Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At the Whitsunday Regional Council Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 27th August Mayor Ry Collins and Councillors voted 5–2 against the proposed Dinosaur Activity Centre development in Airlie Beach. Mayor Ry Collins said the proposed mini golf activity was refused for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic, parking concerns, and a community petition that was heard by council. “We all want to see new land-based activities come into Airlie Beach that give locals and visitors something fun to do,
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A rare opportunity is now on the market, with just 13 hillside lots offering sweeping views of the iconic Whitsundays, priced from $495,000. With premium coastal land across the Whitsundays becoming increasingly scarce, buyers are turning their attention to Airlie Summit, one of the region’s last elevated masterplanned communities offering sweeping ocean views and a rare chance to build in a blue-chip location. The Panorama Release, nestled within Alder’s $60 million hillside community, has alr
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It has been a big few weeks for Bowen, with our community well and truly kicking goals on both the agriculture and tourism fronts. Two very different but equally important parts of our economy have been in the spotlight and both have done us proud. Last weekend I attended the Bowen Gumlu Growers Gala Dinner and Awards, a fantastic celebration of the people who drive our agriculture industry. It was a great opportunity to spend time with many of our Whitsunday region’s leading growers, and to h
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As part of Bendigo Bank — Australia’s most trusted bank — Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine delivers the products, technology and security of a big bank while staying true to what matters most: personalised service and reinvesting profits back into our community. Unlike many financial institutions, we are independently owned and operated with one clear mission — to support the Whitsundays. Over the past seven years, we’ve proudly contributed more than $249,000 into local schools, social prog
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When it comes to recycling, keeping it loose makes all the difference. Bagged recycling can’t be properly sorted at recycling facilities; in fact, it can damage the sorting equipment and can sometimes mean the whole load is sent straight to landfill. By placing your hard plastics, steel, aluminium, glass, paper and cardboard loose in the yellow bin, you’re helping make sure these items get recycled into useful new products, like park benches and planter boxes. Keeping your recycling loose is a
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Tourism Whitsundays is proud to showcase local operators leading by example in environmental responsibility, proving that world-class experiences and conservation go hand in hand. Over at Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef, the Living Reef team is literally growing the future. Their coral restoration program sees new life planted into Lovers Cove, where guests can snorkel among thriving reefs they've helped create. Wings Sailing Charters has earned Advanced Eco certification, ensuring ever
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Get ready for a splash of colour and community fun at the Coral Sea Marina annual Colour Fun Run on Saturday, 13 September, as part of Queensland Child Protection Week 2025. Organised by Whitsunday Counselling & Support (WC&S), this free, action-packed event at the Marina Gardens from 9am to 12pm promises a morning full of laughter, family activities, and vibrant festivities. Participants can enjoy live music, face painting, a sausage sizzle, kid-friendly games, and the iconic colourful ‘fun ru
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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Caleb has his sights set firmly on the automotive trade, splitting his week between the classroom, paid work, and hands-on experience at the Townsville Audi and Porsche dealership just down the road from Tec-NQ House boarding campus. “I got to work on a timing belt,” said Caleb. “Each day I went to work experience, I walked because it was just up the road.” Time in a prestigious workshop has given him confidence and clarity. “I get to help the workers in
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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre officially opened their Food Bank on Monday 1st September, a project that has been in the works for the last 12 months. The Food Bank, funded by the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s op shop and sponsorship by North Queensland Bulk Ports and the Whitsunday Regional Council, is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am – 11am. Executive Officer of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Rebecca Woods said she anticipates more products to come in that will extend their
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In a powerful demonstration of community compassion, the Bowen Community Centre, led by Sally Roberts with support from Lauren Miller and Alison Byde of Abbot Point Operations, served 443 hot dogs to locals during a recent outreach event aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness. The event, on Tuesday 26 August, was made possible through the generous donation of produce by Andrew, manager of Woolworths, along with the enthusiastic participation of local businesses and schools. Each h
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Friday 5 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) KC's: Bear Brewer (from 8pm) Saturday 6 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Big Stadium Rock (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Daybreak (from 8pm) KC's: Chris Booroff (from 8pm) Sunday 7 September Airlie Beach Hotel: Big Stadium Rock (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Brother Hollow (4pm - 8pm) KC's:
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September 5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm **7 Father’s Day ** 7 Don River Dash 300 Day 3, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 7 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 9 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 9 Tech Help, C
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Paddy may only be six months old, but this Bull Arab-x pup already has a heart full of love to give. Rescued from the pound alongside his brother, Paddy now finds himself on his own for the first time after his brother was adopted. While he’s still adjusting, this sweet boy is eager to find a forever family to call his own. If ever there was a dog who deserves a happily-ever-after, it’s Paddy. With his gentle nature and playful spirit, he’s the perfect mix of sunshine and snuggles — happy to so
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Airlie Beach has become a second home for rock performer Dellacoma Rio, celebrated for his high-energy tribute shows and as the frontman for the INXS Revived band. The acclaimed artist has developed a devoted fan base at the Airlie Beach Hotel and is once again returning on Saturday 20 September, and Sunday 21 September, from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. The shows promises to be a powerful celebration of both Michael Hutchence and the iconic INXS catalogue but also aims to recreate the band’s legendary li
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If there are two things every good tradie loves, it’s a bacon-and-egg brekkie and a yarn over a hot coffee. That’s exactly what’s on the menu when Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday hosts the next Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pop Up Chamber on Friday 12 September from 9am to 11am. This free, drop-in event is all about bringing the Whitsundays business community together – no speeches, no fuss, just great food, fresh coffee from McMoon Coffee Van, a StarFM outdoor broadcast, and a chanc
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Day Of Insights, Ideas, And Connection The Whitsunday Business Conference held at TAFE Queensland Cannonvale Campus last Thursday, was a huge success. Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event was sold out and feedback was outstanding. “This year’s Conference was a sell-out, with 120 registrations representing 70 organisations across the Whitsundays. Feedback has been outstanding – more than 75% of attendees told us they loved the day, and everyone has walked away with actionable ideas t
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Hello everyone! After an incredible five weeks exploring the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Ruth2Reef is back! There were so many unforgettable moments on my travels, but one that truly stands out was swimming with humpback whales on the Ningaloo Reef. I joined an eco tour and was lucky enough to get so close that one almost brushed me with its pectoral fin! I’m excited to share stories, travel tips, and insights from my journey, along with the inspiring environmental initiatives I
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The humpback whales have arrived to the Whitsundays on mass and the breeding season has begun. A female who wants to mate will slap her pectoral fins on the surface and make a trumpeting noise to signal to the males. Males in the Whitsundays are often in pods of 2 - 4 males. If they hear a female signaling, they will move very fast in her direction. Often multiple groups can be seen moving towards her at speed. Once the males reach the female, they will chase her demonstrating their fitness a
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There is no doubt, the Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), is one of the most popular fish on the Great Barrier Reef. And for good reason. It is renowned for its large size, striking colours and friendly personality. An encounter with a Maori Wrasse will make your day. Maori Wrasse are so named for their distinct facial markings which resemble those seen on traditional Maori warriors in New Zealand. The males are most easily identified by their large size and large, prominent hump on its foreh
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Queensland is one of the few places on Earth where the extraordinary platypus can still be spotted in the wild. With its iconic duck-like bill, dense waterproof fur, and venomous spurs on its ankles, this enigmatic mammal is a living relic, one of the most evolutionarily distinct creatures on the planet. Yet, for all its unique adaptations, the platypus is highly vulnerable to environmental changes. Once widespread across Eastern Australia, populations have been steadily declining, particularly
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Where Turtles and Trash Meet Transformation In the quiet backstreets of Jubilee Pocket, just minutes from the bustle of Airlie Beach, a grassroots movement is working tirelessly to keep the Whitsundays pristine. At Eco Barge HQ, visitors are invited to step inside the world of marine conservation and witness how one community is safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef. The Eco HQ Experience Tour, held every Tuesday morning, offers more than a window into conservation; it immerses participants in th
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The warm-up event to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s major light tackle tournament is the club’s Billfish and Tuna Rally, set for September 13 and 14. This rally offers teams a great chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of this year’s Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament, which runs from October 16 to 19. It’s an opportunity to try new tactics, get an idea of where the fish are holding, and score valuable club and QGFA points. The rally begins with registration and a brief
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Michael Kimpton, President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Race Director of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, is privileged to be selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Ironman World Championships in Nice, France, on 14 September. This will be Michael’s seventh time representing Australia in international World Triathlon Championships, taking him to all corners of the globe, including St. George in Utah, Samorin in Slovakia, multiple times to Kona in Hawaii,
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With the regular season wrapping up last weekend, Whitsunday United Football Club now turns its focus to finals, with an impressive nine out of ten teams finishing inside the top four. The club celebrated several standout achievements, with the U23 Men crowned Premiers, while the U13 FQPL and Division 1 Men secured second place — a remarkable reflection of the depth and commitment across the club, particularly given that half of their fixtures require travelling to Mackay. At home, the Divisio
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Cricket season is just around the corner, with junior sign-ups taking place at the Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds on Friday, August 29 from 4pm. The popular Woolworths Junior Blaster program, aimed at boys and girls aged 5–7, will return this season, offering fun, skills-based activities and games. Also back is the ever-popular Master Blaster program for boys and girls aged 8–10. The juniors have been working hard in preparation, with several players set to feature in representative competi
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