Whitsundays Writers Festival has just announced the longlist for its inaugural Best Unpublished Manuscript Award which has been launched in honour of the original Festival Founder, Gloria Burley. Returning for the first time since 2017, the much-anticipated 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival is bringing it with a host of new events offering an exciting opportunity for writers, poets, and book cover designers across Australia. In a bold initiative, the Festival launched earlier this year the Whi
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The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival has been awarded the prestigious AusTriathlon Queensland Club Initiative of the Year Award for its invigoration of their outstanding 2023 event. The top club award accolade recognises the festival’s exceptional contribution to the sport of triathlon and its impact on the local community. Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Festival race Director Mick Kimpton and wife Val attended the awards in Brisbane on Sunday and were elated th
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Our Division 1 and 2 Men hosted Magpies this week on Friday evening expecting some tough competition. Division 2 created lots of chances and found the back of the net twice but Magpies proved to be too strong winning the game 4-2. Division 1 came out and fought hard for a 3-1 win. A goal for returning Jake Flaherty being a highlight and the result keeps them at the top of the table with a 3-point buffer. On Saturday morning, saw another fantastic game for U13 Div 1 coming up trumps against Mag
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During the week, over 50 swimmers participated in a swim challenge called THE BEAST. The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers and their inspirational efforts. Congratulations to the 5km Beast swimmers: Millie Groom, Roxy Groom, Celeste Orenshaw, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Jax Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Dylan Reynolds, Andie Reynolds, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, Jack Ganter, Zach Trefz, Alex Trefz and Matilda Nicholes. Special mention
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The Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre (WMTC) at the Whitsunday Sailing Club is more than just a venue for learning; it's a gateway to the exhilarating world of maritime adventure and professional excellence. Nestled in the heart of Airlie Beach, Queensland, WMTC stands out for its commitment to high-quality education, experienced trainers, and picturesque surroundings that enhance the learning experience. At WMTC, a diverse array of courses caters to both novice sailors and seasoned maritime
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The Bowen Bridge Club had their annual Congress over the weekend. 76 players travelled from 9 different clubs for a friendly but fierce competition. Congratulations to all our local players. 2024 Results: A Grade 1st: Tex Sheedy / Noel Bujeia 2nd: Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 3rd: Alan Brown / Frances Brown B Grade 1st: Beverly Schultz / Barbara Elwin 2nd: Nina Doyle / Ian Leach 3rd: Sue Reilly / Jo Gillis C Grade 1st: Sandy Patterson / Geoff Gowan 2nd: Jill Brabon / Bev Lowcock 3rd: Kay Lineham /
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Despite the weather, a lot has happened at our little club. Firstly, we share the sad news that Steve Tattam lost his battle with cancer on Friday night. Our thoughts go out to his wife Henny and his family. Details of the funeral will be advised. On a brighter note, the Ladies Singles has been won by Ladda Purdie, who played Carol Crosbie in a very close match. The Men’s B Fours was also completed. Merve Stewart’s team, with Eric Barnard at lead in brilliant form, Dennis Donnadelli at second, a
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Social Games: Sunday 30/6: E. Low, L. Kruger, and Daryl Tuttle defeated Marion Tuttle, Herb Dalton, and Ray Muir. Allen Williams, Ross Scanlon, and Rob Rodda defeated Keith Kirk, Ron Gould, and Tiarna Winter. Scroungers: Lloyd White defeated Wendy Cole. Jane Gilbert defeated Paula and Lee Welsted. Wednesday Social: Ron Gould, Jane Gilbert, and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt, Marilyn Turner, and Gus Munro. Marion Tuttle, Ray Muir, and Wendy Cole had a drawn game with Dianne, Tiarna Winter, and
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On Wednesday afternoon, the final of the Ladies Singles was played. Heather Brown defeated Patricia Bownds 26-0. Good luck to Heather, who will be representing Proserpine in the Champion of Champions at Wests Tigers on July 9 and 10. In Social Bowls on Wednesday, Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, Carol Smith, and Peter Lawton drew 24-all with Alen Sanderson, Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Nev Smith. On Saturday morning, the Semi-Final of the Club Championship 4s was played. Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Sc
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Another great week of bowls started with Monday's self-selected triples. The winners were Frans Wilmann, Jenny Healey, and Chris Healey, who defeated Gary Wills, Mal Eanes, and Keith Armstrong. The runners-up were Peter Howie, Greg Sol, and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated John Haysom, Peter Nesbitt, and M. Richie. The jackpot didn’t go off. Tuesday's social bowls winners were Karon McKenzie, Keith Ayken, and Glenn Harvey, who defeated Helen Donoghue, Neil Thewlis, and Ron Boskona. The runners-up w
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Despite the very unpromising weather maps, Whitsunday Golf Club (WGC) put out a field of 18 players to compete in the Monthly Medal/Least Putts for July, generously sponsored by Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday. Here are the results for the day: Ladies A Grade: • Winner: Elise Hodgson with 75 nett • Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with 79 • Longest Drive: Anna Winterbourn Ladies B Grade: • Winner: Jo Moynihan with 75 nett • Runner-up: Karen Rix with 82 • L
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The weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Paul Foster take the win with 20 points. In second place, with an 18-point count-back, was Glenn Rees. Third place, also with 18 points on a count-back, went to Brody Thompson.. Sunday's 4BBB Event Sunday's 4BBB event saw Edwina and Troy Pettiford take the win with a net score of 46.25. The nearest to the pin was Rob Lodders. Great job by all participants. Upcoming Club Championships This Sunday, 14th July, our Club Championships will tee off between
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This week Sea Eagles made the early morning trek out to take on Moranbah Bulldogs in all grades except Senior Men who headed south to Mackay City Hawks. After leading most of the match Sea Eagles Senior Men could not hold on going down by 5 points to the Mackay City Hawks 34 – 39. Midfield bulls Billy Galpin and Billy Gardner were dominating again whilst Eden Wishart had the ball on a string at stages. Sea Eagles now look to find some form against formidable North Mackay Saints this coming week
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Steve Lucas took out Tuesday's stableford with 38 points ahead of Jason Whitney with 37 points. Pins went to Luke Nightingale Jon Miller and Brendan Spann. Thursday's A and B division winners, Scott Mason and Luke Wayth, both had 40 points. Jacob Nightingale and Izaac Vandenburg were the runners up. Pins went to Jacob Nightingale, Finbar O'Flynn, Timothy Miller and Scott Mason. Brendan Spann had 22 points to win Friday's Met run with Chris Pirlo two shots adrift. Ben Smith won the pin shot.
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A group of local students have made a big difference in the lives of hundreds of young Fijian children who this week received specially created school packs containing books, pens and other educational resources they would not normally have access to. Year 12 student and School Captain Hazel Farrell visited Fiji in person and hand-delivered the packages which had been compiled by her school friends at St Catherine’s Catholic College and partnering school, St Mary’s Catholic School in Bowen thro
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Three women have died and several other people are in a serious condition following a devastating head-on collision between a Greyhound Bus and a four-wheel drive vehicle towing a caravan. At approximately 11am on Sunday, a Greyhound bus carrying 33 passengers collided with a four-wheel drive that was towing a caravan, on the Bruce Highway, eight kilometres north of Gumlu. Three women have been confirmed dead at the scene, including 56-year-old Grandma who is believed to have been travelling to
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Hi Everyone, It’s great to be back after a week holidaying in Mission Beach! We had a fabulous time despite the rain and really enjoyed bringing our giant Border Collie, Finn, along for his first family holiday. Spending a concentrated amount of time with the kids opened my eyes to a few things – firstly – the incredible amount of energy they have and their desire to keep going non-stop all day – how do they do it? I am definitely at the stage in my life where real joy is found in watchi
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Happy faces and big smiles were the order of the day for a group of Endeavour Foundation clients who were invited to a fantastic day on the water with Red Cat Adventures. The lucky individuals enjoyed a range of activities catered specifically for their skill levels and abilities, with all the crew onboard dedicating themselves to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests. Support Carer Ricki Conn said that everyone had a special time and created memories they will cherish forever. “The
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B Kinder Day took place across Australia on the 22nd June, with local schools and businesses across the region participating in events over the last few weeks. B Kinder Day celebrates the life of 12-year-old Billie Kinder, who tragically lost her life in a horse-riding incident in May 2016. Billie is known as an extraordinary girl who had the gift of giving. Billie’s legacy has become one of kindness. Billies mum and CEO and Founder of B Kinder, Danny Mason-Kinder, created the foundation and B K
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An impressive 49 local tourism operators have taken part in the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project (WHHP) and committed to measuring their operational carbon footprint, gaining an understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions sources, and adopting a plan to reduce emissions where possible. A major source of emissions from the tourism sector is via the consumption of electrical power, and as of May 2024, almost 50% of all emissions measured in the tourism sector are from electricity. Tourism bus
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From the 7-14th July, the Whitsundays will be full of festivities to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week of fun includes the Welcome to Whales Festival inclusive of a traditional formal welcoming to the whales by the traditional owners. Also included in the itinerary is a flag-raising ceremony and march that will take place on Monday in both Bowen and Proserpine. Festivities will conclude with a NAIDOC family fun day in Bowe
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Last week the annual Coffee with a Cop event was held in Cannonvale. The event takes place to encourage the community to talk to local police officers and share a coffee with them. The officers encourage locals to come and speak about any police matters or even just general day to day issues they may have. The police were giving out free vouchers for the community to grab a coffee from a selection of vendors at the plaza. The coffees were sponsored by the plaza management. The event ran from 10a
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The Bowen Community Centre is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of its very first Gala, an event inspired by the urgent need for funding to sustain the Tucker Box Shop and Tucker Box Kitchen programs. These vital services feed approximately 2,000 singles and families annually without any government support or fees and they are essential to the Bowen community. The idea for the Gala was sparked by the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre's release of their Investment Guide, which highli
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Mark your diaries for Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry business events for August. Connecting businesses and job seekers 10am-12:30pm Thursday 1 August, TAFE Whitsunday Campus, Cannonvale Held in conjunction with the Chamber, TAFE Queensland, and the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training this free event will showcase workforce and training programs and services available to local businesses, school leavers, and job seekers. Pop Up Chamber with Porters
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As we navigate through the complexities of a post-COVID-19 world, the importance of domestic tourism to our region cannot be overstated. With the latest figures indicating that domestic tourism numbers are experiencing a slowdown nationally, it is even more crucial that the Council owned and operated Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) remains a crucial gateway for driving tourism into our beautiful region. Under the guidance of our Director of Commercial Businesses, Craig Turner, Whitsunday Coast
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