Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Four, two-bedroom units in Bowen are now under construction thanks to a $3.2 million government grant that was initiated by Bowen Community Centre. Concerned about the shortage of suitable rental accommodation for working professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers, the Community Centre decided to take matters into their own hands and apply for the grant. “It is very difficult to get a rental in Bowen,” said Jacintha Bezgovsek from Bowen Community Centre. “There is no accommodation for
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Shock news ricocheted across the tourism industry earlier this month when Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton left the top job citing, “personal reasons,” for his sudden departure. Rick leaves behind him a legacy of success spearheading initiatives that significantly increased visitor engagement and overnight visitor expenditure. Under his tenure, the Whitsundays reached a record-breaking $1.6 billion for the year ending in March 2023. He will also be remembered for his work advocating for
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Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 is fast approaching, and the anticipation is palpable as sailors and spectators prepare for this iconic event in the heart of the Whitsundays. With more than 150 boats already registered, this year’s event will showcase an epic array of sailing yachts from trailer boats to Extreme 40s, making up approximately 16 racing classes. Renowned for its thrilling races and vibrant social scene, this year’s regatta promises even more excitement both on and off the water. On
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Prominent federal National Party hardman, fossil fuels supporter, climate change denier and renewable energy sceptic Matt Canavan was in Bowen last week to spruik energy policy, LNP style. Bowen Chamber of Commerce staged the Coffee with Senator Matt Canavan event at the Larrikin Hotel on Thursday July 11 in place of the usual evening monthly meeting to fit in with the senator's busy schedule. Sen. Canavan, who is a regular commentator for Sky News, wasted no time in putting the blowtorch on
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Winter water-lovers are warned that the Bowen Water Park will be temporarily closed from Monday 15 July, to Monday 29 July. Scheduled inspection and maintenance will be undertaken on the bucket and the red slide will receive minor repairs. Council thanks you for your patience and understanding while we undertake this maintenance.
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Did you know, that during the winter harvest season from May to November, North Queensland contributes nearly 90% of Queensland's tomato production? That’s a total of more than 40,000 tonnes annually! Helena De Bortoli, regional coordinator for Pick of the Crop in North Queensland, recommends incorporating tomatoes into sandwiches, lunchboxes or pastas to enhance children's vegetable consumption. Ideal for the whole family, cherry and grape tomatoes are not only nutritious but also budget-frie
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Following the success of the inaugural Welcome Whales Festival last year, the second annual event took place on Friday last week, with over 200 people attending. Poor weather saw the event move location at the last minute from Airlie Beach Foreshore to Proserpine Entertainment Centre and organisers said they were thankful Whitsunday Regional Council were able to offer an alternative facility enabling the event to go ahead. A celebration of Indigenous Culture and the deeper meaning of whales wi
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The year is hitting its stride and there have been a number of regional developments the Chamber wishes to share. Business Chamber Queensland’s March 2024 Quarter Pulse Survey shows a grim view of Queensland businessowner perceptions on sales, employment, and profitability decline. The report reveals the longest sustained no-confidence business trend since mid-2022. Our Chamber is keen to hear from you, if you share the same views and experiences. Last month, Whitsunday Regional Council anno
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The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a collaboration between Whitsunday Regional Council and the Queensland Government, supports local arts and cultural initiatives. This fund helps bring diverse and inclusive arts projects to life, offering real training and employment opportunities for artists in our community. With several funding rounds each year, it's a great chance for local creatives to bring their projects to life and make a lasting impact. If you're involved in the arts, consider
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I am excited to be hosting my first Mayor’s Charity Ball at the amazing Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Saturday, September 21, 2024. This will be an opportunity to come together, not only to celebrate our vibrant community, but more importantly to raise funds and support two incredible local charities: RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. As many of you know, RACQ CQ Rescue provides an invaluable service to our Whitsunday region, offering rapid response medical ass
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Tourism Whitsundays hosts journalists to showcase the diverse experiences our region offers. Recently, we hosted Urban List for a five-day famil trip, focusing on the youth and adventure experiences that best showcase our destination. Keep an eye on the Urban List website and the Urban List Travel social media platforms for a glimpse of the featured experiences and accommodations designed for those looking for an adventurous holiday. Whether it's exploring the best of the mainland, snorkeling th
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Last Saturday, as people gathered at the Whitsunday Marine Club to celebrate the new VMR Headquarters and the 60th anniversary of VMR, another exciting event took place; the release of the brand new VMR history book, ‘The History of VMR Whitsunday.’ The book takes you on a journey through time from the inception of the VMR in 1960 to its evolution into a professional rescue institution. It details the dedication of its volunteers and the evolution of VMR vessels alongside pivotal moments and gri
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It was a typical Wednesday evening in May of 1964 and a group of locals, primarily cane farmers, were gathered at the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine, enjoying some cold drinks. Among the group gathered were Aldo Cantamessa, Terry Hinschen, Gordon Barr, Fred Baxter, Fred Tetley and Kevin Tetley. Amidst the friendly banter, there was talk about the growing issue of potential accidents at sea and the increasing risks of losing friends and visitors while fishing or exploring the Whitsunday waters.
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On Wednesday, July 10th, Bowen State High School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a fun-packed day of activities. The day commenced with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Juru Elder Uncle Jimmy Gaston, Acknowledgment of Country and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers. Principal Robert Harris welcomed Juru Elders, community partners, families, sponsors, students and staff to the day of celebrations and shared how proud he is of the opportunities and support Bowen High
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Fifteen-year-old Emily Eggleston struggled with school from the beginning, disliking the environment and facing numerous challenges in education. After an altercation with another student, Emily decided that traditional schooling was not the right fit for her: “I went, I don't really want to do this anymore, I'm going to do something better.” Before the incident, Emily’s school had told her about the PCYC Get Set for Work program, a program that funds intensive employment and training assistance
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Proserpine State High School have their annual Year 6 Into Year 7 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 31st of July. Parents and Carers are invited to take a guided tour around the school grounds taking in the modern learning facilities and grounds. Tours start outside the Administration Office on Ruge Street at 5.30pm with school leaders. An information session will follow in the school’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre at 6pm. Here you will meet the school Principal Don McDermid
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Many consider the senior years of high school to be crucial in shaping future career paths. Whitsunday Christian College equips students with the tools to explore their passions, discover tertiary options, and gain work experience in relevant fields. The senior pathways program, for year 10 upwards, provides students with several key events and sessions to ease their decision-making process. Senior Studies and Pathway Coordinator and Teacher of years 9 through to 12, Phoebe Lam, walked through
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A grassroots event like no other the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival returns on July 27 and 28, promising an exhilarating weekend of swimming, riding and running action. Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director Micky Kimpton said the annual event is now in its 24th year and continues to attract athletes and spectators from around Australia and internationally, showcasing the Whitsundays as a premier destination for sports. “We have a record field of profe
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From little things big things grow! No, I am not protesting with Paul Kelly, I’m suggesting you grow from seed! It is not as challenging as most people seem to think. I still have so many people ask me for vegetable seedlings, even for vegies that do not transplant well, so let’s talk seeds and how to get it right. As long as you chose the right month to get started with your seeds and as long as they have enough water and sunlight, you will succeed! The month of July is a perfect month to pla
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Last Saturday, Lake Proserpine was transformed into a tranquil oasis, featuring enchanting acoustic folk music and delectable food, all set against a breathtaking lakeside backdrop. Visitors, relaxed by Lake Proserpine soaking in the ethereal atmosphere, as musicians played. They danced and sang along to well-known tunes, all while watching the sun go down above the hills and lake in the horizon. While there was the option for day visitors, many attendees chose to camp at Lake Proserpine Camping
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Do you like Karaoke? If the answer is yes, Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to join them on Wednesday 31st July for, Bar Manager, Matthew Rowley’s, 41st Birthday. Rowley told Whitsunday Life that his Karaoke Party Birthday this year is set to be “bigger and better,” than previous years. “We always laugh, and it’s always a good time,” Rowley enthused. The Bar Manager’s go-to karaoke song this year is, ‘Burning Love’ by Elvis Presley, but we can expect to hear lots of other songs from Rowley throu
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July 20 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 1pm 21 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6am 23 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 26 Trivia Night Fundraiser, Tom Gard Centre, St Catherine’s College, 7pm 28 Airlie Beach Triathlon, Airlie Beach Lagoon, from 5am 28 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am 29 Family Field Day, Les Stagg Oval, from 3pm 31 The Poems, Pr
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Friday 19th July Grandview Hotel: Whitts End Live (8pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm-10pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm-8pm) Saturday 20th July Coral Sea Resort Hotel: DJ Karma (2-6pm) KC’s: 20th Chris Booroof (from 8pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: House Too Crowded (2-5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7-10pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm-4pm/5-8pm) Sunday 21st July Colonial Palms: Live Jazz Music, Nick De Gregorio and Loui Battour K
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The Proserpine Entertainment Centre will stage multi award winning performer, Darren Coggan as he returns to his country roots with “The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver”. The performance, set for Wednesday 31 July, hopes to deliver the vocal authenticity of one of the most passionate performers of all time with Darren personally reflecting and respectfully honouring the indelible voice behind songs that the world sang along with. Universal anthems including Take Me Home Country Roads
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On Thursday 1 August, the community is invited to witness the musical talents of the Australian Vocal Ensemble with their Thought is Surrounded by a Halo performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Led by Artistic Director, Katie Noonan, the Australian Vocal Ensemble combines heavenly vocals in a chamber setting, intertwining Australian compositions with new arrangements of Bach, Handel and Tomás Luis de Victoria. The outstanding performance will feature new works based on the poetry
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