Now Open & Seeking Volunteers: Community Art Gallery, Proserpine

Monday- Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm (new extended hours)

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June

19^th-20^th Show Whitsunday, Proserpine Showgrounds

23^rd Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

23^rd Bowen Show, Bowen Showgrounds

Until 26^th Desma Munro Exhibited At Community Creative Space at Bendigo Community Bank

24^th & 28^th Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets 8am–1pm  

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July

25^th-26^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

30^th-2^nd Aug Great Barrier Reef Festival

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August

6^th-13^th Airlie Beach Race Week

15^th-22^nd Hamilton Island Race Week

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September

4^th-6^th Don River Dash

11^th-12^th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch

13^th Whitsundays Writers Festival. Early Bird tickets close 30th June. Entries for The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Poetry Prize close Friday 26^th June.

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November

6^th-8^th Airlie Beach Festival of Music

21^st-22^nd Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swim

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The ball will raise money for BMA CQ Rescue through a glamourous evening at Proserpine Entertainment Centre on July 25^th.  

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Tickets are now on sale for the Mayors’ Charity Ball which will raise money for BMA CQ Rescue through a glamourous evening at Proserpine Entertainment Centre on July 25^th.  

The theme of the event is Whisper of the West, bringing classic, western style and sophistication to a night of fundraising and building connecting within the community.  

“The Mayor's Ball will be a fantastic night of entertainment, great food, and spectacle this year.” Mayor Ry Collins said.

“Our theme is Whispers of the West. We've seen Kevin Costner himself in the region over recent months- I was really inspired by series like Yellowstone.”

The council describe the event as a “carefully curated evening designed to delight the senses,” including a premium seated dining experience, live entertainment, a breathtaking fireworks display, exclusive charity auctions and interactive games.  

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The recipient of the funds raised at the ball will be BMA CQ Rescue, who operate across the region to perform rescues on land and at sea.  

Tickets for the mayor’s ball are available online; scan the QR Code to get yours.

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What? The Mayor’s Charity Ball: Whispers Of The West

When? Saturday 25^th July  

Where? Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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19^th June

Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento’s: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm
The Grandview Hotel: DJ Night, 8pm-Late

20^th June

Airlie Beach Hotel: Gold Chisel & The Australian Midnight Oil Show, 2pm-5pm. Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Shaun Diver, 8pm-Late
The Grandview Hotel: Zed Charles Band 8pm-Late

21^st June

Airlie Beach Hotel: Gold Chisel & The Australian Midnight Oil Show, 2pm-5pm. Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer 8pm-Late
Sorrento’s: Jan Arns 4pm-7pm
The Grandview Hotel: Sam McCann 1pm-5pm

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22^nd June

Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm

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23^rd June

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm

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24^th June  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm

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25^th June:  

Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm
Airlie Beach Hotel: Aaron Saxon 6:30pm-9:30pm

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By Creative Connections Whitsunday

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From rugged outback ranges and dramatic storm skies to Australia's colourful birdlife, artist Desma Munro finds inspiration in the landscapes and wildlife that make this country unique. Through her paintings, she captures the light, colour and atmosphere of the places she encounters, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of Australia through her eyes.

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A longtime Proserpine local, Desma first discovered her love of art as a teenager and has spent decades developing her skills as a painter. Largely self-taught, she works primarily in oils and water-mixable oils, creating realistic artworks that retain a distinctive painterly quality. More recently, she has also embraced watercolour, enjoying the spontaneity and freedom the medium brings to her creative process.

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Desma draws inspiration from some of Australia's most celebrated landscape artists, including Hans Heysen, Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin and Albert Namatjira. Their ability to capture the character of the Australian landscape continues to influence her work today.

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Travelling extensively throughout Australia in her motorhome provides a constant source of inspiration. From the rich reds of the Pilbara and Flinders Ranges to coastal scenes and native wildlife, she finds beauty wherever she goes. For Desma, painting remains both a passion and a lifelong learning journey.

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A collection of Desma's artwork is currently on display at the Bendigo Community Bank Community Display Space until 26 June. Visitors can also view and purchase several of her original artworks and artist merchandise at the Community Art Gallery in Proserpine.

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David Atkinson is a Sydney poet and winner of the inaugural Whitsundays Literary Heart Award Poetry Prize (2024).  

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Verandah by David Atkinson

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In midsummer, broiled weatherboard,
it is impossible to sleep.
Our parents escape with us
to the gauze-lined expanse

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of the veranda, to an inkling of air.
Waning daylight lustre blurs,
seconds slide into musk,
twilight dips into shadow.

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In the open we are kneaded into nature.
The night breathes a soft-hued concerto,
the wildlife variations.
A trotting fox yawls its solitary call.

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Beetles and moths are gathered
by candle light, restlessness reaches
up splintered posts. Childish rumination
on where somnolent snakes go at night.

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The rabbits of the ridge emerge
from their hairpin burrows,
graze on untrodden shoots,
an eye alert for spectral shadows.

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Beyond the stands of ringbarked trees
the muted moon rises
and the stars are glow worms
over the riverine flats.  

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This week’s winner is Dylan Wicks, for the theme “Something I have never taken a photo of”.  

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Dylan’s photo shows some Freestyle Motocross action under lights, taken at Mackay BB Print stadium.

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This week’s theme is “Textures”.

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Budding Photographers can take part via the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers group on Facebook.  

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A new government initiative is providing a $100 discount to holidaymakers booking local experiences. Photo source: Whitsunday Regional Council

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A new Regional Rewards initiative, created by the government in partnership with RACQ, is providing a $100 discount to travellers who spend $200 or more on local experiences.

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With 10,000 discounted bookings available across Queensland, the campaign is expected to generate more than $2 million in direct economic benefit for regional tourism businesses. 

Bookings will be made via ExperienceOz.com.au/QLD100 until 31^st July (or until sold out), with travel valid until 4^th October 2026, driving visitation throughout the peak winter period. 

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Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the initiative will support tourism operators and strengthen regional economies.

“Queensland is the Home of the Holiday, and Regional Rewards is putting real money into our regions, driving bookings, supporting jobs and backing local businesses,” he said.  

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“With 10,000 incentives on offer, we’re giving Queenslanders every reason to holiday at home and deliver real economic benefits where it matters most. 

RACQ MD & CEO David Carter said boosting tourism in regional centres helps drive a better future for all Queenslanders. 

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“Tourism is crucial for our regional economy, and we wanted to play our part to ensure these communities, and our members who live in them, are supported,” Mr Carter said. 

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Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler welcomed the initiative, which comes at a time when many tourism businesses continue to face challenging operating conditions. 

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“This is the type of initiative industry has been calling for,” Ms Wheeler said. 

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“QTIC has been advocating for measures that encourage more visitors to book tours, attractions and experiences, and we're pleased to see those concerns reflected in this campaign. 

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“Queensland has an extraordinary range of tourism experiences on offer, and initiatives like this help convert intention into bookings, supporting local businesses, jobs and communities right across the State.” 

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Shire of Whitsunday. A name change for the Shire was proposed to include ‘Whitsunday’which would promote publicity for the area. An opinion poll or a survey to determine popularity was suggested.

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Wildlife Competition. Many students entered posters or essays to a competition set by the Proserpine Branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society. The top entry with the title of Junior Conservationist of the Year was awarded to Monique Theuwsof Cannonvale School.

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Second Jetty Officer. It is proposed to advertise for the position of ‘Jetty Master’ at Shute Harbour to share duties and enable continuous supervision so that fees would not be missed.

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Obituary

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James [Jim] McDonald, 77 years old from Preston. Guards of honour were formed at the church by members of the Bowling Club and the RAOB Lodge.

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Lillian Hutchinson died aged 90 years. She emigrated from Peterborough, England and settled in Cannonvale in 1951 with her family. She was a leading figure in the building of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, and the QCWA, also as treasurer of the Ladies Guild. Sons Stanley and Ray and daughters Olive Peach, Doreen Moulding and Jill all survived her, as did her 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grand children.

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Hubert Robert Raymer, a long time resident of Marathon Street died aged 86.

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Ansett’s Investment. Ansett appointed former Hayman managing director Andre Maestracci to be director of South Molle and Hook Island, to popularise these resorts recently acquired by Ansett.

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“Fish Anywhere” Proserpine Whitsunday Sportfishing Club’s competition last weekend allowed members to fish their favourite spots so long as they were back by 4pm on Sunday for the weigh-in.

Good queenfish, King Salmon, and Barra were landed. Trevor Saunders won from Mick Muller with John Hinschen the best junior angler.

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Proserpine Boomerang Throwing is the newest sport in town, instigated by long time resident Bruce Bargo who had previous experience coaching youngsters in making and throwing boomerangs.

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Tennis Partners Reunite. Diane Hunt [nee Roberts] and Cheryl Raiteri [nee Pepper] rejoined after a 16-year break from their junior days at Cannonvale School, coached by the Principal, Jack Murphy. Diane and Cheryl finished fourth in the Home Hill Competition.

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Whitsunday Guiding. A region camp at Moranbah for guides and rangers was followed by an outing to Frankston Aquaculture Centre and a Mothers Day Parade at St. Martin’s Church Cannonvale.

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Careers Night is being organised by Airlie Beach Rotaract Club at the Reef Gateway Hotel. About 50 businesses will be represented with students being transported from schools by minibus.

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Bicentennial Presentation. Local committee members Vera McLennan and Alan Hobson presented Eddie Gray and son with recognition of their sponsorship of the local Bi-centenary plans.

Bike Rider Race in Bowen. Clint Burke, Stephen Madeo and the Penhalulhurick brothers were among an impressive group of Pee Wee riders doing battle in the Bowen 2 day event.

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Coral Sea Resort was nominated for the Queensland Tourist and Travel Awards.

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Real Estate Boom. Despite the gloomy outlook of the economy Barrier Reef Real Estate sold $7.5million of real estate to Melbourne investors including Whitsunday Shopping Centre, Airlie All Sports and Bluewater Villas.

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Local lady, Earlene, is seeking information regarding this historical photo of a band she found in her family’s archives. Do you know the story behind the picture? Get in touch!

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A group of local singers will step into the spotlight when members of Whitsunday Choral Voices join the cast of Your Song for a special one-night-only performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this July.

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Presented on Thursday, 30th July, Your Song celebrates Elton John’s iconic music through powerful storytelling and live performance. For the Proserpine show, local choir members will become part of the production in a unique theatrical collaboration.

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Over a series of rehearsals, 20–25 singers from Whitsunday Choral Voices will work alongside Your Song creator and director Naomi Price and music supervisor Luke Kennedy to prepare a special contribution to the performance.

More than a traditional choir appearance, local performers will also share their own personal stories connected to Elton John’s music. These stories will be spoken live during the show before the choir joins the cast for a moving performance of Candle in the Wind.

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The collaboration reflects the heart of Your Song — a celebration of real people and real stories inspired by Elton John’s extraordinary catalogue — and ensures the Proserpine performance carries a truly local voice.

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The choir will perform alongside acclaimed vocalists Jason Arrow, Luke Kennedy, Irena Lysiuk and John O’Hara, backed by a live band.

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Entertainment Manager at the PEC, Brett Annable, said the opportunity was a wonderful way to connect a nationally acclaimed production with local performers.

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“This is a really special opportunity for local singers to be part of a major touring production while sharing their own stories on stage. It adds a meaningful Whitsunday element to the performance and creates a memorable experience for both the choir and the audience.”

What: Your Song
When? Thursday 30th July, 7.30pm
Where? Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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If your Whitsunday home was affected by flooding during recent severe weather events, you could be eligible for funding to help better protect it from future floods.

The expanded Stronger Homes Grant program is now available to eligible homeowners impacted by the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle, and severe weather event commencing 24 December 2025. The grant may help make homes more resilient, reducing the cost, time and disruption of future flood recovery.

To find out if you're eligible, search “Stronger Homes Grant” at qld.gov.au.

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Mayor Ry Collins, Deputy Mayor John Finlay and Councillor Jan Clifford attended the ‘Stitch In Time’ exhibition at the PEC last Friday. Photo credit: Whitsunday Regional Council  

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The culmination of 12 months’ worth of creative endeavour by a group of passionate seniors was on display at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre’s ‘Stitch In Time’ art exhibition last Friday.

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Budding local artists undertook a series of creative workshops delivered through the Social Seniors Whitsundays project, an initiative of Whitsunday Regional Libraries aimed at reducing social isolation and encouraging community connection among older residents.

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The seniors from across the region worked alongside local artists to create unique textile-based memory books and artworks inspired by important moments and personal stories from their lives.

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The collection features a diverse range of artistic techniques and formats, including hand-woven textiles, needle-felted storytelling pieces and imaginative hand-printed memory books, each reflecting the personality and experiences of its creator.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins praised both the participants and the organisers for the positive impact the exhibition had within the community.

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“It was a pleasure to attend ‘A Stitch in Time’ exhibition as part of council’s Social Seniors initiative,” he said.

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“Our seniors are valued members of our community, and programs like this play an important role in reducing social isolation, building social connections and bringing people together to share their experiences in a creative and engaging way.”

“It was great to see work from right across the Whitsundays, a big congratulations to everyone who contributed their work and came along in support.

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“A special thank you also to Sue and her team for bringing this fantastic exhibition together and supporting our seniors across the region.

“The talent on display was impressive and the stories behind the artworks made it even more special.”

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Whitehaven Beach has been named Australia's top tourist attraction in TripAdvisor ranking based on traveller reviews

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Whitehaven Beach has been named Australia's top tourist attraction in TripAdvisor ranking based on traveller reviews, reinforcing The Whitsundays position as one of the country's most sought-after destinations.

The whole of the Whitsundays is celebrating the recognition, which reflects the consistently high quality of visitor experiences delivered by operators across the region.  

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The ranking is based on the volume and rating of TripAdvisor reviews submitted by visitors, with the vast majority of those who visited Whitehaven Beach awarding the destination top marks.

The ranking was compiled by Iglu Cruise, who analysed 40 of Australia's top tourist attractions on TripAdvisor, calculating the percentage of five-star reviews for each attraction.

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The recognition comes at a strong moment for The Whitsundays, with visitor demand growing and operators continuing to invest in the quality and range of experiences on offer.  

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For a destination that can only be reached by boat or air, the ranking reflects not just the natural drawcard of Whitehaven Beach itself, but the collective effort of an industry committed to delivering experiences that consistently exceed expectations.

Tim Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Whitsundays, said he is thrilled with the result.

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"To have Whitehaven Beach recognised as Australia's number one tourist attraction by TripAdvisor is a tremendous result and a direct reflection of the outstanding experiences our operators are delivering every day,” he shared.

"The Whitsundays is home to some of the best tourism operators in the country and this ranking is a testament to their commitment to delivering world-class experiences. It is a well-deserved recognition for everyone who works so hard to share this place with visitors."

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“When a lei was placed around my neck, I was briefly concerned I was about to be recruited into the dancing as well!” shared Mayor Ry Collins Photos suppled: Whitsunday Regional Council

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A multitude of different cultures formed a melting-pot of high energy sounds, flavours, traditions and performances at this years’ Whitsundays Multicultural Festival which was held in Bowen last Friday evening.

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Crowds enjoyed sampling tastes from around the world at a variety of stalls hosted by individuals eager to share their culture and ancestry.

Traditional dancers and musicians took to the stage, mesmerising the audience with vibrant, engaging displays.

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Workshops shared cultural techniques and skills while unique dress added colour and flare to the festivities.

Mayor Ry Collins attended the event, saying that different cultures create the rich fabric of Whitsunday life.

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“We celebrated the incredible diversity that helps make the Whitsundays such a special place to live at the Whitsunday Multicultural Festival on the Bowen Foreshore,” he shared.

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“With more than 6,000 residents born overseas, the Whitsundays is proudly multicultural, and events like this are a wonderful reminder of the cultures, traditions and stories that enrich our region.

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“There was fantastic food, music, dance and entertainment throughout the evening, with the Pacific Nations cultural performances a particular highlight that really got the crowd going.”  

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“A huge thank you to the organisers, volunteers, performers, stallholders and sponsors including North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and the Queensland Government who made the event possible.  

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“Most importantly, thank you to our community for embracing the values of inclusion, respect and connection that make the Whitsundays such a welcoming place to call home.”

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Airlie Beach has been named Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town for a fifth consecutive year. Photo supplied

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Airlie Beach has been named Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town for a fifth consecutive year cementing its reputation as one of the state's most consistently outstanding visitor destinations.

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The award recognises towns with a population of between 1,500 and 5,000 residents and is delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), which evaluates destinations across editorial quality, visitor itineraries, promotional video, online review scoresand a public vote.

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Port Douglas claimed silver in the category, recognised for its position at the meeting point of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.  

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Bronze was awarded to Esk, a Somerset region town known for its scenic valley views and country hospitality.

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With five consecutive wins now behind it, Airlie Beach advances to the national stage.  

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The Australian Top Tourism Awards will announce the winners on 15^th September, where Queensland's top towns compete against their interstate counterparts for national recognition.

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Tim Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Whitsundays, said five consecutive wins is a remarkable achievement, and one that speaks directly to the quality of what Airlie Beach delivers as a destination.

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“With 74 islands, Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, Airlie Beach is one of those rare towns where the natural setting is matched by the energy and character of the place itself, a thriving foreshore, a genuine dining and nightlife scene, and the warmth of a true Queensland community all come together in one place."

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“Year after year, Airlie Beach continues to raise the bar with operators investing in their product, businesses backing the visitor experience and a community that genuinely takes pride in welcoming people to The Whitsundays. We are proud to be taking Airlie Beach to the national stage in September."

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Airlie Beach might be small in size, but it continued to punch well above its weight on the national tourism stage.

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"Visitors come for the stunning scenery, our position as the gateway to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and access to 74 tropical islands, but they return because of the people, the atmosphere and the genuine North Queensland hospitality,” he said.

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"This award is a credit to our tourism operators, local businesses, volunteers and residents who help create an unforgettable experience for visitors every day.

"As one of Queensland's fastest growing regional communities, this recognition gives us even more confidence as we continue investing in the infrastructure, experiences and liveability that will support our future while preserving everything that makes Airlie Beach so special."

Gold 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Award Winners

• Top Tourism Town: Stanthorpe

• Top Small Tourism Town: Airlie Beach - Whitsundays 

• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Toogoolawah - Queensland Country

• Top Tour Guide: Jeb Connelly, Gems Tag A Long Tours - Queensland Country

Silver winners:

• Top Small Tourism Town: Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland

• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Hughenden, Outback Queensland 

• Top Tour Guide: Guy Watson, Urban Tours

Bronze winners:

• Top Small Tourism Town: Esk, Queensland Country

• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland

• Top Tour Guide: Paul Porteous, Cairns Adventure Group

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