Having recently taken over the iconic Kevla Espresso Bar in Bowen, new owner Brad Williams is enthusiastic about the café’s future. With years of experience in hospitality, Brad has long dreamed of running his own business, a vision he has now brought to life after transitioning from the coal mines to the café industry. Kevla Espresso Bar offers a delightful selection of coffees, mouthwatering paninis, and a variety of healthy options, all served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Tucked away on M
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) is committed to supporting initiatives by the Whitsunday Regional Council that aim to strengthen our community, economy, and long-term liveability. Recently, the Chamber invited its members to participate in the Council's consultation process for the proposed Corporate Plan 2025-2030. This Plan will serve as the Council's primary strategic document, guiding all future strategies, actions, and decisions for the region. The consultation soug
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Whitsunday Regional Council Customer Service Centres and Libraries will close for the Christmas/New Year period at 4:45pm on Friday, 20 December, and will re-open at 8:15am on Monday, 6 January 2025. For emergencies during this time, residents can contact our after-hours team on 1300 972 753. Please note, our aquatic and waste facilities will also have adjusted operating hours. For full details, visit our website. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday season!
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As we head into the Christmas-New Year holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my first nine months serving as Mayor since being elected in April. To date it has been a journey filled with many challenges, some achievements, and plenty of invaluable lessons. Stepping into the position of Mayor has been both an honour and a great responsibility. It has been a year of listening, learning, and laying the foundation for an exciting future. From day one, my focus has been on hea
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Misogyny doesn’t always involve men. Boom – drop the mike! Misogyny is defined as a dislike of, contempt for, or prejudice against women. It involves anything from unsolicited comments, favouring men at the expense of women, aggressive or intimidating behaviour, gender pay gap, ignoring or speaking over women, stealing (or rejecting) ideas from women, and limiting opportunities based on gender. However, misogyny has wider reaching ramifications than the effect on the female employee. When wo
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program (ATSIAP) is an initiative for high-achieving secondary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Queensland state schools. Bowen State High School’s Junior team consisting of Year 7 students Havana Power, Billie Grice, Sefton Power and Year 8 student Eli Prior travelled to Brisbane from the 25th to 28th November to take part in the state finals at the University of Queensland. After two days of competition which included for
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The team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre have been very busy this week with the Queensland school holidays now underway. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said there was a significant increase in visitor numbers as soon as the school holidays started. “We had been averaging about 115 visitors per day for December, but we had 155 people come to the centre on Monday alone and that was at the start of the holidays,” shared Leanne. “The rest of the week has continued
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Head to Coral Sea Resort on Sunday, January 19th, for an unforgettable afternoon of smooth jazz, Latin rhythms, and timeless classics, as the extraordinary Domenico takes the stage at the Coral Sea Resort’s Pavilion. A true musical prodigy, Domenico’s journey began at the age of 4 in 1971, when he first picked up the piano accordion. His exceptional skill quickly earned him recognition as a specialist of the instrument. In 1986, he began performing with a three-piece cabaret band, captivating au
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Eris TestFlight1, the highly anticipated inaugural launch of Australia's first sovereign-made rocket, has officially received its launch permit approval and is now slated for liftoff from Gilmour Spaceport in Bowen. While the precise launch date is still to be confirmed, the mission is expected to take place in mid-January, marking a historic milestone for the Australian space industry and Bowen. This launch will not only be the first orbital attempt of an Australian-made rocket, but it also rep
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Roger a beautiful Huntaway cross Shepherd, is looking to find the rest of his pack. Roger is heartworm positive but his treatment is fully covered by Bowen and Collinsville Rescue. Due to this, he needs a calm space to recover and a loving family to call his own. Although he's smaller than a Kelpie, he's just as smart and clever as one, he is also extremely active so needs to go to a home where he can get lots of stimulation. Therefore, he would be perfect for a hobby farm or an exercise-loving
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Approaching their busiest time of the year, Whitsunday Mowers are more than ready to provide the region with a celebrated selection of high-quality equipment to cater to any, and every customer’s needs. Wayne Drabsch of Whitsunday Mowers has been busily preparing a range of new products and lines over the past few weeks including Walker and Altoz mowers, whilst maintaining the business’ reputation as the largest Stihl dealership in the area. With in-store demonstrations having been held periodic
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Reef Cool are excited to introduce our dedicated team who are here to support you with all your air conditioning and commercial refrigeration needs. As a locally operated business, they pride themselves on being an integral part of this community. Will Cameron – Branch Manager Will relocated to the area from country NSW, bringing with him a wealth of Industry experience. Will’s leadership and commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit to lead the team. Will has settled into life in the Wh
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Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the Proserpine Twilight Markets was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd eager to enjoy the lively atmosphere, support local businesses, and celebrate the community spirit. From live music performances to interactive activities for all ages, the markets proved to be a highlight of the Christmas period. Captions: 1. Carmen Box and Mitchell Buckmundi 2. Georgia Turner 3. Helle Harris 4. Zoe Allan 5. Megan Mcmahan and Tiani
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An energetic, entertaining, and unmissable performance will be staged at the Airlie Beach Hotel across three fantastic shows on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December as the infamous Robbie Williams Experience returns! Starring Australia’s beloved entertainer Louie Lee Feltrin, the Robbie Williams Experience showcases plenty of iconic and celebrated hits like Let Me Entertain You, Angels, Millennium, Feel Better Man, Monsoon, Rock DJ, and more to have audiences singing and dancing like never before
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There’s truly no better way to conclude the year that was, and warmly welcome the year that will be than with your dear friends and family by your side, and the Whitsunday Regional Council has planned the perfect extravaganza for you to celebrate the New Year in style! An annual festive display highlighting the magic of the region and its abundance of community spirit, the infamous New Year’s Eve Fireworks will be held across numerous locations within the shire for all members of the area to enj
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Friday 20 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: ABBA (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Rebelquinn (4pm–8pm) Saturday 21 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: ABBA (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dj Night (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 22 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: ABBA (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel:
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December 22 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am 29 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 30 Dune Rats, Magnums Airlie Beach, from 7:30pm 30 New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Bowen Foreshore, & Collinsville Showgrounds, from 8:30pm
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The Dingo Beach Christmas Market was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible efforts of the volunteers who brought this festive family event to life. The market featured a diverse array of stalls and entertainment, filling the air with holiday cheer and creating a vibrant atmosphere for all. Santa’s grand arrival was a standout moment, making a spectacular entrance aboard a fire truck, flanked by his cheerful elves and the dedicated Gloucester Rural Fire volunteers. They added a special
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Proserpine Museum’s photographic archives contain many delightful old photos of picnics held in the district in the past; picnics that provided families with the opportunity to rest and relax; to meet up with friends and acquaintances and to celebrate special occasions. The Mill Picnic at Gracemere. In our files we found several lovely old photos of families preparing to board the cane trucks for the journey to Gracemere Creek/Lake past the Kelsey Creek turnoff. People donned their best outfits
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A large group of community-minded people gathered at a special end-of-year BBQ breakfast last Friday morning where two local businesses presented generous cheques from recent fundraising activities. The event was organised by Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and Real Mates Talk, two local non-profit organisations which actively raise awareness and education for mental health in our community. Kindly hosted by Shirtfront Solutions and Enzed Whitsundays, the BBQ was held in the shar
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It’s been another busy and exciting week at Airlie Beach Bowls Club, where the competitive spirit and camaraderie continue to shine through. The week kicked off on Tuesday morning with three strong games of bowls. Carol Crosbie, with lead Maureen Barnard, came out on top, defeating Margo Stanley and lead Lane Telford, who finished in third place. Second place went to skipper John Brown, alongside 2024 Novice Champion Dawn Dowell. The winners of the day were Henny Tattam, who returned from South
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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club capped off their 2024 season with outstanding achievements, creative activities, and festive fun, marking the end of a remarkable year. The season’s finale featured major upgrades for swimmers, including Liam Filewood and Zane Clayworth advancing to the 100m Butterfly, Miller Eaves to the 200m Freestyle, and several others achieving new event milestones. These advancements highlight the dedication and progress of the team. Several club records were also shat
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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club had an exciting start to the 2024 Queensland Swimming Championships in Brisbane last week, with 11 swimmers and two dedicated coaches making the journey to compete. The championships kicked off on Saturday with the club and regional relays. For the first time in a while, the Cannons were able to nominate club relay teams, allowing Alex Trefz and Harris Delac the opportunity to swim in this prestigious event. Swimmers Tiana Bell, Tyler Bennett, Ella Bounden,
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The Proserpine Veterans Golf Club celebrated its annual breakup in style at the Midge Point Tavern, marking the end of another fantastic year. Attendees enjoyed exceptional food and outstanding service, making the event a memorable success. The highlight of the day was the final presentation of awards for the year, with several players recognised for their outstanding achievements. Tiina Randmae had a remarkable season, almost sweeping the awards by claiming Golfer of the Year, the Monthly Meda
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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli visited Mackay last week to address the growing issue of crime in the region. During his visit, the Premier stopped by Corry Cycles, a local business that has suffered repeated break-ins throughout the year. Highlighting the challenges faced by small business owners, he acknowledged the toll that ongoing crime has taken on their operations. Premier Crisafulli reaffirmed his commitment to tackling youth crime, stating, "I made the promise before the election t
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