Issue #

Accused Bogie Shooter Defends Himself

The man accused of killing three family members in Bogie, west of Bowen, last year has attempted to represent himself at court this week saying that he was unable to get legal aid because he was told he didn’t have enough paperwork.

Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,It is so wonderful to hear that the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has raised $250,000 in their Brick By Brick campaign to fund the rebuild of their church.To think this massive sum of money was raised in just four weeks, however, is astounding!

A Wedding Ring Miracle

When a honey-mooning couple embarked on an underwater adventure in the Whitsundays, they never dreamt that their day would become part of a lifelong memory, and not just for the incredible marine life they saw.

Songwriter Festival Success!

The annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency has concluded, following a massive success with a sold-out performance event at Paradiso on Saturday evening. With headliners Mark Sholtez, Toni Childs, and Vika and Linda joining as the professional mentors, 11 aspiring songwriters engaged in a week of dedicated support and encouragement, producing music with their idols.

Intoxicated Driver Arrested Following Fatal Car Accident

A 43-year-old Proserpine woman has been charged, following a fatal car accident which occurred when her ute crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a station wagon, on Strathdickie Road, on the evening of August 20.

BRICK BY BRICK $250K Raised In 4 Weeks

Community spirit has far surpassed even the wildest of dreams of Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church whose Brick By Brick campaign has raised an astounding $250,000 in just four weeks. This exceptional community effort means that the construction of the new church could begin early next year.

Trail Fest This Weekend

Endurance athletes from around the country are flocking into the region this week ahead of the Accom Whitsunday Trail Fest which is due to kick-off on Sunday morning.With a variety of off-road racing events, the Trail Fest offers something for everyone, from beginners and children all the way through to experienced athletes looking to bring home a trophy.

Bowen Developments At Community Catch-Up

Bowen was host to the latest Whitsunday Regional Council community catch-up last week, an initiative to allow the council to better connect with the community it services, build relationships and gain feedback on issues.

Funding Community Health

Zebra Crossings On The Cards For Airlie Main Street

Whitsunday Regional Council have opened a consultation period asking the community’s opinion on whether to trial seven pedestrian crossings on Airlie Beach Main Street. This move goes in hand with a Main Street upgrade which will see the lagoon and foreshore receive new landscaping, line marking, repairs, improved lighting, and deep cleaning of pavements.

Chamber Launches New Initiative

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its Vision for the Whitsunday initiative.Employing a series of workshop style focus groups, the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce are working to better futureproof their economic projection for the Whitsundays, a projection that is informed by the region’s trades, small business, commerce, and industry.

A Bloomin Good Time! At The Annual Proserpine Flower Show

The 81st Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show and Fete has flourished once again this year, with over 350 attendees visiting Proserpine State School to browse the various entries, enjoy the entertainment and purchase homemade goodies.

School Musical Gala Night

Whitsunday schools gathered together for a night of musical celebration, performing for the wider community at a special concert held last Friday night. The 2023 Gala Concert welcomed friends and family to Proserpine State High School to showcase the musical abilities of students across the region.

Welcome Surprise For Lighthouse Walkers

Visitors to the North Head Lighthouse were greeted with an unexpected surprise, when Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango Mascot snapped pictures with them as they took the walk. The North Head Lighthouse walk is a well-loved experience, attracting visitors from across Australia.

Collinsville’s Superstar Doc

Within the small community of Collinsville, the Collinsville Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) looks after every single resident, making sure everyone is in good health and good spirit. Overseeing the Health Service is Dr Myint Soe, the medical superintendent who has been at the helm for almost 20 years, and bringing with him extensive medical experience and history, spanning three continents.

Councillor Column With Mayor Julie Hall

With our Whitsunday Coast Airport recording record numbers and cruise ship visits increasing with new cruise lines utilising our revitalised Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Council is keen to ensure a better visitor in Airlie Beach.

Recognised For Excellence

Bowen telehealth coordinator Jennifer Aceret has been awarded the Non-Clinical Award for the great work she has done with the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.“I didn't know I was nominated,” Jennifer explained.

Tourism Awards People’s Choice

The Whitsundays Tourism Awards judging is underway this week, with ten dedicated judges from The Whitsundays and wider tourism industry are all reading, scoring and discussing the submissions put forward by 40 local businesses. Released this week, is the lighter side of the Awards and one that everyone can get involved in – the People’s Choice Award.

George Celebrates 102nd Birthday

One of the oldest surviving World War II veterans in the country celebrated his 102nd birthday at the Proserpine RSL on Sunday Afternoon.George Gnezdiloff was surrounded by friends, family and even strangers that took the time to stop-by and congratulate him on his most recent lap around the sun.

Humble Contributions By Local Lady

For Jane Bettridge, a quiet retirement was something that she steered clear of, instead filling her time giving back to the Proserpine and Whitsundays community as much as possible. In her working life, Jane was a primary school teacher, teaching the youngest of our youth for years before she moved into retirement.

Overworked, Overweight And Over It

Prepare to be outrageously entertained, unprecedentedly overcome with laughter, and struggling to stay in your seat, with these hilarious Australian women Ellen Briggs and Mandy Nolan performing their absolutely cracker comedy show, Women Like Us at the Airlie Beach Hotel this September.

Calling All Car Lovers!

The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorer’s Club are holding their 2023 Car, 4WD and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet, a perfect place for all car and motorbike lovers to showcase their trophy engines.

150 Year Celebrations For St Mary’s

Since 1873 St Mary’s Catholic School in Bowen has been delivering quality education to the children of Bowen. And on their 150th birthday, St Mary’s is welcoming any and all members of the community to celebrate the milestone.

White On White-Sunday

With just a few tickets remaining to the iconic White on Whitehaven long table lunch, locals are invited to book now for a spectacular day out, cruising the azure waters, dining on sparkling silica sand, and drinking French Champagne.

Music Legends This Spring

Airlie Beach Festival of Music is gearing up for another massive year, with the official main stage schedule released this week. In just under two months, 50 talented bands and solo artists will descend upon the town for one wild weekend of musical mayhem spread out over 14 venues.Every day, festival goers can wander from each venue, soaking up the eclectic vibes or they can simply head to the main stage, which is located in the large top tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.