Ocean Rafting reef inspiring setup for the 2024 festival. Photo supplied: Margie Murphy

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry is calling on Airlie Beach businesses to get creative this July as the Great Barrier Reef Festival celebrates a glittering milestone of 25 years.

Local businesses have a sparkling opportunity to become part of the action in this year’s Reef Festival, with the relaunch of the Window to the Reef window dressing competition — a revamped event inviting storefronts along the Airlie Beach main street and foreshore to transform into reef-inspired works of art.

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Sponsored by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the competition is designed to bring the festival spirit to every corner of town, with thousands of festivalgoers expected to explore the precinct across the weekend of July 31 – August 2.

Participating businesses are encouraged to embrace the festival's silver anniversary theme — think shimmering storefronts, underwater magic, 25th birthday vibes, and reef-inspired creativity that stops pedestrians in their tracks.

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Registrations are open now, with businesses encouraged to sign up by Wednesday, 15 July to receive a free decoration starter pack. Packs will be distributed to all registered participants and delivered during the week beginning Monday, 27 July.

Once packs are in hand, businesses will have from Monday 27 July through to Thursday 30 July to deck out their displays. Judging will take place over the Great Barrier Reef Festival weekend, with the community casting votes for their favourite windows.

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Prizes Up for Grabs

There's serious incentive to pull out all the stops, with cash prizes on the line:

• 1st Place: $500

• 2nd Place: $250

• 3rd Place: $100

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Displays will be evaluated on creativity, originality, and overall appeal.

Businesses not located within the Main Street area are encouraged to take part in the Street Parade on Saturday afternoon and showcase their business and creativity.

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Register Now

Entry is free for Great Barrier Reef Festival sponsors. All other businesses can register for $100 via the Great Barrier Reef Festival website at greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au

Registrations close Wednesday, 29 July 2026. Register before 15 July to guarantee your decoration starter pack.

The Chamber’s sponsorship of this year’s Festival has been made possible through the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets, with funds generated through the markets reinvested directly back into the local community.  

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Photo Credit: Whitsundays Photography

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has established a dedicated Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets Sub-Committee to help guide the strategic direction and ongoing growth of one of the region's premier visitor experiences.

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Created to provide a structured voice for market vendors, Council, and key stakeholders, the Sub-Committee will support the continued evolution of the Cruise Ship Markets, ensuring they remain a vibrant, high-quality showcase of the Whitsundays for cruise visitors while delivering long-term value for local businesses and the community.  

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Bringing together representatives with diverse skills and experience, the Sub-Committee will provide a collaborative forum to identify opportunities, consider improvements, and help shape the future of the markets. Its establishment reflects the Chamber's commitment to strengthening governance, encouraging industry collaboration, and ensuring the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets continue to grow as a signature landside experience that benefits vendors, visitors, and the wider Whitsunday community.

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The inaugural Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets Sub-Committee comprises:  

• Brett Crocker, Whitsunday Laser Creations

• Kristel and Rod Taylor, Cotton Candy Cowgirls (jointly hold the seat)

• Luke Henry, Ocea Collective

• Margaret Burgess, Margaret Burgess Art

• Peter Scott, Annie’s Coffee

• Cait Fleming, Chamber’s Portfolio Manager (chair)

"This is a really positive step forward for the markets," said Chamber President, Allan Milostic. "Having a dedicated Sub-Committee means we can be more strategic, more responsive, and more collaborative in how we grow and improve the experience for everyone involved — from our incredible stallholders to the visitors who come from all over the world."

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The Sub-Committee will meet regularly to advise on programming, community engagement, market operations, and future opportunities.

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Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets is operated by Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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Make the most of the winter sun and go for a splash at the Bluewater Lagoon. Photo source: Tourism & Events Queensland

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Looking for ideas to make the most of the holidays and keep the kids active? Here’s a lowdown of local activities that will allow the whole family to get out there and get moving. 

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If your little one is a budding bike rider- or needs a little training in that area - head down to the PCYC’s Bike Track, which will be open through the holidays dependent on weather. Open to riders of all skill levels, it’s the perfect place for little ones looking to build confidence and improve bike handling skills. Bring your bike, helmet and water bottle, and check in at the reception to get ready to go. 

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The centre will also be offering sports sessions from badminton to basketball to pickleball, so get out there and try something new. 

Looking for something more adventurous? Make the most of the perfect weather conditions with a hike through Eungella National Park.

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The short and sweet Sky Window Circuit is ideal for younger ones. Animal lovers may prefer partaking in a game of spot the platypus at the Broken River picnic area before exploring through the trees of the Rainforest Discovery Circuit. 

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If there’s still energy left to burn, you can extend your journey along the 1.6km Granite Bend track, passing through tall groves of Livistona palms.

For wilderness days out closer to home, why not pack a picnic and make a day of it at The Gooseponds, where the easy walking paths, duck ponds and playground provide plenty to keep little legs busy. Families can also cycle the Bluewater Trail, burn off energy at Queens Park's adventure playground, or spend hours splashing through the lagoons and water play areas at the Bluewater Lagoon.

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Or, head north to Lamberts Beach Lookout, where winter is prime whale-watching season. Bring a pair of binoculars and see if the kids can spot humpback whales as they migrate along the coast before finishing the afternoon with beach cricket, rockpool exploring or shell collecting on the sand.

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Komune Resort - Bali

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Fitness Cartel Mackay Launches Oasis Health Retreat

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When was the last time you truly put yourself first?

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Busy schedules often take priority over personal wellbeing, and finding time to truly slow down can be easier said than done.  

That's why Fitness Cartel Mackay are inviting you to their spectacular Oasis Health Retreat - a seven-day wellness experience designed to help participants reset, recover and reconnect.

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Taking place from 25^th April to 1^st May 2027 at Komune Resort on Bali's east coast, the retreat offers a fundamental program centred on movement, recovery and mindfulness.

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Rather than a traditional retreat or intensive fitness bootcamp, Oasis has been created as an immersive experience that combines structured training with opportunities to unwind and focus on overall wellbeing.

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Whether participants are seeking a physical reset, navigating burnout or simply looking for time away from the demands of everyday life, the retreat has been designed to provide a supportive environment for people to invest in themselves.

Fitness Cartel Mackay founders Cliff Forster and Michael James said the retreat reflects the values that underpin their community.

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“Fitness isn't a destination, it's a daily practice – and the people you do it with matter as much as the work itself. Oasis is what happens when we take that on the road.  

“Seven days at Komune with our coaches, the people we train alongside every week, and a setting that strips away every reason not to show up for yourself.”

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Over seven days and six nights, participants will be guided by a handpicked team of professional coaches specialising in strength, mobility, recovery and breathwork, with sessions designed to suit a range of fitness levels.

The daily program includes strength and functional fitness led by Coach T, Pilates with Stephi Mathews, Vinyasa, Hatha and Nidra yoga with Lynn Treis, along with breathwork and meditation with Ben Watson.

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Recovery is also a key component of the experience, with participants receiving full access to Komune Resort's Recovery Centre, featuring a communal sauna and hot and cold contrast pools. The resort's gym, studios and recovery facilities will also be available outside scheduled sessions, allowing guests to train or recover at their own discretion.

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Each retreat package includes six nights' accommodation at Komune Resort, full access to the daily program, recovery facilities, daily breakfasts, and welcome and finale dinners.  

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With a focus on movement, recovery and creating space to pause, Oasis offers participants the opportunity to step away from daily routines and spend a week prioritising their health and wellbeing in one of Bali's most picturesque coastal settings.

For those looking to embrace a week dedicated to wellness, Fitness Cartel Mackay's Oasis Health Retreat aims to provide the time, guidance and environment to help you rejuvenate.

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Because sometimes you get the highest returns from simply investing in yourself.

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Fitness Cartel Mackay is currently offering Early Bird pricing, with savings of more than $1,000 off the recommended retail price for a limited time – so don’t miss out!

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oasisretreats.com.au

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A free, new Lunchtime Technology Project is helping Mackay seniors build digital confidence, avoid scams and safely access essential online services. Photo supplied

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For many older Australians, the online world can feel less like a convenience and more like a minefield, from suspicious text messages and scam emails to the growing pressure to access essential services digitally.

A new free initiative in Mackay is aiming to change that, giving seniors the tools and confidence to navigate the digital world safely.

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Bolton Clarke’s digital literacy team is offering targeted training to help older people across the Mackay region engage and stay safe online through a new initiative funded by the Mackay Community Foundation.

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The Lunchtime Technology Project will offer six free digital literacy classes, along with one-on-one sessions and ongoing support.

Topics will include scam detection and avoidance, secure passwords and password managers, safe online banking and shopping, using My Aged Care, understanding AI risks and opportunities, navigating useful apps, and practical tips for smartphones and tablets.

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The sessions will be held over a casual lunch and will also include time for one-on-one support, creating a relaxed environment where participants can ask questions and build confidence at their own pace.

More than 40 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 and almost 70 per cent of those aged 75 and over are currently excluded or highly excluded from digital services, creating disadvantage when accessing government information including My Aged Care, Centrelink and health data.

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Digital Business Development Manager Joe Griffiths said the need for digital literacy support was growing as more government agencies and services moved online.

“This initiative aims to help people engage confidently and safely online to reduce those barriers to accessing services,” Mr Griffiths said.

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“It will also help people avoid scams.

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“Australians over 65 have lost more than $21 million to email, online and text message scams in 2026 alone, and education is a critical to addressing that problem.”

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Bolton Clarke is a national not-for-profit aged care provider supporting more than 250 people across the Mackay region through home and community support and in its two local retirement villages.

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Seniors interested in attending the digital literacy sessions can contact Natalie Philp on 0437 191 302 or email nphilp@boltonclarke.com.au. Free transport is available.

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Start your Sunday with FREE Yoga by the Beach, at Dunes Harbour Beach, commencing July 19th.

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Suitable for all skill levels, these relaxing sessions offer gentle movement, mindfulness and guided relaxation in a beautiful beachfront setting. Led by experienced yoga teacher Anna Larwood, each class is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, groundedand energised. Bring your own mat or towel, water and sun protection. 

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Look for the Dunes Yoga by the Beach sign on site and join us for the perfect start to your day.

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Commencing Sunday July 19th [ follow Dunes Harbour Beach Facebook page for times and details ] 

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Dunes Harbour Beach, Sol Drive, beside the Community Square. 

Proudly brought to you by Urbex

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See more photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/yoga-by-the-beach-dunes-harbour-beach

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Bruno is looking for a new home after being surrendered and is ready to find a family to call his own.

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This cheeky, playful and active boy gets along well with children and other dogs and has a beautiful soul with so much love to give. Bruno is an affectionate companion who thrives on human connection. Whether it’s a walk along the beach, a stroll around the block, a game of fetch, or simply lying by your side, he is happiest spending time with his people.

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Bruno is well trained, walks beautifully on a lead, is great with children of all ages and is toilet trained.

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Bruno would thrive in a home where:
• He has an active person or family to share life with
• Daily walks, playtime or fetch are part of the routine
• He can spend time both indoors and outdoors — but most importantly, with you

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If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, Bruno could be the perfect fit. He is desexed, microchipped and fully vaccinated.

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To meet Bruno, contact LLTAGS and Dog Rescue on 0401 366 573 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com.

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Friday 3^rd July

Barrier Reef Markets   

5pm

The Barrier Reef Markets will return to Wood Street on Friday 3^rd July from 5pm to 8pm, bringing an evening of shopping, food and entertainment to the Mackay City Heart. Visitors can browse a wide range of local stalls featuring handmade products, gifts, craftsand boutique businesses, while enjoying delicious food vans and a lively community atmosphere. Gather your family and friends, support local businesses and enjoy a great night out in the city.

Wood Street Mackay  

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Saturday 4^th July

Daisy Day Planting  

8.30am

Help make a lasting contribution to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens by joining a community planting day on Saturday 4^th July, from 8.30am. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help plant 1,200 Golden Everlasting Daisies beside the lagoons, with no experience required. Simply meet at the Viewing Deck before planting and bring closed-in shoes, a hat, gloves (if you have them) and a water bottle. Stay afterwards for a well-earned morning tea and be part of something that will bloom for years to come.

Mackay Region Botanic Gardens  

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Book of the month – July  

10am

Artspace Mackay will present its monthly Book of the Month program on Saturday, 4 July at 10am in the Foyer Gallery at the Civic Precinct on Gordon Street. The free session invites visitors to explore a featured artist’s book up close, page by page, with assistance from Artspace volunteers. This month’s focus is Julie Haas’ Lockets (1994–96), held in the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. The program offers an intimate viewing experience of contemporary artist books in a guided gallery setting. Places are limited and registration is required.

Artspace Mackay  

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Exhibition Floor Talk

10.30am

Artspace Mackay will host a curator-led exhibition talk on Saturday, 4 July at 10:30am, featuring QAGOMA Curator of Australian Art Samantha Littley. The session will explore Looking Out, Looking In, an exhibition examining the self-portrait as a form where artist and subject are one. The exhibition reflects on how artists present identity, from introspective and understated works to bold and expressive self-representations. The event will also be amplified for patrons with hearing difficulties. It will be held at Artspace Mackay in the Civic Precinct on Gordon Street and is free to attend, with bookings required.

Artspace Mackay

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Sunday 5^th July

Sarina Country Music Family Afternoon  

1pm

The Sarina Country Music Family Afternoon will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 1pm at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Brewers Road, Sarina. The bistro will open from 11.30am, with a courtesy bus available by booking through the club. Entry is $5, and all members, friends and new artists are welcome to attend, with backing band support available for performers. A general meeting will be held at 11.30am prior to the event, with a friendly afternoon of music and community expected to follow.

Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Brewers Road, Sarina

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Wednesday 8^th July

The Mum Hub Walking Club

10am

Mums are invited to lace up their walking shoes and join a relaxed weekly pram-friendly walk with The Mum Hub by The Held Project every Wednesday from 10am. Meeting at The Mum Hub at Mackay Harbour, the walk offers a welcoming opportunity to enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise and connect with other local mums. Afterwards, participants can stay for tea, coffee and a chat. Whether you're a regular or attending for the first time, everyone is welcome.

The Mum Hub, Shop 10 46 Mulherin Dr, Mackay Harbour

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Come and Try Lawn Bowls  

12pm

Give lawn bowls a go at the Marian Bowls Club on Reg Smith Street, Marian, on Wednesday, July 1, from 12pm. No experience is necessary - simply wear flat-soled shoes, bring a hat and enjoy a fun afternoon on the greens, with bowls provided. Stay afterwards for afternoon tea and the chance to meet the club's friendly members.

Marian Bowls Club on Reg Smith Street, Marian

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (Facebook)

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

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Nora Heysen’s Self-portrait 1938 is part of the QAGOMA’s Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait exhibition at Artspace Mackay from July 3^rd.

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People’s persistent interest in the self-image is explored in a new exhibition of work from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Collection, opening at Artspace Mackay on Friday 3^rd July.

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Drawing from QAGOMA’s Australian, Indigenous Australian, Asia Pacific and International collections, Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait highlights richly diverse approaches to the timeless artistic genre.

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QAGOMA Director Chirs Saines CNZM said ‘Looking Out, Looking In’ had been devised against the backdrop of contemporary “selfie” culture.

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“We have become increasingly attuned to the self-image through the ubiquity of handheld digital devices, social media and reality TV, all of which create a new context for self-portraiture,” Mr Saines said.

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“While some artists look inwards to reflect on themselves in self-effacing ways, others project a more flamboyant image,” he said.

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“Together, the artworks situate self-portraiture as a dynamic genre responsive to larger societal concerns and linked to the collective desire to picture and comprehend ourselves.”

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Artists featured include Abdul Abdullah, Davida Allen, Fiona Foley, James Gleeson, Nora Heysen, George W. Lambert, Tracey Moffatt, Yasumasa Morimura, Vincent Namatjira, Luke Roberts, Cindy Sherman and Madonna Staunton, among others.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said the exhibition, in Artspace Mackay’s Main Gallery, was an exciting addition to the region’s cultural calendar.

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“Artspace Mackay continues to deliver outstanding exhibitions that connect our community with nationally significant collections,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“We are proud to welcome this engaging and thought-provoking exhibition from QAGOMA, which invites visitors to reflect on identity and the ways we see ourselves,” he said.

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Also opening at Artspace Mackay on June 27 is Archie Moore’s Mīal in the Foyer Gallery, and Katelyn-Jane Dunn’s You sound just like your mother in the Foundation Gallery.

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Archie Moore’s Mīal is a National Portrait Gallery touring exhibition.

Mīal is an abstract, conceptual self-portrait that continues Archie Moore's practice exploring the politics of identity, racism and languages systems. 

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It is composed of multiple geometric paintings, each representing a part of the artist's body and replicating shades of his skin colour. To create the work, Moore used the same technology that makes commercial paint samples to convert scans of his skin into the Pantone colour scale.

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Katelyn-Jane Dunn is a local artist and writer who developed her exhibition You sound just like your mother, following the untimely death of her mother.

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The work is a meditation on mother-loss and the mother-daughter relationship and is deeply rooted in the visual landscape of regional Queensland and the regional woman’s perspective.

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The work is a love letter to her mother and the complex mother-daughter bond and includes archival images, poetic text, written memories, recipes, notes and documentary images taken at significant sites of the artist’s mother’s life and passing, namely the farm ‘Sunnyside’ in Bundaberg (where she grew up and is buried) and the family home in Mackay, Queensland.

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These three exciting new exhibitions will be on display at Artspace Mackay until September 20^th.

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Artspace Mackay is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am. For more information on the exhibitions visit artspacemackay.com.au

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

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Congratulations to this week's Photo of the Week winner, Cherene Poidevin, who perfectly captured the theme "Somewhere to Sit" with an eye-catching image taken at the historic Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe, Queensland.  

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The inviting scene embodies the character and heritage of one of outback Queensland's most iconic pubs, proving that sometimes the best seat comes with a bit of cheeky charm.  

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Well-deserved win, Cherene! Now it's over to our readers for next week's theme, "Clocks and Watches." Whether it's an antique timepiece, a quirky wall clock or your favorite wristwatch, we'd love to see your best shots.

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Participate via the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook Group

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Multi-million Dollar Marina. Approval was announced by State Govt. at Boat Haven Bay, Airlie Beach [which was known by locals as ‘Muddy Bay'], M.P. Geoff. Muntz estimated that the injection of $200 million would pave the way for the Whitsunday region to become a major tourist destination with a 500-berth marina, a five-star hotel and an 18-hole golf course and create 1000 new jobs from Cannonvale to Shute Harbour.  

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Bruce Highway Development. Federal Transport Minister Peter Morris stated that a better road between Brisbane and Cairns shrinks the distance between the towns along the way. Several bridges were being constructed just north of Proserpine as part of further improvements.  

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Obituary: Archibald William Baker, a local resident living in Telia Street, died at the age of 78 years.  

Sand Removal: Council voted against the removal of sand from any island beach in the Whitsundays.  

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Blitz At Shute. Council towed away 27 cars using illegal parking spots, reflecting a parking shortage in the area. Offending owners were fined $100 each.  

Award To Winifred Moulding. E.S.A. Chapter presented Winfred with ‘the Diana Award'. “Since emigrating in 1963, Winifred has become a prime mover in the formation of the Proserpine Senior Citizens' Club and has been club president for 20 years. At 86 years old, she lists good posture, walking, knitting and interest in the community as her way of remaining agile.”

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The E.S.A. Chapter also presented Tex Newberry with the 'Zeus Award' for outstanding service in various fields. He served his communities as a lifesaver and a scoutmaster and was a keen footballer as a hooker for Proserpine. He played violin and trombone in the Citizens Band. Tex also served as secretary of the Cannonvale Beach Progress Association and was president of the Cannonvale P. and C. and an honorary ambulance bearer at the beach.  

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Mill Tours Recommence. Proserpine Sugar Mill will conduct guided tours of the mill again.  

High School Art. An interesting display of batik can be seen at the Commonwealth Bank produced by year 10 students with the help of art teacher Glenda Vickers.  

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The ladies' outrigger team will travel to Tahiti to compete in several events under the Australian flag. Fundraising events such as car washing, blindfold garbage bin collection, a jam session and an outrigger ball have been organised.  

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Tree Planting. In the 200 years since federation, Australia’s tree cover has reduced from 15% to less than 4%, so the Relaxation Centre of Queensland has adopted the target of planting one million trees for each of those years. Local naturopath Sheila Mister has started the promotion in this region, wanting each person to plant a few trees in the next three years.  

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Baton Twirlers' Success. Proserpine Baton Twirlers won 16 trophies and 14 gold medals in the Queensland Championships on Saturday. The team will be putting on a display at the opening of the nursing home on Saturday.  

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Sport for Airlie Dump? A 7-acre site that used to be part Airlie Dump, part mangrove swamp is being considered as a future sporting complex.  

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Cover Girl Edna Clarke promoting Esmerabla. Photo Supplied  

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Born October 29, 1935, Joan Edna Clarke was the eldest of nine children of Edward and Madalene Gray. She attended Proserpine State Rural School but as was the case with many of her era, she completed her education at Blackheath College, Charters Towers.  

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Joan, known to most as Edna, commenced nursing at Proserpine Hospital in the mid-early 1950s however due to illness she was unable to complete her course. In later years, she channelled her interest in that field through her volunteering efforts within the community.  

Edna was an enterprising lady who was a successful businesswoman in a diverse range of ventures.  In the mid1950s, with her mother, Madalene Gray, she opened Jo-Anne Salon, a women’s dress shop which was located on Main Street where Shoe Biz now stands.  

Edna remained closely involved in her parents’ business and became a familiar face in the district. Featured as the “cover girl” on brochures promoting their five-day Whitsunday tours aboard the cruiser, Esmeralda, she helped represent the family’s tourism venture and was readily recognised throughout the area. She also supported her parents’ involvement in the Whitsunday Sailing Club and was an original member, heavily involved in fundraising for the club.  

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Edna’s eye for fashion and creativity extended to floristry, where she excelled. After joining the Proserpine Floral Art Group in the late 1950s, she later studied in Brisbane, including Ikebana, and taught floristry across North Queensland. She was the first in the region to send dried arrangements throughout Australia and was commissioned by the city of Mt Isa to create silk and feather arrangements for the Queen’s 1970 visit. In 1974, after floods devastated the family farm, she opened a florist shop in Evelyn House on Main Street. In the 90s, she worked as a holiday relief florist on Hayman Island. Edna regularly contributed to the annual show’s floral art display, and she exhibited paper tole work at the Proserpine Museum in the early 2000s.  

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An excellent cake decorator, Edna made and decorated cakes for many local brides. She was savvy enough to realise the combined business potential of providing both wedding cakes and flowers for the burgeoning bridal market.  

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Always with an eye for future trends, in the 1980s, Edna introduced the microwave to many locals and taught very popular microwave cooking classes throughout the district; producing a specialty cookbook for enthusiasts. Her marshmallow pavlova roll was a signature dish that never failed to be a hit.  

In partnership with husband, Hugh, whom she married in 1957, and her son, Allan, Edna operated Fresh Whitsunday, the retail arm of their wholesale business, and continued with the salad production after the retail store closed.  

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Despite a busy family and working life, Edna found time to devote herself to the community. A long-serving member and President of the Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary, she helped raise hospital funds, secured palliative care rooms in the new hospital plans, and, with Tolma Camm, developed the “Adopt-A-Ward Program,” which encouraged community groups to support hospital areas. This program was recognised by the Health Minister and Premier. Following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, she and her sisters also held numerousPink Ribbon fundraisers.  

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Edna was very involved with Proserpine Rotary, supporting husband, Mitch, during his term as District Governor. As a member of the Rotary Annes, she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award which honours and thanks individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.  

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Joan Edna Clarke passed away on September 25, 2005, a month shy of her 70th birthday. Hers was a life well lived!  

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Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum Archives.  

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Contributed with thanks to Larraine Briggs.

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Rewind 80s at Airlie Beach Hotel. Photo Supplied  

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Step back to a time of big hair, synthesizers and singalong anthems, because Rewind 80s is coming back to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two free performances this July.

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As one of Australia's longest-running 80s tribute shows, the band has been transporting audiences back in time for more than 15 years, through a high-energy performance built on nostalgia, iconic songs and crowd participation.

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From the hard-hitting rock of Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi to the infectious pop of Wham! and Madonna, and the unmistakable new wave sounds of Kim Wilde and A-ha, Rewind 80s encapsulates all the decade's most iconic hits.  

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“We can do pretty much everything that people want to hear- it’s for people that like to have a party,” said Band Frontwoman and founder Samantha Paul Atkins.  

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“The thing is, we do the whole genre- we don't just do one style.”  

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“I'm bringing you back to the 80s.”

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“I was very young in the 80s and that's where I got most of my musical influence from,” Samantha said.  

“We always had so much music on TV in the 80s that we could learn from, it was our education.”

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Before founding Rewind 80s, Samantha had performed in several bands and was running her own groups from as early as 19. She soon realized she wanted to build a show that truly captured the music she loved most.  

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With that in mind, Samantha carefully handpicked a seven-piece lineup of experienced musicians capable of recreating everything from soaring rock anthems to floor-filling pop hits, featuring fellow lead vocalist Richard Macionis, Brad Cook on guitar and vocals, Matty Slade on keyboards and synth, Timur Togacay on bass guitar, Dallas Gray on keyboards, saxophone and vocals, and Cameron Smith on drums.

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“It's not a lineup that changes all the time; it’s a lineup that stays together,” Samantha said.

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With 15 years of syncing to each other’s groove, and a deep love for the venue formed through their three yearly Airlie Beach Hotel gigs, the band promises a party everyone can enjoy- especially the children of the 80s.  

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“We are Generation X. Gen X still party, we still drink, we still have a great time,” Samantha said.  

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What: Rewind 80s Live Show

When: 11th & 12th July

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

The Whitsundays Writers Festival will close its 2026 program with Stories by the Sea, a free community event celebrating books, creativity, and connection on Sunday 13^th September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.

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The waterfront afternoon will feature more than 20 regional authors alongside live music, author readings, children’s activities, and a community book exchange. Visitors can meet local writers, purchase books, enjoy a “Blind Date with a Book,” and connect with local writing groups and book clubs.

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Festival Director Richard Evans said the event was designed to make the festival accessible to all. “It is a chance to bring people together through creativity and celebrate the incredible talent in our region.”

Featured authors include D.M. West, Lorie Brink, Phia Damsma, and Suzy Gordon, showcasing a diverse range of genres from children’s literature to thrillers and poetry.

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Stories by the Sea runs from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and is free to attend. Full program details are available via the Whitsundays Writers Festival website.

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Meet the Authors

D. M. West
Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Horror
North Queensland author D.M. West writes horror, fantasy, science fiction and thrillers, with her latest novel, Beneath Blue Waves, set across Townsville, Cairns and the Whitsundays.

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Lorie Brink
Fiction
Inspired by an eclectic career, Lorie Brink writes fiction filled with colourful characters, humour and heart, drawing on her love of travel and life's adventures.

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Phia Damsma
Children's

Creator of the Padam children's series, Phia Damsma is an award-winning writer and Sonokids co-founder recognised with a Dutch Knighthood and an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Southern Queensland.

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Suzy Gordon
Poetry
Whitsundays writer and educator Suzy Gordon mentors young writers, runs an online magazine for emerging voices and is the author of the poetry collection Sunbathing in the Rain. She is currently working on a second collection and a book about creativity.

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What: Stories by the Sea
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale
Cost: FREE community event

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Tickets and full programme details are available via the festival website.

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