Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Happy New to all from the Mackay Contract Bridge Club. We start the year with our Australia Day come and try day, with a free BBQ and a visit from the Major. February sees us welcome a new batch of beginners, information can be found on our Facebook page. We are very excited, this year the Mackay Bridge Club is hosting the Great Barrier Reef Congress on the long weekend in May, where we will be welcoming players from all over Queensland and Australia, so it’s a great year to get involved.Weekly
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To the sound of a squeaky dog toy, I am writing this. Our office dog (who doubles as Rachael’s pet pooch) has found a toy and is so excited that we may not exist in his world. I also write this off the back of another Core Life Magazine deadline. During my time with this team, we have sent about six Core Life Magazine’s to print and each time is more exciting than the last. And then, when we receive the perfect finished copy, it is so exciting to flick through the pages and marvel at it. It’s
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Likeminded residents have rallied together, sending a truckload of material donations to flood affected communities in North Queensland. Primarily for the smaller and remote communities of Rossville, Wujal, Helensvale and Bloomfield, Jenni Walters turned to Facebook to send out the call for donations. Particularly asking for linens, towels, pillows, summer clothing, shoes, and home goods, including clothing racks and kitchen utensils, Jenni was inundated with locals wishing to donate. Jenni d
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Have You Seen This Car? One Rockhampton man’s pride and joy, a vintage 1974 Blue Holden HQ LS Monaro has been allegedly stolen from his property, striking a statewide search. The vintage Monaro was safely stored away on John Moyle’s property at Struck Oil, near Mount Morgan, when on January 11, 2024, the car vanished. John is the second owner of the original Monaro, and the car is in near perfect, original condition. He purchased the Monaro 40 years ago, and it’s his “Pride and Joy.” “He is ab
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The Rotary Clubs of Airlie Beach and Proserpine have joined together to send one local youth to the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Brisbane last week. Holly Perrin, entering Year 12 in 2024 at Proserpine State High School, was selected for the nine-day science, technology, and engineering opportunity, and is jointly sponsored by Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and Proserpine. NYSF is a great opportunity for young people looking to pursue a career in STEM to actively learn and engage with a
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As Australia Day draws nearer, Whitsunday Regional Council have released their nomination list for the 2024 Australia Day Awards Nominees. These nominees represent the community and the spirit of our region, and their individual achievements and commitment to the Whitsundays is a testament to their individual compassion and respect, to their strength and ability to bring our community together and make it a better place for all. Citizen of the Year sponsored by at Hotel Group • Rabia Morr
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Whitsunday Regional Libraries’ new initiative is making waves, promoting reading to the region’s youngest with free reading resources. Available at locations across the region, the Book Swap is primarily for young readers between the ages of zero to five. Up to two books can be taken at a time, to be exchanged the next time families visit a Book Swap Box. “The book swap boxes are part of Whitsunday Regional Libraries First 5 Forever literacy program,” explained Robyn Batman, Team Leader of Wh
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The Choose Collinsville Town Centre Upgrade has been officially opened at a special ceremony on Monday, January 15. The Whitsunday Regional Council project began in July 2023 and was a part of the Collinsville Masterplan 2021 to beautify the community. Completed in November 2023, the project was predominately undertaken by Council staff and was supported by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Upgrades included new irrigated garden beds within the street, including plants
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Community organisations in Bowen are cheering off the back of another successful Christmas and festival season appeal, providing close to 300 individuals and families of Bowen with access to presents, vouchers, and an abundance of toys. A joint initiative with the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, Cooinda Family Centre, Salvos, and Chayim Community Care, over 270 individuals and families were gifted access to Christmas Hampers, and a pop-up shop. The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre also embarked on their
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Whitsunday Water Police have made an impressive arrest at Peter Faust Dam during the first week of January. Patrolling the waters to ensure the safety of every individual, including vessel operators, swimmers, fishers and jet-ski operators, water police intercepted a male operating an unregistered vessel. However, Water Police uncovered a bigger mystery. The male had fled the state approximately 26 years ago, in an alleged attempt to avoid an arrest warrant. He had returned to Queensland to
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Bowen is hitting the big screen with District Crime Prevention Co-Ordinator, Sergeant Nigel Dalton sharing the town in a series of new videos, to attract seasoned Queensland police officers for a tree change. Having completed similar internal promotions of the Northern Beaches of Mackay and attracting a number of existing Police Officers to relocate, Sgt Dalton was asked by Senior Sergeant Craig Shepard to create a similar video of Bowen. “We’re looking to attract officers to this district, t
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Australia’s largest powered catamaran is cruising into the Whitsundays, opening up more channels for visitors to experience the Whitsundays like never before. The Aquila 54 Power Catamaran boasts unparalleled luxury, with over 54 feet of comfort and with upgraded 480 hp Volvo Penta D8 diesel inboards, this beast boasts a cruising speed of 8 to 10 knots, and top speeds of 22 knots. Offered for private bareboat charter through Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays, the Aquila 5
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Bowen is hitting centre stage, hosting the 2024 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Celebrations, Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. As the festivities on Bowen’s Front Beach are being held from 5pm until 8pm on a public holiday, Bowen is the perfect place to spend the day before heading to the ceremony. The Bowen Visitor Information Centre will be open on Australia Day from 10.30am until 3pm. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said a day trip to Bowen could include a s
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A new article series in partnership with the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showcasing the diverse businesses in our community. Ellen Farquhar started Cannonvale-based Your Mind Reset in 2023, delivering Mental Health First Aid training and Tuning in to Teens program for parents. "I am passionate about fostering well-being and resilience in individuals and communities," said Ellen, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology and Diploma of Counselling. It has been reported
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What is your role at Tourism Whitsundays? As the Digital and Marketing Coordinator, I am responsible for our website and social media platforms. This role involves a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work, through which I have greatly expanded my knowledge in website development over the past year. What is your ideal weekend in The Whitsundays? My ideal weekend in The Whitsundays is full of relaxation. Starting with a walk along the boardwalk, enjoying the morning sun. Pulling into o
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Embracing New Year's resolutions is a tradition that goes hand in hand with the turn of the calendar. While some may argue that resolutions are often abandoned quickly, setting goals for the new year can have numerous benefits that extend beyond the initial burst of motivation. Firstly, New Year's resolutions provide a valuable opportunity for self-reflection. As the year draws to a close, individuals naturally engage in introspection, evaluating their achievements, challenges, and personal grow
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With ushering in 2024, Skin Esteem proudly declares "Relaxation" as the premier New Year's Resolution. The dedicated team at Skin Esteem is poised and prepared to administer unparalleled soul-soothing treatments for their esteemed clientele. Jo, the proprietor and head Therapist at Skin Esteem, elucidates their philosophy, saying, "At Skin Esteem, our focus lies in delivering results and promoting relaxation. In a world already laden with stress, Skin Esteem is an oasis where you can relish a fe
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As we approach the beginning of the 2024 school year, it is a great opportunity to put in place healthy and productive routines to get the best out of the year. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure a successful start to the academic year. 1. Sleep Matters: One of the most crucial aspects of a successful school routine is ensuring an adequate amount of sleep. Aim for consistent bedtimes and wake-up times to regulate your body's internal clock. Create a calming bedtime routine to signal to your
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No need for Australia Day plans, with the Airlie Beach Hotel booking one of the best parties to celebrate this long weekend. From 12pm From midday, get the party started with the Aussie Rock Chicks, featuring none other than Tara Graham and the Captain Thunderbolt Band. New to the scene, this band bring big beats and even better energy, with all the attitude of the Aussie rock legends that they embody. Featuring the very best of the Aussie rock, all the legends will be covered, from Sia’s ‘C
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KC’s Bar and Grill are back with their great line-up of entertainment for Australia Day celebrations. Crab Races return, with Smally, The crab man Bob and Thomo, taking his hand at the microphone and ready to get the big bucks for these crabby creatures. And the excitement doesn’t stop there, with KC’s Bar and Grill pledging 50 per cent of the winnings from the crab races to be donated to our local Tiny Homes Project. This project fundraises tirelessly to construct tiny homes for homeless women
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Whitsunday Regional Council has been awarded funding to host six fitness programs across the region for free. As part of the North Queensland Sports Foundation, Move It NQ is aimed to support healthier and active lifestyles. The six programs are: 1. Next Starts Sports Academy, hosting Ninja Squad out of Cannonvale. 2. Survivor Physiology, hosting a range of classes including body weight, boxercise, core, and cardio training out of Bowen. 3. Mindful Moves, with a zen and mediation sessions in
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Whitsunday Regional Council have undertaken works to reseal and repaint lines on the Whitsunday Sportspark netball courts, just in time for the impending season. The courts, in the Whitsunday Sportspark, see consistent use, particularly during the winter netball season. Significant rainfall events during 2022 and 2023 caused the courts to fall into disrepair and hindered players. In conjunction with the reseal, Council also completed minor drainage works, to improvement water movement, so as
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Whitsunday Touch Football is excited to announce the start of the 2024 Season. The Season gets underway on Monday 22 January with a “Come and Try” night. There will be the opportunity for experienced players to ease back into the new season and for novices to try a new sport. Monday’s format is “Fast Four” promoting Footy is for fun, come as a team or on your own and we will find you a team. Games are of 10 minutes duration with teams of four players competing on half the normal fie
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Although the threat of rain prevailed during the day, by the time that the fleet of 14 yachts lined up for the start of the weekly Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race, a 10 knot south easterly breeze complemented the cloudy, but dry skies. The fleet bunched up as they approached the starting line for the first start, with firstly Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) and then Matchless (Terry Stevens) bailing out to avoid other boats. This left just Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) as the sole premature st
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On Saturday, 16 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Ayr to compete at the Burdekin Sprint LC Meet. Coaches, Mark Erickson and Rylee Erickson were very proud of the Cannons and their top efforts at the first carnival for 2024. Congratulations to Harris Delac, aged 10 years won the 8 – 10-year-old boys Dash for Cash event. Harris was very excited to receive $100 for winning the Dash for Cash. Congratulations to Celeste Orenshaw, Tyler Bennett, Tora Delac and Jacob Bell who were also selected for t
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