Bowen State School marked a major milestone on Saturday, celebrating its 160th birthday with a day full of pride, nostalgia, and community spirit. The event attracted a large crowd of past and present students, families, and staff, all gathering to honour the school’s rich history. Among the special guests was Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, a proud past student of the school. He was invited to lead the roll call, reading out the names of past students by decade from the 1930s to the
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Fennell’s Floorworld has been recognised on the national stage, taking out the prestigious Rising Star Award at the National Flooring World Conference Awards Night held in Brisbane last Thursday. Scott Fennell owner of Fennell’s Floorworld has been in the flooring industry for 40 years. The award, which cannot be entered but is instead selected from among Floorworld head office following a strict criteria, came as a huge surprise to the Cannonvale and Bowen based business. “We were jumping ou
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WILSON BEACH The first Europeans to settle in the Lower Conway area were the Wilson family - Fred in 1905 and his wife, Catherine, and children, Beatrice and Fred, in 1908. A pioneer to the Saltwater Creek area, Fred had previously travelled around Queensland finding employment as a shearer, a drover, and a farm hand. The Wilson family cleared the land and initially concentrated on growing bananas. In 1913, they sent their first sugar cane to the mill as the tramline had, by then, been extended
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What a month it's been for The Whitsundays! August delivered a packed calendar that brought our region alive with visitors and competitors from across Australia. The action kicked off with the 74 Islands Distillery Airlie Beach Race Week from 7-14 August. For six days, colourful sails dotted our waters while Airlie Beach buzzed with evening entertainment. Athletes then took centre stage at the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival on 17 August. The popular North Queensland ev
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Time is running out to apply for the Whitsunday Business Awards 2025, the region’s premier celebration of business excellence. Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 7 September 2025 – don’t miss your chance to be recognised. The Awards celebrate outstanding achievements, leadership, innovation, and resilience across the Whitsunday business community. A collaboration between the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Whitsunday Regional Council, the pr
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Reliable roads and bridges are the backbone of our regional economy. They keep our cane farmers, graziers and local residents connected, and ensure produce, livestock and equipment can move when and where they need to. In recent years, weight restrictions on Kelsey Creek Bridges 2 and 3 have made life more complicated for those who depend on them most. For primary producers, especially during the busy sugar crushing season, these restrictions have meant longer trips and more logistical challeng
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September is Rural Road Safety Month, a timely reminder to take extra care on our rural roads. Almost two in every three road deaths occur on rural roads, where long distances, isolation and tough conditions increase the risks. Every trip matters, whether it’s to work, school, or visiting loved ones. By slowing down, staying alert and driving with care, we can all help prevent tragedy and keep our community safe. Find out more at the Australian Road Safety Foundation’s website: www.arsf.com.au/
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The spectacular Whitsunday venue Elementa Whitsundays has been honoured with a prestigious award for Tourism and Leisure Facilities at the Master Builders Mackay and Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. It has cemented the venue as one of Airlie Beach’s most exciting destinations for visitors and locals alike. The award recognises the vision and dedication behind the hilltop development overlooking the Coral Sea, a project that began as a bold idea more than a decade ago and has
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Eighteen-year-old Jake Duggan is proving that passion and hard work pay off, having been named the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for July. Jake, who is in the second year of his auto electrical apprenticeship, works at Proserpine Auto Air and Electrical. His pathway into the trade began in a roundabout way—when owners Ray and Lisa Boyle asked him to help clean the workshop after school. That part-time job soon evolved into work experience and, before long, a school-based apprenticeship.
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Red Emperor Constructions, based in Cannonvale, had a successful night at the 2025 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Director and Owner/Builder, Alistair Sawers accepted 4 Awards, including the highly sought after House of the Year, for the magnificent Haven on Hamilton. Alistair gracefully thanked the team at Red Emperor Constructions, the trades that contributed to this epic win, as well as Master Builders and all other award recipients. Site Manager, Iain Karon accepted the
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A stunning 400-square-metre home at Botanica Drive has earned Eastwood Projects their first Master Builders Award, marking a major milestone for the local construction company. “This was our first time entering the Master Builders Awards, so to come away with a win makes it even more special,” said Gabbi Eastwood from Eastwood Projects. “We really appreciate how Master Builders celebrate builders and high-quality workmanship, it feels good to be acknowledged for that.” The intricately designe
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Whitsundays-based company Tin Lid Enterprises has achieved its biggest milestone yet, taking out the prestigious Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year award at the Master Builders Awards. This award, which is the highest at the regional level, now positions the local family-owned business for the state finals in October. The award recognised Tin Lid’s outstanding work on the region’s new fire station, a project that demanded precision and technical skill. Over three months, the team complete
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The past 12 months have been nothing short of remarkable for Whitsundays-based actor Jean-Pierre Yerma (JP) who has added a string of major credits to his growing career. After years of honing his craft at NIDA and Sydney’s Actors Pulse, JP has seen his hard work pay off with back-to-back roles that highlight his versatility on screen. “It’s been incredible,” he said. “The roles coming my way recently have been doctors, fathers and witnesses—there’s definitely a theme, but each one has been rew
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Friday 29 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix (from 8pm) KC's: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Saturday 30 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs (Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavilion: DJ Schae KC's: Sam McCann (from 8pm) Sunday 31 August Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs(Tribute Show) (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Grand
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August 31 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am September 2 Social Seniors - Coffee and Chat, Proserpine Library, from 9am 2 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 5 Don River Dash 300 Day 1, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm 3 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 6 Don River Dash 300 Day 2, Various Along Bowen’s Don River, 4:00pm-10:00pm **7 Father’s Day ** 7 Don River Dash 300 Day 3, Various Alon
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For Rhythm And The Reef 2025 Mackay shook, sang, and danced like never before as Rhythm and The Reef 2025 smashed records, drawing over 7,200 fans across two unforgettable days. The festival kicked off with an exclusive Friday pre-party at McGuire’s Hotel before erupting into full swing at Meadowlands Amphitheatre on Saturday, 23 August. Award-winning Amy Shark headlined, backed by a powerhouse mix of Australian favourites and rising local stars, delivering a performance that had music lovers o
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The St Patrick's College Cultural Showcase is being held on Thursday 4 September at the Bluewater Quay, in conjunction with the Riverside Markets. Join us as we celebrate the incredible talents of our students, showcasing captivating performances from a variety of college ensembles. Whether you’re a fan of rhythmic beats or melodious harmonies, the lineup has something for everyone. Including performances from the College Band, Drum Corp, Choir, Percussion Group, Stage Band and the lively
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A surge of local creativity has seen 17 artist books from Mackay region artists entered into the 2025 Libris Awards, setting a new record for participation. Some creations are crafted from delicate rice paper, others reflect the Mackay region’s unique environment, while some tell stories of past love. Five of the works were selected for the main exhibition at Artspace Mackay, while 10 others will be showcased in a complementary display, Little Libris, highlighting the skill and imaginatio
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Friday 29th August ** Mackay Disability Expo 9am Discover the Mackay Disability Expo, a free, welcoming event at the Showgrounds Big Shed. Explore specialist exhibitors offering prosthetics, physiotherapy, mobility aids, accessible fitness, housing solutions, and all-abilities sports. Enjoy displays by local groups, plus performances from CrossRoad Arts’ ROAR Program and Groove Movers interpretive dance. Connect, learn, and be inspired in a friendly, inclusive environment. The Showgrounds B
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Jay is a young, lovable boy with a heart full of affection and a tail that never stops wagging. He’s been waiting patiently for his second chance, and now he’s ready to find his forever family. This gorgeous pup is playful, friendly, and loves being around people. He’s the perfect mix of fun and loyalty — always up for an adventure but just as happy to curl up beside you at the end of the day. Jay’s Perfect Home: • A kind, loving family who can include him in daily life • Secure fencing to keep
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Get ready to unleash your inner Dancing Queen because SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute Show is heading back to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two spectacular free matinee performances on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of September. From the very first note, SOS brings audiences a vibrant and nostalgic journey through ABBA’s greatest hits. With dazzling costumes, authentic choreography, and a live band that captures every iconic harmony, SOS transforms the stage into a 1970s disco dream. It’s
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by Sharon Ashman Last fortnight, we met the Red Brain – the angry, reactive part that yells, hits, and melts down. But what about when your child isn’t exploding – they’re withdrawing? They’re quiet, teary, refusing to talk, or saying things like “I’m dumb,” “No one likes me,” or “I can’t do it.” That’s the Blue Brain. The Blue Brain is our emotional brain. It’s where sadness, worry, and fear live. It’s where kids feel hurt but don’t know how to ask for help. Unlike the Red Brain, the Blue Bra
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The Div 1 men headed to Mackay for key games against Lions. Div 2 were up first wanting a win to cement their place in the finals. In the first half, Whitsunday was very flat with little to show in attack and a single goal lead not showing the Lions’ dominance. Second half was a different story with the team firing up and playing some of their best football of the season. Macka had his best game so far and a breakaway goal near the end gave WUFC a 3-2 win and confidence before the finals series
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A week of spirited play and community camaraderie has drawn to a close at the club, with members turning out in great numbers for our regular fixtures. The greens were alive with competition, good humour, and the unmistakable sense of friendly rivalry that defines bowls at Airlie Beach. Enthusiasm was high as participants vied for top honours and shared in the enjoyment of the game, whatever the result. The Saturday Scroungers final was held on 23 August, with Dennis Donadelli emerging victorio
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On Saturday, Jonathan Bye represented Proserpine in the Champion of Champions Singles at Souths Suburban. Jonathan faced Wayne Handley in the second round, going down 25–16. Wayne then met Phillip Blackburn from Wests Tigers, who defeated him 25–22 before going on to claim the title. In Wednesday’s social bowls, Arthur Griffith and Henny Tattam edged out Trevor Parsons and Sandy Daffara 24–21, while John Anderson and Philip Brown recorded a strong 39–14 win over Alen Sanderson and Mike Harrison
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