Issue #

Forest Of The Fallen Silent Protest In Airlie Beach

A flash mob of protest signs suddenly appeared on the Airlie Beach Foreshore over the weekend when representatives of a movement known as ‘Forest of the Fallen’ publicly displayed photos of people who are believed to have died or been injured following a COVID 19 vaccination.Dozens of faces told the story of the human toll of the pandemic and the lives believed to have been impacted as a result of adverse effects of the vaccine.As quickly as the silent protest appeared, however, it then disappea

Fatal Traffic Accident 6 in 7 weeks

A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man has sadly passed away following a two-vehicle collision on the evening of Sunday August 20, on Strathdickie Road. Initial investigations indicate that the two vehicles collided at the intersection of Strathdickie Road and Staniland Drive, just before 6.30pm on Sunday evening.

Nominations Close Soon For Sporting Awards

The North Queensland Sportstar Awards nominations will close at midnight on Friday September 1. With 11 categories to nominate into, and more than $18,000 up for grabs, there is something for every sports star, recognising achievements of individuals and players who put their very best into their sport. North Queensland Sports Foundation director and Mackay Regional Council councillor Laurence Bonaventura said the planning committee has been pleased with the response so far. “We’ve received a

Mackay Cyclone Athletes Smash PB’s

To Bring Home A Swag Of Medals On the weekend of August 11-13, the Mackay Cyclones had nine athletes compete at the 2023 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane. Over the course of the championships, the club achieved 26 top 10 spots, 50 out of 54 personal bests, five gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze. Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club was given a ranking of 38th out of the 113 clubs in Queensland for the event. It was some of the best results for the co

At The Table

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results August 15, 2023: Division 1: Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan, Vince Boeske) d Donic (Tony Bowman, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 8-3. Tim d Ian 2, -9, -9, 4, 5. Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) 7-4. Mick d Andrew -10, 7, -9, 7, 10. Butterfly (Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) d Andro (George Camilleri, Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson) 8-3. Allan d George 6, 8, -7, 11. Division 2: Xiom

10 Properties At Auction For Council Rate Arrears

A total of 10 properties are due to go under the hammer as the Whitsunday Regional Council auctions off properties with rates in arrears. This is off the back of 13 properties that faced a similar fate in April’s auction, although only one property was successfully sold. The properties, encompassing addresses in Collinsville, Bowen, and Queens Beach, must be in council rate arears of at least three years to qualify, and for the council to have exhausted all other repayment options.

On The Beat

Concert And Conversation At Whitsundays Songwriters Festival

With less than a week to go until the second annual Whitsundays Songwriters Festival and Residency kicks-off, organisers are excited to not only bring together a stellar line-up of legendary musicians for their mentorship program, but also to showcase a host of amazing talent at an intimate concert on Saturday evening.

Experiencing Industry In VR With Bowen Gumlu Growers Association

The Bowen Gumlu Growers Association has been making waves, delivering the ‘New Realities in Agriculture and Aquaculture Project’ to the region’s young people, though a virtual reality project.Participating students were taken through the common misconceptions surrounding the industry and shown the diverse and varied roles that are available for young people.

Schools Take Action For Reef Conservation

Reef conservation is at the heart of Whitsunday schools, with the Whitsunday Regional Council leading waste minimisation programs across the region. Working as part of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan (CAP), the council sought to begin reef protection and conservation with the region’s youngest, implanting carbon footprint reducing tactics in schools. Primarily through reduction of food waste in schools, a Waste Education Officer conducted waste bin audits before constructi

Mackay Ladies’ Golden Greens

Social ladies bowls results for August 16, the winning team consisted of Helen Fleming, Bev McDonald and Carmel Bell. Runners up were Sue Roscoe, Jan Comelli, and Doris Dodds. Thursday had three finals played on the rinks at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club with some very exciting and closely contested games. The Under 70’s game was between Hilary Jones-Rowan and Donna Gordon. Both ladies were keen on the green, but Hilary took out the win. The final of the clubs Consistency Competition wa

Family Homes At New Cannon Valley Development

More than 500 residential lots bordered by open space and parkland have just been opened-up and approved for development in Cannon Valley.Gold Coast-based, Alder Developments, have secured this 100-hectare parcel of land at 1405 Shute Harbour Road, Cannon Valley and are looking forward to creating a master planned community “for Whitsunday residents to live in and to raise their families”.

Get Lei’d And Make A Difference With The Tiny Homes Project

Back by popular demand, the third iteration of this lively community fundraiser is returning in October and this time they have extended the party, opening the event up to welcome 500 guests.

A Pop-Up Event For Chamber

The inaugural Pop-Up Chamber event took place at Whitsunday Creatives in Proserpine last week and the relaxed, unstructured morning proved popular with attendees who relished the time to chat, network and share views in a casual environment.

Councillor Column With Mayor Julie Hall

Earlier this month, my fellow Councillors and I attended the Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit in Mackay. The summit is a much-needed collaboration between the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions to discuss gaps in our current housing system.We came away with a multitude of learnings and information from the event which we will now use to prepare a local housing action plan to address local issues specific to our diverse industries and housing needs.

Did you know? With Mayor Julie Hall

We have a several different construction crews within Council, all extremely versatile and capable! Our grader teams work hard to repair and maintain our rural road network whilst our maintenance crews work on our major roads to patch up potholes, undertake drainage repairs, conduct line marking, install road signs, and carry out minor concrete repairs.

Welcome To The Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre

Whether visiting the Whitsundays for a holiday or a long-time local, the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre is a great place to head if you are seeking inspiration and knowledge. For Dea Huvonen, the Business Development Manager who is at the helm of the Centre, it is a great community asset, one that she is proud to be involved with. Alongside her six eager volunteers, Dea always greets every visitor to the centre, sharing knowledge, making recommendations, and ensuring guests have the best

Celebrating 60 Years Of Bowen History

The Bowen Historical Society and Museum is turning 60 and wants everyone to join in on the celebration!An idea of three Bowen local men, the Bowen Historical Society and Museum now acts as a beacon for locals and visitors alike, to learn and engage with Bowen’s bountiful history.

Keeping Bowen Dressed To The Nines

Now is the time to invest in a new wardrobe with Wendy Bickhoff and her team at Coral’s City 2 Country. Stocking everything from the perfect frock for race day to your jeans, boots, and hat for hitting the paddock, you are spoiled for choice.

Discover Your New Favourite Menu Item

If you haven’t been to the Grand View Hotel this week you haven’t been to the Grand View Hotel at all, with a new menu hitting the kitchen and dining room tables. Completely turning your basic pub feed on its head, the Grand View Hotel is offering premium upmarket meals at fantastic prices, a move which is intriguing and exciting patrons with exotic touches on classic meals.

Training The Next Generation

St Catherine’s Catholic College Year 10 student, Ivan Poljakavoic has recently completed an entire week of work experience, working with the Whitsunday Regional Council Bowen Office. Primarily working in the Information Technology Department of Council, Ivan was given a fantastic opportunity to experience technical computer engineering and data base collection.

Are you ready for a recession?

If Australia goes into a recession over the next twelve months, how prepared is your family? How will it affect your job or business? How will it affect your super or pension?

Leveraging Language

Please stop talking! Whether it was a live presentation, a speech, a video clip, or even a TV show, most of us have sat through an experience where we just want the speaker to use less words or stop and pause.

The New Rides In Town

The Bowen brand of Bowen Mazda has seen an upgrade, taking on the moniker Whitsunday Auto Group, and increasing their on-floor fleet. However, this family owned and operated business has journeyed through many a business model, starting out as Crossley Holden, before succinctly moving into the name of Bowen Mazda in 2017.

Adrenaline Junkies Get Ready

The high thrills and exciting spills of Dittmann Bucking Bulls is back for 2023 and promising to be a PBR not to miss. Already a massive event on the PBR calendar, Dittmann Bucking Bulls and Bull Pit is known for having a fantastic display of human strength against these massive animals, to the sound of loud cries and even louder applause.