Saturday 12^th September

Pioneer Paddling at Platypus Beach  

9.30am

Grab your kayak, canoe or paddle board and join fellow locals for a relaxed morning paddle along the Pioneer River. Meet at Platypus Beach at 9.30am. Kids and teens are welcome with their own craft and a moderate fitness level, or when paddling with a parent or guardian on a two-person craft. The section of river is described as safe and calm for paddling or swimming. The group is also planning more social activities, including hikes and swims. A new members’ BBQ will be held at Lambert’s Beach from 2pm

Platypus beach  

Highway Number Country Music Association family night  

From 7pm  

Commencing at 7.00pm out at the Bakers Creek Community Hall. Admission only $5.00 and the best supper is provided FREE. Artists: If you'd like to sing Rock & Roll on Saturday night please do so. There is heaps of floor that isn't being used on the day and dancing is welcome. Phone Betty if you would like more information 0434 911 712.

Bakers Creek Community Hall

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Sunday 13^th September  

Community Car Boot Sale

8am-11am

The Mackay Northern Beaches Lions Club is inviting the community to give pre-loved treasures a new home at its Community Car Boot Sale. Come along to sell, give away, browse for bargains or discover an unexpected gem, while helping reduce waste and meet fellow locals. Whether you’re decluttering, downsizing or simply love a good find, there’s something for everyone.  

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School PAC Car Park.

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Tuesday 15^th September

Mackay Seniors Expo 2026

From 9am-12pm

Mackay seniors, families, friends and carers are invited to a morning of connection, information and community at the Seniors Expo 2026. With more than 80 exhibitors and around 2,000 attendees expected, the expo offers the chance to discover local services, programs and support, while meeting organisations from across the region. Enjoy informative displays, stallholders, coffee, snacks and a sausage sizzle in a friendly atmosphere. Entry is free, with accessible parking available.

The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds.

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Sarina will be buzzing with creativity this weekend, with locals invited to come along and enjoy a celebration of local talent at Art in the Park.

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Presented by the Sarina Arts Council and Sarina Art Gallery, the event will take place on Saturday 12^th September, from 9am to 2pm at Field of Dreams Parklands.

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The event will showcase a variety of local artwork, with pieces on display and available for purchase, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the talent within their own community and perhaps take home something unique.

There will also be jewellery, live music and art activities for children, creating a relaxed morning out for families, art lovers and anyone wanting to support local makers and creatives.

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Organisers are encouraging the community to wander through the stalls, meet local artists and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

The event will also coincide with celebrations marking the Sarina Sugar Shed’s 20th anniversary, adding to what promises to be a lively day in the heart of Sarina.

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For local artists, Art in the Park provides an opportunity to put their work in front of the community, while visitors can enjoy an accessible and relaxed introduction to the region’s creative scene.

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Whether you’re passionate about art, looking for something handmade, or simply searching for something to do this weekend, Art in the Park is a chance to get out, support local talent and enjoy a morning in Sarina!

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What: Art in the Park

When: Saturday 12^th September, 9am–2pm

Where: Field of Dreams Parklands, Sarina

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The Woodpile, Hook Island, Colour Study (image credit Linda Forrester)

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What Fuels an Artist's Creativity?  

By Linda Forrester, Vice President and Gallery Coordinator, Creative Connections Whitsunday  

In the world of art, the spark that drives an artist to create can come from many places. Some find inspiration in the quiet beauty of nature, others in the hustle and bustle of city life.  

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But what really gets an artist's creative juices flowing? It turns out to be a mix of personal experiences, community interaction, and a love for the act of creation itself.  

Nature is a common source of inspiration for many artists. The stunning views and natural wonders, like those found in here in the Whitsundays, can motivate artists to try to capture the beauty they see. The way the light changes throughout the day or the endless variety of colours in a landscape can push an artist to pick up their brush, pencil, or camera.  

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Being part of an art group or community also fuels creativity. The encouragement and feedback from fellow artists can be incredibly motivating. Sharing work, ideas, and success within a community helps artists feel connected and part of something bigger, fostering a creative environment where everyone can grow.  

Artists also draw inspiration from their own emotions and life experiences. For some, creating art is a way to work through feelings and thoughts that are hard to express in words. It can be a personal journey that helps artists understand themselves and the world around them better.  

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The desire to make a difference or send a message through art is another powerful motivator. Many artists use their work to highlight important issues, share stories, or inspire change. This sense of purpose can drive an artist to create works that not only look beautiful but also have a deeper meaning.  

Lastly, the simple love of creating something new is a big part of what drives artists. The process of learning, experimenting, and seeing an idea come to life is rewarding in itself. It's about the joy of making and the satisfaction that comes from the creative process.  

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In short, artists are motivated by a combination of the beauty they see in the world, the support of their peers, the exploration of personal experiences, the desire to impact the world positively, and the pure pleasure of creating.  

Each artist's journey is unique, but they all share a common thread – the transformative power of art to inspire, connect, and reveal the beauty in our lives and in ourselves.  

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Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

Whitsundays Writers Festival  

Richard Evans  

Festival Director and President

hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

Join the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival’s FREE community event, 3pm-4:30pm Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club.  

Creative Connections Whitsunday  

Glenda Brown  

President  

info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.  

Get in touch!  

If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

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Small Art, Big Impact at Community Gallery fundraiser   

Creative Connections Whitsunday will be hosting a special fundraising evening at the Community Gallery in Proserpine on Thursday 24th September from 6pm to 8pm, bringing together local art and community support.  

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Along with its usual selection of original artworks and unique gifts, the Gallery will showcase a selection of small original artworks, all created and donated by local artists. Including a mix of emerging, professional and locally renowned award-winning artists.  

Each artwork will be available to purchase for just $100, giving visitors the opportunity to take home an original piece of art with 100% of the sale directly supporting the Community Gallery.  

There will also be an art auction on the night and visitors can purchase other artworks and merchandise.   

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The fundraiser is open to everyone, with a bar and light refreshments available during the evening.  

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Funds raised will support the ongoing operation and development of the volunteer-run Community Gallery and its work showcasing artists from across the Whitsundays region.  

Come along, browse the collection, discover a new favourite artist and help support a growing local creative community.  

What? Community Gallery Fundraiser  
When? 6pm-8pm Thursday 24th September  
Where? 192 Main Street, Proserpine  

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What’s On This Sunday: Markets, Art & Stories  

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There’s plenty happening across the Whitsundays this Sunday 13th September, with markets, local art, books, and live entertainment offering the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the community.  

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Start the morning at the Proserpine Community Markets, running from 8am to noon at the Proserpine Showgrounds.  

Run by locals for locals, the markets bring together stallholders from across the region, with handmade crafts, Whitsunday-made products, local goodies and live music. Grab breakfast from the barbecue or food vans, hunt for a bargain in the Car Boot section, or let the kids get creative with cookie decorating. Dogs are welcome too, provided they’re kept on a lead.  

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Then head to Cannonvale for the Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Stories by the Sea at the Whitsunday Marine Club.  

From 11am, local artists will be creating works outdoors as part of the Creative Connections Whitsunday Plein Air Art Challenge, drawing inspiration from the Whitsundays and the waterfront setting.  

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Visitors can watch the artworks develop throughout the day before voting for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award, announced at 4pm. Completed works will also be available through a silent auction, with 100 per cent of sales going directly to participating artists.  

The Plein Air Challenge leads into Stories by the Sea from 3pm to 4.30pm, a free community celebration featuring regional authors, books, readings, music, activities and more.  

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So why not make a Sunday of it? Browse the markets in Proserpine in the morning, then head towards the coast for an afternoon celebrating local artists, writers and creativity by the sea.  

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What: Proserpine Community Markets    
When:  8am-12pm Sunday 13th September    
Where:  Proserpine Showgrounds  

What: Stories by the Sea  
When: 3.00–4.30pm Sunday 13th September  
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club  

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There is something eerie about a misty morning, when a seemingly regular landscape can take on a mystical persona.  

Gladys Young captured this week’s winning photograph, titled Morning Mist, at a farm near Bowen.

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The cloudy blanket of mist settling across the property creates a quiet and peaceful scene, pinpointing that brief moment before the morning sun lifts the haze and the day begins.

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Congratulations, Gladys, you certainly made the most of a misty morning!

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For next week’s Photo of the Week, the theme is “Wings”.

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Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing fantastic images.

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Great Day For The Brahmans. A crowd close to 2000 witnessed Brahman’s resounding 36-6 victory over Bowen Pirates and its passage through to the Grand Finals in Townsville, which included Sean Padden’s hat trick of tries. Glenden stole the reserve grade over Collinsville.  

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Dam Project Progress. The construction of a village to house the many workers involved began this week.  

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Obituary  

Mary Winifred McCarthy. This long time resident of Ann St. died aged 73.  

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Flashed Lights To Warn. Acting magistrate fined two people for flashing their lights to warn oncoming traffic of the presence of a police radar trap.  

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Marijuana At Kelsey. Two people were convicted of growing an illegal plant or having a smoking utensil in their possession.  

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Primary School District Athletics. Team honours went to Cannonvale. Among several new records set were Shane Dibben’s 800 metres, John Hoad’s 1.52m. High jump and Ricky Lingwoodock’s 4.30 metre long jump.  

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Proserpine Whitsunday Sport Fishing Club annual team challenge attracted teams from the Burdekin, Bowen and Mackay. Highest point scoring fish and heaviest fish was a 33kg sailfish landed by Chris Gilmore.  

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24 Hour Trading. Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce president Mike Storkey explained that extended trading on a six day a week basis was being applied for, but the proposal to gain unrestricted trading hours was the ultimate aim.  

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Classic Wool Parade. Proserpine ladies modelled classic wool designs along with classic hats and stunning accessories in front of about 200 people at the Reef Gateway Hotel on Thursday night.  

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Sand For Airlie. 3000 cubic metres of sand was delivered and spread evenly on what was previously a mud flat to put the beach back into Airlie ‘Beach’.  

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Cannonvale School Extension. Tenders for a new teaching block at Cannonvale School have been called to house tuck shop, amenities, and classroom expansion.  

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Boras Hopes Win. Local tug-a-war team Boras Hopes led by captain coach Ron Borellini pulled successfully against 5 Mackay teams, and then beat Boomerang Hotel a team that out weighed them by 140 kgs, in the final.  

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Sourced by the Proserpine Guardian.

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"Captain Seaweed" was a well-known local boat skipper and character around Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour during the early days of the region's tourism and cruising industry. He started his career working on the early cruise boats out of Shute Harbour such as “Fantasea”. Bill Williams was memorable for ferrying passengers and bringing travelling musicians across the water for local jam sessions and was a significant part of the vibrant early local music and sailing culture. He was also a man who looked out for others.  

Memories from the late Ken Looke, long time Whitsunday local.  

“We first met Bill Williams (aka Captain Seaweed) on the beach at Horseshoe Bay which was the name for Airlie Beach in those days. There was only one shop then, no pub (the closest pubs being at Proserpine). Everything that was needed was sold at the shop. If it wasn’t sold there, it was not needed. It was also the post office.  

Bill was conducting day sailing tours on the good ship “Southern Maid” owned by Andrew Martin of the Percy Islands, and he asked if I would like to go sailing with him the next day. We subsequently set sail from the old (not the original) Cannonvale Jetty, in a good brisk sou’easter, making ten knots towards Hayman Island where we passed through Hook Passage out to Deloraine anchoring there in a reasonable depth of water.  

When we decided to move, the anchor had fouled. As we tried to free it, the ratchet and pawl failed, spinning the winch handle backwards and breaking the operator’s forearm. While Captain Seaweed worked to tame the huge sail and turn “Southern Maid” into the wind, a second crewman suffered the same fate, but the jolt freed the anchor. Once recovered, we headed for Hayman as quickly as possible. The helicopter crew, alerted by radio, met us to fly the injured men to Proserpine. It was not the usual brochure day sail, but it showed what the Whitsundays can be like when the sou’easterlies are up.  

From then on, our friendship with the Williams family developed. We helped Bill and Josephine get their house built in Cannonvale and spent many enjoyable musical evenings there with our growing families - Bill playing his one-string tea box bass, Merv Jones on tenor banjo, Banjo Jack on standard banjo (5 string), occasionally on guitar, myself on tenor banjo. The kids played outside getting all sticky with molasses, roasting and eating large brown grasshoppers, as kids used to do! The Williams Family eventually numbered four children - William Jnr, Elizabeth, Joseph and Jason.  

Captain Seaweed was the first face we saw on the morning of Cyclone Ada. Around 10 am, though it was still dark, he peered through the horizontal rain into our Kombi van, his curly black hair plastered down, and asked, “Is everybody OK?” We had sheltered there after losing our roof and some walls. Bill had walked from Shute Harbour, where he had spent the night helping secure vessels amid cracking trees and flying branches. Unable to save his beloved ‘Seabird”,hard aground with timber through her hull, he had crawled across the jetty towards where “Mirmar” was going to pieces. His Morris van, its paint gravel-blasted off, had ended up in Bob Porter’s Jetty Kiosk window. It was a dirty night. Once he knew we were safe, Billy continued home — another hour’s walk on a good day.  

Captain Seaweed was taken from us too soon, a catastrophic iatrogenic event. His passing was a great loss to the community.”  

Story sourced from memories of Ken Looke. Photo sourced from “Remembering Cyclone Ada”  

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Samuel L. Jackson and Sarah Darkin. Photo supplied: Sarah Darkin

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Whitsunday local Sarah Darkin is no stranger to the camera. Having worked alongside huge personalities in film, she is now auditioning to take centre stage herself, as she sets her sights on the Big Brother Australia house.

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As a little person, Sarah has spent much of her life encountering assumptions about what she can and cannot do. Rather than allowing those expectations to define her, Sarah has learned to adapt, back herself and approach life with humour that she hopes to bring into the big brother house next year.

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“I think I’ll surprise people,” she said.

“People will wonder, ‘How is she going to reach that? How is she going to do that?’ But I’m just like anybody else.  

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“I’m not any different, I’m just Sarah.”

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Sarah’s confidence has seen her through a varied career. She currently works at Barefoot Medical Centre, where she regularly meets people from all walks of life and has learned to handle difficult situations calmly – something sure to help should she make it into the Big Brother House.  

Her main tactic in tough scenarios? “Kill them with kindness”.

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Sarah has also worked in the film industry, appearing in Taika Waititi’s New Zealand production of Time Bandits and spending time on Star Wars sets with major figures including George Lucas, Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson.

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If selected, Sarah hopes to bring plenty of humour, a willingness to tackle every challenge and perhaps a little mischief, admitting her fellow housemates may need to keep a close eye on the chocolate supply.

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“I just want to get in there and show everyone that I’m just like everybody else,” she said.

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Big Stadium Rock Show. All photos supplied: Airlie Beach Hotel.  

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Airlie Beach is turning up the volume this weekend as the Big Stadium Rock Show brings two free afternoons of classic 80s and 90s anthems to the Airlie Beach Hotel.

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Taking over the stage on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, the production celebrates the days when rock was loud, hair was big and live shows were packed with commanding vocals, screaming guitar solos and plenty of theatrics.

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Powerhouse vocalists Shaleena Bain, Tara Graham and Adam Spizzo will lead audiences through some of the era’s most recognisable hits, made famous by rock giants including Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Metallica, AC/DC, KISS, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake.

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Backed by a killer live rock band, the trio can transform even an intimate venue into a stadium, recreating the larger-than-life performances that made these artists rock legends.

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Since debuting in 2021, the Big Stadium Rock Show has become one of Wild Goat Entertainment producer Melanie Evans’ most successful productions. It returns to Airlie Beach under the direction of Maureen Bowra and Tommy Hynes, bringing the spirit of the world’s biggest rock stages to the heart of the Whitsundays.

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Audiences are invited to sing along, pump their fists and put their best air-guitar skills to the test. Those feeling particularly nostalgic can even dust off the spandex attire, maybe even style your hair all big. Although there will be no judgement for anyone who prefers to sit back and enjoy the show instead.

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The show will run from 2pm to 5.30pm on both afternoons. Entry is free, with table bookings available through the Airlie Beach Hotel website.

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What: Big Stadium Rock Show

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

When: Saturday 19th September and Sunday 20th September, from 2pm-5.30pm

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11^th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, 9am-5pm, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays  

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

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

12^th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, 9am-5pm, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays  

12^th Bowen Orchid and Foliage Society Spring Show, 10am, Bowen Showgrounds, Bowen  

12^th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

12^th Soul Cutz, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

12^th 2026 Whitsunday Airport Shute Harbour Runway Dinner, TBA, Main Terminal, Shute Harbour Road, Whitsundays  

13^th Proserpine Community Spring Market, 8am-12pm, Proserpine Showgrounds, Proserpine  

13^th Soul Cutz, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

13^th Whitsundays Writers Festival, 11am-4:30pm, Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  

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

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

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

19^th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

19^th Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

20^th Big Stadium Rock Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

22^nd The Librarian, 11am-12pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

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Teeny Tiny Stevies (ABC Kids). Photo credit: Brian Carr.

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From toilet training to teaching children they are the boss of their own bodies, Teeny Tiny Stevies have a knack for turning some of childhood’s trickiest lessons into songs the whole family can enjoy.

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Now, the ARIA Award-winning children’s group is bringing its colourful catalogue to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Friday 25th September, promising a proper live gig that the kids and parents can get around.  

“It is a proper live gig with a four-piece band, there are no backing tracks or characters dressed up in costumes,” said Sibylla Stephen, co-founder and vocalist of the Teeny Tiny Stevies.

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“There’s lots of fun and engagement for the kids, but there are also jokes aimed straight at mum and dad, so we hope it’s a really enjoyable experience for the whole family.”

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Sibylla and her sister Beth have performed together in their grownup band, The Little Stevies, since they were 18. About a decade ago, they launched Teeny Tiny Stevies as a way to help their own children learn through music.

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“I had a three-year-old and a new baby, and I was trying to teach my child how to use the toilet,” Sibylla said.  

“You never really think about how to do that until you’re teaching another human being, so I instinctively started looking for songs and books that could help.”

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Their songs have also found a place beyond the stage, with schools, childcare centres and educators using them to introduce young children to important topics in a positive and approachable way.

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One of their best-known tracks, Boss of My Own Body, helps children understand body autonomy and personal safety, while their unlikely breakout hit, I Only Go to the Toilet on the Toilet, continues to make toilet training a little easier for families.

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Set to go on tour, Sibylla still feels the most rewarding part is seeing those songs create small moments of connection between parents and their children.  

“We’re able to provide these little experiences and then watch them happen in front of us, it’s so cool,” Sibylla said.  

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When: Friday 25th September
Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
What: Teeny Tiny Stevies (ABC Kids)

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11th September

ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ night, 8pm onwards

12th September

ABH: Soulcutz, 2pm-5:30pm

ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento’s: Andrew Baldino, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Luke Miller Band, 8pm onwards

13th September

ABH: Soulcutz, 2pm-5:30pm,  

ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm  

Sorrentos: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm

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

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Nite Johnson, 1pm-5pm

14th August

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

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

15th September  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Grace Franklin, 8pm-10pm  

16th September  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Grace Franklin, 8pm-10pm

17th September

ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill:, 8pm-10pm

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Tickets for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards are now on sale. Join us on Friday 9th October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for a night celebrating the businesses and individuals that contribute to the strength and success of our region.

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Support local business and secure your tickets through the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry website.

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Cait Fleming, Richard Evans and Julia Evans. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival has officially sold out its main program, with book lovers preparing to gather for a full day of stories and ideas on Sunday 13th September.

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Those who missed out on a ticket can still join the festival fun however, with its free community finale, Stories by the Sea, open to everyone from 3pm to 4.30pm.

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Held at the Whitsunday Marine Club in Cannonvale, the relaxed waterfront celebration will bring together readers, writers, families and community members for an afternoon of books, live entertainment and creativity.

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“Stories by the Sea is our way of making sure the whole community gets to be part of the festival, not just the people who bought a ticket,” Festival President and Director Richard Evans said.

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“It’s free, it’s relaxed, and it only happens once a year. If you’ve never been, this is the year to come and see what it’s about.”

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More than 20 regional authors and book stalls will feature throughout the afternoon, giving visitors the opportunity to meet writers, discuss their work and purchase signed copies.

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Author readings and informal interviews will run alongside live music, children’s storytime and activities presented by Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries.

Visitors can also take part in the Community Book Swap by bringing two books in good condition to exchange for something new. Those looking for a surprise read can try Blind Date with a Book, choosing a wrapped title without knowing what awaits inside.

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Local creativity will also be on show through the Creative Connections Whitsunday Plein Air Art Challenge, with artists producing original Whitsundays-inspired pieces as the crowd watches.

Visitors can vote in the People’s Choice Award until 4pm, while a silent auction will offer the chance to take home one of the completed works. All proceeds from the artwork sales will go directly to the artists.

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Other activities will include raffles, prize giveaways and a pen pal activity, while a gold-coin sausage sizzle, coffee van, cake cart and cash bar will keep visitors refreshed.

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Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, find a spot by the water and enjoy the final hours of this year’s festival.

While the main program is sold out, festival organisers are maintaining a waitlist and will contact prospective attendees if any full-day tickets become available.

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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival’s Stories by the Sea

When: 3pm-4:30pm Sunday 13th September 2026

Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  

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Mayor Collins helping open up the colour run event with the Queensland Child Protection team. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.

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Club Whitsunday was awash with colour as families came together to celebrate both Father’s Day and the 40th anniversary of Queensland Child Protection Week.

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The free Colour Fun Run gave dads and their families a lively start to the special day, with participants invited to run, walk, skip or dance their way through the course while reinforcing the important message that protecting children is everybody’s responsibility.

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The celebrations continued beyond the run, with bubble blowing, a foam cannon, face painting, live music, games, children’s crafts and a free sausage sizzle making it a memorable Father’s Day morning for the whole family.

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Local groups and community leaders joined in the fun, with the Whitsunday Lions Club, Mayor Ry Collins and members of Amanda Camm MP’s team all there to support the message that keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility, while also assisting in on the fun.  

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See all the photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/a-bright-start-to-fathers-day

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This week the Bushwalkers explored the beautiful Cape Hillsborough. Photos supplied

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A small number of club members assembled at Cape Hillsborough last Sunday to follow Ken Fihelly up Cascade Creek, which flows into Beachcomber Cove on the east side of the National Park. As with most of the walks conducted in the area by the club, it is off the main tracks mostly, but many members of the general public would probably be familiar with the popular swimming hole in the lower reaches which is readily accessible. The hole is usually dry at this time of the year, as it was at the weekend. 

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The group encountered lots of rocks, some boulders and very steep and uneven terrain, with a few small waterholes. Spectacular views enjoyed from the Lookout on the Smalley’s Beach to Cape Hillsborough track and a visit to the cave in the south cliffs on the way down were highlights of the outing.

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This weekend coming, members will have a choice of a challenging undertaking to Doolamai Falls, or a track walk to Araluan Falls, both in the vicinity of Finch Hatton Gorge, and also on the following two Sundays there will be similar choices catering to different levels of interest and ability. Contact Wendy on 0429 363 929 to learn more about becoming involved in the club activities.

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

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