Photo Supplied

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The Airlie Beach Hotel is thrilled to host the ‘Clash of the Keys’, an incredibly exciting fresh act.  

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Two pianos. Two personalities. And a full room singing along.  

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Clash of the Keys is a boiler room, 360-degree style performance in which two piano titans go head-to-head from a non-stop action-packed night of duelling music. Expect wall-to-wall crowd interaction as players battle with their strongest musical skills – taking requests, trading banter and prompting grand sing-alongs to blur the line between stage and audience.  

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Whether it’s high-octane 80s covers or contemporary music’s biggest hits and anthems – nothing is off limits. Clash of the Keys is guaranteed to transform from a show into a fully blown party.  

Events have seen record attendance numbers selling out venues and packing rooms with huge crowds – demonstrating the sheer popularity and entertainment level of the event.  

The special event will feature music talent’s Bodhi Acton and Cassidy Rae for an unforgettable afternoon you won’t want to miss.  

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Clash of the Keys presents the kind of atmosphere and experience that keeps people sticking around for the whole afternoon.  

It’s loud. It’s loose. It’s electric. It’s Clash of the Keys at the Airlie Beach Hotel!!  

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WHAT: Clash of the Keys – Boiler Room 360 degrees, FREE

WHEN: Saturday 2^nd & 3^rd May, 2pm til 5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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Music-lovers and sunseekers alike have the chance to experience the Whitsundays like never before, thanks to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s ultimate ‘Party in Paradise’ package prize.  

Compiled in partnership with some of the region’s premier tourism providers, this exclusive prize package, valued at over $5,000, frames the much-loved music event as less of a stand-alone festival and more a complete destination experience that no-one should miss.  

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Bringing together the very best of the Whitsundays, from VIP festival access to bucket-list experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, this ultimate prize includes:  

• 2 x VIP Festival Passes (valued at $2,300)

• 5 Nights in a Waterview Queen Room at Heart Hotel, Airlie Beach (valued at $1,325)

• 2 x Ocean Rafting ‘Fly & Raft’ tours, comprising scenic flights over Heart Reef plus Whitehaven Beach day trips (valued at $1,106)

• Daily breakfasts at The Deck, Airlie Beach (valued at $320)

• 1 x Seafood Platter for Two at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill (valued at $159)

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Festival founder, Gavin Butlin, said through this initiative one lucky winner and their plus-one, would experience five days of “pinch-me-moments”, combining a world-class live music lineup with all the trimmings of a tropical escape – simply by subscribing to the festival’s digital newsletter before entries close at midnight on Sunday, May 17.  

Mr Butlin reiterated that entering was as easy as subscribing to the festival’s email newsletter at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au/ultimate-party-in-paradise-package.  

The 2026 Airlie Beach Festival of Music runs from November 6-8, featuring 60-plus acts in 15 venues, and a waterfront main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

Confirmed headliners include Xavier Rudd, Mental As Anything, The Whitlams, The Radiators, Adam Harvey, 19-Twenty, Skinny Living (UK), Little Quirks, The Mason Rack Band, The Wayward Suns, Loonaloop, Salt & Steel, and Monroe, with more acts to be announced.  

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The festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and is a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, for the People’s Choice Award ‘Festival of the Year’.  

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For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au  

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April

24 Speed Networking, Lumos Café 7:30-8:30am

25 Australian Rock, ANZAC DAY, Airlie Beach Hotel, 12pm-6pm

25 PBR Bull Pit Bull Bash, 145 Midge Point Road, Bloosmbury, 4pm

25 Bowen Cenotaph Turns 100

26 Bowen Potters Group Market, Queens Beach, 3pm-6pm

28 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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May

1 SPOT, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 12pm-12:50pm

5 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

6 Social Seniors, Cannonvale Library, 9.30am

12 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

13 Luke Kidgell – Good Intentions, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm

16 & 17 Whitsunday Equestrian Group T-Shirt Competition, Cannonvalley Pony Club, 8am-4pm

18 Placing of the flags, Proserpine Cemetery, 9am

19 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am  

19 Whitsunday Whale Heritage Area Information Night, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6:30pm

21 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm

26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am

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June  

3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm

9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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Alumni of Foxdale State School gathered for a historical reunion last weekend, a whopping 90 years after the oldest attendee joined the school. Foxdale State School opened in March of 1904 following increasing dissatisfaction from parents about the distance their children had to or ride to school in Proserpine. It remained in operation until 1972, recording the attendance of 668 pupils over 68 years.  

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This particular event came about following the success of a smaller reunion which featured the Year 7 cohort of 1966. Organiser Noela Jamieson determined that a full school reunion was to be arranged, and her hard work culminated in a beautiful get-together at Proserpine Showgrounds.

Past students loaned memorabilia for the function with assistance from Proserpine Historical Museum who supplied photos. Many travelled from afar, with approximately 100 in attendance.  

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A special thanks to the main organising committee: Noela Jamieson (née Deicke), Carol Josesfski (née Quod) and Ross Josesfski, Ozzie and Debbie Moranino, Joe and Jenny Atkinson, Frank Stefani, Louise Shoebridge (née Stanley)

See all photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/alumni-gather-for-historical-school-reunion

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Captions  

1. Freda Treacy, wife of Des Treacy – Principal of Foxdale State School from 1957 to 1965. Their son Brett was Master of Ceremonies for the event.

2. A cake made by Alisa Greenwood replicated the one made for the Jubilee celebrations of the Foxdale School in 1954. The cake was cut by Noelie Dibben (nee Newberry) – the oldest student in attendance

3. Joe Atkinson, Dean Treacy and Russell Biggs

4. Robert Taylor and Noelie Newberry

5. Louise Stanley and Carol Quod  

6. The event gathered alumni from far and wide across the school’s 68 years of operation.

7. Attendees reminisced, with photographs and historical objects arranged around the room.  

8. Ida Arici, John Grosskreutz, Josephine Smith  

9. Photo credit: Suzanna McLoughlin
10. Eileen Taylor/Jochheim, Alisa Atkinson/Fraser, Adele Deicke/McCormack, Josephine Atkinson/Kemp, Angelio Rossetti, Margueriette (Noelie) Newberry/Dibben

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A new fuel status feature has been activated on the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard. This live filter option provides real-time updates on the availability and price of fuel across the Whitsunday Region when you need it the most.  

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Head to disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/Dashboard and choose ‘Fuel Supplies’ from the top banner or check fuel status in the filter options before clicking on your preferred service station.

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The filming of a Hollywood movie in Queensland is expected to contribute an estimated $51 million and employ around 215 people. Photo supplied

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The Whitsundays is set to provide the backdrop for a new film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Kevin Costner, who are rumoured to be on Hayman Island this week.

Screen Queensland has announced the production of a romantic comedy titled Honey with Harry.

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The film is described as an emotional drama-comedy based on the novel by Bart Baker. It follows Todd (Gyllenhaal), whose life unravels when his fiancée dies just two days before their wedding. He ultimately embarks on his honeymoon with her father, Harry (Costner).

According to the organisation, filming will take place in both Brisbane and the Whitsundays.

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Costner was spotted in Brisbane only a few weeks ago, signalling that production is underway.

Meanwhile, reports suggest potential co-star Sarah Pidgeon and singer-songwriter Rita Ora were seen at Brisbane Airport departing for Hamilton Island on 20 April.

They were also reportedly joined by Shaggy, though his role or involvement has not yet been confirmed.

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The production of Honey with Harry is expected to contribute an estimated $51 million to the state’s economy and employ around 215 people.

While details remain limited and tightly guarded, anticipation is building as the region prepares to welcome a wave of Hollywood talent.

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Legends Night has seen great success over the years with important funds raised for those in need

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The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) will be bringing back it’s highly regarded Legends Night and this time it will hit the shores of beautiful Bowen.  

The community are encouraged to gear up for an unforgettable black-tie evening of inspiring stories as handpicked ‘Guest Legends’ take to the stage to share their story. This year features the wonderfully talented Michael Kimpton and McQuility ‘Coco’ Qurikewith music from Zed Charles to fill out the night.  

The event will take place at 360 On the Hill with further details via info@wspn.org.au.  

The Legends Night has seen immense success in the past, facilitating unforgettable nights of connection, resilience and community spirit. It is a meaningful occasion, lending an opportunity for community heroes to share powerful stories around mental health and suicide prevention.  

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“WSPN’s goal is to raise vital funds to continue the work within the community and raise awareness that we exist and are here to help,” said WSPN President Matt Stokes.  

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“A massive thank you to Jen Lowcock from Lowcock Builders who has been the driving force behind planning this years’ Legends night. Which I am sure will be the best one yet!”

Guest speaker Michael Kimpton expressed his gratitude and excitement for the event.  

“The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network led by Matt Stokes and his team are remarkable. Their work in awareness and prevention of suicide and support for the community is so vital,” he said.

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Michael’s talk on the night will centre around the theme ‘My Journey’ – as he will reflect on important life changing experiences that he needed to overcome.  

“The first was a horrific motorcycle accident that left me compromised and the other was meltdown following my retirement. We can recover physically but we also need to cope with our mental resilience to ensure our wellbeing.”  

Legends Night promises to be a wonderful evening of great conversation and joy.  

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WHAT: WSPN Legends Night  

WHERE: 360 On The Hill, Bowen  

WHEN: 5.30pm, Saturday 13^th June

This week’s poem is from Christine Pennay who lives in Collinsville; a big fan of the paper. She has been fiddling with words since her school years, so here is one of her works.

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Water from the sky

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The smell

The taste

The delight

Of it on my face

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It's cool

It's wet

It's delicious

Running down my neck

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So clear

So sweet

So clean

Washing over my feet

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Let it rain

Let it pour

Let it thrill

My body o'er

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I’ve been reading the book ‘The Language of the Night’ – a collection of essays by superstar writer Ursula K. Le Guin. Ursula K. Le Guin was perhaps one of the most influential, successful and prolific authors of the 20^th century. She was not boxed in by any category finding acclaim in a wide range of genres and formats. She is known for her epic fantasy series ‘The Wizard of Earthsea’ and reflective science fiction pieces in her ‘Hainish Cycle’ series. She has won the Hugo Award, Nebula Award and National Book Prize.  

In her witty sardonic collection of essays, Le Guin defends science fiction and fantasy as important and worthy means of literature – a direct response to the elitist critics of the time who condemned speculative fiction as merely for kids.  

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One thing I really enjoyed was learning about her process. She talks about writing fiction as a process of discovery rather than planning. In some of her most acclaimed novels she never used a plan or scaffold – she just simply started writing. I love thinking of writing and creativity as a process of discovery. It’s as if our creation is actually a search for something deep inside of us that we previously were not aware of.  

She’s a great author who I would absolutely recommend to just about anyone. I am also reading her science fiction masterpiece – ‘The Left Hand of Darkness’. Definitely a brilliant piece of philosophical and existential ponderance.  

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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This is a new initiative I’d like to try for the creative corner. We’ve seen great success with poetry submissions, and I love receiving people’s artistic forms of self-expression from across the community. Therefore, I’d like to open another submission opportunity.  

Book Club is essentially your opportunity to talk about a book you love. Whether it’s a timeless classic, a sci-masterpiece, a contemporary chart topper or a local star – the book club gives you license to submit a short review about a book you’ve been reading and can’t stop talking about.  

How to Submit:

• Send through the book’s title and author

• A short review or discussion of up to 250 words

• If you’re up for it – a photo of you with the book

• Email everything to sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com

Book Club submissions, once approved, will be included in the Creative Corner, space permitting.  

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays is proud to announce the return of the Reeflections Student Art Competition in 2026, now expanded to include Year 9–12 students from across the region.

Reeflections celebrates the creativity, talent, and environmental connection of young people, inviting students to produce artworks inspired by the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef, and the natural world that surrounds them. Entries may include painting, drawing, or sculpture.

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As part of the region’s growing cultural calendar, Reeflections also contributes to the creative energy surrounding the Great Barrier Reef Festival, which celebrates the Reef through art, storytelling, and community events. By nurturing young artists, the competition strengthens the festival’s broader mission of inspiring environmental appreciation through creativity.

“Reeflections began as a small but meaningful opportunity for young artists,” said Nicole Campbell, Director of Sales and Marketing.  

“As we enter our second year and open entries to Years 9–12, we’re building on those early foundations and working toward establishing Reeflections as an annual creative event for local students.”

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Finalists will have their work professionally exhibited in the Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays throughout August, with winners recognised at a community awards event later in the year.

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The competition aims to:

• Encourage youth engagement with the arts

• Strengthen local connection to the Reef and regional identity

• Provide a professional exhibition opportunity for emerging artists

• Celebrate creativity within Whitsunday schools and communities

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Dates, eligibly and submission requirements can be found on the 2026 Reeflections Art Competition Website, www.athotelgroup.com/2026-reeflections-student-art-competition-whitsunday.

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First school building at Cannon Valley Arbor Day  

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In the past in sugar towns such as Proserpine, there were many districts and in each of these there were one teacher schools. One of these schools was the Cannon Valley School (situated at what is now known as Cannonvale). It served the population of Lower Cannon Valley, the beach and Jubilee Pocket, before the days of regular transport and few cars.  

The school opened on April 25, 1910, with 18 pupils enrolled on the first day. In its early years, between 1910 and 1933, most of the teachers were female. One of these was Miss Lurline Argaet who was appointed in 1926.  

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Her father assured her it would be a great experience and a complete change, especially being "on the coast." The trip to her new post was adventurous: she took trains to Townsville and Proserpine, stayed overnight at the Palace Hotel, and was then driven twenty miles by Mr Doug Debney, President of the school committee to the valley, where Mr and Mrs Stanley, owners of a cane farm, would board her.

Picture this – It was January, the middle of the wet season. Roads were unsealed. Creeks and rivers were in flood. And then, along the way, there was a blow out in one of the tyres. Imagine Lurline’s reaction when Mr Debney dropped into the conversation the fact that the school was a further four miles on from the Stanleys but that there would be a horse for her to ride as most of the children either walked or rode to school.  

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The warm welcome from the Stanleys and their children lessened her apprehension. She was made to feel at home and Mrs Stanley became very interested in Lurline’s welfare. The Stanley boys were always most helpful.  

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Despite everything about farm life and animals being foreign to her, riding the horse wasn’t as daunting as Lurline had at first thought. Before long, she became quite adept at catching her horse, tempting him with a piece of bread and fitting his bridle and saddle. Joker, as he was called, was friendly, and although slow, he responded well when Lurline pressed her heels to nudge him forward or change direction. Water over Galbraith Creek was the only thing that frightened him. Joker was always well looked after and saddled by the boys for their teacher’s ride home.  

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The school was a small, high set, one roomed building with a verandah on blocks, a rainwater tank, out back toilet and a fenced in horse paddock which had large trees.

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Lurline developed her own method of teaching and found the pupils very trusting. Grouped downstairs under the trees, some chanting tables, others their spelling, Lurline would be upstairs teaching new work. One afternoon lesson a week, the girls learned needlework and the boys maintained the garden. Being absent or late for school rarely occurred.

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Country schools were very important to families – they were the centre of social life. There was a hall, tennis court and cricket club in almost every district. Lurline was very much a part of the social life in the Cannon Valley district – attending dances at the hall and participating in euchre and crib evenings in the home.One one of these occasions, she met Eddie Dray and they married in 1928.  

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Lurline’s dedication and qualifications were not enough to overcome the regulations of that era, which forced many talented women out of the profession simply because they married – and so, Lurline was required to resign in 1927 after two years of service.

Lurline Dray (nee Argaet) died suddenly at her Airlie Beach home in 1977 aged 69 years.

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Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives. Photo used with permission.  

This week’s photo of the week winner is Natalie Stockdale for this unusual perspective of the Eiffel Tower, Paris, under the theme of ‘Angles’.  

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This week’s theme is ‘Off the beaten track’.

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Join the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers group on Facebook to get involved.  

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Philip Henry Thornton Clay was a military hero and dedicated environmentalist, who spent the latter part of his life in Proserpine, performing sea rescues and preserving our natural environment.  

Philip’s commitment to the environment was very evident as early as age 15 when he helped to raise a petition which eventually pressured government to reject a development in a valued park. All this happened in Surrey and Essex, England, where he spent his childhood, but he retained this avid interest in conservation throughout his life, with he and his wife Joan acting as committed members of the Proserpine Branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society in their retirement.

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However, Philip will be mainly remembered for his courageous efforts as a pilot in the World War Two. As a young man he had joined the UK Merchant Navy and in 1941 moved into the Royal Air Force. It was in this capacity that he was recognised. He piloted a spitfire over Germany and Algiers until 1945 when he was shot down over Germany. Subsequently he escaped from a German POW hospital. He joined Occupation Forces in Norway.

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Proserpine Guardian 10/04/86 describes his courageous military career:

… Phil was commissioned and awarded, on separate occasions, the British Empire Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Still in the Air Force..he received the Queen’s commendation for Valuable Service for leading the RAF Vampire Aerobatic Team in display stunts over England. Later he was to win a Bar to his DFC for helicopter evacuation work in the Border War in South Yemen.

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Philip left the RAF in 1961 and flew helicopters in Canada for three years before emigrating to Australia with his wife and daughter, flying helicopters for Ansett. In 1970 he came to Proserpine to fly Sikorski Helicopters to Hayman and back until his retirement nine years later.

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In North Queensland Phil continued to live his life in service to others and, in 1972, was awarded the first Australian Queen’s Gallantry Medal for a helicopter rescue from rough North Queensland waves.

MEDALS:  D.F.C. and Bar

                  Australian Gallantry Medal

                  B.E.M.

                  D.F.M.

                  Commendation [Air]

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Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Museum

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Friday 17^th April

Exhibitions Opening Night

6pm

Residents are encouraged to come along and experience an evening of art and conversation as Mackay Regional Council and Artspace Mackay launch three new exhibitions on Friday, April 17. Officially opened by Mayor Greg Williamson, the free community event offers visitors the chance to be among the first to view the exhibitions Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices, Joshua Searle: Poco a poco, se va lejos (Little by little, you go far) and Judy Watson: skeletons. Attendees can also meet visiting artists, curators, gallery staff and volunteers, making it a welcoming opportunity for art lovers and curious locals alike.

Artspace Mackay

Saturday 18^th April

Friday Pop up Jumbo Sale

9am (Friday and Saturday)

Bargain hunters are invited to stop by a community jumbo sale this weekend, offering a wide range of items at affordable prices. Running from 9am to 4pm on Friday, April 17, and 9am to 3pm on Saturday, April 18, the sale will feature plenty of treasures including plants, jigsaw puzzles, books, clothing, toys, kitchenware and craft items, both new and pre-loved. Locals are encouraged to come along, browse the stalls and enjoy the thrill of discovering a great bargain while supporting a community event.

Marian Town Centre

Book Of The Month

10am

Art lovers are invited to take a closer look at Artspace Mackay’s Book of the Month for April during a special free viewing on Saturday, April 18 at 10am. Held in the Foyer Gallery at Artspace Mackay in the Civic Precinct, the popular program allows visitors to explore a featured artist’s book up close, page by page, with the guidance of knowledgeable Artspace volunteers. The monthly event offers a unique opportunity to experience artist books in an interactive way. Attendance is free, but registration is encouraged via the Artspace Mackay website.

Artspace Mackay

Sunday 19^th April

Slade Point Community Markets

8am

The Slade Point Community Markets invite residents to enjoy a relaxed morning of nature, creativity and local connection at the Slade Point Community Gardens. Held on the third Sunday of each month from 8am to 11am, the markets feature local stallholders offering handmade goods, fresh produce and treats, alongside food vans, fresh coffee and live music. Visitors can also join a gentle morning yoga or stretch session, while children enjoy family-friendly activities. Community members are encouraged to bring friends, family and picnic blankets and spend the morning supporting local businesses. Dogs are welcome on leads, with owners asked to clean up after their pets.

Slade Point Community Gardens

Tuesday 21^st April

Community Coffee Shout – With Shirlz Area Specialist

9am

Residents are invited to enjoy a free coffee and friendly catch-up at a community coffee shout hosted by local real estate specialist Shirlz Russell. From 9am on Tuesday, April 21, the first 50 coffees will be covered at The Avenue Cafe, giving locals a chance to connect and start the morning together. With no conditions attached, the simple gesture is Shirlz’s way of thanking the North Mackay community. Locals are encouraged to drop by, grab a coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while the coffees last.

Avenue Cafe Mackay

1- Artspace Mackay holding Book Of The Month on April 19^th. Photo supplied

2 –Joshua Searle’s exhibition Poco a Poco launches on April 17^th. Photo supplied

3- Slade point community market will take place on April 19^th. Photo source: Facebook

4- Shirlz Russell will be shouting the first 50 coffees at The Avenue Café on April 21^st. Photo source: Facebook

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