This week I was in Brisbane flying the flag for the Whitsundays at the Delivering 2032 Queensland Infrastructure Summit, a gathering of government, industry and local leaders focused on one thing: turning the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games into a legacy that lasts generations. For us here in the Whitsundays, these conversations are more than just capital city talk. I am passionate about ensuring regional Queensland, and especially the Whitsundays, is not left on the sidelines but ri
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Specialist in Fundraising Operations This month, we feature Whitsundays Chamber member Sue Birch, a business consultant specialising in fundraising operations, who relocated from Brisbane to Airlie Beach in April 2024. Since founding Sue Birch Consulting in 2020, Sue has helped not-for-profit organisations transform their operational capability by enhancing people, processes, technology, and data management. With over 15 years in the not-for-profit sector, Sue recognised a gap in the market. “
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In a challenging landscape for the live music industry, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is defying trends by introducing new, innovative ticket and accommodation options designed to ensure the festival's continued success and accessibility. As other events face cancellations, the festival is excited to announce the introduction of dedicated camping packages and flexible 2-day tickets for its upcoming event. The new strategies are already delivering tangible success: the festival has recorded
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The iconic Big Mango at Bowen is a favourite among travellers. The 10-metre-high replica of the “Kensington Pride” mango was built in 2002 at a cost of $90,000. Located on the Bruce Highway just 5km south of Bowen, the Big Mango was named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland in 2025 as part of the Premier’s Awards on Queensland Day – and that was decided purely by public vote. Bowen is the Australian birthplace The Kensington Pride variety of mango which was introduced from India in the late 18
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Visitors and locals in the Whitsundays are reminded to stay alert when encountering marine turtles, and to know the proper steps to help if a turtle appears sick, injured, or stranded. Acting quickly and correctly can make a life-or-death difference for these vulnerable animals. If you come across a turtle in distress, call the Marine Animal Stranding Hotline on 1300 130 372. This line connects directly to wildlife authorities and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, who can assess the turtle’s
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These days there is much publicity surrounding the arrival of cruise ships to the Whitsundays but the forerunners of these modern marvels began visiting our waters nine decades ago. As early as Saturday, June 2 1934, the lure of the Whitsundays was acknowledged in a “Courier Mail” article, “Touring Queensland”. “This winter everything possible is being done to entertain visitors, and opportunities will be given tourists of viewing the beauties of Whitsunday. …
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Hello! Welcome to this week’s Ruth2Reef! In this edition, we dive into fascinating stories on crocodile eyes, what to do if you spot an injured turtle, and the incredible lives of Spanish mackerels and seahorses. Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to help release one of Eco Barge’s rescued turtles, which was an unforgettable experience. I’ve also been exploring wildlife photography in my spare time, so keep an eye out for some of my own photos featured in this edition. I hope you enjo
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The Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) is not only a very popular fish but it is a very important fish. Spanish mackerel are a higher order predator and play a significant ecological role on the Great Barrier Reef. They are also of high economic and social value to the fishing businesses and recreational fishers that catch them. And, finally, the Spanish Mackerel has become a very controversial fish. Spanish mackerel are a long, narrow fish and grow to a maximum length of over 2.4 mete
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Meals on Wheels Proserpine is calling for community support, with an urgent need for volunteers to help deliver and cook meals and help those in need. At the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held in late September the ongoing shortage of volunteers was highlighted as a major concern. Meals on Wheels Proserpine is currently seeking kitchen volunteers, delivery drivers, and people interested in helping to organise fundraising initiatives. The service provides nutritious meals and social co
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The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) have imposed a local fire ban for residents in the Whitsunday Local Government Areas. The fire ban was placed from 12:01am on Wednesday 8 October. The current conditions are perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly. Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been suspended for the duration of the ban. Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however
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The 2025 Ramped Up Whitsundays hosted by The Rumble was an extraordinary success. The two-day skateboarding competition brought a real excitement to the region, with the sport not having regular events. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said last year’s inaugural Ramped Up event brought a real buzz to the Whitsundays and attracted competitors, families and spectators from across Queensland and interstate. “It delivered strong economic benefits for our local businesses and tourism o
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A local seniors singing group known for its laughter, music, and community spirit is preparing to take the stage later this month for a special concert celebrating friendship, fun, and the power of song. The Mommas and Poppas, a group of mostly senior musicians and singers who have been performing together for about five years, will hold their next concert at the Proserpine Uniting Church on Thursday 23rd of October at 10am. The event, titled Chansons d’Amour Concert, is open to the public and
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This year Queensland Mental Health Week starts from 4-12 October and is the perfect time to come together and raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing. One in five Australians aged 16-85 (22%) are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months, while more than two in five (43%) have experienced one in their lifetime. The theme of the year - ‘connect for mental health’ - invites us all to reflect on the importance of connections – with ourselves, others, our comm
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It was a shorter than usual week at Proserpine Golf Club, with the course closed from late Sunday through Tuesday for greens renovations. Despite the interruption, conditions for the remainder of the week were beautifully dry, although blustery breezes made play a little more challenging than usual. Spirits were high, however, with plenty of laughs during the 3-Ball Ambrose held on Rugby League Grand Final Sunday. Thursday, October 2 The October Monthly Medal, sponsored by Loot Pay, saw some t
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On Tuesday, we had two triples games. The winners in a close match were Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Margaret Wilson, who defeated Gordon Querro, Deb Rethcless, and Gavin Charles. In the other game, Karen Smith, S. Jones, and Ray Deal defeated Cliff Querro, Gary Smith, and Alby Vigar. The jackpot didn’t go off. Our ladies have commenced a monster raffle to help fund their trip to Tweed Heads at the end of the month for the State Pennant Finals. With over $1400 worth of prizes generously don
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It was probably the biggest weekend of the year for the men, brilliantly arranged by Men’s President Bob McMahon. But before we get to the main event, let’s recap the week’s action. Tuesday Afternoon (30 Sept) saw 18 bowlers play out three very close games. Third place went to Carol Crosbie’s team with 16 points, second place to Tony Whitehorn’s team on 17 points, and the overall winners on 19 points were skipper Betty Whitehorn with strong support from the most improved new bowler, Mel Fennell
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is holding a How To, Hands On night on all things fishing this Friday, October 10, from 6pm at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale — and everyone’s welcome. This will be an evening where you can learn a host of new skills or brush up on old ones under the guidance of experienced club members. Activities will include making wind-on leaders, twisting wire traces, bait rigging, lure presentation, tying strong knots, tackle selection, setting up your rods an
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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the iconic Big Mango has smashed previous records, welcoming an incredible 24,730 visitors in the first three months of this financial year. July was the biggest month yet, with 9462 people stopping in — up from 7002 the same time last year. August followed with 7057 visitors (up from 5907), while September soared to 8211 visitors, compared to 6646 last year. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the results exceeded all exp
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Since opening in May, the Airlie Beach Foreshore Ferris Wheel has become one of the region’s most popular attractions, drawing more than 50,000 locals and visitors to experience its 35-metre-high views across Airlie Beach, and the Foreshore. Offering sweeping 360-degree outlooks over Conway National Park, the Whitsunday islands and the turquoise coastline, the Ferris Wheel has been a focal point for holidaymakers and residents alike. It has created family memories, added to the foreshore’s vibr
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It’s set to be a big weekend for live music lovers, with a touch of Australian rock history coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel. Founding member of Australian Crawl, Bill McDonough, will make a special guest appearance with long-time tribute band Reckless, giving fans a rare chance to meet one of the original members behind some of Australia’s most iconic surf rock anthems. Reckless, well-loved by Airlie Beach audiences for their high-energy shows, will perform two afternoon shows of classic Craw
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Tourism Whitsundays Connects With Key Trade Partners Earlier this month, Tourism Whitsundays attended Australia Marketplace North America in Los Angeles, hosted by Australia.com.The event brought together 110 buyers from the US and Canada and 91 Australian sellers. Across two days and 76 meetings, Tourism Whitsundays connected with key trade partners from North America to provide updates and information on the region.Interest in The Whitsundays and travel to the region remains very strong.Follow
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Patches the Gentle Giant This week’s spotlight shines on Patches, a 3-year-old Mastiff x Bull Arab with a heart as big as his paws. Life hasn’t been easy for Patches – he was abandoned and rescued in poor condition – but thanks to care and patience, he’s regained his strength and is ready to start a new chapter with a forever family. Though a little nervous when meeting new people, once Patches feels safe, his goofy and loveable personality comes shining through. He’s a gentle soul who adores b
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Animal rescue groups and organisations within the Whitsunday Shire and beyond have sounded the call for support, announcing a series of Adopt-A-Dog Day events across North Queensland. On Saturday, the 11th of October from 10am to 2pm, Pets Domain Bowen will host an Adopt-A-Dog Day event to give the community a chance to meet, support and celebrate rescue dogs in need for forever homes. In conjunction with SavourLife, Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue will be in store this Saturday to introduce
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A Proserpine business with deep roots in the region’s hunting and sporting community is continuing to grow, offering one of the widest ranges of firearms and outdoor gear in North Queensland. Hunting & Shooting Supplies Whitsunday has been a staple for around 13 years, with owner Marty Duggan at the helm for the past six and a half. His passion for firearms and hunting inspired him to leave the transport industry to run a family-owned shop closer to home. The store carries an extensive product
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Peninsula Airlie Beach has once again been recognised on the national stage, winning the Australian Residential Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) Award for Resident Manager Of The Year – Short Term. It marks the second time the resort’s management Paul and Francine Tuddenham have taken out the prestigious award, having previously won in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in both 2023 and 2024. The award, presented at a gala ceremony at The Star Casino on the Gold Coast, attracted more t
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