This month, we're proud to feature local portrait artist James Stickland, a fine artist whose expressive oil paintings are rich with story, subtlety and character. A Creative Spark Reignited James’ journey into professional art began eight years ago, though creativity had always quietly travelled alongside him. For 19 years he ran his sign business, Saber Signs, while raising two children and building a happy life. Still, something felt incomplete. That shift came unexpectedl

Creative Connections Whitsunday officially received the keys to our future Community Gallery and Creative Hub at 192 Main Street, Proserpine — and what a joyful, affirming moment it was. After months (and months!) of planning, discussions, paperwork, dreaming, problem-solving, and patience, we finally stood together on the front steps of the former Visitor Information Centre with the keys in hand. A simple act, yes — but a deeply symbolic one. Keys in hand — CCW’s Managemen

Creative Connections Whitsunday (CCW) will mark an important milestone in the creation of the Community Gallery and Creative Hub with the official handover of keys on Tuesday 3 February at 10.30am.

Creative Connections Whitsundays (CCW) is proud to share that the 2025 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival has been awarded Best Community Event at the 2026 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Azzy’s relationship with art began early and loudly. As a child, he was endlessly imaginative, constantly drawing on anything available. Schoolbooks were covered in scribbles, and one infamous moment involved chalk drawings beneath a school building that left teachers debating whether his work was vandalism, graffiti, or simply play. He remembers giggling as they argued. Growing up largely offline meant being immersed in picture books and storytelling. Artist

This month we're shining the spotlight on Carol Shannon, a lifelong artist whose love of colour, pattern, and design has shaped a successful creative journey. A Lifelong Passion for Art: Carol has been drawing from her early childhood, especially patterns.  Her mother was a great influence, and her love was producing drawings similar to Norman Lindsey's life figures. Carol Shannon, Explosion Excelling in art and art history at school, she achieved awards and usually topped th