Issue #

23

Say Hello To Our Fabulous Nurses

February 27, 2025

The veterinary nurses at Greater Whitsunday Vet Services aren't just standard, they are top-notch client liaisons. The team’s philosophy centres around friendly and easy interactions making your visit to the clinic as comfortable and seamless as possible. Greater Whitsunday Vet Services’ nurses are here to ensure that clients feel heard, understood and cared about as much as possible and are devoted to understanding the needs of your pets. Each knowledgeable liaison will welcome you into the con

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Get Along with Georgia!

February 27, 2025

Greater Whitsunday Vet Services Operational Manager, Georgia Bowser, is a Proserpine local, born and raised on the farm. Georgia rotates between the Proserpine and Bowen clinics throughout the week ensuring that the staff and productivity of the business is on track. Georgia has over 8 Years experience as a Veterinary Nurse and brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the clinic. She enjoys coaching and training staff whilst allowing innovative ideas from the team for further development. Geor

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From Strategy to Profit: Essential Business Skills for Growers

February 27, 2025

In today’s fast-evolving agricultural landscape, sugarcane growers must go beyond traditional farming practices to build resilient and profitable businesses. Recognising this need, CANEGROWERS introduced the Business Essentials workshop series, a comprehensive program tailored to empower sugarcane growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture. Now in its fourth year, the program is more flexible than ever, offering a mix of in-person workshops

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A Prickly Situation

February 27, 2025

What marine creature can have up to 21 arms, hundreds of venomous spines, a taste for coral, and the ability to appear in plague-like numbers? If you guessed the Crown-of-thorns starfish, you’d be right! Often referred to as COTS, Crown-of-thorns starfish are native to the Great Barrier Reef and are not an introduced species. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, genetic studies have shown that there are at least four species of COTS. The species found on the Great Barrier Re

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Underwater Elephants

February 27, 2025

Since the Whitsundays border the Great Barrier Reef, they are home to not only stunning coral formations but also a diverse array of marine life. Among the many iconic species inhabiting this remarkable ecosystem, the dugong plays a crucial role in maintaining the reef's balance and is frequently spotted along the Airlie Beach boardwalk. Historically known as “Sea Cows,” Dugongs are more closely related to elephants than whales and dolphins. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritag

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Dive In And Reeflect

February 27, 2025

Hi Everyone! This week's Ruth 2 Reef is a bit shorter, as the paper is packed with exciting news, but rest assured the content is just as engaging! If you have a local environmental story you'd love to see featured, feel free to email me at ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com. Happy reading! Ruth "Our task must be to free ourselves ... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty" —Albert Einstein.

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A Revival Of Survival Credence Clearwater Survival Is Bringing The American Bayous To Airlie Beach

February 27, 2025

Here it comes – the soundtrack of your childhood playing right here in Airlie Beach! Creedence Clearwater Survival is bringing only the best CCR and John Fogerty Live Experience for two free shows this March 8th and 9th at Airlie Beach Hotel’s own, The Pub! Amazing audiences across Australia with their faithful renditions of record-breaking hits they just don't make anymore. If you’re a fan of the swampy, roots-rock sound that defined a generation, then this tribute band is the one to see. Creed

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GIG GUIDE 28 February

February 27, 2025

Friday 28 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Paul Berger (4pm–8pm) Saturday 1 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Vs Gaga Ultimate Tribute (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music & Chill DJ Session (1pm–6pm) Sunday 2 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Vs Gaga Ultimate Tribute (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6:30pm–9:3

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Indulge In Elegance This Women’s Day

February 27, 2025

Are you looking to treat yourself this International Women’s Day? Well, look no further than the Reef Gateway Hotel who are putting on a fabulous and eloquent high tea. This 8th of March, enjoy a sumptuous package of set menu delectables and bubbles on arrival with alternate pricing for non-drinkers available too! It will be a celebration of grace, strength and empowerment, in honour of the women in our community who inspire, lead, and make a difference to our everyday lives. This is a great opp

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Pet Of The Week A Handful Of Harry

February 27, 2025

Harry, a charming 6-month-old male Cattle Dog cross, is searching for a loving forever home! This sweet boy was surrendered through no fault of his own and is now hoping to find a family to shower with love. Harry is incredibly affectionate and thrives on being close to his humans. He’s also a smart pup! He already knows how to play fetch, shake hands, is fully toilet trained, and enjoys his daily walks. He gets along wonderfully with other dogs and absolutely adores his three foster fur friends

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What's On February 28

February 27, 2025

February 28 Seniors Computer Program, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-2:30pm Bookings Required 28 Pram Pushers, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-10:30am 28 Seniors Bingo, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:30am-12pm, $7.50pp & Seniors Card 28 Drop-in Baby Clinic & Baby Play, Cooinda Family Centre, 10am-12pm 28 Adult Roller Skate Class, PCYC Whitsunday, 6pm-7pm 28 Alcoholics Anonymous, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 6pm-7:30pm March 1 Park Run, Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina, starti

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Cannons Shines at Sprint Distance Club Night

February 27, 2025

The Cannons hosted another enjoyable Club Night on Wednesday night. It was “fast and furious” as it was a Sprint Distance Club event, so swimmers could only race in 12m or 25m events. Congratulations to all the swimmers who set new Club Records: Harry Chegwidden (7 years) 100m Breaststroke in 2:07.20, Lucas Korosec (8 years) 200m IM in 3:27.58, Eloise Chegwidden (9 years) 400m Freestyle in 6:44.23 and 200m Breaststroke in 3:51.12, Miller Eaves (9 years) 200m Breaststroke in 3:50.05, and Jax Clay

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Social Bowls And Opening Day Highlights

February 27, 2025

Tuesday's social bowls saw Stumpy Adams and Penny Warren claim victory over Deb Retchless and Margaret Wilson in a tight contest. Despite their efforts, the elusive jackpot remains unclaimed, continuing to grow into a tidy sum. On Sunday, the club hosted the annual Opening Day Triples, which was well attended by teams from Alligator Creek, Ayr, Airlie Beach, and Collinsville. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and fellow bowlers. The event featured two games of fifteen ends,

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A Thrilling Week At Airlie Beach Bowls Club

February 27, 2025

What a wonderful week of bowling at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club! To beat the heat, start times varied throughout the week. On Tuesday, bowls began at 9am, with Sue Dakin, Henny Tattam, and Carol Crosbie claiming victory with a close win of 16-15 over Gail Simms, Lyn Graham, and Tony Whitehorn. Wednesday’s social bowls started at 2pm, with 18 players competing across three rinks. The winning team, with the highest margin, was Alan Pershouse, Stacey Hadlow, and Russell Jackson, who defeated Wayne

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Weather Disrupts Golf Calendar, But Competitions Proceed

February 27, 2025

The unpredictable weather has once again played the leading role in our recent golfing events. While competition has been significantly impacted, we managed to get in some play, albeit much less than usual. This disruption has thrown our calendar into disarray, forcing us to reschedule events for March, subject to further weather conditions. Despite the challenges, a few competitions took place last week, and we are pleased to announce the results of the games that did go ahead. On Wednesday, Fe

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Mackay Road Runners Set The Pace For 2025

February 20, 2025

A strong turnout of over fifty runners and supporters gathered on Sunday afternoon for the Mackay Road Runners Gooseponds social season opener. The event featured a loop course through the picturesque Gooseponds parklands, situated behind the North Mackay Bowls Club.

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Amanda Camm Addresses Disability Gaps At QDN Forum

February 20, 2025

On Friday last week, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP attended a community forum in Mackay hosted by the Queenslanders With Disability Network (QDN), sparking important conversations about NDIS reform and the ongoing Royal Commission at the federal level.

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Navigating Mackay’s Competitive Rental Market – Tips For Securing A Home

February 20, 2025

Let’s be honest…house hunting in Mackay right now can feel challenging. It’s frustrating, competitive, and at times, downright overwhelming. You scroll through endless listings, rush to inspections, and still feel like you’re in a race with half the town. But don’t lose hope - securing that dream rental is possible with the right approach.

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On the Beat

February 20, 2025

Business Break-In, Mount PleasantPolice are investigating an unlawful entry into a business on Grandview Drive, Mount Pleasant, between 10am on February 17 and 6am on February 18.Offenders allegedly smashed a glass panel to gain entry and searched the entire premises, causing damage during the process.

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Elective Surgery Funding Boost For Mirani

February 20, 2025

Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, has wholeheartedly endorsed the Crisafulli Government’s announcement of a substantial $100 million funding increase for elective surgeries.

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Random Act Of Kindness Brightens A Mum’s Tough Day

February 20, 2025

A mother’s stressful afternoon at Walkerston Chemist turned into a moment of unexpected kindness, thanks to a young man named Rohan."This isn't baby related - more a feel-good story," she shared to a local mums and bubs Facebook page.

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Mackay Cutters Secure Strong Victories Across All Levels

February 20, 2025

It was an exciting weekend of rugby league action last weekend, as the Mackay Cutters made a strong showing in their Host Plus Cup (HPC) trial match against the CQ Capras, securing a 28-24 win in a closely contested affair at BB Print Stadium, Mackay. The match served as an important test for both teams as they prepared for the upcoming season.

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Council Faces Leadership Transition As CEO Scott Owen Steps Down

February 20, 2025

Mackay Regional Council has been rocked by the sudden resignation of CEO Scott Owen, with his departure effective immediately. After leading a major organisational transformation since 2022, Owen’s exit marks the end of a bold era of change. Mayor Greg Williamson praised his leadership and assured residents that council operations will remain steady. With recruitment for a new CEO now underway, Executive Officer David McKendry steps into the Acting CEO role. Questions begin to arise, with reside

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Keava Brennan From Gardian Real Estate

February 20, 2025

Keava Brennan is a name many in Mackay recognise, not only for her thriving career at Gardian Real Estate but also for her deep-rooted passion for Irish dancing. With over 15 years of experience, Keava has competed across Australia and internationally, dedicating herself to a discipline that requires focus, resilience, and creativity.

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Jason Barrett From Get Turfed

February 20, 2025

Jason Barrett is ready to lay down some fresh moves on the dance floor! As the face behind Get Turfed Pty Ltd, he’s known for helping Mackay locals achieve their dream lawns with expert turf installation, ground preparation, soil products, irrigation, and lawn care services.

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