Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Richard Evans, President, Whitsundays Writers Festival Very strong community is built, in part, by people willing to give their time, skills and goodwill. From sporting clubs and service organisations to festivals, schools and charities, volunteers are vital to the life of the Whitsundays. Their quiet, generous work keeps community life moving, often without seeking recognition. Volunteering is also facing challenges across Australia, with many community organisations having trouble attracting and retaining volunteers as people juggle work, family, caring responsibilities, and increasingly busy lives. At the same time, volunteers remain essential to the delivery of community, arts and cultural activities. This spirit is on full display at the Whitsundays Writers Festival, where a dedicated team of volunteers are the backbone of the event. They create strategy, provide program input, welcome attendees, assist authors and presenters, set up venues, and help everything run smoothly and to time. Volunteers bring local knowledge, patience and enthusiasm, helping turn a program of events into a true community celebration. In return, they can meet new people, develop skills and gain valuable experience in writing, publishing, events, arts and community development. Perhaps most importantly, volunteering creates opportunities to be part of something bigger than ourselves. A conversation with a visitor, helping someone, welcoming an author, or solving an unexpected problem might seem like a small contribution. Collectively, however, these moments create the experience people remember. Our Writers Festival brings together readers, writers, locals, visitors and local businesses, and it is volunteers who help make those connections inclusive, welcoming and memorable. As a regional festival, we are particularly grateful to the people who choose to invest their time and skills in making it happen. Their contribution demonstrates that culture is not simply something a community consumes: it is something a community creates together. So, to our wonderful volunteers: Thank you for helping turn an idea on a page into a festival that people can experience, enjoy and share. Our team includes Alicia Mulchay, Cait Fleming, Gail and John Glanville, Jannah Baker, Mark Henry, Rachael Smith, Rick Brown, Sue Birch, Trish Jandt, and our Whitsundays Literary Heart Award judging panel. They are the people behind the scenes helping bring the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival to life – and we are very grateful to have them with us. What: Whitsundays Writers Festival When: Sunday 13th September 2026 Where: Whitsunday Marine Club Learn more: www.whitsundayswriters.com CAPTION: Some of the Festival’s volunteers. L-R: Julia Evans, Rick Brown, Cait Fleming, Trish Jandt, Jannah Baker, Alicia Mulchay, Rachael Smith & Richard Evans
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Silhouettes can transform even the most familiar sights into something more striking, and Merewyn Wright’s photograph of Airlie Beach’s towering Ferris wheel certainly does just that. Captured in October last year, when the Ferris wheel made its first visit to town, Merewyn’s image frames the attraction against the evening sky. Stripped of its usual bright colours and flashing lights, the Ferris wheel becomes a bold silhouette, its unmistakable shape standing tall over the Airlie Beach foreshore. Congratulations, Merewyn, this picture has certainly come full circle! For next week’s Photo of the Week, the theme is “Something Beginning with M”. Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another week of fantastic images.
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Water Sports Planning For Airlie. A meeting of Councillors, operators, and Harbours and Marine Department was held which could lead to an escalation of water sports at Airlie Beach. Child Care. Dr. Christopher Green will be speaking on childcare at the Cultural Hall tonight at the invitation of Family Day Care. Interested people from Bowen will be bussed in for the occasion. Bomb Left At Airlie Beach. An Airlie Beach man appeared before the Proserpine Magistrates Court charged with having placed a bomb in the street outside the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday night under a vehicle. The bomb, containing a considerable quantity of explosives, was defused by Constable Mark Graham of Cannonvale Police who was praised for his bravery. Obituary Harold Seymour [Hal] Evans died aged 80. He was well known in the sailing community, as owner of the “Air Cloud “ , one of the first charter vessels of the area. High School Report. Teachers from all state schools in the area attended a seminar on “ Excellence In Teaching.” Year ten students took part in a field trip of urban areas. teachers accompanying the excursion were Jan Potter and David Contarini. ‘Lively Exchange’ at Council Meeting. Altercation between Division Two councillors Moscato and Shim and the other divisions from town took place. Show Lights Switch On. Officiating at the switch on of the new floodlights Shire Chairman Cr. Peter Faust congratulated the Rugby Union Club and the Show Committee as prime movers of the project. Dance. The Dee Jay School of Dance have had a busy year with annual Ballet examinations completed by 39 dancers and the recent Mackay Eisteddford. Orchid and Foliage Society. The field day for this club is in two weeks time, when 10 greenhouses will be visited. Leos Meeting. Guest speaker was Ron Boaler, a representative from the Queensland Cancer Fund, who drew attention to the dangers of smoking and that early detection of cancer can result in 50% recovery. Leos also raised $600 by wheelbarrow raffles which they presented to Miss Australia entrant Lisa Marquart. Grand Final Weekend. Proserpine Brahmans face Bowen Pirates in a much-anticipated season finale. AFL Bloods came away with wins in both grades, the A grade by a massive 213 points. Rugby Union. Returning NQ reps. Ray Aldridge and Peter Chengody led Proserpine Raiders to a tight 7-6 win over Mackay Keas.
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Edward George and Emma Minna Faithful Lascelles (nee Boyle) pioneered the Goorganga, Lethebroo and Gunyarra district in the first half of the twentieth century. Edward Lascelles, born in 1859, was the third son of the Honourable George and Lady Louise Lascelles, both from notable British families. He began in the pastoral industry with his cousin, the Honourable Harold Finch Hatton, at Mount Spencer Station, Mackay. After exploring the country between Mackay and the Barkly Tablelands, he partnered with C Crofton to buy Mount Pleasant on the Bogie River. He was among the few pastoralists to survive drought, tick invasion and low cattle prices. Lascelles was renowned for his keen eye for horses, likely the reason he judged horses at the annual Proserpine Show. At Mt Pleasant, he bought all forty horses from a deceased pastoralist’s estate for £4 each. At one time, about 500 horses, mainly draught horses and hacks, ran on the property. He bred mostly for the Indian Army, though he said the work was barely worthwhile because keeping the horses quiet was difficult. In 1891, he married Emma Minna Faithful Boyle, daughter of Rev. John Boyle of Leicestershire. They had three sons – Evelyn (Eve) Herbert; George Murray who died in infancy and Geoff Edward who died of blood poisoning aged fourteen. In 1893, along with other pastoralists, E G Lascelles became a foundation member and director of the Bowen Meat Works. For fifteen years, he was a member of the Wangaratta Shire Council and a member of the Bowen-Proserpine Tramway Board which built the line between Bowen and Proserpine in 1910. In 1910, he purchased Goorganga from Mr H Macartney (who had bought it from the Cotton family). In 1916, he sold Mt Pleasant to concentrate on developing Goorganga, a property with rich grassy plains and surroundings of lagoons teaming with wildlife. Goorganga was fairly well off for water, and the stock had access to tidal flats. He purchased some stud stock from Mr A. Cook of Greenmount, Mackay. George and Minna Lascelles were always kind and sympathetic to those less fortunate and ardently supported charitable organisations. Minna was an accomplished pianist and was actively involved in the social life of the district. She helped furnish a rest room in the Digger’s Hut – forerunner of the later CWA room – for women and their children coming to town in those days by horse and buggy. She was also an active member of St Paul’s Church of England. Son, Evelyn’s World War I service shaped the family’s support for service personnel. Minna served with the Red Cross, and George was a foundation member of the Scartwater Trust, founded by A H Cunningham in 1917 to support soldiers and their families from Proserpine to Innisfail and west to the Queensland border. The Trust provided scholarships and continues today in an evolved form. George also supported Soldier Settlement by buying 2,000 acres known as The Pocket, adjoining Goorganga between Thompson Creek and the O’Connell River. After the war, Evelyn took over management of Goorganga and remained active in the RSSLA, visiting schools each year to explain Anzac. In 1939, the Proserpine Returned Soldiers' League founded the Edward George Lascelles Memorial Bursary in honour of their patron who died in 1938; it continued until at least 1947. Evelyn’s son, Geoff, later received Queen’s Birthday honours for service to returned soldiers and the community. The Lascelles family were successful pioneers whose contributions left a lasting mark on the local community. POSTSCRIPT: In 1957, Evelyn Lascelles sold Goorganga to the Cox family. Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Society. The Lascelles presenting ribbons at the Proserpine Show.
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Zak, Vhari and Chris photo credit: Rachael Smith and Trish Jandt
The tourism industry gathered for a lively networking night last Thursday at Club Wyndham in Airlie Beach.
Chair of Tourism Whitsundays, Katelyn Aslett gave an inspiring speech of encouragement and was joined by Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins who gave a regional update.
Olivia Brodhurst from Whales of the Whitsundays also spoke on the evening before a thriving networking opportunity recommenced under a spectacular Whitsunday sunset.
Sisqó Tan. Photo supplied: Benson and Collete Tan.
When Sisqó Tan first dazzled Airlie Beach audiences last year, he was a three-year-old star-in-the-making. Now four, he is returning with the SoulCutz crew and a much bigger audience behind him.
Behind Sisqó’s love of the stage is SoulCutz, the 3 man group led by his dad, Benson Tan.
Known for blending Motown, soul, funk, retro classics and modern hits, SoulCutz delivers music spanning generations, drawing inspiration from performers including Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Shaggy and the Bee Gees.
Combined with impersonations, energetic dance moves and plenty of crowd interaction, the group has entertained audiences across Queensland since reaching the top 12 of The X Factor in 2014.
“Our audiences are equal, they are part of us,” added Benson.
“You feel part of the group, you’re not treated inferior, our audiences are part of the show and it’s lots of fun.”
“I love performing, seeing smiles on people’s faces, making people happy and feeding off vibes - it’s a great feeling.”
That love of performing has clearly rubbed off on Benson’s son, Sisqó, who has been immersed in the vibrant world of Brisbane’s Eat Street since he was just two months old, surrounded by music, lights and performers.
While other toddlers were content stacking blocks, Sisqó was nodding along from backstage. It wasn’t long before he began joining the band on stage and stacking up fans of his own.
“He’s grown up with rhythm in his veins and it shows,” said his mum, Colette.
“He absorbs the magic of the stage like second nature.”
Sisqó speciality is undoubtedly Michael Jackson, from the dance moves to emulating his confidence and that unmistakable stage presence that commands the audience’s attention.
“I’m actually quite shy, so I have no idea where he gets his confidence from,” Colette said.
“He absolutely loves performing, if he hears music, he wants to dance. He doesn’t care where he is or who is watching.”
SoulCutz first brought the young performer to Airlie Beach last year, when he was just three.
Since then, he’s turned four and gone from emerging star to social media sensation, amassing more than 408,000 followers and 12.3 million likes on TikTok, along with 42,000 Instagram followers. In the past 30 days alone, his videos have attracted an incredible 30.8 million views.
Despite the attention, Colette said he remains a cheeky young boy whose performances are driven by a genuine love of music.
“The most beautiful part for us is that none of it is forced,” she said.
“He genuinely loves it. We just stand back and watch him do what makes him happy.”
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel
What: Soul Cutz and Sisqó Tan
When: September 12th & September 13th 2pm-5:30pm
Award-winning author Rachel Armstrong will headline the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival on Sunday 13th September, bringing audiences a rare chance to hear from a writer at the top of her game, fresh from a national award win.
Rachel’s appearance comes hot on the heels of major recognition for her latest novel, Island Bite. The second book in her Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series was named the 2026 Speculative Fiction Romantic Book of the Year by Romance Writers of Australia at its awards in Darwin in August.
The award recognises Armstrong’s ability to combine romance, fantasy and the distinctive atmosphere of North Queensland in a story that has captured readers’ imaginations.
At the festival, Rachel will deliver the From the Heart keynote, giving audiences the opportunity to hear how a story goes from an idea to international acclaim, what her writing process looks like and where her North Queensland-set stories come from.
“Having Rachel join us immediately after winning another Romantic Book of the Year is a real coup for the Festival,” said Festival President and Programme Director Richard Evans.
“Her success is also a wonderful example of the depth of Australian writing talent and the kinds of stories that can come from our own region.”
Across the day, audiences can enjoy live author conversations on publishing and finding story ideas, the presentation of the 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, readings from winning works and regional author markets. The program also includes live entertainment, working artists, refreshments, a sausage sizzle, prizes and raffles.
“We wanted this year’s programme to be about the stories behind the stories,” Richard said.
“Where ideas come from, how writers develop their craft, and what it takes to bring a book into the world.”
From 3pm, the festival opens to everyone with Stories by the Sea, a free afternoon celebration featuring more than 20 regional authors, book stalls, readings, live music, art, children’s activities and a community book swap. No ticket is required.
Bookings for the main program are strong, with the day expected to reach capacity. Secure your seat through the festival website to guarantee your place.
Stories by the Sea is free and open to everyone from 3pm, with no booking required.
What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: 10.30am for an 11am–4.30pm program, Sunday 13th September 2026
Free community event: Stories by the Sea, 3pm–4.30pm
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale
4th Don River Dash, ALL DAY, Don River, Bowen
4th Bowen Business Networking Event, 7:30am-8:30am, TBA, Bowen
4th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
4th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
5th Don River Dash, ALL DAY, Don River, Bowen
5th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
5th The Filthy Animals Classic Rock Rangers Father’s Day Special, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
6th Don River Dash, ALL DAY, Don River, Bowen
6th Whitsunday Counselling and Support Inc. Colour Run, 9am-12pm, Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
6th The Filthy Animals Classic Rock Rangers, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
6th Bobby Alu’s Keep It Tropical North QLD, 3pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach
8th Sailability Whitsundays.
10th White Night Club 74 Disco, 5:30pm, Elementa, 26 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
10th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
11th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, 9am-5pm, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
11th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
11th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
12th White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, 9am-5pm, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
12th Bowen Orchid and Foliage Society Spring Show, 10am, Bowen Showgrounds, Bowen
12th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach
12th Soul Cutz, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
12th 2026 Whitsunday Airport Shute Harbour Runway Dinner, TBA, Main Terminal, Shute Harbour Road, Whitsundays
4th September
ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe, 8pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ night, 8pm onwards
5th September
ABH: Filthy Animals, 2pm-5:30pm
ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento’s: Simon Briley, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe, 8pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: B Doubles, 8pm onwards
6th September
ABH: Filthy Animals, 2pm-5:30pm,
ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Kieran McCarthy, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Ronny Croker, 8pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Ash Smith, 1pm-5pm
7th August
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Nick Di Gregorio , 8pm-10pm
8th September
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm
9th September
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm
10th September
ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm
BY GEORGIA MCDONALD
This week I sat down with Ash Smith, a familiar face around the Whitsundays music scene. Originally from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, Ash had been travelling round Australia when he decided to come up to Airlie Beach. In typical Whitsundays fashion, what was supposed to be a one week visit turned into eight years.
“I came here for a week, played one gig at Magnums, stayed and got sponsorship,” he told me.
While Ash may not have planned on pursuing music as a career, music was always a part of his life. Growing up, he was in choirs, performing solos at school. He stepped away from music for a few years, before picking it back up again around the age of 18, initially just for fun.
After recording a few songs and receiving good feedback, Ash realised he might be able to make a career out it and decided to take a leap. His gigging career took him to New Zealand and the United States.
In the US, he travelled with two other singer-songwriters in an RV, making their way through Atlanta, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, playing gigs and backing each other on their original songs. They didn’t generate much money from the trip, but as Ash put it: you might not make a lot of cash, but you make a lot of experiences.
One of the highlights was playing on Beale Street in Memphis, which had been a big bucket-list moment for Ash. To make the whole thing even more fitting, one of the guys performed Walking In Memphis after the trio arrived ‘in the pouring rain’.You really couldn’t have planned it better if you tried.
Now, after around eight years in the Whitsundays, Ash has settled into the local music scene and has developed a broad style that allows him to adapt to any crowd; whether it be a chilled restaurant or a jam-packed late-night gig.
A big part of Ash’s performances these days is his use of a loop pedal, which lets him build up his sound as he plays. He will layer drums, percussion, bass, backing vocals and guitar live, creating what essentially sounds like a whole band but from one person.
What he loves most is being able to change things up every time, keeping things interesting for himself as well as adapting to wherever he’s playing.
For Ash, though, it’s not just about what he can create on stage, but the crowd he’s creating it for. He says an engaging and appreciative crowd makes all the difference, with the connection between musician and audience often encouraging him to give even more.
Despite years of performing, Ash is still learning, currently teaching himself saxophone alongside the guitar, vocals, drums and flute he already plays. His advice for anyone starting out is simple: play as much as you can, practise, and take every opportunity to perform.
“Any chance you have to play with any other musician, especially ones that are better than you, you’re always learning.”
Song Recommendation Of The Week: I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bon Iver Cover
Where to catch Ash this coming week:
Grandview Hotel, Bowen Sunday 6th September 2PM – 5PM
Every Sunday night at Boaty’s 6:30PM – 9PM
Every Monday night at Boaty’s 5:30PM – 9PM
Jules, David and Kieran. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Airlie Beach Festival of Music committee held a free barbecue on Sunday, bringing the community together ahead of November’s musical extravaganza.
Held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the relaxed gathering welcomed families and friends for an afternoon by the water, with sausages on the barbecue and live entertainment from acts including Jackie and Dom, a duo whose vocals and guitar proved a perfect match.
The event also gave organisers an opportunity to thank the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and music lovers who continue to get behind the festival each year.
With preparations well underway, the afternoon offered a small taste of the chill atmosphere audiences can expect when the festival returns in November.
With warmer days on the way and summer starting to feel a little closer, it is time to swap the hearty winter favourites for something fresh, colourful and full of tropical flavour.
This mango and prawn salad is practically made for a Whitsunday afternoon. Sweet mango, creamy avocado and fresh prawns come together with a zesty lime dressing for an easy lunch or light dinner best enjoyed outside in the sunshine.
Tropical Mango And Prawn Salad
Ingredients
500g cooked and peeled prawns
2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 large avocado, diced
1 Lebanese cucumber, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups mixed lettuce leaves
½ cup fresh coriander leaves
1 fresh chilli, finely sliced (optional)
1 lime
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper
Method
Start by placing the lettuce, cucumber, red onion, mango and avocado into a large serving bowl.
Add the cooked prawns and gently toss everything together, being careful not to break up the avocado.
For the dressing, squeeze the juice of one lime into a small bowl before whisking through the olive oil and honey. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and finish with fresh coriander and sliced chilli for an extra kick.
Serve immediately with fresh crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own for a light tropical meal.
Fresh, simple and bursting with colour, it is the kind of dish that tastes like summer before summer has even arrived.
Whitsunday Coast Airport offers a range of accessibility services to help all passengers travel with confidence. From kerbside assistance, hearing loops and accessible parking to priority seating, dedicated baggage claim areas, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and even a therapy dog, Whitsunday Coast Airport is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all travellers. For more information on the airport's accessibility features, visit the Whitsunday Coast Airport website.
What happens when you bring local businesses together for an afternoon of friendly competition? A lot of enthusiasm, some questionable tactics and plenty of excellent sportsmanship!
The inaugural Chamber Games brought teams together for a series of fun, light-hearted challenges, with plenty of cheering, competition and laughs along the way. While everyone came ready to win, the afternoon was ultimately about connection, teamworkand having a bit of fun together.
And, of course, there were some winners!
Blocklaying Airlie Beach made history as the inaugural Chamber Games champions, claiming the gold medal and becoming the first team to lift the perpetual trophy.
Club Whitsunday secured silver after a strong performance on home turf, while Whitsunday Regional Council rounded out the podium with bronze following a competitive afternoon.
Best Dressed Team went to Accountancy Plus Whitsunday, taking team spirit to the next level with their twirling tutus.
A special thank you went to Airlie Beach Men's Shed and Whitsunday Laser Creations for bringing the Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy to life.
The trophy will now be passed from champion to champion each year, with Blocklaying Airlie Beach making history as the first team to have their name engraved.
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday 26 August 2027.
Chamber can't wait to see these teams – and plenty of new challengers – back on the field for the 2027 Chamber Games!
Photo source: Mackay Regional Council and Mackay and Whitsunday Life
Mackay Seniors Expo is set to return to The Big Shed at Mackay Showgrounds on Tuesday 15th September.
Running from 9am to 12pm, the popular annual event is expected to once again draw thousands of locals, with more than 80 exhibitors coming together to showcase the services, programs and opportunities available to older residents across the region.
Now just three weeks away, the expo offers a valuable morning out for seniors, carers, friends and family, providing the chance to discover local services, gather useful information and connect with organisations focused on supporting healthy, activeand connected lives.
With approximately 2,000 community members attending in previous years, the event has become an important fixture on Mackay’s community calendar.
From discovering new programs and support services to simply getting out, meeting people and enjoying the atmosphere, the Expo is designed to help older residents stay informed and connected.
The event forms part of the Queensland Government’s statewide Seniors Month celebrations, which promote positive attitudes towards ageing while encouraging participation, community connection and intergenerational relationships.
What: Mackay Seniors Expo:
When: Tuesday 15th September - 9am–12pm
Where: The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds
A fresh new fundraising experience is coming to the Mackay region in 2026, as My Hospital Foundation launches its inaugural Gather & Graze event. Proudly presented by Jayden Enterprises, the exclusive cocktail-style evening will take place on Saturday 19 September 2026 at Note Park Grazing Co. in Homebush, bringing together great food, entertainment and passionate community supporters, all while raising vital funds for local healthcare initiatives.
Set amongst stunning rural surrounds, Gather & Graze offers guests an exclusive experience that celebrates the very best of regional hospitality. The event will feature a premium canapé-style dining experience curated by the talented team from Sinful Kitchen, renowned for delivering fresh, creative and beautifully presented cuisine. Guests can look forward to an evening of gourmet flavours, quality local produce and impeccable service, complemented by beer, wine and basic spirits.
Beyond the food, Gather & Graze promises an unforgettable night of entertainment and fundraising. Live music will set the tone for the evening, while guests can participate in live and silent auctions, raffles, lucky envelopes and a range of exciting prize draws.
Among the standout prizes already generating excitement are a Harry Styles concert package for two, a luxurious 7-Day Oasis Health Retreat in Bali, exclusive professional photography packages, and a signed 2025 Queensland State of Origin jersey. With many more premium experiences and prizes on offer, there will be plenty of opportunities for guests to take home something special while supporting a worthy cause.
Adding to the excitement, My Hospital Foundation is thrilled to welcome Tyler Littlewood as the live auctioneer for Gather & Graze 2026. A respected stock and station agent, helicopter pilot and passionate advocate for rural Queensland, Tyler is well known for his leadership, community involvement and strong connection to the agricultural industry. His infectious energy, extensive auction experience and engaging style are guaranteed to keep the crowd entertained and the bidding competitive throughout the evening.
While Gather & Graze is expected to a fantastic social experience, its purpose extends far beyond an enjoyable night out. Funds raised help My Hospital Foundation provide vital hospital equipment, patient support programs and healthcare initiatives that directly benefit patients and families across Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday and surrounding communities. Every ticket purchased, auction bid placed and raffle entered contributes to improving healthcare outcomes for local people when they need it most.
Whether you're entertaining clients, celebrating with friends or simply wanting to give back to your community, Gather & Graze 2026 offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an exceptional evening while making a meaningful difference. With demand expected to be high, early bookings are encouraged for what promises to be one of the region's premier fundraising events of the year.
Some dads want socks. Others want steak.
This Father’s Day, give Dad the latter!
Hotel Mackay is inviting locals to gather around the table on Sunday 6th September, for a Father’s Day feast built around good food, good company and a seriously good cut of meat.
The perfect Father’s Day dish starts with the perfect cut, and the team has gone straight to the source, selecting a 400g Rib Fillet on the Bone from Five Founders before handing it over to the Hotel Mackay kitchen to do the rest.
It’s the kind of meal Dad can get properly excited about, and a good excuse to get the whole crew together.
Whether you’re bringing your dad, your grandad, your mates, or simply using Father’s Day as an opportunity to get everyone around the table, Hotel Mackay is the place to make a meal of it.
Located in Mackay’s City Heart, the locally owned and lovingly restored hotel combines more than a century of character with a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. Its traditional pub setting makes it an easy choice for a relaxed Father’s Day catch-up, whether you’re settling in for lunch or making a day of it over good food and a cold drink – or two!
Hotel Mackay’s restaurant and bar are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, offering a place where locals and visitors can enjoy hearty pub fare in a venue steeped in Mackay history.
With a standout rib fillet on the menu and the city-centre pub atmosphere to match, this is one booking Dad will actually thank you for.
This Father’s Day, bring Dad, bring your appetite, book your table and enjoy some quality time together at Hotel Mackay!
Bookings available on 07 4863 0564
Monthly Markets
Marian Markets
Held the 3rd Sunday of each month, 8am–12pm, at Holy Rosary Church. Enjoy local stalls, food and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Pinnacle Markets
Held the 3rd Sunday monthly, 9am–1pm, at Pinnacle Family Hotel, featuring local stalls and businesses. Stallholders:4958 5207. Markets run through September.
Eungella Community Markets
Held the 2nd Sunday monthly, 9am–1pm, at Eungella Memorial Hall, 5 North St. Enjoy local stalls and a family-friendly, undercover, air-conditioned venue.
Upcoming Events
Friday 28th August
Cuppa Between Chapters
9am-10am
Enjoy a relaxed morning of good company, conversation and reading at Cuppa Between Chapters. Settle in with a warm drink, meet others from the community or simply enjoy some quiet time with your current read. Come along for a friendly start to the day — everyone is welcome.
Mirani Library, 16 Victoria St, Mirani.
Saturday 29th August
Homebush Trivia & Bingo Night
5pm–11pm
Round up your friends, family or workmates for a fun-filled 18+ night of trivia, bingo, raffles and great prizes at Homebush State School. Tickets are $30 per person and include six rounds of trivia and bingo games, with a complimentary cold platter for each table. All funds raised will support students and school resources.
Homebush State School, 1181 Homebush Road, Homebush.
Wednesday 2nd September
Paint with Kate Kennedy
11am–12pm
Unleash your creativity at Walkerston Library with local artist Kate Kennedy, who will guide participants through a vibrant acrylic painting workshop inspired by local scenes. Learn new techniques, experiment with colour and create your own bold artwork in a relaxed, social setting. Bookings are limited, so get in quick!
Walkerston Library, 8 Creek St, Walkerston.
Friday 4th September
Stand Up Comedy In Farleigh – James O’Connell
7.30pm–8.45pm
Brisbane comedian James O’Connell brings 16 years of stand-up experience to Farleigh for a night of laughs, sharing stories from his time on Farmer Wants a Wife, sperm donation adventures and plenty more. The 18+ show runs for around an hour — perfect for a Friday night laugh.
22 Chidlow St, Farleigh.
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