Wendy Stapleton, Ally Mac and Georga Byrne. Photos supplied by Wendy Stapleton.

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A touch of Australian musical stardom is coming to Airlie Beach, as 80s rock favourite Wendy Stapleton and chart-topping husband Paul Norton turn back the clock for two afternoons revisiting the songs that filled Australian radios and dancefloors.

Taking over the Airlie Beach Hotel across the final weekend of August, Wendy Stapleton will bring two very different shows to the stage.  

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Saturday will see Wendy step into the world of Dusty Springfield, taking audiences through the life and music of one of the 60s, 70s and 80s most pronounced voices, with a show that has travelled stages across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

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“That show takes you on a journey through Dusty’s life,” Wendy said.  

Then on Sunday, she’ll take the audience back to The Swinging Sixties, with classics from some of the decade’s favourite female artists, including Diana Ross and The Supremes, Petula Clark, Lulu, The Ronettes and, of course, Dusty Springfield.

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“We have a lot of fun, and of course we costume it so that we’re in wacky ’60s,” Wendy said.

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Both afternoons will then change gears for the final set, with Wendy and the band stepping switching to a collection of their favourite pop-rock songs.

These shows have been getting crowds moving for decades, with the Dusty Springfield show first beginning as a musical theatre production in Melbourne in the mid-1990s, before Wendy later created The Swinging Sixties around 15 years ago.  

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Long before stepping into the shoes of Dusty Springfield, Wendy had already made a name for herself in Australian music as the frontwoman of Wendy and the Rocketts.

Formed in the early 1980s when signed by Mushroom Records, Wendy and the Rocketts made their mark on Australia’s pub-rock scene, with singles Reputation, Your Place or Mine? and Wendy’s self-penned Play the Game all hitting the charts, while their debut studio album Dazed for Days broke into the Australian Top 30.  

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Their success eventually took Wendy well beyond Australian stages, with Wendy and the Rocketts heading overseas and touring through Europe alongside some names that would become giants of rock, including Bryan Adams and ZZ Top.

After years in rock and roll, Wendy eventually found her way back to musical theatre, something that wasn’t entirely new territory for a performer who had first appeared professionally on stage as a child.

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As Wendy puts it, her career has simply been about continuing to move with the times.

“You’ve just got to keep rolling with the changes, keep reinventing yourself,” she said.

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While the Dusty show originally grew from Wendy’s return to musical theatre in the mid-1990s, The Swinging Sixties was a creation of her own, born from a desire to bring together the female voices that helped define the decade.

Joining Wendy on stage will be Angie Stapleton, Ally Mac and John Arthur Grant, with live guitar and keyboard accompanying the vocals and dancing. Angie performed in the original Dusty production, while Wendy’s daughter Ally joins her cousin as one of the show’s singer-dancers.

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Completing the line-up is another name Australian music fans might remember, Wendy’s husband and chart-topping musician Paul Norton.  

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Paul got his start playing bass as a teenager before helping form Melbourne band The Runners, who built a strong following on the pub circuit and signed with Mushroom Records in 1981. The band went on to release singles including Sure Fire Thing and Endlessly, along with their 1983 album Hitting the Wall, while touring heavily throughout the early ’80s.

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After The Runners, Paul spent time playing with Wendy and the Rocketts and Steve Hoy and the Hoy Boys before launching his solo career in 1988, again signing with Mushroom Records.

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His biggest break came with Stuck On You, which received strong radio play and climbed to #2 on the Australian charts. The success was followed by a trip to London to record I Got You and his debut album Under a Southern Sky, before he later worked with American musician and producer T-Bone Wolk on his second album, Let It Fly.

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These days, much of Paul’s work happens away from the rock stage as Musical Director for the Australian Shakespeare Company, writing music for theatre productions in Australia and abroad.

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“I’ve always been a songwriter, so I’ve always loved to do that,” he said.

Paul has joined Wendy for the shows over the past couple of years when time allows, and in Airlie he’ll return to his rock roots for the final set, performing a few of his own songs, including his hit Stuck On You.

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“If I’m in the audience and I go and see an act that I really like, you kind of want them to do the hit songs that they’re known for,” Paul said.  

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What: Dusty Springfield Tribute and Swinging Sixties shows

When: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August, 2pm-5.30pm

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

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21^st Hamilton Island Race Week Short Race, Winward/Leeward Race, & Around the Islands Race, ALL DAY, Hamilton Island  

21^st 2026 Flametree Gathering, ALL DAY, Lake Proserpine, 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine  

21^st 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

22^nd Hamilton Island Race Week Around the Islands Race & Presentations, ALL DAY, Hamilton Island  

22^nd 2026 Flametree Gathering, ALL DAY, Lake Proserpine, 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine  

22^nd Bowen Netball Association Super Saturday Grand Final, 9am, Woodlands Road, Bowen  

22^nd Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

22^nd Soundz Good Music Festival, 2pm, Bowen Sporting Complex, Bowen  

22^nd Queen Rhapsody Australian Queen Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

23^rd 2026 Flametree Gathering, ALL DAY, Lake Proserpine, 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine  

23^rd Queen Rhapsody Australian Queen Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

25^th Sailability Whitsundays.  

27^th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach  

28^th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

29^th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

29^th Dusty Springfield Show featuring Wendy Stapleton, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

30^th Swinging Sixties featuring Wendy Stapleton, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

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21th August

ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ night, 8pm onwards

Flametree Musical Gathering, 5pm-10:30pm

22nd August  

ABH: Queen Rhapsody, 2pm-5:30pm

ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento’s: Sam McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: B Doubles, 8pm onwards

Flametree Musical Gathering, 8am-11pm

23rd August  

ABH: Queen Rhapsody, 2pm-5:30pm,  

ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm  

Sorrento’s: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Graham Rix, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles, 1pm-5pm

Flametree Musical Gathering, 8am-6pm  

24th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm

25th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Tiffany Grace, 8pm-10pm  

26th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm

27th August

ABH: Chris Booroff, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm

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Lenny Pennell photo supplied

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Beyond the Exhibition: Where Artistic Journeys Begin  

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Last year, Lenny Pennell entered the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition for the very first time. Twelve months later, she returned to win the People's Choice Award with Beauty in Creation.  

In just one year, her artistic career has grown dramatically, with new collectors discovering her work, increased online attention and exciting opportunities that continue to unfold.  

Lenny's journey is a wonderful reminder that an exhibition can be much more than four days of displaying artwork. It can be the beginning of something extraordinary.  

"Being selected as a finalist last year gave me the confidence to believe in my work and to keep creating. The opportunities that have followed have been incredible, and winning this year's People's Choice Award has taken that journey to another level.” said Lenny.  

“If you're thinking about entering but you're not sure if your work is good enough, just do it. Entering the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition changed my artistic journey."  

Lenny's story is exactly why Creative Connections Whitsunday is passionate about presenting this exhibition.  

This year we welcomed several artists exhibiting publicly for the first time, along with an exciting group of finalists aged just 16 to 18. Every established artist was once a first-time exhibitor, and providing a platform where emerging artists can exhibitalongside experienced creatives builds confidence, creates opportunities and strengthens our region's creative future.  

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their investment helps us deliver a professional exhibition, provide meaningful prize opportunities and, most importantly, create experiences that can genuinely change an artist's future.  

Through the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition and the Creative Connections Community Art Gallery in Proserpine, we're proud to provide local artists with opportunities to exhibit, sell their work and continue growing their artistic careers throughout the year.  

If you've ever wondered whether your work is good enough to enter, take Lenny's advice and give it a go. You never know where that first exhibition might lead.  

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Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

Whitsundays Writers Festival  
Richard Evans  
Festival Director and President  
hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

Book your ticket now for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers  

Creative Connections Whitsunday  
Glenda Brown  
President  
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.  

Get in touch!  
If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

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Give the Gift of Local Art  

Looking for a gift that is thoughtful, unique and supports local artists? The Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery in Proserpine offers plenty of inspiration, with an ever-changing collection of original artworks and locally made gifts.  

Among the artists featured is Margaret Burgess, whose handmade jewellery has plenty of character. Her collection includes sea glass earrings, bracelets and earrings made from reimagined cutlery, and distinctive pendants – each piece with its own story.  

Desma Munroe’s hand-painted watercolour greeting cards have also been proving popular. Each card is individually created, making it a small piece of original art that is almost too beautiful to give away.  

For something sculptural, take a closer look at the ceramics and sculptures of Linda Forrester. A multidisciplinary Whitsundays artist, Linda creates hand-built pieces that explore form, balance and texture. Her work evolves through experimentation and a hands-on connection with the materials.  

And if colour and light catch your eye, Libby Humphrey’s stained-glass creations are well worth a look. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, Libby combines heritage, reclaimed and contemporary glass to create distinctive pieces that have been popular with gallery visitors.  

Not sure what to choose? A Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery Gift Card allows the recipient to select their own special piece from the gallery’s collection of artworks, jewellery, ceramics, prints, handmade gifts and more.  

It’s a gift that supports local creativity while giving someone the pleasure of choosing something they genuinely love.  

Community Gallery

192 Main Street, Proserpine

Monday–Friday: 9am–4pm

Saturday: 9am–1pm  

Pop in, browse the collection and discover something made right here in the Whitsundays.  

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Artists to Take Their Creativity Outdoors at Stories by the Sea  

Visual artists will have the opportunity to create alongside writers when a new Plein Air Challenge becomes part of the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival’s free Stories by the Sea community event on Sunday, 13 September.  

The challenge will see Creative Connections Whitsunday members create an original work on location at the Whitsunday Marine Club, responding to the coastal setting and atmosphere of the day.  

Festival-goers will be able to watch the artworks take shape throughout the challenge before viewing the completed works later that afternoon, and then be invited to vote for their favourite, with the People’s Choice Award announced at 4pm during the festival’s closing celebrations.  

The completed artworks will also be offered through a silent auction, with 100 per cent of sales going directly to the participating artists.  

Whitsundays Writers Festival Director Richard Evans said the challenge reflected the festival’s commitment to celebrating creativity in all its forms.  

“Stories aren’t told only through words. Artists capture the places, people and moments that shape our communities just as powerfully,” he said.  

Creative Connections Whitsundays President Glenda Brown said the challenge would give artists an opportunity to create, connect and engage with the community.  

“Plein air painting is about responding to a place in the moment. It encourages observation, creativity and connection, and we’re delighted to bring visual arts into this year’s festival.”  

The Plein Air Challenge is part of Stories by the Sea, featuring more than 20 regional authors, book sales and swaps, children’s activities, live music, open mic readings, a gold coin BBQ and refreshments.  

Plein Air Challenge: 11am–3pm, Sunday 13 September

‍People’s Choice Award announcement: 4pm

‍Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  

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BY GEORGIA MCDONALD

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This week, I sat down with local musician Simon Briley to chat about his musical journey, from growing up in the United Kingdom surrounded by music to finding his way to the Whitsundays and sharing that passion with others.

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With a pianist for a dad, a drummer for a mum and uncle, and equally musical siblings, some would say Simon’s fate was set.

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It didn’t take long before he began finding his own place within that musical world. In primary school, a teacher recognised his love of singing and introduced him to a national choir. At the age of nine, Simon began doing what many of us did as children – pestering our parents for things to play with. For Simon, this was a drum kit – a parent’s worst nightmare. So, naturally, they gave him a guitar and put him in piano lessons instead. But with persistence, by the age of 11, Simon finally got his drums and never looked back.

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The guitar, however, was a different story. After a few lessons, Simon found that he didn’t quite connect with his teacher and put the instrument aside until he was 16.

“I think it is a massive thing with learning any instrument, that if you have someone that inspires you as a mentor, then you’re going to want to pursue it a lot more,” Simon explains.

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After forming original band Bandicoot with a group of school friends, Simon and the band were signed and began touring around Asia. While playing in Cambodia, they met two Australian event organisers who invited them to come over and play.

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The band went home, sold all their stuff and came to Australia.

And just like that, a new chapter began.

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It wasn’t long before Simon found his way to the Whitsundays.

“When I first came here, it was just that sort of awestruck-ness of the beauty of the place,” Simon reflects.

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Now an Australian citizen, he has spent years performing around the region. But he’s also found another way to share his love of music with the local community - through teaching.

Teaching was Simon’s first job. After completing his drum grades, his own drum teacher hired him. Then, teaching continued to be a massive part of Simon’s life, from working as a maths teacher to working with young offenders and in special educational needs.  

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So, combining 3 things that he loves - music, teaching and the Whitsundays - only made sense for Simon. This led to the creation of Whitsunday Music Academy.

“It’s great to give back to a community and to build that community space,” he says.

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With around 15 students already on his books, ranging from a 5-year-old learning to sing through to adults, Simon is hoping to continue growing the academy and bring more local musicians and teachers into the mix.

And it seems the academy is giving Simon something he didn’t quite realise he was missing. 

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“I’m actually finding it a little bit more fulfilling than the gigs,” he admits.

For Simon, the value of music goes far beyond learning an instrument or getting up on stage. He describes creating music as a “cathartic, therapeutic” experience, giving people a way to express something that might otherwise stay inside them.

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And for anyone thinking about starting their own musical journey, Simon’s advice is simple: “Try and find what your truth is.”

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Where to catch Simon this week:

Thursday 20th August – Boaty’s 4:45pm

Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd August – Hamilton Island Race Week

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SONG RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK
Home Again – Michael Kiwanuka

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Being a responsible dog owner helps keep our parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.  Dogs must be on a leash in parks, reserves and foreshores across the Whitsunday region, unless in a designated off-leash area. Even off-leash, dogs must remain under your effective control. Please remember to pick up after your dog and to be mindful of other people and pets. Fines apply for dogs off-leash where prohibited and for failing to properly dispose of dog waste. For designated off-leash areas, visit Council’s website or call 1300 972 753.

My Hospital Foundation have announced that the 2026 Dinner on the Runway event, scheduled for Friday 11 September 2026, will not proceed following the withdrawal of venue support from Ibis Mackay, one of the key location hosts for the event.

The Foundation had been preparing for another successful year of this signature fundraising event; however, without access to the venue support, it is not possible to deliver Dinner on the Runway to the standard expected by guests, sponsorsand the wider community.

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My Hospital Foundation Executive Officer Ashleen O’Neill said the organisation appreciates the community’s ongoing support and understanding.

“Dinner on the Runway is a much‑loved event, and while this outcome is disappointing, we remain committed to delivering high‑quality fundraising experiences for our region. We will continue working with our partners and supporters to explore future opportunities.”

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While Dinner on the Runway will not proceed this year, the Foundation's fundraising efforts will continue, including the exciting new event Gather & Graze, to be held at Note Park Grazing Co. on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

This exclusive cocktail-style dining experience will showcase the best local produce in the picturesque surrounds of Note Park Grazing Co. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu, premium beverages and genuine country hospitality while connecting with fellow supporters and helping raise vital funds for local healthcare.

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All sponsors, ticket holders and event partners associated with Dinner on the Runway have been contacted directly regarding next steps. Funds raised through My Hospital Foundation continue to support vital hospital equipment, patient comfort initiatives and healthcare programs across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

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New Event Details

What: Gather & Graze

When: Saturday, 19 September 2026

Where: Note Park Grazing Co.

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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A thrilling and entertaining night under the Big Top, with high-energy performances, impressive aerial acts, daring stunts and plenty of laughs; The Great Moscow Circus delivered an action-packed show that kept audiences captivated from start to finish.

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See all photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/lights-laughs-and-high-flying-acts-at-the-great-moscow-circus

Saturday 15^th August

Ekphrastic Writing Club

1pm

Explore the connection between art and writing at Artspace Mackay’s free Ekphrastic Writing Club. The session invites participants to take a slow, reflective look at a selected artwork in the main gallery before responding through writing and discussion. Whether you are an experienced writer or looking to develop your skills, everyone is welcome in this supportive setting. The free community session will be held from 1pm to 2.30pm on Saturday, August 15, at Artspace Mackay, 61 Gordon St, Mackay. Bring a pen and notebook.

Artspace Mackay  

Help Shape The Future Of John Breen Park

2pm

Mackay Regional Council is inviting the community to a free Pop-up in the Park to share ideas for the future of John Breen Park and Centenary Place. The event will help inform a Master Plan for the spaces’ renewal and improvement over the next 20 years. Come along on Saturday, August 15, from 2pm to 5pm at John Breen Park, 48 Malcomson St, North Mackay. Enjoy free glitter tattoos, with ice cream for the first 50 registered attendees.

John Breen Park, 48 Malcomson St, North Mackay

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Sunday 16^th August

BMA River To Reef Ride  

6.30am

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to take part in the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, returning to Mackay on Sunday, August 16. The community cycling event offers three distances — 30km, 60km and 100km — providing an opportunity to get active, ride with friends and support local community groups. The event runs from 6.30am to 11am, starting at Crowleys Rd, West Mackay. With proceeds supporting 30 community and sporting groups, it’s a chance to get on your bike while giving back to the local community.

Crowleys Road, West Mackay  

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Monday 17^th August

Yarnbomb Mackay

9.30am

Get creative and help brighten Mackay City Heart at Yarnbomb Mackay, a free community crochet and knitting group creating colourful installations for the city. Held from 9.30am to 12pm at Jamaica Blue Sydney St Markets, Gordon Street, the sessions welcome all ability levels, including beginners, with guidance available for those new to crochet or knitting. All materials are provided, so come along, enjoy a cuppa and connect with fellow crafters while contributing to a colourful community project.

Jamaica Blue Sydney St Markets, Gordon Street

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Wednesday 19^th August

Tech Talks: Solve Your Tech Dilemmas

10am

Got a tech problem? Mackay Regional Council Libraries is hosting free Tech Talks to help you get the most from your devices. Bring along your device and receive assistance with your tech questions and troubles in a friendly, practical setting. Sessions are held from 10am to 11am at Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria St, Mackay, with the next session on Wednesday, August 19. Come along and get your technology working for you.

Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria St, Mackay

Valley Page Turners Book Club

6pm

Book lovers are invited to join the Valley Page Turners Book Club for an opportunity to discover new reads and connect with fellow readers. The monthly book club offers a relaxed setting to share a passion for books, discuss exciting reads and enjoy good company. The next session will be held from 6pm to 7pm on Wednesday, August 19, at Mirani Library, 16 Victoria St, Mirani. Come along and enjoy an evening of reading, conversation and community.

Mirani Library, 16 Victoria St, Mirani

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Students will take centre stage on Thursday 3 September as St Patrick’s College hosts its annual Cultural Showcase at Bluewater Quay in conjunction with the Riverside Markets.

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The free community event will celebrate the incredible talent of St Pat’s students, featuring performances from the College Concert Band, Drum Corps, Choir, Handbells Ensemble, Stage Band and Dance Troupe.

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The evening will also feature a special guest appearance from one of Mackay’s best-known musicians LUKE GEIGER, alongside award-winning performances from across the College’s music and arts programs.

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Families and community members are invited to bring a picnic blanket, explore the Riverside Markets, taste local food vendors and enjoy an evening of live entertainment.

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When: Thursday 3 September
Where: Bluewater Quay (with the Riverside Markets)
Time: Entertainment begins at 6:00pm

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Photo source: M&P Services

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The countdown is on for one of Mackay's most popular fundraising events, with the 11th annual M&P Services – Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day set to take over the Mackay Golf Course this Friday 14^th August.

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Once again, the event has sold out, bringing together players, sponsors and supporters from across the region for a day of golf, community spirit and fundraising in support of local charities.

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Over the years, the event has grown into a much-anticipated fixture on Mackay's community calendar, raising thousands of dollars for organisations making a difference across the region. In 2025 alone, more than $75,000 was raised, with organisers hoping to build on that success this year.

While friendly competition will unfold across the course, the annual event has become known for much more than golf. Participants can also look forward to raffles, prizes and the chance to win the impressive $40,000 Penske Hole-in-One prize.

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Organisers have acknowledged the support of major sponsors, including Key Solutions Group, Southern Cross Industrial Group (SCIG), Penske Australia & New Zealand, Steelforce Mackay, Blacksmith Jacks, RIMEX Australia, GB Industries, Jaws Buckets & Attachments, Triple M, MM Electrical Mackay and QCCS Pty Ltd.

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Although player registrations have sold out, the event continues to highlight the strong community spirit that exists across the Mackay region, with businesses and residents coming together to support causes close to home.

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The countdown is now on, all eyes will be on the Mackay Golf Course as players tee off for a great cause. Be sure to pick up next week's edition to see how much was raised and who took home the bragging rights!

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Photos supplied by Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton

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Students and staff at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Sarina recently came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week, recognising and honouring the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, follows a milestone year marking 50 years of NAIDOC celebrations and acknowledges the enduring strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

As part of the school’s celebrations, Indigenous artist Deadly Arthur visited St Anne’s to deliver a series of interactive art workshops for students from Prep to Year 6.

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During the sessions, students learned how to draw iconic Australian animals, including snakes, turtles and kangaroos, while exploring artistic techniques that incorporated colour, pattern and shape.

Deadly Arthur also shared examples of his artwork and demonstrated the creative process behind his distinctive pieces, providing students with a deeper appreciation of Indigenous art and storytelling.

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The workshops proved to be a highlight of the week, with students enthusiastically participating and showcasing their creativity.

Year 6 student Nevaeh W said the activities were accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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"We created our artwork in a couple of easy steps," she said.

Fellow student Lucas N appreciated the inclusive nature of the workshops.

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"I liked that everyone could join in, all the way to Prep," he said.

Students and staff also enjoyed getting to know Deadly Arthur, whose sense of humour and engaging presentation style made the experience both educational and entertaining.

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The visit provided a memorable way for the St Anne’s school community to celebrate NAIDOC Week, fostering creativity, cultural understanding and appreciation among students. The school hopes to welcome Deadly Arthur back again in the future for more inspiring workshops.

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Written and contributed by Payton W - Yr 6

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130 boats converge for the 38th Airlie Beach Race Week

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For six days, the waters surrounding Airlie Beach have become a playground of sails, speed and competition as one of the Whitsundays’ biggest weeks on the water takes over the region.

From strong winds and tight finishes to families cheering from spectator boats, the 38th Airlie Beach Race Week has brought plenty of action both on and off the water.

Crews battled their way around the islands by day before returning to a packed Whitsunday Sailing Club, where live music and a few well-earned drinks have kept Race Week going on land long after the sails came down.  

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Read more here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/all-sails-ahead-this-race-week

The Prince of Wales Hotel back in the day.  

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Throughout its history, Proserpine has been home to several hotels, the first being established as early as 1895. Despite some early settlers fearing that the effects of the sale of alcohol would harm the community, by 1920, there were five of these establishments - the Imperial Hotel (originally Planter’s Arms situated in Renwicks Lane and later called Hotel Proserpine); Great Northern Hotel (later the Metropole); Grand Central Hotel; Palace Hotel and the subject of this story – the Prince of Wales Hotel.  

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The Prince of Wales Hotel, a two-story hotel, was built in 1904 by T. Heron and C. Cheffins for Mrs. Elizabeth Simpson, the first licensee. A 1905 advertisement stated that Mrs. Simpson had “Free stabling with good groom in attendance and separate bathrooms for ladies and gentlemen.”  

Between 1906 and 1940, there were approximately fourteen different licensees. Of particular interest is the number of these in the early years who were single and female.  

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Over the years, alterations and improvements to the hotel were undertaken. In 1940, major alterations were carried out during Mr Bradshaw’s licensee-ship. The steps were removed; the building was shifted forward to the footpath and an elaborate new front was added. In 1956, more improvements were made. It is likely that the art deco and modernism inspired features can be associated with this time.  

Before they moved to the Grand Central Hotel, Flo and Bill McGrath added a new kitchen and dining room while they were licensees. Joe Wall was licensee when the bar was renovated, making it the largest bar in town. Over the years, licensees continued to come and go; some locals and others from farther afield, each one leaving their own mark on the hotel.  

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At some stage, a new, reinforced concrete building was constructed at the rear of the hotel which became the bottle shop. Other improvements included a hot water system and new toilets in close proximity to the renovated bar and lounge.  

The building that is the “new” bistro section has a long history. In 1921, Harry Deicke constructed the first building on this site on land purchased by his brother, William, in 1920 for 30 pounds ($60). The first occupant was the Australian Bank of Commerce, however, in February 1928 fire completely gutted the ABC Bank along with two other shops.  

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Mary Deicke built a new block of shops and the new ABC Bank re-opened for business in November 1928. Over almost a century, this building housed numerous tenants involved in a diverse range of businesses – banking, dressmaking, radio and electrical and finally the Anglican Opportunity Shop. In 2003, then POW licensees bought the premises. After extensive refurbishment of the old shop, the bistro eating area and beer garden opened to the public in March 2004. Extensions and improvements have continued to the present time.  

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The Prince of Wales Hotel is part of the Whitsunday Regional Council Local Heritage Register, fulfilling two important criteria. Criteria A – The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of the region's history. The Prince of Wales Hotel demonstrates the evolution of hotel premises in Proserpine's commercial precinct from the early twentieth century. Criteria D – The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places, in this case, the decorative streamlined horizontal features of the hotel’s masonry façade.  

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Under the current ownership of Russell Hutchinson and Minja Song who bought the hotel in 2021, the Prince of Wales Hotel remains a popular gathering place for locals, travellers and the wider community.  

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Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum Society.  

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Bowen Lions 60th Birthday celebration.

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For six decades, the Bowen Lions Club has left its mark across the community, from helping bring vital medical services to town and supporting local schools to building community spaces and even rushing life-saving blood hundreds of kilometres.

The 60th birthday celebration for the club brought together 64 people, including current and former members, representatives from neighbouring Lions clubs, members of council and the Bowen community, with decades of the club’s history displayed through photographs and memorabilia.

Among those celebrating was long-serving member Ben De Luca, who joined Lions Lady Irene Allen in cutting the anniversary cake, while Michael Brunker took on Master of Ceremony duties for the afternoon.

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For the Lions Ladies who organised the celebration, seeing so many people come together made the occasion particularly special.

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Over the 60-years, the Bowen Lions have contributed to many good causes in the region, such as providing vehicles for the Blue Nurses and ambulance service, conducted emergency blood runs to Townsville, helped develop Lions Park and financed and organised the construction of the Bowen Columbarium.

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Among its proudest achievements was supporting the establishment of the oncology unit at Bowen Hospital, saving local patients from travelling to Townsville for treatment.  As well as organising, financing and providing manpower for the installation of the landing lights at the Bowen Aerodrome.  

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The Lions Ladies have also supported projects alongside the wider club, including helping raise funds towards the oncology unit at Bowen Hospital, while regularly contributing to organisations including Bowen Historical Society and Museum, Bowen Meals on Wheels, wildlife rescue and CQ Rescue.

Among their longest-running initiatives is the annual Baby Welcoming Ceremony, which has been held for more than two decades and now sees some of the babies welcomed in its earliest years returning with children of their own.

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The occasion also coincided with the club’s 2026 changeover, with outgoing president Peter Goodman handing the reins to incoming president Bob Crowther for the year ahead.

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“Incoming president Bob Crowther will hit the ground running,” Peter said.

The Lions ladies’ support for the club is now taking another step, with four Lions Ladies becoming official Lions members to help strengthen membership numbers and secure its future.

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“This sort of loyalty is amazing, therefore we encourage people who still hold these sort of community values, to have a think about the Lions club and join us to keep the kindred spirit going strong.”