Whitsunday Regional Council has developed ‘Whitsunday 2030’, a draft Economic Development Strategy for the region.

Council is looking for feedback from residents to develop the draft strategy into a final ‘roadmap’ for the Whitsundays.

Consultation is now open and closes on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

See below for information about how to have your say.

You can also visit council’s engagement team, to discuss the draft strategy, at upcoming consultation events, including:

• Proserpine Freshfields Shopping Centre – Thursday, April 17, 2025 – 12pm to 4.30pm
• Whitsunday Shopping Centre (Cannonvale) – Thursday, April 24, 2025 – 2pm to 6pm.

In a statement council said:

We are excited to announce that we have developed the draft Whitsunday 2030: Economic Development Strategy — and we want your feedback!

This bold new strategy outlines our vision to grow a thriving, resilient, and diverse economy, through 18 targeted actions across the following pillars:

• Strategic investment – Attracting and facilitating investment to grow established industries and emerging sectors
• Business and employment growth – Workforce development, skills training, supply chain growth and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
• Prosperous places – Enhancing the Whitsundays as the premier destination to visit, live and learn.

Developed with input from local stakeholders, data and research, this is your chance to help shape our final roadmap.

You can view the draft strategy and fact sheet here.

Have your say via our Online Engagement Portal or complete a hardcopy survey at council’s customer service centres and libraries.

See project page – https://bit.ly/Whit2030

Next Friday, April 25, 2025, boutique live-a-board vessel ‘Summer Jo’ will set off on a three-day, three-night cruise for a world-first experience: ‘Wicked’ the movie, screened in the open air, on the ocean.

Approved for sea screening, the musical blockbuster will be shown on deck under a star-filled sky, with the Great Barrier Reef as the backdrop.

“For the first time ever, movie buffs can experience ‘Wicked’ in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings, beneath the stars, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Great Barrier Reef,” a spokesperson for ‘Summer Jo’ said.

“Guests can literally sing their hearts out into the sea breeze.

“It’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, theatre and adventure, all at once.”

‘Summer Jo’ is the only live-a-board vessel in the Whitsundays offering dive courses and unforgettable night dives.

With just 33 guests, ‘Summer Jo’ blends underwater exploration with intimate, creative experiences.

The trip includes:

• Snorkelling and diving on the outer reef
• Time to unwind on iconic Whitehaven Beach
• Optional PADI dive courses (Open Water and Advanced)
• Gourmet meals and luxury comfort onboard
• The one-night-only cinema screening of ‘Wicked’ under the stars

Prices start at $695 per person, with all meals included. Guest must be minimum 12 years old.

“With limited capacity, and a one-off screening date, the ‘Wicked Under the Stars’ event is expected to sell out quickly,” the spokesperson said.

Availability is as follows:

• Share Single with Ensuite x 12
• Share Double with Ensuite x 2
• Private Twin Cabin with Ensuite x 1
• Private Double Cabin with Ensuite x 2
• Private Queen Cabin with Ensuite x 2

The cruise departs at 4pm, on Friday, April 25, 2025, from the Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach.

Will you wear green for Elphaba or pink for Glinda?

Bookings and details: www.summerjo.com.au.

The White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, proudly presented by 74 Islands Distillery and Fish D’vine Catering, returns to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach for two exclusive dates, on September 12 and 13, 2025.

This ultimate bucket-list Whitsundays experience invites guests to don their finest white attire for an unforgettable day of barefoot luxury, premium dining, and vibrant live music.

All this is set against the stunning backdrop of the turquoise Coral Sea and the pristine white sands of Whitehaven Beach.

“We are honoured and excited to partner with the Fish D’vine team for three years of White on Whitehaven,” General Manager of 74 Islands Distillery Glenn Hitch said.

“What better way to savour the essence of the Whitsundays than by sipping a 74 Islands Distillery cocktail on Whitehaven Beach, made with pure Whitsundays rainwater? This is as close to tasting paradise as it gets!”

The naming sponsor partnership will see 74 Islands Distillery featured throughout the event – from welcome cocktails to a show-stopping gin-cured Atlantic salmon dish as part of the culinary lineup.

Live music will be provided by Hot Potato Band, a high-energy, seven-piece brass collective from Sydney known for their interactive performances and infectious festival vibes.

The day begins with a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, before guests step ashore onto Whitehaven Beach, where the iconic sands are transformed into an open-air, oceanfront restaurant.

Greeted with Taittinger Champagne, freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters, salmon sashimi and exquisite canapés, guests will embark on a culinary adventure curated by Fish D’vine’s Kevin Collins and team.

New in 2025, the menu will feature returning crowd favourites and exciting new additions, including:

• 74 Islands gin-cured Atlantic salmon
• Local tiger prawns and bugs
• Barramundi fillets
• Chargrilled spatchcock
• The iconic melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef fillet

“Go figure,” Fish D’Vine chef/owner Kevin Collins said.

“We showcase the best local and Australian seafood on Australia’s most famous beach, surrounded by pristine ocean — and our beef steals the show every year.”

Lunch is served buffet-style under a breezy white marquee, paired with a premium beverage package featuring Taittinger Champagne, Australian wines, premium beers, cocktails and soft drinks.

Guests can finish the afternoon with fresh tropical fruit and indulgent desserts, carried around by roaming wait staff (often waist-deep in the water!) as the music plays on and the sun dips low.

“This event is fast becoming one of the most sought-after experiences in the Whitsundays,” Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said.

“With its winning combination of iconic Whitehaven Beach, locally sourced seafood, and premium beverages, it continues to draw visitors from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, year after year.”

TICKETS & INCLUSIONS

Tickets are $549 per person and include:

• Return air-conditioned cruise transfers from Port of Airlie to Whitehaven Beach
• Champagne, oysters, sashimi and canapés on arrival
• Gourmet buffet lunch of fresh seafood, BBQ meats and salads
• Dessert platters and fresh tropical fruit
• Premium drinks package (Taittinger Champagne, 74 Islands Distillery cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks)
• Live entertainment by Hot Potato Band.

Tickets are strictly limited, with around one-third already sold in pre-sale. To purchase your ticket click here.

For more information please email info@whiteonwhitehaven.com.au or call 0418 155 542.

The release of resident assistance grants for lifestyle mitigations will provide practical solutions that help offset impacts of Flying Fox roosts including noise, odour and property damage.

Council secured a $46,000 State Government grant and is contributing $20,000 to assist residents directly impacted by Flying Fox roosts in urban areas.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative responded to community concerns and ensures support for those most impacted.

“This funding allows residents to implement lifestyle mitigations that make a real difference,” Mayor Collins said.

“Eligible residents can claim up to 75 per cent of costs, up to $3,000, to offset the challenges posed by Flying Fox roosts.”

Council has trialled intervention measures, since 2021, with mixed success.

While high-intensity methods have had limited results, this funding offers an alternative approach without restricting future options.

During the Flying Fox Policy and Plan consultation, undertaken in July 2024, a subsidy was suggested by the community as one of the management options that could help affected residents.

Councillor Michelle Wright reaffirmed Council’s commitment to ongoing support for affected residents.

“This funding is just one of several tools available, and Council remains open to future interventions where appropriate,” Cr Wright said.

“We recognise the challenges faced by impacted residents and will continue to explore solutions that balance conservation with community wellbeing.”

Residents with Flying Foxes on their property will be prioritised, however, residents within 100 metres of a roost can apply, with case-by-case assessments available for others significantly impacted.

Fact sheets and application forms are available via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, Your Say Whitsunday, or at a Customer Service Centre.

Funding is open until February 2026 or until fully allocated.

For more information and to apply, visit https://yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/collinsville-flying-fox-resident-assistance-grant.

Or contact Council’s Customer Service team on 1300 972 753.

Proudfoot & Friends is billed as a ‘foot-stomping, rib-tickling, toe-tapping time of your life’!

The Proudfoot & Friends stage show spectacular is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Join award-winning children’s performer Lucas Proudfoot and a cast of unforgettable characters on a non-stop musical adventure around ‘Pelican Bay’.

The kids will meet wise, respected elder Aunty May, cheeky best friends Ned and Sis, and all their magical animal friends including Hopa-tee-woo Kangaroo, Boompa-tee-moo Emu, Big-Gulp Pelican and everyone’s favourite, Ruby the Frog!

But watch out for Cane Toad Bill and Fruit Bat Charlie from Smelly Mud Swamp – those shady characters are always up to no good…

The groundbreaking comedy-musical features state-of-the-art digital puppeteering and choreographed animated projections that delight and captivate little ones, as Lucas leads them on a hilarious interactive singalong adventure.

Join Proudfoot & Friends for story time like you’ve never seen it before these Easter school holidays.

Age Recommendation: 3 – 7 years old.

Cost: All Tickets $15 | PEC member prices available.

Time: 10am – 10.45am.

While most events in the region had been cancelled because of the monsoon weather, the runners relished the opportunity to run on a very technical course reminiscent of traditional cross-country events in the UK and Europe – wet, muddy and slippery.

The event – held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 – showcased the runners’ talents for those aged between four and 75 years old over distances from 1km to 10kms.

Whitsunday Running Club members featured prominently in the senior races, with Billy Grogan finishing second behind Max McDonald, from Tully, in the 10km race.

Jeff Greenwood, from the club, came in third and Liv Compton won the ladies title ahead of her teammate Aimee Sulzberger, and Sarah Manttan from Mackay.

Six new records were set by:

· Roland Henderson from the Whitsunday Running Club in the 50-59 age category over 8kms

· Morgan Faulkner, from Alligator Creek, representing All Sports Speed and Endurance Training in the Women Under 20 over 6kms

· Charli Johnson from Shoal Point representing Asset Running in the Under 12 Girls over 3kms

· Julie Smith from Mission Beach in the Under 9/10 Girls over 1km  

· Local Under 5/6 Boy Taj Coggan also in the 1km.

The fastest male 2km lap of the day was run by Toby Rule of ‘Rules of Running’ in the last leg of the 6km relay in a time of 6:24, just eclipsing Nicholas Dixon-Grover’s hot lap of 6:50 in his 6km race.

The fastest female 2km lap was run by local girl Shailee Mewha of ‘Rules of Running’ in 7:52 in her 3km race, just beating Cannon Valley runner Peppa Geisel’s 7:53 lap in the relay.

Overall winners of the other races were:

· Race Two (8km): Toby Rule

· Race Three (6km): Nicholas Dixon-Grover and Morgan Faulkner

· Race Four (4km): August Cole and Peppa Geisel

· Race Five (3km): Shailee Mewha and Charlie Mabb

· Race Six (2km): Kallen Lomman and Georgia Turner

· Race Seven (7km): Julie Smith and Theo Connell.

The oldest competitors, who were crowned North Queensland Champions in their age groups, were Whitsunday Running Club member Sylvie Thureau Martin (70+) and Michael Davidson from ‘On the Run’ (70+).

Event manager and president of the Whitsunday Running Club Tim McQuoid-Mason said, “The talent on show today was impressive with some very competitive races.

“There were many highlights but watching Toby Rule of the ‘Trail Troublemakers’ reeling in Morgan Faulkner of the ‘Banana Stars’ with 50 metres to go, in the last leg of the relay, was most probably the best one.”

The support from Athletics North Queensland, an affiliate of Queensland Athletics, ensured that the day went off without a hitch.

Their general manager Brad Taylor said, “it’s great to see how well long-distance running is developing in North Queensland and to watch them showing off their skills at this special venue.”

For more information and full results for the various age categories go to: www.runcrosscountry.com.au

The weekend will commence with the Va’a Moana Hoe, Shute Harbour to Lagoon Beach, 20km marathon race.

The events will continue across Saturday and Sunday at Lagoon Beach, in Airlie, with the number of competitors, and their accompanying family and friends, providing a welcome visitor boost for the region.

Tassal Aussie Seafood has generously agreed to be the major event sponsor.

Club President Kim Dodds is delighted with preparations for the event and race director Terry Kemp has predicted some very competitive and spirited racing.

As a consequence of a very successful ‘come and try’ program, held earlier this year, head coaches Michelle Lynes and Maree Mullett are excited that local novice paddlers will have their first authentic racing opportunity at Airlie Beach.

“Paddlers of all ages will be competing from far and wide and we encourage the local community to come along and enjoy the spectacle,” club spokesman Paul Tobias said.

“Veteran paddler Glen Bray has been working with the committee to ensure the best program possible for competitors and spectators alike.

“Save the date and come along and enjoy the fun.”

The group brings together regional business leaders to drive strategic discussions and strengthen the united voice of the Whitsunday business community.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said the group was a ‘strategic think tank’.

“The Advisory Group will serve as a strategic think tank, reinforcing the Chamber’s position as the ‘go-to’ source of regional business expertise for all levels of government,” Mr Milostic said.

In its inaugural meeting, last week, the Advisory Group reinforced the need to tackle pressing business challenges.

These challenges include red tape reduction, road quality and safety, and workforce availability and productivity.

Looking ahead, the group encouraged the Chamber to explore future-focused initiatives.

These included championing tradies, supporting young entrepreneurs, establishing special interest groups to advise on specific issues and precincts, and strengthening the region’s support of a university hub and research centres.

Learn more about the Advisory Group and its members: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/introducing-the-whitsundays-chamber-advisory-group/

Queensland Small Business Month event

Registrations are now open for the Chamber’s Queensland Small Business Month event.

The event will be held from 7.30am to 9am, on Tuesday, May 13, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach.

Guest speakers include Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.

They will explore the following with the region’s business community, including ways we can increase collaboration to drive positive change:

• Election Promise Report Card – Progress updates on road improvements, red tape reduction, and small business priorities.
• Lessons from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred – Exploring the impact of recent weather events and strategies for future resilience.

Registrations are open – please visit: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/queensland-small-business-month/.

The Screaming Jets, Jessica Mauboy and Diesel – icons who’ve filled stadiums and soundtracked generations – are just a taste of the legends hitting the Whitsundays, from November 7 to 9, 2025.

But forget what you know about festivals. 

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music isn’t just about setlists and schedules – it’s about diving headfirst into an adventure in one of the most spectacular locations on the planet! 

There’s no better anthem for this festival than ‘Run to Paradise’.  

Picture this – the main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club sits right on the Coral Sea foreshore, with other world-class acts such as the Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Bachelor Girl and Jayne Denham playing under the big top tent, as the Whitsunday Islands set the backdrop.  

And the music?  It doesn’t stay in one place.  

From intimate gigs in cafes, to rock ‘n roll bands in bars, the entire town of Airlie Beach becomes one giant stage.

While a lot of festivals are falling by the wayside, frontman of The Screaming Jets Dave Gleeson hands it to the team behind the Airlie Beach Festival of Music for keeping the spirit alive.

“It takes guts to keep pushing forward in this climate, but they’re doubling down to create a community, a vibe and a space where we can all just be in the moment,” he said

“I’m stoked to be part of it this November and can’t wait to experience it all.”

And it’s not just the big names making waves.  

Last year’s ‘Passport to Airlie’ winner, Tom Neilson, is returning to take centre stage, kicking off Friday night’s entertainment right after this year’s champion is crowned.  

From winning the country’s largest live original music discovery platform to launching into the festival spotlight, Neilson’s journey is proof that Airlie Beach Festival of Music isn’t just about celebrating legends – it’s about discovering them.

Festival Director Gavin ‘Butto’ Butlin knows it’s the depth of talent that makes the festival a stand-out, with favourites such as Hillbilly Goats, James Bennett and Andy Penkow also added to the lineup.

“It’s like throwing every musical flavour into a blender and hitting ‘puree’ – you get over 60 acts from every corner of the country, serving up everything from acoustic vibes to high voltage anthems,” Mr Butlin said.

“One minute you’re swaying to a soulful ballad, the next you’re front row, fists in the air, screaming lyrics with a packed-out crowd. That’s the magic.”

Airlie Beach isn’t just hosting a festival – it’s living it.  

From the sponsors and partners, to small businesses and passionate volunteers, the community’s unwavering support powers this event.  

It’s an all-in collaboration that turns the festival into something unforgettable, year after year.

If you needed another reason to lock in your leave and pack your party shoes, Airlie Beach Festival of Music was named one of the top four ‘Festival of the Year’ finalists at the Queensland Music Awards! 

And why stop at just the festival? 

Extend your stay and swap your festival wristband for a snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef or leave your footprints on the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach.

The message?  This isn’t just another festival – it’s one of the best destination music events in the country. 

Be part of the escape.  Be part of the experience.

Airlie Beach Festival of Music. November 7 to 9, 2025.  Tickets on sale now!  

www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.

This was borne out by the turnout at Sunday’s inaugural ‘Epic Walk for DV’ and the amount of money raised in support of women and children experiencing domestic violence.

More than 400 people braved the heat, humidity and threat of rain, to walk 5kms from the Coral Sea Marina and stand in solidarity with those attending parallel events in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

More than $56,000 came from the Whitsundays on that day alone, contributing to a massive total of $321,339 raised for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), across three events.

In the 2023 Financial Year, the WLSQ Statewide Helpline answered 16,000 calls from women impacted by domestic violence. In just one year that number has increased by 28 per cent.

WLSQ Practice Director Kimberly Allen, whose determination to walk in the Whitsundays saw her re-route flights through a pre-event wet season deluge, said she wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

“The Epic Walk for DV has been running for a few years now but this is the first year that it’s been here in Airlie Beach and what an incredible turnout for a truly epic morning,” she said.

“At Women’s Legal Service Queensland, we’re so incredibly grateful for all the support from this community – we’ve seen this region and this community mobilise like nothing else and it’s making an incredible difference.

“WLSQ is a statewide service, so the support shown here today, and in the other locations where the Epic Walks are taking place, will mean that we can help more women and children all across Queensland.

“Everything that everyone is doing – every step they’ve taken, every dollar donated, every raffle ticket sold – creates safer futures for women and children all across the state.”

Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm, who is also Queensland’s Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, said having previously attended the Brisbane event, being able to now walk with her home community was especially significant.

“To see over 400 registrations from people who have come out today to support the Epic Walk is an incredible achievement for our community and the first of many, I’m sure, to come,” Ms Camm said.

“With the increase in domestic and family violence across our communities, an initiative like the Epic Walk starts a conversation, as well as raising incredible funding to support those who most need it and, in particular, providing that legal support.”

Coral Sea Marina CEO Kate Purdie, whose team co-hosted the event alongside her ‘other’ team of WLSQ fundraising ‘Dancing CEOs’, thanked the many sponsors, donors, walkers, and ‘all of the people who got involved today to make it a great success’.

“What an outstanding show of support we’ve had today from our local Whitsundays community,” she said.

“We’ve had incredible sponsors, volunteers, and so many people walking; we’ve had children, pets, families, co-workers and big teams.

“It’s been an overwhelming success and we’re so grateful to our community for showing up for women and children who are impacted by domestic violence – on behalf of the Coral Sea Marina and Dancing CEOs, thank you all so much.”

Whitsunday Mayoress Mel Collins, who is also the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Patron – and who attended the event with her husband, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins – said a heartfelt ‘thank you’ of her own.

“You’ve been tireless champions for this cause ladies; your leadership, energy and commitment over the past six months have helped bring this movement to life in our region, so thank you,” she said.

Ms Collins also paid tribute to the walk’s founders Brendon Mann (Epic Hair Designs) and Brendan Smith (Network 10).

“They understood that creating change starts with community and with courage,” she said.

“So together everybody, lets keep walking, keep talking, and keep building a safer future for everyone.”

The four Whitsundays Dancing CEOs will now focus on the final major event in their campaign to raise money and awareness for WLSQ – the gala dance competition at Brisbane City Hall, on May 31.

The ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ are: Kate Purdie – Coral Sea Marina, Julie Telford – SeaLink Whitsundays, Candice Crossley – Whitsunday Transit, Alice Harriott – Whitsunday Family Dental, and team mentor, Katelyn Aslett-Collins – Taste Whitsundays.

For more information, and to stay up to date with their progress, follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.

All photos by Phill Gordon, Riptide Creative.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EPIC WALK SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS:

Coral Sea Marina Resort, Whitsunday Transit, SeaLink Whitsundays, Whitsunday Family Dental, Taste Whitsundays, My Giving Table, Brilliant Media Co, Kickass Women Mackay, Whitsunday Regional Council, Amanda Camm MP, Riptide Creative, Retina Visions, FISHI Whitsundays, Bendigo Bank Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, Big W, Rotary Club Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Services, McGrath Real Estate, Spark Life, Whitsunday Zonta, D’Vine Catering and Events, Woolworths Cannonvale, Coles Cannonvale, Chasing Te Ra, Motherhood & Matrescence, Mackay Women’s Services, DV Safe Phone, Whitsunday Audio Visual, Pioneer Adventures, Ocean Rafting, Oz Sail, Airlie Beach Fishing Charters, Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays, Skin Esteem, The Garden Bar Bistro, Café One 3, Whisper Cruises, Cruise Whitsundays, Life Publishing Group, Adam & Eve Hair, Church’s Tactical and Outdoor Townsville, Great Barrier Reef Festival, The Fat Frog Beach Café.