A counsellor with over 25 years’ experience, Robyn Geiger understands what it is like to feel the burden of life’s challenges sitting heavily on your shoulders, and she is here to help you release the shackles that hold them in place.

Operating a clinic in the heart of Mackay City, Robyn’s practice, Phoenix Counselling Services is located at 1/68 Sydney Street.

Down to earth, non-clinical, relaxed, and friendly, Phoenix Counselling covers the full realm of services which include the following:

• Is your child getting bullied at school? Robyn offers children and youth counselling.

• Is your teenager going through a hard time? Reach out to Robyn and see how some friendly guidance can help.

• Is your relationship struggling? Discover effective communication techniques with Robyn.

• Does your workplace have an Employee Assistance Program? Robyn is accredited to provide counselling to staff whether the issue is work-based or personal.

• Are you a carer who needs support? Robyn offers NDIS carer counselling services to help those who help others.

• Do you want faith-based support? Robyn is a qualified Christian Counsellor who people of faith can relate to pray alongside.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Robyn is highly skilled to help individuals through most of life’s challenges.

“A good councillor has to be a good listener,” said Robyn.

“They then need to be able to provide ways for people to come towards a possible solution.

“People should not be embarrassed or worried about reaching out – counselling really helps to put things into perspective.”

Phoenix Counselling is also approved for the following health care funds:

• Westfund

• Police Health Fund

• Emergency Services Health Fund

• Phoenix Health Fund

• St Luke’s Health Fund

• GMHBA

• CUA

• Teachers Union Health Fund

Please note, Robyn is a counsellor and therefore does not prescribe medication, she will refer onto a psychologist on GP for more severe issues.

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Robyn Geiger from Phoenix Counselling Services. Photo supplied

If your answer is your own body weight, we are now friends. In saying that, if your answer was what is pasta, then you’re dead to me.

Tomorrow is all for you if you love pasta and everything Italian because the Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party happening on Wood and Victoria Streets is on from 3, so you know it’s going to be great.

Just think all the best food, wines, sweets, dancing, music, competitions, rides, classic Italian cars and of course the people. We have got some of the world’s best Italians all living in our region, and tomorrow they are all making their way to the Mackay City Centre for a massive party.

Just think as this is happening, the following week all the action will be at Legends on the Lawn at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Over 6000 people went last year, so next week should be another bumper day of music and fun.

I’m super keen to catch up with Paul Kelly again and the legend in Bernard Fanning on this current tour, so if you haven’t already grabbed your tickets, you might just want to do it today.

Today is also a special day because my Dad is flying in at the Mackay airport and he’s excited to be here to see not only me for my 55th birthday on Wednesday, but also so he can see his grandkids around town.

I’m sure you know it, when you travel interstate for a holiday there’s part of you that wants to relax, but there’s also a part of you that wants to visit all your family and friends. But there just isn’t enough time. I’m sure he’ll be busy. I might even bring him to my hockey game at 1:45 tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll get a laugh.

Oh, and of course Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mums this Sunday. We know it should be this day 365 days a year, but let’s spoil our Mum’s like there’s no tomorrow. It’s now 2 years since I lost my Mum, but I know I will be toasting her on Sunday with a tear in my eye.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Hi Everyone,

I’m not going to lie . . . it’s been a pretty crazy week!

But it has also been very rewarding, and I just love the buzz of working with a team who are as dedicated and passionate as I am about making each issue of the newspaper the best it can possibly be.

This week we’ve had some huge features (check out the stunning nine-page Airlie Beach Hotel 55 Year Birthday feature on pages 14-22), we’ve also had the Federal Budget announcement (see page 6) and, just an hour before going to print, we witnessed some revelations from the morning’s Council meeting that were too juicy to omit! (see page 3).

Covering the best local news in the timeliest way possible puts a fair bit of pressure on the team and as I write this, I can hear our design squad clicking away at pages, working as efficiently as possible to meet the deadline.

Some weeks are easier than others, but this one has definitely challenged us!

It’s times like this I’m really glad we have a solid team and excited that our new journalist, Bronte, seems to be happy working in the thick of the action!

This huge newspaper week also comes off the back of Core Life Magazine, our sister publication, which went to print last Friday.

It will be hitting the stands on Monday so make sure you grab your copy.

This edition of Core is our first Health, Fitness and Beauty feature and it has been wonderful meeting so many local health professionals who share tips, tricks, motivations and inspiring life stories.

We hope you enjoy everything you read this week, and if you’ve only got time to read two things – make sure it’s this paper and Core Magazine!

Rach

Quote: “If you want something done, ask a busy person” (Benjamin Franklin)

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Almost two weeks ago now, Abbey Coquillon posted onto the Whitsunday Chat Facebook page, sharing how she has been in the area for nearly a year and a half and has yet to make a solid foundation of friendships and relationships outside of work.

Once posting this, she was inundated with comments from like-minded women who are eager to make friendships with locals and travellers in the area.

This encouraged Abbey to establish the Social Ladies Whitsundays Facebook group.

“So many of us are wanting to venture out and make new and long-lasting friendships,” Abbey’s introductory post says.

“This can be a page we can just ask if anyone is free and wants to catch up! A great way to find similar interest and like-minded individuals.”

Since the group’s inception on May 3, it has seen a growth of over 600 people joining.

Many members are singing the praises of Abbey’s bravery.

“Thank you, Abbey, for creating this page – love that you were brave enough to do so,” says one member in her introduction post.

“This is a fantastic idea. I have been in Airlie a long time, two adult children and partner but my circle is small,” says another.

Most of the posts in the group are invitations to other members for hikes, coffee afternoon, or drinks at a local pub or club.

There are also members connecting to go to the gym together, an open Pilates workshop, and an event set up to attend the Mayor’s Ball in July.

The group is visible on Facebook, so just search ‘Social Ladies Whitsundays’ to join.

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Leaked Documents, Council Debates And Boardroom Applause

Building height regulations for proposed development in Airlie Beach were once again the source of boardroom debate on Wednesday with tensions flaring at the Whitsunday Regional Council Ordinary meeting.

Councillor John Collins made accusations that documents had been leaked to media before they were discussed within Council Chambers.

Mayor Julie Hall completely denied allegations stating that a photo used in an online article was from another event and not relevant to current discussions.

“I had nothing to do with that article,” she said.

A spokesperson from Save Our Foreshore (SOF), the action group that attended the Council meeting, said that they also knew nothing about leaked information and that the article was largely based on old information.

While the tension in the boardroom generated some distraction, it was soon down to business with the real reason for discussion brought to the table under the support of a large public gallery.

Mayor Julie Hall proposed the motion that the current wording, which included ‘maximum’ when referring to height restrictions, remain in the 2017 Whitsunday Planning Scheme.

This document, which contains the new Airlie Beach Local Plan, had been updated and, according to SOF, vital information that was controlling the height level of development in Airlie Beach was missing.

SOF believe that by reinstating the word ‘maximum’, it sets a precedent for those restrictions to remain.

It was also proposed that the character description relating to low rise buildings and a village feel remain included in the scheme.

The motion was carried 5:2 and the items remain included.

A lively public gallery applauded at the decision, many campaigners thrilled by the small but important win.

Although the details may seem minor, the action group believe their inclusion represents a vital piece of the puzzle for managing future developments and height restrictions.

“We are very pleased with the result at the Council meeting today,” said President of SOF Suzette Pelt.

“And really pleased with how the Councillors voted, it was also wonderful to see a full gallery and multiple applause.”

This event is timely, as the contentious Port of Airlie court case is scheduled to appear in the Planning and Environment Court later this month.

The case will see SOF take Whitsunday Regional Council to court over its decision to approve a high-rise development at Port of Airlie, a move that would see height restrictions increase from the recommended 18 metres to 47.7 metres for that development.

While the need for continued growth and development is a priority to all, so too is the way in which our region manages that growth and retains its “winning formular” which many tourists flock to the region for.

The one-day court hearing will take place in Brisbane’s Planning and Environment Court on May 15.

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The 2023/24 Federal Budget was released on Tuesday evening with the intention of easing the cost of living for all Australians high on the agenda and evident in the detail.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Budget also delivers a $4 billion surplus with higher commodities, low unemployment and wage growth factors leading to this projection.

If achieved, it will be the first budget surplus in 15 years.

Here is how the budget will impact your hip pocket:

Cost Of Living

• You could be eligible to receive a $500 energy rebate

• Aged care workers will receive a 15% pay rise

• An extra $9 billion for additional childcare subsidies

• Sole parent payments extended until children turn 14

• $40 per fortnight increase JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy

• Rent assistance increased by 15% to an extra $31 per fortnight

• Family and friends can purchase homes together with 5% deposit

• From 2026 employers will need to pay Superannuation at the same time as the pay wages

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Health And Education

• Cheaper prescriptions for people living with chronic illnesses

• Heart health assessments now on Medicare rebate

• $32 million to upgrade school infrastructure

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Energy And Environment

• $1 billion to provide low-cost loans for solar panels and double-glazing windows

• $302 million to help farmers move towards low emission future

• $200 million for disaster prevention such as seawalls, drainage measures etc

• $2 billion for a new Hydrogen Headstart program and zero emissions future

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What The Budget Means For Our Region

It’s still early days and there is much to dissect within the detail of the Federal Budget for 2023/24 and how it will impact our region.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says he is “pretty disappointed in the budget as a whole as” he believes that more should have been allocated to the Whitsundays given that our region is one of the biggest food producers in the country.

Willcox asserts that the $4.2 billion surplus “is largely on the back of an increase in commodity prices”.

“We’ve got cattle, our beef industry’s been performing well, there’s more export dollars coming in there, and of course coal,” he said.

“In our particular area, we’re the biggest sugar cane growing area, 80% of that’s exported, so there’s export dollars coming in there.

“We’ve produced a lot of this extra income that’s gone towards the surplus and yet all our infrastructure that’s been in the budget has been scrapped.”

The one element of the Budget that Willcox is happy for is the increase healthcare assistance where he says he is “pleased our most vulnerable are being looked after”.

However, he is disappointed that there is no funding for the Bruce Highway, the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Building or various water projects like the Urannah Dam.

“The North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority’s being scrapped, so that was $9.5 million and that was going to oversee projects like Urannah Dam, the Burdekin to Bowen pipeline, the raising of Burdekin Falls Dam,” he said.

“Australia’s a dry continent, we should be building dams, catching water and using our water for tourism opportunities, for urban use, for mining, for agriculture.”

• Truckies will soon have to pay an additional 6% tax to use the roads which could have significant impacts on our region with supplies for everything from farms to grocery stores relying on road transport. We can expect grocery prices to reflect this additional cost.

• No local hydro-electric projects have been included in the budget which means Urannah Dam, the Burdekin to Bowen pipeline and the raising of Burdekin Falls Dam will be put on the backburner.

• The Whitsunday VMR will not receive its $420,000 upgrade to their headquarters and operational centre

• There is no mention of any funding for the Bruce Highway

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Groups from around the community commemorated Domestic Family Violence Awareness Month last week by holding candle lighting ceremonies in Bowen and Airlie Beach.

Currently in Australia, at least one woman is killed by her partner every week, and the annual Bowen DVAG holds a candle lighting vigil to commemorate those victims and their families, who have lost their lives in the past 12 months.

The Bowen Domestic Violence Action Group (DVAG) hosted the Bowen iteration and said that  the ceremony acts a reminder about the prevalence of domestic violence, and provides insight on what to look for, where to find help and ways to heal.

Usually an evening event, the 2023 Bowen ceremony took place mid-morning, illuminating healing and healthy relationships.

The DVAG is open for all members of the community. The group holds meetings fortnightly on Mondays, from 9am till 10.30am, at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.

The Airlie Beach event was held with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and Federal Member of Bonney Sam O’Connor in attendance.

The DVAG continues to fight domestic violence, promoting that everyone has a role to play to support local communities and have a responsibility for their own words and actions.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Broken Ballerina founder Jules Thompson and members of the community at the vigil.

Whitsunday Counselling and Support Ayla Wright with Mayor Julie Hall. Photos Supplied

Landowners are invited to educate themselves of the hazards and safe management of bush fires at the Whitsunday Regional Council Bush Fire Resilience Training which is happening across the region this month.

The bushfire resilience training encompasses assessing risk of bushfires, and tools to reduce and minimise the risk.

“The training provides an opportunity to learn how to assess bushfire risk, understand mitigation options, and support available to help mitigate bushfire risk,” said Whitsunday Major, Julie Hall.

“It provides landowners with the knowledge and skills they need to help protect their property and their community.”

The bushfire resilience training will take place at various locations across the Whitsundays region and includes observation of planned burns for practical understanding and modelling of assessing risk and how to act in the event of a bushfire.

In Proserpine, the training will take place at the SES Shed, on May 13, with an observed planned burn on May 14 at Silver Creek Road.

For Collinsville residents, the training will be held at Opal Ridge Hotel, on May 20, with the burn scheduled for May 21 at Collinsville Transfer Station.

In Bowen, the training will be at Queens Beach Hotel on May 27, with the observed burn on May 28 at Brisk Bay.

All landowners and residents in the region are encouraged to register and attend the training.

“It's a chance to learn from the experts, ask questions, and get hands-on experience," said Mayor Hall.

"By investing in bushfire resilience training and property bushfire plans, we are demonstrating our commitment to the safety and protection of our community. We urge all interested landowners to register their interest and attend the upcoming training."

The Bushfire Resilience Training is a part of the Whitsunday Bushfire Resilience Project, a scheme to prepare the communities in bushfire preparedness.

To register for the training, email Whitsunday Regional Council on info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au, visit a Customer Service Centre, or ring the Natural Resources Management Branch on 1300 972 753.

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Bushfire Resilience Training to educate landowners on risk and mitigation.

To recognise Domestic Family Awareness Month, Councillors and I attended the Candle Lighting Ceremony at Bowen Town Square last Wednesday as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

The ceremony was an opportunity to remember those who have been impacted by domestic violence and to shine a light on the issue that affects so many in our community.

I was honoured to deliver a short speech urging the community to stand united in the belief that everyone has a right to feel safe and secure.

I expressed my gratitude to the local organisations and individuals who work tirelessly to combat domestic violence and provide support for survivors.

We should all try to engage and educate each other to create a community that supports respectful relationship practices, positive attitudes, and behaviours, and promotes a culture of non-violence.

I urge everyone in our community to make a clear stance that domestic violence will not be tolerated, not now, not ever!

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month provides the profile to promote a clear message of no tolerance in our community with the goal of ensuring that those who are facing domestic violence can find strength from those around them to come forward and know they are not alone.

As a community, we must continue to speak out against domestic violence, educate ourselves, and support those who have been impacted.

These actions will help honour the memory of those lost and help to shine a light on a dark subject.

Whitsunday Regional Council has recently partnered with DV Safe Phone, an organisation with a vision to get a safe phone into the hands of every victim of domestic violence in need.

If you have an old mobile phone, you can donate it to be repurposed for a victim of domestic violence by dropping it in a donation box located at your local library.

For further information on the program, visit, dvsafephone.org.

Mayor Julie

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This week the federal government handed down its review into the role of permanent migration in nation building. After only a relatively brief review which commenced late last year, the government has identified some areas for policy change, and like most shifts associated with a change in government this appears to be flavoured with some obvious, much needed reforms to support the current economy as well as appeasement of interests from within the new government.

Migration has long been recognised as a critical contributor to regional development, and our region is no exception. Over the past hundred years or more, migrant workers from a range of heritage have moved here establishing families and businesses that are the backbone of key industries like Agriculture. Evidently, many well-known local families and prominent community names have originated from migrant decent. Migration has brought with it various benefits such as cultural diversity, social and economic growth, skills, entrepreneurship and workforce expansion.

With the right settings and support, migration has a critical role to play in realising the future, enormous untapped potential in our region and in our key industries. A purpose-built migration system that enables migrant workers to supplement the domestic workforce will allow us to access that potential. People across the globe are willing and eager to visit or live in Australia to work on farms. We need to have policy settings that allows them to do so, and ensure Australia is a competitive and desirable location for migrants.

Moving forward, our migration system must allow willing workers, skilled and unskilled to be able to come into our country to support our regional employers and businesses in an accessible and equitable way. Touching on the reports of widespread exploitation of low-skilled workers in the governments review, I can’t speak for every industry and region but from what I’ve seen in my time in Agriculture these reports are overblown and industrially motivated. This system should offer necessary protections and a way to obtain permanent residence in our country but also be flexible toward temporary needs of businesses in industries such as agriculture, considerate of cost and who bears that cost in supporting the migration process.

In July this year, BGGA will be hosting a forum in Bowen to advance the dialogue in ‘regional capacity building through migration’ bringing stakeholders together to learn about the current system, discuss challenges and further opportunities that migration can bring. I hope you’ll agree this is an important discussion to pursue for the future growth of our industry and of our region.

Contributed with thanks to Ry Collins, President of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

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Workers at the Brisbane Markets. Photo supplied

Migration has a critical role to play in revitalising the future. Photo supplied

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One day in November, Proserpine resident Jenn Johnson noticed a lump in her breast.

She thought nothing of it, and only noticed the lump whenever she was in the shower, finally making a doctor’s appointment later that month.

“I thought it was a swollen milk duct, or something, you can get those years after you’ve stopped breast feeding,” she said.

“I thought it was going to be nothing, and all of a sudden, it was something.”

From the date of the initial doctor’s appointment and ultrasound, it took Jenn two months of testing and scans to receive her diagnoses. Grade three breast cancer, in her breast and lymph nodes.

Since the very beginning, Jenn has kept her almost-four-year-old, Wyatt, informed.

“I told the little one that mummy’s gotta get a needle, to find out if it’s a good bump or a bad bump. Eventually, he asked ‘mummy, is it a good bump or a bad one?’ and I said, ‘it’s a bad one’, and he said, ‘but I want it to be a good one’.”

Jenn is about to finish up the first part of her treatment of four fortnightly rounds of chemo in Mackay, however, she had an extreme reaction to her most recent round, caused by an infection in her port.

After a stay in both Mackay and Proserpine Hospital and the removal of her port, Jenn is now back at home in Proserpine.

She will finish her final fortnightly chemo treatment, before going into 12 weeks of weekly chemo treatments, each one requiring her to be in Mackay for a day each week.

This is where Tarnia Patton, coordinator of Proserpine Community Markets, steps in.

She knew of Jenn in town, and her “bright and friendly character that makes her extremely hard to forget”.

“After finding out about Jenn’s diagnoses, I really was at a loss as to what I could do to help,” said Tarnia.

“Then I noticed a friend of hers started a GoFundMe campaign which I immediately contributed to and shared around my networks.”

Tarnia is founder and coordinator of the Proserpine Community Markets which have been operating since late 2020.

For each market, the team select a charity to support, and on this occasion they decided to put the money raised into supporting Jenn’s battle.  

The market also had a pink theme, to spread awareness about breast cancer, and start the conversation.

“We raised a total of $1,310 through the raffle and donations,” said Tarnia.

Many of the raffle prizes were donations from the staff holders.

“This way, 100 per cent of the funds went directly to Jenn.”

This massive donation has been combined with Jenn’s GoFundMe campaign, bringing the total to $5,225.

Jenn is extremely grateful for the donation and decided to share to raise awareness for breast cancer.

“It can happen to anyone, young and old; it can happen to men. And you don’t realise that until you’re in it,” she explained

“I figured, if this will get my story out there, and if another young woman hears, then it could help her too.”

Once Jenn has completed the 12 weeks weekly treatments, she will next undergo surgery to remove her breast, in order to drastically reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning.

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Proserpine mum, Jenn Johnson, battles breast cancer at 30-years-old

The Proserpine Community Markets supporting Jenn Johnson’s breast cancer journey

Community owned and operated, Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine, has officially opened its doors this week.

The foodbank offers household items and low-cost food, including fresh, refrigerated, pantry and frozen items, for members of the community in need.

The official opening was attended by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP on May 3.

“Cost of living pressures are very real right now and this foodbank will make all the difference for lots of individuals and families in this region,” said Ms Camm.

Members of the Proserpine community endorsed the foodbank, after Anglican North Queensland made the move to close the Mackay and Proserpine Low Cost Food Centres.

“The community has come together with a clear vision and generous donations to establish a not-for-profit food store that is already a huge help to many people in our community,” said Ms Camm.

In order to purchase from the store, a pension card, health card or a DVA card must be presented at the checkout.

The store continues to have ongoing needs, including donations and food, said Ms Camm.

“If you are in the position to help with a donation, please contact the store on 04 39 730 790.”

“This is a great community initiative that offers ‘a hand up, not a handout’ and it’s important we show our support.”

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Proserpine State High Year 11 student, Giselle Tronc has been busy, taking part in a National Development Program tour training camp, by Volleyball Australia.

This training camp took Giselle to Thailand in the autumn school holidays, where she trained with over 80 other teen volleyball players, training twice daily, competing against each other daily, and even playing against the Thai teams.

On Giselle’s team, there were eight other Queensland players, two from Victoria, two from New South Wales, and one from Western Australia.

“It was really good,” Giselle said.

Giselle was initially approached to participate in training programs such as this back in September 2022, after playing in the Australian Club Volleyball Championships in Bendigo.

“I’ve met all these coaches from all over Australia, they’ve seen me play and they said there’s other competitions I’ll probably be invited to trial for as well.”

While Giselle’s age group doesn’t compete in the Asian Volleyball Championship, she is hopeful to be a part of a proposed New Zealand volleyball tour.

Giselle’s passion for volleyball began at school, with passionate teachers pushing her to play the sport.

“And when I played, I just loved it.”

Despite still having Year 12 to go, Giselle is looking at her options for after high school, considering university volleyball, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) or the Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA).

“I want to play competitively and for Australia in the future,” Giselle said.

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Giselle Tronc set for volleyball stardom, attending a volleyball training camp in Thailand in March. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The Airlie Beach Hotel is celebrating 55 years in business, and they are inviting everyone to join the festivities with an action-packed weekend of free live entertainment featuring a Comedy Cabaret that promises to take you back to the 70s and 80s.

Friday evening will be the main celebrations and there will be a birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.

Then, on both Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm until 10pm, it’s time to get your spandex out, slip your fluro leg warmers and don your big wigs for an interactive show that will take you back in time.

Performing for the first time in the Whitsundays, ‘Back To The 70s And 80s’ is a comedy cabaret like never seen before.

Featuring iconic looks of that time, over 20 costume changes, hilarious tongue in cheek humour and one hit wonders that are synonymous with that era – the show promises to enthral and illuminate.

“It’s on the glam side of the spectrum!” said event producer Alex Hell.

“And it’s all based on the F word – Fun! – The crowd can expect interaction – be ready to get involved and if you fancy dressing up – remember it’s a 70s and 80s theme not like you are in your 70s and 80s! Although all ages are welcome!”

The show itself is a parody of the era with some of the most iconic pop personalities of that time transformed into hilarious characters – Cyndi Lauper becomes Cindy Pauper, Tina Turner is Tina Turnover and Gary Glitter is Gary Glittoris.

In a hilarious sketch, Meat Loaf also becomes Meat Tray and is won in a raffle at the local RSL.

As you can see - the show has to be seen to be believed!

For those that want to “Whip it! Whip it real good” make sure you come along and watch the iconic moment Devo has a flower pot on his head.

“We even replicate the energy dome – it’s an iconic look!” said Alex.

“It’s a show of constant costume change – it moves and moves – and we sing all the songs but they each have a comedy element to it too!”

Back To The 70s and 80s are originally from Melbourne and have been performing the show around Australia since 2010.

The group of five eccentric stars understand how to draw a crowd, connect with the audience, and will have you laughing until you fall off your seats.

“It’s like a cocktail shaken not stirred with a touch sanity of course!” said Alex.

“We are extremely excited to be invited to perform at the birthday celebrations – it’s just above and beyond!

“They could have picked any number of great acts from around the country, but they chose us – it’s going to be amazing!

“They’ve really got to be applauded for what they do – they’re bringing big shows up here, it’s a big undertaking and their giving it all for free!”

“Happy birthday!”

WHAT: Back To The 70s and 80s

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: 19 and 20 May

TIME: 7pm – 10pm

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An integral part of the Airlie Beach landscape for the past 55 years, The Airlie Beach Hotel is an iconic location that has evolved alongside its namesake and transformed from a classic Aussie pub of the past to ‘The Pub’ of the present.

The original hotel was built in 1968 by local identity, Harry Muller and then sold to the O’Neil Industries Group in 1982, where it stayed under this banner for the next 38 years.

During this time, it received an extensive expansion, but in 2017 Cyclone Debbie ravished the building, causing significant damage which resulted in the business closing for two years.

While this symbolised the end of one era, it also heralded the start of a new one for this quintessentially Aussie pub.

When ABH Operations purchased the leasehold in 2018, they embarked on renovations which totalled more than $20 million.

The vision was to amalgamate the three on-site food and beverage venues into one premium, modern facility and this vision became a reality when the doors to the new “The Pub” opened in April 2019.

The concept was to provide Airlie Beach with a neutral yet sophisticated entertainment and dining precinct that was both approachable and classy, seamlessly connected, and able to offer a complete recreational experience for customers.

From its four dining sections, al fresco cocktail bar with elevated entertainment stage, Sports Bar with over 30 screens, large Pokie Room, seven day a week courtesy bus, over 80 accommodation rooms from high-end to budget and a large food servery – the complex allows fast, easy access to thousands of customers each week.

The set-up and layout soon proved extremely popular with a range of clientele packing the tables and enjoying lively entertainment.

Its all-encompassing business model means that families can sit together to eat and relax next to lively groups and celebrations who are sitting next to regulars enjoying a cold drink on a bar stool.

Everyone is invited and the party is always on!

This feeling is largely achieved by the cleverly created ambience.

The interior design brings a modern twist to the ‘beach meets plantation’ theme with tropical influences generating a warm yet sophisticated welcome.  

Strategically placed misting systems keep patrons cool, hanging garden chandeliers provide lush decoration, a series of speakers generate ultimate acoustics, and the open plan layout creates a smooth ocean to interior beach vibe.

Within six months of opening The Pub became one of the most popular leisure destinations in Airlie Beach.

But the experience did not stop there – the entire precinct offered much more – with the introduction of the Airlie Beach Hotel Liquor and Tobacco Merchants which opened in 2019.

Three buildings were removed and replaced with this 10-vehicle dual lane liquor superstore.

The following year, operations expanded again with the invitation to iconic local restaurant, Fish D’Vine, who joined the precinct as a tenant.

Airlie Beach Hotel understood the importance of bringing variety and diversity into the mix and a new partnership was formed between the two businesses.

As the Airlie Beach Hotel celebrates its fifth year under its current iteration, it also looks back through the years and into its history as one of the first pubs in the town back when bare chests and sandals were frequent attire.

Despite times (and dress codes!) changing, the Airlie Beach Hotel still speaks to the ‘everyday person’, inviting all people to come together and celebrate the quintessential Aussie Pub and this incredible town we live in.

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This famous photo adorns the wall of The Pub and was taken in 1982 by renowned social observer Rennie Ellis

The Ruff as Guts (RAG) Social Club outside the old bottle shop in 1981

The entrance to the front bar and bottle shop in the 1980s

The Airlie Beach Hotel as it looks today

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