Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
For The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Regional Council extend a warm invitation to all previous and current cruise ship volunteers and industry supporters. Join us for a special event on Thursday, 7 November from 2:30-5:30 pm at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. The afternoon will be dedicated to honouring and celebrating the exceptional service of our volunteer group. The e
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With over ten years branch management and banking specialist experience, Amanda Anderson was appointed Branch Manager of Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine in March 2024. Here she shares her highlights from this year, and what to look forward to in 2025. The branch offers face-to-face full banking service with lenders and bankers, open 9:30am-4pm Monday to Friday. This year the branch has taken their customer service to the next level by implementing a range of new initiatives such as free h
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Heart of Reef Shuttles recently won bronze at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and the whole team is proud to celebrate with the region. This achievement follows their bronze win at the awards in 2022 and winning the Best of Queensland experience in 2023 and 2024. They are an extremely popular service which offers door to door transfers, private transfers, transport for wedding groups and recently implemented customised day tours. Owner and Director Cameron and Michelle Johnstone says the team a
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This month we meet Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Emma Luxton who launched Luxton Safety & Compliance Australia (LSCA) this year. After years working in safety and compliance operations, Emma wanted to create something that aligned more deeply with her passion for workplace and home safety. LSCA specialises in safety and compliance services and has partnered with global firm offering to offer assurance, risk management, safety audits, assessments, fire safety adviser servi
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Whitsunday Regional Council reminds pool and spa owners to carry out simple safety checks to ensure a safe summer. Regularly inspect your pool or spa barrier for rust, loose hinges, or broken panels, and arrange repairs as needed. Make sure no climbable objects like furniture or toys are near the fence. Remember, your pool or spa must be recorded on the QBCC Pools Register, and CPR signage is required to be clearly visible and weatherproof. These steps can make a big difference in preventing acc
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Every year on January 26 the Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region. Nominations for the 2025 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards are now officially open! These awards are an incredible way for us as a community to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make the Whitsundays such a special place to live. Each y
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Over 30 people attended the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s Be Connected Mini Seniors Expo on Friday 18 October. The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre offers an ongoing Be Connected program and last year hosted a morning tea to over 50’s and seniors. At the morning tea they provided the attendees with education on digital literacy, and it was well received. Due to the success, this year the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre partnered with more services to provide a Mini Expo for seniors. Execu
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This Week Mayor Ry Collins presented his two chosen charities with cheques following a successful 2024 Mayor’s Ball where an impressive $66,000 was raised on the night. Equal donations were given to the two nominated charities; Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and BMA CQ Rescue. Mayor Ry Collins said that this incredible figure was testament to that support of the local community. Mayor Ry Collins also thanked platinum sponsors of the event, Abbot Point Operations, Airlie Beach Ho
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In a country where festivals are folding like deck chairs in a cyclone, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music continues to thrive, celebrating its 12th anniversary in the coming days. With a line-up that’s bigger, bolder and louder than ever, this year’s event promises to be the ultimate mash-up of rock royalty, local legends and rising stars. With over 50 acts across the five-day program, the festival proudly welcomes an incredible line-up featuring classic British rock legends ‘Sweet’, the iconi
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Shaun Diver, a musician with almost 20 years experience, is performing at KC’s during the Airlie Beach Festival of Music and the energy he brings to Airlie Beach is unmatched. Shaun has been performing casually for almost two decades but within the last five years, he has transitioned into a full-time musician. His notoriety was catapulted into the next stratosphere when he won the Battle of the Bands in Springfield Lakes as a solo act. Shaun recalls that winning the four-month competition ma
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There’s so much on offer at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this year and for the first time ever, the Band of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR Band) will be delivering electrifying roving performances through the heart of Airlie Beach. Well-known throughout the region, this dynamic ensemble, inspired by the New Orleans’ street music vibe, will be pumping out funky instrumental covers and signature tunes in short, high-energy sets that are sure to create a festival party
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Joining the headliner lineup at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music are the legendary Sweet from the UK, primed to unleash their glam rock anthems and the iconic Aussie synth-pop sensation Pseudo Echo, set to electrify the stage! Sweet, a flamboyant force of nature, is no stranger to the spotlight, delivering timeless hits like "Ballroom Blitz" and "Fox on the Run." Their high-octane performance promises to celebrate rock's glory days, with unforgettable melodies and powerhouse vocals that will
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From cosy corners to stunning seaside spots, 13 venues across Airlie Beach are gearing up to offer a unique experience as part of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. New to this years’ program are Colonial Palms and Sidewalk Café, both set to feature a diverse lineup that includes everything from folk to rock, ensuring there’s something for every music lover. Owned by the dynamic duo, Chris and Rachel, Sidewalk Café serves up a menu that’s as delightful as their personalities. With their inf
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In just under two weeks, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music kicks off with the Official Opening Party at Magnums on Thursday 7th November. The night will burst to life with Jackson Dunn, a seasoned performer renowned for his dynamic stage presence, followed by ObiSun, whose eclectic style and infectious beats are guaranteed to ignite the dancefloor. Headlining the night is the spirited trio 19 Twenty, whose explosive performance perfectly captures the essence of live music. Artists from nine reg
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Mark your calendars for Friday 12th November, as Tom Harrington takes the stage at Sorrento at 12pm for an unmissable performance with free entry! After clinching victory in the prestigious ‘Battle of the Buskers’ at the renowned ‘Buskers by the Lake’ festival, Tom has secured his place in the Airlie Beach Festival of Music line-up - an honour that reflects his exceptional talent and promise as a rising star in the Australian music scene. Originally hailing from rural Victoria and now callin
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Every year, Airlie Beach Festival of Music thrives thanks to a dedicated team of nearly one hundred volunteers who work tirelessly to help bring the festival to life. From setting up inventory, to manning the pop-up office, managing ticket and merchandise sales and critical bump-in and bump out tasks, these passionate volunteers handle it all. Among them is a special group known as “ambassadors,” easily spotted in their blue-striped shirts, stationed throughout the festival - they're the go-to
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The Get Cyclone Ready Event hosted by the Whitsunday Regional Council last Saturday was a great success. Located at the Airlie Markets, the pop-up event attracted lots of attention, with many passers-by stopping to read the information available and talk to local experts on how to prepare for the upcoming storm season. Whitsunday Regional Council Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black expressed the importance of these events. “The more resilient you are, the more you've put into your ed
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The remarkable life of this amazing man began in July 1880. Reared from an infant on a sugar cane property at Breadalbane, Billy took his surname from the owner, George Waite. Some records indicate that he was born in Charters Towers however Billy denied this. On his passenger records when he travelled to the USA, he named Waite as his father and that he was of Proserpine. It was said that his mother was Aboriginal. Billy grew up droving cattle; a job to which he attributed his great horsemans
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Looking for a refreshing drink to beat the heat in the Whitsundays? Mika has selected their top cocktail of the week: the irresistible frozen Piña Colada! This delightful treat will transport you straight to the tropics—perfect for those warm, sunny days. Mika customers have been raving about this popular cocktail, enjoying its refreshing vibes on hot summer afternoons. Made with real coconut powder and blended into a smooth, icy beverage, it's the ultimate way to cool down. According to the re
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As summer approaches, we can expect warm weather, humidity, and plenty of time by the pool. To make the most of these sunny days, nothing beats a refreshing cocktail to cool you down and elevate your spirits. This Malibu Bay Breeze recipe is a delicious tropical cocktail that pairs coconut rum, cranberry and pineapple, making sure to give you all the Whitsunday sultry summer holiday feels. Let’s start with some ingredients... Ingredients 2 ounces 100% pineapple juice 1 ½ ounces coconut rum 2 oun
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Tucked away in the stunning Port of Airlie, Zorro’s Café & Bar is a family run business with beautiful ocean views, and it is open seven days a week from 7am – 2pm. Well-equipped for the hospitality industry, Zorro’s Café & Bar owners Terry and Perri Clarke worked in tourism for many years before switching focus to create a vibrant café culture at the bustling marina precinct instead. Zorro’s Café & Bar named after the official meet & greet dog Zorro, has been open since December 2023, and the
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Thursday 31 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Friday 1 November The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Saturday 2 November The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Soul Cutz (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm- 10pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm) Sunday 3 November The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Soul Cutz (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6.30pm –
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October 25 Preloved Market Night, 3 Little Birds Espresso, from 6pm 26 Children’s Week Event, Bowen Soundshell, from 9am 26 Get Cyclone Ready, Airlie Markets, from 9am 26 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am 26 Drizzle Boy, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7pm 27 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am 27 Get Cyclone Ready, Bowen Markets, from 9am 27 Aviation Promotion Day, Whitsunday Aero Club Clubhouse, from 9am 29 Sailing For Those With D
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Get your wands and broomsticks ready for an enchanting evening of magic at the Airlie Beach Foreshore! Head to the Foreshore for a special outdoor screening of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the beloved first installment in the iconic eight-movie series that has captured the hearts of fans around the world. As you immerse yourself in the magical world of Hogwarts, you can also indulge in a variety of delectable treats at the vibrant street food market. With mouthwatering options to
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A few tickets remain for a vibrant French-themed charity event cocktail party, which is due to be held at Whisper Gin Bar later this month. All proceeds will go to raising money for the Arthur Wina Memorial Hospital in Nalolo, Zambia for much needed nursing quarters. Local charity worker volunteer Sandy Clark has worked with thousands of people in Australia and Zambia to raise money to build this hospital for vulnerable birthing mothers. “Our fundraising started way back in 2015 when I visited
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