Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Eight-year-old Koby is a small to medium-sized terrier mix who’s searching for a loving new home after being surrendered through no fault of his own. This charming boy is described as very cute, cuddly, and absolutely adores attention. With his striking markings and warm personality, he’s sure to melt hearts. Koby is toilet trained, cat friendly, and gets along well with other dogs, making him an easy addition to many family settings. He’s not suitable for homes with chooks or birds, but he doe
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Tourism Whitsundays' New Partnerships Coordinator Tourism Whitsundays has welcomed a new Partnerships Coordinator, Zoe Lunardelli, who brings a deep appreciation for the region and a strong focus on community connections. Having first visited The Whitsundays on holiday in 2019, Zoe said she “instantly fell in love” with the region. After multiple return visits, the natural beauty and welcoming community made it an easy decision to call this place home. In her new role, Zoe will focus on buildi
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Whitsunday Coast Airport is celebrating a significant five-year deal with Jetstar Airways that is set to deliver up to a 30 percent uplift in passenger numbers compared to 2024, driven by a significant boost in flight frequency across multiple routes. While QantasLink flights will cease from October, increased Jetstar services will exceed previous capacity and significantly boost connectivity to the Whitsundays. A key feature of the new deal is the introduction of Jetstar’s larger A321 aircraf
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As Bowen’s Big Mango celebrated its birthday on the weekend, this iconic tourist attraction has been very busy in recent weeks. It is expected to become even busier in the months ahead with so many people from the southern states heading to Bowen for the winter to escape the cooler weather in NSW and Victoria. Bowen’s Big Mango is located on the Bruce Highway 5km south of Bowen, right next to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. It was erected in May 2002, so it has just turned 23 years old.
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Fixing a decade-long reduction in housing supply across Queensland is a step closer thanks to a funding program that guarantees support for regional areas. Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has welcomed the program’s commitment to regional Queensland due to details that have been shared with him by locals. “The facts are that, over the last 10 years, housing approvals in Queensland have fallen by nearly 30% and the waiting list for social housing has ballooned,” he said. “I’ve spoken to fami
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Locals with a creative streak or enthusiasm to build are invited to join a free, hands-on art experience led by acclaimed regional artist Lalune Croker from Lalune Croker Art this Saturday, 31 May. Hosted by Whitsunday Art Fusion, the sculptural flower workshop will guide participants in creating decorative blooms using cane, bamboo, and paper. Lalune said that she has completed workshops in the past but this workshop will be targeted more towards adults. However, the workshop is open for anyo
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This week marks National Reconciliation Week and the Whitsunday Regional Council started the week with a morning event on Tuesday 27th May. National Reconciliation Week in the Whitsundays started with an event at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre which included a Flag Raising Ceremony, a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. There were also speeches from Student Representatives from St Catherines Catholic College, Proserpine State High School, and Bowen State High School, and a short film
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The Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) will be hosting a free screening of the Australian premiere of Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake on 14 & 15 June 2025, which was filmed during the exclusive Brisbane season at Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Lyric Theatre. Founded in 1985 by maverick French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, the Aix-en-Provence-based Ballet Preljocaj last wowed audiences in Queensland in 2016 with the sell-out season of Snow White at QPAC and is world renowned for w
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BMA CQ Rescue has already flown 294 life-saving missions this year, highlighting the vital role the service plays in the region. As of Monday 26th, in just a week the rescue helicopter was called out 17 times, with more than half of those missions focused on the Whitsundays area. The team responded five times to Bowen, once to Hamilton Island, and once to Collinsville. Other flights included four to Dysart, two each to Clermont and Moranbah, and one to Stanage Bay. A critical patient transfer w
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With the Division 2 men on a bye, the Division 1 squad travelled to Mackay to face Magpies on Friday night. Bolstered by a few Div 2 call-ups, the team made a strong start, racing to a 2-0 lead. A lapse allowed Magpies to draw level, but Whitsunday quickly responded, taking a 4-2 lead into the break. The second half saw fewer chances as Magpies tightened up, but sustained pressure paid off with a fifth goal. Magpies pulled one back late, but WUFC held firm for a 5-3 win to stay in the title race
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Venue: Magnetic Island Attendance: A record-breaking 31 spectators (including Dave the bus driver and Hodgy’s legally questionable “beer squad”) The Whitsunday Bald Eagles may not move like they used to, but they still know how to win—and entertain—after a commanding 32-point victory over the Townsville Sharks on Magnetic Island. Early Morning Antics The day began with a sunrise departure, as the Bald Eagles boarded the team bus at 6:45am, fuelled by caffeine, Deep Heat, and the ceremonial cra
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May 31 Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club Show & Shine, Coral Sea Marina, 8:00am-11:30am 31 Traditional Owners Welcome to Whales Event, Fairy Tree Park, Airlie Beach Foreshore, 4.30pm June 3 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 5 World Environment Day, (LOCATION), (EVENT TIME) 5 Morning Melodies - From Stage to Screen, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 11:00am 6 Queensland Day: Our Whitsunday Way, Proserpine Entertainment Centre (P.E.C), 5:00pm-8:00pm 8 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen P
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Friday 30th May Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Hannah Roberts (from 8pm) Saturday 31st May Airlie Beach Hotel: The Beatnix (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (from 8pm) Sunday 1st June Airlie Beach Hotel: The Beatnix (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30 – 9.30pm) Thursday 5th June Airlie Beach Hotel: Matt Angell (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
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Football - Whitsunday United FC Friday, 30 May 2025 6:00 PM – Div 2 Men vs City Brothers FC at City Brothers Field 8:00 PM – Div 1 Men vs City Brothers FC at City Brothers Field Saturday, 31 May 2025 9:30 AM – U13 Div 1 vs Country United FC at Whitsunday Sports Park 9:30 AM – U14 vs Mackay Rangers FC at Mackay Football Park 11:00 AM – U13 FQPL vs Mackay Rangers FC at Mackay Football Park 11:15 AM – U15/16 vs Magpies FC at Mackay Football Park 5:00 PM – U23 Men vs Mackay Lions at Whitsunday Spor
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As the final week of autumn draws to a close, the local bowls scene has been in full swing, with both men’s and women’s competitions producing great results and promising talent. Tuesday’s social bowls offered up some fantastic matches, with Tony Whitehorn leading his team alongside Sue Dakin and Di Dobbins to a strong second-place finish. But it was newcomers Des Ballance, playing lead, and skip Gail Simms who claimed top honours. Simms’ continued improvement was on full display, leading her t
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With the arrival of visiting bowlers marking the change of season, Monday’s self-selected triples kicked off with some competitive matches and strong performances. While the green wasn’t full, the games delivered plenty of action. Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, and Robyn Stitt emerged victorious against Sugar Brunker, Graeme Read, and Kennedy Whitton. Other matches saw Maureen and Rob Hyde defeat Frank Farrugia, Bob Dykstra, and Neil Chittenden, while Joe Paynting and Neil Chittenden claime
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Favourable autumn weather brought out the best in Proserpine Golf Club members during the week ending May 25, with improved conditions leading to excellent scores across multiple competitions. Tuesday’s Stableford saw Jon Miller top the leaderboard with a strong 39 points. Peter Lindsay claimed runner-up on a countback from Tim Langford, both finishing with 37. Nearest-the-pins went to Bernie Drake on the 2nd and Jon Miller on the 13th. Meanwhile, the veterans were away competing at Emu Park an
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Whitsunday women are urged to take advantage of BreastScreen Queensland’s mobile screening service during its visit to the region over the next few months. The mobile service will be parked at Proserpine Hospital from 20 May to 14 June and Cannonvale’s Whitsunday Plaza from 16 June to 15 August offering its free mammogram screening service to local women. BreastScreen Mackay clinical director Dr Wendela Schimmer said the mobile screening service is part of BreastScreen Queensland and Mackay Ho
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Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has today been appointed as the Federal Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, a portfolio focused on cultivating Australia’s national interests and strengthening the economy. “I am truly honoured to take on this role and welcome the faith placed in me by Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud,” Mr. Willcox said. “Manufacturing is a large contributing factor in our Australian economy, starting right here in Dawson, from south
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For many Australians living with disability or in care, life is lived on the edge of ‘just enough’. Enough to get by. Enough to pay for essentials. Enough to survive week to week. But what about joy? What about belonging, adventure, dignity… what about living? A weekend away with family. Tickets to see a favourite band live. A visit to a distant cultural site or ancestral Country. These are the kinds of experiences that bring meaning and connection – but for many locals living with disability,
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Sunset Bay Outriggers Canoe Club continues its impressive progress in 2025, with another successful campaign at the NQ Zone Grand Prix in Airlie Beach over the May long weekend. Despite extremely challenging weather conditions, wind gusts reaching 35 knots and heavy rain affecting visibility, both junior and senior paddlers from the club rose to the occasion. The club is especially proud of its two newest junior athletes, Tess Armstrong and Zara Hegarty, who displayed remarkable skill and dete
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CQUniversity Nursing graduate Nikita Van Wyk is following in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother and aunt, caring for patients at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS). The 24-year-old recently crossed the stage at the CQU Mackay Graduation Ceremony, not only receiving her testamur, but also being awarded the CQU Graduate Nurse of the Year Award. The award, which is sponsored by CQU and presented by MHHS, was first introduced in 2017 and recognises the skills and contributions o
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The Housing Industry Association says election uncertainty has masked early signs of a home building rebound, with new lending figures pointing to growing momentum heading into the second half of 2025. “Lending for the purchase or construction of new homes remained flat in the first quarter of 2025, likely the result of election uncertainty. The data also reflected the situation prior to the effect of the RBA’s first interest rate cut,” said HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt. The ABS r
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Mackay Schools To Benefit As Foodbank Launches Townsville Hub
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By Hannah McNamara Member for Mirani Glen Kelly has thrown his support behind the introduction of divisions within Mackay Regional Council, saying it would give local residents a stronger voice and clearer representation at the table. Mr Kelly, whose electorate spans from the outskirts of Mackay to Rockhampton, said a common concern raised by his constituents is the lack of clarity around who to approach with local issues. "While I believe our Mackay Regional councillors are doing a great job
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