Australia’s newest and largest racing yacht, as well as the smallest and oldest, have entered the 2024 GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race. The GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race begins to intensify with the official entry of Wild Thing 100 – one that is said to be the newest 100-foot super maxi to be launched in the past decade. Grant Wharington, winner of the 2003 Rolex Sydney Hobart bought the boat previously known as Beau Geste with co-owner Adrian Seiffert, renaming the Botin 80 design
Read more.JPG)
A new initiative to streamline the tourism experience and provide unparalleled customer service to all Whitsunday visitors has been launched by a forward-thinking local marketing agency 8 Seconds, in collaboration with Tourism Whitsundays. The project is the brainchild of Tolita Dukes, Director of 8 Seconds, who was inspired to give local industry the tools to provide exemplary customer service by helping operators deliver best practice and sharpen their people skills. Read more on page 4. Cr
Read more
Unexpected acceleration while performing a U-turn on a steep incline was cited as one of the contributing factors that could have caused the golf buggy accident that resulted in the death of newly wed Marina Hanna on Hamilton Island two years ago. Ms Hanna’s husband of 10 days, Robbie Awad was at the wheel on that fateful day in June 2022 and was subsequently charged with driving without due care and attention causing death, pleading not guilty to the charge. He did, however, plead guilty to f
Read more
Hi Everyone, Back to school this week and many parents (and grandparents) may be feeling relieved to have the routine returned – I know I am! Although I love the holidays, I think children get so much from school these days, not only connection with friends but also mental stimulation that both challenge and invigorate them. My son, however, certainly didn’t realise this new routine was a welcome addition when he woke up on Monday morning. In fact, he promptly informed me that he hated school,
Read more
This week’s Good Deed goes to Whitsunday Coast Airport (WRC) which has just announced news that it has broken the 500,000 annual passenger barrier for the first time in its 73-year history. A gateway to the region, Whitsunday Coast Airport plays a vital role in bringing tourists to town and it has adapted to significant increase in traffic over the past three years, recording 280,000 guests in 2021 and jumping to a whopping 507,000 this year. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said b
Read more
A beautiful array of colours, flags, banners and decorations lined the streets of Bowen on Monday the 8th of July for the annual NAIDOC Week Flag Raising and March. The event launches a week full of festivities, highlighting the communities' inclusive spirit and celebrating the invaluable contributions of the Indigenous members of the community. Girudala, a community control society, that is celebrating its 50th year, this year, organised and hosted the event with CEO Associate Professor Carmen
Read more
As of Monday this week transport around the Whitsundays just got a whole lot easier with the introduction of ride-sharing app, Uber, which now has 50 vehicles operating in the area. While transport users are undoubtedly excited by Uber’s arrival, which is set to provide both cheaper rates and better availability, there are concerns about how Uber will impact the livelihood of existing taxi operators. Local taxi driver Matt Raymant, however, said that Uber will definitely help ease the load dur
Read more
Welcome to the latest Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry article showcasing our diverse business community. Dr Faye McPherson graduated in 1991 and took sole ownership of Proserpine Vet Surgery in 2010 after partnering with Dr William Bowman. The Surgery serves the community by providing the high standard pet and animal care. “It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling business that is never dull. There are continuing developments in medications, treatments, ever increasing restriction
Read more
Residents of the Whitsunday Region can enjoy a discount on dog and cat registrations if they register early! Renewal notices have been issued, and the discount period for pet registrations runs until 31 July. Registering your pet is a responsible step that greatly enhances the chances of your pet being returned if they get lost. Keep in mind that properties are typically allowed up to two dogs or two cats unless a special permit is obtained. Take advantage of the discounted rates during this per
Read more
Last week Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright, Director of Corporate Service Jason Bradshaw and I attended the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in Canberra. This assembly brought together leaders from councils across Australia, providing an invaluable opportunity to explore innovative solutions to the challenges we face as local governments. As well as attending the National Assembly I also stepped up our advocacy efforts by pre-arranging face to face meetings with Catherine
Read more
As we move into the next financial year, Tourism Whitsundays has been working on a full marketing activations and membership opportunities calendar. Through collaboration with industry, we have compiled several strategic national campaigns and targeted ‘moments’ focusing on specific tourism industry segments. From dining and nightlife to weddings to youth and adventure, our campaign calendar aims to highlight the region's diversity and inspire travellers to visit us all year round. This marke
Read more
Full name: Penelope Shields Age: 9 years old Sports: Cross country, Athletics, Swimming, Triathlon Who inspired you to start playing sport? My Mum and Dad have provided me opportunities to try so many different sports. They are my biggest supporters and number one inspiration. Can you tell us about a memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far? Making the Northern Region U10 Schools Cross Country Team to compete at the Queensland Championships in Brisbane next month. Also,
Read more
10 girls from Bowen Netball Association travelled down to Downey Park in Brisbane last week to compete in the Junior State Age Champs. The Under 14’s girls' team, coached by Rebecca Edgerton, achieved an incredible feat by taking first place in their division. Rebecca Edgerton stated how it was a “big four days of netball,” and the girls “did very well.” Rebecca also commented on how the girls had trained very hard leading up to the state championships and it was “their team spirit and hard wo
Read more
Queensland and New South Wales are going head-to-head again on Wednesday for the third match in the State of Origin series and this one will be the decider following a 1 all draw from the previous two games. To celebrate this tight competition and cheer on the players, Whitsunday Sportspark is inviting the community to their new Club House to enjoy a lively evening of sporting excitement as the two historic rivals vie for the title once again. As everyone knows, footy is a game best shared and
Read more
Talk about the winter blues - I think I now know how they feel in England!Well maybe not as cold, not as wet and not as house-bound but this continual rain has admittedly got the better of me and my vegie patch at times this season.So, if you have struggled with powdery mildew, late flower set or motivation to be in the veggie patch, know you are not the only one. The upside is very little watering required and root veggies like carrots are bound to be long, straight and plentiful this season (a
Read more
Coming to Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend is the spectacular ‘House Too Crowded’ band – this 6-piece band consists of a group of men all in their 30’s and 40’s. Frontman, Glenn Starr, describes the band as: “fun, outgoing and very professional musos,” that are “dedicated” to getting the sound of Australian and New Zealand icons ‘Crowded House’ and ‘Split Enz’ as “close to the original recordings,” as possible. The band started up amid the pandemic in 2019 and was put on hold during this period.
Read more.JPG)
After six wonderful years of delicious Asian dishes, the community-loved Cool La La is closing its doors for the last time on Monday 15th July. Owner of Cool La La and Village Cafe, Abbi Gatdula, has decided to close the restaurant due to wanting to focus more on Village Cafe. Abbi also mentioned that she and her partner will be semi-moving back to the Philippines, however, emphasises to her regular customers not to worry as you will still see her “face in Village Cafe regularly.” Abbi stated th
Read more
Bowen Tourism and Business is holding a networking event next week and all members are invited to come along, connect with others and enjoy a lively evening. The event is free to all members of Bowen Tourism and Business and is being held just before National Mango Day. The event will be held at Bird’s Fish Bar next Thursday, July 18 from 5.30pm. It is National Mango Day each year on July 22. It is hoped the members of Bowen Tourism and Business will take the opportunity to come along and me
Read moreBowen Tourism and Business is holding a networking event next week and all members are invited to come along, connect with others and enjoy a lively evening. The event is free to all members of Bowen Tourism and Business and is being held just before National Mango Day. The event will be held at Bird’s Fish Bar next Thursday, July 18 from 5.30pm. It is National Mango Day each year on July 22. It is hoped the members of Bowen Tourism and Business will take the opportunity to come along and me
Read more
Friday 12th July KC’s: Phoenix Revival (from 8pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm-8pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (6:30pm-9:30pm) Grandview Hotel: Tim Johnstone (8pm – 12am) Saturday 13th July Coral Sea Resort Hotel: DJ Exceltek (2pm-6pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm-4pm) KC’s: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Grandview Hotel: De Ja Vu (Band) (8pm – 12am) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Kiss Thiss (2pm-5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (7pm-10pm) Sunday 14th
Read more
July 12 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Rio, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm 13 Suicide Prevention Fundraiser, Reef Gateway Hotel, from 5.30pm 16 The Sunshine Club, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm 20 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 1pm 21 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6am 23 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 28 Airlie Beach Triathlon, Airlie Beach Lagoon, from 5am 28 D
Read more
July 12 1924 was a momentous day for women in the Proserpine district. That day marked the official opening of a maternity ward situated on hospital grounds. It was adjacent to the General Hospital that had been built in 1911. And it was a timely event too, because the first child born in the ward arrived the very next day. Prior to this, childbirth was in the hands of midwives, mostly untrained but well experienced. They were quite amazing for they had large families of their own so not only
Read more
Active recovery at EvoPrime is a game-changer, pushing beyond traditional methods. Many settle for mediocre and isolated injury recovery strategies, but EvoPrime believes stopping the pain isn’t enough. True recovery means saying YES to life without the fear of re-injury, living freely, and performing optimally. Take the journey of one of EvoPrime’s clients, a passionate sailor who rolled her ankle during a boat delivery in February. Returning home, she noticed significant swelling in her knee.
Read more
The unmarked graves of 16 soldiers will receive the recognition they deserve, when their newly made gravestones are unveiled at a special Graveside Dedication Service taking place on Saturday 27th July at Proserpine Old Cemetery. In the many years before, the 11 soldiers from WW1 and the five from WW2, have gone without any form of headstone, with one soldier in particular, Joseph Leary, having laid there for 102 years. This has meant that the families and the community have not been able to com
Read more
All Weekend Activities • Window Dressing Competition by Mackay & Whitsunday Life Newspaper • Carnival Rides • Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street • Immerse Art Installation • Art Exhibition at Whitsunday Sailing Club • Junior Art Exhibition at Brigitte Peel Art Studio Thursday 1st August • 6:00pm Reef Trivia at Coral Sea Marina Resort Friday 2nd August • 8:00am Reef Experience with Cruise Whitsundays • 5:30pm Camira Twilight & Fireworks Cruise • 5:30pm Wh
Read more