Issue #

24

Gig guide 13 December

December 11, 2024

Friday 13 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Scotty Wilson (4pm–8pm) Saturday 14 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 15 December The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris

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What’s On 13 December

December 11, 2024

December 13 FREE Adult Christmas Craft Workshop, Cannonvale Library, from 10am 13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm 14 Book Launch, Beach Book Boutique, Airlie Beach, from 11am 14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm 15 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm 18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from

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Cannonvale Cannons Celebrate a Stellar End to 2024 Club Night Season

December 11, 2024

The Cannonvale Cannons wrapped up their 2024 club night season with a series of remarkable achievements and festive fun, cementing a fantastic year for the team. The season concluded with several notable upgrades, including Liam Filewood and Zane Clayworth advancing to the 100m Butterfly, Miller Eaves to the 200m Freestyle, Lucas Korosec to the 200m Individual Medley, Alex Trefz to the 100m Breaststroke, Eloise Chegwidden and Tyler Bennet to the 200M Backstroke. These accomplishments reflect the

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Summer Rolls In with Festive Bowls and Friendly Competition

December 11, 2024

As summer settles in and Christmas approaches, members of the Airlie Beach Bowls Club are embracing the festive spirit while keeping up with their love of the game. Despite a few interruptions, the week was filled with camaraderie, competition, and some impressive performances. The Ladies’ bowls session on Tuesday took a break, but for good reason — the Ladies Christmas Luncheon at the Jubilee Tavern. While the games were on pause, the gathering was a highlight for the week, and many would have

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Christmas Cheer And Green Maintenance At The Proserpine Bowls Club

December 11, 2024

Wet weather halted last Wednesday’s bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club, but the rain hasn’t dampened spirits or stopped preparations for a busy festive season. On Friday and Saturday, members Andrew, Dave, and Mike dedicated their time to dethatching, scarifying, and maintaining the green, ensuring it’s in top condition to make the most of the anticipated rainfall. The club also played host to two lively Christmas parties over the weekend. On Saturday 7 December, the Council Sewerage and Water Dep

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Proserpine Veterans Golf’s December Competition Wrap-up

December 11, 2024

A strong turnout of 32 players gathered for the final competition of 2024, with some competing for the prestigious Men of the Month (MOM) 2024 title. The results, along with the Monthly Medal (MM) for December, will be announced at the presentation lunch next Tuesday at the Midge Point Tavern. This competition also served as the qualifier for the MOM for 2025. The scores were tight throughout, making for an exciting finish, and congratulations go to all the winners. This marked the final compet

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Wangaratta Bowls

December 11, 2024

The year is winding down, but it’s been a busy and rewarding time for members of the local bowls club. Tuesday’s social bowls winners were Lindy Suann, Sue Shearing, and Robyn Stitt, who defeated Gavin Charles and Margaret Wilson in a well-fought match. While the jackpot didn’t go off, players will have one final chance to claim the prize on Tuesday, December 10. If unclaimed, the tidy sum will carry over to next year. Behind the scenes, members have been hard at work harvesting and freezing man

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Carols And Cheer Mark The Start Of Beachside Holiday Festivities

December 5, 2024

The Whitsunday Carols on the Beach event attracted a vibrant crowd of over 1,000 attendees this year, with clear skies adding to the festive atmosphere. Event highlights included dazzling roving angels on stilts, playful hula-hooping elves, and the long-awaited return of local kindergarten children performing for the first time in years—a heartfelt moment that quickly became a crowd favourite. There was also a wide variety of food stalls, offering a mouthwatering selection from waffles to wood-f

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Man Tragically Dies In Cane Truck Crash

December 5, 2024

A 52-year-old Cannonvale man has died following a fatal traffic crash in Andromache, Whitsunday, on November 29. Preliminary investigations suggest that a cane truck was travelling along Gunyarra Road around 1pm when it left the road and rolled over. The driver, the truck's sole occupant, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased man, a resident of Cannonvale, has not been released. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. The Forensic Crash Unit is

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Editor's Note

December 5, 2024

Hi Everyone, It’s hard to believe that by the time you are all reading this I will have shared the stage with the Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli at the official launch event for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper. I am writing this in bed on Wednesday morning before I join my work colleague Trish on the four drive to Ingham where the event will be held this evening. I’ve met David a few times now, in fact earlier this year he presented us with the award for Best Free Newspaper in Queensland

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Fitness Students Show Community Spirit

December 5, 2024

Bowen State School’s Year 11 Certificate III Fitness class has been spotlighted and congratulated for their outstanding efforts and commitment to organising a wonderful fundraising event which combined both fitness and community spirit. The students took part in the push-up challenge whereby they each performed as many push-ups as possible in succession to a timed cadence. With unwavering strength and determination, the students received waves of support from local businesses, leading them to

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Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade Welcomes Andrew Willcox

December 5, 2024

On Sunday 1 December, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, visited the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade to share his appreciation for their invaluable service to the community, and showcase the positive impact of the Federal Government Grants program. “It was good to catch up with our local federal member, Andrew Willcox who popped out for a chat to our members and to thank them for their service to our community,” shared the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade. Through the 2023/24 Volunteer G

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Stolen Dog Suspected Of Being In Airlie Beach

December 5, 2024

Gallagher Harbisher Thomson’s beloved blue heeler puppy, Dinghy, has been missing since Sunday, November 10, and is feared to have been stolen from his owner’s fishing boat in Port Douglas in the dead of night while Gallagher was in the hospital. The 12-week-old pup has been a source of great companionship for Gallagher, and his disappearance has left his owner deeply distressed and anxious about his safety. Just days before Dinghy went missing, Gallagher and his father had an interaction with

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Bowen State High School Celebrates Industry Awards Ceremony

December 5, 2024

In November, Bowen State High School celebrated the end of the school year with their Industry Awards Ceremony. This ceremony showcases their students' commitment and passion towards Vocational Education and acknowledges the strong association their school has with local industry and employers. This year Bowen State High School’s Guest Speaker was Kurt Gaudry, an Electrical Maintainer from Aurizon and a previous student of Bowen State High School. Kurt shared his journey through his career and

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Talking Trash Big Recycling Lessons from Little Experts!

December 5, 2024

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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Australia Day Whitsunday Regional Council

December 5, 2024

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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More Whitsunday Walking Trails?

December 5, 2024

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 Bank Welcomes New Board Member

December 5, 2024

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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Chamber Launches Employee Relations And Advocacy Service

December 5, 2024

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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Did You Know?

December 5, 2024

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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“M and M” - Two of Proserpine’s wonderful midwives (“Middys”) from the past.

December 5, 2024

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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A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

December 5, 2024

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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Women Vs Women Do We Challenge Or Champion?

December 5, 2024

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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Your Local Newsagent News Whitsunday

December 5, 2024

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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Christmas Event Guide

December 5, 2024

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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