Jade from Tourism Whitsundays took a moment to step aboard the Whitsunday Explorer by Explore Group Australia , a 2-night cruise boat offering a unique way to experience the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Although she didn't embark on the full tour, she had the opportunity to explore the ship, which left a strong impression. The Whitsunday Explorer is a blend of luxury and adventure, designed to provide an exceptional cruising experience. The vessel features modern, comfortable accommodations wi
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Stuart and Nicole Morris, the managers of Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort, have been named ‘Resident Managers of the Year, Short Stay’ 2024 at the Australian Resident Managers Association (ARAMA) Awards. This distinguished award highlights their exceptional management of one of Australia’s top holiday resorts. Stuart and Nicole had only been managing the resort for one and a half years after relocating to the region from the Gold Coast, where they operated a business at Pacific Fair as Retailers in
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On August 15 the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed an ambitious economic vision for the region's next 20 to 30 years. Developed with insights from over 130 local business voices, the plan envisions Bowen becoming a leader in agriculture, aquaculture, and marine services, while Collinsville focuses on mining technology and tourism. Proserpine and Cannonvale are set to evolve into key residential and commercial hubs, and Airlie Beach aims to enhance its reputation as a prem
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Community-minded individuals who would like to ensure the continuation of one of the most iconic institutions in the state are invited to attend a public meeting this Saturday. The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) has been empowering women since 1922, across Queensland's regional and remote communities and last year the Proserpine/Whitsundays Branch celebrated its 100th birthday. In a sad turn of events, this beloved arm of the state-wide institution is now without leaders and is
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August 30 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 10am 30 Ross Noble – Jibber Jabber Jamboree, at the Proserpine Entrainment Centre, from 8pm 31 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am 31 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete, Cyclone Shelter, Primary school, Sterry St, Proserpine. 31 QCWA Public Meeting, Cannonvale Neighbourhood Centre, from 10am September 3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 4 Stella Life Morning T
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Friday 30 August Flametree Gathering (from 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Zed Charles (8pm – 12am) KC’s: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm - 8pm) Saturday 31 August Flametree Gathering (from 9am) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Elton John Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sweet Alibi’s (8pm – 12am) KC’s: Corey Harris (from 8pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live
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The highly anticipated arrival of the 32nd Variety Victoria Bash arrived in Airlie Beach last Friday 23 August. 83 themed cars and 292 people drove through our iconic main street before finishing their journey alongside Airlie Beach foreshore. The 2024 Variety Victoria Bash began in Swan Hill, Victoria on Friday 16 August and travelled over 3,500 kilometres to Airlie Beach, arriving eight days later. This year’s course was named ‘Red Dirt to Reef’ Along the way, drivers delivered over $100,0
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The forecast is in… Leave your hats on and dress for a great night of Feelin’ Alright! Step into the world of music legend Joe Cocker with The Joe Cocker Express! The Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia, celebrating the legendary artist. The Joe Cocker Express will take you on a nostalgic journey with authentic renditions of Cocker’s greatest hits, ensuring a night full of timeless tunes and unforgettable moments. Experience the magic of a 9-piece
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The highly anticipated ‘Don River Dash’ will soon be taking place in Bowen. This multi-terrain off-road event is a thrill-seekers paradise and a huge crowd attraction with spectators able to watch the action from the banks of the dry Don River bed where all the action takes place. Dirt flies, motors roar as the racers all vie to complete the course in the fastest time possible. A bucket list item for many adrenaline-junkies, the race attracts motorists from all over the country. Event Secret
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The third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival is scheduled to take place this October and organisers are appealing for sponsors who would like to donate to this much-loved local event. The festival is dedicated to developing amateur songwriters in the Whitsundays and connecting them with world-class mentors to help further their skills, capacity, and careers. Last year, highly acclaimed artists Vika & Linda, and Toni Childs took participants on an incredible journey which culminated in a s
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The Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) is back for its 12th annual celebration, bringing three days of legendary music and festivities from November 8th to 10th. Featuring an incredible lineup including Sweet (UK), Rose Tattoo, Pseudo Echo. Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Southern Sons, Christine Anu, Ash Grunwald, Reece Mastin, Sandi Thom, 19 Twenty and Bondi Cigars, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience. To celebrate, ABFoM is offering you a chance to win the Ultimate Party
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The arrival of whales in the Whitsundays at this time of year is a big drawcard for tourists as well as locals who never tire of watching them as they move about our waters. Their presence is not a new phenomenon nor is the delight of observing these magnificent creatures. The “Proserpine Guardian” of Saturday 30 July 1938 published the following story “AQUATIC DOINGS AT HAYMAN ISLAND”. “Two immense whales decided to inspect the “June” as she lay at anchor off Bait Reef, coming within some thir
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One of the world’s most successful cult comedians is heading to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre today and the audience can expect an evening filled with his signature blend of irreverent and wildly entertaining humour. Highly hilarious and extremely popular English comedian Ross Noble is gracing the Proserpine Entertainment Centre with his 21st solo stand-up tour ‘Jibber Jabber Jamboree.’ Noble invites you to an evening of inspired whimsy and inventive hilarity, showcasing why he’s the unri
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Last weekend the first Ramped Up Whitsundays event was a huge success with over 1000 people attending over the weekend. Organiser Donny Fraser was thrilled with the turn out and is excited to make it an annual event. “It was a good turnout for the first year too, during the first year you don't have anything to promote it with,” explained Donny. “The focus was to get the best guys and girls (skateboarders) there to build something long term in the Whitsundays. “We had a lot of really high-pr
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Women and girls interested in giving the sport of bowling a go are invited to come along to a special series of events hosted by the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. Airlie Beach Bowls Club is once again running a C’mon try “learn to play bowls” program with free coaching for women and high school age girls. All coaches have blue cards. The program starts on 31st August and will run for three consecutive Saturday mornings. “We selected Saturday morning to give an opportunity to those ladies with we
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As spring nears and preparations for our new hard cover ramp up, our bowlers continue to shine. On Monday, Ladda Purdie, Jill Spencer, and Vicki Spann represented our club at the Champion of Champions triples tournament in Mackay. They defeated Mackay City, North Mackay, and West Tigers to win the 2024 Ladies Triples Champion of Champions title—an outstanding achievement for our club. Tuesday’s social bowls winners were Joan McGrath, Dawn Dowel, and Mark Mawson. Friday morning saw the Endeavour
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Sunday, August 18: • Allen Williams, Keith Kirk and Geoff defeated R. Gorro, Lloyd White, and Steve Roome defeated Trowse, Lee Welsted, and S.Trowse. • Marion, Ray, and Lloyd defeated Lindsay, Carol, and Helen to win the afternoon. Wednesday, August 21: • Janine and Steve defeated Ray and Gordo. • Ian, Geoff, and Bird defeated Marion, Lloyd, and Daryl. • Maryellen, Frank, and Tiarna defeated Ron, Jane, and Gus. Contributed by Joan Edwards
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Despite some visitors leaving, Wangaratta Bowls kept up the action with Monday's self-selected triples. Winners were Albi Vigar, Greg Colquhoun, and Kennedy Whitton, narrowly beating Kevin Daniels, Allan Rolfe, and Mark Drummond. Ken Wallace, Peter Donoghue, and Chris Frew took runner-up honors. Tuesday's social bowls saw Pam Breakwell, Liz Palmer, Keith Aykens, and David Madden winning on Rink 5. Runners-up were Joan Atkinson, Deb Retchless, Vic Palmer, and Pearl Aykens. The jackpot was not cl
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It was an exciting week for Whitsunday United, with 8 out of 10 teams advancing to the finals next week. Div 1 and Div 2 Men: The Div 1 and Div 2 men played their final regular-season games against the Lions in Mackay on Friday night. The Div 2 team ended their season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw, showing promise for the future. The Div 1 men clinched a 2-1 victory, with a late header from Mike Downing, securing a spot in the finals against the Wanderers. U13 Div 1: The U13 Div 1 team had a fan
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The August Monthly Medal was played today under fine but blustery conditions, which may have contributed to scores not being as low as in previous weeks.
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Club Champions 2024: • Ladies: Leanne Alexander • Men: Ryan Wilkes Overall Results: Ladies: • A Grade: ◦ Gross Winner: Leanne Alexander ◦ Gross Runner-up: Lyn Muller ◦ Nett Winner: Elspeth Scotford ◦ Nett Runner-up: Tina Badenhorst • B Grade: ◦ Gross Winner: Toni Clauss ◦ Gross Runner-up: Tiina Randmae ◦ Nett Winner: Heather Luvis ◦ Nett Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn • C Grade: ◦ Gross Winner: Sherri Meade
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Sea Eagles fielded four teams in the AFLQ Mackay Elimination Finals on Sunday with Sea Eagles Under 17s making it through to take on the Saints in the coming Preliminary Final. Remaining Sea Eagles teams fought hard but were unable to match the opposition and now round up their 2024 Season. Sea Eagles Under 17s had some close moments throughout their match against Mackay City Hawks but were able to dig deep when it mattered to take out the win by two goals 61 – 49. With competition aggressive
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Over the weekend, members of the Junior Achievers Squad headed to Mackay for a special training clinic hosted by Swimming North Queensland. This clinic provided an invaluable opportunity for young swimmers to refine their skills under the guidance of top coaches and train with junior swimmers from neighbouring clubs across Mackay in a non-competitive environment. The Junior Achievers Program is designed to recognise, reward, and inspire junior swimmers on their journey toward becoming senior at
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A plan to build a brand-new satellite hospital in Mackay has just been announced by the state government, when Premier Steven Miles visited Mackay on Monday. Building on the success of similar facilities in South East Queensland, this hospital will provide free, walk-in treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries from 8am to 10pm, helping to reduce pressure on local emergency departments. It’s a major coup for Mackay, as it will become the first of its kind to be built outside of
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As we gear up for a special day this weekend, it’s a time to honour the fathers, step-dads, granddads, and all the father figures who have a special knack for dodgy dance moves, overused catchphrases, and, of course, those legendary dad jokes that somehow never get old. Father’s Day is a day to celebrate the wisdom, the patience, and the endless love these people bring into our lives—often served with a side of wit and a penchant for reminding us to 'check the oil.' This Sunday, the region is bu
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