Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Hi Everyone, One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting people who are so passionate about their mission in life that their energy is inspiring to be around. Their story is so engaging and meaningful that you can’t help but feel passionate right there alongside them. This happened to me earlier this week when I met Robbie Congoo, a proud Indigenous man who has just released an animated short film about local cultural history. I remember coming to Australia as a backpacker 20 years ago
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Upon hearing of the devastating effects of the flooding in North Queensland, following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, local business owners Jen and Beth Walters of Cartridge Universe Whitsunday, decided to rally the community together to provide necessary supplies to small communities. “We became aware of the state of Rossville and surrounds when our friend, Dave Charlton, put the call out for any donations to travel up with him on 22nd December 2023,” Beth explained. In December, Jen and Beth w
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An Independent Inquiry has been launched to investigate the fatal helicopter crash of an Australian Defence Force helicopter, which killed four Defence personnel. The ADF helicopter, the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter was undertaking training exercises in the Whitsundays as part as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, when it experienced catastrophic failure and crashed into waters near Lindeman Island, in July 2023. The four Defence personnel onboard, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warra
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Early voting officially opens on Monday March 4, for voters wishing to escape the hectic polling booths on Saturday March 16. Here are the locations to vote early in the region: Cannonvale Shop 15 of Whitsunday Shopping Centre Proserpine Proserpine Whitsunday Freemason Lodge Collinsville Collinsville Community Centre Bowen Bowen PCYC All sites are open Monday March 4 to Friday March 15 (excluding weekends) from 9am to 5pm
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The upcoming Country Fest Queensland, a North Queensland country music festival due to be held in Bloomsbury later this month announced this week that headlining act, John Fogerty will no longer be playing at the festival. Event organisers released a statement saying John Fogerty will “no longer be attending Country Fest QLD.” “We are working hard on a revised line up and will have more information coming soon,” the official statement on the events Facebook explained. However, the Credence Cle
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A joint venture between Proserpine State High School and Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care (WFDC) has seen the creation of a new ‘The Whitsundays: Our Home, Your Adventures’ novel. The idea came from the team of WFDC, as a way to celebrate the region, the community’s identity, and incorporate iconic landmarks in a children’s book. “Our goal was to capture the unique charm of the region and involve the children in the process,” explained Amanda Brett, Coordinator with Whitsunday Shire Family Day
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The Whitsunday Foodbank in Proserpine is welcoming a grant from the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund. The generous grant of $4,500 has already been allocated for the purchase of a new freezer for the not-for-profit venture, to allow community members to access frozen grocery items. Chairman of the Board for Whitsunday Foodbank, Jeff Boyle, welcomes the gift. “Our previous freezer has just died, and being able to replace it so quickly is great,” he explained. “Our previous freezer was a class
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Since she was three years old, Roze has passionately pursued her dream of becoming a fashion model and she finally realised this dream when she appeared on a billboard during New York Fashion Week recently. Answering a callout by former locals Belle Le Chic, Roze’s mum Katrina put Roze forward as a model to showcase Belle Le Chic’s new collection, the Goddess Collection. In the two-day shoot, Roze was sure that photographer, Alexis Turner, knew her good side, and posed perfectly, the hope of
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Whitsunday Regional Council has set a new precedent, overruling Botanica Estate’s governing body and body corporation recommendation, by approving an owner’s application for their property to be a short term accommodation listing. Botanica Estate is a gated, residential community, with 48 residential lots. Managed by Whitsunday Body Corp Management and the Botanica Body Corporate Committee (BCC), the committee opposed the application, on the grounds of personal safety, residential amenity and
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Three Proserpine youth have spoken their heart out, at the annual Proserpine Lions Youth of the Year competition. The Lions Youth of the Year was created to enable and encourage student to take an interest in leadership, providing the opportunity to take an active and constructive role in their community. The Youth of the Year Final includes one prepared speech, on the topic of their choosing, and two impromptu speeches. The three youth at the Proserpine Youth of the Year embody community spi
Read moreQuestions Of The Week: 1. Who do you think is your biggest competitor? What do you admire about them and what qualities do you have that will ultimately make you better for the role? 2. If you could throw your support behind a particular local community organisation what would it be and how would you support them? 3. What’s your vision of the Whitsundays in 10 years? Tell us about the infrastructure, services and facilities you think are most important to the region and paint a picture o
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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association led initiative ‘New Realities in Agriculture and Aquaculture Project’ has successfully concluded, revolutionising youth engagement in agriculture and aquaculture by offering an immersive virtual reality experience. The project allowed participants a window in careers in agriculture and aquaculture, utilising virtual reality, with the selected young people reporting newfound enthusiasm and appreciation for the diverse career opportunities in the industry. "This i
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The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Whitsunday Regional Council are inviting business to a Business Capability Development session aimed at supporting local businesses and industry in positioning for work throughout major project and business supply chains. This session will include delivery of a Capability Statement Workshop and Tendering: Top Ten Tips presentation. WHAT: Business Capability Development Sessions WHERE: Whitsunday Regional Cou
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The Rotary Club of Bowen has officially celebrated 71 years of establishment, alongside the 119th anniversary of Rotary around the world. While the actual birthday of the Rotary Club of Bowen isn’t until June, Club President Helen Woodhouse explained that the Club decided to “tag” along with the 119th anniversary of Rotary as their birthday function. The group were delighted to see Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, come along to celebrate the milestone. “The idea of the event was to ta
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Greys Bay in Bowen is welcoming two new undercover shelters, ahead of the expected influx of visitors. The shelters, which include a picnic setting, overhead cover and solar lighting, will allow visitors and locals to enjoy the beach in shade. The first shelter will be placed at Greys Bay Lookout, with works beginning earlier last week, and expected to be completed by mid-March. The second shelter will be in Lions Park, with exact times for the expected work to be confirmed, once materials ar
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This month’s Ask An Expert with Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry asks: Are business plans a waste of time? Some Chamber Board members responded. Melinda of Melinda Louise Media believes that business plans are key to success. It provides a framework for strategic direction, identifies goals, timeframes to monitor growth and financial targets, and track progress. It can be revisited as the business grows and adapted to market and customer shifts. Are they a waste of time? “No w
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Respected people-focused company, Shiift, celebrated year four by holding their first 2024 Thriive Event last week, bringing together over 40 women in an uplifting evening event which inspired conversations and self-reflection. Participants were guided through a series of lively soul-searching activities, sharing experiences with their peers, and insightful observations about their journeys so far. Thriive is a monthly women-only event held by Shiift, a local company which specialises in peo
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Earlier this week, I travelled out to Collinsville to meet with people interested in building tourism in Collinsville. It was such a great trip, and I really enjoyed the short time I had out there. My colleague, Cait Fleming, and I visited to work with the established Collinsville Tourism Advisory Group and it was a really collaborative session. There are so many ideas that come out in sessions like this. If you’re in Collinsville and interested in joining in on the group, please email receptio
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A hidden oasis in the heart of Airlie Beach, Anchor Bar is celebrating a decade in business and the team are excited to invite locals and visitors alike to a weekend of birthday celebrations, in just over two weeks’ time. And with a spectacular line up for the event, this will the celebration of the year! “We have Chris Booroff and Friends ready to jam the afternoon away,” explained Josh Knutson, owner and operator of Anchor Bar. “And a sweep of specials, with our Head Chef experimenting and s
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It seems like the whole town has been talking about Eastwoods for several months now, so when I was asked where I’d like to go for my birthday dinner, I immediately knew where I wanted to book. I love Asian fusion cuisine and had been eagerly awaiting the moment I could devour some mouth-watering morsels at this popular local restaurant. As soon as we arrived, we were ushered to our seats and served instantly by our waitress who eloquently detailed the cocktail of the day and specials list whic
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The newest kid on the block is here and they are here to stay, with a fantastic turn out for the opening of their new Bourbon Bar. KC’s very own Bourbon Bar is making waves in the bourbon-whiskey world, with experts and connoisseurs coming out of the woodwork to put these specially curated bourbons to the test. Owner and operator, and chief whiskey-drinker, Geoff Small “Smally” is eager to showcase this diverse selection. “While you are exploring the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, you might as
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Do you want to feel the electricity? Do you want to feel the power? Do you want a heart-stopping, head-banging performance? Then make sure you go to see Thunderstruck, an AC/DC tribute band, at the Airlie Beach Hotel. With a collective history spanning over 30 years, this AC/DC tribute show is bringing big beats and bigger energy for the metal heads of the Airlie Beach coast. Often branded as one of the most authentic and accurate recreations of the iconic rockers, Thunderstruck is not a
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Miss Lady Saint Diva is back, and she’s bringing her unforgettable charm for another round of Drag Queen Bingo. And she doesn’t stop there, bringing along a special guest with her to ensure that the evening is full of non-stop laughter and excitement. Tickets include entry, unmissable drag performances, raffle (with a selection of amazing prizes on offer) and, of course, the bingo. Prepare for an evening of non-stop laughter, jaw-dropping drag performances and an amazing selection of prizes th
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The return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival has just gotten better, with the announcement of internationally acclaimed author, Sally Hepworth, hosting a bespoke high tea book club, at My Rainbow Café. Sally Hepworth is a renowned author, captivating hearts with her compelling storytelling. With nine novels under her belt and over a million books sold globally, including her latest masterpiece, Darling Girls, Hepworth's literary prowess knows no bounds. Festival President Karen Jacobsen expre
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Free lessons for beginners Bridge is fascinating to learn. We are a fun, friendly and social club with sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Come and join the fun, learn a skills and improve your memory. Interested? For more information, call Deb Breeze, 0466002321. 1: Jill Brabon and Thea Weekes with their bridge guru Joan Butts at the Gold Coast Congress 2: Debbie Breeze Sue Mcinnes Jill Brabon Thea Weekes on the 1rst day at the Gold Coast Congress.
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