Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At last week's monthly Ordinary Council Meeting in Bowen, the Council deferred a decision on flying fox deterrent activities to a future meeting this calendar year pending further information on the Roost Management Plan and the Flying Fox Management Strategy both currently being developed. Council wants to balance the need to protect flying foxes as a threatened species while reducing their impact on residents so we can all live together in our Whitsundays. Council’s 2017 Flying Fox Management
Read more
As part of Australia Post’s Bank@Post service, Bendigo Bank customers can do basic bank transactions at the Proserpine Licensed Post Office. Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine customers can deposit cash or cheques, withdraw money, and check account balances at all Australia Post outlets. Bendigo Bank customers who are pensioners, and select concession card holders, can make no-fee withdrawals using the Bank@Post service at any Post Office Australia-wide. All other Bendigo Bank custom
Read more
Mayor Ry Collins' first Charity Ball raised over $60,000 for BMA CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, making it a great success! The event, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, combined glamour and entertainment with a strong sense of community support. A big thank you to our Event Partners and Platinum Sponsors, Hillery Group, Abbot Point Operations, and Airlie Beach Hotel, for helping to make the night possible. To see the full list of sponsors, visit https://bit.ly
Read more
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has unveiled a community-led concept design for a new jetty that will help transform the Bowen coastline. The release of the final Bowen Jetty concept design comes as the Queensland Government has provided funding approval for the $68 million project. The project is made possible thanks to a $50 million commitment from the Queensland Government and a $18 million contribution from the government owned port authority North Queensland Bulk Ports Co
Read more
1: My name is Andrew Elborne, age 59, born in Brisbane. I attended a catholic school until grade 10 left to pursue a trade as an electrician. I have worked in construction and believe there is major room for improvement in the power generation base load field area. I have been a proud foster parents to 63 children over the years, I have also been part of peer support programs and men’s mental health groups. 2: Today’s education system does not cater to youth wanting to do trades and not univers
Read more
1: I am an authentic person who has a demonstrated platform of putting people over politics, I come with 17 years’ experience in local government - the last 12 as Mayor of the Isaac Regional Council. I am capable, confident, and committed to the electorate of Burdekin. 2: Equitable Government funding to the regions/electorates is a major concern for me, it was when I was the Mayor of Isaac, which I made progress on however there is more to do, and it remains a priority of mine. The model of d
Read more
1: Prior to becoming the Member for Burdekin, I spent more than 25 years as a Police Officer in regional Queensland as well as serving as a Local Government Councillor and running my own business. That means I bring wide ranging experience and knowledge to this role. My track record in advocating on behalf of rural and regional Queensland and the Burdekin Electorate speaks for itself and my ability to deliver results is evidence of my passion for representing our community. 2: The Burdekin El
Read more
1: The last four years has been a privilege to serve as the Member for Whitsunday; I’m asking for the community to give me the opportunity to continue to serve them. I have worked hard and believe I have stood up on the issues that matter to our community. 2: Our road projects – we need Hamilton Plains to commence – its ready to go, and congestion on Mackay Bucasia Road - we just need a government who is committed to regional Queensland to ensure our region gets its fair share instead of st
Read more
1: As a health professional, now working as an Emergency Physician, I have seen firsthand how the community’s health and wellbeing thrives when Governments invest in healthcare and health infrastructure. As a local dad of five kids aged between 10-21, cost of living relief is vital to our family. I want to continue on Labor’s commitment to doing what matters to Whitsunday families by providing free Kindy, free TAFE as well as $1000 energy rebate, and 20% off car rego. 2: My health background
Read more
1: Previously the people’s Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, I am a mother and a grandmother with a passion for representing my community to ensure the world we are creating for our children is one worth living in. I didn’t go into politics to become a career politician, I did it to give my community a real voice. I have the guts to say what most people are thinking, and I can have a much stronger voice in State Government. 2: I can’t pick one issue, there are so many that are affecting
Read more
Questions posed for each candidate to answer: 1: Who are you and what do you think qualifies you for the role? 2: If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it? 3: There are many diverse communities within your electorate, how would you ensure each was served fairly? 4: What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them? 5: Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful
Read more
Gilmour Space has successfully completed a major wet dress rehearsal at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, marking a key milestone towards the launch of the country's first Australian-made orbital rocket later this year. During the test, the Eris rocket was safely loaded with propellant and all launch procedures were executed up to T-10 seconds before lift-off. The full rehearsal confirmed the performance of critical systems and only minor issues were identified. These issues i
Read more
This month’s Member Spotlight from Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry showcases our diverse businesses community. After 22 years in the finance industry, Fiona Erquiaga established Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting in 2020. As a finance and mortgage broker, she assists clients to achieve their goals by offering strategic, tailored and competitive options for first and new homes, investments, business and equipment purchases, and self-managed super funds. Having worked with the big ba
Read more%20(1).JPG)
It was a positive step forward for our region when Councillors unanimously voted to establish an Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) at last week’s monthly Council meeting in Bowen. As a first term Mayor I am committed to building a prosperous future for our region and the new Advisory Group will bring together Council, community leaders, and business representatives to ensure our economic plans are aligned with the needs and opportunities of the Whitsundays. The EDAG will act as a fo
Read more
Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed a fresh face with creative energy to its team. New Marketing Coordinator, Emma Bailes brings a passion for brand building and says she will be acting as both the brand guardian and the creative go-to for the organisation. In this role, Emma will be focused on creating campaigns that highlight the natural beauty and unforgettable experiences that make the Whitsundays such a unique destination. Emma is looking forward to collaborating with local businesses and c
Read more
Returning for the fourth time to Airlie Beach is Louie Lee Feltrin, a legendary performer who is bringing us the high energy Robbie Williams Experience. Louie has been performing as Robbie Williams for almost 20 years and still loves it. He loves getting up on stage and giving people what they want from an authentic Robbie Williams tribute show. “We don't take it too seriously; we tend to make it a lot of fun,” said Louie. “We know it's all pretend, so we enjoy that aspect of it, and we give
Read more
Friday 4 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah *special event* (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Rene Le Feuvre (from 8pm) Saturday 5 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah(2pm– 5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm) Sunday 6 October The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel:
Read more
The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church invites the community to join in celebrating its Grand Opening, set to take place from October 10-13, 2024. The four-day event will feature a series of special services and community activities. The Grand Opening festivities will kick off on Thursday, October 10, with a Civic Celebration Service at 7:00pm. This service will include the participation of dignitaries, builders, consultants, and architects who played a significant role in the construction o
Read more
The Whitsundays Arts Festival is thrilled to reveal the final addition to this year's Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. Airlie Beach will be graced with the presence of Mark Sholtez, the first Australian artist to be signed to Verve Records in New York. Joining him is 7 time ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews, Queensland Music Award winner Jude York and America’s Got Talent and The Voice Australia’s sensation Johnny Manuel who were announced last month. Mark will take part in the Whitsundays Son
Read more
October 5 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am 5 Adopt-A-Dog-Day, Pets Domain Bowen, from 10am 5 Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm 10 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm 10-13 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grand Opening 10-15 The Songwriters Festival 11 Junior Cricket Come & Try Afternoon, Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds from 4pm 11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros & Sister Act, Airlie Beach Fores
Read more.jpg)
Young anglers get ready for Kids Fishing Day at Lake Proserpine, which is back for its second year. Promised to be a perfect opportunity for kids to learn fishing tips and tricks, participants can enjoy exciting workshops and try their hand at the Barra Cash Dash. Last year 250 youngsters turned up to the day, and they expect numbers to be even higher this year with 42 pre-bookings already made by families in the community. The day starts at 9am, and the organisers have 20 fishing rod sets to g
Read more
Get ready to cast your line and reel in the prize of a lifetime with the Barra Cash Dash! The all-new community event is set to be fin-tastic. The initiative is to help drive more tourism to the region, as well as get budding anglers off the couch and onto the lure. Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Business at the Whitsunday Regional Council, shared exciting news about the fishing competition. Participants have the chance to win incredible cash prizes, including a staggering $20,000 for cat
Read more
Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) is calling for nominations for the committee. The committee of Bowen Tourism and Business sets the strategic direction of the organisation with the operational matters being carried out by a small team of staff. The organisation currently has 18 active volunteers. The current chair of BTB is Jenn Honnery, who is encouraging members to join the committee to help set the future strategic direction of the organisation. “A strong committee always has a diverse ra
Read more
At Coral Sea Pavilion, the seafood platter is more than a meal – it’s an experience that celebrates the freshest local bounty from Australia’s pristine waters, all while enjoying extraordinary views of the Coral Sea. The seafood platter is carefully curated and features a selection of seafood delicacies that highlight the region’s rich marine offerings. Start with the famous Coffin Bay oysters, known for their briny sweetness, paired perfectly with a tangy shallot vinegar and a squeeze of fres
Read more
Feeling hungry at lunch and looking for a healthy and locally sourced poke bowl? Lokahi at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre has you covered! Inspired to explore healthy alternatives beyond traditional salads and vegetables, owner Erina Miyake discovered the vibrant world of poke bowls. Originally from Hawaii, poke bowls blend Asian and Western flavours, offering a delicious and nutritious alternative. Erina is excited to share this culinary gem with the Whitsunday community, hoping locals will
Read more