The Bowen Community Centre, in partnership with Sally the Support Worker and Kristy from MADEC, hosted a lively social inclusion event that brought the community together and showcased local services.

The event featured pop-up shops from various agencies, offering resources, giveaways, and engaging activities with attendees welcoming Housing Older Women Support Services (HOWSS) and Footprints, who provided chocolates and essential housing information. OT4U Occupational Therapy offered practical resources, while Interjobs Recruitment Agency charmed attendees with creative coffee cups and brochures.

Grays Bay was the perfect backdrop for a paddle board demonstration by the local group, showcasing their regular Saturday activities. Stella Life delighted participants with gift bags, and Ferros Care helped attendees prepare for summer with fans and seasonal resources. Bowen State High School's guidance counsellor, Lauren, proudly represented the school with a wealth of information about its achievements.

Flexicare impressed with their resources and brochures, while Michael from PCYC ensured young attendees left with exciting freebies. A special congratulations goes to Sam Walten, who won the paddle board family hire package.

The two-hour event attracted over 100 participants of all ages, celebrating connection and inclusivity. With vibrant displays, engaging activities, and collaborative efforts, the event exemplified the power of community spirit.

The Bowen Community Centre, along with its partners and contributors, extends its gratitude to all who participated, making the event a resounding success.

‍

This Friday festive shoppers from across the region are invited to participate in the sparkling returning of the Twilight Christmas Markets which are due to take over the main street of Proserpine.

Discover a variety of market stalls, delicious food, and live entertainment.

Kids can enjoy free face painting and complimentary train rides, while Santa Claus makes a special appearance. Plus, try your luck with the Ham Wheel and enter the fun Christmas raffle for a chance to win great prizes!

The idea for rekindling this much-loved event came about when Local Cafe owner Gabby Sinclair, had customers come into her cafe Deja Brew mentioning how nice it would be to have the Twilight Markets return.
So along with guidance from Tarnia Patton, founder of the Proserpine Community Markets, and the help of a few friends, the Twilight market has made its inaugural return to Proserpine on the 13th December 2024.
Lots of local businesses have joined together to recreate the magic of the previous twilight market held in Proserpine.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Don’t miss out, get ready for Christmas with the Proserpine Twilight Markets.
‍

What: Twilight Christmas Markets
When: 13th December, 5 – 9 pm
Where: Main Street Proserpine

‍

Lace up your dancing shoes and find a crown because SOS will transform the Airlie Beach Hotel into Dancing Queen central across three free shows this December!
One of the nations most treasured and celebrated ABBA Tribute Shows, SOS, will grace the stage of the Airlie Beach Hotel once again to perform iconic tunes like Chiquitita, I Have a Dream, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and of course, Dancing Queen.
In September of this year, SOS ignited the Airlie Beach Hotel with their energetic and captivating performance with Band Manager, Sam Bennett adding how much the band adores the seaside township.
“We always love our trip to Airlie Beach itself, it’s a well-deserved break in the sunshine from the very unpredictable Melbourne weather,” shared Sam.
“Everyone is always on holiday time there and it’s very easy to perform to a crowd that is there either on holiday or living that holiday lifestyle.”
A band renowned for their stage presence and contagious vibes, SOS have been both performers and ABBA addicts for many years, with audiences across the country falling in love with the band’s ability to recreate the sound, music and look of the Swedish pop sensation.
Armed with both fabulous outfits, outstanding vocal talents, iconic ABBA dance moves and Swedish accents to match, SOS perfectly perform a show that is both exciting to witness and even more exciting to be part of.
“I think doing an ABBA tribute show is the same thing as theatre, you’re performing as a character,” added Sam.
“We perform as Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny and Björn, we are a character, we have a story and a history - we all have our own connection to these songs, both in reality as performers, but also in characters.”
SOS will transport audiences back in time with the 70s sounds of disco beats to create an energetic dance party like no other, just in time to match the festivities and lively atmosphere of the silly season!
In an exciting addition, the Airlie Beach Hotel’s dazzling dance floor will be a hive of activity with the community invited to bust a move and have a groove on Friday 20 December as well as Saturday 21 December and Sunday 22 December from 2pm to 5:30pm!
“It’s always a fun and high energy afternoon, so if anyone is even remotely near Airlie Beach Hotel, please come down!”
Although you should expect to be drawn to the dance floor for the entire performance, table bookings are also available for either Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon with the Airlie Beach Hotel inviting you to come along and witness the music of ABBA come alive through the talents of SOS!

‍

What: SOS ABBA Tribute Show.
When: Friday 20, Saturday 21, and Sunday 22 December from 2pm to 5:30pm.
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel.
More Information: thepubairliebeach.com.au/

Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to SOS, a high energy ABBA show this December!

‍

The festive spirit shone brightly on Saturday, December 7th, as Murroona Gardens hosted its much-anticipated 2024 Community Christmas Carols.
Held at the Murroona Gardens Wellness Centre in West Lane, the event brought together families, friends, and locals for a magical evening filled with music, community, and holiday cheer.
The atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting as attendees gathered to celebrate the season. The night featured a wonderful selection of carols, festive activities for all ages, and a variety of holiday treats, making it a truly special occasion for everyone.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Christmas Carols Raffle, which offered an array of fantastic prizes. With tickets available for just $2 each or three for $5, attendees had the chance to win while supporting efforts to make Christmas extra special for the residents of the Murroona Gardens care community. The raffle was drawn during the event, adding an extra element of excitement to the night.
The event was made even more memorable by the warm community atmosphere, with locals coming together to celebrate the joy of the season. With festive music in the air and smiles all around, this year’s Community Christmas Carols at Murroona Gardens was undoubtedly one of the most memorable yet.
Mayor Ry Collins said: “I had a great night out in Bowen last night full of fantastic Christmas festivities and community spirit”.

“The team at Murroona Gardens turned on the lights and turned up the music opening their facility for the community Christmas carols.

“It was great to see so many families in attendance as well as many of the elderly residents.”

‍

Get ready for the ultimate holiday celebration! Christmas Actually, the five-star festive smash, returns to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on December 14th and 15th, promising to be the perfect start to your Christmas season.
Led by Australian cabaret legend Libby O'Donovan OAM, this all-star cast brings the beloved holiday film Love Actually to life with an unforgettable mix of music, comedy, and charm.
Relive the magic of Christmas with iconic songs by Mariah Carey, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and more, performed by a star-studded lineup including Joshua Robson (Phantom of the Opera), Alisha Todd (Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves), and Joseph Naim (Come From Away, The TEN Tenors).
A rockstar band of Australia’s finest musicians will bring these festive hits to life in spectacular fashion.
Filled with quirky moments, nativity lobsters, and plenty of laughs, Christmas Actually is the ultimate feel-good show of the season. It’s a festive treat for all ages!

WHAT: Christmas Actually
WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
WHEN: December 14–15
Tickets: $53–$69

‍

Friday 13 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Scotty Wilson (4pm–8pm)

Saturday 14 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm–8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm)

Sunday 15 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6:30pm–9:30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm–8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (2pm-6pm)

Thursday 19 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm–9.30pm)

‍

December

13         FREE Adult Christmas Craft Workshop, Cannonvale Library, from 10am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14         Book Launch, Beach Book Boutique, Airlie Beach, from 11am
14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
15         Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm
18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from 11am and 3pm
22         Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29         Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
30         Dune Rats, Magnums Airlie Beach, from 7:30pm
30         New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Bowen Foreshore, & Collinsville Showgrounds, from 8:30pm

‍

The Whitsunday Carols on the Beach event attracted a vibrant crowd of over 1,000 attendees this year, with clear skies adding to the festive atmosphere.
Event highlights included dazzling roving angels on stilts, playful hula-hooping elves, and the long-awaited return of local kindergarten children performing for the first time in years—a heartfelt moment that quickly became a crowd favourite.
There was also a wide variety of food stalls, offering a mouthwatering selection from waffles to wood-fired pizza, catering to all tastes.
With such a successful event, organisers are already gearing up for next year, promising an even grander celebration that will build on this year’s festive spirit...

The annual Whitsunday Carols on the Beach event was a resounding success, with attendees enjoying an evening of festive fun under clear skies.
Despite initial rain concerns, the event was spared.
"Everyone was obviously very happy that it didn't rain," said Caitlin McLuskey (Mrs Claus) reflecting on the good fortune of weather.
This year's carols featured an exciting mix of entertainment, including roving angels on stilts and hula-hooping elves, which received lots of positive feedback from visitors.
"Quite a few people commented that they really enjoyed the additional entertainment aspects," noted Caitlin.
One of the biggest highlights was the performance by local kindergarten children, who performed on stage for the first time in several years.
"For me, my personal highlight was seeing the little kindy kids get on stage.
“They were just so cute," Caitlin shared.
With food stalls offering everything from waffles to pizza, and more than 1,000 attendees filling the lawn, the event was a true community gathering.
"It was packed, maybe 1,000 to 2,000 people. The lawn was full," said Caitlin.
Plans are already underway for next year's event, promising even more festive cheer.
"We're looking forward to seeing everyone again next year and making it even bigger and better," Caitlin added.

Looking for activities to get yourself in the festive spirit this December?
Here are all the events you need to attend to get Christmas ready!
   • CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION– enter by 15th December 2024.
   • BOWEN CHRISTMAS STREET PARTY – Friday 29 November, Bowen Town Centre, 5pm - 9pm
   • MURROONA GARDENS CHRISTMAS CAROLS – Saturday 7 December, Murroona Gardens, 6pm
Library Activities:
All four of our regional libraries - Bowen, Collinsville, Cannonvale, and Proserpine - invite you to join in a week of daily self-led Christmas craft activities.
   • 16 - 20 December | 9:00am - 4:30pm SELF LED CRAFT ACTIVITIES No booking required
Proserpine Entertainment Centre:
Live Shows
ANDREWS & BING CHRISTMAS SWING
Friday 6 December 11am
TONI CHILDS: A RETROSPECTIVE
Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm
Sunday 15 December 2pm
CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY: The music of love actually live on stage 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 December  11am & 3pm
MADA’S MAGIC MARVELS
Cinema
7-9 December GLADIATOR II
7-9 December WICKED
19 December - 1 January MOANA 2
19-24 December RED ONE
26 December - 8 January SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 Cinema

‍

Many people kick off the festive season by settling in to watch Love Actually—a beloved holiday tradition. But this year, why not elevate the experience with Christmas, Actually.
Join the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for a sensational live performance of your favourite tunes from the iconic Love Actually soundtrack. This festive celebration is set to bring the magic of the holiday season to life with a rockstar band featuring some of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists, including Joshua Robson (Phantom of the Opera), Alisha Todd (Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves), and Joseph Naim (Come From Away, The TEN Tenors).
Led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, this all-star cast will deliver the timeless hits from the beloved holiday classic Love Actually, infused with plenty of charm, comedy, and holiday cheer. It's the perfect way to make your Christmas extra special!
Bursting with nativity lobsters, cinnamon sticks and endless fun, Christmas Actually is the ultimate silly-season starter.
Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out! Be sure to secure your spot by calling the friendly team at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on 0494 504 05.
‍

What: Christmas Actually?
When: Saturday 14th December, 7:30pm & Sunday 15th December, 2pm.
Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

‍

Christmas Actually is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this December!

‍

The Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to celebrate the holiday season with its mouthwatering Christmas Lunch buffet this Saturday, 7 December, from 12pm to 2:30pm. This festive feast promises a delicious variety of hot and cold dishes to suit every palate.

The Hot Selection includes classic favourites like honey-baked ham with honey mustard sauce, roast lamb with rosemary gravy, and roast chicken pieces with gravy. Indulge in comforting sides such as broccoli and cheese macaroni, garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes, minted steamed vegetables, and freshly baked bread rolls. For dessert, savour traditional Christmas pudding with custard or chocolate cherry pudding.

The Cold Selection offers creamy pasta and smoked potato salads, fresh prawns, curried mango coleslaw, and sweet treats like pavlova, mango and macadamia cheesecake, brandy snaps, ice cream with toppings, and assorted lollies.

Make this Christmas memorable with a delectable meal at the Airlie Beach Hotel!

‍

This non-alcoholic christmas punch recipe is the perfect holiday drink. It can be made in a big batch for a christmas party or for 1.
If you're hunting for an easy, delicious non-alcoholic Christmas punch, you've found it. Planning a holiday event can be busy enough without having the additional task of preparing and serving drinks, so why not whip this up in advance and your guests can serve themselves!

INGREDIENTS
   • 2 cups Low sugar cranberry juice
   • 1 cup Orange juice
   • 1 cup Pineapple juice
   • 2 cups Sparkling apple juice or cider *see notes for low sugar option
   • 1 cup Ginger ale
   • Orange slices, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and/or cherries for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
   1. Mix cranberry, orange and pineapple juice in a punch bowl or large jug.
   2. Add sparkling apple juice/cider and ginger ale and mix gently.
   3. When you're ready to serve, add ice and fruit of your choice to garnish.

Notes: For a lower sugar option, use sparkling water or sugar free lemonade instead of sparkling apple juice.

Mindfulmocktail.com

‍

Prep Cook Serves
20m 05m 6

As Beyoncé famously says, "I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly!" And trust me, you’ll want to be. These mini-Christmas pudding jellies are made with a surprisingly delicious chocolate jelly (yes, it sounds unusual, but it works!) and are topped with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. To add the perfect festive touch, they’re decorated with chopped spearmint lolly leaves and M&M’s Minis, making them the cutest individual Christmas desserts ever!

Ingredients (9)
   • 125ml (1/2 cup) water
   • 1 tbsp gelatine powder
   • 110g (1/2 cups) caster sugar
   • 250ml (1 cup) water
   • 100g dark chocolate, chopped
   • 6 Arnott’s Choc Ripple biscuits
   • 50g white chocolate, melted
   • Spearmint leaf lollies, chopped, to decorate
   • Red M&M’s Minis, to decorate

   • Step 1
Place the 125ml (1/2 cup) water in a small bowl. Sprinkle with the gelatine and stir until well combined. Place the sugar and 250ml (1 cup) water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then remove from heat. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
   • Step 2
Pour the gelatine mixture over the warm chocolate mixture. Stir until the gelatine dissolves. Place in the fridge, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until slightly thickened.
   • Step 3
Stir the mixture until smooth. Place a 6-hole 100ml (7cm diameter) silicone dome mould on a baking tray. Divide the mixture evenly among the holes. Place a biscuit on top of each one. Place in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight until set.
   • Step 4
Gently loosen each jelly from the mould by pulling it away from the edges. Place a serving plate or board larger than the dome mould on top and flip so the mould is upside down on top of the plate or board. Gently squeeze each mould to release the jellies.
   • Step 5
Drizzle a little white chocolate over each jelly then top with spearmint leaves and M&M’s to decorate.

www.taste.com.au

‍

Prepare to rock, roll and welcome the new year like never before with an ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration at the Airlie Beach Hotel!

To round off 2024 in style, one of the hottest venues along the Whitsunday coastline is gearing up to host an unforgettable night with the Australian INXS Show - a fully immersive, “Wembley-style” tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, headlining the celebrations.

Hold onto to your drumsticks because this epic event will take you on a four-hour journey through the iconic hits of INXS, Aussie rock anthems, and stadium rock classics, all set to a breathtaking original video show.

Fronted by the sensational Dellacoma Rio, whose uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, the Australian INXS Show promises an electrifying performance that must be seen to be believed.

With Dellacoma at the helm, the show delivers an authentic six-piece lineup, paying tribute to INXS in a way that will make you feel like you’re at a live INXS concert! Following on from an exhilarating world tour to locations including Dubai, Hawaii, and Singapore, the Melbourne-based band have become an international treasure celebrated for staging a unique, “Australian Made” rock experience for audiences to enjoy.

Paired with the outstanding talents of INXS, its clear this isn’t just any New Year’s Eve event! The night kicks off with a full INXS set, followed by the Aussie Rock Anthem Show, and culminates in a massive Stadium Rock finale. But that’s not all! There will be surprise special guest performers joining Dellacoma Rio on stage to elevate the experience, and during the break, get into the party vibe with the high-energy sounds of GEED UP!

And what's a NYE celebration without a perfect view of the fireworks? The Airlie Beach Hotel offers the best vantage point on the foreshore, so you can enjoy the spectacular fireworks display as you ring in the new year.

Seated tickets are nearly sold out, however there are still plenty of standing tickets available if you're ready to join the party and dance the night away. Don’t miss out on the biggest rock event of the year and grab your tickets for just $79 from Whitsunday Tickets.

Make your NYE 2024 unforgettable at the Airlie Beach Hotel – where the music is loud, the atmosphere is electric, and the memories will last a lifetime!

What: NYE 2024 “Australian INXS Show” plus Rock Anthem Shows and Special Guests!
When: Tuesday 31 December, 6pm.
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel.

‍

Friday 6 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm)

Saturday 7 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Xmas Party Buffet (2pm–5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm)

Sunday 8 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: 70s & 80s Cabaret Show (2pm–5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6:30pm–9.30pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (2pm-6pm)

Thursday 12 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm–9.30pm)

‍