The Bowen Art Society has announced its annual art show is returning!
For all the artists and creatives amongst you it’s time to get crafting, painting, drawing, or whatever your medium, the Art Show wants to see it.

The theme has been made public as Australiana, nice and broad but also thematic. Australiana covers anything pertaining to Australian culture, society, geography and ecology, especially if it is endemic to Australia or has reached iconic status. Hopefully that sparks some ideas to get your art juices flowing and to start designing.

The Bowen Art Shows opening night will be Friday, August 15th and starts at 6pm. The show will go until Tuesday the 19th so there’s plenty of time to see the exhibition at the Bowen Community Hall. Closer to the date a form will be released for all prospective artists to fill out and enter the exhibition.

For more updates or changes keep your eyes peeled on the Bowen Art Society’s Facebook page. But in the meantime, what are you waiting for? Go and get artsy!

WHAT: Bowen Art Society’s Annual Art Show
WHEN: August 15th – 19th  
WHERE: Bowen Community Hall, corner of William & Leichhardt Street, Bowen

Sayeh & Tash creating a world of colour at the Community Hall. Photo Sourced: Bowen Art Society Facebook.
'Poppy Field’ by Ann Bowden. Photo Sourced: Bowen Art Society Facebook.

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The Indian Myna was brought to the region, like cane toads, to eat the bugs on our crops. However, their incredible adaptability has allowed them to become one of the biggest invasive, and aggressive pests. The Whitsunday Indian Myna Action Group is out there trying to cull these birds before they kill all of our native birds and completely take over.
Indian Mynas are prolific breeders, 12-16 eggs per season, in a colony that can contain hundreds of birds, this is a huge problem. They kill native bird’s chicks, steal nests and destroy their eggs, fighting until they have completely dominated an area, and the Whitsundays is the perfect breeding ground for them.
Cleared land is an opportunity to expand, and with the region being rapidly developed Indian Mynas are thriving. Whether its rural, industrial, communal, or estate land, these birds can live on any open spaces with little shelter. Their nests are scrappy when they build them, made of rubbish and loose twigs, so wear gloves when destroying them as they can be packed with harmful bacteria.
Traps are available for free from the Whitsunday Indian Myna Action Group, or for purchase from some Man’s Sheds. Once caught, the birds can be humanly disposed of by cervical dislocation or you can take them to a Greater Whitsunday Vet Services who will euthanize them free of charge. Join the movement to save the regions native birds from these pests, and message Donna about getting a trap today on their groups Facebook page.

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The team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomed more than 32,000 visitors in the six months ending December 31, an increase of more than 8 per cent from the same period last year.  

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team had welcomed more visitors in every month so far in this financial year than for the same months last year. January has also started off well with 3088 visitors being welcomed in the first two weeks of January.

“That’s a big increase on the same period last year, when we had 2687 visitors,” she said.

“We were closed on New Year’s Day so the number of visitors in the first two weeks of the year equated to more than 235 visitors per day.”

Of the visitors so far in January, almost 60 per cent were from Queensland, about 25 per cent were from other parts of Australia and about 15 per cent were from overseas. The highest number of overseas visitors were from Europe, followed by the USA and Canada.

“We have definitely noticed an increase in the number of day-trippers, particularly from people staying at Airlie Beach,” she said.

“Bowen’s beautiful beaches, lookouts, murals and bushwalks are a great attraction and people are enjoying the natural beauty of our town.”

The Visitor Information Centre is located right next to the Big Mango, a major attraction. It is manned by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who love telling people all about Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region.

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Bowen Tourism and Business volunteer, Steve (Fish) Fisher with the Steel family of Sydney, telling them all about the attractions in Bowen and the greater Whitsundays last week.

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Drivers on the Bruce Highway are taking advantage of the Driver Reviver Station located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway, just 5km south. The centre has been providing free coffee to drivers for a long time but officially became a “Driver Reviver” location last year, with signs installed on the highway last April.
Since then, the service has become increasingly popular. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the organisation was proud to promote driver safety and provide free tea, coffee, biscuits, and cold water to travellers. In the first two weeks of January, more than 100 people took advantage of the service.
“We encourage people to take a break, especially when travelling long distances, and the signs on the highway direct them to us,” she said.
The Driver Reviver service was previously located across the road from the Big Mango at the Mount Gordon Rest Stop, but it was usually only manned during school holidays. By having the service located at the Visitor Information Centre, people can stop any time of the year. The centre is open from 9am until 5pm on weekdays and then 10am until 3pm on weekends.
They operate on public holidays from 10.30am until 3pm and are only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Driver Reviver is a national program that has been operating since 1989. The program is about promoting road safety and helping to reduce the road toll by addressing fatigue-related road trauma.

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Bowen Tourism and Business team member Melissa Beuzeville with Steve and Kathy Dietrich from Hervey Bay at Driver Reviver station at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre this week. Photo Supplied: Leanne Abernethy
The sign just south of the Big Mango, promoting the Driver Reviver station at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Photo Supplied: Leanne Abernethy

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Gilmour Space Technologies is preparing for the launch of Eris TestFlight1, Australia’s first sovereign-made rocket. The team is currently working closely with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and Airservices Australia to finalise airspace management protocols for the historic launch.
Once these arrangements are complete, Gilmour Space will announce a 'No Earlier Than' (NET) launch date, in compliance with the statutory notification period required for other airspace users.
Founded by two brothers on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Gilmour Space Technologies is an Australian, venture-capital-backed company revolutionising satellite launch capabilities. Since initiating its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has become a leader in Australian-made launch vehicles and satellite platforms, with innovations that are expected to dramatically reduce the cost of space access. This marks an exciting milestone not only for the company but also for the Whitsunday community and beyond.
Local community members have expressed their enthusiasm for TestFlight1 on Gilmour Space's social media pages, with comments such as:
"Very much looking forward to Test Flight 1. Incredibly exciting," said one follower.
"Looking forward to blast off!" added another.
The Bowen VMR has also posted on its Facebook page to alert mariners about the upcoming launch and the associated exclusion zones set by the government.
Mariners are advised to stay informed by regularly checking the official government website for updates on restricted areas to avoid during the launch, ensuring safety in the event of debris or other hazards.
While the exact launch date has not been confirmed, it’s important to remain vigilant and follow the guidance provided: publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/abbot-point-notices-to-mariners

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Eris TestFlight 1 waiting for NET launch.

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The council have recently brought out a new draft corporate plan, the plan details five different themes which are: Economy, Community, Environment, Council and Infrastructure.
Economy
Starting with the economy, the plan explains how Council are aiming for growth with the future needs of the community, business and industry in mind, and are reaching for three main outcomes:
• Diverse economic opportunities where traditional industries and futuristic vision meet
• Committed to identifying and driving innovation and opportunities
• Bolstering local business and attracting new investment
Focus areas include:
   • Prioritising advocacy, investment, and developing a prospectus for attracting opportunities
   • Conducting economic and population studies, and exploring commercial opportunities (e.g., regional airports and Council businesses).
   • Advocating for infrastructure development and government funding for major projects and tourism

Some project examples include:
• Whitsunday Economic Development Strategy and implementation of priority actions
• Airlie Beach Masterplan development and staged implementation, including Foreshore, streetscape improvements, car parking and pedestrian movement

Community
The second point the plan focuses on is community, specifically the places and spaces that enhance the livability and diversity of the communities with three main outcomes in mind:
   • Supporting the community and everyone in the region
   • Working with residents to provide opportunities, programs, facilities and resources
   • Supporting strong relationships and engagement
Focus areas include:
   • Enhancing regional infrastructure and services (parks, facilities, roads, etc.) and promoting arts, culture, and sports
   • Regularly reviewing and aligning community and recreational grants with stakeholder needs
   • Ensuring effective community engagement and advocating for State/Federal support for major projects and investments

Some project examples include:
   • Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct Masterplan and staged implementation
   • Whitsunday Library Strategy and implementation

Environment
The plan focuses on improvements in the region's environment despite the region already being resilient and celebrating its natural assets.
The three main outcomes Council aims to achieve are:
   • Recognise our natural advantage for liveability
   • Demonstrate a commitment to leave a responsible, sustainable environmental footprint
   • Minimise waste and encourage recycling as we work towards a circular economy through innovation
Focus areas include:
   • Enhance the region's appearance by improving parks, gardens, and energy-efficient community facilities
   • Invest in the waste network and address legacy infrastructure issues
   • Collaborate on pest management and promote natural assets like the Great Barrier Reef through partnerships and trails

Some project examples include:
   • Waste Infrastructure Network Plan and staged implementation
   • Ongoing waste education
   • Development of reef education displays and investigate Reef Centre at Shute Harbour

Council
Focusing on people, business and community
The three main outcomes for Council are:
   • At the heart of the organisation are our people and community
   • Delivering accountable goals through performance
   • Ensuring good governance, agile procurement, consolidated systems and robust financials
Focus areas include:
   • Conduct a comprehensive organisational review to improve efficiency in IT, governance, HR, procurement, and budgeting
   • Enhance workforce planning, safety, and wellbeing systems to boost productivity
   • Review rating systems, commercial business structures, and asset management for growth, cost efficiency, and long-term planning

Some project examples include:
• Complete a workforce plan to balance business need, levels of service and career development
• Safety system upgrades and implementation
• Asset management system upgrades and implementation
Infrastructure:
Focusing on having a region that has infrastructure that meets current and future needs.
The main outcomes include:
   • Prioritise the needs of the region
   • Plan and manage growth corridors for future expansion
   • Develop and action Masterplans that support community ambitions
Focus areas include:
   • Plan and advocate for upgrades to key infrastructure networks (stormwater, water, sewerage, roads, parks)
   • Push for increased funding for rural roads and critical road upgrades
   • Improve the Whitsunday Planning Scheme and enhance transport, drainage, and footpath networks for safety and future needs

Some project examples include:
• Develop Growth Management & Housing Strategy to refine infrastructure and land use planning to cater for future growth
• Investigate the development of a place of refuge or cyclone shelter to service the Airlie Beach and surrounds catchment

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Woodwark Bay was named in 1886 by Lieutenant GE Richards, RN in HMS “Paluma”. The bay is named after George Smith Woodwark (1841-1898), a wealthy timber merchant, prominent public figure from the Grimston/King’s Lynn area in Norfolk, England. Present-day descendants of that family have a letter (a copy of which is held by the Museum) written to an uncle in 1923 by one of Woodwark’s six sons stating that a bay in Australia was named after his father.

It is quite unusual for the time to have such a feature named after a civilian. So why in this case? And how did it come about?

When HMS “Paluma” came on the scene, the eastern headland to the bay already carried the name Grimston Point given in 1886 by Commander Nares, RN in HMS “Salamander” after one of his officers. This raises the reasonable assumption that the existing Grimston name triggered the naming of the bay by someone in “Paluma” who knew the Woodwark family and their prominent position in the Grimston/King’s Lynn area.

That person was crew member, Lieutenant Alexander Leeper, RN, who had been on earlier surveys of the Whitsundays in SS “Llewellyn” under Staff Commander EP Bedwell and who had carried out a detailed survey of the area. Leeper Shoal east of Hook Island commemorates his name.

Leeper’s home town was King’s Lynn where his father, William, was rector of All Saints Church at South Lynn and where George Woodwark was a leading member and churchwarden. His association with All Saints Church would have brought him into close contact with the Leeper family. He was a well-known philanthropist, and quite likely a benefactor of the church and perhaps even the Leeper family. This, as well as the presence of Grimston Point and the Woodwark family association with Grimston in Norfolk would likely have led Leeper to suggest the name.  

Upon Woodwark’s sudden death on 21 January 1898, his funeral service was held at the All Saints Church and obituaries of the time clearly show how respected and important a person he was, very involved in all facets of King’s Lynn public life including its mayoralty. The attendance at his funeral of many English notables including a representative of the then Prince of Wales confirmed the esteem in which he was held.  

As an interesting but sad footnote, one of Woodwark’s sons was with the British Sandringham Regiment which disappeared without trace during a mission at Gallipoli during World War I, a mystery never solved and the subject of books and films since.

But was it really Woodwark Bay?

During the 1980/90s, the belief persisted among some locals that the correct name of the bay should be Woodbark Bay based on a report in the [Brisbane] “Courier Mail” July 22, 1862 that a beche-de-mer vessel of that name came close to Port Denison on June 28 and had been boarded by the Harbour Master. It was reasoned that the vessel may have visited the bay and that its name may have been adopted by locals but mis-spelt by Lieutenant Richards. There is no substantive evidence to support this theory.
 
In recent times, Woodwark Bay has developed considerably having become a popular place for people to establish their homes. In 1997, the area became famous when the television series “Tales of the South Seas” was filmed there. Using professional actors for the main parts and locals for bit parts and as extras, the filming was completed over nine months. The series was produced by Village Road Show with some finance from Germany and America and was televised overseas and later on Channel 10.

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Whitsundays – An Historical History” by Ray Blackwood

George Woodwark

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Evan was rescued from the Burdekin pound, where she narrowly escaped death row! Now, she's a lively bundle of joy who’s always on the move, only slowing down for a well-earned nap.
Affectionate and loving, Evan enjoys being close to her pawrents and lounging on the couch, soaking up all the attention.
With a playful personality and boundless energy, she’s not only quick on her feet but also an exceptionally fast runner.
Evan’s social butterfly nature makes her great with other dogs, always eager to make new friends and join in the fun!
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com
Rehoming fee: $400
Age: 6 months
Sex: Female
Breed: Wolfhound Arab X
Other dogs: Great with all dogs

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After initially lobbying the council in 1982, Whitsunday Sportspark Inc. was established in 1988, and the first field was reclaimed from an old tidal dump site and laid down in 1991. Local residents, led by David Moore and John Bell, recognized the need for sporting fields in the growing town.
In the 1990s, the top oval was established, and the first three netball courts were constructed. At its peak, the park hosted over 12 different sports, including Rugby Union, AFL, Football, Netball, Touch Football, Cricket, Softball, Rugby League, and Athletics.
A group of volunteers, led by Peter Chengody, Fiona Helman, and Bevan Conroy, constructed fencing, car parks, and the first permanent changeroom and shared clubhouse in the late 1990s.
In the 2000s, Rugby Union and Touch Football combined to replace the caravan and donga-based food and admin facilities with a new timber canteen and clubhouse beside the PCYC and skate bowl. Notable contributors during this period included Jack Lumby, Steve Tween, Barb Adamson, Kon Flaherty and Justin Butler.
In the mid-2010s, the committee, led by President Justin Butler, lobbied the Whitsunday Regional Council, securing $750,000 in 2015, which was leveraged for a $1,500,000 Queensland Sport and Recreation Grant to develop an additional bottom field with lighting, and two sets of changerooms.
Plans for expanded infrastructure continued with a 2016 federal LNP election commitment of $1,900,000 and a 2017 Queensland Labor election commitment of $2,100,000.
Cyclone Debbie in 2017 delayed planning as efforts focused on getting the park and local sport back on track. However, the setback allowed additional lobbying, ultimately securing a $2,100,000 federal government Building Better Regions Grant in 2019. This brought total funding to over $8,000,000, and construction was able to begin.
Initially, a two-storey design with changerooms beneath was planned, but the unstable site made this impractical. A revised, single-storey design was developed, featuring one set of changerooms to service the bottom fields and hardcourts, and a second separate set for the top oval.
Construction began with the repurposing of the old timber canteen from the bottom field, which was relocated to service the top oval alongside the new changerooms. Hutchinson Builders were selected to construct the new changeroom complexes and hospitality club, with the project completed in 2022. The local sporting codes were compensated for construction disruptions with upgraded changerooms and clubhouses and new lighting and an extra bottom field.
For two years, delays with land freeholding and liquor and gaming licensing proved frustrating, and ongoing costs quickly depleted the project's cash reserves. By the time approvals were granted, the project faced cost overruns of $1,500,000 and an additional $3,500,000 needed for fit-out and working capital. This, coupled with rising interest rates and tightening bank lending, created significant financial strain.
In mid-2024, specialist hospitality financiers stepped in, and with a further $750,000 contribution from the Whitsunday Regional Council, the deal was sealed and the newly named Club Whitsunday was in the home straight to opening. The successful completion of the redevelopment was driven by the efforts of Chairman Justin Butler, Directors Craig Spence and Tim Langford, and retirees Bob Corskie and Brian Doyle, who played a key role in maintaining the fields and grounds.

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Timber-bottom canteen and clubhouse. Photo supplied.
First permanent structure. Photo supplied.
The construction process. Photo supplied.

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Club Whitsunday is Airlie Beach’s first true community club, designed to offer a modern, dynamic space for everyone to enjoy. Unlike traditional sports clubs, it serves as a vibrant hub for the entire community, featuring a full range of amenities including a stylish bar, a contemporary bistro, exciting wagering options, and a spacious gaming floor. Open seven days a week, Club Whitsunday provides an elevated hospitality experience that caters to both locals and visitors alike.
The all-new club boasts a custom-designed kitchen and back-of-house facilities, featuring impressive additions like a large charcoal oven.
In addition, Club Whitsunday has successfully secured renowned local chef Zibby Deca, who has dedicated his recent years of work honing his knowledge and skills in charcoal cooking and food preserving, Zibby explained that with the club's charcoal oven he now has the “privilege of sharing” his “knowledge and passion with guests.”
Thanks to the quality of the kitchen design and fit-out, as well as the creation of a brand-new menu, the club has already received glowing reviews for its food. The menu offers a variety of options, including great value choices, along with high-end, locally sourced steak and seafood dishes.
Club Whitsunday isn’t limited to just one sport. While it will support the five primary member codes—AFL, Football (Soccer), Netball, Rugby Union, and Touch Footy—it will also extend its support to associated codes like Cricket and Rugby League that use the park facilities.
Members can join the club for just $5 per year and receive a membership card for discounts and rewards. Members can choose a sporting or community organization to support, with more funding directed to the groups selected by members based on their spending. Club Whitsunday rewards those who support it.
Justin Butler, President of Club Whitsunday, expressed his excitement about the club’s opening:
“Personally, for me, it’s the culmination of a passion project that I figured would take 4 years but ended up taking 10 years.
“After a long haul, I’m enjoying handing the day-to-day running of the park over to other volunteers and the day-to-day running of the Club over to paid professionals. I’m looking forward to getting back to my family, business, and personal sport.
“A lot of people have put in countless volunteer hours over the years to get to this point, as they could see what a massive change this club will bring to the community.
“In time, it will take a huge load off the volunteers of all the sports, as they no longer need to spend hours providing food and drinks for players and spectators. Instead, they can focus their time on attracting more players, coaching teams, and managing the growth of their sports.
“Consistency in field maintenance, such as herbicides, fertilising, top dressing, and line marking, will lead to some of the best playing surfaces in the area. Improved lighting, additional shade, and more seating will also support the growth of sports in the region.”
Sports tourism is increasingly becoming a major contributor to Airlie Beach’s thriving visitor market. From local teams travelling from Mackay for home matches to large-scale events like the Sea Eagles AFL preseason and the Touch Footy Whitsunday Cup, sporting events are filling local accommodations and boosting the hospitality sector.
Airlie Beach has also attracted high-profile events, such as Qld regional NFL Gridiron and Rugby League, thanks to recent upgrades to its facilities.
Previously hosting the NRL Kangaroos training camp and Cowboys Young Guns and with upcoming events like the Firebirds netball match, the region is poised to continue attracting top-tier sporting events, further driving tourism growth. Club Whitsunday look forward to AFL, Football and Rugby Union enticing their top-tier teams for exhibition matches and so on. Club Whitsunday will undoubtedly serve as a vibrant hub for these events.

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Zibby Deca, Executive Chef of Club Whitsunday, cooking on the brand-new charcoal oven. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.
Nilo Ballance and Maureen Barnard arriving to the all-new Club Whitsunday. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

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Craig Spence and his wife ran L.E.W (QLD) PTY LTD for 28 years at the Blue Bay Industrial Estate, providing electrical wholesale and lighting services to contractors, builders, developers, and retailers. After selling the business, Craig transitioned to a new role as director of Whitsunday Sportspark (now Club Whitsunday), a position he has held for the past 10 years.
Craig’s connection to the sportspark began in 1996 when L.E.W supplied lighting for the top oval. Over the years, he has been deeply involved in the community, including helping establish the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Club, where he served as president for 10 years. He is also actively engaged with the senior rugby club.
Two of Craig's proudest achievements are helping to secure funding from all three levels of government to build the facility and the board of directors successfully raising the necessary funds to complete the club's internal fit-out. He also highlighted that the community's recognition of the project, and the fact that it represents the culmination of eight years of hard work by many dedicated individuals.
Craig’s vision for Club Whitsunday is for it to become a thriving and fully supported hub, fostering the development of local sporting clubs and supporting individuals of all ages. He hopes the club will be a venue that is admired by all, frequented by the community, and enjoyed by those who use it. Additionally, Craig is committed to helping local clubs not only survive but thrive, building stronger foundations for future generations.
Looking ahead, Craig states his excitement for the future of Club Whitsunday is building to a “crescendo.”

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Justin Butler has been a cornerstone of Club Whitsunday for over 20 years, serving as Director and Committee Member, and for the past 15 years, as Chairman/President. His involvement began when he volunteered to represent the Touch Football Club on the Whitsunday Sports Park Committee, a role that sparked a 20-year journey of dedication and development.
What started with basic grounds maintenance evolved into a vision to transform the facility. Justin’s early focus on improving playing surfaces led to a major redevelopment of the sports park, driven by his belief in its potential for the town. Over the years, challenges like securing funding, redesigns, Cyclone Debbie, and financial strain tested his resolve, but Justin remained committed.
His greatest rewards have been the growth of local sports, the attraction of high-profile events like the NRL Kangaroos and North Queensland Cowboys, and watching young people secure jobs at the club.
Looking ahead, Justin is excited to hand over the reins to a professional staff, ensuring Club Whitsunday’s continued success. “It’s the people’s club,” he says, “and I’m very grateful to my family, colleagues, and clients for their support during this long journey.”
Outside the club, Justin used to enjoy golf, fishing, and playing football and touch.

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Tim Langford has been a Director at Club Whitsunday for the past six months. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he previously owned Paddy’s Shenanigans in Airlie Beach, a popular local venue.
A passionate supporter of local sports, Tim played for the Whitsunday United Football Club's divisional men's team for three years. When he saw the club's venue sitting unused, he decided to step in and help get it up and running.
Tim played a pivotal role in bringing the vision for Club Whitsunday to life. Alongside the other directors and the management team, he helped secure financing and quickly transform the concept into a reality. Though the journey was challenging, he finds the process of seeing the club open and thriving to be incredibly rewarding.
His goal for Club Whitsunday is to establish it as a community hub. The proceeds from the club will be reinvested into the sportspark precinct, supporting the growth and development of grassroots sports in the region.
“I am very excited for the opening of Club Whitsunday,” says Tim. “We have so much more to come, with the precinct, new promotions, offerings, competitions and so on, so everyone stay tuned for even more to come.”

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Club Whitsunday loves Australia Day and views it as a day to celebrate the nation's unique culture and bring all Australians together. As a natural meeting place for the community, the club aims to offer something for everyone over the long weekend.
Visitors are invited to drop by for a drink, a meal, or a punt with friends at any time over the weekend. There will be live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with mini sporting games on the fields under lights for both kids and adults to enjoy on Sunday evening.
Spectators can watch the kids participate from the comfort of the air-conditioned indoor area, on the decks, or even join in on the fields with a cold can in hand. Thong throwing and other Australiana events will take place through Sunday late afternoon and into the evening. The air-conditioned changerooms are perfect for kids' activities if the heat is too much, offering a cool space while waiting for the sunset.
Club Whitsunday encourages everyone to support their local community. All raffles over the long weekend will go towards helping the Proserpine Junior Cricket Association, who recently lost all their new grounds equipment to theft.
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What: Australia Day
When: Sunday 26th January 2025 - with activities from 3pm
Where: Club Whitsunday

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Club Whitsunday is Queensland's first true grassroots, greenfield community club to be developed and opened in over 25 years.
Chairman of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, highlights that while numerous new clubs have opened during this time, the vast majority have been large, established clubs with significant financial resources and staff, expanding into second or third venues, rather than being true grassroots, ground-up projects.
Chairman Justin Butler emphasized, “Airlie Beach should be proud to be the first town to open a new club from the grassroots in such a long time.”
“Now that the Club is open, our focus is not only on making it the best it can be but also on turning our attention to the future. We’re committed to helping plan and develop sports and community initiatives across the broader Whitsunday Region,” he added.
Justin detailed how the development of their precinct involves careful planning for both short and long-term improvements.
These include upgrading car parking, playing surfaces, lighting, and grandstands, encouraging more sports participation, developing a multi-use indoor sports facility, and expanding the hospitality club to offer larger dining, gaming, and sports bar areas, as well as a new function room.
Justin and his team view the club as the natural home for community sports that people may not typically think of, such as darts, poker, bridge, trivia, and gaming clubs, and they are committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to support these activities over time.
Furthermore, Club Whitsunday is eager to collaborate with the council and other stakeholders on exciting projects such as the new Sporting Precinct at Brandy Creek, as well as the potential development of hospitality clubs in Proserpine and Bowen.

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Future planning for precinct begins. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot.

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