Photo source: Saina Neighbourhood Centre

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Decorations went up early last Wednesday morning to beat the rain ahead of the highly anticipated NRL State of Origin decider between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues.

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Local volunteer Owen, a proud Queenslander, has been decorating Sarina's iconic landmark cane toad, "Buffy", for State of Origin clashes for many years.

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Deputy Mayor Karen May joined Owen to help dress Buffy in the heart of Sarina, saying, “Thank you Owen for your commitment to decorating Buffy in readiness for the State of Origin games over many years.”

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New South Wales claimed the State of Origin series 2–1 with its victory in the decider on Wednesday, July 8. While the Blues took home the shield, plenty of good-natured rivalry is expected to continue across the region until the next series rolls around!

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17^th BSHS NAIDOC Celebrations, 8:45am, Bowen State High School, Bowen

17^th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine

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

17^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

18^th Morning Markets, 8am-12pm, Bowen Uniting Church, Bowen

18^th Reckless Australian Crawl Tribute & Aussie Hits Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

18^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

19^th Proserpine Community Winter Market, 8am-12pm, Proserpine Showgrounds, Proserpine

19^th Reckless Australian Crawl Tribute & Aussie Hits Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

19^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

23^rd Fire & Rain: The James Taylor Songbook, 1pm-2:30pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine

23^rd Social Craft Night for Mums & Mums to Be, 6pm-8pm, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Cannonvale

23^rd The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

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

24^th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine

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

24^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

25^th Creative Connections Whitsundays Volunteer Day at the Community Gallery, 10am-12pm, Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine

25^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 11am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach

25^th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

25^th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, 5pm-12am, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine

25^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

26^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 5am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach

26^th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

26^th Family Trivia Night, 4pm-6pm, 26 Main Street, Proserpine

26^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

28^th Sailability Whitsundays.

30^th Your Song, 7:30pm-9pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

30^th Great Barrier Reef Festival Opening Night of Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 6pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

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

31^st Mike Tyler Stand-up Comedy Night, 7pm, Coral Sea Resort  

31^st Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine

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

31^st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach

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Whitsunday author, educator and Motherhood & Matrescence founder Amanda Jackson is helping reshape conversations around motherhood while advocating for greater maternal wellbeing and support. Photo source: Motherhood & Matrescence

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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Author, educator, coach, founder of Motherhood and Matrescence, and Whitsunday Regional Council 2026 Citizen of the Year nominee Amanda Jackson has become a leading voice in reshaping the conversation around motherhood, dedicating her career to supporting women through the profound emotional, psychological and identity shifts that come with becoming a mother.

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While humbled by the recognition, Ms Jackson said her Citizen of the Year nomination represented more than a personal achievement; it reflected growing recognition of the importance of maternal wellbeing and bringing conversations around motherhood into the public spotlight.

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"Much of the work I do sits in spaces that are traditionally invisible: motherhood, matrescence, maternal wellbeing, [and] to have that work recognised at a community level helps to illuminate the necessity of this work, especially in rural areas. And on a personal level, it was really special that my kids got to see their mum nominated for something which is all about building community capacity,” said Ms Jackson.

Published in April 2025, Ms Jackson's book Motherhood & Matrescence explores the often-overlooked realities of motherhood, challenging unrealistic societal expectations that can leave women feeling invisible, inadequate or disconnected from their sense of self.

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"I started Motherhood & Matrescence because the statistics around maternal mental health are deeply concerning — it's now recognised by the World Health Organization as a global priority. But it was also personal," Ms Jackson said.

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"Becoming a mum was much harder than I anticipated. Perhaps it was naive, but I genuinely thought I'd have a baby, and they'd fit into my life — not completely rearrange it. I didn't expect all the gendered social expectations and 'shoulds,' and I certainly didn't expect to undergo an enormous transformation myself."

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Drawing on both personal experience and research, Ms Jackson presents motherhood not as something to simply survive, but as a transformative life stage. She encourages women to embrace matrescence; the physical, emotional and psychological transition into motherhood, as an opportunity for growth, self-discovery and renewal.

"It wasn't that I saw a gap — I set out writing my book because I just didn't want other mothers to feel alone. I wanted to capture the threads that so many of us feel but don't openly articulate," she said.

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"There is a gap, though. Support for mothers beyond that magical six-week mark is limited, and many programs are baby-focused. But what about the mum? She is going through an extraordinary physical, spiritual, social and psychological change too. And not just mums of bubs — mums of all ages and stages deserve support and to understand how becoming a mother changes them."

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Through practical insights and compassionate guidance, Motherhood & Matrescence examines the pressures that contribute to maternal guilt and burnout while encouraging mothers to reconnect with themselves, strengthen the bond with their children and approach motherhood with greater confidence and self-understanding.

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Central to Ms Jackson's advocacy is challenging the expectation that mothers should disappear into self-sacrifice, arguing that their health, identity and wellbeing matter just as much as anyone else's.

“Here's the thing, though — reminding mothers that they matter isn't just about self-care so they can keep on caring for everyone else,” she said.

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“That framing still makes her worth conditional on what she gives. Her health matters. Her enjoyment matters. Her hopes, dreams, talents and hobbies matter — full stop, not because they make her a better mother."

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Ms Jackson explains that while many mothers share similar experiences, those living in regional communities, like the Whitsunday Shire, often face additional barriers, including limited access to childcare, family supports, and mental health services.

“One of the most common struggles is that quiet, constant feeling of not being enough — as a mother, as a partner, and in the workplace. The impact of gendered social expectations is huge — they shape a woman's self-esteem and how confident and competent she feels as a mother,” she explained.

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“Mothers are stretched thin juggling invisible loads. We love our children deeply — but these loads and expectations can leave us feeling depleted in what is meant to be the most wonderful time of our lives.”

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Although she believes there is still a long way to go to improve maternal care, Ms Jackson said she has witnessed encouraging progress with the growing global recognition of matrescence helping to bring what was once an overlooked topic into the mainstream.  

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Through her Masterclass for Mums, she has watched women embrace their own transformation, often realising that the struggles they believed were personal failings were, in fact, shared systemic issues.

"This sparks change and reacquaints you with your own agency. It's one mother telling another, I hear you, and it's not just you. That's powerful — and it seeds change,” Ms Jackson said.

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"Do we need to talk about it more? Absolutely. Change is slow — but it's happening."

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Ms Jackson said hearing mothers realise they are not alone continues to reinforce why her work matters.

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"What reminds me how important this work is, is how many mums tell me they thought it was just them. It never is. These aren't personal failings — they're structural problems. And adding language around this is often the first moment a mother exhales, and begins to see things differently."

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Ms Jackson hopes more local mothers will seek out opportunities that nurture their wellbeing, believing strong communities play a vital role in supporting women. She said her deep connection to the Whitsundays continues to inspire her advocacy.

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"It's where I grew up, where I returned to raise my kids, and where my passion for advocacy began. But just like mothering, this work can't be done alone, [and] no mother in the Whitsundays should ever feel she has to figure this out alone,” she said.

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“My hope is that we can put the Whitsundays on the map as a leader in maternal wellbeing, and that we can bring education about the transition to motherhood — and fatherhood — into our community, into conversations around the kitchen table and into workplace training. Because when families thrive, communities thrive.”

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Who dares wins, who cares who wins.
Said it a thousand times, never meant it.

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Put your life on the line, just another job, where’s Bob?

Black Hawks, fly in them at night, light’s out,

Rehearsals done, you never baulk, on skids again.

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Go, go,go, is the call… Shit, everything is a fireball.

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Fifteen Mates gone, never again to be on line.

It’s our country, we all know death, can come,

When you don’t think it’s your time.

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We will miss you, from us you have left.

Friends, the times we climbed.

The Exercises, the Operations, these are what I’ll remember.

The Professional courage of all, dangerous, arduous, living on the edge.

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We remember, just another job, where’s Bob?

Gone, fifteen gone, family and friends left behind.

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Inspired by fifteen souls.  

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SASR Veteran….

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Thirty-years ago, 12th June 1996.  

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This week's winning photograph by Adeline Lahou captures the towering beauty of Cathu State Forest from a unique perspective, looking skyward through the trees lining one of its bush tracks.

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The striking composition draws the eye upwards, perfectly capturing this week's theme, "Above and Below," while showcasing the natural beauty hidden within the Clarke Range. The image highlights the colossal and beautiful nature of Cathu State Forest, andillustrates why it’s a favourite destination for adventurous explorers.  

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Sublime Adeline, simply sublime! Next week's theme is, "Trick Photography." Get tricky and shock us with your imaginative optical illusions and creative camera tricks.  

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Plans For Resident Engineer. Divisions of responsibility between the Shire Council and its new appointee Don Bullock and his private secretary have been drawn up. He would also have assistance from various consulting engineers.  

Salvation Army Appeal. The local Red Shield Appeal is likely to realise at least $4,500 thanks to doorknocking carried out by Lions, Rotarians, Mill staff and High School Students.  

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Liberal Candidate Endorsed. Shire Councillor Bob Rowley will contest the seat of Whitsunday as Liberal candidate, making the election a three way contest with other candidates Peter Jardine, Labour and Geoff Muntz, national party.  

Historical Display at Cultural Hall. The Historical Society will be asked by Council to set up a display of Cultural History and Artefacts  to create interest in the town’s heritage.  

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Record Crop. Results of the first three weeks of harvesting indicate a predicted all time record crop this year of well over one million tonnes.  

Family Day At Dam. People from both Proserpine and Bowen Shire will have a chance to attend a special family day at the Proserpine Dam to witness progress being made at the site.  

Don’t Say “Muddy Bay”. Residents and press have been asked by Council to call the location of the proposed Airlie Marina “Boathaven Bay”  and avoid using the traditional name of “Muddy Bay”.  

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Ansett Computerised. Ansett Terminals at Proserpine and Hamilton have joined the airline’s national computer system.  

Lions Annual Donations. During the past year Proserpine Lions have donated $24,424 to various local courses including Blue Nurses, the Pensioners Dinner, Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Kindergarten.  Lions had worked 5,999 man hours during the year.  

Stan Camm Steps Down. After 11 years dedicated to the welfare of those with a handicap since the first days of P.A.T.C.H Stan has stepped down as President of the Proserpine Handicapped Persons Committee. He received heartfelt thanks from all those he had helped.  

Council Decides against participating in a natural disaster fund.  

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High School News.  

Jump Rope For Heart. Year eight students raised $1600 for The National Heart Foundation by their sponsored skipping activity.  

Crown of Thorns Starfish. The Great Barrier Reef Authority with help from Australian Navy divers are endeavouring to control their growth. At present some reef patches have been cleared with the injection of over 1000 starfish.  

Cannonvale School Choir. The concert at the Reef Gateway Hotel raised $1200 which will go towards purchase of band instruments . The choir of 40 children with Karina Shim on piano and Bruce Skilton on drums was conducted by Elspeth Scotford.  

1986 Fun Race Weekend. Terry Kelly, president of Airlie Rotary, outlined plans for another successful occasion, involving many local businesses and community clubs.  

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Granny Harris (left), a woman John Campbell used to visit. Photo sourced: PHMS Archives.  

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John and his brother, Archie, came from Scotland to Airlie Beach escaping the ravages of the “Spanish” flu. John was sufficiently mature to take up some land at Jubilee Pocket area and started farming. He had a citrus orchard near where the substation is now situated and a vegetable garden at the intersection of the now Shute Harbour Road and Jubilee Pocket Road. John grew bananas up on the mountain slopes in Jubilee Pocket bringing bunches down by flying fox.  

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John would travel to Proserpine in his Sunday best to greet the train – considered the social event then. He also despatched his bananas on the southbound train for the Brisbane markets. For one of his last consignments to that market, after freight and other expenses, he received a cheque that was worth sixpence, the equivalent of five cents. John never did cash the cheque, keeping it as a “memento”. Think about the amount of labour and expenditure required to produce that five cent cheque!  

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In his stories, “Life on the Harper Farm Airlie 1945”, John Harper recalled how John Campbell would walk two miles on Saturday evenings to have a game of cribbage with (John’s) Granny and anybody else who would play. At ten o’clock, he would light his hurricane lantern and set off along the dark track to his small house buried in Jubilee Pocket.  

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Ken Looke painted a vivid description of the scene when he and his wife, Alice, visited John’s abode one day after hearing that he was trying to obtain finance to build another home on his property.  

“We found him at lunch at his table with a tea towel covering his lunch because of flies. He would raise the cloth, dart his fork under, then quicky cover his meal again. He was quite practiced at it. The old home was not screened, and another landowner had about 40 head of cattle in the neighbouring paddock, just over the creek where Jubilee Tavern now stands. There was a piggery across the road opposite the PCYC Complex. The local dump was also nearby.” No wonder the flies found the area agreeable. The Lookessoon got to know John’s eating timetable.  

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Ken and Alice Looke came to an agreement with John and built his little cottage in 1969. He transferred ownership of the land to them as payment for the cost of the house. Both parties were happy with the arrangement.  

John Campbell shared many a story with Ken and Alice, one such story being the night he chased off some trespassers. A car had driven past his original home along what is now Shute Harbour Road. At the time, there was no road right out to Shute Harbour. The only way to get there was by boat. Because there was no power to his home, there was minimum indication of anybody being in residence. The car was displaying no lights, so he knew they were up to no good.  He gave them about ten minutes before he discharged his double barrelled 12-gauge shotgun into the air in the general direction of the orchard. John reported that the reaction was quick. The engine started, lights went on and they went “smoking it” towards Proserpine.  

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Cyclone Ada demolished John’s original home, leaving only stumps. He survived the night sheltering in his bathtub in his little cottage near the current Jubilee Pocket Road turnoff.  

For a small community at the time, Airlie Beach had many colourful characters like John Campbell. Not necessarily all eccentric, but independent, resourceful and not at all tolerant of what they considered a “nanny state”.  

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Story sourced from memories of past locals, Ken Looke and John Harper. Photo from PHMS archives.

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Rob Caubill promises to bring the Rod Stewart energy to the stage every night. Photo supplied: Dale Genner.  

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The raspy voice, spiky blonde hairstyle and charismatic stage presence of Rod Stewart will be on full display when a world-class tribute show comes to Airlie Beach this July 25th and 26th, celebrating one of music’s most unmistakable performers.  

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Spanning every era of Stewart's career, the production recreates the legendary singer's voice, mannerisms and stage presence, delivering an authentic concert experience for fans of the British rock icon.

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“It's basically trying to be as close to Rod as you can as far as the music,” said the man behind the persona, Rob Caudill.  

"Rod's career has been through so many different phases.

“The catalogue's amazing, you know, just such great songs."  

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“The whole experience with the clothes and actually speaking with an English accent while I'm on stage."  

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Born in North Carolina, the American performer spent much of his childhood moving around. At 19, after finding his passion for music in Orlando, he decided to move to Memphis in an effort to study music at university and also immerse himself in the city’s famous Beale street, performing wherever he could.  

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"I've been playing music my whole life, but I cut my musical teeth in Memphis," he said.

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A bassist by trade, he spent years touring and recording with his brother in bands including The Breaks, landing a record deal with RCA Records and appearing on MTV during the channel's early years. Following another successful project, The Willies, and years performing alongside respected musicians in Memphis, he eventually made the move to Nashville, where he still lives today.  

It wasn't until 1997, after the collapse of two record deals and the birth of his first son, that he found himself searching for a more reliable career in music.

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Having spent years playing bass on Rod Stewart classics, people had long pointed out the resemblance between the two. A visit to Las Vegas and witnessing long-time tribute show legends in concert, sparked an idea that would ultimately change his life.

"I was already singing and playing, and people always said, 'You look like Rod Stewart,' so it just kind of fell in my lap," he said.

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Nearly 30 years later, that decision has taken him across Asia, Europe, South Africa, Mexico and Australia, which has become his favourite destination to perform.

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"Australia is actually probably my favourite place to go," he said.

"Rod's big all over the planet, but it seems like they have a special affinity for Rod in Australia."

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While Rob fits the bill of Rod to the Tee, he says the show's success is credited equally to the musicians performing alongside him.  

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Leading the production is musical director and producer Dale Jenner, alongside drummer Mitch Farmer, a sought-after session musician who played on one of Keith Urban's early albums.  

Guitarist Clive Lendich has also shared the stage with international artists including Glenn Frey, while bassist Jeff Camilleri rounds out the rhythm section.

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Vocalist Amanda Easton completes the line-up, providing backing vocals while also taking on mandolin duties during Maggie May.

"The band's amazing," Rob said.

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"We have some great players in the band, so that makes all the difference in the world."

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Blending authentic musicianship with timeless classics, the production offers Rod Stewart fans a chance to relive decades of unforgettable music.  

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What: Rod Stewart Tribute Show  

When: July 25th and 26th at 2-5:30

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the final group of authors joining Stories by the Sea, the free community celebration of books, creativity and connection taking place on Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.

This is the only chance this year to meet these local and regional authors face to face, browse their books and hear the stories behind the stories. With more than 20 authors confirmed, a book swap, live music and activities for the kids, it's shaping up to be the biggest Stories by the Sea yet.

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Running from 3pm to 4.30pm, the afternoon brings together more than 20 regional authors alongside book sales, author conversations, live music, children's activities, a community book swap and the rare opportunity for readers to meet the people behind the pages.

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Festival Director Richard Evans said the final author announcement is a reminder of just how much talent exists right on our doorstep.

"One of the strengths of this year's festival is the variety of stories our authors bring,” said Richard.

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"From memoir and historical fiction to business writing and contemporary novels, Stories by the Sea offers something for every reader while showcasing the depth of literary talent we have in our own backyard.

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"If you haven't met these authors yet, this is your one chance this year to do it in person."

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Joining the line-up are four writers whose stories reflect the character of the Whitsundays and beyond:

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Glynda Parfitt

Memoir

Sailor and memoirist whose books chronicle three remarkable chapters of her life.

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Keith Whalley

Historical fiction & young adult

Historical fiction author whose debut novel explores history through compelling storytelling.

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Mark Strobel

Memoir

Author of the forthcoming Byron Daze, a coming-of-age story blending memoir and fiction.

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Rick Brown

Professional development & fiction

Author whose books explore leadership, purpose, relationships and personal growth.

With a community book swap, live entertainment and family-friendly activities running alongside the author conversations, Stories by the Sea is shaping up to be an afternoon locals won't want to miss.

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Event Details

What: Whitsundays Writers Festival – Stories by the Sea
When: Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale

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Friday 17th July

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.  

ABH: The X-Factor's Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ Night, 8pm onwards.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm

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Saturday 18th July  

ABH: Reckless - Australian Crawl Tribute Band, 2pm-5:30pm

ABH: The X-Factor's Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento’s: Simon Briley, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Dylan Hammond, 8pm-10pm

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Sunday 19th July  

ABH: Reckless - Australian Crawl Tribute Band, 2pm-5:30pm,  

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Ronny Croker, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento’s: Kieran McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Matt Doyle, 8pm-10pm

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Monday 20th July  

Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm

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Tuesday 21th July  

Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm  

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Wednesday 22th July  

Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  
KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm

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Thursday 23th July  

Sorrento’s: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

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

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Revvin Car show set to rock Main street this Great Barrier Reef Festival. Photo supplied: Margie Murphy.  

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Classic cars, live rock 'n' roll and vintage fashion will take over Airlie Beach next month as the Great Barrier Reef Festival Car Show returns, promising its biggest celebration of chrome and community yet.

On Saturday, August 1, the Hog’s Breath Revvin the Reef Car show will shut down Airlie Beach Main Street between 10am and 2pm, welcoming cars, motorcycles and trucks from across North Queensland.

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“Something that's cool, eye-catching, different,” said Rachel Bott, event organiser with her husband from Whitsundays Hot Rod Tours.  

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"We'd like people to come down, spend the weekend, and check out the festival program because there's so much on.”  

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Returning for its 11th year, the Revvin' the Reef Car Show continues to celebrate the people behind the vehicles as much as the machines themselves, welcoming everyone from seasoned collectors to first-time exhibitors.

This year the car show will reinvent the rockabilly flavour, with live music by Joshy J and the Riccochets, street dancing and vintage-inspired swag adding to the spectacle alongside the display of all your favourite vehicles.

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Rock 'n' roll dancers from around the region are expected to perform throughout the day, while organisers are planning dance lessons, encouraging festivalgoers to embrace the era through themed outfits.

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“I want to encourage people to dress up and have fun with it,” Rachel said.  

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The show will be roaming with judges, picking out festive fits for spot prizes. So think, 50s greaser, full pin-up or anything vintage and you could be chosen.  

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From hot rods and muscle cars, motorcycles and trucks, the display will showcase a diverse mix of vehicles from across the region, with the public again deciding the event's Top 10 People's Choice winners.

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Australia will test its new national emergency warning system, AusAlert, on Monday 27 July at around 2pm. During the test, compatible mobile devices across the country will receive a test alert accompanied by a siren-like sound and vibration for around 10 seconds. Make sure your device software is up to date to ensure you can receive future emergency warnings when they matter most.  Learn more at ausalert.gov.au.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition is set to take place 30 July to 2 August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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The countdown is on, with the finalists now announced for the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition, inviting visitors to look beyond the surface through a vibrant showcase of artistic talent from across the Whitsundays and beyond.

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Returning from 30 July to 2 August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this year's exhibition will showcase 85 outstanding artworks by 66 artists, each responding to the exhibition theme, Beyond Beauty. Through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, artists have interpreted the theme in thoughtful, surprising and deeply personal ways, revealing stories and perspectives that go far beyond first impressions.

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Now in its third year, and hosted by Creative Connections Whitsunday, the exhibition has firmly established itself as one of the cultural highlights of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, attracting artists from across the region and becoming a popular festival experience for locals and visitors alike.

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This year also sees six finalists aged between 16 and 18 recognised as part of the exhibition. We're delighted to welcome the next generation of artists and celebrate the emerging creative talent coming through in our region.

Selecting the finalists was no easy task. A curatorial panel comprising acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM, and Caz Hanks, Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College, carefully reviewed every entry before selecting this year's exhibition.

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Every finalist will now be in contention for the prestigious $3,000 Whitsunday Regional Council Acquisitive Art Prize, with the winning artwork becoming part of Council's permanent collection.

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Highly respected artist and judge Glenda Hobdell will travel to the Whitsundays to determine this year's major award winners:

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“Beyond Beauty presents an invitation for artists and audiences to look deeper -- to discover the ideas, experiences and emotions that enrich artistic expression. I’m eager to see works that surprise, challenge and inspire viewers through their originality and authenticity,” said Glenda Hobdell.

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The exhibition officially opens with the Awards Night on Thursday 30 July from 6.30pm, where this year's prize winners will be announced. The evening is free to attend and everyone is welcome to celebrate the region's artistic talent.

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The exhibition is open every day until Sunday 2 August, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the collection at their own pace. Visitors can also vote for their favourite artwork in the Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award, with the winner announced at 4.00pm on Sunday 2 August.

Adding another dimension to this year's exhibition are three special community artworks that explore the Beyond Beauty theme from an environmental and community perspective. Entries from Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS textile artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council highlight the hidden impacts of marine debris, celebrate the power of creative collaboration, and encourage visitors to look beneath the surface of beauty to consider the environmental challenges facing our region and the Great Barrier Reef.

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Whether you're an art lover, a visitor to the region, or simply looking for something memorable to experience during the Great Barrier Reef Festival, this year's exhibition promises an exceptional showcase of creativity, imagination and regional talent.

With an outstanding field of finalists now confirmed, all that's left is to discover who will take home this year's major awards.

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What: Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

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Instructor Rhys Cobden-Cox showing Lina Landgren a great view. Photo supplied: Amy Schaverian  

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The skies above Airlie Beach were busier than usual this Saturday, as dozens of first-time skydivers helped chase a world record, turning World Skydiving Day into one of the local drop zone's biggest days of the year.

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The Skydive Australia drop zone in Airlie Beach had a standout day, recording the second most jumps across the company's eight drop zones with 66 tandem skydives, compared to its usual daily average of 30 to 35.

"We had free food, free drinks and a fancy dress competition going on throughout the day," said Skydive Australia spokesperson and Airlie Beach drop zone manager Amy Schaverian.

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"It was a really good day."

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The increased activity formed part of World Skydiving Day, held on the second Saturday of July, which brings people together from around the world with the shared goal of getting as many people to jump out of a plane as possible.

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Australia has become one of the event's strongest contributors, with local jumpers among the first in the world to take part as the day begins. Last year, Australia recorded 2,594 skydives, including 715 first-time tandem jumps, the second-highest national contribution behind the United States.  

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Families and friends turned out in force for last Friday's Barrier Reef Markets, enjoying food, live entertainment and supporting local businesses

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Last Friday night's Barrier Reef Markets transformed Mackay City Heart into a vibrant hub of food, music and local shopping, with the community turning out in force to support local businesses. Families and friends enjoyed browsing unique market stalls, sampling delicious eats, listening to live music and soaking up the lively atmosphere, making for another successful evening celebrating Mackay's thriving community spirit.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/food-finds-and-friday-fun-at-the-mackay-barrier-reef-night-markets

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