The Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival was a huge success last weekend, and Creative Connections Whitsunday said they were thrilled with the turn out at the event. Secretary of Creative Connections Whitsunday Glenda Brown praised the idea of the festival and said it is thanks to previous president Leigh Skead. “She wanted to create an art festival that was based in Proserpine for a couple of reasons. To showcase the artists and to bring visitors and to create more activity in Proserpine,” said G
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Last week, I had the privilege of joining members of our community at the candle lighting ceremony in Airlie Beach - a moving tribute to those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence. It is always a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a real person and a grieving family and community. May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and this year’s theme - Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland - calls on each of us to be part of the solution.
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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre and the Bowen Community Centre were both chosen to be the local beneficiaries of this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday 26 July 2025, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, alongside BMA CQ Rescue as the regional beneficiary. These centres provide essential services to educate, support and assist our local communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Residents can access opportunities to enhance their health, social, educational and economic well-b
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The community came together in solidarity last week when over 50 people gathered in Cannonvale on Wednesday for a poignant Candle Lighting Ceremony to honour those lost to domestic and family violence (DFV). Organised by Whitsunday Counselling and Support as part of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, the event sought to raise awareness and reflect on the ongoing issue. Attendees included Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Jan Clifford, Sergeant Gary Hiles from Queensland Police, Dr. Alice
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It’s been an exciting and busy week in Bowen with the anticipated rocket launch, the start of the Grey Nomad season and some of the winter crops now in full swing. The crew from ABC Radio broadcasted live on Wednesday from the Big Mango and then live from; 360 on the Hill' in Bowen on Thursday, speaking to various businesspeople and community reps. They also visited Bowen State School, talking to the kids about the rocket launch and what they had been learning about space. Presenter Susan Gra
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Each May is Queensland Small Business Month so it's time to celebrate all small businesses and the vital contribution they make to our state's economy and to our community. To celebrate Queensland Small Business Month, Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a special event with guest speakers Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner, The Hon. Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, and Mayor Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council. These inspiring leaders came together
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When little hands prepare to grow, And off to Prep they're set to go, A journey shaped by truth and grace— At Whitsunday Christian College, a special place. With caring hearts and gentle pace, Each child is welcomed into place. They learn through play, explore with glee, Becoming all they’re meant to be. Miss Elmarie, who leads with light, Has shared their steps with pure delight. “For 25 years I’ve watched them rise— To read, to write—it's no surprise!” Each Thursday morning, don’t delay, Jo
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The Whitsunday Raiders have sent a strong message to the competition in Round 5, with both the men’s and women’s teams producing gutsy wins against Moranbah Bulls Rugby on Saturday, May 10. Despite facing tough conditions and depleted squads, the Raiders showed grit, teamwork and sheer determination to come away with the double victory. Men’s Team Powers Home Despite Numbers Game The Raiders men’s team delivered a dominant 46–10 performance, despite travelling with just 16 players and taking
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It was a huge weekend of football for Whitsunday United FC, with teams from across the club taking to the pitch at Whitsunday Sports Park from Friday evening through to Saturday night. Battling strong winds and driving rain, the home sides showed grit and determination in a mixed bag of results. Friday Night Drama for Divisional Men The Division 2 men kicked off the action against Lions FC on Friday night, hoping to continue their undefeated run. Playing into a fierce wind, the side conceded t
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Most visitors to the Great Barrier Reef tend to focus on the larger marine life, particularly the fish, turtles, and rays. But you really need to slow down and focus on some of the smaller animals, and with a bit of luck, you might spot a nudibranch. What’s a nudibranch you might ask…only one of the most colourful and fascinating creatures to be found on the Reef. Their name is derived from the latin nudibranchia, which means literally “naked gills,” and describes the feather-like gills and ho
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday 16th May 6:00 PM: Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Dolphins FC Div 2 Men 8:00 PM: Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Dolphins FC Div 1 Men AWAY MATCH Saturday 17th May 9:30 AM: Mackay Rangers FC U13 Div 1 vs Whitsunday United FC U13 Div 1 (Mackay Football Park) 9:30 AM: Dolphins FC U13 FQPL vs Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL (Mackay Football Park) 9:30 AM: Whitsunday United FC U14 vs Mackay Lions U14 (Mackay Football Park) 9:30 AM:
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May 16 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Club Whitsunday, 9:30am-11:00am, $25pp Bookings Required, Group Bookings Welcome. 17 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival, Bowen Soundshell Santa Barbara Parade, 10:00am-2:00pm 17 Whitsunday Brahmans Family Field Day, Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine, 3:00pm-7:00pm 18 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 18 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, various location, 8:00am-11:00am, Registration Required to Participate 20 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:
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Friday 16th May Airlie Beach Hotel: THE PUB'S 57TH BIRTHDAY The Yachtski Bros (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Saturday 17th May Airlie Beach Hotel: The Yachtski Bros (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music & DJ Session (1pm - 6pm) Sunday 18th May Airlie Beach Hotel: The Yachtski Bros (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm
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Results For Week Ending Sunday 27 April 2025 Monday 21 April 2025 – 6 Table Howell Green Points (Nation Wide Pairs) North/South East/West 1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Ian Cruickshank - Mary Cruickshank 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild 2nd Andrew Canavan - Jan Harris 3rd Margaret Lane - Barbara Tait 3rd Ken Seaniger - Nancy Martin Tuesday Evening 22 April 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points North/South East/West 1st Christine Morrison - Glen Cocup 1st Noel Bugeia - Eric Goodc
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Agricultural Voices Strengthen QRIDA Board With Historic Appointments Queensland’s farmers and regional businesses will benefit from strengthened leadership at the state’s rural support agency, with four new appointments to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Board – each bringing deep roots in agriculture, regional development and the private sector. The Queensland Government’s renewed focus on rural resilience and economic growth is reflected in the announcem
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The Rays Community Cricket Program is launching fresh opportunities for Term 2, following the outstanding success of the Girls Only Rays Blast Programs. This next chapter introduces a fun and inclusive cricket experience, featuring a modified game format tailored to help young players build confidence and develop their skills in a positive environment. Girls aged 8–12 years can continue their cricket journey with a new format that blends learning with gameplay. Each 90-minute session kick
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In an amazing turn-out, over 240 competitors participated in both the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and MINI MACH Adventure Challenge over the ANZAC long weekend. Finch Hatton RSL was the new Head Quarters, and the choice to move to that particular location was an excellent one. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. The venue was shared with the RSL’s ANZAC Day celebrations, adding a unique and respectful atmosphere to the event. The MTB stage featured the popular Fi
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The North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club have defended their title in style, claiming back-to-back victories at the annual Symons Shield, held this year on Tuesday 29 April and Thursday 1 May. Hosted by the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, the event drew top competition from clubs across the region, including Airlie Beach, Marian, Mackay City, Mackay Club, North Mackay, Northern Beaches, Sarina, South Suburban, and Wests. Day one saw early clashes, with North Mackay defeating South Suburban in the
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Months of hard training paid off for the Shito-Ryu Karate Club in Bucasia at the Traditional Japanese Karate National Championships, held recently in Adelaide. This was the third year the club attended the national competition and the team was rewarded with an impressive haul of nine gold, one silver, and two bronze medals across both individual and team events. Congratulations to Helle, Tim, Logan, Nathanial and Aksel on their outstanding achievements. The five-member team’s dedication
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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
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The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club will swap laps for lamingtons on Saturday, May 17, when they host a special morning tea fundraiser in partnership with DMR Leisure. Held under the shade tree at the Memorial Pool from 9.30am to 11.30am, the event is part of the Cancer Council’s nationwide Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea initiative. Known for their post-swim hospitality, the Sinkers are inviting the community to join them for a morning of treats, raffles, games, and good compa
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Mackay Road Runners traded competitive tension for community spirit in their latest club event, a relaxed 5km and 10km run departing from Bluewater Quay. But while some were enjoying a social Sunday hit-out, others were grinding up the gruelling hills of Hamilton Island in one of the most scenic and punishing races on the calendar—the annual Hilly Half Marathon. Over 25 runners and supporters took to the Bluewater course under cool and overcast skies, with the 10km runners powering out to
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May marks Queensland Small Business Month – a time to recognise the contribution small businesses make to our community, our economy and our way of life. From early morning starts to late-night bookkeeping, small business owners do it all – with passion, purpose and persistence. At Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, we don’t just bank with small businesses, we champion them. We know that behind every small business is a person, or often, a family, working hard to make ends meet, create o
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Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is celebrating that local communities in the Mirani electorate will now be in the driver’s seat to determine if wind and solar farms are developed in their region, thanks to strengthened planning and assessment processes. The Crisafulli Government has introduced Australia’s strongest renewables planning laws to lock in requirements on renewable energy developers to contribute to the regions in which they operate. The changes fulfil an election commitment
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A busy week of Tuesday fixtures saw fierce rallies and tight finishes across all three divisions at Mackay Table Tennis. Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures April 29, 2025: Division 1: Ghost Spin (George Camilleri, Branko Vucurovic, Bryan Marshall) d Cosmic Sorcerers (Delma Knight, Pam Joyce, Coral Morgan) 7-5. Delma d Branko -8, 8, -10, 12, 7. Panther Prowlers (Doug Dungavell, John McGee, Kevin Abbott) d Phoenix Fire (Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson, Darryl Ross) 7-5. Kevi
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