Hi Everyone, The past couple of months have been an absolute whirlwind! It feels like every weekend has been filled with events and I am officially running out of different dresses to wear! This weekend is no exception, with the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards taking place on Friday night. You can read our 13-page Nominees Feature from page 19 in this edition, and we will announce the winners in a special feature next week. I would like to say a massive thank you to the people who have b
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Proserpine State High School has partnered with Whitsunday Regional Council, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and its school Parents and Citizen’s Association to deliver a Defensive Driving Course for their Year 11 and 12 students. The valuable practical and theoretical knowledge delivered to students focuses on hazard perception, vehicle handling, and safe decision-making under pressure, skills that are considered essential for reducing risks on the road. Adding a meaningful local connection,
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Proserpine State High School proudly celebrated its 63rd Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday night, recognising outstanding student achievement across academia, sport, cultural and leadership categories. The prestigious event is a highlight on the school calendar, bringing together students, families, staff, and community members to honour the hard work, dedication, and success of its young people. The ceremony showcased the school’s commitment to nurturing excellence and personal growth, with aw
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Whitsunday Regional Council is seeking more nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, with the closing date now extended to Thursday, 28th November. The Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across the region. Mayor Ry Collins is encouraging everyone to take a moment to nominate someone special. “We all know someone whether they’re a high achiever or a quiet contributor who deserves recognition for making our community stronger, i
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Last Friday a major milestone for the Bowen community was announced with the official opening of the Yaringa Frontline Accommodation Units, a purpose-built housing complex designed to support frontline health, education and aged care professionals. The first of its kind in Queensland, Yaringa consists of four two-bedroom units centrally located in Bowen, providing secure and affordable housing for up to eight essential workers. Each unit includes a shared laundry, kitchen, dining and living spa
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The spirit of giving is alive and well in the Whitsundays, with long-time local community champions Michael and Val Kimpton making a generous $1,000 donation to the Mayor’s Festive Appeal to support families in need this Christmas. Mayor Ry Collins said the contribution reflects the kindness and community pride that defines the Whitsundays. “Michael and Val are wonderful examples of the generosity we see right across our region,” Mayor Collins said. “Their support helps ensure every family ca
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What a night for the Whitsundays at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards. Our region once again shone on the state stage, with local operators featuring strongly across multiple categories and bringing home an impressive haul of awards. It was fantastic to see the breadth of talent and passion on display from accommodation providers to adventure operators and our dedicated volunteers. A huge congratulations to our gold medallists Pinnacles Resort & Spa, Whitsunday Escape, and Iconic Whitsunday A
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AGM & New Board Members At the Whitsundays Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Annual General Meeting last Thursday new board members Giulian Grasso and Doug O’Connor were welcomed. President Allan Milostic said Chamber finish in a strong financial position for 2024, reporting solid financial health and significant momentum. Key achievements in 2024 - 2025 included hosting State and Federal election candidate forums, strengthening collaboration with government and regional partners, making six Cou
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Bowen Community Centre recently held its Community Champions Recognition event, a chance to thank the people and organisations who make our town such a special place. Over the past three years, the Centre has delivered 23 free services to the community from chair exercises and playgroups to the soup kitchen, food bank, Second Bite, and cooking classes. These programs are possible because of the champions who gathered with us on 7 December. The truth is, without these heroes we couldn’t do what
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On Saturday, 15 November, Bowen State High School celebrated the sporting achievements of its students for 2025. As the champion house for the year, the mighty Kennedy Roos saw McKenna Hall transformed in shades of blue to mark their victory over the other houses. More than 250 students, staff, and parents enjoyed an evening reflecting on the year’s sporting highlights. Sports recognised on the night included athletics, cross country, swimming, volleyball, AFL, hockey, rugby league and rugby 7s
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Alinta Energy is hosting a community drop-in information session on Wednesday 26 November to share details about the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm project and hear local feedback. The session will be held at the Proserpine Tennis Club. The project team will be in attendance between 4pm and 7pm and is encouraging community members to drop by at a time that suits to speak with members of the team. The Mt Challenger Wind Farm project is in the early development phase and is located between Pros
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For International Survivors Of Suicide Loss Day Residents of the Whitsunday Shire are warmly invited to come together later this month for a heartfelt Memorial Service marking International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The event, designed to support those bereaved by suicide and honour the memories of loved ones lost, will be held at Queens Beach this Sunday, the 23rd of November. Hosted by the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Kevla and Stackelroth Farms, the gathering aims to create a
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The Whitsunday business community will come together Friday 21 November to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community spirit at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, recognising 70 outstanding nominees across ten award categories. Delivered in partnership between Whitsunday Regional Council, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the awards shine a spotlight on the people and enterprises driving growth across the region. This year’s event
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And the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards Nominees are: Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year – presented by Australian Radio Network (StarFM) For an outstanding business that sets the gold standard for excellence, innovation, and leadership in the region. • Airlie Beach Hotel • Airlie Beach Tourism • Birds Fish Bar • Mana Skin Body & Soul • Murroona Gardens • Ocean Rafting • Whitsunday Life Newspaper Business Leader of the Year – presented by Abbot Point Operations Recognising an inspir
Read moreBowen Tourism and Business is celebrating after being nominated in two categories at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, marking another major milestone for the organisation that has long championed the region’s visitor economy. The organisation will be vying for Community Champion and Customer Service Champion, two categories that recognise outstanding service. The categories highlight local businesses making a genuine impact in the Whitsundays and celebrating those who consistently go a
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Airlie Beach Hotel employee Orry Ferguson has been nominated for the Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee category in this year’s Whitsunday Business Awards, earning recognition for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and rapid professional growth. Known for his maturity and commitment well beyond his years, Orry has built a strong reputation within the hospitality industry. While balancing a demanding 50-hour work week, newlywed life, and the responsibilities of homeownership, he c
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Whitsunday Law has been named a finalist in the Business Leader of the Year category at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, marking a significant achievement for the local firm. Director of Whitsunday Law Kellee Fogg says the nomination reflects the strength of the entire team and the firm’s longstanding commitment to delivering practical, community-focused legal services across the region. This nomination adds to a history of professional contribution and service, including Rotary’s Prid
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Frangipani Cleaning Services is celebrating a major milestone this year, earning a coveted nomination in the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards. Frangipani Cleaning Services is nominated in two categories at the inaugural Business awards, Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur and Customer Service Champion. The recognition marks an exciting moment for the locally owned company, which has built its reputation on reliability, care and a commitment to excellence. Owner of the business Mariah Dean said she
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The OG Hogs Breath is celebrating a major milestone after earning a nomination for Customer Service Champion of the Year at the very first Whitsunday Business Awards. Co-owners Jean-Paul (JP) Afflick and Adam Zakharoff say it’s the first nomination the restaurant has achieved since they took over. “We’re honestly stoked. The whole team has worked hard to turn things around, and being recognised for our service means a lot. It’s a big pat on the back for everyone,” said JP. The team says the n
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Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm has been named a nominee in the Community Champion category in the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards. General Manager Grant Purdon from Tassal said the nomination carries special meaning, reflecting both the team’s values and their commitment to the Whitsundays. They said the Proserpine operation represents far more than seafood production, describing it as a business built on creating shared value for the region through innovation, community care, and environm
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First-Year Awards, First-Time Nominees First-time nominees Corrsafe Enterprises are genuinely honoured to be recognised in the Whitsunday Business Awards. The newly launched program celebrates a wide range of local businesses, many being acknowledged for the first time. Owner Garry Matthias shared how meaningful the nomination is, saying: “It really does make the nomination even more special. The Whitsunday Business Awards are brand-new, and to be recognised in the very first year feels incredi
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Aquatic Rush Whitsundays In a region surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic waterways, water safety isn’t just a skill—it is an essential life requirement. That is why the nomination of Aquatic Rush Whitsundays for the Whitsundays Business Awards is so significant. Aquatic Rush Whitsundays has become a cornerstone of community safety, aquatic education, and swimming development, shaping confident swimmers, skilled lifeguards, and highly trained instructors who strengthen the Whitsundays
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Small Business Hero Option Insurance Brokers are beyond proud to have been nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Small Business Hero Award, with Managing Director, Doug O’Connor noting the nomination truly highlights the importance of small businesses within the region. “We’re beyond excited about this nomination. As a family business, everything we do is centred around supporting people in our community. Being recognised locally tells us we’re on the right track, and it means a lo
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Small Business Hero What started as a tiny two-reformer passion project in the midst of the pandemic has grown into a community. Principle Movements has evolved far beyond its early days, and now they're found themselves nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Small Business Hero Award. This is their very first nomination, and a special milestone for the small studio. “We’re really grateful for this nomination. It’s a big milestone for us and a reflection of the incredible support we
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Customer Service Champion Award Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger have been prestigiously nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Customer Service Champion Award, an achievement both Stephen and Michelle Lynes are beyond grateful to accept. A decade ago, the Lynes’ celebrated sailing business placed as runner-up in the 2015 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, making this year’s nomination all the more exciting. “As owners of Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger, we’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated
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