value and meaningful relationships.

Marketing isn't optional, it's foundational – It's key to growth and credibility. People can’t work with you if they don’t know you exist.

Learn more about Whitsunday Property Buyers: whitsundayspropertybuyers.com.au

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On April 28, 2025, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsunday was called into action to assist a broken-down vessel just north of Hayman Island. A quiet afternoon of rest before scheduled meetings was suddenly interrupted by the activation. Ray, the 24/7 emergency phone holder, tasked the crew with the rescue operation, which turned out to be five nautical miles north of the shipping channel.

As Ray gathered a crew, the team made their way to Coral Sea Marina.

Upon arrival, the crew quickly assembled and were underway by 15:15. With the tide at an unusually low 0.2m, manoeuvring was challenging, but the crew made swift work of it. The wind was easterly at 11 knots, the skies clear, and few vessels were in sight. Once clear of the markers, they were traveling at 24 knots, heading north toward the stranded vessel, guided by the provided latitude and longitude.

By 16:45, the vessel was securely in tow. Although seas were a little lumpy, the crew adjusted their speed to ensure a steady and safe journey. As they headed toward Coral Sea Marina, the crew was treated to a stunning sunset, marking a peaceful end to the towing operation. Once near the marina, the assisted vessel was rafted alongside VMR1, and by 18:20, the vessel was safely delivered to the public jetty.

After refueling, the crew returned to their berth at N1 to complete paperwork, wash down, and debrief. By 19:00, everything was complete, and the operation was wrapped up smoothly.

The rescue highlighted the skill, coordination, and safety awareness of the volunteer crew. A big thank you goes to Geoff, Dick, Mahesha, Rodney, and Paul for their professionalism and dedication in making the operation look effortless.

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Hi Everyone,

What are your thoughts on the new dinosaur-themed putt-putt course currently being proposed for Airlie Beach's main street?

Do you think the artists' impressions show a potential eyesore, or could this become the all-weather tourist attraction we’ve been asking for? Would a reef theme be a better fit or is it time to embrace a novel concept like a dinosaur attraction - is the reef best explored out on the water or perhaps in the council proposed Marine Discovery Centre?

From local chat forums to online media and live news reports, public interest has been both high and divided on the topic. By Friday, a petition to deny the development was launched, quickly garnering nearly 500 signatures within just seven days.

With all this public scrutiny, it seemed like some of the intent behind the proposal was getting lost in a wave of public outrage, with the operators unable to share their perspective.

This is where the role of responsible media comes in—ensuring that all sides of the story are heard.

When we started this newspaper almost five years ago, trust in printed media was at an all-time low. One-sided, sensationalised stories had become the norm, often stirring up drama rather than providing balanced information. As a result, people were reluctant to share their stories.

It has taken years of consistent, neutral reporting to rebuild that trust. We have always made it a point to provide a fair view of the facts, even on the most contentious issues.

This paper is a platform to share news with the community, and we will always endeavour to provide you with balanced, factual information to help you form your own opinion.

This week, the operators of ‘Jurassic Falls’ reached out for help to share their side of the story—one that has not been fully conveyed in the original proposal. We invite you to read their perspective as part of your decision-making process.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to review all the facts and decide what they believe is best.

We look forward to continuing to cover this story as it develops.

Rach

Quote of the Week: "It is never too late to be who you might have been" (George Elliot)

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s highly anticipated Queenfish and Trevally Rally is set to hit the water on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May, with all current Game Fish Club members invited to take part in the action-packed weekend of sportfishing.

The event will be fished under club rules with an open line class, and anglers will be targeting five eligible species: Queenfish, Giant Trevally, Golden Trevally, Big Eye Trevally, and Gold Spot Trevally.

While most competitors are expected to favour surface lures such as poppers and stickbaits — popular for their explosive surface strikes — a special section will cater to those preferring to fish with bait.

A briefing and registration night will be held at 6pm on Friday, 16 May, at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. Sam and the team from Tackle World Airlie Beach will be on hand to give a detailed talk covering the best lures, proven techniques, and local hotspots — including tips for fishing the productive waters as close as Shute Harbour.

Everyone is welcome at the Friday night session — whether you’re fishing the rally or not — and it’s completely free to attend.

Fishing kicks off any time after the briefing on Friday night and competitors must return to the Marine Club by 5pm Saturday for the presentation of prizes.

Nomination fees are $25 for adults and $10 for juniors under 16, with all event details to be finalised during the Friday evening briefing. It promises to be a fun, informative and exciting event for anglers of all skill levels.

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Club Secretary Steve Obst about to release a nice Queenie.

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The highly anticipated return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival September 12-14, 2025 marks an exciting opportunity for writers of all ages across Australia.

The festival announces the launch of the 2025 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering substantial prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary landscape.

The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef—a natural wonder found in the Whitsundays region.

Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating “Beyond assembling some of Australia’s celebrated authors in Airlie Beach, our festival aims to champion homegrown writers. The Heart Awards epitomise our commitment to nurturing creativity and honouring the legacy of festival founder Gloria Burley.”

"We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to recognising and rewarding the extraordinary talents within our community.

“What better way to recognise Gloria’s legacy than continue a creative writers’ award named in her honour.”

The Heart Awards in 2025 comprises of two categories, each offering a platform for recognition and celebration:
• The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
• Best Short Story Award for Under 18’s

The Whitsundays Writers Festival will award a $2500 cash prize for the Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript, and additional prizes for the Best Short Story Award for under 18 years. Finalists in each category will receive significant recognition, with shortlists announced ahead of the festival.

Aspiring, emerging, and seasoned writers are encouraged to review submission guidelines available on the festival’s website, ensuring compliance to entry requirements. There are no geographic limitations other than being an Australian citizen or resident.

A well-regarded panel of judges comprising readers, writers, and thinkers will evaluate submissions to identify exceptional works worthy of recognition.

Submissions are now open. Writers of all ages, and at all stages of their careers are invited to participate in the Heart Awards by submitting their work for consideration. Please visit: http://www.whitsundayswriters.com/whitsundays-literary-heart-awards/ to complete details, deadlines, and submission forms are accessible on the Whitsundays Writers Festival website.

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Whitsunday Writers Festival President Karen Jacobsen is looking forward to celebrating Australian authors. Photo sourced: online

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The Whitsunday Regional Council is calling on federal support to help bring a world-class Marine Discovery Centre to life, spotlighting the Whitsundays’ critical role as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Despite welcoming around 50% of all Reef visitors, the region currently lacks a dedicated reef education centre - something Council says needs to change urgently.

With a funding ask of $4.5 million, Council’s vision for the Whitsunday Marine Discovery Centre includes interactive virtual experiences, a living coral rock pool, and dedicated research and learning spaces to boost local tourism, education, and environmental conservation.

The proposed centre is one of several priority projects identified by Council following the recent Federal Election. Other advocacy targets include housing for workers in Bowen, the Airlie Beach Place of Refuge, the Whitsunday Coast Airport, and local university hubs.

Through strong federal advocacy, Council is working to secure vital funding for projects that fall outside its financial scope or fall under the jurisdiction of higher levels of government.

Council’s advocacy efforts are built on three pillars: strategic partnerships with industry and neighbouring councils; proactive leadership through direct engagement with decision-makers; and community-driven representation that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents.

To learn more about the Marine Discovery Centre and other key advocacy projects, visit: www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/advocacy.

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The proposed centre will create virtual experiences, research spaces, and a coral rock pool for tourism and learning (Photo Supplied)

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Local author and humanitarian Sandy Clark will launch her powerful new memoir, Anyone Can Become a Princess, at Eastwoods in Airlie Beach on June 24. The event, running from 6pm to 9pm, forms part of the “Africa Calls” charity cocktail party supporting Dignity Zambia - Clark’s long-running charitable initiative.

Published by international house Austin Macauley Publishers (London, Cambridge, New York, Sharjah), Anyone Can Become a Princess tells the remarkable true story of Sandy’s unexpected royal honour and the life-changing work she spearheaded in one of Zambia’s most remote regions.

An Australian dreamer turned volunteer, Sandy Clark never imagined her journey would lead her to the Lozi Royal Palace in the rural village of Nalolo, Zambia. Amongst the traditional mud huts and straw roofs, she was invited by a local chief to the palace, and there, made a promise that would change countless lives: to raise the funds needed to build a hospital in a village with no running water, no roads, and no electricity.

That promise led to the opening of the Arthur Wina Memorial Hospital (AWMH) in 2019, named after Zambian freedom fighter and first Cabinet Minister, Arthur Wina.

“The story chronicles the extraordinary collaboration between thousands of volunteers, sponsors and supporters from Australia and Zambia,” Sandy said.

“Zambia’s first President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, joined the celebration of the opening of the hospital, dancing and singing with joy.”

The book also highlights Clark’s friendship with Zambia’s former Vice President, Inonge Wina - herself a Lozi Princess - whom Clark met during her time working in Zambia in the early 1970s. Back then, she was employed by Arthur Wina’s advertising agency, a role that opened doors to a career in Australian journalism, and today, Clark is still registered with the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), a testament to her long-standing media credentials.

More than a memoir, the book is a call to action.

“This book aims to inspire readers to believe in the power of volunteering, to use their talents to make a difference, and to follow their dreams with confidence,” added Sandy.

“Nothing is impossible for those who believe.”

Sandy's charity, Dignity Zambia, has operated for over a decade. Thanks to her leadership and the support of NewsCorp Adelaide - who ran complimentary advertisements during the charity’s early days - Dignity Zambia has helped bring life-saving services to Nalolo.

“Approximately 3,500 babies have been born at the AWMH with not one loss of life of a mother,” she said.

The Zambian government has since extended vital infrastructure like roads and power to the hospital and wider community, helping transform the once-isolated village into a growing, sustainable township.

All proceeds from the June 24 book launch, including royalties, will be directed towards Stage 3 of the hospital’s development.

Tickets can be purchased through Airlie Events and for further enquiries, contact sandy.clark@dignityzambia.com.

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Local author Sandy Clark launches inspiring memoir and donates proceeds to charity. Photo supplied

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After relocating from Sydney, Mark Edgar and Anna Panton identified a gap in the local market and established Whitsunday European Prestige. They found no nearby services for European cars, and since they had run European Prestige successfully in Sydney for many years, they decided to bring their concept to their new location in 2016.

Whitsunday European Prestige specializes exclusively in European car brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Fiat, Peugeot, and Bentley. While the workshop is equipped to handle a variety of mechanical tasks, from Timing Belts to Air Conditioning, what truly distinguishes the company is its in-house capabilities and dealership-level technology.

Mark boasts over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry and is specifically trained in Land Rovers, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley. All mechanics at Whitsunday European Prestige are highly trained in specific car brands, ensuring they are well-versed in every vehicle's intricacies.

The business is focused on a niche market.

“We specialize in a niche market; we don’t overextend,” Anna stated.

“European cars are fundamentally different from Japanese vehicles, from the way you work on them to the diagnostics, computers, and technology involved.”

At Whitsunday European Prestige, you can expect scheduled car servicing through to advanced ECU (Engine Control Unit) programming using the latest a dealership-authorized system called Pass Thru, which allows the team to program and update vehicle computers as main dealers do in major cities.

Whitsunday European Prestige loves your European car as much as you.

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A spur-of-the-moment decision saw 20-year-old Mac Rogers change the trajectory of his life when he came across an ad for the YouFor2032 Olympic Testing Sessions and decided to give it a try.

After tests that included the beep test, sprints, pull-ups, and detailed physical measurements such as height, wingspan, and body composition, the combined data revealed that Mac had the potential to excel in as many as five sports.

He was told he could succeed in beach volleyball, pole vault, boxing, canoe sprint, or rowing.

After trying pole vaulting and deciding it wasn’t for him, he jumped into a rowing boat and discovered his true passion. Now, the sport has his full commitment, and the 2032 Olympics are within his sights.

Mac Rogers Powers Toward Olympic Dreams

Once Mac Rogers committed to rowing, there was no turning back. After choosing the sport, he was invited to give it a try and was granted three months to see if it was the right fit.

That trial period led to a 12-month probation, where Mac proved his dedication and determination, setting the stage for his future in the sport.

He said training was ramped up in the 12-month period and he is training two times a day, nearly every day. But all the training is necessary because the sport is extremely demanding.

“It requires your entire body and soul,” laughed Mac.

“We always raced over 2000 meters, which is like a special kind of distance because it's a sprint, but you can't sprint for 2000 meters!

“It's a pretty painful mix between energy systems, to be honest. It’s endurance but also strength.”

Before he got into the program, the former Proserpine State High School student said he trained hard without knowing what his future would look like.

“In my eyes, I was sort of building a baseline so that once I knew what I actually wanted to do, I would be prepared to go all in, which is pretty much what has happened,” he said.

“It has worked out, even though I didn't have those six years of private school rowing, I had built enough of a baseline fitness in that time that it wasn’t that much of a jump.

In that short time, Mac has already competed at the national level, placing 12th in the under-21s at the Australian Rowing Championships, and picking up a win at the Queensland State Championships in the quadruple scull.

“Not exactly the result I would have liked, but it went pretty well,” he shared.

“I’m definitely shooting for a lot higher up in that ranking next year.”

Now, Mac is currently waiting to find out if he has secured a spot with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), and he is expected to find out within the next few weeks.

Above all, Mac feels extremely lucky to be in the sport, he said he wouldn’t be in rowing if Queensland weren’t going to host the Olympics.

“I feel really fortunate to have been born into these circumstances,” he said.

“I'm only in it because of this talent ID program that came around, and they told me that I had potential in rowing.

“If that hadn't happened, I don't think I would have found it approachable enough, because everyone else has been doing it for six years before me.”

Mac is also an ambassador for the YouFor2032 program and says they have just launched an app, so people can test themselves at home.

He encourages any young local athletes to give it a go.

“It allows you to test yourself at home and if you're good, then they'll invite you to the testing days,” he said.

“That's really big, and it could be a big thing for people in Whitsundays too, which is exciting.”

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Whitsunday Local Mac Rogers has been selected for the YouFor2032 program and has a spot in the Olympic Rowing Team in his sights. Photo supplied

After being in rowing for such a short time, Mac feels honoured to be in the sport
20 year old Mac Rogers has committed himself to rowing
Mac on the water

Photos supplied

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At the Metropole Hotel Proserpine, they believe in more than just great service, they believe in the community. At the driving force behind the retail and corporate liquor sales division is Bruce Spannagle.

With over 20 years of experience in the liquor industry, Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping local businesses and customers alike. Whether you're a café, restaurant, event organiser, or small business, Bruce and the Metropole team are there to make sure your alcohol needs are covered, quickly, efficiently, and with a friendly, can-do attitude.

More Than Just Sales - It's About Service
Bruce Spannagle's leadership isn't just about numbers, it's about people. "At the end of the day," Bruce says, "we're here to support the community that supports us. Whether it's a single bottle or a full commercial order, we treat every customer with the same respect and dedication."

Bruce describes his job as demanding but he likes the challenge.

“Anyone can do an order, but there's only certain times you can buy stuff cheap,” he said.

“We always make sure we keep our prices down!"

So, whether you're running a business, planning an event, or just dropping in to grab your favourites, the Metropole Hotel Proserpine is your one-stop shop for all things liquor, with Bruce and the team ready to help every step of the way.

Supporting Local Business, One Delivery at a Time
At Metropole Hotel the corporate sales division is built on the philosophy that no job is too small. They understand that every business is unique, and by tailoring their service they can suit everyone’s individual requirements.

With fast delivery times, competitive pricing, and a deep understanding of the local market, they're here to help your business thrive.

From restocking shelves to planning large events, Bruce ensures every order is handled with care and delivered on time every time.

Three Convenient Locations to Serve the Community
The Metropole Hotel Proserpine doesn’t just pride itself on supporting local businesses, they are also part of the daily lives of people in Proserpine and the surrounding region.

• Two locations at the Proserpine Hotel, offering a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, and friendly service.
• One at Fresh Fields Shopping Centre, perfect for those on-the-go or grabbing their weekend favourites.

At every outlet, the team is committed to providing helpful advice, local knowledge, and that warm country hospitality our community is known for.

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