Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
I would like to include one of my own poems this week entitled ‘Voyager in the Darkness’. I wrote it a few years ago, but I find myself coming back to it because it always seems to resonate at different points in my life. Navigating your early twenties really can feel like being a ‘voyager in the darkness’. You’re trying to figure out and make sense of a world that is constantly changing. Things that once seemed so clear become blurred, ideas that you were certain on become riddled with doubt. As a songwriter, poetry is something I’ve always loved to engage in. That’s what really prompted me to start the creative corner. Poetry is one of the oldest forms of artistic human expression. It’s much older than the novel which only dates back about a thousand years. Some of our oldest most influential stories such as the Iliad or the Odyssey by Homer, were told in verse, not prose. People always wonder what it is that distinguishes us from animals. Cruelty? Compassion? Intelligence? I think the only thing that truly differentiates us from other animals is our ability to tell stories. They are the essence of what it means to be human. The fabric of our society is built on storytelling. We tell stories on dates, at dinner parties, during work morning teas. Life’s most significant landmarks, whether they are weddings or funerals – are celebrated and mourned through stories. Poetry is one of the oldest forms of storytelling and one of the most important. It grants us permission to express things in ways that grammatical rules and conventional sentence structure may not allow. Poet’s Corner Voyager in the Darkness The sun that timidly kissed the ambivalent glass in the afternoon, The baby-faced moon that haunted the ripples of water in the evening, A journey of joy, stress and laughter, Whose beauty is burdened by a tinge of sadness, At the knowledge it signifies the end of a grand chapter, Prepared yet apprehensive, Excited yet terrified, A melancholic spirit, The seconds that move into hours and then days, Days that will mark the end and beginning of everything, A plunge into the violent abyss, Letting nature carve its path, The apathetic endless sea, Into the night, The land of new on the horizon,
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This week’s winner is Shantal Cornford for the theme of comfort. Shantal took this photo of two baby birds sitting comfortably in their nest in a bush at Port of Airlie. Next week’s theme is Window View. Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Amateur Photography.
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Brahmans Back On Track. Seniors and reserves won two hard fought matches against the Pirates. Tries from Padden, Leo, Lade, Cortibarte and Napier led to the A Grade 36-24 win while Gardel, Yasso and Danny Leo led the way in the Reserve Grade. Proserpine League Lose Gate Money. Open access to freeloaders at the Sports Reserve led to an estimated $1000 loss and danger of losing State and Foley Shield games through failure to guarantee gate receipts. Ladies Golf. Nola Hansen won Wednesday’s trophy from runner up Bess Simpson. Rugby Union. Raiders led by Scotty Wardroper beat Brothers 12-0 thanks to a Neil Borellini try. Tennis Upset. ‘A’ Grade leaders Scotfords were defeated by O’Neil Alrounders. Bridge. G. Cantamessa and J. Spencer won the Howell Competition. Netball Very competitive games took place on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Good shooting from Elspeth Scotford and Mim Tielen. Junior School Netball. Proserpine beat Burdekin, Collinsville and Bowen in the Whitsunday trials. Anita Fields and Susan Madeo were selected for Whitsunday. Soccer. Whitsunday Knights beat Tremorne 3-2 thanks to a winning goal from Colin Downer. Squash. Women’s teams are very close with Lyn Hooper’s 50 points just in front of Di Law’s 45 . Basketball. Cougars beat Panthers 46-21 led by top scorer Rob Fraser with 20 points. Darts. The Palace Hotel beat the RSL. Top scorer of the night was Barry Humphries. Bowls. A great weekend was enjoyed by many. John Daffara and Peter Sala beat Fil Dafara and Bob McClure. Hill Climb Revival This has become a popular sport. The old climb was at Mt Marlow but Proserpine Motor Cycle Club’s new hill is on the Dittmer Road which is relatively easy for riders. Proserpine Annual Show. Full details of entries appears. Rainforest Conservation. Whitsunday Branch of the Wildlife Conservation Society called on State and Federal Governments to immediately stop logging in remaining virgin rainforest areas. Guiding Notes. Girls attended an ‘Its a knockout’ at Moranbah on Anzac Day. Leader Gayle Cook needs an assistant. Trainings at Cool Palms and Proserpine are coming up. Heart Monitor for Hospital. Airlie Beach Rotaryannes presented Matron Dray with a $1000 cheque for a Foetal Heart Monitor. “ Butterfly” Promotes Whitsundays. A 22 episode series “ Butterfly Island” filmed on locations like Shute Harbour, Dingo Beach and Whitsunday Paradise will promote the area worldwide. Champion Fire Brigades. Proserpine and Airlie Beach Fire Brigades under captains Dick Shoebridge and Derek Ward came first and second in the North Queensland Zone Championships. Teddy Bears Picnic. 200 bears entered the picnic at the Cultural Hall to celebrate Under Eights Week with Family Day Care as hosts. ESA Handover. Incoming officials of Alpha Phi Chapter took over at the annual dinner at Proserpine Motor Lodge. Local Fishermen Petition asking that the Proserpine River be closed from its mouth to trawlers was presented to Parliament by Labour deputy Tom Burns. Commercial fishermen complain that ‘bays ‘are being fished out. Fun Run to Wanderers. A mini-marathon will go ahead next Saturday from Proserpine to Wanderers Paradise sponsored by Fausts and Wanderers. Individuals and relay teams are invited. Power Line Worry.The Electricity Board’s promotion of a heavy duty line through to The Beak Area to serve island resorts is criticised by WCDA who state that there will be no benefit to Coastal residents. The Big Rodeo. Proserpine and the Whitsundays are gearing up for the hosting of the 1986 Australian Rodeo Championships this weekend at the Rodeo Complex, 20 klms North of Proserpine. Large crowds are expected for spectacular action. 600 entries have been made. The Gold Cup Open campdraft of $2000 and the Australian Championship open draft of $3000 will be the major events.
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Jim Sheppard started work in the Proserpine Post Office as a telegram boy in December 1941, coincidental with the time that the Japanese entered the war. In those days, although the major means of communication was mail through post offices and telephones, telegrams were an invaluable adjunct because they allowed for quick transmission of short messages over long distances. Modern communication is remarkably advanced compared with an era when telegrams were a primary way to deliver both good and bad news. In 1945, telegrams peaked at 35 million in Australia. They were transmitted by means of electric signals through “landlines” i.e. telegraph wires between poles, using Morse Code; a unique system of sequenced dots and dashes. An American, Samuel Morse, invented this system and sent the first official telegram from Washington to Baltimore in May 1844 with the words, “What hath God wrought?” Memories shared by Jim Sheppard … How to send a telegram: The sender completed a form at the post office, listing the recipient’s name and address followed by the message. In 1941, the cost was one shilling for up to 16 words, later reduced to 14, with an additional two pence charged per extra word. Members of the Services paid half the standard cost. Messages could also be dictated to the post office by telephone. An operator transmitted the message using a device known as a “key.” Incoming messages were received on a “sounder” which produced clicking sounds representing dots and dashes. These were interpreted and converted into words by the operator. Competency in Morse Code was required for advancement to higher positions such as Postmaster. Operators needed to achieve a minimum speed of 25 words per minute in both sending and receiving, with little room for error. In practice, experienced operators often worked at around 30 words per minute. It was common to delay typing by a few words so that any corrections would not affect the appearance of the finished telegram. Urgent telegrams, charged at double the normal rate, were given priority and printed on pinkish-red forms. Special decorative forms were also used for occasions such as weddings and congratulations. During the years 1941 to 1943 when I was delivering telegrams in Proserpine, the war was raging in both Europe and the Pacific and telegrams were used extensively. Sometimes I was met with pleasure and excitement if the message was about a homecoming or the occasional marriage proposal but sometimes there were looks of dread: this could be bad news about a loved one on active service. However, when there was news of someone “killed in action "or “missing presumed dead”, the Postmaster, Jim Hilton, had the good sense to enquire into the best way to deliver this message. He tried to arrange for a Priest/ Minister, a family member or a close friend to break the sad news. There is some parallel between the old morse days and today’s texting in that when ‘talking’ to each other on line, telephonists would abbreviate words just as is done in texting. As a matter of fact, it was not uncommon for people with the expertise to do just that in busy times when sending actual telegrams. It was called 'cutting them up'. To say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we would merely send MX (Xmas) HNY. The last time I operated a morse key was in in 1957. I retired as a manager in Telecom (now Telstra) in 1986 after 45 years of service but, like riding a bicycle, I have never forgotten the Morse Code together with the nostalgic memories of times now long gone when I was a Telegram Boy in Proserpine. Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives and thanks to Jim Sheppard.. Jim Sheppard - Telegram Boy
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Photo source: Facebook
Few bands have left a footprint on rock music as enduring as Creedence Clearwater Revival, the swamp-rock powerhouse that defined a generation with its raw, roots-driven sound. Led by the unmistakable voice and songwriting of John Fogerty, CCR delivered a string of timeless anthems that still resonate across decades, from protest-era grit to back-porch storytelling energy. Their music remains a staple of classic rock radio and live tribute stages around the world.
That legacy comes roaring back to life with CREEDENCE CLEARWATER SURVIVAL, widely regarded as Australia’s most dynamic CCR/John Fogerty tribute experience. Over two special afternoons, the band will recreate the atmosphere and intensity of a true “live” CCR/Fogerty concert, capturing not just the notes but the spirit of the original performances. This is not a passive nostalgia act—it is a full-bodied recreation designed to transport audiences straight into the golden era of American rock.
Fans can expect a setlist packed with defining classics, including “Green River,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,”, “Fortunate Son,” and “The Old Man Down the Road.” Each song is delivered with attention to detail that aims to faithfully reproduce the signature CCR sound—tight rhythms, driving guitar work, and that unmistakable Southern-tinged rock energy. Audiences consistently describe the experience as as close as it gets to witnessing CCR in their prime.
The group are no stranger to Airlie Beach, having played here in the past.
“We’ve got friends up here. We love it,” said bassist Jono.
With both shows running in the afternoon and open to the public, the event offers a relaxed yet electric atmosphere—perfect for longtime fans and new listeners alike. It’s a chance to reconnect with music that still feels urgent, powerful, and alive.
May 23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm
24 Community Volunteer Expo, Bowen Sunday Markets
26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am
29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am
30 Welcome Whales, Airlie Beach Foreshore, 4.30pm
June 3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am
6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm
6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm
9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am
23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9
The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has seen great success in previous years and its announcement is met with great anticipation. Photo source: Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper
The 2026 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has been officially announced to take place on Friday 12th June.
Set to be a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and diversity, the festival will showcase the many communities that call the Whitsundays home, bringing together families, visitors and local groups for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
Held at the Bowen Sound Shell, the event will feature live performances, cultural displays, markets, family-friendly activities and fireworks proudly sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Organisers say the festival is designed to highlight the region’s rich multicultural identity while providing a welcoming space for people to share traditions, food and performance.
Community participation is a key focus of this year’s event, with expressions of interest now open for cultural groups, stallholders, vendors, educators, workshop facilitators, musicians and dancers. Organisers are encouraging local and regional participants to get involved and help shape the program.
Applications are open via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, with submissions closing 31 May 2026: https://bit.ly/WMCF2026 (can this be made into a QR Code)
Friday 22 May
Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm – 7pm)
Grandview Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm)
KCs: Andrew Baldino (from 8pm)
Saturday 23 May
Airlie Beach Hotel: Beatnix (2pm – 5.30pm)
Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Coral Sea Marina Resort: Loui Battour (1pm – 5pm)
Grandview Hotel: Zed Charles Band (from 8pm)
KCs: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm)
Sorrento: Josiah Samuel (4pm – 7pm)
Sunday 24 May
Airlie Beach Hotel: Beatnix (2pm – 5.30pm)
Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Coral Sea Marina Resort: DJ Ahri (1pm – 5pm)
Grandview Hotel: Sam McCann (1pm – 5pm)
KCs: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm)
Sorrento: Ash Smith (4pm – 7pm)
Monday 25 May
Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm – 7pm)
KCs: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm)
Tuesday 26 May
Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm – 7pm)
KCs: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm)
Wednesday 27 May
Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm – 7pm)
KCs: Josiah (from 8pm)
Thursday 28 May
Airlie Beach: Aaron Saxon (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Sorrento: Lucy Rose (4pm – 7pm)
KCs: Retro Joe (from 8pm)
Competitors will battle it out for prizes, bragging rights and valuable All-Ports competition points during the action-packed Whitsundays fishing weekend. Photo supplied
The Whitsunday Game Fish Club will host its annual Queenfish and Trevally Rally across the weekend of 6th and 7th June, bringing anglers together for two days of sport fishing action in the Whitsundays.
The event begins with registration and a briefing night from 6pm on Thursday, 4th June, at the clubrooms on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale.
Fishing will run from 6am Saturday until 3pm Sunday, with all score sheets, weighed fish and release photos due back at the club by 4pm ahead of presentations at 5pm.
This year’s rally also includes the second leg of the Queensland Game Fishing Association All-Ports competition, which the Whitsunday club won last year.
Organisers said the weekend would feature prizes and cash giveaways across adult, junior and “Reefies” categories for anglers under 16.
The club also thanked sponsors Sam and Beth from Tackle World Airlie Beach for supporting the event.
Queenfish are expected to provide plenty of excitement with their aerial acrobatics and fast runs, while Giant Trevally, or GTs, are tipped to test anglers and tackle with explosive strikes and powerful runs.
Any eligible gamefish caught or tagged and released under Game Fishing Association of Australia rules will count towards All-Ports points and prize categories.
The briefing night will also include fishing tips, tactics and advice on local Queenfish and Trevally hotspots.
Airlie Beach is back in the running for Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town and Tourism Whitsundays is asking locals to help get our favourite little town over the line one more time.
Airlie has taken out the top spot four years running now. That’s not just luck and it’s not just because our town is just so well-loved, it’s because the community shows up every year and votes, and every year it pays off. The businesses on the main street, the families who have been here for generations, the people who moved up last year and can’t believe they waited so long.
Think about why you love it here. The lagoon on a Saturday afternoon. The Boardwalk at sunset. The marina full of boats heading out to the islands. The cafes, the markets, the live music, a Sunday session that turns into a Sunday evening. That’s what brings visitors back and that is what a vote helps keep front and centre.
Voting is open now and closes 24 May. Every vote counts the same, whether you are a local in Cannonvale, running a business in town, popping over from Bowen or Proserpine, or just someone who loves Airlie Beach, we’d love if you could spare two minutes of your time.
Appreciate it, as always.
Cast your vote https://www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-town-awards/2026-queensland-top-tourism-town-finalists/ before 24 May. – Designer Note: Make QR Code
Contributed by Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays
Elias has been described as a ‘fearless and energetic player’ by Live Concert Review. Photo supplied
One of Australia’s finest young acoustic guitarists, Elias Bartholomeo is coming to the Whitsundays for a surprise concert on Thursday 28th May on an impromptu stopover during his 2026 Queensland tour.
Previously, Elias has been playing solo concerts across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan, combining a blend of blues, country and jazz in his melody-driven compositions, and performing engaging arrangements of well-known songs. His live performances are known for his contagious humour and his energy, with his guitar playing described as ‘walking a tight rope between many genres all at once’.
This Whitsunday concert will feature support act Cameron Hanger, a talented young acoustic guitarist. Together the two musicians, both of whom have performed with their mentor, the legendary Tommy Emmanuel, will treat Whitsunday music lovers to a night of great live music.
The gig will take place at the iconic Buffalo Lodge Hall on Edward Street, Proserpine, with bookings available online or cash taken at the door. There is also a student concession available.
For further information call Pam Pole on 0448870482 or check out www.eliasbartholomeo.net
Arts organisations and creative producers across the Whitsunday Shire are being encouraged to think big, as the government launches a new funding program designed to support major homegrown productions in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The new Queensland Major Commissioning Fund will provide matched funding of up to $250,000 over two years to support large-scale arts experiences, productions and cultural events that showcase Queensland stories, artists and communities on a bigger stage.
The initiative forms part of the government’s 10-year arts and culture strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine, aimed at growing arts audiences, attracting tourism and creating jobs within the creative sector.
For regions like the Whitsundays, where tourism and events already play a major role in the local economy, the fund could open the door for ambitious new cultural projects that highlight the region’s unique identity and creative talent.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the fund would help position Queensland as Australia’s leading destination for arts and entertainment.
“This is where big Queensland ideas come to life,” Minister Langbroek said.
“The Fund is about encouraging arts and cultural producers and organisations to deliver on their vision for bold new works.
“In the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan to transform arts experiences that will put Queensland up in lights.
“Queensland is leading the nation in the arts and entertainment, and this fund will enable local creatives to invest in major works that will showcase our talent to the world. Through this new fund, we’re backing a thriving arts sector and creative economy growth for Queensland.”
The fund is targeted at established arts and cultural organisations with experience delivering large-scale productions and events. Eligible projects must already be in advanced development stages and scheduled for first presentation by December 2028.
An additional $10,000 will also be available to support accessibility initiatives for artists and audiences living with disability.
Expressions of Interest are now open and close on Monday, 20th July 2026, with shortlisted applicants to pitch their concepts to an expert panel before moving to the full application stage.
To confirm eligibility before submitting an EOI, please contact Arts Queensland via investment@arts.qld.gov.au or by telephone (07) 3034 4016 or toll free 1800 175 531.
For more information, please visit https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/funding-opportunities
The bistro menu continues to feature the pub favourites guests know and love, including hearty schnitzels, steaks and generous crowd-pleasing meals ideal for a casual night out or midweek knock-off. Photo supplied
One of Airlie Beach’s favourite local pubs has officially entered a new era, with the Jubilee Tavern unveiling a major venue refresh designed to give locals an even better place to gather, dine and unwind.
Following a staged renovation across the venue, the much-loved tavern has completed a significant upgrade that blends fresh modern spaces with the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere the community has always known and loved.
To celebrate the transformation, Jubilee Tavern will host a huge “Locals Weekend” from Friday May 29th to Sunday May 31st, packed with live entertainment, giveaways, family activities and classic pub fun for all ages.
Venue Manager Gabriela Camargo Matos said the refresh was all about enhancing the experience for the people who have supported the venue for years.
“Jubilee Tavern has always been a place for locals, and this refresh is about giving the community an even better pub experience while keeping the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere people know and love,” she said.
Guests visiting the revamped venue will immediately notice major improvements throughout the pub. The beer garden has been revitalised with brand-new outdoor furniture and colourful softfall added to the children’s playground, creating a more family-friendly outdoor space perfect for long lunches, casual dinners and weekend catch-ups.
Inside, the bistro and dining areas have received a fresh new look with updated furniture, new flooring and carpet, fresh paint and a brighter overall feel designed for comfort and relaxed dining.
Sports fans are also set to benefit from the renovations, with the Sports Bar receiving upgraded AV systems including a brand-new LED big screen to showcase live sport loud and clear. Refreshed seating and furniture have helped create a more modern and comfortable sports viewing experience.
Meanwhile, the gaming room has undergone a complete redesign, featuring a new layout, updated lighting and fresh finishes throughout.
While the venue has been modernised, the heart of Jubilee Tavern remains firmly focused on the local community. The refreshed tavern continues to cater for tradies, young families, workers and locals looking for a quality pub experience away from the busy tourist scene.
The tavern’s expanded weekly entertainment lineup is also expected to become a major drawcard for locals. Happy Hour now runs Monday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm, alongside a packed calendar of activities including Social Darts on Tuesdays, Big Tavern Trivia on Wednesdays and Musical Bingo on Thursdays.
Fridays are all about Tradie Club and knock-off drinks, while Saturdays feature live music and free pool. Sundays remain family focused, with free kids entertainment from midday.
The upcoming Locals Weekend celebration will showcase everything the refreshed venue has to offer, including live music, food specials, line dancing classes, giveaways and Airlie Beach’s biggest meat tray stretching more than two metres long. Families can also enjoy free face painting and a special visit from Wildlife Whitsundays.
Locations such as the Coral Sea Resort can serve as an idyllic setting for the perfect wedding Photo supplied
The Whitsundays is one of Australia's most sought-after destinations for weddings. With its turquoise waters, tropical islands, and towns nestled on the edge of the Coral Sea, the region offers a setting that is genuinely difficult to match anywhere else in the country. But for the majority of couples who don't live locally, knowing where to start is often the biggest barrier to making that vision a reality.
Weddings Whitsundays was built to close that gap.
Launched as a dedicated resource for engaged couples and those renewing their vows, the platform brings together venues, vendors, planning guides and destination information under one roof. Its purpose is direct: to make planning a Whitsundays wedding feel manageable, no matter where a couple is starting from or how much they already understand about the region.
Venue and vendor listings sit at the heart of the experience. Couples can browse ceremony and reception venues across the full range of what the Whitsundays has to offer: from intimate island escapes to established harbourside properties, from lush country settings to award-winning resort venues. Each listing is built around the information couples need to assess whether a venue suits their vision, with direct contact details so they can follow up independently.
The vendor directory operates on the same principle. Photographers, celebrants, florists, caterers, transport providers, accommodation options and more are all represented, giving couples enough information to start building a shortlist before they've set foot in the region. The listings reflect the genuine breadth of the local wedding industry - suppliers who know the Whitsundays well, understand the logistics of island and coastal celebrations, and have the experience to help things go smoothly on the day.
Alongside the listings, Weddings Whitsundays publishes planning guides that address the specific challenges that destination couples face. When should you book a Whitsundays venue? What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia? How do you coordinate a wedding party travelling from interstate? These are not generic wedding planning questions. They are the real concerns of couples arranging something unique, and the guides approach them with the directness that comes from genuine local knowledge.
The geography of the Whitsundays is often one of the first things that surprises couples who are new to the region. It is larger and more varied than most anticipate - spanning a coastline, multiple islands, inland properties and a range of climates and settings, all within reach of Airlie Beach. Understanding how the region is actually laid out, and what that means for guests and logistics, is a fundamental part of planning any Whitsundays wedding. The destination guides are designed to give couples that foundation before the decisions begin.
For anyone considering the Whitsundays as their wedding destination, Weddings Whitsundays is the natural place to begin. The platform exists to take the stress out of the early stages - to give couples a clear picture of what is possible, who can help make it happen, and what the region genuinely looks like on the ground.
Fall in love, with the Whitsundays. Weddings Whitsundays is the guide for couples who already have.
Visit weddingswhitsundays.com to explore venues, vendors and planning guides.
Parked vehicles can sometimes make it difficult for waste collection trucks to safely access bins across our region. Cars parked too close to bins or on both sides of narrow streets may prevent crews from completing collections as scheduled.
To help keep services running smoothly, please remember to: allow clear access to bins on collection day; avoid parking directly beside bins where possible and be mindful of larger service vehicles needing room to safely manoeuvre
A little extra space can make a big difference in helping keep our communities clean and tidy.
CANEGROWERS Proserpine will celebrate 100 years alongside the rest of the state, looking back on a century of innovation, growth and hard work. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi and Trish Jandt
CANEGROWERS Proserpine recently marked the beginning of the 2026 season with barbeque, beers and good spirits. The organisation brought together cane growers from across the region on a sunny Wednesday afternoon for good food, great drink and even better company.
This season will mark an important milestone for the group, with CANEGROWERS celebrating their hundredth year.
Co-operatives across Australia will be commemorating the centennial, through initiatives showcasing the industry’s history, and the organisation’s century of dedication to supporting the best possible outcomes for cane growers, through locally-based advocacy, advice, and forward-looking policy change.
The 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball is shaping up for success, as local businesses throw their support behind the event.
Whitsunday Life Newspaper is proud to be amongst them, supporting the event as a Platinum sponsor and Print Media Partner. Other Platinum sponsors include Fergus Builders and Airlie Beach Hotel.
Set to take place on Saturday, July 25th at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, this year’s event — themed Whispers of the West — promises an elegant evening combining country charm and sophistication, all in support of an important regional cause.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins welcomed the strong backing from the local business community, saying the event continues to showcase the generosity and community-minded nature of the region.
“The Mayor’s Charity Ball is not only an opportunity to bring our community together for a memorable evening, but also a chance to support an organisation that provides an essential service to our region,” Mayor Collins said.
This year, funds raised from the event will support BMA CQ Rescue, the emergency helicopter service that delivers critical rescues and urgent medical transfers across Central Queensland and the Whitsundays.
The importance of the service is reflected in recent figures, with BMA CQ Rescue responding to 67 missions within the Whitsundays between October and December last year alone, as part of 146 taskings across the quarter.
Mayor Collins said the organisation plays a vital role during emergencies across the region.
“Their crews are there for our community during some of the most critical moments imaginable, delivering expert care and emergency response when people need it most,” he said.
Tickets are now on sale through the Whitsunday Regional Council website, with sponsorship opportunities still available for businesses wanting to get involved.
Mayor Greg Williamson and Festival and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Last Friday marked the official launch of the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts program, setting the stage for a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture and community across the region.
Running from 1st July to 9th August, the festival returns for its 39th year under the theme Pop Collision, promising a lively mix of food, performances, family experiences and artistic showcases.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the program had been more than a year in the making and reflects the energy and diversity of the region’s arts scene.
“The 39th Festival of Arts here in Mackay is Pop Collision, and to celebrate that we’ve got a very pop-orientated program launching today, (Friday, 8th May),” Mayor Williamson said.
Designed by local artist Kristine Arcilla, the festival program cover highlights the event’s colourful theme, while the team at Sarina Sugar Shed has once again created a limited-edition festival liqueur, Pop and Passion, especially for the celebrations.
Mayor Williamson said the festival was not only a cultural highlight, but also an important contributor to the regional economy.
“July in Mackay is not just about celebrating locally… it brings a lot of people in from around a 400-kilometre radius,” he said.
“We punch way above our weight in arts and culture in our community.”
Festival and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said the program features 36 events, showcasing a wide range of artistic experiences.
“Heading into our 39th year of Mackay Festival of Arts, we are jam-packed again,” Ms Porter said.
She said the festival places a strong emphasis on storytelling, cultural engagement and supporting local creatives.
“The program really aims to offer something for every genre and every age group.”
Returning favourites such as Wisely Wine and Food Day, Jazz Brunch and Daly Bay Illuminate will once again draw crowds, while a variety of performances, installations and family-friendly experiences will unfold across the region throughout the spectacular month.
Ms Porter encouraged the community to explore the program and take part in the month-long celebration.
“The hardest part about this program is choosing which one to attend.”
Friday 14th May
True Street Car Meet
5.30pm
A car meet will be held at Mount Pleasant on Friday, May 15, with organisers announcing a change of location to the car park near the GYG and KFC precinct. Attendees are encouraged to support local businesses while being mindful of operating shops and customers. Organisers are asking daily drivers to park further away to allow space for show cars. Hooning will not be tolerated, with police reporting in place for unsafe behaviour. The event aims to bring the Mackay car community together for a respectful and enjoyable meet-up.
Mount Pleasant carpark
Saturday 16th May
Make Nature Mandalas
10am
A free Making Nature Mandalas workshop will be held at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on May 16 from 10am to 12pm. Participants will create calming designs using natural materials in a mindful, creative session supporting wellbeing. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential via text to 0436 331 009.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Hope and Healing Service
3pm
A Hope and Healing Service will be held at Mackay Christian Family Church, offering a supportive space for women impacted by the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, adoption, infertility or other medical conditions. The service provides an opportunity for reflection, comfort and connection in a caring environment. Organisers encourage attendees to RSVP via info@mcf.org.au or by responding to the event, with full privacy assured. The gathering aims to provide compassion and understanding for those navigating grief and loss within the community.
MCC Powerhouse Auditorium – Mackay Christian Family Church
Sunday 17th May
Slade Point Community Market
8am
The Slade Point Community Market invites locals to enjoy a relaxed morning of community, creativity and nature at the Slade Point Community Gardens, held on the third Sunday of each month from 8am to 11am. Visitors can browse handmade market stalls, enjoy food vans, fresh coffee and live music, and take part in morning yoga or stretch sessions. The family friendly event also features kids’ activities and welcomes dogs on leads. Organisers encourage residents to bring a picnic blanket and connect with neighbours while supporting local makers and businesses in a vibrant community setting.
Slade Point Community Gardens
Mackay Volunteers Expo 2026
9am
The Mackay Volunteers Expo 2026 will bring together local charities, community groups, sporting clubs, emergency services and not-for-profit organisations under one roof, offering residents a chance to explore a wide range of volunteering opportunities. Open to students, job seekers, families and retirees, the free event will showcase flexible roles suitable for all ages and abilities. Visitors can meet organisations face-to-face, learn how to get involved and discover both short-term and ongoing ways to give back. With free entry, an accessible venueand a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal opportunity to connect and make a difference in the Mackay community.
Mackay Showgrounds
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