Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, welcomed the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, to the Whitsundays last week, to inspect the existing boat ramp at Shute Harbour, as part of the LNP Crisafulli Government’s commitment to deliver for regional Queensland. This visit marks a significant step forward in addressing long-standing safety and congestion issues at the current ramp, which has been widely criticized for its poor design. The existing boat ramp and walkway is a f
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Tourism Whitsundays have announced their 2025/2026 board of directors, with the new line-up being confirmed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last Thursday at NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park. Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed two new directors to its Board, with Liza Muller and Katelyn Aslett joining a team that reflects the region’s diverse tourism landscape. Meanwhile, returning directors Nathan Fleming and Phil Browne will continue their roles, ensuring consistency and providing an exp
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More than 742 people came together at the Bowen Community Carnival to celebrate Child Protection Week, transforming the day into a exciting showcase of fun, connection, and advocacy. Hosted by Bowen Community Centre and coordinated by the one and only Mrs Xena Yasso of Cooinda Family Centre, the event highlighted the power of community spirit. Children were treated to an incredible lineup of free activities, including two petting zoos, jumping castles, train rides, merry-go-rounds, a rock clim
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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is set to bring back a tradition that has been missed by film fans in the community for a number of years. The Whitsunday Film Society originally began in 2018 however it was forced to close in 2023 after declining membership made it financially unsustainable. Thankfully, this is all about to change - on October 14 at 1pm the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre again will host a sign on, inviting everyone in the community over the age of 18 to join the society f
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Elizabeth Hackett, owner and operator of Magnums Unique Accommodation This month, we highlight long-time Chamber member Elizabeth Hackett, Executive Chair of Australian Adventure Tourism Group (AATG) and Operations Manager of Magnums Unique Accommodation, a well-known Airlie Beach property that has evolved with the region’s tourism landscape for over 30 years. Originally developed as a honeymooners’ village, Magnums transformed into a backpacker resort during the pilot strike era, and now stand
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When you bank with Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, you’re doing more than managing your money, you’re helping build a stronger Whitsundays. Community Banks offer the best of both worlds: the full range of modern banking products and services backed by the security of Bendigo Bank, Australia’s most trusted bank, combined with the personal service and local investment of a community-owned model. The key difference is that profits don’t just leave town. Instead, they’re reinvested di
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The Pioneering Pattemores leave their mark on Airlie Beach It was early in 1961. Edwin and Bernice Pattemore were holidaying in North Queensland and discovered Airlie Beach. After deciding to stay the night at the Airlie Beach Motel, they purchased tickets to visit some of the islands. While driving to the old wooden jetty at Abell Point, they noticed a “For Sale” sign on a farm owned by Dick Harris situated at the bottom of the hill as you enter Airlie Beach. Edwin left Bernice at the jetty and
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Bright Future For Grassroots Sport In The Whitsundays As one of the fastest growing local government areas in Queensland, the Whitsundays is a region that lives and breathes sport. From our junior players and weekend warriors to our passionate volunteers and club leaders, sport is part of our identity and a big part of what brings our community together. That is why Council is so focused on delivering the new Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct. This project will create modern, fit for purpose
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Since opening in May, over 50,000 people have enjoyed the Airlie Beach Foreshore Ferris Wheel, soaring 35 metres high for 360° views of Airle Beach, the islands and our turquoise coastline. From family fun to 17 memorable marriage proposals, it’s been a highlight of the season. It’s now time to let us know what you think! Have your say on whether it should return next year before consultation closes on 31 October 2025. For more information and cast your vote, head to Council’s online Engagement
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The Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre have excitingly unveiled a new initiative titled, Connecting Community Through Art to foster creativity and wellbeing among participants. Since 1976, the ageing and disability activities centre has provided vital support and engaging programs for the Whitsunday Shire, and Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre’s Chief Executive, Jayne Milne hopes this new community development project will continue enriching the lives of locals. “The artwork created by our pa
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By Sharon Ashman Many people living with ADHD find that sleep doesn’t always come easily. Racing thoughts, restlessness, or difficulty winding down can make bedtime feel frustrating. Yet, good sleep is essential. Good sleep helps you focus and improves energy. It contributes to emotional well-being and resilience. One helpful strategy is to build a consistent routine. Going to bed and waking at the same time each day trains the brain and body to recognise when it’s time to rest. A calming pre-s
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Joan Civera Spanish-born hospitality professional Joan arrived in Airlie Beach in early 2024, and he hasn’t looked back since. “I was travelling with my girlfriend, we decided to do all the East Coast with the van, and we stopped in Airlie Beach, and I fell in love with the place,” he said. “We decided to spend the rest of the visa here looking for a job.” Joan is now the restaurant manager at The Garden Bar at Coral Sea Marina and he brings more than a decade of experience in hospitality, in
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Zibby Deca For more than 15 years, Executive Chef Zibby Deca has been crafting dishes across pubs, clubs, fine dining restaurants, and private events. But for the past nine months, he’s been calling Club Whitsunday home, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for food that goes beyond the plate. Originally from Poland, he arrived in Australia 16 years ago, first settling in Brisbane before moving north to Airlie Beach, a move that quickly became permanent. “I loved it here and
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Monique van Tulder’s bestselling book may have started at her kitchen bench in Shute Harbour, but today, it’s putting the Whitsundays on the national stage. “I wrote the first draft at the kitchen bench in Shute Harbour,” said Monique. “And now I’m on TV talking about Grown Up’s Gap Years, travel, and the region that opens my book’s first chapter.” Monique’s tourism roots in the region stretch back to 1988, when she began her career as Marketing Assistant at Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, following
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Friday 3 October Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Saturday 4 October Airlie Beach Hotel: Dirty Deeds (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kieran McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Sunday 5 October Airlie Beach Hotel: Dirty Deeds (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm
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October 3 Rugby Viking Cup, Whitsunday Sportspark, 12pm - 8pm 5 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 6 King’s Birthday 7 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am 8 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Cannonvale Library, from 9am 10 Minions Rise of Gru, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 12 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 14 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 15 Whitsunda
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The Airlie Beach Hotel will host a wild Oktoberfest Weekender overflowing with showstopping live music and good old classic German traditions to celebrate one of the world’s most beer-loved holidays in style. Much to the delight of the community and beyond, the Airlie Beach Hotel unveiled the one and only NOASIS tribute show will headline on both Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of October from 2pm to 5:30pm for two free, unmissable performances to remember! Renown for their skilled perfo
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Introducing the handsome Rex – a one-year-old Staffy x Greyhound with a big heart and plenty of love to give. Despite a rough start in life, Rex is full of energy, potential, and resilience, and he’s now searching for a foster or forever home where he can truly thrive. Rex is a strong boy who would benefit from an experienced carer able to provide the structure, patience, and training he needs. While he’s best suited to a calm, child-free home, he’s eager to learn and ready to blossom with the
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Amped Up Youth Music Initiative is a community-led program with a clear purpose—empowering young people through music and performance. Operating across the Whitsundays, Amped Up! creates opportunities for youth aged 5 to 21 to build confidence, showcase their abilities, and connect with others in a safe and encouraging space. Driven by a passion for youth wellbeing and suicide prevention, the program is much more than a performance outlet. It represents a movement that values creativity, resil
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Rasputin, a large adult male green sea turtle, has been released back into the ocean at Snow’s Beach, Shute Harbour. Rescued after becoming entangled in fishing line, Rasputin received expert care from the Turtle Team at Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, and has now made a full recovery, swimming free once again in his natural habitat. The successful release was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Turtle Care Team, the support of Eco Barge, and the commitment of volunteers w
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How Queensland Fights Pests in Our Parks Spanning over 13 million hectares of protected land and forest estates, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is the state’s largest land manager. With that vast responsibility comes a major challenge, managing invasive pests that pose a serious threat to Queensland’s unique wildlife and natural landscapes. Invasive species, whether they’re pest plants (weeds) or feral animals like pigs, cats, foxes and wild dogs, can cause significant harm. T
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When we visit the Great Barrier Reef, most of us spend all our time looking down under the water, gazing at the marine life. Next time you are out on the water, try looking up and admire the bird life overhead. The Reef is home to 22 species of seabird and 32 species of shorebird. And, yes, there are differences between seabirds and shorebirds. Seabirds are pelagic and spend most of their life at sea. They move towards coastal areas generally to breed and raise young for a minimal amount of ti
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It has been a busy fortnight for the Cannonvale Cannons, with swimmers excelling both at home and at a special clinic in Mackay. On Sunday, a group of National and State Development Squad swimmers took part in an advanced clinic at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Centre, hosted by Barry Prime from Swimming Queensland and Nicholas Smith from the Australian Institute of Sport. The session focused on starts, turns, performance skills and stroke technique, giving swimmers invaluable experience. Congr
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Game On As Whitsunday Light Tackle Tournament Returns Anglers are preparing to chase some of the ocean’s most exciting sport fish at the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s Annual Light Tackle Tournament, running October 16–19 at the Marine Club, Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. Airlie Beach Tackle World and Daiwa have signed on as naming rights sponsors for the next three years, following nearly a decade of support from Ben Doolan Builders. The club thanked all three for their generosity. Competitors must
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Rugby Union The Whitsundays will once again come alive with rugby spirit as the Viking Cup 10s Carnival returns in 2025, welcoming a record-breaking 52 teams from across Queensland. The two-day festival of rugby, taking place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 October at Whitsunday Sportspark, is set to be the region’s biggest celebration of junior rugby yet. Hosted by Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union, the Viking Cup 10s has grown into one of Queensland’s premier junior rugby carnivals, attracting boys an
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