Issue #

26

New Spanish Mackerel Assessment Shows Sustainable Populations

August 20, 2025

The Crisafulli Government will deliver certainty and restore fairness for commercial and recreational fishers in the Whitsundays and across the state, with a new stock assessment revealing sustainable populations that would support increased catch limits for Spanish mackerel. This year’s Spanish mackerel stock assessment found the population was now likely to have doubled since the previous assessment, revealing restored populations that would support increased catch limits. Based on this, the

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Local Performs Debut Show At The PEC

August 20, 2025

Proserpine-born actor Connor Hawkins is set to return to his hometown next month for a debut performance of Tom Paine: Based on Nothing, an intense, thought-provoking one-man show that promises to push both performer and audience out of their comfort zones. Written by acclaimed playwright Will Eno, the 75-minute monologue is described as “stand-up existentialism” and a stream of consciousness dialogue through life’s rawest moments: life, love, childhood and mortality. Connor describes the show

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Helicopter Rescue On Daydream Island

August 20, 2025

What started as a glorious day on a tropical island took a serious turn for BMA CQ Rescue’s patient today. The patient experienced cardiac distress while on Daydream Island, and the helicopter was called to provide the urgent medical care they needed. Normally, a routine landing occurs on the helipad at Daydream Island, but this time the BMA CQ Rescue team had to be winched down to the patient. Once the patient was stabilised, both the medical team and the patient were winched back up to the h

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Experience The Magic Of The Burdekin Water Festival This September

August 20, 2025

In just a couple of short weeks, one of the state’s longest running annual celebrations will return to the streets of the Burdekin Shire for a memorable day of fun, festivities, food and fabulous entertainment! Just a few hours’ drive North of the Whitsundays, the Burdekin Water Festival will come alive on Saturday the 6th of September to celebrate the township’s abundance of water and rich agricultural sector with a series of events scheduled throughout the afternoon and into the night in the

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Love Or Loathe Networking

August 20, 2025

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce brought local businesses together last week for a practical and engaging session on the art of networking, emphasising how the right connections can fuel both personal and professional growth. The event, hosted by The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce and Kath Barker of Compass Realty Whitsunday, was built around a simple but powerful idea: networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards it’s about building trusted relationships. Chamber Liaiso

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QUEENSLAND ROAD SAFETY WEEK

August 20, 2025

Monday the 18th August through to Friday 22nd August is Queensland Road Safety Week. A week dedicated in Queensland for sending a message for all road users about the choices they make could save a life or take one. Police across the State are asking road users to pause and reflect on how they drive ride walk or use our roads. Like my previous article road safety is a shared responsibility, whether you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian. One poor decision can lead to life long consequences s

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Term 4 Prep Transition: Building Confidence For The First Day

August 20, 2025

At Whitsunday Christian College, the journey to Prep begins with Whitsunday Christian College's Get Ready for Prep Program—play-based mornings that spark curiosity, build early connections, and create a warm first experience of school. Through these sessions, children grow familiar with the school environment, develop early social skills, and become eager to learn. In** Term 4**, the focus shifts to Prep Transition—a series of Thursday morning sessions from 9.00 to 10.30am designed especially f

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Bowen Representing At Queensland Information Centre’s Association

August 20, 2025

Bowen is well represented at the annual Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) conference being held in the Moreton Bay region this week. Three Bowen Tourism and Business team members are at the conference at Sandstone Point, networking with other information centre staff, exchanging ideas and learning about industry trends. The annual conference is held at a different location each year and was hosted by Bowen in 2019. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said t

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Partnering With JCU For A Smarter Future

August 20, 2025

A Minute With The Mayor This week marked an important milestone for our region, as Whitsunday Regional Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with James Cook University (JCU). While nothing will change overnight, this partnership is about building the foundations for new opportunities for our young people, our workforce, and our community in the years ahead. For many in the Whitsundays, pursuing higher education has meant leaving home or missing out altogether. This agreement signal

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Whitsundays Prepares For 2032 And Beyond

August 20, 2025

The Whitsundays will host the 2032 Olympic Sailing, and with planning already underway, with detailed master plans in motion future precincts and modern infrastructure will serve the community well beyond the Games. “Being selected for the Olympics is a launch pad for something bigger,” Mayor Collins stated. “We’re not just preparing for 2032 – we’re building for the decades to come.” “The Whitsundays has the passion, the capability, the track record and the picture perfect backdrop.” Mayor

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Did You Know 22 August

August 20, 2025

Did you know? Whitsunday Regional Libraries have recently launched the Social Seniors Whitsunday project, which aims to reduce social isolation amongst older members of our community. As part of the project, ‘Coffee and Chat’ sessions are hosted once a month at Cannonvale and Bowen Library, and once a fortnight at Proserpine Library. These sessions are all about mingling, getting to know one another and coming together to plan for future project events and activities. For more information, tal

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Triathlon Spirit Shines As Airlie Beach Celebrates 25th Anniversary In Style

August 20, 2025

The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon's 25th anniversary was a huge success over the weekend. The event attracted many pro athletes, some of which experienced their first time visiting Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. The weekend started on Friday evening with a VIP Meet and Greet emceed by Pete Murray. All pro-athletes on the panel talked about their triathlon experience to date and said it was an absolute honour to be racing in Airlie Beach. On Saturday the kids triathlon was a

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Buying Property

August 20, 2025

Buying a house? Bring snacks. And a lawyer. Buying or selling property should be exciting, not confusing. At Whitsunday Law, we handle conveyancing from contract to keys, keeping things clear, timely, and legally sound. We’ll explain your rights, flag any issues, and make sure you know exactly what you're signing. We work closely with local agents and lenders, so the whole process runs more smoothly (and with fewer panicked phone calls). Whitsunday Law – Local knowledge. Legal know-how. Strai

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Meet Our Accountants

August 20, 2025

Jackie Bluck graduated from Central Queensland University with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting)in 1991, followed by a Certified Practising Accounting (CPA) qualification.Jackie’s vast experience as an Accountant and Commercial Manager covers many industries including, Commercial & Retail and Local Council. Chloe McLean joined our team in 2019 from school. Chloe has successfully completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting through the University of Southern Queensland, w

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Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday – Building Better Together

August 20, 2025

Covering Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen, and the Whitsunday Islands, Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday has been the go-to destination for building and home improvement needs since 2002. As part of the long-established Porters Group — proudly serving the local community since 1883 — the Whitsunday store continues the tradition of combining trusted service with quality products for both tradies and DIY enthusiasts. From hardware and tools to building materials, outdoor living, and now a sp

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From ‘mate’ to manager, the hardest transition of all

August 20, 2025

Let’s be honest – the hardest leadership jump isn’t taking on a new team. It’s leading the one you used to be a part of. Moving from team-mate to team-leader sounds simple — you already know the people, the work, and how things get done. But in reality, it’s one of the hardest leadership transitions you’ll ever make. Doing to Leading: The biggest shift is moving from ‘doing’ to ‘leading’. What you were good at before isn’t what is needed in a leadership role. You now need to set your team up fo

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Don River Dash Gears Up For Biggest Race Yet

August 20, 2025

It’s time to kick start your engines and strap in for a wild weekend to remember as the infamous Don River Dash roars into the Whitsundays for another year this September! Set to be held from Friday the 5th until Sunday the 7th of September, the annual weekend of high-octane action and spectacular speed demon racing will soon mark it’s seventh year in the region and the community is bursting with excitement and anticipation. Since its 2019 debut with juts 40 bikes and 30 cars, the daring Don R

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Last Reveals The Reality Of Road Safety Week

August 20, 2025

The dangers that drivers face on the Bruce Highway north and south of Bowen are well known to locals, but Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has shared a personal story to highlight a key safety factor during Road Safety Week. As a former Police Officer, Mr Last has seen more than his share of incidents first-hand but there is one that is burnt into his memory. “Late at night on May 15th 1998, my partner and I came across a car that had rolled,” he said. “The wheels of the car were still spinni

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Born To Teach And To Guide….

August 20, 2025

Barbara Wright (nee Atkin) 1907 - 1986 Barbara Eleanor Atkin and twin brother, Walter, were born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1907. The family, which included a sister, Mary, lived in Egypt until Barbara was eleven when they moved to the Manchester area in England. Most of Barbara’s education was at Merchant Taylor’s School for Girls in Manchester and at the age of twenty-one, she sailed for Australia on the “Hobson’s Bay”, arriving in Brisbane in March 1928. She enrolled at the Teacher’s College in

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Gig Guide 22 August

August 20, 2025

Friday 22 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (from 8pm) KC's: Josiah (from 8pm) Saturday 23 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Creedence (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Bad Girl KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Sunday 24 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Creedence (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand V

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What's On 22 August

August 20, 2025

August 24 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 26 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 26 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 31 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am September 2 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2,

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Rock & Roll Like Never Before With The Big Stadium Rock Show

August 20, 2025

An unparallel showcase of epic 80s and 90s rock n’ roll anthems will ignite the Airlie Beach Hotel for one weekend and one weekend only for two mighty FREE shows on Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of September. A Father’s Day special event, the powerhouse vocals of Shaleena Bain, Tara Graham and Adam Spizzo will have audiences singing along to the most nostalgic tunes from iconic artists including Guns & Roses, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppaard, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Motley Crue

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Pet Of The Week Marvelous Moo

August 20, 2025

Moo, a gentle 2-year-old Staffy x Labrador, is still waiting to find her forever family. This sweet girl has had a tough start in life, but it hasn’t dimmed her loving nature. Moo adores people, enjoys the company of other dogs, and greets most new friends with a happy wag of her tail. She can be a little shy at first, but once she feels safe, she’ll be your loyal shadow, ready for endless cuddles and companionship. Moo loves spending her days by your side, relaxing in the sun, going for walks

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Calm Seas & Close Rivalry At Hamilton Island Race Week’s 40th edition

August 20, 2025

A sparkling Queensland winter’s day gently opened the starting gate for the 40th Hamilton Island Race Week, presented by AMEX, on-water program. The Dent Passage starters spent the morning ashore in postponement drinking coffee and chatting and the Eastern starters bobbed around under beautiful sunshine for a couple of hours, as humpback whales played freely nearby. Sailing can be a waiting game - sailors are accustomed to it - it’s one of the reasons they are generally relaxed at all levels of

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Whitsunday Game Fish Club Gears Up For Billfish And Tuna Rally

August 20, 2025

The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Airlie Beach Tackle World-sponsored Billfish and Tuna Rally is set for the 13th and 14th of September, and it promises to be a busy weekend with excellent numbers of Sailfish, Juvenile Black Marlin, Mackerel, and Tuna around this season. The event kicks off with a briefing and angler registration on Thursday, 11th September at 6 pm at the club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. The rally is free and open to all club members. Fishing takes place on Saturday, 13th, an

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