Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Technology may have changed the way we plan our daily lives but many people still like a good old fashioned calendar to hang on the wall. A traditional calendar gives you the chance to see at a glance who has a birthday coming up and add other appointments on the go for all in the household to see. It also a great chance to display lovely photos and the 2024 Bowen calendar is the perfect example. For the first time last year, Bowen Tourism and Business produced a calendar with photos of Bowen’s
Read more
Happy New Year to the Whitsundays business community, our broader community and all our wonderful visitors! Despite the heat, a great vibe is clearly evident around town. Seeing as it is a new year, it’s a great time to think about what your business resolutions might look like. Business resolutions are commitments businesses make to improve their strategy, operations, or processes. Like personal New Year's resolutions, business resolutions can help prioritise goals or activities that may have
Read more
Four new police officers have hit the ground running in the Mackay and Whitsunday District and can now say they have the busy Christmas and New Year period under their belt. The four new officers have a range of experience and knowledge behind them and bolster the expertise and ground crew of the region’s officers. Constable Erin North, posted to the Mackay Police Station, previously worked in administration in Brisbane. Constable Dan Larose, posted to the Bowen Police station, has worked as a
Read more
Since its inception as a leading counselling and support organisation, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network has stood by it’s community grounded roots, of being present for every single resident and community member in the Whitsundays region, and providing support in every facet of mental health. Established in 2016, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) aims to be a haven for anyone who is struggling with mental health, by removing stigma, raising awareness, and opening the opportunity
Read more
The Whitsundays is currently in the midst of stinger season, with many popular beaches falling prey to jellyfish. As the waters warm up, typically from November to May, the region becomes a hotspot for various species of jellyfish, posing a potential threat to swimmers and beachgoers. Adding to the challenge, northerly winds during this period can exacerbate the situation. Understanding the dynamics of jellyfish season and taking preventative measures is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experie
Read more
A 51-year-old man has unfortunately passed away, following a drowning off Shingley Beach in Cannonvale. Just after midday on New Year’s Day, January 1, emergency services were dispatched to Shingley Drive, Cannonvale, near Coral Sea Marina, with reports of a near drowning. One crew from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene, alongside Police to assist. “Resuscitation was attempted,” a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said, “However, the man was declare
Read more.jpg)
With a bustling marine terminal full of happy holidaymakers embarking on a range of fantastic experiences, Cruise Whitsundays is the gateway to the islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the wide variety of on-water activities our region is known for. Whether it is snorkelling the coral gardens, stargazing from a glamping tent 39 nautical miles out to sea or walking along the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, Cruise Whitsundays transform bucket-list items into reality for over 800,000 visitors ever
Read more
With 14 different day tours from 11 different departure points, Cruise Whitsundays has created a spectacular selection of experiences for guests to enjoy. Travel 39 nautical miles out to sea for a Reefsleep adventure, cruise to Whitehaven Beach and wander the silica sands or jump aboard an island transfer. Whatever your dream is, it can be achieved with Cruise Whitsundays. Snorkel, swim and dive the remote Hardy Reef on the dedicated Cruise Whitsundays pontoon. This fully-equipped floating stru
Read more
It has been a whirlwind over the past nine years for Leshia Krushka, Customer Service and Sales Manager with Cruise Whitsundays. And that’s to say, she has loved every single second of her time. Leshia fondly remembers when Cruise Whitsundays operated from Shute Harbour before they relocated to Port of Airlie, and the great expansion that the business has seen in recent times. “I have been so lucky to see the growth of Cruise Whitsundays, welcoming new vessels to the fleet, the launch of Reefw
Read more
It was inevitable that Paige Hurley wouldn’t pursue a career in the marine tourism industry, a profession she feels passionate and energized about. Paige was welcomed into the Cruise Whitsundays family just over a year ago, as the Reef Experience Manager, a position that she is excited to be in and where she hopes to further develop her skills. “I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Cruise Whitsundays business and the Reef world family,” Paige shared. “Being a part of the Reefstay experie
Read more
Steadfast and confident are two words that perfectly describe the capable General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, Renee Branton-Brown. Heralding the team for over six years now, Renee is the impeccable head, with a clear compass of direction. Renee joined the Cruise Whitsundays team in 2017, after an extensive history of marine tourism, which began in 2006. “I’ve been travelling the world for most of my adult life,” she explained. “I was fortunate to work across multiple Cruise Line Brands and
Read more
There is not one part of the business that Vessel Engineer Tyler Bellingham hasn’t influenced at Cruise Whitsundays, with his over 10 years of dedicated service and commitment. In fact, Tyler is one of the hardest working team members with Cruise Whitsundays, having joined the team as a wharf porter and handling baggage, before moving into cruise attendant, tour guide, deck hand. He is now as Vessel Engineer, primarily for the beach boats that venture to Whitehaven Beach almost daily. Initially
Read more
Whenever Ryan Guitman is behind the bar of Eastwoods Dining and Bar, impeccable does not begin to describe the calibre of beverages that he serves. With the title of Bar Supervisor, Ryan has a careful eye over his crew of bartenders, and, with his carefully curated drinks menu, each and every guest can be rest assured that Ryan’s keen eye for detail is ensuring only the best. Having experimented and perfected every single element of the Eastwoods Drinks Menu, Ryan knows the bar like the back of
Read more
Do you ever have the inkling to tackle an absolutely obscene amount of food and get your picture on the coveted Wall of Fame? So has the team of KC’s Bar and Grill, having created the Not So Smally, a great challenge for one, and an ever better sharing platter for multiple. Created in early 2023 by the KC’s team, the Not So Smally contains half a rack of sticky BBQ ribs, half a kilo of buffalo wings, one piece of southern fried chicken, onion rings, chips, slaw and pickles, some of the very be
Read more
Perfection and pasta go hand in hand. As least, that’s what we believe when we pay a visit to La Tabella Italian. With an extensive menu encompassing all things Italian, the range and variety of pasta dishes is where the magic lies. Made fresh daily, with all local produce and hand made ingredients, each and every strand, ball and parcel of pasta is lovingly hand shaped, moulded, and stretched. And, according to new owner Brittany Panapa, there is no secret except perfect consistency. “We ha
Read more
The boys from Sex and Chocolate are back and ready to work their magic in Airlie Beach over next weekend, at the Airlie Beach Hotel. With their intimate Motown II Millennia show, the Sex and Chocolate boys are ready to give Airlie Beach a show not to be missed. With smooth tunes and unforgettable dance moves, Sex and Chocolate draw inspiration from classic Motown, R&B, and soul, with hits from Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Spinners, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, Bruno Mars, Outkast, and Bil
Read more
Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating a milestone and everyone is invited! Airlie Beach parkrun is completing their 400th community Park Run, and the theme is Pirate. The first Airlie Beach parkrun began on December 5, 2015, and has seen over 5,700 people attend the weekly run, completing close to 30,000 park runs, and over 140,000 kilometres. With an average of 70 runners each and every week, this park run has been completed in rain, sun, and the barmy summer warmth. Airlie Beach parkrun statis
Read more
One of the world’s biggest sailing challenges, The Clipper Race is steering into the Whitsundays, as part of the Asia-Pacific leg of the 40,000 nautical mile race. As of date of print, the Clipper Race has been sailing for 48 days, with each vessel a mammoth 70-foot ocean racing yacht. Having kicked off in September, the crews have braved wild weather, harsh winds, and glorious sunshine. Championed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first individual to sail solo, uninterrupted around the world,
Read more
Are you considering a career shift in 2024? Wanting to diversify your skillset and expand your qualifications? Here are the trades set to boom in 2024! Green Energy Turning away from environmentally unsustainable practices, the clean energy sector will see unprecedented increase, with skilled workers flocking to be active in eco-friendly practices and become more sustainable. Such positions in green energy set to see an increase in demand are solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians a
Read more
As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, industries and trade sectors must adapt to the seasonal changes to maintain optimal productivity and employee well-being. Implementing best summer practices is crucial for businesses to thrive in the warmer months. 1. Flexible Scheduling: Consider introducing flexible work hours or remote work options. This not only helps employees beat the summer heat but also promotes a healthier work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and produc
Read more
We had our last Wednesday jackpot bowls with John Brown again taking the prestigious Health Hub award, he may as well apply for a job there. The jackpot never went off, but Shane Spann did with some extremely accurate bowls and within form David Meiklejohn wielding his stick which would make Nik so proud and Gary Smith back for a short spell before back to his yacht and sailing Europe, they proved to be the best team over a strong field and convincingly won 31-10 in an outstanding victory. Frid
Read more
John Roser edged out Blake Alty with 35 points to win the last Tuesday competition for 2023 while Barry Mortimer and Larry Muller had the pin shots. Wednesday's winner was Aaron Prosser from Diane Chard; both on 32 points. Tiina Randmae and Diane Chard took out the pins. Four under par was just enough for Rob Stanley to take out the Thursday competition from B division leaders James Devery and Adam Brewster on 41 points. Kelvin Stephens was runner up in the A division. Chatz Norna, Stuart Ni
Read more
This weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Andrew Gomez in first place with 20 pts, second with 19 pts was Dom Lipski and third place with 17 pts was Nathan Nikolich with 17 pts. Sunday’s 18-hole stableford was a warm one but didn’t stop Scott Hayes – Williams for taking first place with 40 pts, second place with 38 pts was Adam Singleton and third place with 35 pts was Brad Low. Also, this week we had a new course record, Tyson Flavel smashed it with 7 under par including a hole in one and
Read more
Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around. Run and organised by North Queensland Netball Academy, netballers of Bowen are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching. There are two distinct squads. The 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with specialty coaching and resources for the different ag
Read more
Earlier in December, the Mackay Showgrounds hosted more than 1,200 children and family members to join the 30th anniversary of The Special Children’s Christmas Party. This festive occasion catered to children facing disabilities, complex needs, and social disadvantages, providing a day filled with enchantment. Featuring performances by talented artists like Keely Johnson, Dance Like an Animal, Sensory Circus Tribe, and the Mackay Choral Society, the event embraced the spirit of the holiday seaso
Read more