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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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It’s been a packed week at Proserpine Bowls Club, with club championships, social games, and community programs all in full swing. In the Club B Singles semi-finals on Saturday morning, Harry Craig defeated Kendall Watts 25–16, while Todd Leys overcame Bruce Uhe 25–14. The final will see Craig and Leys battle it out for the title. Wednesday’s social bowls had a strong turnout. Trevor Parsons, Carol Smith and Heather Brown edged out Geoff Orton (visiting from Eltham, Victoria), Barry Zillmann a
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Five boats and ten enthusiastic members of the Abell Point Yacht Club set sail last Friday for a weekend getaway to Cape Gloucester, braving some wind and swell along the way. While conditions kept skippers alert, spirits remained high as the fleet cruised north. By late afternoon, the boats were safely anchored off Cape Gloucester Beach Resort. A blustery Friday night brought strong gusts and a couple of dragged anchors, but Saturday morning arrived calm and clear. After coffee and cake at th
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Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 Takes Place On Local Shores In a powerful display of precision and partnership, Republic of Korea Marines stormed the Bowen coastline as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 this week. Arriving via two roaring MUH-1 Marineon helicopters, they executed a textbook amphibious air assault—clearing enemy positions and seizing control of their objective. Operating alongside Australian and U.S. forces, the mission tested their ability to adapt to unfamiliar terrain while
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Last week, when staff entered their office in Airlie Beach, they noticed a little note had been left on their desks. Looking around curiously, they wondered if it had been one of their co-workers, but soon discovered that every desk had a note - who could it be? Each note was handwritten and included one simple yet inspiring sentence. The office soon filled with staff, and each person read their note, taking a moment to pause before the day began. Each note was individual, and somehow, each
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This week, I’m off on an adventure of my own—I fly to Italy today for a two-week holiday! We’ll be landing in Rome, catching a train to Florence, and then taking a taxi to a small village called Radicondoli, where we’ve leased a small holiday villa with our family. It’s a special trip for us, as we’ll be sharing the villa with my brothers and their families, along with our beautiful mother, Jan. While I’m incredibly excited for the travels ahead, I’m also a little sad to be missing the Great
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