Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As the Queensland school holidays come to a close here in The Whitsundays, it's been a busy couple of weeks in the region. With accommodation averaging around 70 per cent occupancy and hitting 90 per cent during peak times, it's clear that families have made the most of their holiday breaks. About 80 per cent of our visitors were fellow Queenslanders, with the majority of our visitors from Mackay, Brisbane, Townsville and the Gold Coast. In addition, we've also welcomed four cruise ships,
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The Bowen Audio Guide is now live on the Australian Visitor Centres App and website. It is perfect for travellers to listen to as they plan a trip to Bowen or for those already on the road. Listeners will be taken on a tour, starting from the famous Big Mango to the town’s centre and of course to Bowen’s fabulous beaches. Then, listeners can hear about the long and fascinating history of the town. Guests are guided from the noble façade of the Bowen Courthouse to the Bowen Post Office. Fo
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With Queensland kids and families going back to school and work, the NSW school holiday period is about to begin. Although many operators report softer than expected trade, the extended period of school holidays partially explains this and the overall result will be strong. The Chamber’s recent business insurance event was lively and informative where attendees had direct access to leaders from the Insurance Council of Australia, Australian Financial Complaints Authority, and the Office of Queen
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Whisper Events & Catering have an exciting new food trailer which they have launched into the Whitsundays’ vibrant event market. The beautifully renovated food trailer has been given an impressive new paint job and fitted with a full commercial sized kitchen. The trailer’s debut voyage at the Country Music Festival was a huge success, serving delicious steaks, burgers and other tantalising delights to the hungry music enthusiasts. This modern, fully equipped food trailer can easily cater for
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Since birth, all Nat Allison has wanted to do is perform. Growing up in the 80’s only amplified this, she would see all the 80’s rock stars with their long hair and incredible guitar solos, wanting to be up on stage right alongside them. This inspiring era has now culminated in her own show called ‘Rock Chick’ which she brings to The Pub later this month. But it has been a long and exciting career that has led Nat to this point. At the age of 12, Nat’s father realised she was taking music se
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Every Friday night at 6pm the Jubilee Tavern comes alive with the sweet tunes from a local and talented musician. On Friday 10 May, The Jubes welcomes RebelQuin to the stage. Originally from Melbourne, RebelQuin moved to the area 12 years ago. From a young age she knew she wanted a career in music. “I have studied music, it has stayed with me, I have always felt passionate about music, and I have never travelled without an instrument, but never felt confident till my 30's to make it a full-
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Tuesday afternoon was Ladies Day where Tony Kelly and Dawn Dowel were far too strong for the rest of the field. Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw another strong field with a win by Andrew Butler as skipper, David Meiklejohn at lead and Mark Mawson at second. The weekend saw the Men’s A Pairs Competition with Manny Isgro and Tim Taylor win 25-16 over Russell Jackson and John Fielding. Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw Henny Tattam, Lu Rogan and Robin Brown go home with the money as lowest
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Club Singles: Gus Munro defeated Steve Roome. Sunday Social: Ian Thatcher, Glen R, Lloyd White defeated Keith Kirk, Jane Gilbert, Steve Roome. Ross Scanlon, Wendy Coles, Gavin Charles defeated Daryl Tuttle, L. Kruger, Ron Gould. Wednesday Social: Ray Muir, Jane Gilbert, Steve Roome defeated Ian Thatcher, Gordo, Doc Fordham. Glen R., Kevin Daniels defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Daryl Tuttle. Ron Gould, Lou Fordham, Kevin defeated Tracey Roach, Gavin Charles, Lloyd White . Contributed with thanks
Read moreOn Wednesday we had 11 players for Social Bowls. Lee King, Philip Brown and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Barry Zillmann and Peter Lawton 19 - 18. Mary Hedgelong, Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Arthur Griffith and Bruce Uhe 25 - 14. On Sunday we finished just before a sprinkling of rain. John Anderson, Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown 26 - 12. Saturday, April 20 will be Prese
Read moreResults of the Ladies club competition: B singles Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Pat Tracey, A singles Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Gwenda Lydom, Fely Duncan defeated Teresa Willshire, Denise Wallace defeated Robyn Stitt. Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Denise Wallace, Greg Colquhoun defeated Robyn Stitt, Pat Tracey. Jim Quod, Mark Drummond defeated Laurie Land Graeme Read, Teresa Willshire, Merle Elphinstone Deb Retchless, A Vigar defeated Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, Allan Rol
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U13 Division 1 were keen to get their season underway, taking on Wanderers Rubies. The WUFC shifted it up a gear at the end to win 6-4. A hat-trick of goals for Tyson, two for Charley and one for Alex rounded out the scoring. A fantastic team effort, showing great commitment to the final whistle. Buoyed by their round 1 result, the U13 Prem team were quietly confident of a positive result against Rangers, but the visitors had other ideas. WUFC found themselves 2 - 0 down early and had to
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On Wednesday at Bowen Golf Club, we played a single stableford for a club trophy. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Morag Parker 37pts, runner up Julie May 37pts. Men’s winner on a countback Greg Carlyon 38pts, runner up John Martin 38pts. On Saturday we played a single stableford and 110 players took to the course for this popular event. Ladies’ winner Kim Bennion 42pts, 2nd Linda Vincent 36pts, 3rd Elona Lynch. Men’s winner on a countback Isaac Fellows 38pts, 2nd Paul Burgis 38pts, 3rd Pau
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Levi Holmes had 40 points to beat Corey Stroud by a shot in Tuesday's stableford event. Penny Wardroper had 35 points to beat Ann Gardel by a shot in the ladies' division. Pins went to Scott Mason, Aaron Prosser, Heather Luvis and Ann Gardel. Wednesday's four-shot winner over Lyn Muller was Diane Chard with a fine 37. Pins went to Lyn Muller, Paula McQuat, Melanie Patullo and Robyn Whitham. Aaron Prosser had 42 points to win Thursday's A division by 3 shots from Steve Westley, while Ken Love
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In a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final, the Raiders emerged victorious over the Moranbah Bulls in Round 2 of the 2024 Limitless MRU Competition, with a final score of 20-14. As a birthday present to himself, the first Raiders try came from Connor Spence in the 15th minute, built off phases in the oppositions 22, solid teamwork around the rucks and precise passing. The halftime score line painted a tense picture, with the Raiders trailing behind the Bulls at 5-7. Raiders quickly turned the tide
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Round 1 fixtures for Whitsunday Brahmans against Souths Sharks in Mackay Saturday afternoon. Not a great result overall but plenty to build on. Unfortunately, the reserve grade side were unable to field a team for the round 1 clash but are looking to put a strong side in for Round 2. First grade should be near full strength in this weekend when they host their first home game of the year against Wests Tigers. This also coincides with the club’s annual sponsors day where sponsors are thanke
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Whitsunday Touch Football is committed to giving our Junior Touch Members the opportunity to compete at representative levels. Whilst we are building our own rep teams, we have supported players who have had the opportunity to join rep teams from other clubs. At the recent Junior State Cup North held in Townsville a record number of our players were able to participate. Lanie joined Townsville Saints U14, Charlee, Emily and Leshara played with Moranbah U14, along with Jai Townsville U16, Xavi
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Don’t miss a mesmerising afternoon with The Doors tribute act this weekend at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel. Unlocking The Doors are a tribute band who are considered one of the most authentic and entertaining Australian tribute shows. Through the bands heartfelt performances, the lead singer wants you to see how intoxicating and brilliant The Doors were on stage. Unlocking The Doors set out to capture the shamanistic presence of Jim Morrison, the hypnotic bass lines and swirling keys of Ray M
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After a couple of week’s break, the players returned to Premier League action on Sunday morning at the Airlie Bowls Club. Kameron Reason made it 2 wins from 2 after dispatching Jayden Lloyd in fine fashion by a 7/1 scoreline. That win places Kam nicely in 4th spot on the league table. On the other end of the spectrum Jayden is still searching for his 1st win of the year, with tough matches against Jamie Maher and Joe Wilson next to come. The ladder made for better reading for Jamie Maher afte
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Amidst mounting tension and discontent, Queensland Premier Steven Miles embarked on a pivotal visit to Mackay last week, navigating the delicate terrain of community unrest surrounding the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. The journey, punctuated by two town hall meetings, unfolded in the face of fierce opposition and impassioned calls for accountability. Since the pumped hydro scheme was announced in 2022 in a manner that blindsided both local Pioneer Valley residents and the regi
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Sports enthusiasts, rejoice! It's that electrifying time of the year when the air is thick with the promise of victory and the echoes of cheering crowds. From the rugged battlefields of rugby league, where our Cowboys charge fearlessly into the fray, to the heart-stopping showdowns of the Mackay Cutters on the hallowed turf of BB Print Stadium, the stage is set for an unforgettable season. Despite the recent heartache of the Cutters' narrow loss to Townsville in the dying moments of the game, th
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In response to the escalating issue of homelessness within the community, Pioneer State High School has stepped up to make a significant impact. With an astounding show of solidarity and compassion, the school has donated an impressive 4000 tins of food to support the efforts of Chances Op Shop in addressing the needs of homeless individuals within the community. Chances Op Shop has become an essential base for those experiencing homelessness in Mackay, offering vital services such as hot meals,
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The Isaac region’s newly elected Council members have taken their oath in the heart of the Bowen Basin last week. The declaration of office ceremony, led by Isaac Regional Council Acting CEO Darren Fettell, welcomed a new Mayor and eight Councillors to their elected positions following the 16 March poll results. The ceremony was held at the Isaac Regional Council Batchelor Parade Chambers in Moranbah, with family and staff in attendance to witness this significant event. Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, who
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The Mackay community witnessed a significant moment last week as the newly elected Mackay Regional Council was officially sworn in at a ceremony held at the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds. The council's inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region's governance. Amidst a gathering of local officials and community members, Mayor Williamson, alongside 10 councillors, solemnly took the oath of office administered by council’s CEO Scott Owen. Among the returning councillors were
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By Amanda Wright Mackay bids farewell to a cherished war hero and author, Tom Barry, who passed away last month at the age of 101. Tom's memory and remarkable wartime experiences continue to resonate within the community, immortalised through his poignant memoir, A Prodigious Leap. His legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his country will forever be etched in the annals of WWII history. In commemoration of his extraordinary life, the Mackay RSL Sub-Branch organised a heart
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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is encouraging organisations across the electorate to apply for funding under the Play Our Way Program which has been designed to make sport more welcoming for women and girls. This funding program, which will run over three years, aims to deliver long-term benefits and improvements that address participation barriers faced by women and girls in sports. Mr Willcox believes this grant opportunity will make a lasting difference to the communities withi
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