Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
This week's winning photograph by Adeline Lahou captures the towering beauty of Cathu State Forest from a unique perspective, looking skyward through the trees lining one of its bush tracks. The striking composition draws the eye upwards, perfectly capturing this week's theme, "Above and Below," while showcasing the natural beauty hidden within the Clarke Range. The image highlights the colossal and beautiful nature of Cathu State Forest, and illustrates why it’s a favourite destination for adventurous explorers. Sublime Adeline, simply sublime! Next week's theme is, "Trick Photography." Get tricky and shock us with your imaginative optical illusions and creative camera tricks.
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Plans For Resident Engineer. Divisions of responsibility between the Shire Council and its new appointee Don Bullock and his private secretary have been drawn up. He would also have assistance from various consulting engineers. Salvation Army Appeal. The local Red Shield Appeal is likely to realise at least $4,500 thanks to doorknocking carried out by Lions, Rotarians, Mill staff and High School Students. Liberal Candidate Endorsed. Shire Councillor Bob Rowley will contest the seat of Whitsunday as Liberal candidate, making the election a three way contest with other candidates Peter Jardine, Labour and Geoff Muntz, national party. Historical Display at Cultural Hall. The Historical Society will be asked by Council to set up a display of Cultural History and Artefacts to create interest in the town’s heritage. Record Crop. Results of the first three weeks of harvesting indicate a predicted all time record crop this year of well over one million tonnes. Family Day At Dam. People from both Proserpine and Bowen Shire will have a chance to attend a special family day at the Proserpine Dam to witness progress being made at the site. Don’t Say “Muddy Bay”. Residents and press have been asked by Council to call the location of the proposed Airlie Marina “Boathaven Bay” and avoid using the traditional name of “Muddy Bay”. Ansett Computerised. Ansett Terminals at Proserpine and Hamilton have joined the airline’s national computer system. Lions Annual Donations. During the past year Proserpine Lions have donated $24,424 to various local courses including Blue Nurses, the Pensioners Dinner, Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Kindergarten. Lions had worked 5,999 man hours during the year. Stan Camm Steps Down. After 11 years dedicated to the welfare of those with a handicap since the first days of P.A.T.C.H Stan has stepped down as President of the Proserpine Handicapped Persons Committee. He received heartfelt thanks from all those he had helped. Council Decides against participating in a natural disaster fund. High School News. Jump Rope For Heart. Year eight students raised $1600 for The National Heart Foundation by their sponsored skipping activity. Crown of Thorns Starfish. The Great Barrier Reef Authority with help from Australian Navy divers are endeavouring to control their growth. At present some reef patches have been cleared with the injection of over 1000 starfish. Cannonvale School Choir. The concert at the Reef Gateway Hotel raised $1200 which will go towards purchase of band instruments . The choir of 40 children with Karina Shim on piano and Bruce Skilton on drums was conducted by Elspeth Scotford. 1986 Fun Race Weekend. Terry Kelly, president of Airlie Rotary, outlined plans for another successful occasion, involving many local businesses and community clubs.
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John and his brother, Archie, came from Scotland to Airlie Beach escaping the ravages of the “Spanish” flu. John was sufficiently mature to take up some land at Jubilee Pocket area and started farming. He had a citrus orchard near where the substation is now situated and a vegetable garden at the intersection of the now Shute Harbour Road and Jubilee Pocket Road. John grew bananas up on the mountain slopes in Jubilee Pocket bringing bunches down by flying fox. John would travel to Proserpine in his Sunday best to greet the train – considered the social event then. He also despatched his bananas on the southbound train for the Brisbane markets. For one of his last consignments to that market, after freight and other expenses, he received a cheque that was worth sixpence, the equivalent of five cents. John never did cash the cheque, keeping it as a “memento”. Think about the amount of labour and expenditure required to produce that five cent cheque! In his stories, “Life on the Harper Farm Airlie 1945”, John Harper recalled how John Campbell would walk two miles on Saturday evenings to have a game of cribbage with (John’s) Granny and anybody else who would play. At ten o’clock, he would light his hurricane lantern and set off along the dark track to his small house buried in Jubilee Pocket. Ken Looke painted a vivid description of the scene when he and his wife, Alice, visited John’s abode one day after hearing that he was trying to obtain finance to build another home on his property. “We found him at lunch at his table with a tea towel covering his lunch because of flies. He would raise the cloth, dart his fork under, then quicky cover his meal again. He was quite practiced at it. The old home was not screened, and another landowner had about 40 head of cattle in the neighbouring paddock, just over the creek where Jubilee Tavern now stands. There was a piggery across the road opposite the PCYC Complex. The local dump was also nearby.” No wonder the flies found the area agreeable. The Lookes soon got to know John’s eating timetable. Ken and Alice Looke came to an agreement with John and built his little cottage in 1969. He transferred ownership of the land to them as payment for the cost of the house. Both parties were happy with the arrangement. John Campbell shared many a story with Ken and Alice, one such story being the night he chased off some trespassers. A car had driven past his original home along what is now Shute Harbour Road. At the time, there was no road right out to Shute Harbour. The only way to get there was by boat. Because there was no power to his home, there was minimum indication of anybody being in residence. The car was displaying no lights, so he knew they were up to no good. He gave them about ten minutes before he discharged his double barrelled 12-gauge shotgun into the air in the general direction of the orchard. John reported that the reaction was quick. The engine started, lights went on and they went “smoking it” towards Proserpine. Cyclone Ada demolished John’s original home, leaving only stumps. He survived the night sheltering in his bathtub in his little cottage near the current Jubilee Pocket Road turnoff. For a small community at the time, Airlie Beach had many colourful characters like John Campbell. Not necessarily all eccentric, but independent, resourceful and not at all tolerant of what they considered a “nanny state”. Story sourced from memories of past locals, Ken Looke and John Harper. Photo from PHMS archives. Photo captions: Granny Harris (left), a woman John Campbell used to visit. Photo sourced: PHMS Archives.
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The raspy voice, spiky blonde hairstyle and charismatic stage presence of Rod Stewart will be on full display when a world-class tribute show comes to Airlie Beach this July 25th and 26th, celebrating one of music’s most unmistakable performers. Spanning every era of Stewart's career, the production recreates the legendary singer's voice, mannerisms and stage presence, delivering an authentic concert experience for fans of the British rock icon. “It's basically trying to be as close to Rod as you can as far as the music,” said the man behind the persona, Rob Caudill. "Rod's career has been through so many different phases. “The catalogue's amazing, you know, just such great songs." “The whole experience with the clothes and actually speaking with an English accent while I'm on stage." Born in North Carolina, the American performer spent much of his childhood moving around. At 19, after finding his passion for music in Orlando, he decided to move to Memphis in an effort to study music at university and also immerse himself in the city’s famous Beale street, performing wherever he could. "I've been playing music my whole life, but I cut my musical teeth in Memphis," he said. A bassist by trade, he spent years touring and recording with his brother in bands including The Breaks, landing a record deal with RCA Records and appearing on MTV during the channel's early years. Following another successful project, The Willies, and years performing alongside respected musicians in Memphis, he eventually made the move to Nashville, where he still lives today. It wasn't until 1997, after the collapse of two record deals and the birth of his first son, that he found himself searching for a more reliable career in music. Having spent years playing bass on Rod Stewart classics, people had long pointed out the resemblance between the two. A visit to Las Vegas and witnessing long-time tribute show legends in concert, sparked an idea that would ultimately change his life. "I was already singing and playing, and people always said, 'You look like Rod Stewart,' so it just kind of fell in my lap," he said. Nearly 30 years later, that decision has taken him across Asia, Europe, South Africa, Mexico and Australia, which has become his favourite destination to perform. "Australia is actually probably my favourite place to go," he said. "Rod's big all over the planet, but it seems like they have a special affinity for Rod in Australia." While Rob fits the bill of Rod to the Tee, he says the show's success is credited equally to the musicians performing alongside him. Leading the production is musical director and producer Dale Jenner, alongside drummer Mitch Farmer, a sought-after session musician who played on one of Keith Urban's early albums. Guitarist Clive Lendich has also shared the stage with international artists including Glenn Frey, while bassist Jeff Camilleri rounds out the rhythm section. Vocalist Amanda Easton completes the line-up, providing backing vocals while also taking on mandolin duties during Maggie May. "The band's amazing," Rob said. "We have some great players in the band, so that makes all the difference in the world." Blending authentic musicianship with timeless classics, the production offers Rod Stewart fans a chance to relive decades of unforgettable music. What: Rod Stewart Tribute Show When: July 25th and 26th at 2-5:30 Where: Airlie Beach Hotel Photo captions: Photo 1- Rob Caubill dawnes the Rod Stewart Moniker. Photo supplied: Dale Genner. Photo 2- Rob Caubill promises to bring the Rod Stewart energy to the stage every night. Photo supplied: Dale Genner.
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The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the final group of authors joining Stories by the Sea, the free community celebration of books, creativity and connection taking place on Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.
This is the only chance this year to meet these local and regional authors face to face, browse their books and hear the stories behind the stories. With more than 20 authors confirmed, a book swap, live music and activities for the kids, it's shaping up to be the biggest Stories by the Sea yet.
Running from 3pm to 4.30pm, the afternoon brings together more than 20 regional authors alongside book sales, author conversations, live music, children's activities, a community book swap and the rare opportunity for readers to meet the people behind the pages.
Festival Director Richard Evans said the final author announcement is a reminder of just how much talent exists right on our doorstep.
"One of the strengths of this year's festival is the variety of stories our authors bring,” said Richard.
"From memoir and historical fiction to business writing and contemporary novels, Stories by the Sea offers something for every reader while showcasing the depth of literary talent we have in our own backyard.
"If you haven't met these authors yet, this is your one chance this year to do it in person."
Joining the line-up are four writers whose stories reflect the character of the Whitsundays and beyond:
Glynda Parfitt
Memoir
Sailor and memoirist whose books chronicle three remarkable chapters of her life.
Keith Whalley
Historical fiction & young adult
Historical fiction author whose debut novel explores history through compelling storytelling.
Mark Strobel
Memoir
Author of the forthcoming Byron Daze, a coming-of-age story blending memoir and fiction.
Rick Brown
Professional development & fiction
Author whose books explore leadership, purpose, relationships and personal growth.
With a community book swap, live entertainment and family-friendly activities running alongside the author conversations, Stories by the Sea is shaping up to be an afternoon locals won't want to miss.
Friday 17th July
Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.
ABH: The X-Factor's Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ Night, 8pm onwards.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm
Saturday 18th July
ABH: Reckless - Australian Crawl Tribute Band, 2pm-5:30pm
ABH: The X-Factor's Andrew Wishart, 7pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 8pm onwards.
Sorrento’s: Simon Briley, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Dylan Hammond, 8pm-10pm
Sunday 19th July
ABH: Reckless - Australian Crawl Tribute Band, 2pm-5:30pm,
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Ronny Croker, 8pm onwards.
Sorrento’s: Kieran McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Matt Doyle, 8pm-10pm
Monday 20th July
Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm
Tuesday 21th July
Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm
Wednesday 22th July
Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm
Thursday 23th July
Sorrento’s: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm
Revvin Car show set to rock Main street this Great Barrier Reef Festival. Photo supplied: Margie Murphy.
Classic cars, live rock 'n' roll and vintage fashion will take over Airlie Beach next month as the Great Barrier Reef Festival Car Show returns, promising its biggest celebration of chrome and community yet.
On Saturday, August 1, the Hog’s Breath Revvin the Reef Car show will shut down Airlie Beach Main Street between 10am and 2pm, welcoming cars, motorcycles and trucks from across North Queensland.
“Something that's cool, eye-catching, different,” said Rachel Bott, event organiser with her husband from Whitsundays Hot Rod Tours.
"We'd like people to come down, spend the weekend, and check out the festival program because there's so much on.”
Returning for its 11th year, the Revvin' the Reef Car Show continues to celebrate the people behind the vehicles as much as the machines themselves, welcoming everyone from seasoned collectors to first-time exhibitors.
This year the car show will reinvent the rockabilly flavour, with live music by Joshy J and the Riccochets, street dancing and vintage-inspired swag adding to the spectacle alongside the display of all your favourite vehicles.
Rock 'n' roll dancers from around the region are expected to perform throughout the day, while organisers are planning dance lessons, encouraging festivalgoers to embrace the era through themed outfits.
“I want to encourage people to dress up and have fun with it,” Rachel said.
The show will be roaming with judges, picking out festive fits for spot prizes. So think, 50s greaser, full pin-up or anything vintage and you could be chosen.
From hot rods and muscle cars, motorcycles and trucks, the display will showcase a diverse mix of vehicles from across the region, with the public again deciding the event's Top 10 People's Choice winners.
Australia will test its new national emergency warning system, AusAlert, on Monday 27 July at around 2pm. During the test, compatible mobile devices across the country will receive a test alert accompanied by a siren-like sound and vibration for around 10 seconds. Make sure your device software is up to date to ensure you can receive future emergency warnings when they matter most. Learn more at ausalert.gov.au.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition is set to take place 30 July to 2 August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life Newspaper
The countdown is on, with the finalists now announced for the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition, inviting visitors to look beyond the surface through a vibrant showcase of artistic talent from across the Whitsundays and beyond.
Returning from 30 July to 2 August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this year's exhibition will showcase 85 outstanding artworks by 66 artists, each responding to the exhibition theme, Beyond Beauty. Through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, artists have interpreted the theme in thoughtful, surprising and deeply personal ways, revealing stories and perspectives that go far beyond first impressions.
Now in its third year, and hosted by Creative Connections Whitsunday, the exhibition has firmly established itself as one of the cultural highlights of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, attracting artists from across the region and becoming a popular festival experience for locals and visitors alike.
This year also sees six finalists aged between 16 and 18 recognised as part of the exhibition. We're delighted to welcome the next generation of artists and celebrate the emerging creative talent coming through in our region.
Selecting the finalists was no easy task. A curatorial panel comprising acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM, and Caz Hanks, Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College, carefully reviewed every entry before selecting this year's exhibition.
Every finalist will now be in contention for the prestigious $3,000 Whitsunday Regional Council Acquisitive Art Prize, with the winning artwork becoming part of Council's permanent collection.
Highly respected artist and judge Glenda Hobdell will travel to the Whitsundays to determine this year's major award winners:
“Beyond Beauty presents an invitation for artists and audiences to look deeper -- to discover the ideas, experiences and emotions that enrich artistic expression. I’m eager to see works that surprise, challenge and inspire viewers through their originality and authenticity,” said Glenda Hobdell.
The exhibition officially opens with the Awards Night on Thursday 30 July from 6.30pm, where this year's prize winners will be announced. The evening is free to attend and everyone is welcome to celebrate the region's artistic talent.
The exhibition is open every day until Sunday 2 August, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the collection at their own pace. Visitors can also vote for their favourite artwork in the Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award, with the winner announced at 4.00pm on Sunday 2 August.
Adding another dimension to this year's exhibition are three special community artworks that explore the Beyond Beauty theme from an environmental and community perspective. Entries from Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS textile artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council highlight the hidden impacts of marine debris, celebrate the power of creative collaboration, and encourage visitors to look beneath the surface of beauty to consider the environmental challenges facing our region and the Great Barrier Reef.
Whether you're an art lover, a visitor to the region, or simply looking for something memorable to experience during the Great Barrier Reef Festival, this year's exhibition promises an exceptional showcase of creativity, imagination and regional talent.
With an outstanding field of finalists now confirmed, all that's left is to discover who will take home this year's major awards.
Instructor Rhys Cobden-Cox showing Lina Landgren a great view. Photo supplied: Amy Schaverian
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.
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.
"It was a really good day."
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.
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.
Families and friends turned out in force for last Friday's Barrier Reef Markets, enjoying food, live entertainment and supporting local businesses
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.
Friday 10th 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
Saturday 11th 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
Sunday 12th 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
Monday 13th 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
Tuesday 14th 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
Photo source: Sarina Youth Centre
Young people participating in Sarina Youth's Industry Insights program gained practical knowledge and career inspiration during a recent visit to Tyrepower Sarina.
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.
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.
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.
"Experiences like these help build confidence, practical skills and open pathways to future employment opportunities.”
The organisation also thanked Barry and the team at Tyrepower Sarina for their support in helping inspire local youth to explore future career pathways.
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.
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.
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.
Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May said the project aligned closely with the organisation's commitment to supporting initiatives that build community capacity.
“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.”
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.
"This project will benefit not only our current students but also future generations of children and families,” Ms Patroni said.
“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.”
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.
Photo source: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (Facebook)
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 28th 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.
Photo source: Mackay Regional Council Libraries (Facebook)
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.
Young builders spent the session designing imaginative creations, with the free activity drawing enthusiastic participation from local families.
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
"What's that big white dome on the Mackay Regional Council lawns?" you might ask.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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.”
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.”
Performer Georgia Knoll, who plays Fire, said she loves stepping into the role.
“I love being Fire... Fire's pretty sassy.”
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.”
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.
“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.
“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 .
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.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
The girls enjoying the last rays of sunshine before the festival lights took over
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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