
Christmas cheer will once again fill the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, with the much-loved Carols in the Gardens returning for another evening of festive entertainment and family fun. Proudly presented by Star 101.9 and 4MK, in partnership with Glencore and Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, the annual celebration has become a popular fixture on the local Christmas calendar, bringing families and friends together to enjoy the magic of the season. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 5th December, from 4.30pm to 8.30pm at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre, with a full evening of entertainment planned for the community. Local singers, schools and community groups will take to the stage for a selection of much-loved Christmas carols and live performances, giving residents the chance to sing along to some festive favourites. There will be plenty happening beyond the stage, too, with Kids Adventureland offering rides, jumping castles and activities to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the evening. Families can also look forward to Santa’s arrival, with opportunities to meet the man in red and capture a festive photograph, while a Christmas light spectacular will transform Meadowlands with colourful displays and seasonal surprises. For those looking to settle in for the evening, Festive Eat Street will feature a range of food trucks, sweet treats and refreshments, while visitors are encouraged to bring along a picnic rug, gather their loved ones and enjoy the celebrations beneath the stars. There will also be a chance to take home something extra for Christmas, with Santa’s Door Raffle giving attendees the opportunity to win a Christmas pack drawn by Santa himself. Lucky winners of the VIP experience will also enjoy special seating, exclusive goodies and festive surprises. Best of all, the event is free to attend, making it an opportunity for the wider Mackay community to come together and enjoy a little Christmas magic without the cost. Whether it’s singing along to familiar carols, watching the children enjoy the festivities or simply catching up with friends and family, Carols in the Gardens promises another memorable night on Mackay’s Christmas calendar. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars, bring a picnic rug and make an evening of it at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre on Saturday 5th December! Last years event proved to be a jolly-good success! Photo source: Star 101.9 Mackay 
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The Mackay Woodturners Association is inviting the community to celebrate local creativity and craftsmanship at its upcoming Christmas Expo, offering a free event for residents to enjoy across the weekend. Running on Saturday 14th November and Sunday 15th November from 9am to 3pm, the expo will showcase a range of unique, locally crafted gifts suitable for all ages. Held at Snow Wright Court, off Beaconsfield Road in Andergrove, the event will provide an opportunity for visitors to browse the work of local woodturners and appreciate the time, skill and creativity that goes into handmade pieces. With Christmas just around the corner, visitors may also find a special gift for someone while supporting local craftsmanship and the talented people behind it. Whether stopping by for a look, meeting members of the association or searching for something a little different this festive season, everyone is welcome to come along. With free entry across both days, the Christmas Expo is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxed community event and celebrate the creativity found right here in Mackay. WHAT: Mackay Woodturners Expo WHEN: Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November – 9am-3pm WHERE: Snow Wright Court, Beaconsfield Andergrove
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Christmas is coming to Mackay, and Harcourts MackTown is getting into the festive spirit with a month of family activities, exciting giveaways, free Santa photos and a little something for those doing it tough. With a focus on bringing families together and spreading some Christmas cheer, the team is taking part in Star & 4MK’s 12 Days of Christmas, while also preparing to transform its premises into a colourful festive wonderland for Santa’s Sweet Shop. Running from the 2nd of November to the 3rd of December, Star & 4MK’s 12 Days of Christmas gives locals the chance to enter for the opportunity to win a family trip to Disneyland. Those interested can simply scan the QR code in-store at Harcourts MackTown to enter, with entries able to be submitted daily for additional chances to win. The lucky winner will be drawn on the 5th of December at Star & 4MK’s Carols in the Gardens. There is also another family adventure up for grabs, with locals invited to visit Harcourts MackTown on the 24th of November, between 6am and 9am for the chance to win a family trip with Cruise Whitsundays. But the Christmas celebrations don't stop there! On the 4th and 5th of December, Harcourts MackTown will welcome local families into Santa’s Sweet Shop, a colourful Christmas candy wonderland complete with giant lollipops, candy canes and plenty of festive colour. Designed to create a fun backdrop for family Christmas memories, the event will offer free Santa photos across two days, with each family allocated a five-minute booked session to avoid long queues. Santa’s Sweet Shop will open on Friday 4th December from 9am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 5th December, from 9am to 3.30pm. Families are also encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing in matching Christmas outfits, with three prizes up for grabs in the Best Matching Christmas Outfit competition. The first-place winner will receive a $500 voucher, followed by a $200 voucher for second place and a $100 voucher for third place. Little ones will also have their own opportunity to get involved through a Kids’ Christmas Colouring Competition. Beyond the candy-coloured decorations and family fun, the team is also making room for community kindness. Families attending their Santa photo sessions are invited, although not required, to bring along a non-perishable food item to be passed on to Chances House, helping support locals doing it tough this Christmas. With donations entirely optional and Santa photos remaining free, the initiative offers an opportunity for those who can contribute something extra while enjoying the merry season. From family photographs and creative activities to holiday giveaways and community donations, Christmas at Harcourts MackTown is centred on bringing a little more joy to the Mackay community this year! SANTA’S SWEET SHOP Friday 4th December, 9am–4.30pm & Saturday 5th December, 9am–3.30pm FREE Santa photos with five-minute booked sessions (bookings encouraged). Best Matching Christmas Outfit competition with $500, $200 and $100 vouchers up for grabs. Kids’ Christmas Colouring Competition. Optional non-perishable food donations for Chances House. Enter Star & 4MK’s 12 Days of Christmas at Harcourts MackTown between 2nd November and 3rd December by scanning the in-store QR code.
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A little piece of Coningsby State School’s history is set to be uncovered this Saturday, with the school opening a time capsule buried by students in 2001. The community is invited to be part of the occasion, with past students and families especially encouraged to come along and discover what was tucked away more than 25 years ago. Organised by the Coningsby State School P&C Association, the afternoon will bring generations of the school community together for a chance to revisit the past and see how much has changed since the capsule was buried. There will also be plenty happening throughout the afternoon, with live music, jumping castles, pony rides, face painting and food available, alongside a festival bar. The time capsule opening will take place at Coningsby State School on Saturday 14th November from 2pm to 8pm, with free entry. WHAT: Coningsby State School Time Capsule Opening WHEN: Saturday 14th November 2pm-8pm WHERE: Coningsby State School ENTRY: FREE
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Margaret and Brian Stevens Plane Creek area current Legend. Photo credit: Glenn Hunt Photography
2026 welcomed the 100th year of CANEGROWERS, a milestone that was celebrated in style at Brisbane City Hall on October 29th.

More than 400 growers, family members, industry representatives and friends came together to recognise 39 legends who have helped shape the cane country across generations. T
he awards were separated into three parts: past, present and emerging, acknowledging the history of the cane growers community.

“Together, they represent the pioneers who helped build the industry, the people leading it today and a new generation already making its mark,” shared a spokesperson for CANEGROWERS.
The night included speeches from CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan, Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett MP, and former chairman Paul Schembri, who delved into the history that built the industry.

To close the ceremony, CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens addressed the strength of the organisation, praising the people who have built it for the past century and the ones who shape what comes next.




Six-metre-tall Mickey Mouse has taken up residence at Caneland Central, building excitement ahead of the Disney exhibition's Mackay opening next month! Photo supplied by Mackay Regional Council
You may have noticed a giant Mickey Mouse sitting tall at Caneland Central while grabbing your Christmas gifts, but the six-metre inflatable has a much bigger job than spreading a little Disney magic.
Mayor Greg Williamson said Mickey's visit was helping build excitement ahead of the exhibition, which will run until the 4th May 2027 and make Mackay the only Australian location to host the international showcase.
Mayor Williamson was in Brisbane last month for the launch of the Mickey Mouse Inflatable Tour at South Bank Piazza, where the six-metre character drew crowds of Disney fans keen to snap a photo. From there, Mickey began a journey through Queensland cities and towns before making his way to Mackay, where he has taken up residence for the next few weeks at Caneland Central.
The exhibition, set to be held at the MECC next month, will feature 10 immersive galleries and more than 250 rare artefacts, celebrating Disney favourites across generations, from classic characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to modern favourites from Frozen and Moana.
The opportunity follows almost two years of work behind the scenes, including Council representatives travelling to Madrid, Spain, to view the exhibition and help secure it for Mackay.
For Mayor Williamson, bringing an internationally recognised exhibition to a regional city is an opportunity to put Mackay on a much bigger stage.
“When we announced this quite a few months ago now, we had over 20 million views on social media, and the biggest question asked was, ‘Where's Mackay?’” the Mayor said.
“That’s fantastic… If it does the right thing and puts Mackay on the world map, that attracts people here. That attracts tourists here, and that attracts investors here.”
Mickey's Queensland tour has attracted interest from young families and older Disney fans alike, with plenty keen to capture a photograph alongside the familiar face.
With the exhibition set to bring a little Disney magic to the region, Mackay is preparing to welcome visitors from across Australia for a showcase unlike any other in the country.

Road Works Cripple Business. Upgrading the roads between the highway and Proserpine Main Street is causing difficulty of access to shops etc nearby. Owners are reporting up to 70% drop in trade. The time it took to complete the work was the major gripe.
“Charlene’s” Future Assured. Alf Casey’s crocodile will live on as a breeder on a crocodile farm at Yeppoon. Alf himself is recovering well in hospital from his ordeal.
Collinsville Road Petition. The Chamber of Commerce believes there is a strong case for a direct road and 3000+ signatures would be required. Several hundred have already signed.
Write To Santa. The Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Centre In Townsville will again conduct its “ letter from Santa” service. Each child will receive a hand written reply.
Main Street Palm Tree Planting. Chamber of Commerce expressed anger at the delay in starting the project.
Tragedy On The Highway. Two well known Cannonvale Boys, Rodney Berry and Warren McGoldrick, were killed in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer on Saturday near Lethebrook Bridge.
Remembrance Day. 36 people gathered at the Cenotaph and were welcomed by RSL President Barry Parnel. Wreathes were laid on behalf of schools and service clubs. The Mill Whistle marked the occasion.
Historically Speaking. A display of photos, articles and information given by Proserpine residents was mounted in the foyer of the Cultural Hall. The Proserpine Historical Museum Society have just received the first installment of photos and articles from the Hallam Family re Island tourism development at the turn of the century.
Bicentennial Relay To Pass Through Proserpine. The Around Australia Relay will go through Proserpine at 7.30 pm on Sat. June 11th.
Mount Marlow Motor Bike Hill Climb. The first event for 10 years was open to motor bikes of different sizes and involved timed runs to the top of Mount Marlow. The record time set by Les Wilson was 17 seconds in 1976. Pee Wee champion was Scott McGoldrick.
Lindeman Island Development. The resort will be closed in 1987. The revamp will include 160 new units.
Bicenntenial Transformation At Cannonvale. A beautification project adjacent to Cannonvale School has already begun which includes barbecue facilities and beachfront walkways.
Junior Cricket. Teams for under 9’s, 10’s,11’s,12’s,13’s and 14’ from Ayr travelled to Proserpine. Only the Under 9’s were successful.
Proserpine Ex-Services Club. Dine to the music, enjoy a smorgasbord dinner. $12.00 per head includes show and dinner.

A sense of anticipation fills this issue’s Photo Of The Week, as the marked butterfly rests its wings for a brief second on an amber bromeliad leaf.
The contrasting color on the butterfly’s wings draws your attention, and the feeling that it might just flutter away keeps it there.
Submitted under this week's theme of furry friends, Shannon Faletti captured this wonderful scene, which captures the simple beauties that inhabit our world.
Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another wonderful collection of images.

13th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
14th Sailability Whitsundays.
14th Hendrix and Heroes Tribute Show 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel
15th Hendrix and Heroes Tribute Show 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel
19th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
20th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
21st Hamilton Island Triathlon & Ocean Swim, 5:50am, Hamilton Island
21st Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
21st ‘SOS’ ABBA Tribute, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
22nd Hamilton Island Ocean Swim, 6:30am, Hamilton Island
22nd Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
22nd ‘SOS’ ABBA Tribute 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
23rd Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
24th Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
24th Sailability Whitsundays.
25th Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
26th Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
26th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
27th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine
27th Airlie Beach 2026 Schoolies Festival, 8pm-12am, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
28th Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
29th Matchbox Twenty & Rob Thomas Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach
DECEMBER
3rd Morning Melodies The Best of Bublé Christmas Experience, 11am-12:30pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
3rd FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach
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
6th Proserpine Community Market, 8am-12pm, Proserpine Showgrounds, Proserpine
8th Sailability Whitsundays.

13th November
ABH: Andrew Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm
14th November
ABH: Hendrix and Heroes, 2pm-530pm
ABH: Andrew Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrento’s: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm
15th November
ABH: Hendrix and Heroes, 2pm-530pm
ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 630pm-930pm
Sorrentos: Simon Briley, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Jessica Cash, 8pm-10pm
Colonial Palms: Nick Di Gregorio, 1pm-4pm
16th November
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Graham Rix, 8pm-10pm
17th November
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm
18th November
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm
19th November
ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm

Agnetha, played by Bride Pamment and Frida, played by Jessie Phillippi
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.
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.
“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.”

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.
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.

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”.
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.

“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.”

Donations from across the region supported the scheme in 2025. Photo Credit: Prosepine Community Centre
The Proserpine Community Centre will once again be spreading Christmas cheer amongst older residents, with the return of Senior Secret Santa.
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.
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.
“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.
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.

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.
“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.”
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!”
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.
“We need to deliver these gifts safely, so that no older person has a stranger knocking on their door offering them a random gift.”
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.
“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.”
Contact Proserpine Community Centre on Facebook to find out how you can help.

Proserpine Entertainment Centre will have a line up of fun. Photo Credit: Proserpine Entertainment center
Looking to book some fun into your 2027 calendar? Look no further than the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.

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

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.
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.

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.
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.
Photo credit: Summer Rain Photography
Photo Credit: Craig Wilson - Swamphouse Photography
Photo Credit Jake and Hollie Birch : The Lost & Wild

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.
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 6th.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
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.
airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER
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
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
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
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
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
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER
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
SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
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

Photo source: Shutterstock
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.
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.
‘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.’
To get involved, contact Ally on 0407 181 394 or email community@chancesmackay.org.

At The Room Edit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!