Issue #

One Small Tree, One Big Urban Canopy

As you drive into Airlie Beach town centre you may notice a small but important local landmark is now missing – the large Blue Gum Tree at the entrance way.Two weeks ago, it was chopped down to make way for a new development on the site and local climate action group, Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC), say they are concerned that our urban canopy is being slowly destroyed by this process.

Chamber Chat

With December literally upon us and Christmas around the corner, a quick reflection on an amazing and unprecedented 12 months. This time last year, we were frantically completing vaccinations, struggling to comply with and arguing about government mandates and borders were on the brink of opening up with normality almost within grasp. Since that time, we have been swamped by some of the best business conditions ever experienced locally.

Info Sessions Arm Beauty Industry To Help Others

A series of information sessions were held in Cannonvale and Bowen this week in an effort to give individuals working in the beauty industry the knowledge and resources to best deal with disclosures of domestic or sexual violence.

Purple Rain At The Pub

It’s time: Let’s Go Crazy! Because one of Australia’s biggest R&B artists, with a career spanning three decades, is bringing his dedication to The Artist (Formerly Known as Prince) to the Airlie Beach Hotel in December.

Movie Review - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

When Black Panther arrived in theatres in 2018, black audiences felt they had been given their mainstream cinema voice. Marvel, at the height of its powers, had given their culture the platform it deserved.

Festival Of Small Halls Arrives In Bowen

Visiting 20 different venues up and down the East Coast, the Festival of Small Halls brings some of the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists from as far afield as Prince Edward Island, Canada, and as close as Byron Bay, to the McKenna Hall in Bowen this Wednesday night.

A Very Merry Tourism Whitsundays Networking Event at The Reef Gateway Hotel

Images: Declan Durrant

On The Greens At Goosies

Last Saturday was the annual Men’s Presidents Day. A big field of 48 players including past president and past patron Barry O’Neil took part in a most enjoyable afternoon. Prizes were presented by President Eric, with first prize going to Greg McLean and Vern Mietzel. A triples team of visitor Geoff Davis with Doug Dungavell and Ray McCarthy came second. Several raffles were drawn, and a great day was had by all members.

Dylan Wins Australian Plate

Mackay BMX rider Dylan Secher has finished 8th in the country in the 11-year boys at the Auscycling BMX National Championships held in Launceston last week. Dylan competed against 44 of the best 11-year boys from all over Australia.

Airlie Beach Swim School By Danielle Celebrates 10 Years

Marking a decade of teaching the children of the Whitsundays how to swim, Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle has carved out a reputation for quality instruction and dedication to safety while nurturing the unique personalities of each child.

Christmas Festivities For Pioneer Swim Club

The Festive Season has been welcomed with a bang by Pioneer Swim Club. The past week has seen our final Club Night for 2022 where our annual Christmas Party was enjoyed by all swimmers as well as our Club travelling to Bowen for the last carnival for 2022 and more Christmas fun. The last Club Night for 2022 was held Thursday, November 24.

Bowen’s Beau Willis Competes In PBR Finals

Bowen local Beau Willis competed in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Grand Finals held in Townsville last Friday night.Having spent 15 years competing professionally in the sport, the 32-year-old Willis has achieved the rank of 106th in the world.

Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Monday saw the playing of a B4 Red Points event. Winners Janelle Conroy & Terrence Sheedy, followed by Helen Van Den Broek & Jan Harris. Sunday was the final Novice monthly Sunday for 2022, winners Faith Hutchinson & Griffin Bancroft, followed by Geoff Cowan & Sandy Patterson.

Collinsville School Ball

The local school community gathered in celebration for a whole school ball held at the Collinsville Community Centre in October.A light supper was served, and students danced the night away with a lively hand-picked playlist.

Airlie Beach Parkrun

This week 62 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 8 were first timers and 5 recorded new Personal Bests. Well done to Mikayla, Robert, Mark, Duanne and Lilliana. There were no new milestones to celebrate.

Airlie Bowls News

This week, Manny Isgro entered the finals at Pioneer Valley and Luke Kinnear and Warren Mills performed well in Mackay.Tuesday afternoon bowls saw Lyn Graham and Ladda Purdie running away from all other players to win on the day.

Bowen Bowls Club

Wednesday Social Bowls winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Paula Welsted, Jane Gilbert, and Jeff Tierney, with the trio defeating David Moodie, Gavin Charles, and Allen Williams.

Wangaratta Bowls Club

On Tuesday, Bron Tolcher, Penny Warren, and Margaret Wilson defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Mark Drummond to begin the week at Wangaratta Bowls Club.The final of Men’s Triples was played on Saturday, which was won by Laurie Land, Kevin Daniels, and Barry Beel after defeating Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers. This concluded club competition for the year.

Bowen Golf News

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford sponsored by the club.

Proserpine Golf Club Report

The Club’s Tuesday Stableford with 15 players was won by Chris Brett on 37 points ahead of Peter Lewis on 36 points, Brian Smith 35 points, Michael Ward 34 points and Paul Gray 34 points taking the rundown positions. NTP’s were won by Albert Pini and Paul Gray.

Whitsunday Social Golf

The Men’s and Ladies’ foursomes championships were held with 26 players competing. Ron Jamieson and Don Cameron were the winning team for the men’s division followed by Danny York and Lew Tuck as runners up.

Veteran’s Golf

Another great day of golf at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf on Sunday with 27 players out on the course.

On The Whitsunday Green

This week’s 9-hole competition at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Joel McBride with 20 points, second on 18 was Justyn Durbin, and third was Andrew Gomez on 17.

Top Class Speedway Motor Cycle Action Returns Bowen Showgrounds

Proserpine Junior Cricket Results

The under 11s Proserpine Pitbulls had their second away game for the season, this time against the Mackay Magpies White on Saturday.Captain Matthew tossed the bat which went to Magpies, who had no hesitation to pad up and set the total of 10/86.