Instructor Rhys Cobden-Cox showing Lina Landgren a great view. Photo supplied: Amy Schaverian  

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The skies above Airlie Beach were busier than usual this Saturday, as dozens of first-time skydivers helped chase a world record, turning World Skydiving Day into one of the local drop zone's biggest days of the year.

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The Skydive Australia drop zone in Airlie Beach had a standout day, recording the second most jumps across the company's eight drop zones with 66 tandem skydives, compared to its usual daily average of 30 to 35.

"We had free food, free drinks and a fancy dress competition going on throughout the day," said Skydive Australia spokesperson and Airlie Beach drop zone manager Amy Schaverian.

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"It was a really good day."

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The increased activity formed part of World Skydiving Day, held on the second Saturday of July, which brings people together from around the world with the shared goal of getting as many people to jump out of a plane as possible.

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Australia has become one of the event's strongest contributors, with local jumpers among the first in the world to take part as the day begins. Last year, Australia recorded 2,594 skydives, including 715 first-time tandem jumps, the second-highest national contribution behind the United States.  

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Families and friends turned out in force for last Friday's Barrier Reef Markets, enjoying food, live entertainment and supporting local businesses

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Last Friday night's Barrier Reef Markets transformed Mackay City Heart into a vibrant hub of food, music and local shopping, with the community turning out in force to support local businesses. Families and friends enjoyed browsing unique market stalls, sampling delicious eats, listening to live music and soaking up the lively atmosphere, making for another successful evening celebrating Mackay's thriving community spirit.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/food-finds-and-friday-fun-at-the-mackay-barrier-reef-night-markets

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Friday 10^th July

NAIDOC Family Fun Day  

11am

Celebrate 50 Years of Deadly at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Queens Park Mackay on Friday, July 10, from 11am to 3pm. The free community event will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through vibrant cultural dance performances, community stalls, speeches and opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate together. Families and community members are invited to join in recognising the strength, stories and achievements of First Nations peoples while enjoying a day of culture, connection and celebration.

Queens Park  

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Saturday 11^th July

Queensland Ballet Story Time

9.30am

Little imaginations will take centre stage at Queensland Ballet Story Time, at Dudley Denny City Library. Designed for children aged two to five years and their grown-ups, this joyful interactive session combines storytelling, musicand movement to inspire creativity while building early literacy skills. Young attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favourite costumes, from tutus and superhero capes to sparkly shoes, for an extra touch of fun. Bookings are recommended for this magical family experience.

Scottish Bluewater Fling

1.30pm

Bluewater Fling returns with a special celebration marking 100 years of community service by the Mackay and District Pipe Band. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening of Scottish culture, featuring 100 pipers and drummers marching across Forgan Bridge, Highland dancers, live music, food vendors and Scottish merchandise. Held along the picturesque Pioneer River, the festivities conclude with a lively ceilidh afterparty and spectacular fireworks. Bring a picnic blanket or chair and join this family-friendly celebration as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

Bluewater Quay

Dudley Denney Library  

Highway Country Music Family Night   

7pm

Enjoy an evening of country music, friendship and community at the Highway Country Music Family Night on Saturday, July 11, from 7pm at Bakers Creek Community Hall. With live music, a welcoming atmosphere and a delicious free supper provided, the event is a great night out for country music lovers of all ages. Entry is just $5, with everyone welcome to attend. For more information, contact Betty. Club members are also reminded that memberships are now due.

Bakers Creek Community Hall  

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Sunday 12^th July

Eungella Community Markets  

9am

Enjoy a scenic day in the Pioneer Valley at the Eungella Community Markets on Sunday, from 9am to 1pm at Eungella Memorial Hall. Browse a wonderful selection of local produce, homemade treats, artisan crafts, jewellery, fresh beef, honey and handmade gifts while enjoying a home-style brunch and barista coffee. With picnic areas, community stalls and a welcoming country atmosphere, the undercover, pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible markets offer a relaxing outing for the whole family.

Eungella Memorial Hall

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Monday 13^th July

Travelling Seed Library In Sarina  

8.30am

Grow your own garden and share in a greener future with the Travelling Seed Library at Sarina Library. Available during library opening hours, the initiative encourages locals to borrow, grow and return seeds while building a sustainable, locally adapted seed collection. Open to library members, the Seed Library provides an opportunity to learn new gardening skills, grow fresh produce and support community connection through sharing and sustainability. Drop in anytime to get started.

Sarina Library  

Yarnbomb Mackay  

9.30am

Get creative and connect with the community at Yarnbomb Mackay, a free weekly gathering where locals can crochet and knit colourful installations to brighten Mackay City Heart. Held from 9.30am to 12pm at Jamaica Blue Sydney St Markets, the session welcomes all skill levels, including beginners. Enjoy friendly conversations over a cuppa while learning new skills, meeting fellow craft enthusiasts and helping bring vibrant yarn creations to life. All materials are provided.

Jamaica Blue Sydney St Markets

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Tuesday 14^th July

Walk and Talk Book Club  

8am

Combine a love of reading, nature and community at the Walk & Talk Book Club presented by Mackay Regional Council Libraries, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Participants can enjoy a gentle walk through the gardens while discussing each month’s featured book, connecting with fellow book lovers and sharing ideas along the way. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water bottle for this relaxed and social experience promoting wellbeing, conversation and a love of literature.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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Photo source: Sarina Youth Centre  

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Young people participating in Sarina Youth's Industry Insights program gained practical knowledge and career inspiration during a recent visit to Tyrepower Sarina.

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As part of the program's second day, participants learned about tyre fitting, vehicle safety and basic car maintenance from local industry professional Barry, who shared his experience and demonstrated the skills required to work in the trade.

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The group also watched a young man completing work placement through TecNQ demonstrate the process of fitting and removing a tyre from a rim, showcasing the value of hands-on training and industry mentorship.

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Sarina Youth Centre stated that Barry's willingness to mentor young people and provide real-world learning opportunities reinforced the importance of practical experience in building future careers.

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"Experiences like these help build confidence, practical skills and open pathways to future employment opportunities.”

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The organisation also thanked Barry and the team at Tyrepower Sarina for their support in helping inspire local youth to explore future career pathways.

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Modern playground and softfall at Sarina Kindy provides a more durable and inclusive outdoor space, thanks to a Community Grant from Community Bank Sarina. Photos supplied.

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Children at Sarina and District Community Kindergarten (Sarina Kindy) are enjoying improved outdoor play facilities thanks to a Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Community Grant of more than $28,500.

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The community grant meant Sarina Kindy could replace the ageing soft fall surface to create a more durable and inclusive outdoor space for kindy kids.

The project was supported through Community Bank Sarina's Community Engagement Program, which invests in initiatives that strengthen local organisations and create lasting benefits for the region.

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Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May said the project aligned closely with the organisation's commitment to supporting initiatives that build community capacity.

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“Through our Community Engagement Program, we support projects that build community capacity and create long term benefits for our region,” Mrs May said.

“This upgrade will provide a safer outdoor environment for children while supporting the kindergarten's important role within the community.”

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Outdoor play is recognised as a vital part of childhood development, helping children build physical, social and emotional skills while encouraging curiosity and learning.

Sarina Kindy Grants Officer Angela Patroni said outdoor play was an important part of a child’s development.

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"This project will benefit not only our current students but also future generations of children and families,” Ms Patroni said.

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“Community Bank Sarina has supported a number of important improvements at our kindergarten over the years and this playground will make a lasting difference to the safety, accessibility and quality of our outdoor learning environment.”

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Since opening in 2005, Community Bank Sarina has invested more than $5 million back into the greater Sarina region through community grants, sponsorships and scholarships that create lasting, positive community impact.

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (Facebook)

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Locals celebrated the beauty of the Mackay region through vibrant paintings of its landscapes and landmarks before the Mackay Art Society's Our Amazing Region exhibition drew to a close on Sunday 28^th June, at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Gallery. The exhibition showcased the talent of local artists while capturing the places that make the region unique, with visitors also enjoying the opportunity to watch artists painting outdoors during a special en plein air demonstration over the weekend.

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council Libraries (Facebook)

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During this school holidays, children put their creativity to the test as Brick by Brick LEGO Free Play proved a popular attraction at Dudley Denny City Library.

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Young builders spent the session designing imaginative creations, with the free activity drawing enthusiastic participation from local families.

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The fun is set to continue at Gordon White Library, while the region's libraries also offer a packed school holiday program including Deadly Colouring, Movie Matinees, Bedtime Stories and First Aid for Kids, giving families plenty of opportunities to learn, create and connect throughout the break.

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Crossroad Arts' new immersive production, Unfamiliar Grounds, will transform a purpose-built dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns into a virtual world of projections, soundscapes and storytelling when it premieres from July 15–18.  Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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"What's that big white dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns?" you might ask.

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The giant white structure has sparked curiosity among locals driving past in recent weeks, with many wondering what is taking shape in the heart of the city.

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The answer is Unfamiliar Grounds – an ambitious new immersive production by Crossroad Arts that will transform the purpose-built dome into a virtual world filled with large-scale projections, sweeping soundscapes and a heartwarming story designed to spark the imagination of audiences of all ages.

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Presented from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, the production has been more than 18 months in the making, bringing together performers, directors and visual artists to create an experience unlike anything previously staged in Mackay.

Director and CEO Autumn said this performance, was their biggest one yet.

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“We've had an enormous amount of support from local businesses, trade businesses that have donated their labour, their time, and also their equipment and materials. So we're very grateful.”

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“This is probably the biggest thing we've done… We wanted to do something that's outside the box... something more immersive, where people can be inside the experience with us as we're performing.”

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Dance Director Charlee Presland said the story was inspired by ideas shared by the performers themselves.

“Some of the participants are very heavily into video games, some are into nature, and some just wanted to be inside and not want to come out.”

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She said those ideas evolved into a story where a character journeys through a virtual world, facing challenges inspired by the natural elements.

“We've taken inspiration from people's love of nature and video games and tied them all together.”

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Performer Georgia Knoll, who plays Fire, said she loves stepping into the role.

“I love being Fire... Fire's pretty sassy.”

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Fellow director and performer Hannah Izard, who portrays Mother Nature, said the story builds towards one final challenge.

“Mother Nature comes in and sets everything right... but you'll have to come and watch the show if you want to find out more.”

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The immersive production also features digital projections created by Crossroad Arts' visual artists, transforming their original artworks into a virtual environment that surrounds audiences inside the 15-metre dome.

Ms Izard said the production had grown from a simple creative prompt.

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“We were given the words ‘unfamiliar ground’... from every person's idea, we put them all together and came up with this big story that’s grown into what it is now."

The dome has already become a talking point in Mackay, with the team hoping it encourages more people to discover what Crossroad Arts performers can achieve.

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“We're trying to get more people inside the dome and see what we're capable of, and what people with disabilities can actually do – put on a major show!” said Ms Presland .

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Looking beyond the world premiere, the team hopes the production will eventually tour other regional communities.

“We would love to use the dome in other regional towns... and show people what we do here,” added Ms Skuthorpe.

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Crossroad Arts Company Manager Lesa Walker described seeing the project come together as a rewarding milestone.

“It's been very rewarding to see it up... it’s a big achievement and I'm very excited to see where this takes us.”

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Unfamiliar Grounds will run from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, from 7pm to 8.30pm, inside The Dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns, 73 Gordon Street, Mackay. Led by Crossroad Arts performers and creatives, the immersive production promises audiences a virtual world brought to life through large-scale projections, sweeping soundscapes and a heart-warming story for all ages.

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WHAT: Unfamiliar Grounds

WHERE: Mackay Regional Council Lawns

WHEN: 15^th-18^th July

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Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach Owners JP Afflick, Adam Zakharoff all smiles with Don Algie (Founder of Hog’s Breath Australia), Mai Algie and Ginger White. Photo credit: Trish Jandt

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Hog's Breath Airlie Beach turned back the clock on Saturday night, celebrating the restaurant chain's 37th birthday alongside two years under local ownership with an evening packed with live music, complimentary bites and plenty of familiar faces.

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Locals mixed with Hog's Breath OGs who travelled to be there, creating a reunion atmosphere that celebrated the brand's enduring legacy while showcasing the venue's new chapter under owners Adam Zakharnoff and JP Afflick.

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“We had Hog’s Breath folk coming from all over Australia,” JP said.  

“It was great to also have local people, local businesses all coming in support and celebrating with us.”  

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Guests were treated to complimentary servings of the restaurant's famous slow-cooked prime rib, chicken wings and other share platters, with plenty to enjoy throughout the evening.

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Local muso Kieran McCarthy helped set the tone, before a band made up of local musicians kept the front bar buzzing well into the evening, making the celebration more than memorable.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/hogs-breaths-birthday-bash-a-big-success

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The girls enjoying the last rays of sunshine before the festival lights took over

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Between the Tides took place in Airlie Beach over the weekend, bringing together a genre-spanning lineup, from indie-folk and acoustic soul to Indigenous hip-hop, electronic beats and surf-rock, ensuring there was something for every music lover.  

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Live from Airlie Beach Foreshore Park, the festival opened with the folk-inspired sounds of Airlie Beach's own Kaylee West before easing into the soulful acoustic melodies of Georgia Corowa.

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At 4.30pm, the music paused as attention shifted to the shoreline for a moving Welcome to Country ceremony. Blending storytelling, song and interactive dance, the performance captivated the crowd while celebrating culture, connection and Country.

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The ceremony flowed seamlessly into Brisbane trio Tjaka, whose high-energy fusion of Indigenous hip-hop, funk and reggae quickly had the foreshore moving. Against the backdrop of a stunning Whitsunday sunset, Geoff Fabila gripped the audience's attention with his mastery of the Didjeribone, a slide didgeridoo.  

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Mid Drift's surf-inspired indie-rock had festivalgoers reaching for Spotify, impressed by the powerhouse vocals of lead singer Sarah Engstrom, before Jem Cassar-Daley's soulful indie-pop and folk melodies ease the crowd as the evening went on.

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Last but certainly not least, Boy & Bear drew the crowd to the front of the stage, with some even climbing onto shoulders for a better view. Their signature blend of indie-folk and alternative rock provided a fitting finale, bringing Between the Tides to a memorable close.  

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See all photos from the event here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/between-the-tides-hit-all-the-right-notes

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Orpheus Quintet. Photo credit: Adam Taylor

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Classical music lovers and curious newcomers alike will have the chance to enjoy a free performance by some of Australia's most talented emerging musicians when the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program visits Proserpine next month.

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On Wednesday 5th August, the Orpheus Quintet, will perform a one-hour concert that offers audiences the chance to experience some classical musicians in an intimate live setting.

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Formed at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Orpheus Quintet is one of Australia's rising chamber ensembles, earning recognition for its energetic performances, musical precision and collaborative approach.  

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The Sydney-based wind ensemble has worked with some of the country's leading musicians and was selected to participate in a masterclass with the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet during its Australian tour.

The performance also highlights the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s Pathways Program, an initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of professional chamber musicians through mentoring, performance opportunities and regional touring.

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Running from 11am to 12pm, the free concert will also feature works by renowned composers Malcolm Arnold and Maurice Ravel, alongside a newly commissioned piece by emerging Australian composer Sam Wu, offering audiences a program that spans both celebrated classics and fresh Australian composition.  

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the performance was a wonderful  

opportunity for the community to experience world-class music without leaving the region.

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"We're delighted to welcome the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Pathways Program to  

the Proserpine Entertainment Centre," Mayor Collins said.

"This free concert gives our community the opportunity to experience outstanding young  

musicians performing at an incredibly high standard.  

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“Whether you're a long-time classical music fan or simply looking to experience something different, this performance promises to be an enjoyable and inspiring hour of live music."

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Audiences can expect an engaging performance that fills the crowd with energy, done through technical brilliance and musical storytelling. While the concert is free, booking is essential due to the limited seating capacity, which can be done at https://bit.ly/thePEC-AFC.  

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What: AFCM Pathways Free Concert.

When: Wednesday 5th August, 11 am to 12 pm.  

Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre.  

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Following the success of their previous productions NOSTALGIA and IMPULSE, local producer Angela Brown and Emmalene Tinson of Sundown Productions & Events are excited to announce their newest live theatre experience, BAILA MUESTRA, arriving at Magnums Hotel Airlie Beach for two performances only on 24 and 25 July at 8pm.

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Inspired by the energy, colour and excitement of Latin dance, Brazilian carnival and tropical nightlife, BAILA MUESTRA promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment featuring professional dancers, live vocals, audience participation and plenty of surprises.

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Producer Angela Brown said creating unique entertainment experiences for the Whitsundays community is something she is passionate about.

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“I love bringing new theatre shows to town to give both locals and tourists something fun to do of an evening while experiencing professional performers and quality live entertainment,” Ms Brown said.

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“Each of our productions is designed to offer a completely different experience. NOSTALGIA took audiences on a journey through the decades, IMPULSE turned up the glamour and excitement, and now BAILA MUESTRA is bringing a vibrant carnival salsa vibe that will have audiences dancing out of their seats.”

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The production features an exciting cast of performers from across Queensland and New South Wales, showcasing dazzling costumes, energetic choreography, live vocals and interactive moments designed to get the crowd involved.

For the performances, Magnums Hotel’s nightclub will once again be transformed into an intimate seated theatre complete with candlelit cabaret tables, creating a unique atmosphere rarely seen in the region.

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Guests are encouraged to make a full night of it by enjoying dinner and drinks with friends before the show, followed by an evening packed with entertainment, laughter and high-energy performances.

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“We want people to come together, enjoy a great night out and leave with huge smiles on their faces,” Ms Brown said.

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With only two performances scheduled, organisers are encouraging audiences to book early.

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Tickets are selling fast and limited seating remains available.

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For bookings and information, secure your seats now and experience the Whitsundays’ hottest new winter show.

www.sundownproductions.com.au  

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What: BAILA MUESTRA  

When: Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July 2026, 8pm


Where: Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach

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Marco Sinni dawning the James Reyne look  

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The unmistakable sound of Australian Crawl is set to echo through the Airlie Beach Hotel once again, as tribute band Reckless brings one of Australia’s most beloved rock catalogues back to life.

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Returning to one of its favourite venues, Reckless will hit the stage at the Airlie Beach Hotel on the 18^th and 19^th of July, bringing the spirit of legendary 80s band Australian Crawl, for two nights of classic Aussie rock.

"When we go to Airlie, we actually have people flying from around the country to see us," Marco said.

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"We're very fortunate, there are people from Darwin, people from Cairns, we get people coming from everywhere."

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Formed five years ago by this group of devoted Australian Crawl fans, Reckless was created to ensure the band's iconic catalogue continued to be heard.  

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The lineup features Mark Horvath on bass as Paul Williams, Danny Azzopardi behind the kit in tribute to John Watson, Michael Haesler on lead guitar as Simon Binks, and Troy Mayle on rhythm guitar, honouring both Brad Robinson and Guy McDonagh. Leading the band as the famous voice of Australian Crawl is Marco, who almost perfectly embodies the part of frontman James Reyne.

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“I've studied James' singing, listening very carefully,” Marco said.  

“I emulated, not exactly, because I like to do my own performance but also wanting to show respect to the original artist.”  

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Despite the attention he has given to recreating Reyne's iconic vocals, Marco said Reckless has never been about one performer taking centre stage.

"We like everyone to see that the band is completely united, equal and performing and giving it their best for everyone," he said.

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"I'm just very lucky I’ve got four very good musicians with me."

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What started out as a few shows in Melbourne slowly transpired into all over Victoria. Then, the band branched out nationwide, with further hopes of expanding internationally in places like Papua New Guinea.  

“The band started out locally, just trying to revitalise and get a little bit of a following,” Marco said.  

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While Australian Crawl remains at the heart of every performance, the show doesn't end there for Airlie Beach. After an opening set dedicated to the band's biggest hits and James Reyne classics, Reckless shifts into crowd-favourite Aussie Hit Show, celebrating some of the most iconic Australian songs from across the decades.  

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“What they can expect from us is a very high-quality musicianship and vocal ability performance,” said Marco.  

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"People just basically sing along for the whole show.

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“People might not always be dancing, but they're always singing the words."  

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What: Reckless’s Australian Crawl and James Reyne Tribute Show

When: 18th & 19th of July  

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel  

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‍By Glenda Brown, President Creative Connections Whitsunday  

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Recent media coverage surrounding the Doyles Art Award has sparked an important conversation across Australia's arts community. An award-winning landscape painting has been identified as closely resembling an earlier work by another artist, prompting an investigation into how the work was accepted and whether the prize money can be recovered.  

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Whatever the outcome of that investigation, it serves as a timely reminder that originality is one of the foundations of artistic practice.  

As we prepare for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition later this month, Creative Connections Whitsundays encourages all artists to ensure that the work they submit is genuinely their own original creation.  

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Copyright is far more than a legal requirement. It is about respecting the time, skill, and creativity that every artist invests in their work. In today's digital world, where photographs and images can be found online within seconds, it can be easy to forget that most of these works remain protected by copyright.  

Artists often unintentionally cross the line by painting directly from someone else's photograph, closely reproducing another artist's work, or using images from social media, websites, or films without permission. While copying for private practice or study is generally acceptable, exhibiting, selling, or teaching from those works without permission is not.  

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The simplest rule is this: create your own reference material whenever possible, seek permission if you wish to use someone else's work, and always acknowledge your sources.  

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Originality is what gives art its value. Every artist brings a unique perspective, shaped by their own experiences, observations and imagination. By respecting copyright and celebrating authentic creative expression, we help build a stronger, more ethical arts community where every artist's contribution is valued.  

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As artists, we all share a responsibility to protect the integrity of our creative community. Original ideas deserve recognition, and originality will always be worth celebrating.  

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Community Gallery Announces Inaugural People's Choice Award Winner  

Creative Connections Whitsundays is delighted to announce Linda Forrester as the winner of the inaugural Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award at the Community Gallery in Proserpine.  

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Voting opened on the Gallery's official opening night on 4 June and continued throughout the inaugural exhibition, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite artwork. Linda's striking fine art print, Radiant Depths, emerged as the clear favourite.  

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Inspired by the beauty of the underwater world, Radiant Depths captivated visitors with its depiction of sunlight filtering through crystal-clear water to illuminate the reef below. Many commented on the artwork's vibrant colours, sense of depth, and the way it captured the magic and tranquility of the Whitsundays' marine environment.  

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The People's Choice Award reflects one of the Community Gallery's core aims – to connect artists with the community and encourage visitors to engage with the diverse range of local creative talent on display.

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The Gallery That Changes Every Month  

Just one month after opening its doors, the Creative Connections Whitsunday Community Gallery has completed its very first gallery changeover, giving locals and visitors a whole new reason to visit.  

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One of the things that makes the gallery unique is that it isn't a permanent collection.  

Each month, 27 exhibiting artists refresh their displays with new artworks and handcrafted merchandise, while new artists join the gallery.  

Every visit offers something different to discover.  

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This month's changeover welcomes internationally exhibited contemporary artist Elmira Hooshangi, whose vibrant abstract paintings explore emotion, colour and texture, and award-winning aerial photographer Ingrid Hendriksen, whose breathtaking images reveal Australia from remarkable new perspectives.  

Visitors will also find exciting new works from many of Creative Connections Whitsunday’s existing artists, including local stained glass artist Liz Knight, whose distinctive glass sculptures and artworks combine traditional craftsmanship with driftwood, reclaimed timber and other natural materials.  

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From paintings and photography to glass art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and unique handmade gifts, the gallery showcases an extraordinary range of locally created work, all under one roof.  

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As a community-run gallery, every visit supports local artists and helps Creative Connections Whitsunday continue creating opportunities for artists across our region.  

If you visited the Gallery last month, they’d love to welcome you back and show you what's changed. And if you haven't visited yet, now is the perfect time to discover why the Community Gallery will be different every month.  

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What: Community Gallery  
Where: 192 Main Street, Proserpine  
When: Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm and Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm  

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Calling all art lovers  

Love art? Enjoy meeting people?  

Join Creative Connections Whitsunday for a relaxed Volunteer Morning Tea and discover how you can become part of our friendly Community Gallery team.  

When: 10am-12pm Sunday 25 July  
Where: Community Gallery, Prosperine  

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CREATE. CONNECT. WHITSUNDAYS  

Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

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Whitsundays Writers Festival  
Richard Evans  
Festival Director and President  
hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

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Book early to secure your place at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers  

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Creative Connections Whitsunday  
Glenda Brown  
President  
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

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Visit the Community Gallery in Proserpine and save the date 30 July to 2 August for the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.  

Together, these two organisations champion the creative spirit of the Whitsundays – supporting writers, artists, and the cultural life of our region.  

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Michele Shea has taken out this week's photography competition with a striking image fitting for the "Clocks and Watches" theme.  

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The winning photograph features an elegant Olivia Burton-style watch, with the central nature theme balancing the watch's delicate design.  

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Well done, Michele! Now it's time to use your own interpretation for next week's theme, "Above or Below." From soaring skies to hidden treasures underfoot, we can't wait to see what catches your eye.  

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