Get your best Christmas outfit ready, and begin the jingles, we’re having a rocking Christmas this November!

Tiny Homes Project are gearing up for their next iteration of fundraising events, leading us into one of the best Christmas celebrations around.

Legend Peter Tilbrook, a massive 60s and 70s musician, and lead vocalist of Masters Apprentice, is ready to rock the afternoon away, bringing his timeless classics and fantastic sounds all the way from Adelaide.

Brad Soboot will host the auction, with some massive prizes on offer, and the silent auction will be returning.

“Thanks to the sponsorship support of the Whitsunday Sailing Club, our last fundraising event for the Tiny Homes Project should be a winner,” said Sandy Clark, Fundraising Coordinator and Associate Board Member of not-for-profit Whitsunday Housing Company.      

“We are almost ready to start the build of four tiny homes for homeless women 55-plus in the Whitsundays under the guidance of volunteer Mark Thompson.

“It’s been a full-on year and a great effort from our local community banding together at so many important levels to make this possible.

“We continue fundraising for this pilot study as we move forward to develop a sustainable model for ongoing years as low budget rentals for this age group will continue to be an issue Australia wide”.

WHAT: Rock’n Roll Christmas Luncheon

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Saturday November 18, from 12pm

TICKETS: $110 per person, through Airlie Events https://bit.ly/Rock_Luncheon

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Peter Tillbrook, ex Masters Apprentice will make a special appearance at the final Tiny Home Project Fundraiser of the year. Photo supplied

SPECIAL AWARDS

Year 7 21st Century Learner Award Ellie-Rose Davies

Year 8 Encouragement Award Dihansa Wijethunga

Year 9 School Citizenship Award Matthew Mendoza

Year 10 St Vincent de Paul Scholarship Arwen Edwards-Bland

Foxx LaMonica

Year 10 ADF Future Innovators Award Macy Werner

Year 10 Clint Greenhill Spirit Award Mia Vloedmans

Year 11 Agnes Pini Award Reid Ogden

Year 11 Emerging Potential Bursary Ebony Crighton

Year 11 James Cook University Shield Hurley Diessel

Year 12 Cindy Seawright Award Tristan Porter

Year 12 Whitsunday ZONTA Club Bursary Scarlett Foti

Year 12 School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Iaden Frederiksen

Year 12 ADF Future Innovators Award Sam Rogers

Year 12 JCU Rising Star Scholarship Scarlett Foti

SPECIAL SPORTING AWARDS

Sportsboy Award Oliver Dibben

Sportsgirl Award Jaylynn Matheson-Hone

Sportsman Award Jacob Bell

Sportswoman Award Matilda Dennison

Sportsperson of the Year Lillian Kelly

CULTURAL & YOUTH ACTIVITIES SPECIAL AWARDS

Junior Secondary Instrumental Music Award Josephine Watson

Instrumental Music Award Ethan Smith

Public Speaking Award Sam Rogers

Cultural Award Jahla Thompson

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Junior Secondary Leadership Teamwork Award Ellie Parker

Year 10 ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award Abbie Green

QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award Isabella Allan

Year 11 Leadership Teamwork Award Reid Ogden

Year 12 ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award Riley Stuchbree

Citizenship Award Sam Rogers

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Hamilton Island Extraordinary Achievement Award Giselle Tronc

Dawson Medal Riley Stuchbree

Junior Secondary All Rounder Award Danni Muller

Peter Maywald Quiet Achiever Award Georgia Butler

Ampol Best All Rounder Abbie O’Sheehy

Top Scholar – JCU Shield Sam Rogers

Student of the Year Sam Rogers

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Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and supplied

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2023 Special Award Recipients

Primary Commendable Academic Progress Award - Charlee Morris

Secondary Commendable Academic Progress Award - Violette Matthews

Agnes Pini English Award - Cai Scott-Fitzgerald

JCU Academic Encouragement Awards - Sonny Telford & Poppy Thomas

Vocational Education and Training Achievement Award - Hannah Daley

Hamilton Island Extraordinary Achievement Award - Jy Parkinson

Performing Arts Award - Teagan Rodriguez

Primary Sportsperson of the Year - Breeze Mee

Secondary Sportsman of the Year - Jy Parkinson

Secondary Sportswoman of the Year - Isabella Pisaniello

Australian Olympic Change Maker Award - Alistair Adams

Champion House - Ignatius

Lois Oliver Spirit & Service Awards

Year 5 - James Davies

Year 6 - Lucy Harriott

Year 7 - Isabella Pisaniello

Year 8 - Anisa Helou

Year 9 - Brianna Ninnes

Year 10 - Poppy Thomas

Year 11 - Eleanor Baldock

St Catherine's Primary All Rounder Award - Charlee Morris

St Catherine's Secondary All Rounder Award - Teagan Rodriguez

Whitsunday Zonta Club Bursary - Elizabeth Gill

The Spirit Of Catholic Education Award - Aimee Mitchell

The Dawson Medal - Kendall Croucher

Strength in Faith Award - Kai Telford

House Spirit Cup - Frayne

Deus Caritas Est Award - Kai Telfor

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KUCOM THEATRE REVIEW BY MIKI PONTING-BOYD

You don't need to travel all the way to Sydney for world-class theatre, because you'll find it right here in Mackay with Kucom's latest production "Things I know To Be True", by Andrew Bovell.

Set in the home of your "typical" Aussie family, this masterpiece delves deep into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring love, loss, betrayal, morals and the dilemma of "how to share personal struggles with others when those others are the cause".

I wasn’t expecting to be taken on such a rollercoaster of emotions. Stunning and powerful, this show hits you in all of the feels.

I'll be honest, the risk with a suburban family drama is that it has the potential to fall into the realm of offensively stereotypical, (been there, seen that). Fortunately, Kucom's production, under the direction of the talented Victor Scott, is refreshingly cliche-free, presenting a beautifully modern depiction of a family that we can all relate to, in one way or another.

This is Victor's second time directing Andrew Bovell's work, and his experience is evident, with sophisticated staging, epic direction and a perfectly chosen cast.

Every actor was perfection, bringing raw, honest and engaging performances with empathy for each other that was seriously next-level. Their genuine reactions to events in the storyline were extraordinary, and I was engrossed with every developing minute.

Special mention to the accompanying soundtrack, curated by Victor, which adds a texture and layers to the production - so many goosebumps!

At the risk of giving away the ending, the gut-wrenching finale stayed with me for a long time, so this is my recommendation that you wear extra-strength waterproof mascara.

In conclusion, you absolutely must go see this extraordinary show - 19 to 28 October at Kucom Theatre.

Chef's kiss to the cast and crew. More, more more!!!

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Friday 20 October

Guided Walks in the Gardens

10am – 11:15am

A guided walk in the Gardens. These walks last about an hour and are conducted at a leisurely pace.

While bookings are preferred, individuals can phone the gardens at 07 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to reserve their spot.

Every Friday until the end of October. | Free entry.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Friday Night Live Music

Every Friday from 5pm

Join us on Friday’s from 5pm for live music from our local favourites, good food and great company. | Free entry.

Boomerang Hotel

Anette Worthington (Live)

From 6:30pm

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with awesome music and non-stop dancing. See you there! | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Ron & Deb Duo (Live)

6:30pm – 10:30pm

Come along for a great night of live music at The Burb. | Free entry.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Paint & Sip

Every Friday at 5:30pm

The After Work Quickie event teaches you the skills to paint on canvas, while having a few cheeky drinks. BYO.

Book tickets at bottletopsandbrushes.com/shop

Studios 104 Victoria Street

Saturday 21 October

Mackay Showground Markets

6am – 10am

Local Produce, Natural products, Seafood, Plants and much more.

Weekly event, held every Saturday. | Free entry.

Mackay Showgrounds

Falun Gong Classes

Every Saturday from 10am

Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation, inner peace and health through movement.

You’re invited to come along and experience a session in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens.

Live Music Saturdays

Every Saturday from 2pm – 5pm

Enjoy good tunes and great vibes every Saturday from 2pm. | Free entry.

The Kooyong Hotel

The World Goes 'Round

2pm & 7:30pm

The World Goes 'Round is a stunning revue of the songbook from the multi-Tony award-winning team, Kander and Ebb.

From Cabaret to Chicago, the nonstop hit-parade features unforgettable gems, including "Mr. Cellophane," "Maybe This Time," "Cabaret" and "New York, New York." | Tickets online.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Lucid Wings (Live)

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Lucid Wings Duo will be gracing the stage for a live music performance that you won’t want to miss. | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Global Grooves 2023

3pm – 8pm

Travel the world in a single afternoon and celebrate our vibrant cultural communities that together make up our proud Mackay region.

Featuring an array of performances from multicultural artists, local community groups, and a range of talented musicians.

Get your groove on or take part in the many activities and workshops on show throughout the event. | All ages event - Free entry.

Queens Park

Sunday 22 October

Come and Try Lawn Bowls

10am – 11:30am

Enjoy a fun session learning to play. Bowls provided or bring your own. Wear comfortable clothing, flat soled footwear, socks or barefoot. Families, workplaces and individuals welcome. | Free entry.

Mackay City Bowls Club

Country to the Coast

From 12pm

Saddle up and join Mackay’s most exciting country event! Live music from Jessica Cash (12pm - 3pm) and Tyla Rodrigues (3pm – 6pm), ride the mechanical bull and visit the petting zoo!

Akubras & Boots are more than welcome! Show off your country style and strut your stuff. | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday Bingo

Every Sunday from 7pm

Come along and you could win! | Free entry.

South Leagues Club

St. Joseph’s Christmas Fair

12pm – 4pm

Show rides, jumping castles, face painting and glitter tattoos, kids craft activities, games with fantastic prizes. Meat tray wheel, hot food stalls, dessert bar, live music and bar. | Free entry.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, North Mackay

Monday 23 October

Toddler Time

9:30am – 10am

The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs. It's never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child. Bookings are essential - one ticket required per attendee. | Tickets online.

Gordon White Library  

Tuesday 24 October

Retire Happy Mackay

5:30pm – 6:45am

This session is designed to give you the tools to start building a better retirement now. This casual and easy-to-understand seminar includes a guide on how to retire, including how much you need in retirement and what to consider when retiring, the latest legislation updates, as well as Centrelink benefits you may be entitled to. | Tickets are complimentary for BUSSQ members and their spouse, partner, or friend.

Souths Leagues Club

Baby Bounce

9:30am – 10am

Baby Bounce promotes language development in babies from birth to walking.

The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs. It’s never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child. Please bring a small blanket for your child.

Bookings are essential - one ticket required per attendee. | Tickets online.

Sarina Library

Wednesday 25 October

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase | Mackay

From 7:30pm

The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia. Boasting a line-up of festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment is bringing the best of the fest direct to you!

Expertly curated and lovingly presented, the Showcase will feature some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter. | Tickets online.

Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal and learn from each other. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

Shop fresh, shop local. The Farmers’ market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce. Enjoy a morning beside the Pioneer River and buy direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 26 October

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and dessert.

Bluewater Quay

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Annette Worthington

Lucid Wings

Country to the Coast

Sydney Comedy Festival

Global Grooves 2023

St. Joseph’s Christmas Fair

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Each Friday in October, Mackay Regional Council’s Economic Development team hosts a ‘lunch and learn’ event, Yarning Together, as part of celebrating Indigenous Business Month.

The weekly event was created as a platform for the business community to come together in a casual setting, to promote and showcase Indigenous businesses by ‘having a yarn’ and spreading awareness of their prominence in the Mackay region.

Mackay Regional Council Director of Planning, Growth and Sustainability, Aletta Nugent, said the first event on 6th October was a great success for all in attendance, with others dropping by to find out more about the event.

“The main goal of these events is to assist local Indigenous businesses to gain more visibility and access to potential customers and partners,” Ms Nugent said.

“The business representative is given a platform to showcase their products and services. This involves yarning and storytelling about their products or services and distributing promotional materials,” she said.

Ms Nugent said there was also an emphasis on fostering collaboration and partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organisations.

“This provides real opportunities for attendees to network with Indigenous business owners, potential partners, investors, and customers and build future relationships,” she said.

Yarning Together events are open to everyone, with the best way to get involved being to attend the event as a participant.

By attending, you can show your support for Indigenous businesses and learn more about their products and services.

You can join the final two Yarning Together events on Fridays from 11:30am to 1:30pm in the City Centre, outside 77 Victoria Street.

For further information on Indigenous Business Month, visit indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au

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Attendees celebrate Indigenous Business Month at Yarning Together event - Photo supplied

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Mackay Central’s Class Of ‘72 Reunion

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Mackay Central State School is gearing up to commemorate the reunion of the Class of 1972, scheduled for 21st October.

The organising committee for the event have been busy planning celebrations, with reconnections and recollections set to make this an extraordinary time for past students of the graduating class.

The event will begin with an escorted tour through the school on Saturday morning, followed by an afternoon gathering at 2pm in the Metropolitan Hotel.

It will be a day of reminiscent good times, with two former teachers as special guests, a walk down memory lane with a host of photos, and ‘telegrams’ from those who are unable to join.

Mackay Central State School is calling out to those who they may have missed in contacting past students, with it not being an easy task to locate everyone.  

If you see yourself, a friend or relative in these images, be sure to reach out to Mackay Central as they would love to catch up with everyone available to attend.

Any classmates who would like to stay on for dinner or know anyone pictured that would like to attend, please contact the ‘1972 Mackay Central Graduating Class Reunion’ page on Facebook.

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Class 7A

Class 7B

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Treat your senses to a world tour this weekend at the Mackay region’s largest celebration of multiculturalism.

Global Grooves will transform Queens Park into a global village this Saturday, October 21, from 3pm to 8pm.

The festival will feature fascinating cultural workshops, mesmerising dance performances and global music, markets, and a smorgasbord of international cuisines.

There will be Maltese and Italian baked goods, lechon (Filipino rotisserie pig), curries, dumplings, German sausages, Dutch poffertjes, Greek kebabs, Chinese and Malaysian specialties and so much more.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said council had recently celebrated swearing in people from 100 different nations at our region’s citizenship ceremonies.

“To be able to say that the Mackay region is made up of cultures and customs from 100 different nationalities is amazing,” Cr May said.

“And, while we won’t have all of those cultures on display at Global Grooves, we will have at least 20 – whether that’s through their cuisine, traditional dress, dance, workshops or market stalls,” she said.

Festivals and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said Global Grooves was a free community event and this year the workshops on offer would allow residents to immerse themselves in cultural practices and dance.

“There will be workshops on traditional Māori tattooing and dancing, Papua New Guinean coconut weaving, Cuban dancing and rhythm circle drumming,” Ms Porter said.

This is a fantastic opportunity for festival goers to learn skills from cultural experts who are generously sharing their traditions with the community,” she said.

Filipino community leader Vivien Hanrahan said Global Grooves presented a unique opportunity.

“Mackay has many passionate multicultural communities, and they all have their festivities during the year to celebrate and showcase their cultures, but Global Grooves is special because it brings them all together and gives people a taste of a variety of cultures,” Ms Hanrahan said.

Please note, Global Grooves is an alcohol-free event. For a full list of market stalls and food vendors, visit the Mackay Festivals Facebook page at facebook.com/mackayfestivals.

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Excitement has reached fever pitch ahead of the Whitsunday Tourism Awards which will be taking place at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) this evening.

Over 300 tourism operators are presently donning their sparkling cocktail dress, tightening their ties, buffing their shoes and styling their hair ahead of what is expected to be a vibrant evening of celebration.

Taking on a new format this year, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards will commence with a formal cocktail stand-up setting in the outdoor grounds of the PEC.  

A ten-course stand-up meal will be served to guests, and everyone will have a chance to connect with conversation and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere, feeling the exhilaration of what is to come.

Soon, guests will be beckoned into the auditorium, taking a seat in the theatre for the formal part of the evening where the award winners are announced.

Time to celebrate personal achievements and the achievements of peers, the awards will be a highlight of the evening and quickly followed by more merriment as guests are welcomed to the after party.

Outside to the beautifully decorated grounds, guests will enjoy the soft tropical breeze and a starry night sky while listening to The Collective Party Band and chatting with friends.

With a reputation for being at the heart of any good party, tourism operators will undoubtedly pack the dancefloor, busting some classic moves and enjoying time to relax.

Present on the evening will be Andrew Willcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson, The Honourable Michael Healy MP, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Member for Cairns, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, Councillors Gary Simpson, Jan Clifford and Clay Bauman.

WHAT: Whitsunday Tourism Awards

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Friday, October 20

TOP TIP:

Try a PEC on the Cheek cocktail!

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With CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton

A shining light in the annual event calendar, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are a time for everyone in the tourism industry to connect, celebrate and recognise the dedication of all local businesses.

When Rick Hamilton became the CEO of Tourism Whitsundays two years ago, one of his first goals was to reinstate the annual awards that had been halted due to Covid.

“Everyone was struggling at the time,” he recalls.

“So, when the borders re-opened the first thing we wanted to do was re-introduce the Tourism Awards.

“They bring the community together and there are so many operators that are so busy in their working lives that sometimes they don’t really get a chance to celebrate as a community.

“The Tourism Awards offers them that opportunity.”

And while the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are a regional celebration, they also offer winners an avenue to grow, expand and been seen on a national playing field.

“Winning an award opens so many doors for people – not only from an awareness perspective but also when you get to the state and national level, it not only opens you up to a national audience and of course government funding,” explains Rick.

“When you’re looking at how you’re going to grow and expand your business – there are always government funds available – with an award you can get the attention of a lot of people in Brisbane.”

Rick says that the Tourism Awards are a “crowning moment of the year” and that he looks forward to celebrating with the broader industry.

“The winners go to state and national level, they help us carry the flag and we are very proud of that.”

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For the third year in a row, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards are featuring the Whitsunday Business Awards, with nine categories for businesses that are not necessarily tourism relevant.

A partnership between Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Whitsundays, and Bowen Tourism and Business, the Business Awards recognise and celebrate the greater business community in the wider Whitsundays.

The nine categories include Excellence in Customer Service, Most Outstanding Retailer, Most Outstanding Booking Service, Most Outstanding Hospitality Venue, and Most Outstanding Services Provider, as well as the four Bowen, Collinsville, Proserpine, and Whitsundays Business of the Year.

Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce President Allan Milostic believes in the benefit of these awards.

“The Chamber recognises and values the vital contribution tourism and hospitality makes to the region’s economy and our way of life,” he said.

“However, it is equally important to recognise the significant number and economic contribution of the professional services, retail businesses, trades, and other industries that also contribute to our region.

“These awards celebrate a range of businesses and shine a light on the diversity and strength of the Whitsundays business community.

“The Chamber offers its congratulations to the award winners and nominees and encourages the community to support all local traders.”

Leanne Abernethy, Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business is proud that they sponsored the Bowen and Collinsville Business Awards.

“We believe that tourism is everyone’s business, so we wanted to include non-tourism businesses in the awards,” she said.

“For example, in Bowen, the grey nomads come from the Southern states and stay for three months, this means they support tourism and business in the region; they get their car serviced by locals, buy their groceries, get haircuts, and support our retail businesses.”

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The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce is excited to be launching the Whitsunday Business Awards this Friday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Over 30 tourism operators in the region have been nominated across 31 different categories for the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards across.

In addition, 45 local businesses were nominated in nine different categories for the Whitsunday Business Awards.

The diversity of businesses encapsulates the full depth and breadth of the incredible offerings here in the Whitsundays - from individual contribution to eco-tourism, accommodation and customer service – every aspect of what makes our region great is included.

Here is the full list of the 2023 nominees:

Business Awards

3 Little Birds Espresso

Airlie Beach Babysitting by Danielle

Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle

Airlie Health Hub

Bowen Vet Clinic

Divine Weddings Whitsundays

Dynamic Chiropractic

Eden Events Whitsunday

F45 Training Airlie Beach

Iconic Whitsunday Adventures

Kerri Southee at Tropical Rentals Whitsundays

LiveLife Pharmacy Cannonvale

Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach

Palace Hair and beauty, Kingsmen Barber Shop

Peninsula Airlie Beach

RV Golf Proserpine Golf Club

Tropical Rentals Whitsunday

Whitsunday Creatives

Elysian Retreat

Ocean Rafting

Airlie Pies

The Belvedere At Toscana

Airlie Health Hub

Hickmotts Super News

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday

Kapow Interactive

Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting

Party Cakes Whitsunday

Ripple Effect Online

Shiift Pty Ltd

Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care

Birds Fish Bar - Bowen Fishermans Seafood

Bowen Flexi Care

Bowen Holiday Park

Ideal placements

Muroona gardens

Rynn's Seafoods

STACKELROTH Farms

Whitsunday Sweet Edible Art

Collinsville Connect Telecentre

Pit Pony Tavern

Kingsmen Barbershop

Proserpine Golf Club

Prossy Kebabs and Pizza

Core Life Magazine

Cuppas on the cape

Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper

Tourism Awards Nominations

The Big Mango, Bowen

Great Barrier Reef Festival

Whitsunday Segway Tours

Kiana Sail and Dive

Scamper Island Camping

Bell Tents Whitsundays

Whitsunday Coast Airport

Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting

Bowen Tourism and Business

Ocean Rafting

Cruise Whitsundays

Whitsunday Segway Tours

Scamper Island Camping

SeaLink Whitsundays

Iconic Whitsunday Adventures

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

Queens Beach Tourist Village

Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach

Phoenix One

Elysian Retreat

Accom Whitsunday

Pinnacles Resort

Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach

Mirage Whitsundays

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

Whitsunday Water Bikes

Driftwood Tours

Grand View Hotel Bowen

The Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre

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The Whitsundays is renowned for punching well above its weight when it comes to winning awards at both a state and national level.

Over the years several operators have reached for the stars, travelling to state and national awards and returning with far-reaching recognition that has opened doors for them within the broader industry.

Many local operators have won at the national level over the years and, last year, nine Whitsunday-based businesses received an award at the prestigious Queensland Tourism Awards.

These state awards included three gold, three silver and three bronze awards.

At the time, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated a remarkable year.

“It has been terrific to see Queensland domestic tourism bounce back so strongly with a nation leading $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Meanwhile, this year both Airlie Beach and Bowen were nominated for Top Small Tourism Town and the Top Tourism Town Awards by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

Airlie Beach was successful in its bid and became the Top Small Tourism Town in Queensland for 2023.

Bowen were in a highly competitive category and unfortunately did not win on this occasion.

Some of our exceptional local businesses have also claimed industry awards recently.

Queens Beach Tourist Village in Bowen won gold at the Grey Nomads Awards last year, backing up two consecutive previous gold awards in the same category.

If they win gold again at the 2023 Grey Nomads Awards, they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

With such high-quality tourism operators in the region, this evening’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards is likely to be a very competitive arena.

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Local tourism operators celebrating when Airlie Beach won Best Small Tourism Town in Queensland earlier this year. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Writing a submission for the Whitsunday Tourism Awards is renowned for being a huge undertaking and, at a whopping 10,000 words per submission, it is no wonder that many operators feel a little daunted at the prospect.

While the process does take time, however, there are some serious benefits to writing a submission.

Not only do you have the opportunity to promote your business on a regional, state and possibly even national stage, but by writing a submission you also find out a lot about your business.

Local owner operator, Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures credits her award submissions for opening up a new understanding of her business, learning more every time she writes a submission.

An award veteran, Julie has brought home several national awards and over the years has developed strategies that maximise results.

Meanwhile, local tourism operator Elizabeth Hackett from Magnums Accommodation, has been both an award winner and a state judge.

Elizabeth offers wisdom from both sides.

“The awards were an absolute game changer for my business,” she said.

“At first my expectations were very limited – but I realised the submission questionnaire I’d been given was actually assisting me with a marketing plan, a business plan and the eco side of my business.

“To have this template in front of me, my expectations grew year on year and where I started was quite different from where I finished.”

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Top Tips

For The Perfect Submission

1. Use the guide – The people who follow the guide to the letter have the best submissions because they always reference back to it.

2. Show your passion – We can usually tell when the submission’s been written by someone involved in the business directly.

3. It’s all about storytelling – Make it readable and engaging, try to give real examples and case studies to illustrate how you are implementing everything.

4. Pre-plan if you can - Keep a special file where you put anything relevant, the best submissions are planned throughout the year and built-up gradually.

5. Include images and graphics – Take the opportunity to attach extra information, images, and graphics, to maximise the overall impression of the submission.

6. Take it in bite-size pieces - The guide is 91 pages but don’t feel overwhelmed, simply take it in sections and answer each part as you go.

7. Be prepared and start early – Do not leave it until the last minute, start early to give yourself plenty of time to make it perfect.

8. Don’t worry about sharing – Some people worry judges may steal ideas but all information shared with the judges is confidential.

9. Use all support offered – The team at Tourism Whitsundays and QTIC (Queensland Tourism Industry Council) are there to help you along the way.

10. Have fun and show passion – A genuine, heart-felt submission will always come across better than something that is clinical or reserved.

Contributed with thanks to judges Mark Henry and Elizabeth Hackett.

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Third time’s the charm for The Beatnix, the world’s longest running Beatles tribute, who are visiting the Airlie Beach Hotel for the third time, with many more visits planned.

“We absolutely love Airlie Beach and the Airlie Beach Hotel,” explained Dave Stanley, the band’s George Harrison.

“We always look forward to our Airlie Beach shows. The shows are always more chilled out with a cruisy crowd and a great atmosphere. We really appreciate that too.”

Dave is the band’s George Harrison, the lead guitarist for The Beatnix, and in charge of some of the best beats.

Andy Pole is John Lennon, one of the vocalists and rhythm guitarist.

“Just close your eyes when you hear Andy, and he sounds just like John Lennon. He’s a dead ringer for him, it’s great,” shared Dave.

Paul Wheelan is Paul McCartney.

“It’s so easy that Paul is Paul, easy for us to remember! Paul’s a fantastic singer and an amazing vocalist. He can scream-sing just like McCartney.”

And finally, Bradley Hughes is Ringo Starr.

“Our youngest member, at 21-years-old, Bradley is a great Ringo, dominating the drums.

“He actually used to be a fan of ours and The Beatnix when he was a teenager, and now he’s joined us as our Ringo.

“We have a diverse cast of characters, but each of us bring our own energy to the stage, our own flare that keeps the band and the shows fresh.

“We also try and make our sound as close to The Beatles as possible.

“We are one of the longest running Beatles tribute artists, and we’ve been doing it for a while.”

What can Airlie Beach expect?

“This show will be new. It won’t be identical from our previous shows at all.

“We always try and mix up our set lists, so people can expect all the classic big hits, with some more obscure album tracks, which are sure to be fun and exciting.

“We also have some new costumes that we’re excited to unveil on the stage.

“But we’ll leave that all as a bit of a surprise, so it’s best to come and check out the show.”

And what does The Beatnix expect from Airlie Beach?

“We love the energy that Airlie Beach has; it’s always a great hangout and chill spot to enjoy the day away.

“But also, I’ve been waiting for the chance to see a crocodile out in the wild, in Airlie Beach, so maybe this time, I’ll stumble across one.

“Three times in Airlie Beach and no crocs!”

WHAT: The Beatnix

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday October 28 and Sunday October 29, 2pm – 5.30pm

TICKETS: Completely free! But recommended to book a table

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Much loved tribute artists, The Beatnix, return to Airlie Beach for the third time!

A psychedelic performance, that everyone will enjoy

With amazing costumes and even better stage presence, this is not the show to miss

Fun for the whole family, at the Airlie Beach Hotel

Allow yourself to be taken back in time with these timeless classics. Photos supplied

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