Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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Just over 35 local business owners started their morning at the June Chamber Connect event held in Cannonvale last week. The main event was the discussion panel on the theme of ‘getting free media for your business’. Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Rachael Smith, Deb Friend of Whitsunday News, Paul O’Connor from Star FM, 4MK and Kix Mackay, and Tegan Philpott formally the Chief of Staff with ABC Tropical North and currently with CQ Rescue, were on the panel. Deb Friend of Whi
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You've probably all heard the fantastic news by now – Airlie Beach has been named Queensland's Top Small Tourist Town for a record-breaking third year in a row at the 2024 Queensland Top Tourist Town Awards. We're so proud of our stunning scenery, our lively town centre, and of course, the amazing experiences we have on offer. Big congrats also to Bowen for taking home the bronze medal in the Top Tourism Town category and Collinsville for reaching the Top Tiny Tourism Town finals. It was
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Before the State of Origin kicks off, The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel hosted a hot dog eating competition, and it was a great success. $700 worth of prizes were given out, as well as free hot dogs for everyone! The Pub hosted both boy and girl heats, then the three fastest girls and the three fastest boys competed against each other, but the boys had a foot long hot dog to make it fair. The eventual winner was one of the guys who narrowly beat 2 girls (who came 2nd and third). For Origin 2, Wed
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The draw of the year is almost here! You have the chance to win a 2024 Toyota Corolla valued at $35,000 as part of the Airlie Beach Hotel $250,000 prize pool. To enter, just spend $25 in The Pub, The Bar, or any ABH Liquor & Tobacco merchants bottle shop. And be at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel’s gaming room Wednesday & Thursday between 3pm & 7pm and Friday & Saturday between 4pm & 8pm with your members card inserted correctly for your chance to win. There are prize draws every 20 minutes inclu
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Originally from Indonesia Virly Trotter has moved around the world and now brings her passion for cooking to Airlie Beach. At Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar, Virly is the newly appointed Pastry Chef and also provides charcuterie and grazing boards for events and functions. Virly believes that her charcuterie boards are fast becoming a feature in many functions at Whisper Restaurant. “I love to use my creativity when I am sculpting flowers and patterns with different elements on the grazing tabl
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Ryan Wilkinson is back in the Venue Manager role at Jubilee Tavern and has been for two months, and he brings a lot of experience. Originally a personal trainer, hospitality was a side job for Ryan, but with promotions coming his way Ryan decided to stick to hospitality which he found he was enjoying more. “I love the people that you meet and work alongside, and also the freedom, the hours are a little bit flexible,” said Ryan. As venue manager, Ryan’s role is primarily people management, r
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The Proserpine Museum’s 28th Annual Book Bonanza returns in two weeks and is expected to be bigger than ever. The bonanza started in 1996 at St Catherine’s Hall as a fundraiser for the new museum, which opened in 2001. Due to the popularity of the event, and the increase in pre-loved books being donated, the venue was upgraded to the museum's foyer and its longevity extended to over a week. The generosity of the local public has led to the availability of a diverse range of books and magazines
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Entries are now open for the Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition. The competition is calling individuals to share their heartfelt stories and express their love for the magnificent state. The state is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities and unique culture, and the competition wants to hear your individual experiences, memories and connections to Queensland, in the form of a love letter. How you construct your love letter is up to you. Whether thro
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The Sea Eagles Juniors braved the pre-dawn chill on Saturday, traveling to Rogers Oval to take on the Eastern Swans and Bakers Creek. Meanwhile, the Seniors hit the road to clean up the Mackay Magpies on their home turf. The Sea Eagles Senior Men celebrated Captain Alex Rodgers' 100th senior game in style with a win over the Mackay Magpies, who sit above them on the ladder. It was a tight contest all day, with the Sea Eagles finishing strong with a 72-53 victory. Fraser Carroll kicked four goals
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Wednesday Social Bowls In an exciting round of Wednesday social bowls, Mary Ellen, Helen/Bev, Gavin, and Wendy defeated Ian, Eddy, Jane, and Steve. In another match, Frank, Gordo, and Daryl defeated Anna, Peter, and Dave. The winners for the afternoon were Marion, Robyn, and Gus, who defeated Britt, Marilyn, and Ray. Weekly Bowls Schedule The Tuesday and Friday afternoon bowls sessions are now underway. Interested players should add their names to the sign-up sheet located outside the clubhouse.
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Many players from Proserpine and the Mackay District are currently at the Gold Coast competing in the Australian Open. Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne have advanced to the second round of the knockout for the Men's Fours. Scott Kinnear has won all his sectional games in the Vision Impaired section and is set to play Jake Fehlberg in the semi-final on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Pat Bownds and Lee King travelled to Marian Bowls Club with Heather to represent the club at Marian's PAH. In social play, Bruc
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Monday Self-Selected Triples Winners: Peter Howie, Greg Colquhoun, and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated Trish Leon, Fox G Feast. Runners-Up: Ron Hyde, Maureen Hyde, and Norm Dawson, who defeated G Cornell, Hary Wills, and Keith Armstrong. The jackpot did not go off. Tuesday Social Bowls Winners: M Bron, Tolcher J Foskett, and Bob Dykstra, defeated John Hayson, Sue Shearing, and Simon Fitzgerald. Runners-Up: Joan Brian and Ron Hyde, defeated Allan, Dianne, and Barry. The jackpot did not go off. Fu
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The Whitsunday Equestrian Group’s 2-Day Showjumping Classic, held on June 8-9 at the Cannonvalley Pony Club, was a resounding success, providing a thrilling weekend for both participants and onlookers. Competitors from Townsville to Mackay gathered to showcase their skills, marking the start of the prestigious Frosty Mango NQ Leaderboard, a North Queensland-wide cumulative placings event. 110CM Frosty Mango Leaderboard Results: 1. Abigail Lee on Hazardous 2. Abigail Lee on Laced Up 3
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Division 2 Men The Division 2 men travelled to Mackay aiming to close the gap to the top-of-the-table Dolphins. Early missed opportunities proved costly, and the Dolphins secured a 5-1 victory. Goalkeeper Ross put in an excellent performance, keeping the scoreline respectable. Division 1 Men The Division 1 men faced a youthful Dolphins team, dominating the first half. Despite missing clear chances and an injury delay, Whitsunday held on for a 2-1 win, maintaining their top position. Chris scored
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Wednesday, 12/6: Single Stableford Competition Ladies: Winner: Marg Need (39 points, on a countback) Runner-up: Tracey Cousemacker (39 points) 3rd Place: Kerry Pedlar (38 points) Men: Winner: Brenden Wells (39 points) Runner-up: John Brown (38 points, on a countback) 3rd Place: Graham Seaborne (38 points) Pin Shots: Brendan Nott, Andrew Need, Graham Seaborne, Neville Isaac, Glenn Bianco, Karo McKenzie, Claire Garrod, Tracey Cousemacker, Viv Clark. Choccy Chip-ins: Claire Garrod, Sue Heisswol
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Perfect golf weather prevailed as 14 players contested the single Stableford competition. Scores continue to improve as the course dries out and run is restored. While the greens may not be as tricky as those at Pinehurst No. 2 (for avid US Open watchers), some players were fortunate enough to make birdies and chip-ins. Upon returning to the Reef Gateway Hotel, it was delightful to see past members and friends Ian Giles, Kym Hill, and Ian Hoy, who joined for post-game drinks and the presentati
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club's membership year begins on 1 July and promises to be an exciting one for new and old members alike, with a variety of events on the calendar, including the Blue Ribbon "Ben Doolin Light Tackle Tournament" on 11 - 13 October. The first competition of the year is the Mackerel and Reef Fish Rally on 13 and 14 July. (Reef Fish have been included due to the new Queensland Mackerel bag and boat limits). All details will be explained at the Briefing and Registration on
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Swimming Australia recently announced the 2023-2024 Junior Excellence (JX) recipients. The Pho3nix JX program recognizes swimmers aged 9-13 years who have achieved gold, silver, bronze, or blue standards based on their best performances, as per the times set by Swimming Australia. Congratulations to the following Cannonvale Cannons who achieved JX awards: Gold: Jax Clayworth Silver: Don Algie, Tora Delac, Thomas Ganter, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, and Zach Trefz
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Venture on a journey through Queensland's musical tapestry with the QLD Music Trails and discover the beauty of a place we like to call…the Sunshine State. Support local talent by attending this musical odyssey of excellence that’s close to both home and the heart. With singer-songwriters, groovy tunes, acoustic folk and a cultural twist to the mix, this line-up of live performances in the Mackay and Whitsundays and surrounding areas will have something for everybody - and is an experience you w
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June 14 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm 14 Umbilical Brothers ‘The Distraction’, at Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 8pm 15 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC from 10am 15 Barra and Boots Music Festival, Lake Proserpine, from 1pm 18 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 20 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm 21 A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, at t
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This is the third year in a row that Airlie Beach has been awarded Gold in the Top Small Tourism Town category, with a population between 1,500 and 5,000. The town will now enter the Hall of Fame and will go into contention for the Best Small Tourist Town in Australia at the national awards held later this year. Over 16,000 people voted in the awards and Queensland’s top holiday destinations were announced from a shortlist of 16 finalists. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins said he
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Hi Everyone, For those of you who follow this column regularly you will know that I have a healthy fear of public speaking – one that I will once again embrace tomorrow as an invited panellist at a Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry Event. I am writing this on Wednesday and, by the time you are reading this, my very public contribution on the subject of ‘Get Free Media for Your Business’ will be complete. For those of you who missed my moment in the spotlight, here is a snapshot of
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Doing good in the community can be as subtle as creating a piece of art which brings a smile to someone’s face and adds a unique flavour to an already beautiful landscape. Head down to Cannonvale Beach when you get a chance and see if you can spot the heart made out of rocks which sits resplendently upon the flat section of the beach and is exposed at low tide. As the water climbs the beach at high tide the rocks are submerged and when it recedes again, they are exposed once more. It appears
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The Queensland Government 2024/2025 State Budget was released on Tuesday afternoon and it features several allocations that target the cost-of-living crisis with measures that will directly affect the back pocket. From discounted car registration to cheaper public transport, this pre-election budget is aimed at creating real change, although several measures are conveniently due to expire just after the State Government election which is due to take place in November this year. A total of $11.
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A drone company dedicated to supplying regional and remote communities with cargo deliveries of up to 55 kilograms is set to trial the devices across the Whitsundays in July and August this year. The long-range Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are able to fly up to four hours without recharging - aiming to link regional areas like never before. The trial has been made possible by a $5.3 million Australian Government grant designated for the exploration of alternative transport systems. RevAero i
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