Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
%20(1).JPG)
I am excited to be hosting my first Mayor’s Charity Ball at the amazing Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Saturday, September 21, 2024. This will be an opportunity to come together, not only to celebrate our vibrant community, but more importantly to raise funds and support two incredible local charities: RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network. As many of you know, RACQ CQ Rescue provides an invaluable service to our Whitsunday region, offering rapid response medical ass
Read more.jpeg)
Tourism Whitsundays hosts journalists to showcase the diverse experiences our region offers. Recently, we hosted Urban List for a five-day famil trip, focusing on the youth and adventure experiences that best showcase our destination. Keep an eye on the Urban List website and the Urban List Travel social media platforms for a glimpse of the featured experiences and accommodations designed for those looking for an adventurous holiday. Whether it's exploring the best of the mainland, snorkeling th
Read more.JPG)
Last Saturday, as people gathered at the Whitsunday Marine Club to celebrate the new VMR Headquarters and the 60th anniversary of VMR, another exciting event took place; the release of the brand new VMR history book, ‘The History of VMR Whitsunday.’ The book takes you on a journey through time from the inception of the VMR in 1960 to its evolution into a professional rescue institution. It details the dedication of its volunteers and the evolution of VMR vessels alongside pivotal moments and gri
Read more
It was a typical Wednesday evening in May of 1964 and a group of locals, primarily cane farmers, were gathered at the Metropole Hotel in Proserpine, enjoying some cold drinks. Among the group gathered were Aldo Cantamessa, Terry Hinschen, Gordon Barr, Fred Baxter, Fred Tetley and Kevin Tetley. Amidst the friendly banter, there was talk about the growing issue of potential accidents at sea and the increasing risks of losing friends and visitors while fishing or exploring the Whitsunday waters.
Read more.jpg)
On Wednesday, July 10th, Bowen State High School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a fun-packed day of activities. The day commenced with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Juru Elder Uncle Jimmy Gaston, Acknowledgment of Country and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers. Principal Robert Harris welcomed Juru Elders, community partners, families, sponsors, students and staff to the day of celebrations and shared how proud he is of the opportunities and support Bowen High
Read more.JPG)
Fifteen-year-old Emily Eggleston struggled with school from the beginning, disliking the environment and facing numerous challenges in education. After an altercation with another student, Emily decided that traditional schooling was not the right fit for her: “I went, I don't really want to do this anymore, I'm going to do something better.” Before the incident, Emily’s school had told her about the PCYC Get Set for Work program, a program that funds intensive employment and training assistance
Read more
Proserpine State High School have their annual Year 6 Into Year 7 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 31st of July. Parents and Carers are invited to take a guided tour around the school grounds taking in the modern learning facilities and grounds. Tours start outside the Administration Office on Ruge Street at 5.30pm with school leaders. An information session will follow in the school’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre at 6pm. Here you will meet the school Principal Don McDermid
Read more
Many consider the senior years of high school to be crucial in shaping future career paths. Whitsunday Christian College equips students with the tools to explore their passions, discover tertiary options, and gain work experience in relevant fields. The senior pathways program, for year 10 upwards, provides students with several key events and sessions to ease their decision-making process. Senior Studies and Pathway Coordinator and Teacher of years 9 through to 12, Phoebe Lam, walked through
Read more
A grassroots event like no other the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival returns on July 27 and 28, promising an exhilarating weekend of swimming, riding and running action. Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director Micky Kimpton said the annual event is now in its 24th year and continues to attract athletes and spectators from around Australia and internationally, showcasing the Whitsundays as a premier destination for sports. “We have a record field of profe
Read more
From little things big things grow! No, I am not protesting with Paul Kelly, I’m suggesting you grow from seed! It is not as challenging as most people seem to think. I still have so many people ask me for vegetable seedlings, even for vegies that do not transplant well, so let’s talk seeds and how to get it right. As long as you chose the right month to get started with your seeds and as long as they have enough water and sunlight, you will succeed! The month of July is a perfect month to pla
Read more
Last Saturday, Lake Proserpine was transformed into a tranquil oasis, featuring enchanting acoustic folk music and delectable food, all set against a breathtaking lakeside backdrop. Visitors, relaxed by Lake Proserpine soaking in the ethereal atmosphere, as musicians played. They danced and sang along to well-known tunes, all while watching the sun go down above the hills and lake in the horizon. While there was the option for day visitors, many attendees chose to camp at Lake Proserpine Camping
Read more
Do you like Karaoke? If the answer is yes, Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to join them on Wednesday 31st July for, Bar Manager, Matthew Rowley’s, 41st Birthday. Rowley told Whitsunday Life that his Karaoke Party Birthday this year is set to be “bigger and better,” than previous years. “We always laugh, and it’s always a good time,” Rowley enthused. The Bar Manager’s go-to karaoke song this year is, ‘Burning Love’ by Elvis Presley, but we can expect to hear lots of other songs from Rowley throu
Read more
July 20 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 1pm 21 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6am 23 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 26 Trivia Night Fundraiser, Tom Gard Centre, St Catherine’s College, 7pm 28 Airlie Beach Triathlon, Airlie Beach Lagoon, from 5am 28 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am 29 Family Field Day, Les Stagg Oval, from 3pm 31 The Poems, Pr
Read more
Friday 19th July Grandview Hotel: Whitts End Live (8pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm-10pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm-8pm) Saturday 20th July Coral Sea Resort Hotel: DJ Karma (2-6pm) KC’s: 20th Chris Booroof (from 8pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: House Too Crowded (2-5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7-10pm) Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm-4pm/5-8pm) Sunday 21st July Colonial Palms: Live Jazz Music, Nick De Gregorio and Loui Battour K
Read more
The Proserpine Entertainment Centre will stage multi award winning performer, Darren Coggan as he returns to his country roots with “The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver”. The performance, set for Wednesday 31 July, hopes to deliver the vocal authenticity of one of the most passionate performers of all time with Darren personally reflecting and respectfully honouring the indelible voice behind songs that the world sang along with. Universal anthems including Take Me Home Country Roads
Read more
On Thursday 1 August, the community is invited to witness the musical talents of the Australian Vocal Ensemble with their Thought is Surrounded by a Halo performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Led by Artistic Director, Katie Noonan, the Australian Vocal Ensemble combines heavenly vocals in a chamber setting, intertwining Australian compositions with new arrangements of Bach, Handel and Tomás Luis de Victoria. The outstanding performance will feature new works based on the poetry
Read more
Photo credit: Tropix Photography
Read more
The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Mackerel and Reef fish rally was held last weekend with 22 Adult and 5 Junior members catching a wide range of fish. The heaviest Mackerel was won by Reece Mathews with an 18.85kg fish using 10kg line, runner up was Brendon Rock with a 12.85kg Spanish. Longest Red fish was a 75cm Nannagi caught by Glen Upstill beating Glen Bray by 2cm. Gavin Smith had the longest Coral Trout of the big kids with a 65cm fish. The winning Junior was Kane Bird with an 80cm Nannag
Read more
The Great Barrier Reef Festival is gearing up for another exciting weekend of family fun and, to prepare for another stunning lantern parade, the community are invited to come along to a special Lantern Making Workshop this weekend. Held at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, the workshop commences at 10am and finishes at 2pm. This completely free event is open to anyone in the community and is an opportunity for people to work alongside inspiring local artists including renowned lantern arti
Read more
The Whitsundays will overflow with literature and creativity when the highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival graces the region from 6 to 8 September. After a seven-year hiatus, the festival has been dearly missed by both locals and travellers, and its triumphant return promises to host a celebration of words, writers, and readers, rekindling the literary flame in the heart of Queensland. “The time is here!” shared Festival President, Karen Jocobsen. “We are excited to release the fu
Read more
The 35th annual Bowen Polocrosse Carnival is set to be a weekend long family fun event where the whole community can get together. To celebrate the 35th anniversary Bowen Polocrosse club encourage past present members to get together, chat, catch up and have a great time playing the sport they love. The Bowen Polocrosse Carnival brings a high-class spectacle and event to Bowen. Organiser Jessie Russell said “Polo is a sport that every member of the family can play, young or old and any gende
Read more
Another win for under 13 Div 1 this weekend in Mackay against Lions. All players played well as a team with Remy scoring 2 Goals with precision and confidence. Jayce assisted a perfect through ball to Will who also scored 2 goals. Liam scored the goal he has been trying hard for and Eden rounded off the scoring with a goal. Final Score 6-1 for Whitsunday. U13 Prem players fought hard this week to keep Rangers from scoring. The boys all played well to secure a nil all draw against a team that we
Read more
There are record entries for this year’s North Queensland Championship Airlie Beach Marathon and the Tassal Group Half Marathon with numbers up by 50 – 70%! The reigning ladies champion and record holder in the marathon Liv Compton from the Whitsunday Running Club is back to defend her title. The men’s race could be won by anyone however Tom Sirett from Ellesmere Port in England looks like he may be in with a chance. The first three ladies in last year’s Tassal Group half marathon are back to
Read more
The Cannonvale Cannons and visiting clubs were treated to picture perfect Whitsunday conditions on Saturday for the 2024 Cannonvale Winter Transition Meet. Under the guidance of coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, swimmers delivered impressive performances across various age groups and events, achieving significant personal bests and placings. Among the youngest competitors, Lucas Korosec, Miranda Palmero and Indigo Harland secured personal best times in all of their events. The 9-year-old
Read more
The Airlie Beach Bowls club has enjoyed another bustling week, starting with Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls, where skipper Betty Whitehorn and lead Lyn Graham secured an effortless victory against all comers. Wednesday afternoon saw an outstanding display of skill during Jackpot Bowls. Skipper Bobby Spees showcased supremely accurate bowls, aided by Merve Stewart, leading to one of the most comfortable victories in recent club history. However, the jackpot remained elusive, keeping the excitemen
Read more