Club Whitsunday is excited to announce its grand opening on January 24 2025, after
eight years of dedication and hard work by their incredible team.

This all-new sports bar will be a dynamic gathering spot, offering a welcoming space not just for local sports enthusiasts, but for everyone in the area to come together and connect.

The Club has a fantastic range of facilities, including a modern restaurant, a fully-stocked bar, a
spacious gaming floor, and a fun-filled kids’ play area, all set against the backdrop of the stunning sports park.

Whether you head to the venue to catch a game, enjoy a meal, or spend time with family and
friends, Club Whitsunday is the perfect destination for the whole community.

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The Club Whitsunday staff ready to serve the community. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

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Hi Everyone,
What a week it's been! There’s so much exciting news in this week's paper, including the highly anticipated opening of Club Whitsundays and the upcoming Sports Expo, where you can get hands-on and try out a variety of sports.
Having had the chance to experience Club Whitsunday firsthand, I’m thrilled to see the community finally get a much-needed hub for sports and recreation. The clean, modern design really enhances the atmosphere, and I can’t wait to return for dinner and drinks soon, especially since I was their very first club member!
In other news, I'm eagerly tracking the upcoming launch of Eris Test Flight 1 and can’t wait to find out the launch date. As a space enthusiast, I’m fascinated by the latest advancements and love learning new details about the process and about space in general.
I was recently talking to a friend about how learning something new can completely open your mind to a whole new world of knowledge and depth that you never even knew existed, and enable you to see life in a completely different light.
We also discussed, how it’s always important to question yourself and not become so comfortable in what you know that you neglect learning or improving yourself.
I have always loved learning new things, and I think you should always try to learn something new every day, as you never know where it could lead you.
Ruth
“The greatest enemy of learning is knowing”
John C. Maxwell

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On January 12th, a few mates went fishing on the Peter Faust dam when they heard splashing in the water. But there was no need to reel in the rods or prepare nets for a catch, as a dog climbed on board the little tinny.  

The old boy had become separated from his owner and lost, but being the smart, working dog that he is, he went to the first people he could find. Even if those people were in the middle of a dam, he swam his way over, seeking help.  

He was a bit worse for wear, but thanks to the people in the boat, he found his way home just two days later. They posted about him and his swim to Facebook, and the farmer who owned him saw and responded. It turns out the old boy had gotten separated while out mustering with his owner and had been missing for a couple of days.

Who knew a regular fishing trip with the mates could turn into a dog rescue mission?

Remember to keep an eye on your dogs if they’re off leash. Thanks to the folks in the boat who took him in and kept him safe until the owner could be found.

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Tired after his swim, a dog rests in a rescue tinny. Photo sourced: Kate Henderson Whitsunday Chat Facebook Group

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Each year, the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Inc. offers scholarship opportunities to young female students from the Whitsundays region and its surroundings. These scholarships assist with the costs associated with accessing a tertiary course of their choice, providing worthy applicants with the means to pursue higher education when they otherwise wouldn't be able to.

Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, the club has become an international staple for women’s empowerment and women's rights to work. Their vision is a world in which women’s rights are recognised as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. Where women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men.

As a leading global organisation of professionals, their slogan is ‘Empowering Women Through Service and Advocacy’, and the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Inc. supports this slogan by providing scholarships and awards to deserving young girls pursuing tertiary education who, because of limited financial means or distance, would otherwise struggle to access the course of their choice.  

In 2024 the club awarded three scholarships: the PJ Halter Memorial Scholarship for $3000 and two Zonta Achievement Awards each for $2000.

The recipients are:
PJ Halter Memorial Scholarship – Eleanor Baldock.
Zonta Achievement Awards – Molly Bennett and Hazel Farrell.
These three girls had to fit the ideal candidate criteria and demonstrate the following qualities to be eligible for the awards. They must show academic promise and commitment to their education, engagement with extra-curricular activities, and personal qualities consistent with Zonta values.
The application process closed in late September of 2024, with interviews for the awards conducted in mid-October. Applications had to include a written statement from the applicant and from their educational organisation showing support, an academic transcript, and a Curriculum Vite. Now having won, the girls plan to put the money towards relocation costs and new technology upgrades that can handle all they require in their chosen tertiary study fields.
Margaret Kennedy, the treasurer of the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Inc, stated that they had many very worthy applicants that year at the awards ceremony held recently in January.
“We have no doubts that they will all make their way in life, in their chosen field. We look forward to keeping in touch with them as mentors for the period of their education, and beyond.”
All three award winners this year are from St Catherine’s Catholic College. Margaret Kennedy stated that this is a credit to the school for instilling such important values and educational drive into their female students. This has created opportunities for girls to thrive and develop community and social values that allowed them to shine above all the other applicants and achieve the Zonta Club scholarship awards.

Two of the winners with the interview panel members; winners Molly Bennett (left) and Eleanor Baldock (right), with Club members Dianne Trueman and Margaret Kennedy (middle). Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Ladies of the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Inc., the award winners and their Mums, and St Catherine's teacher Shantae Ryle. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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This country has some of the most dangerous weather in the world, and the people of beautiful, tropical north Queensland live with it every year. In Australia, the natural disaster that claims the most lives is extreme heat events.

Last week, the temperatures climbed to the high thirties along the eastern coast during the day, receding to the mid-twenties at night. Impacted areas stretched from Port Douglas all the way down to Bundaberg under severe to extreme levels, with the regional surrounding areas listed as low-intensity. With some locals claiming it is regular summer heat, the following advice is to stay safe and avoid heatstroke and burns in this hot, humid season.

Plan your day to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, 11am-3pm, and limit activities to a minimum if you have to be out and about. If you do go out, wear suitable clothing that’s breathable, lightweight, and light-coloured. Also, protect yourself with a wide-brimmed hat and highly rated UV sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly. Make sure to periodically rest in the shade or inside air-conditioned buildings to keep your body's internal temperature low and keep water close at hand.

Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day to keep your fluids up. Drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty, and limit other types of liquids, as severe dehydration can lead to many life-threatening health issues. Eat as you usually would, but avoid heavy protein foods, which raise your body temperature and increase fluid loss. Also, avoid food left out for longer than 2 hours, as the heat can cause it to spoil.  

Stay inside as much as possible during the day, and block out the sun to keep your rooms cool. Use air conditioning or fans to keep cool and circulate the airflow. A car is no substitute for an insulated building, even with windows down or air conditioning on. In this weather, cars absorb heat quickly, effectively turning your vehicle into an oven on wheels. Do not leave children, adults, or animals in parked cars.

If you are in charge of an animal, you have a duty of care to provide it with food, water, and appropriate shelter. Some animals can also have heat-related illnesses, so consult a vet about what you can do for your animals during heatwaves. Avoid walking your dogs during the day; stick to early morning or evening walks, as the pavement and roads can burn their paws.

Keep in contact with family and friends, as extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone. Check-in on people who are at risk, including older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and unwell people. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor on how to manage the heat.

Keep enough food, water, and medical supplies in reserve in case your electricity goes out.

Be prepared and stay safe, as temperatures are high and UV is strong in summer. For more advice, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or check out the QLD Government’s website and search ‘Hot weather health and safety’. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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Growing up in Brisbane, Victoria has had a progressive career, having worked as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology and completing a Cert III in Business Administration alongside a swimming teaching qualification with AustSwim.  After obtaining these qualifications they worked as a receptionist and swimming teacher, where they saved to get themselves into university earing a Diploma of Arts.
Victoria is greatly anticipating having a job that means something to the community they are in. Therefore, are extremely excited to have landed the Cadet Journalist position with Whitsunday Life and to be following in the footsteps of their grandmother who was a journalist and writer and a huge inspiration to them.
“My current role as a Cadet Journalist is amazing as I get to do impactful work with my community and write as I have always loved to do.”
Last year, Victoria was given the chance to go and work overseas in Ireland, putting them in a place where they could explore Europe and connect to family roots. Victoria loved getting stuck into farm life, bottle feeding calves, holding newborn lambs and cooking hearty roasts with their family there.
In their spare time Victoria loves sewing, embroidering or writing a story as they’re a passionate artist and creative writer. Victoria also loves swimming, whether it’s in the ocean, creek or a pool they’re making waves! Alongside swimming you can catch them boating, snorkeling or fishing with friends.
Victoria describes themselves as honest, vivid and exploratory. When you see them out and about make sure you say hello. We are very excited to have them on the team at Whitsunday Life.

Whitsunday Life’s new Cadet Journalist, Victoria Velton

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The PCYC in the Whitsundays is putting out the call for any young people who are looking to get skilled up for work. Their Get Set for Work program is an intensive employment and training assistance program for young, disengaged Queenslanders aged 15–19 years. Participants will gain the skills and confidence to enter the workforce, go on to further training or go back and complete school.

The program runs every term for 10 weeks and Term 1’s intake begins on the 28th of January. It aims to help upskill young people who have left school, are not currently enrolled in school, or recent graduates who need help with job seeking. They also teach life skills such as cooking and helping with mental and sexual health to those who are anxious or underprepared for the transition to a working life.

Participants will have the opportunity to tour many industries’ workplaces and earn qualifications aligned to your workplace goal. From construction white cards, RSA’s and first aid certificates, to shipboard safety skill sets and practical work experiences, there will be many opportunities to learn what job pathways are out there and have a fun time along the way.

The program had a 71 per cent success rate last year with participants either enter employment, going on to further study, or returning to school. The program is of no charge to the participants and considers all applicants, but spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 persons per term, so if you or your child is at a social disadvantage and need help preparing for work, call the coordinator on: 4948 1144 or email: whitsunday@pcyc.or.au.

Get Set for Work is one of eight programs that make up the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

WHAT: Get Set for Work
WHEN: 28th January
WHERE: PCYC Whitsundays

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Get Set for Work coaches and their successful student at a tradie's apprenticeship. Photo supplied: PCYC Whitsundays

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I hope you all had a wonderful Summer Holidays so far! It’s great to be back, and 2025 is already shaping up to be a big one for the Whitsundays.
To kick off the year on a high, Whitehaven Beach has claimed the title of Lonely Planet’s Best Beach for 2025. With its white sand and turquoise swirls, it’s easy to see why this slice of paradise remains a global icon.
Next month, our team is heading to Sydney for International Media Marketplace, connecting with top media and influencers to keep the Whitsundays in the spotlight. We’re also gearing up for The Whitsundays Roadshow, where alongside some of our amazing members, we will meet key trade partners in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
On top of that, we’re diving into planning for some exciting campaigns to make this year a standout for the region.
There’s so much to look forward to, and we’re excited to work with you to make 2025 a fantastic year!

Contributed by Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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Palm Bay Resort is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable tropical island escape. Nestled in a breathtaking, secluded setting, this intimate resort offers 23 villas and bungalows, ensuring a truly exclusive experience.

For locals, a special rate starts at $200 per night, or you can enjoy a day visit for only $25 to access all the resort’s top-tier facilities. Small boats are able to pull up at the Southern end of the beach free of charge and enjoy lunch at the resort restaurant. Reservations for lunch are a must.

This sanctuary is a haven for relaxation and adventure. Lounge by the resort pool, unwind in the spa, or stay active in the gym. The restaurant’s fresh, mouthwatering menu showcases locally sourced seafood from Fishi, perfect for those looking to indulge in a true taste of the island. Sip cocktails while gazing at the horizon or immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you.

Palm Bay is adults-only (16 and over), offering an exclusive, peaceful atmosphere. For those seeking exploration, take a 20-minute bushwalk to Happy Bay or venture on a 1.5-hour hike to Sandy Bay, where the untouched landscape will captivate your senses.

With kayaking, snorkeling, and games to enjoy, Palm Bay Resort is an idyllic tropical retreat that invites you to reconnect with nature, unwind, and savor every moment. Whether for a night or a day, it’s a journey that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated.

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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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.

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New board member Emily Harvey

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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!

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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.

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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/

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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

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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.

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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.

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