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.