Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Heart Behind Fresh Fields News & Gifts This month, we meet the passionate business owner – Barbara Cochrane – behind Fresh Fields News & Gifts, a beloved local hub for stationery, lotto, gifts, and more. Owned since December 2013, Barbara offers a wide range of products to support office, home, and school needs—from essential stationery and school supplies to unique gifts for all ages and special occasions. Whether it's a beautiful journal, a quality pen, or a thoughtful baby gift, the sto
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This week I assisted Dr Olaf Meynecke, the Lead Scientist Marine Megafauna Coastal and Marine Research Centre from Griffith University in an exciting research project, deploying a 24/7 hydrophone (an underwater microphone and recorder) at 26 metres in the humpback highway in the Whitsundays. This is one of six hydrophones, which will be spaced at approximately 500km intervals along the East Coast of Australia from Merimbula to the Ribbon Reefs off Cooktown, ensuring wide coverage of the annual
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Eco Barge Clean Seas is proud to announce that it has extended its collaboration with Hamilton Island to support vital marine conservation efforts in the Whitsunday Islands. Hamilton Island’s continuing support will greatly assist Eco Barge’s mission to keep the islands clean and protect vulnerable marine life, including the care of rescued sea turtles. One important part of the collaboration is Hamilton Island’s support through the Containers for Change program, where eligible containers colle
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OPINION PIECE It’s no secret that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is under financial pressure. Costs have ballooned, and participation rates are rising faster than anticipated. Reform is clearly needed. But how the government plans to tackle reforms is all cloak and dagger. Before the May election, Labor stuck to its usual script, spruiking only they could be trusted with healthcare and made promises of no cuts to health. Yet just two months into a new term, Labor is making cut
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Meet Tex, a young, energetic boy bursting with personality and ready for a second chance at life. Tex was rescued from death row and is now looking for a loving forever home where he can continue to thrive. This handsome lad is full of energy and always up for an adventure, but he also has a sweet, cuddly side and loves spending time with his humans. While incredibly affectionate, Tex does have some past trauma and can be sensitive around his collar, head and ears. His foster carer has been wor
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Country Festival 2025 Another fantastic year of boot scootin’ has come to a close as the Queensland Country Festival 2025 wrapped up in true country style on Sunday. Locals and visitors from near and far hit the dancefloor to enjoy toe-tappin’ tunes from crowd favourites including Ella Mackenzie, Lane Pittman, Luke Geiger, Max Jackson, The Wolfe Brothers, Tori Darke, and Zac & George. Festivalgoers browsed a variety of market stalls, tested their skills on both mechanical and live bull rides,
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Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival is set to ignite Airlie Beach from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, promising an immersive weekend of celebration and Reef themed events and art. The 2025 Festival theme is Coral Kingdom. This beloved annual event invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the magic of the Whitsundays, showcasing the region's vibrant culture and its unique connection to the world-renowned Gr
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The family of Jo McGregor sadly announced her passing over the weekend, the much-loved local passing away peacefully and surrounded by love following a brave and lengthy battle with cancer. Known for her incredible kindness, her community work, and friendly personality, Jo will be deeply missed by her many friends—and especially by her family, including husband Shane and their sons Jordan and Jay. Jo’s family posted this message: “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbr
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For many small to medium business owners, staying competitive means keeping productivity high — and that often comes down to having the right tools for the job. Whether it’s updating outdated machinery or investing in new technology, equipment upgrades can make a big difference. But before asking what to buy, the better question is why, says Luke Sheppard, Senior Business Relationship Manager – North Central Queensland at Bendigo Bank. “Delivering high-quality products and services is one of t
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A father of three was in Airlie Beach recently with his family when he stopped to talk to a fellow German, a young backpacker who was travelling the country. Having lived in the Whitsundays for many years and built a life here, the father enjoyed speaking in his native tongue and hearing about the young man's adventures. After a few minutes, the backpacker divulged that he was a little stuck because he had just run out of money and was unable to put fuel in his vehicle to get to the next locat
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It’s no secret that life on the water underpins the fundamentals of the Airlie Beach community in more ways than geographical, and this July, the Coral Sea Marina will host a memorable celebration for those who love the Airlie Beach lifestyle! The Better Boating Expo will be held on Friday, the 11th of July, from 10am through to 2pm at the marina to promote better boating practices, including sustainability, the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and the local marine environment, and basic sa
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Music lovers are in for a nostalgic treat when Keith Potger, founding member of Australia’s beloved folk-pop group The Seekers, brings his heartfelt solo tribute show Celebrating The Seekers – 60 Years to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday, 17 July. Starting at 1pm, this special one-hour matinee performance is set to take audiences on a warm and reflective journey through the songs, stories and harmonies that made The Seekers a household name around the world. Potger’s 12-string g
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Set high above the Coral Sea on Mount Whitsunday, Elementa Whitsundays, together with its on-site artisan gin and vodka maker 74 Islands Distillery, is transforming how locals and visitors experience dining, connection, and celebration in Airlie Beach. Now open to the public for walk-in evenings and exclusive daytime events, Elementa offers something rare: a venue that fuses world-class culinary experiences with panoramic views, small-batch spirits, and the effortless luxury of the tropics. Fr
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The Whitsundays is now the fastest growing local government area in regional Queensland, a reflection of our region’s economic strength, lifestyle appeal, and the confidence people have in our future. But with growth comes challenge, and one of the most pressing is housing. Vacancy rates have remained under 2 per cent since 2020, and in some towns, they’ve hit 0 per cent during peak times. That puts real pressure on local families, limits job opportunities, and makes it harder for new workers t
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After four years of early mornings and unpredictable weather of Saturday markets, Shorelines Collection has found a new home. The local candle making business is now open at their new address, Shop 4, 1 Carlo Drive, and has been quietly operating from the delightful space for six months now. The new studio is a tranquil, coastal-inspired retail and production space where hand-pour soy candles and diffusers which are made on-site using Australian fragrance oils and natural soy waxes. The store
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New Doctor Returns To Region After years of adventure and travel across Australia, Dr Mohammad Tafakorian is set to return to the Whitsundays this August, joining the team at Barefoot Medicine Whitsundays. Dr Mohammad is no stranger to the region, having previously spent four years working and living in the Whitsundays before a stint in New South Wales. Now, he’s eager to return to the place he describes as his hometown. “I feel like Airlie Beach is my hometown, I believe it’s my home, I feel
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Tourism Whitsundays has confirmed that its accredited Visitor Information Centre in Proserpine will close at the beginning of the new financial year. The decision comes after a comprehensive review of visitor servicing strategies in response to evolving traveller habits and an increasingly digital tourism landscape. In the 2022/23 financial year, the Proserpine Visitor Information Centre welcomed just under 6,000 visitors. However, visitation has declined by more than 20% this year, with only 3
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Administration Assistant Nicole Pascall Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed a new Administration Assistant, Nicole Pascall. She brings a deep love for the region and a strong commitment to the local community. Having first fallen in love with the Whitsundays back in 2012, she and her family made the move back in 2022 to raise their children in the laidback lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere that the region is known for. In her new role, Nicole is most excited about learning new skills, gaining v
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It’s been one year since JP Afflick and Adam Zakharoff breathed new life into what was the very first Hog's Breath Café in Australia, right here in the Whitsundays. Located in the heart of Airlie Beach, the business duo say they are proud of what they have achieved this year and are ready to celebrate. On Friday 4 July 5-8pm everybody is invited to join a relaxed night with the usual laid-back atmosphere, familiar faces, and a chance to raise a glass. Celebrate with JP and Adam as they proudl
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The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style, smashing entry records and attracting the second-largest professional field in Queensland, behind only the iconic Noosa Triathlon. Set for Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, this year’s festival will see athletes from across the country descend on the wonderful Whitsundays, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, to compete in one of Australia’s most scenic and exciting multisport events. Race Dir
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Nineteen members of the Whitsunday Running Club braved the rough seas to take part in the Great Whitehaven Beach Run in treacherous conditions with a 25 knott south easterly blowing. The female members of the club took out the trifecta in the half marathon with Liv Compton finishing ahead of Aimee Sulzberger and Alison Scoles. In the 10k race Riana Wronski finished strongly in second place. The male members of the club also achieved some great results with Roland Henderson placing second in th
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The Cannonvale Cannons’ youngest swimmers are proof that swimming is not only about medals—it’s about friendship, fun, and the joy in the journey, not just the finish line. We sat down with six of our youngest Cannons to find out what they love most about swimming and being part of the Cannons family. For Miranda, it’s all about the fun of club nights and racing her dog Chilli in her imagination. Lennox loves practicing his dives and seeing his “swim friends” each week, he also imagines a dog
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It was another busy and social week at Wangaratta Bowls Club, with action across several competitions, social events, and Friday night barefoot bowls. Monday Triples Dominated by Irymple Crew Monday’s self-selected triples saw the in-form Irymple crew of France Wilmann, Jenny Healey and Chris Healey claim victory over Meryl Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Robyn Stitt. The Irymple side has been enjoying a strong run of form on Mondays in recent weeks. Runners-up were Ken Rod and Mark, who over
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Ocean Rafting Acquires Hamilton Island Water Sports. In a heartfelt continuation of local legacy, Ocean Rafting is proud to announce its acquisition of Hamilton Island Water Sports, bringing together two well-loved, family-owned businesses in the Whitsundays. This exciting new chapter sees the transition of ownership from one passionate local family to another, with both businesses sharing deep roots in the region and a commitment to delivering world-class, water-based experiences while support
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Get ready for a night of soulful singing, slick dance moves, and comedic antics as the Gold Coast-based sensation, Geed UP, hits the stage at the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th. Geed UP have performed at the Airlie Beach Hotel numerous times, and every time Khan, Steve, Liz, and Xy, promise an unforgettable, high-energy performance that defies expectations. You may recognise Liz and Xy in Geed UP from TV. Both featured on The Voice Australia and became favourites
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