Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Bowen Art Society has announced its annual art show is returning! For all the artists and creatives amongst you it’s time to get crafting, painting, drawing, or whatever your medium, the Art Show wants to see it. The theme has been made public as Australiana, nice and broad but also thematic. Australiana covers anything pertaining to Australian culture, society, geography and ecology, especially if it is endemic to Australia or has reached iconic status. Hopefully that sparks some ideas to
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The Indian Myna was brought to the region, like cane toads, to eat the bugs on our crops. However, their incredible adaptability has allowed them to become one of the biggest invasive, and aggressive pests. The Whitsunday Indian Myna Action Group is out there trying to cull these birds before they kill all of our native birds and completely take over. Indian Mynas are prolific breeders, 12-16 eggs per season, in a colony that can contain hundreds of birds, this is a huge problem. They kill nativ
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The team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomed more than 32,000 visitors in the six months ending December 31, an increase of more than 8 per cent from the same period last year. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team had welcomed more visitors in every month so far in this financial year than for the same months last year. January has also started off well with 3088 visitors being welcomed in the first two weeks of January. “That’s a big increase on
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Drivers on the Bruce Highway are taking advantage of the Driver Reviver Station located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, next to the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway, just 5km south. The centre has been providing free coffee to drivers for a long time but officially became a “Driver Reviver” location last year, with signs installed on the highway last April. Since then, the service has become increasingly popular. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the organisati
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Gilmour Space Technologies is preparing for the launch of Eris TestFlight1, Australia’s first sovereign-made rocket. The team is currently working closely with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and Airservices Australia to finalise airspace management protocols for the historic launch. Once these arrangements are complete, Gilmour Space will announce a 'No Earlier Than' (NET) launch date, in compliance with the statutory notification period required for other airspace users. Founded by two
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The council have recently brought out a new draft corporate plan, the plan details five different themes which are: Economy, Community, Environment, Council and Infrastructure. Economy Starting with the economy, the plan explains how Council are aiming for growth with the future needs of the community, business and industry in mind, and are reaching for three main outcomes: • Diverse economic opportunities where traditional industries and futuristic vision meet • Committed to identifying and d
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Reckless the Australian Crawl tribute show are back in town for another banger of a weekend this February 1st. Performing to their favourite audience in their second home at The Pub, Reckless is gearing up for a show that's not to be missed. All the band members have come together to pay homage to one of Australia’s most iconic bands: Australian Crawl! Officially endorsed by Australian Crawl themselves , Reckless will take you back in time to April of 1980, when the band was catapulted into the
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Colonial Palms – Jazz Sessions 3pm (fortnightly) Friday 24 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Scat Duo 7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Lucy Rose (4pm–8pm) Saturday 25 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Soul Chisel (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm) Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix (4pm–8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm) Sunday 26 January The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chisel vs Aussie Crawl (2pm–5:30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann
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Woodwark Bay was named in 1886 by Lieutenant GE Richards, RN in HMS “Paluma”. The bay is named after George Smith Woodwark (1841-1898), a wealthy timber merchant, prominent public figure from the Grimston/King’s Lynn area in Norfolk, England. Present-day descendants of that family have a letter (a copy of which is held by the Museum) written to an uncle in 1923 by one of Woodwark’s six sons stating that a bay in Australia was named after his father. It is quite unusual for the time to have such
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Evan was rescued from the Burdekin pound, where she narrowly escaped death row! Now, she's a lively bundle of joy who’s always on the move, only slowing down for a well-earned nap. Affectionate and loving, Evan enjoys being close to her pawrents and lounging on the couch, soaking up all the attention. With a playful personality and boundless energy, she’s not only quick on her feet but also an exceptionally fast runner. Evan’s social butterfly nature makes her great with other dogs, always eager
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January 24 Citizenship Ceremony, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:30am 25 Park Run, Meeting Area D, Coral Sea Marina, starting at 7am 25 Airlie Beach Market, Airlie Beach, starting at 8am 25 Jack Jones supported by Trent Bell, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 8pm 26 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am 26 Australia Day Our Whitsunday Way, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 4pm 26 Australia Day the Aussie way at KC's Bar and Grill, 12pm until late 27 Boardgames Club, Proserpine
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After initially lobbying the council in 1982, Whitsunday Sportspark Inc. was established in 1988, and the first field was reclaimed from an old tidal dump site and laid down in 1991. Local residents, led by David Moore and John Bell, recognized the need for sporting fields in the growing town. In the 1990s, the top oval was established, and the first three netball courts were constructed. At its peak, the park hosted over 12 different sports, including Rugby Union, AFL, Football, Netball, Touch
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Club Whitsunday is Airlie Beach’s first true community club, designed to offer a modern, dynamic space for everyone to enjoy. Unlike traditional sports clubs, it serves as a vibrant hub for the entire community, featuring a full range of amenities including a stylish bar, a contemporary bistro, exciting wagering options, and a spacious gaming floor. Open seven days a week, Club Whitsunday provides an elevated hospitality experience that caters to both locals and visitors alike. The all-new club
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Craig Spence and his wife ran L.E.W (QLD) PTY LTD for 28 years at the Blue Bay Industrial Estate, providing electrical wholesale and lighting services to contractors, builders, developers, and retailers. After selling the business, Craig transitioned to a new role as director of Whitsunday Sportspark (now Club Whitsunday), a position he has held for the past 10 years. Craig’s connection to the sportspark began in 1996 when L.E.W supplied lighting for the top oval. Over the years, he has been dee
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Justin Butler has been a cornerstone of Club Whitsunday for over 20 years, serving as Director and Committee Member, and for the past 15 years, as Chairman/President. His involvement began when he volunteered to represent the Touch Football Club on the Whitsunday Sports Park Committee, a role that sparked a 20-year journey of dedication and development. What started with basic grounds maintenance evolved into a vision to transform the facility. Justin’s early focus on improving playing surfaces
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Tim Langford has been a Director at Club Whitsunday for the past six months. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he previously owned Paddy’s Shenanigans in Airlie Beach, a popular local venue. A passionate supporter of local sports, Tim played for the Whitsunday United Football Club's divisional men's team for three years. When he saw the club's venue sitting unused, he decided to step in and help get it up and running. Tim played a pivotal role in bringing the vision for Cl
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Club Whitsunday loves Australia Day and views it as a day to celebrate the nation's unique culture and bring all Australians together. As a natural meeting place for the community, the club aims to offer something for everyone over the long weekend. Visitors are invited to drop by for a drink, a meal, or a punt with friends at any time over the weekend. There will be live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with mini sporting games on the fields under lights for both kids and adults to
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Club Whitsunday is Queensland's first true grassroots, greenfield community club to be developed and opened in over 25 years. Chairman of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, highlights that while numerous new clubs have opened during this time, the vast majority have been large, established clubs with significant financial resources and staff, expanding into second or third venues, rather than being true grassroots, ground-up projects. Chairman Justin Butler emphasized, “Airlie Beach should be proud
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Each sporting code at the Sportspark is an incorporated body run by a volunteer committee. Local sports, from Touch Footy with Monday night competitions and annual carnivals to Football with multiple men’s and women’s teams playing weekly, are all run by volunteers. These volunteers coach, manage, and develop players, dedicating countless hours to their sports. Participation is surging post-COVID and as the population grows. The sporting fields and courts are on land leased from the council,
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Growing up in Beechworth, Victoria, sport was a central part of life. Whether competing at the state level or cheering on his teams, Josh always had a fierce rivalry with New South Wales. When he moved to Moruya Golf Club on the NSW South Coast as CEO in 2019, he carried his Victorian roots with him, including a love for Queensland in the State of Origin, Melbourne Storm in the NRL, and AFL as his number one sport. Now, Josh is bringing his expertise to Club Whitsunday, where he’s excited to hel
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Tracy O'Shea brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, primarily with community clubs. Her most recent role was Club Manager at Benowa Bowls Club on the Gold Coast, before she relocated back to Far North Queensland in December last year. As part of the team behind Club Whitsunday, Tracy is excited to have contributed to the opening of this new venue. She’s particularly eager to see the membership grow, especially with the support of the various sporting clubs in the local p
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With over 10 years of experience in the Whitsundays, Zibby Deca has built a diverse and extensive career in the local food industry. He has collaborated with a wide range of businesses, from assisting with the launch of new restaurants to managing catering departments and preparing food for large community events and music festivals. Zibby has also worked as a private chef for high-end clients, offering his culinary expertise aboard luxury yachts and in exclusive holiday homes. About a year ago,
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Next weekend, the 10th annual Whitsunday Sports Expo will transform the Whitsunday Sportspark, adjacent to the PCYC and new Club Whitsunday, into a vibrant activity hub, bringing together sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Attendees will have the chance to ‘come and try’ a number of activities and sign up for exciting seasons ahead. This year's Expo is particularly special, marking its 10th anniversary and coinciding with the grand opening of the brand-new Club Whitsundays, which is set to become
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Sport isn’t just about staying fit; it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your social circle. By attending the Whitsunday Sports Expo, you’ll have the chance to discover a wide range of sports and connect with others who share your interests. Whether joining a team or simply attending to explore, you’re bound to meet like-minded individuals and form new friendships. The Expo offers a perfect opportunity to find a sport or activity that suits your interests and connect with peop
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Since 2001, ADFAB Industries, has been a trusted name in the community, crafting high-quality stainless steel, brass, and aluminium products. We’ve been dedicated to delivering precision and excellence in every project, big or small. We’re especially proud of our involvement in the fabrication and installation of the kitchen and bar at Club Whitsunday, It was an exciting project, and we are proud to contribute to such a fantastic addition to the community. We look forward to seeing the park and
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