Whitsundays drenched by torrential rain

Flooding rains have caused havoc throughout the Whitsundays, blocking the highway near Proserpine on several occasions and shutting shops across the entire region.
Fourteen homes at Hydeaway Bay were evacuated by police on Wednesday night after landslides occurred, with the area being declared a natural disaster zone.
Meanwhile the heavy rain has badly affected the region's roads with council's mayor Mike Brunker saying the Bruce Highway in particular has seen a lot of potholes appear.
"Council workers are out assessing the entire road network and a report will be compiled by week's end so that we can get crews out there working on patching up the roads," Cr Brunker said.
To read more on this and other Whitsundays news stories, pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available now (in spite of the rain!) from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday artist at forefront of charity auction

Reminiscent of the tempest that devastated the Whitsunday Sailing Community more than one year ago, this evocative painting of Cyclone Ului is destined to bring hope to the flood-ravaged north.
With her own boat smashed to pieces and her emotions in turmoil, local artist Gemma Louise Pap was completely unaware that this passionate work of art would become one of the key items at a special keepsake auction next week.
Ms Pap is donating five or six paintings to a massive fundraiser, to be held at Sorrento's Bar and Restaurant next Thursday April 7 and is seeking other like-minded artists to come on board and support the charity event.
For more on this and other Whitsundays news stories, pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available now from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday Gold Coffee welcomes visitors for a cuppa

The smell of brewing coffee at the Whitsunday Gold Coffee plantation was very welcoming for 28 visitors and film crew who arrived in Proserpine on Friday morning to film an upcoming episode of Channel 7's Queenslander Weekend.
For more on this and other Whitsundays news stories, pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available now from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday Sailing Club celebrates 40 strong years

It was almost 40 years ago to the day that the Guardian published its very first article on the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
The short story entitled "Sailing Club Enthusiasm" reported that "thirty enthusiastic persons met at the Cannonvale school on Monday evening and decided unanimously to form a sailing club in the Whitsunday area". The story followed a small advertisement in the previous edition calling for expressions of interest.
Fast forward 40 years and some of the names from yesteryear are still here. The McGrath, Davy and Gray families are among those with a legendary place in the history of what is now one of Australia's most popular marine establishments and a Whitsunday icon.
For more on the WSC weekend's events pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available now from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Proserpine Taipans Junior Soccer kicks off this week

The Proserpine Junior Taipans Soccer Club will begin weekly training sessions this week.
Training will take place each Wednesday at the Proserpine Sports Park with games to commence at the beginning of the next school term.
All 6-15-year-olds are welcome to participate in the sport.
For more on this and other Whitsundays sport stories pick up the latest copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian available (in spite of the rain!) at leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday woman hopes to be mayor

Councillor Jennifer Whitney feels she is duty bound to run for mayor.

The local business woman and mother of three said after years of frustration “with the current council” she had no choice but to stand up and throw her hat in the ring to represent the community she loves.

“I cannot keep going the way I am. I am so frustrated with the current council. I can’t change anything the way we are ... and at the moment we are just not there for the community.

 “We need to be more communicative and more available to our people,” Ms Whitney told the Guardian. 

For more on this and other local news stories, pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman St office in Proserpine.

Beachworx Bikini ambassadors hit the main street of Airlie Beach

Forget the Gold Coast meter maids - in just under four weeks’ time Beachworx bikini-clad ambassadors will be welcoming visitors to Airlie Beach.

Airlie’s newest ambassadors are part of a larger marketing plan devised by local businesswoman Lyn Gregson who has come up with a collaborative scheme to potentially include all members of the newly formed Main Street Traders Association (MSTA) in enticing business back to Airlie Beach.

“This is about bringing more people through our doors and helping ourselves to promote the experience that is Airlie Beach,” Ms Gregson said.

At this stage Ms Gregson isn’t giving too much away, but revealed to the Guardian that over the weekend before Easter (April 15-18 inclusive), “The whole main street will be alive". 

To read more on this and other local news stories pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman St office in Proserpine.

Attracting stage shows to the Whitsundays

An iconic building in the centre of Proserpine will have the best of both worlds after council approved a slight change to its name.

The Proserpine Entertainment Centre will still be called just that, however for marketing purposes the centre will tag a Whitsundays logo on to the end to give it a greater pull in the world entertainment market.

At the end of last year, centre manager Chris Patrick put it to council to ask the people of Proserpine what they thought about a possible variation to the name.

“The name “Whitsundays” is the gold dust that gets in the big acts.

“When I am attracting shows from Melbourne or overseas, if I say Whitsundays, they’re interested.

Mr Patrick said the last thing he wanted was to upset the community. 

For more on this and other Whitsundays community news pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman St office in Proserpine.

Boulder smashes through Whitsunday backyard

For the past three years Cannonvale residents Frank and Valerie Stephens have endured an unusual addition to their property in the form of a giant rock.

‘Val’s rock’ as it’s now known, arrived on the scene in 2008 when heavy rain between Townsville and Mackay dumped 547mm on Airlie Beach causing parts of the hillside to collapse.

Valerie Stephens claimed the clearing of land on the adjacent development at Whisper Bay Ridge had already triggered mini-landslides of smaller rocks prior to the start of monsoonal rains.

“They (the developers) put in a fence, but it wouldn’t stop a pebble,” Mrs Stephens said.

On the day the boulder came crashing down Frank Stephens was working in front of his garage. 

For more on this and other Whitsunday news stories, pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman St office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday Sailing Club celebrates 40th birthday this weekend

This weekend sees the celebration of a milestone birthday for the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC), which is arguably one of the nation’s best-loved maritime institutions and a pivotal part of the community on the Whitsunday coast.

About 30 people attended WSC’s inaugural meeting on March 29 back in 1971, to discuss issues such as what sort of boats to have and where the clubhouse should be built.

Now, 40 years on, WSC executive member of 23 years George Canfield said it had been interesting to watch the club’s development over time.

“What started off as half a dozen boats racing off the beach has grown to roughly 2,000 members (including socials), a year-round sailing calendar (off beach and offshore) and a never ending stream of sailing tuition programs including internationally accredited courses,” Mr Canfield said. 

For more on the forthcoming celebrations see this week's 'Creek to Coast' - only in the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman St office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday FC girls on the ball

Women's soccer plays an integral role at the Whitsunday FC, where team members and club management are encouraging more players to come along.

According to manager Steve Tween, the Whitsunday FC girls' team has been running for approximately eight years, giving young women an opportunity to play in a solely female competition.

"I think that's a plus for them, especially the younger girls," Mr Tween said.

Women's manager Annette Tween said the team, which is now in its third season in the Mackay League, was continually improving. 

For more on this and other Whitsundays sport stories pick up a copy of the latest Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday residents debating development

Whitsunday residents are divided over the issue of development, with some in favour of progress and others convinced the region’s tropical ambience is disappearing fast.


Mayor Mike Brunker said this was a classic case of not being able to "please everyone all of the time".


For more on this and other Whitsundays news stories, pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from Coles (Cannonvale), leading newsagencies, and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Politicians in the Whitsundays

Popular senator Barnaby Joyce is in the Whitsundays this week urging sugar cane growers to keep the mill in Australian hands.

Accompanied by Federal member for Dawson George Christensen and Shadow minister for regional communications, Luke Hartsuyker, the trio called into the Proserpine Sugar Mill before attending a digital TV talk at Dingo Beach on Tuesday night.

For more on this and other Whitsundays news stories, see the March 16 edition of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available at Coles (Cannonvale), leading newsagencies, and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Community bank in the Whitsundays

A thriving community town in the midst of the Whitsunday region is celebrating the opening of its very first community bank.

Bendigo Bank, owned by shareholders in the region, has opened an office inside the Proserpine Family Pharmacy attracting many customers because of its local ownership.

For more on this and other Whitsunday news stories pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available at Coles (Cannonvale) leading newsagencies and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday locals raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation

Hundreds of Whitsunday residents are having their locks chopped, lopped or entirely shaved off in a mammoth fundraising effort for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Banjo’s played host to a myriad of brave hearts who showed out on the night to support the World’s Greatest Shave. 

For more on this story see 'Guardian's Angels' on page 10 of the March 16 Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from Coles (Cannonvale), leading newsagencies and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine. 

Proserpine lady to appear in Weight Watchers magazine

Whitsunday woman Carol Clifton’s “can do” attitude has landed her on the front cover of one of the country’s most widely read weight loss magazines.

After losing a staggering 19kg, Ms Clifton will headline the Weightwatchers magazine next month.

“Anyone can do it,” she said, adding the support she has received from her local weightwatchers group has been instrumental in her quest for a healthier life. 

To read more on this and other local news pick up a copy of the March 16 Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from Coles (Cannonvale), leading newsagencies and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Barra Bash at Conway Beach

Last weekend's Barra Bash held at Conway Beach Tourist Park in the Whitsundays was a huge success with over 120 anglers including many women and children taking part in the event.

Along with the 16kg winning barra reeled in by Taylor Drinkwater, king salmons and flatheads dominated the weigh-in on Sunday afternoon. 

For more on this and other 'on water' stories see this week's 'Creek to Coast' on pages 26 and 27 of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from Coles (Cannonvale) leading newsagencies and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Meet the Whitsunday Coast Guardian editorial team

They may well have some traits in common with a certain trio out of a hit 1970s TV seres, and they're certainly packing quite a punch in the Whitsundays but this newly-formed dynamic team of women is working for a far more tangible cause than the elusive "Charlie".

Meet the Guardian's Angels. Three journalists committed to their craft and dedicated to bringing you the news in the Whitsundays.




For more on this and other stories by Sharon Smallwood, Peta Keegan and Heidi Walton, see the March 9 edition of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available at leading newagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Prosperpine.

Whitsundays Ratepayers Association takes a stand

At least two members of an association in the Whitsundays - that's growing at an alarming rate - will stand not only for council, but against the mayor himself at the council election next year.
Whitsundays Ratepayers Association's membership has jumped from 180 to nearly 300 in the past month, with the president this week applying for corporation status with the government.
After drafting a constitution, which has the approval of the majority of members, president Adrian Abrahams will apply to the commonwealth government this week to legitimise the thriving group.

For more on this and other Whitsundays news stories see the March 9 edition of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available at leading newagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Prosperpine.

Whitsunday Wedding for Guardian's Angels

Airlie Beach will always have a special place in the hearts of one Swedish couple who chose to get married here on Thursday March 3.

Fredrik Granath and Anna Stahlin made most of the preliminary arrangements from overseas (via internet and telephone) with the help of Mary Bicanic from Total Weddings and Janet Keppke, the proprietor of the Organic B&B where the newlyweds stayed.

Fredrik and Anna were married on the beach in a ceremony conducted by local celebrant Colleen Farry.



Guardian's Angels is a new section celebrating brides, babies and life's happy moments. Send photos and details of special moments in your life (including your name and phone number) to editor@guardiannews.com.au

Whitsunday brothers show talent for fishing

Cy and Kerrin Taylor were born with salt water in their veins.

Their superb talent for fishing has lead to appearances on the covers of fishing magazines, television series, and now they are creating their own DVD on how to catch impoundment barramundi.

Growing up at Conway beach, the 22-year-old brothers have always had a passion for the water and what swims in it and they are really making a name for themselves as writers for a number of fishing magazines with all their articles based on their experiences.


For more on this and other Whitsundays sport stories see the March 9 edition of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available at leading newagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Prosperpine.

Airlie Beach rents higher than Sydney CBD

A number of commercial tenants in the country town of Airlie Beach are paying capital city rates in rent.

Trish Hoerlein (previous franchisee of the ice creamery Baskin Robbins) told The Guardian prior to losing her shop she was paying more per square metre for street frontage in the so-called ‘golden triangle’ of Airlie Beach than the asking rate for the Baskin Robbins in Sydney’s Circular Quay.

“In fact it would have been close to double,” Ms Hoerlein said.

“The attitude was – well it’s Airlie Beach. If you want to be here that’s what you’ve got to pay”.

For more on this and other local  news stories see this week's Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Shannon Noll visits Airlie Beach

He’s the boy from the bush. He’s a fair dinkum Aussie who shot to stardom through the popular TV show Australian Idol and he'll be singing at the Bunnings Airlie Beach store's mega opening party on Friday night, March 4.

 “I miss the bush a fair bit, I need to get back there more. At the moment we’d only get back about twice a year,” said the father of three who lives at Cronulla and is currently working on a new album.

Shannon Noll will be rubbing shoulders with the equally popular personality, though to another age, Bob the Builder this Friday night from 6pm.

“I’ve been to the Whitsundays before and I can't wait to get back, I just wish I had more time there with everyone,” he said.

Since 2003, Shannon has experienced fame like he never believed possible.

“If it wasn’t for my fans, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I love people asking me for autographs, I love my fans.” he said.

For more on this story see this week's Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

St Patrick's Day in the Whitsundays

Dublin-born publican Thomas Dunne is hoping the Whitsundays can help him secure a prize which is worth more to him than a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

When it comes to Irish cliches, the owner of O'Duinns Irish Pub in Proserpine would have heard them all, but perhaps this is what makes his hotel one of the best in the country.

“There aren't many Irish pubs in this country that are authentic.

“Owned by Irish people and serve genuine Irish food,” Mr Dunne said.

In the lead up to St Patrick's Day a daily national paper in Australia is running a special internet poll to find the best Irish pub in Australia.

“It takes no time to vote and the rewards will be amazing. Proserpine will be publicised right across Australia.”

It's free to vote, just visit www.irishecho.com.au.

“Plus we're giving you a chance to win a $1000 bar tab.” he said.

St Patricks Day is hugely popular at O'Duinns Irish Pub in Proserpine with the national day stretching to a  four-day event next month from March 17 to March 20.

For more on St Patrick's Day in the Whitsundays see forthcoming editions of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday Brahmans Rugby League

The 2011 Whitsunday Brahmans Rugby League campaign got off to a promising start on Saturday when the local team took on Mackay Magpies in their one and only pre season trial. Looking to use the game as a key selection tool, the coaching staff now has some tough decisions to make over the next two weeks in deciding the makeup of the A grade team for their first completion game against the Sarina Crocodiles.

With a revised game format of three thirty minute periods being played, each player had an opportunity to show their worth and push for selection.

To read more on this and other Whitsunday sports events see this week's Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.

Whitsunday Fishing Tips

For all the latest in hot Whitsunday fishing see this week's 'Fish 'n' tips' brought to us by Lindsey Dobe of Proserpine Bait, Tackle and Fishing Charters and Ashley Matthews of Sea Fever Sport Fishing.

'Fish 'n' tips' is a new feature on our Whitrsunday creek to coast pages; pages 26 and 27 of the current edition.

For more information see this week's Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available from leading newsagancies in the area, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.