But be quick, as ticket sales close at 10pm, on Wednesday, March 12.

Across Australia, one in six women is currently experiencing domestic violence, with many not knowing where to turn for help.

Here in the Whitsundays, this is why Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit), Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays) and Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental) have teamed up as ‘Dancing CEOs’.

Together, they are on a mission to raise funds and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) – an organisation assisting women to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

As part of their mission, this dynamic quartet is now asking the local community to ‘mask up to make a difference’ at this weekend’s ‘Team Whitsundays Masquerade Gala Ball’.

“We chose the masquerade theme for our next fundraiser specifically because it combines elements of a fabulous night out, such as black-tie-elegance, sophistication and mystery, with added symbolism that’s incredibly relevant to our cause,” Candice Crossley said.

“It’s not lost on us that many women impacted by domestic violence continually mask the horrors they endure and put on a brave face for the rest of the world.

“By collectively masking up ourselves, on March 15, we therefore honour these women and play a part in re-shaping their futures by empowering them with access to the support they need to regain control.”

Julie Telford added that creating this charity gala had only been possible thanks to the generous contributions of an army of sponsors donating to the night.

“It has taken not just a village but an entire community to produce an event of this calibre, so we encourage anyone who has not yet bought a ticket to do so before the cut-off at 10pm on Wednesday, March 12, and join us in making this a sell-out success,” she said.

Arriving at Whitsunday Regional Council’s Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, gala guests will be met by an atmosphere of glitz, glamour and the joy of heartfelt giving.

As the sun sets over the water, serves of FISHI Whitsundays freshly shucked oysters and seafood canapes will circulate, accompanied by the dulcet tones of renowned local musician Josiah, from Whitsunday Entertainment.

With photography by Brooke Miles and videography by Riptide Creative capturing the scene, the party will move from the lower deck to the ballroom, where stunning decor by Shivoo Event Hire awaits, generously sponsored by Vision Surveys, Explore Property Whitsunday and augmented by Restore Sleep Clinic.

The evening’s sit-down main course meal is an alternate drop of succulent salmon and steaks, followed by grazing stations filled with decadent desserts and cheese and charcuterie boards – all lovingly prepared by D’Vine Catering and Events, with support from Whitsunday Food Service.  

No one will go thirsty, with a fully stocked bar supplying beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, sponsored by Taste Whitsundays, with assistance from St Bebida Wines.  

A separate menu of live and silent charity auctions will flavour the next part of the night, overseen by charismatic MCs and ‘Epic Walk for DV’ founders, Brendan Smith and Brendan Mann, alongside WLSQ Ambassador Marisa Vecchio.

Auction prizes include a full-day superyacht experience on the MV Norseman, donated by Coral Sea Marina Resort owner, Paul Darrouzet, an Axe Throwing Adventure with NRL legend Brett Tate, a Heron Island Turtle Hatching Holiday with Fun Over 50 Holidays, a private dinner at Parliament House donated by Member for Whitsunday and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Amanda Camm, and many more.

At 9pm, ticket sales close on the Whitsunday Escape raffle for a luxury five-night bareboat charter aboard the brand-new Longreach 44 power catamaran, Bella Luna, valued at $13,750.

Whitsunday Escape General Manager Jaclyn Watson said, with only 250 tickets still left to sell, this was an opportunity not to be missed.

“The fact that the winner of this raffle will walk away with the holiday of a lifetime for as little as the $50 ticket price is incredible in itself, but what really matters to us is that everyone who has entered will have made a truly meaningful impact to the lives of thousands of women and children in Queensland, simply by doing so,” she said.  

Anyone wanting to buy raffle tickets prior to the gala can visit www.raffletix.com.au/whitsundayluxury2025.

Last but not least, guests will get to dance the remainder of the night away to the sounds of four-piece band ‘The Mojo’, sponsored by Pacific Coast Scaffolding, with all audio-visual production by Airlie Beach Music Centre.

At the end of the night, Whitsunday Transit buses will be on hand to transport everyone home.

Each of the Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs said a special ‘thank you’ was due to Team Mentor and WLSQ Ambassador Katelyn Aslett-Collins, for providing her ‘My Giving Table’ platform as the event booking site and overseeing co-ordination of the entire event.

Tickets cost $250 and are available via www.mygivingtable.com.au/event-details/masquerade-gala-ball.

For more information and online links follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.

FAST FACTS

WHAT: Masquerade Gala Ball

WHERE: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

WHEN: Saturday, March 15

TIME: 6pm

COST: $250pp

TO BOOK:  www.mygivingtable.com.au/event-details/masquerade-gala-ball

TICKET SALES CLOSE: 10pm Wednesday, March 12.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS:

Coral Sea Marina Resort, Whitsunday Transit, SeaLink Whitsundays, Whitsunday Family Dental, Taste Whitsundays, My Giving Table, Brilliant Media Co, D’Vine Catering and Events, Whitsunday Regional Council, Amanda Camm MP, Vision Surveys, Explore Property Whitsunday, Pacific Coast Scaffolding, Fun Over 50 Holidays, Whitsunday Escape, Shivoo Event Hire, Restore Sleep Clinic, FISHI Whitsundays, Whitsunday Food Service, Whitsunday Entertainment, Life Publishing Group, Brooke Miles Photography, Riptide Creative, Cruise Whitsundays, The Mojo, St Bebida Wines, Airlie Beach Music Centre, Chef Monique, Lake Proserpine Glamping, Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays, Majestic Art Tattoo, Jay Angel Signs, Whitsunday Private Charters, Adam and Eve Hair, The Fat Frog, Whitsunday News Newspaper.  

But Dr Harriott is no ordinary dentist.

She is also a ‘Dancing CEO’, raising money and awareness for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), in an effort to break the cycle of domestic violence across the state.

Dancing CEOs is WLSQ’s flagship fundraising initiative, through which 19 CEOs and business leaders – including ‘Team Whitsundays’ – will compete in a dance contest on May 31, 2025, at Brisbane City Hall.

Combining her roles as a dentist, fundraiser and now dancer, Dr Harriott has created two special raffle prizes, designed to transform both the winners’ and beneficiaries’ lives.

“For as little as $25 for one raffle ticket, you could win a dental care or comprehensive orthodontic package worth $9,000, provided by me at Whitsunday Family Dental Practice, or a comprehensive orthodontics package with my good friend and colleague, Dr Elizabeth Fisher, at Brisbane Orthodontics, valued at $10,000,” Dr Harriott said.

“These exclusive prizes cover everything you need for a perfect smile, including full orthodontic diagnosis and care, and even braces or aligners for the winner of the Whitsunday package receiving treatment with me.”

In a further gesture of generosity, Dr Harriott stressed that these prizes would be transferrable to other family members.

“Maybe you don’t need the work yourself but you might have a child who does, or even a good friend,” she said.

“Whoever you pick to receive this treatment, the end result will be the same – beautiful smiles for everyone involved, including the women and children that WLSQ will be able to help as a result of receiving your raffle ticket price.”

Tickets can be purchased online at https://pulse.ly/x3yk2qwyzp for the Whitsundays prize or https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=z354b&sref=xm8wtche for the Brisbane package, or alternatively by following the links in ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook posts.

All proceeds are donated to WLSQ through the Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs campaign, led by Dr Alice Harriott (Whitsunday Family Dental), Kate Purdie (Coral Sea Marina), Candice Crossley (Whitsunday Transit) and Julie Telford (SeaLink Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours).

The winners of the raffle will be announced at the Epic Walk for DV, at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens, on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

For more information on all upcoming fundraisers and events, follow the Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs Facebook page.

Taking place during the mornings, the performances include a medley of great singers and acts, all chosen for their ‘star quality’.

The Morning Melodies program for 2025 – at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre – is kicking off with The Great British Songbook.

A musical Brit-Pop feast not to be missed, The Great British Songbook is packed with classic hits from many of the biggest selling British bands of all time.

These include The Beatles, Queen, The Kinks, The Animals, Herman’s Hermits and Gerry and the Pacemakers.

As well as unforgettable songs from some of the greatest singers from the British music scene including Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, Engelbert Humperdinck, Matt Monro, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Cat Stevens and Leo Sayer.  

Featuring more than 20 hit songs from the 60s through to the 90s, The Great British Songbook, starring UK singer Craig Martin, is a nostalgic musical trip down memory lane.

Songs include Waterloo Sunset, Hey Jude, Your Song, Living Doll, I’m Into Something Good, It’s Not Unusual and You’ll Never Walk Alone, among many others.

It is also a tribute to the many Great British artists who have earned their place in The Great British Songbook.

The Great British Songbook is on at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11am. All Tickets $10.

Other upcoming Morning Melodies include Melinda Schneider, six-time Golden Guitar Award winner, who sings The Great Women of Country, in April.

And ‘From Stage to Screen’, with Jonathon Welch AM, in June.

This year’s event promises an immersive celebration for writers, readers, and lovers of stories.

With an exciting line-up of Australian authors, the September event will build on the success of the 2024 festival, becoming a cornerstone in the national cultural calendar, a spokesperson said.

In 2024, the Whitsundays welcomed Miles Franklin Award winner Shankari Chandran, alongside bestselling and award-winning literary figures including Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kristy Manning, Graeme Simsion, Nick Earls and Christos Tsiolkas.

The enthusiasm of both authors and readers inspired the festival committee to ensure a 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival would take place, and preparations are well underway.

The 2025 festival has taken the best from 2024 and enhanced events to provide an even more wonderful experience for attendees and participants.

The festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14, 2025, will feature international best-selling and award-winning Australian authors and local writers in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and author talks.

With a commitment to highlighting the region’s local authors, those interested in joining in are encouraged to connect with the festival.

The program also includes special events, as follows:

Friday evening opening event: Love Letter to Queensland.

Saturday evening: Poetry Karaoke at Whisper Bar, Cannonvale.

Saturday: Big Book Club High Tea at My Rainbow Cafe, Shingley Beach.

Sunday: Local Author Long Lunch, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the festival’s major venue partner.

Festival chairman Karen Jacobsen expressed her excitement.

“The feedback from the 2024 festival was off the charts, and bringing beloved authors to the Whitsundays is a golden opportunity for regional Queensland to connect and learn from some of our greatest writers,” Ms Jacobsen said.

“This event will bring together creative minds in the picturesque setting of the Whitsundays.

“What better place to immerse yourself in the brilliance of Australian literature?

“I highly recommend securing your festival pass and booking accommodation early, to fully enjoy the wonders of the Whitsundays, while indulging in the myriad events the festival has to offer.”

Make sure to mark your calendars for this unforgettable literary experience and stay tuned for further exciting announcements and author profiles, as the festival approaches.

Further details for booking tickets and expressions of interest for sponsors are available on the festival’s website: http://www.whitsundayswriters.com/. 

Dancing CEOs is the flagship fundraising initiative of the Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ), which helps tens of thousands of women impacted by domestic violence, every year.

The first event is on Saturday, March 15, when ‘Team Whitsundays’ Dancing CEOs will host a Masquerade Gala Ball, at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.

And on Sunday, March 30, the entire community is invited to the ‘Epic Walk for DV’, starting from and returning to the Coral Sea Marina Gardens, Airlie Beach.

Both events are fundraisers for WLSQ, which provides lifesaving, life-changing support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.

‘Team Whitsundays’ Dancing CEO Dr Alice Harriott said the Masquerade Gala Ball was designed to be a night of glitz, glamour and ‘wonderful, heartfelt giving’, blending dinner and dancing with auctions and action for an important cause.

“This is going to be a great night out for groups of friends, colleagues, couples and organisations from across the greater Whitsunday region, combining fun and elegant fashion with feel-good benefits from supporting people in need,” Dr Harriott said.

Guests will enjoy sumptuous seafood, a fabulous main meal, cheeseboards and delectable desserts, along with a fully stocked bar and live entertainment from four-piece band ‘The Mojo’.

Meanwhile, Coral Sea Marina CEO Kate Purdie said the Epic Walk for DV was designed to be ‘epic in name and impact, rather than in nature’, comprising simple loops around the Bicentennial Boardwalk and back.

“Anyone familiar with the weekly ‘Park Run’ will already know the route but, for those who don’t, we’ll have plenty of ground support on the day,” Ms Purdie said.

“This is going to be a fun, family-oriented event, so bring the kids, the dogs, your friends and your workmates, and sign up to start your own fundraising journey – either as individuals or as your own teams, that wider circles of friends and extended family can sponsor and support.”

On event day, participants will be asked to register in the Marina Gardens at 6am for a 7.30am start, wearing the purple T-shirt supplied as part of the sign-up kit.

Breakfast, games and live entertainment will be supplied.

For more information and online links follow the ‘Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs’ Facebook page.

MASQUERADE GALA BALL

WHERE: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2025

TIME: 6pm

COST: $250pp

TO BOOK:  www.mygivingtable.com.au/event-details/masquerade-gala-ball

EPIC WALK FOR DV

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens

WHEN: Sunday, March 30, 2025

TIME: 6am for a 7.30am start

COST: $24 adults, Kids Free

TO BOOK:  www.epicwalkfordv.com.au

The Queensland Music Awards (QMA) are an annual statewide awards celebrating emerging artists in Queensland, with an award ceremony to be held in Brisbane, on March 25, 2025.

Ms Jacobsen, who is also the co-founder of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and a professional motivational speaker, recorded the 10 original songs on The Slipstream remotely, from Airlie Beach to New York, with producer Matt Anthony of Engine Sound.

The music videos for the title track The Slipstream, and for the song Solace Calling, were filmed in the Whitsundays at Cannonvale Beach, Funnel Bay and Proserpine, and also at Cape Hillsborough.

Ms Jacobsen is passionate about promoting the region in her creative work.

The cover photograph was styled and filmed by Mackay creative Jason Chetcuti, at Mandalay House, Airlie Beach, thanks to Ray White Whitsunday and the owner of the property.

As co-founder of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival, there is cause for double celebration, as the annual event has been nominated in the Festival of the Year category.

In a coup for the region, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is also nominated in the same category.

“As an independent artist working to expand the arts and culture conversation in our regional area, it is a real win to receive an acknowledgment of this kind,” Ms Jacobsen said.

“Thank you for the continued support of Whitsunday Regional Council, the Regional Arts Development Fund, and Jess Begun, president of the Whitsundays Arts Festival.

“We are preparing to deliver the very successful Whitsundays Songwriter Festival for the fourth year, on June 7, 2025.”

The Queensland Music Awards have opened public voting for the People’s Choice Award, for Album of the Year and Festival of the Year, on the QMusic website: https://www.qmusic.com.au/pca/vote.

Anh Do – comedian, writer and talented portrait painter – is returning to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre with his show that leaves audiences ‘uplifted and quite simply experiencing… happiness’.

Anh’s bestselling book ‘The Happiest Refugee’ has made readers laugh and cry and was described by Russell Crowe as ‘the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.’

Anh’s stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.

The media are as impressed as the audiences, with The Sydney Morning Herald describing it as: ‘Irrepressible good humour, infectious energy and bright optimism’.

As well, ArtsHub called it ‘The happiest audience experience I have ever had’, while The Music said: ‘Two thumbs, five stars, show of the season’.

Date: March 12, 2025

Venue: Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 14 Main Street, Proserpine

Cost: Adults $69.90 | Concession, Students & Children $64.90 | Groups 10+ $64.90

Time: 7.30pm – 9pm

Performance Warning: This performance is restricted to people over the age of 7 years old. No babes in arms are permitted for this performance.

www.alist.com.au

www.anhdo.com.

42nd Street – The Musical is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, in February, and tickets will sell fast!

There will be only two sessions of the legendary Broadway musical theatre classic, so be quick.

It has been described as ‘glorious’ by the Express and an ‘utterly moreish extravaganza of glitz’ by the Times.  

Telling the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes, who gets her big break on Broadway, this is the largest ever staging of the Tony Award-winning musical.

It was filmed live at the magnificent Theatre Royal, in the heart of London’s West End.  

Starring Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock and featuring iconic 42nd Street songs – including ‘We’re in The Money’ and ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ – this is pure magic on the big screen.

WHEN: February 17, 2025

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre 14 Main Street Proserpine

TIMES: 11am and 3pm on Monday, February 17, 2025.

COST: $20

Purchase tickets here 42nd Street – The Musical – Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

The two times Platinum, eight times Gold and APRA award winning singer/songwriter has entertained audiences across Australia and the globe with 90s rock giants Southern Sons.

Born in New York City and raised in Sydney, Jack Jones arrived in Australia as a 10-year-old.

Even as a youngster, Jack began showing an incredible talent with his guitar playing.

At fourteen, Jack was already playing professionally in both cover and original bands.

At the same time, he was earning a reputation as a very accomplished and well-respected studio musician.

After heading back to the United States for several years to further study his craft, Jack eventually returned to Australia and joined the successful 90s band Southern Sons as lead singer/guitarist.

With hits such as Heart in Danger, Always and Ever, Hold Me in Your Arms, Waiting for That Train, I Can’t Wait Any Longer, Lead Me to Water, Silent Witnesses and You Were There, his vocal ability was highly praised by both fans and musical peers.

He not only enjoyed success in Australia, but in Asia, Canada, Germany and pockets throughout Europe, confirming he was a major talent on the international music scene.

The enigmatic Southern Sons singer and guitarist is respected as one of Australia’s iconic musicians. A new acoustic album of his hit’s marks Jack’s return.

With 20 years of critically acclaimed music under his belt, Jack is returning to Australia.

WHEN: January 25, 2025

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

TIME: 8pm.

The ‘Tickled Pink’ lunch will take place at the Metropole Hotel, Proserpine, and guests will enjoy pink games, cocktails, competitions and raffles.

The McGrath Foundation raises funds to support people with breast cancer by providing specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses, where they are needed most, right across Australia.

It is through the support of community groups such as Quota Whitsunday that the McGrath Foundation can continue providing this crucial support to families experiencing breast cancer.

“It’s the McGrath Foundation’s goal to fund 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses this year, as we work towards our mission of ensuring that no one misses out on care,” McGrath Foundation ambassador and director Tracy Bevan said. 

“Events like this are truly helping us to make a difference and move towards that goal; we couldn’t do it without you!”

Event organiser Jacqui Barrett said everyone at the club was excited to turn pink and support the McGrath Foundation.

To book your tickets to the ‘Tickled Pink for a Cure’ lunch, visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1320914 

Who: Quota Whitsunday

What: Luncheon fundraiser

Where: Metropole Hotel Proserpine

When: January 19, 2025

TIME: 11.30am – 3pm

Why: Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the McGrath Foundation

Cost: $40 per person

For further information about this event, please contact the event team by email at quotawhitsunday@outlook.com or call Jacqui on 0427 517 208.

About the McGrath Foundation 

The McGrath Foundation’s mission is to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse.

We raise funds to help families impacted by breast cancer by placing specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses where they are needed most across Australia.

McGrath Breast Care Nurses are registered nurses specially trained to manage the care of people with breast cancer, from diagnosis and throughout treatment – for free.

There are 204 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia who have supported more than 127,000 families since 2005.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer for women in Australia and more than 20,000 people are diagnosed each year.

With a rising rate of diagnosis, the need for more McGrath Breast Care Nurses continues to grow.

Funding is needed to meet our goal of 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses this year.

To find your nearest nurse, or get involved to ensure no one misses out on care, visit: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.