Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
For International Survivors Of Suicide Loss Day Residents of the Whitsunday Shire are warmly invited to come together later this month for a heartfelt Memorial Service marking International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The event, designed to support those bereaved by suicide and honour the memories of loved ones lost, will be held at Queens Beach this Sunday, the 23rd of November. Hosted by the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Kevla and Stackelroth Farms, the gathering aims to create a
Read more
The Whitsunday business community will come together Friday 21 November to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community spirit at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, recognising 70 outstanding nominees across ten award categories. Delivered in partnership between Whitsunday Regional Council, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the awards shine a spotlight on the people and enterprises driving growth across the region. This year’s event
Read more
And the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards Nominees are: Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year – presented by Australian Radio Network (StarFM) For an outstanding business that sets the gold standard for excellence, innovation, and leadership in the region. • Airlie Beach Hotel • Airlie Beach Tourism • Birds Fish Bar • Mana Skin Body & Soul • Murroona Gardens • Ocean Rafting • Whitsunday Life Newspaper Business Leader of the Year – presented by Abbot Point Operations Recognising an inspir
Read moreBowen Tourism and Business is celebrating after being nominated in two categories at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, marking another major milestone for the organisation that has long championed the region’s visitor economy. The organisation will be vying for Community Champion and Customer Service Champion, two categories that recognise outstanding service. The categories highlight local businesses making a genuine impact in the Whitsundays and celebrating those who consistently go a
Read more
Airlie Beach Hotel employee Orry Ferguson has been nominated for the Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee category in this year’s Whitsunday Business Awards, earning recognition for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and rapid professional growth. Known for his maturity and commitment well beyond his years, Orry has built a strong reputation within the hospitality industry. While balancing a demanding 50-hour work week, newlywed life, and the responsibilities of homeownership, he c
Read more
Whitsunday Law has been named a finalist in the Business Leader of the Year category at the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards, marking a significant achievement for the local firm. Director of Whitsunday Law Kellee Fogg says the nomination reflects the strength of the entire team and the firm’s longstanding commitment to delivering practical, community-focused legal services across the region. This nomination adds to a history of professional contribution and service, including Rotary’s Prid
Read more
Frangipani Cleaning Services is celebrating a major milestone this year, earning a coveted nomination in the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards. Frangipani Cleaning Services is nominated in two categories at the inaugural Business awards, Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur and Customer Service Champion. The recognition marks an exciting moment for the locally owned company, which has built its reputation on reliability, care and a commitment to excellence. Owner of the business Mariah Dean said she
Read more
The OG Hogs Breath is celebrating a major milestone after earning a nomination for Customer Service Champion of the Year at the very first Whitsunday Business Awards. Co-owners Jean-Paul (JP) Afflick and Adam Zakharoff say it’s the first nomination the restaurant has achieved since they took over. “We’re honestly stoked. The whole team has worked hard to turn things around, and being recognised for our service means a lot. It’s a big pat on the back for everyone,” said JP. The team says the n
Read more
Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm has been named a nominee in the Community Champion category in the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards. General Manager Grant Purdon from Tassal said the nomination carries special meaning, reflecting both the team’s values and their commitment to the Whitsundays. They said the Proserpine operation represents far more than seafood production, describing it as a business built on creating shared value for the region through innovation, community care, and environm
Read more
First-Year Awards, First-Time Nominees First-time nominees Corrsafe Enterprises are genuinely honoured to be recognised in the Whitsunday Business Awards. The newly launched program celebrates a wide range of local businesses, many being acknowledged for the first time. Owner Garry Matthias shared how meaningful the nomination is, saying: “It really does make the nomination even more special. The Whitsunday Business Awards are brand-new, and to be recognised in the very first year feels incredi
Read more
Aquatic Rush Whitsundays In a region surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic waterways, water safety isn’t just a skill—it is an essential life requirement. That is why the nomination of Aquatic Rush Whitsundays for the Whitsundays Business Awards is so significant. Aquatic Rush Whitsundays has become a cornerstone of community safety, aquatic education, and swimming development, shaping confident swimmers, skilled lifeguards, and highly trained instructors who strengthen the Whitsundays
Read more
Small Business Hero Option Insurance Brokers are beyond proud to have been nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Small Business Hero Award, with Managing Director, Doug O’Connor noting the nomination truly highlights the importance of small businesses within the region. “We’re beyond excited about this nomination. As a family business, everything we do is centred around supporting people in our community. Being recognised locally tells us we’re on the right track, and it means a lo
Read more
Small Business Hero What started as a tiny two-reformer passion project in the midst of the pandemic has grown into a community. Principle Movements has evolved far beyond its early days, and now they're found themselves nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Small Business Hero Award. This is their very first nomination, and a special milestone for the small studio. “We’re really grateful for this nomination. It’s a big milestone for us and a reflection of the incredible support we
Read more
Customer Service Champion Award Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger have been prestigiously nominated for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards’ Customer Service Champion Award, an achievement both Stephen and Michelle Lynes are beyond grateful to accept. A decade ago, the Lynes’ celebrated sailing business placed as runner-up in the 2015 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, making this year’s nomination all the more exciting. “As owners of Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger, we’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated
Read more
More Than Just 50 Years Of Care And Connection Across the Whitsundays, certain businesses help define the region. They reflect resilience, pride, community spirit, and a commitment to looking after one another. Murroona Gardens stands among them as a nominee for the Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year 2025. For more than fifty years, Murroona Gardens has been more than an aged care service. It has been a cornerstone of Bowen—a place where generations of families have found comfort, wh
Read more
Garden Shack Whitsundays Nominated For Customer Service Champion Garden Shack Whitsundays is celebrating its first-ever nomination in the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards. Kat Williams has been nominated for Customer Service Champion, recognising her dedication and teamwork. "It makes me feel appreciated and acknowledged for my efforts and the efforts of my fellow coworkers. It’s not just me that deserves this award,” Kat said. The nomination is especially meaningful as Garden Shack Whits
Read more
Yooribaya Cultural Experiences has been honoured with two major nominations in the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards, recognised in both the Business Leader of the Year and Small Business Hero categories. For founder and cultural educator behind the family-run enterprise, the acknowledgement marks the first formal award recognition for the business. While Yooribaya has long been celebrated informally through partnerships, collaborations, and community engagement, being nominated in an official aw
Read more
Whitsunday Life Newspaper is proud to be nominated for two categories at the upcoming Whitsunday Business Awards: Business of the Year and Regional Game Changer. For the past five years, Whitsunday Life has been dedicated to restoring the community’s free voice in print. The newspaper was born in response to the sudden closure of 14 regional papers. With almost a decade of magazine-publishing experience behind them, the company took on the challenge of launching a new newspaper to fill the void
Read more
The Whitsunday region is set to sparkle this festive season, with a fantastic line-up of community Christmas events on offer. These Council-supported celebrations are bringing festive cheer to towns right across the region, giving locals plenty of opportunities to come together and enjoy the spirit of the season. In Bowen, celebrations begin with the Bowen Community Christmas Carols on Friday 28 November at the Sound Shell on the Bowen Foreshore from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Families can enjoy Christm
Read more
Friday 21 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Zed Charles (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Michelle White (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Erin Reus (from 8pm) Saturday 22 November Airlie Beach Hotel: Matchbox 20 Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Call Me Maybe DJ (from 8pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Simon Briley (5.30pm - 8.30pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Session (2-6pm) Sorrento: Ian (4
Read more
November 21 Rango and Drop Dead Fred, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 22 Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 7am 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, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 29 Lions Airlie Beach Co
Read more
A Playful Gentleman with a Heart of Gold Say hello to Antonio, a beautiful black Tom cat who’s been loved and cared for since the day he was born. Now around 6 months old, this handsome boy is ready to find his forever home — and he’s sure to steal your heart the moment you meet him. Antonio is the perfect mix of playful, cuddly, and full of personality. He’s curious, affectionate, and has a charming habit that makes everyone smile... he actually plays fetch! Whether he’s chasing his favourite
Read more
Airlie Beach is gearing up for a high-energy week of music and entertainment, with internationally toured performance group Big City Beat preparing to make their debut at the Airlie Beach Hotel this New Years Eve. The Melbourne-based band, which has been performing for around 20 years, will deliver their full-scale New Year’s Eve production. Known for their high-energy performances and large ensemble, Big City Beat features an 11-piece lineup of male and female vocalists, dancers, instrumentali
Read more
Lenard Roberts Stoker Mechanic 232488 Lenard Winch Roberts was a member of the crew of the ill-fated HMAS “Sydney” - but Len was meant to live. This is his story … Lenard Winch Roberts was born in Cardiff, Wales, on November 16, 1920, and, with his family, moved to Western Australia when he was only a boy. As World War II approached, Len enlisted with the Royal Australian Navy on June 9, 1939, and after doing his initial training aboard HMAS “Cerberus”, he was transferred to HMAS “Sydney”. Serv
Read more
Hi Everyone! Last weekend, I had a fantastic time in the Conway National Park, where I went for a little photography walk in hopes of capturing some of the diverse Fauna we have here in the Whitsundays. I was lucky enough to be joined by my friend and her dad, who is a National Park ranger, and he was able to point out different species of trees, birds and other reptiles. The most exciting part, however, was when he pointed out a vibrant little Kingfisher to me. I soon found out it was going t
Read more