Last Friday, the Whitsunday Regional Council released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the Build Whitsundays Water and Sewer Network program. The project promises to deliver essential trunk water and sewer infrastructure to key growth areas, enabling the development of more than 3,000 new homes over the next decade.

Mayor Ry Collins said the project represents one of the most important foundations for the Whitsundays’ future liveability, affordability and economic strength.

“This is a game-changer for our region,” Mayor Collins said.

“If we want more homes, more choice and more affordability for our families and future workforce, we have to build the infrastructure that makes that possible and Build Whitsundays delivers exactly that.”

“Council has been strongly advocating for housing-enabling works and is committed to delivering the right projects in the right places.

“We’ve fought hard to get this project moving, and Friday’s REOI release shows the momentum is real."

“This is about planning properly, delivering strategically and setting the Whitsundays up for long-term success,” Mayor Collins said.

“Our message to industry is that we’re open for business, and we want the best contractors to partner with us on this once-in-a-generation infrastructure build.”

Council invites suitably qualified contractors/suppliers to submit an EOI via VendorPanel. Those unable to attend in person can attend remotely via online Microsoft Teams. Please confirm your attendance via contracts@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au no later than 12.00 pm (AEST), Friday, 5 December 2025. The terms and conditions of this REOI will apply to the Project Briefing, and any queries must be submitted via the forum within the Vendor Panel only.

Council encourages all prospective contractors and subcontractors to attend.

In addition to supporting housing development, the project also aims to stimulate work and employment across the region, allowing people to make a valuable contribution and give back to the community.

Mayor Collins said the momentum behind the project signals a strong forecast for 2026.

“It’s an exciting time to live, work and invest in the Whitsundays, and this project is one of the biggest catalysts for growth we’ll see in a generation.”

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund.

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What 40 years of diving The Great Barrier Reef tells us

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Airlie Beach in 1979 was a raw, developing town, with unpaved roads and a social life centred on the Airlie Beach Hotel. Arriving in the area with a backpack strapped to his back, PADI Dive Instructor Tony Fontes, like many others, was looking forward to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef for the first time. Little did he know that first dive would change his life forever and lead to 40 years exploring the 2300km of reef available to him.

Over those 40 years, Tony has seen the impacts of environmental change on the reef, and he says that while a lot has changed over the decades, it has not always been for the better. “The health of the Reef has declined, primarily due to poor water quality, coastal development, poor and illegal fishing practices, and climate change. In the Whitsundays, this can be seen in reduced coral cover, increased algae, and poor visibility,” Tony reflected.

Sadly, according to Tony, the Great Barrier Reef has been no stranger to mass coral bleaching events caused by underwater heatwaves and has sadly suffered 6 mass bleaching events in the last nine years. “The immediate loss is healthy coral cover. But over time, there is a reduction in the overall biodiversity on the Reef. It can take years for a reef to recover from a serious bleaching event.”

“Unfortunately, as our oceans heat up, we can only expect more frequent bleaching events,” Tony added.

Despite this, Tony states that the Whitsundays itself has not suffered through a major bleaching event. While the reef in 2017 did suffer a very serious mass bleaching event that should have hit the Whitsundays, instead it received Cyclone Debbie, “which provided enough cloud cover and rain to reduce the water temperature and prevent serious bleaching.”

The local weather and changing conditions, which have led to, as Tony explains, “more intense rainfall and cyclones”, have meant that the infamous Cyclone Debbie, unfortunately, did have a detrimental impact on the reef’s health. While the Great Barrier Reef still hosts a vibrant underwater city for tourists to enjoy, sadly, some of the best dive and snorkel sites are “yet to fully recover,” Tony admits.

Part of being a diver is having a special responsibility to protect the marine world and the reef. For Tony, it’s about wanting to give back to the place that has been his home for the past four decades. Therefore, he has “built a reef protection module into all [of his] courses, particularly at the instructor level.”

“The modules are designed to increase one’s awareness as to the fragility of the Reef and how we can better protect it,” Tony emphasised.

Since the headlines have hit about mass bleaching and Cyclone Debbie, the tourism industry has still managed to thrive, with snorkelling to see some of what the Whitsundays have to offer being plentiful.

After years of exploring this submerged continent of biodiversity, Tony is now the President of the Whitsunday Conservation Council, where he continues to work hard to protect this underwater haven as the Reef Campaigner, focusing on fostering community awareness and education programs. This includes regular public presentations (Green Drinks), reef walking tours for kids and adults, and support for hard-working conservation groups like Eco Barge and Whitsunday Seagrass, alongside the occasional film night.

“We also advocate for better Reef protection, working with the council, state and federal governments. I have recently returned from a week in Canberra knocking on the doors of our Federal politicians to improve our current Nature Laws (which just passed),” Tony enthused.

So, do we still have time to save the reef? Tony's answer in short is “yes.”

“The future of the Reef is unknown, but it is also unwritten.” [CREATE JUMP OUT QUOTE]

“There is certainly an urgency but there is still time.”

“Climate change is the greatest threat facing the Reef. To rein in climate change will require a global response to reduce carbon emissions and move to renewable energy sources. Australia must lead the way.”

“But climate change is not the only threat. Poor water quality, coastal development and poor/illegal fishing practices are homegrown threats that reduce the resilience of the Reef. But boosting the Reef’s resilience, we can buy the time we need to stop the onslaught of climate change.”

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Tony Fontes has been diving the Great Barrier Reef for 40 years. Photo supplied.

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Hi Everyone,

With just a few weeks until Christmas — how are we all holding up!?

I honestly love this time of year: the build-up, the anticipation, the summer heat, the parties, the catch-ups, the gift-giving… all of it.

And then suddenly, like a balloon, something just pops and it all becomes a bit too much!

That’s exactly where I’m at right now — all the good vibes and happy moments have crescendo’d into overwhelm, and I’m simply taking it one day at a time while looking forward to that blissful, free week at Christmas.

Once a year our papers take a break, and it’s the one time I can fully let go, detach, and switch off. I love it so much.

Of course, it also means special family time, reconnecting, enjoying the slow pace, embracing that content, slightly lethargic feeling of having eaten too much, and indulging in those luxurious afternoon naps.

Whatever your festive season looks like this year, I hope you’re carving out a little calm in the chaos. I hope you’ve got friends and family close, and enough energy to get through the big day with a smile.

Here at the paper, we’re excited to capture all the festive moments for you — from the Airlie Beach Christmas Carols last Sunday to the Proserpine Twilight Markets on Friday. There are so many vibrant community events happening, so make sure you get out and enjoy them!

While you’re wandering around in the coming weeks, you might spot our new Cadet Journalist, Sebastian Conidi, out and about with his camera in hand.

Seb has just moved up from Melbourne and is new to the region, so if you see him around, please stop and say hello.

Welcome to the team, Seb — can’t wait to see you dive into local stories across this beautiful community.

Rach

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Join Eco Barge's Land-Based Clean-Up

The community is invited to join a coastline clean-up this Friday to help protect the marine life that depends on the Whitsundays’ natural environment. Eco Barge Clean Seas will host the event at Boatyard Road, Jubilee Pocket, with volunteers meeting at 8:00am on Friday, 12th December. Everyone is welcome, from regular volunteers to first-timers wanting to make a positive impact while connecting with others.

Participants can register online at ecobargecleanseas.org.au/volunteer, and lunch will be provided. By working together, the community can help stop debris on land before it reaches the sea.

When: Friday, 12th December at 8am
Where: Meet at Eco Barge Clean Seas, Boatyard Rd, Jubilee Pocket
Sign-Up: ecobargecleanseas.org.au/volunteer
Lunch provided

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Hi everyone,

This week’s edition features a special profile of long-time Ruth2Reef contributor and Whitsunday Conservation Council President, Tony Fontes, who shares insights from 40 years of diving on the reef. We’re also highlighting a fantastic land-based clean-up with Eco Barge happening this Friday!

Happy reading,
Ruth

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Whitsunday’s Maritime Historian

Considering his widely renowned depth of knowledge of the history of the Whitsunday Passage, coastline and islands, one could be forgiven for thinking that local historian, Ray Blackwood, was born on a boat of sea-faring parents and spent his entire life on our waters! Not so.

In fact, Ray comes from a banking background. The oldest of three boys, Ray was born in Harrisville near Ipswich where his father, Eric, was a bank officer. According to bank policy of the time, the family moved to towns throughout Queensland as Mr Blackwood Snr was transferred. After completing his secondary schooling at a boarding school in Warwick, at 16 years of age Ray also became a “Bank Johnny” when he commenced work at what was then Bank of New South Wales in Toowoomba.

In 1944, whilst World War II was still raging, Ray joined the Royal Australian Air Force, doing his initial training at Kingaroy. From there he went to Canada where he finished his training as a navigator. Shortly after Ray “got his wings”, he was returned to Australia just as the war had ended.

After his arrival home, Ray resumed his banking career in Queensland before being transferred to the Port Moresby branch in Papua in 1948. He remained there for 2½ years, returning to Queensland before being transferred to Fiji in 1951. In Fiji, Ray met and married Mavis Murray and while living there a daughter, Roslyn, was born. Upon the family’s return to Queensland, Ray took up a position in International Foreign Exchange at the Chief Queensland Office of the bank in Brisbane. Son, Vaughan, was born in Brisbane.

In 1981, Ray and Mavis retired to the tropics and bought a house at Shute Harbour. Their magnificent view across Whitsunday Passage inspired him to research and document the many stories including those of courageous people who chose to gamble their future for a life in the tropical sun known as ‘Paradise’. He became passionate about recording the history of the Whitsunday islands and their immediate coastline and correcting the many distortions of its history which had evolved. And so began his relationship with the Proserpine Historical Museum and the Bowen Historical Society and Museum. Ray became Patron of the Proserpine Museum in June 2013.

Taking his quest to explore Whitsunday’s history as a personal journey, in his yacht “Seaquel” and dinghy, “Fishbone”, Ray roamed the Whitsunday waters and islands repeatedly over the years, retracing the paths of early settlers. He ignored secondary sources and delved into all available first-hand information, basing his writings on a diligent search of primary sources such as shipping charts and recorded accounts, letters, diaries and official records. He purchased valuable maps from London; from the Navy; interviewed locals; continually returned to official records to authenticate or contradict previous publications and religiously sifted through his writings until his thirst for Whitsunday history was satisfied - or almost! As most historians would agree, research goes on forever.

The outcome of Ray’s vast and meticulous research was his publication “The Whitsunday Islands – An Historical History” and the later translation to digital CD format (IBM compatible), “The Whitsunday Islands 1770 -1990 Historical Encyclopaedia”. Ray has donated all of his research material to the Proserpine Museum and has also deeded to the museum the copyright of his work. “The museum is where my research and maps should be,” he declared.

In 2019, due to health issues, Ray and Mavis left the area they loved so dearly to be closer to family. Sadly, Ray passed away in 2022.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Ray Blackwood. Photo supplied.

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Some everyday items can spark dangerous landfill fires if they’re thrown in the bin. Common culprits include household batteries, lithium-ion batteries from phones and tools, gas bottles and butane cans, flares and ammunition.

Drop batteries off safely at B-cycle collection points at Council Customer Service Centres and libraries, at the Collinsville and Cannonvale Transfer Stations, and participating supermarkets and hardware stores. For all other hazardous items, talk to our friendly staff at your nearest transfer station or landfill and they will help you manage them correctly.

Disposing of these hazardous items safely helps protect our environment and keeps our community safe. For more information, visit Council’s website.

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After just 10 weeks in its new location, Figs and Honey Café is already becoming a favourite stop for locals, offering a warm, cosy atmosphere and a menu built entirely on fresh, house-made food.

Owner Amber Jamieson who has lived in the region for thirteen years, originally ran Figs and Honey as a home-based catering and specialty cake business. Known for her wedding cakes, event catering and raw and vegan-friendly treats, she continues to offer these services while now operating the café full-time.

Moving into a storefront at 6/35 Main Street in Proserpine has allowed her to expand Figs and Honey and now welcome regulars.

The true hero of Figs and Honey, isn't Amber or the star barista Ellie Callan, it is the homemade products.

“We make everything ourselves. Food should be real food—fresh, nutritious and made from scratch,” she said.

“Nothing is brought in pre-packaged. We make our own dressings, frittatas, granola and all our baked goods.”

The café serves an all-day menu with classics such as bacon and eggs, alongside weekly specials and a varied cabinet selection that typically includes bagels, Turkish breads, vegetarian options, waffles and cakes. Fresh juices, made to order from ingredients such as apple, pineapple, watermelon, ginger, celery and mint, have also become a customer favourite.

Within weeks, the café has built a solid base of regulars—some so comfortable they simply say, “Just cook for me.”

“If we’ve got the ingredients, we can make it,” she said.

“I want people to enjoy what they eat, and I like keeping things flexible and personal.”

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Owner Amber Jamieson and barista Ellie Callan. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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A Brave Boy Looking for a Fresh Start

Once a terrified dog with a heartbreaking past, Zephyr is now learning what it truly means to feel safe and loved. This gentle boy came into rescue after experiencing significant trauma, and while the scars on his face tell part of his story, they don’t define who he is today. Thanks to patience, care, and the comfort of a stable foster home, Zephyr has begun to flourish into a loyal and affectionate companion.

In foster care, Zephyr has proven himself to be calm, gentle, and incredibly devoted. He loves spending time with his people and has shown just how resilient he can be when given kindness and consistency. His transformation from fear to trust has been remarkable.

About Zephyr:
• Gentle, loyal and affectionate
• Calm and easygoing once he feels secure
• Enjoys walks and quiet companionship
• Best suited to a peaceful home with patient owners
• Has been around a cat but will need supervision
• Desexed, vaccinated and microchipped

Zephyr has come a long way—he now plays, cuddles and greets each day with a little more confidence. All he needs is a forever home where he can continue his journey surrounded by understanding and care.

To learn more or arrange a meet-and-greet, get in touch with Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue by emailing bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com. Zephyr is ready for his happy ending — he just needs someone willing to give him the chance.

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Whitsundays Writers Festival Appoints Leadership Team

Following its successful return, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is strengthening its foundation with a new leadership team dedicated to celebrating the region’s own literary voices.

The Festival is proud to announce the appointment of three local professionals to guide its future. Richard Evans, a Whitsunday author of nine political thrillers will serve as President and Festival Director. He will be joined by Secretary, Strategy and Marketing Manager Cait Fleming and Treasurer and Operations Manager Dr Julia Evans, who also works as a publishing services consultant. They will be supported by a committee of local authors, community specialists, and representatives from regional libraries and schools. Together, they hope to build upon the legacy of outgoing President Karen Jacobsen and her committee.

“Our core mission is to provide a platform for the exceptional writers we have right here in the Whitsundays and to connect them directly with our community of readers,” said incoming President Richard Evans. “We are building a festival that is by, for, and about our region’s literary culture. Our vision is bold: to shine a spotlight on local literary talent.”

The team’s first priority is a focused, community-centred event in 2026, which will pave the way for future growth.

The Festival Committee is now seeking expressions of interest from local authors for programming and participation in the 2026 event and beyond. Writers in the Whitsundays region are invited to contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

“This is a festival built on local talent,” said Cait Fleming. “We want to hear from our writers, involve them in the journey, and create an event that truly reflects the stories of our home.”

The Whitsundays Writers Festival promises to strengthen its community focus of fostering a vibrant literary culture by connecting local authors with readers and celebrating the power of local storytelling.

All are welcome to save the date for a special one-day celebration of local literary talent.

• When: Sunday 13 September 2026
• Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Airlie Beach
• What: A day dedicated to local authors, local stories, and the readers who bring them to life.

Contributed with thanks to Dr Julia Evans

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Welcoming the new team. Photo supplied

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Looking Out for Each Other This Time of Year

I had the privilege of joining the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) breakfast in Cannonvale recently as a guest speaker, and it was one of those mornings that remind you just how strong and connected our community really is.

Before most people had even hit the snooze button, the turnout was incredible with a mix of tradies in hi-vis, small business owners grabbing a cuppa on their way to work, emergency services staff coming off shift, and plenty of familiar community faces. All there for one reason: to look out for each other.

Events like this matter. They create space for honest conversation, which we often avoid because life gets busy or because we’re conditioned to “just get on with it.”

But the truth is, all of us, at some point, carry heavy things. As the guest speaker, I shared a bit about my own journey with the group as like anyone, I’ve had my ups and downs, and there have been times where stress has crept up on me more than I’d like to admit. This time of year, especially, the fatigue, the deadlines, the cost pressures, and the general rush of life can stack up quickly.

One of the most important things I’ve learned, and I’m still learning, is that we’re not meant to carry everything alone. Talking helps. Good mates help. Checking in helps. Even just recognising that you’re not the only one feeling stretched can take some weight off your shoulders.

A big hats off to Matt Stokes and the whole WSPN team for continuing to build these safe and open spaces. They don’t just run events they help shift culture and remind us that real strength isn’t staying quiet; it’s speaking up and listening without judgement.

Thanks to ShirtFront Solutions and Enzed Whitsunday for hosting and to Amanda Camm MP for sponsoring the breakfast. These partnerships show what can happen when business, community and leaders lean in together.

As we head into the tail end of the year, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment for yourself and a moment for someone else. Slow down where you can. Reach out if you’re struggling. And if someone crosses your mind, then send the text, make the call, say g’day.

We’re a better, stronger Whitsundays when we look out for each other.

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The Bowen Tourism and Business staff and volunteers celebrated Christmas with a get-together in Bowen last Sunday afternoon.

About 40 people attended the Christmas party including volunteers and their partners, staff and committee members.

Everyone received a Secret Santa gift from the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.

Manager Leanne Abernethy said volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and the Christmas party was all about celebrating their dedication, passion and efforts.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without them,” she said.

Steve Fisher, better known as Fish, volunteers at the Big Mango every week.

He spoke on behalf of the volunteers and mentioned several awards that Bowen Tourism and Business had won in 2025 including Top Tourist Town in Queensland, Best Big Thing in Queensland, Community Champion in the Whitsundays and a Bronze Medal for volunteers at State Level.

He thanked the staff for their dedication and spoke about the busy Grey Nomad season in 2025.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomed a record number of visitors in the 2024/25 financial year and have already welcomed more visitors since July than the same period last year.

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Bowen Tourism Volunteers - Back row: Viv Clark, Margaret Hurst. Front row: Marie Bailey, Colleen Skinner.

Bowen Tourism Volunteers - Anne Steen, Anne Mason and Mark Steen with the Chair of the committee Jenn Honnery.

Photos supplied

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After almost 20 years running the community’s much-loved St. Paul’s Op Shop, Chris Hinschen is preparing to retire from management and the St. Pauls Anglican Church are set to take over the role in the new year.

All current volunteers have already agreed to return, with Annette Pryce and Noreen Sainsbury announcing they will each assist a couple of days a week.

Saturday trading, has been trialled for several months and has become popular with visitors from as far as Mackay, Annette and Noreen say they will continue Saturday trading.

Chris’s final day will be on Friday 19th December, with the shop reopening on Monday 19th January under the new management.

Although the setup will remain largely unchanged, the church will now take on full overheads including rent, rates and insurance. Volunteers note that while prices remain affordable, the shop will now operate as a business to help fund essential costs such as the church roof repairs.

St. Pauls Anglican Church hope to expand the shop’s community focus by creating a welcoming space for conversation, coffee, sitting areas, pastoral care and support services in the future.

New volunteers are warmly invited, with even an hour of help making a difference. Contact Father Jeffery Akoai on 0458 451 230, Nerine Pryce on 0448 846 805 or Annette Sainsbury on 0409 417 180 to express interest or visit the Op Shop located on Dobbins Lane in Proserpine in the new year.

Donations will pause during the break to allow volunteers to prepare and avoid a backlog.

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Father Jeffery Akoai, Nerine Pryce and Annette Sainsbury at the St. Paul’s Op Shop in Proserpine. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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As we wrap up the year here in The Whitsundays, it feels like the perfect time to take a breath, look back on what we’ve achieved together and get excited for what’s shaping up to be a huge summer for our region.

It’s been a pretty exciting year of progress. We’ve had the announcements of the Ngaro Track and Twin Creeks Mountain Track and big momentum behind the Whitsunday Skyway. Plus, with new island developments underway on Hook and Lindeman Island, there’s plenty happening that will keep our region moving forward in all the right ways.

Holiday bookings are looking really strong, currently up 10% on last year with Christmas and New Year sitting at around 85% occupancy. It’s safe to say it’s going to be a lively festive season across The Whitsundays, and busy for our tourism businesses. January’s a little softer at the moment at around 50%, but we all know how many travellers book on a whim, so we’re expecting that to lift.

Because this is my last column for the year, I want to say a huge thank you to our community, our tourism partners and everyone who backs The Whitsundays day in, day out. Your enthusiasm and hard work are what give this region its magic.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and very sunny festive season. Whether you’re working through, travelling, or just kicking back with friends and family, enjoy it. Here’s to an even bigger 2026.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth. Photo sourced: Online

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What started as uncertainty has quickly turned into excitement, connection, and festive cheer as Proserpine prepares to come together this Friday night for the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair.

Only a short time ago, it looked as though the much-loved Christmas fair might not go ahead this year. However, following a team discussion at the office of Amanda Camm MP, about how best to support a community Christmas celebration, a decision was made - even if a little last minute - to bring people together and make it happen.

By joining forces with Whitsunday Regional Council and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair was born, with one clear goal: to give the community a chance to connect, celebrate, and share in the Christmas spirit.

Since announcing the event, the response from the community has been overwhelming. Local businesses, stallholders, food vendors, and volunteers have all stepped forward, keen to be involved and support the evening.

Already, excitement is building, with shops and dining venues planning to stay open on the night, live entertainment and market stalls coming together, and families looking forward to enjoying a relaxed festive evening in the heart of town.

This Friday night’s fair is shaping up to be a wonderful example of what Proserpine does best - coming together with generosity, enthusiasm, and community pride.

Everyone is invited to head into Main Street, enjoy the atmosphere, support local businesses, and share in a joyful celebration as Proserpine lights up for Christmas.

WHAT: Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair
WHERE: Main Street, Proserpine
WHEN: Friday 12 December, 5pm - 8pm

Contributed with thanks to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP

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