While a wet day, the reception of the ladies at the Bowen Cricket Pink Stumps Ladies Day was great, with over 200 ladies celebrating the McGrath Foundation and breast care. Organiser and Club President, Seth McIntosh was proud of the event. “Even with the rain, it wasn’t a disaster,” he laughed. With special guest Glenn McGrath, with Dr Adrian Westcott of the Mater Hospital in Mackay, Sue Murray Image Specialist with Coastal Radiology, and Mardi Mandersloot, who battled with breast cancer her
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With two more months of cyclone season on the cards on the first half of 2024, now is the best time to get cyclone prepared, with Scott and Lisa Raisbeck of Bowen Small Motors ready and prepped to get you and your family best equipped. Scott’s number one necessity during a cyclone is a capable and appropriate generator. “And even outside of cyclone season, we have enough power blackouts, that having a generator handy is great in any emergency,” he explained. “However, having a generator is gre
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Perfect for the older Bowen locals, the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre is eager to launch their Stay Connected program which helps participants use technology effectively. Designed for Bowen locals over the age of 55-years-old, the Stay Connected program is a weekly program, that will run for 12-months, with small, yet intimate classes, where the program coordinators can ensure each participant is confident and able to navigate the week’s topic effectively. “We’ve designed this program to assist i
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Are you ready for a fun and engaging night out? Then the Collinsville-Scottville Kindy have the perfect event for you! Raising funds for their kindy program, you can party it up for a good cause, with musical bingo the main entertainment. Adults only, you can be sure this will be a hoot, with tickets including the choice of a beer or wine on arrival, nibbles, and a music bingo card. But the fun doesn’t stop there, with raffles and a lucky door prize sure to bring more laughs to the room. Doub
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The Australian Army’s 1RAR Band is heading to Bowen, as part of their Southern Community Engagement Tour, for a special one-night concert. The 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regime, the 1RAR Band has been instrumental in encouraging community engagement with the Australian Army, through the positive and uplifting tunes of their music. “We’re a 22-piece full time band, performing for the community with modern and atmospheric beats,” explained Band Sergeant Major, James Duquemin. Based in To
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The revitalised Whitsundays Writers Festival is gaining momentum, with the recent announcement that acclaimed Australian crime writer Garry Disher will join the lineup of prestigious speakers at the highly anticipated event due to be held this September. Garry Disher, author of the novels ‘Hell To Pay’ and ‘The Divine Wind’, is also a three-time winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Novel. He is known for his captivating characters and engaging narratives and is eager to meet with fellow write
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The Great Barrier Reef Art Exhibit has been confirmed to return in 2024, taking centre stage at the refurbished Whitsunday Sailing Club. Scheduled for the first week of August, the exhibition will showcase a curated selection of over 70 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, chosen by a panel of judges. The special guest judge, Lauren Turton the Curator of Artspace Mackay, will have the honour of selecting the winning artworks, at the Opening Night on August 1. Margie Murp
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For Ämi Andrews, falling into a fabulous career in the kitchen was a no brainer, a move that she made with calculated decision and passion, always valuing the art of cooking and enjoying the vibrant cuisine-fuelled environment. Having called Airlie Beach home for over four years now, Ämi initially ventured to Australia from London close to 10 years ago, travelling up the east coast before settling for a short period of time. “When I left the UK, I knew being a chef would be great, because I ca
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Anyone in the community that wakes up in the morning feeling sad, lost or alone is encouraged to reach out and come along to the On The Men-d Support Group which takes place at the Skatepark in Cannonvale every Wednesday. Initially a men’s group, the support network is now open to everyone regardless of gender. Established by qualified counsellor, Bob Eden, the informal weekly catch-up is an opportunity for people to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and respectful space. “It’s all
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The barramundi fishing competition of the year is back, with the organisers Whitsunday Game Fish Club excited to take to the lake. Based at Camp Kanga, the weekend starts with a briefing and registration at Camp Kanga on Friday March 22, from 7pm, for those wishing to get in on the action. Nomination for the Barra Bash is free and prizes will be presented at the conclusion of the weekend, from 1pm, with photo on a brag mat, including the date, of the longest Barra. Anglers can fish the lake,
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With a backdrop of the Coral Sea, on the lush grass of the Coral Sea Marina, the annual Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club Show and Shine is back for another year. The event welcomes a diverse range of classic and unique cars and bikes, with everyone invited to get their vehicle in on the fun. “We hope to have more local entrants and as always welcome those car and bike enthusiasts displaying their own pride and joy,” Club Secretary Kerri Southee explained. “Cars and bikes of all ages, makes and mod
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Back by popular demand, the ‘Sugar Bush Shindig’, brought to you by the organisers of the Cut Out Party, is counting down the days to its next annual event which is due to be held at the Proserpine Showgrounds next month. A celebration of our vibrant sugar industry, the family-friendly community party is a time to honour the history of our region, thank the hard-working teams that keep the industry going and also bring everyone together. This year all proceeds will go to the Royal Flying Docto
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Lebanese migration and settlement in Australia began around 1880. These early migrants were known as Syrians but were classified as Turks by the colonial governments of the day because Lebanon was under Turkish control until the end of World War 1. Life was not easy for these migrants who had no contacts and could not speak English. Undaunted, those with capital became small business men, opening warehouses as well as drapery, hairdressing and grocery shops. Others became itinerant hawkers, of
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Avid writers and aspiring children’s authors from across the region are invited to Bowen Library tomorrow where they will experience an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people and learn about the ever-growing publishing industry for children’s books. Whitsunday Creative Writers and Illustrators (WCBWI) group will host a free event, taking place at 9:30 am, on the 24th of February, titled "Publishing Houses vs. Self-Publishing.” WCBWI President, Dr Sofia Fortunato, a local writer a
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Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Moments by JLF
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Coral Sea Academy offers an extensive range of events, aimed at locals and visitors alike, discussing topics that are meaningful to the Whitsundays, and to inspire the community to do more. The Coral Sea Academy focuses on providing interactive events to consciously connect people to not only boating, but the environment and themselves, leaving them feeling inspired and empowered. Embark on a journey that inspires you to become a part of something bigger, to make the change and be the change.
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Whitsundays’ own Michael Kimpton is continuing to show resilience and non-stop commitment, taking the top podium finish for his age group at the iconic Half Ironman even in Hobart, Tasmania in early February. Following this huge success, he has now being invited to represent Australia at the World Half Ironman Championships in Taupo, New Zealand in December this year. “I’ve already met my new year’s resolution,” Michael joked. “I’ve had this event in Tasmania earmarked since November, and I gea
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Sports training plays a pivotal role in nurturing resilience and kindness in children, instilling essential life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Through the challenges and triumphs experienced in sports, children learn invaluable lessons that shape their character and behavior. Firstly, sports training teaches resilience by exposing children to adversity and setbacks in a controlled and supportive environment. Whether facing defeat in a game or struggling to master a new skill,
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• Check the weather, check the weather, check the weather! – and if you are in any doubt, don’t go out! • Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed. • Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger ships may have difficulty manoeuvring. • Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow area
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What do you do in Airlie Beach when it rains? Wish for a hard cover, and these thoughts were echoed last weekend by all our members as there was no action on Saturday or Sunday and we were all left lamenting. Tuesday, we had a few hardened bowlers keen to play and several great games were played with Jill Spencer and Ladda Purdie convincing winners of the day but it must also be stated that Dawn Dowel playing lead with Margo Stanley played superb bowls and time after time, end upon end effectiv
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On Wednesday we were very lucky at Proserpine Bowls Club to have avoided the heavy showers of rain experienced elsewhere. We had six players enjoy a game of bowls. Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Peter Lawton defeated Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown 28 - 10. There was no play on Sunday due to the heavy rains experienced during the week. Games Director, Barry Saroglia, has advised that nominations for Club Championships - Singles, Pairs, Fours and for B Singles and B Pairs w
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Although it has been a bit hot, we still had one rinks game on Tuesday. Winners for the afternoon Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Penny Warren defeated Deb Retchless, Lyn Danvers, Irene Laird, Greg Colquhoun. The jackpot didn’t go off. Congratulations to Life Member Neil Tracey on reaching a milestone in bowls, receiving his Super Veteran’s badge from Men’s President Mark Drummond on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were Bill Myers, Graeme Read, and Kevin Daniels defeated L
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Last weekend, February 10th and 11th, saw four swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, Alex Yuskan, Chloe Eldridge, and Axel Yuskan, from the Whitsunday Swimming Club, attend the 2024 Hancock Prospecting QLD State Sprints at Sleeman Aquatic Centre, Chandler, Brisbane. Mae had seven swims, having qualified for all 50-meter strokes in her age group (Girls 15 years), and 50-meter Freestyle, 50-meter Breaststroke and 50-meter Butterfly in Open Women. Mae came home with some awesome PB’s and a massive smile fo
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A record number of children attended the two learn to sail groups in Bowen at Port Denison Sailing Club on Sunday morning. Fourteen students in the Little Pirates group learned the parts of the boat and then played a game of ‘Sink the Boat’ on the water, followed by games on shore to learn terminology and all about the wind. Seven students who completed Little Pirates last year have continued to the Big Pirates group which runs afterwards. This week they went for a buddy sail with Green Fleet
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On Wednesday night, the Cannonvale Cannons hosted their first Distance Club Night for 2024. Swimmers had an opportunity to swim a longer distance in two events. The Cannons would like to commend Matilda Nicholes and Millie Groom for being selected for the NQ team to compete in the Queensland Schools Aquathon/Triathlon Championships in Hervey Bay. Both girls backed up and on the same weekend competed in the Queensland Sprint Championships. The Cannonvale Cannons are sorry that Matilda Nicholes
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