Agnetha, played by Bride Pamment and Frida, played by Jessie Phillippi

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Calling all dancing queens: Airlie Beach Hotel is soon to be host to SOS The Australian ABBA Tribute Show, bringing back the hits that have had crowds singing along since the ’70s.

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In more than 15 years on stage, SOS has seen a few new faces come and go, but the band’s love for ABBA has stayed the same. For Sam Bennett, who plays Björn and handles guitar duties, it all started in the ’90s, when his parents played their ABBA Gold CD to death.

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“I think we love ABBA because it just can reach everyone,” Bennett said.

“Everyone’s got a story about ABBA and their connection to ABBA.”

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Joining him on stage are Jason Coe as Benny, Bride Pamment as Agnetha and Jessie Phillippi as Frida, and drummer TJ Cappola, who goes by IKEA, rounding out the lineup.  

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A Swedish accent and a bit of prancing around help Bennett and the band get into character, but it’s tapping into ABBA’s iconic style that unlocks the full talent.

“Once you put that costume on, oh, you are ready to start on stage,” Bennett said.

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The crowd can expect all the hits. “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo” are all surefire ways to get the crowd singing.

SOS also likes to slip in a few lesser-known favourites when they get the chance, including “Hole in Your Soul” and “When All Is Said and Done”.

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The band has played in Airlie plenty of times before, which for Bennett, shows the timelessness of ABBA, routinely seeing locals back on the dance floor.  

“We have a lot of friends of the show up in Airlie Beach that come to all of our shows,” Bennett said.

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“It’s really different seeing this music performed live as opposed to just listening to it on your own.

“When you’re experiencing that with other people, it’s just such great group music.”

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What? SOS The Australian ABBA Tribute Show
When? Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November, 2pm–5:30pm
Where? Airlie Beach Hotel

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Donations from across the region supported the scheme in 2025. Photo Credit: Prosepine Community Centre

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The Proserpine Community Centre will once again be spreading Christmas cheer amongst older residents, with the return of Senior Secret Santa.  

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The initiative will deliver thoughtful gifts to seniors who are spending the festive season away from family and friends, bringing local community groups and residents together to remind seniors that they are valued and supported by their community.

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Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Centre Ingrid Ruck shared that the scheme started when the centre was disheartened to hear that many seniors would be spending Christmas alone.  

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“Although we can’t be a substitute for family and friends, we want to give them a thoughtful, handpicked Christmas stocking from all of us to remind them that they live in a community that cares about them,” Ingrid shared.  

In the spirit of Christmas, the Proserpine Community Centre won't be doing the heavy lifting alone. Support from the wider community means the efforts will reach even more isolated seniors.  

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Small community groups like the Proserpine Scrapbooking Club will be making handmade Christmas cards to go with every gift, and the Proserpine Chat & Patch Quilting Club will be making drawstring bags as Santa Sacks.  

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From small community groups to nationwide supermarket chains, locals are pitching in where they can.  

Drake Supermarkets' Community Dollars scheme will also be supporting the initiative this year.  

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“Anyone who donates their Drakes Community Dollars to our Centre is helping us,” Ingrid said.  

“During the year we have raised enough money from one cent contributions to buy some wee gifts and Christmas goodies to go into each sack.”

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The community centre has brought the scheme back bigger and better than before, learning from past mistakes and always trying to learn. Like ‘not to use wrapping paper for 240 gifts!’

“It’s wasteful,” Ingrid said.  

“This year we are so lucky to be having handmade Santa Sacks made that will be more personal and much more environmentally friendly!”

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The centre will be collaborating with Helen from Meals on Wheels and Sue from the Seniors Team at the Library and many other community groups to deliver the presents safely to the seniors.  

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“We need to deliver these gifts safely, so that no older person has a stranger knocking on their door offering them a random gift.”

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Ingrid and the Proserpine Community Centre hope that the initiative reminds the seniors that they are surrounded by a community that cares about them and reminds the community that gift giving has nothing to do with money.  

“We hope it warms their hearts and makes them smile!” Ingrid said.  

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“As children, we learned that gift-giving was about being thoughtful, giving something the person might enjoy rather than the most expensive thing. If you would like to help us this year, we would be grateful for a donation of a small amount.”

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Contact Proserpine Community Centre on Facebook to find out how you can help.  

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Proserpine Entertainment Centre will have a line up of fun. Photo Credit: Proserpine Entertainment center

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Looking to book some fun into your 2027 calendar? Look no further than the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

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Among its exciting line-up of events, the center will welcome a brand-new adventure featuring puppets and dinosaurs.

Erth’s Dinosaurs is a fresh quest from Australia’s internationally acclaimed puppet innovators.

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The exciting new production reimagines Erth’s most legendary prehistoric creatures through updated designs, immersive storytelling and the latest paleontological discoveries.

The audience will be transported back millions of years to meet life-sized dinosaurs that roar and walk.  

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From carnivores to herbivores, each creature is brought to life through masterful puppetry.

The show will be a jaw-dropper for people of all ages; whether you're 40 or four, a magical experience will be guaranteed.  

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Packed with surprises and excitement, Erth’s Dinosaurs is an unforgettable experience. Igniting creativity, awe, and historical insight, all emotions may be on the cards for this show.  

Book online to experience the once-in-a-lifetime puppet show.  

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You can help a local family this Christmas just by adding a few extra essentials to your shopping basket. The 2026 Mayor’s Festive Food Appeal is collecting non-perishable food, pantry essentials and toiletries to help families in need over the festive period.

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Simply drop your donation at any Council Customer Service Centre before 20th November 2026 to help make the Christmas holiday season a little brighter for people in our community.

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Mayor Ry Collins, Melanie Collins, Margie Murphy and Gavin Butlin. Photo credit: Summer Rain Photography

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Estimations suggest that The Airlie Beach Festival of Music drew a record crowd for its 14th edition, with organisers confident more than 2,000 people packed the big top at Whitsunday Sailing Club each night.  

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“If it wasn’t for Jack Johnson in Brisbane and The Foo Fighters in Townsville, we would have sold out,” said Festival Founder Gavin “Butto” Butlin.   

“Which just goes to show that even with all the challenges we’ve faced, live music in Australia is far from dead.  

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Xavier Rudd set the tone for the weekend with a two-hour headline set on Friday night. He returned to the stage for an encore of his new track ‘Part of Life’, and the show closed with a recording of the late Jane Goodall urging the crowd to look after the planet.  

Friday night also belonged to Bells Beach band Ozone Street, who won the national Passport to Airlie competition, the talent search that gives emerging acts from across Australia a chance to play the festival’s main stage.  

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Other acts like Mark Seymour and The Whitlams kept the music going over the next two days, with Mental As Anything, 19 Twenty and UK band Skinny Living further bolstering the lineup.

Saturday’s showstopping moment came in the morning, when blues guitarist Nathan Cavaleri crossed Pioneer Bay on a jet ski to get to soundcheck.

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the festival brings at least $5 million into the regional economy each year and reflects a local live music scene that keeps going long after the big top comes down.

“It’s part of our identity and it’s great to see it continuing to thrive,” Mayor Collins said.

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Plans are already underway for next year, with three-day general admission passes for the 2027 festival available at the $300 early bird rate until 30th November.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/airlie-beach-festival-of-music-2026

Photo credit: Summer Rain Photography

Photo Credit: Craig Wilson - Swamphouse Photography

Photo Credit Jake and Hollie Birch : The Lost & Wild

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The much-anticipated Airlie Beach Festival Of Music is about to roll up onto Whitsunday Shores, with Aussie legend Xavier Rudd bringing buzz as a headline act.  

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For more than two decades, Xavier has built a remarkable career around music that speaks to the human experience, the natural world and the deep connections that exist between them – themes that will be aptly illustrated by the lush backdrop of the coral sea on November 6^th.  

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From his 2002 debut To Let through to his most recent releases, Rudd has become one of Australia’s most enduring and distinctive musical voices. Blending roots, folk and world music with his extraordinary talents as a multi-instrumentalist, he has developed a sound that is unmistakably his own while earning devoted audiences around the globe.

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Over the years, Rudd's performances have evolved from full-band and trio formats into the intricate one-man-band experience that has taken him to some of the world's biggest stages.

Next: Airlie Beach is on the itinerary.  

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Rudd's music has continued to evolve in recent years, with his 2024 release Freedom Sessions marking his first EP in 25 years. Across six intimate and reflective tracks, the collection explored themes of solitude, personal growth and freedom, with songs including World Order Part 1 & 2, High Time, Road Trippin', Free The People and Moments revealing a raw and soulful side of his artistry.

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In September 2025, he followed with Where to Now, an EP born from reflection and contemplation. Rich with layered rhythms and instrumentation, the release explores resilience, connection and the courage required to move forward through uncertain times.

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“It came from a pretty deep place of contemplation and reflecting on the world, and I feel that when I sing it,” Rudd said of the EP.

That personal reflection has always been at the heart of his songwriting.

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“My music is just inspired by life,” he said. “We go through trials and tribulations in life and the music represents where I’m at personally but also extends to everyone else. We all have our stuff that we have to overcome and we’re all just doing our best.”

For Rudd, music is also about freedom of expression and the joy of movement.

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“Dancing and moving our bodies is really important,” he said. “It’s like surfing: everyone surfs in a different way, expresses on a wave a different way - everyone’s got their own kooky style and it’s cool… Everyone’s cool.”

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Despite a catalogue spanning more than two decades, Rudd has refused to nominate a favourite song.

“All my songs are special to me. They come from some kind of place with a story. I don’t have favourites.”

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Recent years have brought further recognition for his work, winning the APRA Award for Most Performed Blues and Roots Work in 2022, while Stoney Creek claimed the Environmental Music Prize.

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With a new chapter continuing through his latest single, Part of Life, and a busy 2026 touring schedule, Xavier Rudd will arrive at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music as an artist still evolving - but remaining firmly grounded in the values, stories and sounds that have made him one of Australia’s most beloved performers.

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airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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FRIDAY 6^TH NOVEMBER

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CUPPA BETWEEN CHAPTERS

9am - 10am

Mirani Library will host a relaxed morning of conversation, reading and connection, inviting locals to enjoy a warm cuppa, good company or a quiet moment with their latest book.

Mirani Library, 16 Victoria St, Mirani

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MOVE STRONG AND STAY HEALTHY

9.30am - 10.30am  

Improve fitness, strength and balance through a professionally guided exercise session led by accredited exercise physiologist Kim Giles of Move Strong Health. Suitable for all fitness levels, the program includes adaptable seated and standing exercises, using resistance bands and light weights to support mobility, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Sarina Library, 65 Broad Street, Sarina

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PAINT WITH KATE KENNEDY: CHRISTMAS CANVAS WORKSHOP

10am - 11am  

Get creative ahead of Christmas at this festive acrylic painting workshop led by local artist Kate Kennedy. Suitable for all skill levels, participants will learn colour mixing, brush techniques and layering to create their own Christmas-themed artwork. All materials are provided.

Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant

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BABY BOUNCE

11am - 11.30am

A fun, interactive session for babies from birth to walking, encouraging early language skills and social development through talking, playing, singing and reading. Parents and carers can enjoy rhymes, stories and activities while building positive learning experiences with their little ones.

Walkerston Library, 8 Creek Street, Walkerston

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THE PLARN PROJECT: CRAFTING FOR A CAUSE

2pm - 4pm  

Learn how to turn recycled plastic bags into plastic yarn, known as plarn, before crocheting it into lightweight mats for people in need. No previous experience is required, with all skill levels welcome. The project combines creative skills with recycling and community support.

Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay

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SATURDAY 7^TH NOVEMBER

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SIGN TOGETHER: AN INTRODUCTION TO AUSLAN

9.30am - 10.30am

Discover the basics of Australian Sign Language (Auslan) while learning more about Deaf culture and history. Each session builds on previous lessons, expanding vocabulary and practising everyday signs, including numbers, colours, food and feelings. The sessions offer an engaging introduction to Auslan for those interested in developing their communication skills.

Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant

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SUNDAY 8^TH NOVEMBER

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TROPPO TREASURE MARKET

7.30am - 11.30am  

Browse around 140 stalls offering a mix of new, second-hand, pre-loved, homemade and home-grown goods. From plants, books, arts and crafts to fresh fruit and vegetables, tools, clothing and food stalls, there is plenty to explore at this monthly community market.

Mangrove Rd, Mackay  

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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A little kindness can go a long way, and with that said, Mackay locals are being encouraged to help make Christmas a little brighter for those most vulnerable in our community experiencing homelessness.

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Chances House is inviting workplaces, businesses, schools, sporting clubs and community groups to organise Christmas donation drives, collecting essential items such as personal care items, everyday essentials and food items for hampers, for people doing it tough across the region.

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‘At Chances House, Christmas is about more than gifts. It's about reminding people that they are seen, they matter & they belong,’ commented a representative from Chances House.

‘From all of us at Chances House, thank you for helping us spread kindness, compassion and hope throughout our community this Christmas.’

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To get involved, contact Ally on 0407 181 394 or email community@chancesmackay.org.

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At The Room Edit

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Christmas shopping just got easier, with The Room Edit bringing a fresh collection of homewares, interior pieces and thoughtful gifts to Mackay just in time for the festive season.

Recently opening at Mount Pleasant, the locally owned store is the latest venture from sisters Laura and Debbie, who have brought together a unique range of home and lifestyle pieces at approachable prices.

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The collection spans everyday home essentials and decorative touches, including cushions, throws, ceramics, candles, diffusers, clocks, mirrors, florals and figurines.  

Christmas decorations and seasonal pieces also feature throughout the store, making it a convenient stop for those looking to get ahead of their festive shopping or find something for that someone special.

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The business also carries a longstanding connection to the Mackay community, with the family having served local shoppers for more than 50 years through Tick Tock Jewellers and Tick Tock Two.

Laura and Debbie are continuing that family tradition through The Room Edit, placing an emphasis on friendly, personal service and a considered retail experience.

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A new addition to Mackay's retail scene, the store offers locals another place to discover beautiful pieces for the home, pick up a thoughtful Christmas gift or find a little something for themselves.

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The Room Edit is located at Shop 4, 73 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant, and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Shop local and explore the collection now!

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Photo source: Shutterstock  

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Christmas carols, live music and a relaxed afternoon by the water will bring the community together when the Northern Beaches Community Christmas Carols take over Bucasia Esplanade on Saturday 12^th December.

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Running from 3pm to 6pm, the community-led event will offer a low-key way for families, friends and locals to enjoy some festive cheer, with plenty happening throughout the afternoon.

Live entertainment will kick off with Psychedelic Hart Attack from 3pm to 4.20pm, followed by a community choir featuring Bella Mummas, Unheard Voices Collective and local voices from the crowd. Rebel Uke will then take over from 4.40pm to 6pm, performing a mix of Christmas carols and classics.

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There will also be free children's activities, market stalls and food options, including a sausage sizzle and drinks from the Northern Beaches Girl Guides, alongside Christmas cakes, a bake stall and raffle hosted by the Lions.

Locals are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit by wearing their favourite Christmas outfits and bringing along rugs, camp chairs and water bottles to settle in for the afternoon.

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Organised by the Mackay Northern Beaches Lions Club, Northern Beaches Community Network and local volunteers, the drug and alcohol-free event is a celebration of community connection and the simple joys of Christmas.

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With no elaborate production, the focus is firmly on bringing people together for an afternoon of music, family fun and Christmas spirit at Bucasia Esplanade Parklands.

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WHAT: Northern Beaches Community Christmas Carols

WHEN: 3pm-6pm, 12^th December 2026

WHERE: Bucasia Esplanade  

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St. Patrick’s College students are getting into the spirit of giving, sewing handmade bags to be distributed to seafarers far from home.  

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The crafted bags will be filled with toiletries, food, and other essential items and delivered with the assistance of Mercy Works.

The life of a SeaFarer can be an isolated one, with long-term voyages keeping individuals from their friends, family, and loved ones for up to nine months at a time.  

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The Stella Maris appeal aims to show appreciation for their dedication, with the bags sewn by St Patrick’s students set to bring support and comfort at a time when it may be needed most.  

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“Through this initiative, we continue to put our Catholic values of compassion, hope, justice and respect into action, showing how small acts of service can make a meaningful difference,” a spokersperson for the school shared.  

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With Black Friday deals rolling around, locals can shop close to home and get a head start on their Christmas shopping at Betta Mackay.

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Located at 1/17 Greenfields Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, the locally based store has plenty of deals across its range of kitchen appliances, home electrical, furniture and bedding, with something to suit a range of homes and budgets.

From fridges, freezers and cooking appliances to televisions, audio equipment, washing machines, vacuums and cooling and heating, shoppers can browse a wide selection of household essentials in store.

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There are also plenty of options for those looking to tick off their Christmas gift list, including small appliances, health, fitness and beauty products, IT, phones and gadgets.

For those looking to update their living spaces, Betta Mackay also stocks furniture and bedding, making it worth a look for anyone planning a home refresh before the new year.

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Shoppers can also take advantage of in-store price matching, giving locals the opportunity to compare deals while supporting a local business.

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Whether you're replacing an old appliance, looking for a practical Christmas gift or simply keen to see what Black Friday specials are available, Betta Mackay has plenty to browse.

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Pop into Betta Mackay at 1/17 Greenfields Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, and see what deals are on offer!

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Mackay Regional Council is inviting locals to share their thoughts on the future of its Mobile Library service, which has been visiting regional communities for 44 years. Photos supplied by Mackay Regional Council

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For 44 years, Mackay Regional Council’s Mobile Library has been bringing books and library services to communities across the region, and now locals are being invited to help shape what comes next.

Council is asking residents to have their say through a new survey, aimed at understanding how people use the service and where improvements could be made.

The feedback will help council assess whether the Mobile Library’s current schedule and stopping locations continue to meet the needs of the community, including identifying areas that could benefit from a visit.

Whether you're a regular visitor, have never stepped aboard, or would simply like to see the service come to your neighbourhood, council is encouraging everyone to share their thoughts.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mobile Library played an important role in bringing library services directly to communities across the Mackay region, particularly those without easy access to a branch library.

“Our Mobile Library truck has been out and about in the Mackay region for 44 years, delivering books, resources and library services to residents right across our communities,” Mayor Williamson said. 

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“It provides an important service for people living in more remote areas or locations that don't have a nearby library, helping ensure everyone has access to reading, learning and community resources,” he said. 

Mayor Williamson said community feedback would help council ensure the Mobile Library continued to deliver convenient and accessible services to residents across the region. 

“We’re looking for ideas and feedback that can help us make a great service even better,” he said. 

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“Is there a particular day that suits you? Is there a location you'd like to see added to the schedule? Would you like the Mobile Library to visit your neighbourhood? 

“Your feedback will help us understand where and when residents would most benefit from Mobile Library visits, ensuring we continue to provide a service that is convenient, accessible and responsive to community needs.” 

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Consultation is open from 9am on Sunday 1^st November to 11.59pm on Monday 30^th November 2026.  

Complete the short survey online at www.connectingmackay.com.au/mobile-library-service. 

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Hard copy surveys are available on request from the Mobile Library or a Library branch near you.

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From Friday to Sunday, the streets of Airlie Beach will be buzzing with live performances and festivalgoers. Big names like Xavier Rudd, Mark Seymour, Mental as Anything and The Whitlams will be headlining the main stages while emerging artists make their debuts.

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With gigs happening across Airlie Beach venues, the Coral Sea will offer an unforgettable Whitsunday backdrop for tens of unforgettable artists.  

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Read more here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/paradise-amplified-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2026-airlie-beach-festival-of-music

There’s something mesmerising about the way a whirlpool turns, creating an underwater tornado you just can’t look away from.

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Down by a creek in Bowen, Alison Rayner captured just that.  

Her photograph of a miniature whirlpool took out this week’s theme, ‘Circular’. The current draws your eye round and round until the water almost looks like it’s moving in the otherwise still frame.

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It’s the kind of moment you could easily miss, but Alison’s photo will have me carefully watching the water on my everyday walks.  

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Congratulations to Alison for spotting the swirl and catching it in a photograph. This week’s theme is ‘A Pop of Colour’, so keep an eye out for a bright detail that stands out from its surroundings.

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Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another wonderful collection of images.

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