Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
This week's Pet of the Week is two-year-old Arab x Greyhound with a heart as big as his paws. This loveable long-termer was rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound and is now looking for his second chance at happiness. Currently being fostered in Brandy Creek, Timmy is a playful, affectionate companion who adores running, zoomies, and hanging out with his foster brothers. He’s fantastic with kids of all ages, submissive with other dogs, and even good with cats. Timmy would thrive in a hom
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There was no social bowls played at Proserpine Bowls Club on Wednesday, following heavy rain on Tuesday night which gave the green another good soaking. On Thursday, Mary Hedgelong and Lee King accompanied Heather to St Helen’s PAH for President Joan Chapman’s Day. It was a lovely event celebrating Joan’s long-standing contribution to lawn bowls at club, district, and state levels. Joan has announced her retirement at the end of the year, and those present expressed their gratitude for her cont
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Exciting news came through this week for Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with confirmation that the long-awaited roof installation is scheduled to begin in early June. Members are eagerly anticipating this major upgrade to the facility. Despite being impacted by weather once again, the club saw good attendance and some excellent play throughout the week. Tuesday afternoon’s social bowls went ahead with 16 players taking to the green in four games of pairs. In an unusual twist, the dice determined tha
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Excitement is building for the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s upcoming Queenfish and Trevally Rally, which has received a major boost with Tackle World Airlie Beach coming on board as the naming rights sponsor. New store owners Dan and Beth Hockley have thrown their support behind the event in a big way, generously donating a $650 rod and reel combo as a major prize. They’ll also be delivering a special presentation during the event briefing, sharing expert tips on lure fishing for queenfish and t
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It was another busy and competitive week at the Wangaratta Bowls Club, with social bowls, club competitions, and some special Mother’s Day action on the green. Tuesday Social Bowls Tuesday’s winning team was Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, and Maureen Hyde, who defeated Deb Retchless, Howard Moulang, and Robyn Stitt. In another close match, Sue Shearing, Gavin Charles, and Margaret Wilson came out on top against Neale Chittenden, Laurie Land, and Ron Hyde. The jackpot, however, did not go of
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Just when it seemed the wet weather had passed, the rain returned—putting a damper on Proserpine Golf Club’s centenary celebrations. Thankfully, conditions eased by Tuesday, allowing the full course to reopen in time for the May Monthly Medal, which saw a strong field of 29 players take part. Among the standout performers was Kath Borer, who was elated to claim the ladies' title after working hard to regain her form following a break from the game. In the men’s division, Nick Apruzzese impresse
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The Whitsundays Tourism Awards, presented by Bishopp, are getting a fresh new format in 2025 - making it easier for more local tourism businesses to be recognised. For the first time, there’s no written submission required. Instead, awards will be based on results from Queensland’s Best of Queensland program, which evaluates businesses on customer reviews, online presence, accreditation and more. To be eligible, businesses must be members of Tourism Whitsundays for the 2025/26 financial year a
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The Cannonvale Cannons closed out a fantastic season with their much-anticipated end-of-season Club Presentation Night – a heartwarming evening where the achievements of all swimmers were proudly celebrated by families, coaches, and teammates. The night kicked off with the announcement of our Age Champions – a proud moment for swimmers who have demonstrated consistency, commitment, and strong performance throughout the season: · 7 Years & Under: Stella Mulliss and Harry Chegwidden · 8 Years:
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The Whitsundays are proudly represented across all categories in the 2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, with three local towns named as finalists, showcasing the region’s unique appeal from the sparkling coastline to its charming country heart. Public voting opened at 10am on Saturday 10th May and closes on Friday, May 17, giving locals, Queenslanders, and visitors the chance to support their favourite Whitsundays destinations via the QTIC Top Tourism Town Awards website. The finalists a
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The countdown to State of Origin is on, and the newly upgraded sports bar at the Airlie Beach Hotel will be the place to be to catch all the action. Kicking off the State of Origin in style, the Airlie Beach Hotel is also hosting a Hot-Dog eating competition. Following the success of last year’s event, which drew a crowd of hungry hopefuls and lively supporters, the competition is back, bigger, and messier than ever. To be apart of the action make sure you're at the Airlie Beach Hotel at 6.30
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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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