More Than Just 50 Years Of Care And Connection Across the Whitsundays, certain businesses help define the region. They reflect resilience, pride, community spirit, and a commitment to looking after one another. Murroona Gardens stands among them as a nominee for the Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year 2025. For more than fifty years, Murroona Gardens has been more than an aged care service. It has been a cornerstone of Bowen—a place where generations of families have found comfort, wh
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Garden Shack Whitsundays Nominated For Customer Service Champion Garden Shack Whitsundays is celebrating its first-ever nomination in the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards. Kat Williams has been nominated for Customer Service Champion, recognising her dedication and teamwork. "It makes me feel appreciated and acknowledged for my efforts and the efforts of my fellow coworkers. It’s not just me that deserves this award,” Kat said. The nomination is especially meaningful as Garden Shack Whits
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Yooribaya Cultural Experiences has been honoured with two major nominations in the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards, recognised in both the Business Leader of the Year and Small Business Hero categories. For founder and cultural educator behind the family-run enterprise, the acknowledgement marks the first formal award recognition for the business. While Yooribaya has long been celebrated informally through partnerships, collaborations, and community engagement, being nominated in an official aw
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Whitsunday Life Newspaper is proud to be nominated for two categories at the upcoming Whitsunday Business Awards: Business of the Year and Regional Game Changer. For the past five years, Whitsunday Life has been dedicated to restoring the community’s free voice in print. The newspaper was born in response to the sudden closure of 14 regional papers. With almost a decade of magazine-publishing experience behind them, the company took on the challenge of launching a new newspaper to fill the void
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The Whitsunday region is set to sparkle this festive season, with a fantastic line-up of community Christmas events on offer. These Council-supported celebrations are bringing festive cheer to towns right across the region, giving locals plenty of opportunities to come together and enjoy the spirit of the season. In Bowen, celebrations begin with the Bowen Community Christmas Carols on Friday 28 November at the Sound Shell on the Bowen Foreshore from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Families can enjoy Christm
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Friday 21 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Zed Charles (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Michelle White (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Erin Reus (from 8pm) Saturday 22 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Matchbox 20 Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Call Me Maybe DJ (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Simon Briley (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Session (2-6pm) Sorrento: Ian (4
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November 21 Rango and Drop Dead Fred, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 22 Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 7am 23 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 25 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 25 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 26 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 29 Lions Airlie Beach Co
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A Playful Gentleman with a Heart of Gold Say hello to Antonio, a beautiful black Tom cat who’s been loved and cared for since the day he was born. Now around 6 months old, this handsome boy is ready to find his forever home — and he’s sure to steal your heart the moment you meet him. Antonio is the perfect mix of playful, cuddly, and full of personality. He’s curious, affectionate, and has a charming habit that makes everyone smile... he actually plays fetch! Whether he’s chasing his favourite
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Airlie Beach is gearing up for a high-energy week of music and entertainment, with internationally toured performance group Big City Beat preparing to make their debut at the Airlie Beach Hotel this New Years Eve. The Melbourne-based band, which has been performing for around 20 years, will deliver their full-scale New Year’s Eve production. Known for their high-energy performances and large ensemble, Big City Beat features an 11-piece lineup of male and female vocalists, dancers, instrumentali
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Lenard Roberts Stoker Mechanic 232488 Lenard Winch Roberts was a member of the crew of the ill-fated HMAS “Sydney” - but Len was meant to live. This is his story … Lenard Winch Roberts was born in Cardiff, Wales, on November 16, 1920, and, with his family, moved to Western Australia when he was only a boy. As World War II approached, Len enlisted with the Royal Australian Navy on June 9, 1939, and after doing his initial training aboard HMAS “Cerberus”, he was transferred to HMAS “Sydney”. Serv
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Hi Everyone! Last weekend, I had a fantastic time in the Conway National Park, where I went for a little photography walk in hopes of capturing some of the diverse Fauna we have here in the Whitsundays. I was lucky enough to be joined by my friend and her dad, who is a National Park ranger, and he was able to point out different species of trees, birds and other reptiles. The most exciting part, however, was when he pointed out a vibrant little Kingfisher to me. I soon found out it was going t
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The Great Barrier Reef Imagine visiting the Great Barrier Reef 50 years ago. The colours were brighter, the fish more abundant, and the coral gardens stretched endlessly beneath the waves. Fast forward to today, and although the Reef is still a world wonder, science tells us it has undergone significant changes caused by multiple environmental factors. Over time, and in many areas, the reef appears different today compared to what it was decades ago. Without a clear memory of earlier conditions
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During a walk in the Whitsundays, as you meander through the strangler, sandpaper, and cluster figs, you might catch sight of a small, lizard-like shadow darting across the footpath, rustling through the bushes, or clinging to a tree trunk. If you do, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted a Lace Monitor, also known as a Goanna. While Goanas are often encountered on most bush walks, they are actually subject to habitat loss, from development, land clearing and road mortality. Another significant
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Health experts are urging Queenslanders to rely on proven medical advice, not social media myths, when it comes to sun safety, as the state continues to record the highest melanoma rates in the world. Dermatologist Associate Professor Erin McMeniman, from Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, says misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online at an alarming rate. “Particularly in Queensland, most people receive enough sun exposure to produce vi
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By Sharon Ashman The Christmas season often arrives with excitement and pressure. From gift shopping to family gatherings, many people feel stretched thin trying to meet expectations. Financial strain, social commitments, and the desire to make everything “perfect” can lead to heightened stress and exhaustion. Prioritising rest, setting realistic expectations, and creating moments of calm can make a significant difference. Focus on connection rather than perfection, whether that’s sharing a mea
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The Cannonvale Cannons traded the pool deck for palm trees and ocean views over the weekend as 17 swimmers took on the Hamilton Island Endurance Series Triathlon and Ocean Swim. With sparkling conditions, big smiles, and plenty of team spirit, our club proudly made its presence known across all three distances. The 2km Ocean Swim saw outstanding performances, highlighted by Jacob Bell, who claimed first place in the Open Male division, and Tiana Bell, finishing second in the 14–19 years age gro
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Not long now until we’ll be banging pots and welcoming the New Year. We’re already looking forward to the joint Men’s and Women’s Pennants, which will no doubt make our little club even stronger. This week brought great support across our social games, Business House Bowls and school activities. Tuesday was Remembrance Day, and we certainly showed our fallen heroes they will never be forgotten. It was skipper Arthur McManus, with lead David Meiklejohn and Gary Smith, who finished in third place
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U11s Boys Written by Kate Gibbs The Pitbull pups were back at home to face Walkerston, with Captain Fred winning the toss and electing to bowl. The boys backed him brilliantly, producing energetic fielding and disciplined bowling to restrict Walkerston to 64. Hector starred with 3–6, Jonty took 2–5, and Harrison claimed one, while Fred, James, Luka and William kept things tight. Run outs from William (2), Hector and Luka added to the pressure. Chasing 64, Jonty and Will got the Pitties moving b
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Tuesday afternoon winners came out on Rink 5, with Frank Gordon, Querro, Sue Shearing and Alby Vigar defeating Bron Tolcher, Deb Retchless and Laurie Land. In the other game, Shirley Jones and Cliff Queero defeated Irene Laird and Gavin Charles. The jackpot didn’t go off. Congratulations to Penny Warren, who has been named North Queensland Ladies District Bowler of the Year, and to Denise Wallace, who finished a close runner-up. Penny will receive her award in February. The last of the men’s c
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Social bowls on Wednesday saw six players enjoying the green until rain eventually sent everyone inside. Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown and Mike Harrison defeated Des Ballance (visiting from Airlie Beach), Barry Zillmann and Sandy Daffara, 15–13. On Sunday, we played two games of 3 Bowl Pairs. Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown defeated Trevor Parsons and Sandy Daffara, while Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown drew with Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison, 17-all. A reminder that Social Bowls is now on sum
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Warm conditions and the occasional cooling breeze set the scene for another successful week of golf at Proserpine Golf Club, with players across all divisions turning in impressive results. Tuesday’s Single Stroke event delivered excellent scores, with Brad Fleet leading the men’s field on 66 nett, closely followed by Peter Lindsay on 67. In the ladies’ division, Jacqui Wall claimed the win with 69 nett ahead of Leanne Alexander. The Vets competitions also produced strong numbers, with Allison
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Mackay Chamber Brings Business Community Together For Networking & Connection Life Publishing Group, producers of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, would like to extend a massive thank you to Event Cinemas Mount Pleasant and the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce for hosting a fantastic B2B Brews event earlier this week, where the team proudly unveiled their exciting new rebrand. More than 100 local business owners and team members came together on Tuesday to network, connect and share idea
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Hi Everyone, It was an absolute honour to host our rebrand launch at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews event on Tuesday. Held at Event Cinemas Mount Pleasant, it was wonderful to escape the morning humidity, connect with new people, and network in the lively main foyer before venturing into Cinema 6, where I had the privilege of presenting. During my speech, I took the opportunity to give the broader business community an update on who we are, what we do, and to formally in
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A local resident’s difficult day took an unexpected turn thanks to the kindness of a KFC staff member at Northern Beaches. After experiencing the loss of a family member, the customer had gone without food and decided to order through Menulog. What was meant to be a simple meal quickly became a frustrating ordeal. “I hadn’t eaten all day, I decided to order Menulog at KFC. I had a driver at the restaurant for about 30 minutes… I messaged them with no response,” the customer shared on soci
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Council is pleased to announce work is about to start on a local road project which will help to ease congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road during peak traffic periods. The project will also help to accelerate housing development in the area, to meet the housing requirements of one of our region’s fastest growing areas. The project, which includes funding from the State Government’s Residential Activation Fund, will see Reed Street extended through to Norwood Parade in Kerrisdale Estate.
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