Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mayor Ry Collins thought he was the one in charge – that is, until a group of sharp young minds from St Catherine's Catholic College took their seats at the boardroom table! In a lively and inspiring meeting, a group of enthusiastic students met with the mayor to share their insights on the importance of recycling and waste reduction in the Whitsundays. These bright young eco-warriors are leading the charge to teach adults in the community how to properly dispose of waste and reduce environment
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Whitsunday Regional Council invite community members to celebrate Australia Day at the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 26 January, from 5pm to 8pm! The celebrations begin with recognising community achievements in the official awards presentation at 5pm, followed by a family-friendly evening of fun, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm. The Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations
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Are you passionate about hiking and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Whitsundays? The Whitsunday Regional Council is currently assessing the region’s mainland walking trail network to gauge public interest and demand for upgraded or expanded trails. This feedback will help shape the future of outdoor recreation in the region. The natural beauty of the Whitsundays is one of the area's greatest assets, and Council is eager to learn whether the current walking trail offerings meet the n
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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is delighted to announce the appointment of Brendon Nothard to their Board. “We are excited to have Proserpine industry leader Brendon Nothard join the Board. He is a welcome inclusion, and we look forward to his contribution in 2025 and beyond” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry. Following completion of his master’s degree in early 2003, Brendon started with a career in banking finishing as an Agricultural Specialist in
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Arguably navigating people management is up there with cashflow and other demands, irrespective on the size of your business. With ever-increasing industrial relations complexity and compliance requirements, businesses face more exposure and scrutiny when comes to how they are managing their employees and contractors. With significant financial penalties for non-compliance if known or even unknown, it is critical businesses are on top of their people management obligations. To better support t
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Whitsunday Regional Council encourages homeowners and renters to be proactive in identifying concealed water leaks. Catching leaks early can save water, money, and reduce stress. Look for signs like reduced water pressure, water pooling, damp patches, or unusually green grass. To check for a leak, turn off all taps and appliances for an hour and watch for any movement on your water meter reading dials. If a leak is detected, make sure a qualified plumber completes the repair, and remember to i
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Following on from a recent article on maternity care in Proserpine, here is the story of two very special nurses from a past era who are remembered as a great nursing team in the maternity ward - Monie Ward and Minnie Oakhill, affectionately referred to as “M and M”. MINNIE OAKHILL was born Mena Deicke on October 28 1903, the eldest child of Harry and Mary Deicke. She was schooled initially in Bowen and Townsville then finished her education at All Hallows College in Brisbane, travelling there b
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At our monthly Ordinary Meeting in Bowen last week, Council made a significant decision to enhance arts and culture in the Whitsundays, officially approving a 10-year Peppercorn Lease for Creative Connections Whitsundays (CCW). This decision paves the way for Creative Connections Whitsundays to transform the old Visitor Information Centre in Proserpine into a vibrant Community Art Gallery and cultural hub for the region. I’m thrilled by the opportunity this project brings to Proserpine and t
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A group of forward-thinking women gathered for a special event last month, the "Women vs Women: Challenging vs Championing" which was hosted by Shiift as its special end of year event of the Thriive series. The evening featured delicious cheese platters, drinks, and an outstanding panel of female leaders, including Dr. Julia Evans from the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kate Purdie, CEO of Coral Sea Marina, Melita Jurgen, Owner of Vee Jay's Kalfresh, and Rachael Smith, Editor-in-C
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Rich Bates, along with his partner, has owned News Whitsundays for the past two and a half years, having taken over the business from a family who ran it for 15 years. Since then, they have expanded the team to six staff members, helping to continue and grow the legacy of the local news agency. News Whitsundays offers an expanded selection of magazines, cards, and gifts for every occasion, now featuring a wider range of stationery, Back to School and unique souvenirs that were previously unavail
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Looking for activities to get yourself in the festive spirit this December? Here are all the events you need to attend to get Christmas ready! • CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION– enter by 15th December 2024. • BOWEN CHRISTMAS STREET PARTY – Friday 29 November, Bowen Town Centre, 5pm - 9pm • MURROONA GARDENS CHRISTMAS CAROLS – Saturday 7 December, Murroona Gardens, 6pm Library Activities: All four of our regional libraries - Bowen, Collinsville, Cannonvale, and Proserpine - invite you t
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On Saturday 30 November, Bronwyn and Matt Calder officially opened the doors to FISHI Proserpine and felt a warm welcome from the local and surrounding community as well as Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. “The response has been fantastic!” shared Bronwyn. “There was much anticipation, and we have been overwhelmed with how supportive the community has been.” With Matt himself holding well over twenty-five years of experience in the fishing and seafood industry, the pair will soon celebrate
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Affectionately known as Dr Bill, Dr William Bowman became Proserpine’s first full-time veterinarian when he established Proserpine Vet Surgery in 1975. Over the decades, the clinic has grown into a trusted pillar of the community, now approaching its 50th year of service. Dr Bill dedicated his career to caring for the region’s animals and their owners, providing full-time veterinary care until his retirement in 2010. In the 1990s, he was joined by Dr Faye McPherson, who began locuming at the cl
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At the weekend Ride Whitsundays, a local bike shop and community hub in the Whitsundays, celebrated its third birthday. Owners Cole and Kerr Claxton, locals to the Whitsundays with backgrounds in tourism and action sports, are passionate about building a vibrant cycling and mountain biking hub for the community, where enthusiasts of all levels can connect and explore the sport. Cole Claxton expressed his excitement about reaching the three-year milestone: “We’re incredibly excited. I can’t belie
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Many people kick off the festive season by settling in to watch Love Actually—a beloved holiday tradition. But this year, why not elevate the experience with Christmas, Actually. Join the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for a sensational live performance of your favourite tunes from the iconic Love Actually soundtrack. This festive celebration is set to bring the magic of the holiday season to life with a rockstar band featuring some of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists, including Joshua R
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The Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to celebrate the holiday season with its mouthwatering Christmas Lunch buffet this Saturday, 7 December, from 12pm to 2:30pm. This festive feast promises a delicious variety of hot and cold dishes to suit every palate. The Hot Selection includes classic favourites like honey-baked ham with honey mustard sauce, roast lamb with rosemary gravy, and roast chicken pieces with gravy. Indulge in comforting sides such as broccoli and cheese macaroni, garlic and rosema
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This non-alcoholic christmas punch recipe is the perfect holiday drink. It can be made in a big batch for a christmas party or for 1. If you're hunting for an easy, delicious non-alcoholic Christmas punch, you've found it. Planning a holiday event can be busy enough without having the additional task of preparing and serving drinks, so why not whip this up in advance and your guests can serve themselves! INGREDIENTS • 2 cups Low sugar cranberry juice • 1 cup Orange juice • 1 cup Pi
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Prep Cook Serves 20m 05m 6 As Beyoncé famously says, "I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly!" And trust me, you’ll want to be. These mini-Christmas pudding jellies are made with a surprisingly delicious chocolate jelly (yes, it sounds unusual, but it works!) and are topped with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. To add the perfect festive touch, they’re decorated with chopped spearmint lolly leaves and M&M’s Minis, making them the cutest individual Christmas desserts ever! Ingredient
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Prepare to rock, roll and welcome the new year like never before with an ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration at the Airlie Beach Hotel! To round off 2024 in style, one of the hottest venues along the Whitsunday coastline is gearing up to host an unforgettable night with the Australian INXS Show - a fully immersive, “Wembley-style” tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, headlining the celebrations. Hold onto to your drumsticks because this epic event will take you on a four-ho
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Friday 6 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm) Saturday 7 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Xmas Party Buffet (2pm–5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 8 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: 70s & 80s Cabaret Show (2pm–5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6:30p
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Mikey, a sweet and loving dog rescued from death row at the Burdekin pound, is still searching for his forever home. Fully vetted, desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated, Mikey is a big goofball with a gentle heart. His foster family describes him as affectionate, obedient, and easy to train. He’s learned basic commands like "sit" and walks well on a lead. Mikey gets along with other dogs and would do best with older kids, as his size might overwhelm little ones. Mikey needs a home with secure fe
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Embrace the true magic and spirit of the silly season this Sunday with the wonderfully festive and highly anticipated Proserpine Community Christmas Market! A celebrated community event, the market will be held on Sunday 8 December from 8:30am through to 12:30pm at Proserpine’s Cyclone Shelter and promises attendees a world of holiday cheer for both the immediate and wider community to enjoy. A delightful abundance of holiday treats, handmade crafts and family-friendly activities will be on o
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December 5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am 6 Toni Childs: A Retrospective, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm 7 Airlie Beach parkrun’s 9th Anniversary, from 7am 7 Women in Boating – On the Reef, Coral Sea Marina, The Lookout Lounge, from 5:30pm 8 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 8 Proserpine Community Christmas Market, Proserpine Cyclone Shelter, from
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The joy and wonder of the festive season are set to shine brightly this Saturday, 7 December, as Murroona Gardens hosts its much-anticipated 2024 Community Christmas Carols. Held at the Murroona Gardens Wellness Centre in West Lane, Bowen, the event promises an enchanting evening of carols, community spirit, and holiday cheer. Families, friends, and locals are invited to come together to celebrate the season in a magical atmosphere filled with music, fun activities, and festive treats. Adding to
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The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors had the opportunity last week to join Cherene from Driftwood Tours on a 3-hour Airlie Highlights tour. On her clean, comfortable bus, the Ambassadors were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at some of the hidden gems in the Airlie Beach area that Cherene introduces to cruise ship guests. A highlight of the day was the stunning vista and photo ops offered by the lounge at Shute Harbour Terminal. The group also discovered some tucked-away spots at Shute Haven
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