Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
It has been a fantastic few weeks for the Wangaratta Bowls Club, with our talented ladies achieving outstanding results both locally and at state level. The club’s Division One Pennant side recently competed in the North Queensland District competition held in Ayr. Wangaratta led the tournament for the first three days and, in a thrilling final-day showdown, faced off against second-placed Thuringowa. With exceptional performances from both sides, Wangaratta emerged victorious by nine shots, se
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Time is flying at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with mid-May already upon us and the club eagerly anticipating the installation of its long-awaited shade cover. It’s been a vibrant and successful period both on and off the green. A recent car boot sale combined with a book stall and assorted items such as discs, appliances, and furniture proved to be a tremendous success, raising over $1,000 for the club. Organisers extended a heartfelt thank you to all members and supporters who contributed the
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BMA CQ Rescue has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal with the goal of raising $250,000 to help continue delivering critical, life-saving care across Central and North Queensland. The appeal comes after a hectic start to the year, with the helicopter rescue service flying 199 missions in the first quarter alone. From floods and horse-riding accidents to cardiac emergencies and snake bites, the service has been a lifeline for countless residents in times of need. Among the missions this year, BMA C
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The Bowen Pipeline Project is on track to receive approval from the Queensland Government later this year, promising to unlock significant economic, agricultural, and employment benefits for the Whitsundays and surrounding regions. Bowen Pipeline Company representative, Sean Brown confirmed public advertising for the project’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application commenced on the 4th of April. “We are on target for the State approval, with Commonwealth approval shortly afte
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Airlie Beach is in for an electrifying evening of dance, cheeky charm, and unforgettable entertainment when the Magic Men take the stage on June 4. The one-night-only performance promises a spectacular blend of high-energy dance routines, audience participation, themed performances, and a dose of cheeky fun. It’s all wrapped up in an interactive show designed for an unforgettable Ladies Night Out. Magic Men’s MC and host, Menno Van Kampen, said this isn’t the group’s first visit to Airlie Beac
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Protecting Local Wildlife Covering a vast region from Collinsville to St Lawrence and west to mining towns, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays is a volunteer-run network dedicated to helping sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. Operating a 24/7 hotline, the group coordinates rescues and matches animals with trained species-specific carers. President Kerry Aspland, involved for over 15 years, leads the macropod rescues and helps manage the team of responders. “We have first responders that go ou
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Are you ready for the 9th Annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show & Shine – Car & Bike Show! This year will be a weekend to remember and to delight both locals and visitors from across the state. Set to the amazing back drop of the Coral Sea Marina the event is expected to be bigger than last year aiming for over 150 vehicles on display. Hosted by Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club. There is a simplified format for 2025, the main event will take place on Saturday 31st May from 8am – 11.30am. Entry is free,
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Bowen’s beloved community radio station, 95.1 GemFM, is proudly celebrating its 25th birthday—marking a milestone in local broadcasting and community spirit. The station’s story began in 1996 when Brian Winterburn, the current President, was approached by Pastor John Robertshaw (deceased) to support a group keen on establishing a community radio station. Brian joined forces with the late Robert Smart, a computer genius, who was already working to form an incorporated association. After buildi
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The Whitsundays was well represented at the Townsville Caravan, 4x4 and outdoor Adventure Expo on the weekend. Leanne Abernethy from Bowen Tourism and Business and Dea Huvonen from Tourism Whitsundays manned a Whitsundays stand. Other local operators at the expo included Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays and Cruise Whitsundays. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said the drive market was very important to the local tourism economy and the visitors at the expo were very interested
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A record-breaking $2,500 was raised at this year’s Biggest Morning Tea, marking the most successful event to date for the local organisers. Now in its 20th year, the annual fundraiser has become a staple on the community calendar, bringing people together in support of the Cancer Council. This year’s success was made possible through a new collaboration with Club Whitsunday, who provided the venue and generously catered the event. “It’s the most we’ve ever raised,” said Whitsunday Neighbourhoo
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This week, from 19 to 25 May 2025, we’re joining the rest of Australia to celebrate National Volunteer Week - the biggest week of the year for recognising volunteers. It’s all about showing how important volunteers are in our communities and hopefully inspiring more people to get involved. Here in The Whitsundays, we’re lucky to have lots of locals who generously give their time to help out and make visitors feel at home. Our Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors and Information Centre Volunteers d
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Sharks eat fish. People eat fish. What happens when shark and people want the same fish? Shark wins and it is called shark depredation (shark partially or completely consume fish caught by fishing gear before fish can be retrieved). Shark depredation is now considered a significant issue in Australian fisheries, including the Great Barrier Reef. For the first time, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is researching shark depredation. A series of workshops with the major stak
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By uploading tail fluke photos to the HappyWhale base we have learned some interesting insights to one particular whale. A humpback whale Glen Bradford photographed near Dent Island in the Whitsundays in August 2023, was first identified by Dr Trish Franklin from the Pacific Whale Foundation 35 years ago in Hervey Bay in September 1988. Since the first ID sighting by Dr Trish there has been another 7 sightings. In September 2004 she was photographed in Hervey Bay with a calf for the first tim
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Hi everyone, Welcome to this week’s edition of Ruth2Reef! I hope you enjoy reading about the latest environmental happenings. If you have any stories you’d like to see featured in Ruth2Reef, feel free to email them to me at ruth@lifepublishinggroup.com Happy reading! Ruth
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These two adorable three-month-old female kittens are currently being fostered in Airlie. These playful sisters are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. Full of energy and affection, Winter and Wiley love chasing balls, playing with their toys, and snuggling up together for naps. Their close bond makes them the perfect duo for anyone looking to add double the cuteness and love to their home. If you're ready to welcome these sweethearts into your life, be sure to message Bowen Collinsvil
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Four Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams were back on the road last weekend, travelling to various locations as part of AFL Mackay’s Indigenous Round. The Under 13s braved an early start in their Indigenous guernseys, facing off against the Sarina Demons in tough, muddy conditions. Despite their grit and determination, the Sea Eagles were unable to hold back the Demons in the third quarter, eventually going down 15–34. At Rogers Oval, the Under 15s faced a tough challenge against the Eastern Swans. Un
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Dr Jane De Keyser & Her Daughter Unearth Historic Fossil Discovery In Richmond Over April’s past long weekend, Dr Jane De Keyser and her seven-year-old daughter went for an adventure to Richmond for a fossicking trip in the outback. To Dr Jane De Keyser’s delight and disbelief, the pair unearthed two outstanding discoveries dating back to over 100 million years ago and earning them a rightful place in geological history. “On Easter Sunday, we made a spectacular “Easter Egg” find of one double
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Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival Needs Your Support The heart of the Whitsundays has begun preparing to celebrate the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef once again, with the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival officially launching its 2025 theme, Coral Kingdom. With the 2026 dates set for the weekend extending from the 1st to the 3rd of August, the shores of Airlie Beach will transform into a vibrant underwater fantasy, full of colour, culture and community spirit, howev
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Local Operators Recognised Over 120 local tourism businesses across the region have been recognised in the 2025 Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP) - a record-breaking achievement that highlights The Whitsundays’ reputation as one of Queensland’s most exceptional tourism destinations. The recognised businesses represent the full diversity of the region’s offerings, including accommodation, attractions, food and drink, tours, and transport. This milestone reflects the strong commitment
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A simple act of kindness has captured hearts after local mobile detailer Lucas spotted a classic Citroën 2CV leaving Coles and offered to restore it—free of charge. Moved by memories of the iconic car, Lucas took to social media to track down the owner, writing, "I’m keen to give it a proper clean-up, no charge, just for the love of old gems like this one." The community quickly rallied behind the post, helping connect Lucas with the vehicle’s owner. An appointment was arranged, and before lon
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Friday 23rd May Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dallas Steele (from 8pm) Saturday 24th May Airlie Beach Hotel: INXS Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Colonial Palms Motor Inn: Out of Abingdon (from 6pm) Grand View Hotel: Jason Bull (from 8pm) Sunday 25th May Airlie Beach Hotel: INXS Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30 – 9.30pm) Grand View Hotel: Coighty (4pm – 8pm) Thursday 29th May Airlie Beach
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May 25 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 26 National Sorry Day 27 National Reconciliation Week, May 27th – June 3rd 27 Sailability, Downstairs at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Volunteers 8:00am-2:00pm & Sailors/Carers 9:00am-1:00pm, Bookings Required 27 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm 28 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp. 31 Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club Show & Shine, Coral Sea Marina, 8:00am-11:30
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Football – Whitsunday United FC Friday 23rd May Div 2 vs Sarina Saints 6:00 PM at Brewers Park Div 1 vs Magpies FC 8:00 PM at Brewers Park Saturday, 24 May U13 vs Dolphins FC 9:30 AM at Whitsunday United FC U14 vs Dolphins FC 9:30 AM at Mackay Football Park U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers 11:00 AM at Whitsunday United FC U15/16 vs Mackay Lions 11:15 AM at Mackay Football Park U23 Men vs Mackay Rangers 5:00 PM at Eric Homan Park Men's Firsts vs Mackay Rangers 7:00 PM at Eric Homan Park AFL
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A record $2,500 was raised at this year’s annual Biggest Morning Tea, making it the most successful yet for the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre. The event has long been a highlight in the local calendar, uniting the community in support of the Cancer Council. A new partnership with Club Whitsunday helped elevate this year’s event, with the venue and catering provided free of charge, allowing for a larger turnout than ever before. Rebecca Woods, Executive Officer of the Neighbourhood Centre, e
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National Reconciliation week takes place next week, from the 27 May to the 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements. It is also a time to reflect and explore how we can work together to achieve reconciliation in Australia. The theme this year is Bridging Now to Next - reflecting on the ongoing connection between past, present and future. To mark the week, Council is sponsoring two free community events: Bridging Now to Next: including
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