Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Tuesday’s winners were John Hayson and Ron Hyde who defeated Sue Shearing and Denis Madeley. In the other games Barry Donn, Lorraine Knight and Penny Warren defeated Stumpy Adams, Kevin Baxter. Gus and Lindy Suann and Laurie Land defeated Shirley Jones and Maureen Hyde. The jackpot card did come out but the recipients decided to let it ride for a bigger payout. Club Competition for the week: The final of B Singles was played on Saturday. Congratulations to Linda Scells who had a great game to win against Deb Retchless. Ladies A Pairs Denise Wallace and Penny Warren defeated Celly Jeal and Deb Retchless. On Sunday afternoon the winners came out on Rink 5. They were Eileen Dunn, Maureen Hyde and Allan Rolfe who defeated Bron Tolcher, John Hayson and Denis Madeley. In the other games Shirley Smith, Linda Scells and Pat Tracey narrowly defeated Teresa Willshire Shirley Jones and Stuart Jeal. Toni Bowen and Laurie Land defeated Skin Querro and Lorraine Knight. Ron Hyde, G Smith and Graeme Read defeated Bill Myers, Bouff Querro and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off. Our barefoot bowls has started on a Friday Night. Check our Facebook site for further details. Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren B Grade Singles Ladies Final 2026 Photo supplied
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Our pennants season has begun. On Saturday, Division 1 played the first round at North Mackay. North Mackay defeated Proserpine 80–33. Nathan Harriott’s team was the best-performing team on the day, going down by just three shots. On Sunday, Division 1 played at Northern Beaches, with Proserpine coming away with the win, defeating Beaches 72–56, with all three teams taking a win. The ladder order is Souths Suburban, North Mackay, Airlie Beach, Northern Beaches, Proserpine, and then Sarina. Souths Suburban is currently the only club with two wins. In Division 5 on Saturday, Proserpine showed North Mackay how to play on a grass green. Proserpine defeated North Mackay 77–13, taking significant wins on both rinks. On Sunday, Northern Beaches defeated Proserpine 40–29, with Mark Holmes’ team scoring a win. Proserpine is currently in second place on the ladder. City is leading the way with two wins, followed by Proserpine, St Helens, Northern Beaches, Mackay, and then North Mackay. There were no social bowls on Wednesday due to rain. On Sunday, Graham Thrupp, Heather Brown, and Bruce Uhe defeated Michael Floerchinger, Heather Brown, and Philip Brown 40–7; Arthur Griffith and Henny Tattam defeated Alen Sanderson and Sandy Daffara 38–11. Next Saturday, Proserpine has both pennants divisions playing at home, and on Sunday, Division 5 will be at home while Division 1 is away. More details will be available when the teams are selected. Designer Note: No photo Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Bowls Club
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Another huge week for our little club, with pennants starting up again this week in a completely new format, with both men and women joining forces in all divisions. Firstly, the social news started with Tuesday Social Bowls, which had a reasonable turnout. The winning team was skipped by Sue Walker, with Gina Passfield at lead and David Bradley at second, in a great game. Congratulations must go to them. Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls was expertly run by Mervyn Stewart, with 28 bowlers vying for the top prize. The biggest winners of the day were the team of John Matterson, who is showing a remarkable return from open-heart surgery, at lead; Mandy O'Brien at second, who gets better every game and will be a great asset to our little club as she reads the game so well; and skipper Russell Jackson, who has represented the club with great distinction. They won 29–15 in an awesome display of accuracy. Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had a huge roll-up, with over 50 bowlers vying for the winners’ trophy, and team results will be published in next week’s issue. This is the biggest event of the week and all are welcome. Businesses are encouraged to participate, with play starting at 6.30 pm. It is certainly the place to be in Airlie Beach. Aishmeen Sandhu and Shaniah Saremo have amazing talent but need to be more vocal and have confidence in their abilities, while Pazel Davis, Ollie Webb, and Cooper Wilde continue to impress with their application to the game. Saturday morning saw Division One and Division 4 travel to South Suburban, and although Division One narrowly went down in a close game, Division 4 secured a win with great performances by new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, Tony Kelly, John Askew, Stacey Hadlow, and Phil O'Brien. Sunday morning saw Airlie’s 32 pennant players at home, and while Division 2 went down fighting against a competent Mackay City side, both Division One and Division 4 were very convincing with fantastic performances. Manny Isgro’s team was unstoppable, as was John Askew’s team in Division 4. Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson Warren Mills and Manny Isgro, proudly showing the scoreboard following their wonderful performance against the extremely strong North Mackay Bowls Club. Photo supplied
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The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the winners of its 2026 Stanza Bonanza poetry competition and inaugural Fast Fiction competition, showcasing storytelling talent inspired by the Whitsundays’ landscapes, people and imagination. Sydney writer and journalist Linda Daniele was named the winner of the 2026 Stanza Bonanza poetry competition, while Airlie Beach author Natalie Stockdale took out the festival’s first Fast Fiction title. Presented to mark World Poetry Day, the Stanza Bonanza competition invited poets of all levels to submit an original poem of up to 20 lines inspired by the prompt: “A Whitsundays postcard from 100 years ago, or 100 years from now.” Meanwhile, the Fast Fiction competition — launched for International Day of Storytelling — challenged writers to craft a story in 250 words or less responding to the prompt: “Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach…” Festival Director Richard Evans said both competitions attracted a strong response from writers across a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. “The response to Stanza Bonanza was a wonderful reminder of how powerfully poetry can connect place, memory and imagination,” Richard said. “Writers embraced the prompt in inventive and surprising ways, and the standard of entries was exceptionally strong.” Speaking about the inaugural Fast Fiction competition, Richard said the quality of submissions highlighted the creativity within the region and beyond. “The standard of entries in our first Fast Fiction competition was excellent,” he said. “It was exciting to see so many writers embrace the challenge of telling a compelling story with limited words and time.” Based in Sydney, Ms Daniele is a writer, journalist and editor who has worked in legal publishing for more than 15 years, alongside freelance journalism and editorial work for On The Side. Her writing has also been recognised in the Sydney Mardi Gras Short Story Competition. Her winning poem, Dear You—, explored themes of memory, time and environmental reflection through imagery inspired by the Whitsundays landscape. Airlie Beach-based Ms Stockdale is published by Big Sky Publishing and works professionally as a memoir writer. Like many locals, she draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, including Whitehaven Beach, which she describes as “our own backyard”. Her winning short story follows a man confronting memories of conflict after discovering a rusted rifle washed ashore decades after losing it during the Rhodesian conflict. A highlight of the Fast Fiction competition was the participation of students from Whitsunday Christian College and Proserpine State School. “Seeing teachers and students encourage with the competition reminds us why these opportunities matter – they create space for young people to imagine, write, and share their voices,” Richard said. Both winners will receive a $100 cash prize and a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, which will be held on Sunday, September 13, at the Whitsunday Marine Club. Richard encouraged entrants to continue exploring opportunities through the festival’s literary programs and competitions. “We’re grateful to everyone who entered,” he said. “The quality of work we received was inspiring, and we encourage all entrants to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep sharing their work.” Festival organisers have confirmed the full 2026 program and tickets are now available through the festival website.
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I would like to include one of my own poems this week entitled ‘Voyager in the Darkness’. I wrote it a few years ago, but I find myself coming back to it because it always seems to resonate at different points in my life. Navigating your early twenties really can feel like being a ‘voyager in the darkness’. You’re trying to figure out and make sense of a world that is constantly changing. Things that once seemed so clear become blurred, ideas that you were certain on become riddled with doubt. As a songwriter, poetry is something I’ve always loved to engage in. That’s what really prompted me to start the creative corner. Poetry is one of the oldest forms of artistic human expression. It’s much older than the novel which only dates back about a thousand years. Some of our oldest most influential stories such as the Iliad or the Odyssey by Homer, were told in verse, not prose. People always wonder what it is that distinguishes us from animals. Cruelty? Compassion? Intelligence? I think the only thing that truly differentiates us from other animals is our ability to tell stories. They are the essence of what it means to be human. The fabric of our society is built on storytelling. We tell stories on dates, at dinner parties, during work morning teas. Life’s most significant landmarks, whether they are weddings or funerals – are celebrated and mourned through stories. Poetry is one of the oldest forms of storytelling and one of the most important. It grants us permission to express things in ways that grammatical rules and conventional sentence structure may not allow. Poet’s Corner Voyager in the Darkness The sun that timidly kissed the ambivalent glass in the afternoon, The baby-faced moon that haunted the ripples of water in the evening, A journey of joy, stress and laughter, Whose beauty is burdened by a tinge of sadness, At the knowledge it signifies the end of a grand chapter, Prepared yet apprehensive, Excited yet terrified, A melancholic spirit, The seconds that move into hours and then days, Days that will mark the end and beginning of everything, A plunge into the violent abyss, Letting nature carve its path, The apathetic endless sea, Into the night, The land of new on the horizon,
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This week’s winner is Shantal Cornford for the theme of comfort. Shantal took this photo of two baby birds sitting comfortably in their nest in a bush at Port of Airlie. Next week’s theme is Window View. Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Amateur Photography.
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Brahmans Back On Track. Seniors and reserves won two hard fought matches against the Pirates. Tries from Padden, Leo, Lade, Cortibarte and Napier led to the A Grade 36-24 win while Gardel, Yasso and Danny Leo led the way in the Reserve Grade. Proserpine League Lose Gate Money. Open access to freeloaders at the Sports Reserve led to an estimated $1000 loss and danger of losing State and Foley Shield games through failure to guarantee gate receipts. Ladies Golf. Nola Hansen won Wednesday’s trophy from runner up Bess Simpson. Rugby Union. Raiders led by Scotty Wardroper beat Brothers 12-0 thanks to a Neil Borellini try. Tennis Upset. ‘A’ Grade leaders Scotfords were defeated by O’Neil Alrounders. Bridge. G. Cantamessa and J. Spencer won the Howell Competition. Netball Very competitive games took place on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Good shooting from Elspeth Scotford and Mim Tielen. Junior School Netball. Proserpine beat Burdekin, Collinsville and Bowen in the Whitsunday trials. Anita Fields and Susan Madeo were selected for Whitsunday. Soccer. Whitsunday Knights beat Tremorne 3-2 thanks to a winning goal from Colin Downer. Squash. Women’s teams are very close with Lyn Hooper’s 50 points just in front of Di Law’s 45 . Basketball. Cougars beat Panthers 46-21 led by top scorer Rob Fraser with 20 points. Darts. The Palace Hotel beat the RSL. Top scorer of the night was Barry Humphries. Bowls. A great weekend was enjoyed by many. John Daffara and Peter Sala beat Fil Dafara and Bob McClure. Hill Climb Revival This has become a popular sport. The old climb was at Mt Marlow but Proserpine Motor Cycle Club’s new hill is on the Dittmer Road which is relatively easy for riders. Proserpine Annual Show. Full details of entries appears. Rainforest Conservation. Whitsunday Branch of the Wildlife Conservation Society called on State and Federal Governments to immediately stop logging in remaining virgin rainforest areas. Guiding Notes. Girls attended an ‘Its a knockout’ at Moranbah on Anzac Day. Leader Gayle Cook needs an assistant. Trainings at Cool Palms and Proserpine are coming up. Heart Monitor for Hospital. Airlie Beach Rotaryannes presented Matron Dray with a $1000 cheque for a Foetal Heart Monitor. “ Butterfly” Promotes Whitsundays. A 22 episode series “ Butterfly Island” filmed on locations like Shute Harbour, Dingo Beach and Whitsunday Paradise will promote the area worldwide. Champion Fire Brigades. Proserpine and Airlie Beach Fire Brigades under captains Dick Shoebridge and Derek Ward came first and second in the North Queensland Zone Championships. Teddy Bears Picnic. 200 bears entered the picnic at the Cultural Hall to celebrate Under Eights Week with Family Day Care as hosts. ESA Handover. Incoming officials of Alpha Phi Chapter took over at the annual dinner at Proserpine Motor Lodge. Local Fishermen Petition asking that the Proserpine River be closed from its mouth to trawlers was presented to Parliament by Labour deputy Tom Burns. Commercial fishermen complain that ‘bays ‘are being fished out. Fun Run to Wanderers. A mini-marathon will go ahead next Saturday from Proserpine to Wanderers Paradise sponsored by Fausts and Wanderers. Individuals and relay teams are invited. Power Line Worry.The Electricity Board’s promotion of a heavy duty line through to The Beak Area to serve island resorts is criticised by WCDA who state that there will be no benefit to Coastal residents. The Big Rodeo. Proserpine and the Whitsundays are gearing up for the hosting of the 1986 Australian Rodeo Championships this weekend at the Rodeo Complex, 20 klms North of Proserpine. Large crowds are expected for spectacular action. 600 entries have been made. The Gold Cup Open campdraft of $2000 and the Australian Championship open draft of $3000 will be the major events.
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Jim Sheppard started work in the Proserpine Post Office as a telegram boy in December 1941, coincidental with the time that the Japanese entered the war. In those days, although the major means of communication was mail through post offices and telephones, telegrams were an invaluable adjunct because they allowed for quick transmission of short messages over long distances. Modern communication is remarkably advanced compared with an era when telegrams were a primary way to deliver both good and bad news. In 1945, telegrams peaked at 35 million in Australia. They were transmitted by means of electric signals through “landlines” i.e. telegraph wires between poles, using Morse Code; a unique system of sequenced dots and dashes. An American, Samuel Morse, invented this system and sent the first official telegram from Washington to Baltimore in May 1844 with the words, “What hath God wrought?” Memories shared by Jim Sheppard … How to send a telegram: The sender completed a form at the post office, listing the recipient’s name and address followed by the message. In 1941, the cost was one shilling for up to 16 words, later reduced to 14, with an additional two pence charged per extra word. Members of the Services paid half the standard cost. Messages could also be dictated to the post office by telephone. An operator transmitted the message using a device known as a “key.” Incoming messages were received on a “sounder” which produced clicking sounds representing dots and dashes. These were interpreted and converted into words by the operator. Competency in Morse Code was required for advancement to higher positions such as Postmaster. Operators needed to achieve a minimum speed of 25 words per minute in both sending and receiving, with little room for error. In practice, experienced operators often worked at around 30 words per minute. It was common to delay typing by a few words so that any corrections would not affect the appearance of the finished telegram. Urgent telegrams, charged at double the normal rate, were given priority and printed on pinkish-red forms. Special decorative forms were also used for occasions such as weddings and congratulations. During the years 1941 to 1943 when I was delivering telegrams in Proserpine, the war was raging in both Europe and the Pacific and telegrams were used extensively. Sometimes I was met with pleasure and excitement if the message was about a homecoming or the occasional marriage proposal but sometimes there were looks of dread: this could be bad news about a loved one on active service. However, when there was news of someone “killed in action "or “missing presumed dead”, the Postmaster, Jim Hilton, had the good sense to enquire into the best way to deliver this message. He tried to arrange for a Priest/ Minister, a family member or a close friend to break the sad news. There is some parallel between the old morse days and today’s texting in that when ‘talking’ to each other on line, telephonists would abbreviate words just as is done in texting. As a matter of fact, it was not uncommon for people with the expertise to do just that in busy times when sending actual telegrams. It was called 'cutting them up'. To say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we would merely send MX (Xmas) HNY. The last time I operated a morse key was in in 1957. I retired as a manager in Telecom (now Telstra) in 1986 after 45 years of service but, like riding a bicycle, I have never forgotten the Morse Code together with the nostalgic memories of times now long gone when I was a Telegram Boy in Proserpine. Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives and thanks to Jim Sheppard.. Jim Sheppard - Telegram Boy
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Bella is looking for her forever family in the Whitsundays and beyond. She is a one year old Staffordshire cross, medium sized, full of love, and so ready for someone to choose her and mean it. She has been through more than most. Surrendered, rehomed, then unwell, and then without a home again through no fault of her own. Through all of it she has remained gentle, affectionate, and completely devoted to the people around her. Bella loves children, thrives on connection, and just wants to be close to her people. She is best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time because when she has her person, she gives everything she has. She has already been through so much. She just needs someone to choose her for life. To adopt Bella, DM Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc on Facebook with your name, phone number and "Bella". The adoption fee is $400. She is microchipped, recovered and healthy.
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Few bands have left a footprint on rock music as enduring as Creedence Clearwater Revival, the swamp-rock powerhouse that defined a generation with its raw, roots-driven sound. Led by the unmistakable voice and songwriting of John Fogerty, CCR delivered a string of timeless anthems that still resonate across decades, from protest-era grit to back-porch storytelling energy. Their music remains a staple of classic rock radio and live tribute stages around the world. That legacy comes roaring back to life with CREEDENCE CLEARWATER SURVIVAL, widely regarded as Australia’s most dynamic CCR/John Fogerty tribute experience. Over two special afternoons, the band will recreate the atmosphere and intensity of a true “live” CCR/Fogerty concert, capturing not just the notes but the spirit of the original performances. This is not a passive nostalgia act—it is a full-bodied recreation designed to transport audiences straight into the golden era of American rock. Fans can expect a setlist packed with defining classics, including “Green River,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,”, “Fortunate Son,” and “The Old Man Down the Road.” Each song is delivered with attention to detail that aims to faithfully reproduce the signature CCR sound—tight rhythms, driving guitar work, and that unmistakable Southern-tinged rock energy. Audiences consistently describe the experience as as close as it gets to witnessing CCR in their prime. The group are no stranger to Airlie Beach, having played here in the past. “We’ve got friends up here. We love it,” said bassist Jono. With both shows running in the afternoon and open to the public, the event offers a relaxed yet electric atmosphere—perfect for longtime fans and new listeners alike. It’s a chance to reconnect with music that still feels urgent, powerful, and alive. WHAT: CREEDENCE CLEARWATER SURVIVAL, 2 Free Shows WHEN: Saturday 30th May & Sunday 31st May, 2pm WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel
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May 23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm24 Community Volunteer Expo, Bowen Sunday Markets26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am30 Welcome Whales, Airlie Beach Foreshore, 4.30pmJune 3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9
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The 2026 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has been officially announced to take place on Friday 12th June. Set to be a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and diversity, the festival will showcase the many communities that call the Whitsundays home, bringing together families, visitors and local groups for an afternoon and evening of entertainment. Held at the Bowen Sound Shell, the event will feature live performances, cultural displays, markets, family-friendly activities and fireworks proudly sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Organisers say the festival is designed to highlight the region’s rich multicultural identity while providing a welcoming space for people to share traditions, food and performance. Community participation is a key focus of this year’s event, with expressions of interest now open for cultural groups, stallholders, vendors, educators, workshop facilitators, musicians and dancers. Organisers are encouraging local and regional participants to get involved and help shape the program. Applications are open via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, with submissions closing 31 May 2026: https://bit.ly/WMCF2026 (can this be made into a QR Code) What: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival When: Friday 12 June 2026, 4:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Bowen Sound Shell The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has seen great success in previous years and its announcement is met with great anticipation. Photo source: Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper
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Friday 22 May Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm – 7pm) Grandview Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) KCs: Andrew Baldino (from 8pm) Saturday 23 May Airlie Beach Hotel: Beatnix (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Coral Sea Marina Resort: Loui Battour (1pm – 5pm) Grandview Hotel: Zed Charles Band (from 8pm) KCs: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Sorrento: Josiah Samuel (4pm – 7pm) Sunday 24 May Airlie Beach Hotel: Beatnix (2pm – 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Coral Sea Marina Resort: DJ Ahri (1pm – 5pm) Grandview Hotel: Sam McCann (1pm – 5pm) KCs: Mick Woodbridge (from 8pm) Sorrento: Ash Smith (4pm – 7pm) Monday 25 May Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm – 7pm) KCs: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm) Tuesday 26 May Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm – 7pm) KCs: Scotty Wilson (from 8pm) Wednesday 27 May Sorrento: Will Heta (4pm – 7pm) KCs: Josiah (from 8pm) Thursday 28 May Airlie Beach: Aaron Saxon (6.30pm – 9.30pm) Sorrento: Lucy Rose (4pm – 7pm) KCs: Retro Joe (from 8pm)
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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club will host its annual Queenfish and Trevally Rally across the weekend of 6th and 7th June, bringing anglers together for two days of sport fishing action in the Whitsundays. The event begins with registration and a briefing night from 6pm on Thursday, 4th June, at the clubrooms on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. Fishing will run from 6am Saturday until 3pm Sunday, with all score sheets, weighed fish and release photos due back at the club by 4pm ahead of presentations at 5pm. This year’s rally also includes the second leg of the Queensland Game Fishing Association All-Ports competition, which the Whitsunday club won last year. Organisers said the weekend would feature prizes and cash giveaways across adult, junior and “Reefies” categories for anglers under 16. The club also thanked sponsors Sam and Beth from Tackle World Airlie Beach for supporting the event. Queenfish are expected to provide plenty of excitement with their aerial acrobatics and fast runs, while Giant Trevally, or GTs, are tipped to test anglers and tackle with explosive strikes and powerful runs. Any eligible gamefish caught or tagged and released under Game Fishing Association of Australia rules will count towards All-Ports points and prize categories. The briefing night will also include fishing tips, tactics and advice on local Queenfish and Trevally hotspots. What: Queenfish and Trevally Rally When: 6th and 7th June Where: Whitsunday Game Fish Club, Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale CAPTIONS: Anglers from across the region are set to hit the water for the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s annual Queenfish and Trevally Rally on 6th and 7th June. Photo supplied Competitors will battle it out for prizes, bragging rights and valuable All-Ports competition points during the action-packed Whitsundays fishing weekend. Photo supplied
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Airlie Beach is back in the running for Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town and Tourism Whitsundays is asking locals to help get our favourite little town over the line one more time. Airlie has taken out the top spot four years running now. That’s not just luck and it’s not just because our town is just so well-loved, it’s because the community shows up every year and votes, and every year it pays off. The businesses on the main street, the families who have been here for generations, the people who moved up last year and can’t believe they waited so long. Think about why you love it here. The lagoon on a Saturday afternoon. The Boardwalk at sunset. The marina full of boats heading out to the islands. The cafes, the markets, the live music, a Sunday session that turns into a Sunday evening. That’s what brings visitors back and that is what a vote helps keep front and centre. Voting is open now and closes 24 May. Every vote counts the same, whether you are a local in Cannonvale, running a business in town, popping over from Bowen or Proserpine, or just someone who loves Airlie Beach, we’d love if you could spare two minutes of your time. Appreciate it, as always. Cast your vote https://www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-town-awards/2026-queensland-top-tourism-town-finalists/ before 24 May. – Designer Note: Make QR Code Contributed by Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays
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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has raised $1,860 for Cancer Council Queensland during its annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event. Held with a tropical theme, the fundraiser brought together locals for a colourful morning filled with community spirit, laughter and friendly competition, including prizes for the loudest tropical shirt. The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre thanked everyone who attended, donated and supported the event, with special recognition given to Club Whitsunday for partnering on the event and providing the brunch menu. Organisers said events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea highlight the strength of the local community in supporting people impacted by cancer. CAPTION: Tamara Noble and Rebecca Woods from the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre with raffle prizes at the organisation’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Photo supplied
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A new North Queensland billboard campaign is calling on the community to help turn ocean waste into something useful, as Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. continues its mission to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Every year, Eco Barge removes tonnes of marine debris from islands across the reef. Now, in partnership with Paradise Outdoor Advertising (POA), the organisation is urging locals to join volunteers in transforming 24 tonnes of collected ocean waste into recycled products. The campaign, displayed across key regional locations, encourages people to sign up and become part of the solution by volunteering in the Whitsundays. Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, said the initiative represents an important next step in the organisation’s work. “Every piece of marine debris we remove from the islands has a story,” Libby said. “With the support of our volunteers, we’re now working to transform that debris into new products, showing that what washes up on our shores can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.” Since 2009, Eco Barge volunteers have removed 277,947 kilograms of marine debris, completed 569 clean-up trips, engaged 14,291 volunteers, and cared for 297 sick and injured marine turtles. POA CEO Mitch James said billboards were a powerful way to inspire action. “Billboards are designed to capture attention and deliver a powerful message, in this case giving people an opportunity to protect the Great Barrier Reef through local action.” He added the campaign aims to turn awareness into participation across the region. The campaign will run year-round. More information is available at www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au CAPTION: Volunteers with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. sort and remove marine debris collected from Whitsunday islands as part of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef and turn ocean waste into recycled products. Photo supplied
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One of Australia’s finest young acoustic guitarists, Elias Bartholomeo is coming to the Whitsundays for a surprise concert on Thursday 28th May on an impromptu stopover during his 2026 Queensland tour. Previously, Elias has been playing solo concerts across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan, combining a blend of blues, country and jazz in his melody-driven compositions, and performing engaging arrangements of well-known songs. His live performances are known for his contagious humour and his energy, with his guitar playing described as ‘walking a tight rope between many genres all at once’. This Whitsunday concert will feature support act Cameron Hanger, a talented young acoustic guitarist. Together the two musicians, both of whom have performed with their mentor, the legendary Tommy Emmanuel, will treat Whitsunday music lovers to a night of great live music. The gig will take place at the iconic Buffalo Lodge Hall on Edward Street, Proserpine, with bookings available online or cash taken at the door. There is also a student concession available. For further information call Pam Pole on 0448870482 or check out www.eliasbartholomeo.net WHAT: Elias Bartholomeo in Concert WHEN: Thursday 28th May, 7.30pm to 10pm. Doors open 7pm. WHERE: Buffalo Lodge, Edward Street, Proserpine Elias has been described as a ‘fearless and energetic player’ by Live Concert Review. Photo supplied
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With 43 years of experience across 8 different martial arts, Whitsunday local Zoran Stublin is passionate about bringing his expertise to the region. Zoran runs the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy, a completely free community initiative open to all members of the public. Zoran’s approach to self-defence training comes from a synthesis of 8 different martial arts – Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Ninjutsu, Kyosho, Jutsu, Kapap, Krav Maga and Russian systema. Moving to Whitsundays in 2021, he set up what is now known as the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy to provide guidance to the community on public safety and self-protection. Zoran has also taken his training across the country, acting as a visiting instructor in Melbourne and Cairns. Zoran’s professional background plays a huge part in what he does. His military training and additional consultancy work in security and government have helped him form a program that extends beyond just physical defence – examining ways to navigate different social situations when a person is under threat. “It’s not just about martial arts.” Zoran said. “There is a psychological element. I teach people how to recognise sociopaths and psychopaths. I also teach them how to de-escalate aggressive situations.” “When I started the academy, a major issue amongst kids was bullying and harassment. I started a bullying programme that looks at navigating those situations. I also developed a specialised programme for women and self-defence. I teach them about home intrusion and provide tips on how to use everyday household objects such as spoons, towels and pans to defend themselves.” Zoran’s self-defence program also covers theft attempts in carparks, sexual predators, abductions, kidnappings and ATM holdups. “I’ve tried to create a realistic programme to equip people with skills for domestic situations.” He said. Participants attend the class in their everyday clothes to prepare them for potential real-life situations. “When you make someone wear a uniform in a dojo it creates a certain kind of psychology. They may be unprepared in a real-life situation without their uniform.” Zoran explained. “Making people wear civil clothes removes the comfort that someone might get from putting on a uniform and prepares them better for real life situations.” In the midst of Queensland Domestic and Violence month, Zoran’s priority is ensuring protection in domestic environments. “It’s an issue in the region. I collaborate with counselling services, providing tips such as arrangement of furniture that would allow easier escape routes and better protection.” At the core of Zoran’s initiative is a passionate desire to help the community as much as he can. “My only aim for the region is to promote confidence in people, so they don’t walk around with fear. I’m not teaching them to be paranoid, but rather to be aware. I want to provide everyone with basic tools for their toolbox that they can take out when they need it.” Sessions are conducted at Club Whitsunday every Tuesday and Thursday with kids’ sessions running from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and adult sessions commencing at 6pm. Zoran strongly urges anyone interested to come along. Zoran teaches self-defence across all age groups, equipping individuals with important skills. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
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Arts organisations and creative producers across the Whitsunday Shire are being encouraged to think big, as the government launches a new funding program designed to support major homegrown productions in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new Queensland Major Commissioning Fund will provide matched funding of up to $250,000 over two years to support large-scale arts experiences, productions and cultural events that showcase Queensland stories, artists and communities on a bigger stage. The initiative forms part of the government’s 10-year arts and culture strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine, aimed at growing arts audiences, attracting tourism and creating jobs within the creative sector. For regions like the Whitsundays, where tourism and events already play a major role in the local economy, the fund could open the door for ambitious new cultural projects that highlight the region’s unique identity and creative talent. Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the fund would help position Queensland as Australia’s leading destination for arts and entertainment. “This is where big Queensland ideas come to life,” Minister Langbroek said. “The Fund is about encouraging arts and cultural producers and organisations to deliver on their vision for bold new works. “In the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan to transform arts experiences that will put Queensland up in lights. “Queensland is leading the nation in the arts and entertainment, and this fund will enable local creatives to invest in major works that will showcase our talent to the world. Through this new fund, we’re backing a thriving arts sector and creative economy growth for Queensland.” The fund is targeted at established arts and cultural organisations with experience delivering large-scale productions and events. Eligible projects must already be in advanced development stages and scheduled for first presentation by December 2028. An additional $10,000 will also be available to support accessibility initiatives for artists and audiences living with disability. Expressions of Interest are now open and close on Monday, 20th July 2026, with shortlisted applicants to pitch their concepts to an expert panel before moving to the full application stage. To confirm eligibility before submitting an EOI, please contact Arts Queensland via investment@arts.qld.gov.au or by telephone (07) 3034 4016 or toll free 1800 175 531. For more information, please visit https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/funding-opportunities
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One of Airlie Beach’s favourite local pubs has officially entered a new era, with the Jubilee Tavern unveiling a major venue refresh designed to give locals an even better place to gather, dine and unwind. Following a staged renovation across the venue, the much-loved tavern has completed a significant upgrade that blends fresh modern spaces with the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere the community has always known and loved. To celebrate the transformation, Jubilee Tavern will host a huge “Locals Weekend” from Friday May 29th to Sunday May 31st, packed with live entertainment, giveaways, family activities and classic pub fun for all ages. Venue Manager Gabriela Camargo Matos said the refresh was all about enhancing the experience for the people who have supported the venue for years. “Jubilee Tavern has always been a place for locals, and this refresh is about giving the community an even better pub experience while keeping the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere people know and love,” she said. Guests visiting the revamped venue will immediately notice major improvements throughout the pub. The beer garden has been revitalised with brand-new outdoor furniture and colourful softfall added to the children’s playground, creating a more family-friendly outdoor space perfect for long lunches, casual dinners and weekend catch-ups. Inside, the bistro and dining areas have received a fresh new look with updated furniture, new flooring and carpet, fresh paint and a brighter overall feel designed for comfort and relaxed dining. Sports fans are also set to benefit from the renovations, with the Sports Bar receiving upgraded AV systems including a brand-new LED big screen to showcase live sport loud and clear. Refreshed seating and furniture have helped create a more modern and comfortable sports viewing experience. Meanwhile, the gaming room has undergone a complete redesign, featuring a new layout, updated lighting and fresh finishes throughout. While the venue has been modernised, the heart of Jubilee Tavern remains firmly focused on the local community. The refreshed tavern continues to cater for tradies, young families, workers and locals looking for a quality pub experience away from the busy tourist scene. The tavern’s expanded weekly entertainment lineup is also expected to become a major drawcard for locals. Happy Hour now runs Monday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm, alongside a packed calendar of activities including Social Darts on Tuesdays, Big Tavern Trivia on Wednesdays and Musical Bingo on Thursdays. Fridays are all about Tradie Club and knock-off drinks, while Saturdays feature live music and free pool. Sundays remain family focused, with free kids entertainment from midday. The upcoming Locals Weekend celebration will showcase everything the refreshed venue has to offer, including live music, food specials, line dancing classes, giveaways and Airlie Beach’s biggest meat tray stretching more than two metres long. Families can also enjoy free face painting and a special visit from Wildlife Whitsundays. WHAT: Locals Weekend WHEN: Friday May 29th – Sunday May 31st WHERE: Jubilee Tavern The bistro menu continues to feature the pub favourites guests know and love, including hearty schnitzels, steaks and generous crowd-pleasing meals ideal for a casual night out or midweek knock-off. Photo supplied
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The Whitsundays is one of Australia's most sought-after destinations for weddings. With its turquoise waters, tropical islands, and towns nestled on the edge of the Coral Sea, the region offers a setting that is genuinely difficult to match anywhere else in the country. But for the majority of couples who don't live locally, knowing where to start is often the biggest barrier to making that vision a reality. Weddings Whitsundays was built to close that gap. Launched as a dedicated resource for engaged couples and those renewing their vows, the platform brings together venues, vendors, planning guides and destination information under one roof. Its purpose is direct: to make planning a Whitsundays wedding feel manageable, no matter where a couple is starting from or how much they already understand about the region. Venue and vendor listings sit at the heart of the experience. Couples can browse ceremony and reception venues across the full range of what the Whitsundays has to offer: from intimate island escapes to established harbourside properties, from lush country settings to award-winning resort venues. Each listing is built around the information couples need to assess whether a venue suits their vision, with direct contact details so they can follow up independently. The vendor directory operates on the same principle. Photographers, celebrants, florists, caterers, transport providers, accommodation options and more are all represented, giving couples enough information to start building a shortlist before they've set foot in the region. The listings reflect the genuine breadth of the local wedding industry - suppliers who know the Whitsundays well, understand the logistics of island and coastal celebrations, and have the experience to help things go smoothly on the day. Alongside the listings, Weddings Whitsundays publishes planning guides that address the specific challenges that destination couples face. When should you book a Whitsundays venue? What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia? How do you coordinate a wedding party travelling from interstate? These are not generic wedding planning questions. They are the real concerns of couples arranging something unique, and the guides approach them with the directness that comes from genuine local knowledge. The geography of the Whitsundays is often one of the first things that surprises couples who are new to the region. It is larger and more varied than most anticipate - spanning a coastline, multiple islands, inland properties and a range of climates and settings, all within reach of Airlie Beach. Understanding how the region is actually laid out, and what that means for guests and logistics, is a fundamental part of planning any Whitsundays wedding. The destination guides are designed to give couples that foundation before the decisions begin. For anyone considering the Whitsundays as their wedding destination, Weddings Whitsundays is the natural place to begin. The platform exists to take the stress out of the early stages - to give couples a clear picture of what is possible, who can help make it happen, and what the region genuinely looks like on the ground. Fall in love, with the Whitsundays. Weddings Whitsundays is the guide for couples who already have. Visit weddingswhitsundays.com to explore venues, vendors and planning guides. Locations such as the Coral Sea Resort can serve as an idyllic setting for the perfect wedding Photo supplied
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By Julia Evans Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has listened to the deep concern among local business owners following last week’s Federal Budget. Proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing settings, particularly the potential move from the 50 per cent CGT discount to inflation indexation, have raised serious questions for family businesses, farmers, and sole operators across our region. For many Whitsunday business owners, their enterprise is not a speculative asset. It is a lifetime of hard work, a retirement plan, a family legacy, and the backbone of local employment. Under current proposals, when that business is sold to fund retirement, the tax outcome could be significantly higher, especially for those who built value over decades from modest starting capital. That risk is not abstract. It directly affects succession planning, reinvestment, and the economic stability of our communities. In the Whitsundays, around 4,200 businesses employ more than 21,000 people. They already carry the weight of income tax, company tax, payroll tax, GST, and rising compliance costs from federal, state and local governments. Adding poorly designed CGT changes without proper regional consultation would risk making local businesses collateral damage in a national tax debate. But this statement is not about attacking the government. It is a clear signal that the Whitsunday business community cannot afford to be silent or fragmented. The scarcity of visible consultation with our North Queensland region reinforces one hard truth: without a strong, united voice, our realities will not be understood in Canberra. The Chamber is calling on every regional business – micro, family, or medium-sized – to join us. Not just to complain, but to shape solutions. To feed real experiences into advocacy that matters. To ensure that future policy encourages investment, not uncertainty, and backs the people who build regional Australia. As one, we are a strong and loud voice. Alone, we are easily overlooked. The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages all local businesses to become members and help drive a practical, united response to the policy challenges ahead. CAPTION: Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer, Julia Evans said many Whitsunday businesses were built over decades through personal sacrifice and should not be treated as speculative investments. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Each year the Federal Budget arrives with big headlines and plenty of commentary, and this year has been no exception. The recent Budget has generated most of its attention around proposed changes to property taxation, particularly capital gains tax and negative gearing, while at the same time leaving the superannuation and pension system largely untouched. The biggest proposed changes relate to property investors. The Government has flagged plans to limit negative gearing on residential property so that, from 1 July 2027, it would apply only to newly constructed dwellings. Existing investment properties would be grandfathered, meaning current owners could continue using negative gearing under today’s rules until they sell. The stated aim is to encourage new housing supply and improve affordability for first‑home buyers. Alongside this is a proposed overhaul of capital gains tax. The familiar 50 per cent discount for assets held longer than 12 months would be replaced with an inflation‑based indexation method, combined with a minimum tax rate on realised gains. These changes are also proposed to start from 1 July 2027 and would apply prospectively, with transitional rules to ensure gains already accrued are not retrospectively taxed under the new system. While these announcements sound dramatic, it is important to remember that they are proposals only. None of these measures are law yet, and they will not take effect for more than a year at the earliest. In contrast, there were very few new announcements affecting superannuation and the Age Pension. Most Australians will see little direct change to the retirement system as a result of this Budget. Previously legislated measures, such as the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee to 12 per cent and the introduction of payday super from July 2026, are proceeding as planned, but these were already known. Pension rates will continue to be adjusted through the normal indexation process, and there were no major structural changes announced. Another key point often lost in the Budget noise is the legislative process itself. For these tax changes to become law, they must be drafted into legislation and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in identical form before receiving Royal Assent. This process can take months, and it is common for amendments to be made along the way, particularly for complex or controversial tax measures. History shows that what is announced on Budget night is not always what ultimately becomes law. Start dates, thresholds and exemptions can change as legislation moves through Parliament. For investors, retirees and those planning ahead, the sensible response is not to panic or rush into decisions based on headlines. This is a time to review, seek advice if needed, and wait for clarity. In Canberra, as in financial markets, proposed change and final outcomes are often not the same thing. If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.
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This year brought a few surprises. So did some of your legal questions. Whether it was "Can I leave my estate to my dog?" or "Do I really need a lawyer to buy land off my cousin?" - we’ve heard it all. And we’re still smiling. Here’s to another year of good advice, plenty of coffee, and helping our local community through whatever comes next. Whitsunday Law – Still here. Still local. Still on your side.
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