Friday 14 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Double Header (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Matty Black (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Saturday 15 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Gaga (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Matty Black (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Session (2-6pm) Sorrento: Ash Smith (4pm - 7pm) KC
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November 16 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 20 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Bowen Library, from 10am 21 Rango and Drop Dead Fred, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 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, 9:00
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Fans of Matchbox Twenty and Rob Thomas are in for a treat next weekend as the Australian Matchbox Twenty Tribute Show heads to the Airlie Beach Hotel for the very first time. While the band’s guitarist has previously visited the Whitsundays with the INXS Tribute Show, founding member and bass player Ronny Howard said the full group is excited to make its debut in paradise. “If you could see what the weather in Melbourne is doing today, you wouldn’t need to ask if we’re looking forward to it,”
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After her world was suddenly turned upside down, Boomer, a gentle seven-year-old girl, is ready to find the love and stability she’s been missing. Once surrendered to the pound, Boomer’s future was uncertain — but thanks to the kindness of rescuers, she’s now safe in foster care and beginning to rediscover her spark. At first, she was understandably subdued, unsure of her new surroundings. But with a little time, patience, and affection, her loving personality has begun to shine through. Boome
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On Friday 7 November the Bowen Community Centre thanked businesses and community members for their support throughout the year. The 2025 Bowen Community Centre Community Champions were: Abbot Point Operations Aurizon Bowen Community Sunday Markets Bowen Industrial Hire ECM Project Engineering Grace Christian Fellowship Holy Trinity Anglican Church Horseshoe Bay Social Club James Barry (In Memorium) Lowcock Builders Zonta Club of Bowen Mayor Ry Collins Peries IGA Bowen Woolworths Bowen Prices Pl
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Hi Everyone, This week marks National Recycling Week. While it’s great to have a dedicated week to raise awareness, it’s important to remember that recycling should be a year-round practice. To support this, I’ve included a brief guide outlining what can and cannot be recycled. Happy Reading! Ruth
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National Recycling Week: The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling As National Recycling Week rolls around, Whitsunday residents are being encouraged to take a closer look at what’s going into their yellow-lid recycling bins. By knowing what belongs, and what doesn’t, we can all play a part in reducing landfill waste and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable region. The Do’s of Recycling You can confidently place the following items in your recycling bin: Glass bottles and jars Paper and cardboard
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"Whales of the Whitsundays" (WoW) is a community-led initiative that promotes the monitoring, conservation, and cultural connection to the whales in the Whitsundays region. Through citizen science, educational programs, and events like the "Welcome Whale" event, WoW has contributed to the Whitsundays being officially designated as the world's first Whale Heritage Site within a World Heritage Area, recognising its importance for migrating humpback whales. Now, their conservation efforts are maki
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The dust has settled on the Whitsundays, but the sound of music still echoes in Airlie Beach as the 2025 Airlie Beach Festival of Music wraps up, celebrating a record-breaking year for both attendance and community spirit. The three-day music event, which saw the town's venues and the iconic Main Tent fully activated, delivered an estimated $5 million injection into the local economy. This huge success was driven by a staggering turnout, confirming the festival's status as a must-attend event o
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It was a day of glamour, good humour, and great golf as players turned out for the club’s Melbourne Cup event, where the racing may have been on the screen, but the competition was fierce on the fairways. Congratulations went to those lucky enough to win a share in the Melbourne Cup sweeps, and a big thank you was extended to everyone who helped make the day such a success — from those who donated food and prizes to the volunteers who kept things running smoothly. The ever-popular Best Hat com
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Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any better, both the weather and the bowls were sizzling at Airlie Beach this week. Tuesday’s social bowls saw skipper Lyn Graham and lead Greg Fennell claim the Highest Winning Margin, dominating a strong field. On Wednesday, 18 bowlers took to the green for another round of social triples. Tony “Take the Money” Whitehorn continued his hot streak alongside Alma Rose Zaldivar and Alan Pershouse, finishing as runaway winners. Friday morning’s Endeavour F
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It was looking very much like we might have insufficient teams for this year’s Memorial Day, with so many other events being held on the same weekend. We thank all those who chose to come and play bowls in our carnival. Saturday morning brought more of the hot and steamy conditions we’ve been experiencing as we head into what looks to be a long, hot summer. The quality of bowls played by all twelve teams was extraordinary across all three games during the day. The clubhouse air conditioning was
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It was another warm week at Proserpine Golf Club, with only Thursday’s brief downpour interrupting play. The club also launched a new Skins qualifier event, with round two to be played on November 29 and the grand final set for December. On Melbourne Cup Day, strong fields turned out for the Single Stableford. Blake Gee (42 pts) and Tina Badenhorst (38 pts) claimed wins in the men’s and ladies’ events respectively, while Larry Muller and Peter Lindsay led the Veterans. Wednesday’s Monthly Meda
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On Melbourne Cup Day, our stalwart members enjoyed an afternoon of bowls on Tuesday — with a pause, of course, to watch the big race. Winners came from Rink 3, where Bron Tolcher, Deb Retchless, and Mark Drummond defeated Bill Myers, Shirley Jones, and Alby Vigar. Robyn Stitt, Cliff Querro, and Gordon Querro also claimed a win over Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, and Gavin Charles. The jackpot didn’t go off. Sunday’s social play saw Celly, Teresa, Skinny, and Stuart take the win over Albie, Irene, De
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Under 11 Boys The U11 Pitties were back on home turf against Magpies White in a spirited contest. PJCA batted first after winning the toss, with a big thanks to N. Garraway for switching sides so both teams could field full squads. W. White led the charge with 18 runs, supported by L. Neal (13), L. Stevens (12) and J. Smith (12) as the Pitties posted a steady 111, built on smart running and solid partnerships. With the ball, Z. Mead (1-17 off 3) and Neal (1-19 off 3) kept the Maggies under press
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$2 Million Package Strengthens Homeless Support In Mackay It’s been a significant week for Mackay, with the Government confirming a $2 million funding boost aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and local homelessness services. The package includes $1 million for Chances House, the city’s key drop-in centre, and $1 million for additional specialist services across Mackay and the Whitsundays. Premier David Crisafulli said the investment offers a “fresh start” for Queenslanders, while Housing
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Hi lovely readers! How great does our new design look? It’s vibrant, fresh, and a wonderful change! If you couldn’t already tell, the green and blue hues reflect our stunning Great Barrier Reef and vibrant hinterland. We live in such an incredible part of the world. I even watched a YouTube video recently with my husband Adam titled Top Places To Visit in Australia, and Cape Hillsborough and the Whitsunday Islands made the list! While we may complain about the summer heat, deep down,
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A local mother has taken to a community page to express her gratitude to a stranger who came to her son’s aid following a serious scooter accident. Her 14-year-old son had fallen from his e-scooter on a Mirani street and was left unconscious on the road. The quick action of a passerby ensured he received help in what could have been a far worse situation. “To the gentleman that picked my 14yr old son up off the road unconscious out Mirani recently from an e-scooter incident, I am eternal
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At the National Press Club, The National Party of Australia drew a line in the sand, declaring it will no longer support Labor’s reckless Net Zero target by 2050, calling it unaffordable, unachievable, and unsustainable for Australia’s economic and industrial future. The Party says Labor’s ideological approach is driving up power prices, costing jobs, and punishing the regions that keep Australia running. Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willco
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The Crisafulli Government has brought its fourth Community Cabinet of 2025 to Mackay, taking the opportunity to hear directly from residents, business owners, and community leaders on what matters most to the region. More than 200 people attended the event at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Sunday, November 2, where Premier David Crisafulli and Ministers outlined their plan to deliver safety, health services, and economic opportunities for local communities. Premier Cris
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Schools across the Mackay region came together last week to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, recognising the dedication and passion of educators shaping the next generation. Students and parents showed their appreciation through parades, morning teas, and gifts. Fitzgerald State School said it was “a wonderful day where students and parents presented appreciation flowers and balloons, to our Fitzy staff for World Teachers Day, organised by our amazing P & C.” Beaconsfield State School ackn
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Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of walking, riding and micromobility across the region through its draft Mackay Region Active Transport and Micromobility Plan 2025-2036. The draft plan sets a long-term vision to make Mackay a walking and riding-friendly region, with safe, convenient and enjoyable paths designed for our tropical climate. It aims to create a network that connects people to places that matter – schools, shops, parks and public transport – while su
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Supporting Men And Boys In recognition of International Men’s Day and its 2025 theme, “Supporting Men and Boys”, Grapevine Group invites the community to a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session on Saturday, November 15 at 9.30am at Dudley Denny City Library. “With three out of four suicide deaths being male, there is a dire need for awareness and action”, says Grapevine Group president Debbie Knight. “We’re offering practical tools in this special session open to men and the
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Safe Sleep Mackay is one step closer to providing a safe night’s rest for people sleeping rough, following the arrival of the region’s third Safe Sleep Bus. The charitable community group, led by volunteers, has spent months working to fit out three buses that will offer temporary overnight refuge for people experiencing homelessness. Each vehicle will feature private, secure sleeping pods designed to provide guests with a place to rest safely, regroup, and begin rebuilding their lives.
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Mackay Regional Councillor Nathenea McRae has called for the $4.1 million in fines issued to residents who failed to vote in the recent council by-election to be redirected back to Mackay Regional Council, helping to offset the $566,101.13 cost of running the election. Cr McRae’s motion, passed by Council in September, proposes that “the money received by the ECQ from non-voting fines associated with the council by-election be redirected to Mackay Council to reimburse the full cost of con
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