The countdown is on to one of Mackay’s most loved community events — and this year’s Family Fun Day is set to be bigger, brighter and more joyful than ever. Hosted by Mackay Hospital Foundation and presented by Gardian, the much-anticipated event will roll into BB Print Stadium on Sunday 1 June from 10am to 2pm, bringing with it a full program of free rides, family entertainment and live performances. Entry is $10 for children aged over two, with adults free — and the one-time ticket pri
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If Mackay had a middle name, it’d be “Eventful.” From dirt-kicking rodeos to dazzling stadium takeovers, this region doesn’t just host events, it wrangles them, races them, and occasionally feeds them fairy floss. Last weekend, Nebo brought the yee-haw with its annual rodeo, and if the dust has finally settled, it’s only because we needed room on the calendar for a flurry of fun runs, triathlons, and the type of Lycra that really shouldn't be seen in slow motion. But don’t hang up your c
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As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, understanding the expectations of the next generation is essential for employers seeking to attract, retain, and develop future talent. The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s next event – 7:30am Thursday 5 June at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, Proserpine Mill – will explore what today’s apprentices, trainees, and early career professionals value most in a workplace; from culture and leadership to flexibility, purpose, and career progr
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This week is National Volunteer Week where we celebrate the power of volunteering to bring people together, create lasting relationships and strengthen our communities. The theme this year is ‘Connecting Communities’ and I can hand on heart say the volunteers across the Whitsunday region have an enormous impact in ensuring our communities are thriving and inclusive. The breadth of volunteer groups in our region is far-reaching – from the SES, marine rescue crews and wildlife carers to museum gu
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Sign Up To The Whitsundays First ‘Masterclass For Mums’ Whitsunday mums and local practitioners with specialised skills are being invited to participate in the region’s first ‘Masterclass for Mums’, a short, paid program that aims to support maternal wellbeing and help families thrive. This brand-new initiative is designed for mums of all ages and stages and will run four times over the next 12 months. Program creator and founder of Motherhood & Matrescence, Amanda Jackson, said this was not a
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In Bowen, Coastal Esthétique Skin Clinic, led by aesthetic nurse Leonie, is revolutionising local access to professional skincare treatments and products. Leonie’s passion for aesthetic nursing was ignited in 2012, but after acquiring her Diploma of Midwifery, she focused on consolidating her skills in this area. While traveling Australia with her husband and welcoming their children into their lives, she took the time to nurture her clinical expertise. After settling in Bowen, Leonie recognised
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Last Wednesday, the Bowen Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting featuring a speaker from Muroona Gardens and QCoal. The board of Muroona outlined its role as a not-for-profit aged care provider since 1964, employing 165 locals and offering residential care, home care, and independent living units. They emphasised challenges such as uncertainties in funding, nurse shortages, and rising dementia rates and consequential care demands, alongside plans for 24 new dementia care rooms funded by a $14.7
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When the going gets tough, the tough get going! At the beginning of May, I knew this would be the busiest month of the year, and I braced myself for impact. Three kids' birthdays, two weekends away, one magazine deadline, staff on holiday, family visits, and... we’re moving house! The last three weeks have been a whirlwind, and I think many of us can relate to the madness of mid-year. It feels like the year is flying by at full speed, and May seems to be the peak of it all. Despite all this,
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The Queensland Government has launched the exciting new “All the Best” campaign, celebrating the State’s favourite produce and places, ahead of Queensland Day on June 6. From the best pie to the best pint, Queenslanders across the State are being encouraged to put their town on the map and vote for their local ‘bests’ across 15 categories, including: • Fish and chips • Meat pie • Coffee • Bahn Mi • Parmi • Ice cream • Burger • Beer • Pub • Café • Event • Big thing • Beach • Landmark • Natural
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The picturesque Lake Proserpine Campground will host two distinctly different yet equally exciting events this month, drawing hundreds of locals and visitors to this incredible lakefront location. On Thursday 12 June, the Queensland Music Festival’s Reef Sundowner will bring a relaxed evening of soulful performances to the lakeside, followed by the high-energy, Barra and Boots Music Festival, on Saturday 21 June. Both events are family-friendly and attendees can expect a laid-back country vibe
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Locals in Jubilee Pocket may have noticed some welcome changes at their neighbourhood store, with new owners Nathan Parker and Tayla Clout taking the reins in September last year and steadily breathing new life into the business. Alongside Tayla, Nathan has been working hard to restore the shop to its full potential, making it a place the community can rely on and be proud of. “We are rebuilding the business, trying to bring it back up to a standard that the community wants and needs over here
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New Program Boosts Student Success At Bowen High In 2025, Bowen State High School has launched the Hands on Learning (HOLA) program as part of its Flexispace learning initiative. This practical in-school program aims to enhance student engagement, wellbeing, and attendance by providing opportunities for students to uncover their talents and achieve success through meaningful, hands-on projects. HOLA is an initiative of 54reasons.org.au and supports students to develop the social and emotional c
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Club Medal & Level Achievements In Part Two of our end-of-season wrap-up, we shine a light on the swimmers who reached important performance milestones throughout the season. These awards are based on official qualifying times achieved in our home pool at Club Nights, Club Championships, or Cannons-hosted Carnivals – and they represent dedication, determination, and consistent improvement. First up, we celebrated recipients of the Club Medal, awarded to swimmers who have achieved up to four qua
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We’re happy to report that the weather was beautiful for the Queenfish and Trevally Rally last weekend, and the winning fish was a GT. If you’re not already a member of the Whitsunday Game Fish Club, we recommend becoming one. Not only is it fun getting involved in local fishing comps, it’s also a great way to connect with the local fishing community and make new friendships. Dam Based on the reports we’ve received, fishing at the dam the past week has been much better than the week prior, wit
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The new pennants season is underway, with local bowlers enjoying a mix of social matches and competitive fixtures over the past week. Social Bowls Results On Wednesday, a lively group gathered for social bowls, with two matches played. Trevor Parsons, Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown defeated Trevor Parsons, Mary Hedgelong and Mike Harrison in a convincing 28–10 win. In the second game, Arthur Griffith and Barry Zillmann took a solid 21–8 victory over Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown. Sunday’s socia
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It has been a fantastic few weeks for the Wangaratta Bowls Club, with our talented ladies achieving outstanding results both locally and at state level. The club’s Division One Pennant side recently competed in the North Queensland District competition held in Ayr. Wangaratta led the tournament for the first three days and, in a thrilling final-day showdown, faced off against second-placed Thuringowa. With exceptional performances from both sides, Wangaratta emerged victorious by nine shots, se
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Time is flying at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with mid-May already upon us and the club eagerly anticipating the installation of its long-awaited shade cover. It’s been a vibrant and successful period both on and off the green. A recent car boot sale combined with a book stall and assorted items such as discs, appliances, and furniture proved to be a tremendous success, raising over $1,000 for the club. Organisers extended a heartfelt thank you to all members and supporters who contributed the
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BMA CQ Rescue has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal with the goal of raising $250,000 to help continue delivering critical, life-saving care across Central and North Queensland. The appeal comes after a hectic start to the year, with the helicopter rescue service flying 199 missions in the first quarter alone. From floods and horse-riding accidents to cardiac emergencies and snake bites, the service has been a lifeline for countless residents in times of need. Among the missions this year, BMA C
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The Bowen Pipeline Project is on track to receive approval from the Queensland Government later this year, promising to unlock significant economic, agricultural, and employment benefits for the Whitsundays and surrounding regions. Bowen Pipeline Company representative, Sean Brown confirmed public advertising for the project’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application commenced on the 4th of April. “We are on target for the State approval, with Commonwealth approval shortly afte
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Airlie Beach is in for an electrifying evening of dance, cheeky charm, and unforgettable entertainment when the Magic Men take the stage on June 4. The one-night-only performance promises a spectacular blend of high-energy dance routines, audience participation, themed performances, and a dose of cheeky fun. It’s all wrapped up in an interactive show designed for an unforgettable Ladies Night Out. Magic Men’s MC and host, Menno Van Kampen, said this isn’t the group’s first visit to Airlie Beac
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Protecting Local Wildlife Covering a vast region from Collinsville to St Lawrence and west to mining towns, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays is a volunteer-run network dedicated to helping sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. Operating a 24/7 hotline, the group coordinates rescues and matches animals with trained species-specific carers. President Kerry Aspland, involved for over 15 years, leads the macropod rescues and helps manage the team of responders. “We have first responders that go ou
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Are you ready for the 9th Annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show & Shine – Car & Bike Show! This year will be a weekend to remember and to delight both locals and visitors from across the state. Set to the amazing back drop of the Coral Sea Marina the event is expected to be bigger than last year aiming for over 150 vehicles on display. Hosted by Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club. There is a simplified format for 2025, the main event will take place on Saturday 31st May from 8am – 11.30am. Entry is free,
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Bowen’s beloved community radio station, 95.1 GemFM, is proudly celebrating its 25th birthday—marking a milestone in local broadcasting and community spirit. The station’s story began in 1996 when Brian Winterburn, the current President, was approached by Pastor John Robertshaw (deceased) to support a group keen on establishing a community radio station. Brian joined forces with the late Robert Smart, a computer genius, who was already working to form an incorporated association. After buildi
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The Whitsundays was well represented at the Townsville Caravan, 4x4 and outdoor Adventure Expo on the weekend. Leanne Abernethy from Bowen Tourism and Business and Dea Huvonen from Tourism Whitsundays manned a Whitsundays stand. Other local operators at the expo included Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays and Cruise Whitsundays. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said the drive market was very important to the local tourism economy and the visitors at the expo were very interested
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A record-breaking $2,500 was raised at this year’s Biggest Morning Tea, marking the most successful event to date for the local organisers. Now in its 20th year, the annual fundraiser has become a staple on the community calendar, bringing people together in support of the Cancer Council. This year’s success was made possible through a new collaboration with Club Whitsunday, who provided the venue and generously catered the event. “It’s the most we’ve ever raised,” said Whitsunday Neighbourhoo
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