Fans of classic rock are in for a treat as Creedence Clearwater Survival, Australia’s premier tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, returns to the Airlie Beach Hotel in just a few weeks. “We play every Creed song,” said frontman Paul Haynes, who performs under the name John Forgery. The Melbourne-based band is known for its faithful renditions of Creedence Clearwater Revival's most beloved hits, and this performance will be no different. “The songs will be Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son, L
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Meet Gwendy, a sweet-natured tortoiseshell girl with a heart as soft as her fur. Found wandering the streets of Guthalungra with no collar, no microchip, and no one to claim her, Gwendy’s story could have had a much sadder ending. But thanks to the kindness of strangers, this affectionate feline has landed in safe hands at Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc, and now, she’s patiently waiting for the loving home she truly deserves. Calm, gentle and full of quiet charm, Gwendy is the kind of cat w
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The Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival wrapped its activity-packed three-day program on August 3, leaving attendees with a renewed appreciation for the Whitsundays' natural wonders. From August 1–3, Airlie Beach came alive with thousands of locals and visitors embracing a program that continues to cement the festival as a cornerstone event for the region. Despite a cold and soggy start on Friday night, fireworks lit up the sky just moments before rain set in. But the weather couldn
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Crews are trading sailing gear for party shirts on Lay Day as the Battle of the Sailors lawn games competition returns to Airlie Beach Race Week. Held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on August 11, teams of five can register at reception for a chance to win great prizes, including VIP entry and regular race entries to ABRW 2026 and a $150 food and drink voucher. The games kick off at 3pm sharp, but the fun continues into the evening with food trucks firing up at 5pm and live music from local per
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A Flavour-Filled Voyage on Race Week Lay Day Elementa Whitsundays and 74 Islands Distillery, the proud naming rights sponsors of the 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week, are inviting guests to a one-off long lunch experience that captures the true spirit of the Whitsundays. Taking place on Monday 11 August from 1pm to 4pm, Changing Courses offers a vibrant way to spend the official Lay Day of Race Week. Set in the stunning surrounds of the elevated Elementa distillery and rooftop gardens, the event pro
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Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore Heather Sutton plays a vital role in Airlie Beach Race Week, focusing on the volunteer crew who keep the event going. “My role within Race Week is to organise volunteers,” Heather said. Race Week is run by volunteers and we are very lucky that a lot of our volunteers have been coming back year after year, and they come from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, we also have our local volunteers.” From race directors to mark layers and prize organisers, volunteers h
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Get ready for an unforgettable week of high-stakes yacht racing, breathtaking coastal views and non-stop social festivities at the 2025 Airlie Beach Race Week, proudly presented by 74 Islands Distillery. Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this much-loved event has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic sailing regattas, drawing competitors and spectators from across the country and beyond. Held in the heart of the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach Race Week offers the perfect blend of competitive
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As Regatta Director of Airlie Beach Race Week, Jenni Birdsall’s job spans the entire year, not just the week of racing in Airlie Beach. “I’m basically in charge of coordinating as much as I possibly can to bring everyone together and direct whatever their role entails,” Jenni said. Her responsibilities cover everything from official race documentation and safety management to results and coordination across teams. She describes her role as a helicopter role, viewing all roles from above
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Celebrate the spirit of sailing, connection and coastal charm in true Whitsundays style at the Airlie Beach Race Week Presentations Dinner, held from 5:30pm on Thursday 14 August. Taking place on the picturesque Festival Village lawns at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this unforgettable evening is the ultimate way to round off a thrilling week of on-water action and shoreside festivity. For $149 per ticket, guests will be treated to a carefully crafted three-course meal showcasing local flavours,
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As the Whitsundays prepare to host the 37th edition of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), spectators are being offered a chance to view the action from the best seat on the water, aboard the stunning 100-foot mega yacht, SV Summer Jo. From 7–14 August, more than 130 boats will take to the pristine waters of the Whitsundays for one of Australia’s most iconic sailing regattas, proudly sponsored this year by 74 Islands Distillery. While competitors battle it out on the water, spectators can enjoy a
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As Chairman of Airlie Beach Race Week, Terry Archer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the annual sailing event runs smoothly both on and off the water. But come Thursday afternoon, he switches hats, trading the coordination clipboard for the helm of his multihull racer. “I have a dual role,” Terry explained. “I’m effectively the connection between the club’s management, the volunteers, and ensuring the onshore and offshore events. Then, from Thursday afternoon, I became a competitor.” From
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While the premier Whitsundays sailing season kicks into high gear, a new and exciting event is about to drop anchor in Airlie Beach. Conveniently placed right between the two major race regattas, the inaugural Whitsundays Open Boat Display arrives at Port of Airlie Marina Friday 15 August, running from 9 am to 5 pm. This free event, brought to you by World Wide Boat Brokers, offers boating enthusiasts a unique opportunity to step aboard a range of premium vessels. Its timing is perfectly plac
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The Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael and Val Kimpton were recently privileged to be welcomed to a private Dinner at Parliament House arranged by the Hon. Amanda Camm MP during House sitting days. Guests on the night included Elizabeth Hackett, the inspirational leader behind the Whitsunday Skyway project, Hon. Tim Mander MP, Hon. Andrew Powell MP. the Hon. Dale Last MP and former Tourism Whitsunday CEO, Rick Hamilton. The promotion of the Award-winning Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday 8 August 6:00pm – Whitsunday Dolphins U23 Women vs Lions at Dolphins 6:00pm – Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC Div 2 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark 8:00pm – Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Mackay Rangers FC Div 1 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark Saturday 9 August 9:30am – Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers U13 FQPL Red at Whitsunday Sportspark 9:30am – U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Wanderers U13 Div 1 Roses at Mackay Football Park 9:30a
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Can you believe there are only three weeks until spring? As the weather warms up in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, our seasonal visitors will begin to head home. But what a week it has been for Airlie Beach Bowls Club—full of milestones, tight matches, and well-earned victories. The week began with the Ladies A Grade Singles Final on Tuesday morning, with Betty Whitehorn and Vicki Spann going head-to-head in a thrilling contest. Despite a late comeback from Vicki, Betty held on
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After an extended period on the road, Whitsunday United's senior men returned to home turf over the weekend, hosting Country in two competitive matches. Division 2 opened strongly, converting early pressure into a 1–0 lead. However, two quickfire goals from Country just before halftime turned the momentum. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Whitsunday equalising to draw level, only for Country to find a late winner. The match ended in a narrow 3–2 loss for WUFC, despite a spirited
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The Whitsunday Powersports and Marine Mackerel and Reef Fish Rally was run and won over the 19-20 July weekend, despite testing conditions with persistent 20–25 knot southeasterly winds. Club Secretary Steve Obst claimed the Champion Male title with an impressive 18.0kg Spanish mackerel caught on 10kg line. Malika Stolte took out Champion Lady Angler with a solid 9.4kg mackerel, while Jasmin Smith tagged and released two Spanish mackerel to be crowned Champion Junior Female. Kirra Martin was ru
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There were great numbers across the board despite some less-than-perfect weather on Friday. From stableford events to the Centenary Opens, there was something for everyone—and even a hole-in-one to cap it all off! Tuesday 29 July The week began with a Stableford round. Ryan Wilkes took out the Men’s comp with 39 points, just ahead of Aaron Prosser on 38. Trish McNeill was in top form to win the Ladies with 42 points, while Heather Luvis followed with 36. Notable NTPs included Ryan Wilkes (9th)
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It was an early start for the Proserpine Veterans Golfers who travelled by bus to Home Hill for the latest round of the Whitsunday Veterans competition. The Home Hill volunteers provided a warm welcome, with a well-prepared course and delicious morning tea and lunch. The greens, as always, proved tricky for some, but spirits remained high throughout the day. A total of 69 players took part, including 22 ladies and 47 men. Proserpine was strongly represented with eight ladies and ten men. The P
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Close to 100 people attended the Heart Kids Charity Golf on Dent Island on Saturday 19 July. An impressive $110,000 was raised for HeartKids, a national organisation supporting children with congenital and acquired heart conditions. Now in its 11th year, the annual event is organised by Kerri and Troy Martin and has grown significantly since its beginnings. “Last year we raised $80,000, and this year we have certainly surpassed that,” said Kerry. The event has now become the biggest communit
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North Mackay Ladies Crowned Runners-Up North Mackay ladies played in the District Final of the Championship of Championship Fours against the ladies team from Airlie Beach . The game was held at Northern Beaches Bowls Club on Saturday 2nd of August. The Mackay Ladies played a valiant game but the Airlie ladies ran out winners in the end. Congratulations go to Donna Gordon (lead) Coral Francis(second), Deb Mackenzie (third), and Lorna Bowers (skip). Well done and your efforts are apprecia
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Mackay's finest veterans took Brisbane by storm at the Queensland Veterans Table Tennis Championships, held at the Southpine Sports Complex from the 16th to the 19th of July. Over four fiercely competitive days, our talented team of nine players proudly flew the Mackay flag and delivered brilliant performances across a range of age divisions. Congratulations and thanks to Vince Boeske, Anne Sheridan, Allan Edwards, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott, Daniel Warfield, Andrea Nicholson, and Noreen Frederi
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RUNNING A dedicated group of Mackay Road Runners took part in the weekly social Bluewater Quay run under ideal conditions — cool, breezy, and sunny — while many others travelled north to Townsville for the annual McDonald's Running Festival. Events ranged from marathon and half marathon to 10km, 5km, 2.5km, and team races. Race Director Andrew Short missed his usual local duties to compete in the Townsville Half Marathon, finishing in a solid 2:02, while his wife Jose claimed family bragging r
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The young U12 Rookieball players are showing great improvement in their pitching and catching, while their batting and fielding have reached new levels. Some are already preparing to transition into the U14s next year, with several emerging as impressive young softballers. Lucas Weinart and Nevaeh Smith were recognised for their hard work and dedication, each receiving club awards for their efforts. The Joeyball littlies are also stepping up and starting to show off their skills, with sev
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Students Set To Sprint Alongside Cathy Freeman At Reef Arena Mackay students will soon have the chance to lace up their runners and follow in the footsteps of one of Australia’s most beloved sporting icons — Cathy Freeman — in a landmark event celebrating the 25th anniversary of her unforgettable Olympic gold. The Run With Cathy – Schools Challenge will take over the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday, October 24 at 3.30pm, honouring the moment Freeman captivated the world with her 400m v
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