Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has today announced that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government will provide $100,000 for the Wangaratta Bowls Club. “Wangaratta Bowls Club has been the cornerstone of the community, offering members of all skill levels the chance to stay active and play a competitive game of bowls,” Mr Willcox said. “The popular club is in need of a new rink in the playing area for lawn bowls to ensure it can continue to serve the community into the future. “I
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The Bowen Health Connection event united local community members and health service providers for a day devoted to health and wellbeing across the entire spectrum of life, from babies to the elderly. Brought to life through the hard work and dedication of Stephanie Cora, executive officer of the Bowen Community Centre, and Josephine Ferguson, community liaison officer with the Together Strong, Connected Care program. The inspiration for the event struck Josephine whilst she was attending a Wome
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The Landholders of Collinsville travelled hundreds of kilometres, seeking illumination on Queensland's vegetation management laws at a workshop created by NQ Dry Tropics. The whole day event provided graziers with vital insights and tools for presiding over their properties sustainably. Peter Webley and Scott Devaney of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development outlined chief aspects of the vegetation management laws and highlighted essential r
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Big thanks to the wonderful individuals keeping the youngsters of the community safe as they cross our busy and wet roads. All parents, guardians and bus drivers alike would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Kym Blackburn and the entire Lollipop Team for their unwavering dedication and service to the community. Every morning and afternoon, they work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our children as they cross the bustling streets, allowing them to reach school and home without worry. The
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In the heart of the Whitsundays, Green Energy Technologies (GET), a company owned and operated by locals for locals, boldly blazes the trail towards North Queensland's renewable future. Established in 2010 by director Kon Flaherty and James Webb, GET has experienced explosive growth from a small team of five to over 90 dedicated staff, witnessing a tremendous 30 per cent growth rate each year across offices in the Whitsundays, Mackay and Townsville. GET is Queensland's number one solar installe
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With its sun-drenched beaches, gently swaying palms, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Hamilton Island is widely regarded as one of the crown jewels of the Whitsundays. Nestled in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this tropical sanctuary offers an idyllic escape where barefoot luxury meets outdoor adventure, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a famil
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Hamilton Island boasts an exceptional variety of activities and experiences, offering something for every kind of traveller. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, nature, luxury, or culture, this tropical gem in the heart of the Whitsundays delivers unforgettable moments at every turn. Visitors can indulge in over 60 activities and tours, unwind in two luxurious day spas, dine at more than 20 restaurants and cafés, and explore the vibrant 300+ berth marina. For those craving sun-soaked
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For one thunderous afternoon, Melbourne's electrifying AC/DC tribute band, Thunderstruck, will ignite the stage at Airlie Beach Hotel this Anzac Day. Under the guidance of lead vocalist, B.J Vernal, for the last two decades, Thunderstruck has been notorious for delivering high-voltage performances, bursting with raw power and the iconic sound of Australia's legendary rock gods. AC/DC. With the talented Mike Vee also performing his popular Whispering Jack show, Friday, April 25th is shapin
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Sundays have never looked better! The Sundays, a boutique hotel on Hamilton Island, is now open for bookings and will officially welcome guests from 24 April 2025. Nestled at the serene northern end of Catseye Beach, it offers 59 sun-drenched rooms with breathtaking ocean views. A perfect blend of contemporary elegance and island charm, The Sundays invites guests to unwind, reconnect, and embrace the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Joining Hamilton Island’s luxury offerings, The Sunda
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When Melanie and Matthew Harris took over Whitsunday Vogue Interiors 18 months ago, they weren’t just buying a business — they were building on a legacy. With a shared background in the industry and a clear vision in mind, the couple set out to transform the long-standing local brand into a modern, full-service destination for flooring and window coverings. At the heart of their decision was something deeply personal — creating a strong, sustainable future for their three children, right here in
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Meet Raza Syed **General Manager, Beach Club and The Sundays ** With nearly two decades of dedicated service on Hamilton Island, General Manager of The Sundays and Beach Club, Raza Syed, brings a wealth of experience, a passion for people, and a deep love for the Whitsundays to his role. Raza’s journey in hospitality began over 25 years ago, backed by a degree in Business Hotel and Resort Management. “What inspired me to pursue a career in hospitality is my passion for working with people an
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Whitsundays will pause on April 25 to proudly honour our past and present Australian Service People, with a morning of Anzac Day commemorations, including Dawn Services and Community Marches, set to take place across the region. In Bowen, the day begins with a 5:45am Dawn Service at the Herbert Street Cenotaph, followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast at the Bowen RSL Sub Branch from 6:30am. Locals will then gather for a march at 8:50am from William Street, leading into the official ceremony
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After Holidaying in Airlie Beach with his wife and kids for over 14 years, Dr. Hasan Helou decided in 2021 that it was time to start living here instead. Relocating with his wife and two kids from Melbourne, where he obtained his degree from RMIT, Helou has since been working with Barefoot Medicine Whitsundays, bringing with him his wealth of experience as a chiropractor. Helou works with a broad range of clients, from young children to older adults. His treatments include dry needling, soft t
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Irrigear Whitsundays has been an integral part of the Whitsunday region for almost a decade, providing innovative irrigation and outdoor power solutions to the residents of our wonderful region. Local business owners, Sean and Lisa Dunn, took the reins of Irrigear into their capable hands in February of 2025 and have been expanding their commitment to the community ever since. With deep roots already established in the Whitsundays through their other business Dunnrite Plumbing Services, Sean an
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Irrigear Whitsundays, under the stewardship of Sean and Lisa Dunn, is the trusted source for premium outdoor power equipment in the Whitsundays, with a strong focus on Husqvarna and Gravely brands. As warranty agents for the aforementioned brands they offer unmatched support ensuring reliable and timely maintenance for their products, making certain their customers invest in tools they can rely on. Serving Whitsunday homeowners, farmers and businesses their inventory includes ride-on mowers, pus
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Irrigear Whitsundays excels in keeping outdoor power equipment in tip-top shape with masterful and swift servicing and repair. Their team of highly experienced, first-rate mechanics, Cody and John, tackle tasks such as repair and service of every model outdoor power equipment. Be it a pump, pressure washer, mower, generator, or sharpening your chainsaw's chain, John and Cody will handle any issue with precision care. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, whether on the land, in the garde
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The Whitsundays' most dazzling night returns on July 26 at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, as the 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball raises vital funds for three essential local charities. This black-tie, mask-themed gala will support BMA CQ Rescue, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, and the Bowen Community Centre—organisations that provide life-saving and life-changing services across the region. With live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, open bar, charity auction, and a fireworks finale, it’s a
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Weddings Whitsundays is pleased to announce their merger into the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This strategic move aims to enhance business support services for the Whitsundays wedding industry and further promote the region as Australia’s lead wedding destination. Member-based organisation Weddings Whitsundays has been instrumental in promoting local wedding service providers to couples planning their weddings in the Whitsundays. The organisation has also collaborated with Tou
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With the 2025 federal election fast approaching, political parties are in full campaign mode—delivering promises, slogans and soundbites at every turn. For many voters, it can be difficult to make sense of it all. In response, the Whitsunday Conservation Council is hosting a community forum tonight, Thursday April 17, to help locals better understand where the major parties stand on the issues that matter most. The evening aims to be informative, engaging and a bit of fun—offering a relaxed sp
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Driving up and down the coast, candidate signs are hard to miss. Their point is to get voters to remember them come polling day. However, a successful election campaign can’t just rely on name recognition. Candidates need to be out and about sharing their visions and what they can do for the electorate. This week Dawson candidates gathered at a Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce event in a ‘meet the people forum’. Events like this, and there will be more, are important in giving all candidates a vo
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Saturday April 19, 2025 is a special day for St Catherine’s School as it marks one hundred years of Catholic Education in Proserpine. The original school and Convent were built side by side in Marathon Street by Mr J J Riley. The school was a long, single room of timber with verandahs. Electricity was not connected until the early 1930s. Called Our Lady’s Convent School, the school offered tuition in a large range of subjects.The official opening began with a large crowd gathering in the church
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Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. has successfully released Betty, a sub-adult green sea turtle who was rescued while floating near Coral Sea Marina on Friday, 28 February. After several weeks of rehabilitation at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, Betty has returned to her natural habitat and is now swimming freely through the pristine waters of the Whitsundays. Her return to the ocean was made even more special with a heartfelt farewell, as she swam off into the sunshine to the sound of an original
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One of the Whitsundays’ most iconic events, the White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, is set to return to Whitehaven Beach in 2025 with two exclusive dates: September 12 and 13. Known for its unique blend of elegance, premium dining and live entertainment, the event transforms the world-famous shoreline into an oceanfront pop-up restaurant—complete with white marquees, Champagne, and seafood feasts. Guests begin their day with a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands before stepping onto the s
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As Mayor of the Whitsundays, I see firsthand the vital role local councils play in keeping our communities functioning and thriving, and I also see the mounting pressure we face to deliver more with less. Put simply, the current Federal funding model for local governments is broken. It hasn’t been properly updated since the mid-1970s, and while the Federal Government’s capacity to fund councils has increased through growing taxation revenue, its share of funding to us has continued to shrink.
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Over the last three years the price of everything has gone up. Inflation and interest rates have been high and remained high. People across Dawson have less in their pocket and getting by is harder than ever. Australian’s are experiencing the sharpest decline in living standards in decades, with the current drop in disposable income the worst on record. As the Federal member for Dawson, I know how tough people right across our region are finding things right now. After three years, Labor’s rec
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