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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Justin Butler has been a cornerstone of Club Whitsunday for over 20 years, serving as Director and Committee Member, and for the past 15 years, as Chairman/President. His involvement began when he volunteered to represent the Touch Football Club on the Whitsunday Sports Park Committee, a role that sparked a 20-year journey of dedication and development.
What started with basic grounds maintenance evolved into a vision to transform the facility. Justin’s early focus on improving playing surfaces led to a major redevelopment of the sports park, driven by his belief in its potential for the town. Over the years, challenges like securing funding, redesigns, Cyclone Debbie, and financial strain tested his resolve, but Justin remained committed.
His greatest rewards have been the growth of local sports, the attraction of high-profile events like the NRL Kangaroos and North Queensland Cowboys, and watching young people secure jobs at the club.
Looking ahead, Justin is excited to hand over the reins to a professional staff, ensuring Club Whitsunday’s continued success. “It’s the people’s club,” he says, “and I’m very grateful to my family, colleagues, and clients for their support during this long journey.”
Outside the club, Justin used to enjoy golf, fishing, and playing football and touch.

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Tim Langford has been a Director at Club Whitsunday for the past six months. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he previously owned Paddy’s Shenanigans in Airlie Beach, a popular local venue.
A passionate supporter of local sports, Tim played for the Whitsunday United Football Club's divisional men's team for three years. When he saw the club's venue sitting unused, he decided to step in and help get it up and running.
Tim played a pivotal role in bringing the vision for Club Whitsunday to life. Alongside the other directors and the management team, he helped secure financing and quickly transform the concept into a reality. Though the journey was challenging, he finds the process of seeing the club open and thriving to be incredibly rewarding.
His goal for Club Whitsunday is to establish it as a community hub. The proceeds from the club will be reinvested into the sportspark precinct, supporting the growth and development of grassroots sports in the region.
“I am very excited for the opening of Club Whitsunday,” says Tim. “We have so much more to come, with the precinct, new promotions, offerings, competitions and so on, so everyone stay tuned for even more to come.”

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Club Whitsunday loves Australia Day and views it as a day to celebrate the nation's unique culture and bring all Australians together. As a natural meeting place for the community, the club aims to offer something for everyone over the long weekend.
Visitors are invited to drop by for a drink, a meal, or a punt with friends at any time over the weekend. There will be live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with mini sporting games on the fields under lights for both kids and adults to enjoy on Sunday evening.
Spectators can watch the kids participate from the comfort of the air-conditioned indoor area, on the decks, or even join in on the fields with a cold can in hand. Thong throwing and other Australiana events will take place through Sunday late afternoon and into the evening. The air-conditioned changerooms are perfect for kids' activities if the heat is too much, offering a cool space while waiting for the sunset.
Club Whitsunday encourages everyone to support their local community. All raffles over the long weekend will go towards helping the Proserpine Junior Cricket Association, who recently lost all their new grounds equipment to theft.
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What: Australia Day
When: Sunday 26th January 2025 - with activities from 3pm
Where: Club Whitsunday

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Club Whitsunday is Queensland's first true grassroots, greenfield community club to be developed and opened in over 25 years.
Chairman of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, highlights that while numerous new clubs have opened during this time, the vast majority have been large, established clubs with significant financial resources and staff, expanding into second or third venues, rather than being true grassroots, ground-up projects.
Chairman Justin Butler emphasized, “Airlie Beach should be proud to be the first town to open a new club from the grassroots in such a long time.”
“Now that the Club is open, our focus is not only on making it the best it can be but also on turning our attention to the future. We’re committed to helping plan and develop sports and community initiatives across the broader Whitsunday Region,” he added.
Justin detailed how the development of their precinct involves careful planning for both short and long-term improvements.
These include upgrading car parking, playing surfaces, lighting, and grandstands, encouraging more sports participation, developing a multi-use indoor sports facility, and expanding the hospitality club to offer larger dining, gaming, and sports bar areas, as well as a new function room.
Justin and his team view the club as the natural home for community sports that people may not typically think of, such as darts, poker, bridge, trivia, and gaming clubs, and they are committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to support these activities over time.
Furthermore, Club Whitsunday is eager to collaborate with the council and other stakeholders on exciting projects such as the new Sporting Precinct at Brandy Creek, as well as the potential development of hospitality clubs in Proserpine and Bowen.

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Future planning for precinct begins. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot.

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Each sporting code at the Sportspark is an incorporated body run by a volunteer committee.  

Local sports, from Touch Footy with Monday night competitions and annual carnivals to Football with multiple men’s and women’s teams playing weekly, are all run by volunteers. These volunteers coach, manage, and develop players, dedicating countless hours to their sports. Participation is surging post-COVID and as the population grows.

The sporting fields and courts are on land leased from the council, zoned for recreation, and managed by Whitsunday Sportspark Operations Inc. A volunteer committee oversees maintenance, including insurance, mowing, spraying, and lighting, as well as coordinating events, seasonal activities, carnivals, and special bookings.

The land immediately around Club Whitsunday is freehold and is owned by a public company that owns and operates Club Whitsunday.  

The voting shareholders in this company are the 5 foundation sports of AFL, Football (Soccer), Netball, Rugby Union and Touch Footy and they have one vote each on any major events.

There is a board of Directors elected by the sports whose volunteer role is to oversee the management and running of Club Whitsunday for the benefit of the shareholders and public.

Being such a significant hospitality offering the day-to-day management of the Club is by professional paid staff.  

Club Whitsunday have a high-end General Manager from NSW overseeing all facets of the Club including future growth, an operations Manager running the bars and gaming, an Executive Chef running the kitchen along with a Sous Chef and several Duty Managers to cover the 100 odd hours the facility is open per week.  
Club Whitsunday is a major local employer, with staff across the bar, kitchen, gaming, cleaning, and administration sectors.
It is a professional operation, not run by sportspeople, but by hospitality experts under the oversight of unpaid, volunteer Directors. These Directors must have significant hospitality experience and bear responsibility for the facility, staff, and shareholders.
The Club is seeking new Directors as those who helped establish it step down, looking for individuals with experience in managing or owning hospitality venues. If you're interested, approach senior staff or current Directors, who can connect you with the sports and guide you through the nomination process for the AGM in March.
The PCYC and Bowls Clubs are independent entities with their own land, separate from Club Whitsunday, though they share the Sportspark precinct and collaborate closely.
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Representatives enjoying a beer at the brand-new Club Whitsunday
Three Directors of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, Tim Langford and Craig Spence
Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot

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Growing up in Beechworth, Victoria, sport was a central part of life. Whether competing at the state level or cheering on his teams, Josh always had a fierce rivalry with New South Wales. When he moved to Moruya Golf Club on the NSW South Coast as CEO in 2019, he carried his Victorian roots with him, including a love for Queensland in the State of Origin, Melbourne Storm in the NRL, and AFL as his number one sport.
Now, Josh is bringing his expertise to Club Whitsunday, where he’s excited to help launch the new venue. With 18 years of experience in club management, Josh explained how the opportunity to build up Club Whitsunday and make it the prime venue in Airlie Beach was too exciting to pass up.
“I’m excited to lead Club Whitsunday and strengthen its ties with the local community,” Josh said. “It’s an opportunity to provide a much-needed hub for entertainment, food, and community events, and to support local sporting groups from juniors to seniors.”
Josh believes in the power of sport to improve both physical and mental health. He plans to make the club a key player in fostering local talent and community engagement.
“Once the club is open it would be great to meet the locals,”  
“People will see me around the club most days and I would welcome everyone to introduce themselves.
“Who knows I might be able to get some of the secret fishing spots off someone,” he added.

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Tracy O'Shea brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, primarily with community clubs. Her most recent role was Club Manager at Benowa Bowls Club on the Gold Coast, before she relocated back to Far North Queensland in December last year.
As part of the team behind Club Whitsunday, Tracy is excited to have contributed to the opening of this new venue. She’s particularly eager to see the membership grow, especially with the support of the various sporting clubs in the local precinct.
“I am very excited to be a part of the daily operations of running the club with both General Manager Joshua and continued working relationship with the Executive Committee, who have worked tirelessly on preparing for the opening,” Tracy explained.
“It’s exciting to be working with our Chef Zibby, who is producing some amazing meals, and looking forward to meeting the new members over the coming years,” she added.
Tracy is looking forward to introducing membership promotions in the coming months, seeing local entertainers perform at the club, and working with the team to help the club grow and support the local community.
Outside of work, Tracy loves looking out from her balcony at the “absolutely magical ocean” that Airlie Beach has to offer, and she can’t wait to go out and explore the islands.

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With over 10 years of experience in the Whitsundays, Zibby Deca has built a diverse and extensive career in the local food industry. He has collaborated with a wide range of businesses, from assisting with the launch of new restaurants to managing catering departments and preparing food for large community events and music festivals.
Zibby has also worked as a private chef for high-end clients, offering his culinary expertise aboard luxury yachts and in exclusive holiday homes. About a year ago, he joined a well-known local Italian restaurant, where he had the opportunity to work alongside talented chefs, further deepening his understanding of the regional food scene.
These varied experiences, Zibby believes, have equipped him with a broad skillset and a unique insight into both local flavors and the diverse needs of his clientele.
Now, Zibby is excited to be part of the opening of Club Whitsunday:
“I’m thrilled to be part of opening the Club. With plenty of space and affordable pricing, I’m sure it will become a go-to spot for locals.”
He adds, “Every new venue is unique. The unpredictability is what excites me—the moment people walk in, experience the atmosphere, and decide if they like it. It’s rewarding to see something new come to life and watch people enjoy it.”
Zibby hopes the community will embrace the Club with enthusiasm and positivity.
In his downtime, he enjoys watching his children play the piano while relaxing on the couch. As the head of his home’s gardening department, he also spends spare moments trimming hedges and mowing the lawn.
“With full support from management, the sky’s the limit.”
“Watch this space for a feast featuring great steaks, local seafood, and churros.”

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Since 2001, ADFAB Industries, has been a trusted name in the community, crafting high-quality stainless steel, brass, and aluminium products. We’ve been dedicated to delivering precision and excellence in every project, big or small. We’re especially proud of our involvement in the fabrication and installation of the kitchen and bar at Club Whitsunday, It was an exciting project, and we are proud to contribute to such a fantastic addition to the community. We look forward to seeing the park and bar become a vibrant hub for sports, socializing, and relaxation, and are honoured to have played a part in its creation. Congratulations to all involved.
Adam Tester, ADFAB

“It’s great to see the sports park venue now open and ready for use. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to carry out the refrigeration upgrade while the building was being renovated. It’s rewarding to see the venue completed, and we’re glad we could contribute to its development. We look forward to seeing the space benefit the community and are pleased to have played a small part in getting it all set up”.
Amanda Fox, ARS Whitsunday

FISHI happily supports the new community based Club Whitsunday, we hope to provide them with some amazing Australian seafood to support the Queensland fishing fndustry and its families.
Congratulations to all the team at Club Whitsundays!
Bronwyn Calder, Fishi

Congratulations
Club Whitsunday & Whitsunday Sports Park
On the completion of the Club facility
Reward Hospitality is proud to have been involved in the fit-out, installation and supply of kitchen equipment, furniture & tabletop for the Club
Reward would also like to acknowledge the vision commitment and tireless efforts of all those that have taken this project from a dream to reality.
Building a Community Club with its core charter being to return profits to the local sporting communities is a Noble endeavour and deserves every success.
Shona Russell, Reward Hospitality

We are thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Club Whitsunday. Since the first announcement years ago, we have patiently supported Justin and his incredible vision for this game-changing community club. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved have been inspiring, and we are so excited to see this dream come to life.
Club Whitsunday promises to be a hub for locals, offering a vibrant community atmosphere and exceptional facilities. Congratulations to Justin, the club directors, and everyone who made this possible – we can’t wait to experience it firsthand!
Patrick Morrissey, Whitsunday Food Service

OzKi Plumbing and Gas is proud to have worked alongside the dedicated members of Club Whitsunday over the past 6 months to help bring the Kitchen and Bar to life for the opening of this incredible community facility. We are excited about the opportunities this club offers to the local Whitsunday community and are honoured to have played a role in its completion.

While the journey wasn’t without its challenges, the collaboration of everyone involved is a testament to the strength and pride of our community.

Based in Proserpine, OzKi Plumbing and Gas serves the greater Whitsunday region, specializing in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drainage across construction, renovations, alterations, and maintenance. We take pride in handling even the trickiest of jobs.

For any plumbing or gas needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Ben McNab, OzKi Plumbing & Gas

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On New Year’s Day, the rescue team was called to action just before dinner time. At 5:25pm, Paul, a skipper on the Marine Rescue team, was happily anticipating a lovely evening meal when a single phone call halted all dinner preparations.
A broken-down vessel with three people aboard requested a tow out by Stonehaven and required assistance to get back to Coral Sea Marina. When Paul and Donna arrived at the VMR1, they found both Rodney and M already preparing the rescue vessel for departure. It took roughly an hour to reach them but communications were clear and concise.
The crew of the VMR1 had a straight shot to the distressed vessel as the seas were wonderfully calm. They knew the position, its colour, and its size, as the anticipating rescuers were dutifully monitoring channel 16 on their boats’ radio.
Greeted by an excited young boy, clamouring all over the boat with waving arms, the VMR1 crew hooked up the faulty vessel. After the paperwork was completed the journey back to the Marina could commence. It was slow going at 10 knots as the vessel was very heavy and its bow was prone to travelling too low in the water. Everyone arrived safely at the Coral Sea Marina by 8:10pm and the three passengers were happily dropped off at the public jetty.
The tow would have cost the owner $1300 but luckily, they were a member of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday. So, after a debrief and the post-activation chores completed by the crew, Paul could finally go home and eat his dinner.
However, this was not the first time mealtimes got pushed around due to a rescue. Just after Christmas, on the morning of the 27th of December, Michael called cheerfully, “Hey, are you up for a quick run in VMR2 to rescue a 6m Quintrex, a few km outside of Shute?”
Rolling out of bed and heading straight to the marina, the VMR2 was ready to go to the rescue. Cutting through the water at 25 knots, the VMR2 team reached the distressed vessel which had drifted closer to Round Head than their provided coordinates indicated.
Once the vessel was hooked up for the tow, returning to the marina was slow. The rescued boat was a fair bit larger than the VMR2, and the best speed it could muster was 7 knots. The rescued passengers used an electric motor to get their boat back down the marina passage which meant that everyone was home and having breakfast by 10am.
Even without food our Marine Rescue team always does their best. Thank you Donna, M, Rodney, Micheal, Shane and Paul for your fast and active responses, especially when they cut into your favourite mealtimes.

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VMR1 Crew heading out to the rescue. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

Rescued boat at tow behind the VMR1. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

Skipper Paul on the lookout. Photo Sourced: VMR Whitsunday Facebook

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