Issue #

23

Meat the team at Master Butchers Whitsunday!

September 19, 2024

Meet Waylon Co-Manager And Butcher At MBW On The Barbie After eight years at Master Butchers Whitsunday and MBW On The Barbie, Waylon has certainly found his groove, carving out not just meat but also a satisfying career and lifestyle. When he made the switch from a large supermarket's meat department, he was ready for a real challenge, and Master Butchers Whitsunday delivered—helping him improve his skills as a third-year apprentice and eventually complete his trade in 2017. “They taught me

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10 Years Of Sizzling Sausages With MBW On The Barbie

September 19, 2024

What began as a service to the community and a desire to ensure a local shopping centre still had a butcher shop, has become a labour of love for a humble team of passionate staff members who have transformed a closing Butchery into a thriving business over the past 10 years. One of the longest running businesses at Whitsunday Shopping Centre, MBW On The Barbie, is the brainchild of entrepreneurial meat-specialists, Karen Rix and Don Cameron. Ten years ago, when the couple heard the lease was

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Gig guide 20 September

September 19, 2024

Friday 20th SeptemberThe Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)KC’s: Josiah (from 8pm)Grand View Hotel: Hannah Roberts (from 8pm)Saturday 21st SeptemberThe Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Geed Up (2pm – 5.30pm)The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Geed Up After Dark (7pm – 10pm)KC’s: Shaun Diver (from 8pm)Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm)Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm)Sunday 22nd SeptemberThe Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Geed Up (2pm – 5.30pm

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Whats on September 20

September 19, 2024

September20 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Addams Family and Dumb & Dumber, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm21 Whit Old Iron Restorers Club Car & Bike Show, Showgrounds from 9am21 Mayor’s Charity Ball, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 5pm27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am October1 Sailing For Those Wi

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FACES OF THE ELECTION Candidates Formally Announced For Upcoming State Election

September 19, 2024

The 2024 state elections are heating up with the formal announcement of all candidates who are in for the running. After four years of a Labour-run state led by Premier Steven Miles, the political landscape is wide open as the election approaches on October 26, 2024. All eight regional candidates are preparing their election campaigns in the lead up to the big day. Each candidate is working hard to connect with North Queenslanders, hoping to secure their votes and represent the region’s interest

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Editor's Note

September 19, 2024

Hi Everyone, Have you ever shared a moment with others and felt an almost palpable energy radiate? I experienced this feeling twice this week, on two very different occasions. The first was when I was at my Saturday morning Body Combat class; we were about two-thirds of the way through and I was doing my two-hundredth knee kick when the moment struck me. The music was punchy, the stamina was waning and all of a sudden, I felt this almost euphoric energy wash over, one that I felt sure was

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29-Year-Old Man Charged After Fatal Hit-And-Run Incident In Bowen

September 19, 2024

Police have charged a 29-year-old Bowen man following a fatal hit-and-run traffic crash that happened in Bowen in July. Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Bootooloo Road and Wheelers Lane on Thursday, July 25, after a cyclist was located on the roadway by a passing motorist at 4.42am. The male cyclist, a 69-year-old Bowen man, was declared deceased at the scene. The cyclist was struck by a vehicle, which had failed to remain at the scene. Following extensive investigations, the d

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New Scholarship Opportunities With Zonta Whitsundays

September 19, 2024

For the past 20 years Zonta Club of the Whitsundays have offered a substantial annual scholarship to one lucky student from one of the local high-schools. This year the generous scholarship has been named the PJ Halter scholarship in memory of the club’s beloved and very hardworking member who sadly passed in 2022. The scholarship embodies the club's commitment to supporting women who, due to various life circumstances, may not have had the chance for further education earlier in their lives.

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Young Woman Dies In Whitsunday Road Accident

September 19, 2024

The tragic death toll in our region has sadly risen again this week following a road accident on Sunday evening that claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman. On Sunday 15 September at 5pm a 61-year-old Bowen man was travelling in a silver Rodeo North on the Bruce Highway, and in the initial police investigation, it appears to have veered onto the wrong side of the road. The silver Rodeo collided head on with a black BMW, driven by a 22-year-old female who tragically lost her life as a result t

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Bowen Chamber Announces New Committee

September 19, 2024

By Paul Gellatly The election of the 2024-25 committee for Bowen Chamber of Commerce was backed by presentations highlighting the importance of the Abbot Point coal and industry facility to the town. An audience of around 40 people attended the chamber's September 11 meeting at the Larrikin Hotel to hear the results of the election of office bearers, for which vacancies closed on September 2. Although he jested that he thought his existing term would be his last, popular Larrikin Hotel public

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Bowen Is Busy During The School Holidays

September 19, 2024

Bowen has been very busy in the school holidays with the Visitor Information Centre reporting a bumper start to the two-week break. On Monday alone, the staff and volunteers welcomed more than 350 people to the centre. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said a lot of people were staying in Bowen but there were also a lot of day-trippers from Airlie Beach. “The Big Mango is always an attraction during the school holidays,” she said. “There has also been a lot of families

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Proserpine Girl Steals the Spotlight At Australia’s Royalty Pageant

September 19, 2024

A local girl from Proserpine, Matilda Braney, sparkled at Australia’s Royalty pageant (ARP) National Finals that were held in Melbourne earlier this month. Not only has Matilda, obtained numerous beauty titles for her appearance in the ARP, she also has done incredible work in the local community to raise funds for Starlight Children's Foundation. Matilda, alongside her aunty, raised funds for the foundation by selling chocolate in the mines. All proceeds from their sales went directly to th

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Jude York Announced For Songwriters Festival

September 19, 2024

It was announced this week that award-winning viral sensation, Jude York will be joining 7-time ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews at the upcoming Whitsundays Songwriters Festival which is due to take place next month. Jude’s song ‘Monaco’ is climbing the international charts with a staggering million streams in its first week and Whitsundays Songwriters Festival organisers say they are thrilled to welcome him to the line-up. “Jude’s clarity of his artistic direction will serve as an inspiration

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Tourism Whitsundays’ Social Media Top Tips

September 19, 2024

In 2024, if your business isn’t on social media yet, you’re potentially missing out on connecting with a lot of possible customers. With almost 80% of Australians active on social media, it’s a great way to quickly and easily connect with your audience and show off what you’re offering. It might feel a bit daunting to get started, but don’t worry—here are some great free tools to help you get started, or to help you elevate what you’re currently doing: • Instagram and Facebook: Must-hav

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Tourism Whitsundays Member Spotlight Whitsunday Segway Tours

September 19, 2024

For this weeks adventure, Jade and Paige explored one of the local Whitsunday land-based wonders by joining Whitsunday Segway Tours for an unforgettable tour. Expertly guided safely and thoroughly by host, Zak, the mood transitioned quickly from slightly nervous too eager as they stepped on the Segway and adjusted to synchronize with the hi-tech machine. Jade said she was surprised at how quickly she became comfortably at ease with the Segway. Once the journey began, the 9-kilometre round trip

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Whitsunday Jobs Fair Coming Soon

September 19, 2024

The inaugural Whitsunday Jobs Fair will be held next month and organisers are looking forward to bringing together job seekers and businesses from across the Whitsundays. Hosted at the Proserpine State High School, this event will bridge the gap between employers and prospective employees, offering a unique platform for recruitment, networking, and career development. With the job market evolving rapidly, the Whitsunday Jobs Fair offers job seekers a valuable opportunity to explore a wide rang

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Wilsons Beach Swimming Enclosure Repairs Underway

September 19, 2024

The Council has announced that repair works on the Wilsons Beach Swimming Enclosure will commence on 23rd September, with completion estimated for late November 2024. The repair work at Wilson Beach has been guided by feedback from concerned community members about the area’s future, following the damage caused by Cyclone Debbie in March 2017, which left the enclosure damaged and non-functional. The repair works, therefore, will enhance safety and once again provide a fantastic swimming spot fo

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Much Loved Bowen Vet Service Opening In Proserpine

September 19, 2024

Greater Whitsunday Vet Services has been operating as a mobile clinic since 2020 and from their current Bowen clinic since 2021, with the new location in Proserpine expected to open soon. The mobile service ensures everybody from, Glenden to Collinsville, Proserpine, Cannonvale, Bloomsbury, and Calen, can have access to a qualified vet. After successfully operating a clinic in Bowen for three years, owner Jason Mansfield, saw increased demand in the Proserpine and Cannonvale area. In June th

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There’s a track winding back … The journey from CannonValley to Proserpine 87 years ago

September 19, 2024

In 1937, Ivan A Hughes wrote a book entitled “In the Wake of the ‘Cheerio’: The Narrative of a Memorable Cruise in Great Barrier Reef Waters” During a fourteen-day cruise on the “Cheerio” between Bowen and Mackay, Hughes and a group of tourists from Sydney visited most islands of the Whitsunday and Cumberland Groups and enjoyed trips to the outer Barrier Reef. The account of their experiences, of the beauty of the area, and the references to relics of early history is both comprehensive and ente

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Mayor Collins Welcomes New Citizens

September 19, 2024

Council held their latest Citizenship Ceremony at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, and I swore in 38 new Australian citizens from 12 different countries. These citizenship ceremonies are always highly emotional occasions as family and friends also attend to witness what is a huge day for every new Australian citizen officially inducted. Tuesday was also National Citizenship Day, and this year was the 75th anniversary of the day which celebrates a momentous occasion that remin

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Spring Show Success! For Bowen Orchid & Foliage Society

September 19, 2024

For a club of 30 members, Bowen sure does put on a great show. On 31st August and 1st September, Bowen Orchid & Foliage Society’s (BOFS) Spring Show was held in the Pat Tracey Pavilion at the Bowen Show Grounds with over 200 visitors passing through their doors to view the array of orchids and foliage plants. Although the show was held a couple of weeks earlier than in previous years, it still showcased an impressive variety of orchids and foliage for both judging and public viewing. Members

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Pet Of The Week: Meet The Beautiful Carlos

September 19, 2024

Introducing Carlos, a stunning 3-year-old Bullarab/Mastiff mix who’s ready to find his forever home. Carlos is up-to-date with his vaccinations, including his annual Proheart injection, and is on a consistent tick and flea prevention regimen. The current owner is also open to having Carlos neutered before adoption. Carlos is a well-rounded companion who gets along wonderfully with people, older children, and other dogs.

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St Catherine’s Students Get Creative!

September 19, 2024

St Catherine’s Catholic College is proudly celebrating the incredible achievements of four of its First Nations students in the 7th annual Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Creative Arts Competition. The event, held in partnership with Griffith University, showcases the creative talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from secondary schools across Queensland. This year’s competition was especially significant, with a record-breaking 201 ent

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Preparing Students For Secondary Education With Bowen State High School

September 19, 2024

Transitioning from Year 6 to high school can be overwhelming and a nerve-racking experience for both students and their parents and carers. At Bowen State High School they are trying to make this transition as smooth as possible. In 2025, Bowen State High School will introduce four scholarships which will be awarded to a number of Year 6 students who effectively demonstrate the criteria for each scholarship. The scholarships focus on the areas of Academic Excellence, First Nations, Sport and

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Soul Music Forever At Airlie Beach Hotel

September 19, 2024

Soul music songstress Lisa Hunt is bringing her ‘Forever Soul’ show to the Airlie Beach Hotel on September 28 on Saturday evening 7pm – 10pm, and returns again on Sunday 29 for a daytime performance 2pm – 5pm. Lisa began blasting out her voice in great African American tradition at the gospel church when she was a young girl. Since discovering her talent, Lisa has performed alongside some of the best musicians in the world. During her career, she has shared the stage with huge artists inclu

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