Northern Queensland Legacy have once again hosted a series of heartwarming Christmas Lunches across several shires to bring the community together and ensure veterans’ families are supported this festive season.Annually, the Christmas Lunches provide a chance for widows and children of veterans to reconnect and celebrate the festive season with others who understand their unique circumstances.The Northern Queensland Legacy's Bowen Christmas Party was held on Friday, the 28th of November at the Grandview Hotel where invited guests gathered together to share in a wonderful lunch and celebrate the silly season.David Burke, President of Northern Queensland Legacy sees the events as a rare opportunity to ensure that for those living in small towns or remote communities, distance doesn’t mean disconnection.“These Christmas lunches are much more than just a festive celebration. They are a vital lifeline for those who might otherwise feel isolated,” said David.“It’s in these moments of shared joy that we remind each other that we’re not alone, and that the Legacy community stands together, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year."Northern Queensland Legacy CEO, Nicole Hayes, believes the events are an essential part of Legacy’s tailored approach to addressing the challenges veterans’ widowers and children in small, remote communities face, especially when it comes to social isolation and access to services.“For many, especially those facing social isolation, these events are a lifeline, offering not just a social gathering but a reminder that they are part of a supportive network,” Nicole explained.“The sense of belonging and connection that these events foster helps reduce feelings of loneliness and builds a stronger sense of community. For those who might be living alone or distanced from family, these gatherings are a welcome opportunity to bond with others, share experiences, and feel supported in a fun, festive environment.”Northern Queensland Legacy provides a range of support services, including social activities, financial assistance, home visits, and advocacy, all aimed at connecting individuals with vital resources.“We strive to undertake regular contact including home visits and phone calls to check on people’s wellbeing to make sure that no one feels forgotten,” added Nicole.“We provide a listening ear and practical supports including links with services and agencies. We try to create opportunities for connection to bridge the gap that isolation can create and we aim to ensure that veterans' families are supported no matter where they live.”Northern Queensland Legacy has expanded its eligibility criteria to now include the dependants of veterans who did not serve operationally or deploy overseas, opening the door for more families to access support. If your spouse served in the Australian Defence Force and you would like to check your eligibility, contact the Northern Queensland Legacy office on 4772 7533 or email admin@nqlegacy.com.au after the 26th of January 2026.
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By Merewyn Wright This weeks photo is of the reflection in Airlie Creek of the Airlie Beach Ferris wheel, with the ripples in the creek making an interesting reflection. These photographs are submitted by the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers group
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Well-known comedian, Bob Hope, once said - "When we recall Christmases past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness." The festive season in Proserpine in 1908, was both a simple and happy time for residents of the district. The merriment began with a street fair on Christmas Eve and was rounded off with picnics and a dance on Boxing Day. The celebrations were joyous occasions. The following newspaper extract from “Port Denison Times” and “Bowen Advocate” Tuesday 5 January 1909 provides a wonderful insight into the Christmas traditions early last century. “Fine but extremely oppressive weather prevailed in the Proserpine district during the festive season. On Christmas eve a fair number of country people came into town, many of whom did not return to their homes until late in the evening; The principal streets presented a very animated scene at night. The majority of the business places were decorated with greenery, and in one or two instances the brightness of the streets was added to by a number of vari-coloured Chinese lanterns. The juveniles were, as was to be expected, in the " seventh heaven of delight.” The noise they made with squeaking " blow-outs,” &c., and the firing of crackers served to remind grownups of the happy days of childhood. The adult portion of the crowd were in a jovial mood, and the season’s greetings were exchanged in the good, old, time-honoured way. Though the temperature provoked a thirst, very few men over-indulged; consequently, the police had not an arduous duty to perform. Compared with previous years, the trade done by the storekeepers was not brisk - due to the fact, no doubt, that large numbers of people proceeded South some days previously to spend their holidays. On Christmas Day, several parties were astir early, and lost no time in journeying to Pioneer Bay, the O’Connell River, and other delightful picnic resorts. At St Paul’s (Anglican) Church, the usual Christmas services were held. There was a large congregation at the morning service which was conducted by Mr A. P. Jennings. The church was decorated with greenery, flowers, plains, ferns, &c., the effect being very pleasing indeed. The choral portion of the service was commemorative of the birth of Christ, and the choir sang the hymns of rejoicing with reverential feeling. The anthem, " I will lift up mine eyes,” was splendidly rendered, Miss B. P. Waite singing the solo with capital effect. Mr F. E. Leggett presided at the organ. Mr Jennings, who preached both morning and evening, chose subjects appropriate to the occasion. The principal attraction for Boxing Day was the hospital benefit race meeting … Several picnic parties made a jaunt to Pioneer Bay, where they spent a very enjoyable day. At night an open-air concert was held, followed by a dance in Mr Compion’s newly erected house. During the day there were fully 120 persons on the beach.” More than 100 years later, many traditions continue - even if they do now have a modern slant. There is still that last minute Christmas shopping; we have our street fairs and picnic parties; the community comes together for the singing of Christmas carols by candlelight in our parks and on the Airlie foreshore, and, at times, firecrackers can be heard at night, despite not being permitted! Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information also sourced from “Proserpine Guardian” January 5, 1909
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Wall calendars depicting beautiful photos of Bowen are now available at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango. These have been produced by Bowen Tourism and Business and feature photos by Mark Fitz and Jack Collins. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Bowen calendars were always very popular and would make the perfect Christmas gift. “A lot of visitors buy these calendars each year and love the photos of Bowen’s beaches and other landmarks. “A lot of local residents buy them for their own homes or to post to family and friends in other parts of Australia and the world. “This is the fourth year we have produced the calendar, and they have become increasingly popular,” she said. They are also available at other businesses in Bowen, including several caravan parks and resorts. The 2026 calendars include photos of beaches as well as the Big Mango, a mango farm and the Bowen lighthouse. “Bowen has such beautiful scenery, and we love producing these calendars each year to showcase what is on offer.” Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy
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Tourism in Bowen was in the spotlight at the Bowen Uniting Church Friendship Club meeting last week.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy was the guest speaker, invited to explain the role of the Local Tourism Organisation.
Leanne was invited by Anne Steen, who helps with the club’s activities and is also a volunteer at the visitor information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
Leanne highlighted the record number of visitors at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and gave members an update of other highlights of the year.
“We welcomed more than 56,000 visitors in the past financial years and have already welcomed more than 24,000 since July 1 this year,” she said.
“In the past three months, we have averaged almost 270 visitors every day.”
Of those visitors, about 56% were from Queensland, about 30 per cent were from other parts of Queensland and 14 per cent were from overseas.
The Big Mango was named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland in May and was named the Top Tourism Town in Queensland for 2025.
Leanne said these awards attracted media coverage for Bowen which had contributed to the extra visitors.
She also mentioned the popularity of the collector’s coin featuring the Big Mango.
“We sold the first 500 coins in 43 minutes and a lot of those people who turned up early on the day were local residents,” she said.
“It was great to see so many local faces that day.”
The Uniting Church Friendship Club meets monthly in Bowen. After the meeting, Leanne said she enjoyed sharing the good news with members of the community.
Manager of Bowen Tourism Business, Leanne Abernethy with Anne Steen of the Bowen Uniting Church Friendship Club. Photo supplied
Cannon Valley’s Eloise Chegwidden has done her hometown and school proud, achieving remarkable success at the School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships in Ballarat, Victoria.
The 10-year-old St Catherine’s Catholic College student, who trains with the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club, earned her spot on the Queensland Representative School Sports team after medaling in two events at the State Championships held in Brisbane earlier this year.
Representing Queensland on the national stage, Eloise competed in the 100m breaststroke, 50m breaststroke, and as part of the 4x50m medley relay team. She achieved three personal best times across her events and made the final in the 50m breaststroke, finishing 5th overall in Australia — an incredible accomplishment for such a young swimmer.
Eloise’s 5th-place finish also made her the highest-placed Queensland competitor in the 10 Years Girls 50m breaststroke event, a testament to her hard work and determination in the pool.
Eloise is now looking forward to building on her success, with her sights set on the Queensland Country Championships in Rockhampton, as well as the Queensland Sprint Championships and Queensland School Sport State Championships in Brisbane early next year.
Eloise’s success in Ballarat marks another exciting milestone in what promises to be a bright future for the young athlete. Her achievements continue to highlight the depth of young swimming talent emerging from the Whitsundays region.
Eloise Chegwidden attended the School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships in Ballarat. Photo supplied
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The recent adoption of the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan marks a major milestone not only for Council, but for me personally as Mayor. From the day I was elected, one of my top priorities was to deliver a clear and connected vision for Bowen’s waterfront — a plan that unites the foreshore, boat harbour, jetty, township, and surrounding parklands into a single, cohesive destination for locals and visitors alike.
To now see that vision formally adopted by Council is incredibly rewarding. Bowen’s foreshore is one of the most beautiful and recognisable stretches of coastline in North Queensland, yet for too long its potential has been limited by fragmented planning and aging infrastructure.
This Masterplan changes that. It provides the long-term blueprint we need to protect Bowen’s natural charm while unlocking new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and marine industry investment.
At its heart, the plan celebrates Bowen’s character of a relaxed coastal lifestyle, the connection to the sea, and the pride our community has in its heritage. But it also looks forward, setting out how we can enhance access, improve amenities, and strengthen the link between the jetty, harbour and town centre as part of a vibrant, accessible waterfront precinct.
With the new Bowen Jetty to be constructed in coming years, the timing couldn’t be better. The Masterplan ensures that every project we deliver, from park upgrades to harbour improvements, contributes to a unified and world-class foreshore experience.
Council has now turned its attention to implementation, developing a five-year delivery plan that aligns with future capital renewals and funding opportunities. We’re also actively engaging with State and Federal governments to explore partnerships that can help accelerate this transformation and unlock the full economic potential of Bowen Harbour.
For me, this is about delivering on a promise and ensuring the projects we champion today will shape a thriving, sustainable waterfront for generations to come. The Bowen Foreshore Masterplan is more than a document; it’s the foundation for Bowen’s next chapter, and I’m proud to see it moving from vision to reality.
Whitsunday Regional Council is rolling out a Parks Regional Asset Renewal Program from November 2025 to April 2026. This program will upgrade more than 75 park assets across 23 parks in the Whitsunday Region!
From playgrounds and BBQs to shelters and exercise stations, we’re making sure our parks stay safe, welcoming and fun for everyone.
For more information on our regional parks renewal package, visit Council’s online engagement portal, at yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au .
St Catherine’s Catholic College came together Friday, 24 October, to celebrate another big year of achievement at the school’s annual Awards Ceremony.
Despite the scorching heatwave, families, staff and community members came together to cheer on students from Years 3 to 12 being recognised for their efforts across academic, cultural, community and sporting pursuits.
The ceremony featured plenty of highlights, including two fantastic performances from the College’s concert band, and wrapped up with a morning tea for guests to mingle and celebrate together.
Principal Katherine Nelson said it was a special way to reflect on what has been an extraordinary centenary year for the College.
“In our 100th year, it has been a joy to reflect on all that our students have achieved - from Readers Cup and Maths competitions to the College Musical, Eisteddfods, community events, and sporting carnivals,” Mrs Nelson said.
“Our Awards Ceremony is always a highlight on the calendar, and it’s made even more special by the support of our local community and the generosity of our sponsors. We’re so grateful for the partnerships that help make these celebrations possible.”
Special awards were presented to senior students recognising their efforts and contributions throughout their schooling years. With external assessments now underway, several Year 12s have already received early entry offers and are looking forward to the next chapter of their journey beyond school.
Mrs Nelson said she was proud of all students recognised at the morning’s ceremony.
“These students have achieved something to be proud of this year, ” she said.
“It’s been a marvellous way to celebrate their hard work and finish off our centenary year on such a high note.”
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Proserpine Mill crushed out early last Saturday morning, bringing an end to a successful season.
It was the second of Wilmar’s eight sugar factories to finish the 2025 season.
Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the last bin went through the tippler
at 6.30am Saturday (1 November).
“In total, we processed 1.48M tonnes of cane for the year to make about 205,000 tonnes of
raw sugar.
“The crop dropped off towards the back end of the season due to the warm, dry weather, but sugar content was above budget. We ended up with a provisional season CCS of 14.4 units.”
Mr O’Shea paid tribute to all Proserpine Mill employees, as well as growers and harvesting contractors, for their hard work in getting the crop off.
“I’m particularly proud of the job our people did this year – both in the factory and our cane supply team. It was a tremendous effort on all fronts,” he said.
“We had good factory performance, which contributed to the earlier finish. We also had a much better run of weather in 2025 than we’ve had in recent years, so we didn’t lose as much time to rain.
“An early finish puts us in a good position to finish the washdown and start our maintenance program before Christmas. This will take some pressure off, in terms of delivering our capital and maintenance program. It’ll also set the industry up for a better crop next year.”
Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea and Operations Superintendent Jamie Bell saw the last bins go through the tippler for the 2025 season. Photo supplied
Biosecurity Queensland is urging landholders across the region to be on the lookout for locust activity, following the detection of late-stage nymphs in the Proserpine area.
The department is currently working closely with local landholders to identify the number and species of locusts present and to assist with control measures aimed at reducing the risk of a wider outbreak.
“Controlling locusts during the nymph stage is crucial,” a Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson said. “By breaking the lifecycle early, we can prevent large-scale infestations that could threaten crops and pasture across the region.”
There are four main species of locusts to watch for in Queensland — the Australian plague locust, migratory locust, spur-throated locust and yellow-winged locust. Landholders are encouraged to regularly inspect their properties for signs of these insects and report any sightings immediately.
Sightings can be reported by calling Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, completing an online report, or emailing locustreports@dpi.qld.gov.au.
Under Queensland’s General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO), controlling locusts is primarily the responsibility of landholders. Nymphs can be effectively managed with approved insecticides before they develop into flying adults.
If infestations become too large for landholders to manage alone, the Department of Primary Industries will coordinate aerial spraying in partnership with the Australian Plague Locust Commission. This will be carried out responsibly, with buffer zones maintained around waterways and sensitive areas.
For more information on identifying and controlling locusts, visit the Biosecurity Queensland website or www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
Tourism Whitsundays has officially launched its new destination website, marking the next phase in its digital evolution and delivering an elevated, more intuitive experience for travellers planning their Whitsundays escape.
The launch follows a period of strong online performance in the lead-up to the website’s redevelopment, with the rebranded platform earlier this year recording significant growth in visitation for the year ending June 2025. Compared to the same period the year prior, new users increased by 48%, with overall page views rising by 31%, a reflection of growing awareness and interest in The Whitsundays as one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations.
This upgrade comes as Tourism Whitsundays transitions from WordPress to ROAM, a next-generation destination marketing platform purpose-built for Australian tourism organisations. The move is designed to future-proof operator data by leveraging the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) as a single source of truth, ensuring accurate, connected and up-to-date information for visitors.
The new platform enhances mobile performance, speeds up load times, and delivers an engaging, map-led experience with itineraries, food and drink guides and walking trails that make trip planning effortless.
Phase one introduces enhanced accessibility via UserWay, helping the site meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards with improved navigation, screen reader support and contrast controls. Phase two, launching in 2026, will add ROAM Concierge an AI-powered trip planner offering personalised itineraries and tailored content for visitors.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the new website represents a major step forward in Tourism Whitsundays’ mission to showcase The Whitsundays as the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
The new home page for Tourism Whitsundays website. Image supplied
From Awards to Advocacy: What’s Next for Local Business
Congratulations to all Whitsunday Business Awards 2025 nominees! The quality of submissions was breathtaking. We look forward to celebrating your achievements at the Awards Ceremony on Friday 21 November at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. The event has sold out and promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating and recognising business excellence across our region.
We’re also pleased to see Whitsunday Regional Council confirm the reopening of the Proserpine RV Rest Stop. Our thanks go to the Chamber’s Proserpine Sub-Committee and local businesses for their valuable input into our advocacy report which identified ways to boost visitor stopovers and strengthen the local economy.
The Chamber Board has also made a submission to Council’s Airlie Beach Ferris Wheel consultation, supporting land-based attractions that align with strong economic, social, and safety outcomes. Our submission calls for a Five Point Framework for Future Attractions to help guide sustainable development in Airlie Beach.
Last month’s Whitsundays Job Fair 2025 was another success, connecting more than 25 employers with 80 job seekers – many of whom secured immediate interviews. Events like this show the real impact of collaboration on local workforce outcomes.
We would also like to recognise the efforts of the Airlie beach Music Festival organising committee and volunteers – another resounding success with the entire region buzzing with excitement.
Recently the Board met for its annual Strategic Planning Day, setting priorities and exploring new horizons for the Chamber to 2030. We look forward to sharing these plans with our members and the broader Whitsunday business community.
Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a relaxed evening by the water as the Airlie Beach Foreshore transforms into the open-air cinema on Friday, 21 November 2025.
The free community movie night will kick off at 6pm, featuring two much-loved films Rango followed by Drop Dead Fred.
Rango follows the Chameleon who has lived as a sheltered family pet experiences an identity crisis after landing in the frontier town of Dirt, where he becomes the new sheriff. What begins as an act soon turns real as a series of wild adventures push Rango to become a true hero.
Drop Dead Fred is about a lonely and unhappy young woman named Elizabeth (Phoebe Cates) whose life is in shambles after discovering her husband's infidelity. Her childhood imaginary friend, Fred (Rik Mayall), magically reappears to help her.
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or chair and settle in for a night of family-friendly entertainment. A selection of delicious food trucks will be on-site, and attendees are reminded that this is an alcohol-free event.
The evening is proudly presented by the Whitsunday Regional Council, offering locals the perfect way to unwind and connect under the stars.
For more information, contact the council on 1300 927 753 or email info@wrc.qld.gov.au.
Note: In the event of bad weather, the screening may be cancelled.
Friday 14 November
Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Double Header (from 8pm)
Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Matty Black (5.30pm - 8.30pm)
Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm)
Saturday 15 November
Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Gaga (2pm - 5.30pm)
Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm)
Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Matty Black (5.30pm - 8.30pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Session (2-6pm)
Sorrento: Ash Smith (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Retro Joe (from 8pm)
Sunday 16 November
Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Gaga (2pm - 5.30pm)
Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (6.30pm - 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Jackson Dunn (4pm - 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Kieran McCarthy (2pm - 6pm)
Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Zed Charles (1pm - 4pm)
Sorrento: Noah Davis (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Chris Booroff (from 8pm)
Monday 17 November
Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm)
Tuesday 18 November
Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Josiah (from 8pm)
Wednesday 19 November
Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm)
Thursday 20 November
Sorrento: Lucy Rose (4pm - 7pm)
KC's: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm)
After her world was suddenly turned upside down, Boomer, a gentle seven-year-old girl, is ready to find the love and stability she’s been missing.
Once surrendered to the pound, Boomer’s future was uncertain — but thanks to the kindness of rescuers, she’s now safe in foster care and beginning to rediscover her spark. At first, she was understandably subdued, unsure of her new surroundings. But with a little time, patience, and affection, her loving personality has begun to shine through.
Boomer has proven to be a calm, affectionate companion who finds comfort simply in being near those she trusts. She loves nothing more than curling up beside her humans or relaxing quietly on her bed, knowing she’s finally safe.
Her foster carers describe her as gentle-natured and easygoing, with a heart full of love to give. Boomer also gets along well with other dogs and would make a wonderful addition to a peaceful home where she can spend her days surrounded by care and kindness.
After all she’s been through, Boomer deserves a forever family who will cherish her and give her the happy ending she’s waited so patiently for.
If you’d like to meet Boomer or learn more about adopting her, please reach out to the rescue team today via email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.
On Friday 7 November the Bowen Community Centre thanked businesses and community members for their support throughout the year.
The 2025 Bowen Community Centre Community Champions were:
Abbot Point Operations
Aurizon
Bowen Community Sunday Markets
Bowen Industrial Hire
ECM Project Engineering
Grace Christian Fellowship
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
Horseshoe Bay Social Club
James Barry (In Memorium)
Lowcock Builders
Zonta Club of Bowen
Mayor Ry Collins
Peries IGA Bowen
Woolworths Bowen
Prices Plus
Coral Cove Apartments
Hillery Group
Woolworths Bowen, Prices Plus, Coral Cove Apartments, and Hillery Group were absent, but recognised as Community Champions.
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Hi Everyone,
This week marks National Recycling Week. While it’s great to have a dedicated week to raise awareness, it’s important to remember that recycling should be a year-round practice. To support this, I’ve included a brief guide outlining what can and cannot be recycled.
Happy Reading!
Ruth
By Ruth Puddefoot
As National Recycling Week rolls around, Whitsunday residents are being encouraged to take a closer look at what’s going into their yellow-lid recycling bins. By knowing what belongs, and what doesn’t, we can all play a part in reducing landfill waste and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable region.
The Do’s of Recycling
You can confidently place the following items in your recycling bin:
Glass bottles and jars
Paper and cardboard
Hard plastic containers
Steel containers
Aluminium
The Don’ts of Recycling
Some items, however, don’t belong in the recycling system and should be disposed of through other means:
Soft plastics such as cling wrap or plastic bags
Bagged recyclables
Food scraps or garden waste
Clothes and textiles
Rigid plastics like toys or buckets
Batteries and other hazardous waste
Other types of glass such as mirrors, windows or drinking glasses
E-waste including phones, chargers and cables
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