The November instalment of Shawn’s Summer Splash n Dash Social Biathlon Series wrapped up with thanks to Race Director Jim Ford, ahead of a well-earned break throughout December. The popular series will return on the first Sunday afternoon of January 2026, keeping the same time, place and format for athletes eager to restart their routine. For those still keen to maintain fitness over the holiday period, Mackay Road Runners will continue meeting at 4.30pm each Sunday at Bluewater Quay for
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North Mackay Ladies have had another amazing year on the bowling greens. Winning the Premier shield for the 5th year in succession, which is an amazing achievement for the club. In the district, points are awarded to each club for Winners and Runners Up in the following categories. Master Pairs, Symons Shield, Johnstone Shield, Pennants and District Champion of Champions. The District Presentation for the shield was held recently and presented to our President Hilary Jones-Rowan. Photog
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Last Friday, the Whitsunday Regional Council released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the Build Whitsundays Water and Sewer Network program. The project promises to deliver essential trunk water and sewer infrastructure to key growth areas, enabling the development of more than 3,000 new homes over the next decade. Mayor Ry Collins said the project represents one of the most important foundations for the Whitsundays’ future liveability, affordability and economic strength. “Th
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As a prolific performer, Robbie Williams impersonator Louie Fee Feldrin is no stranger to the Airlie Beach Hotel. With a strong and varied musical background in both theatre and rock bands, Louie initially knew little of Robbie Williams; however, with the growing popularity of the British pop superstar, many noticed a peculiar likeness. Opportunity struck with Channel Nine Show ‘Starstruck’, which saw contestants assume the role of stars they were deemed most alike. This experience allowed Loui
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What 40 years of diving The Great Barrier Reef tells us By Ruth PuddefootAirlie Beach in 1979 was a raw, developing town, with unpaved roads and a social life centred on the Airlie Beach Hotel. Arriving in the area with a backpack strapped to his back, PADI Dive Instructor Tony Fontes, like many others, was looking forward to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef for the first time. Little did he know that first dive would change his life forever and lead to 40 years exploring the 2300km of reef a
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Hi Everyone, With just a few weeks until Christmas — how are we all holding up!? I honestly love this time of year: the build-up, the anticipation, the summer heat, the parties, the catch-ups, the gift-giving… all of it. And then suddenly, like a balloon, something just pops and it all becomes a bit too much! That’s exactly where I’m at right now — all the good vibes and happy moments have crescendo’d into overwhelm, and I’m simply taking it one day at a time while looking forward to that bl
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Join Eco Barge's Land-Based Clean-Up The community is invited to join a coastline clean-up this Friday to help protect the marine life that depends on the Whitsundays’ natural environment. Eco Barge Clean Seas will host the event at Boatyard Road, Jubilee Pocket, with volunteers meeting at 8:00am on Friday, 12th December. Everyone is welcome, from regular volunteers to first-timers wanting to make a positive impact while connecting with others. Participants can register online at ecobargecleans
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Hi everyone, This week’s edition features a special profile of long-time Ruth2Reef contributor and Whitsunday Conservation Council President, Tony Fontes, who shares insights from 40 years of diving on the reef. We’re also highlighting a fantastic land-based clean-up with Eco Barge happening this Friday! Happy reading, Ruth
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Whitsunday’s Maritime Historian Considering his widely renowned depth of knowledge of the history of the Whitsunday Passage, coastline and islands, one could be forgiven for thinking that local historian, Ray Blackwood, was born on a boat of sea-faring parents and spent his entire life on our waters! Not so. In fact, Ray comes from a banking background. The oldest of three boys, Ray was born in Harrisville near Ipswich where his father, Eric, was a bank officer. According to bank policy of the
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Some everyday items can spark dangerous landfill fires if they’re thrown in the bin. Common culprits include household batteries, lithium-ion batteries from phones and tools, gas bottles and butane cans, flares and ammunition. Drop batteries off safely at B-cycle collection points at Council Customer Service Centres and libraries, at the Collinsville and Cannonvale Transfer Stations, and participating supermarkets and hardware stores. For all other hazardous items, talk to our friendly staff at
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After just 10 weeks in its new location, Figs and Honey Café is already becoming a favourite stop for locals, offering a warm, cosy atmosphere and a menu built entirely on fresh, house-made food. Owner Amber Jamieson who has lived in the region for thirteen years, originally ran Figs and Honey as a home-based catering and specialty cake business. Known for her wedding cakes, event catering and raw and vegan-friendly treats, she continues to offer these services while now operating the café full
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A Brave Boy Looking for a Fresh Start Once a terrified dog with a heartbreaking past, Zephyr is now learning what it truly means to feel safe and loved. This gentle boy came into rescue after experiencing significant trauma, and while the scars on his face tell part of his story, they don’t define who he is today. Thanks to patience, care, and the comfort of a stable foster home, Zephyr has begun to flourish into a loyal and affectionate companion. In foster care, Zephyr has proven himself to b
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Whitsundays Writers Festival Appoints Leadership Team Following its successful return, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is strengthening its foundation with a new leadership team dedicated to celebrating the region’s own literary voices. The Festival is proud to announce the appointment of three local professionals to guide its future. Richard Evans, a Whitsunday author of nine political thrillers will serve as President and Festival Director. He will be joined by Secretary, Strategy and Market
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Looking Out for Each Other This Time of Year I had the privilege of joining the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) breakfast in Cannonvale recently as a guest speaker, and it was one of those mornings that remind you just how strong and connected our community really is. Before most people had even hit the snooze button, the turnout was incredible with a mix of tradies in hi-vis, small business owners grabbing a cuppa on their way to work, emergency services staff coming off shift, a
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The Bowen Tourism and Business staff and volunteers celebrated Christmas with a get-together in Bowen last Sunday afternoon. About 40 people attended the Christmas party including volunteers and their partners, staff and committee members. Everyone received a Secret Santa gift from the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Manager Leanne Abernethy said volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and the Christmas party was all about celebrating their dedication, passion and efforts. “We
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After almost 20 years running the community’s much-loved St. Paul’s Op Shop, Chris Hinschen is preparing to retire from management and the St. Pauls Anglican Church are set to take over the role in the new year. All current volunteers have already agreed to return, with Annette Pryce and Noreen Sainsbury announcing they will each assist a couple of days a week. Saturday trading, has been trialled for several months and has become popular with visitors from as far as Mackay, Annette and Noreen
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As we wrap up the year here in The Whitsundays, it feels like the perfect time to take a breath, look back on what we’ve achieved together and get excited for what’s shaping up to be a huge summer for our region. It’s been a pretty exciting year of progress. We’ve had the announcements of the Ngaro Track and Twin Creeks Mountain Track and big momentum behind the Whitsunday Skyway. Plus, with new island developments underway on Hook and Lindeman Island, there’s plenty happening that will keep ou
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What started as uncertainty has quickly turned into excitement, connection, and festive cheer as Proserpine prepares to come together this Friday night for the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair. Only a short time ago, it looked as though the much-loved Christmas fair might not go ahead this year. However, following a team discussion at the office of Amanda Camm MP, about how best to support a community Christmas celebration, a decision was made - even if a little last minute - to bring people
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At the Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair this Friday the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry are delivering a fun Best Dressed Window Display competition. Every business is encouraged to participate and create an eye-catching display that captures the spirit of Christmas and celebrates Proserpine’s unique character. Store displays will be judged by The Hon. Amanda Camm MP and Mayor Ry Collins during the Fair, which runs from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, 12 December on Main Street in Proserp
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December 12 Proserpine Twilight Christmas Fair, Main St, 5pm - 8pm 12 Bowen Christmas Night Markets, Town Centre, 5pm - 9pm 12 74 Islands Christmas Cocktail Club, Elmenta Whitsundays, from 5pm 13 Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks - 50 Years Of Hits Tour, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm - 10.30pm 14 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 14 Kids Christmas Disco Party, Club Whitsunday, 10am - 12pm 17 A DinoMite Baby Dinosaur Show, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 10am - 11am 1
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Just before 10.00am on Saturday 6 December, emergency services received a Triple Zero call reporting a vegetation fire along Kingfisher Terrace, with smoke visible across the area. Initial alerts listed the warning zone as Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket, Cannonvale, Woodwark and surrounding areas. As the incident escalated, multiple crews were deployed, including a mix of Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue units. Due to the location and size of the fire front, an aerial water bombe
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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched its “12 Days of Christmas Business Preparation” campaign to help local businesses navigate the pressures and opportunities of the peak festive trading period. Designed as a practical, day-by-day guide, the initiative provides targeted advice across business continuity, staffing, customer service, cash flow, cyber safety, and wellbeing. The campaign recognises that the Christmas and New Year period represents both a critical revenue o
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Georgia McDonald We would like to welcome our new Production Co-Ordinator, Georgia McDonald. As one of our newest additions to the team, Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Georgia initially started in hospitality, working as an assistant manager for a hotel back in England. After moving to Australia, she continued her hospitality work, working at Beaches Bar & Grill in Airlie Beach for two years before deciding to pursue a different career path. As a fan of journa
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Friday 12 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Ash Smith (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Bear Brewer (from 8pm) Saturday 13 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Xmas Party (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Zed Charles (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: DJ Bad Girl (1pm - 5pm) Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm - 7pm) KC's: Shaun Diver (from 8pm) Sunday 14 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Xmas Party (2pm - 5.30pm) Ai
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by Corrine Hendrikse This week's photo of the week was taken by Corrine Hendrikse. The theme was Summer and the photograph depicts a common scene during summer in the Whitsundays – irrigating sugar cane.
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