
Looking for ideas to make the most of the holidays and keep the kids active? Here’s a lowdown of local activities that will allow the whole family to get out there and get moving. If your little one is a budding bike rider- or needs a little training in that area - head down to the PCYC’s Bike Track, which will be open through the holidays dependent on weather. Open to riders of all skill levels, it’s the perfect place for little ones looking to build confidence and improve bike handling skills. Bring your bike, helmet and water bottle, and check in at the reception to get ready to go. The centre will also be offering sports sessions from badminton to basketball to pickleball, so get out there and try something new. Looking for something more adventurous? Make the most of the perfect weather conditions with a hike through Eungella National Park. The short and sweet Sky Window Circuit is ideal for younger ones. Animal lovers may prefer partaking in a game of spot the platypus at the Broken River picnic area before exploring through the trees of the Rainforest Discovery Circuit. If there’s still energy left to burn, you can extend your journey along the 1.6km Granite Bend track, passing through tall groves of Livistona palms. For wilderness days out closer to home, why not pack a picnic and make a day of it at The Gooseponds, where the easy walking paths, duck ponds and playground provide plenty to keep little legs busy. Families can also cycle the Bluewater Trail, burn off energy at Queens Park's adventure playground, or spend hours splashing through the lagoons and water play areas at the Bluewater Lagoon. Or, head north to Lamberts Beach Lookout, where winter is prime whale-watching season. Bring a pair of binoculars and see if the kids can spot humpback whales as they migrate along the coast before finishing the afternoon with beach cricket, rockpool exploring or shell collecting on the sand. 1 – Get the little ones out and about with a hike in Eungella National Park. Photo source: Tourism & Events Queensland 2- PCYC are offering sports clubs and access to their bike track for anyone wanting to practice their cycling skills. Photo source: Facebook 3- Make the most of the winter sun and go for a splash at the Bluewater Lagoon. Photo source: Tourism & Events Queensland
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Fitness Cartel Mackay Launches Oasis Health Retreat When was the last time you truly put yourself first? Busy schedules often take priority over personal wellbeing, and finding time to truly slow down can be easier said than done. That's why Fitness Cartel Mackay are inviting you to their spectacular Oasis Health Retreat - a seven-day wellness experience designed to help participants reset, recover and reconnect. Taking place from 25th April to 1st May 2027 at Komune Resort on Bali's east coast, the retreat offers a fundamental program centred on movement, recovery and mindfulness. Rather than a traditional retreat or intensive fitness bootcamp, Oasis has been created as an immersive experience that combines structured training with opportunities to unwind and focus on overall wellbeing. Whether participants are seeking a physical reset, navigating burnout or simply looking for time away from the demands of everyday life, the retreat has been designed to provide a supportive environment for people to invest in themselves. Fitness Cartel Mackay founders Cliff Forster and Michael James said the retreat reflects the values that underpin their community. “Fitness isn't a destination, it's a daily practice – and the people you do it with matter as much as the work itself. Oasis is what happens when we take that on the road. “Seven days at Komune with our coaches, the people we train alongside every week, and a setting that strips away every reason not to show up for yourself.” Over seven days and six nights, participants will be guided by a handpicked team of professional coaches specialising in strength, mobility, recovery and breathwork, with sessions designed to suit a range of fitness levels. The daily program includes strength and functional fitness led by Coach T, Pilates with Stephi Mathews, Vinyasa, Hatha and Nidra yoga with Lynn Treis, along with breathwork and meditation with Ben Watson. Recovery is also a key component of the experience, with participants receiving full access to Komune Resort's Recovery Centre, featuring a communal sauna and hot and cold contrast pools. The resort's gym, studios and recovery facilities will also be available outside scheduled sessions, allowing guests to train or recover at their own discretion. Each retreat package includes six nights' accommodation at Komune Resort, full access to the daily program, recovery facilities, daily breakfasts, and welcome and finale dinners. With a focus on movement, recovery and creating space to pause, Oasis offers participants the opportunity to step away from daily routines and spend a week prioritising their health and wellbeing in one of Bali's most picturesque coastal settings. For those looking to embrace a week dedicated to wellness, Fitness Cartel Mackay's Oasis Health Retreat aims to provide the time, guidance and environment to help you rejuvenate. Because sometimes you get the highest returns from simply investing in yourself. Fitness Cartel Mackay is currently offering Early Bird pricing, with savings of more than $1,000 off the recommended retail price for a limited time – so don’t miss out! oasisretreats.com.au Komune Resort - Bali
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For many older Australians, the online world can feel less like a convenience and more like a minefield, from suspicious text messages and scam emails to the growing pressure to access essential services digitally. A new free initiative in Mackay is aiming to change that, giving seniors the tools and confidence to navigate the digital world safely. Bolton Clarke’s digital literacy team is offering targeted training to help older people across the Mackay region engage and stay safe online through a new initiative funded by the Mackay Community Foundation. The Lunchtime Technology Project will offer six free digital literacy classes, along with one-on-one sessions and ongoing support. Topics will include scam detection and avoidance, secure passwords and password managers, safe online banking and shopping, using My Aged Care, understanding AI risks and opportunities, navigating useful apps, and practical tips for smartphones and tablets. The sessions will be held over a casual lunch and will also include time for one-on-one support, creating a relaxed environment where participants can ask questions and build confidence at their own pace. More than 40 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 and almost 70 per cent of those aged 75 and over are currently excluded or highly excluded from digital services, creating disadvantage when accessing government information including My Aged Care, Centrelink and health data. Digital Business Development Manager Joe Griffiths said the need for digital literacy support was growing as more government agencies and services moved online. “This initiative aims to help people engage confidently and safely online to reduce those barriers to accessing services,” Mr Griffiths said. “It will also help people avoid scams. “Australians over 65 have lost more than $21 million to email, online and text message scams in 2026 alone, and education is a critical to addressing that problem.” Bolton Clarke is a national not-for-profit aged care provider supporting more than 250 people across the Mackay region through home and community support and in its two local retirement villages. Seniors interested in attending the digital literacy sessions can contact Natalie Philp on 0437 191 302 or email nphilp@boltonclarke.com.au. Free transport is available. A free, new Lunchtime Technology Project is helping Mackay seniors build digital confidence, avoid scams and safely access essential online services. Photo supplied
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Start your Sunday with FREE Yoga by the Beach, at Dunes Harbour Beach, commencing July 19th. Suitable for all skill levels, these relaxing sessions offer gentle movement, mindfulness and guided relaxation in a beautiful beachfront setting. Led by experienced yoga teacher Anna Larwood, each class is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, grounded and energised. Bring your own mat or towel, water and sun protection. Look for the Dunes Yoga by the Beach sign on site and join us for the perfect start to your day. Commencing Sunday July 19th [ follow Dunes Harbour Beach Facebook page for times and details ] Dunes Harbour Beach, Sol Drive, beside the Community Square. Proudly brought to you by Urbex
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Bruno is looking for a new home after being surrendered and is ready to find a family to call his own.
This cheeky, playful and active boy gets along well with children and other dogs and has a beautiful soul with so much love to give. Bruno is an affectionate companion who thrives on human connection. Whether it’s a walk along the beach, a stroll around the block, a game of fetch, or simply lying by your side, he is happiest spending time with his people.
Bruno is well trained, walks beautifully on a lead, is great with children of all ages and is toilet trained.
Bruno would thrive in a home where:
• He has an active person or family to share life with
• Daily walks, playtime or fetch are part of the routine
• He can spend time both indoors and outdoors — but most importantly, with you
If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, Bruno could be the perfect fit. He is desexed, microchipped and fully vaccinated.
To meet Bruno, contact LLTAGS and Dog Rescue on 0401 366 573 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com.

Friday 3rd July
Barrier Reef Markets
5pm
The Barrier Reef Markets will return to Wood Street on Friday 3rd July from 5pm to 8pm, bringing an evening of shopping, food and entertainment to the Mackay City Heart. Visitors can browse a wide range of local stalls featuring handmade products, gifts, craftsand boutique businesses, while enjoying delicious food vans and a lively community atmosphere. Gather your family and friends, support local businesses and enjoy a great night out in the city.
Wood Street Mackay
Saturday 4th July
Daisy Day Planting
8.30am
Help make a lasting contribution to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens by joining a community planting day on Saturday 4th July, from 8.30am. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help plant 1,200 Golden Everlasting Daisies beside the lagoons, with no experience required. Simply meet at the Viewing Deck before planting and bring closed-in shoes, a hat, gloves (if you have them) and a water bottle. Stay afterwards for a well-earned morning tea and be part of something that will bloom for years to come.
Mackay Region Botanic Gardens
Book of the month – July
10am
Artspace Mackay will present its monthly Book of the Month program on Saturday, 4 July at 10am in the Foyer Gallery at the Civic Precinct on Gordon Street. The free session invites visitors to explore a featured artist’s book up close, page by page, with assistance from Artspace volunteers. This month’s focus is Julie Haas’ Lockets (1994–96), held in the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. The program offers an intimate viewing experience of contemporary artist books in a guided gallery setting. Places are limited and registration is required.
Artspace Mackay
Exhibition Floor Talk
10.30am
Artspace Mackay will host a curator-led exhibition talk on Saturday, 4 July at 10:30am, featuring QAGOMA Curator of Australian Art Samantha Littley. The session will explore Looking Out, Looking In, an exhibition examining the self-portrait as a form where artist and subject are one. The exhibition reflects on how artists present identity, from introspective and understated works to bold and expressive self-representations. The event will also be amplified for patrons with hearing difficulties. It will be held at Artspace Mackay in the Civic Precinct on Gordon Street and is free to attend, with bookings required.
Artspace Mackay
Sunday 5th July
Sarina Country Music Family Afternoon
1pm
The Sarina Country Music Family Afternoon will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 1pm at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Brewers Road, Sarina. The bistro will open from 11.30am, with a courtesy bus available by booking through the club. Entry is $5, and all members, friends and new artists are welcome to attend, with backing band support available for performers. A general meeting will be held at 11.30am prior to the event, with a friendly afternoon of music and community expected to follow.
Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Brewers Road, Sarina
Wednesday 8th July
The Mum Hub Walking Club
10am
Mums are invited to lace up their walking shoes and join a relaxed weekly pram-friendly walk with The Mum Hub by The Held Project every Wednesday from 10am. Meeting at The Mum Hub at Mackay Harbour, the walk offers a welcoming opportunity to enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise and connect with other local mums. Afterwards, participants can stay for tea, coffee and a chat. Whether you're a regular or attending for the first time, everyone is welcome.
The Mum Hub, Shop 10 46 Mulherin Dr, Mackay Harbour
Come and Try Lawn Bowls
12pm
Give lawn bowls a go at the Marian Bowls Club on Reg Smith Street, Marian, on Wednesday, July 1, from 12pm. No experience is necessary - simply wear flat-soled shoes, bring a hat and enjoy a fun afternoon on the greens, with bowls provided. Stay afterwards for afternoon tea and the chance to meet the club's friendly members.
Marian Bowls Club on Reg Smith Street, Marian

Photo source: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (Facebook)
Locals celebrated the beauty of the Mackay region through vibrant paintings of its landscapes and landmarks before the Mackay Art Society's Our Amazing Region exhibition drew to a close on Sunday 28th June, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Gallery. The exhibition showcased the talent of local artists while capturing the places that make the region unique, with visitors also enjoying the opportunity to watch artists painting outdoors during a special en plein air demonstration over the weekend.



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.
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

Somewhere to Sit in Ilfracombe. Photo Credit: Cherene Poidevin.
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

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.

Cover Girl Edna Clarke promoting Esmerabla. Photo Supplied
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 numerousPink 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.

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