While results of last week’s State Election have not yet been officially declared, Amanda Camm has claimed 69.6 per cent of the votes and has been successful in her bid to secure a second term as Member for Whitsunday. Meanwhile, Dale Last has commanded 65.7 per cent of the votes counted so far and has also secured another tenure as Member for Burdekin, the area that encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. Both LNP candidates are, for the first time, representing their region while not in oppositi
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Hi Everyone, We woke up this week with a brand-new state government and welcomed back two familiar faces to our region - Amanda Camm Member for Whitsunday who represents the Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Cannonvale areas and Dale Last Member for Burdekin who represents Bowen and Collinsville. No matter which party you voted for, the whole region gains in this election because for the first time in more than a decade our local leaders are from the same political party as the new Premier, David C
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The Good deed this week goes to Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, who work tirelessly to keep the Whitsunday seas clean and marine life safe. Eco Barge is excited to announce that Jade, a juvenile Green sea turtle found stranded on the rocks at Seaforth on September 30, will soon be released back into her ocean home. Covered in barnacles and stranded, Jade was safely transported to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre with the support of the Mackay District Turtle Watch team. Upon arrival, Eco Barge’s
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Since announcing their formation just two short weeks ago, the Whitsundays’ inaugural team of ‘Dancing CEOs’ have been extraordinarily busy in their quest to end domestic violence within our communities and raise over $41,000 for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). Kate Purdie, Candice Crossley, Alice Harriott, Julie Telford and their ‘Team Whitsundays’ mentor, Katelyn Collins, have added another name to their support squad, with the announcement of Whitsunday Regional Council’s ‘Mayoress
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Police and BMA CQ Rescue were called to the scene of a crash at approximately 12:08pm on Monday 28th October where two cane trucks had collided on private property near Bloomsbury at Gibson Creek Creek Bridge. Two Proserpine men, aged 38 and 59, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The Forensic Crash Unit and Workplace Health and Safety are actively investigating the cause of the crash, though no insights into the cause of the accident have been confirmed at this time. Fellow Canegrowers too
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Expansion is at the heart of any successful business, in fact, many people believe that if you are not going forwards, you are going backwards. Explore Property Whitsundays has experienced this momentum first-hand this year with the recent opening of their brand-new office. Located on a prime piece of street frontage on Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale, the new central headquarters’ metreage almost doubles the previous space and makes room for Explore’s growing workforce. In just three years,
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Holidaymakers visiting the remote stretch of Whitehaven Beach were witnesses to the dramatic crash landing of a seaplane on Saturday morning. Fortunately, all four passengers and the pilot on board survived the crash and were rescued by crew from private vessels nearby. One local resident who was on the beach at the time stated that she was told the plane had been on its maiden voyage and a technical issue forced it to do an emergency landing. When it touched the water to land, it is believed
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For The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Regional Council extend a warm invitation to all previous and current cruise ship volunteers and industry supporters. Join us for a special event on Thursday, 7 November from 2:30-5:30 pm at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. The afternoon will be dedicated to honouring and celebrating the exceptional service of our volunteer group. The e
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With over ten years branch management and banking specialist experience, Amanda Anderson was appointed Branch Manager of Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine in March 2024. Here she shares her highlights from this year, and what to look forward to in 2025. The branch offers face-to-face full banking service with lenders and bankers, open 9:30am-4pm Monday to Friday. This year the branch has taken their customer service to the next level by implementing a range of new initiatives such as free h
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Heart of Reef Shuttles recently won bronze at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and the whole team is proud to celebrate with the region. This achievement follows their bronze win at the awards in 2022 and winning the Best of Queensland experience in 2023 and 2024. They are an extremely popular service which offers door to door transfers, private transfers, transport for wedding groups and recently implemented customised day tours. Owner and Director Cameron and Michelle Johnstone says the team a
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This month we meet Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Emma Luxton who launched Luxton Safety & Compliance Australia (LSCA) this year. After years working in safety and compliance operations, Emma wanted to create something that aligned more deeply with her passion for workplace and home safety. LSCA specialises in safety and compliance services and has partnered with global firm offering to offer assurance, risk management, safety audits, assessments, fire safety adviser servi
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Whitsunday Regional Council reminds pool and spa owners to carry out simple safety checks to ensure a safe summer. Regularly inspect your pool or spa barrier for rust, loose hinges, or broken panels, and arrange repairs as needed. Make sure no climbable objects like furniture or toys are near the fence. Remember, your pool or spa must be recorded on the QBCC Pools Register, and CPR signage is required to be clearly visible and weatherproof. These steps can make a big difference in preventing acc
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Every year on January 26 the Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region. Nominations for the 2025 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards are now officially open! These awards are an incredible way for us as a community to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make the Whitsundays such a special place to live. Each y
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Over 30 people attended the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s Be Connected Mini Seniors Expo on Friday 18 October. The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre offers an ongoing Be Connected program and last year hosted a morning tea to over 50’s and seniors. At the morning tea they provided the attendees with education on digital literacy, and it was well received. Due to the success, this year the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre partnered with more services to provide a Mini Expo for seniors. Execu
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This Week Mayor Ry Collins presented his two chosen charities with cheques following a successful 2024 Mayor’s Ball where an impressive $66,000 was raised on the night. Equal donations were given to the two nominated charities; Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and BMA CQ Rescue. Mayor Ry Collins said that this incredible figure was testament to that support of the local community. Mayor Ry Collins also thanked platinum sponsors of the event, Abbot Point Operations, Airlie Beach Ho
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In a country where festivals are folding like deck chairs in a cyclone, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music continues to thrive, celebrating its 12th anniversary in the coming days. With a line-up that’s bigger, bolder and louder than ever, this year’s event promises to be the ultimate mash-up of rock royalty, local legends and rising stars. With over 50 acts across the five-day program, the festival proudly welcomes an incredible line-up featuring classic British rock legends ‘Sweet’, the iconi
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Shaun Diver, a musician with almost 20 years experience, is performing at KC’s during the Airlie Beach Festival of Music and the energy he brings to Airlie Beach is unmatched. Shaun has been performing casually for almost two decades but within the last five years, he has transitioned into a full-time musician. His notoriety was catapulted into the next stratosphere when he won the Battle of the Bands in Springfield Lakes as a solo act. Shaun recalls that winning the four-month competition ma
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There’s so much on offer at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this year and for the first time ever, the Band of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR Band) will be delivering electrifying roving performances through the heart of Airlie Beach. Well-known throughout the region, this dynamic ensemble, inspired by the New Orleans’ street music vibe, will be pumping out funky instrumental covers and signature tunes in short, high-energy sets that are sure to create a festival party
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Joining the headliner lineup at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music are the legendary Sweet from the UK, primed to unleash their glam rock anthems and the iconic Aussie synth-pop sensation Pseudo Echo, set to electrify the stage! Sweet, a flamboyant force of nature, is no stranger to the spotlight, delivering timeless hits like "Ballroom Blitz" and "Fox on the Run." Their high-octane performance promises to celebrate rock's glory days, with unforgettable melodies and powerhouse vocals that will
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From cosy corners to stunning seaside spots, 13 venues across Airlie Beach are gearing up to offer a unique experience as part of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. New to this years’ program are Colonial Palms and Sidewalk Café, both set to feature a diverse lineup that includes everything from folk to rock, ensuring there’s something for every music lover. Owned by the dynamic duo, Chris and Rachel, Sidewalk Café serves up a menu that’s as delightful as their personalities. With their inf
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In just under two weeks, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music kicks off with the Official Opening Party at Magnums on Thursday 7th November. The night will burst to life with Jackson Dunn, a seasoned performer renowned for his dynamic stage presence, followed by ObiSun, whose eclectic style and infectious beats are guaranteed to ignite the dancefloor. Headlining the night is the spirited trio 19 Twenty, whose explosive performance perfectly captures the essence of live music. Artists from nine reg
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Mark your calendars for Friday 12th November, as Tom Harrington takes the stage at Sorrento at 12pm for an unmissable performance with free entry! After clinching victory in the prestigious ‘Battle of the Buskers’ at the renowned ‘Buskers by the Lake’ festival, Tom has secured his place in the Airlie Beach Festival of Music line-up - an honour that reflects his exceptional talent and promise as a rising star in the Australian music scene. Originally hailing from rural Victoria and now callin
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Every year, Airlie Beach Festival of Music thrives thanks to a dedicated team of nearly one hundred volunteers who work tirelessly to help bring the festival to life. From setting up inventory, to manning the pop-up office, managing ticket and merchandise sales and critical bump-in and bump out tasks, these passionate volunteers handle it all. Among them is a special group known as “ambassadors,” easily spotted in their blue-striped shirts, stationed throughout the festival - they're the go-to
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The Get Cyclone Ready Event hosted by the Whitsunday Regional Council last Saturday was a great success. Located at the Airlie Markets, the pop-up event attracted lots of attention, with many passers-by stopping to read the information available and talk to local experts on how to prepare for the upcoming storm season. Whitsunday Regional Council Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black expressed the importance of these events. “The more resilient you are, the more you've put into your ed
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The remarkable life of this amazing man began in July 1880. Reared from an infant on a sugar cane property at Breadalbane, Billy took his surname from the owner, George Waite. Some records indicate that he was born in Charters Towers however Billy denied this. On his passenger records when he travelled to the USA, he named Waite as his father and that he was of Proserpine. It was said that his mother was Aboriginal. Billy grew up droving cattle; a job to which he attributed his great horsemans
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