Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A heartfelt community event was held recently to raise funds and awareness for Dementia Australia, inspired by one local woman’s personal journey with her mother’s diagnosis. Organiser Rebecca Ross said this year’s morning tea was her biggest effort yet after previously running smaller fundraising activities. The motivation behind the event came from her mother, Gail, who was formally diagnosed in June with frontal, temporal, and vascular dementia. “My mum has been my biggest drive for this,”
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Above and Below Gallery has been awarded GOLD in the Retail and Services category at the 2025 Tourism Whitsunday Awards, recognising the gallery’s outstanding contribution to the Whitsundays’ tourism and creative industries. Owner and photographer Brooke Miles said the recognition is a proud moment for the entire team and a reflection of the gallery’s dedication to sharing the beauty of the Whitsundays through art, along with its reputation for great customer service. “This award means so much
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It was another golden night for BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, taking out Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday evening. The gala event, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, brought together tourism operators and businesses from across the region to celebrate excellence and innovation within the Whitsundays’ vibrant visitor economy. For BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, this latest Gold adds to an incredible track record of
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Bowen’s famous Big Mango has added another accolade to its growing list of achievements, taking home Bronze in the Attractions category at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Five members of the Bowen Tourism and Business team attended the event on Saturday night, along with committee chair Jenn Honnery, proudly representing the town’s most recognisable landmark. The Big Mango is no stranger to success, having previously won Silver in the same category. The Bowen Visitor Information Centre, lo
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With passion, grit and decades of guiding experience under her belt, Cherene Poidevin of Driftwood Tours has claimed GOLD in the Land-Based Tours category at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, and she did it as a one-woman team. “I want to jump up and click my heels!” Cherene laughed. “After guiding many years for others and giving it 100%, it is a dream to do it for myself now and give it 150%.” This is not her first brush with success. Driftwood Tours was awarded Gold for Best New Tour Busine
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Ocean Rafting has added another accolade to its impressive collection, taking home Gold in the Best Marketing category at this year’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards. The win marks yet another milestone for the long-standing family-owned business, which has been showcasing the beauty of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef for more than 25 years. Over that time, Ocean Rafting has become a multi-award-winning operator at local, state, and national levels, recognised for excellence, innovation, and s
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A local favourite in the Whitsundays tourism scene has once again been recognised for excellence, taking home Gold in the Self-Contained Accommodation category at the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards. Since taking over the property in July 2021, Paul and Francine Tuddenham have collected an impressive list of accolades, including the 2022 ARAMA Resident Manager of the Year (Short Term), the 2022 Whitsundays Tourism Award for Excellence in Customer Service, and the 2024 Best of Queensland Accommo
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Let's raise a glass to the passionate and dedicated team at Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays. What a night it was at the Tourism Awards, with Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays taking out the top gong for Bareboating! With thousands of happy sailors sharing their stories, this Aussie favourite has proven, once again, why it’s the go-to for Whitsundays bareboat (self-skippered) sailing adventures. Whilst their review count is impressive, it is the storytelling in their reviews that cap
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Queens Beach Tourist Village has once again been recognised among the region’s best, taking home Silver in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category at the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards. For managers Bob and Mel Fotheringham, the win was especially meaningful as it marked their first full year of managing the park. “It’s a great achievement considering this is our first year as new management and for the company as owners,” Mel said. “We know we are doing something right.” The latest award c
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The SeaLink Whitsundays brands have once again cemented their position at the forefront of Australian tourism, claiming four major accolades at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Whitsunday Jetski Tours led the charge, taking out Gold for Best Day Tour – Water, in a standout result across water and land tour categories. This headline win builds on recent momentum for the jetski brand, which was named the world’s No. 1 tourism experience in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Best of the Best Awards. “We’re abso
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Shingley Beach Resort has been recognised among the best in Queensland’s tourism industry, earning a Silver award in the 3–3.5 Star Accommodation category at the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards. The honour marks a milestone moment for the Airlie Beach resort, believed to be Shingley’s first-ever award. While unable to attend Saturday night’s event, General Manager Geoff Canard said he is proud of the achievement and admiration for fellow winners. “Congratulations to all winners, not only for t
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Whitsunday Regional Council is celebrating another tourism success, with the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal taking out Silver in the Attractions category at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Saturday night. The award recognises the Terminal’s outstanding contribution to the visitor experience and its role as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, welcoming hundreds of thousands of passengers each year. Operated by Whitsunday Regional Council, t
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Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays has sailed to success, proudly taking home the Crewed Overnight Sailing Tourism Award at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. The accolade recognises their exceptional liveaboard guest experience, five- star service, and their dedication to showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef Whitsundays through immersive skippered sailing holidays. The award is another chapter in the long-standing story of excellence for Wings Sailing, who were previou
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The Whitsundays’ tourism industry sparkled on Saturday, 18 October, as the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards took centre stage at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. With a refreshed format aligned to the Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP), this year’s awards recognised 93 outstanding finalists across 14 categories. From reef adventures and luxury stays to land tours and fine dining, the night showcased the incredible diversity of the region. A total of 123 local operators achieved BOQ
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The Whitsundays shone brightly over the weekend as the region’s leading tourism operators were celebrated at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held on Saturday, 18 October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. This year introduced a refreshed awards format aligned with the Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP), recognising businesses based on real results and customer feedback rather than submissions. To qualify, operators were required to hold an Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
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A standing ovation greeted local tourism stalwart Kev Collins on Saturday night as he took to the stage to accept the Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Service at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. With over four decades of dedication to the region’s tourism industry, Collins—owner of D’Vine Catering & Events—was recognised for his enduring service, unwavering passion, and significant contribution to shaping the Whitsundays into one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. “It has taken me over
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It was a batter’s paradise on the weekend, with more than 1000 combined runs scored across the Canecutters vs Warriors and Valleys vs Colts match-ups. On Field 1, the Canecutters batted first, with Liam Davies (28) and Michael Pettiford putting on a 61-run opening partnership before Brendan Russell (3/56) snuck one through Liam’s defence. He was supported by fellow opening bowler Regan Knight (1/67) and the crafty off-spin of Bryce Fraser (1/26), reducing the Canecutters to 4/80 after 12 overs.
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On Saturday, October 11, nearly 200 swimmers and their families came together at the wonderful Prossie Pool. Families travelled from Charters Towers, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Mirani, Moranbah, Cannonvale, and Proserpine for a day filled with fun, laughter, fast racing, medals, ribbons, and ducks. The Whitsunday Swimming Club had 27 swimmers compete, with many first-timers taking to the water. It was fantastic to see the team spirit and support from all our swimmers and parents. Every single s
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Final Competition For Veterans Golf The Whitsunday Veterans Golf held its final competition for the year at the Bowen Golf Club. Numbers were slightly down this time, with 18 women and 23 men taking part. Proserpine Vets claimed the title of Club of the Year, while Whitsunday’s own Robyn Whitham and Barry Mortimer were named Golfers of the Year. Congratulations to all concerned. Results: Ladies: Vickie Wallace (Proserpine) won the day with an impressive 39 points, followed by Anne McGowan (Bo
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The Cannonvale Cannons excelled at their first Distance Night, with swimmers pushing their limits and reaping the rewards. The night saw an incredible five club records broken and newly set as swimmers rose to the challenge of longer events. Congratulations to Tiana Bell (17 years), who set a new record in the 200 m Breaststroke (3:19.19), Jax Clayworth (12 years), who broke Jy Parkinson’s long-standing 1500 m Freestyle record with 19:20.59, and Eloise Chegwidden (10 years), who set a new recor
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Spring has arrived, and the action at our little club in paradise is heating up on the greens. Tuesday afternoon social bowls saw Tony Whitehorn and Sue Walker take the win with an impressive 16-point margin. Tony continued his good form on Wednesday, teaming up with Lou Rogan and Greg Fennell to win by 12 points — earning him the nickname “Take the Money Tony.” Wednesday night bowls attracted more than 30 players, kicking off the new season in great style. On Friday morning, the Endeavour Fo
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Trivia And Cent Sale To Support Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group An afternoon of fun, laughter, and community spirit is on the way, with the Member for Mackay’s Trivia & Cent Sale Fundraiser set to take place on Sunday, 26 October 2025, at the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds. Hosted by Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, the event will raise vital funds for the Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group, which provides essential care and assistance to local women and families affected by breast cance
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When it comes to enshrining important aspects of our history, you need look no further than Mackay street names to see what matters to us; the names range from revered local war heroes, world-renowned racehorses, significant Queensland political figures, rugby league legends, and Australian cricketing icons, through to … some old tractors. The names of local war heroes, young men who bravely sacrificed their lives for us, are respectfully remembered with poppies on the street signs in West Mack
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At The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair 2025 The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair 2025 is back and ready to light up the Mackay Showgrounds on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. This family-friendly event is free to attend from 5:30pm each night and promises two evenings full of festive fun, laughter, and excitement. From the moment you arrive, the fair is bursting with sights, sounds, and smells that capture the magic of the season. Rides and amusements will keep the kids entertai
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Hi lovely readers, Exciting news from my little garden… my rosemary has begun to sprout, along with tomatoes, chilis, and spring onions! I planted the seeds in paper cups a few weeks ago, and every morning I’ve eagerly checked to make sure they’re still surviving (lol). The tomatoes were first to sprout, then the chilis, followed by the spring onions… and now the rosemary. It’s small, simple progress, but it’s a little reminder that growth often takes great patience and care. Seeing these ti
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