Issue #

Mango Madness Takes On The Shitbox Rally

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said “We wish Jason all the very best in the rally,” and, “It is such a great cause and will also be great promotion for Bowen mangoes and our region.” With only have a few weeks until the Mango Madness team drive down to Canberra where the rally's starting line is, they reflected on the upcoming journey and the cause saying "We have no guarantee we're actually going to make it to Canberra to start the event, or to finish it. Breaking dow

Seeking Descendents

The Bowen RSL Sub-Branch is calling on the descendants of three World War One veterans: Thomas Garside Barker (died 16 November 1970) Archibald Cheffins (died 10 December 1985) Charles Rainbird Rodgers (died 7 December 1945) All three are buried in unmarked graves at Bowen Cemetery. Recently, the Bowen RSL submitted a request to the Australian Government’s Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) for official commemoration, which has been approved. As part of this process, the OAWG requires the

Proserpine Veteran's Golf

Despite the grim weather predictions, the day on the course turned out to be surprisingly pleasant, though a bit boggy underfoot. The conditions didn’t stop some players from posting impressive scores, with 13 men and 7 women participating in the front nine twice stableford. With fingers crossed for better weather in future outings, the results were as follows: Ladies’ Results: Robyn Whitham emerged as the winner with a solid 31 points, while Tiina Randmae finished as runner-up with 29 points.

Mamma Mia!

From the moment the lights go down and the opening notes hit, SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute show will transport you to a time when ABBA ruled the world stage. SOS is a full-throttle show honouring ABBA’s timeless music with two FREE matinees on the 12th & 13th of April chock-full of passion, energy, and authenticity that will leave you believing you’re seeing the real thing. Performed by a talented cast of musicians, SOS takes you on a musical journey from ABBA’s unforgettable Eurovision deb

A Game Changer

Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has pledged a game-changing $800,000 for Club Whitsundays if re-elected in the upcoming Federal election, due to be held in May. This significant investment will fund dedicated women’s changing facilities, replacing the current shared spaces, a permanent shelter over the greens stand to keep spectators comfortable in any weather, and powerful field lighting to extend playing hours and enhance the club’s sporting experience. Andrew Willcox, MP emphasised the i

Editors note

Hi Everyone, This week, we bid farewell to Whitsunday journalist Victoria Velton, who has successfully completed three months of initial cadetship training. Victoria is now embarking on a new adventure as a journalist for our sister publication, Hinchinbrook Life. Over the past few months, Victoria has become an excellent writer—dedicated, enthusiastic, and always going the extra mile for each story. These attributes will no doubt be invaluable moving forward, both in a career and in life. We

WHICH HUMPBACK WHALES ARRIVE FIRST IN THE WHITSUNDAYS & WHY

This week there has been a few sightings of the first humpback whales of the season near mainland Australia around Wilson’s Prom in Victoria and the southern NSW coast. They have all been adolescent whales. It appears this years migration to the breeding and birthing grounds has begun. The first humpback whales to depart the Antarctic feeding grounds are adolescent males, with the females who are looking to mate this year and the pregnant females. However, the pregnant females travel at a more

Elevating Luxury Transport In The Whitsundays

Since 2010, Airlie Beach Executive Services (ABES) has been redefining premium ground transport in the Whitsundays. Originally established as Island Photos, a tourism photography business, ABES evolved into a high-end transport provider after Cyclone Debbie forced a business pivot. Recognising a gap in the market for luxury transfers, ABES now delivers executive airport pickups, hotel transfers, and exclusive event transport, ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience.

Living Life At LiveLife Pharmacy

LiveLife Pharmacy in Bowen has been faithfully serving the local community of Bowen for almost a decade with the steadfast guidance of Pharmacy Manager, Rebecca Edgerton, who also happens to be a Bowen local. Since the purchase of the pharmacy in 2016 its operating hours have increased to seven days a week. Previously located in Gregory Street, the popular local pharmacy recently relocated, opening its doors at the new George Street location on March 18. This move marks a significant milestone

Whitsundays Walks the Walk

More than 400 people braved the heat, humidity and threat of rain, to walk the 5km 'Epic Walk for DV' event on Sunday morning, departing from the Coral Sea Marina and standing in solidarity with those attending parallel events in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Across all three events, a total of $321,339 was raised for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), of which more than $56,000 came from the Whitsundays that day alone. Whitsunday MP, Amanda Camm, who is also Que

Sportspark Fixtures

Be Brave And Shave

Proserpine State High School has once again shown its heart, accumulating over $12,500 in this year's World Greatest Shave. One of the youngsters leading the charge was Year 12 student and School Captain, Callum Henry. Callum, who shaved his luscious locks for the cause, raised an awe-inspiring $1,431 in support of the Leukaemia Foundation, which funds research and supports individuals impacted by blood cancers. Callum was one of five Year 12’s and among a total of 11 student and staff members

Travel Patterns Shift - Whitsunday Tourism Thrives

With its iconic white sands and crystal-clear waters, The Whitsundays continues to reign as a premier travel destination, pulling in a staggering $1.65 billion in visitor expenditure for the year ending December 2024. The latest National and International Visitor Surveys (NVS and IVS) confirm the region’s enduring appeal, outpacing the state average despite shifting travel trends. Whether it’s sun-seekers craving a tropical escape or adventure enthusiasts drawn to its pristine reefs and seclude

Mika’s Bringing the Birria

Mika’s mouthwatering Birria Taco’s set the bar deliciously high bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the heart of Airlie Beach. Emerging from the vibrant culinary traditions of Jalisco, Mexico, birria tacos have burst onto the food scene with a bang, and Mika has perfected this cherished classic. Mika’s Birria Tacos aren’t just a dish, they are an experience, fusing rich flavours, textures and traditions into every tasty bite. At Mika, the secret to their outstanding birria tacos begins with

A Minute With The Mayor

One of my top priorities in my first year as Mayor has always been to push for real, tangible outcomes on the issues that matter most to our community—and for many years, our flood-prone road network has been right at the top of that list. The Bruce Highway, particularly through the Goorganga Plains and Lethebrook section, has long been a pain point during heavy rainfall and flooding. This vital stretch of highway received a $376 million funding commitment from the Federal Government several y

Run To Paradise

Airlie Beach Festival of Music is bringing a lineup so packed, it should have a baggage limit. Legends like The Screaming Jets, Jessica Mauboy, and Diesel are heading to the Whitsundays from 7th – 9th November. But this festival isn’t just about setlists; it’s an adventure in one of the world’s most stunning locations. The perfect anthem? ‘Run to Paradise’. With the main stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club overlooking the Coral Sea, acts like Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Bachelor Girl, and Jayne

Dive In and Reeflect

Hey everyone! I've just started my Dive Master training and did three dives over the weekend! Diving always grounds me and reminds me why protecting our environment is so important. One of the highlights was an adorable little Roundface Batfish that followed me around, playfully dancing in my exhaust bubbles. Such an incredible experience! _Ruth_ "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." —William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Sunscreen And The Reef – Choose Carefully

Queensland boasts the greatest reef on the planet – the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, Queensland also boasts the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. As a Reef lover, we want to protect the Reef but we also want to protect ourselves from the risk of skin cancer. The absolute best way to protect one’s self from the harmful rays of the sun is to cover up. There are many options available; lycra suits (stinger suits), rashies and wetsuits to name just a few. But these suits are not alw

Political Insights

The Federal Election has been called. The date, Saturday May 3rd. Many political commentators are predicting a very tight race and the money is pointing to the first hung parliament since 2010. Both the major parties are saying that this is the most important election for decades and it will decide the fate of our nation’s future. Both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have declared your vote this year to be more valuable than ever before. The LNP wants you to ask yourself

Home Loan Health Check: How Much Could You Save?

When was the last time you reviewed the health of your home loan? Whether you’re in the market for a first or second home, looking to refinance, invest in a new property, or lower your repayments, a home loan health check could be just what you need to get ahead and realise your goals. Amanda Anderson, Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine’s Branch Manager says there are four things to review annually when it comes to your home loan: Interest Rate: Check if your current interest rate i

Council Gearing Up For Active Transport Study

Council is seeking input from residents to help shape active transport in the Mackay region for the next 10 years. Improving active transport networks was a clear priority for Mackay identified in the 2023 Australian Liveability Census. This project looks to improve active transport networks across the Mackay region. A survey has been launched as part of community consultation aimed at gaining community input about how best to improve walking and riding infrastructure across the region. Mayo

Free Pizza, Slushies And Movies To Celebrate Youth Week

Nothing says Youth Week like delicious food, an outdoor movie, a pool party and some live music. Youth aged 12 to 25 years in the region are invited to kick back at three free events funded by council during Youth Week, beginning April 4. Council’s Youth Development team has worked closely with the Mackay Youth Council, Sarina Youth Council and Valley District Youth Council to plan an event in each area. The events to be held include: An outdoor movie night featuring Cool Runnings, at the Ge

Residents Can Have Their Say In Liveability Census

Mackay residents are being urged to help shape future council improvements to enhance liveability in the region. Residents are invited to have their say by taking part in the 2025 Australian Liveability Census. Every two years, Place Score undertakes Australia’s largest social research project to measure liveability in communities throughout the nation. The census identifies what matters to local communities and gathers ideas for making them better places to live. Mayor Greg Williamson said

Farmers Call For Long-Term Disaster Plan

Queensland’s peak agriculture body— the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), and Canegrowers—are calling on the Queensland and Australian Governments to take a long-term approach to support the agriculture sector. With two significant weather events already hitting Queensland this year and a possible third on its way, climate resilience, preparedness and response are front and centre with Queensland’s farmers who are

Northern Beaches Community Hub Ticking Off Milestones

Construction of the first stage of a community hub to service the rapidly growing Northern Beaches is on track. The project includes an undercover multi-purpose sporting court, adjoining kitchenette and storeroom, nature play and picnic spaces. It also includes landscaping, pedestrian links and a parking area. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Northern Beaches Community Hub was located opposite Mackay Northern Beaches State High School between Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road. He said the first st