Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
People’s persistent interest in the self-image is explored in a new exhibition of work from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Collection, opening at Artspace Mackay on Friday 3rd July. Drawing from QAGOMA’s Australian, Indigenous Australian, Asia Pacific and International collections, Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait highlights richly diverse approaches to the timeless artistic genre. QAGOMA Director Chirs Saines CNZM said ‘Looking Out, Looking In’ had been devised against the backdrop of contemporary “selfie” culture. “We have become increasingly attuned to the self-image through the ubiquity of handheld digital devices, social media and reality TV, all of which create a new context for self-portraiture,” Mr Saines said. “While some artists look inwards to reflect on themselves in self-effacing ways, others project a more flamboyant image,” he said. “Together, the artworks situate self-portraiture as a dynamic genre responsive to larger societal concerns and linked to the collective desire to picture and comprehend ourselves.” Artists featured include Abdul Abdullah, Davida Allen, Fiona Foley, James Gleeson, Nora Heysen, George W. Lambert, Tracey Moffatt, Yasumasa Morimura, Vincent Namatjira, Luke Roberts, Cindy Sherman and Madonna Staunton, among others. Mayor Greg Williamson said the exhibition, in Artspace Mackay’s Main Gallery, was an exciting addition to the region’s cultural calendar. “Artspace Mackay continues to deliver outstanding exhibitions that connect our community with nationally significant collections,” Mayor Williamson said. “We are proud to welcome this engaging and thought-provoking exhibition from QAGOMA, which invites visitors to reflect on identity and the ways we see ourselves,” he said. Also opening at Artspace Mackay on June 27 is Archie Moore’s Mīal in the Foyer Gallery, and Katelyn-Jane Dunn’s You sound just like your mother in the Foundation Gallery. Archie Moore’s Mīal is a National Portrait Gallery touring exhibition. Mīal is an abstract, conceptual self-portrait that continues Archie Moore's practice exploring the politics of identity, racism and languages systems. It is composed of multiple geometric paintings, each representing a part of the artist's body and replicating shades of his skin colour. To create the work, Moore used the same technology that makes commercial paint samples to convert scans of his skin into the Pantone colour scale. Katelyn-Jane Dunn is a local artist and writer who developed her exhibition You sound just like your mother, following the untimely death of her mother. The work is a meditation on mother-loss and the mother-daughter relationship and is deeply rooted in the visual landscape of regional Queensland and the regional woman’s perspective. The work is a love letter to her mother and the complex mother-daughter bond and includes archival images, poetic text, written memories, recipes, notes and documentary images taken at significant sites of the artist’s mother’s life and passing, namely the farm ‘Sunnyside’ in Bundaberg (where she grew up and is buried) and the family home in Mackay, Queensland. These three exciting new exhibitions will be on display at Artspace Mackay until September 20th. Artspace Mackay is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am. For more information on the exhibitions visit artspacemackay.com.au Nora Heysen’s Self-portrait 1938 is part of the QAGOMA’s Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait exhibition at Artspace Mackay from July 3rd.
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Congratulations to this week's Photo of the Week winner, Cherene Poidevin, who perfectly captured the theme "Somewhere to Sit" with an eye-catching image taken at the historic Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe, Queensland. The inviting scene embodies the character and heritage of one of outback Queensland's most iconic pubs, proving that sometimes the best seat comes with a bit of cheeky charm. Well-deserved win, Cherene! Now it's over to our readers for next week's theme, "Clocks and Watches." Whether it's an antique timepiece, a quirky wall clock or your favorite wristwatch, we'd love to see your best shots. Participate via the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook Group Photo caption: Somewhere to Sit in Ilfracombe. Photo Credit: Cherene Poidevin.
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Multi-million Dollar Marina. Approval was announced by State Govt. at Boat Haven Bay, Airlie Beach [which was known by locals as ‘Muddy Bay'], M.P. Geoff. Muntz estimated that the injection of $200 million would pave the way for the Whitsunday region to become a major tourist destination with a 500-berth marina, a five-star hotel and an 18-hole golf course and create 1000 new jobs from Cannonvale to Shute Harbour. Bruce Highway Development. Federal Transport Minister Peter Morris stated that a better road between Brisbane and Cairns shrinks the distance between the towns along the way. Several bridges were being constructed just north of Proserpine as part of further improvements. Obituary: Archibald William Baker, a local resident living in Telia Street, died at the age of 78 years. Sand Removal: Council voted against the removal of sand from any island beach in the Whitsundays. Blitz At Shute. Council towed away 27 cars using illegal parking spots, reflecting a parking shortage in the area. Offending owners were fined $100 each. Award To Winifred Moulding. E.S.A. Chapter presented Winfred with ‘the Diana Award'. “Since emigrating in 1963, Winifred has become a prime mover in the formation of the Proserpine Senior Citizens' Club and has been club president for 20 years. At 86 years old, she lists good posture, walking, knitting and interest in the community as her way of remaining agile.” The E.S.A. Chapter also presented Tex Newberry with the 'Zeus Award' for outstanding service in various fields. He served his communities as a lifesaver and a scoutmaster and was a keen footballer as a hooker for Proserpine. He played violin and trombone in the Citizens Band. Tex also served as secretary of the Cannonvale Beach Progress Association and was president of the Cannonvale P. and C. and an honorary ambulance bearer at the beach. Mill Tours Recommence. Proserpine Sugar Mill will conduct guided tours of the mill again. High School Art. An interesting display of batik can be seen at the Commonwealth Bank produced by year 10 students with the help of art teacher Glenda Vickers. The ladies' outrigger team will travel to Tahiti to compete in several events under the Australian flag. Fundraising events such as car washing, blindfold garbage bin collection, a jam session and an outrigger ball have been organised. Tree Planting. In the 200 years since federation, Australia’s tree cover has reduced from 15% to less than 4%, so the Relaxation Centre of Queensland has adopted the target of planting one million trees for each of those years. Local naturopath Sheila Mister has started the promotion in this region, wanting each person to plant a few trees in the next three years. Baton Twirlers' Success. Proserpine Baton Twirlers won 16 trophies and 14 gold medals in the Queensland Championships on Saturday. The team will be putting on a display at the opening of the nursing home on Saturday. Sport for Airlie Dump? A 7-acre site that used to be part Airlie Dump, part mangrove swamp is being considered as a future sporting complex.
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Born October 29, 1935, Joan Edna Clarke was the eldest of nine children of Edward and Madalene Gray. She attended Proserpine State Rural School but as was the case with many of her era, she completed her education at Blackheath College, Charters Towers. Joan, known to most as Edna, commenced nursing at Proserpine Hospital in the mid-early 1950s however due to illness she was unable to complete her course. In later years, she channelled her interest in that field through her volunteering efforts within the community. Edna was an enterprising lady who was a successful businesswoman in a diverse range of ventures. In the mid1950s, with her mother, Madalene Gray, she opened Jo-Anne Salon, a women’s dress shop which was located on Main Street where Shoe Biz now stands. Edna remained closely involved in her parents’ business and became a familiar face in the district. Featured as the “cover girl” on brochures promoting their five-day Whitsunday tours aboard the cruiser, Esmeralda, she helped represent the family’s tourism venture and was readily recognised throughout the area. She also supported her parents’ involvement in the Whitsunday Sailing Club and was an original member, heavily involved in fundraising for the club. Edna’s eye for fashion and creativity extended to floristry, where she excelled. After joining the Proserpine Floral Art Group in the late 1950s, she later studied in Brisbane, including Ikebana, and taught floristry across North Queensland. She was the first in the region to send dried arrangements throughout Australia and was commissioned by the city of Mt Isa to create silk and feather arrangements for the Queen’s 1970 visit. In 1974, after floods devastated the family farm, she opened a florist shop in Evelyn House on Main Street. In the 90s, she worked as a holiday relief florist on Hayman Island. Edna regularly contributed to the annual show’s floral art display, and she exhibited paper tole work at the Proserpine Museum in the early 2000s. An excellent cake decorator, Edna made and decorated cakes for many local brides. She was savvy enough to realise the combined business potential of providing both wedding cakes and flowers for the burgeoning bridal market. Always with an eye for future trends, in the 1980s, Edna introduced the microwave to many locals and taught very popular microwave cooking classes throughout the district; producing a specialty cookbook for enthusiasts. Her marshmallow pavlova roll was a signature dish that never failed to be a hit. In partnership with husband, Hugh, whom she married in 1957, and her son, Allan, Edna operated Fresh Whitsunday, the retail arm of their wholesale business, and continued with the salad production after the retail store closed. Despite a busy family and working life, Edna found time to devote herself to the community. A long-serving member and President of the Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary, she helped raise hospital funds, secured palliative care rooms in the new hospital plans, and, with Tolma Camm, developed the “Adopt-A-Ward Program,” which encouraged community groups to support hospital areas. This program was recognised by the Health Minister and Premier. Following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, she and her sisters also held numerous Pink Ribbon fundraisers. Edna was very involved with Proserpine Rotary, supporting husband, Mitch, during his term as District Governor. As a member of the Rotary Annes, she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award which honours and thanks individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation. Joan Edna Clarke passed away on September 25, 2005, a month shy of her 70th birthday. Hers was a life well lived! Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum Archives. Contributed with thanks to Larraine Briggs. Photo Caption: Cover Girl Edna Clarke promoting Esmerabla. Photo Supplied
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Rewind 80s at Airlie Beach Hotel. Photo Supplied
Step back to a time of big hair, synthesizers and singalong anthems, because Rewind 80s is coming back to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two free performances this July.
As one of Australia's longest-running 80s tribute shows, the band has been transporting audiences back in time for more than 15 years, through a high-energy performance built on nostalgia, iconic songs and crowd participation.
From the hard-hitting rock of Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi to the infectious pop of Wham! and Madonna, and the unmistakable new wave sounds of Kim Wilde and A-ha, Rewind 80s encapsulates all the decade's most iconic hits.
“We can do pretty much everything that people want to hear- it’s for people that like to have a party,” said Band Frontwoman and founder Samantha Paul Atkins.
“The thing is, we do the whole genre- we don't just do one style.”
“I'm bringing you back to the 80s.”
“I was very young in the 80s and that's where I got most of my musical influence from,” Samantha said.
“We always had so much music on TV in the 80s that we could learn from, it was our education.”
Before founding Rewind 80s, Samantha had performed in several bands and was running her own groups from as early as 19. She soon realized she wanted to build a show that truly captured the music she loved most.
With that in mind, Samantha carefully handpicked a seven-piece lineup of experienced musicians capable of recreating everything from soaring rock anthems to floor-filling pop hits, featuring fellow lead vocalist Richard Macionis, Brad Cook on guitar and vocals, Matty Slade on keyboards and synth, Timur Togacay on bass guitar, Dallas Gray on keyboards, saxophone and vocals, and Cameron Smith on drums.
“It's not a lineup that changes all the time; it’s a lineup that stays together,” Samantha said.
With 15 years of syncing to each other’s groove, and a deep love for the venue formed through their three yearly Airlie Beach Hotel gigs, the band promises a party everyone can enjoy- especially the children of the 80s.
“We are Generation X. Gen X still party, we still drink, we still have a great time,” Samantha said.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival will close its 2026 program with Stories by the Sea, a free community event celebrating books, creativity, and connection on Sunday 13th September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.
The waterfront afternoon will feature more than 20 regional authors alongside live music, author readings, children’s activities, and a community book exchange. Visitors can meet local writers, purchase books, enjoy a “Blind Date with a Book,” and connect with local writing groups and book clubs.
Festival Director Richard Evans said the event was designed to make the festival accessible to all. “It is a chance to bring people together through creativity and celebrate the incredible talent in our region.”
Featured authors include D.M. West, Lorie Brink, Phia Damsma, and Suzy Gordon, showcasing a diverse range of genres from children’s literature to thrillers and poetry.
Stories by the Sea runs from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and is free to attend. Full program details are available via the Whitsundays Writers Festival website.
D. M. West
Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Horror
North Queensland author D.M. West writes horror, fantasy, science fiction and thrillers, with her latest novel, Beneath Blue Waves, set across Townsville, Cairns and the Whitsundays.
Lorie Brink
Fiction
Inspired by an eclectic career, Lorie Brink writes fiction filled with colourful characters, humour and heart, drawing on her love of travel and life's adventures.
Phia Damsma
Children's
Creator of the Padam children's series, Phia Damsma is an award-winning writer and Sonokids co-founder recognised with a Dutch Knighthood and an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Southern Queensland.
Suzy Gordon
Poetry
Whitsundays writer and educator Suzy Gordon mentors young writers, runs an online magazine for emerging voices and is the author of the poetry collection Sunbathing in the Rain. She is currently working on a second collection and a book about creativity.
Tickets and full programme details are available via the festival website.
July
4th Lake Proserpine Open Day: Free BBQ from 9am-1pm, live music and entertainment plus Kids Camp Free all weekend
4th Queensland Music Trails - Between the Tides
8th Cirque Nouvelle, Proserpine Entertainment Centre
23rd Fire & Rain: The James Taylor Songbook, Proserpine Entertainment Centre
25th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, , Proserpine Entertainment Centre
25th-26th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
30th Your Song, Proserpine Entertainment Centre
30th-2nd Aug Great Barrier Reef Festival
3rd July
Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ Night from 8pm onwards.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge from 8pm onwards.
4th July
ABH: Dirty Deeds ADC Tribute Band, 2pm to 5:30 pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band from 8pm onwards.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe from 8pm onwards.
5th July
ABH: Dirty Deeds ADC Tribute Band, 2pm to 5:30 pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Nite Johnston from 8pm onwards.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino from 8pm onwards.
6th July
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes from 8pm onwards.
7th July
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes from 8pm onwards.
8th July
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann from 8pm onwards.
9th July
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann from 8pm onwards.
Saturday’s Main Street takeover is a community favourite. Photo supplied
Silver will shine across Airlie Beach this year as the Great Barrier Reef Festival unveils a special birthday theme to celebrate its 25-year anniversary.
Proudly presented by Cruise Whitsundays, the festival returns from July 31st to August 2nd, with three days of reef-inspired festivities, entertainment and community celebrations marking the milestone occasion.
"Celebrating 25 years is not only a chance to reflect on how far the festival has come, it's also a vote of confidence in where we're headed," said Festival Chair Heather Batrick.
"We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received from both our returning and new sponsors this year.
"Their investment is a testament to the strength of the festival, our incredible volunteers and the community that has championed this event for a quarter of a century.
"Their continued support allows us to keep growing the festival, attract outstanding entertainment, and continue offering so many of our signature events free for everyone to enjoy."
This year will see the return of the community’s favourite events, such as Saturday’s Main Street takeover with the Club Whitsundays Street parade and Revvin’ Reef Car Show, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day and of course the spectacular firework presentationthat will kick of the whole thing, now sponsored by AirBnB.
"Airbnb is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Festival and support the incredible volunteers who make this event possible for all those who attend from near and far," said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager of Airbnb Australia and New Zealand.
Festival-goers can expect an immersive experience across the foreshore, with a large-scale reef art installation made from recycled materials on display in Fairy Tree Park, capturing the essence of the reef’s natural wonder.
Rachael’s son Reef, and mum Jan, who supported her throughout her journey.
Local author and cancer survivor Rachael Smith launched her first book at Fat Frog Café in Cannonvale on Saturday evening. With more than 30 people in attendance, the intimate book launch of her memoir, A Single Working Mum’s Guide To Surviving Cancer, was a huge success.
“It was such an honour to share this special moment with such a beautiful group of people,” shared Rachael.
“The journey took seven drafts, over seven years, and to finally hold my own book in my hands was a moment in my life I will treasure forever.
“Thank you to everyone for coming and thank you to everyone who bought my book – I hope the book now helps others who are facing a similar journey to mine.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to my publishers, Richard and Julia Evans, my ever supportive husband and of course my mum Jan and son Reef, plus all the other characters who starred in my book.”
You can purchase the book from Whitsunday News Newsagency at Whitsunday Plaza. It will also be available at the library soon and on Amazon within the next few weeks.
Hog’s Breath's Birthday 2025. Photo supplied
Live music, tasty bites and plenty of familiar faces will fill Hog's Breath Airlie Beach this Saturday as the venue celebrates the restaurant chain's 37th birthday alongside two years under local ownership.
Launched 37 years ago by entrepreneur Don Algie, Hog's Breath Cafe has grown from a single restaurant into one of Australia's most recognisable dining brands, becoming famous for its signature slow-cooked prime rib, laid-back atmosphere and cheeky sense of humour.
This year's celebration has a bit of added significance for the Airlie Beach venue, marking two years since local owners Adam Zakharoff and JP Afflick took over the restaurant, revitalising the Hog's Breath tradition while putting their own stamp on the much-loved local favourite.
The festivities will kick off from 5pm on Saturday at the venue's front bar on Shute Harbour Road, with local musician Kieran McCarthy providing lunchtime entertainment before the celebrations continue into the evening with more live music.
The night should be a good mix of the old and new generations celebrating decades of success.
“We've got Hog’s breath people all around Australia flying in for the event, so it should be a big Saturday night,” said owner of Hog’s Breath Cafe in Airlie Beach JP Afflick.
The restaurant will be open for business, with extra snacks on offer to go along with everyone's beers.
“We'll also have a bunch of complimentary nibbles throughout the night in the bar there to keep everyone well-behaved,” JP said.
“There'll be a range, from our famous prime rib to chicken wings and all other sorts of shareables.”
Airlie Beach Cruise Markets. Photo source: Facebook.
The Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets are bringing some festive magic to the middle of winter — and things are about to get very merry.
All July Cruise Ship Markets will be transformed into a Christmas in July celebration, with a festive atmosphere guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter's evening (not that Airlie Beach winters are ever that cold). Expect seasonal decorations, a Christmas-inspired market vibe, and plenty of holiday cheer as stallholders and visitors alike get into the spirit of the season.
And the excitement doesn't stop there. Whispers around the Whitsundays suggest there may even be a very special visitor making an appearance at the July markets. Could it be a certain someone in a red suit? You'll just have to come along and find out...
The July Cruise Ship Markets take place on cruise ship days throughout the month. Locals, visitors, and cruise ship passengers are encouraged to check the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets social media channels and website for updates.
The Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets operate on cruise ship days in Airlie Beach, offering locals and visitors a vibrant waterfront market experience featuring local producers, artisans, food vendors, and unique Whitsunday-made products. The markets celebrate the best of the region and provide a warm welcome to the thousands of cruise ship passengers who visit Airlie Beach each year.
Visit: airliebeachmarkets.com.au/ and Facebook @airliebeachcruiseshipmarkets
Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays, said recent results reinforce that The Whitsundays remains one of Australia's most compelling destinations for both domestic and international travellers. Photo source: Tourism Whitsundays
Tourism Whitsundays (TW) have released results from the Tourism Research Australia International Visitor Survey and Domestic Tourism Statistics for the year ending March 2026, confirming $271.8 million in international visitor expenditure, up 27.6% year-on-year, alongside 688,000 domestic overnight visitors.
Key statistics — year ending March 2026
International Visitor Survey
Domestic Tourism Statistics
“Record international expenditure, growth in overnight visitation and strong interstate demand all point to a region that is building real momentum,” said CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth.
"What makes these numbers especially significant is the context in which they were achieved. Cyclone Koji hit The Whitsundays in January 2026, squarely within this reporting period, and yet the region returned these results. That speaks to the strength of operator confidence, the quality of the experiences on offer and the loyalty of visitors who know The Whitsundays and keep coming back. We are well-positioned for continued growth as we move into the year ahead."
"These figures show visitors are staying longer, spending more and continuing to choose The Whitsundays for the world-class experiences we offer,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.
“That means more support for local businesses, more jobs for locals and greater confidence in our regional economy."
"As the future home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032, these results reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in the infrastructure and experiences that will support sustainable tourism growth and ensure The Whitsundays remains a destination of choice for visitors from around Australia and around the world."
Members of the Mackay Writers' Group. Front: Kel and Brooke. Back: Canna, Jack, Riki, Paul and Steve. Photo Supplied
For aspiring writers, poets and storytellers, a rare opportunity to learn from one of Australia's most respected bush poets is coming to Mackay next month, with an all-day workshop designed to help participants refine their craft, share their stories and even transform their poetry into song.
Hosted by the Mackay Writers on July 11th the workshop will be led by acclaimed bush poet Mick Martin, who will guide attendees through the art of bush poetry while encouraging writers of all experience levels to build confidence, ask questions and develop their own unique voice.
"Going to a workshop with an expert gives you permission to do things that maybe you always thought you weren't good enough to do.”
"It gives you permission to put yourself out there and write and ask questions and, like, expand your knowledge to grow within yourself."
Running from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Jubilee Community Centre, the workshop will give participants the chance to develop a poem, explore how it can be set to music and learn directly from one of Australia's leading bush poets.
Founded by Paul Vanderloo’s, Mackay Writers has been bringing local writers together for more than 40 years, with workshops like this held only every five years. Alongside special events, monthly workshops at 1pm on the last Saturday of every month, supporting one another across a wide range of writing styles, from poetry to memoirs and everything in between.
Whether you've been writing for decades or have a notebook full of ideas waiting to get started on, the workshop promises a welcoming space to sharpen your skills, meet fellow writers and maybe think up your next great story.
North Head Lighthouse. Photo supplied
Bowen residents and visitors can look forward to walking to the North Head Lighthouse when the tide is low enough in coming weeks.
Each year, during winter, on just a few dates, the tides are usually low enough to make this possible.
The lighthouse is situated just one kilometre from the Bowen mainland, at the entrance to Port Denison.
It is one of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses and people have been taking advantage of the low tides in winter for many years.
Port Denison was the first port established in North Queensland, with Bowen being officially proclaimed a town on April 11th 1861.
Built in 1866, this six-sided wooden tower lighthouse protected ships entering the busy port between Middle, Stone and Gloucester Islands.
The North Head Lighthouse was extinguished in 1985 and the original lens shifted to the Bowen Historical Museum.
In 2017, the North Head Lighthouse was restored by community groups, ensuring this important and eye-catching landmark is maintained for future generations.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said the low tides in winter always attracted a large crowd of people keen to make the trek across from the mainland to the Lighthouse.
Lighthouse walkers follow an exposed sand spit in a curving path towards the North Head Island.
“Your feet will get wet, so we recommend walkers wear reef boots or old sneakers,” Leanne said.
“We also recommend you leave the mainland one hour before the lowest tide to ensure you have time to safely return to the mainland before the tide rises again.
“Walkers are expected to see red starfish and sea cucumbers. If you are really lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle.”
“We ask that everyone taking part in the walk respects the marine environment and doesn’t touch the marine life.”
The walk starts at Dalrymple Point and walkers are reminded that they take part at their own risk, and attention should be given to your fitness, suitability and the tide times.
“We also suggest taking water and wearing sunscreen and a light jacket in case there is a breeze,” Leanne said.
“We don’t recommend the walk if the tide is above 0.2m – and don’t forget to take your camera.”
Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism.
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue volunteer Michael and her partner have helped foster and rehome nine cats and kittens, giving each one a second chance at finding a loving forever home. Photo supplied
By Chelsea Ravizza
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue (BCPR) social media and foster carer volunteer, Michael never expected animal rescue to become such a significant part of her life.
Today, she combines her passion for animals with a growing talent for social media, in a volunteer role she describes as the "perfect fit" for her lifestyle.
“What keeps me coming back [to BCPR] is knowing that even small contributions can help animals find loving homes, and give them a second chance,” she said.
Over the course of a year, Michael and her partner fostered cats and kittens, successfully helping nine animals find forever homes. Although she admits they nearly “foster failed” more than once after becoming attached to their furry guests, Michael said seeing each animal grow in confidence and eventually find a loving family made the experience incredibly rewarding.
“Moments like that remind you why rescue work is so important - it's one of the most rewarding feelings you can experience,” she said.
“Seeing an animal arrive scared, unsure, or neglected and then watching them slowly learn to trust people again is incredibly special. When they finally find a loving home, you feel happy, proud, and satisfied knowing you've played a small part in changing that animal's life forever. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
While volunteering often requires personal sacrifice, Michael said she’s constantly inspired by the commitment of her fellow volunteers, seeing firsthand how many juggle full-time jobs, family responsibilities and busy personal lives, yet still dedicate countless hours to caring for vulnerable animals and helping them find loving homes.
“It can be emotionally challenging as well, especially when resources are stretched and difficult decisions have to be made. Volunteers do it because they genuinely care, but it takes a lot of commitment and passion.”
Michael hopes more members of the community will step forward to volunteer or become foster carers, highlighting the critical role rescue groups play in regional areas like Bowen, where they often serve as a safety net for vulnerable animals by providing care, rehabilitation and a pathway to a loving forever home.
“One thing many people don’t understand is that we don’t have a shelter. Our rescue relies on foster carers opening their homes to animals in need. Without volunteers and community support, many animals would have very limited options,” she explained.
Groups like Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue provide abandoned, surrendered and at-risk animals with a second chance while promoting responsible pet ownership, relying heavily on community support, with every foster carer, volunteer, donor and adopter playing a vital role in helping save lives.
“Our main focus is helping animals that have been abandoned, surrendered, or are at risk of euthanasia and finding them safe, loving homes, and none of that is possible without volunteers, foster carers, donations, and community support.”
To learn more about becoming a BCPR volunteer, reach out to the organisation via email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com, or visit the group’s social media pages to directly access Foster Carer Application Forms.
“I'd love to see more people get involved, even if it's just fostering, volunteering a few hours, donating, or sharing adoption posts online. Every bit of support helps save lives.”
Golfers dressed up for the 2025 event. Photo Supplied
Whitsunday Green Golf Club will tee off its fifth annual Lions Charity Golf Day on July 12th, bringing together golfers and community members for a fun-filled fundraiser.
Held in partnership with the Lions Club, the four-person Ambrose style event welcomes golfers of all skill levels for a fast-paced day on the green, with the focus firmly on fun and fundraising.
"We've created a really good sense of community with the Lions and ourselves," said Golf Club Manager Jon Miller.
Over the past five years, the event has raised almost $50,000 for Proserpine Hospital, averaging around $10,000 each year. In addition to supporting the hospital, proceeds have also been donated to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, with this year's remaining funds set to help provide Christmas hampers for local families doing it tough.
Fancy Dress theme event will run across the day with a series of shotgun starts, allowing multiple groups to play while keeping the course moving efficiently. Teams of four will compete in a nine-hole Ambrose competition, with players teeing off from different holes at the same time before making their way around the course together.
Golfers can choose from several tee-off times between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, making it easy for participants to fit the event into their schedules. While each round takes around an hour and a half to complete, many players are encouraged to stay afterwards to enjoy some barby classics alongside the community atmosphere at the clubhouse.
“It's just really a true fundraiser,” said Whitsundays Green Cafe Operator Robbie Miles.
“We make it a fun day, it doesn't mean we can play golf, don't even hit a golf ball, that’s irrelevant.
“The genre of it is to come and have a fun day, assimilate with the community, and everyone knows what it's for.”
The club has secured strong support from sponsors, with Whitsunday Regional Council, Bendigo Bank and Cruise Whitsundays among those already backing the event. Whitsunday Green are still welcoming additional sponsors, with sponsorship available for $350.
For those wanting to hit the fairways, entry costs $30 for an individual or $120 for a team of four. Open to golfers of all abilities, the Ambrose format is designed to keep the competition fun and inclusive, making it just as enjoyable for first-timers as it is for experienced players.
There are some dishes that perfectly capture a place. At Sorrento Restaurant & Bar, it's the Prawn & Spanner Crab Spaghetti.
Fresh tiger prawns, delicately diced Queensland spanner crab, cherry tomatoes, fresh chilli and a vibrant lime butter sauce come together with house-made spaghetti to create a dish that's both elegant and effortlessly relaxed. It's a celebration of the region's incredible seafood, interpreted through an unmistakably Italian lens.
Served overlooking Coral Sea Marina, with panoramic views across the turquoise Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, it's a meal best enjoyed slowly. A glass of crisp white wine, the gentle movement of yachts in the harbour, and the afternoon melting into one of Airlie Beach's spectacular sunsets complete the experience.
Leading the kitchen is Italian Head Chef Alessio, whose passion for authentic Italian cuisine shines through every dish. Fresh pasta is made in-house daily, pizza dough is crafted from scratch, and traditional techniques are paired with quality local produce to create food that feels both genuine and memorable.
While the Prawn & Spanner Crab Spaghetti has quickly become a guest favourite, it's just one of many dishes that showcase Sorrento's modern Italian approach. From the rich, creamy Carbonara Fettuccine and the indulgent Filleto Fettuccine with chicken, wild mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, gorgonzola and truffle, to the ever-popular Marinara Fettuccine overflowing with local seafood, every plate reflects a genuine respect for Italian tradition.
It's this balance of authentic cuisine, fresh local ingredients and an unforgettable waterfront setting that has made Sorrento one of Airlie Beach's favourite dining destinations. Whether you're joining friends for a leisurely lunch, sharing fresh house-made pizzas in the afternoon, or settling in for dinner as live acoustic music drifts across the marina, every visit offers another reason to return.
Because sometimes the best meals aren't just about what's on the plate. They're about where you are, who you're with, and taking the time to savour both.
Lumos speed networking group. Photo supplied
Local business owners came together once again on Friday as Lumos Speed Networking continued its mission of turning professional connections into lasting friendships.
Originating back in May 2024, the event was started by local business owner Kathy Barker after she found working from home to be an isolating experience.
Having recently launched her own real estate business and wanting to meet more people in the region, Kathy drew on her previous experience running successful networking events to create a welcoming space where local business owners could connect, collaborate and support one another.
What began as an opportunity to build her own business has since grown into a supportive community where members collaborate, share ideas and help one another navigate the challenges of running a business.
“It can be quite lonely when you're working for yourself and working from home,” Kathy said.
“If you've got any hassle and you're needing to look for certain people to help you within your business, then it's very hard when you're on your own.
“So I created the networking event so that we could all support each other.”
Running the last Friday of every month from 7:30am to 8:30am at Lumos Cafe and Restaurant, each session begins with a series of short introductions. This gives everyone the chance to share who they are, what they do and the kind of clients or connections they'relooking for.
“Then pretty much it's kind of open discussion for everybody just to talk about whatever,” Kathy said.
“Discussions vary from all sorts of things, personal life to business life and everything in between.
“It's lovely, it’s become really just like a bunch of friends all getting together.”
While many familiar faces return each month, the relaxed format also welcomes newcomers looking to expand their professional network.
The event is completely free, letting attendees get their own coffee and breakfast before joining the conversation at their own convenience.
“I didn't want to make it a paid event where there was going to be even more pressure for business owners to put their hand in their pocket,” Kathy said.
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