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Tourism Industry Celebrates Huge Wins At Queensland Tourism Awards

The Whitsundays has once again demonstrated its status as a premier tourist destination, taking home 16 awards at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards. Among the night’s highlights, Elizabeth Hackett was honoured with the prestigious Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. Her vision, leadership, and dedication have transformed businesses across the region, elevating The Whitsundays’ tourism sector to new heights.

An Iconic Win For The Whitsundays

Iconic Whitsunday Adventures is proud to announce its recent triumph at the Queensland Tourism Awards, taking home Silver in the Tour and Transport operator category. This prestigious recognition underscores the team’s dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Owners, Jeremy and Nicole Graham explained how winning this award is an incredible honour and a testament to our team’s unwavering passion and hard work. “It’s a celebration of the

A Beacon of Excellence At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

A picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the serene Great Barrier Reef, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef provides its guests with an exceptional coastal experience paired with luxurious accommodation and dining experiences. On Friday evening, the exquisite island playground was honourably celebrated with a Queensland Tourism Award in recognition of InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef’s continued commitment to excellence. “Winning a Queensland Tourism Award, particularly in th

Ocean Rafting Honoured With Gold And Bronze

Ocean Rafting recently made waves at the 39th annual Queensland Tourism Awards Gala, after bringing home Gold in Major Tourism and Transport, and Bronze in Adventure Tourism. The event was hosted in Brisbane last Friday night, where individuals and businesses were recognised for their outstanding accomplishments within the state’s Tourism sector. Kerr Claxton, operations manager and youngest member of a three-generational family- business, represented the team alongside marketing expert Nathan

Pinnacles Brings Home Gold

Pinnacles, Airlie Beach won Gold for their self-contained accommodation at the prestigious 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards over the weekend. The Pinnacles team were absolutely over the moon to have won an award, and Therese Moran said it was a credit to their hard work and dedication: “The team work extremely hard to ensure that each guest visiting the Whitsundays leaves with wonderful memories and want to come back and see us time and time again.” The team were extremely grateful to have wo

Red Cat Adventures Celebrates Success

SeaLink Whitsundays’ Red Cat Adventures was proud to continue its service excellence streak being awarded Silver in the Major Tour & Transport Operator category at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards, hosted last Friday. The awards, organised by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), celebrated the achievements of Queensland’s top tourism operators across 31 categories, from attractions and events to accommodation and cultural tourism. This year’s Major Tour & Transport Operators Silver

Council’s Airport & Marine Terminal Excels

In a spectacular evening celebrating Queensland’s tourism excellence, Whitsunday Regional Council’s Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal were proudly recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry at the 39th annual Queensland Tourism Awards. Held on Friday, 15 November, at The Star, Queens Wharf, the event was a showcase of the state’s best and Mayor Ry Collins hailed the Whitsundays achievements as a testament to the region’s world-class offerings and unwa

30 Years Of Annual Sports Awards At Bowen State High School

Bowen State High School has celebrated its 30th Anniversary of Sports Awards showcasing the outstanding sporting achievements of students and staff in 2024. Mckenna Hall was filled with excitement as students were recognised for their participation and dedication to school, regional and state sport competitions. To mark the 30th Anniversary, video messages of support were delivered by successful Bowen High alumni including Belinda Farley (nee Smith), Robert Crowther, Corey Jensen, Elliarna Mi

Collinsville State High School Farewells Year 12 Graduates

Collinsville State High School held a memorable Graduation Ceremony on Friday, 15 November, to bid farewell to the Year 12 students after 13 years of schooling. During the ceremony, Mrs. Lawn delivered heartfelt farewell speeches to each of the graduates - Jayme, Claudia, Cooper, and Darcy - wishing them success in their future endeavours. Principal Mrs Reeves then presented each student with a Certificate of Graduation, marking this significant milestone in their lives. Families joined the

Whitsunday Christian College Students Shine At Awards Day

It was a day to remember at Whitsunday Christian College as they celebrate the hard work, growth, and achievements of their students. The Primary Awards Ceremonies, held last Wednesday, were filled with excitement, joy, and pride. Vibrant student performances showcased the talents of the younger students, filling the room with energy and enthusiasm in front of families and their peers. Beyond the performances, the ceremony honoured the academic and personal growth of the primary students. Se

Proserpine State High School 2024 Formal

Proserpine State High School 2024 Formal

Proserpine State High School Year 12 students celebrated their school Formal at Shute Harbour Marina Terminal last Tuesday 12th November. Family and friends attended the glamorous event admiring students who strutted the red-carpet during arrivals. Students then headed upstairs for an evening of dinner and dancing. The Year 12s then celebrated their Graduation Day on Friday 15th November in their school hall along with their nearest and dearest and staff. Both events were a wonderful occasion

End Of Year Celebrations For St Cath’s Year 12 Cohort

Year 12 St Catherine’s College students celebrated the end of their school journey with a series of meaningful events over the past few weeks. With their School Formal held earlier in the year, the students had other celebrations to look forward to. These included a memorable Graduation Dinner which was held at Whisper Bar and Restaurant, and a special liturgy held in their honour on the school campus. A school spokesperson shared the news; “Today, surrounded by family, friends, staff, and th

Bike Night Rolls Wheels Of Generosity

On 16 November, Airlie Beach was a buzz with Airlie Beach Bike Nights’ Annual Bike Show, attracting enthusiasts from across the sunshine state to come together in support of a fantastic cause. Spearheaded by Hellier Mason just over four years ago, the yearly gathering was initially introduced as a social event for motorcycle riders within the community to enjoy, with regular meets held on the final Friday of each month at various venues within the area attracting up to fifty riders on occasion.

Pet Of The Week Meet Track star Timmy

Gorgeous Timmy was saved from death row at the Burdekin Pound nearly two months ago and has since made incredible progress. When he first arrived at Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue, he was timid and fearful. But in his foster home, Timmy has blossomed, gaining confidence as he experiences daily meals, loving care, and plenty of attention. This playful boy loves to run full speed and has a blast playing zoomies with his foster brothers. Despite his initial anxieties, Timmy has integrated well into

What’s On November 22

November 16-22 Airlie Beach Schoolies Festival 2024 22-23 Out of this World, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7pm Friday and 11am, 6.30pm on Saturday 23 Hamilton Island Triathlon 24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am 24 Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, Proserpine Golf Club, from 10am 29-30 Chez's House of Dance & Whitsunday Allstars Annual Concert 2024, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am and 6.30pm December 1 Carols

Tusk Brings Fleetwood Mac Magic To Airlie Beach

Prepare to embark on a magical, musical journey back in time to the golden era of rock as Tusk, the Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, brings their dazzling show to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two wonderful and memorable performances next weekend. Renowned for their charm, character, and class, Tusk delivers a powerful homage to the iconic band that defined a generation, and on both Saturday 30 November, and Sunday 1 December, Tusk will illuminate the Airlie Beach Hotel from 2pm with audiences s

Gig guide 22 November

Friday 22 November The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Chris Webbe (4pm – 8pm) Saturday 23 November The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Late for Woodstock (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Daybreak (4pm – 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm) Sunday 24 November The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Late for Woodstock (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel:

Spreading Christmas Joy Across The Whitsundays

As we continue to immerse ourselves in festive spirit, there’s no better way to spread joy than by coming together to support and give to those in need across the Whitsundays. It should come as no surprise that the Whitsundays are one of the most kind-hearted and generous communities along the Queensland coastline, and in keeping with this wonderful title, various Christmas Appeal initiatives have begun sprouting up across the shire as we edge closer and closer to December. Whitsunday Regional

Christmas Cocktails For A Cause

Women in the community are invited to a special ‘Christmas Cocktails for a Cause’ event, due to be held at the Garden Bar from 12.30-5pm on Friday, December 6. This ladies-only event will raise money for charity, with all proceeds supporting the fight against domestic violence. The event includes an opportunity to meet the ‘Dancing CEOs’ a group of local leaders who will be dancing all the way to Brisbane City Hall next May for the cause. Guests at ‘Christmas Cocktails for a Cause’ will enjo

Animal Cruelty Cannonvale Duckpond

A routine morning walk turned into a chilling and distressing experience for local resident Sonny Ivanovic on November 10th, when he discovered signs of vandalism at the Cannonvale Duckpond. Sonny, who regularly walks his dog around the pond, immediately noticed that something was off as he entered the park. Bins were overturned, and debris was scattered across the area, an indication that the park had been disturbed. As he continued his stroll around the pond, Ivanovic realised that the two duc

Airlie Beach Marathon Champion Honoured with Prestigious Award

North Queensland Marathon Champion Liv Compton has been named the 2024 Recreational Runner of the Year by Athletics North Queensland, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements over the past year. A proud member of the Whitsunday Running Club, Liv’s year began with an impressive performance at the 24-hour Australian Championships in Canberra, where she covered an astounding 201.5 kilometres to secure third place. Her remarkable accomplishments continued as she claimed victory in

Strong Performances at GBR Meet Propel Cannons Towards States

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club had a spectacular weekend at the 51st GBR Long Course Transition Meet in Mackay. Thirty-five swimmers made the trip to compete at the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Centre, a FINA-approved 50m pool that sets the stage for elite performances. This meet, a favourite among the Cannons, marked their final regional carnival before the Queensland Long Course Championships in December. It was a weekend of remarkable achievements with medals, personal bests (PBs), and

Whitsunday Swimming Club Shines at Mackay GBR Meet

The Whitsunday Swimming Club celebrated a standout weekend at the 51st GBR Meet hosted by the Mackay Swimming Academy at the ARC, bringing home their largest medal haul in years. The team of 14 swimmers delivered incredible performances, with George leading the charge, earning five gold medals from his events. Newcomer Alissa made an impressive debut for the club, securing a gold and silver while smashing her personal bests. Other medal winners included Mae, Mia, Hayden, Leyton, Jayde, Alex, an

New Developments, Social Events, & Trophy Presentations at Airlie Beach Bowls Club

The Airlie Beach Bowls Club is experiencing some exciting changes, with the impressive framework now in place over the green, making quite the statement for passersby on Shute Harbour Road. The construction delays have slowed the process, but the much-anticipated waterproof cover will soon be fitted, completing the new addition. Despite these delays, social bowls and Saturday scroungers have resumed their regular time slots. For those interested in booking for social events, please contact the c