Greys Bay in Bowen is welcoming two new undercover shelters, ahead of the expected influx of visitors. The shelters, which include a picnic setting, overhead cover and solar lighting, will allow visitors and locals to enjoy the beach in shade. The first shelter will be placed at Greys Bay Lookout, with works beginning earlier last week, and expected to be completed by mid-March. The second shelter will be in Lions Park, with exact times for the expected work to be confirmed, once materials ar
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This month’s Ask An Expert with Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks: Are business plans a waste of time? Some Chamber Board members responded. Melinda of Melinda Louise Media believes that business plans are key to success. It provides a framework for strategic direction, identifies goals, timeframes to monitor growth and financial targets, and track progress. It can be revisited as the business grows and adapted to market and customer shifts. Are they a waste of time? “No w
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Respected people-focused company, Shiift, celebrated year four by holding their first 2024 Thriive Event last week, bringing together over 40 women in an uplifting evening event which inspired conversations and self-reflection. Participants were guided through a series of lively soul-searching activities, sharing experiences with their peers, and insightful observations about their journeys so far. Thriive is a monthly women-only event held by Shiift, a local company which specialises in peo
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Earlier this week, I travelled out to Collinsville to meet with people interested in building tourism in Collinsville. It was such a great trip, and I really enjoyed the short time I had out there. My colleague, Cait Fleming, and I visited to work with the established Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group and it was a really collaborative session. There are so many ideas that come out in sessions like this. If you’re in Collinsville and interested in joining in on the group, please email receptio
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A hidden oasis in the heart of Airlie Beach, Anchor Bar is celebrating a decade in business and the team are excited to invite locals and visitors alike to a weekend of birthday celebrations, in just over two weeks’ time. And with a spectacular line up for the event, this will the celebration of the year! “We have Chris Booroff and Friends ready to jam the afternoon away,” explained Josh Knutson, owner and operator of Anchor Bar. “And a sweep of specials, with our Head Chef experimenting and s
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It seems like the whole town has been talking about Eastwoods for several months now, so when I was asked where I’d like to go for my birthday dinner, I immediately knew where I wanted to book. I love Asian fusion cuisine and had been eagerly awaiting the moment I could devour some mouth-watering morsels at this popular local restaurant. As soon as we arrived, we were ushered to our seats and served instantly by our waitress who eloquently detailed the cocktail of the day and specials list whic
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The newest kid on the block is here and they are here to stay, with a fantastic turn out for the opening of their new Bourbon Bar. KC’s very own Bourbon Bar is making waves in the bourbon-whiskey world, with experts and connoisseurs coming out of the woodwork to put these specially curated bourbons to the test. Owner and operator, and chief whiskey-drinker, Geoff Small “Smally” is eager to showcase this diverse selection. “While you are exploring the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, you might as
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Do you want to feel the electricity? Do you want to feel the power? Do you want a heart-stopping, head-banging performance? Then make sure you go to see Thunderstruck, an AC/DC tribute band, at the Airlie Beach Hotel. With a collective history spanning over 30 years, this AC/DC tribute show is bringing big beats and bigger energy for the metal heads of the Airlie Beach coast. Often branded as one of the most authentic and accurate recreations of the iconic rockers, Thunderstruck is not a
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Miss Lady Saint Diva is back, and she’s bringing her unforgettable charm for another round of Drag Queen Bingo. And she doesn’t stop there, bringing along a special guest with her to ensure that the evening is full of non-stop laughter and excitement. Tickets include entry, unmissable drag performances, raffle (with a selection of amazing prizes on offer) and, of course, the bingo. Prepare for an evening of non-stop laughter, jaw-dropping drag performances and an amazing selection of prizes th
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The return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival has just gotten better, with the announcement of internationally acclaimed author, Sally Hepworth, hosting a bespoke high tea book club, at My Rainbow Café. Sally Hepworth is a renowned author, captivating hearts with her compelling storytelling. With nine novels under her belt and over a million books sold globally, including her latest masterpiece, Darling Girls, Hepworth's literary prowess knows no bounds. Festival President Karen Jacobsen expre
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Free lessons for beginners Bridge is fascinating to learn. We are a fun, friendly and social club with sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Come and join the fun, learn a skills and improve your memory. Interested? For more information, call Deb Breeze, 0466002321. 1: Jill Brabon and Thea Weekes with their bridge guru Joan Butts at the Gold Coast Congress 2: Debbie Breeze Sue Mcinnes Jill Brabon Thea Weekes on the 1rst day at the Gold Coast Congress.
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Collinsville State High School have officially inducted their 2024 Student Leaders, with a ceremony held earlier this month. The student leaders embody poise, confidence, and an eagerness to serve the school with pride and determination. Senior Leaders Cooper Groocock Claudia Lee Jayme Lee Darcy Teichmann Senior Student Council Executives President: Cooper Groocock Vice President: Claudia Lee Secretary: Darcy Teichmann Treasurer: Mckenzie Grosskreutz House Captains Boomerang Senior
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The end of 1939 saw our first real holiday. Arrangements were made with Ken MacPherson to take our family and the Jenkins family to Nellie’s Beach. When Ken arrived with the seven Jenkins, Colin Hinschen (Doris Jenkins’ brother), his friend Bill Hewson and the five in our family, it made a total of 14, plus Ken the driver. Ken’s truck was a one ton four-cylinder Chev with a tray body. We had borrowed two tents and used our empty 100-gallon tank to store clothes and food. So much had to be tho
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The highly anticipated Rugby League carnival, the Annual Bowen Tens, will be played at Denison Park in Bowen on Saturday. Sponsored mainly by Whitsunday Civil, the day brings much needed funds to the Bowen Seagulls Junior League with various charities also benefitting. A number of Bowen Charities have been the recipients of money from the Bowen Tens. This year the main recipient will be Kids Connecting Parents. Burdekin teams have supported the day since it was first introduced in 2012 with the
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Congratulations to Levi Smith, Lucas Korosec, Eloise Chegwidden, and Ehsan Helou for setting new Cannonvale Cannons’ Breaststroke records. Levi and Eloise set new 200m Breaststroke records, while Lucas set a record for the boys’ 7 years 100m Breaststroke. Ehsan set a record for the 15-year-old boys’ 50m Breaststroke. Well done! This week, Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade certificates to Thomas Ganter, Zach Trefz, Murphy Jamieson, Jax Clayworth, Connor Lee, Noah Maltby, Soph
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With plans in place for our to be constructed new hard cover, our board has set plans for the construction. This week, despite the rain, we still had a full week of competition starting on Tuesday afternoon with Wendy Pomeroy as skipper leading her team of Pam Collins in fine form as lead with John Brown playing excellent bowls at second far too strong for the rest of the field. Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls where there can only be one winner and it was Ted Cullen at skipper who was magnific
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Due to the consistent work put in by those involved in the green preparation, we have been fortunate to have been able to play social bowls on both Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, despite the rain that has been around over the last couple of weeks. On Wednesday, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown 24 - 10. In the other game we had Arthur Griffith play double lead due to having an odd number of players. Arthur, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown defeated Ar
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Social play on Tuesday resulted in the jackpot going off in the game between Stumpy Adams, Merle Elphinstone, and Penny Warren who defeated Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, and Dot Slater. In the other game Deb Retchless and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt and Kevin Jewell. Our Friday night barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle was a lot of fun. Although it was a little showery everyone enjoyed the night. We will be hosting the next one on Friday 8th March. Fortunately the weather held for our Mixed Op
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Larry Muller had 37 points in Tuesday's stableford event to beat Sean Gower by a shot. Anna Winterbourn edged out Nicole Cooper on 29 points. Pins went to Sean Gower, Diane Chard, Larry Muller and Tina Badenhorst. Wednesday's two-shot winner was Anna Winterbourn with 31 points ahead of Tina Badenhorst; with the pins going to Diane Chard, Rehab Hull, Tina Badenhorst and Jacqueline Wall. Sean Gower won the A division of Thursday's stableford by edging out Chris Brett on 37 points. John Strelec
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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take first place with 22pts, second with 21 pts was Melinda Macleod and third place with 20 pts c/b was Scotty Hayes – Williams. Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Alan Clinch in first place with 22 pts c/b, second place with 22 pts was Ryan Kenny and third with 21 pts c/b was Tyson Flavel. Sunday was our Monthly medal 18-hole stroke competition, a great turnout which saw Adam Singleton in first place with a 46 NETT, second with a 49 NETT was Jimmy
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The rigging lawn at Bowen's Port Denison Sailing Club was a hive of activity on Sunday morning as four learner Qubes, three Sabots, five Optimists, three Lasers, four Windsurfers and one B14 Skiff took to the water for some training and short course racing practice. Rounding marks close to shore, so many different types of boats sailing together was quite a spectacle. The Jordan family from Mackay drove up to join members from Airlie Beach and Bowen and allow their three very experienced saili
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A major service provided by VMR Whitsunday is to tow vessels to a safe haven (usually their launching point, where possible). Jetskis are different to standard boats, in that they have a water intake at the front, and we have been advised that engine damage may be caused by towing above a recommended speed – sometimes as low as 6 knots - for some makes and models. VMR Whitsunday offers a towing service for most vessels including jetskis, conditions permitting. We suggest that you check your
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Mackay’s home spun rugby league sensation Jaxon Purdue gave a glimpse to the future with an eye-catching debut for North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge last weekend. Lining up at fullback against the Brisbane Broncos at BB Print Stadium, the ground where he cut his teeth in the Mackay Junior League, the versatile rookie showed his class in a 46-20 trial loss. The St Patrick’s College graduate had the local crowd in raptures after swooping on a loose ball and scooting 90 m
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As I typed this heading, I accidentally wrote ‘wider’ instead of ‘wiser’, and had a chuckle, thinking that was perhaps a more accurate depiction of another year around the sun. I’m not sure if we really do get wiser with age, I tend to find myself forgetting almost as much as I’m learning, but I do believe we have a deeper appreciation for moments of authenticity. During my birthday week I was very fortunate to have my cup filled in many ways. First stop: the Gold Coast, where I danced my hear
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In a selfless act, Janine has brought joy to Katie, the lucky recipient of a P!NK concert ticket, with a thoughtful gift of spending money for her upcoming trip to Townsville. Katie, who has been facing her own challenges, found solace and support through the airwaves of the STAR101.9 brekkie show with Scotty and Kaley. Janine, touched by Katie's story, decided to make a difference in her life by gifting Katie an early birthday present of money to spend on her trip, ensuring her 40th birthday ce
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