This week's winning image comes from Shantal Cornford, whose clever camera work takes out top honours for the "Trick Photography" theme.

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Captured in WA’s Kalbarri National Park, the photo uses a perfectly chosen angle to create the illusion of a daring rock-climbing scene. It's a great reminder that sometimes the most creative shots don't need editing, just a sharp eye and a bit of imagination.

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Hats off to you Shantal! Now it's over to next week's theme, "Bare Trees." Whether it's a lone gum standing against the sky or a forest of winter branches, we can't wait to see your unique take.

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Dam Inspection. Family day and inspection of the dam site will take place on Sunday. Bed rock will be cleaned and used to construct the 160 metre long 50 metre high dam wall. The catchment area is 256 sq. km. It will hold ½ million megalitresand will cost $32million.  

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Timber to Norway. Like ‘coals to Newcastle’ Grays supplied a shipment to Norway of specific species such as Mackay Cedar and Tulip Oak.  

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Deb of the Year. Tracey Telford daughter of George and Mavis was judged Deb of the Year at the’ Baton Twirlers ‘ Ball of the year’ from 18 young ladies. Her partner was Carl Elgh.  

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Praise For Proserpine Police. With a ratio of one policeman for 2,500 people, the police had to work well with their community. “Police in the Proserpine Shire are doing an excellent job” stated visiting police commissioner Sir Terry Lewis.  

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Successful Fundraising For Leos.At the first Leos handover it was reported that $3850 had been raised this year . John Lloyd was installed as the new president.  

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Regional Tourism. The Whitsundays will join Townsville, Cairns and Mackay for a combined display at the Brisbane Exhibition in August called “tropical North Queensland”.  

Boathaven Marina Stage One. The building will take three years to complete.This will contain 200 berths and a 2.5 hectare retail area and an 18 hole golf course with an annual TVO Classic.  

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State Government Grant Increase. Whitsunday Tourism Association will receive a grant doubled to $70,000, which was described as ‘fantastic’ by tourism personnel.  

Helicopter Flights. Air Whitsunday acquired a helicopter this week which can land on the water and are now running joy flights to South Molle and Daydream.  

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Annual Garden Competition. This is being organised by Airlie Beach Rotary Club and judging will take place over 4 days in mid August. Last year there were 30 entries. Organiser Ron McDowall stated that there were plans to set up ‘the Whitsunday Home Gardeners Association.  

Dog Bonus. In a blitz against unregistered dogs Council is offering a bonus to the dog catcher of $5 for each dog registered and $10 for the release of every dog seized and released.  

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Plans For Sportspark. The taskforce is looking to develop 200 acres of sporting grounds which would cater for a projected population of 40,000 people. The relocation of the council refuse site and reclamation of mangrove areas would provide the land.  

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First Official Post Office in Proserpine. Photo supplied: Proserpine Historical Museum Society.

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In the early days of settlement, the Post Office stood at the centre of town life. More than a postal service: it also served as a trusted place for record-keeping, helping to preserve vital historical information for future generations.  

Postal services in the Proserpine area began in 1892 when a receiving office was opened at Breadalbane Station. The PHMS publication, “Proserpine Then and Now” published details of landowners in the district from 1894-1895. These figures were recorded from “a receiving office 40 miles from Bowen” - no doubt referring to the Breadalbane office.  

From 1896 to 1904, shopkeeper, Jonathan Jupp, operated an unofficial post office with telegraph facilities from his main street general store. The area was known as Lower Proserpine. “Port Denison Times” (March 1904) stated, “a site for a Post and Telegraph Office in Proserpine had been purchased and tenders were open for the erection of this building.”  

Upon completion of the building, Mrs Maggie Tracey (nee Hall-Scott) of Bowen was appointed postmistress. She remained there until 1909. When this first official post office opened, the “Lower” was dropped from the name. Maggie was agent for the Queensland Government Savings Bank, handling wages for Proserpine Central Sugar Mill as well as postal duties until Proserpine’s first bank, the Bank of New South Wales, opened in 1907. The telephone exchange opened in 1912 with fourteen subscribers and was initially on the verandah of the Post Office. This closed with automation in 1976.  

The current timber and brick post office was built by Mr P. J. Wollon of Brisbane on the same site as the post office built in 1904. It opened in June 1940 at a cost of £3947. It was built to a standard post office design of a twin porch, mail verandah and central gable, a style that was common between 1920 and 1939 and the principal characteristics justifying its listing on the Local Heritage Register. Originally planned as a wholly timber building, as per standard post office designs, the Proserpine Shire Council requested the government incorporate bricks and cement into the design.  

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In 1995, modifications to the building were made when the post office was refurbished as an Australia Post Shop. Further changes occurred in April 2010 when the building became a private post office. On August 5, 2025, Proserpine Post Office, which was operated by Grant Brown and a dedicated staff for thirty years, was sold to Mr Frank Wu.  

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Proserpine Post Office diaries from 1950 to 1986 contain a wealth of information about the role of the post office. The Postmaster recorded all mail traffic throughout the district, including Whitsunday Islands and mail mainly arrived on the mail train or by air. With prevalent floods, low bridges and bad roads, mail deliveries were often held up with contractors in country areas often unable to get through. Rail strikes were another problem. In the early days, some mailmen delivered mail on horseback.  

Weather conditions (rainfall etc), which are now recorded at Whitsunday Coast Airport were once recorded at the post office. If a cyclone warning was out, a red pennant was raised.  The diary entry for Cyclone Ada reads as follows: - “All communication between islands lost 2am 18/1/1970.  Lines to north and south also OOO from 4am 18/1/70.  Cyclone hit town approx. 3am causing heavy damage. (approx.1 in 6 houses lost roofs).”      

The Post Office has had a long connection with the people of Proserpine and the surrounding district as a provider of communication services. Just as importantly, however, it has served as a familiar meeting place where people could exchange news about family, friendsand the wider community.  

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Geed’up living it up on stage in Emerald. Photo sourced: Geed’Up Band.

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The self-proclaimed "Worst Show Ever" is back in Airlie Beach, bringing all-round entertainment, with plenty of laughs and an important message that life is better when you don't take it too seriously.  

This August 1 and 2, Gold Coast-based entertainment group Geed Up will bring its trademark chaos to the stage at Airlie Beach Hotel. The crew delivers a high-energy mix of comedy, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics and live singing, creating a show that gets audiences laughing, smiling and on their feet.

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"The whole reasoning behind the show or our main goal is to improve people's mental health with our terrible show,” said Geed’Up Leader Khan.  

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Founded by Khan on the Gold Coast in 2006, Geed Up began almost by accident as a small side project between a group of performers.  

For years, the crew entertained audiences at private functions, corporate events and smaller shows, gradually refining the act as they went.

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Despite being together two decades now, the show dubbed ‘Worst Show Ever’ has remained a close-knit group, adding new members over the years while holding onto the chemistry that first put the show on the road.

Six members of the show's nine-person touring cast will perform in Airlie Beach, each bringing a different talent to the stage. World-class breakdancers JJ and Eva are joined by hip-hop dancers and acrobats Kaitai and Khan, while vocalists Lizzy and Steve add rich harmonies alongside Khan's singing and beatboxing. Together, they create a fast-paced performance where music, dance, comedy and acrobatics all share the spotlight.  

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Like many performers, Geed Up's momentum was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. But when restrictions eased in late 2021, demand for the show quickly exploded.  

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Touring invitations soon followed, and today the nine-member group performs around 200 shows a year across Australia, using its performances to raise awareness for mental health and support organisations including Beyond Blue.  

"Ever since we sort of did that [partnered with beyond blue], we started getting a lot of support and it became really busy," he said.  

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“We've raised nearly 25 grand for them.”  

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Despite its name, Worst Show Ever, it was never meant to be taken literally. Khan said the title reflects the group's unique blend of comedy, music and entertainment, all designed to leave audiences smiling.

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"The show is designed to make you laugh, smile, cry, but most importantly, improve mental health, raise awareness about the support that's available,” Khan said.  

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“It reminds people to not take everything too seriously in life.”

The Saturday performance also forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival program, with Airlie Beach Hotel offering one of the best vantage points to catch the 5pm Street Parade before the show begins.

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Three regional authors will soon reveal what it really takes to go from idea to published book, in a session designed to be the push local storytellers need.

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Almost everyone has thought about writing a book at some point. A family story, a thriller, a memoir, a children’s book. Few ever start. Fewer still finish. On Sunday 13^th September, three Queensland authors will explain why the ones who did aren’t necessarily the ones you’d expect.

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That question — could you write a book? — opens the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, held at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale, in a panel session bringing together a fantasy and children’s author, a debut thriller writer, and a journalist-turned-memoirist, each with a completely different route into print.

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“Every writer starts with an idea, and every journey is different”

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Festival Director Richard Evans says the session was deliberately built for people who have never called themselves writers.

“Many people carry an idea for a book for years without ever putting pen to paper,” Richard said. “This session is about showing that there is no single path to becoming an author. Every writer starts with an idea, and every journey is different.

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That’s the drawcard for local audiences: this isn’t a masterclass for people who already have a manuscript. It’s for the ones who’ve only ever had the idea and want to hear from people who’ve done it, whether it’s actually possible for them too.”

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A children’s-fantasy author, a Far North Queensland thriller writer, and a cancer memoirist walk into a panel discussion …

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A. L. Tippett

Urban fantasy and children's author who returned to her lifelong writing dream.

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Greg Bourke

Debut thriller author inspired by life and teaching in Far North Queensland.

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Rachael Smith

Journalist whose cancer journey became an honest, inspiring memoir for families.

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Between them, the panel will unpack where ideas actually come from, how to work through self-doubt, the realistic publishing options available to first-time authors, and the lessons each writer says they wish they’d known earlier.

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What: 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival opening panel: Is there a book in you?
When: 11am Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale

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

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

24^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

25^th Creative Connections Whitsundays Volunteer Day at the Community Gallery, 10am-12pm, Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery, 192 Main Street, Proserpine  

25^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 11am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach  

25^th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

25^th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, 5pm-12am, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

25^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

26^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, 5am, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach  

26^th Tonight’s the Night Rod Stewart Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

26^th Family Trivia Night, 4pm-6pm, 26 Main Street, Proserpine  

26^th The Pub Acoustic Sessions with Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

28^th Sailability Whitsundays.  

30^th Your Song, 7:30pm-9pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

30^th Great Barrier Reef Festival Opening Night of Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 6pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach  

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

31^st Mike Tyler Stand-up Comedy Night, 7pm, Coral Sea Resort  

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

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

31^st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

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24th July

ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ Night, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento: Kaeden McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe, 8pm-10pm

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25th July  

ABH: Tonight’s the Night - Rod Stewart Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm

ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: De Javu, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento’s: Noah Davids, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer , 8pm-10pm

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26th July  

ABH: Tonight’s the Night - Rod Stewart Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm,  

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

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 8pm onwards.  

Sorrento’s: Andrew Baladino, 4pm-7pm.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Matt Doyle , 8pm-10pm

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27th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm

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28th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Louisa Taylor, 8pm-10pm  

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29th July  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  
KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm

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30th July  

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

Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm

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Dazzling walk through Airlie to the Foreshore.

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival's Lantern Parade will once again light up Airlie Beach this year, with families, friends and visitors invited to make their own lanterns before taking part in the walk that truly kicks off the festivities.

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The community parade has become a favourite on the festival calendar, bringing together hundreds of people to walk from Coral Sea Marina Resort to the Airlie Beach Foreshore carrying colourful handmade bamboo lanterns.

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Those planning to take part in the parade can craft a lantern worthy of lighting up the boardwalk, with lantern-making workshops being held at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday, July 25.  

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Two lantern-making workshops will be held ahead of the parade, giving participants the opportunity to create their own bamboo paper lanterns. Sessions start at 10am and 12pm, with lanterns costing $10 each. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Festival organisers are encouraging people to book early, with the workshops offering a fun way for families and friends to get involved before the celebrations officially begin.

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On the night of the parade, participants will meet from 5.30pm at The Garden Bar Bistro beside the Coral Sea Marina Resort. Judging for the most colourful and most creative lanterns will begin at 5.45pm, with prizes awarded before the parade sets off at 6pm.

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From there, the lanterns will wind through the marina before making their way along the Bicentennial Boardwalk, passing Sorrento's Restaurant and Bar before arriving at Fairy Tree Park on the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

The parade finishes near the festival movie screen, where spectators can gather for the Welcome to Country and Traditional Dance ceremony before enjoying the rest of the opening night's entertainment.

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Live music, cultural performances and family-friendly activities will continue across the foreshore throughout the evening, before the festival's opening night concludes with the much-anticipated fireworks display at 8pm.

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Whether you're carrying a lantern you've made yourself or simply finding a spot along the boardwalk to watch them pass by, the Lantern Parade continues to be one of the Great Barrier Reef Festival's standout events and a colourful way to kick off a weekend of celebrations.

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Lantern Making Workshop

Where: 20 Hazelwood Crescent, Cannonvale  

When: Saturday 25^th July, 10am-2pm

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Coral Sea Marina Resort Lantern Parade

Where: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802  

When: Friday 31^st July, 5:30pm-7pm

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Local artist Jules Topaz has officially launched Cocoast Art Gallery in Airlie Beach

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Local artist Jules Topaz has officially opened the doors to Cocoast Art Gallery, a new contemporary art space located at Shingley Beach Resort, directly opposite the Coral Sea Marina.  

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The welcoming gallery showcases Topaz’s signature original botanical and tropical-inspired artworks. The curated space features large-scale statement paintings alongside exclusive small works, all deeply rooted in the distinct, vivid palette of North Queensland.  

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Following a successful 25-year artistic career—including high-profile exhibitions in New York and Hong Kong—her work has earned a loyal collector base, with her paintings now held in numerous private collections both across Australia and internationally.  

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“Cocoast brings something different to Airlie Beach,” Jules says.

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“It’s a space where people can take a moment to be still, connect, and see familiar tropical forms distilled into something a bit more expressive and unexpected.”  

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Beyond the artwork on display, Jules specialises in creating bespoke commissions tailored to the size and colour palettes of private homes, resorts, and commercial spaces. She also collaborates closely with interior designers and architects on corporate and hospitality art projects.  

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The physical gallery at Shingley Beach Resort invites visitors to experience the texture and scale of the pieces in person, while a fully integrated online gallery ensures global accessibility for international buyers.  

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For more information, visit www.cocoastartgallery.com.au or visit the gallery in person at Shingley Beach Resort, Airlie Beach.  

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Bait to Plater’s patiently waiting for a great feed.

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Fresh, local seafood will take centre stage at this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival, with one of the Whitsundays' best-known restaurateurs inviting guests to experience the region's produce at its seasonal best.

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Hosted at 74 Islands Distillery, the multi-course seafood lunch will showcase a menu built around the freshest local catch available.  

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Coming out of retirement, the experience is guided by Kev Collins, co-owner of Fish D'vine, whose connection to local seafood stretches well beyond the kitchen.  

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A lifelong fisherman and passionate chef, Collins has spent decades championing the Whitsundays' seafood industry, working closely with small-scale local fishers and encouraging diners to discover species beyond the region's better-known favourites.

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For Collins, local seafood is about more than what's on the plate. He has long believed the Whitsundays' waterways are a pantry worth celebrating, with every season bringing different flavours and opportunities to showcase the diversity of the region's catch. That philosophy has helped shape both his restaurant and his reputation as one of the region's leading advocates for sustainable, locally sourced seafood.

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Throughout the afternoon, Collins will introduce each course, sharing stories from his years on the water and in hospitality while giving guests a deeper understanding of the seafood and the people behind it.

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Rather than locking dishes weeks ahead of time, the menu is finalised just days before the event, allowing each course to reflect what's in season and at its peak.

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Collins hopes the lunch encourages people to try something different and see just how much quality seafood is caught in local waters. The event will be held at 74 Islands Distillery, with tickets priced at $149 plus booking fee.

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What: Bait to Plate with Kevin Collins

When: Sunday 2nd August  

Where: 74 Islands Distillery  

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A day of laughter, learning and seaside adventure awaits when the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2^nd August from 10am to 2pm, as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

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Completely free to attend, the much-loved event invites families to enjoy a vibrant program of interactive entertainment while discovering more about the remarkable marine environment that makes the Whitsundays so special.

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Designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages, the Family Fun Day brings together local organisations, environmental groups and activity providers to create an engaging celebration of the Great Barrier Reef. Through hands-on activities, games and educational experiences, children can learn about reef conservation while having plenty of fun along the way.

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The day is packed with entertainment, from circus workshops and face painting to crazy races, a donut eating competition and interactive reef-themed activities. Families can also take part in games, challenges and the ever-popular treasure hunt, with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

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A strong focus on reef education and cultural learning adds another dimension to the event, giving visitors the chance to connect with the incredible natural environment that surrounds the Whitsundays.

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The Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and a range of eco stalls will be staffed by leading conservation, science and government organisations, offering fascinating insights into environmental initiatives and sustainability.

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Visitors can also meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team, who will share their knowledge of coral restoration and reef care, while Coral Sea Marina Resort, along with local tour operators including Cruise Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting, will host fun, educational activities that encourage children to explore the wonders of the reef.

When it's time to recharge, a variety of food vendors will be serving delicious options throughout the day, while adults can unwind with the Festival Bar, opening from 12pm, and soak up the lively festival atmosphere overlooking the waterfront.

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Whether it's creating, exploring, competing or simply enjoying time together, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day offers something for every member of the family. Combining entertainment with meaningful environmental education, it's an opportunity to celebrate one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders in a way that's both memorable and inspiring.

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With free entry, a spectacular foreshore setting and a full program of activities, it's the perfect excuse to gather the family, embrace the festival spirit and experience one of the Great Barrier Reef Festival's most popular community events.

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Event Highlights:

• Circus workshops

• Donut eating competition

• Crazy races

• Face painting

• Interactive reef-themed activities

• Treasure hunt with great prizes

• Hands-on reef and marine education

• Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and environmental displays

• Meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team

• Educational activities with local reef tourism operators

• Food vendors throughout the day

• Festival Bar open from 12pm

• Free family entertainment for all ages

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What: Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day
When: Sunday 2^nd August 2026, 10am–2pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach

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Airlie Beach Foreshore lined with people.

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Every year, thousands of eyes turn skyward as the first firework lights up the night sky. This year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival's signature display returns on Friday night, with a new way of seeing the sky show.

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The display will also have a new presenting partner, with Airbnb announced as the naming rights sponsor of this year's Fireworks on the Foreshore, who will handing out free picnic blankets for attendees to enjoy the spectacle on.

"Airbnb is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Festival and support the incredible volunteers who make this event possible for all those who attend from near and far," said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager of Airbnb Australia and New Zealand.

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From early evening, the foreshore will buzz with people as festivalgoers settle in ahead of the 8pm fireworks.

Some will arrive early to grab dinner from the Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street precinct, others will browse the night markets looking for that memorable trinket or enjoy the carnival rides, while live music keeps the atmosphere building as the night goes on.

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The festival's Immerse installation will add another splash of colour to the foreshore, with illuminated reef-inspired sculptures made from recycled marine debris glowing against the night sky.

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While most spectators will spread out along the shoreline with picnic rugs and camp chairs, others will choose a different vantage point altogether.

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Cruise Whitsundays will once again offer its Twilight Cruise aboard Camira, taking passengers out onto Pioneer Bay for a view of the fireworks from the water. The three-hour cruise departs from Port of Airlie, with drinks and shared antipasto platters included before the vessel positions itself offshore for the display.

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Once the fireworks fade, cruise passengers can return to shore and continue enjoying the festival, with the foreshore entertainment ongoing.

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No matter where you're viewing the fireworks, from the beach, the Reef Bar or out on the water, the fireworks remain a staple of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, drawing locals and visitors together for a weekend to remember our treasured reef.  

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The Twilight Cruise departs on Friday evening, with check-in from 5.30pm at the Cruise Whitsundays Terminal. Tickets are $140 per person, plus a booking fee, while access to the Airlie Beach Foreshore remains free for spectators wanting to enjoy the fireworks from the shore.  

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Camira Fireworks Cruise  

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Where: Port of Airlie – Cruise Whitsundays Terminal  

When: 5:30pm-8:45pm

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AirBNB Fireworks on the Foreshore

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Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802  

When: 5:30pm-10:30pm  

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Bowen Tourism and Business team member Melissa Beuzeville with the “Big Things of Australia” Monopoly game.

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Bowen Visitor Information Centre have highlighted the popularity of the ‘Big Things’ edition of Monopoly, which features the region’s very own Big Mango.  

During the busy Queensland school holidays, more than thirty copies were sold, leading the total sales so far in 2026 to more than two hundred games.  

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said some travellers collect Monopoly games and are pleased to see this item on sale.

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“It is also a popular purchase among international visitors who have often visited many of Australia’s Big Things during their trip to Australia,” Leanne said.  

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Bowen’s Big Mango takes a yellow square within the board game and features prominently on the box, alongside many other big icons including the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.

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Monopoly has been a popular board game across the world or more than 100 years. Originally named “The Landlord’s Game” and first patented in 1904, there is now believed to be as many as 3000 different versions.

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Whilst the monopoly game is flying off the shelves, the team is continually expanding the range of products on offer and say that their most popular item is still the 100% natural mango sorbet grown and produced in Bowen.

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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is open from 9am until 5pm on weekdays and from 10am until 3pm on weekends.

If you own a dog or cat in the Whitsundays, it's time to renew their registration. Pet registrations are due by 31^st July, and paying by the due date ensures you receive the discounted registration fee.

Registering your pet is more than just a requirement, it helps Council quickly reunite lost pets with their owners if they become lost and supports responsible pet ownership across our community.

Payments can be made online, by phone, by post, or in person at a Council Customer Service Centre. Visit Council's website to learn more about responsible pet ownership.

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The car resting in Adelaide. Photo supplied

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By Zach Houtenville

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Ryan and Nikki Woodall recently completed the seven-day 2026 Autumn Shitbox Rally, putting their well-worn car to the limits while raising money for cancer research.

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The rally, which saw around 200 cars make the journey from Port Douglas to Melbourne, certainly put the Whitsunday couple to the test. Their car battled through three blown tyres, two failed batteries and a faulty alternator, while freezing temperatures and pothole-riddled dirt roads made every kilometre a challenge.  

“A couple of mornings at zero and sub-zero, especially in the Victorian area,” Ryan said.  

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"When we were on asphalt, all was good but as soon as we went off the asphalt, there were four-wheel-drive tracks that we were doing in cars that are about 200 or 300 millimetres off the ground."  

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By the time they reached Melbourne and then further drove it to Adelaide, the pair were simply relieved to have made it and to not have to drive the ‘Where’s Woody’ themed car back home.  

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“It can pass away in Adelaide,” Ryan said.  

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While the journey was rough, in the end it was worth it for the 15,879 dollars Ryan and Nikki helped raise for Cancer Council Australia, as part of the 2.5 million the event tallied as a whole.  

“So it's a huge community effort, it was amazing,” Ryan said.  

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“It's our little way of giving back to the Cancer Council.”  

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The drive had its challenges, but Ryan said it was the people they met along the way who made the rally so memorable. In town after town, locals welcomed the convoy with home-cooked meals, campfires and live music, with entire communities pitching in to help accommodate more than 500 participants and support crews each night.

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Schools also lined the route from Queensland to Victoria, with students gathering to wave as the colourful convoy rolled through.  

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