Whitsunday Conference Reveals Next Program Rounds

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released the next wave of program highlights for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, showcasing eight practical breakout sessions designed to give local businesses real tools, insights, and strategies to grow and adapt in a changing regional economy.

The conference—scheduled for Thursday 28 August at TAFE Queensland’s Whitsunday Campus—will feature two more rounds of concurrent sessions. Each is designed to help participants choose the topic most relevant to their business goals, covering areas such as finance, workforce, marketing, leadership, customer service, and tendering.

At 1:15pm, the second round of sessions will begin. Highlights include a financial deep dive in Ask An Expert: Money Matters for Modern Business, where a panel of six regional finance professionals will unpack topics including structure, compliance, lending, superannuation, and insurance. Panellists include representatives from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus Whitsundays, Eclipse Financial Planning, Bendigo Bank, Option Insurance Brokers and Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting.

Other sessions in the 1:15pm block include International Recruitment & Migration, presented by Alana Hopkins from Workforce Abundance, and Unlocking Motivation with leadership coach Brian Ward of BRIAN8. Rounding out the workshop options is The Power of Storytelling, led by Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine, who will share how personal branding can connect businesses more deeply with their community.

At 2:00pm, the third round of concurrent sessions will offer another tailored learning opportunity. Ask An Expert: Local Marketing That Works will see marketing specialists Melanie Laas (EMME Influence), Courtney Casey (Southern Cross Austereo), and Trish Jandt (Mackay and Whitsunday Life) share strategies for social media, print, radio, and digital success.

Businesses looking to secure more contracts won’t want to miss Tendering: Top Ten Tips with Ros Weche from the Department of State Development and Infrastructure, while The Dying Art of Customer Service will explore 12 practical rules that helped presenter Rick Brown build a $20 million business. Meanwhile, HR specialist Mark Lipkin will guide attendees through compliance and strategy in Ask An Expert: Smarter People Management for Small Business.

With limited seats remaining, attendees are encouraged to register soon and take advantage of the ability to personalise their conference experience. For full program details and tickets, visit: www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference

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As a business owner I spent many years, 10s of 1000s of dollars, and a lot of lost time on training my teams and seeing no difference.

Big spend – zero shift. Sound familiar? If you’re like me you gave up. So why doesn’t it work

1. No accountability after the training – Your key people attend the session… and then nothing. No follow-up, no expectations, no change in behavior is tracked.
2. One-off events don’t create new habits - A single-day workshop can't undo years of habits. Without repetition or reinforcement, it fades fast. Consider a 4-touchpoint program
3. Training is misaligned with real-world challenges - Sessions can often feel too theoretical or generic. If the facilitator can’t adapt content into workplace specific scenarios it just won’t stick.
4. There’s no ‘Why’ - If your team-members don’t understand the relevance to their role, their team, their business, they mentally check out. Take the time to discuss why you chose them for further development and the value you see in their presence.
5. The culture doesn’t support the learning - You can train someone to lead better but if the company culture punishes or rejects change, nothing moves.
6. Wrong people in the room - Sometimes the ones who most need leadership training are too senior to attend—or think they don’t need it.
7. No buy-in from senior leadership - If execs don’t model the behaviours being taught, it sends a loud message: we don’t really care.
8. Information overload – Leadership training is like a buffet. Don’t pile your plate high and hope you can change the world. Choose 1-2 things to work on per month. Less is more.
9. No followup – If nobody cares about the training received enough to find out what they’ve learned, how they will apply it, and what others learn from it …. Why bother…..

Learning, growing and creating change takes intent. It’s not just an investment in time and money, it requires ongoing curiosity and followup by management to imbed new learnings until they stick. Contact Shiift to help build a training program that works for you. We create long-term programs to create sustainable positive change and even step in to help create accountability when you’re just too busy.

Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter of Shiift

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Coral Sea Marina’s Better Boating Expo, held on Friday, 11th July, welcomed a vibrant crowd of locals, visitors, and members of the boating community for a day packed with education, entertainment, and environmental advocacy at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.

From safety at sea to sustainability tips and local reef knowledge, the expo offered a fun-filled and informative day for all ages. Families and children, in particular, were thrilled by the live life raft demonstration presented by Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays, which gave them the rare chance to "hop on board" a real raft and imagine the experience of being adrift at sea.

Many young visitors also eagerly took part in the safety flare deployment, tested their skills at Mainstay Sailing’s rope station, and learned about the fragile beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the passionate team of local Master Reef Guides.

“While guests are enjoying the reef, our Master Reef Guides work with tourism operators so guests enjoy the reef, they don't touch the reef, don't stand on the reef, remove all their rubbish, make sure they don't bring pests onto the islands — all of those different things. But most importantly, we connect them to the reef, and hopefully we send people home wanting to look after it and protect it,” said James Unsworth, Project Manager of the Master Reef Guide Programme.

Visitors were also invited to head down to the water and explore VMR1, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday’s rescue vessel, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s barge, and to chat with the crew on board.

The event successfully brought together an inspiring range of organisations including Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Maritime Safety Queensland, Tangaroa Blue, Whales of the Whitsundays, and many more passionate local businesses — all offering engaging presentations and hands-on experiences aimed at promoting safer, smarter, and more sustainable boating.

Maritime Safety Queensland Marine Officer Tristan Carlson explained the changes made to the life jacket laws in Queensland:

“If you're boating alone in a vessel under 4.8 metres, you are required to wear a life jacket now. And also, if you have a child under 12 years old in an open area of a boat, they're also required to wear a life jacket,” he said.

“There've been a few changes here, and we're trying to get people to understand that. We believe that education is the best way to achieve that.”

The Better Boating Expo also served as the official launch of Coral Sea Marina’s new Better Boating Guide – Our Guide to Greener Recreational Boating. Designed for everyone who spends time on the water, this comprehensive guide provides tips on reducing environmental impact, managing waste, protecting the marine environment, and being a positive ambassador for the ocean.

“It was incredible to see such a strong turnout from our local community and visitors alike, all eager to learn and engage with the marine environment,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.

“The Better Boating Expo is a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we come together to share knowledge, encourage sustainable choices, and foster a culture of responsibility on our waters.”

With face painting, ice cream, expert advice, and hands-on experiences, the Better Boating Expo proved to be both educational and enjoyable — reinforcing Coral Sea Marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection.

For more information or to download the Better Boating Guide, visit the Coral Sea Academy website at coralseaacademy.com.

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Safety Flare Demonstration at the Better Boating Expo. Photo supplied

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More than 30 people gathered at the Proserpine Swimming Pool on Saturday, June 28, to honour the extraordinary legacy of Des and Janet Erricker, two beloved community members whose selfless contributions helped shape generations of local swimmers.

The unveiling of a commemorative plaque was a long-overdue gesture recognising the couple’s efforts in not only helping to fund and establish the original Proserpine pool, but also teaching countless children to swim, completely free of charge.

Des, saw the need for a public swimming pool and, with community support, made it happen. Together with Janet, they ran daily swimming lessons before and after work, coached children in stroke technique, and helped form the Proserpine Swimming Club alongside other parents.

The couple did more than teaching children how to swim, they would pay for swimmers if parents could not afford it and they would also pay for accomodation when chidlren travelled to carnivals or events with the swimming club.

The couple’s daughters — Robyn, Lynn and Gail led the unveiling and spoke movingly of their parents’ devotion to the community. Past club members and their families, previous students all shared fond memories, with many remarking on how the Errickers’ kindness left a lasting impression.

The ceremony concluded with light refreshments and laughter under the pool’s shaded area. It was a fitting tribute to a couple who gave so much, and asked for nothing in return.

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The Plaque honouring the couple is now on display. Photo supplied

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Jack Tyree Remembers

I came up to North Queensland after the war where I met an old sailor in Mackay who asked, “Why don’t you come and get a job on the boats on Hayman.” It was when Ansett had just bought the island … so there was a lot of construction to be done and materials to be transported.

When I arrived, accommodation was in tents with fly sheets and floorboards in rows for all the workers. There was a ranch house where the meals were served.

It was a great time to work there … a good life, free and easy, just what was needed after the war. You could come and go as you liked, go fishing for two or three days and then go back to a job. George Bailey, a carpenter on Hayman, built himself a little fourteen-footer and on occasion would tell Bill Ponchoy, the foreman, “The weather’s too good to be working.” So, they would take four days to sail down to Lindeman and back. Then start work again. I sailed on the ‘Sea Prince’ which won the first and second Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Races. … We were away for about a month but came back and walked straight into a job.

We would be three to four weeks on shore digging drains, putting in windows and the like and then three to four weeks on the barges bringing in the materials. It was well before Shute Harbour was built and the trucks would go on to the beach at Shingley carrying the stuff which we would load up on the barges. All of which was done by hand. There were no forklifts in those days.

Annie Lewis ran the old store at Cannonvale Beach at the time. She would watch for the barge coming into Shingley and by the time the boys had walked over she would have a meal waiting for them. She would call them ‘her barge boys’. Sometimes, she would even go and pick oysters for them.

Transport from the Flying Boat to the hotel

Before the Shute Harbour jetty was built, guests would come in on Catalinas and Sunderlands and land outside the reef where the water was not always flat calm. The dinghies had to get under the wing of the Catalina to get people out of the door and into the boat. They had to hang onto the open door … with the swell taking them up and down. As the boat came up level, you’d shout, “Right oh then jump.” Invariably the women would hesitate. They came up from Sydney all dressed up with high heels. One of them had a fur coat. She stepped straight into the sea in between the boat and plane. We hauled her out like a drowned rat … There were no life jackets. Then they would have to climb out of the dinghy … into the four-wheel drives to get ashore. If it was raining, we had an old tarpaulin that had been used to cover a cement truck.

There were lots of whales … which caused difficulty when the Catalinas took off. Sometimes a whale would emerge just in front as the plane went to take off. You had to try and shoo them off or you would hear the engine scream as the plane tried to back off. On the motor boat from Shingley, you would have to look out for whales. The boats wouldn’t hurt the whales but they could knock a hole in the boat. Once a thirty-footer was sunk by a whale.

In all they were good times, with lots of fun and not too many regulations.

Story and photos courtesy of the late Jack Tyree (25/12/1916 – 20/03/ 2017)

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Jack Tyree at Hayman Jetty. Photo supplied.
Catalinas were used to transfer people to the islands of Hayman and Daydream. Photo supplied.

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For over 15 years, long-time locals Marie Bailey and Marg Hurst have been the warm and welcoming faces greeting visitors at Bowen’s iconic foreshore information booth located by Bowen’s Little Mango.

As two of Bowen Tourism and Business's longest-serving volunteers, the pair have become familiar figures for travellers seeking insights into the region's hidden gems. Whether it’s recommending a stroll along the jetty, a swim at Horseshoe Bay, or a scenic visit to Flagstaff Hill and Mullers Lagoon, Marie and Marg are passionate about promoting their hometown.

“We get visitors from all over the world, and it’s a history lesson in the making,” said Marie.

The pair also help direct visitors to Bowen’s famed murals, which reflect the town’s rich history, and offer directions to the Whitsunday islands.

“I just love meeting people and telling them where to go,” Marg said.

“We have a beautiful town here and it’s lovely to spread the word.”

Marie is also a volunteer at the local museum and says their deep knowledge of Bowen’s past helps enhance the visitor experience.

Both volunteers’ love Bowen, and their love for the town shines through in their long-standing voluntary work.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said all volunteers are an integral part of the organisation.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers welcoming visitors each and every week,” she said.

“They are a wealth of local knowledge and are passionate about the region.

“Marie and Margie are our longest serving volunteers and do an excellent job at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach which is entirely run by volunteers.”

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Marie and Margie have been volunteering for more than 15 years. Photo sourced: Facebook

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It’s been a fantastic start to the school holidays in The Whitsundays. Occupancy is up on the same time last year, and it’s been great to see so many families out making memories, whether it’s a reef trip, a sunset sail, a mainland adventure or hopping between the islands.

We’re also celebrating our biggest year ever for website traffic, with 1.16 million page views- up 10% on the year before. Bounce rate is also down 5%, meaning visitors are staying for longer and engaging more deeply with our content, which are great signs for both our brand and local businesses.

And finally, a quick date for your calendar: the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards will be held on Saturday, 18 October. It’s always one of the most special nights of the year as we recognise the hard work, creativity and passion behind our region’s success. Tickets will be on sale soon - we’d love to see you there!

Contributed with thanks to Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays

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Whitsunday Christian College students are proving themselves as forces to be reckoned with on the athletics circuit, delivering a string of impressive results across regional events and setting their sights on state-level competitions.

Annalise Kennelly placed 6th in the Under 16 girls division at the Regional Cross Country Trials in Townsville before powering into 1st place in the 16-19 girls category at the Mackay Marina Run. She is gearing up for another major event: The Queensland State Cross Country Championships from 18 – 20 July.

Joining her on the path to success is Penelope Shields. She has had a standout season, placing 2nd in the 800m at the Mackay Track and Field event, all while battling wild wind and rain. She also ran her way to 2nd in the 3km Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, before taking out 1st place in the Under 11 girls division at the Regional Cross Country Trials. Penelope capped off her recent streak with a personal best and 2nd place finish in the Under 14 girls division of the Mackay Marina Run. Penelope is preparing for the Queensland State Cross Country Championships in July.

Meanwhile, rising star Kayne Higgins made his mark by taking 1st place in the Under 10 boys division at the Regional Cross Country Trials. He too will represent the College at the State Championships next month.

Kayne has demonstrated outstanding sporting talent across a range of disciplines, with a particular aptitude for soccer. He will proudly represent the Whitsunday District at the upcoming North Queensland Trials. Most notably, Kayne has earned a prestigious opportunity to train with the West Ham United Academy in the United Kingdom later this year — a remarkable achievement that reflects his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.

Best of luck to all three runners as they continue to chase big goals and fast times!

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Annalise Kennelly at the Mackay Marina Run
Penelope Shields during the Mackay Marina Run
Kayne, Penelope, Annalise at the NQ Regional CC

Photos supplied

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Patches is a gentle three-year-old Mastiff x Bull Arab who was heartbreakingly left behind by his former family. Rescued in poor condition, this big softie has slowly regained his strength—and his trust in people. Now, he’s searching for a fresh start with someone who’ll show him the kindness he deserves.

He’s not an energetic dog and is happiest lounging on the couch, enjoying short play sessions or walks by your side. Once Patches trusts you, he’s incredibly affectionate, loyal, and easygoing.

He’s great with children and fine with cats. While he prefers to be the only dog in the home, he isn’t aggressive with others.

Patches’ adoption fee of $650 includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments, and a Proheart injection.

If you’re ready to meet this beautiful boy, email Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue at bowencollinsville@gmail.com with your contact number and email address.

Rehoming fee: $650
Age: 3 years
Sex: Male
Breed: Mastiff x Bull Arab
Other dogs: yes, but not in home
Cats: Fine with cats
Fences: 5ft

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The Giant Clam certainly lives up to its name.

As the largest bivalve mollusc, the giant clam weighs an average of 200kg and can grow over a metre across its shell. They can live for several decades, with some individuals living for over 100 years.

These clams are found sitting on the sandy bottom in the warm, shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are easily spotted by their distinctive, fluted shell and the brightly coloured mantles (the “lips” of the clam).

Giant clams are filter feeders, taking in plankton through a large, central opening. However, like corals, giant clams have a unique relationship with algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. The algae provide the clam with nutrients through photosynthesis, while the clam provides the algae with a safe environment and access to sunlight. The algae also give the mantle of the clams their vibrant colours.

Now, about that “Man-Eater” Myth…

Giant clams have a wildly undeserved reputation as man-eaters, with South Pacific legends describing clams that lie in wait to trap unsuspecting swimmers. No account of a human death by giant clam has ever been substantiated, and scientists say its adductor muscles, used to close the shell, move far too slowly to take a swimmer by surprise. Even the largest specimen would simply retreat into its shell rather than attempt to sample human prey. Nice to know.

The giant clams may not eat people, but they can see you…sort of.

Giant clams can see, but not in the way humans do. They have hundreds of tiny, simple eyes called "pinhole eyes" along the edge of their mantle. These eyes are not capable of forming complex images, but they can detect changes in light, movement, and shadows. For protection, clams will often close when they detect changes in light.

Giant clams are hermaphroditic, producing both eggs and sperm. A fully-grown giant clam can release over 500 million eggs in one go. As they cannot fertilise themselves, they reproduce through broadcast spawning. When an egg is release, this triggers nearby giant clams to swell their mantles and contract their adductor muscles. This causes the clams to fill with water containing broadcasted sperm and eggs.

Globally the giant clam population has decreased substantially.  The clams are harvested for their meat, shells, and for the aquarium trade. Currently, they are listed as vulnerable.

However, the species has never been allowed to be collected from the wild in Australian waters, so it is reported to be in healthy numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. However, reef degradation due to pollution and climate change poses a significant threat to their survival.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

Giant Clam. Photo supplied.

Spring Comes Early at Coral Sea

While the rest of the Whitsundays are still shaking off the last chill of winter, spring has already sprung in an unexpected place – the seagrass nursery tucked inside Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. Here, rows of sunlit tanks are quietly nurturing the next generation of seagrass meadows, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of our coastal ecosystems.

Zostera muelleri, or “eelgrass”, has produced the first flowers for the year - and in abundance. Found in shallow waters and intertidal mudflats, this species grows in dense meadows that support marine life with its long, strappy leaves and mesh-like vein pattern. Notably, Zostera muelleri produces a large number of seeds annually, making it a valuable species for local research projects.

The early flowering came as a surprise to Reef Catchments Project Officer Alexandra (Lexi) Williams, who has been maintaining the nursery tanks. “It’s been a cold winter, but the seagrass pots are placed along the sunniest parts of the tank edges,” Lexi said. “That temperature variation might have encouraged them into flowering early - which is really interesting.”

They’re no bigger than your finger and yet these delicate seagrass flowers carry the potential to regrow entire seagrass meadows. Each Zostera shoot can produce up to five flowering spathes, and each of those can yield 10–15 seeds. That might sound modest, but under the right conditions, a single seed can regenerate up to a hectare of seagrass meadow.

Normally, flowering begins around August or September. This unexpected early bloom provides a welcome opportunity to begin collecting viable seeds for use in local restoration research trials. Once collected, the seeds are cultivated in the nursery before being returned to the Pioneer Bay mudflats as part of a research project which looks at the impact of re-seeding damaged or fragmented meadows.

Seagrass is a powerhouse of the marine environment. These meadows provide shelter for an incredible variety of sea life, from crabs and snails to juvenile fish, and are an important food source for turtles and dugongs. They also play a key role in stabilising sediment, improving water quality, and storing carbon.

With flowers forming at the Airlie Beach nursery, there’s renewed hope that seed-based methods can be used for restoring these vital habitats, ensuring they continue to support rich biodiversity and the health of our coastal ecosystems for years to come.

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Zostera muelleri
Images courtesy of CQ University Australia

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Football - Whitsunday United Football Club
Friday, 18 July
6:00 PM – Whitsunday United FC Div 2 Men vs Sarina Saints Div 2 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark
8:00 PM – Whitsunday United FC Div 1 Men vs Magpies FC Div 1 Men at Whitsunday Sportspark

Saturday, 19 July
9:30 AM – Whitsunday United FC U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers U13 FQPL Rubies at Whitsunday Sportspark
9:30 AM – Whitsunday United FC U14 vs Mackay Rangers FC U14 Gold at Whitsunday Sportspark
11:00 AM – Dolphins FC U13 Div 1 vs Whitsunday United FC U13 Div 1 at Mackay Football Park
11:15 AM – Mackay Wanderers U15/16 Red vs Whitsunday United FC U15/16 at Whitsunday Sportspark
5:00 PM – Magpies FC U23 Men vs Whitsunday United FC U23 Men at Magpies FC
7:00 PM – Magpies FC Men vs Whitsunday United FC Men at Magpies FC

Rugby Union - Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union Club
Saturday, 19 July
1:00 PM - Reserve Grade vs Moranbah Bulls at Eastern Sporting Fields
2:00 PM - Womens vs Moranbah Bulls at Eastern Sporting Fields
3:30 PM - Premier Grade vs vs Moranbah Bulls at Eastern Sporting Fields

AFL - Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Saturday 19 July
10:40 AM - Sea Eagles Under 17s vs Bakers Creek Tigers at Etwell Park
1:50 PM - Sea Eagles Senior Women vs Bakers Creek Tigers Etwell Park
3:20 PM - Sea Eagles Senior Men vs Bakers Creek Tigers Etwell Park

Cricket – Airlie Beach Cricket Club
Contact airliebeachcc@yahoo.com.au for information about Airlie Beach Cricket Club

Netball – Whitsunday Netball Association
Contact netballwhitsunday@gmail.com for netball information

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It was a picture-perfect day for golf, with 31 players hitting the course for the July 2025 Monthly Medal. And while some rounds may have had their shaky moments, a few solid shots and timely putts were all it took to keep spirits high—and golfers keen to return next week.

Congratulations to our Monthly Medal winners: Elspeth Scotford for the ladies and Gerald Lovell for the men. We were also pleased to welcome visitors Shane Aldridge and Gerald Heavey, who added to the day’s fun.

Ladies Results
Winner: Elspeth Scotford – 73 nett
Runner-up: Jenny Hounsell – 75 nett
Rundown: Heather Luvis, Jacqui Wall, and Tiina Randmae (all with 77 nett); Robyn Whitham (79 nett)

Men’s Results
Winner: Gerald Lovell – 70 nett
Runner-up: John Grosskreutz – 72 nett
Rundown: Neil Cawthorne (72 nett on a countback), Gary Scotford (73 nett), Allen Roberts, Vic Feldman, and John Roser (76 nett), and Colin Hounsell (77 nett)

Pin Shots
Ladies A Grade: Jenny Hounsell cleaned up, claiming all three pin shots
Ladies B Grade: Tiina Randmae (2 pin shots)
Men’s A Grade: Gerald Heavey (visitor), Allen Roberts, and “I only use Titleist golf balls” Grossy
Men’s B Grade: Louis Neethling (2) and John Oates

Least Putts
Paula McQuat and Elspeth Scotford – 28 putts
Grossy – 24 putts
Chip-ins were recorded by Paula McQuat, Gerald Heavey, Grossy (twice), and Peter Fox.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Elspeth Scotford and Gerald Lovell of Veterans Golf. Photo supplied

The ladies from Marian Bowls Club have shown that community spirit is alive and well, recently donating ten beautifully handmade knee rugs to the residents of Nanyima Aged Care Home in Mirani.

Over the past few months, members have been busy crocheting and knitting squares from home, later joining them together to create colourful, cosy rugs designed to keep elderly residents warm while in wheelchairs.

On Wednesday, June 25, Marian Bowls Club President Thelma Johnston, Treasurer Judith Miller and Secretary Lyn Jackson proudly delivered the completed rugs to Tanya Tooma from Nanyima.

Among the happy recipients was Mary Norgate, a former Marian bowler and now a resident at Nanyima, who received one of the donated rugs. Fellow resident Margaret Drake also received a rug during the special visit.

The thoughtful project brought joy to both the givers and receivers, with the ladies expressing how much they enjoyed contributing to a local cause from the comfort of their homes.

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Former bowler Mary Norgate, now a resident at Nanyima, pictured with one of the donated rugs. In the background are Thelma Johnston, Judith Miller, and Lyn Jackson.

Mary Norgate and fellow Nanyima resident Margaret Drake pictured with their donated rugs, with Thelma Johnston, Judith Miller, and Lyn Jackson in the background. Photos supplied

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It’s not every week I get the privilege of having the Mayor cook me dinner — but thanks to Crunch Time, part of this year’s Mackay Festival of Arts, that’s exactly what happened.

The live-theatre-meets-dinner-party event delivered five unpredictable courses dictated by democracy and whipped up by Mayor Greg Williamson himself. Let’s just say the democratic process took a dark turn when someone voted for Natto — a fermented bean experience that confirmed some things are better left off the plate (and out of your mouth). You can read more about how he handled the heat in the kitchen (and the pressure of public opinion) on page 8.

This is just one flavour in a jam-packed Festival of Arts lineup — a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a city that punches well above its weight when it comes to entertainment.

Cr Belinda Hassan puts it best in her column on page 21 — there’s always something to do in Mackay.

Some people are quick to point out what we don’t have — a certain playground here, a bigger venue there — without stopping to appreciate what we do get. Over the next couple of months alone, we’ll see international cricket at Harrup Park, music festivals headlined by Crowded House and Amy Shark, the city centre aglow for Illuminate, and wine and gourmet food under the sun at Queens Park.

The MECC continues to draw national and international acts — including, next year, the one and only Jimmy Carr. Throw in a poetry slam, a stand-up comedy night, or a gig at your favourite pub, and the real challenge is choosing what not to do.

So get out there, support local, and discover something new — even if it’s just your mayor in an apron.

Amanda

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