Whitsunday Law has been named a finalist in the Business Leader of the Year category at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, marking a significant achievement for the local firm. Director of Whitsunday Law Kellee Fogg says the nomination reflects the strength of the entire team and the firm’s longstanding commitment to delivering practical, community-focused legal services across the region. This nomination adds to a history of professional contribution and service, including Rotary’s Prid
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Frangipani Cleaning Services is celebrating a major milestone this year, earning a coveted nomination in the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards. Frangipani Cleaning Services is nominated in two categories at the inaugural Business awards, Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur and Customer Service Champion. The recognition marks an exciting moment for the locally owned company, which has built its reputation on reliability, care and a commitment to excellence. Owner of the business Mariah Dean said she
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The OG Hogs Breath is celebrating a major milestone after earning a nomination for Customer Service Champion of the Year at the very first Whitsunday Business Awards. Co-owners Jean-Paul (JP) Afflick and Adam Zakharoff say it’s the first nomination the restaurant has achieved since they took over. “We’re honestly stoked. The whole team has worked hard to turn things around, and being recognised for our service means a lot. It’s a big pat on the back for everyone,” said JP. The team says the n
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Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm has been named a nominee in the Community Champion category in the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards. General Manager Grant Purdon from Tassal said the nomination carries special meaning, reflecting both the team’s values and their commitment to the Whitsundays. They said the Proserpine operation represents far more than seafood production, describing it as a business built on creating shared value for the region through innovation, community care, and environm
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First-Year Awards, First-Time Nominees First-time nominees Corrsafe Enterprises are genuinely honoured to be recognised in the Whitsunday Business Awards. The newly launched program celebrates a wide range of local businesses, many being acknowledged for the first time. Owner Garry Matthias shared how meaningful the nomination is, saying: “It really does make the nomination even more special. The Whitsunday Business Awards are brand-new, and to be recognised in the very first year feels incredi
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Aquatic Rush Whitsundays In a region surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic waterways, water safety isn’t just a skill—it is an essential life requirement. That is why the nomination of Aquatic Rush Whitsundays for the Whitsundays Business Awards is so significant. Aquatic Rush Whitsundays has become a cornerstone of community safety, aquatic education, and swimming development, shaping confident swimmers, skilled lifeguards, and highly trained instructors who strengthen the Whitsundays
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Small Business Hero Option Insurance Brokers are beyond proud to have been nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Small Business Hero Award, with Managing Director, Doug O’Connor noting the nomination truly highlights the importance of small businesses within the region. “We’re beyond excited about this nomination. As a family business, everything we do is centred around supporting people in our community. Being recognised locally tells us we’re on the right track, and it means a lo
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Small Business Hero What started as a tiny two-reformer passion project in the midst of the pandemic has grown into a community. Principle Movements has evolved far beyond its early days, and now they're found themselves nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Small Business Hero Award. This is their very first nomination, and a special milestone for the small studio. “We’re really grateful for this nomination. It’s a big milestone for us and a reflection of the incredible support we
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Customer Service Champion Award Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger have been prestigiously nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Customer Service Champion Award, an achievement both Stephen and Michelle Lynes are beyond grateful to accept. A decade ago, the Lynes’ celebrated sailing business placed as runner-up in the 2015 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, making this year’s nomination all the more exciting. “As owners of Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger, we’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated
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More Than Just 50 Years Of Care And Connection Across the Whitsundays, certain businesses help define the region. They reflect resilience, pride, community spirit, and a commitment to looking after one another. Murroona Gardens stands among them as a nominee for the Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year 2025. For more than fifty years, Murroona Gardens has been more than an aged care service. It has been a cornerstone of Bowen—a place where generations of families have found comfort, wh
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Garden Shack Whitsundays Nominated For Customer Service Champion Garden Shack Whitsundays is celebrating its first-ever nomination in the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards. Kat Williams has been nominated for Customer Service Champion, recognising her dedication and teamwork. "It makes me feel appreciated and acknowledged for my efforts and the efforts of my fellow coworkers. It’s not just me that deserves this award,” Kat said. The nomination is especially meaningful as Garden Shack Whits
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Yooribaya Cultural Experiences has been honoured with two major nominations in the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards, recognised in both the Business Leader of the Year and Small Business Hero categories. For founder and cultural educator behind the family-run enterprise, the acknowledgement marks the first formal award recognition for the business. While Yooribaya has long been celebrated informally through partnerships, collaborations, and community engagement, being nominated in an official aw
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Whitsunday Life Newspaper is proud to be nominated for two categories at the upcoming Whitsunday Business Awards: Business of the Year and Regional Game Changer. For the past five years, Whitsunday Life has been dedicated to restoring the community’s free voice in print. The newspaper was born in response to the sudden closure of 14 regional papers. With almost a decade of magazine-publishing experience behind them, the company took on the challenge of launching a new newspaper to fill the void
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The Whitsunday region is set to sparkle this festive season, with a fantastic line-up of community Christmas events on offer. These Council-supported celebrations are bringing festive cheer to towns right across the region, giving locals plenty of opportunities to come together and enjoy the spirit of the season. In Bowen, celebrations begin with the Bowen Community Christmas Carols on Friday 28 November at the Sound Shell on the Bowen Foreshore from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Families can enjoy Christm
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Friday 21 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Zed Charles (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Michelle White (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Erin Reus (from 8pm) Saturday 22 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Matchbox 20 Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Call Me Maybe DJ (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Simon Briley (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Session (2-6pm) Sorrento: Ian (4
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November 21 Rango and Drop Dead Fred, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 22 Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 7am 23 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 25 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 25 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 26 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 29 Lions Airlie Beach Co
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A Playful Gentleman with a Heart of Gold Say hello to Antonio, a beautiful black Tom cat who’s been loved and cared for since the day he was born. Now around 6 months old, this handsome boy is ready to find his forever home — and he’s sure to steal your heart the moment you meet him. Antonio is the perfect mix of playful, cuddly, and full of personality. He’s curious, affectionate, and has a charming habit that makes everyone smile... he actually plays fetch! Whether he’s chasing his favourite
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Airlie Beach is gearing up for a high-energy week of music and entertainment, with internationally toured performance group Big City Beat preparing to make their debut at the Airlie Beach Hotel this New Years Eve. The Melbourne-based band, which has been performing for around 20 years, will deliver their full-scale New Year’s Eve production. Known for their high-energy performances and large ensemble, Big City Beat features an 11-piece lineup of male and female vocalists, dancers, instrumentali
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Lenard Roberts Stoker Mechanic 232488 Lenard Winch Roberts was a member of the crew of the ill-fated HMAS “Sydney” - but Len was meant to live. This is his story … Lenard Winch Roberts was born in Cardiff, Wales, on November 16, 1920, and, with his family, moved to Western Australia when he was only a boy. As World War II approached, Len enlisted with the Royal Australian Navy on June 9, 1939, and after doing his initial training aboard HMAS “Cerberus”, he was transferred to HMAS “Sydney”. Serv
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Hi Everyone! Last weekend, I had a fantastic time in the Conway National Park, where I went for a little photography walk in hopes of capturing some of the diverse Fauna we have here in the Whitsundays. I was lucky enough to be joined by my friend and her dad, who is a National Park ranger, and he was able to point out different species of trees, birds and other reptiles. The most exciting part, however, was when he pointed out a vibrant little Kingfisher to me. I soon found out it was going t
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The Great Barrier Reef Imagine visiting the Great Barrier Reef 50 years ago. The colours were brighter, the fish more abundant, and the coral gardens stretched endlessly beneath the waves. Fast forward to today, and although the Reef is still a world wonder, science tells us it has undergone significant changes caused by multiple environmental factors. Over time, and in many areas, the reef appears different today compared to what it was decades ago. Without a clear memory of earlier conditions
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During a walk in the Whitsundays, as you meander through the strangler, sandpaper, and cluster figs, you might catch sight of a small, lizard-like shadow darting across the footpath, rustling through the bushes, or clinging to a tree trunk. If you do, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted a Lace Monitor, also known as a Goanna. While Goanas are often encountered on most bush walks, they are actually subject to habitat loss, from development, land clearing and road mortality. Another significant
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Health experts are urging Queenslanders to rely on proven medical advice, not social media myths, when it comes to sun safety, as the state continues to record the highest melanoma rates in the world. Dermatologist Associate Professor Erin McMeniman, from Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, says misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online at an alarming rate. “Particularly in Queensland, most people receive enough sun exposure to produce vi
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By Sharon Ashman The Christmas season often arrives with excitement and pressure. From gift shopping to family gatherings, many people feel stretched thin trying to meet expectations. Financial strain, social commitments, and the desire to make everything “perfect” can lead to heightened stress and exhaustion. Prioritising rest, setting realistic expectations, and creating moments of calm can make a significant difference. Focus on connection rather than perfection, whether that’s sharing a mea
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The Cannonvale Cannons traded the pool deck for palm trees and ocean views over the weekend as 17 swimmers took on the Hamilton Island Endurance Series Triathlon and Ocean Swim. With sparkling conditions, big smiles, and plenty of team spirit, our club proudly made its presence known across all three distances. The 2km Ocean Swim saw outstanding performances, highlighted by Jacob Bell, who claimed first place in the Open Male division, and Tiana Bell, finishing second in the 14–19 years age gro
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