Mission Beach, QLD — Twelve determined paddlers from Outrigger Whitsunday put their strength and skills to the test last weekend, competing in the Mission Beach Outrigger Canoe Regatta under challenging conditions. Saturday saw crews racing in sprint and mid-distance events, with teams well-prepared for the demanding 9.5 km courses. However, Sunday’s 24 km iron event proved the ultimate test, as strong winds and a heavy surf break pushed crews to their limits. Outrigger Whitsunday fielded two
Read more
The Cannonvale Cannons kicked off their long course season over the weekend, with 18 swimmers competing at the 2025 Townsville Tourist Benchmark Transition Meet at the Tobruk Pool. This event marked the start of the long course season for our senior swimmers, who are now focused on achieving their goals at the Queensland Long Course Championships in Brisbane from December 13–19. Special congratulations go to the five senior swimmers who achieved qualifying times over the weekend, putting them o
Read more
With only two weeks remaining in this season’s Premier League Championship campaign, all eyes turned to the four remaining players contesting the preliminary finals. In the first matchup, Kam Reason had the chance to book his place in next week’s grand final, but to do so he needed to overcome this season’s league winner, Jamie Maher. It was a tense affair, with Jamie holding a narrow 3–2 lead at the first break. He extended that margin to 6–2 after the interval, but Kam fought back strongly t
Read more
With most of our visitors gone, it was a quieter week on the green. On Tuesday afternoon, the winners on Rink 3 were Merle Ephinstone, Shirley Jones, and Joe Paynting, who defeated Jenny Anderson, Shirley Smith, and Gavin Charles. Other results saw Tom, Deb, and Laurie defeating Grant, Irene, and Russell, while Lindy, Nick, and Graham overcame Cliff, Gordon, and Natalie. The jackpot didn’t go off. Sunday’s social play was won by Lindy, Suann, Isobel Wheeler, and Penny Warren, who defeated Jun
Read more
The days are getting longer and warmer—and so is the standard of bowls at our club. On Tuesday, 27 players took to the greens. Despite battling pain while awaiting surgery, Elaine Kippen gave it her best before being replaced by organiser Regina Aquilina. The day’s top team was skippered by Gary Scott from Hideaway Bay, with left-hander Greg Fennell and Peter Jordan from Hallshead Bowling and Recreation Club, Mandurah WA. Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls ended in a tie, but on countback the
Read more
A strong field of 42 players—16 ladies and 26 men—turned out for Tuesday’s stableford competition, enjoying much kinder conditions after the gusty weather of the weekend had eased. The day saw a standout performance from Allison McCarthy, who claimed top spot on the ladies’ leaderboard for the very first time with a score of 39 points. It was a terrific achievement and one that many hope will be the first of many. In the men’s competition, David Woods edged out Laurie Daiken and John Oates on
Read more
R U OK? Day was marked across the Whitsundays on Thursday with two community events encouraging meaningful conversations and mental health awareness. In Cannonvale, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) hosted a morning tea at 9am at Cannonvale Beach, followed by a community walk to Shingley Beach — creating space for connection between friends, families and even strangers. Meanwhile, the Bowen Community Centre brought locals together with its own
Read more
Hi Everyone, Mental health is something that’s always been close to my heart, ever since I watched my best mate from school go through depression after a traumatic divorce. I remember being on the phone with him, trying so hard to help. I was throwing out suggestions — fresh air, long walks, joining a club, thinking positive. I thought depression needed action. Solutions. A mindset shift. And while those things can help, I was totally thrown when he got short with me. Frustrated. Distant. Th
Read more
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is stepping into a new role as manager of the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets, ensuring this much-loved event continues to thrive for stallholders, local businesses, community groups, and visiting passengers. Commencing this month, the Chamber will oversee market operations with a clear commitment: to continue delivering a market that feels welcoming to cruise ship guests while being supportive of local stallholders. Chamber President Allan Mil
Read more
Justin Stokes believes rough weather may have saved his life on August 3. The 70-year-old Bowen retiree was about 50km offshore in a 26-foot boat with his son and a mate when he began feeling light-headed and unwell. “We were already headed back to shore because of the weather and I wasn’t feeling great when the boat began taking on water; the bilge pump couldn’t keep up as the waves were coming over the front,” Justin said. “My son and his mate had to start bailing. It was all a bit stressful
Read more
Whether they’re avoiding a pod of whales, traversing a shallow reef, or giving a racing yacht wide berth, the crew of VMR Whitsunday are well practiced at changing course to ensure they reach their destination swiftly and safely. Today, the experienced volunteer crew set a new course, joining Marine Rescue Queensland as the service’s eighteenth unit. MRQ Whitsunday Unit Commander Shane Newell said that the unit had taken their transition very much in their stride and were looking forward to a n
Read more
The Whitsunday community has once again shown its generosity, with this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball raising an impressive $90,000 for local organisations. At a cheque handover ceremony, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins thanked sponsors, supporters, and attendees for helping make the annual event such a success. Funds from the evening went to BMA CQ Rescue, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, and the Bowen Community Centre, three organisations that play vital roles in providing eme
Read more
Recently we have seen a small amount of attempted stealing offences where people have walked into people’s property, tried car doors, doors on houses and walked through veranda areas. No significant property has been stolen but it raises an important topic. Today, more than ever, the importance of knowing your neighbours often gets overlooked. However, creating strong connections with those who live around us fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens community ties, and crucially, helps keep eve
Read more%20(1).JPG)
From my very first day as Mayor, my approach has been that regional Councils are strongest when we work together across all levels of government, alongside industry, and most importantly, with our community. Last week in Canberra, that spirit of partnership was on full display. Over three days, the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and I, joined with our economic and industry partners to speak with a united voice for our region. Toget
Read more
Whitsunday residents and visitors are being urged to check their Saturday Gold Lotto tickets, with a mystery player yet to claim a $2.5 million prize from the weekend’s draw. The unregistered ticket was purchased at Hickmott’s Supa News in Bowen for Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4605 on 6 September 2025. The winning entry was one of eight division one winners nationally, each scoring $2.5 million. So far this year, the Mackay and Whitsundays region has celebrated six major lottery wins, worth more
Read more
Monday 8 September 2025: The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has today unveiled its new Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and Advocacy Plan 2025–26, charting a bold path to strengthen Queensland’s visitor economy in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. The plans are especially significant for regions such as the Whitsundays, which rely heavily on tourism and are preparing for increased visitor numbers in the coming years. QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the plans demonstrate QTIC’s role as
Read more
Orange Sky Australia is bringing its life-changing laundry service to the Whitsundays, aiming to support locals who are doing it tough. The not-for-profit has secured a location and the necessary resources for the region, but the launch is dependent on securing enough local volunteers to join the team. The need is clear. The Orange Sky service in Mackay, established in 2017, has struggled to keep up with demand due to critically low volunteer numbers. With rising living costs and growing social
Read more
Tec-NQ House Year 10 boarder Brad is already getting his hands on the tools. He has secured assistant boiler maker work with a local business near home, not far from Clermont. “This is my first year at Tec-NQ House,” said Brad. “I’m in Year 10, and so far I’m liking it.” The move to boarding has been made easier by new friendships. “I have made a few mates, so that’s good,” he commented. Term breaks will be busy. When he is not on the job learning the basics of boiler making, Brad will be back
Read more
Sugar Growing Pioneer in the Cannon Valley District Henry William Holmes was born 13th April 1873 in Stableford, Wiltshire England. His father, a village blacksmith, died in an accident when William was nine. When eleven, his mother remarried. Henry went to live on a farm where his Holmes’ uncles were tenants, then worked on the railways for several years. Desirous to see the world, at age 18, he applied for assisted passage to Australia, sailing on the "Geelunga" arriving at Bowen in May 1892
Read more
The stage is set for a night of stories, song, and celebration when the Love Letter to Queensland event takes place tonight at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. The special evening, part of the 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival, will open at 6pm with an official welcome from Mayor Ry Collins. Guests will enjoy drinks and canapés before settling in for an inspiring program of speakers, performers and award presentations. Headlining the event is internationally published, award-winning author Dr Anit
Read more
September 12 & 13 White on Whitehaven 12 Whitsunday Writers Festival Love Letter to Queensland, Whitsunday Sailing Club, at 6pm 12 Kung Fu Panda 4, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 13 Community Carnival, Mullers Lagoon in Bowen, 9am-12pm 14 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 16 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 16 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 17 Australian Citizenship Day 17 Whitsunday Quilter
Read more
Friday 12 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Jessica Cash (from 8pm) KC's: Jason Bull (from 8pm) Saturday 13 September Airlie Beach Hotel: ABBA Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Coral Sea Marina Resort: DJ Shae (1pm - 5pm) KC's: Chris Booroff (from 8pm) Sunday 14 September Airlie Beach Hotel: ABBA Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Read more
There’s a new name dazzling stages, and he’s barely tall enough to see over the dining table. Meet Sisqó Tan, the three-year-old phenomenon whose star power is outshining performers three, four, even five times his age. With a cheeky grin, unstoppable energy, and moves that could make Bruno Mars blush, Sisqó isn’t just the talk of the playground, he’s a megastar in the making While some toddlers are content stacking blocks, Sisqó was stacking up fans. Since he was just two months old, he’s bee
Read more
Meet Ruia Ruia, a striking two to three-year-old Bull Arab cross, is looking for a second chance at life and a family to call her own. With her gentle nature and happy personality, this young dog has quickly won the hearts of everyone who meets her. Believed to have a touch of Boxer in her mix, Ruia is described as affectionate, easy-going, and great with other dogs. She loves nothing more than spending time with people, sharing tummy rubs, and soaking up attention. Despite a difficult start, h
Read more
More than 220 bikes and 80 cars roared into action on the (mostly) dry riverbed of the Don River last weekend for the 2025 Custom Lithium Don River Dash. After two days of fierce competition, Clayton Chapman and navigator Adam McGuire claimed top honours in the car category, while Far North Queensland rider Ivan Long took victory in the bikes after sitting out the 2024 event. Both were crowned 2025 Kings of the River. The title of Queen of the River – Bikes went to Georgia Hanrahan, who secure
Read more