Mackay ratepayers can collect up to four free native plants at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre’s mini open day on Saturday, May 16. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council  

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Green thumbs and nature lovers are invited to take home a little piece of the region this weekend, with a free native plant giveaway at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre.

The centre will open its gates for a mini open day on Saturday, May 16th from 9am to 12pm, giving Mackay ratepayers the opportunity to collect up to four free native plants while exploring the nursery and learning more about the important work happening behind the scenes.

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Visitors will have the chance to see how native plants are propagated and grown for use in local environmental projects across the region, while chatting with knowledgeable staff about the benefits of planting natives in home gardens.

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Collecting plants is simple. Residents just need to bring along a current rate notice to claim their free plants. Those who are not ratepayers, or who would like to take home extra plants, can also purchase additional natives for $3 each, with EFTPOS available.

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For those unable to attend the open day, plants can still be ordered through a convenient click and collect service during regular public opening hours on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council Libraries  

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Dads, grandads, uncles and father figures are invited to spend quality time with their little ones at the upcoming Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce session this Saturday.

Hosted by Mackay Regional Council Libraries, the free event will be held at Dudley Denny City Library on Saturday, May 16^th at 10am.

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The popular session invites dads to head along with their babies for a lively and engaging morning designed to strengthen connection while supporting early childhood development.  

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Through nursery rhymes and action songs, babies from birth to walking age are introduced to fun activities that encourage early language development.

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Research suggests that up to 90 per cent of brain development occurs within the first five years of life, making the early years an important time for interaction, communication and play.

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Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce provides a simple way for fathers and father figures to actively take part in these early experiences while creating meaningful memories with their children.

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The event is free, but bookings online are essential to secure a place.

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Photo supplied

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A selection of Mackay schools will once again lace up and step forward for National Walk Safely to School Day next Friday, 22^nd May, encouraging students to get active, boost their wellbeing and enjoy a little fresh air before the school bell rings.

Primary school students across the region are set to take part in the national initiative on Friday 22^nd May 2026, joining thousands of children around Australia who will walk to school as part of the annual event.

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Led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, the initiative is now in its 27th year and highlights the many benefits of active travel including improved health, road safety awareness and reduced car use around schools.

Several Mackay schools have already signed up to participate, including Fitzgerald State School, which has supported the event for several years, as well as Gargett State School.

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The event encourages families to replace the morning car ride with a walk, bike ride or other form of active travel where possible. Organisers say the simple act of walking to school can make a big difference to children’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

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Research shows children who are active before school often arrive more alert and ready to learn, helping them stay focused and productive throughout the day.

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National Walk Safely to School Day also highlights broader benefits for the community. By encouraging families to walk rather than drive, the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion around schools, improve road safety awareness and even help parents, and teachers, save fuel during the current crisis.

The program also encourages positive environmental action and supports the use of public transport where walking the entire distance is not possible.

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While the national event takes place on one day each year, organisers hope the message lasts much longer. The goal is to inspire families to build walking into their daily routines, whether that means walking the entire way to school, parking a short distance away and walking the rest, or including active play during recess and lunch breaks.

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For many students, the walk to school can also be a social opportunity, allowing children to chat with friends, enjoy the outdoors and start the day feeling energised.

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Schools, parents and carers are being encouraged to support the initiative and help children make active travel a regular part of their lifestyle.

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Drivers are also encouraged to remain extra vigilant near schools and high-traffic areas, as students, teachers and carers partake in National Walk Safely to School Day next week.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is encouraging North Queensland artists to apply for the Australian Parliament House Artist-in-Residence program. Photo supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willcox MP, is encouraging visual artists from across North Queensland to apply for the Australian Parliament House Artist-in-Residence program.  

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The initiative, delivered by the Department of Parliamentary Services, offers a unique opportunity for artists at any stage of their career to go behind the scenes at the national heart of democracy. Mr Willcox said the program provides a rare vantage point where politics, history, architecture, and art meet.  

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"This is a fantastic initiative to highlight the work of a selected artist and give them the opportunity to see the inner workings of Parliament House," Mr Willcox said.  

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"It is important that we support the arts. This program provides a rare opportunity for Australian artists to grow their practice and showcase our democracy through their own creative lens."  

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The architects of Parliament House, Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp, intended art to be integral to the architecture and function of the building. The artwork within the building enlivens the working environment and reflects the diversity of Australia’s identity, culture, character, and landscape.  

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The successful artist will receive a comprehensive package of support:  

• An artist fee for the Research Stage of $10,000.  

• An additional Commission Fee for new work of up to $30,000.  

• A travel and accommodation allowance of up to $15,000.  

• Access to a workspace within the Parliamentary Library.  

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"I would love to see a talented artist from our region take up this residency," Mr Willcox said.  

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"Dawson has a rich cultural identity; this is the perfect platform to present a fresh, regional perspective on one of our nation's most iconic environments."  

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Applications for the program are now open and will close at 11am on 16 June 2026. For further information and to apply, please visit the official website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Art/Parliament_House_Artist-in-Residence.

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This week I’ve opted for a well-known poem from the public domain – ‘I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud’ by William Wordsworth. I studied Wordsworth in school, and his poetry has always stuck with me. It focuses on connection between humanity and nature, citing nature as a means of profound spiritual nourishment. In a busy modern world, we can often stray from this idea and lose a sense of who we are.  

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It’s easy to get into the habit of thinking that life is some big challenge that needs to be conquered – as if everything we do is leading to some big grand revelation. But I don’t really believe that’s true. If anything, I feel like life is just really a series of random moments stitched together, and often the meaning or narrative only becomes clear retrospectively.  

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I think great change does not come through grand events, but rather small occurrences and interactions. We as individuals are a product of every person we’ve ever known, every action we’ve performed – every emotion we’ve felt.

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Amidst the busyness of modern life, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that we are only one species on a vast ever-evolving planet. Sometimes the great answer is not the career highlight or the attaining of a goal. It is merely existing as one with everything else.  

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The photo of the week winner is Lara Saunders for her photo of the moonlight in Hydeaway Bay. Next week’s theme is comfort.  

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Amateur Photographers

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Councillors Vote For a Rise In Expenses. Following heated discussion $150 per day expenses was agreed upon to cover travelling and accommodation costs when attending local authority conferences etc. These costs could be quite considerable.

Angry Motorist. A parking fine was paid in one cent and four cent stamps by an irate motorist who considered himself hard done by.

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Catholic Debutante Ball A Success. 20 debutantes were presented before a capacity crowd which danced its way past midnight.

Shute Harbour Jetty Fees Reviewed. Council decided on the appointment of a Jetty Discussion Group to oversee use of jetty, boat ramp and maintenance berth by various craft. Construction of the new ticket office would be completed.

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Obituary

Mary Elizabeth Crossley who died aged 91was an old local identity of Conway and Proserpine survived by four children.

Raymond Clifford Warren, an old local resident died aged 54 following a long illness.

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Doreen May West a member of another old local family died aged 73.

1986 Australian Rodeo Championships. The Proserpine venue for this prestigious event was in good condition and over 600 nominations were expected. Some of the Cowboys entered had already competed all over the World, for example Calgary, Denver, and El Paso Texas. Activities will commence with a Mardis Gras down the Main Street, Miss Rodeo Whitsunday and Australian Whip Cracking Championships.

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Cane Harvesting. One million tonnes is being predicted this year.

Bicentennial Project. Volunteers are being encouraged to clear a two metre walkway from Cannon Valley Baths to Shingley Beach.

Journalist/ Photographer Kieran Lewis has left the Guardian for a new job in the Queensland Government.

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Tug-o-War for Ladies. Whitsunday Lions are planning a ladies tug-o-war competition for their Fun Day in June. Baton Twirlers, bands and singing groups have also been urged to participate.

Mothers’s Day Function. Womens’s Section of the National Party held a successful Mothers’ Day at the Cultural Hall. Gladys Wesche received warm applause for ‘The mother with most children’ with eleven and no fewer than thirty four grandchildren.

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Town Of Whitsunday. State member Geoff Muntz proposed a new town of Whitsunday through the WTA and the Proserpine Shire Council, incorporating Cannonvale, Shute Harbour and Airlie Beach.

High School. Year 11 Camp took place at Cape Hillsborough.

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Congratulations to Les Humphries and Bradley Watson chosen for the N.Q.Squash team with Juanita Lewis chosen as reserve.

Cannonvale School Fete was a successful money raising community event enjoyed by many.

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Whitsunday Boxing Club. A crowd of 250 enjoyed the night with local wins from Martin Turner, Martin Goldsbury, Shortie McGoldrick and Greg Meade.

ARL. Airlie Bloods beat Trend United at Proserpine Showgrounds to move into the top four.

ABC TV Channel 4 Fri. 8.00pm The Two Ronnies.

St.Catherine’s School Cent Sale. Funds raised would go towards the school’s two computers, recently installed.

Baton Twirlers.Whitsunday Roulette Baton Twirlers performed at the flea market at the Cultural Hall on Saturday.

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Rugby Union. Raiders beat Mackay Keas despite missing half back Peter Chengody who was playing for North Queensland.

Local matches took place in a variety of other sports including tennis, squash, soccer, squash, bowls, league, netball, basketball,golf, motor cycling and darts

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Lance Corporal William Worthington QX11731

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Jupp, Faust, Waite, Dobbins and Setter are some familiar early pioneering names of Proserpine; people with drive, dreams and enthusiasm for what they were doing. Many men and women have followed in the footsteps of these early pioneers; people with similar ideals who have contributed to our livesand improved the lifestyle of our community.  

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One such man is Bill Worthington. Born on June 15, 1915 at Castlemaine, Victoria, he came to Proserpine in 1925 with his parents, William and Catherine. After finishing school at 14, he became an apprentice carpenter. While employed by Dave Mackay, he worked on building jobs in Brisbane and New South Wales. Upon finishing his trade, he joined the circus and made his way home to Proserpine.  

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In his teens, Bill was a talented boxer and cyclist and in his 20s, he was heavily involved in the local theatre. At sixteen, Bill moved to his own dairy and cattle property of 22.5 acres located at Strathdickie. At the age of twenty, he built his house there with Ollie Britten. This clearly demonstrated the incredible drive that Bill possessed, and he quickly channelled this towards enriching the lifestyle of this community.  

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Bill became a member of the local militia and when war broke out in 1939, he enlisted. Because of his militia experience, he helped train others at Redbank Plains, Brisbane, before being sent to the Middle East in 1940 as part of backup troops to those on the front line. With the Japanese advance in south-east Asia in 1941- 42, Bill was amongst troops brought back to Australia and sent to New Guinea where he served in Milne Bay and Shaggy Ridge until 1943 and in Borneo in 1944.  

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When the war was over and Bill returned to civilian life, he took up French polishing and spray painting in his brother's business and then with Mr R Ruge. While overseas, he had asked his family to sell his farm.

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Bill joined the RSL and was a foundation member of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. He became a Life Member and served as president of both organisations. For almost forty years, Bill served the RSL of Australia and he assisted particularly with the funerals of ex-servicemen.  

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On a lighter side, Bill and his sons were responsible for the first ever toad race which was held at an RSL barbecue at Pattemore’s Caravan Park, Airlie Beach in the 1960s.  

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Bill held several positions on numerous organisations - President of the Proserpine Amateur Swimming Club; Vice President of the Whitehaven Aged Care Committee and President of the Proserpine Meals on Wheels Committee. He also served on P&C Committees of both primary and secondary schoolsand was adopted by the Cannonvale State School as their WW2 veteran. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts Committee and Proserpine Citizens’ Band Committee.  

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Furthermore, Bill was a Foundation Member of the Proserpine Historical Museum, serving as both President and Treasurer of the ‘Save the Loco’ Committee. He used his carpentry skills to build the museum's ‘Out House’ display, as well as stools and benches for public use. He also contributed to the museum’s fundraising efforts by constructing dolls’ houses etc to be raffled.

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On Australia Day, 1992, Bill Worthington was fittingly awarded the Shire Community Award for his contribution to his community.

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Bill and his wife, Peg, lived all their married life in Proserpine where they raised four children - Peter, Bruce, Neil and Janet. We were indeed fortunate to have Bill Worthington as part of our community.  

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Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum Archives.

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Australia’s longest-running Beatles tribute act, The Beatnix, will return to the stage this May with two performances celebrating the music and legacy of the Fab Four.

Performing on Saturday 23rd May and Sunday 24^th May, the acclaimed tribute band will take audiences on a journey through the many eras of The Beatles, recreating the sound and style that defined a generation.

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Formed in Perth in 1980 by founder Tony Dean, the group has spent more than three decades building a reputation as one of Australia’s premier Beatles tribute shows. Their performances capture everything from the early days of Beatlemania through to the band’s later studio years, featuring faithful renditions of classic hits from across the Beatles catalogue.  

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The group has seen a wide range of lineup changes and iterations.

“The band has been going for a long time,” said David Stanley, who has been performing as George Harrison for 15 years.  

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“We’re doing multiple sets which means we can cover quite a bit of the catalogue. We’re able to include a few cult hits and Beatles easter eggs.”

Known for their attention to detail, The Beatnix perform using authentic instruments, costumes and stage props to recreate the atmosphere of a live Beatles concert. The show begins with the iconic black-and-white suits of the early touring years before transitioning into the colourful Sgt Pepper-era costumes in the second half.

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“We’re doing Sergeant Pepper’s, early Beatles and even the Abbey Road style as well.”

The enduring popularity of Beatles music continues to attract audiences of all ages, with fans drawn to the timeless songwriting and nostalgia of the era. Organisers say the upcoming performances promise a night filled with singalongs, memories and classic tunes spanning the group’s entire career.

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“The Beatles are one of those bands who blow people away when they discover them for the first time. They are just that good. There are huge cultural achievements in life that just continue to survive. The Beatles have become so classic that they are an institution in their own right.”

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There will be costume changes and heaps of Beatlemania to celebrate this legendary band.

Get down to the Airlie Beach Hotel for 2 free shows of Beatles fun.  

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WHAT: The Beatnix, 2 Free Shows

WHEN: Saturday 23^rd May, Sunday 24^th May, 2pm – 5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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May

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

18 Placing of the flags, Proserpine Cemetery, 9am

19 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

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

21 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm

24 Community Volunteer Expo, Bowen Sunday Markets

26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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

29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am

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June

3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am

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

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

9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event

18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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The Gentlemen’s Ride first started in Sydney in 2012, and has been run in Bowen for the last 5 years Photo supplied

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The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is set to take place in Bowen this weekend. The annual event - which has been hosted by Barry and Sue Tapp for the past five years – will be held again on Sunday 17^th May to raise money for men’s mental health.

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The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is a fundraiser that was first started in Sydney by Mark Hawwa, 15 years ago. Since then, the initiative spread across 121 countries, raising over $82 million worldwide. Money is generated through sponsorship of riders, who all congregate on the day in dapper dress to show their support.  

Proceeds are primarily donated to Movember, the leading global charity which focuses on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  

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“Every year we have dapper ladies and gents suit up and ride their classic, retro and vintage motorcycles through the streets of Bowen,” said ride host Barry Tapp.  

“In the past, riders have come from as far away as Sarina and Ayr to participate.”

The event will feature a ride around town, concluding at the Bowen Community Markets where community members will be able to view the rider’s vehicles as part of a display.  

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The event was begun in Bowen by couple Barry and Sue Tapp, who wanted to raise awareness for mental health issues in the community.  

“We’ve been affected by people passing away due to mental health struggles,” Barry said.  

The event has now become a staple of the community with great anticipation for Sunday’s ride.  

“All bikes are welcome in Bowen — from choppers to scooters and everything in between. While the spirit of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is inspired by classic and vintage style motorcycles, the Bowen ride welcomes riders of all makes, models and styles to come together in support of men’s mental health and prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation.”  

For information about sponsorship and registration, please see the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website: https://gentlemansride.com/about/programs-we-fund

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WHAT: Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride

WHEN: Sunday 17^th May, 8am

WHERE: Bowen  

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The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has seen great success in previous years and its announcement is met with great anticipation. Photo source: Whitsunday and Mackay Life Newspaper

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The 2026 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has been officially announced to take place on Friday 12^th June.

Set to be a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and diversity, the festival will showcase the many communities that call the Whitsundays home, bringing together families, visitors and local groups for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.

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Held at the Bowen Sound Shell, the event will feature live performances, cultural displays, markets, family-friendly activities and fireworks proudly sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Organisers say the festival is designed to highlight the region’s rich multicultural identity while providing a welcoming space for people to share traditions, food and performance.

Community participation is a key focus of this year’s event, with expressions of interest now open for cultural groups, stallholders, vendors, educators, workshop facilitators, musicians and dancers. Organisers are encouraging local and regional participants to get involved and help shape the program.

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Applications are open via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, with submissions closing 31 May 2026: https://bit.ly/WMCF2026  

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What: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival
When: Friday 12 June 2026, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Bowen Sound Shell

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Absolutely 80s features some of Australia’s most iconic music outfits Photo source: Facebook

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Behind the Airlie Beach Hotel’s celebratory birthday show is an iconic project that has featured an impressive roster of Aussie rock icons.  

Over the past 20 years, Absolutely 80s has been a who’s-who of Australian rock royalty, starring the likes of: Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera), Mark Gable (Choirboys), Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum (legendary music journalist and TV personality), Ross Wilson (Mondo Rock), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Grace Knight (Eurogliders) and Shane Howard (Goanna) – just to name a few.  

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Each act sold hundreds of thousands of records nationally and internationally back in the 80s, and now they bring their expertise to the modern circuits.  

Absolutely 80s boasts a loyal fan base of 35,000 people across the country who show their support and prove that Australian 80s music has indeed stood the test of time. Whether it’s the austere grit of Midnight Oil, the sentimentality of INXS, the neurotic charm of Men at Work or the golden nostalgia of Cold Chisel, the period of music has maintained relevancy for its enthusiasm, authenticity and intensity.  

Songs such as the anthemic ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ (INXS), politically engaged ‘Beds Are Burning’ (Midnight Oil), sparse ‘Great Southern Land’ (Icehouse) among many others continue to receive frequent airtime, whilst Absolutely 80s take extensive circuits around the country.

Expect singalongs, energy, Friday night birthday vibes and big hits including ‘Everybody Wants To Work’, ‘Change In Mood’, ‘Wanna Be Up’, ‘Witch Queen’.

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WHAT: The Pub’s Birthday Featuring Absolutely 80s ‘Supergroup’, FREE SHOW

WHEN: Friday 15^th May, 5pm onwards

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHAT: BACK2BACK – Absolutely 80s, 2 FREE SHOWS  

WHEN: Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May, 2pm – 5.30pm  

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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For a decade, the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Show & Shine has been a key event in the region’s calendar. Photo source: Whitsunday and Mackay Life

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Motoring enthusiasts from across the region are preparing to gather in Airlie Beach later this month as the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Show & Shine celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The much-loved community event will return to the picturesque Coral Sea Marina Gardens on Saturday, 30th May 2026, promising a morning of classic cars, bikes, family entertainment and community spirit.

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Over the past decade, the annual Show & Shine has become a popular fixture on the Whitsundays events calendar, attracting vehicle owners, spectators and local organisations from throughout the region. Organisers say the milestone event will be one of the biggest showcases yet, highlighting the Whitsundays’ strong community connection and passion for motoring culture.

Registrations are now open for entrants across a range of categories including cars, bikes, utes and four-wheel drives, with enthusiasts expected to travel from near and far to display their pride and joy along the waterfront.

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One of the event’s most anticipated attractions, the crowd-favourite “Rocker Cover Racing”, will return from 10.30am, giving competitors the chance to battle it out for the 2026 championship title.

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The event will also feature displays and demonstrations from several local organisations and emergency services including Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire Department, Marine Rescue Whitsundays, PCYC and the Whitsunday Moto Kart Club, alongside local market stalls and food vendors.

Organisers thanked the community, sponsors and participants for supporting the event over the past 10 years and helping it grow into a celebrated Whitsunday tradition.

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What: 10th Annual Whitsunday Cruisin’ Show & Shine
When: Saturday, 30th May 2026, 8am – 12.30pm
Where: Coral Sea Marina Gardens, Airlie Beach

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The theme Beyond Beauty asks what happens when we move into story, emotion, memory, mystery, and revelation. Photo source: Facebook

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition is set to return to Airlie Beach in 2026, bringing together artists, creatives and art lovers from across the Great Barrier Reef region for one of the Whitsundays’ leading cultural events.

Presented by Creative Connections Whitsundays, the exhibition will run from 30th July to 2nd August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club as part of the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival program.

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Now entering its fourth year, the exhibition continues to grow in both scale and participation. In 2025, the event attracted more than 1,200 visitors, including 150 guests at the opening night celebration.

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The 2026 theme, Beyond Beauty, invites artists to explore deeper ideas of story, memory, emotion and connection beyond surface appearances. Entries are open to artists aged 16 years and over living throughout the Great Barrier Reef region, from Agnes Water to Cooktown, with submissions closing on 29th June 2026.

The exhibition will showcase more than 80 selected works across painting, sculpture and photography, with entries accepted in 2D, 3D and photographic categories.

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Creative Connections Whitsundays President Glenda Brown said the exhibition provides opportunities for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work to a wide audience.

An $8,000 prize pool will be awarded across several categories, including the prestigious Best in Show Award sponsored by Whitsunday Regional Council.

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What: Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: 30th July – 2nd August 2026
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club

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