Prepare to rock, roll and welcome the new year like never before with an ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration at the Airlie Beach Hotel! To round off 2024 in style, one of the hottest venues along the Whitsunday coastline is gearing up to host an unforgettable night with the Australian INXS Show - a fully immersive, “Wembley-style” tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, headlining the celebrations. Hold onto to your drumsticks because this epic event will take you on a four-ho
Read more
Friday 6 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm) Saturday 7 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Xmas Party Buffet (2pm–5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 8 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: 70s & 80s Cabaret Show (2pm–5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6:30p
Read more.png)
Mikey, a sweet and loving dog rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound, is still searching for his forever home. Fully vetted, desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated, Mikey is a big goofball with a gentle heart. His foster family describes him as affectionate, obedient, and easy to train. He’s learned basic commands like "sit" and walks well on a lead. Mikey gets along with other dogs and would do best with older kids, as his size might overwhelm little ones. Mikey needs a home with secure fe
Read more
Embrace the true magic and spirit of the silly season this Sunday with the wonderfully festive and highly anticipated Proserpine Community Christmas Market! A celebrated community event, the market will be held on Sunday 8 December from 8:30am through to 12:30pm at Proserpine’s Cyclone Shelter and promises attendees a world of holiday cheer for both the immediate and wider community to enjoy. A delightful abundance of holiday treats, handmade crafts and family-friendly activities will be on o
Read more
December 5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am 6 Toni Childs: A Retrospective, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm 7 Airlie Beach parkrun’s 9th Anniversary, from 7am 7 Women in Boating – On the Reef, Coral Sea Marina, The Lookout Lounge, from 5:30pm 8 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 8 Proserpine Community Christmas Market, Proserpine Cyclone Shelter, from
Read more
The joy and wonder of the festive season are set to shine brightly this Saturday, 7 December, as Murroona Gardens hosts its much-anticipated 2024 Community Christmas Carols. Held at the Murroona Gardens Wellness Centre in West Lane, Bowen, the event promises an enchanting evening of carols, community spirit, and holiday cheer. Families, friends, and locals are invited to come together to celebrate the season in a magical atmosphere filled with music, fun activities, and festive treats. Adding to
Read more
The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors had the opportunity last week to join Cherene from Driftwood Tours on a 3-hour Airlie Highlights tour. On her clean, comfortable bus, the Ambassadors were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at some of the hidden gems in the Airlie Beach area that Cherene introduces to cruise ship guests. A highlight of the day was the stunning vista and photo ops offered by the lounge at Shute Harbour Terminal. The group also discovered some tucked-away spots at Shute Haven
Read more
The Whitsundays isn’t just about beautiful beaches and islands – it’s also home to a fascinating history, and you can dive into it at the region's local museums. Each one tells a unique story, from the traditions of the First Nations peoples to the area's industrial past and wartime history. Start with the Proserpine Historical Museum, right in the heart of Proserpine. Here, you'll learn about the region’s sugar cane and cattle industries, as well as the lives of the Juru, Gia, Bira, and Ngaro p
Read more
The Moulin Rouge Soirée, hosted at Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar in Airlie Beach, was a resounding success, raising $10,322 to support the construction of staff and nursing quarters at the Arthur Wina Memorial Hospital in Zambia. The sold-out cocktail party and cabaret show, held on Friday, 15 November, welcomed 50 guests who enjoyed a dazzling performance by Georgia Darcy, a cabaret artist from Victoria. Sandy Clark, who has been fundraising for the hospital through the Dignity Zambia initia
Read more
New lifejacket regulations came into effect across the state on Sunday 1 December, 2024 as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to increase maritime safety. Although enforcement of these new laws will be delayed until 1 July 2025, the Queensland Government advises boaters to understand and abide by these changes to stay safe and compliant on the water. “We will be focusing on education, with enforcement delayed until 1 July 2025, to ensure all boaties are aware of the change,” said
Read more
Whitsunday Dirt Riders’ young talent, Kai Moran, captured national attention with a second-place finish in the 85cc (9-13 years) category at the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships in Somersby, NSW. At just 13, Kai impressed with his skill and determination, narrowly missing the top spot. Bowen’s Harrison O’Brien also stood out, receiving an encouragement award for his promising performance in his first year on the 85cc bike. Kai’s success follows a stellar season, including fourth plac
Read more
Competitors from across the region gathered for the Port Denison Gun Club’s November monthly and Christmas shoots, making for a memorable weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, and holiday cheer. Shooters from Townsville, the Burdekin, and Mackay / Sarina joined the locals for a weekend of exciting events, many of them camping out in swags, tents, and caravans, making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the club's festive spirit. Saturday kicked off the weekend with a great turnout, as
Read more
Eight exceptional junior athletes from the Whitsundays were honoured for their outstanding sporting achievements during an Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 27 November. The athletes, who have excelled in their respective sports at regional, state, and national levels, were recognised by Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and the Councillors for their dedication and hard work. These athletes are part of the Junior Elite Athletes initiative, a program offered by the Whitsunday Regional Council to p
Read more
The Whitsunday Golf Club wrapped up its final official event of the year with a farewell lunch and presentation at the Reef Gateway Hotel on Saturday, 23 November. The event, which brought together club members and supporters, was a heartwarming celebration of the club’s journey, particularly honouring the efforts of Kerry Hall, who played a pivotal role in reviving the club in years past. The afternoon was filled with laughter, fun, and nostalgia, as members reflected on the memorable moments
Read more
Rain earlier in the day didn’t dampen the spirits at Gloucester Sport & Recreation in Hydeaway Bay, where the community gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the opening of their brand-new pickleball courts. The facility now boasts two dedicated pickleball courts and a third court shared with a half-basketball setup, marking an exciting development for local sports enthusiasts. The event was attended by Cr Amanda Camm and Cr Gary Simpson, who both showed strong support for the growing pop
Read more
The Cannonvale Cannons had a busy and successful weekend, with seven swimmers competing in the Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swims. On Saturday 23 November, Matilda Nicholes, Don Algie, Penelope Shields, and River Shields showcased their endurance and enthusiasm in the triathlon events. On Sunday 24 November, Thomas Ganter, Don Algie, and River Shields tackled the 350m Ocean Swim with outstanding performances. Jacob Bell delivered an exceptional result in the 2km Ocean Swim, securing thi
Read more.jpg)
On Tuesday 26 November, despite some early rain, the weather cleared just in time for the Proserpine Veterans Golf competition. A total of thirty-two players participated in a Stableford round, and the results showed some impressive scores across both the ladies' and men's divisions. In the ladies’ division, the winner was Allison McCarthy, who achieved an outstanding 45 points – a truly remarkable performance. The runner-up was Jenny Hounsell, who also played exceptionally well, finishing with
Read more
Asbestos exposure doesn’t announce itself. It lurks silently, often undetected for decades, until it strikes with devastating force. For a former Mackay mother, Leah Smith, this invisible killer stole her life just eight months after her diagnosis with mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Her family, friends, and community were left heartbroken, but they refused to let her story end there. To honour Leah’s life and raise awareness of the hidden dangers of
Read more
There’s a moment in every cancer journey when survival becomes more than just about living—it’s about enduring the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty. For me, those moments came to an end with the last chemotherapy session, the last dose of Oxaliplatin running through my veins. It was the moment I’d fought for. The moment I’d been working toward through every tear, every side effect, every sleepless night. When I first heard the words, “It’s cancer,” the world seemed to pause. I felt like I was
Read more
By Hannah McNamara In a moving act of empowerment, Sisters on Steel SMC, a non-for-profit organisation led by a dynamic group of female motorcyclists, has donated $2,500 to Broken Ballerina Inc. Aligned with their mission to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, this donation serves as a cornerstone of women’s unity, driving meaningful change and creating a ripple effect of hope for those who need it most. Over the past year, members of Sisters On Steel SMC have worked ti
Read more
It was a bittersweet day as the Mackay police community bid farewell to a beloved and highly respected colleague - Police Dog Neo. A special "piping out" ceremony took place last Wednesday morning at the Brisbane Street side of the Mackay police complex, where Neo was honoured with the same respect typically reserved for long-serving police officers transitioning into retirement. Neo, a 10-year-old black Labrador, has had an extraordinary career, serving in three separate police districts as a
Read more
In the final weeks of parliament for 2024, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has addressed two critical issues: the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and his ongoing efforts to support canegrowers and improve infrastructure in the region. During his time in Canberra, Mr. Willcox hosted the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors and GW3 at Parliament House, where they discussed regional priorities with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Read more
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has invited community organisations in Dawson to submit their expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Australian Government’s 2024-25 Volunteers Grant. These grants recognise the vital role that volunteers have within our community and support the positive difference they make on the ground. “This additional funding will go a long way in helping local organisations and their volunteers to continue their crucial work in supporting the vulnerable and str
Read more
The Queensland Retired Police Association (QRPA) is a unique group designed to keep the bond alive between those who’ve served in the police force or as police public servants. While not part of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the QRPA proudly supports the incredible work of sworn officers and enjoys the backing of the Police Commissioner and serving members. The QRPA, a non-profit organisation, connects former members of the QPS and other recognised police services, along with retired pub
Read more
Eat, drink, shop and be merry – there’s something for the whole family at this year’s City Heart Christmas celebrations. The annual City Heart Christmas will be on Friday, December 6, from 4pm to 8pm. Events will be spread throughout the City Centre, from Macalister Street to Sydney Street and from River Street to Gordon Street. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to see the annual City Heart Christmas celebrations growing into an exciting family event. “There is so much planned for our
Read more