In today’s busy world, one-on-one time with the people you love can be a rarity, and I’ll admit, I’m often guilty of not making enough time for it with my own family. Last Sunday, however, I made a point to carve out a two-hour window for just my son and me. We often have ‘family time’ with other members of our family, but when I thought about it, I realised we haven’t had much time just the two of us lately. We took a trip into Airlie Beach, grabbed some sushi, and then had ice cream — enjoyi
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Local hero Michelle Shell Wardrope, whose determination and resilience have inspired the community, has successfully completed her 50-squats-per-day challenge throughout March, all while adjusting to life with only one leg after a life-changing incident last year.
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Artwork inspired by the Mad Max movies will feature as one of three outstanding new exhibitions opening at Artspace Mackay this month. Maximum Madness: Art inspired by Mad Max will be in the Main Gallery from April 12 to June 22. This exhibition brings together a range of artists paying homage to their favourite post-apocalyptic (anti)hero and is curated by Rockhampton Museum of Art Director Jonathan McBurnie. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mad Max movies, with their iconic characters and irr
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The Easter colouring-in competition, organised by Bowen Tourism and Business, was a huge success, drawing over 150 entries from local schoolchildren. Kids from Merinda State School, Bowen State School, Queens Beach School, and St Mary’s Catholic School were invited to colour a picture of Kenny the Mango Mascot surrounded by Easter eggs. Cindy Tonks, who coordinated the event, said the competition was all about bringing the community together and offering a fun, creative activity for local child
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Artspace Mackay Asia Pacific Triennial Kids on Tour Tuesday, April 15 Wednesday, April 16 Thursday, April 17 FREE ENTRY – Drop in anytime 10am to 4.30pm Artspace Mackay is delighted to offer three days of free drop-in art activities for kids and people of all ages and abilities. The ‘Asia Pacific Triennial Kids on Tour’ program has been developed to coincide with the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial, on show now at QAGOMA, Brisbane. It features seven interactive projects produced by the Children’s Ar
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Collinsville is set to shine even brighter, with Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, announced this week a $250,000 commitment to deliver the next stage of the town’s beautification project if an LNP Government is elected in May. This fresh injection of funding will deliver Stage 2 of the revitalisation, focusing on landscaping both entrances to Collinsville and enhancing the area leading to the cemetery, ensuring the first and last impressions of the town reflect the heart and pri
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In May this year, Proserpine Golf Club will celebrate 100 years of chasing that little white ball. Today, the club boasts over 300 members who tee off on what is now regarded as a championship standard golf course. But 100 years ago, it was a vastly different scenario. How it all began … The Proserpine Golf Club was born when a group of golf lovers met at Phaff’s Paddock (the current site of Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation) to swing a club. Men such as local dentist of the time, W E (Bill) Ho
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Whitsunday Latin Dance for Everyone Monday, 14 April at 10am A fun and social way to stay active while learning Latin dance styles. No partner or experience required—just bring your dancing shoes! Proserpine Community Garden Club Monday, 14 April at 3pm Whether you’re a green thumb or a gardening newbie, join this friendly group to share tips, swap plants and work together on community green spaces. Proserpine Chat & Patch Quilting Club Tuesday, 15 April at 9am Sit, stitch, and socialise! Perf
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How good is a HOLIDAY? But do you know the origin of the word “Holiday”? It means “HOLY DAY”. Our most Holy Day, is Good Friday, which has its significance affirmed by Resurrection Sunday. A holiday is a time of rest. The ultimate Holiday is Good Friday because on that day, Jesus Christ made atonement for the sins of the world, bringing all those who accept it, back into a relationship with God. We rest from our strivings to be acceptable to God and attain life beyond the grave, because Jesu
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Hi Everyone, There’s plenty of exciting content to explore in this week's Ruth2Reef! Behind the scenes, I’ve been helping work on a fantastic new project with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. You can read all about it in this edition, and be sure to keep an eye out for it in a certain popular spot... We’ve also had sightings of the first manta rays migrating into the Whitsundays, which is always a thrilling time of year! Their arrival signals that the whales are likely not far behind. As these maje
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, announced this week that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government will provide $20,000 to support the Proserpine Youth Space.“The Proserpine community is growing in population and therefore growing in the number of youths that require support,” Mr Willcox said.
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Fishing fever has officially hit the Mackay Isaac region with the launch of the 2025 Lucky Catch and Snap competition! Starting last Saturday, 5 April, the competition has already made waves with a record number of registrations and more than $10,000 in prizes up for grabs. Running through the Easter school holidays until April 26, this popular event is calling all anglers, from beginners to pros, to cast their lines across 20 beautiful spots in the region for the chance to land a jackpot-winni
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I was excited when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced in January that the Labor government would fund $7.2 billion towards the Bruce Highway. However, the celebrations for Dawson were short lived, when it was discovered not a cent had been allocated for the region until at least 2028.Senate estimates revealed that of the announced funding only $432 million had been costed over the next three years and that money is not making it to Dawson.
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A new digital platform is set to enhance connection, consultation, and community involvement in the Northern Beaches region, following the official launch of the Northern Beaches Community Network website. Unveiled by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, the website provides residents with an accessible hub to stay informed, engage with local initiatives, and contribute to shaping the future of the region. With contact details for local organisations, upcoming meeting dates, and an open community
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Whitsunday Regional Council has secured State Government Funding to support residents impacted by flying-fox roosts. Residents impacted by flying-fox roosts in Collinsville can now access resident assistance grants for lifestyle mitigations to provide practical solutions that help offset impacts of flying-fox roost noise, odour and property damage. Council secured a $46,000 State Government grant and is also contributing $20,000 to assist residents directly impacted by flying-fox roosts in urb
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Mackay has officially welcomed a new treasure trove for bargain hunters and animal lovers alike with the grand opening of the region’s very first RSPCA Op Shop. Held last Saturday, the community celebration was a hit, with a full carpark of locals flocking to the store for a Family Fun Day that featured face painting, generous prize giveaways, puppy cuddles, and a sizzling sausage sizzle – with more than 300 snags devoured throughout the day. Attendees browsed a wide selection of pre-loved item
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As the Proserpine Golf Club prepares to celebrate its Centenary on the first weekend of May, the excitement among members and locals is palpable. Whilst the club's genesis dates back to 1925, this landmark occasion is just as much about honouring its strong and thriving present as it is about reflecting on its rich and vibrant past. With a steadily growing membership of between 350 and 380 individuals, the club is a predominant hub for sport, social connection, and personal growth in the Proser
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Done N Dusted Country, located conveniently on Proserpine’s Main Street, has swiftly become a beloved shopping destination since opening for business in October 2023. Owned and operated by Amber Duggan, a Proserpine local since 2005 and a mother of three, this charming country store provides local residents with a convenient, community focused retail experience. Done N Dusted Country offers a diverse range of country clothing, footwear and accessories, catering specifically to the tastes and ne
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What's your number one election priority? Recently the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledged the federal government’s pre-election budget. Whilst the investment in infrastructure, cost of living, and tax relief is welcome, the budget ultimately signals a future of debt and deficit and falls short in delivering targeted support for small businesses. The budget aims to ‘shape a more affordable Australia’ but what does that look like, what are the knock-on effects for our regi
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In the heart of Mackay, a new dawn has broken for families of children with autism, offering a fresh start and a world of possibilities. For six-year-old Nixon Kelly, finding a place where he is truly seen, understood, and celebrated has been a journey filled with challenges. But with the opening of Autism Queensland’s new specialist school in the region, life-changing opportunities have emerged—not only for Nixon, but for his entire family and a broader community long dreaming of a more inclusi
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For the first time ever, renowned Australian and international entertainer Mike Vee will be bringing his spectacular vocal talent to The Pub's mainstage. On Friday, the 25th of April, Mike headlines the ANZAC Day event with his sensational Whispering Jack Show, paying tribute to the legendary music of Australia's beloved John Farnham and captivating the crowds of Airlie Beach. Mike’s Whispering Jack Show, part of Airlie Beach Hotel's Anzac Day celebration, promises a phenomenal afternoon, runni
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You’ve likely seen Tourism Whitsundays around town or mentioned in the news - but what exactly do we do, and how can local tourism operators benefit? We’re a not-for-profit marketing organisation dedicated to promoting our beautiful region, supporting tourism product development, and delivering visitor services. Our core focus is to increase visitation, extend the length of stay, and encourage dispersal across Airlie Beach, Bowen, Collinsville, Proserpine, and the Islands - ultimately driving m
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A Fun, Social Way To Spend Your Tuesday Evening Picture this: It’s a dull, nothing Tuesday evening. You’re looking for something fun, a bit of healthy activity, and a chance to hang out with a few friends. You want some laughs, a few drinks, and tasty snacks – all under the stars. Sounds perfect, right? Well, Twilight Lawn Bowls at North Mackay Bowls Club (Goosies) is exactly what you need. Ladies President, Hilary Jones Rowan, says, “Traditionally, when many working women think about lawn
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I’m excited that the Whitsundays will be hosting the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s 2025 World Environment Day event right here at Council’s beautiful Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. With the breathtaking Whitsundays as our backdrop, the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and future home of Olympic sailing for the Brisbane 2032 Games there’s no better place to talk about the future of sustainable tourism and environmental leadership. On June 5, we’ll welcome tourism leaders, eco-innovators,
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Kicking goals and hitting boundaries, City Brothers Football Club and Mackay Cricket Club are in line for a $500,000 funding boost. The pledge, announced by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox last Monday, will see an elected Liberal National Government invest in facility upgrades to create a safer and more inclusive environment for players. “This local club is a breeding ground for the next generation of professional players and has a long list of talented competitors in its membership,”
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