Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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The Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball dazzled on the weekend, with early estimates suggesting a remarkable $90,000 raised for local organisations dedicated to supporting the region. Mayor Ry Collins opened the evening by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land, addressing dignitaries, and thanked sponsors. The 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball, raised funds for three local businesses, BMA CQ Rescue, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, and the Bowen Community Centre. “While we’re here to enjoy gre
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Tucked beside Galbraith Creek in Cannonvale, the Whitsunday Organic Community Garden is a lush, inviting space where locals come together to grow food, build community and share knowledge. Established in 2016, the volunteer-run garden is open to everyone and serves as a hub for learning, sustainability, and connection. Secretary Monica Regan, who joined the committee in 2024, says the space brings together people interested in organic food and community resilience. “It is for people intereste
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Looking for fast, reliable freight services from the Whitsundays? The Whitsunday Coast Airport Freight Distribution Centre is your trusted logistics partner, offering direct freight options to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Cairns, with connections to most of Australia. From fresh produce and general goods to pet transport, the professional team ensures your cargo is moved safely and efficiently. With quick turnaround times, experienced handlers, and a convenient location, The Whi
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Hillery Group, based in Bowen, operates a substantial maintenance division responsible for more than 500 pieces of plant and equipment. From quarry crushing and screening plant and generators to on-hihgway float haulage and side-tipper trucks, the sheer variety of machinery gives workers unparalleled hands-on experience. And for many, that’s a game-changer. “What we offer that the mines and even other local employers can’t, is versatility,” said Kelly McDonald, Director-People, Culture and Busi
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A New Era for Bowen’s Waterfront This month marks an exciting step forward for Bowen with the announcement that the Queensland Government is investing $13.2 million to fast-track master planning for eight State-owned boat harbours with Bowen named to get a slice of the funding. This is the news many in our community have been waiting for. After years of local voices calling for action, we now have a firm commitment to begin developing a long-term plan for Bowen Harbour that will guide future i
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A colourful new children’s book by Mackay author and teacher Nikki Townley is winning hearts across the region and even making its way to Canberra. No Drama Cane Farmer, released in April, is a charming, rhyming story that takes young readers on an educational journey through the sugar industry. From planting and harvesting to processing and sweet treats, Nikki breaks down the sugarcane industry in a fun and inclusive way, helping children understand where the food on their table really comes f
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Inside Club Whitsunday This month, we meet Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry member Club Whitsunday—a brand new venue launched in January 2025 with a purpose that goes beyond hospitality. Designed as a commercial operation with a community-first vision, Club Whitsunday was established to directly support the growth and sustainability of local sport in the Whitsundays. With every meal, drink, and event attended, patrons are helping fund improvements to local sporting fields, amenities,
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For the past eight years, your locally owned and operated Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine has proudly supported local not-for-profits, sporting clubs, and community initiatives — injecting more than $249,000 back into the Whitsundays. 2025 is shaping up to be one of our biggest years yet. From helping to fund major regional events to supporting grassroots groups and school communities, we’re passionate about giving back. If you’ve spotted our fully equipped Community BBQ Trailer sizzling
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At Proserpine State High School Proserpine State High School marked this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations with a full calendar of activities in-house and excursions within the community. They kicked it off with an AFL House Challenge inviting guests from both Townsville and Mackay AFL to run drills and matches on the school oval. Chris Viti from the Mackay Hospital Health Service represented the Deadly Choices Program setting up a tent full of rewards for the students. First Nations families we
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This year marks a huge milestone for Catholic education in the Whitsundays. St Catherine’s Catholic College has dedicated the last 100 years to nurturing students in faith, knowledge and service. To celebrate, St Catherine’s Catholic College hosted a Centenary Picnic, inviting alumni students, staff members, families and community members to join in the festivities. College Principal Katherine Nelson said the Centenary was an opportunity to reflect on a shared history and give thanks for the p
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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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