Mark your calendars for May 2025, as Proserpine prepares to host a vibrant new festival honouring its unique wildlife and artistic community. The inaugural Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival promises an immersive experience celebrating the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby, while fostering creativity, culture, and community spirit.
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Nestled in the heart of Proserpine, Little Vintage Cafe offers more than just delicious food—it’s a place where heart and community come together. Owner Jo’s passion for both great hospitality and giving back shines through in every aspect of the cafe.
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Last week, I attended International Media Marketplace (IMM) in Sydney. Hosted by TravMedia, IMM is one of the biggest media events in the travel industry, bringing together journalists, editors, and influencers to connect with destinations like The Whitsundays.
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After a wildly successful return in 2024, this year the Whitsundays Writers Festival promises an immersive celebration for writers, readers, and lovers of story. With an exciting line-up of Australian authors, this September event will build on last year’s success and become a cornerstone in the national cultural calendar.
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From 1888 – 1904, John and Jeannie Withnall braved deprivation and loneliness as sawmillers on Whitsunday Island. They stand as a monument of pioneering enterprise and determination.
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This International Women’s Day, Jubilee Tavern will stand in partnership with Zonta Whitsunday in the fight against domestic violence by hosting a fundraiser in support of Zonta International's “Say No to Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign. Jubilee Tavern aims to raise awareness and vital funds to combat gender-based violence while celebrating the strength and resilience of women worldwide.
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After a month-long break over the festive season, the Bowen Bridge Club was back in full swing. To start off the year, six ladies from the Bowen Bridge Club travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in one of Australia’s most prestigious bridge tournaments.
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This weekend marks a momentous occasion for the Proserpine Pitbulls, with every eligible team securing a spot in the Mackay Junior Cricket Grand Finals. It’s a moment of pride for this small but mighty club, which has shown remarkable growth over the past few years. From just two teams in the 2020/21 season to five teams competing in 2024/25, the Pitbulls’ rise is nothing short of inspiring.
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As we near the end of our club night season, it’s been incredible to witness the number of upgrades and club records set by our swimmers. A huge congratulations to Jax Eaves, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, and Lucas Korosec for breaking new club records over the past fortnight!
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Adrian McCarthy is not your average dental professional, he’s a true adventurer, bringing his expertise to rural and remote communities across Australia for over 30+ years. As a registered Dental Prosthetist and Dental Technician, Adrian has dedicated his career to providing high-quality dentures and dental services, often in the most remote corners of the country and now to the Whitsundays!
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Due to rain, social bowling activities were suspended on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. However, Thursday afternoon saw a great turnout, with eighteen enthusiastic players participating despite the short notice. This allowed for three rinks of triples to be played. Congratulations to the winning team of lead Kath Remmerswaal, second Dennis Donadelli, and skip John Askew for securing the highest winning margin and taking home the winners' pool jackpot.
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Sunday was the only day of social play this week, and we were fortunate to have four visitors join our members for a friendly game. The competition was lively, and the winners of the afternoon included Robyn Stitt and Graeme Read, who triumphed over Lindy Suann and Laurie Land in an exciting match.
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The 2025 Hancock Prospecting QLD State Sprints took place in Brisbane on February 8th and 9th. The Whitsunday Swimming Club sent nine swimmers to the event, who braved cancelled flights, flooded roads, and enormous potholes to make their way to Brisbane.
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club invites anglers of all skill levels to join its highly anticipated "Sweeties & Squires Ladies and Kids Fun Family Fishing Weekend," taking place from March 28th to 30th. This exciting event is open to all current Club members, who can participate free of charge. Non-members can also compete by joining the Club on Briefing Night for a fee of $35 per junior (under 16) and $70 per adult, with a chance to win some fantastic prizes.
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With the floods up north, Marine Rescue Queensland Mackay was asked to take its primary vessel up to Cardwell, towing another vessel from Bowen. This was to help transfer emergency services around the cut off roads. Here in the Whitsundays, we have been asked to provide backup with our larger vessel for the Mackay waters. It is a 4 hour trip each way to get down there, so we have made arrangements with our neighbour squadrons to protect Whitsunday waters if we are called away south.
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Cane toads can be found everywhere across Queensland and persistent action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge came back again this year for their annual Great Cane Toad Bust event. With over 50,000 toads removed last year, they hoped to match that number and surpass it this season with state-wide help.Being prolific breeders, Cane Toads are notorious pests producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and can live up to 10 years. They are toxic at all stages of their lif
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Cent sales are always billed as ‘mega’ but Sarina Arts and Craft Centre’s latest next month will be exactly that. Centre manager Jenny Costello and a core group of helpers are putting together an amazing collection of prizes for the sale, at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Sunday, March 9. “We’ve had a marvellous response from businesses, organisations and people within the Sarina and wider Mackay area as we’ve been collecting for the sale,” Jenny said. “We have lots of high-quality
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Small grants have delivered big things for the Mackay and Isaac region, with 22 organisations sharing in more than $150,000 thanks to BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Benefitting My Community Program (BMCP). The grants of up to $10,000 delivered projects and programs for community organisations, ranging from school gardening projects to road safety educational programs. BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said there was more to come, with applications now open for round two of the BMCP. “A
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Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena are proud to announce that the recent ‘Two Worlds Collide’ fundraising event has successfully raised $25,000 in support of the Mackay Sports Foundation (MSF). The event, held in partnership with Bulls Masters, brought together Queensland sporting legends, including Carl Rackemann, Allan Langer, Jimmy Maher, and Michael Kasprowicz, for an unforgettable evening in Mackay. The funds raised will directly support young athletes, coaches and officials from
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The iconic ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge is shifting gears in 2025, finding a new home in the breathtaking landscapes of Finch Hatton MTB, one of Australia’s newest mountain bike destinations and nestled within one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Scheduled for 26 and 27 April 2025, the event promises to deliver an even more exhilarating experience across 90km of countryside, combining rugged mountain bike trails, dynamic trail runs, a thrilling paddle stage, and fast-paced road cycling - all
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Mackay Women’s Services is stepping into 2025 under new leadership and a significantly expanded team to address the ongoing domestic and family violence crisis in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions. The not-for-profit organisation provides vital support to individuals impacted by domestic violence. It has delivered just under 3,000 episodes of care in 2024 alone, totalling over 18,000 hours of counselling and case management services. Additionally, 224 children and adolescents under 1
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Mackay Hospital Foundation is known for its fundraising events with a difference and we can guarantee, Dancing With Heart is certainly one of those. On Friday 21st March, ten Mackay identities will take to the stage to perform a dance routine which has been choreographed by Dolly Louw of Fame Talent School. As part of the fundraising event, each contestant is asked to raise $5,000 in support of our local hospitals, but they are also stepping way outside their comfort zones to perform in
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When the shelves at the supermarket run bare after a big storm or supply chain hiccup, there’s one place that never lets you down—your own backyard. Growing your own vegetables isn’t just about saving a few dollars or enjoying fresher produce; it’s about resilience, self-sufficiency, and knowing that when the world throws a curveball, you’ve still got food on the table. If you’ve ever felt the urge to swap grocery store dependency for a greener, more reliable alternative, it might be time to
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The State Government has unveiled a 25-year blueprint to future-proof Queensland’s primary industries, reinforcing agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy. With a strong vision for growth, the plan aims to increase Queensland’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030. By working in close partnership with farmers, industry leaders, and regional communities, the government aims to set a strategic direction complemented by five-year operational plans tailored to regional and se
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President Hilary Jones-Rowan graciously welcomed all bowlers present, along with Life Members Margaret Armitage and June Cousen, and invited guests from the region’s clubs. The day began with a game of bowls featuring the usual 'closest to the spider' competition, with all attempts being close. Laughter filled the air across all the rinks. Following the game, attendees retired to the clubrooms for a delicious afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches and cake. This was followed by a very lucrat
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