Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Another week at our little bowls club in Paradise began on Monday afternoon, with four students from Whitsunday Christian College continuing their preparations for the school championships at Pine Rivers Bowls Club in Brisbane next month. Eliana Langshore and Miranda Jackson, along with Ollie Webb and Pazel Davis, continue to develop their skills and confidence as they prepare to represent the club. Tuesday afternoon social bowls welcomed both members and visitors, while the Ladies' Triples final was won by skipper Joan McGrath, lead Vicki Spann and second Ladda Purdie, who will soon return to Thailand after six years as a valued club member. The Ladies B Pairs also took shape, with Mandy O'Brien and Sue Dakin earning a place in the final against Di Jackson and Maureen Barnard. Thirty-four bowlers took to the green for Wednesday afternoon social bowls, with Al Detrey from Goolwa Bowls Club in South Australia, together with Janet Jacometti and Alan Stewart from Victoria, taking first place. Friday featured the Men's Singles Grand Finals. Manny Isgro claimed the A Grade title, Arthur McManus won the B Grade final, and Russell Jackson defeated Bobby Spees in the Senior Singles final. Round 2 of Scroungers was played on Saturday morning, with Russell Jackson and John Matterson winning A Grade, while Dennis Donadelli and Warren Mills took out B Division. Sunday afternoon social bowls attracted 24 members, with Tony Whitehorn, Mandy O'Brien and Dawn Dowell finishing as the day's highest points winners. Ruby Butler also helped run the afternoon with refreshments. Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson. Photo caption: Men's Singles Champions, Manny Isgro , Arthur McManus, and Russell Jackson. Photo Supplied: Mark Mawson.
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Friendships forged through four consecutive premierships were rekindled as the Whitsundays Sea Eagles' 1993 to 1996 teams gathered for their 30-year reunion, sharing stories and memories from the club's golden era. Spanning the club's transition from the Whitsundays Bloods to the Whitsundays Sea Eagles, the 1993 to 1996 seasons produced a remarkable four consecutive premierships that cemented them in club history. "Winning one premiership is difficult, winning two is special, winning three consecutive premierships is great,” said Nathan ‘Patto’ Marsh. “But winning four is the sort of achievement that becomes part of club folklore." This achievement remains the benchmark for today's Sea Eagles, whose players continue to chase the success achieved by the club's golden generation. “Stories about you blokes still get spoken about within our club,” said current Sea Eagle coach Jack Turner. “Hopefully we can provide a brand today that is suited to the way you guys used to play your footy.” The reunion also featured a cheeky Q&A hosted by Patto, with former players and coaches taking turns to relive hilarious stories about how they found their way to the club, the characters who made the team special, and the unforgettable moments that shaped four premiership-winning seasons. “We see each other after 30 years and it’s like no time has passed,” said former player Dean Kercher. “I still think it’s the best season the sea eagles have ever had,” said Peter Hickey referring to the 1995 season. “One of my favourite achievements in my life,” said Matty Wight, member of the 1993, 94 and 95 seasons. “Those memories come flooding back every time we see each other.” After a few more beers, the group made its way to the oval, where they formed a guard of honour for the current Sea Eagles senior side before cheering them on from the sidelines. The celebrations then continued well into the evening at the local pub, where old teammates picked up right where they left off, reliving the stories, laughter and friendships that had brought them back together three decades later. Photo captions: Photo 1- 1993-1996 players. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville Photo 2- Young Sea eagles guard gazing at the club's historical achievements. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville Photo 3- Dugga Ellis, Matty Wight, Nathan ‘Patto’ Marsh and Brendan King. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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For many young footballers, training means a short drive across town. For Lilliana Knight, it meant spending years travelling more than 1,200 kilometres every week while balancing school, training and competition. The latest instalment of Whitsunday Regional Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians video series showcases one of the region's brightest young football talents and the determination required to pursue elite sport from regional Queensland. Lilliana first discovered her love of football playing socially at primary school before joining the Proserpine Taipans. She later progressed through Airlie Beach Football Club before earning selection in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Academy, where her family made the journey from Conway to Mackay several times each week for training and competition. As her talent continued to develop, so too did the opportunities and the sacrifices required to pursue them. Representing Queensland, captaining teams at national championships, competing in senior women's competitions while still in her early teens and travelling across Queensland became part of everyday life. At just 15 years of age, Lilliana made one of the biggest decisions of her young career, moving away from her family to Brisbane to pursue greater football opportunities. She earned selection in the National Premier League Women's Under 23 squad with North Lakes United FC, joined the Murrumba State Secondary College Football Academy and continues to compete at one of Queensland's highest levels while completing her senior schooling. Now in Year 11, Lilliana continues to chase her Olympic dream. This year she helped the Metropolitan North School Sport team win the Queensland 16–18 Years State Championship in Townsville, while her North Lakes United FC Under 23 side has remained undefeated through the opening 14 rounds of the season. She also continues to mentor younger players as an assistant coach, giving back to the sport that has helped shape her journey. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Lilliana's journey demonstrated the determination and resilience of regional athletes. "Lilliana's story is one of extraordinary commitment. Behind every representative jersey and every milestone are countless hours on the road, family sacrifices and the courage to leave home at just 15 years of age to pursue her dream. She is an outstanding role model for young athletes across the Whitsundays." Mayor Collins said stories like Lilliana's reinforced why Council continued to advocate for the Whitsundays to become the home of Olympic and Paralympic sailing and secure a lasting sporting legacy for the region. "The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about much more than two weeks of competition. They're about inspiring the next generation and creating opportunities that allow young athletes to achieve their dreams closer to home. Lilliana has shown what regional talent can achieve, and that's exactly why we're continuing to fight for legacy infrastructure that will benefit young people across the Whitsundays for decades to come." Campaign media partner, Whitsunday Life Editor Rachael Smith, said the series was about telling the stories behind the success of local athletes. "Too often we only hear about athletes once they've reached the top. This series reminds us that every sporting success begins with years of dedication, sacrifice and community support. “Lilliana's story is incredibly inspiring and we're proud to help share the journeys of these talented young Whitsunday athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams." Lilliana's story is the second profile in Council's Home Grown: Future Olympians campaign, which celebrates young local athletes while showcasing the Whitsundays as a region capable of producing future Olympians and Paralympians. The series recognises not only the athletes, but also the families, coaches, volunteers and communities whose support helps turn big dreams into reality. Because Olympic and Paralympic dreams don't start on the podium. They start right here in the Whitsundays.
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The 26th Airlie Beach Triathlon yet again earned its place as a treasured highlight of the Whitsunday calendar, drawing athletes to the shores of the Coral Sea for a weekend of pure grit, celebration and community entertainment. From first-time competitors to experienced triathletes, 512 athletes took to the water, roads and foreshore across the weekend, with competitors ranging from five-year-old juniors to age-group veterans aged over 70. “Well, it was just a dream come true,” said Race Director Michael Kimpton. “We put so much planning, so much preparation into the event and it just turned out gold.” “It looked like everyone was having a blast out there.” While plenty were chasing personal bests, for many the event was simply about crossing the finish line, with every participant receiving a commemorative finisher's medal in recognition of their achievement. The elite field delivered a fitting spectacle on Sunday, with Josh Ferris claiming his second Airlie Beach Standard Triathlon title in a blistering 1:49:14, narrowly holding off Olympian Jake Birtwhistle in a thrilling finish. In the women's standard triathlon, Jasmine Brown crossed the line in 2:02:47 to take victory ahead of perennial IRONMAN contender Penny Slater. While the elite competitors impressed, some of the weekend's most memorable moments came elsewhere. Cairns' Julian Visintin completed his first triathlon after losing 90 kilograms in 18 months, while a blind athlete Peter Edwards completed the swim, bike and run alongside his carer, Fiona Millar. Their achievements were a reminder that the Airlie Beach Triathlon is about far more than podium finishes. Of the 512 competitors, 122 were juniors, making up almost a quarter of the field and highlighting the bright future of the event. “They were just kids going the hardest,” Michael said. “The smiles on their faces were amazing- that's what we wanted to see.” The weekend was capped off with a Banquet at the Coral Sea Resort, where athletes, sponsors and the town’s unmissable faces gathered to celebrate another successful Airlie Beach Triathlon. Event organisers thanked the many sponsors and volunteers who made the 26th Airlie Beach Triathlon possible, with special recognition given to the Whitsunday Regional Council, the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland, naming sponsors Airlie Smile Care and McDonald's, and the volunteers from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention and Plants Whitsunday Landscapes for their invaluable support. Photo captions Photo 1- Standard Triathlon winner Josh Ferris. Photos supplied: Airlie Beach Triathlon. Photo 2- Cable Noble dominating the Sunday morning. Photo 3- Dianne Huxley pushing it on the bike. Photo 4- Blind Athlete Peter Edwards and his carer, Fiona Millar. Photo 5- The girls couldn’t be happy to finish together. Photo 6- Victory pats on the back. Photo 7- 512 athletes took part over the weekend. Photo 8- A lovely morning for an ocean swim. Photo 9- Race Directors Michael and Val Kimpton. (Prioritise this photo)
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Libraries Are More Than Books. They're Where We Meet. By Richard Evans, President of Whitsundays Writers Festival Ask a child what a library is for, and they'll likely say books. Ask an adult, and you might get the same answer. Both are right. Neither goes far enough. A library is a room full of doors. Every spine on every shelf opens onto somewhere else; a different century, a different mind, a different way of seeing the world. Take a child into that room, let them run a finger along the covers, let them choose something simply because the title caught their eye, and you've done something no worksheet or screen can replicate. You've handed them the first key to their own imagination. That moment, small, unremarkable, repeated in libraries every day, is one of the most important things we do for the next generation. But that's only half the story. Walk into any of our four Whitsunday Regional Council libraries on an ordinary weekday and you'll see it isn't only children turning pages. There are retirees doing the crossword together. Job seekers using the computers. New parents at storytime, swapping tips as much as picking up picture books. Someone quietly working through a form with a staff member who knows exactly which shelf, which website, or which government department to point them toward. The library has become one of the last places in town where you can simply be, without needing to buy something to justify staying. That's the part we too often overlook. Libraries aren't just repositories of information. They're meeting places. Among the few genuinely public ones left. And the staff, who can help you track down that one specific book you half-remember or the exact piece of information you need, are as much a part of that community fabric as the shelves themselves. This is why the Whitsundays Writers Festival is proud to bring our libraries into the heart of this year's program. As part of Stories by the Sea, on Saturday 13 September from 3pm to 4.30pm, Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries will join local authors, a community book swap, artists displaying their work, and a sausage sizzle for an afternoon that is, in miniature, exactly what a library should be: stories, conversation, and community, side by side. There will be no lecture on the importance of reading. There doesn't need to be. Just bring the kids, browse the swap table, meet a local author, grab a sausage in bread, and let the afternoon make the case for itself. Libraries have always done two jobs at once. Holding our stories and bringing us together to share them. On 13th September, we're simply making that second job a little more visible. Visit your local library branch during, Library and Information Week (27th July–2nd August), and you may discover more than you expect. For details on Stories by the Sea and the full Whitsundays Writers Festival program visit www.whitsundayswriters.com
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If Gibbs' eyes don't stop you in your tracks, then we don't know what will. This striking 12 month old Arab cross has the most beautiful, soulful eyes we have ever seen and behind them is one of the gentlest, friendliest souls in our care. Gibbs has been with us for a while now and we need someone to choose him today. He is still very much finding his feet and blossoming into the dog he is meant to be. A real home, a consistent routine, and someone in his corner is all this boy needs to truly shine. He has so much potential and so much love to give to the right family. He is not asking for much. Just someone to say yes to him. Could that be you? To adopt Gibbs send a DM to the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page with your name and phone number. About Gibbs Breed: Arab cross Age: 12 months Desexed, vaccinated and all vet work up to date Contributed with thanks by Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
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The Aussie Eagles will return to Airlie Beach, promising a tribute act so close to the real thing that audiences say, "if you close your eyes, you really think you're there." The band will play two free shows at Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday 8th August and Sunday 9th August, bringing a set packed with Eagles classics spanning more than 50 years. While plenty of tribute acts focus on looking like the artists they perform, band founder Shayne Brown said that's never been the goal. “We don't want to look like them, we don't want to talk like them or dress like them, but we want to sound like them,” Shayne said. “That's all that really matters.” Formed about 10 years ago, Shayne formed the band as a show of respect and admiration. “I first heard Take It Easy, which was their first single off their first album, in 1972,” he said. “I heard that and I just knew from that point that I wanted to play guitar and play those songs. “When I take songs out to put new songs in, I've got to think very hard about what songs to take out because there are just so many great ones.” Without the pressure of embodying the looks and personas of the arguably the biggest stadium band of all time, the Aussie Eagles craft their band purely around vocals and instrumental talent. “It's about who’s the best person for the job,” Shayne said. Alongside Shayne on guitar, the band features drummer Michael Thompson, who also handles many of Don Henley's lead vocals, with more than 30 years of experience performing Eagles music. Geoff Taylor takes on many of Glenn Frey's signature songs, while Darren Griffiths anchors the rhythm section on bass and Scot Whatman rounds out the lineup on guitar. Over the years, the band has played venues across Australia, including Melbourne’s Crown Casino, Sydney’s historic Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne, the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie and the Canberra Playhouse. Despite the long list, Brown said Airlie Beach Hotel still holds a special place for the group. "There's just something magical about the place," he said. “We like the atmosphere because we've been there so often, we know the staff and it's like coming home to a family.” For anyone yet to experience the Aussie Eagles, Brown said fans can expect a faithful recreation of one of rock's most celebrated catalogues, with a focus firmly on the music. "If you love the Eagles, whether you've seen them or you haven't, it's worthwhile to listen to this band," he said. Photo captions: Photo 1- Australian Eagles. Photo supplied: The Australian Eagles. Photo 2- Michael Thompson on Drums and Scott Whatman. Photo 3- Shayne Brown.
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JULY 31st Mike Tyler Stand-up Comedy Night, 7pm, Coral Sea Resort 31st Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine 31st 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach 31st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach AUGUST 1st Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 9am-2pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach 1st Geed Up, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 1st Great Barrier Reef Festival Fireworks, Live Music & Street Celebrations, 5pm, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach 1st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 2nd Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 9am-2pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach 2nd Geed Up, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach 2nd Great Barrier Reef Festival Street Party & Parade, 3pm, Main Street, Airlie Beach 5th AFCM Pathways Outreach Concert, 11am-12pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine 6th Whitsundays Festival of Sailing Airlie Beach Race Week, ALL DAY, Alive Beach 6th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach 7th Whitsundays Festival of Sailing Airlie Beach Race Week, ALL DAY, Alive Beach 7th Bowen Business Networking Event, 7:30am-8:30am, Le Sorelle Coffee House, Bowen 7th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine 7th Room on the Broom, 1pm-2pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine 7th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
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This week's winning image comes from David Johnson, whose striking capture at Gunyarra, south of Proserpine, perfectly embodies this week's theme, "Bare Trees." Standing stark against the landscape, the leafless tree is a reminder that beauty can be found even in nature's simplest forms, as well as the rural background echoing the Whitsundays country style. A big congratulations to David and thank you to the members of the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for continuing to share such fantastic images from across the region. Now it's time to turn your lens towards next week's theme, "Fences." Whether it's a weathered cattle fence, a classic white picket, or something creative, we're looking forward to seeing your unique perspective.
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31st July ABH: Ed Sheeran Tribute Show, 7pm-10pm Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 8pm onwards Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldanio, 8pm-10pm 1st August ABH: Geed’up, 2pm-5:30pm ABH: Ed Sheeran Tribute Show, 7pm-10pm Sorrento’s: Filippo, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe , 8pm-10pm 2nd August ABH: Geed’up, 2pm-5:30pm, ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm Sorrento’s: Kieran McCarthy , 4pm-7pm. Garden Bar: Kaedan McCarthy, 1:30pm-4:30pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe , 8pm-10pm 3rd August Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm 4th August Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Louisa Taylor, 8pm-10pm 5th August Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm 6th August ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer, 8pm-10pm
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The Proserpine Historical Museum welcomed extra visitors this Saturday, with locals discovering just how much history is tucked away inside one of the town's most treasured community attractions. Held as part of the museum's free Open Day marking 25 years on Main Street, the event gave visitors the chance to explore the extensive collection while learning about the Proserpine Historical Museum Society, which has spent more than four decades preserving the district's stories. Displays highlighting local identities and inventions proved particularly popular, with visitors fascinated to learn about figures including Sidney Cotton and Billy Sing, as well as the Proserpine connection to the invention of the louvre window and the story behind the town's giant bowl. Children kept busy searching the museum for handcrafted animals hidden throughout the displays, following a special activity worksheet created around pieces made by a former volunteer. Others enjoyed sitting in the museum's original theatre seats while classic films played on screen. The foyer featured a rolling presentation celebrating the 40 years of the Proserpine Historical Museum Society, alongside displays showcasing the volunteers' work and artwork by local artists. The visit was not complete without a stop for tea, coffee and homemade slices baked by volunteers using recipes from the society's Tried and True Recipe Book. Photo captions: Museum Day brought together a social crowd.
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Dale Last MP is reminding Bowen residents and the wider Burdekin electorate that the Play On! initiative is set to help more than 2,200 children across the region be a part of local sport through the Sports Vouchers program. Accessible across the Whitsundays, the initiative aims to reduce the cost of junior sports for families, and will see 2,256 vouchers redeemed through 50 registered activity providers across the Burdekin during the previous round. With the latest round of Play On! Sports Vouchers opening this week, the funding arrives as winter sporting competitions are underway and families continue to juggle the cost of participation. “Despite soccer, rugby league and netball holding the highest number of voucher participants across the state, with Burdekin’s 50 listed sport clubs, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in a summer or winter sport,” Mr Last said. “Basically, if a child is aged between 5 and 17, and is named on a Medicare card then they are eligible.” The program has also been given long-term certainty, with the Queensland Government committing $62.5 million a year over the next four years to continue supporting grassroots sports participation in regional communities. “By providing this real cost of living relief, the Crisafulli Government is getting more kids playing sports and a continuation of the success the Burdekin has already seen on the national and international sporting stages,” Mr Last said. “This is a real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in our community.” Photo caption: Photo caption: Dale Last MP and Former president for the Bowen Seagulls, Darren Piggott.
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Proserpine Mill processed 75,870 tonnes of cane for the week ending July 18th, with throughput above budget and bringing the season total to 347,316 tonnes. Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.24 units.The highest CCS sample for the week was 16.35 units, from a rake of Q208 plant cane in the Lethebrook productivity district. Last week saw a welcome rise in bin weights with a weekly average of 9.52 tonnes, with Thursday recording an average of 9.72 tonnes of cane per bin for the day’s loading. Motorists are reminded to look out for cane trains and only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings.
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By Georgia McDonald Let’s play a game of musical chairs – the hot seat edition. Each week, I will pull up a chair with one of the talented local musicians who keep the Whitsundays singing, dancing and coming back for one more. This week, I sat down with soloist Andrew Baldino, known locally as Baldi, who first began performing in the Whitsundays 16 years ago, in fast-paced 10-day trips from Adelaide that would leave him feeling like he needed a holiday from his holiday. The clock would strike 11pm, the crowd would begin to gather and Andrew would take the stage with his band to play into the early hours at Paddy's Shenanigans in Airlie Beach, before getting up the next day to do it all over again. Over time, something changed. What started as a regular work trip became something more. The Whitsundays became more than just a pit stop to perform. Weeks spent here turned into whole winters as it became clear that Airlie Beach was somewhere Andrew could build a life around the music he loves. Today, Andrew still has his calendar full with bookings, but in-between gigs, he enjoys morning swims and time spent with his dog, having found a balance that allows him to enjoy days in nature, as well as nights in the bars. "I redid my relationship with the Whitsundays. I never used to completely understand when people called this place paradise," Andrew reflects. "But now I get it." After sixteen years of returning to the Whitsundays, Andrew has become a familiar face in the local music scene. He now plans his calendar months in advance, returning each winter to perform across venues throughout the region. Andrew notes that one of things that keeps many musicians like him coming back is that unlike many parts of Australia where gigs can be confined to weekends, the Whitsundays offers musicians daily opportunities to perform. While love for the place, and for the music, constitute major parts of the equation, Andrew has always approached music as a profession – because to make it work, you’ve got to be willing to hustle. Success, he says, comes from building a broad repertoire, gaining as much performance experience as possible and learning to “read the room” and understand what each audience needs before playing the first song. It’s advice that he now passes on to young musicians: "Don't just play songs you like. Think about who's in front of you.” His advice is reflected in the songs he chooses to perform, which bring together generations. When it comes to getting a crowd going, Andrew says there a few songs he can always rely on such as The Pina Colada Song, Valerie and Walking on Sunshine. Andrew credits much of his musical influence to one band - The Beatles. “I listened to a heap of The Beatles when I was younger. They are probably the most important to me as far as diversity and what they did, and of course, the amount of times I might refer to them in my brain.” As for what he is listening to himself, Andrew says in the last year, he discovered American country singer Don Williams. “He's very well known in the country scene, but I feel like he filled a massive gap in my country music knowledge. His songs are very simply beautifully crafted songs about love and life. So I'm a Don Williams fan at the moment.” You can catch Andrew this weekend: Friday 31st July – Magnums 3-6pm & KC’s 8pm onwards Saturday 1st August - Lola’s Bar 7:30PM Andrew’s Song Recommendation For The Week: ♫ Tulsa Time – Don Williams ♫
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Airlie Beach's Main Street will burst into colour, creativity and community spirit when the Club Whitsunday Street Parade returns as a highlight of this year's Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival. From 5pm on Saturday 1st August, thousands of locals and visitors are expected to line the streets as spectacular floats, dazzling costumes and energetic performances celebrate the festival's 25th anniversary with a vibrant reef-inspired birthday party. This year's theme, 25th Birthday Celebration, invites participants to combine the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with a splash of silver to mark the festival's milestone year. Festival organisers are encouraging schools, sporting clubs, businesses and community groups to let their imaginations run wild, creating floats and costumes inspired by everything from colourful coral gardens and tropical fish to turtles, sea creatures and underwater party scenes. Whether marching in costume, performing, or showcasing a creative float, participants will help transform Airlie Beach into a moving celebration of reef life, with plenty of surprises along the way. The annual parade has become one of the Whitsundays' most loved traditions, bringing the community together in a colourful display of local pride while celebrating the natural wonder that makes the region famous. Those entering the parade will also compete for cash prizes and bragging rights across categories including Best Business Entry, Best Not-for-Profit Entry and Most Creative & Wacky. For spectators, the parade promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, with the best views available from anywhere along Main Street or from the cafés, bars and restaurants lining the route. Whether you're taking part or simply cheering from the sidelines, this year's silver anniversary celebration is set to deliver one of the biggest and brightest street parties the Whitsundays has ever seen. What: Club Whitsunday Street Parade When: Saturday 1st August, 5pm Where: Main Street, Airlie Beach CAPTION: Proudly brought to you by Club Whitsunday, for one spectacular afternoon, Airlie Beach Main Street will transform into a giant 25th birthday celebration by the reef. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
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The Great Barrier Reef Festival will wrap up in spectacular style when the much-loved Recyclable Regatta returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August, bringing a splash of creativity, friendly competition and plenty of laughs to the water. Following a morning of free entertainment and reef-inspired activities at the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day, festival-goers can head to the shoreline to cheer on teams as they paddle homemade rafts around the course using nothing but recyclable materials and determination. One of the festival's most popular traditions, the regatta challenges schools, community groups, tourism operators, businesses and groups of friends to design and build seaworthy rafts from recycled items before racing them around the foreshore in front of cheering crowds. From quirky raft designs and pirate costumes to dramatic sink-or-swim moments, the event is known as much for its humour as its ingenuity, with creativity often proving just as important as speed. This year, festival organisers are encouraging even more local businesses to join the action, turning the regatta into the ultimate team-building challenge where bragging rights are on the line alongside prizes. The competition features divisions for children, teenagers, adults and local businesses, making it an event the whole community can enjoy, whether on the water or watching from the beach. The regatta follows the popular Family Fun Day, which offers interactive reef-themed activities, educational displays, games, circus workshops, face painting and live entertainment, ensuring there's plenty happening across the foreshore before the racing begins. With colourful costumes, imaginative creations and plenty of community spirit, the Recyclable Regatta promises a fun-filled finale that perfectly captures the festival's celebration of the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability and the vibrant Whitsundays community. What: Recyclable Regatta When: 2nd August, 1pm Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach CAPTION: Get ready to build it, float it, and race it the Recyclable Regatta on 2nd August at the Airlie Beach Foreshore! Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
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The magic of the Great Barrier Reef will come to life in the heart of Airlie Beach when the much-loved Immerse Art Installation returns as part of this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival. Running from 31st July to 2nd August, the free installation, sponsored by Ergon Energy, will transform the Airlie Beach Foreshore into an enchanting underwater wonderland, inviting visitors to wander beneath glowing corals, colourful marine creatures and spectacular light displays inspired by one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Centred beneath Airlie Beach's iconic fig tree and stretching along the foreshore, Immerse has become one of the festival's signature attractions. What began as a single reef-inspired display has grown into an immersive experience, with themed zones including the popular Great Eight Tree and Estuary, alongside animated projections lighting up the Heart Hotel and artistic lanterns illuminating the foreshore entrance. Created by a talented team of local artists, the installation showcases stunning sculptural corals, fish, turtles and other reef life, all handcrafted from recycled plastics and marine debris. The striking works not only celebrate the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef but also highlight the importance of protecting it by giving discarded materials a second life. Festival organisers say the artwork reflects both the creativity of the Whitsundays community and a shared commitment to caring for the environment. Conceptualised by Art Director Margie Murphy the installation has been created by local and regional artists and members of the community, with pieces added annually since its inception in 2021. The core team of artists are Margaret Burgess, Anita Pender, Brigitte Peel and Liz Knight with Donna Maree Robinson creating the reef-themed animated projections. Whether visitors are admiring the intricate sculptures by day or experiencing the colourful illuminated displays after dark, Immerse promises a unique celebration of art, community and the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. As the foreshore is transformed into a glowing marine wonderland, the installation offers the perfect opportunity for families, photographers and festivalgoers to explore, discover and experience the reef in a whole new light. What: Immerse Art Installations When: 31st July-2nd August Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach CAPTIONS: Children can explore the glowing reef-inspired sculptures during the Great Barrier Reef Festival's much-loved Immerse Art Installation, which transforms the Airlie Beach Foreshore into a vibrant underwater wonderland each evening. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival Families can wander through the illuminated Immerse Art Installation from 31st July. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival Visitors can admire the intricate reef-inspired sculptures during the day, with the Immerse Art Installation showcasing handcrafted artworks made from recycled plastics and marine debris along the Airlie Beach Foreshore. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
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After Beach Music winds down and the festival fireworks light up the night sky on Friday 8pm, the celebrations are set to continue. Bloom Festival will keep the party bouncing beachside, with the Reef Bar hosting a special DJ packed event in partnership with Bomba Events. The lineup includes Spanish techno DJ Jorch Jungle, who is currently touring Australia, and hard techno and bounce DJ Zuero. Adding to the experience, E.Motion will present Hypno Mandala and Buugeng Flow performances, while Inertia will showcase a mix of flow arts and movement. Things slow down on Sunday afternoon with the SOLLOS Sunday Session, running from 2pm to 6pm on the Airlie Beach Foreshore. Hosted by SOLLOS, the tropical Queensland agave farm that has grown Australia's first commercial Blue Weber agave, the session is a chance to relax by the water with live music and the farm's signature Australian Margarita. Whitsunday musicians Pluto Tango and Chris Booroff will bring the afternoon's entertainment with cool acoustics. Pluto Tango's mix of blues, folk, rock and contemporary music offers an easy soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon on the foreshore. With soulful vocals and a relaxed style, the Whitsunday act has become a popular choice at local venues and events. With years of performing around the region, Chris Booroff has become one of the Whitsundays' best-known local musicians. His blend of blues, rock and roots, paired with warm vocals and an easy stage presence, makes him a natural fit to help round out the festival weekend. Closing out the Great Barrier Reef Festival weekend, Australian indie favourites The Jungle Giants will bring infectious anthems to Magnums Hotel for the official Sunday night after party. Renowned for energetic live performances, the Brisbane band has built a loyal following with hits including She's a Riot, Heavy Hearted and Feel the Way I Do. Their appearance promises a memorable finish to the 25th annual festival weekend. Photo Captions: Photo 1- Loui Battour of Pluto Tango. Photo 2- Chris Booroff. Photo 3- Jungle Giants a few years ago at Love signs. Photo sourced: Jungle Giants Facebook.
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The Airlie Beach Foreshore is set to host an evening of live entertainment as Beach Music returns on Saturday 1st August as a part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival. Kicking off from 6pm, the $10 entry event will feature a mix of local favourites and touring acts, giving festival-goers another reason to stay in town after the parade winds its way through Main Street. Headlining the event is rock-country band Kingswood, whose roots span Melbourne and Nashville. Founded by Fergus Linacre and Alex Laska, the pair and their “Family Band” have been making music together since they were 11 and have since toured extensively throughout Australia and overseas. “We like to go little bit wild on stage. We've been around for a while and have done a lot of different genres so there's a bit in there for everyone,” Fergus said. Touring has become a way of life for Kingswood. After the COVID-19 lockdowns, the band even built its own tour bus to help tackle a run of 100 shows across the country. Airlie Beach holds a special place in their heart, with the group relishing the chance to perform in front of a Whitsunday crowd and spend time near the Great Barrier Reef. “Really it doesn't matter who's in front of us, we'll cater our set to make sure they have the best time of their life,” said Fergus. Bringing a change of pace to the evening is Mackay band Alchemunk, whose funk-inspired sound blends tight musicianship with an infectious stage presence. Expect driving basslines, and plenty of feel-good grooves. Kicking things off at 6pm is another Mackay based band, Founder, whose relaxed indie sound provides the perfect start to the evening. The four-piece band is known for catchy melodies, with a knack for leaving first-time listeners wanting to hear more long after the final song. Completing the lineup is Townsville singer-songwriter Chris Baker, a seasoned performer with nearly two decades of experience at venues and festivals across Australia. Drawing inspiration from artists including the Eagles, AC/DC, Metallica and Guns N' Roses, Baker blends rock, blues, country, indie, funk and soul into a versatile performance. Over the years, he has shared the stage with Pete Murray, You Am I, Clint Boge and Phil Emmanuel, performing both as a solo artist and with his band. Fans won't have to call it a night when Beach Music wraps up, with the Chris Baker Band keeping the festival atmosphere alive at Paddy's Shenanigans at the official after-party, giving revellers one more chance to dance well into the night. Adding a new element to this year's event, aerial performer Kara Enigma will wow audiences with two performances across the evening. The Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street will return alongside the popular Reef Bar, which will keep drinks flowing from its foreshore location. Playing on Friday night on the main stage will be local youth band Category 5, four-piece outfit that has become a familiar face on the Whitsundays live music scene. Featuring Amber Hinschen, Declan Davy, Liam O'Neill and Ava Buckley, the band has spent the past four-and-a-half years performing at festivals, community events and venues across the region, with this being there fourth time performing at the Great Barrier Reef Festival. “It just feels like home, we love performing for the locals here and bringing more to the music scene in Airlie,” said Amber. The Young Whitsundays Got Talent 2024 and Fast Track Talent Quest 2025 Winners mix a playlist of indie rock, rock and pop covers to give festivalgoers a chill and up-beat drink. Photo captions: Photo 1- Kingswood. Photo 2- Alchemunk. Photo 3- Founder. (IF too cut, I’d do this one first, then just top to bottom) Photo 4- Chris Baker Band. Photo 5- Category 5.
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Living in the Whitsundays, we all know natural disasters are a matter of when not if. Whether it's a cyclone, flooding, bushfires or severe weather, we've proven time and again what our community is made of. We roll up our sleeves, look after our neighbours and get on with the job of rebuilding. That's the Whitsunday way. Last week I joined five other Queensland mayors in Melbourne to deliver one simple message on behalf of our communities: don't weaken the disaster funding arrangements regional Queensland relies on. Between us, we travelled more than 16,000 kilometres because this matters. The Whitsundays is one of Australia's premier tourism destinations. Tourism keeps local businesses open, puts food on family tables and supports thousands of local jobs. It's also why recovering quickly after a disaster is so important. Repairing roads, parks and public facilities is only part of the job. Just as important is restoring confidence. We need people to know the Whitsundays is open, safe and ready to welcome them back. If confidence disappears, visitors stay away. If visitors stay away, businesses hurt and local jobs are put at risk. The current disaster recovery arrangements have helped communities like ours bounce back after events such as Cyclone Debbie and, more recently, Cyclone Kirrily. They allow councils to restore essential infrastructure quickly and help communities get back on their feet sooner. That quick recovery is becoming even more important as we look ahead to our role as the Home of Olympic and Paralympic Sailing for Brisbane 2032. The world will be watching our region over the coming years, and we need to know that when the next disaster comes, and it inevitably will, we have a recovery system that gets us back on our feet quickly. This isn't about politics. It's about standing up for regional Queensland and making sure communities like ours aren't left worse off because of where we live. I'll always back the Whitsundays and continue working alongside councils across Queensland to protect the funding that helps our communities recover, supports local businesses and keeps people in local jobs. Because when disaster strikes, getting back on our feet quickly isn't just important, it's essential. That's what our community deserves, and that's what I'll keep fighting for.
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The new permanent swimming enclosure at Dingo Beach is now open, welcoming locals and visitors back to one of the Whitsundays' favourite coastal destinations. Rebuilt after being damaged during Cyclone Kirrily in 2024, the new enclosure was shaped by more than 600 community submissions and provides year-round protection from marine stingers. The project also pays tribute to Dingo Beach's history, with the original enclosure built by local residents in the 1960s.
Read moreRunning a business means there is always something competing for your attention – customers to serve, teams to support, problems to solve and decisions to make. So why take a day away from the business? Because the right conversations, ideas and connections can help you work on your business, not just in it. The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed for business owners and leaders who want practical insights they can take back to the workplace – from improving cash flow and building stronger teams, to using technology smarter and creating opportunities for growth. Rather than theory or presentations that sit on a shelf, the program focuses on real challenges businesses are facing right now. For businesses navigating workforce pressures, Creating Teams That Speak Up, Contribute & Innovate session with Michele Tocci will explore how leaders can create workplaces where people feel confident to contribute, share ideas and perform at their best. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen trust, engagement, and retention. For owners who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the return, Busy but broke? Profitable on paper but short on cash? With Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack the financial traps that can catch out even successful businesses. The session will explore cash flow warning signs, profitability, and simple strategies to build stronger financial foundations. Looking to improve your visibility and attract more customers? Your Brand in Action, featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays), will share practical insights into marketing, AI, visibility and what is currently working for regional businesses. The day will finish with the Conference Long Lunch, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine – an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other business owners, discover new suppliers, and explore resources that can support your business. Featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and networking opportunities, the Long Lunch is designed to create valuable conversations beyond the conference sessions. If you’re looking for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and connections that can help your business move forward, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference is a day worth making time for. Event Details What: 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference When: 8:30am-3pm Thursday 27 August Where: PCYC and Club Whitsundays Full program and tickets online: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/ Photo captions: Photo 1- Michelle Tocci. Photo’s supplied: Julia Evans. Photo 2- Gus Walsgott. Photo 3- Tolita Dukes. Photo 4- Melissa Ahern.
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Whitsundays businesses came together at Club Whitsunday last Thursday morning to hear practical tips on managing workplace issues and reducing risk. Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the final Business Breakfast of the year, the event brought local professionals together to network and hear from workplace investigator Jason King, Director of Regional Queensland Investigations. Drawing on decades of investigative experience, Jason is a former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police officer. Throughout his career, he has investigated workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries across both the public and private sectors. Jason outlined the stages these matters typically progress through, covering escalation, early warning signs, common mistakes, procedural fairness and evidence, when issues should be handled internally or referred externally, and the steps organisations should take in the first 24 hours. Using real Queensland case studies, he showed how seemingly minor workplace issues can quickly escalate when handled poorly, highlighting the value of acting early, documenting concerns properly and making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions. Jason said businesses are better off dealing with concerns early, encouraging workplaces where staff feel comfortable speaking up before small issues become bigger ones. Photo captions: Photo 1- Allan Milostic, Gus Walsgott, Adrian Bram and Clay Bauman. Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville. Photo 2- Julia Evans, Jason King, Allan Milostic and Trish Jandt. Photo 3- Giulian Grasso, Sue Birch, Marlene Reiffel, Sheri Flynn and event guest. Photo 4- Fiona Erquiaga & Cait Fleming. Photo 5- Event guest and Mary-Anne Sullivan.
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Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island celebrated their first birthday with an afternoon of food, drinks and entertainment alongside the people who helped make the milestone possible. Held at The Palms, Hamilton Island, the event brought together staff, industry partners and supporters to celebrate the business's first year of operation after acquiring the location from Hamilton Island Watersports. Guests enjoyed a plethora of great food, drinks, live entertainment, a mid-party joyride as the Ocean Rafting team thanked those who have supported the venture since its launch. “I think it's absolutely awesome,” Ocean Rafting CEO Cole Claxton said at the party. “Having everyone here mingling, our staff are all here to support us… It's a beautiful winter evening, it's really nice.” With a first year on Hamilton Island now complete, the team is looking forward to building on the success of the past 12 months while continuing to deliver the Ocean Rafting experience that has become a Whitsundays favourite over the past 28 years. "It's our first birthday on Hammo, but we've got 28 years of experience behind us in Airlie," Cole said. "I really think we've shaken it up a bit and brought our own signature to Hamilton Island. “It's exciting to be able to do what we do from such an amazing place, and we're looking forward to seeing where it goes from here." Photo captions: Photo 1- Ocean Rafting Team. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville. Photo 2- Dan and Josh from Happy Travels chilling with Charles form Sailing Whitsundays. Photo 3- The heads of the family business, Peter and Jan Claxton. Photo 4- Julie Young, Sue Baker and Roxy Miller.
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Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation. Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay. Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other. Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen. The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria. “Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said. “We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit. “Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship. “There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police. Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Photo Captions: Photo 1- Dianna Angwin. Photos supplied: Queensland Police. Photo 2- Dianna with her daughter. Photo 3- The Unit where the crime happened in 1997.
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