Dr. Alice Harriott is no ordinary dentist; she is also a ‘Dancing CEO’, raising money and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), in an effort to break the cycle of domestic violence across our state. Combining her roles as a dentist, fundraiser and now dancer Dr. Harriott has created two special raffle prizes, designed to change lives. For just $25 a ticket, participants can win either a dental care package worth $9,000. The prizes offer a full orthodontic diagnosis, braces, or
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Cunard’s latest addition to its cruising fleet, Queen Anne, is due to anchor offshore at Airlie Beach next Wednesday 5 March. Launched in May 2024, the magnificent modern ship completed sea trials and shorter journeys before embarking on her inaugural world cruise on 9 January 2025 from Southampton carrying just over 2,600 passengers. Onboard from Southampton to Sydney were Whitsunday locals Dr Julia and Richard Evans presenting their creative writing program. “We had the absolute privileg
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A group of young local boaties were rescued by the incredible volunteers at VMR Whitsundays last week, the mission showcasing the wonderful work of this valued service in ensuring ocean farers of all ages are kept safe in our waters. “With the return of typically sunny, Whitsunday weather, boats are back in the water, and rescues are once again on the rise,” explained Shane Newell, VMRW President. “One of our good news stories this past week was the rescue of a group of children who somehow beca
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The Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club (WCCC) celebrated a stellar start to 2025 with their Car Run, Annual General Meeting (AGM), and Club Meeting on Sunday, February 16th. The event, which saw 19 beautiful classic & vintage cars take part, was a massive success and attracted a strong turnout of local enthusiasts, including guests from the Old Iron Restorers Club. The cars began their journey from Cannonvale, cruising along picturesque routes before arriving at Shute Harbour Marina Terminal. There, t
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At the last Whitsunday Regional Council meeting the members proposed making a bid for hosting Ramped Up in Airlie Beach this year. Ramped Up and other sporting events like it are a big drive for the Whitsundays, and the motion was unanimous, with a resounding yes to try and get it to return. Hosting open sporting events like Ramped Up are not just about thrills and spills, they're also part of a larger effort by the Whitsunday Regional Council to drive the local economy. Ramped Up, sponsored by
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The Whitsunday Thrift Club is excited to announce the return of its popular preloved and vintage clothing market for 2025, with a brand-new initiative designed to promote sustainability and foster community spirit. The “Give One, Take One” table invites both stallholders and shoppers to take part in a fun, interactive way to swap or donate up to three items of quality preloved clothing for FREE! “We are really excited to introduce this new addition to our markets,” said market coordinators Kaitl
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Last week, Tourism Whitsundays, along with 15 of our members, embarked on The Whitsundays East Coast Roadshow, visiting Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In each city, we hosted a networking event that brought together key trade partners and front-line travel agents. These events served as an excellent opportunity to engage with the professionals that promote and sell Whitsundays holidays to travellers all across the country. More than 300 representatives registered for the events, and they were
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Last week, our Visitor Services Manager, Dea, joined Explore Group Australia's Sales Manager, Chris, for an unforgettable sail and snorkel trip to Whitehaven Beach and Chalkies Beach. Read about Dea's adventures here! [make a pop out subheading please] Aboard a purpose-built catamaran with a small group, we set sail from Hamilton Island to the serene shores of Chalkies Beach. After a thorough safety briefing, we plunged into the water for snorkelling, relishing the thrill of following a green
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As Mayor of the Whitsundays, my focus in this first term has been on advocating for our region and driving economic development that delivers real, tangible benefits for everyone in our community. Our region is experiencing exciting growth, and we’re committed to keeping that momentum going forward—planning not just for today but for the next 30, 40, even 50 years, so that our community and our youth have every opportunity to thrive. I’m also actively engaging with our federal and state gove
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This month, we meet Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Tolita Dukes of 8 Seconds. For the past 12 years, Tolita has been transforming how Whitsunday businesses approach marketing—taking it from an overwhelming afterthought to a systematic, stress-free process that delivers consistent results. 8 Seconds specialises in helping time-poor business owners escape the constant juggle of wearing too many hats with done-for-you marketing management. "After 27 years in the Whitsundays, I'
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Elder abuse is an issue that’s often overlooked, but the team at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is set to change that by equipping older Australians with the knowledge to recognise and respond to potential abuse. The session’s primary goal is to raise awareness of what elder abuse looks like, allowing attendees to address it if it happens to them or their loved ones and will be led by Sergeant Stephen Smith, Mackay District Crime Prevention Coordinator. He states it’s an immerging issue tha
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The Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue will be at Pets Domain in Bowen on the 8th of March for their Adopt-A-Dog Day! Mark it in your calendar as the day you could meet your new, best furry friend and loving companion. Run by 100% volunteers, the Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue aims to give the animals in their care the best change at finding forever homes, and you just may be the one. Come and meet all their lovely pooches at the monthly markets hosted by Pet Domain Bowen, grab a snag at the sausage
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During the recent North Queensland flooding, train drivers Jade and Renee spotted a stranded echidna along the Gregory Development Road. With the help of the Bowen Rail Company’s rail traffic controller, the little creature was carefully relocated to a safer area away from traffic. Once out of harm's way, the echidna was able to get back on his way, snuffling through the bush. This encounter highlights the Bowen Rail Company’s ongoing commitment to wildlife protection. From the early stages of
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The Whitsunday Regional Council's Parks and Gardens team has been diligently working on significant upgrades to the Rose Bay Foreshore, improving both functionality and aesthetics for the community. One of the key updates is the entrance upgrade, where three new sandstone blocks have replaced the old, worn post and railing system. These sandstone blocks not only provide a sturdier and more reliable entry point but also enhance the overall appearance of the foreshore, adding a touch of rustic ele
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The Greater Whitsunday Vet Services are so excited to announce that they are having an Open Day Event for their new Proserpine clinic! The open day is so important as it showcases the brand-new clinic in its entirety. Come along on the 9th to see what your patients experience at the clinic, check out the amazing diagnostics equipment and experience how the pristine hospital ward is presented. Collect an insight into what the day-to-day vet life looks like with a cool clinic tour every hour! Ge
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Greater Whitsunday Vet Services, a local Bowen veterinary clinic, has expanded to service the wider Whitsunday community by opening a new clinic in the heart of Proserpine. Located at 52 Main Street Proserpine, the new clinic will offer a comprehensive range of veterinary services including routine wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, desexing, advanced imaging, surgical procedures, general health care, and preventative treatments. Greater Whitsunday Vet Services Practice Owner and Veter
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Greater Whitsunday Vet Services has 6 qualified veterinarian professionals working between Bowen and Proserpine (with over 35 years of combined experience) and all being involved in mixed animal components. These dedicated local vets approach veterinary medicine with a modern, professional and compassionate mindset. The Greater Whitsunday Vet team are staunch advocates for animal health providing sound advice and professional recommendations, always striving to offer the best possible care for
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The veterinary nurses at Greater Whitsunday Vet Services aren't just standard, they are top-notch client liaisons. The team’s philosophy centres around friendly and easy interactions making your visit to the clinic as comfortable and seamless as possible. Greater Whitsunday Vet Services’ nurses are here to ensure that clients feel heard, understood and cared about as much as possible and are devoted to understanding the needs of your pets. Each knowledgeable liaison will welcome you into the con
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Greater Whitsunday Vet Services Operational Manager, Georgia Bowser, is a Proserpine local, born and raised on the farm. Georgia rotates between the Proserpine and Bowen clinics throughout the week ensuring that the staff and productivity of the business is on track. Georgia has over 8 Years experience as a Veterinary Nurse and brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the clinic. She enjoys coaching and training staff whilst allowing innovative ideas from the team for further development. Geor
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In today’s fast-evolving agricultural landscape, sugarcane growers must go beyond traditional farming practices to build resilient and profitable businesses. Recognising this need, CANEGROWERS introduced the Business Essentials workshop series, a comprehensive program tailored to empower sugarcane growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture. Now in its fourth year, the program is more flexible than ever, offering a mix of in-person workshops
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What marine creature can have up to 21 arms, hundreds of venomous spines, a taste for coral, and the ability to appear in plague-like numbers? If you guessed the Crown-of-thorns starfish, you’d be right! Often referred to as COTS, Crown-of-thorns starfish are native to the Great Barrier Reef and are not an introduced species. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, genetic studies have shown that there are at least four species of COTS. The species found on the Great Barrier Re
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Since the Whitsundays border the Great Barrier Reef, they are home to not only stunning coral formations but also a diverse array of marine life. Among the many iconic species inhabiting this remarkable ecosystem, the dugong plays a crucial role in maintaining the reef's balance and is frequently spotted along the Airlie Beach boardwalk. Historically known as “Sea Cows,” Dugongs are more closely related to elephants than whales and dolphins. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritag
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Hi Everyone! This week's Ruth 2 Reef is a bit shorter, as the paper is packed with exciting news, but rest assured the content is just as engaging! If you have a local environmental story you'd love to see featured, feel free to email me at ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com. Happy reading! Ruth "Our task must be to free ourselves ... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty" —Albert Einstein.
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Here it comes – the soundtrack of your childhood playing right here in Airlie Beach! Creedence Clearwater Survival is bringing only the best CCR and John Fogerty Live Experience for two free shows this March 8th and 9th at Airlie Beach Hotel’s own, The Pub! Amazing audiences across Australia with their faithful renditions of record-breaking hits they just don't make anymore. If you’re a fan of the swampy, roots-rock sound that defined a generation, then this tribute band is the one to see. Creed
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Friday 28 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Paul Berger (4pm–8pm) Saturday 1 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Vs Gaga Ultimate Tribute (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music & Chill DJ Session (1pm–6pm) Sunday 2 March The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Vs Gaga Ultimate Tribute (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6:30pm–9:3
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