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In recent weeks, my fellow Councillors and I have had the privilege of attending end of year school award ceremonies right across the Whitsundays. These events are full of pride, joy and a wonderful sense of community spirit, and they are always among the most uplifting moments of the year. But what has struck me most this year is not just the trophies, certificates, or applause. It’s the character of our young people. Whether they were walking across the stage to receive an award or cheering l
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Locally owned and operated, Whitsunday Dash is a delivery service built on reliability, professionalism, and genuine community spirit. Established in June 2025, the business provides tailored transport solutions for both businesses and individuals across the Whitsunday region — from bulky and high-value items to time-sensitive deliveries. Founders Tom and Sarah created Whitsunday Dash after years in the mining industry, driven by a desire to build something meaningful close to home. “We saw a
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Friendly Grocer in Jubilee Pocket is thrilled to announce the launch of the Tatts Lotto at their store, it's been in the works for months and now it's here. Owner Nathan Parker said last week was the first week of the lotto at the store, and thinks this weeks $20 million will attract more players. They offer all of the Lott games including scratchies, Set for Life, Oz Lotto, Powerball, X lotto, and all the others. The Friendly Grocer contains a total of eight games. Obtaining the rights for t
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The Misses Valmadres The contribution of women to the growth of our shire was often underestimated and undervalued. However, from its earliest time, women were playing a major role in the development of the shire, not only in their customary roles as wives and mothers but as active, essential and successful members of the business community. Three such women were sisters, Erminia (Min), Mavis and Edna Valmadre. In 1911, Battista (Jack) Valmadre and Margherita (née Cecini) moved to Kelsey Creek
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Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine celebrated another year of community impact at its Annual General Meeting and Community Event on Wednesday 12 November, where the clear message was that the Whitsundays community remains the biggest winner of the Community Bank model. Chairman Mark Henry said the success of the branch comes down to its unique “profit-with-a-purpose” approach. “Our profit-with-a-purpose model means most of the profits generated by our branch go straight back into the
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Abbot Point Operations has been inducted into the Business Legends of the Whitsundays Hall of Fame, a milestone General Manager Damien Dederer says belongs to the entire team that keeps the North Queensland Export Terminal running. While it is the first time Abbot Point Operations has received a Hall of Fame accolade, Damien noted the organisation’s long history of achievement across four decades includes major infrastructure milestones, strong community partnerships and environmental programs.
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Create Career Qualifications For Local Workers A unique on-site apprenticeship program at the North Queensland Export Terminal is helping workers convert years of experience into formal qualifications while keeping jobs and skills in the Bowen region. Five Bowen Industrial Hire (BIH) employees have now gained their Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication (Surface Finishing) through the program, which Abbot Point Operations developed with BIH after the company won the protective coating con
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Whitsunday Mowers, located in Proserpine, is continuing to strengthen its reputation as one of the region’s most trusted outdoor power equipment suppliers, offering an extensive range and delivery of large mowers to Mackay, Collinsville everything in between and even the Islands. Seven years after taking over the long-standing business, owners Wayne and Sharon Drabsch have transformed the former roller-skating rink into a bright, modern showroom now stocked with more than 30 zero-turn mowers an
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After six years in the Whitsundays, long-serving head chef Marek Wardowski is preparing to say goodbye to Sorrento Restaurant and Bar, as he gets ready to relocate to Melbourne early next year. Chef Marek moved to Australia 12 years ago but he began his career in Poland, where he finished cooking school more than three decades ago and he hasn’t looked back since. “I feel like I’m born in the kitchen. I feel like I am built for this," he said. Before arriving in the Whitsundays, he worked for
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If Christmas morning calls for something a little special, gingerbread pancakes are a warm, nostalgic way to start the day. With hints of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, they taste just like your favourite gingerbread biscuits — but in soft, fluffy pancake form. To make them, whisk together 1¼ cups of self-raising flour, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon each of ground ginger and cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg and cloves. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and 2 tabl
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If you’re looking for a Christmas crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort, a no-bake rocky road wreath is the perfect last-minute treat. It’s colourful, creative, and a guaranteed favourite at school break-ups, office parties, or Christmas Day dessert tables. Start by melting 400g of milk or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave using short 30-second bursts. Once smooth, fold through three cups of mix-ins. The beauty of rocky road is
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As Long-Time Owner Hands Over The Reins A new chapter is about to begin for a long-established Proserpine dental practice, with ownership officially passing to local dentist Dr. Prashant Kulkarni, a familiar face to many across the Whitsundays. The practice, operated by its previous owner for close to 30 years, is now preparing for a seamless transition as settlement is finalised this week. Dr. Prashant, who has lived in the region since 2013, said the handover marks both an exciting milestone
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By Sharon Ashman While the holidays are often portrayed as joyful, many people experience loneliness, loss, or disconnection during this time. For those separated from family, grieving a loved one, or navigating life changes, the festive period can amplify feelings of isolation. Acknowledging these emotions is the first step toward self-compassion. You’re not alone in feeling this way. It can help to plan meaningful activities, such as volunteering, connecting with supportive friends, or spendi
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New Experiences and the Biggest Tourism Developments Pop the Veuve: Hayman Island Launches Luxe Island Picnic Experience Recently launched and only available only until March 2026, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and Veuve Clicquot have unveiled Le Picnic, a luxe Champagne-led experience on the sands of Langford Island. Curated picnics, bespoke inclusions and accommodation packages set the tone for a sun-soaked spring and summer season. Note: bookings close end of November '25. Sail
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THE UNOFFICIAL TRIBUTE SHOW - TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music – is set to begin its Australian tour this January, taking in dates across QLD, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Proserpine Entertainment Centre is one of the lucky venues to watch the show live on Sunday February 1st. “There’s a lot of buzz at the moment. We’re expecting audiences to be extra excited and engaged, and that’s great because it makes for really fun
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Friday 5 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Ally Friendship - Rock & Country Show (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dave Johan (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) Saturday 6 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Shania Twain Tribute Show (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Tailgate Party - Best of Modern Country (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (1pm - 5pm) Sunday 7 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Pau
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December 4 Bunnings Family Night, Bunnings Carpark, 4pm - 7pm 5 Chez’s House Of Dance & Whitsunday Allstars Annual Showcase 2025, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 12pm 5 74 Islands Christmas Cocktail Club, Elmenta Whitsundays, from 5pm 6 Journey to JOY by NewLife Whitsundays, 26 Paluma Rd, from 5pm 7 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 7 Proserpine Community Christmas Markets, Proserpine State School Cyclone Shelter on Sherry Street, from 8:30am 7 Whitsunday Surf Saving
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Airlie Beach is getting ready to ring in the New Year with one of its biggest celebrations yet, as the Airlie Beach Hotel prepares to host a massive New Year’s Eve countdown headlined by Big City Beat’s electrifying Bruno Mars Tribute titled Australian Bruno Mars Show The internationally toured Melbourne group, known for their high-energy stagecraft and dynamic ensemble, will debut in Airlie Beach with a full-scale New Years Eve production built around the Bruno Mars party set that has taken th
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The Gentle Soul with a Heart of Gold Beautiful Marla has already proven herself to be one incredible mum — and now it’s her turn to be loved and cared for the way she’s always deserved. After raising her gorgeous litter with patience and devotion, Marla is ready to start her next chapter — one filled with calm days, soft beds, and the comfort of a family who’ll treasure her. She’s a Staffy mix with the sweetest nature — affectionate, loyal, and always ready for a cuddle. Marla loves human comp
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Some places in life etch themselves into memory. The Whitsundays leaves an imprint that lasts a lifetime, and a considerable part of the reason is thanks to the diverse wildlife that inhabits out whitsunday islands. On one of my strolls, I realised the true colourful chorus of birds we have. While we may be known for our cockatoos and kookaburras, there are so many weird and wonderful birds that inhabit the Whitsundays. Birds You’ve Probably Seen, but Never Named Some of my favourite birds to
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The Great Barrier Reef’s Unlikely Eco-Engineers Despite their name, sea cucumbers are not fruits, vegetables or any sort of plant. They’re animals—ancient, slow-moving, wonderfully strange animals that have been cleaning and recycling the ocean floor for millions of years. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea and are close relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. More than 1,700 species are found worldwide, living on the seafloor from shallow coral reefs to the inky darkness of the de
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U11s Girls The U11 Pitties Girls returned to Proserpine High this week, facing the Norths Devils in sweltering conditions and on a thick, heavy outfield that made boundaries hard to come by. Norths batted first after winning the toss, but the Pink Pitbulls were on top from the start. E. Brazil struck early with a peach of a delivery, finishing with 1-4 from three overs, while F. Gallagher added 1-6 off two. The rest of the bowling attack supported strongly, keeping runs tight and creating run-o
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Port Denison Gun Club finished the year on a high note with its November/Christmas Shoot over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. Shooters from across the region, including Burdekin, Charters Towers, Dysart, Karumba, Mackay/Sarina, Normanton, Silkwood and Townsville, joined local competitors for a weekend of spirited competition. The weather provided a challenge, with strong winds on Saturday giving way to hotter, but breezier conditions on Sunday, much to the relief of participa
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The Bowen Under-14 junior cricket team travelled to Home Hill on 30 November 2025 for a competitive match that showcased strong team performances. Electing to field first, Bowen’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Coen Edgerton and Mitchell Hearn started strongly, keeping the run rate under control, before Coen broke through to dismiss one of the opening batsmen. The team continued to apply pressure with tight bowling and sharp fielding, highlighted by a spectacular diving catch from Matt Brazi
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As the year winds down, social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club will conclude for 2025, with the last day of play scheduled for Sunday, December 14. The club plans to reopen on Sunday, January 24, 2026, with an Australia Day-themed event. Members are encouraged to get creative with their outfits to celebrate both the start of the year and Australia Day. On Wednesday, seven players enjoyed an afternoon of bowls. Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown recorded a convincing win over Barry Zillmann and Sand
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