We have a range of free and exciting children’s activities across our regional libraries for the upcoming school holidays! From craft workshops to storytelling and everything in between, there’s something for kids of all ages! Libraries are the perfect place to relax, have fun, and stay connect during the holidays - and membership is always free! For more information, head to Whitsunday Regional Libraries website.
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Hi Everyone, Ruth 2 Reef is back after a short break, and I’m thrilled to bring you a special edition packed with exciting environmental stories. During the pause, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Coral Nurture Program which is a brilliant initiative dedicated to coral restoration. Last Sunday, therefore, I spent the day scuba diving and planting new coral on the Great Barrier Reef alongside an amazing team. It was a real pinch me moment, and you can read all about the expe
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What It’s Like to Plant Coral on the Great Barrier Reef. I shuffle myself onto the edge of the boat, and my Dive Manager and I look at each other before hurtling ourselves backwards into the warm Whitsunday waters. Our supplies are handed to us off the boat, and we fade into the blue. Suddenly, we are engulfed in a kaleidoscope of colour; little sea goldies begin to inquisitively inspect us as they dart in front of our masks, then return to feed on zooplankton near the soft and hard coral
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Whitsunday Regional Council has formally adopted the Whitsunday 2030 Economic Development Strategy—a bold and future-focused action plan designed to lead the Whitsunday community forward. More than just a strategy document, Whitsunday 2030 is a practical roadmap to position the Whitsunday region as a globally competitive, resilient, and vibrant economy delivering results on the ground. Developed through extensive consultation with local industry, business, government, and the wider community,
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A major upgrade to the Collinsville Aerodrome has been completed, with the Whitsunday Regional Council delivering significant improvements that will enhance safety, reliability, and access for aeromedical services and other essential air operations. The project, delivered in partnership with the State and Federal Governments, involved a full suite of airside and infrastructure upgrades to bring the regional aerodrome up to modern operational standards. Works included the installation of a new
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has today released the full program for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference — a flagship event designed to inspire, inform, and connect the region’s business leaders, operators, and entrepreneurs. Held as a full-day conference in Cannonvale, the program showcases an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, industry panels, practical sessions, and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of the Whitsunday business community. Mayor Ry Coll
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Zephyr is a sweet and gentle boy who has already overcome so much. He was rescued from a remote pound in Kowanyama and made an incredible 1,279-kilometre journey to safety. Now in foster care, he is slowly gaining confidence and learning to enjoy the comforts of home life. Zephyr has a lovely, submissive nature and gets along well with other dogs. He doesn’t need much in life – just a comfortable couch, a safe environment and a family willing to give him the love and patience he deserves. Zeph
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Here in the Whitsundays, we’re lucky to live in a place that’s as popular with visitors as it is with locals. Tourism is a huge part of our economy—but so is our quality of life. And when the two intersect, it’s important we get the balance right. That’s why Council is proposing a change to our Planning Scheme to help better manage where short-term accommodation (STA), like Airbnbs, can operate in Low Density Residential areas. Right now, STAs are allowed in many zones across the region. But
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Cannonvale local and Endeavour Foundation’s Learning & Lifestyle Hub participant, Jenny, is stepping into a newly created, national role. Selected as one of only five people with disability Australia-wide, Jenny will now participate in a new Client Advisory Group — a national initiative by Endeavour Foundation offering people with disability a chance to make valuable contributions towards the organisation’s future. Endeavour Foundation is one of Australia’s largest disability service providers
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The Whitsunday Lions Club have recently made a $3000 donation to St Catherine's Christian College's Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE). The schools DofE teacher Shantae Ryle runs the course with PCYC Sergeant (Sgt) Billy Li and they greatly appreciate the donation. This is the first time the school has run the program and the support from Whitsunday Lions Club has funded the students to enrol in the course. The Whitsunday Lions Club is always donating to schools and community groups
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Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of heading to Brisbane for the official launch of Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future, hosted by QTIC. It was a major moment for our industry, with over 500 passionate tourism leaders in the room and a clear message: the future of tourism in Queensland is bold, sustainable and full of opportunity. The plan outlines how we’ll make the most of Queensland’s “green and gold runway” - capitalising on the momentum of the 2032 Olympic and Par
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Friday 20th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix(from 8pm) KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Saturday 21st June Airlie Beach Hotel: Cold Chisel & Midnight Oil Tributes with Swanee (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: (Live Music & DJ Session 1pm – 6pm) KC's: Retro Joe (from 8pm) Sunday 22nd June Airlie Beach Hotel: Cold Chisel & Midnight Oil Tributes with Swanee (2pm – 5.30p
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June 20 Whitsundays 112th Annual Regional Show Day 1, Proserpine Showgrounds 21 Whitsundays 112th Annual Regional Show Day 2, Proserpine Showgrounds 22 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 24 Sailability, Downstairs at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Volunteers 8:00am-2:00pm & Sailors/Carers 9:00am-1:00pm, Bookings Required 24 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 25 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp 27 Legends N
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It was a busy week on the greens at Wangaratta Bowls Club, with strong turnouts and tightly contested matches across multiple days of competition. On Monday, the self-selected triples event was taken out by the Irymple crew of Jenny Healey, France Wilmann, and Chris Healey, who defeated the trio of Aileen Dunn, John, and G. Coleman. Runners-up on the day were Denis Madeley, Dave Richardson, and R. Agg, who triumphed over Keron McKenzie, Mark McKenzie, and R. Barr-Kemp. The jackpot, however, rem
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It’s been a pretty quiet week across the Whitsundays fishing scene, with patchy weather and cooler conditions keeping many anglers at bay. That said, those who have braved the conditions have been rewarded with some quality fish. Let’s hope next winter isn’t as cold as this one has been! Dam Thanks to poor conditions, the dam has seen limited traffic this week. Those who headed out managed to get a fish or two, but most catches were modest in size. We did have a couple of reports of nice barra
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The wait is over—just like a female’s gestation period—and the baby has arrived! The roof is on, and now the final touches are underway: securing it for a category 5 cyclone, installing downpipes and a drain for excess water, finishing the fences, and before long our little club will be a wonderful sight in our paradise. It’s something the whole community can be proud of. A big thank you to Amanda Camm for securing the extra funding for those finer finishing touches—it’s much appreciated by al
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In a heartfelt gesture Annie Norris recently donated her hair to Wigs4Kids after finding out that Reverend (Rev) Suzy Sitton, from her church, had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time earlier in the year. Annie said she was inspired by Suzy. “I have been so inspired by watching her strength, her recovery, her focus and still while conducting funerals and soldiering on really well,” she said. "I can honestly say my inspiration has come from Susie, just watching this woman and
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At Whitsunday Multicultural Festival On Saturday Bowen came alive with the Whitsunday Multicultural Festival. Organised by the Whitsunday Regional Council the free family-friendly event showcased traditional dance, global cuisine, music, art, storytelling and interactive activities. The festival closed with fireworks at 8pm, lighting up the cool Whitsunday winter sky. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has become a signature event in the reg
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Bowen State High School Student Olivia Boyce was one of 60 Year 10 students and 10 teachers selected to participate in the Department of Education’s 2025 STEM Girl Power Camp, which was held on 19 - 23 May in Brisbane. Students travelled from all over Queensland to represent their school in Brisbane, where they participated in a variety of events, innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workshops and networking opportunities with experts from STEM fields. Camp studen
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On Thursday over 200 people gathered at Lake Proserpine for the Queensland Music Trail's free Reef Sundowner. Despite the poor weather in town, the evening at Lake Proserpine was chill but clear and the vibes were unmatched. Relaxing by a fire….. The event was enjoyed by all and the performers from the I Heart Songwriting Club were exceptional and well received. The Whitsunday Regional Council are already in talks with Queensland Music Trails to ensure that the Reef Sundowner event is secured
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John Swan ‘Swanee’ is coming to the Airlie Beach this weekend for two afternoon shows Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22 at the Airlie Beach Hotel. His arrival at the Airlie Beach Hotel comes just before his new album is released. Swanee's brand new album titled ‘Believe’ will come out August 1, and it is an album that’s set to have all fans of Australian rock music in awe. 15 out of 16 tracks features an Aussie rock legend, including his two brothers Alan and Jimmy Barnes. It also features h
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For Airlie Beach Festival Of Music Escape the ordinary and dive into the ultimate music holiday! The Airlie Beach Festival of Music, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, unveils its complete and sensational lineup for 2025, promising an experience that's truly more than a festival, more than a holiday. This November 7th-9th, prepare to immerse in three days of world-class live music across 15 venues throughout the vibrant seaside town of Airlie Beach, Whitsundays. Fo
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s new season kicks off on July 1, with an exciting program planned for all members. First up is the Mackerel and Reef Fish Rally, taking place on July 19–20. (Reef fish have been added due to Queensland’s mackerel bag and boat limits.) A briefing and educational workshop will be held at 6pm on Thursday, July 17, at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. Topics include rigging trolling baits, lure presentation, and angling techniques for Spanish mackerel and
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Seven Cannonvale Cannons swimmers were recently selected to attend the Swimming Queensland – North Queensland (SQ-NQ) Mobility, Movement and Strength Workshops held in Mackay and Townsville. Congratulations to Tyler Bennett, Zach Trefz, Tora Delac, Ruby Harland, and Roxy Groome who took part in the Mackay session, and to Nelson Malady and Jacob Bell who represented the club at the Townsville clinic. These workshops focused on enhancing athletes’ mobility, strength, and technical movement skills
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Region Picks Up Two First Place On Monday this week The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) announced the 2025 winners of the Top Tourism Town Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of communities across the state in welcoming visitors year-round. For the first time ever, Bowen won the Top Tourism Town Awards and Airlie Beach won the Small Tourism Town Awards for the fourth time in a row. Winning these two awards is not only a testament to the natural wonders we have on our d
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