Debbie Mackenzie, the Games Coordinator of North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club, made club history by winning all four of her matches in the B Grade Singles Championship of Champions competition held at the West Tigers Bowls Club. In the Open Singles Champion of Champions, Chris Woo, one of the club's Coaches and Umpires, put up a commendable performance. Chris triumphed in her first game against seasoned player Heather Brown from Proserpine. Although her journey ended there this year, Chris’s determ
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With seven-time past King of the Mountain champion, Liam Mumford, and reigning Queen of the Mountain champion, Alana Kenzevic, in the fifty-strong field, the competition for the annual King and Queen of the Mountain event finishing in Eungella was always going to be tough. The Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy/Podiatry Mackay Junior King and Queen of the Mountain was unfortunately a quieter affair due to many local junior runners being away at state titles and various other representative spo
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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures May 28, 2024: Division 1: Green (Tim Shehan, Leo Gilbert) d Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson) 6-3. Tim d Barry 8, 5, -9, 4. Purple (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Robbie Richards) d Blue (Will VanDeKaa, Steven Whiting, Lee Brake) 8-3. Robbie d Steven 9, -8, -7, 9, 9. White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) d Red (Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan, Daniel Warfield) 10-1. Geoff d Mark -6, 10, -7, 6, 9. Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Den
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The brand-new VMR Headquarters was officially opened last weekend, with invited guests and dignitaries celebrating both a new era of operations and an epic history spanning an incredible 60-year period. Guests were offered a tour of the newly expanded VMR facility which had been brought about following the consistent lobbying of both Member for Dawson, Andrew Wilcox and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. The extension, which nearly doubled the floor space of the operational room, began in 2023
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Hi Everyone, I came home this evening and for some unexplained reason I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness wash over me. I can’t place the exact feeling, just a heavy weight of negative thoughts – I’m a terrible boss, I don’t have time for anyone! I am a terrible mum, I have no energy left at the end of the day! That sort of thing. Each thought compounded and all of a sudden, my life was terrible and I was feeling fairly depressed. Fortunately, I have learnt over the years that it is bet
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In a display of community support, locals gathered from all walks of life to extend a helping hand at the Drug ARM Street Outreach Service in Airlie Beach. On board with the powerhouse team was Shirley from Whitsunday Housing Company Limited, providing essential accommodation and wellbeing support. Isaac from YWAM (Youth with a Mission – Whitsundays) ensures ongoing care and collaboration throughout the week, addressing various needs from housing to mental health services. Patrick from Airl
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Over $20,000 was raised for the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) event held in Cannonvale over the weekend but volunteer Matt Stokes said the fact that people knew the organisation was present within the community was even more valuable. “Raising community awareness that we are here to talk was the biggest value of the night,” he expressed. WSPN is an active charity organisation which is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and helping those impacted. Any mone
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Four, two-bedroom units in Bowen are now under construction thanks to a $3.2 million government grant that was initiated by Bowen Community Centre. Concerned about the shortage of suitable rental accommodation for working professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers, the Community Centre decided to take matters into their own hands and apply for the grant. “It is very difficult to get a rental in Bowen,” said Jacintha Bezgovsek from Bowen Community Centre. “There is no accommodation for
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Shock news ricocheted across the tourism industry earlier this month when Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton left the top job citing, “personal reasons,” for his sudden departure. Rick leaves behind him a legacy of success spearheading initiatives that significantly increased visitor engagement and overnight visitor expenditure. Under his tenure, the Whitsundays reached a record-breaking $1.6 billion for the year ending in March 2023. He will also be remembered for his work advocating for
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Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 is fast approaching, and the anticipation is palpable as sailors and spectators prepare for this iconic event in the heart of the Whitsundays. With more than 150 boats already registered, this year’s event will showcase an epic array of sailing yachts from trailer boats to Extreme 40s, making up approximately 16 racing classes. Renowned for its thrilling races and vibrant social scene, this year’s regatta promises even more excitement both on and off the water. On
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Prominent federal National Party hardman, fossil fuels supporter, climate change denier and renewable energy sceptic Matt Canavan was in Bowen last week to spruik energy policy, LNP style. Bowen Chamber of Commerce staged the Coffee with Senator Matt Canavan event at the Larrikin Hotel on Thursday July 11 in place of the usual evening monthly meeting to fit in with the senator's busy schedule. Sen. Canavan, who is a regular commentator for Sky News, wasted no time in putting the blowtorch on
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Winter water-lovers are warned that the Bowen Water Park will be temporarily closed from Monday 15 July, to Monday 29 July. Scheduled inspection and maintenance will be undertaken on the bucket and the red slide will receive minor repairs. Council thanks you for your patience and understanding while we undertake this maintenance.
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Did you know, that during the winter harvest season from May to November, North Queensland contributes nearly 90% of Queensland's tomato production? That’s a total of more than 40,000 tonnes annually! Helena De Bortoli, regional coordinator for Pick of the Crop in North Queensland, recommends incorporating tomatoes into sandwiches, lunchboxes or pastas to enhance children's vegetable consumption. Ideal for the whole family, cherry and grape tomatoes are not only nutritious but also budget-frie
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Following the success of the inaugural Welcome Whales Festival last year, the second annual event took place on Friday last week, with over 200 people attending. Poor weather saw the event move location at the last minute from Airlie Beach Foreshore to Proserpine Entertainment Centre and organisers said they were thankful Whitsunday Regional Council were able to offer an alternative facility enabling the event to go ahead. A celebration of Indigenous Culture and the deeper meaning of whales wi
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The year is hitting its stride and there have been a number of regional developments the Chamber wishes to share. Business Chamber Queensland’s March 2024 Quarter Pulse Survey shows a grim view of Queensland businessowner perceptions on sales, employment, and profitability decline. The report reveals the longest sustained no-confidence business trend since mid-2022. Our Chamber is keen to hear from you, if you share the same views and experiences. Last month, Whitsunday Regional Council anno
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The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a collaboration between Whitsunday Regional Council and the Queensland Government, supports local arts and cultural initiatives. This fund helps bring diverse and inclusive arts projects to life, offering real training and employment opportunities for artists in our community. With several funding rounds each year, it's a great chance for local creatives to bring their projects to life and make a lasting impact. If you're involved in the arts, consider
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I am excited to be hosting my first Mayor’s Charity Ball at the amazing Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Saturday, September 21, 2024. This will be an opportunity to come together, not only to celebrate our vibrant community, but more importantly to raise funds and support two incredible local charities: RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. As many of you know, RACQ CQ Rescue provides an invaluable service to our Whitsunday region, offering rapid response medical ass
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Tourism Whitsundays hosts journalists to showcase the diverse experiences our region offers. Recently, we hosted Urban List for a five-day famil trip, focusing on the youth and adventure experiences that best showcase our destination. Keep an eye on the Urban List website and the Urban List Travel social media platforms for a glimpse of the featured experiences and accommodations designed for those looking for an adventurous holiday. Whether it's exploring the best of the mainland, snorkeling th
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Last Saturday, as people gathered at the Whitsunday Marine Club to celebrate the new VMR Headquarters and the 60th anniversary of VMR, another exciting event took place; the release of the brand new VMR history book, ‘The History of VMR Whitsunday.’ The book takes you on a journey through time from the inception of the VMR in 1960 to its evolution into a professional rescue institution. It details the dedication of its volunteers and the evolution of VMR vessels alongside pivotal moments and gri
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It was a typical Wednesday evening in May of 1964 and a group of locals, primarily cane farmers, were gathered at the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine, enjoying some cold drinks. Among the group gathered were Aldo Cantamessa, Terry Hinschen, Gordon Barr, Fred Baxter, Fred Tetley and Kevin Tetley. Amidst the friendly banter, there was talk about the growing issue of potential accidents at sea and the increasing risks of losing friends and visitors while fishing or exploring the Whitsunday waters.
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On Wednesday, July 10th, Bowen State High School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a fun-packed day of activities. The day commenced with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Juru Elder Uncle Jimmy Gaston, Acknowledgment of Country and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers. Principal Robert Harris welcomed Juru Elders, community partners, families, sponsors, students and staff to the day of celebrations and shared how proud he is of the opportunities and support Bowen High
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Fifteen-year-old Emily Eggleston struggled with school from the beginning, disliking the environment and facing numerous challenges in education. After an altercation with another student, Emily decided that traditional schooling was not the right fit for her: “I went, I don't really want to do this anymore, I'm going to do something better.” Before the incident, Emily’s school had told her about the PCYC Get Set for Work program, a program that funds intensive employment and training assistance
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Proserpine State High School have their annual Year 6 Into Year 7 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 31st of July. Parents and Carers are invited to take a guided tour around the school grounds taking in the modern learning facilities and grounds. Tours start outside the Administration Office on Ruge Street at 5.30pm with school leaders. An information session will follow in the school’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre at 6pm. Here you will meet the school Principal Don McDermid
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Many consider the senior years of high school to be crucial in shaping future career paths. Whitsunday Christian College equips students with the tools to explore their passions, discover tertiary options, and gain work experience in relevant fields. The senior pathways program, for year 10 upwards, provides students with several key events and sessions to ease their decision-making process. Senior Studies and Pathway Coordinator and Teacher of years 9 through to 12, Phoebe Lam, walked through
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A grassroots event like no other the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival returns on July 27 and 28, promising an exhilarating weekend of swimming, riding and running action. Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director Micky Kimpton said the annual event is now in its 24th year and continues to attract athletes and spectators from around Australia and internationally, showcasing the Whitsundays as a premier destination for sports. “We have a record field of profe
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