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Matilda Jr The Musical At Cannonvale State School

Our ever-ambitious local state school is taking on, not only one of the best children’s books ever written but also one of the best musicals in the world, with its upcoming adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. This classic children’s story was given an edgier, modern reincarnation when it was transformed into the multi-award-winning stage performance written by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin.

The Biggest Don Yet

Motor cross and endurance drivers get ready, the Don River Dash is upcoming and set to be one of the biggest years for the event. Still in its infancy, the event has seen an unprecedented explosion in its popularity, with hundreds of keen competitors flocking to Bowen for the exciting competition. “You see all sorts of different classes, different machines, with different engine capacities,” explained Wanita Sparr, Don River Dash Event Secretary.

FORGOTTEN NAMES OF THE WHITSUNDAYS.

Born in Melbourne in 1903 (hence his name), Mel Ward was the son of Hugh J. Ward, a well-known American theatrical entrepreneur of the early 1900s. This led to Mel’s taking to the stage early in his life as an acrobatic dancer, musician and comedian. However, he soon tired of that life and in the 1920s retired from the stage to pursue his hobby and obsession, marine zoology; a field in which he became an internationally acknowledged expert and an honorary lecturer to the Australian Museum in Syd

‘Working Class Man’ Is Soul Chisel

Airlie Beach get ready; a superstar is coming to town. Well, one of the best looking and most lifelike resemblances of Jimmy Barnes, Soul Chisel is taking up residence on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage for a weekend of power. Saturday September 2 and Sunday September 3, from 2 to 5.30pm, the Airlie Beach Hotel will be the place to be.

Aussie Rockers In Bowen

ece of Aussie music history will have a ‘Rendezvous’ at the Grand View Hotel for one night only of rock and roll!Iconic Aussie pub-rockers, the Choirboys are prepared to give a show like no other, treating local audiences to their massive hits that took Australia by storm back in the 1980s.With a massive discography of 13 albums, and 15 singles, no chart-topping hit will be missed.

Get Keen For Colour Community Colour Fun Run

The community colour fun run is back for 2023, with Whitsunday Counselling and Support gearing up for a bigger event than ever. Ready with a jumping castle, bubbles, face painting, sausage sizzle, raffles, prizes, and of course the coveted colour fun run, this absolutely free event will see smiles and laughter from everyone who attends.

Relaxation And Delight

Get ready for a delightful afternoon of calm energy and delicious food, with Coral Sea Resort’s Long Lunch. Set on the backdrop of the beautiful and picturesque Coral Sea, this guided experience is perfect for a Sunday afternoon, sending off a gentle weekend.

The Power Of Gospel

Prepare to be amazed and blown away by the outstanding Soweto Gospel Choir, with their touching performance, ‘Hope’, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this September.

Flametree, A Festival Fundraiser

Bringing music lovers together to celebrate the reef and raise money for its protection, are at the foundations of the inaugural Flametree Gathering, brought to you by respected local musician David Flower and his partner Bronwyn Garland.

Collinsville QCWA Welcome New Hall

The Collinsville branch of Queensland Country Women’s Association is excited to unveil their brand-new hall, with official Grand Opening celebrations scheduled for September.

The Ben Bolt Cup At Bowen Turf Club

Step Right Up To The Spectacular Circus Extravaganza!

Weber Bros Entertainment is set to dazzle and amaze the residents of Cannonvale with the grandest circus show called – ‘THE CIRCUS’. Prepare to be captivated by a mesmerizing display of talent from performers hailing from all corners of the globe. This is an international event that promises to leave no one disappointed.

Stonka Fishing Challenge With Massive Catches

The annual Stonka Fishing Challenge 2023 was a huge success over the weekend, with hard competition and fantastic community spirit on show.Featuring competitors across the region, and of any age and ability, the catches were impressive and triumphant for all.

Airlie Beach Bowls Report

As the days get longer and warmer and another spring is approaching our little club has had some amazing success and some wonderful events. Last Tuesday we celebrated the life of our club patron Thelma Porter who died at the ripe old age of 105. Thelma loved her bowls and played up to when she reached 100 years old and could've played on, and on Tuesday we all celebrated her long and full life with an event a wonderful turnout and her daughter Lane Telford put up the prize money for the first th

Proserpine Bowls Report

Triples FinalisedThis weekend Michael Kinnear competed in the Champion of Champion Singles at North Mackay. Michael, a previous winner of this event, was defeated by Graeme Blackburn from Wests Tigers. Peter Blackburn from Souths Suburban went on to win the event with Bruce Archer from Sarina being the runner up.

Wangaratta Bowls

We have great news to report. The Wangaratta pairs team of Denise Wallace and Penny Warren played in the Nth Qld District Championships this past week. After convincingly winning their section with three out of three wins and an aggregate of 25, they continued their good form during the week defeating teams in the quarter and semi-finals to reach the final on Saturday morning.

Airlie Beach Darts Report

Only 3 matches to report on this week, and just 1 match remaining between Dom Friend and Art McMinn before we finish off the league season, and kick into finals action. Jamie Maher finished the league season strongly with a 7/2 victory over Andy Peel to end his campaign in 4th place.

Proserpine Golf Report

Highlight of the week was the hole in one by Trevor Nosworthy on Hole 2. Great way to start the round!Jan Shuwalow beat all players on Tuesday with 39 points, Elspeth Scotford was runner-up and also secured the NTP. Karl Kirkwood won the Men's competition with 38 pts, ahead of Col Hounsell. NTP winners: Paul Gray, Peter Krause, and Barry Mortimer.

Proserpine Golf Club experiences massive growth

In his address to the members at Saturday’s AGM President Phil Batty said that the Proserpine Golf Club has yielded remarkable achievements and successes throughout the 2022- 2023 financial year.

Whitsunday Green Golf Report

This week’s stableford 9-hole competition saw Edwina Pettiford in first place with 22 pts c/b, second place was Jack Hayes Williams with 22 pts and third with 20 pts was Josh Quin. Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Elise Hodgson in first place with 24 pts, second place on 19 pts was Andrew Gomez and third place with 18 pts was Craig Kennedy. Great job by all.

Competition For The Viking Cup

The coveted Viking Cup 10s is back on the calendar for the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union club, with the competition already heating up. Since its inception in 2012, the Viking Cup has welcomed many a player, and the club is expecting a massive increase in players and registrations for the 2023 carnival. “It has evolved into what it is now, and it is regarded at the premier rugby event in our region,” explained Tim Oberg, the President of the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Club.

Two Cannons Selected for Qld School Team

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell for being selected for the Queensland School Team. Both boys will be travelling to Sydney this week to compete in the Australian School Sport Swimming Championships with Qld Team Manager, Kate Thomson.

150 Years Of Family Farm History

Mackay’s oldest family-held farm celebrated 150 years last week, with family, friends and special guests gathering on the property to mark the occasion on Saturday, August 12.The farm, named ‘Etowri’ after an aboriginal word said to mean ‘a good place to camp’, was purchased by Edward Denman for £214 on August 8, 1873, eleven years after the first settlement at Mackay.

A Whale Of A Time

Hold onto your hats (or sunscreen), because the humpback whales have rolled into town, and boy, are they making waves – literally! It's that splendid time of the year when our coastal waters transform into a magnificent stage for these gentle giants. And let me tell you, they're putting on a show that deserves a standing ovation.

Paying It Forward

Paying it forward is the good deed that’s taking the fast-food drive-throughs of the world by storm, and one local gentleman has been recognised for doing it regularly.Kat Simonsen recently posted in a local “Mums and Bubs” Facebook group after visiting the Red Rooster Mount Pleasant drive through where her purchase of $33 had been paid for by the driver in front.