Since its founding in 2013, the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre (WTRC) has served as a vital sanctuary for injured and sick sea turtles. Over the years, the Centre has provided a second chance at life for more than 272 of these magnificent marine creatures. Now, Eco Barge is embarking on an exciting upgrade to enhance the Centre’s facilities, allowing them to provide even better care for their beloved turtles. The Centre is supported by a dedicated team of trained volunteers, who selflessly dona
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Fauna Rescue Whitsundays recently expressed their gratitude on Facebook to the dedicated hotliners, rescuers, carers, volunteers, and members of the public who have provided invaluable support to the organization. In their post, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays emphasised that the success of the organisation is due to the commitment of those individuals. With the ongoing wet season leading to a sharp increase in the number of animals requiring care, the organisation is actively seeking additional help
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Hi Everyone, Welcome to the second week of Ruth 2 Reef! I hope you enjoy reading this week's feature, and if you have any stories that you would like to see featured in Ruth 2 Reef, please email ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com. Happy reading! Ruth “An understanding of the natural world, and what’s in it as a source of not only great curiosity but great fulfilment.”- David Attenborough
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The Whitsundays attract many visitors who are drawn to its vibrant marine life, with the majestic manta rays being a particular highlight. These magnificent creatures are often regarded as more ethereal than any other marine animal, gliding gracefully through the water with an almost otherworldly presence. Yet, manta rays are far more than just plankton-feasting, magical sea creatures, they are fascinating beings with remarkable intelligence and intricate cleaning and feeding behaviours that cap
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Living in the hot tropics means there are plenty of thirsty guests and locals out and about enjoying the beauty the Whitsundays has to offer. Sadly, a lot of the containers used for drinking end up in landfills, especially with the huge influx of tourists who visit the islands. Ocean Rafting has acknowledged the contribution that tourism operators have on waste, and to help minimise their eco footprint introduced a brand-new initiative called Tins 4 Fins. Having found out about the Containers f
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Bustamento and Nicky Bomba are bringing their tropical Carribean classics back to Airlie Beach Hotel for two great, booty-swaying free shows. The show on Saturday will kick off the weekend with tropical vibes featuring Bustamento’s ARIA nominated first album: Intrepid Adventures to the Lost Riddim islands! Then on Sunday, Nicky Bomba and Bustamento will be bringing Bob Marley and The Wailers back to the beach with their ONE LOVE tribute filled with reggae classics. This team up of Nicky Bomba, t
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Friday 14 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate Valentines Special (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (4pm–8pm) Saturday 15 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (4pm-8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 16 February The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sex & Chocolate (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (7pm–10pm) Grand Vie
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Brax, a 12-month-old Great Dane-Catahoula mix, was surrendered to Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue. His health is improving every day and he’s steadily gaining weight, his mange is nearly cleared up, and he’ll begin heartworm treatment this month, which will be covered by Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue. Brax is well-trained, he knows how to sit, waits patiently for meals, and has an excellent recall. Fully toilet-trained, he’s ready to settle into his forever home. Affectionate and sweet, Br
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There's a bright red sky this morning, the yachties gave us warning of maybe just a chance of a little rain. Up goes the anchor and out goes the heady, they'll be back soon to prop the bar up once again. The green slime on the gable end climbs higher day by day. Every yard is a quagmire, since the gutters overflowed. Sideways goes the ute on the off ramp at the roundabout, we've gone from squashing toads to dodging potholes on the roads. A blue flannelled Dad with a big black brolly Stands kn
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February 14 Seniors Computer Program, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-2:30pm Bookings Required 14 Pram Pushers, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, 9am-10:30am 14 Drop-in Baby Clinic & Baby Play, Cooinda Family Centre, 10am-12pm 14 Watercolour Art Workshop for Adults, Cannonvale Library, 10am-11:30am, Bookings Required 14 Alcoholics Anonymous, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 6pm-7:30pm 15 Park Run, Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina, starting at 7am 15 Airlie Beach Market, Airlie Beach, starting at
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A fresh new dining experience has arrived at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, with 74 Islands Bar & Bistro now open and ready to welcome guests. Whether you're looking to savour a delicious meal with stunning oceanfront views, grab a quick barista-made coffee before heading on a tour, or unwind with a drink at the fully licensed bar, 74 Islands has something for everyone. Featuring a diverse all-day menu, 74 Islands offers a range of dishes that showcase fresh, quality ingredients. From gourme
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The Airlie Beach Bowls Club held a mixed bowls competition on Tuesday morning, where they welcomed new members Mandy and Phil O’Brien. The winning team, each awarded chocolates, included Mandy O’Brien, Henny Tattam, and Betty Whitehorn. Unfortunately, due to persistent rain, no other games have been played since February 1st. The framework for the dome cover over the lawn is now in place, signaling significant progress toward the project's completion. While delays have been unfortunate, the Dome
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We’ve had a good amount of rain over the past couple of weeks, which kept us off the green. However, Sunday was the first clear day, and many of our members were eager to get back to playing. The winners of the day were Graeme Read and Gavin Charles, who narrowly defeated Laurie Land and Pat Tracey in a tightly contested match. In another game, Deb Retchless, Alby Vigar, and Allan Rolfe ended in a draw with Lindy Suann, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton. Unfortunately, the jackpot didn’t go of
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In a powerful demonstration of community spirit, the Airlie Beach Cricket Club (ABCC) is not only making strides to enhance local cricket infrastructure but also offering a helping hand to neighbouring clubs in need. As part of the Australia Day weekend celebrations, ABCC collaborated with Club Whitsunday to promote cricket activities at their home base, the Sports Park, and raise supportive funds. This partnership was especially meaningful in light of the unfortunate theft of mowing equipment f
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Outrigger Whitsunday has successfully wrapped up a spirited four-week "Come and Try" program, engaging and inspiring the local community. The initiative received an enthusiastic response from 36 participants, all eager to immerse themselves in the world of team paddling. The journey began with an introduction to paddling techniques and canoes, progressing through stages of basic paddling and sprints. As participants honed their skills and built camaraderie, the program culminated in an exhilarat
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Cannonvale Cannons swimmers delivered stellar performances at the 2025 Queensland Sprint Championships, held last weekend at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. This high-energy competition focused on speed, with each swimmer limited to four 50-metre sprint events in their age group. Older competitors with qualifying times could also enter the open-age category, with congratulations going to Ella Bounden, who qualified in Backstroke and Butterfly at the Open level! A strong 23-member squad represented
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On the Australia Day Holiday we responded to a call for help from one of our members at Gloucester Island. Their 5.5 metre half cabin had sunk and they were stranded on the beach in pouring rain. They were bailing it out at low tide, but would need a tow home. A lot of their gear had been lost, most tragically an esky full of liquid survival rations! The tow was spectacular with waves breaking over VMR1, pounding rain and the half cabin threatening to sink again on the end of the tow line. The f
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The spirit of resilience and remembrance filled the air at Bluewater Quay as more than 300 people gathered for the second Mackay Survival Day Walk on the 26th of January. Survival Day, also known as Invasion Day and the Day of Mourning, marks a time to honour the passion and endurance of ancestors who faced the Frontier Wars, which began on January 26, 1788, at Botany Bay. In Mackay, the day is dedicated to paying tribute to the survivors of the Yuwi Nation and their descendants, who continue
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Two auxiliary firefighters who helped establish a ground-breaking youth program for local teens were among 81 firefighters recognised for their service across the state. The Queensland Fire Department Australia Day Achievement Award, proudly sponsored by QSuper, annually recognises and celebrates community heroes who personify the spirit of mateship, service, and endurance. Timothy Davis and Christopher McMasters, auxiliary firefighters from Moranbah, received their awards at a special ceremon
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World Cancer Day on the 4th of February was a reminder that cancer doesn’t just affect one person—it touches families, friends, entire communities. For the past 12 months, cancer has been my reality. It has consumed my time, my energy, my body. It has left scars—some visible, others buried deep. The fight isn’t just physical; the mental toll is a battle all on its own. But I haven’t faced it alone. Hundreds of people, through kind words, gestures and assistance, have helped me navigate this un
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In the Eimeo neighbourhood, one local woman decided to show appreciation for the postman who had been delivering her mail in the area for the last two years. Sharing to the community through a Facebook post, she said "A huge shout out to this top bloke! He's been delivering our mail for the past two years. “[He] always has a smile on his face and waves hello! Just a nice bloke!" The community responded with overwhelming support, praising his consistent positivity, despite the significant ra
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Queenslanders are being urged to update their phone settings to ‘favourite’ the Emergency Alert (EA) phone number to stay informed during an emergency or disaster. Emergency Alert is the national telephone-based warning system used to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones to warn people of emergencies, including dangerous weather with potentially severe impacts. Mackay Whitsunday District Superintendent Dean Cavanagh emphasised the importance of the system. "If
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Mackay has been hit by significant flooding over the past week, with flash flooding closing roads, cutting off access to the airport, and inundating homes and businesses. The heavy rainfall is part of a broader weather event affecting communities from Mackay to Cairns and especially from Townsville north in the Hinchinbrook region, including Cardwell, Ingham, and Giru. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the local governments of the Dawson region had been responding to a severe floo
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Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is calling for local community groups in the electorate of Mirani to apply for the Community Gambling Benefit Fund’s 123rd round of funding with applications open until 28 February 2025. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) is Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program and distributes approximately $60 million each year to not-for-profit community groups. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund funding helps these groups to provide services, leisu
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By Amanda Wright Every year, close to 15,000 Australians hear the words no one wants to hear: you have bowel cancer. For many, the road ahead is overwhelming, filled with medical jargon, invasive treatments, and a battle that is as much mental as it is physical. But in Mackay, there is someone dedicated to walking that road with them. Following World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, the spotlight turns to the incredible work being done to support patients across our region. Among those makin
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