Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Whitsunday Tourism Awards took a bold new direction this year, shifting away from the traditional, time-consuming written submission format in favour of alignment with the Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP). This updated model now mirrors the approach adopted across much of Queensland, with winners assessed based on real-world results — including verified online reviews, customer feedback, accreditation standards, and industry engagement. In the past, operators were required to
Read more
The Whitsunday business community will come together next month to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community spirit at the 2025 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 is proudly su
Read more
Turquoise waters, teeming reefs, green landscapes, and the whitest of white beaches. The Whitsundays is a pretty special place. The region is not just a natural wonderland, home to 74 of the world’s most stunning islands. It’s a place for adventure, escape, indulgence, and where dreams become happy memories to share as stories for years to come. As I move across the region, it’s never lost on me how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful and diverse part of the world. Tourism is a vital dri
Read more
As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month this October, Whitsunday Counselling and Support will host its main community event, Reclaim the Night, at Coral Sea Marina Gardens. The evening will feature guest speakers including MP Amanda Camm and Officer in Charge Anthony Moynihan from Whitsunday Police, followed by a walk along the Airlie Beach Foreshore. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs, or pick one up from the team on-site. Live music by Dylan Hammond, light nibbles, and networking oppo
Read more
Donzel began his Tec-NQ House journey in Semester 2, 2025, bringing fresh energy to the boarding community. As a year 10 student, preparing for year 11 in 2026, he already has his future mapped out: a career in the automotive industry. “I chose Tec-NQ for the opportunities after school,” said Donzel. “I heard about this school from family members,” he added. It’s the strength of Tec-NQ’s vocational pathway options that attracted him, and he is keen to take every chance to learn. “So far, it’s
Read more
Strong Support for Visitor Services & RV Park Revival Recently, the Proserpine Sub-Committee of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry ran a Business Impact and Tourism Opportunities Survey to gather insight from local businesses on recent closures and how Proserpine can boost its visitor appeal. The survey, completed by 20 businesses from diverse businesses and industry sectors – plus numerous comments on social media – revealed clear priorities and strong consensus among local operato
Read more%20(1).JPG)
Honouring Gene Wilson And His Lasting LegacyAs Mayor of the Whitsundays, one of the greatest privileges of this role is to recognise those who have left an enduring mark on our community. This week I want to reflect on the life and legacy of the man who created Mullers Lagoon, Gene Wilson, who passed away recently at the age of 98. Gene and his wife Sylvia, along with their children Jeannie, Charles and Gwen, arrived in Bowen from Lutz, Florida, in 1961. Like many who choose to call the Whitsun
Read more
Whitsunday Regional Council is launching a collaborative Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Program this wet season (November – April 2025) to help protect our waterways, seagrasses and reef environments. Sites with good erosion and sediment controls not only safeguard marine ecosystems but also prevent soil and gravel from clogging stormwater drains, which in turn reduces local flooding and keeps our roads safer. Find out more about best practice erosion and sediment controls by visiting
Read more
Made a mistake? We’re not here to judge. (That’s the magistrate’s job.) Traffic offences. Minor criminal charges. Everyone deserves a fair go and the right advice. At Whitsunday Law, we help you understand your options, prepare for court, and avoid making things worse. We’ll give you clear, honest advice and represent you if you need us in court. No scare tactics, no judgement, just practical support. Because one bad day shouldn’t define your future. Whitsunday Law – Real help, when it really
Read more
Accountancy Plus Annual financial reports were introduced by QBCC to check the financial strength of contractor-grade licensees in Queensland. Our highly skilled team at APW can assist you with your annual reporting & calculating the financial health ratios as per QBCC standards. Important Dates: 28 October: September 2025 quarter employee super is due 31 October: Tax Returns (not lodged through a tax agent) are due for lodgement
Read more
Are you planning on retiring in the next couple of years? If so, you should consider some pre-retirement planning right now. There are several things to consider. How much income do you want to have for the active, less active and sedentary phases of your retirement to do everything you want to do? Do you have enough in the pot to fund this desired retirement income? Will you get Age Pension support at any point? Do you have to shuffle money around between outside and inside super or between hu
Read more
In every workplace, people (especially introverts) obsess over the right words—what to write in an email, how to have impact in a meeting, how to sound like I have the answers. But here’s the truth: what really sets you apart it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Non-verbal communication — your body language, tone, and energy—is the game-changer. Around 80% of communication is non-verbal. So before you’ve even opened your mouth, people are reading you. They’ve already decided if you’re tr
Read more
The 2025 Whitsundays Job Fair has been hailed a success, bringing together local employers, job seekers, and service providers to strengthen connections across the region’s workforce. Held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 21 October, the event attracted more than 80 job seekers including school students, mid-career professionals, those returning to the workforce, and mature-aged candidates – many arriving prepared with résumés in hand. Several participants secured job interview
Read more
To honour Queensland Mental Health Week Bowen State High School's student support service team and students ran activities including a Mindfulness Market. The Mindfulness Market held last Wednesday, was supported by local community agencies. Students took part in a variety of activities, including creating affirmation rocks, and enjoyed lively performances by both staff and students. The hospitality department also delighted everyone with chocolate mud cake and a range of sweet treats. Bowen S
Read more
As we approach the end of October, it’s hard to believe how much has happened this year at the Bowen Community Centre. We have seen some of our families reach out about our Adopt a Family program, but unfortunately, we’ve received fewer donations this year than in previous years. To help boost our efforts, we’ve organised a community raffle with fantastic prizes! The first prize is valued at over $500, and at just $1.00 per ticket, it’s a bargain worth taking! To recap on our Adopt a Family ent
Read more
With Remembrance Day around the corner, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is encouraging local groups to apply for grants that allow the community to better honour and acknowledge the service of veterans. The fact that the Burdekin electorate is home to a significant number of veterans meant the new funding program offered a potential boost for a community whose track record for honouring veterans was among the best in the state. “You only have to look at the number of people who attend event
Read more
If you are looking for a quirky Christmas gift that the whole family can enjoy, you are in for a treat when the most recent edition of Monopoly is released next month. The “Big Things Australia” edition will be available at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and will feature Bowen’s iconic Big Mango. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team were excited about the upcoming release. “Big Things are very popular with travellers, and we are sure this will be a popul
Read more
On November 5,1605, as a protest against the policies of King James 1, Captain Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. This became known as the Gunpowder Plot. And from this, Cracker Night was born … The “Proserpine Guardian” (October 26, 1940), published a plea from the fire brigade that “owing to the extreme dryness of the season, more than ordinary care and supervision is necessary to prevent the spread of fires through the use of crackers and bunger.” Regulation 82,
Read more
New Whitsundays Dancing CEO announced The Whitsundays’ inaugural team of Dancing CEOs, Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit) and Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), have officially passed the disco ball to McGrath Whitsunday’s Clarice Davis, as the region’s next Dancing CEO. Newly anointed into the 2026 cohort of Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) fundraising ambassadors this week, Ms Davis acknowledged that in tak
Read more
October 24 Halloween Special: Hotel Transylvania, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 25 Life Publishing Group: Enchanted Garden Fundraiser, Elementa, 5.30pm-11pm, $330 26 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 28 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 29 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. November 2 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 5 Social Seni
Read more
Friday 24 October Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Jessica Cash (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Jolly Lingo (5.30pm - 8.30pm) KC's: Pheonix Revival (from 8pm) Saturday 25 October Airlie Beach Hotel: Nearly Neil (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: ALTimate Grunge (from 8pm) Sorrento: Simon Briley (4pm - 7pm) Horseshoe Bay Cafe: Nick Di Grigio (5.30pm - 8.30pm) KC's: Retro Joe (from 8pm)
Read more
The one and only Melbourne Cup Day will soon be upon us, and the beloved Airlie Beach Hotel (ABH) have put together a stellar line up to ensure your day is nothing short of memorable! On Tuesday, the 4th of November, prepare to be transported to the world of Mai Tais and tan lines as 2025’s ABH Melbourne Cup Day extravaganza turns up the heat with it’s Hawaiian Style loo ow bright and early from 10am onwards. Attendees will be treated to some classic old time Rock n Roll and a jampacked entert
Read more
The Central Queensland Blokart Club is gearing up for its 17th annual Blokart Regatta at Cape Hillsborough Beach, set to hit the sand on November 1–2. Drawing competitors from across Queensland and as far afield as Victoria, the regatta promises fast-paced, thrilling racing on the shore. Spectators are invited to soak up the excitement and cheer on the landyachts as they race along the stunning beachfront. The club will have gazebos set up for shade, though beachgoers are encouraged to bring th
Read more
At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Five first year players came in top four positions this week. Karen Cadwell finished in top place on Wednesday, Annette Howe and Jewel Schmidt second on Friday with Sue Mayer-Miller bagging fourth position also on Friday and Christopher Meyers third on Saturday. This is an amazing effort for these first-year players. Bridge is a complex, fun game and these new members have taken to the game like ducks to water. Our Australia Day Come and Try day, sponsored by Macka
Read more
If you’re looking for a gentle, loving companion with a heart of gold, Ruia could be your perfect match! Ruia is a stunning 2–3-year-old Bull Arab X (with maybe a touch of Boxer!) who was rescued from the pound and is now safe and thriving in care. This sweet girl has so much love to give and is patiently waiting for her forever family to discover just how special she is. She’s affectionate, friendly and happiest when she’s with her humans – tummy tickles are her absolute favourite! Ruia enjoy
Read more