Issue #

23

Tones & I Coming To Bowen

March 13, 2025

Sometimes, a good deed can sound as sweet as it feels, and that’s certainly the case with this week’s exciting news: music sensation Tones & I has announced she will be performing in Bowen! Music lovers across the region will be thrilled to hear that one of the biggest stars of the moment is bringing her incredible talent to our sunny shores. This highly anticipated event will not only be a fantastic occasion for locals, but it will also shine a well-deserved spotlight on our region, helping to

Read more

A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

March 13, 2025

One of the great privileges of being Mayor is witnessing the next generation of leaders step up with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a strong commitment to their community. Over the past few weeks, I have attended several school investiture ceremonies and Lions Youth of the Year events, and I can confidently say that the future of the Whitsundays is in good hands. Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about taking action, making a difference, and inspiring those around you. The Whitsundays ha

Read more

Proserpine Lions Club Host Youth Of The Year Final

March 13, 2025

On Sunday, the Proserpine Lions Club proudly hosted the Zone 9 Final of the prestigious Youth of the Year Australia program, showcasing the exceptional talents of four inspiring local students. The event, held at the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre, was a resounding success and highlighted the incredible potential of the young people in our community. The four entrants, all representing different schools in the Whitsunday region, were: Allegra Bradley – Proserpine State High School Amelia M

Read more

Foreshore She Is Woman Of The Year

March 13, 2025

Save Our Foreshore was founded in 2004 by passionate Whitsunday residents who united in response to a proposal by McDonald’s for a half-meter highway sign featuring their iconic golden arches. This proposal sparked Save Our Foreshore's first major protest, igniting a wave of community activism that would shape the town’s future. Wondering why the golden arches now sit discreetly on the building’s eaves rather than towering over the highway? The protest worked, leading to a significant shift in

Read more

Adam Harvey Brings Classic Country Hits To Proserpine

March 13, 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of classic country music with one of Australia’s most beloved country music stars, Adam Harvey, as he hits the stage at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on March 29 as part of his Let The Song Take You Home tour. With a career spanning over two decades, Adam Harvey has become a household name in the Australian country music scene. With more than half a million album sales, numerous gold and platinum records, and an impressive nine Golden Guitar Awards t

Read more

Celebrating Women On International Women's Day

March 13, 2025

Saturday, March 8th marked International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable women who inspire change, challenge norms, and make a difference both globally and locally, including here in the beautiful Whitsundays. Zonta Whitsundays hosted a lively and vibrant community event to honor the incredible women of the region. The celebration was filled with an array of delightful food, exciting raffles, heartfelt awards, sparkling moments, and a lively atmosphere that had everyo

Read more

Editor's Note

March 13, 2025

Hi Everyone, Sometimes it feels like there are inspiring people everywhere in our community. This week, I reconnected with one of my favorite local heroes, Shell Wardrope, who lost her leg after it was infected by a soil-borne bacteria last year. Instead of falling into self-pity or asking, “Why me?”, this incredible woman exudes positivity and gratitude in every aspect of her life. Reconnecting with her reminded me of this once again as she filled me in on her latest plan to get the Mayor to

Read more

Pet Of The Week: What A Little Poppet

March 13, 2025

Meet Poppet, a 6-year-old, pint-sized dynamo of a Jack Russell with a heart as big as her personality! Surrendered to Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue, this little lady is ready to steal your heart. Poppet is a big fan of kids and is always up for a game or cuddle session. She's also got a curious streak when it comes to cats—she'll sit quietly and observe, trying to crack the mystery of their feline ways. When it comes to road trips, Poppet is your co-pilot of choice! She absolutely loves pe

Read more

Chamber Chat With Whitsunday Chamber Of Commerce & Industry

March 13, 2025

Working Together for Growth: Strengthening the Whitsundays! Progress happens when business, government, and community work together. Across all levels—local, state, and federal—we’re seeing a stronger commitment to collaboration, helping to advance major projects that will shape the future of the Whitsundays. One exciting opportunity on the horizon is the push to bring Olympic sailing to the Whitsundays in 2032. Mayor Ry Collins has been actively advocating for our region to be considered as a

Read more

Did You Know

March 13, 2025

We’re on the hunt for creative designs for our new library bookmarks! Three lucky winners will have their designs professionally printed and shared in all four Whitsunday Regional Libraries! PLUS, winners and two runners-up will receive $20 gift vouchers to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, which can be used for cinema or live shows. Judging categories are: Adult Design, Youth Design (12–18 years) and Junior Design (11 years and under). Head to Your Say Whitsunday to download the template

Read more

Bowen’s First NQBP Community Reference Group Meets

March 13, 2025

NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has held its first community reference group (CRG) meeting based in Bowen this week. The inaugural CRG meeting reaffirms NQBP’s long-standing commitment to meaningful community consultation and engagement. “NQBP is dedicated to fostering strong relationships between our ports and the local communities,” NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said. “These meetings provide an invaluable forum for sharing updates on trade performance, key infrast

Read more

Sail Away With Us At Sailability!

March 13, 2025

Sailability has started up again this February and they’re putting out the call for any sailor and their carer to come down to the Whitsunday Sailing Club and try out sailing on the beautiful Whitsunday waters. Sailability gives the joys of freedom on the waters to people with disabilities, teaching the basics of sailing, boat and water safety, and helping to discover positive interactions between participants and the ocean. "It's just really exciting for them. Sometimes they'll go out for a co

Read more

Port Denison Gun Club February Shoot Report

March 13, 2025

Following heavy rainfall throughout February, it was a welcome change to see clear skies for our monthly shoot on Sunday, 23rd February. A total of 33 shooters participated, with competitors joining from Burdekin, Townsville, Silkwood, and Mackay/Sarina, alongside our local members, making for an exciting day of competition. Here are the amazing event results with the Trophy sponsored by Caruso Construction. 60T Medley Graded Trophy: AA: A Ballarino 93/100 A: G Maltby 94/100 B: N Munro 92/100 C

Read more

Gig Guide | 14th March

March 13, 2025

Friday 14 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Tim Griffin (4pm–8pm) Saturday 15 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Vertigo - U2 Experience (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Ultimate DJ Night (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music & Chill DJ Session (1pm–6pm) Sunday 16 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Vertigo - U2 Experience (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6:30pm–

Read more

Cautionary Cyclone Tale With VMR To The Rescue

March 13, 2025

As cyclones are a current topic of discussion, we thought it might be useful to share a few notes about our experiences with them. When a cyclone system approaches our waters, the Harbour Master may close the ports to navigation. This means that vessels at sea within the affected area must seek shelter, and no new vessels should enter the waters. This is not the time to launch your tinnie for a family fishing trip. Last year, with the approach of a cyclone, we were surprised to be activated by

Read more

Summer Supposedly Ends March Monthly Results

March 13, 2025

Despite the official end of summer last Tuesday, the weather didn’t reflect the change of season, though the course was looking great after recent rains. A strong turnout of 33 members contested the March Monthly Medal. Gerald Lovell claimed victory for the men with an impressive score of 68, while Jenny Hounsell triumphed for the women with a solid 69. Close behind her was her husband Colin, who finished on 70. In the ladies' division, Lyn Muller took second place with 71, while Paula McQuat,

Read more

Whitsunday Swimming Club Prove They Are Mighty

March 13, 2025

The Whitsunday Swimming Club had 11 swimmers attend the 2025 NQ Championships in Townsville over the weekend. It was a long, hot, and exhausting few days, but all our swimmers returned home with terrific achievements, despite their tired bodies. George was the standout, claiming NQ Champion for 12 years MC in the 50m Freestyle, Butterfly, Breaststroke, Backstroke, and 100m Freestyle. He was also awarded 12 years boys MC Age Champion. Alex took home the NQ Champion title in the 17 years & over

Read more

Sweeties & Squires Reeling To Win Big

March 13, 2025

The Whitsunday Game Fish Club "Sweeties and Squires" (Ladies and Juniors) Family Fishing weekend is on 28th to 30th March and is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend. Participation is free to current members, and non members are more than welcome to join the Club and be part of this and future Club events. Membership is $70 per adult, and $35 for juniors under 16 years. All Juniors competing will receive a free Shimano rod and reel and a bag of goodies as part of the Queensland Game Fishing Ass

Read more

Explore Whitsundays in a Brand-New MG3!

March 13, 2025

At Explore Property, they’re experts in property marketing and all things real estate, and passionate about promoting their business, as shown by their exciting giveaway! From March 1st to June 28th, anyone who books a sales or rental appraisal with Explore Property Whitsunday and likes and follows their Facebook page, could win a brand-new MG3 valued at $20,000, complete with 12 months of registration. Even if selling your property isn’t on the cards, this giveaway is for everyone. Simply book

Read more

Airlie Beach Bowls' Close Competition 14th Airlie Beach Bowls Club Weekly Newsletter

March 13, 2025

How great is it to live in paradise? This week's bowls has certainly been filled with excitement. Firstly, on Tuesday morning, in bowls, Carol Crosbie's team, with Hubble Noel at lead and Sandra Argo at second, triumphed over Joan McGrath’s team, which included Sue Dakin at lead and Dawn Dowell at second. Meanwhile, John Brown's team, with Mel Fennel at lead and husband Greg at second, drew with John Fielding's team of Sue Walker at lead and Gen Passfield. Wednesday afternoon's Jackpot bowls w

Read more

What's On | 14th March

March 13, 2025

13 Bootscooters – Line dancing, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-11am $4pp 13 Justice of the Peace, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 11am-1pm 13 Maker Space 6+yrs, Cannonvale Library, 3pm-4:30pm 13 Women & Girls Come and Try, Airlie Beach Bowls Club, 5pm-6pm 14 Civil Safety, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Bookings Required 14 Pram Pushers, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-10:30am 14 Seniors Computer Program, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-2:30pm, Bookings Required 14 Seniors Bingo, Wh

Read more

Easter Fun At The Big Mango

March 13, 2025

Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) is running an Easter colouring-in competition for local students from Prep to Year 4. The students from Bowen State School, Merinda State School, Queens Beach State School and St Marys Catholic School have the opportunity to take part by colouring in a pic of Kenny the Mango Mascot. The competition will be judged by Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers and the prizes will be special merchandise packs from the Bowen Visitor Information Centre including a Kenny p

Read more

Personal Bests and Pool Records Set in Action-Packed Weekend

March 13, 2025

The Cannonvale Cannons wrapped up a big weekend of racing, starting with the annual Club Championships on Saturday. This highly anticipated event saw swimmers competing in five set races within their age group to battle for the Age Champion title. A season highlight, this event offered a real race-day setup while maintaining the supportive and spirited environment of club competition. Club Champs not only provide a platform for intense racing but also serve as one of the final opportunities for

Read more

The Australian Eagles Are Soaring Back To The Pub This March

March 13, 2025

Guess who’s back at the Pub for another round of two free shows? It’s only the internationally celebrated Australian Eagles, renowned for their pitch-perfect renditions of Eagles classics, returning this March 22nd & 23rd with an unforgettable afternoon of rock ‘n’ roll magic. Get ready as the legendary tributes take to the stage in a show that’s packed with nostalgia. The Australian Eagles are fronted by the talented Michael Thompson and Colin Grimley, alongside founding member Shayne Browne a

Read more

Back In The Swing Of Things March 9th 2025 Proserpine Bowls Club Notes

March 13, 2025

We've been experiencing very hot conditions and have been greatly appreciating the air conditioning in the clubhouse during our midway break. On Wednesday, Henny Tattam, John Anderson, and Sandy Daffara defeated Henny Tattam, Bruce Uhe, and Barry Zillmann 24-12. Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison triumphed over Michele (a visitor from Italy), Arthur Griffith, and Heather Brown, winning 20-18. In Sunday's afternoon Social Bowls, Trevor Parsons and Heather Brown narrowly defeated Ar

Read more