The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is excited to introduce one of their new Board members – Emily Harvey of Filby’s Motors.

“We are always grateful to our members who step up and volunteer their time and expertise in shaping our strategy and being great ambassadors for the Whitsundays business community” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.

Emily Harvey is the Marketing, Branding and Customer Experience manager for Filby’s Motors – Bowen and Proserpine.

“My primary focus is on ensuring our customers’ expectations are exceeded, supporting the local community that supports our dealerships via sponsorship and events, and marketing our services to the region,” said Emily.

She has previously worked in marketing and employment consultancy roles.

Emily also enjoys being part of community events and organisations, bringing events and projects to our region. She is currently part of the Bowen Turf Club management committee, bringing equestrian events to the Whitsundays and has previously been involved in Tourism Bowen projects and events such as the Gem of the Coral Coast Festival, and the Offshore SuperBoats events.

“I look forward to working with the Chamber in reinvigorating awareness and membership opportunities in the Proserpine region and assisting in advocating for businesses in that region – along with all of the projects the Chamber currently has planned for 2025,” Emily said.

Eligible Chamber members are welcome to nominate to join the Board. Contact the Chamber to learn more.

‍

New board member Emily Harvey

‍

Whitsunday Regional Council manage 10 flood cameras across the region to allow the community to better prepare during wet season.
 
The flood cameras monitor various local roads and causeways which are subject to flooding. Images of each area are updated every 15 minutes to enable community members to keep up to date with any localised flooding, and to make informed and safe decisions when travelling.
 
Residents can view the flood cameras online via Council’s Disaster Dashboard and website.
 
Remember if it’s flooded, forget it!

‍

Local roads are the lifeblood of our community. They connect us to our workplaces, schools, and essential services, and they support the industries that drive our local economy, from tourism to agriculture.

Here in the Whitsundays, with our fast-growing population and increasing visitor numbers, it’s more important than ever that we invest in maintaining and improving our road network.

To kick-off 2025, Council last week announced the launch of our $7.8 million road re-seal program, aimed at improving the safety and reliability of our local road network.

This year’s program kicks off with significant works along Dingo Beach Road, a vital route for both residents and visitors. The works will be completed in stages across three priority sections, commencing last week and continuing until March, weather permitting.

To keep residents informed, Council will send letters to neighbouring properties ahead of time, outlining the expected start and completion dates for each stage. Importantly, there will be no restrictions to driveway access, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routines.

After the re-seal works, please be cautious, as line marking will not be completed until the seal has cured, which takes approximately 2–3 weeks.

In addition to Dingo Beach Road, re-sealing works are planned across various areas, timing subject to weather:
·         Bowen – Elphinstones Street (Feb), Bayside Court (Feb), Gordon Street (Feb) and Don Street (nights) (Jan)
·         Proserpine & Surrounds - Setter Lane (Feb), Chapman Street (Feb), Whitsunday Coast Airport (Underway), Renwick Road Crossings & Hinschen Intersection (Feb), Conway Road (TBC) and Upriver Road Culvert Upgrade (TBC)
·         Airlie Beach - Macona Crescent (Feb), Paluma Road (nights) (Jan), Abell Road (nights) (Feb) and Whitsunday PCYC Carpark (Feb)

This program, alongside our unsealed road funding from Council ($1.35M) and Disaster Resilience Funding Arrangements ($45.5M), is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the quality and longevity of our road network. Roads like Dingo Beach Road and others across Bowen, Proserpine, Airlie Beach and unsealed rural roads are critical to connecting our communities and supporting our local economy, particularly as our region continues to grow.

By working together, we can ensure these upgrades are completed safely and efficiently, delivering lasting benefits for our community. For further updates on this project and other roadworks across the Whitsundays, please monitor Council communications. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and improvement for our region.

‍

On Sunday the community came together to show overwhelming support at the Metropole Hotel for Tickled Pink for a Cure, an event to raise funds and provide support for anyone with cancer. With a raffle, games, live music, and prizes for the best pink outfit and decorated bra, it was a wonderfully warm feeling to see so many people come together to support the cause.
Breast cancer does not discriminate, it can strike anyone at any time, women, men and children. The treatment process can be daunting and scary when facing it alone and this is why the McGrath Foundation was created, to provide nurses who are there for patients every step of the process. The impact of the foundation has been so successful they are now looking to expand beyond breast cancer to all types of cancer.
Denise McCallum, one of two McGrath Foundation nurses for the Mackay and Whitsundays areas, spoke at the event saying, “It’s a privilege and an honour to be invited to join them on this life journey.” Reiterating the importance of the McGrath service as cancer in the region spans from the mid-20s to the 80s with an increasing number of younger women being diagnosed.
We spoke to Casie Shakespeare, who had undergone treatment with the support of a McGrath nurse and said “Don't get me wrong, I'm very strong, and I was not going to let it beat me.” and that her nurse “was with me through that whole process, I've had surgery, ... and my breast cancer nurse come to see me after surgery, and asked, how are you going? What do you need? Have they done this? Have they done that, making sure that I had the best possible treatment?”
Cancer is not a topic most people talk about, but it's there and to see so many people come together to raise awareness was happily overwhelming. Jacqui Barrett an organiser of the event was near to tears with the turnout, as the event sold out within a week of advertising just proving how much the people here care: “It is such an important cause, and I suppose we feel humble, with so many people coming together.”
To make a donation and support cancer patients Australia-wide so no one goes through treatment alone, go to www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/give/donate/

‍

McGrath nurse Denise McCallum, and organisers Sue Connors, Casie Shakespeare, Jaqui Barrett. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Huge turnout to support the Tickled Pink for A Cure. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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

‍

Eris TestFlight 1 waiting for NET launch.

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.”

‍