If Christmas morning calls for something a little special, gingerbread pancakes are a warm, nostalgic way to start the day. With hints of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, they taste just like your favourite gingerbread biscuits — but in soft, fluffy pancake form. To make them, whisk together 1¼ cups of self-raising flour, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon each of ground ginger and cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg and cloves. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and 2 tabl
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If you’re looking for a Christmas crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort, a no-bake rocky road wreath is the perfect last-minute treat. It’s colourful, creative, and a guaranteed favourite at school break-ups, office parties, or Christmas Day dessert tables. Start by melting 400g of milk or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave using short 30-second bursts. Once smooth, fold through three cups of mix-ins. The beauty of rocky road is
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As Long-Time Owner Hands Over The Reins A new chapter is about to begin for a long-established Proserpine dental practice, with ownership officially passing to local dentist Dr. Prashant Kulkarni, a familiar face to many across the Whitsundays. The practice, operated by its previous owner for close to 30 years, is now preparing for a seamless transition as settlement is finalised this week. Dr. Prashant, who has lived in the region since 2013, said the handover marks both an exciting milestone
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By Sharon Ashman While the holidays are often portrayed as joyful, many people experience loneliness, loss, or disconnection during this time. For those separated from family, grieving a loved one, or navigating life changes, the festive period can amplify feelings of isolation. Acknowledging these emotions is the first step toward self-compassion. You’re not alone in feeling this way. It can help to plan meaningful activities, such as volunteering, connecting with supportive friends, or spendi
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New Experiences and the Biggest Tourism Developments Pop the Veuve: Hayman Island Launches Luxe Island Picnic Experience Recently launched and only available only until March 2026, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and Veuve Clicquot have unveiled Le Picnic, a luxe Champagne-led experience on the sands of Langford Island. Curated picnics, bespoke inclusions and accommodation packages set the tone for a sun-soaked spring and summer season. Note: bookings close end of November '25. Sail
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THE UNOFFICIAL TRIBUTE SHOW - TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music – is set to begin its Australian tour this January, taking in dates across QLD, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Proserpine Entertainment Centre is one of the lucky venues to watch the show live on Sunday February 1st. “There’s a lot of buzz at the moment. We’re expecting audiences to be extra excited and engaged, and that’s great because it makes for really fun
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Friday 5 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Ally Friendship - Rock & Country Show (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Dave Johan (from 8pm) Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy (4pm - 7pm) Saturday 6 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Shania Twain Tribute Show (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Tailgate Party - Best of Modern Country (7pm - 10pm) Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (1pm - 5pm) Sunday 7 December Airlie Beach Hotel: Luke Combs Tribute (2pm - 5.30pm) Airlie Beach Hotel: Pau
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December 4 Bunnings Family Night, Bunnings Carpark, 4pm - 7pm 5 Chez’s House Of Dance & Whitsunday Allstars Annual Showcase 2025, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 12pm 5 74 Islands Christmas Cocktail Club, Elmenta Whitsundays, from 5pm 6 Journey to JOY by NewLife Whitsundays, 26 Paluma Rd, from 5pm 7 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 7 Proserpine Community Christmas Markets, Proserpine State School Cyclone Shelter on Sherry Street, from 8:30am 7 Whitsunday Surf Saving
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Airlie Beach is getting ready to ring in the New Year with one of its biggest celebrations yet, as the Airlie Beach Hotel prepares to host a massive New Year’s Eve countdown headlined by Big City Beat’s electrifying Bruno Mars Tribute titled Australian Bruno Mars Show The internationally toured Melbourne group, known for their high-energy stagecraft and dynamic ensemble, will debut in Airlie Beach with a full-scale New Years Eve production built around the Bruno Mars party set that has taken th
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The Gentle Soul with a Heart of Gold Beautiful Marla has already proven herself to be one incredible mum — and now it’s her turn to be loved and cared for the way she’s always deserved. After raising her gorgeous litter with patience and devotion, Marla is ready to start her next chapter — one filled with calm days, soft beds, and the comfort of a family who’ll treasure her. She’s a Staffy mix with the sweetest nature — affectionate, loyal, and always ready for a cuddle. Marla loves human comp
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Some places in life etch themselves into memory. The Whitsundays leaves an imprint that lasts a lifetime, and a considerable part of the reason is thanks to the diverse wildlife that inhabits out whitsunday islands. On one of my strolls, I realised the true colourful chorus of birds we have. While we may be known for our cockatoos and kookaburras, there are so many weird and wonderful birds that inhabit the Whitsundays. Birds You’ve Probably Seen, but Never Named Some of my favourite birds to
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The Great Barrier Reef’s Unlikely Eco-Engineers Despite their name, sea cucumbers are not fruits, vegetables or any sort of plant. They’re animals—ancient, slow-moving, wonderfully strange animals that have been cleaning and recycling the ocean floor for millions of years. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea and are close relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. More than 1,700 species are found worldwide, living on the seafloor from shallow coral reefs to the inky darkness of the de
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U11s Girls The U11 Pitties Girls returned to Proserpine High this week, facing the Norths Devils in sweltering conditions and on a thick, heavy outfield that made boundaries hard to come by. Norths batted first after winning the toss, but the Pink Pitbulls were on top from the start. E. Brazil struck early with a peach of a delivery, finishing with 1-4 from three overs, while F. Gallagher added 1-6 off two. The rest of the bowling attack supported strongly, keeping runs tight and creating run-o
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Port Denison Gun Club finished the year on a high note with its November/Christmas Shoot over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. Shooters from across the region, including Burdekin, Charters Towers, Dysart, Karumba, Mackay/Sarina, Normanton, Silkwood and Townsville, joined local competitors for a weekend of spirited competition. The weather provided a challenge, with strong winds on Saturday giving way to hotter, but breezier conditions on Sunday, much to the relief of participa
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The Bowen Under-14 junior cricket team travelled to Home Hill on 30 November 2025 for a competitive match that showcased strong team performances. Electing to field first, Bowen’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Coen Edgerton and Mitchell Hearn started strongly, keeping the run rate under control, before Coen broke through to dismiss one of the opening batsmen. The team continued to apply pressure with tight bowling and sharp fielding, highlighted by a spectacular diving catch from Matt Brazi
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As the year winds down, social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club will conclude for 2025, with the last day of play scheduled for Sunday, December 14. The club plans to reopen on Sunday, January 24, 2026, with an Australia Day-themed event. Members are encouraged to get creative with their outfits to celebrate both the start of the year and Australia Day. On Wednesday, seven players enjoyed an afternoon of bowls. Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown recorded a convincing win over Barry Zillmann and Sand
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The Cannonvale Cannons have wrapped up a huge fortnight of racing, delivering standout performances across three regional events. Last weekend, swimmers attended the 52nd Great Barrier Reef Long Course Transition Meet in Mackay, a club favourite hosted by Mackay Swimming Academy. Despite technical delays on Day One, the carnival proved worth the wait with strong results across the board. Notable PBs were recorded by Hamilton Anflous, Tyler Bennett, Declan Dichiera, Miller Eaves, Ruby Harland, S
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Friday the 21st saw picklers from the Gloucester Sport & Recreation Association out enjoying some festive fun as they celebrated both Christmas and their first anniversary. During the afternoon, members voted on a name for their new pickleball machine, purchased with support from a Whitsunday Regional Council grant. The winning name, Lobbie Lobster, has already become a favourite among players, helping them warm up and practise their shots. Eighteen players—mostly locals, along with two visitor
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Tuesday afternoon winners were Stumpy Adams, Lindy Suann, Shirley Jones and Cliff Querro, who defeated Kay Drury, Skin Querro, Deb Retchless and Margaret Wilson. The jackpot didn’t go off. Last week, Isobel Wheeler, a long-time member of the club, reached an important milestone—turning 90. Ladies President Margaret Wilson had the pleasure of presenting Isobel with her Matriarch badge in front of members and family. On Sunday morning, our bowls sections held their respective AGMs. Graeme Read ha
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The last week of spring is behind us and we’re about to enter the final month of the year, but nothing seems to slow the improvement of our bowlers, with another week of outstanding results. Tuesday afternoon social bowls showcased a brilliant performance from our little pocket rocket, Carol Crosbie, who is currently in a real purple patch with her accurate, precision bowling. She teamed up with Betty Whitehorn—also bowling with supreme confidence—and shared lead duties with Wendy Pomeroy and Me
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The 2025 season has officially come to a close for Cannonvalley Pony Club, marking the end of another successful, safe, and enjoyable year of riding, learning, and community spirit. Members, families, and friends came together for a fantastic end-of-season break-up party, filled with fun games, laughter, and a great chance to catch up without the horses. The celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year and recognise the dedication of everyone who contr
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The Whitsunday Swimming Club wrapped up the first half of the 2025/2026 season in style with a festive final club night for 2025 on Monday. Swimmers came together for an evening of laughter, fun swims, Christmas carols, and plenty of food. The festivities were even brightened by a visit from the club’s resident Frogette. The season so far has been busy, with swimmers competing at a range of meets, including: Cannonvale SC Meet Gardens SC Meet QLD SC Championships Townsville Tourists Meet Whitsu
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School’s out across the Mackay region, and for the Class of 2025, the final bell has never sounded louder. Year 12 students have wrapped up exams, celebrations and long-held traditions as they get ready to step boldly into their next chapter. Last week, Whitsunday Anglican School farewelled its seniors with the annual Walk of Honour — a moment echoed in spirit across the region as students gathered to applaud their graduates. Now, the Class of 2025 prepares to scatter into apprenticeships, uni
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Hi lovely readers! I’m back from my little holiday, and I had such a wonderful time. Adam and I rolled out of bed last Friday around 4am, grabbed our camera gear, and hit the road up to Cape Hillsborough. The fog settled over the canefields and mountains, and we just knew it was going to be an awesome day! Of course, we made a little pit stop at the Farleigh servo to grab some breaky before hitting the road again. Once we arrived, I eagerly hopped out of the car, set up my camera, and raced
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In moments of heartbreak, kindness has a way of shining its brightest — and for one local family, the compassion shown by first responders and medical staff has become a source of comfort during an incredibly painful time. In a heartfelt message shared with the community, a daughter has expressed her deep appreciation for everyone who helped her father on Sunday. “On behalf of my Mum, my siblings, and myself, we would like to express our greatest gratitude to the Queensland Ambulance, Care Fli
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