On Saturday, December 13th, Kas Rae launched her debut children’s book, Broncy Dingle Dandy And His Best Mate Mandy, at Proserpine Library. The book was created in collaboration with illustrator Hiruni Kariyasawa.As a primary school teacher, Kas is incredibly passionate about spreading the joy of creativity amongst her students. “I really enjoy a book with a beautiful message”, said Kas. The book was inspired by her family dog, Broncy.The title was based on a particular jingle that involved the phrase broncy dingle dandy, serving as the impetus for the book’s development.Kas loved reading the book to her students both during its development and after its completion, reminiscing on the joy felt when the students retained many of the rhymes and phrases.The book saw a fruitful collaboration with talented illustrator Hiruni, as rough sketches and ideas by Kas developed into the beautiful art now featured in the book.The story encourages positive self-talk and resilience. “The whole book is about Broncy not giving up…the underlying theme is asking for help from friends,” explained Kas.Overall, the book’s development stems from a deep passion for encouraging creativity amongst the youth, especially in regional areas like ours.“Growing up here, I didn’t even think [creativity] was an option on the menu…it’s come to be that I can do this, but I’m really passionate about letting kids know that they can do this…you can create a story, you can do it.”By extension, Kas believes creativity is important to promote in education. The hand-drawn aesthetic in the book was crafted to directly contrast with clean AI images that children are often exposed to, teaching them that handmade craft is something that should hold great value.“I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received, I feel really lucky.”The release of Broncy Dingle Dandy And His Best Mate Mandy signifies a growth in creative spirit for the Whitsundays region and it is available now including the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.Photo supplied
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Friday 19 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Simon Briley (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Pheonix Revival (from 8pm) Saturday 20 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Australian Eagles (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Ahri (1pm - 5pm) Sorrento: Kieran McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Retro Joe (from 8pm) Sunday 21 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Australian Eagles (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm - 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Scotty Wilson (4pm - 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Simon Briley (1pm - 5pm) Sorrento: Noah Davis (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Chris Booroff (from 8pm) Monday 22 December Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm) Tuesday 23 December Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Wednesday 24 December Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm)
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December19 74 Islands Christmas Cocktail Club, Elmenta Whitsundays, from 5pm19 The Grinch, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm20 Proserpine Farmers Christmas Market, 10 Edward St, 8am - 12pm21 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am24 Members Christmas Eve Drinks, Club Whitsunday, 2pm - 5pm25 Christmas Day26 Boxing Day28 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am31 New Year’s EveFebruary1 THE UNOFFICIAL TRIBUTE SHOW - TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 6pm - 8.15pmMarch22 The UK Rod Stewart Show, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm - 9.45pmMay1 SPOT, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 12pm - 12.50pm13 Luke Kidgell - Good Intentions, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm - 9pm31 Creedence Clearwater Collective, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm - 9.45pmJune26 Echoes of Pink Floyd - 60 Years of Pink Floyd, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 8pm - 10.45pmJuly25 - 26 Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon FestivalAugust7 Room on the Broom, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 1pm - 1.55pm9 A Taste of Ireland, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 4pm - 6pmSeptember11 - 12 White on Whitsunday Long Lunch, Whitehaven Beach, from 8am
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Many would shy away from such a description; however, popular music act Geed Up have embraced the idea that they can put on the ‘Worst Show Ever’. Having performed for over 20 years, Geed Up bring a vibrant, pulsating energy to every individual performance. The Brisbane act is renowned for its vocal versatility, polished harmonies and dynamically impressive fusion of soul, funk, edge and class, blending old and new music with energetic breakdancing and airtight acrobatic choreography. The frenetic stage act combines acrobatics, dancing, acapella and comedy to put on an incredibly unique show. The energy requires extensive individual training to maintain the demanding physicality of the presentation and the group is composed of different and varied talents, including a contortionist! Geed Up have performed over 30 shows at Airlie Beach Hotel, with this performance representing their 4th New Year’s feature. Building on their extensive experience, Geed Up promises a spectacular series of gigs. “We have new tricks up our sleeve”, said band member Khan. The group promises “maximum entertainment in the shortest amount of time”. With covers from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, the performance provides an extraordinary range of music that many can enjoy. The show will be family-friendly, providing something for everyone. The band have also proudly partnered with Beyond Blue, helping to raise mental health awareness through fundraising. The dates come at an exciting time of year, with one show on the afternoon of New Years Eve to warm up for the big night, and one show on January 1st to celebrate the first day of 2026. Get down to Airlie Beach for laughs, thrills and high energy. There are plenty of surprises prepared. This is not a performance you will want to miss! WHAT: Geed Up’s ‘Worst Show Ever’ WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel WHEN: Tuesday 30th, Wednesday 31 December & Thursday 1st January
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Narlyn is a beautiful rescue dog who has found safety in foster care and is now learning what it means to be loved. Affectionate and gentle, she’s waiting for the right family to discover just how special she is. About Narlyn: Sweet-natured and friendly with people Dog-friendly and enjoys the company of other dogs Affectionate and loves being close to her humans Medium energy – enjoys walks and playtime Thriving in foster care with routine and care Narlyn has proven just how resilient and loving she can be. With her gentle personality, she will make a loyal and caring companion for the right family. To meet Narlyn and see if she’s the perfect addition to your home, email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.
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Every skin has a story, and The Beauty Room Airlie Beach takes the time to understand it. Blending clinical expertise with a serene, welcoming environment, the focus is on delivering real results for every skin type. “The Beauty Room has been part of the Airlie Beach community for almost 14 years, and being the longest-running beauty salon here is something we’re incredibly proud of.” Current owner Charlotte purchased the business several years ago and has continued to evolve the brand, "the focus for us has really been on growing with our clients and listening to what they have been asking for." That client demand led to the launch of The Beauty Room Skin Clinic, a dedicated space focused on advanced skin treatments. “Opening The Beauty Room Skin Clinic was a natural next step, we wanted a dedicated space that could focus purely on advanced skin treatments.” she added. The clinic has recently introduced a suite of new services using advanced IPL and RF technology. “IPL hair removal is something our clients had been asking for years, so finally being able to offer it has been really exciting.” The custom-built device allows multiple treatments in one platform. “Using one advanced machine, we’re able to effectively treat hair removal, skin tightening, pigmentation, vascular concerns, acne, and photo rejuvenation," Charlotted explained. RF skin tightening has become a standout treatment, "delivering visible results after just one session," Charlotte said. Extensive training underpins the clinic’s high standards. “We spent months working behind the scenes, training staff, refining protocols and making sure everyone was trained to the highest standard.” “Ongoing education is really important to us; we have industry representatives coming up every few months to keep our team up-skilled.” The clinic also ensures that “Every treatment is personalised." Thorough consultations and advanced skin analysis ensure tailored care. The Beauty Room's "advanced skin analysis lets us look beneath the surface, not just what you can see in the mirror.” With a strong commitment to community and sustainability through the use of reusable products where possible, The Beauty Room continues to set a high standard for professional skin care in the Whitsundays.
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By Sharon Ashman Family gatherings can bring warmth, laughter and stress. The holiday period often stirs up old dynamics, differing expectations, and emotional triggers, particularly for families managing mental health challenges. Be aware that alcohol can intensify emotional moments so be mindful of your intake. Adding ice to wine makes it go further for longer. Swapping out light beer for full-strength beer reduces your alcohol intake. Maintaining open communication and healthy boundaries is key. It’s okay to say no, take breaks, or step outside for fresh air if emotions run high. Encouraging empathy and understanding within the family can reduce tension and foster genuine connection. Creating a balanced schedule with time for rest as well as togetherness can supports everyone’s wellbeing. Small gestures, like checking in on how each person is feeling or planning low-stress activities, can go a long way. If conflict or distress arises, remember it’s normal and temporary. Focusing on shared values rather than past disagreements can help shift the mood. Ultimately, holidays are an opportunity to practise compassion, patience, and acceptance for others and for ourselves. Turn your life into living by being your own best friend and enjoy your break. “If you’d like more support, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give me a call 0418708214.”
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Scientists have long understood that thriving fish communities are essential for healthy coral reefs. Now, new research has revealed just how important fish are in protecting the Great Barrier Reef from one of its most destructive natural threats: the crown-of-thorns starfish. A major study by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has found that one of the nation’s largest-ever marine conservation efforts has significantly reduced the likelihood of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks across the Reef. A Natural Predator with Plague Potential Crown-of-thorns starfish are native to the Great Barrier Reef and form part of its natural ecosystem. But under certain conditions, their numbers can explode into plague proportions. When that happens, they become one of the leading causes of coral loss, devouring living coral tissues at a rate that reefs cannot keep up with. For decades, scientists have debated what drives these outbreaks. While many questions remain, evidence is mounting that human activities over the past 40 years have made outbreaks more frequent or more severe. Two leading causes stand out: · Nutrient runoff from land, which boosts phytoplankton levels in the Reef’s lagoon. This provides extra food for larval COTS, improving their survival and resulting in more starfish reaching adulthood. · Overfishing of key predators, such as fish and invertebrates that eat juvenile starfish. Fewer predators mean young COTS have a much greater chance of surviving and growing into adults. Fewer Predators, More Starfish Predatory fish like emperors and groupers are known to feed on crown-of-thorns starfish, playing an important role in controlling their numbers. Recognising this, reef managers acted early. In 2004, major protective measures were introduced to rebuild predatory fish populations. These included increasing no-take zones to 33 per cent of the Reef and tightening fishing regulations. The new study shows just how critical those decisions were. Without them, grouper and emperor numbers would have continued to decline under fishing pressure, creating ideal conditions for increasingly frequent — and potentially continuous — starfish outbreaks. Instead, the protections helped stabilise and rebuild predator populations, restoring an important natural check on COTS. Avoiding a Tipping Point Researchers believe these conservation efforts may have prevented a catastrophic ecological tipping point. Without enough large predatory fish, the Reef could have entered a cycle of ongoing COTS outbreaks, leaving far less living coral and undermining the resilience of the entire ecosystem. Long-term monitoring now confirms the benefits: crown-of-thorns outbreaks occur far less often in protected zones where fish populations are healthier. Science + Management = Results The findings offer powerful evidence that reef protections are working. They also highlight the importance of long-term monitoring programs, which provide the data needed to understand how the Reef is changing and what actions are making a difference. For this, we can thank the ongoing work of CSIRO and AIMS scientists — decades of research that continue to guide reef management today. The Next Big Challenge Protecting fish populations is only part of the solution. To fully safeguard the Great Barrier Reef, we must also improve water quality by reducing nutrient runoff from the land. Cleaner water means fewer phytoplankton blooms — and fewer opportunities for crown-of-thorns starfish to thrive. Healthy fish, healthy water, healthy coral: all three are needed to give the Reef the best chance of survival in a changing world. Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.
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Hello everyone, I hope you have all got your christmas shopping ready and are excited for the christmas period! In this week's Ruth2Reef, we explore why a healthy fish population is essential for a thriving reef and reveal the answer to the question: where do whales go after leaving the Whitsundays? As always, happy reading, and I would also like to send my thoughts to everyone affected by the events in Bondi over the weekend. Ruth
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Spouts of water shooting up in the distance, big water slaps and dramatic breaches, are a common sight when travelling through the clear whitsunday waters during Winter. Whales grace the whitsundays every year, but after the season ends, where do these elegant mammals go? While whales are not known for their speed due to their large rotund body's and huge bobbly pectoral fins, their distance is impressive, with them travelling a 10,000 km roundtrip from cold and frigid Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm, welcoming whitsunday waters for breeding and calving. Their journey after the Whitsundays, however, is not an easy one, with struggles involving depleting energy reserves, threats from human activities like ship strikes and fishing gear, alongside protecting their calves from predators such as Orca's and sharks. Sadly, these aren't the only issues the whales have to avoid, as the growing impacts of climate change are affecting their food source, krill. Whales do not feed during their time in the Whitsundays, so they rely on stored fat for the three to four month period that they are completing their journey, therefore, with changes to their food web, alongside the dangers from human shipping and nets they risk starvation. Why do whales risk travelling so far? The Great Barrier Reef foundation states that. "As winter approaches in the Southern Hemisphere, the Antarctic krill population diminishes due to sunlight reduction and sea ice formation." "Whales are highly attuned to environmental cues. This seasonal change and decline in food availability prompts whales to instinctively embark on their journey north," the foundation added. Having experienced many whale encounters in the Whitsundays it is very upsetting to find out that some of the whales won't make the journey after visiting here. To reduce your impact on our marine friends try to avoid single-use plastics where possible and volunteer or donate to an organisation focusing on protecting our marine life, such as Whales of Whitsundays.
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This year has flown by! December is here, Christmas is just around the corner, and we’ve been lucky enough to tell Santa that all our bowlers have been good. The standard of bowls at our club has steadily improved throughout the year. Tuesday afternoon’s Social Bowls saw Tony “Take the Money” Whitehorn, with his wonderful wife Betty, our club’s Bowler of the Year for 2025, take home the prize with an outstanding victory. Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls featured 16 bowlers competing for first prize. Stand-in skipper Mark Mawson led his team to a fantastic 15-point win, with an outstanding performance from lead Rick Brunell and second, new bowler Rene, who was faultless in a great team effort. Well done, boys! Wednesday night hosted the final of Business House Bowls, a fantastic night of competition. The winning team was CES Electrical. Second place went to Blue Science, and third place to Rock Plumbing. Business House Bowls will resume on Wednesday, 28th January, and all are welcome. Saturday morning saw the last games of Scroungers for the year, resuming in January. First-round winners were Margo Stanley, Dennis Donadelli, Greg Fennell, and new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, who has amazed everyone with her controlled performances in such a short time. Margo Stanley won the A Division, while Tony Whitehorn won the B Division. Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw 20 bowlers competing for the prize. The winning team was led by skipper Andy McDougall, with lead Sandra Argo and second Mark Mawson. Details of the presentation will be published next week. Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Bowls Club
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This week marks the end of a fantastic year of bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club. On Wednesday, we mixed things up a bit for Social Bowls. Heather Brown, Alen Sanderson, and Henny Tattam defeated Heather Brown, Philip Brown, and Arthur Griffith 23–15. Meanwhile, Sandy Daffara and Barry Zillmann had a close win over Mike Harrison and John Anderson, 15–14. On Sunday, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch before playing just six ends of bowls. Teams were drawn randomly, and Henny Tattam, Sandy Daffara, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison recovered from an early 6-shot deficit to defeat Bruce Uhe, Arthur Griffith, Alen Sanderson, and John Anderson. We wish all our members a safe and very Merry Christmas! A reminder: if you wish to take advantage of the discount on Affiliation Fees, they must be paid before December 31. Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Bowls Club
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With summer temperatures soaring and Christmas just around the corner, Proserpine Golf Club members enjoyed another busy week of competition, with strong fields and some impressive scoring across multiple events. Tuesday, December 9 saw a Medley Stableford played in hot conditions. Di Chard claimed victory with a standout 40 points, ahead of runner-up Aaron Prosser on 36. Nearest the pin prizes went to Aaron Prosser (2nd), Paul Gray (9th) and Luke Wayth (13th). The Wednesday Ladies Stableford on December 10, sponsored by Airllywood, delivered excellent results, with Karen Oni leading the way on 42 points. Jenny Hounsell finished second with 37 points, followed by Kathryn Borer on 35 points after a countback, and Leanne Alexander rounding out the field. Nearest the pin honours were shared by Sherri Meade, Di Dobbins (2nd), Karen Oni and Nicole Cooper (14th). Men took to the course on Thursday, December 11 for a Stableford event. In A Grade, Luke Paroz secured the win on 38 points after a countback, with Jett Borghero runner-up. B Grade honours went to Bradley Wilkinson, also with 38 points on a countback, ahead of Greg Walker. Nearest the pin winners were Scott Mason (2nd), Brett Simpson (9th), Craig McLean (13th) and Laurie Dakin (16th). The Friday 9-hole Back 9 Run, sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, saw Harry Milne take the win with 21 points. Edwina Pettiford finished runner-up on 20 points after a countback, with Fay Milne third. Brent Franke (2nd) and Chris Pirlo (9th) collected NTPs. The final Putt for Cash for 2025 attracted plenty of attention, with Adam Davies sinking his second putt to claim $250 from the $1250 pool. A highlight of the week came on Saturday, December 13, when 132 players contested the popular Turkey Day 3-Ball Ambrose. Overall honours went to Don Cameron, Karen Rix and Roger Vandenberg, with full results to be released via the club’s Facebook page. The day also included presentations for the club’s major 2025 titles and a special moment recognising Nathan’s achievement in attaining professional golfer status. The week concluded on Sunday, December 14 with a Stableford event. Aaron Prosser topped the men’s field with 39 points, ahead of Chris Bartlett on 38. In the ladies competition, Loretta Puttick claimed victory with 38 points, followed by Peta Thomas on 36. Nearest the pin prizes went to Darren Reynolds (2nd), Sherri Meade and Dean Barnard (9th), Mark McDougal (13th) and Scott Clarke (16th). Another successful week wrapped up what has been a strong lead-in to the festive season at Proserpine Golf Club. Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae
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By Hannah McNamara Last Friday, a quiet laneway in Mackay transformed into a vivid display of colour, emotion, and life as Artspace Mackay revealed local photographer Marty Strecker’s newest collection. The Flow and Form of Energy invites viewers to step into a world where movement, light, and unseen forces are captured in striking portraits that pulse with feeling. Among the collection, Marty says each image carries its own quiet power, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. From portraits tha
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Hi lovely readers! As I write this, I’m in Airlie Beach, typing away in the Whitsunday Life office. It’s great to change up the scenery every now and then, and it’s always fun to catch up with work mates you normally don’t get to see. Last week I celebrated my dad’s 45th birthday! So I’d like to say a public belated Happy Birthday to my dad, who also delivers this very paper you’re holding in your hands. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the veggie garden I’m growing, and not long after t
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The Marian Ladies Bowls Club once again demonstrated its commitment to community care, completing another year of heartfelt giving through two meaningful projects that touched both young women and aged-care residents across the Mackay region. In the lead-up to Christmas, members assembled twenty-six thoughtfully packed handbags for the annual Share the Dignity campaign. Each bag was filled with essential items, and a few small luxuries, to support women and girls facing domestic violence,
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By Hannah McNamara After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community. Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. “This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to h
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Following on from recent reports, Queensland Police have revealed that specialist officers and SES crews have commenced a targeted search of bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu. Despite extensive efforts, no items of interest have been located. Police continue to interview people known to Wayne and maintain significant concerns for his welfare. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urg
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The Crisafulli Government is pushing ahead with plans to make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for regional Queensland, as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting of the year in Mackay. The council, a collective of peak industry leaders, government representatives and regional community member, has met three times since being revived by the Crisafulli Government, driving a renewed focus on future upgrades and long-term road safety prioriti
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Mackay Embraces Disability-Friendly Sport A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport. The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability. Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program
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Driven by a quiet passion for supporting teens, volunteer mentor Miriam Houweling has spent the past 18 months helping young learner drivers edge closer to independence through PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program. The initiative pairs volunteers with young people who lack access to a car or supervising adult, giving them a vital pathway to reach their 100 practice hours and unlock new opportunities. Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she m
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Council’s vision of becoming Australia’s leading region for liveability and livelihood gained significant traction in 2024-2025. Landmark projects, strong community collaboration and record investment drove momentum across the year. Council’s Annual Report 2024–2025 showcases a year of remarkable achievements, from securing international sporting events to opening the first stage of the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Mayor Greg Williamson said the report reflected council’s ability to
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A Mackay mum will have a jolly good Christmas, after astonishingly winning $1 million in the Wednesday Windfall — a prize she initially misread as just $10, prompting a vow never to forget her glasses again. The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas. The gleeful winner shared that she burst into tears of joy upon discovering she was a m
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The Big Summer Read is back, and it’s bigger than ever! From now until January 31, children and young people across the Mackay region are invited to dive into a world of stories, imagination and adventure. Mayor Greg Williamson said this exciting campaign encouraged readers aged birth to 18 to keep their literacy skills strong over the summer holidays while having fun. “Summer is the perfect time to spark a love of reading,” Mayor Williamson said. “The Big Summer Read makes it fun and
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Mackay Base Hospital Honours Dr Vaughan’s Legacy After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Mackay Base Hospital is bidding farewell to medical oncologist Dr Kerrie Vaughan who is retiring after a remarkable career shaping cancer care across the region. Originally from Melbourne, Dr Vaughan completed her medical degree and oncology specialty training before heading north in search of sunnier skies. She joined Mackay Base Hospital in February 2001, when she was the only oncologist in t
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