Mayor Ry Collins cut the ribbon to officially open the gallery. Photo credit: Lucy Seddon-Brown

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More than 200 people gathered in Proserpine on Thursday evening to celebrate the official opening of the Creative Connections Whitsunday Community Gallery, marking a significant milestone for the region's creative community.

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The event transformed the newly renovated gallery into a vibrant hub of art, music and community spirit, with visitors exploring exhibitions, meeting artists and enjoying a festive atmosphere that continued into the evening.

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A spokesperson for Creative Connections Whitsunday said the opening represented the culmination of years of dedication from volunteers, artists and supporters.

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"For many of us, this evening was the culmination of years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, volunteering, painting, cleaning and believing that our region deserved a dedicated community art gallery. To finally stand in a gallery filled with people, conversation, laughter and art was something very special."

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Families explored the exhibition together while children enjoyed face painting and art activities. As the sun set, fairy lights illuminated the gallery and surrounding gardens, creating a welcoming space for guests to linger and connect.

Live music from Helen Blackshaw added to the celebration, while local food vendors Mika and Sweet Wheels kept guests well fed throughout the evening.

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Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins officially opened the gallery, joined by Deputy Mayor John Finlay and councillors Jan Clifford OAM, Clay Bauman and John Collins.

Mayor Collins described the project as an example of what can be achieved when passionate community members unite behind a shared vision.

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"This gallery has truly been a community effort from the beginning. What was once the former Visitor Information Centre has been transformed into a vibrant creative space that belongs to the whole community. The opening was a celebration of everyone who helped bring it to life," he said.

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The opening exhibition features the work of 26 local artists and more than 100 individual artworks, showcasing a diverse range of creative disciplines including painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, glass art, jewellery and handmade gift items.

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Visitors were invited to vote in the People's Choice Award, sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, with the winner to be announced in the coming weeks.

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"The exhibition highlights the incredible talent that exists within our region. From reef-inspired works and landscapes to contemporary pieces and handcrafted creations, every corner of the gallery reflects the diversity of art being produced in the Whitsundays."

The opening also provided an opportunity to announce future developments for the gallery.

Creative Connections Whitsunday recently secured funding through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to enclose and soundproof the gallery verandah, creating a dedicated weatherproof space for workshops, events and community activities.

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The organisation has also received Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) support for a mural project that will transform the front of the building.

"These projects are important steps towards our vision of creating a thriving creative hub for the Whitsundays and ensuring the gallery continues to grow as a place for creativity, learning and connection."

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The organisation extended its thanks to exhibiting artists, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and residents who attended the opening celebration.

"The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors told us they were excited to see a dedicated arts space in the Whitsundays and were already looking forward to returning.  

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“The official opening may now be behind us, but in many ways this is only the beginning. The doors are open, the gallery is alive with creativity, and we can't wait to see what comes next."

See more photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/community-celebrates-opening-of-new-whitsunday-art-gallery

The Whitsundays has earned statewide recognition in the 2026 Queensland Day "All the Best" Awards, with local businesses and attractions securing top-three finishes across multiple categories and showcasing the region's diverse offerings.

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Leading the charge was Bowen's Fiorella Florals, which was crowned Queensland's best florist, taking out first place in a field of more than 1,000 florists statewide.

Bowen also celebrated strong performances from Meraki Whitsundays, which placed second in the Best Café category, and Bird's Fish Bar, which secured second place for Best Fish and Chip Shop.

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The region's natural attractions were also recognised, with Whitehaven Beach voted Queensland's third-best beach and Hold It Flats at Yalboroo named the state's second-best Camping and 4WD destination.

Meanwhile, Deb's Hair and Beauty in Proserpine was awarded second place in the Hairdresser and Barber category.

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The awards attracted a record 74,630 votes from Queenslanders, who were asked to nominate and vote for their favourite local businesses, attractions and experiences ahead of Queensland Day celebrations.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the results reflected the quality of businesses and tourism experiences available throughout the region.

"Today is a chance to celebrate everything that makes Queensland great — our people, our communities, our lifestyle and the businesses that help make our state such a fantastic place to live," Mayor Collins said.

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"A special shout out today to Bowen's own Fiorella Florals with owner Lily recently taking out the inaugural Queensland Day Award for Best Florist in Queensland.

"With more than 1,000 florists across the state, this is an incredible achievement and a testament to the outstanding service, creativity and dedication Lily and her team bring to their business every day.

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"Shout out also to all our other Whitsunday nominees and runners up for the Queensland Day awards, you've all done our region proud."

Premier David Crisafulli said the record voting numbers highlighted Queenslanders' passion for supporting local businesses.

"All the Best is exactly that – Queenslanders backing Queenslanders and getting behind the local spots and businesses that they love," he said.

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Whitsundays Results

• 1st Place – Florist: Fiorella Florals, Bowen  

• 2nd Place – Café: Meraki Whitsundays, Bowen  

• 2nd Place – Fish and Chip Shop: Bird's Fish Bar, Bowen  

• 2nd Place – Camping/4WD Spot: Hold It Flats, Yalboroo  

• 2nd Place – Hairdresser/Barber: Deb's Hair and Beauty, Proserpine  

• 3rd Place – Beach: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays  

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Tour guide Ray with Bowen Tourism and Business staff and volunteers, Pam, Cindy, Kim and Glenn. Photo supplied

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Two team members and two volunteers from Bowen Tourism and Business enjoyed a trip to Collinsville, learning all about the history of this mining town in the Whitsundays outback.

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Glenn and Cindy and two volunteers, Pam and Kim, were fascinated by the history and the character of the town and enjoyed meeting the locals.

They had a tour of the old Bowen Consolidated Coal Mines (BCCM ) No.1 Mine site which operated from 1919 until 1964.

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Many of the old buildings are still standing and the tour guide, Ray, previously worked as an underground surveyor.

The group also visited the historical museum - a fascinating display of artifacts that really tell the story of days gone by.

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Volunteer Pam Skinner said that even though she had visited before, this trip gave her a deeper appreciation of the town’s history and significance.

“Going to the BCCM No.1 Mine site was an eye opener regarding the starting point of the Collinsville mining Industry in the early 1900’s.

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“The wealth of knowledge that Ray and Linda have regarding the workings of the mine back in the 1920’s brought the site to life.

“The visit to the Collinsville Scottville and District Historical Museum complemented the mine site experience beautifully.

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“The displays were well presented and made it easy to explore the history behind each exhibit.

Volunteer Kim Tannock said it was an awesome day, and she learnt so much about the history of the area and about the pit ponies used in mining in the past.

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The group also visited the Coalface Experience at the Collinsville Workers Club and the RV Park and Collinsville Visitor Information Centre.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said tours like this enhanced the knowledge of staff and visitors at the Bowen Visitor Information, ensuring they could continue to provide up-to-date information to all visitors.

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“We promote the entire Whitsundays region and when our team members have first-hand knowledge of what is available, it helps them to become storytellers and encourage our visitors to check out everything that we have to offer in the Whitsundays.”

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This week’s winner is Megan Weir for the theme ‘Lights’.  

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Megan’s photo shows the Airlie Ferris Wheel lit up.

Next week’s theme is Something You Have Never Taken A Photo Of.  

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Amateur Photography.

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Back l-r Steven and Ray Botto Front L-R Daniel and Ross Botto. Photo source: Proserpine Guardian

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IT’S SHOWTIME 

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Now known as Show Whitsunday, the event once called the Proserpine Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Show has been held for over a century. Proserpine’s first show brought an isolated community together through social activity and friendly competition. While these days our community is no longer isolated, today’s show continues to be a greatly anticipated social event and a venue for friendly rivalry be it in the ring; in the pavilion; at the cattle yards and at the cane exhibit.    

With this year marking 100 years of the CANEGROWERS Association, the annual cane exhibit takes on added significance. Newspapers reports as early as 1912 indicate that cane exhibits were already part of the annual show with judges travelling from Mackay to judge the entries. The “Daily Mercury” July 1938 noted, “cane exhibits were of splendid quality. Astonishment was expressed at the high CCS …The maximum of 17.86 was registered by F. W. Dray, followed by 17.02 by J. Smith and 16.89 by T. Biggs.” In April 1952, the “Mercury” reported that show committee members endeavouring to find a way to improve the sugar cane display suggested money be allocated to a district exhibit. The idea had never been tried. By this means all the work would not fall on one man.” District exhibits are now very much a part of the annual cane exhibit.  

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This year, along with the usual sugar cane display and competition, there will be an historical display of photographs and machinery showcasing technological change, hard work and the importance of the local industry nationally and globally. 

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 Sharing memories of the Cane Exhibit from the late Mrs Pat Botto; a former Chief Cane Steward

Many years ago, when my husband (Mr Ray Botto) was a member and then chairman of the Canegrowers Executive, I took an interest in the cane exhibits ... I became a steward assisting Geoff Valmadre and later, I inherited the role of chief steward. At the presentation ceremony, I was disappointed at the quality and variety of prizes. So, Ted Oliver and I sought donations from the rural and other businesses in town, the banks, the Mill and the farmers themselves......and to make the whole ceremony seem more important, each year a distinguished dignitary was invited to perform the presentations.

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This created great rivalry among the seven branches: Town, Up River/Waterson, Kelsey Creek, Lethebrook, Gregory/Strathdickie, Cannonvalley/Preston, Bloomsbury/Elaroo as well as the individual entries.

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Originally, the cane display was set up near the cattle, the wood chop and bar. This suited farmers as once the cane was erected, it was over to the bar for a beer or three whilst awaiting the judge's decision. The cane began arriving at 6am so it was an early start for stewards. The youngest and fittest helper was always the one to climb up and attach the cane to the top rail to the tune of much banter and laughter. Not the easiest job.

Cane entered in sugar content tests had to be delivered to the Mill a few days before the show and the results were announced on the day.

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Another difficult task was performed by the judges - usually cane inspectors but sometimes BSES representatives from the Proserpine Cane Protection and Production Board.

One time our branch won and there was much controversy. We were accused of cheating because Dick, in true 'Dick Dray' fashion, decided some cane he had seen growing on Rick Stanley's farm was what we were lacking in our exhibit, so he cut it and entered it. Some said it was 'suckers' and not allowed, but in the end, we got away with it. 

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Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives. 

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A huge weekend of classic Australian pub rock is set to hit the Whitsundays this June, as two powerhouse tribute acts bring the songs of Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil back to life at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

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Music lovers can expect an afternoon packed with energy, nostalgia and some of the greatest Australian rock songs ever recorded when Gold Chisel joins forces with Power & The Passion – The Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show for two free performances across the weekend.

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Celebrating the raw spirit of Australia’s legendary pub rock era, the shows pay tribute to two bands that helped define the sound of the 1970s and 1980s. From anthems of working-class life to politically charged rock classics, audiences can expect a setlist full of instantly recognisable hits and singalong favourites.

Headlining the weekend is Gold Chisel, regarded as one of Australia’s leading Cold Chisel tribute acts. The band will perform a collection of iconic songs including Khe Sanh, Cheap Wine, Flame Trees, Choir Girl, When the War is Over and You Got Nothing I Want.

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Joining them on stage is Power & The Passion, delivering the unmistakable sound and intensity of Midnight Oil. Their performance will feature classics such as Beds Are Burning, Blue Sky Mine, US Forces, Dreamworld, Forgotten Years and, of course, Power and the Passion.

Together, the two acts promise a full-throttle celebration of Australian rock music, recreating the atmosphere of the country’s golden pub rock years with powerful vocals, driving guitars and crowd-favourite hits.

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“We’ve been to Airlie several times now, and it's always been great,” said Gold Chisel Frontman Andy Lutze.

“The audiences have been fantastic. It's a glorious place at the best of times, so to come up there and actually play a show, or a couple of shows, is wonderful.”  

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“It never gets old, because the songs are great, and people love them… They're timeless, timeless songs, and it's a great feeling when you can get on a stage and put a smile on people's faces.”

With two free afternoon shows across the weekend, there’ll be plenty of smiles shared, as the community comes together to relive the soundtrack of a generation.

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WHAT: Gold Chisel & Power & The Passion – The Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show
WHEN: Saturday 20^th June & Sunday 21^st June, 2.30pm–5pm
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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June

12 Stitch In Time Exhibition, Proserpine Entertainment Centre

12 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival, Bowen Sound Shell 4pm-8pm

16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event

18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

19-20 Show Whitsunday, Proserpine Showgrounds

23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

23 Bowen Show, Bowen Showgrounds

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A world-class cast of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and performers will take centre stage at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre next month when the acclaimed Cirque Nouvelle arrives in town.

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Presented by Cameo Rascale Entertainment, the production has captivated audiences across Australia and promises a fresh take on traditional circus, blending spectacular physical feats with storytelling, comedy and theatrical flair.

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The 75-minute show follows a quirky ringmaster struggling to embrace change as the circus world evolves around him. Through a combination of aerial artistry, balancing acts, juggling and acrobatics, Cirque Nouvelle explores the theme of old versus new, celebrating both the rich history of circus and its modern-day transformation.

From the classic days of the travelling Big Top to today's theatre productions featuring elaborate lighting, costumes and technology, the performance offers audiences a glimpse into how the art form has evolved over the years.

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Recent reviews have praised the production for combining nostalgia with contemporary spectacle. Writing for The Scoop, reviewer Regan Baker described the show as “the perfect concoction of nostalgia, comedy, and sophistication”, highlighting its blend of traditional circus humour and modern theatrical production.

The internationally acclaimed cast features a range of specialist performers showcasing world-class skills in aerial disciplines, acrobatics, juggling and balancing acts, creating a fast-paced production designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

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Organisers say the performance is a heartwarming journey that will “thrill, captivate and amaze the whole family”.

Suitable for children aged two years and older, the show offers a family-friendly evening of entertainment during the school holiday period.

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Cirque Nouvelle will be performed at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 8th July, from 6pm.

Tickets range from $35 to $45 and are available through the Proserpine Entertainment Centre Box Office or online.

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What: Cirque Nouvelle

When: Wednesday, 8th July, from 6pm

Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

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Seniors’ Artwork will be exhibited at the PEC on 12^th June, following popular ‘Stitch In Time’ workshops.

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Over the past year, seniors from across the region have participated in a range of ‘Stitch In Time’ creative art workshops delivered by the Social Seniors Whitsundays project, an initiative of Whitsunday Regional Libraries.

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Textile workshops were delivered by local artists with the aim of creating memory books, with each piece of artwork capturing an important part of the artist’s life. These moving works are now being showcased in a free community exhibition on 12^th June at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

Mayor Ry Collins congratulated the workshop series and praised the changes it is inspiring within our region.

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“It’s all about combatting social isolation within our senior community,” he said.

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“The Social Seniors Whitsundays project and the Stitch in Time workshop series are offering our seniors the chance to share their stories, create community and become more socially active.”

The exhibition will honour the distinct artworks created and will showcase a range of textile formats including hand-woven pieces, needle-felted stories and imaginative hand-printed memory books.

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Attendees will also have the chance to enjoy light refreshments and meet the artists whilst they explore the artworks.

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What? Stitch In Time Exhibition
When? 12^th June  
Where? Proserpine Entertainment Centre

Did you know?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate the achievements, innovation and contribution of local businesses and individuals who are shaping the future of the Whitsundays.  It’s your chance to recognise excellence across the region and shine a spotlight on outstanding success stories. Applications are open now and close Friday 17 July 2026. Nominate or apply online via the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce website.

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Mark Seymour, Conrad Sewell, Nathan Cavaleri and more, complete main stage lineup for 2026

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The final line-up for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2026 has just been released and Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour says he is dreaming of escaping the Melbourne winter, wishing he was already on the main stage at November 6-8 event.

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Freshly announced with Conrad Sewell, Nathan Cavaleri, and Luke O’Shea, and completing this year’s main stage lineup alongside Xavier Rudd, Mental As Anything, The Whitlams, and more, Seymour is no stranger to what is arguably Australia’s most scenic festival, having performed in its waterfront big-top-tent back in 2014.  

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“Think sunshine, beach, short trousers, open-toe shoes – it’s incredibly beautiful and a pretty unique part of the world, but my brain immediately goes to the songs that I played and the fact that there’s a lot of people who live there permanently, and you can’t underestimate that,” he said.  

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“Sure, people travel there for a particular reason, but Airlie Beach is also a township with a very strong local contingent of people who will be looking forward to seeing live Australian music in their area – it’s that colloquial community feeling and you can sense it when you walk on stage.”  

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With two albums and more than a decade under his belt since that last performance at Queensland’s premier ‘party in paradise’, Seymour is promising a “significantly updated set”.  

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“But I’m always very cognisant of the songs people want to hear as well,” he said, referencing hits now etched into the musical story of the nation like ‘Talking to a Stranger’, ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’ and ‘The Holy Grail’.  

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Chart-topper Conrad Sewell is also primed to add some signature tunes to the mix, including his juggernaut Kygo collaboration, ‘Firestone’, and platinum hit ‘Healing Hands’.  

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Like Seymour, Sewell is a repeat visitor to the Whitsundays, but this will be his first Airlie Beach Festival of Music in a Coral Sea setting he describes as “hard to beat”.  

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“Music festivals in places like Airlie become more than just gigs – they turn into memories with your mates in incredible locations,” he said.  

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“Just come ready for a good time and I promise we’ll make it a special night.”

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Meanwhile, Nathan Cavaleri, the former child prodigy whose talents became the focus of a bidding war between the record labels of Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince, cites energy, presence, and human connection as qualities he’ll be bringing to the event.  

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Despite performing with the likes of B.B. King, Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, Cavaleri has remained grounded in his roots, which included childhood visits to the Whitsundays with family and Schoolies celebrations on Hamilton Island.  

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“I’ve never played Airlie Beach Festival of Music though – I actually feel like everyone I know has played this festival except me, so I definitely had FOMO, and when I got the news that they were keen to have me I was pretty stoked,” he said.  

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“It’s been a while since I’ve played a tropical summer type festival so I’m very much looking forward to it, and (since I’m usually solo) I’m thrilled that my last full band gig for 2026 is going to be Airlie Beach.  

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“You can expect we’re going to bring some victorious big stage energy and we’re probably going to enjoy it afterwards in the same way as everybody else! We’re not just going to do our job and walk away – we’re gonna be with you guys the whole way.”  

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Asked why music lovers should still part with hard-earned cash to travel to festivals and see artists in the flesh – even in these undeniably tough economic times – Cavaleri’s response was that “festivals like this are anchored to what’s important”.  

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“This goes beyond just entertainment, it’s food for the soul,” he said.  

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Other new additions to the 2026 line-up include Ben Ransom, Mike Elrington, Nicky Bomba’s ‘Bustamento’, Chris Webbe, Mak and Shar, Dillion James, and more, joining previously announced acts including The Radiators, Adam Harvey, 19-Twenty, Skinny Living (UK), Little Quirks, The Mason Rack Band, The Wayward Suns, Loonaloop, Salt & Steel and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 2025 Passport to Airlie competition winners, Monroe.  

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In total, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music features 60-plus acts, spread throughout 15 venues and the iconic main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.  

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Tickets are on sale now at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au costing $340 for a three-day pass, or $1,200 for a VIP package, both including entry to the opening and after parties that bookend the main event.  

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WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: November 6-8

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Lily with her mother Alison behind the counter at Fiorella Florals at 28 George Street, Bowen. Photo source: Fiorella Florals

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A Bowen florist has blossomed onto the statewide stage after being crowned Queensland's Best Florist in the Queensland Day 2026 All the Best Awards.

Queenslanders were invited to support their favourite local businesses through the awards, casting a record-breaking 74,630 votes across 15 categories in the lead-up to Queensland Day.

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The win places Fiorella Florals among a select group of businesses recognised as the best in the state, with owner Lily describing the achievement as both unexpected and deeply rewarding.

"It was a such a surreal feeling," she said.

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"I was just happy that we even made it onto the leaderboard let alone winning. I am super proud of us, and so grateful to have such an amazing community backing us. This award makes the years of training, dedication, stress and all that comes with running a business all worth it."

Lily founded Fiorella Florals in 2022 after spending more than a decade building her skills in the industry. Beginning her floristry journey at just 13 years old, she went on to complete Certificates III and IV in Floristry, work as a floral designer on Hayman Island, gain experience at the Toowoomba Flower Market and attend international floral seminars in Croatia.

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After returning home to Bowen in 2020, she turned her dream of owning a florist into reality, creating a business focused on helping people celebrate milestones and navigate life's difficult moments through flowers.

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Lily believes the award reflects the strong support of the local community that has followed her journey from the beginning.

"Winning this award really reflects the trust and support from our beautiful customers," she said.

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"Bowen is a small rural town and we don't have a huge amount of services that some people are used to in the bigger cities. We pride ourselves in always being kind, down to earth and we really get to know our customers.

"I'm a Bowen gal, which means a lot of my customers have actually watched me grow up, from when I first started my career in floristry at 13 years old to opening my own store at 23 years old, and I think that is pretty special."

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Since opening, Fiorella Florals has grown from a market stall and shared retail space into its own storefront at 28 George Street, now offering flowers, gifts, coffee and ice cream alongside its floral designs.

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Reflecting on the journey, Lily said building the business had been both challenging and rewarding.

"Running my own store has always been a dream but I never thought I would actually be able to pull it off," she said.

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"Entering the world of small business has had its challenges and there is no 'how to' manual. It is stressful, exhausting, and probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to teach myself. At the end of the day, it is so rewarding. I am incredibly passionate and love what I do.

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"I love being able to bring comfort to those in the form of flowers, through all of life's special moments."

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Confidence in Mill’s Purchase of Wanderers. Shareholders of the Sugar Mill returned a vote of confidence in the acquisition of Whitsunday Wanderer’s Tourist Resort despite the Mill’s disappointing year of crushing with 90,000 tonnes of cane left in the field and what was described as a ‘dismal’ first year with the resort.

Cane Maturing. Proserpine cane crop is maturing well with sugar content up two units compared to 1985. Starting date for crushing will be June 17^th.

Horrific Car Collision. A Mackay woman was killed instantly, 14 kilometres North of Proserpine when she lost control while manoeuvring around a deep pothole when her vehicle was thrown into the path of a semi-trailer.

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Obituary

Margaret Jean Hiscox, an old resident of Myrtle Creek passed away in the Townsville Hospital.

John Malcolm Milne, a well known district farmer from North Gregory died peacefully at home.

Racing Club Proposal. Support from the Minister For Racing was being sought. In past years three racing clubs have existed in the area. One at Breadalbane flourished until a strange day when a galloping horse disappeared on the track behind some trees and was not the same one that came into view at the other side.

P.J.R.L.Proserpine teams travelled to play St. Mary’s Junior Rugby League and recorded good wins in Under 11s, Under 13s and Under 15s.

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$9 Million For Highway. Work planned for the Mackay-Bowen section included bridges over Myrtle and Deadman’s Creeks.

Fourteen Years Of Blue Nursing. The annual doorknock appeal for this Christian Outreach of the Uniting Church was led by Sisters Doreen Wesley and Denise Hobson. Last year 4,892 clients were visited. Services are without charge so they rely on donations.

Opposition To Miss Figurehead Contest. Organisers of Airlie Beach Fun Race were reminded of the promotion of the region as a family resort destination.

Fun Run 1986. The semi marathon  25.4 kilometres race from Fausts Corner to Whitsunday Wanderers was contested by eleven 8 person relay teams and ten individuals, three of whom beat all the relay teams. First junior home was local runner Shane Matthews.

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High School Musical. The production of “Dracular Baby”will take place in August. Full scale rehearsals are taking place now.

Palm Grove Reunion. Over 70 former pupils attended the reunion of Palm Grove School in Upper Conway which closed 34 years ago. The second of two schools was opened in 1926 under Fred Clowes, an amazing teacher with two artificial legs from above the knee amputations.

Skipper Returns. Former skipper of the “Island Wanderer” and “Whitsunday Wanderer” Bob Jenkins returned to Daydream Island on a trip to promote “The Yellow Submarine”. Over 60 travel agents attended .

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Special Education Students enjoyed a visit to Seagulls Restaurant and Mandalay Watersports learning about commercial kitchens and then boating skills with their teacher Pat Miller.

A.R.L. Three members of Airlie Beach Bloods, Darren Short, Mark Bland and Trevor Bennett have been selected for the Mackay representative team in the North Queensland Championships in Cairns this weekend.

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Whitsunday Sailing Club Trophy Night. Club Champions were: Nick Harris and Steven Thynne[Sabots], Peter Chengody [Lazers], Adam Raleigh and Peter Demartini [Presidents Trophy]

Knight Attack. Whitsunday Soccer Club teams both won in Mackay this weekend They are now league leaders in the Second Division and lying second in the first division after winning 9-1.

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Healthy Night For Netball. The netball season is progressing well with Sea Eagles and Veterans teams and a total of ten junior teams participating regularly, some healthy fundraising taking place and eleven girls passing an umpiring exam.

League. Brahmans beat the Miners 10-8 in Collinsville

Union. Raider beat City’s Mackay  30-0

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Tennis. Team leaders A Grade- Scotfords , Reserve Grade -Slammers.

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This week’s winner is Alissa Tomlinson for the theme Australian Bush

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Alissa’s photo of an adult and a young Tawny Frogmouth was taken at Hydeaway Bay.

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Next week’s theme is “Lights” – you can get involved in the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers Facebook Group.  

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More than 200 members of Mackay's business community gathered at the Mackay Turf Club on Friday night to celebrate the achievements of local businesses, organisations and individuals at the 2026 Best in Business Awards.

Hosted by the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, the annual awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership across a range of industries, while highlighting the people helping drive the region's economic success.

Among the night's winners was Mackay Safety, which took home the Ground Breaker Award, while The Bookish Burrow was recognised as the Next Big Thing. The Neighbourhood Hub received the It's Not Easy Being Green Award and Crossroad Arts Inc was honoured with the Heart of Gold Award.

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M&P Services – Quality Transportable Buildings was named the winner of the Legacy Legends category, while Jade McAuley of RebelNation claimed the Mover of Mountains Award. iQ Solutions Queensland rounded out the winners list, taking home the Small But Mighty Award.

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The event was supported by category sponsors including Telstra, SBB Partners, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, Frontrow, Community Bank Sarina, CQUniversity Australia and Mackay Regional Council.

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Guests also heard from keynote speaker Bill Ovenden from The Lad Collective, who encouraged attendees to think bigger, act boldly and embrace new opportunities.

The evening was attended by Queensland Small Business Commissioner Nicolle Kelly and featured event styling by Element Events by Ramona.

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The Chamber thanked nominees, finalists, sponsors, judges and guests for contributing to what was described as a night of celebration, inspiration and community pride.

The awards continue to shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals helping make the Mackay region stronger, smarter and more successful.

See more photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/mackay-businesses-celebrated-at-2026-best-in-business-awards