Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Hi Everyone and welcome to 2025! I am actually writing this on New Year’s Eve but by the time you read this note it will already be 2025. The fireworks will have zipped into the sky casting their glittery glow to the delight of every audience across the world. Millions of champagne corks will have been popped, warm embraces shared and the jubilance of a saying a fond farewell to 2024 will be complete. In fact, by now, the hangovers will likely have subsided, the party poppers cleared away an
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The Whitsundays has been hit hard by major flooding caused by three converging weather systems over the Christmas period, with heavy rainfall causing widespread disruption. Road closures and the shutdown of Proserpine Airport, which cancelled all flights for 24 hours, caused hundreds of people to be stranded and ruined many Christmas travel plans. Motorists also found themselves cut-off as floodwaters inundated the Bruce Highway, the primary route linking Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, and Townsvill
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Jamie Otene continued to honour her family’s wonderful and heartwarming tradition of supporting those in need during the festive season each year through the establishment of her own Christmas appeal. “My family has always donated to giving trees growing up, and I wanted to try and reach more people and make sure the people in our community were looked after,” Jamie explained. Jamie reached out to one of her managers at Red Cat Adventures and proposed the idea of introducing a toy drive based wi
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The Airlie Beach Hotel has unveiled the ultimate paradise for sports lovers with its newly expanded bar officially opening just before Christmas. Hundreds of people flocked to the new expansive venue on opening night, eager to experience the facility known as The Bar. Boasting modern facilities, a long service bar, diverse seating options and stunning views of the bay, it is easy to see how this venue has become the beating heart of the Airlie Beach Esplanade. A brand-new venue and part of the
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A group of concerned residents from Hamilton Avenue and Scarlet Gum Crescent in Cannonvale have expressed outrage over the recent removal of a 1.46-hectare old forest nature strip. The land was allegedly cleared without adequate consultation, leaving residents frustrated and worried about the environmental and social consequences. Actioned prior to the recent rainfall season in December of 2024, some residents are concerned the removal of the trees and vegetation will cause environmental damage,
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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging parents to take extra caution if they have gifted e-scooters this Christmas, as the number of lives lost involving these devices has more than doubled in the last year. As of 18 December 2024, eight lives have been lost on Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, compared to two lives lost in 2023. The growing use of PMDs, especially in regional areas like the Whitsundays where they are relied on as a mode of transport,
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In recent weeks, local Facebook pages have become an increasingly popular tool for reporting crimes, sharing information, and seeking assistance from the Whitsunday community. Platforms like Whitsunday Noticeboard and Whitsundays Chat are being used by residents not only to expose criminal activity but also to encourage people with information to come forward, helping to enhance community safety and aid investigations. One notable example involved a reckless driver on Beach Road, Cannonvale. A
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In today's digital world, online security is more important than ever. We all love the convenience of online banking, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect ourselves. Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is committed to keeping your money and information safe. We are focused on helping you bank online safely and have 24/7 fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication, secure pay online and payee check in place. But there are also things you can
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Schools, businesses, organisations and community groups across the Whitsundays will soon begin gearing up for Clean Up Australia Day, with many calling for locals to get involved in the fantastic initiative. Scheduled for Sunday the 2nd of March, this year will mark the 35th anniversary of the vital environmental event, which has been making a positive impact on Australia’s environment, one piece of litter at a time. What began 35 years ago as a simple idea from Ian Kiernan who wanted to clean u
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The Bowen Community Centre excitedly announced the successful completion of this year’s Adopt a Family program, a heartwarming initiative that brought much-needed joy and relief to 25 deserving families across the Whitsunday community. Through the collective efforts of local organisations, businesses, and individuals, this program has once again proven the power of community spirit and generosity. This year’s program saw families nominated by a number of local community services, including Cooin
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74 Bowen district households received “Christmas Cheer” support through the Salvation Army this Christmas. The support included a gift card, toys, Christmas and non-perishable foods, household items and fresh produce said Gwen Marshall, Community & Ministry Manager – Salvation Army. Many in the community are struggling with homelessness and the cost of living, are living in tents, couch surfing or have medical/mental health needs for themselves and their families. The number of household’s recei
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We are excited to announce that planning is well underway for the 2025 Whitsundays East Coast Roadshow. Running from 16–20 February 2025, the Roadshow will visit Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with updates from Tourism Australia and Tourism & Events Queensland along the way. Trade engagement activities like these are crucial for ensuring The Whitsundays remains top of mind for travel agents both in Australia and overseas. By maintaining strong connections and promoting the region’s unique offer
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For an end-of-year Christmas celebration to remember, the Tourism Whitsundays team ventured out on Whitsunday Crocodile Safari for a day that turned into a truly memorable adventure. Though the weather brought some rain and an impressive display of lightning, it only added to the thrill of the day. Cruising the calm waters of the Proserpine River, we eagerly kept our eyes peeled to sight one of the many Estuarine crocodiles who have established themselves here. Our expert guide shared captivati
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Visitors have been flocking to our region in the past week to enjoy their holidays over Christmas and New Year. At the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango, the team has been very busy, welcoming more than 1000 visitors in the three days immediately after Christmas. The Centre was closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. When it re-opened on Friday, more than 400 people called in on one day. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said most visitors were from
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With wet season well and truly upon us, this month’s Ask An Expert article with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks: How can I look after my business during storm season? Chamber members Kapow Interactive and Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and Whitsundays respond. To effectively assist our customers in preparing for seasonal weather events and potential disasters, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and Whitsundays offer expert advice and a wide range of essential products. From storm prepar
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(An extract from “Proserpine Guardian” Thursday 31 December 1953) Christmas 1953 can be regarded as one of the brightest and happiest ever held. This was not unexpected because of the splendid season the district has enjoyed. Money was plentiful as a result, and everyone set about having a good time. The extent of the season can be gauged from the fact that the mill expects to crush 385,000 tons of sugar cane - the previous best was about 257,000 tons in 1950. Despite the excessive heat, Proserp
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One of the most difficult parts of a healthy lifestyle is maintaining it. Here are 5 top tips on how to make sure you stay on track this new year: 1. Prep fruits and veggies in advance Cut up fruits and vegetables ahead of time, store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and keep them covered with a damp towel. This can save time and make healthy eating easier. 2. Meal prep snacks Plan your snacks to avoid mindless eating and overeating. Prepare 3-5 days’ worth of healthy, easy-
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As we step into 2025, there's no better time to embrace healthier eating habits. With the holiday season behind us, now is the perfect time to swap those tempting Christmas treats for nourishing snacks that support your health goals and help prevent weight gain. Here are 5 delicious and nutritious snack alternatives to keep you on track: 1. Seasonal Fruits: Think mangoes, peaches and lychees. These nutritious fruits will help satisfy your sugar cravings. 2. Homemade Fruit Ice Blocks:
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What better way to kick off the New Year than with a bright, refreshing salad that’s bursting with sunshine and nutrients? This vibrant dish not only looks like a celebration on a plate but also offers a healthy, energizing start to 2025, helping you feel your best as you begin the year with a focus on wellness and fresh flavors. Ingredients • 1 head purple cabbage • 3 carrots • handful of cherry tomatoes • 1 cup mixed herbs. EG: cilantro, parsley, basil, and mint • 1/2 cup s
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Start your New Year off on the right foot with a nourishing smoothie that's packed with essential nutrients. This wholesome blend is the perfect way to kickstart your day, giving you the energy and vitality you need to power through your morning and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Whether you're rushing out the door or taking a moment to savour your breakfast, this smoothie will fuel you for a productive and vibrant day and year ahead. Healthy Brain Smoothie Ingredients What you will nee
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Can you hear that? The siren call of the 1980s is beckoning, and it's louder than ever! The Rewind 80’s Band, Australia’s most wanted 80’s show, is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two afternoons of unforgettable nostalgia, killer tunes, lively entertainment and epic fun. What’s better than big hair, neon spandex, and pumping 80’s hits? How about a live show packed with the greatest tracks from the decade that staged Madonna, Bowie, and all the iconic tunes that were played on repeat and int
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Friday 3 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Rock Anthems (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Lucy Rose (4pm–8pm) Saturday 4 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: The AC/DC Show (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dj Night (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 5 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Boys of Summer (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub
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Prepare for an unforgettable evening of electrifying music as Jack Jones, the two-time Platinum, eight-time Gold, and APRA award-winning singer and songwriter, takes the stage at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Saturday 25th January! Known for his role as lead singer and guitarist of the 90s rock band Southern Sons, Jack Jones has captivated audiences across the globe with his powerful vocals and exceptional guitar skills. Born in New York City and raised in Sydney, Jack Jones started sho
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If you want to add joy to your family, look no further than Gizmo, a sweet and affectionate 6–8-month-old kitten searching for his forever home. Gizmo is the perfect blend of playful and laid-back. He’s a champion napper, loves to curl up in cosy spots for long, peaceful snoozes. But when it’s time to play, he’s full of energy and enjoys every moment of it. His gentle nature makes him an ideal companion for families, individuals, or even homes with other pets. This sweet kitten has an endearing
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January 5 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 12 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 19 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 24 Citizenship Ceremony, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:30am 26 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 26 Australia Day Our Whitsunday Way, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 4pm February 2 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 9 Bowen Commu
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