Festival Comp Launches With Snappy Prizes Mackay’s beloved music and arts festival, Rhythm and The Reef, recently called on the community to help name its giant inflatable croc. The naming competition launched last Friday, with entries set to close this afternoon, Friday 8 August, at 5pm. Submissions can be made via the festival’s social media channels, with the winning entry receiving a Festival Family Pass (two 18+ and two under-18 tickets), an EVA Motors e-scooter kit, a poster signed
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It was a workout with heart and purpose as Mackay locals hit the ground jumping last Saturday for the annual Harpertastic 1km Travel Burpees challenge. The high-energy fundraiser raised $3,180 for Jeans for Genes Australia, supporting vital research into childhood cancers and genetic disorders. A total of 139 participants took part in the physically gruelling event, which required individuals or teams to complete a full kilometre of travel burpees. Four participants completed the entire d
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The headline appeared on my social media news feed one day last week: “Dog owners must spend a minimum of three hours a day with their dogs under proposed ACT Government laws.” We are well past April Fool’s Day so the story about Government reaching into people’s lives was true. Yep, under the proposed law, it would be illegal for people to spend less than three hours a day with their dogs in the ACT. The story raised so many questions in my mind: Would there be video surveillance in pe
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The number of homes commencing construction in Australia is set to increase over the next few years, driven by strong population growth, low unemployment, and falling interest rates. However, long-term structural issues continue to pose risks to housing affordability and national supply targets, according to the latest outlook from the Housing Industry Association. HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the sector is showing signs of improved confidence following a period of weak activity,
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Making The Most Of Outdoor Space In Mackay, where the line between indoors and outdoors often blurs, our backyards are more than just an afterthought — they’re an extension of our living space, a stage for entertaining, relaxing, and making the most of our tropical lifestyle. Whether you have a compact courtyard in town or a sprawling rural block, thoughtful design can transform any outdoor area into a place where you’ll want to spend more time. Decks that invite you outside A well-designed dec
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Local business leaders came together this week to celebrate the launch of the Whitsunday Business Awards 2025. Sponsors and business champions joined the Whitsunday Regional Council, Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bowen Chamber of Commerce to officially kick off this year’s awards season. The event will shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements, innovation, and resilience of businesses and business leaders right across the Whitsundays. Nominations are now open, with t
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Hello everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful week. Last weekend, I had the joy of covering one of the brightest highlights on our calendar - the Great Barrier Reef Festival. It all began on Friday evening with a truly memorable experience aboard the Camira, camera in hand and raincoat at the ready. Even with heavy rain draping the horizon, the fireworks lit up the sky in spectacular fashion. I also got to meet some great people on board and share some really nice conversations. Saturday was
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A major review of water planning is underway in the Whitsundays, with the Queensland Government launching public consultation to help shape a new regional water plan. The review aims to strengthen water security across the region by incorporating updated science and regional feedback, particularly from the Don, northern Proserpine and southern O’Connell basins—areas not currently covered by an existing plan. The Whitsunday water plan will address climate resilience, cultural values, regional g
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An afternoon of kayaking near Whitsunday Island took a serious and unexpected turn on Monday 4 August, when a woman began suffering from severe chest pain, prompting an urgent call to BMA CQ Rescue. The rescue helicopter was tasked just before 2.30pm and launched immediately to the woman’s last known location. The mission required precise coordination as time was critical and the woman’s location was remote. Upon arrival, the rescue crew faced an additional challenge. The area was surrounded b
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The Bowen Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) has officially changed their names to the Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) Bowen after their celebration last weekend. The event saw around 40 people in attendance, including Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and the Chief Officer of the Queensland Police Water Unit. All crew members were issued citations recognising their role as part of the inaugural MRQ Bowen team. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP said the now MRQ Bowen has been hel
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With President Allan Milostic A huge congratulations and thank you to the Reef Festival committee and volunteers – the event creates a great vibe and family friendly atmosphere in Airlie Beach that 1000’s of people enjoyed. Fantastic fireworks, stunning cars and parade in the main street created something special for the region – bigger and better than ever. Well done! Have Your Say on the Airlie Beach Masterplan Whitsunday Regional Council has released the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan, outl
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A Mighty Lift-Off for Bowen and Australia’s Space Future Last week, history was made in Bowen, and I couldn’t be prouder of what it means for our Whitsunday region and for Australia. Gilmour Space Technologies successfully launched its Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport and while the mission ended shortly after take-off, make no mistake: this was a major milestone. Getting that rocket off the ground was no small feat as it was Australia’s first attempt at an orbital launch in more t
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Did you know? Whitsunday Regional Council was proud to be a major sponsor for the Great Barrier Reef Festival last weekend, through our Community Sponsorship program. Council provides support for residents and regional organisations through a range of grants and support packages such as Community Assistance Grants, Junior Athlete Financial Support and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). Residents can find out more information on the above programs by visiting the Grants and Community A
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Another week has passed with another terrible tragedy on our roads. From the outset of this article, I want to pass on my deepest condolences to the all the family of our most recent victim of road trauma in this District. I also want to thank the exceptional work undertaken by our Whitsunday Emergency Services. The Police, the Ambulance, the Fire Department and every community member who stopped to help last Monday at the accident on Shute Harbour Road. Everybody has a part to play in the saf
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Barefoot Medicine Whitsundays in Cannonvale welcomed a new GP on Monday, an experienced doctor with 21 years in the field and a strong passion for community care. Originally from Melbourne, Dr Jane Habib has worked mostly in rural areas across New South Wales and Queensland. Before studying medicine, she raised her children, completed a naturopathy degree, and then returned to university. “I became more interested in looking after people and the health sector. I did a naturopathy degree, and
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There’s always something happening here in The Whitsundays and our fantastic local tourism operators have some exciting updates and fresh experiences to share. Explore Group is now offering half-day dive trips from Hamilton Island. As a PADI 5-Star provider, it’s a great option if you’re short on time but keen to check out the colourful fringing reef. Heart of Reef Car Rentals has teamed up with Boaty’s for a great deal. Book a car for 3 days or more and you’ll score a free brekky voucher wort
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Women across the region are being encouraged to take the next step in their leadership journey, with partial scholarships now available through Women & Leadership Australia. With up to $5,000 on offer per person, the scholarships aim to empower more women to build their leadership skills, expand their workplace impact, and take on greater responsibilities—regardless of career stage. Women & Leadership Australia’s programs are designed for flexibility, allowing participants to engage in part-ti
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Proserpine Veterinary Surgery is marking a major milestone, 50 years of continuous service to the Whitsundays. Dr Faye McPherson, who joined the practice in 2003, says the longevity is a testament to community support and the clinic’s commitment to care. “I’ve seen businesses celebrate 15 years, but 50 years? That’s really worth celebrating,” she said. Originally partnering with Dr Bill Bowman, Faye then has been dedicated to building and growing the clinic ever since. Over two decades, Faye
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Volunteers of the St. Paul’s Op Shop are calling for people of the community to stop donating unsellable mattresses and furniture at the church’s furniture shed. The Op Shop, run exclusively by volunteers, uses the profits from the store to fund the St Paul's Anglican Church. However volunteer at the store, Chris Hinschen, believes that rising costs at the dump has led people to leave mattresses at the Op Shop’s furniture shed as a donation, but they do not accept mattresses. The furniture she
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Each August, Loneliness Awareness Week stands as a reminder of just how essential human connection is to the overall wellbeing of communities accross Australia. This year’s theme, ‘Moments Matter’, is one that truly resonates with the team at Selectability's Bowen Clubhouse, where simple, everyday interactions are making a big difference in the lives of locals. Whether it’s sharing a meal, creating a craft project, or just enjoying a cuppa and a chat, Clubhouse members are forming bonds and tac
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Proserpine State High School’s Seagrass Theatre and Music Company present their highly anticipated ‘Musical Theatre Night’ on Friday 15th August. The annual event allows students from Years 7-12 to showcase their singing and dancing talents on stage performing family-friendly classics from musicals such as ‘Chicago’, 'Les Miserables' and 'Annie' to name a few. Established in 2021, the students have run many theatre seasons including one act plays, previous musical theatre evenings and the rock
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An Event For All-Ages To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade. Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade,
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The smooth sounds of timeless standards will echo through the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday 14 August, as acclaimed Australian vocalist Chris Lloyds presents _Morning Melodies: For the Love of Tony & Friends, a soulful musical salute to the great Tony Bennett and other legendary crooners. Backed by the virtuosic Jamie Rigg Band, Lloyds will take the audience on a nostalgic journey, spotlighting Bennett’s greatest hits—like I Left My Heart in San Francisco—while weaving in gems by
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Friday 8 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Bear Brewer (from 8pm) KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Saturday 9 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Rewind 80's (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: No Scrubs DJ Night(from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Cue KC's: Paul Fergus (from 8pm) Sunday 10 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Rewind 80's (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (
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August 4 Author Talk Session by Marion Weatherburn, Bowen Library, 10:00am - 12:00pm 5 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 6 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 7-14 Airlie Beach Race Week 8 Airlie Beach Race Week Presents: Happy Feet, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 10 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 12 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 14 Morning Melodies
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