Married on Christmas Day in the Whitsundays

A romantic wedding ceremony with close family and friends on one of the holiest days of the year couldn’t have been more perfect, say a local couple who tied the knot on Christmas Day at Dingo Beach.

Stacey and Belinda Hinschen say they chose Christmas Day to get married as it was a time when all family was already together.

"At first it was supposed to be a surprise," says Belinda. "But when I sent the invitations out for a Christmas party some people said they couldn’t come! So we had to tell them."

The wedding ceremony was simple yet romantic and held on the beach and included their 16-month old daughter Matilda.

"I have never seen the tide so high, I couldn’t believe it. There was hardly room to stand on the sand! But our celebrant Kieran McCarthy chose a beautiful spot under the ponsiana trees which was truly lovely," Belinda said.

The 30+ guests were then treated to a traditional Aussie Christmas dinner turned out by resident pub chef Darcy Osborne at the Dingo Beach Hotel which sadly the Hinschen’s will no longer be managing.

"It’s time for a change. We’ve been there 12 months and had a fantastic time and met a lot of great people. We’ll be there for another week or so."

"Darcy was great for coming in and giving us a hand. He didn’t have to so that was good. Also we’ve got to say thanks to Camo Marshall. He’s great," Stacey said.

Past and present entice last-minute Chrismas shoppers in Whitsundays

A tea aptly named Christmas Eve, nostalgic wooden train sets, and second hand treasures at bargain prices – Proserpine’s Main Street has it all for anyone stuck for gift ideas this Christmas.

Cathy Selman from Epicure said blokes especially knew what they wanted this festive season and they weren’t afraid to spend up big on their loved ones.

"People are buying practical, better quality stuff. Something that is going to last.

"Men this year have been great customers. They come in, know exactly what they want and then ask us to keep it here, hidden until closer to Christmas. It's quite funny when we call them to tell them their gift is ready to be picked up, and you know the wife is in the background!" she said.

Epicure stocks a beautiful range of kitchenware from S&P which Ms Selman says is rare for northern shops.

"We are the only store north of Rockhampton that stocks the entire S&P catalogue range and we have some beautiful products in stock," she said.

Epicure is open every day until 6pm but hoping to close up by 5pm on the night before Christmas.

"We’re open by appointment as not everyone can make it in time so just call us," she said.

A little further up the street is Lifeline which has literally been a lifeline for those within a budget this year.

Lifeline’s Jodie Lee said the store stocked beautiful brand new silver plated rings, a lot of bric-a-brac and plenty of last minute festive ideas for Christmas.

"We’ve been selling a lot of costumers for Christmas parties. Plus we’ve got a lot of Santa hats and stuff for Christmas," Ms Lee said, adding, glass platters were proving popular.

Across the road is Cherrie Baby a shop packed full of stuff for babies, toddlers and mums.

"Parents are choosing gifts that will last a long time and gifts that can be used by all aged kids," said Kerry Roulston.

"Our tee pees are popular, same with our train track. They’re durable lasting products which means people don’t have a lot of money for frivolous things this year."

The shop where everything has a story boasts a tea which is designed to relax you – which might be handy if the home is packed full of relatives.

"Christmas eve tea by Mad Hatters range is brilliant," says Amanda Deering from Akiah Elan.

"We also have books on massage techniques and essential oils which make great presents, that will help to get the reflexology going and relax people," she said.

Ekiah Elan is open 9am until 6pm and by appointment.

1647 RBTs conducted in Whitsundays before Christmas

Twelve drink drivers were nabbed during an early Christmas police traffic operation over the weekend.

Police from the State Traffic Task Force and Roadside Drug Testing Unit were involved in Traffic Operation Paddington, which focussed on drink/drug driving, speed, seatbelts and fatigue, for three days last week.

Police covered the Whitsunday and Proserpine area, with Bowen, Proserpine and Mackay Traffic Branch, Mackay Tactical Crime Squad, Whitsunday and Proserpine Police also taking part.

The operation was also run in conjunction with the Christmas road safety campaign.

From 132 roadside drug tests, five offenders were caught while 12 drink drivers were stopped out of 1647 RBTs.

Seven people were found to be driving while unlicensed, 61 speeding tickets were issued and 16 people were caught not wearing a seatbelt.

On Friday 10.40pm a 29-year-old male from Western Australia was intercepted on Shute Harbour Road Cannonvale and BAC of .092.

The male was charged with drink driving and his licence was suspended for 24 hours.

On Saturday, at 7.52am the following morning the same male was intercepted on Shute Harbour road and gave a breath alcohol reading of .114 per cent and charged with drink driving and unlicensed driving. Then at 10.30am the male again drove along Shute Harbour Road. Police from the State Traffic Task Force have impounded the driver’s vehicle and charged him with unlicensed driving.