Rumours have abounded about the impending closure of much-loved local venue, Banjos Bar and Grill which has been a staple for residents of Cannonvale for many years. Speculation has been rife about this sudden news with staff allegedly being given notice just weeks before the closure. A representative from business, however, confirmed this week that they are hoping the matter could be resolved if the right lease agreement comes into place. Negotiations with the landlord, Whitsunday Shopping C
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Kids from around the region had the opportunity to meet and get a free coaching session from their local heroes at the Mackay Cutters Rookie Clinic which took place at the Whitsunday Sportspark last Friday. At the Clinic, the kids were coached by players and were put through drills to sharpen their rugby skills. The afternoon was filled with laughs and knowledgeable insight for the youngsters before ending the session with a fun game of touch and a free sausage sizzle. The Cutters were in Ai
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More than 400 people attended the Mackay Mayor’s Ball on Saturday evening, including Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins who said he was thrilled to be a part of the event. He also announced that the Whitsunday Mayor’s Ball will likely be held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre in September, and that Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson will of course be invited along with the new Isaac Mayor, Kelly Vea Vea. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP and his lovely wife, Raylene, were also in attendance
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The last thing Ben De Luca from Bowen Summergarden Cinema expected was a phone call from an Australian film icon, but that’s exactly what happened. Wolf Creek star, John Jarratt, phoned Ben, and asked him if he could host a Meet and Greet, preview his new film, and host a Q&A at Ben’s famous little cinema in Bowen. John Jarratt loves independent cinemas, he says they sell Australian productions with more gusto than the big cinema chains. Being a country boy himself, John knows how exciting it
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Inspiring young local, Macy Lewin, who regularly assists at Proserpine YouthSpace was thrilled to discover last month that she was the recipient of the Peries IGA Proserpine Local Hero Award. Unaware of being nominated by her stepfather, it was a huge surprise when she walked into her local IGA on a Sunday afternoon to find out, not only about the nomination, but also that she’d won. Macy said she is very proud of herself and that it is a good feeling knowing her work is getting recognition.
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The main street of Airlie Beach came alive with the footstep of 150 soldiers on Saturday morning. The soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER) from Townsville marched down the main street with bayonets, drums and vehicles, and it was an amazing spectacle for the whole community to enjoy. The soldiers were halted by a Senior Police Officer for a special ceremony where they were granted their right of entry. The parade then continued along the main street and concluded at the Airl
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‘Getting Free Media for Your Business’ (7:30am-9:00am, 13 June) will be an interactive discussion with local media outlets and experts providing tips and techniques to increase media coverage of your business and good news stories. The Chamber’s Vision for the Whitsundays project – that aims to articulate an economic future for the region informed by business for business – will be launched Thursday 15 August at a breakfast function, where key insights and recommendations will be discussed. Th
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Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Mackay Issac Whitsunday (MIW) Major Industry Projects Forum held in Mackay, aimed at highlighting the significant infrastructure projects set to transform the neighbouring regions. Hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Greater Whitsundays, this gathering brought together local leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders to candidly discuss ways to enrich our communities and strengthen our economic prosperity. Th
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Whitsunday Regional Libraries are collection points for used mobile devices as part of a partnership with DV Safe Phone. These devices are repurposed and given to victims of domestic violence as 'Safe Phones,' providing crucial lifelines for help. This initiative empowers victims to live safer, more connected lives while reducing e-waste in landfills. Drop off your old mobile device at your local library and play a vital role in ensuring that every call for help is heard.
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Queensland's tourism industry is celebrating! 91 operators within The Whitsundays have been recognised as Best of Queensland Experiences (BOQEs) for their dedication to bringing the Queensland story to life and consistently delivering an exceptional customer experience, ensuring visitors to the region have unforgettable experiences. The program, launched in 2018, is the first of its kind in Australia and aims to elevate Queensland as the top holiday destination by identifying and recognising
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Over 130 students at Bowen State High School received a Gold Card certification for consistently demonstrating outstanding qualities reflecting the schoolwide positive behaviour for learning expectations and being responsible, respectful, safe and engaged. For students to receive a gold card, they must have good grades for behaviour and effort in all of their subjects, they must have no major incidences recorded and have an attendance rate of 95 per cent or higher. A Gold Card is recognised a
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With an extensive array of up to 50 extracurricular and co-curricular activities and clubs available to our Prep to Year 12 students at St Catherine’s Catholic College, a supportive environment is always at hand for them to venture into new territories, cultivate fresh skills, and forge lasting friendships. The positive impact of such diverse learning opportunities outside the conventional classroom is evident on a daily basis to our teachers. These activities span a broad spectrum of interests
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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Property owners from across the region gathered at the Coral Sea Resort earlier this month to hear all about the new Strata legislation that came into effect on the first of May. This free community information session was hosted by Archers Strata Professionals and their Chief Executive Officer Nicky Lonergan told the room about the upcoming changes. The new legislation addressed the following changes: Smoking Bodies corporate will be able to introduce bylaws that prohibit smoking and vaping
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It’s a proud moment for Ben Holliday and Christine Cullen who have recently purchased a business they love, igniting new passion into the enterprise and continuing a legacy they have both helped to grow over the years. On March 1 the couple officially took over Whitsunday Pool Service from Dale Mackrill who had owned the business for over 15 years. Ben had previously worked for the company for nine years before leaving to pursue his own dream of running a mobile pool business three years ago.
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The 2024 theme for the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival has been announced and people across the region are already getting excited about the Above and Below theme that is set to highlight our beautiful region once again. This month, Cruise Whitsundays also confirmed their naming rights sponsorship for the event once again, their involvement bringing some exciting environmentally focused boat tours which will become one of the feature events during the festival. Renowned for bein
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Avid fashionistas from across the region are busy creating fabulous designs ahead of the 2024 Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Wearable Arts Parade which is due to take place in August as one of the central events hosted by the Great Barrier Reef Festival. To ignite further creative flair, there will be a special workshop at Whitsunday Sailing Club next month. This will be an opportunity for participants to learn from some of the best artists of this kind in the region. Hosted by Creative Connect
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The bucket-list item on many a locals’ list, the annual St. Bebida White on Whitehaven by Fish D’vine Catering is the only long lunch of its kind open to the public on Whitehaven Beach. This extravagant, decadent and opulent affair invites guests to indulge in a full day on Whitehaven Beach, where you are whisked away to a paradise, that is just a short distance from your home. Starting your day aboard an air-conditioned ferry, the party begins as soon as you join the sea of stunning white out
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Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic and love between country’s most famous couple with The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show. In ‘Get Rhythm’ witness real-life husband and wife duo Mark Caligiuri and Johanne Caligiuri mimic famous on-stage couple Johnny Cash and June Carter. Alongside Mark and Johanne are Mark’s sons, Chris and Lucas, and Mark’s cousin Adam Prozzo – making this incredible show an authentic family affair. At young ages, both Mark and Johanne loved classic music, Johanne g
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Bringing almost 30 years of on-stage experience to the Whitsundays, the highly acclaimed Bill Chambers is performing at the Reef Gateway’s wonderful beer garden in less than a month’s time. Known also for his famous daughter, Casey Chambers, Bill Chambers has been surrounded by music in his family his entire life. Growing up, his father was an amateur folk singer and songwriter, and his mother would sing in harmony with him. Bill thought it was normal for everyone to have music around them. N
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The world’s largest motorcycling charity event arrives in Bowen this weekend! This year marks the third year the event will take place in Bowen, with dapper gentlemen from Bowen, Whitsundays and Burdekin all taking part in the event on Sunday 19 May. At this year’s ride, money raised will be donated to prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs by the official charity partner, Movember. The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is a global event and this year it is expected that 90,00
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Clear out your closet and get ready to bring in some treasured goodies and preloved items for the inaugural Zero Waste Solutions Preloved Night Market which is due to be held this evening. A host of stalls awaits and attendees are welcome to browse for some preloved clothing gold. Over the years Preloved Markets have increasingly become a great way for people to find new items of clothing while simultaneously getting more closet space. On the night coffee and snacks will be available to purch
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Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw a good roll up with some great games being played with Tony Whitehorn’s team leading Lu Rogan and second Rick Galea run away winners from the rest of the field, however the Jackpot never went off . Friday Morning the Endeavour Foundation disabled group came for their bowls lesson and showed that with practice they could represent our area in the disability games October 2025. Saturday morning Scroungers saw Russell Jackson, Eric Barnard and Arthur McManus
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Sunday Social: Ray, Ross and Kirky defeated Marion, Rob and Jane. Sue, Andy and Gavin defeated Allen, Dave and Steve. Jack, Wendy and Lloyd drew with Ron, Daryl and Jeff. Team Gus defeated Team Lloyd. Wednesday Social: Eddy, Gordo and Jeff defeated Brit, Sue and Jason. I.Thatcher, R.Muir and K.Jewell drew with M.Tuttle, J.Gilbert and M.Wright. Dave and Gus defeated Ron and Steve. Ladies B Singles: Tiarna Winter defeated Tracey Roach. Ladies A Singles: Lou Fordham defeated Helen Jacobsen. Co
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Competition results: Fely Duncan defeated Teresa Willshire. In Men’s A Singles Kevin Jewell defeated Herb Dalton. Mother’s Day winners Kevin Daniel, Marg Wilson and Greg Colquhoun defeated Toni Bowen, Graeme Read and Kennedy Whitton. Teresa Willshire, Maureen Hyde and Keith Armstrong defeated Bill Myers, Alby Vigar and D Maddingley. Robyn Stitt, Laurie Land and Allan Rolfe defeated Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing and Mark Drummond. Alf, Kevin Jewell and Pat Tracey defeated Bron, Ron Hyde and
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