Tourists are flocking to the Big Mango and Bowen Tourist Information Centre, with the iconic gateway to the town proving to be a popular stopping point where motorists are encouraged to venture into Bowen for the day or even longer.

The popularity of the centre has reached new levels this year with record-breaking visitor numbers announced.
 
Bowen Tourism and Business released figures this week confirming they welcomed more visitors than ever before during the 2023/34 financial year.

This included more than 51,000 at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway and a further 5000 visitors at the Information Booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the new financial year had also started strongly with 7002 visitors in July.

That is an average of 225 visitors every day.

“We became an official Driver Reviver station in recent months so that has also contributed to our high numbers,” she said.

“People certainly appreciate the free tea, coffee and biscuits and we are proud to be contributing to road safety.”

Leanne said more than half of the people who stopped at the Visitor Information Centre spent a day or more in Bowen.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery congratulated the Bowen Tourism and Business team on setting yet another record.

“I’m very proud of the team of staff and volunteers at the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre on achieving record visitor numbers once again.

“Over the past 18 months, Bowen Tourism and Business has invested significantly in destination marketing and we’re now seeing the results of this work both at the Big Mango and in Bowen. 

“Most important, however, is the expert advice and friendly smiles each of our team offer visitors, making our Visitor Information Centre one of the most popular in regional Queensland.” 

Interim CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Aimee Cameron highlighted the significance of the drive market for The Whitsundays, noting the impressive recent achievement. 

“Last month’s record-breaking arrival of 7,000 visitors is a testament to the exceptional efforts of the team at Bowen Tourism and Business,” she said.
“Leanne and the team excel in showcasing the entire Whitsundays region, driving bookings in Airlie Beach, encouraging exploration of Bowen, and promoting inland areas such as Proserpine and Collinsville.”

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On Thursday 8th August, a pop-up Chamber event, consisting of BBQs, coffee and prizes was held at Porters Metre 10 Whitsunday.
Local businesses gathered to meet other business owners, get up-to-date on Chamber developments and express their opinions.
Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry members, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsundays, opened its store in Cannonvale in 2002, at its current location, after a long history of servicing the Whitsunday region from its Mackay locations.
Recently, Porters expanded by adding an Inspirations Paint Store within the Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday building. This new addition includes a Paint Club, which provides retail clients with discounts on products and access to exclusive paint perks and systems.
Jay Holmes, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday Branch Manager stated that the BBQ brekkie was “for our customers and the community to say thank you and to foster new business connections.”
The event was a relaxed gathering where business owners connected over complimentary coffee from Mrs. Bean and enjoyed a delicious BBQ breakfast!

Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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With the Whitsundays ‘events season’ well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals.
Congratulations to the Whitsunday Running Club, the Coral Sea Marina Resort Triathlon Festival, and the Great Barrier Reef Festival for their recent hugely successful events – packed with visitors and contestants.
With the Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week now upon us – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable.
We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.
These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution.
Our local businesses play a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit.
As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with a purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your family and friends as they help make these events come to life.
And our local businesses play a high role in our region’s economic future.
This week the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry released news of its Vision for the Whitsundays project, with the ambitious aim to map a forward-looking economic blueprint.
Our research uncovered a diverse perspectives and challenges within the business community including the importance our diverse districts, the need to engage in passionate debates about preservation and progression, and the big economic projects and what this means for the business community. Visit the Chamber’s website to learn more.
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Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Army and Vietnam veteran Brian “Weary” Dunlop is encouraging his local community to take a moment to recognise and support all veterans this Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Weary volunteered for national service and joined the 5RAR in 1967 at just 20 years old. After training with the 5RAR, Weary was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

After his service Weary moved to Proserpine in early 2000 and joined the Proserpine RSL Sub Branch in 2010.

Commemorated annually on 18 August, Vietnam Veterans' Day honours the significant contribution of Australian veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The 18 August is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – one of the most significant conflicts for Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973, with additional personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force returning to Vietnam in 1975 to carry out evacuations and assist refugees in the lead-up to South Vietnam's surrender. Of those who served, 523 died and around 3,000 were evacuated with wounds, injuries or illnesses.

This Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Proserpine RSL Sub Branch will be hosting a lunch for all members of the community to come together and commemorate.

“I do hope to see more veterans and locals come together to commemorate the efforts of Vietnam veterans, but really, seeing the community come together for a meal and a chat on the day would be just as special.”

Airlie Beach
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Event
WHERE: Airlie Beach-Whitsunday RSL Sub Branch
WHEN: Sunday 18 August 11am

Proserpine
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Event
WHERE: RSL Proserpine
WHEN: Sunday 18 August 11am

Brian “Weary” Dunlop, Photo supplied

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Billie, an adorable little puppy, was found dumped in a puddle between Proserpine and Bowen on Christmas Eve.
Billie was found by a young teenager who took her in and cared for her until she was nursed back into a healthy puppy. Billie is now a whirlwind, full of love and joy.
Unable to provide Billie with the love and attention she needed due to her studies, the lovely young lady, though saddened, chose to entrust her to Christina at Animal Rescue Whitsundays. Christina has since successfully found a new home for the beautiful puppy.
Billie is one of the many success stories at Animal Rescue Whitsunday. While no longer up for adoption, Christina has many other beautiful animals that come through her centre and need a home. Keep an eye on her Facebook page, or Whitsunday Life’s Pet of the Week for animals up for adoption.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalrescuewhitsunday
PH: 0403 397 808
Email: xtrabeefalo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.beefaloaustralia.com

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Billie settling into her new home.
Billie loves her new siblings!

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The new Airlie Beach Seagrass Nursery project is happening soon with its official opening this Saturday 17 August.

The launch of the new Airlie Beach Seagrass Nursery project will take lace at Coral Sea Marina.
 
The test nursery has been with us for over two years and following its success CQ University has secured grant funding for an upscaled nursery project.
 
The day will start at 11am with a Welcome to Country, an introduction and project overview, and photo opportunities.

At 11.45 time is allocated for a look over the nursery, afterwards everyone will move to Cannonvale Beach for a light lunch and after that, flower collecting.

Everyone in the community is invited to come along and get involved.

What to bring
   • Casual and comfortable clothes for the launch event
   • Sun smart clothes for flower collecting
   • Sun screen
   • Water
   • Fun, caring, kind attitude

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Fines for not controlling your dog in public places have increased to $806. This includes having your dog off-leash in designated on-leash areas, or if the dog is in an off-leash area, you must be able to control the dog using voice commands. For everyone's safety, let's make sure our furry friends are always well-behaved in public spaces!

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Last week CEO Warren Bunker, Councillor Clay Bauman and I attended the two-day 2024 Coastal Leaders Forum in Townsville.
 
This annual forum was a vital gathering of elected members, chief executives, and senior officers from across Queensland to showcase coastal council initiatives.
 
The well-attended forum explored current and emerging issues, identified coastal council-specific advocacy priorities and gave us the opportunity to engage with key State and Federal Government representatives and industry partners, on a range of matters impacting coastal communities.
 
Economic growth and diversification were major topics, particularly how we can leverage our natural assets to create new opportunities to boost tourism, support local businesses, and attract investment to our region.
 
The Shadow Minister for Environment and Science Sam O’Connor spoke openly of the LNP’s plans to improve access to National Parks, revitalise island tourism and fast track the approvals process for new projects such as the Whitsunday Skyway project.
 
This is encouraging news as the Skyway initiative, being driven by visionary tourism operator Elizabeth Hackett, is a project that will transform our region, offering both locals and visitors a unique way to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
 
In Elizabeth’s words “Whitsunday Skyway will expand on, and complement current Whitsunday Tourism operations, offering greatly needed land-based infrastructure and activities for current and future tourism groups, regional residents, school groups, coach tours and other market segments.”
 
The Project is based around a 1km cable car ride to a summit 430m above sea level, in the Conway National Park, overlooking Airlie Beach and planning has progressed significantly and is now in the Detailed Assessment stage of an Exclusive Transaction Process with the Queensland State Government.
 
The all-weather cable car will move along at a height of 430m and offer a unique 360° vantage point to the Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays mainland and the Coral Sea, with bistro, café and viewing facilities at the top.
 
There are also plans for a cultural interpretive centre, tropical rainforest activities and experiences, a network of mountain biking trails, a luge track facility, and a junior ropes course.
 
It is estimated that there are a further 12 months of the planning and development approval stage and then an estimated construction timeframe of 24 months so the next term of Government and support offered to the project will be key to it actually becoming a reality.
 
The economic impact is estimated to be around $40 million of new tourism spending, per year, with current analysis showing that more than 250,000 people are expected to visit the Skyway every year.
 
The total project development cost on completion is expected to be about $86m. 

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Mayor Ry with Shadow Minister for Environment and Science Sam O’Connor and other Queensland Mayors at the Coastal Leaders Fortum in Townsville. Photo supplied

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Recently, Jade from Tourism Whitsundays had the pleasure of experiencing SeaLink Whitsundays’ Big Island Day Tour. Aboard their new vessel, Reef Quest, Jade went on the five star boat trip to Whitehaven Beach, and said it was a truly exceptional experience!

The vessel's luxury is instantly apparent; it has a sleek modern design, air-conditioned interiors, and plush seating, the boat provides a stylish environment, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. 

On the journey to Whitehaven Beach, guests are treated to guided talks about the Whitsundays. These informative sessions, led by experts, offer fascinating insights into the region's natural history, marine life, and environmental significance. The talks are engaging and educational, adding a rich layer to your understanding of this spectacular location. 

Upon arriving at Whitehaven Beach, Jade had an ample time to relax and enjoy its beauty. Additionally, the tour included two guided walks to both Hill Inlet and the Southern Whitehaven lookout, during which local guides shared intriguing details about the island's unique flora and fauna. This combination of luxury, exploration, and education created a truly memorable experience. 

SeaLink Whitsundays has masterfully blended comfort with adventure, offering a tour that stands out for its elegance and depth of experience. It's an exceptional way to explore The Whitsundays in style and gain a deeper appreciation of its natural wonders. 

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Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays  

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Tourism Whitsundays partners with national media to highlight the best experiences our region has to offer. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Dilvin Yasa from 9Honey, the lifestyle arm of nine.com.au, known for uncovering and sharing top local gems.

Dilvin's visit focused on showcasing the fantastic family-friendly land-based experiences and accommodation options available in The Whitsundays. 

During her stay, Dilvin spent a long weekend at the Big4 Adventure Resort, which provides the perfect mix of relaxation and fun for families. She also spent a day at the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari, ideal for those seeking adventurous encounters with local wildlife.

Dilvin explored the region’s hidden treasures with Driftwood Tours, including spots like Cape Gloucester and Dingo Beach. 

Tourism Whitsundays actively seeks local operators who are interested in promoting the region’s top experiences and accommodations.

If you are excited about contributing to the promotion of the Whitsundays’ unique offerings and showcasing its beauty to a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Rosanagh at pr@tourismwhitsundays.com.au for further information.  
 
Contributed by Rosanagh Gallivan, Public Relations & Social Media Executive, Tourism Whitsundays  

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Dilvin Yasa had a great trip to the Whitsundays, Photo supplied

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Bowen Community Centre is thrilled to announce this year’s ‘Buy A Pie To Keep Them Dry’ event was a tremendous success, raising over $3,000 to support homeless in the community.

The funds raised will be used to provide essential items such as tents, swags, and backpacks to those in need.
 
This year’s event took a different turn from the last, where the Community Centre hosted ‘Hamburgers for the Homeless’, which was warmly received by the Bowen community. 

During this event, the staff and volunteers distributed informative flyers to the community to raise awareness about these pressing concerns.
 
In addition to ‘Buy A Pie To Keep Them Dry’, Bowen Community Centre also launched ‘Pie It Forward’, which allowed them to distribute over 120 pies to those in need.

Stephanie Cora from Bowen Neighbourhood Centre said that making pies is a costly endeavour, but very worthwhile.

“This initiative has been crucial in providing support to our community,” she explained.
 
“A special thanks goes to Andrew, the Manager of Bowen Woolworths, for generously supplying all the ingredients for our delicious pies and hot apple pies.”
 
Kelly McDonald from Hillery Group, one of the major supporters, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a great community program, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

“Some of our crew has already devoured the pies, and in fact, we have very few left! They asked to give a big shout-out to the pie-makers!”
 
None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s Xena Yasso, who spent her birthday cooking up this magnificent storm.
 
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success,” said Ms Cora.

“Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of our homeless community.”

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Xena Yasso Chef extraordinaire made the 400 meat pies and 160 apple pies for the day

Lauren Miller from the Community Centre with the huge donation of all supplies for the pie drive

Kelly McDonald, Laila Ives, Georgia Wagg from Hillery Group with Volunteers Karenne Williams and Shaniece Cora from the Bowen Community Centre

Nathan Shepherd, Patrick Sanderson from Aurizon

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Creative’s Connections latest Art Exhibition opened last Thursday night to coincide with the start of Airlie Beach Race Week.  

Over 200 guests attended the opening night, enjoying an array of beautiful paintings and sculptures responding to the theme “Sails and Stories”.  

The exhibition finished up yesterday concluding with the announcement of the Tassals People’s Choice Award.  The winning artist will receive a $500 prize. 
 

Pammie Harrison, Lynette Edwards, Vhari Kelly, Leigh Skead, Grace McDonald and Nadia Brucia-Neale

Merewyn Wright

Lousie Mahony and David Dias

Claudia Gray and Susie Bowen

Grace McDonald, Nadia Brucia-Neale and Gemma Louise Pap

Geoff Hards, Diahann Logan, John Denuyl, Trudy Hastings, Corrie Denuyl and Jean Sloane

Jacqui Henderson and Gemma Louise Pap

Gisi Harrington and John Mol

Mayor Ry Collins and Carol Collins

Gemma Louise Pap

Photo credit: Merewyn Wright

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Individuals wore their best blues, greens and aquamarines to enjoy the Airlie Beach Race Week Shoreside Long Table Lunch on Monday.
Guests tucked into a gourmet lunch featuring a delightful array of exquisite canapés, followed by a meticulously curated menu that showcased an abundance of fresh and local ingredients. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared to highlight the region's rich flavours and culinary traditions, creating a memorable dining experience that perfectly complemented the elegant atmosphere of the event.
There were many incredible Lucky Door Prizes to be won from Ocean Dynamics, Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Infuse Me Whitsundays, and Mount Gay Rum, including an adorable and exclusive Whitsunday Edition of Monopoly, that replaces all the original places with Whitsunday towns.
The event offered attendees the chance to immerse themselves in the breath-taking views of Airlie Beach Foreshore, savouring exquisite food and wine as a perfect rest day to a lively Race Week.

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Did you know that this year’s Airlie Beach Race Week Festival Village was powered entirely by the sun?

Airlie Beach Race Week’s Festival Village was fuelled entirely by Mobile Power Trailers’ solar panels.

Founder of Mobile Power Trailers Adam Janczyk said people were excited to see the power trailers driving the Festival Village ever since they announced the new innovation.

“Last time when we were here, we announced that we would go off-grid and sustainable, everyone was very excited about it!” explained Adam.

“I took it a step further when I came up here, I said no generators.

“I will run it all off the solar and the batteries and it’s been fantastic.”

Even on a cloudy day the batteries charged up and Adam was ready for a night filled with music, lights and activities.

Adam initially started Mobile Power Trailers through his other business called Pure Nation Solar. In total bringing 75 kilowatts worth of battery and 30 kilowatts worth of solar.

They started powering tiny homes with a device that could supply the house with power, whilst being up to 50 metres away from the home itself.

As the power trailers generated a life of their own, Adam spilt the two companies and now Mobile Power Trailers are powering big events.

Renewable and sustainable power is important to Adam, he has three children of his own and questions what world he is leaving behind for them. Adam, knowing he could make a difference, took the leap and has not looked back.

Although supplying renewable and sustainable power solutions is important to Adam, his passion lies with being able to provide if a disaster occurred.

“Imagine if a cyclone came through and we had these in the yard?” stated Adam.

“Mobile Power Trailers can give you Wi Fi and telecommunication. You can send that message to your mum and let her know you are safe.

“SAS helicopters fly blind but with power if you are in necessary need, you can send a text message and say, this is where I am. Come and get me.”

To prove that these trailers are capable of aiding people during natural disasters Adam has to prove their worth first. Next year Adam has plans to take the entire Whitsunday Sailing Club off-grid and run entirely off his Mobile Power Trailers.

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Founder of Mobile Power Trailers Adam Janczyk had the Airlie Beach Race Week Festival Village running entirely off-grid thanks to his innovative mobile solar panels. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Two weeks ago, Andrew Willcox dropped in to congratulate Libby Edge and her team at Eco Barge CleanSeas on receiving a much-needed $4000 volunteer grant to upgrade their outdated computer equipment.
Libby requested the grant back in November last year after seeing the volunteer grant opportunity on Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox’s newsletter, and received it in May this year which Libby described as a “great turn around!”
Before receiving the grant Libby and her team were using really old computers, which are vital to the running of their organisation:
“We do a lot of reporting and send out a lot of emails to our volunteers, everyone knows we need a computer to run, we were running off computers that were so old and weren't keeping up with the speed that we needed at all,” Libby explained.
The grant, which has gone to two new computers, has really streamlined the admin side of Eco Barge:
“This grant was perfect, it is so helpful, it's all about the nuts and bolts in running the organisation and you can't do it with a slow computer, but now we have brand new computers!” Libby enthused.
Libby herself uses the computers for grant writing and policy procedures, and without the admin side of Eco Barge they “can't run.”
“We reply to hundreds of emails a week and the new computers just make it that bit faster!”
Upon visiting Eco Barge, Andrew Willcox MP, stated, “It’s important we keep continuing to support organisations such as Eco Barge in the Whitsundays and I know they have big plans in the making and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
The Eco Barge team really appreciated, Andrew Willcox’s attendance and for helping get the team the grant:
“I really want to thank Andrew and his team; it really is a daily thank you when we come into the office and it is so streamlined,” Libby emphasised.
She continued that visit to the centre, like the one Andrew Willcox MP did are important:
“It's very important for people to come into the centre and see what we do, once you come and see the marine debris, and the sheer volume that we have, it's an eye-opener, this is direct action and you can see it in action and see the plastic.”
Organisations like Eco Barge, rely on the generosity from the public and volunteers:
“If anyone donates to eco barge anything small or large is greatly appreciated, it all helps us go out there and do what we do best which is remove marine debris and protect our beautiful sea turtles.”
Libby and her team are always looking for more people to join Eco Barge: “if there are volunteers that are specialists in admin or data collection, I'm all ears and you can volunteer via our website.”
Eco Barge, now have the equipment to continue keeping their ocean clean and “raising awareness on how each individual can play their part on how to protect our ocean.”

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Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge and Federal Member for Andrew Willcox MP

Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge and Andrew Willcox MP, with collected marine debris

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