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A Need For Speed Team Ignition Heads To Nationals

Intelligent and confident does not begin to describe the four students of Bowen State High School’s F1 team Ignition. Being one of the world’s most competitive STEM Challengers, F1 in Schools asks students to directly engage with all aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in order to create the fastest miniature F1 car. Practicing real-life engineering and manufacturing skills, including design, analysis, testing, creating and then racing, Bowen State High School’s ‘Team I

Mullers Lagoon Revitalisation Approved

One of Bowen’s best attractions is about to receive a facelift, with Whitsunday Regional Council approving the Mullers Lagoon Park Masterplan, at last week's Council Ordinary Meeting. Mullers Lagoon is 19.5 hectares of Council-run Park land, containing a large lagoon, several picnic areas, small playground, walking paths, unique gardens, diverse bird habitat and bird watching hides. Council approached the Bowen community for their ideal construction for the upgrades, receiving 60 online submis

The Sweet Taste Of 150 Years Archers Soft Drink And Proserpine

For close to 120 years, Archers Soft Drink has been creating, bottling and distributing their products across the region, and with Proserpine’s 150th birthday, Archers are proud of their stamp on the township. Steeped in history and lush with connection, Archers continues to be integral to Proserpine and the wider Whitsunday region. Allan and Michael Horsford are the helm of Archers Soft Drink, and have been since 1977, when their dad took on the business. So here’s a bit of this massive hist

The Sweet Sugar Taste Of Proserpine History

For Lui Raiteri, the time spent within the Proserpine sugar industry is enormous and memorable. Spanning over four generations of the Raiteri clan, Lui has called the Up River farm home for 75 years, and now welcomes his son on to the farm professionally. During his time in the industry, Lui has held positions on the board of Proserpine mill, BSES and the Co –Operative Federation of QLD and many other industry boards giving back to the industry that has given him so much. And with Proserpin

Sky's The Limit For Spaceport Launch

By Paul Gellatly One of the directors of the Bowen spaceport venture has jokingly promised "the largest party" the town has seen if its Eris rocket launch early next year makes it into orbit. Adam Gilmour, CEO and co-founder of Gilmour Space with his brother James, told 50 attendees at the December meeting of Bowen Chamber of Commerce about progress towards the launch of their Southeast Queensland-built space vehicle. With the company planning for an initial 12 rockets and 15 satellites, much

International High Speeds For Bowen Racer

Bowen’s own high-speed racer, Henry Snell, has been fast tracked to the industry of his dreams, being accepted into the Affinity Sports Academy, as Rokit Rookies. Racing alongside professional racers, Henry will join the new Superteen Championship, on the newly released Kawasaki in the British Superbike Championships, as a pathway into World Superbikes and MotoGP. 17-year-old Henry championed 2023 across Australia and was close to securing first place at the Australian Championships, but secur

Proserpine Over 150 Years

Officially recognised in 1873, the township of Proserpine turns 150 years old in 2023. The town of Proserpine began when brothers George and Charles Waite took up a parcel of land, from the railway corner to Glen Isla, on the south side of Main Street. From then, Proserpine exponentially boomed, becoming the central hub that the town now is.1895 – First school opened, at Kelsey Creek. Stores set up by Jonathon Jupp. 1896 – Jonathon Jupp operated an unofficial post and telegraph office. Proserpin

Mavis Irene McClements (1916 - 1996) Acknowledging an accomplished historian in Proserpine’s 150th year

In 1860, Daniel Emmerson and his two sons took up leases in the district and on August 30 1861, successfully applied for the lease of The Proserpine Creek Run (The first recorded use of the name ‘Proserpine’). In 1870, Charles Bradley was the first actual settler living in the Gregory area. About the same time, Mr MacArtney took up land at Lethebrook (then known as Banana Pocket). Then, in 1872, there was a gold rush at Normanby near Bowen and Happy Valley out from Proserpine where a small t

A Small Notch On Proserpine’s Belt Whitsunday Mowers

A young one in the 150-year belt of Proserpine, Whitsunday Mowers punches above its weight, a testament to the calibre and experience of the team behind the engine. For Wayne Drabsch, owner and manager of Whitsunday Mowers, the last five years that he has owned Whitsunday Mowers have flown by, with overseeing an expansion, directing growth, and securing the shopfront as the preferred retailer for Proserpine residents. However, Whitsunday Mowers’ history is older than that. “I took it over fiv

ABH Social Pics 22/12/23

New Years Eve Across The Whitsundays

As the region counts down to 2024, get ready for a celebration like no other. Here’s the line up of celebratory fireworks occurring across the region. Airlie Beach WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore WHEN: 8.30pm WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore WHEN: 12am Bowen WHERE: Bowen Foreshore WHEN: 8.30pm Collinsville WHERE: Collinsville Showground WHEN: 9pm

From One Paw To Another Proserpine Vet Supporting Proserpine

Affectionally known as Dr Bill, Dr William Bowman was Proserpine’s first full time veterinarian. The business is now nearing 50 years young. Dr Bill gave full time care and attention to the community until his retirement in 2010. Dr Faye McPherson began locuming for Dr Bill in the 1990’s and loved working with fulltime nurse Billye-Jean Stevens so much that she then permanently joined Dr Bill in partnership in 2003. Since then, the practice has continued to expand and develop to what it is tod

Motown Magic

The space between Christmas and New Years Eve just got sweeter, with Dancing in the Shadows of Motown checking in to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two days of unbelievable music, non-stop dancing, and an all round good time. Cruise through this break with some of the absolute best hits imaginable, who each faithfully and accurately recreating the beats, vocals, and impact of some of the greatest musicians around, including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Fontella Bass, The Jackson Five,

Paradise Bowls With Airlie Beach Bowls

Would you name your son Jasper? Many people in North Queensland certainly wouldn't name their son Jasper their dog or their frog Jasper after the damage the cyclone did way up north to Ingham, Cairns and above and although we had rains and winds here in Paradise, it was nothing that our brothers and sisters received further north, and we all pray for their safety and quick return to normality for Christmas. We had no bowls played on Wednesday because of Jasper, and on Sunday we had a decent rol

Tee Up With Bowen Bowls

Results of Social Games Sunday: Keith Kirk, Lee Welsted, and Steve Roome defeated Ron Gould, Peter Bruce, and Daryl Tuttle. Andrew Peebles, Jason Wright, and Mitch Wright defeated Ray Muir, Lloyd White, and Wayne Crowhurst. There were two games of Scroungers played: Lloyd White defeated Andrew Peebles and Steve Roome. Jane Gilbert defeated Sue Fox and Gavin Charles. Wednesday Social: W.Coles, and Steve Roome defeated R.Roda, and Jane Gilbert. Anna Delic, and Steve Roome defeated MaryEllen Pratt

Wangaratta Bowls

On Tuesday just in time for Christmas the joker came out and the jackpot went off in the game between Lindy Suann, Merle Elphinstone and Penny Warren who drew with Gwenda Lydom, Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe. Winners for Sunday afternoon bowls were Laurie Land, and Allan Rolfe who defeated Jim Quod, and Barry Beel, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey defeated Bill Myers, and Kevin Jewell, Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Toni Bowen, Irene Laird and Sugar Brunk

Movie Special Extravaganza

First up is cult classic Chicken Run. Following the chaotic lives of a flock of chickens in Yorkshire, England, Chicken Run tells the tale of the adventurous Rocky. Rocky crash lands into the flock, and helps the chicken plot and then escape their enclosure, and live the rest of their lives in freedom. The second of the double is Night at the Museum. This live action film follows Larry, as he signs on for a new job with the Museum of Natural History, as the night guardsman. However, on his fi

Big Wins On Whitsunday Green

This week 9-hole stableford saw Edwina Pettiford take the win with 23 pts, second place with 21 pts was Fred Tammist and third place with 19 pts Michael Bond. Fridays 9-hole stableford competition saw Tim Walton in first place with 22 pts, second place with 21 pts was James Millar and third on 21 pts Morgan Vanderwyk. On Sunday, we held our members Christmas party and 18-hole ambrose and wow, what a turnout. First place with a 45 NETT was Michael Norman and Glenn Rees, second place with a 46.75

Proserpine Bliss

Rob Stanley won last Thursday's stableford competition on a count back on 37 points from Brad Fleet, with Rob Stanley, Joe Taylor and Larry Muller taking the pin shots. With 22 points, Jon Miller won Friday's Met run by a shot from Bailey Hayward while Darcy Milne took the pin shot. Sunday's winner was Ray Johannesen on a count back from Aaron Prosser with Brian Allen taking the pin shot. On Saturday a packed clubhouse enjoyed a tasty lunch in air-conditioned comfort to congratulate Ryan K

Not Putting Out Here Bowen Golf

On Wednesday men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by the Bowen Golf Club. Ladies winner Lynelle Riley 41pts, runner up Leanne Swan 33pts. Mens winner Kailan Batchelor 41pts, runner up Ryley Malone 39pts. On Saturday, we played a 4BBB stableford event sponsored by Rynns Seafood. Winners were Jeff Jackson and Nathan Donaldson 46pts, runners up Chris Fellows and Joshua Fraser 45pts. Thank you to Rynns Seafood for their continued support of our club. Joker draw is back

Reflecting On More Than Water

Mackay's Memorial Pool Celebrates 60 Years By Amanda Wright When is a pool not just a pool? It's when it embodies the living memory of valour, sacrifice, and service in the face of conflict, a testament to resilience and community passion. For the Mackay War Memorial Swimming Centre, its significance transcends being a mere recreational facility. It's a symbol fought for and safeguarded, not just against laps or splashes, but against closure, time and time again, by a devoted community. Six de

Breaking Financial Barriers For Kids' Education

CatholicCare's School Savvy CQ initiative is a vital lifeline for local families in financial distress during the back-to-school season. Through pop-up shops across Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Bundaberg, the program offers crucial low-cost uniforms and essential stationery. During the official launch for 2024, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert commended the initiative, stating, 'It was an honour to join with the staff for the official launch for 2024. Well done to everyone involved!' I

Mackay Base Hospital Helipad To Reopen

Parts Of Bluewater Trail To Temporarily Close The Mackay Base Hospital helipad has reopened after a temporary closure to meet new national helicopter landing guidelines. The RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter service conducted a successful test landing last week to trial new security procedures for take-off and landings. CASA guidelines issued in November require a 50metre exclusion zone that is clear of parked vehicles and people during helicopter take-off and landings. The exclusion zone is due to the

A Helping Hand From Harrup Park

On the 11th of December, a group of 16 workmates arrived at a restaurant for their Christmas dinner. One of the individuals in the group needed wheelchair access. Despite multiple confirmations with the venue that this would not be a concern, trouble arose. After multiple attempts to lift the 300kg wheelchair into the restaurant, they were unable to attend their booking and had to form a contingency plan. Unsure of how their evening would unfold, they contacted Harrup Park Country Club and exp

What’s Your Favourite Christmas Tradition?

I’m eager to know and share in the festive joy! I’m on a quest to uncover your ultimate Christmas traditions—whether they’re quirky, heart-warming, or downright hilarious. Why, you ask? Well, this year’s Christmas isn’t just about me anymore, it’s the first with our son, who will be almost 9 months old. I’m determined to create traditions that’ll make him giggle, ponder, and possibly spill his milk in astonishment. What’s your festive secret sauce? Whether it’s an offbeat Christmas Eve ritual in