Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The winter sports season may be over, but the racing is just getting started at Whitsunday Sportspark. Dashie racing is coming to Oktoberfest, with qualifying heats on Saturday 10 October and the grand final on Saturday 17 October. The winning dachshund will take home $1,000. Dachshund owners are encouraged to register their little racers, and everyone is welcome to come down and cheer them on. There will be a race for the humans, too. Keg rolling is planned for one of the Oktoberfest Sundays, giving the public a chance to get involved in the action. The date and entry details will be announced soon. Club Whitsunday and Whitsunday Sportspark are working together to keep the precinct active as the winter sporting calendar winds down. Oktoberfest is a chance to bring people back to the Sportspark for something a little different, whether they’re racing, cheering or simply enjoying the day. Know a dashie with a competitive streak? Dob in a dashie and let’s get racing! WHAT: Dob In A Dashie, Dachshund Racing WHERE: Club Whitsundays WHEN: Saturday 17th October
Read the full story
Airlie Beach Hotel is turning up the volume on the weekend of October 9th with three days of live rock, banging anthems and original music from one of Australia’s seasoned rock performers, Dellacoma Rio. Best known locally as the frontman of The Australian INXS Show, Dellacoma Rio has spent more than 15 years making music professionally, performing around the world and releasing three albums of his own. His career has taken him from touring America with Sydney band Sunset Riot to performing for crowds of up to 250,000 people at Poland Rock Fest, as well as sharing a festival main stage with Def Leppard. Next, he’s coming to the Whitsundays- and he’s bringing his band. Kicking off with the main event, on Friday 9th October DELLACOMA will be headlining an end of footy season party special evening event in the sports bar with original music from all three of their studio albums alongside some of the songs and artists that have influenced them throughout their career. Expect brash, explosive and hard-hitting rock n roll, with dynamite stage presence. The five-piece band will deliver everything from softer songs to high-energy rockers, with influences ranging from Van Halen and Noiseworks to Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi and The Killers. DELLACOMA’s style is built on classic rock ‘n roll storytelling and emotion. “You kind of go through different parts of your life and you connect with different songs,” Dellacoma reflected. “And I think it's about honesty as well. When [a singer] really means the words that they're singing. “That goes the same for the instrumental side of things as well. A really good guitarist can make their guitar sing or cry or show the emotion of anger or gratitude. If you're really in tune with your instrument, whatever that is, you can evoke emotions with that.” Keeping the party going, on Saturday afternoon Rio will step into the shoes of another rock icon for Dellacoma Rio Presents Bon Jovi, celebrating 40 years of Slippery When Wet. The show will feature every song from the iconic album, including Livin’ On A Prayer and Wanted Dead Or Alive, alongside other Bon Jovi favourites such as Always and It’s My Life. Sunday will then bring Dellacoma Rio Presents Rock Anthems, a broad celebration of the songs that have filled pubs, festivals and stadiums for generations. Expect everything from Australian favourites by AC/DC, INXS, Cold Chisel and The Angels to international anthems from Queen, Def Leppard, Journey and more. What, When, Where? DELLACOMA – Original Rock: Friday October 9th, 8pm–11pm, special evening event in the sports bar. Dellacoma Rio Presents Bon Jovi: Saturday October 10th, 2pm–5.30pm. Dellacoma Rio Presents Rock Anthems: Sunday October 11th, 2pm–5.30pm. All shows are free to attend at the Airlie Beach Hotel.
Read the full story
Swimming enthusiasts from across Queensland will head to the Whitsundays on Sunday, 4 October for the Whitehaven Open Water Swim, hosted by North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club and Masters Swimming Queensland. Now in its third year, the event gives swimmers the unique opportunity to take part in a 500m, 1km or 2km open water swim at the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Swimmers will travel by boat from Shute Harbour to Whitehaven Beach for a morning of swimming, followed by lunch and an afternoon of social activities. The event brings together Masters swimmers, open water enthusiasts and visitors from across the region while showcasing one of Queensland's most iconic destinations. The Whitehaven Open Water Swim is proudly supported by local businesses and sponsors, helping make the event possible and contributing to the continued growth of open water swimming in the region. What's Included Ferry to Whitehaven Beach from Shute Harbour Entry to the open water swim Lunch on the beach Return ferry to the mainland Ferry Logistics Ferries depart from Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Shute Harbour. Departure and return times will be confirmed closer to the event. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the terminal. Full logistics details will be sent to registered participants. Eligibility Participants must be 18 years of age or older. All swimming abilities welcome for the 500m distance — it's a great introduction to open water swimming. We recommend open water swimming experience for the 2km distance. Non-swimmers are welcome to join as guests (ferry + lunch included). All participants must complete and sign a liability waiver prior to the event. Options 500 metres, perfect for first timers 1 kilometre, the classic distance 2 kilometres, for experienced swimmers For more information, visit sinkers.au/whitehaven. WHAT: Whitehaven Open Water Swim WHERE: Whitehaven Beach WHEN: Sunday 4th October
Read the full story
BY GEORGIA MCDONALD This week, we sat down with local musician Nick Di Gregorio and talked about his musical journey, the Whitsundays’ music scene and his latest creative project he has been building in the local area. With a combination of live music, filming and the art of a good old chat, Nick created local podcast The Tiny Vinyl Sessions. Much like this column, Nick brings local musicians to the podcast seat and gives them a chance to share their passion, with each session featuring three live-recorded songs which are then professionally produced by Nick, as well as a chat about their story and all things music. Nick wears plenty of hats behind the scenes, editing the videos and putting together the content for social media, as well as producing the tracks. Each episode takes him around 46 hours to complete. The podcast came from Nick’s personal experience in the local music scene, where he felt there was more room for original music and collaboration between musicians. Whilst the project is based in the Whitsundays, Nick has plans to take it further, hoping to reach places such as Melbourne and Cairns. So, who is the musician behind the mic? Picking up a guitar at age 10, Nick quickly found himself drawn to the technical side of music. He describes himself as “a bit of a nerd”, starting out in classical guitar and jazz. Before his mother agreed to sign him up for lessons, she told him he had to work through a method book, so he did, teaching himself to read music. At 15, Nick was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne where he studied guitar and jazz, before heading over to Perth to study jazz performance at WAAPA. After his studies, Nick went overseas, working as a session guitarist on cruise ships. It was here, during a very fun and creative period of his life, that he decided it was time to learn a new skill - singing. “I’d always been meaning to sing, so I just started practising,” Nick said. Once he had completed a few contracts as a singer and built his confidence, he headed to London as a soloist and began performing full-time. Eventually, Nick found his way back to Australia. He was in the Whitsundays when COVID hit, and six years later, he is still here. As restrictions began to ease and venues started opening back up, Nick began putting himself forward and building his position in the Whitsundays local music scene. “I just said, ‘Can I come play?’” Nick said. Things grew quickly from there, with Nick becoming a resident musician on Hamilton Island, playing between five to ten gigs a week. Nick says that one of the best parts of being a musician in the Whitsundays is the community that comes with it. “It’s such a small community that you’re all connected,” Nick said. With a consistent and steady demand for live music across the region, Nick said that there is a real sense of support between the musicians, with everyone bringing their own style and approach to the gigs. “I think everyone just has a unique way of approaching the same kind of gig, which is kind of what makes everyone different,” he said. For Nick, the Tiny Vinyl sessions are another way of giving musicians a space to collaborate and showcase their uniqueness, while continuing to grow the Whitsunday music community that he has become such a large part of. Song Recommendation For The Week: Stick Around, Please – Nick Di Gregorio Podcast Recommendation For The Week: The Tiny Vinyl Sessions – available on podcast platforms
Read the full story
This week’s winning photograph is a picture of serenity, captured amongst the perfect calm of Lake Proserpine by Megan Weir.
Submitted under the theme of Landscapes, this is a photo you could step right into, and float on a lilypad across waters so reflective you don’t know which way is up.
Thank you and congrats, Megan! This the theme is “Aromas in Focus,” AKA things that smell nice – so get snapping, and submit your photos via the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group.
In the time before radio and television and when gramophones and records were very basic and quite expensive, residents yearned for entertainment outside the home. Occasionally, travelling vaudeville groups and pantomime companies visited the town. From very early days, concerts were staged as both church and community fundraisers as well as providing a social outlet. The Tivoli Hall was a regular venue for these occasions.
Opened in 1913, the Tivoli Hall/Theatre was situated in Chapman Street. It had earlier been known as Oddfellows Hall which hosted a variety of functions. Before transitioning to the showgrounds, exhibits for the annual show were displayed in the Oddfellows Hall. In 1910, the inaugural Proserpine Show Ball was held there and the “Bowen Independent” April 11th 1911, reported, “The ladies of the R. C. Church are holding a Euchre Party on Easter Monday night in the Oddfellows’ Hall.” In an advertisement on April 15, 1911, Mrs G Taylor announced that she intended holding “A series of Assemblies in the Oddfellows Hall … every fortnight …Bright and up-to-date music.”
The Tivoli, managed by Mr RAT Morrison, served as the town's initial venue for moving picture screenings and events before entertainment shifted to larger venues such as the Eldorado Picture Company run by Mr J Johns in the Alexandra Hall on Main Street. A boy was employed to ring an auctioneer’s bell in the main street announcing, “Pictures tonight!”
Twice weekly, silent movies were screened at the Tivoli. Typical programmes presented a feature film, a comedy and a serial episode. Serials such as “The Iron Test” and “Elmo the Fearless” often ran for up to twenty episodes, each ending with an unresolved crisis - usually placing the heroine in danger to encourage audiences to return. Programmes sometimes included live acts such as “Frank Sidney - Trick Cyclist and Vaudeville Artist with his Singing Dog” and “Mr Dickenson who Specialises in Irish Songs”.
Life for the cinema proprietors had its difficulties. Because of unreliable transport, films often failed to arrive, and equipment breakdowns were a perpetual worry, so old programmes had to be re-shown, or the proprietors cheerfully held a dance instead.
In 1918, the Tivoli’s screening of the 5th episode of the great picture, “Gloria’s Romance” was thrilling audiences. Seats were a bit cheaper at the Tivoli than Alexandra Hall. Canvas chairs were 1/8; front seats 1/4. I Edwards was manager at this time. The “Bowen Independent” reported positively on the Tivoli pictures. February 18, 1919 – “Last Saturday night the Proserpine Branch of the Tivoli was packed to its utmost to see “Zara”, and the management was well thanked for the grand paramount program.” October 21, 1919 – “An enormous crowd witnessed the screening of that wonderful picture, ‘The Better Ole’”
During the severe influenza epidemic of 1919, when restrictions on indoor entertainment were imposed, the community was fortunate to have the Tivoli’s open-air skating rink providing an alternative venue for their entertainment.
The First Annual Military Ball was held at the Tivoli on Anzac night, 1919. This event was greatly anticipated as a commemoration marking the anniversary of the Anzac campaign. Circa 1927, the Tivoli held its first skating Fancy Dress Ball.
In 1934, the Tivoli ceased to operate and was converted into a plumbing business. After suffering severe damage during Cyclone Debbie in 2017, structural assessments determined that the then 104-year-old building was beyond repair and could not retain its heritage façade. It was subsequently removed from the Queensland Heritage Register. And so ended a grand chapter of our district’s history.
Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum Society.
Markets are part of what makes the Whitsundays tick – supporting local businesses, giving visitors a taste of the region, and bringing people together.
Over the past 12 months, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has managed the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets in partnership with Airlie Events and has now added back-office support to Tarnia Patton and Ambi Ford for the popular Proserpine Community Markets.
Together, the markets create opportunities for local traders to showcase what they do, reach new customers, and contribute to the wider community.
A place to start, test and grow
For many stallholders, markets are an important part of doing business – whether they’re starting out, testing an idea, or reaching new customers.
Makers, growers, home-based businesses, and food vendors can meet customers face-to-face, build their profile, and generate income without the overheads of a traditional shopfront. For hobbyists, a market can also be a way to share a passion and see where it might lead.
The Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets provide the added opportunity to connect with thousands of visitors, many who stay connected long after they leave the Whitsundays.
Supporting the people behind the stalls
For Cruise Ship Market stallholders, the past year has brought more support, clearer systems, and a stronger voice in the market’s future.
Regular stallholder meetings, weekly updates, online registration and site allocation, and a dedicated Stallholder Sub-Committee make it easier for traders to stay informed and help shape the market.
The Chamber has also worked closely with Council on practical improvements to support stallholders and visitors, while Chamber’s $99 Market Vendor Subscription provides discounted fees, promotional opportunities, and access to business resources, education, and networking.
Local money, local causes
Both the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets and Proserpine Community Markets contribute to the Whitsundays Chamber Community Fund, which provides grants to eligible local not-for-profits, community groups and volunteer organisations.
Keeping Proserpine’s local character
The Proserpine Community Markets have been built over more than five years by founder Tarnia Patton around a simple idea: run by locals, for locals. That local character remains, with Tarnia continuing as on-site Market Manager while the Chamber provides back-office support.
The next Proserpine Community Market is at the Proserpine Show Grounds on Sunday 6th December, with makers, growers, bakers, food vans, retailers, home businesses, services and community groups welcome to apply.
The Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair will also bring another opportunity for local businesses and community groups, running from 5pm to 8pm on Friday 11th December.
More than a market day
“The Chamber is here to back our market stallholders. Behind every stall is a person, a product and often a small business, and we want to help create opportunities for all of them to connect, trade and grow,” said Chamber Portfolio Manager Cait Fleming.
Contact the Chamber to learn more about our markets via portfolios@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au
Sometimes a photograph’s beauty lies not in the grandeur of the subject, but in the intricate details revealed by looking a little closer.
Michele Shea captured this week’s winning photograph with a beautiful close-up of a waterlily in bloom, bringing the flower’s delicate petals and natural symmetry into sharp focus. It is a peaceful, yet wildly beautiful frame that makes for a great example of this week’s “Macro” theme.
Congratulations, Michele, your photograph will have us all giving things a closer look!
For next week’s Photo of the Week, the theme is “Landscapes”.
Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another wonderful collection of images.
Photo source: Shutterstock
Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Method
TASTE TIP: Add finely sliced jalapeño to the mango salsa for an extra kick, or swap the prawns for grilled chicken if seafood isn't your thing.
Photo source: Hotel Mackay
Looking for something a little more fun than the usual Monday night at home?
Hotel Mackay is bringing plenty of laughs, good food and friendly competition to the start of the week with its regular Monday night trivia.
While the trivia might be competitive, there is no need to take it too seriously. It is all about enjoying some wholesome fun with friends, family or colleagues, with a chicken parmy and schooner deal available for $30 to round out the evening.
Located in Mackay’s City Heart, Hotel Mackay is a locally owned and lovingly restored historical hotel, now offering a bar and restaurant where locals can settle in for a meal, a drink or a night of entertainment.
Trivia is just one of the regular offerings on the calendar, with meat raffles, live music, karaoke and regular food and drink specials also bringing plenty of life to the venue.
Open from 10am daily, Hotel Mackay offers a relaxed place to catch up, enjoy a meal and make the most of a night out in the heart of the city.
For bookings, call Hotel Mackay on 07 4863 0564!
Photo supplied by Hotel Mackay
Two Mackay CBD businesses are joining forces this Melbourne Cup Day to create a spring celebration unlike anything Mackay has seen before.
Hotel Mackay and A Willow In Bloom, the boutique florist located in Wood Street, are collaborating to transform the historic hotel into a bright and colourful spring garden party for the race that stops the nation.
Guests can expect the venue to come alive with spectacular floral installations and vibrant spring styling by A Willow In Bloom, creating an elevated Melbourne Cup atmosphere from the moment they walk through the doors.
The experience will include a complimentary charcuterie platter on arrival, a glass of sparkling wine and roaming food throughout the day, along with plenty of entertainment.
Of course, Melbourne Cup Day wouldn’t be complete without the racing. Hotel Mackay’s TAB facilities will be operating throughout the event, giving guests the chance to follow all the action live.
There will also be Melbourne Cup trivia, Fashions on the Field, prizes and plenty of surprises throughout the day.
Combining A Willow In Bloom’s spectacular florals with the atmosphere of one of Mackay’s historic pubs, the collaboration is set to bring something fresh and exciting to the city’s Melbourne Cup celebrations.
Melbourne Cup Day at Hotel Mackay is shaping up to be the place to be.
Tickets will be released soon, with full event details and booking information to be announced.
Keep an eye on Hotel Mackay and A Willow In Bloom’s social media pages for the ticket release and further details!
Take a social walk through Pioneer Valley, or learn about the flavours of Vietnam in Finch Hatton. Photo source: Shutterstock
Every Thursday
Walk, Talk & Coffee
9am
Enjoy a relaxed morning of walking, fresh air and good company at this free community walk through the Pioneer Valley. The group follows the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail from Gargett to Gargett Gap and back, providing a great opportunity to get active, meet locals and enjoy a chat along the way. Coffee at Gargett Store afterwards makes for the perfect finish. Everyone is welcome.
Pioneer Valley Sports Association, Gargett
Sunday 27th September
Trash & Treasure & Fruit & Veg Market
8am–12pm
Browse a great mix of fresh produce, homemade treats, plants, herbs, handmade crochet items and plenty of bric a brac at the Gargett markets. With fresh eggs, health drinks and local stallholders including Ernie the Tool Man, there’s plenty to discover. Come along for a relaxed morning, pick up a bargain and support local sellers and the community.
Gargett Store
Saturday 10th October
Art Exhibition: Opening Night
4pm–6pm
Step into the imaginative world of Threads of Metamorphosis, a unique wearable art exhibition by Leah Tranter inspired by the wild beauty of the Pioneer Valley. Celebrating transformation, creativity and the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary, the opening night offers visitors the chance to experience Leah’s imaginative works and celebrate the local landscape through art.
The Old Finch Hatton Railway Station
Sunday 11th October
Eungella Community Markets – (every 2nd Sunday of the Month)
9am–1pm
Take a scenic drive up the mountain and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the Eungella Community Markets. Browse a variety of local stalls featuring handmade items, crystals, leather goods, wood-turned bowls, fresh produce and tasty macarons. Stop by the café for a tea or coffee, soak up the mountain air and enjoy a relaxed morning supporting local stallholders.
Eungella Hub, North Street
Art Exhibition: Threads of Metamorphosis
10am–2pm
Explore Threads of Metamorphosis, a unique wearable art exhibition by Leah Tranter, inspired by the wild beauty of the Pioneer Valley. Celebrating transformation, creativity and the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary, the exhibition invites visitors to step into an imaginative world where art, nature and wearable creations come together.
The Old Finch Hatton Railway Station
Monday 12th October
Finch Hatton Progress Association General Meeting
5.30pm–7pm
Come along to the Finch Hatton Progress Association’s general meeting and stay up to date with current community projects, upcoming events and local initiatives. The meeting is also an opportunity for residents, local businesses and community members to share ideas, have their say and help shape the future of Finch Hatton. Everyone is welcome to attend.
RSL Finch Hatton
Sunday 18th October
Vietnamese Cooking Class
10.30am–1.30pm
Join One Hungry Mumma in Finch Hatton for a hands-on cooking experience exploring the vibrant flavours of Vietnam. Learn how to prepare traditional-style dishes using a range of fresh ingredients while picking up practical cooking tips along the way. A relaxed and enjoyable class for anyone wanting to expand their home cooking skills and discover new flavours. Tickets/bookings essential.
One Hungry Mumma, Finch Hatton
Background shots from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Photo supplied: Anthony ‘Bud’ Hopes
Airlie Beach locals could soon find themselves in front of the camera, with casting now underway for background and supporting roles in an international television series set to film in the region from late October to early November.
The project is casting for North Queensland-based people of any Asian heritage, aged from three to 100.
The opportunity includes both single and multi-day roles, with most successful applicants to spend two days on set after attending a fitting the week before filming.
The production will give locals a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes, experience life on a professional television set and perhaps even spot themselves on screen when the series is released.
Behind the search is Bud Hopes Film and Television Casting, a Gold Coast-based company with more than 60 production credits to its name, that has spent more than 20 years helping everyday people step onto film and television sets.
“I sort of fell into it,” said Founder Anthony "Bud" Hopes.
“It was in the early days of the Queensland film industry when someone rang and asked if I wanted to give the job a go. I said yes, and 20 years later, I’m still here.”
The company works with talent agencies and community groups to find background performers who reflect the places, cultures and stories being brought to the screen.
“In the bigger metro cities, we have an ecosystem of agents that we use, and we combine that with delving into communities as well,” Bud said.
“When we go north to places that don’t have a whole lot of agents, we get straight into the community and put it out there through social media and the press.
“Bud Hopes Casting is passionate about bringing realness and authenticity to all the stories we tell, and we'll go to any length to nail the brief every time.”
Bud Hopes Casting has built an impressive list of credits across film and television, with its portfolio including Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, the action thriller Land of Bad and work connected to the Godzilla vs Kong franchise, with more recent projects include Anaconda, Balls Up, The Bluff and Runner.
The Airlie Beach Foreshore is about to turn into an open air cinema once again, as balmy summer evenings open the door to movie nights under the stars.
It’s time to dig out your picnic blankets, pack a bag full of snacks, round up the kids and prepare for an evening of classic entertainment, delivered a little differently.
Friday nights during the school holidays are a great excuse to get outdoors and connect with the community, as the big cinema screen on the Foreshore showcases two family favourites.
This coming Friday 25th September, the sweetest pig in showbusiness takes centre stage in the heart-warming classic, Babe.
The following Friday 2nd October, we step back into 1989 nostalgia with Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Prepare for plenty of laughs, family fun and cosy moments on your picnic blanket under the stars.
If you fancy a treat, ditch the bag of snacks and enjoy a selection of delicious offerings from the food trucks on site.
With classic films, delicious food and a beautiful foreshore setting, these movie nights are the perfect way to enjoy a balmy evening together.
Small Business Hero, EDGE Dance Studio Whitsunday
There are 46 nominees, seven award categories and plenty of secrets still to be revealed when the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards take over the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
The nominees know they are in the running. What they don’t know is what the judges have decided.
That will be revealed live, with winners announced across categories celebrating business leadership, customer service, emerging talent, community contribution, ambitious ideas and long-standing regional achievement.
Keeping the night moving will be Kaley and Scott from StarFM’s breakfast show, bringing plenty of energy and fun to the stage.
This year’s theme is From High Glam to High Vis, inviting guests to dress up, show their business pride or put their own spin on celebrating in the Whitsundays.
The night will feature grazing and networking, an alternate-drop main course and the interactive Luxe Dessert Bar, where guests can decorate their own individual cake.
Return buses will operate from Bowen, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, while a cash bar will run throughout the evening.
The sold-out awards are presented by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council. A waitlist remains open.
2026 Whitsunday Business Awards
5pm–9:30pm, Friday 9 October 2026
Proserpine Entertainment Centre
2025 Winner of the legends of the Whitsundays hall of fame, Abbot Point Operations
The Whitsunday Business Awards shine a light on local businesses and the people behind them – but an event celebrating regional business also relies on regional businesses getting behind it.
The 2026 Awards are supported by organisations from across the Whitsundays and wider region, each helping recognise a different part of the local business community.
James Cook University is the 2026 Principal Partner, supporting the Awards’ focus on regional people, skills, innovation and opportunity.
StarFM is supporting Business of the Year, recognising businesses making a strong contribution to the Whitsunday economy and community.
Abbot Point Operations is sponsoring Business Leader of the Year. Its mission, “Grow Local”, is a natural fit for an award recognising the people leading regional businesses.
“That's why we're proud to support the Whitsunday Business Awards and celebrate the businesses, leaders and teams who help drive our region's success,” Abbot Point Operations said.
“Recognising business excellence is important to Abbot Point Operations because strong local businesses create jobs, support families and contribute to a thriving regional economy.”
TAFE Queensland is supporting Rising Star, recognising employees, apprentices and trainees building their careers and contributing to the region’s future workforce.
LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach is supporting Customer Service Excellence, celebrating the businesses and people who make looking after customers part of their everyday work.
McDonald’s Restaurants Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Bowen is backing Community Champion, recognising businesses and organisations making a difference beyond the workplace.
Bishopp Outdoor Advertising is supporting Think Big, celebrating ambitious ideas and businesses prepared to look beyond the expected.
Mackay and Whitsunday Life is the Awards’ print media partner, helping share the stories of the nominees, sponsors and winners with the wider community.
Whitsunday Transit is supporting the event’s transport, helping nominees and guests travel to and from the Awards ceremony.
Sponsorship is about more than putting a logo on an event. It provides an opportunity for businesses to actively support the people, organisations, and ideas that contribute to the region.
The Awards partners thank all sponsors and supporters for getting behind the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.
2025 winner, Trailblazing young entrepreneur, Sam Yanderpoel from Rolling with Netherpoel
Behind every Whitsunday business are people creating jobs, training apprentices, supporting families, sponsoring community groups and investing in the place they call home.
That’s what the Whitsunday Business Awards are designed to recognise — not simply business success, but the people and organisations making a contribution to the region.
Now in their second year, the Awards bring together businesses from across the Whitsundays through a joint initiative of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council.
This year, James Cook University (JCU) is Principal Partner, supporting an event that shares its focus on regional people, skills and opportunity.
“JCU is proud to support the Whitsunday Business Awards and recognise the businesses, leaders and innovators contributing to our region. Supporting local talent, skills and regional communities is an important part of what we do.”
For the Awards organisers, that support reflects the broader role business plays in regional communities.
A strong local economy needs skilled workers, opportunities for young people and businesses that are prepared to invest, grow and employ locally. It also relies on businesses supporting the community around them.
The 2026 nominees reflect that contribution, with categories recognising everything from customer service and emerging talent to community impact, innovation, leadership and long-standing regional contribution.
The Awards partners thank JCU and all sponsors and supporters for helping create an opportunity to stop, recognise the achievements of local business and celebrate the people behind them.
2025 Business of the Year: Bowen Old People’s Home Society (Murroona Gardens)
The Whitsundays has plenty to celebrate, with 46 nominees competing across seven categories in the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.
Representing tourism, trades, retail, health, manufacturing, professional services and community organisations, this year’s nominees are:
Business of the Year: Airlie Adventure Tours; Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours; Australian Agave Co.; Belle Property Whitsundays; Bowen Rail Company; Magnums Unique Accommodation; NQ Aerovation; Ocean Rafting.
Business Leader of the Year: Aaron Doherty, Coastal Brush; Emma Whybird, Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday; Hayley Moran, Airlie Health Hub; Stephanie McWhirter, Belle Property Whitsundays; Tenielle Matheson, Wildlife Whitsundays.
Rising Star: Dean Leslie, Australian Agave Co.; Giulian Grasso, Whitsunday Law; Sam Mckay, Hamilton Island Enterprises; Soumya Santosh, Tassal.
Customer Service Excellence: Airlie Beach Tourism; Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours; Airlie Health Hub; Airlie Legal; Ambitious Cakes; Bounce Airlie Beach; Bowen Tourism and Business; Bright Patch Cafe; Coastal Brush; Divine Weddings Whitsundays; Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday; Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach; Kath Barker, Compass Realty Whitsundays; Mana Skin Body & Soul; Mark Milligan, Pilcher’s Mitre 10; Rolling with Netherpoel; Team Whitsundays Body Corporate Management.
Community Champion: Bowen Community Op Shop; Bowen Flexi Care Inc.; Compass Realty Whitsundays; GRB Mining; Healthy Kids Project; Proserpine Historical Museum Society; Whitsunday Community Services; Whitsunday Counselling & Support; Whitsunday Self Defense Academy; Wildlife Whitsundays; Zero Waste Solutions.
Think Big: Bowen Community Council; GRB Mining; Hidden Valley Whitsundays; Scallywag Fabrication; Tassal.
Hall of Fame: Bowen Tourism and Business; Chloe Bauer; Elizabeth Hackett; Jennifer Rush; Lowcock Builders; Pilcher’s Mitre 10; Rabia Morris; Wayne Singleton; Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre.
Winners will be revealed on Friday 9 October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
