School is back in session across the Whitsunday Shire! The classrooms are buzzing, and school routines are in full swing across the region and beyond following on from the commencement of Term 3. With the winter school holidays slowly becoming a distant memory, families across the region have begun reviving early mornings, packed lunches, homework, after-school activities, and bedtimes. Although the transition can be tricky, following these simple tips can make the shift a whole lot easier. •
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As part of this weekend’s Great Barrier Reef Festival celebrations, music lovers are in for a special treat with The Whispering Jack Show – A Tribute to John Farnham – taking the stage at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel, on Saturday, August 2, from 2pm to 5.30pm. Proudly presented as a festival highlight, the live tribute adds a powerful musical punch to an already action-packed weekend. As the show unfolds, festival-goers can also enjoy the spectacle of the vibrant street parade, which will pass r
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Young performers from a non-for-profit, grassroots music group, Amped Up, will take the stage this Saturday at the Great Barrier Reef Festival, performing from 2.30pm to 4.45pm on the Main Street Stage, just before the street parade. Formed from the merger of Whitsundays Got Talent and the Music Evolution Project, Amped Up is a not-for-profit, community-driven initiative for young people aged 5 to 21. “Amped Up is a grassroots, community-driven programme dedicated to empowering young people th
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Families, mark your calendars, the Ark Energy Family Fun Day is back and bigger than ever as part of this year’s Great Barrier Reef Festival! Set against the stunning backdrop of Airlie Beach Foreshore, this free community event will take place from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 3 August, offering a packed program of activities for children of all ages, as well as a chance for parents to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. From doughnut-eating competitions and crazy races to circus skills, live entertain
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Get ready, Whitsundays, Caravãna Sun is bringing their electric energy to the Great Barrier Reef Festival! Known for their high-octane live performances and infectious blend of indie rock, reggae, surf-rock, and dance, this powerhouse Australian band promises a show to remember. With groove-heavy tracks, soulful sing-alongs, and moments that truly connect with the crowd, Caravãna Sun is a festival favourite for good reason. Drawing inspiration from their coastal roots, their music pulses with su
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The Airlie Beach Foreshore is set to sparkle and roar with colour on Friday, 1 August 2025, as the Great Barrier Reef Festival presents its much-loved Fireworks on the Foreshore event. From early evening until late, the vibrant atmosphere will draw locals and visitors alike for a night packed with entertainment, culture, and spectacular sights against the stunning backdrop of the Coral Sea. Sponsored by the Whitsunday Regional Council, the evening kicks off with the colourful Lantern Parade wind
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The Great Barrier Reef Festival is set to light up Airlie Beach this August, with the much-loved Night Market and outdoor movie night returning to the foreshore on Friday, 1st August 2025, promising an evening full of colour, culture and community. This free, family-friendly event, proudly supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council, will transform the Airlie Beach foreshore into a bustling hub of activity from late afternoon into the night. Locals and visitors alike can look forward to a vibra
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Get ready to dance through time... Airlie Beach is about to experience a nightclub revival like never before. Launching Friday 1 August, the brand-new immersive theatre show NOSTALGIA will make its dazzling debut at Magnums Hotel as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival. NOSTALGIA is more than just a performance, it promises to be a high-energy, sit-down theatrical journey through five decades of unforgettable nightlife. Audiences will be transported from the swinging 60s and groovy 70s th
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Get ready for a high-energy musical experience with OBISUN, a dynamic family trio powered by love, rhythm, and a whole lot of talent. With Mama on bass and Daddy on drums and Obi centre stage this act delivers an unforgettable show that’s bursting with joy, passion, and crowd interaction. Expect backflips, blazing drum solos, and a seriously tight rhythm section. Their original songs blend world beats with heartfelt lyrics, brought to life through a unique mix of instruments – including piano, b
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The Great Barrier Reef Festival’s main stage will light up this Friday night as the Seagrass Theatre Group performs a special set of musical numbers from 6pm. Formed in 2021, the student-led company began after Proserpine State High School’s Performing Arts Centre was built and a production of We Will Rock You sparked students’ passion for musical theatre. “I thought it would be a really clever idea for students learning and capacity building to set up a student-led theatre company so that t
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Okay, so winter in North Queensland isn’t exactly snowflakes and scarves, but when the sun dips and the breeze rolls in, it’s the perfect excuse to whip up something warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Enter... pumpkin and sweet potato soup! It’s creamy, comforting, and totally foolproof. Plus, it only takes one pot and about 30 minutes of your time. Winning! To get started, sauté a chopped onion and a couple of garlic cloves in olive oil until they’re smelling amazing. Add in 500g of chop
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A newly opened Home Nations-style pub in Airlie Beach is shaking things up by offering something the town has been missing. A laid-back venue serving traditional British food, independent beers, and live sport deep into the night. Created by three blokes who love a true pub-going experience. Ivan Lonsdale, Matt Bayford, and Rogan Hunter designed The Pitch and Wicket to fill a long-standing gap in the market, a quality pub where sports lovers, shift workers and locals alike can unwind without th
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The internationally acclaimed theatrical concert The Simon & Garfunkel Story is heading to the Whitsundays, with a one-night-only performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday, the 28th of August. Following sold-out tours across the USA, UK, and Europe, this global sensation will bring its powerful tribute to one of music’s most iconic duos to local audiences. With performances in over 50 countries and more than 20 headline shows in London’s prestigious West End – including app
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Friday 1 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Troy Morrison(from 8pm) KC's: Ronny Croker(from 8pm) Saturday 2 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Whispering Jack Show (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Velvet Divan (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Two Fires Tribute (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Josiah KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Sunday 3 August Airlie Beach Hotel: 3 Johns (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Colonial Palms Motor
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August 1-3 Great Barrier Reef Festival 1 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Proserpine Library, 10:30am - 12.30pm 1 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm - 4:00pm 1 Great Barrier Reef Festival Presents: Luca, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 3 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 4 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Bowen Library, 10:00am - 12:00pm 5 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm
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Deeter has waited so patiently… surely it’s his turn soon. If ever there was a dog who deserves his happily-ever-after, it’s Deeter. This affectionate and endlessly cheerful boy has been waiting far too long for someone to give him the chance he so deserves. With his eager-to-please personality and big heart, Deeter is ready to be someone’s loyal companion through thick and thin. He’s the perfect mix of cuddle bug and adventure buddy — happy to lounge beside you on the couch or trot beside yo
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The Australian Eagles are set to bring their signature blend of country rock back to the Airlie Beach Hotel in August, promising two laid-back afternoons packed with all the hits fans know and love. Founder and band member Shayne Browne said the group has been playing in Airlie Beach for over six years now, with two to three performances a year, and Shane said it’s always a highlight. “We love it,” Shayne said. “The town, the people, the pub, it’s great. It’s just got such a relaxed vibe. We
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday 1 August 6:00pm – Div 2 Men vs Country United at Whitsunday Sportspark 8:00pm – Div 1 Men vs Country United at Whitsunday Sportspark Saturday 2 August U13 Div 1 – Bye 9:30am – U13 FQPL vs Dolphins FC at Whitsunday Sportspark 9:30am – U14 vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Football Park 11:15am – U15/16 vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Football Park 3:00pm – Women’s FQPL vs Magpies at Magpies 5:00pm – U23 Men vs Mackay Wanderers at Whitsunday Sportspark 7:00pm – Men vs Mac
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The weeks are flying by at Airlie Beach Bowls Club as sunshine returns, the days grow longer, and interstate travellers begin to prepare for their journeys home. But before they go, there’s still plenty of friendly competition and camaraderie to enjoy. On Tuesday, July 22, 19 bowlers took to the green, with the top honours going to a strong trio led by Eric Barnard as skip, with Gail Simms at second and Des Ballance leading. The team combined well for a convincing win. Wednesday afternoon bowl
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As we head towards the pointy end of the season, most Whitsunday United teams are jockeying for positions in the top four. On Friday night, the divisional men played City Brothers. Div2 went down 2-1 but Div1 managed a win, coming out on top 2-1. Div2 are now in fourth spot on the ladder and Div1 are top of their league. U13 Div1 faced a strong Country United team who should arguably be in FQPL – the 8-0 loss does not reflect the effort on the park by the young Whitsunday team. The U13 FQPL Sq
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Bowen Tennis Association is proud to share the success of their pickleball players who competed in the Queensland Pickleball Tour in Townsville on 16th – 18th May and the Yeppoon Pickleball Tournament on 18th – 20th July. Eleven players – Shane, Jackie, Jason, Asia, Joyce, Jaymie, Rob, Amanda, Hayley, Madden and Chris represented Bowen in doubles and mixed events. Successful players came home with medals, collecting four gold, two silver and three bronze across the two tournaments. It was a fa
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With just two rounds remaining in the regular Premier League season, J Maher has surged to the top of the table for the first time this year, claiming a hard-fought 7–5 win over J Wilson. Meanwhile, D Friend had a busy and successful day, playing three matches and coming away with three convincing victories. He notched up 7–2 wins against both N Mitchell and K Reason, and a 7–3 result over A McMinn. Friend also hit the only 180 of the afternoon, continuing his strong form, while J Wilson impres
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Cannonvalley Pony Club hosted a memorable weekend of showjumping and history, combining its Official Showjumping and Jump Equitation event with a special visit from founding member Jo Bailey. Riders from across the Whitsundays, Mackay, and surrounding areas took part in the two-day competition. Despite smaller numbers, the event featured strong senior participation and showcased impressive sportsmanship. Ruby Smith riding Atrani was named Champion Overall Weekend Rider, with Jillian Moffat and
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It was a weekend of milestones and medals for the Cannonvale Cannons, with swimmers making a splash across Townsville. Our most senior Cannon, Jacob Bell, now based in Townsville, proudly represented the club in the Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim. Jacob was second overall out of the water with an impressive time of 1:46:14.80 and took out first place in his age group — an outstanding achievement in a challenging event. Meanwhile, five Cannons travelled to Townsville to compete i
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The Proserpine Veterans Golf Club enjoyed another beautiful day on the course for its annual Closed Club Championships, with players making the most of the ideal weather conditions. It was a particularly exciting event this year with several new names appearing on the winners' list, highlighting the growing depth of talent in the local veteran golfing community. Organisers thanked all participants for a great day of competition and congratulated the winners and runners-up across the various gr
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