Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Two local boys, who requested to stay anonymous decided to take action and replace the old, damaged basketball nets at the Cannonvale basketball court, which were becoming unusable. The old basketball nets were damaged and in need of replacing, and being a much-loved asset for the community, with some locals even using the courts daily. The new nets that the boys bought and installed costed around $100 each but are invaluable to the community. “Playing Basketball without a net is like playing s
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The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church had an amazing four day opening event spanning Thursday 10 October – Sunday 13 October. On Thursday the Church opened with a Civic Service, followed by a Dedication Service on Friday night. On Saturday morning there was a community day with a barbecue and lots of mingling, and Sunday concluded the four-day opening with the usual Sunday service. Reverand Suzy Sitton enjoyed the four-day opening but says the best part of it was seeing people feel the pres
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The inaugural Whitsunday Jobs Fair was held at Proserpine State High School on Monday and was a huge success with around 80 people attending to connect with potential employers. Organiser Scott McPherson from IDEAL Placements said the event is all about finding the right person for the right business. He understands that businesses find it hard to find employees but the Whitsunday Jobs Fair was a great opportunity for people to meet employers face to face and get employed on the day. “If we c
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The LNP will deliver a significant upgrade to the clubhouse at the Airlie Beach Bowls club if they win government this month. The LNP candidate for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, said the $100,000 investment would help the club to install solar panels to help with power bills, and include improvements to the clubhouse ceiling to keep the well-used community facility looking its best. “It is great to be able to support Airlie Beach Bowls Club, a community organisation that relies on the hard work of
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It has been a busy three months at Bowen’s Big Mango with visitor numbers exceeding last year. In the first quarter of this financial year, a total of 19,555 people were welcomed at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango – representing an 8.3% increase on the same period last year. Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery said these numbers were particularly impressive as last year was a record for Bowen Tourism and Business. “Despite concerns about the cost of
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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) is pleased to announce the securing of funds through the Regional Economics Future Fund for the Bowen Food Futures Precinct. The $2.1 million project is one of three announced for the Greater Whitsunday region focused on economic development, jobs and a renewable future. The Bowen Food Futures Precinct project will be delivered in two stages, beginning with a detailed business case and feasibility study, which will then inform the construction of a pilot
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By Paul Gellatly While modern-day policing is no longer about feet on the beat or the constant presence of patrol cars, there are still ways to enhance the effectiveness of the thin blue line, a senior Bowen police officer says. Sergeant Craig Shepherd told Bowen Chamber of Commerce's October meeting that while there was community angst about the perception of out-of-control crime in the regional town, he said the good news was that "we are ahead of other centres", with the bulk of their work
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At last week’s Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry event held at Whitsunday Green in Cannonvale, two major topics took centre stage. The Chamber launched its State Election Statement, urging immediate government action on key issues such as infrastructure, insurance, and influence. In conjunction with Queensland Mental Health Week, the event also featured a session on ‘Mental Health Check-Up for Your Business’. Guest speakers Kristy Wilson from the Queensland Government Small Business
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Whitsunday Regional Council is offering free training for construction professionals to help protect our marine environments! Learn about Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) through workshops on October 15-16 and a course on October 21, 2024, at the Reef Gateway. These sessions will teach you how to reduce pollutant, sediment, and nutrient run-off that can harm seagrass, coral growth, and marine life. Interested in joining? Contact Council to register your
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Last week, Councillors, CEO Warren Bunker and I had the pleasure of welcoming a group of curious and bright Grade 5 students from St Catherine’s Catholic College to the Proserpine Council Chambers, where they were keen to learn how local government works. The group were this term studying democracy and it's exciting to see young minds so engaged in learning about decision-making, and the role of Council in shaping the future of the Whitsundays. Their visit wasn't just about answering their q
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Questions posed for each candidate to answer: 1: What key policies or ideals does the political party you're running for have that you resonate most with, what are the reasons you align with them? 2: What is your main election promise and how are you going to ensure it actually happens if you are elected? 3: What policy/promise do you like from a competing party and how would you like to see it play out if elected? 4: What do you think about negative campaigning - do you think there is a pla
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For over seven years, A 2 Z Refrigeration & Air Conditioning has provided high-quality air conditioning and refrigeration services in the Whitsundays. Known for their expert workmanship and competitive pricing, the company has a strong presence in the commercial sector and is now expanding to better serve domestic customers. The owner Leo Lee, who moved to the area in 2011, has built a reputation for delivering excellent service. “We offer top-quality workmanship, clear and easy communicatio
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Since July 2021, 52 tourism businesses have engaged with the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project (WHHP) and in the process of measuring their carbon footprints, gained a deeper understanding of the contribution that waste has on their overall carbon emissions (CO2-e). The Whitsunday tourism sector has expressed an interest in discovering more about waste management, innovative waste solutions, recycling and in-region waste reduction activities. To address this desire to learn more about how our r
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Founded in 2001 as a division of PRD Whitsunday, Accom Whitsunday offers a diverse selection of holiday homes in Airlie Beach, nearby rural and coastal townships, and Hamilton Island. They take pride in delivering personalised service and exceptional accommodation that provide all the comforts of home. Accom Whitsundays offers a full-service management option for owners including, letting, website representation, advertisement, cleaning, maintenance and guest management. Liv Compton, has been
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Chloe Bauer, Managing Director of Birds Fish Bar, is proud to be the third generation in her family to work in the fishing industry, having begun her career at Bowen’s Fisherman’s Seafood Company in 2011. In 2013, Chloe and her father, Brett Bauer, expanded to launch Birds fish bar, fostering the already strong bond with the local fishing community and honouring their family’s legacy. “The fact that we are still family-owned and operated adds a personal touch, with over 45 years’ experience it r
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Recently celebrating its 31st birthday, one of Australia’s most loved holiday parks, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, is nominated in two categories at this years’ Whitsunday Tourism Awards. With nominations in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category and Excellence in Accessible Tourism category, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has won gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category for the past two years on a Whitsundays, Queensland and Australian level, meaning there is potential for the much-
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Bowen, a hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays, features eight secluded beaches, stunning lookouts, scenic bushwalks, 27 murals, Queensland's oldest cinema, delicious seafood, and a beautiful oceanfront golf course—all enhanced by warm country hospitality. It is one of very few places where you can snorkel directly off the beach. The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is located next to the iconic Big Mango on the Bruce Highway, just 5km south of Bowen. It is operated by Bowen Tourism and Busin
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Coral Sea Resort provides elegant accommodations with stunning views of the Coral Sea and convenient access to Coral Sea Marina, where guests can easily partake in a variety of water-based tourism activities. Coral Sea Resort offers 77 rooms in 14 distinct styles, including luxurious penthouses, to accommodate a variety of guests. Additionally, the resort has made a $20 million investment in upgrades to enhance the overall guest experience. Ricky Chang, has been front office manager at Coral Se
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Grand View Hotel is based in an outstanding location, close to Bowen’s front beach and iconic jetty. The Hotel also brings you a taste of the Whitsundays with their menu being a step above the average pub meal and showcasing the local produce that the region has to offer. The Grand View Hotel fosters an aesthetic costal meets country vibe, which makes the place beautifully inviting to all its guests. One of the key figures behind the magic of The Grand View Hotel is Venue Manager Emma Heiniger
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The Whitsundays Tourism Awards have been running since 2002 and have evolved over the years becoming a highly sought-after award, some winners from 2002 are still winning gold today. This year the Whitsundays Tourism Awards are on Daydream Island, and Tourism Whitsunday Interim Chief Executive Officer Aimee Cameron said it's amazing to see the island reach new heights and showcase the region’s beauty. “Hosting our awards here highlights the exceptional Daydream Island and allows us to honour t
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Whitsunday Jetski Tours has been in operation for 14 years at Coral Sea Marina and has a fantastic crew of 15 with a 50/50 mix of men and women guides. Experience the thrill with Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours! Ride the latest jet skis and wear top-quality gear, all included in your package. Stylish sunglasses and professional photos of your adventure are also covered, when they say everything is included – it is! Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours prioritise safety and sustainability by using the latest equipm
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Paul and Francine Tuddenham have been successfully managing Peninsula Airlie Beach since acquiring the management rights on July 1, 2021. Over the past three years, they have dedicated themselves to enhancing the guest experience and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. What sets the Peninsula Airlie Beach apart from the rest is its customer service: “Our customer service is paramount to us,” Paul explained. “We go the extra mile to make our guests feel welcome. They are given a hamper for
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Marketing Specialist for Red Cat Adventures, Kelvin Ho, joined the team in February 2020, on a sponsorship, and is incredibly grateful for their support which led to his permanent residency approval in May 2024. Kelvin explains what truly sets Red Cat Adventures apart from the rest is their unique culture: “I work with incredible people every day,” Kelvin stated. “The marine tourism industry allows me to learn from the ocean and boating community.” “Our custom-designed vessels reflect Asher'
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Overseeing two nominated Whitsunday Regional Council owned assets – Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal – Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Business, says he is thrilled the two impressive local services are up for an award again this year. The 73-year-old Whitsunday Coast Airport goes beyond typical airport services, with a dedicated customer service officer available for each arriving flight to assist passengers and answer questions. The airport features the impressi
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Last Tuesday 8 October Bowen State High School debating team students competed in their last debate competition of the year against Proserpine SHS and St. Catherine’s Catholic College. Two Junior teams and two Senior teams debated on topics such as ‘Parents should monitor their child’s social media’, and ‘Justice is more important than peace’. Both Senior teams reached the semi-finals while one of the Junior teams made it to the finals. After a tough final debate, that junior team came away w
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