A Mackay woman is thanking a last-minute decision to grab an entry into last weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw for her $1.5 million win.

The local winner held one of the 13 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4307, drawn 29 October 2022. Each entry scored $1,538,461.54.

“I looked at my ticket, and I was like, ‘No!’,” she explained when talking to an official from The Lott.

“It’s very surreal.

“Now I’m crying. It’s just brought so much relief. It’s a blessing.

“I’m just speechless.

“I only bought the ticket at the last minute – just before the draw’s close on Saturday night. I thought I already had an entry into the draw but then I realised I hadn’t.

“I don’t play very often – just the big draws. But I’m glad I bought this entry!

“This just makes such a difference.

“There’s things I’ve wanted to do, some plans for the future, and now they can finally happen.”

Her winning System 8 QuickPick entry was purchased online at thelott.com.

Across Australia, there were 13 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4307 – six from Queensland, three from Victoria, two from New South Wales and one each from Tasmania and Western Australia.

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The team at one of Mackay’s longest standing creative agencies has been selected as a finalist at the Australian Women’s Small Business Champions Awards which is due to take place in Sydney next week.

Redhotblue’s owner and founder, Jody Euler, says she is thrilled to have been selected to become a finalist, especially because there were 2,500 entries for the prestigious marketing category.

“It’s wonderful that a regional business has been selected,” said Jody.

“I feel really proud for us as at redhotblue but also proud that a regional business has been recognised as a finalist amongst national agencies – we could be up against people from Sydney or Melbourne which is amazing!”

Jody said the application process was “gruelling” and also very thorough with evidence of campaigns and extensive explanations required.

Each application is then independently examined using objective criteria to ensure an unbiased, merit-orientated decision process.

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards originated in 1999 to recognise the achievements of outstanding small businesses from all states and territories across Australia.

This is the first year, however, that the Women’s awards have been launched to acknowledge the women who are contributing, influencing and leading their sectors and industries.

“It will be amazing!” said Jody.

“It would be nice if we took it out, but you just don’t know who you’re up against.

“Either way, we are incredibly excited to be part of it.”

The Gala Dinner takes place in Sydney on Saturday November 12 and a small team from redhotblue will be flying down to the red-carpet event.

Image: Redhotblue’s owner and founder Jody Euler standing with her award invite

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Higher education students and apprentices who are planning on studying with CQUniversity Mackay in 2023 can apply for scholarships through Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program.

There is $20,000 in scholarships available, with two $6000 higher education scholarships for undergraduate degrees and two $4000 apprenticeship scholarships.

Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the scholarships will “financially assist students to stay in our community and close to their family, friends and support networks whilst studying their chosen career path”.

“These students will have a broad range of opportunities to study and work within our region to help build our local skilled workforce,” Ms Franettovich said.

“We always have a diverse range of applicants studying and working in different industries from higher education students in business, digital media and agriculture, to fabrication and plumbing apprentices.”

2022 higher education scholarship recipient Taya Murray said that it was while at Sarina State High School that she learned about biofuels and “found the mix of chemistry and mechanics really fascinating”.

“A career goal of mine is to work at Sarina’s ethanol plant, and this scholarship is assisting me to gain my degree and make that possible – I really appreciate the Bank’s support and confidence in me,” Taya said.

Scholarship applications close 31 March 2023.

For more information and to apply, email executive@sarinacommunity.com.au

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Central Queensland students are exploring the magnitude of exciting career opportunities on offer in the resources sector at a series of workshops delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Thanks to support from Anglo American, about 75 students from Middlemount State High School and Tieri State School have this week bolstered their science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), and trade-based skills across two days of interactive educational experiences.  

Last month, Grade 10 students rotated through a series of trade-based activities, opening their minds to what is needed for a safe and successful trade career, and in the afternoon the cohort put their coding knowledge to the test as they programmed Lego EV3 robots to drive autonomously around a simulated mine site.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said there has never been a better time for young, enthusiastic people with a passion for problem-solving and innovative technology to join our industry.

“The resources and energy sector employs some of the most skilled and highest-paid professionals across a range of technical disciplines, and an enduring skills shortage means there is no shortage of rewarding job opportunities for the next generation,” Ms Jones said.

“From auto electricians and welders to environmental scientists and mining engineers, there’s an abundance of STEM and vocational pathways available, and the workshops this week have given the students a sneak-peek into some of the sector’s most in-demand professions.”

General Manager of Anglo American’s Aquila Mine, Shane McDowall, said the dual STEM- trade focus of these workshops integrated exciting technology with the classroom curriculum, delivered in a resources context.

“We’re committed to supporting regional skills development, including in STEM and trade areas, and we hope these experiences encourage students to pursue tertiary pathways to a rewarding career in mining,” he said.

“Our team enjoys sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation, so it was great to have representatives from both our local underground and open cut teams share their experiences with the students and mentor them as they worked through workshops activities. Thank you to everyone who supported the workshops.

Middlemount State High School Principal, Mr Rod Flood said students across all year levels greatly benefit from applying their school studies to real-world challenges.

“QMEA workshops are an invaluable opportunity for students to get hands-on work experience in the safety of a classroom environment,” Mr Flood said.

“We’re passionate about preparing our students for life after school, and these activities have helped them build their teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”

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Mackay Base Hospital’s stroke team has been recognised as one of the best in the country for the second time in the past three years.

A total of 12 hospitals were recognised for their high standard of care at the Australian Stroke Coalition Quality Stroke Service Excellence Awards last month, and the Mackay team also scored the award in 2020.

The stroke team’s nurse navigator Anne Hooper said strong communication helped them provide quality care for patients.

“What this means really is that stroke patients here in Mackay are getting the best care of anywhere in the country,” Ms Hooper said.

“It’s been very tough during COVID so it’s a great achievement for a small regional hospital.”

Stroke recovery can be a complex process and involves a team of medical, nursing and allied health clinicians to plan a patient’s rehabilitation and progress their recovery. The awards recognised hospitals that achieved best-practice stroke clinical care across several indicators, including treatment with thrombolysis within 60 minutes of hospital arrival, the provision of stroke unit care, and the provision of a discharge care plan.

Education - Know the signs of stroke.

 Many people don't initially recognise they are having a stroke and so wait before coming to hospital.

 When a stroke happens, more than 1.9 million brain cells die each minute. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.

 Everyone needs to know the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke, no matter how young or old. Knowing the signs could help you save a life – possibly even your own.

Recognise Stroke, think F.A.S.T

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms Can they lift both arms?

Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time Is critical.

If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

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A local college has taken the top gong in Queensland for its dedication and discipline in teaching construction.

Holy Spirit College was named State Champion for its Certificate I in Construction.

The Design and Technology Teachers Association (DATTA) Student Subject Award program has been established to recognise excellence and outstanding achievements in Design and Technologies subjects across Queensland.

Five Holy Spirit College students – Nash Byrne, Richard Vassallo, Quinn Vella, Dylan Eden and Baylen Waldon – were nominated by the College for their workmanship in constructing a cubby house as part of their studies to gain a Certificate I in Construction.

Mr Michael Pace, Dean of Design and Technologies at Holy Spirit College said, “Guided by their teachers, Mr Peter Mallet and Mr Chris Kidd, we are proud of our students’ dedication to their studies and are thrilled to be named State Champions for Certificate I in Construction.”

Holy Spirit College is a registered training organisation and offers many opportunities for vocational education and training with a range of Certificate I, II and III courses in: Aviation (Remote Pilot); Business; Christian Ministry and Theology; Construction; Early Childhood Education and Care; Engineering Pathways; Health Services Assistance; Hospitality; and Fitness.

Mrs Anne Miles, Assistant Principal – Curriculum at Holy Spirit College, said, “Students in Years 11 and 12 can choose to study a course designed to achieve university entrance, a vocational course leading to employment or a combination of both.

“VET Certificates contribute credits to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and students who successfully complete a Certificate III course may be eligible for university entrance at participating universities.”

Mrs Miles continues, “Our Vocational students continue to be successful in School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships by being offered employment, apprenticeships and traineeships across a variety of fields and their recognition within our local community as desirable and highly skilled employees is admirable.”

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A new report has confirmed the growing contribution of Queensland’s resources sector to the state’s economy.

A Queensland Resources Council (QRC) report released today shows the amount of money spent by mining and energy companies on local goods and services rose by $1 billion, or four per cent, in 2020-21 to reach $27.7 billion.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the report is an important measure of the commitment of member companies to supporting local businesses and supply chains in the regions in which they operate across Queensland.

“The $27.7 billion spent locally in 2020-21 means resources companies operating in Queensland are now spending a record 82 per cent of their total procurement budgets in this state, which is a great outcome,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“This means the benefits flow through to everyone, from the companies providing and servicing the big mining machinery to the local food store providing catering for functions and conferences that a resources company might host.”

Mr Macfarlane said while taxes and royalties from resources companies help governments pay for hospitals, schools and essential services, the report shows how important the sector is to supporting local jobs and economies, particularly in regional areas.

“Nearly half the total spend on goods and services by our sector was spent outside the Greater Brisbane area and provides tremendous flow-on benefits in those communities,” he said.

“It has also been very encouraging to see Queensland businesses stepping up to overcome many of the supply chain issues caused by the COVID pandemic to meet the growing demands of resources companies.

“This has enabled our sector to continue operating at full production, which has kept the Queensland economy strong during the fall-out of the global pandemic.”

Mr Macfarlane said the total economic benefit to Queensland in 2020-21 from the resources and energy sector was a phenomenal $84.3 billion. It supported one in every six jobs and one of every five dollars spent in Queensland can be linked to resources companies.

The report shows Queensland’s coal sector accounted for 70 per cent of the total spend on goods and services in the Sunshine State in 2021-22, metals came in at 16 per cent, gas 11 per cent and 3 per cent from other resource activity.

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Over the past 139 years, the Porters Group has continued to service, grow, and evolve within the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. The latest addition to the Porters Group network is the Porters Homemaker Centre, at the Porters Northern Beaches location.

The Porters Homemaker Centre will consist of numerous specialised stores within the centre and is expected to provide a convenient offering to the local community.

The Porters Homemaker centre is the first of its kind developed by the Porters Group and will feature five specialised stores within the complex.

“The newly redesigned Porters Homemaker Centre is a completely different concept to any of our existing stores within the group” explained Hayden Cargill, CEO of the Porters Group.

“The centre is designed around the needs of the local community and is expected to bring many services to the doorstep of local Northern Beaches residents.

“Porters Homemaker Centre will continue to grow with exciting new stores being added to the centre over the next 18 months,” he said.

Porters Mitre 10 Northern Beaches Trade Centre commenced operations from the Carl Street location in August 2020 and offers an extensive range of high quality, trade reputable big brands with everything from building supplies, plumbing, fencing, power tools, builders’ hardware and much more.

The second store for the centre will be opening in December 2022.

“I am thrilled to announce that the Porters Group will be opening a second Inspirations Paint franchise as part of the Porters Homemaker Centre,” Mr Cargill said.

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Understanding what is covered by your car insurance policy can help you avoid unexpected costs in the future. So, how do you know if you have the right cover for your vehicle? Read below to see what factors come into consideration, so you can be confident in your decision.  

Over the past two months we have looked at Type and Options for Insurance. Now let’s look at Market Value v’s Agreed Value  

Market Value refers to the estimated price your car is worth on the open market at the time of making a claim. When assessing the market value, your insurer will consider a range of factors including the vehicle’s condition, age, make, model, and kilometres travelled. To get an idea of what your car may be worth, you can search for it in the Red Book or on car sales websites.  

Agreed Value is a sum based on what you and the insurer agree to when you take out or renew a policy. An agreed value policy generally has higher premiums as the agreed value of the car is usually higher than what it would sell for on the open market (market value).

Current Global Conditions have seen considerable changes to this space with Market Value increasing due to limited supply.  It is best to do your research on this prior to taking out the policy, and understand how much it would cost to replace what you currently have.

Information of vehicle value can be obtained through websites like  www.redbook.com.au

www.carsales.com.

Custom Features

Customised Colours and Modifications including Accessories for 4wds need to be listed separately.

Custom or Prestige Vehicles may require a policy that is geared towards enthusiasts, or collectors.

Comparing Insurance Companies

Prices vary from company to company and from policy to policy.

It is important to compare like for like.

Same Excess- Same Options/Inclusions - Same Value

Write Off Vehicles deemed repairable are difficult to reinsure and a lot of research is required before making the initial purchase to ensure it is possible to do.

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With disaster season upon us, the Mackay SES Group has already been engaged in jobs and activations assisting the public with sandbagging, tarping roofs and clearing fallen trees and debris.

For Group Leader Jo-Ann Clout, helping people in times of disaster has been a lifelong passion since helping her parents who were involved in the SES in Bowen.

“Even before I was old enough to join, I used to go down to the Bowen shed with them in times of emergency and help with the telephone calls,” Jo-Ann said.

Jo-Ann joined the Bowen SES in her own right in 1998 where she was a volunteer for 18 months before moving to Mackay and transferring to the Mackay SES group.

Filling the role of Group Leader for the last 10 years, Jo-Ann is involved in the management of the day-to-day operational functions of the group, coordinating recruiting and managing occupational health and safety, ensuring everyone is competent and up to date with training.

In an average disaster-free week, Jo-Ann would commit 8-10 hours to the SES, also working as a teacher with special needs children, a marriage celebrant and an art teacher, but she says it’s all worth it.

“If it wasn’t a brilliant organisation with great people, I wouldn’t be here still,” she said.

“I choose to keep coming back and I choose to accept the leadership role.

“No one forces you to do anything, you’re a volunteer and that’s an important thing for people to remember.

“As a volunteer, you give what you can when you can.”

Jo-Ann’s most memorable SES activation was her first one, travelling to Rockhampton to assist with the floods in 2011.

“Just seeing the devastation that the families had to deal with and helping them sometimes have to throw out a lifetime of memories, that was really hard,” she said.

“To be able to help them with that process was really rewarding.”

A core function of the SES is education, both throughout the community and within the organisation.

They promote a level of self-sufficiency, equipping the public with knowledge and tools to be able to sandbag, tarp and assist themselves as it may take time for trained SES to reach them.

“The Mackay unit is very proactive when it comes to education in the community,” said SES Local Controller Alex McPhee.

“We go to a lot of different events to, not only promote SES, but to promote disaster management in the home.

“The education is getting through to people which is a really good thing because people are really wanting to know how to protect themselves and look after their family and property.

“The appetite for the education is definitely here in the Mackay region.”

Jo-Ann also says that she has gained a wide variety of skills, including tying knots, four-wheel-driving, as well as leadership and life skills.

“I can do more than I thought I was capable of,” she said.

“You get lots of life skills that you can learn here in a safe environment taught by professional people and go out into the real world and do things for yourself,” added Alex.

Jo-Ann’s Disaster Tips

- Be alert but not alarmed - “I know it’s easy to say, ‘Here comes another cyclone, it’s not going to hit us, it never does,’ but sometimes it comes close enough that we do need to be extra prepared, so don’t be complacent and follow the advice of the emergency services; it’s for your safety.”

- Do what you can to be prepared - “Clean up your backyard, check your trees, all those kinds of things. We do have, on our community Facebook, some self-help videos, including how to make your own sandbags and sandbag your own property, so that you can be prepared and you don’t need to wait for a team to come and assist you.

- Make sure your gutters are clean - “It does make a difference. You can get water in your roof and people ring the SES but if it’s a big weather event, we could have 300 other calls for assistance so whatever people can do to minimise the load on our volunteers is greatly appreciated.”

- Prepare an evacuation kit - “We always advise that you be prepared for 72 hours, so think about if you were going away for three days, what would you need? What would you take?”

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Major Grants Incentives are available to support growers within the Plane and Pioneer catchments to adopt practice change that will benefit both grower farming operations and provide water quality outcomes.

Access to the major grant funds is available through Reef Catchments, the delivery provider of the Major Grants Project, for growers engaged with Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) delivery providers and those who are not yet engaged in the program but are Best Management Practice (BMP) accredited.

Equipment commonly purchased under water quality grant schemes includes sub surface nutrient applicators, legume planters, equipment for improved placement of grub control, variable rate and boom section controllers and high rise spray rigs.

Other types of equipment may still be eligible, and growers are encouraged to contact Reef Catchments to discuss their options.

Applicants applying for funding are required to meet the following criteria:

● The grower project must be within the Plane Creek and Pioneer River Catchments.

● The applicant must be an accredited BMP grower or engaged with a Delivery Provider under the MWWQP project.

● The growers project must demonstrate a water quality improvement outcome at end of catchment in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) loads and/or pesticide risk toxicity, calculated by the delivery provider or productivity service provider.

● Grant applications must include a minimum in-kind 50% cash co-contribution.

● Grower project activities must be completed within 12 months or the program completion date (whichever comes first).

● Must be a legal entity with an ABN.

The MWWQP is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

With two years remaining on the project, the Program is on track to achieve an enduring reduction in pesticides risk toxicity and DIN loads from the Plane and Pioneer River catchment.

To find out more, contact Reef Catchments on 4968 4200 or email grants@reefcatchments.com.

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A recent edition of the New Yorker magazine featured a clever cartoon that nicely summed up the strange world we live in, where young people know nothing about some things but have far more knowledge than adults about other things.

The cartoon depicted a baby sitting in a high-chair, being spoon-fed by its father.

The caption had the father saying: “After I introduce you to solids, I’m going to need your help with some computer stuff.”

Some of us of a certain age are very familiar with having to ask our children to help with “computer stuff”.

In my case, my then-11-year-old son set up our Netflix and other streaming services and is, fortunately, usually on hand to address IT issues as they emerge.

In this IT age, it is the first time in the history of the planet that children can teach adults how certain things work.

I’m not so rude as to say young people are one-trick ponies but their knowledge and easy facility with technology is not matched, in my experience, in other areas of life.

I was reminded of this when I was explaining to a young person I work with that the housing precinct in Glenella that runs off Davey St has streets named after Australian cricketers.

“For example, Bradman Drive is named after Don Bradman,” I told her. Her blank stare showed very clearly that my colleague did not know who Don Bradman was. She had heard of Bradman Drive but not Don Bradman.

I was initially surprised, after all I grew up in a country where everyone knew who Don Bradman was.

But when I thought about it, Bradman died about 21 years ago, around the time my colleague was born. Australia has changed. It is more multi-cultural with different complexities.

Cricket is no longer the only thing you can watch on your TV (or i-pad, i-phone or laptop) during summer. Why would a 22-year-old woman know who Donald Bradman was? It’s a bit sad but not her fault.

I have a young sales associate called Skye who works as a buyers’ agent in my team but also looks after videos and social media posts to help market the properties we are selling.

I got Skye on my team because I needed extra help working with buyers for my properties but I also needed someone who had the talent and knowledge to make the most of social media opportunities when we market my clients’ properties. She fits the bill perfectly.

And, by the way (or as she might say, BTW), it would be pretty stupid of me to say: “Skye doesn’t even know who Donald Bradman is.”

That’s because Skye could just as easily say: “David doesn’t even know how to take a real estate video, synchronise the changing images with cool, trending music that is timed to avoid breaking copyright laws and post it on Instagram and other social media sites, have it all done professionally in a couple of hours and do it all on his i-phone. What an idiot!”

The point about having a team (I’ve also got my PA Sandy looking after admin, contracts etc) is that while one person might not have the ability or experience to do and know everything, as a team we have it covered.

Some of the other names in that Glenella precinct are: Lillee, Border, Grout, Hughes, Tallon, Lindwall and Chappell … that would have been a pretty good team as well.

But they’d still need Skye for their social media.

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As a council, we are extremely proud of our two venues that took out three awards at this year’s tourism awards.  A big shout out to Jemma Carey and her team from the MECC for winning Best Business and Event Venue. Jemma and her team provide a first-class venue for functions, events, conferences and performances.  The MECC certainly rates as one of the best facilities in regional Queensland.  The venue is always presented in a very professional manner and the staff pay great attention to detail to make sure your function is just perfect.  The team pride themselves on delivering top quality service to all users of the venue.

The Sarina Sugar Shed was our next winner, taking out the Award for Excellence in Food Tourism.

This is a great achievement to win this category again this year.  Ian Mason and his team play a pivotal role in ensuring the visitor experience is second-to-none when you visit the Sugar Shed.  The mouth-watering products that are produced onsite are just mind blowing. The sauces, chutneys and jams really tantalise your taste buds.  Then you move on to taste the onsite distilled range of liquors, NOIs (Nice Over Ice) and locally produced rum. No tour is complete unless you taste one of Betty’s freshly made cocktails.  When you visit the Sarina Sugar Shed, you are certainly in for a great food tourism experience.

Lastly, our Sarina Sugar Shed was category winner for Most Outstanding Volunteer Group.

The success of the Sugar Shed would not be possible without the dedicated group of volunteers that help with the production of chutneys, sauces, jam, alcohol manufacturing and cane crushing.  The passion of the Sugar Shed team really comes to life through this great group of volunteers.  They certainly make things happen and the spirit of giving comes through in the many hours of volunteer time they contribute.  Well done to everyone.  Tourism is certainly well and truly alive at Mackay Regional Council.  Great team effort to be gold winners on the night.

So proud of our people!

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

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ADAPT and leverage from the changing tides occurring within the workforce.

EVOLVE with the expanding universe of digital, AI and technological advancements.

GROW stronger by embracing a future of sustainability and geopolitical change.

As millennials move deeper into their careers and Generation Z enters the workforce, baby boomers and Generation X are faced with the challenge of effectively communicating with younger employees.

Managing a workforce that is becoming increasingly diverse in age is no small task. Use the power of the digital natives to improve your business!

With special guests Craig Reucassel and Jordana Borensztajn, and a panel of local experts, join the Chamber of Commerce on a journey to become a strong and diverse business community with a workforce ready to seize today's jobs and adapt to future opportunities.

Don't miss out on this transformative Mackay Region Chamber event! Non-members are also welcome.

When: THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER from 8:30am

Where: Rydges Mackay

Tickets from $99

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Hi Everyone,

Firstly, a huge congratulations to everyone in our local tourism industry – we live in one of the most beautiful destinations in Australia and this is made even better by every individual who works to enhance visitor experience through tours and experiences in our region.

It was great to see the industry get together at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards last weekend – and congratulations to all the winners.

Read our special 10-page feature inside!

This edition also celebrates the 10th annual Airlie Beach Festival of Music and we have put together 7 pages for the second of our Special Features for you.

Inside you will find interviews with bands, both big and small, a festival map guiding you to local venues and a history snapshot featuring an interview with the festival founder.

Music Festivals always remind me of the first rock concert I went to when I was just 15 years old.

My parents had bought my friend and I tickets to see Bon Jovi at the Milton Keynes Bowl in England.

It was 1997 and I had my bedroom wall entirely covered with Bon Jovi posters at the time, there was not even a gap to see the colour of my wall paint!

When we arrived at the concert there were 65,000 people there and I was so excited that I took the lead, pushing all the way to the front.

Once there, however, I very quickly realised that I was way too young (and short!) for the mosh-pit and so ran all the way back out again!

Despite this, watching my rock idol perform live on that day was a moment I will remember forever.

Fortunately, these days I am tall enough for the front row so I can’t wait to get to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music and in amongst it this weekend!

If you are heading down to the main stage, I might see you there!

Rach

“I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero” Sophia Loren

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