Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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The highly anticipated return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival September 12-14, 2025 marks an exciting opportunity for writers of all ages across Australia. The festival announces the launch of the 2025 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering substantial prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary landscape. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to
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The Whitsunday Regional Council is calling on federal support to help bring a world-class Marine Discovery Centre to life, spotlighting the Whitsundays’ critical role as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Despite welcoming around 50% of all Reef visitors, the region currently lacks a dedicated reef education centre - something Council says needs to change urgently. With a funding ask of $4.5 million, Council’s vision for the Whitsunday Marine Discovery Centre includes interactive virtual exp
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Local author and humanitarian Sandy Clark will launch her powerful new memoir, Anyone Can Become a Princess, at Eastwoods in Airlie Beach on June 24. The event, running from 6pm to 9pm, forms part of the “Africa Calls” charity cocktail party supporting Dignity Zambia - Clark’s long-running charitable initiative. Published by international house Austin Macauley Publishers (London, Cambridge, New York, Sharjah), Anyone Can Become a Princess tells the remarkable true story of Sandy’s unexpected ro
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After relocating from Sydney, Mark Edgar and Anna Panton identified a gap in the local market and established Whitsunday European Prestige. They found no nearby services for European cars, and since they had run European Prestige successfully in Sydney for many years, they decided to bring their concept to their new location in 2016. Whitsunday European Prestige specializes exclusively in European car brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Fiat, Peugeot, and Bentley. While the wor
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Get ready to dust off your flared jeans and platform shoes, The Yachtski Brothers are cruising into Airlie Beach for a weekend of retro grooves and outrageous fun as part of the Airlie Beach Hotel’s 57th birthday celebrations. Making their Queensland debut, the band is known for their high-energy performances, vintage fashion, and a stage show that’s as much theatre as it is music. Drummer and Manager Tom Coppolas said the group is thrilled to be bringing their unique act north. Tom said The Y
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A spur-of-the-moment decision saw 20-year-old Mac Rogers change the trajectory of his life when he came across an ad for the YouFor2032 Olympic Testing Sessions and decided to give it a try. After tests that included the beep test, sprints, pull-ups, and detailed physical measurements such as height, wingspan, and body composition, the combined data revealed that Mac had the potential to excel in as many as five sports. He was told he could succeed in beach volleyball, pole vault, boxing, cano
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At the Metropole Hotel Proserpine, they believe in more than just great service, they believe in the community. At the driving force behind the retail and corporate liquor sales division is Bruce Spannagle. With over 20 years of experience in the liquor industry, Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping local businesses and customers alike. Whether you're a café, restaurant, event organiser, or small business, Bruce and the Metropole team are there to ma
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Proserpine State High School student Allegra Bradley has returned to Australia after her life-changing Anzac Tour of Europe walking in the footsteps of our Anzacs. The trip was made possible because Allegra was named one of the eight Premier’s Anzac Prize recipients from across Queensland for 2025. As part of the application process, Allegra had to submit a video research project about a local service person. “I met with local historians and ex-service men who were very kind to share with me
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Television presenter Greg Grainger has been in Bowen and Collinsville filming for an episode of “Travel Oz”. The show is expected to be aired on Channel 7TWO at 8.30am on Saturday, May 17. It will also be aired on international TV. The crew were hosted by Bowen Tourism and Business with co-sponsors – Rose Bay Beach Caravan Park, the Collinsville Community Association, Meraki Whitsundays, and the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said
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Proserpine Golf Club celebrated its centenary in style with a three-day golf festival over the weekend. Friday kicked off with a 9-hole competition followed by sunset canapés, with ticket options including golf and gift packs or an evening of gourmet treats. Saturday upped the ante with an 18-hole showdown and a celebration dinner, offering a three-course feast and great company. The festivities wrapped up on Sunday with a 3-Ball Ambrose event, where teams were invited to tee off in a friendl
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Bowen State High School is set to bring the house down with its production of ‘School of Rock’, a high-energy musical based on the 2003 Paramount film. The story follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher and secretly transforms his straight-A students into a rock band in time for the Battle of the Bands. Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes, ‘School of Rock’ has enjoyed global success and now the Bowen stude
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What a week at ATE25! Tourism Whitsundays was proud to represent our region on the global stage in Brisbane. Alongside 10 passionate operators, we formed Team Whitsundays, showcasing the very best of our destination to the world. Across four busy days, we held 84 appointments with international buyers from over 30 countries. Each meeting was an opportunity to highlight the unique experiences and natural beauty that make The Whitsundays so special. Beyond the tradeshow floor, the famil program
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The weather this past week has certainly been a mixed bag, but there’s been a lot of you making the best of it and catching great fish despite it. One thing’s for sure – the drop in humidity has been welcomed by all! Dam The dam has been producing some good barramundi over the past week, particularly in the bays and creeks in the southern part. There have also been some cracking sooty’s coming over the side as a bycatch. The water temperature is starting to drop, which means it’s a great time
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This past week I had the privilege of joining fellow Mayors Greg Williamson (Mackay) and Kelly Vea Vea (Isaac) in Brisbane, as part of a united Greater Whitsunday delegation led by GW3. Over two days, we proudly showcased the strength and opportunity of our region to key state decision-makers – culminating in the Greater Possibilities Showcase at Queensland Parliament House, attended by more than 90 ministers, Director-Generals and invited guests. The flavours of our region made the journey wi
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Social bowls enthusiasts made the most of mixed weather conditions last week, with several solid performances on the green and the long-anticipated return of Barefoot Bowls. On Wednesday, ten players took part in social games, with Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown claiming a convincing 28–11 win over Alen Sanderson and Barry Zillmann. Meanwhile, the trio of Aurora, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown secured a 24–15 victory over Arthur Griffith, John Anderson, and Sandy Daffara. Friday night saw the s
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With Easter and Anzac Day behind us, members of the Airlie Beach Bowls Club paused to reflect on the sacrifices of our service men and women. We are reminded how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country—especially here in our own slice of paradise. Tuesday morning saw continued action in the Ladies Singles and Pairs competitions, with only one social game played, meaning no prizes were awarded for the day. On Wednesday, Ted Cullen and Noel Crosbie dominated the green, w
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All five Sea Eagles AFL teams braved the wet and windy conditions for the home crowd on the weekend with some great results. Lots of supporters were out and about also making the most of having footy back at The Nest, enjoying the new rendition of the Sea Eagles Club song multiple times with wins throughout the day. Sea Eagles Senior Men clashed with Mackay City Hawks using the wind to their advantage in the first quarter, able to hold that lead for the remainder of the game running out winners
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The Airlie Beach Hotel is turning 57, and following last years spectacular birthday, the pub is turning up the volume for this year! To kick off the birthday, ‘The Yachtski Brothers’ will be hitting the stage, they will be bringing a vibe to the party that has never been seen before. Although their vibe is unmatched, The Pub is urging all of you to get up in 70’s and 80’s gear, a vibe many remember. Everyone is encouraged to get dressed up and arrive in style. There will also be Birthday Cake
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May 8 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival 8th – 11th | Exhibition Opening Night 6:30pm 9 Mamma Mia, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm 10 Art in the Park, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:00am - varied class start times. Bookings required for class participation, $25pp. Exhibition free. 10 Car Boot Sale, Airlie Beach Bowls Club, 9:00am-3:00pm **11 Mother’s Day ** 11 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am 11 Handmade & Homecrafted Markets, Ke
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Friday 9th The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: Julias Dator (from 8pm) Saturday 10th May The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Shania Twain Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm) Grand View Hotel: 80s to the MAX (from 8pm) Coral Sea Pavillion: (Live Music & DJ Session 1pm – 6pm) Sunday 11th May (MOTHER’S DAY) The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Shania Twain Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm) The Pub, Airlie Beac
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Young athletes from across the region will take to the fields this Friday, 9 May, as the Whitsunday Touch Association hosts its highly anticipated Touch Football School Trials at Club Whitsunday. The trials are expected to draw a strong turnout of talented students, all vying for selection and keen to showcase their skills, teamwork, and fitness on the field. Touch football, a fast-paced and strategic non-contact sport, continues to grow in popularity throughout Queensland schools, and this loc
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Proserpine will come alive with colour, creativity and community spirit when the Rock Wallaby Festival comes to Proserpine from 8 to 11 May 2025. This event will celebrate local art, music and culture, with an exciting lineup of exhibitions, workshops, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The festivities begin on Thursday, 8 May, with the official Festival and Exhibition Opening Night from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will feature the announcement of the Art Exhibition winners, the launch o
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A significant fire broke out at a Hostel in Bowen last Wednesday morning 30th April, and sadly a fatality has been confirmed. At approximately 3:30am a large-scale response was initiated by emergency services after police were alerted to a building fully engulfed in flames on Gordon Street, following reports from concerned locals. Fire crews from the local station were swiftly deployed, with three teams arriving on scene around 3:40am. The fire, located near the intersection of Brisbane Stre
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Local author and writers’ mentor Richard Evans is set to captivate readers with his latest political thriller, 'Horrible People', the first in the Jack Hudson MP series. Drawing on his experience as a former federal politician and national industry leader, Evans brings a unique and authentic perspective to political storytelling. Evans believes apathy towards politics often breeds scepticism and discontent. 'Horrible People' explores this idea through a compelling narrative filled with page-tur
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Following a successful 2024 event, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is thrilled to announce its 2025 From the Heart Keynote speaker—Dr Anita Heiss. An award-winning author of 25 books, Dr Heiss is a proud Wiradyuri woman, Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassador, and Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland. Her novels include Manhattan Dreaming, Tiddas, and Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms, with Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray winning the 2022 NSW Premier’s Literary Prize for In
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