Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
This week I’ve opted for a well-known poem from the public domain – ‘I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud’ by William Wordsworth. I studied Wordsworth in school, and his poetry has always stuck with me. It focuses on connection between humanity and nature, citing nature as a means of profound spiritual nourishment. In a busy modern world, we can often stray from this idea and lose a sense of who we are. It’s easy to get into the habit of thinking that life is some big challenge that needs to be conquered – as if everything we do is leading to some big grand revelation. But I don’t really believe that’s true. If anything, I feel like life is just really a series of random moments stitched together, and often the meaning or narrative only becomes clear retrospectively. I think great change does not come through grand events, but rather small occurrences and interactions. We as individuals are a product of every person we’ve ever known, every action we’ve performed – every emotion we’ve felt. Amidst the busyness of modern life, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that we are only one species on a vast ever-evolving planet. Sometimes the great answer is not the career highlight or the attaining of a goal. It is merely existing as one with everything else.
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The photo of the week winner is Lara Saunders for her photo of the moonlight in Hydeaway Bay. Next week’s theme is comfort. Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Amateur Photographers
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Councillors Vote For a Rise In Expenses. Following heated discussion $150 per day expenses was agreed upon to cover travelling and accommodation costs when attending local authority conferences etc. These costs could be quite considerable. Angry Motorist. A parking fine was paid in one cent and four cent stamps by an irate motorist who considered himself hard done by. Catholic Debutante Ball A Success. 20 debutantes were presented before a capacity crowd which danced its way past midnight. Shute Harbour Jetty Fees Reviewed. Council decided on the appointment of a Jetty Discussion Group to oversee use of jetty, boat ramp and maintenance berth by various craft. Construction of the new ticket office would be completed. Obituary Mary Elizabeth Crossley who died aged 91was an old local identity of Conway and Proserpine survived by four children. Raymond Clifford Warren, an old local resident died aged 54 following a long illness. Doreen May West a member of another old local family died aged 73. 1986 Australian Rodeo Championships. The Proserpine venue for this prestigious event was in good condition and over 600 nominations were expected. Some of the Cowboys entered had already competed all over the World, for example Calgary, Denver, and El Paso Texas. Activities will commence with a Mardis Gras down the Main Street, Miss Rodeo Whitsunday and Australian Whip Cracking Championships. Cane Harvesting. One million tonnes is being predicted this year. Bicentennial Project. Volunteers are being encouraged to clear a two metre walkway from Cannon Valley Baths to Shingley Beach. Journalist/ Photographer Kieran Lewis has left the Guardian for a new job in the Queensland Government. Tug-o-War for Ladies. Whitsunday Lions are planning a ladies tug-o-war competition for their Fun Day in June. Baton Twirlers, bands and singing groups have also been urged to participate. Mothers’s Day Function. Womens’s Section of the National Party held a successful Mothers’ Day at the Cultural Hall. Gladys Wesche received warm applause for ‘The mother with most children’ with eleven and no fewer than thirty four grandchildren. Town Of Whitsunday. State member Geoff Muntz proposed a new town of Whitsunday through the WTA and the Proserpine Shire Council, incorporating Cannonvale, Shute Harbour and Airlie Beach. High School. Year 11 Camp took place at Cape Hillsborough. Congratulations to Les Humphries and Bradley Watson chosen for the N.Q.Squash team with Juanita Lewis chosen as reserve. Cannonvale School Fete was a successful money raising community event enjoyed by many. Whitsunday Boxing Club. A crowd of 250 enjoyed the night with local wins from Martin Turner, Martin Goldsbury, Shortie McGoldrick and Greg Meade. ARL. Airlie Bloods beat Trend United at Proserpine Showgrounds to move into the top four. ABC TV Channel 4 Fri. 8.00pm The Two Ronnies. St.Catherine’s School Cent Sale. Funds raised would go towards the school’s two computers, recently installed. Baton Twirlers.Whitsunday Roulette Baton Twirlers performed at the flea market at the Cultural Hall on Saturday. Rugby Union. Raiders beat Mackay Keas despite missing half back Peter Chengody who was playing for North Queensland. Local matches took place in a variety of other sports including tennis, squash, soccer, squash, bowls, league, netball, basketball,golf, motor cycling and darts
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Jupp, Faust, Waite, Dobbins and Setter are some familiar early pioneering names of Proserpine; people with drive, dreams and enthusiasm for what they were doing. Many men and women have followed in the footsteps of these early pioneers; people with similar ideals who have contributed to our lives and improved the lifestyle of our community. One such man is Bill Worthington. Born on June 15, 1915 at Castlemaine, Victoria, he came to Proserpine in 1925 with his parents, William and Catherine. After finishing school at 14, he became an apprentice carpenter. While employed by Dave Mackay, he worked on building jobs in Brisbane and New South Wales. Upon finishing his trade, he joined the circus and made his way home to Proserpine. In his teens, Bill was a talented boxer and cyclist and in his 20s, he was heavily involved in the local theatre. At sixteen, Bill moved to his own dairy and cattle property of 22.5 acres located at Strathdickie. At the age of twenty, he built his house there with Ollie Britten. This clearly demonstrated the incredible drive that Bill possessed, and he quickly channelled this towards enriching the lifestyle of this community. Bill became a member of the local militia and when war broke out in 1939, he enlisted. Because of his militia experience, he helped train others at Redbank Plains, Brisbane, before being sent to the Middle East in 1940 as part of backup troops to those on the front line. With the Japanese advance in south-east Asia in 1941- 42, Bill was amongst troops brought back to Australia and sent to New Guinea where he served in Milne Bay and Shaggy Ridge until 1943 and in Borneo in 1944. When the war was over and Bill returned to civilian life, he took up French polishing and spray painting in his brother's business and then with Mr R Ruge. While overseas, he had asked his family to sell his farm. Bill joined the RSL and was a foundation member of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. He became a Life Member and served as president of both organisations. For almost forty years, Bill served the RSL of Australia and he assisted particularly with the funerals of ex-servicemen. On a lighter side, Bill and his sons were responsible for the first ever toad race which was held at an RSL barbecue at Pattemore’s Caravan Park, Airlie Beach in the 1960s. Bill held several positions on numerous organisations - President of the Proserpine Amateur Swimming Club; Vice President of the Whitehaven Aged Care Committee and President of the Proserpine Meals on Wheels Committee. He also served on P&C Committees of both primary and secondary schools and was adopted by the Cannonvale State School as their WW2 veteran. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts Committee and Proserpine Citizens’ Band Committee. Furthermore, Bill was a Foundation Member of the Proserpine Historical Museum, serving as both President and Treasurer of the ‘Save the Loco’ Committee. He used his carpentry skills to build the museum's ‘Out House’ display, as well as stools and benches for public use. He also contributed to the museum’s fundraising efforts by constructing dolls’ houses etc to be raffled. On Australia Day, 1992, Bill Worthington was fittingly awarded the Shire Community Award for his contribution to his community. Bill and his wife, Peg, lived all their married life in Proserpine where they raised four children - Peter, Bruce, Neil and Janet. We were indeed fortunate to have Bill Worthington as part of our community. Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum Archives. Lance Corporal William Worthington QX11731
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Australia’s longest-running Beatles tribute act, The Beatnix, will return to the stage this May with two performances celebrating the music and legacy of the Fab Four.
Performing on Saturday 23rd May and Sunday 24th May, the acclaimed tribute band will take audiences on a journey through the many eras of The Beatles, recreating the sound and style that defined a generation.
Formed in Perth in 1980 by founder Tony Dean, the group has spent more than three decades building a reputation as one of Australia’s premier Beatles tribute shows. Their performances capture everything from the early days of Beatlemania through to the band’s later studio years, featuring faithful renditions of classic hits from across the Beatles catalogue.
The group has seen a wide range of lineup changes and iterations.
“The band has been going for a long time,” said David Stanley, who has been performing as George Harrison for 15 years.
“We’re doing multiple sets which means we can cover quite a bit of the catalogue. We’re able to include a few cult hits and Beatles easter eggs.”
Known for their attention to detail, The Beatnix perform using authentic instruments, costumes and stage props to recreate the atmosphere of a live Beatles concert. The show begins with the iconic black-and-white suits of the early touring years before transitioning into the colourful Sgt Pepper-era costumes in the second half.
“We’re doing Sergeant Pepper’s, early Beatles and even the Abbey Road style as well.”
The enduring popularity of Beatles music continues to attract audiences of all ages, with fans drawn to the timeless songwriting and nostalgia of the era. Organisers say the upcoming performances promise a night filled with singalongs, memories and classic tunes spanning the group’s entire career.
“The Beatles are one of those bands who blow people away when they discover them for the first time. They are just that good. There are huge cultural achievements in life that just continue to survive. The Beatles have become so classic that they are an institution in their own right.”
There will be costume changes and heaps of Beatlemania to celebrate this legendary band.
Get down to the Airlie Beach Hotel for 2 free shows of Beatles fun.
16 & 17 Whitsunday Equestrian Group T-Shirt Competition, Cannonvalley Pony Club, 8am-4pm
18 Placing of the flags, Proserpine Cemetery, 9am
19 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am
19 Whitsunday Whale Heritage Area Information Night, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6:30pm
21 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am
23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm
24 Community Volunteer Expo, Bowen Sunday Markets
26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am
29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am
3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am
6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm
6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm
9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event
18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am
23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am
The Gentlemen’s Ride first started in Sydney in 2012, and has been run in Bowen for the last 5 years Photo supplied
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is set to take place in Bowen this weekend. The annual event - which has been hosted by Barry and Sue Tapp for the past five years – will be held again on Sunday 17th May to raise money for men’s mental health.
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is a fundraiser that was first started in Sydney by Mark Hawwa, 15 years ago. Since then, the initiative spread across 121 countries, raising over $82 million worldwide. Money is generated through sponsorship of riders, who all congregate on the day in dapper dress to show their support.
Proceeds are primarily donated to Movember, the leading global charity which focuses on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
“Every year we have dapper ladies and gents suit up and ride their classic, retro and vintage motorcycles through the streets of Bowen,” said ride host Barry Tapp.
“In the past, riders have come from as far away as Sarina and Ayr to participate.”
The event will feature a ride around town, concluding at the Bowen Community Markets where community members will be able to view the rider’s vehicles as part of a display.
The event was begun in Bowen by couple Barry and Sue Tapp, who wanted to raise awareness for mental health issues in the community.
“We’ve been affected by people passing away due to mental health struggles,” Barry said.
The event has now become a staple of the community with great anticipation for Sunday’s ride.
“All bikes are welcome in Bowen — from choppers to scooters and everything in between. While the spirit of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is inspired by classic and vintage style motorcycles, the Bowen ride welcomes riders of all makes, models and styles to come together in support of men’s mental health and prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation.”
For information about sponsorship and registration, please see the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website: https://gentlemansride.com/about/programs-we-fund
The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has seen great success in previous years and its announcement is met with great anticipation. Photo source: Whitsunday and Mackay Life Newspaper
The 2026 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has been officially announced to take place on Friday 12th June.
Set to be a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and diversity, the festival will showcase the many communities that call the Whitsundays home, bringing together families, visitors and local groups for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
Held at the Bowen Sound Shell, the event will feature live performances, cultural displays, markets, family-friendly activities and fireworks proudly sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Organisers say the festival is designed to highlight the region’s rich multicultural identity while providing a welcoming space for people to share traditions, food and performance.
Community participation is a key focus of this year’s event, with expressions of interest now open for cultural groups, stallholders, vendors, educators, workshop facilitators, musicians and dancers. Organisers are encouraging local and regional participants to get involved and help shape the program.
Applications are open via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, with submissions closing 31 May 2026: https://bit.ly/WMCF2026
Absolutely 80s features some of Australia’s most iconic music outfits Photo source: Facebook
Behind the Airlie Beach Hotel’s celebratory birthday show is an iconic project that has featured an impressive roster of Aussie rock icons.
Over the past 20 years, Absolutely 80s has been a who’s-who of Australian rock royalty, starring the likes of: Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera), Mark Gable (Choirboys), Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum (legendary music journalist and TV personality), Ross Wilson (Mondo Rock), Steve Kilbey (The Church), Grace Knight (Eurogliders) and Shane Howard (Goanna) – just to name a few.
Each act sold hundreds of thousands of records nationally and internationally back in the 80s, and now they bring their expertise to the modern circuits.
Absolutely 80s boasts a loyal fan base of 35,000 people across the country who show their support and prove that Australian 80s music has indeed stood the test of time. Whether it’s the austere grit of Midnight Oil, the sentimentality of INXS, the neurotic charm of Men at Work or the golden nostalgia of Cold Chisel, the period of music has maintained relevancy for its enthusiasm, authenticity and intensity.
Songs such as the anthemic ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ (INXS), politically engaged ‘Beds Are Burning’ (Midnight Oil), sparse ‘Great Southern Land’ (Icehouse) among many others continue to receive frequent airtime, whilst Absolutely 80s take extensive circuits around the country.
Expect singalongs, energy, Friday night birthday vibes and big hits including ‘Everybody Wants To Work’, ‘Change In Mood’, ‘Wanna Be Up’, ‘Witch Queen’.
WHAT: The Pub’s Birthday Featuring Absolutely 80s ‘Supergroup’, FREE SHOW
WHEN: Friday 15th May, 5pm onwards
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel
WHAT: BACK2BACK – Absolutely 80s, 2 FREE SHOWS
WHEN: Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May, 2pm – 5.30pm
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel
For a decade, the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Show & Shine has been a key event in the region’s calendar. Photo source: Whitsunday and Mackay Life
Motoring enthusiasts from across the region are preparing to gather in Airlie Beach later this month as the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Show & Shine celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The much-loved community event will return to the picturesque Coral Sea Marina Gardens on Saturday, 30th May 2026, promising a morning of classic cars, bikes, family entertainment and community spirit.
Over the past decade, the annual Show & Shine has become a popular fixture on the Whitsundays events calendar, attracting vehicle owners, spectators and local organisations from throughout the region. Organisers say the milestone event will be one of the biggest showcases yet, highlighting the Whitsundays’ strong community connection and passion for motoring culture.
Registrations are now open for entrants across a range of categories including cars, bikes, utes and four-wheel drives, with enthusiasts expected to travel from near and far to display their pride and joy along the waterfront.
One of the event’s most anticipated attractions, the crowd-favourite “Rocker Cover Racing”, will return from 10.30am, giving competitors the chance to battle it out for the 2026 championship title.
The event will also feature displays and demonstrations from several local organisations and emergency services including Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire Department, Marine Rescue Whitsundays, PCYC and the Whitsunday Moto Kart Club, alongside local market stalls and food vendors.
Organisers thanked the community, sponsors and participants for supporting the event over the past 10 years and helping it grow into a celebrated Whitsunday tradition.
The theme Beyond Beauty asks what happens when we move into story, emotion, memory, mystery, and revelation. Photo source: Facebook
The Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition is set to return to Airlie Beach in 2026, bringing together artists, creatives and art lovers from across the Great Barrier Reef region for one of the Whitsundays’ leading cultural events.
Presented by Creative Connections Whitsundays, the exhibition will run from 30th July to 2nd August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club as part of the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival program.
Now entering its fourth year, the exhibition continues to grow in both scale and participation. In 2025, the event attracted more than 1,200 visitors, including 150 guests at the opening night celebration.
The 2026 theme, Beyond Beauty, invites artists to explore deeper ideas of story, memory, emotion and connection beyond surface appearances. Entries are open to artists aged 16 years and over living throughout the Great Barrier Reef region, from Agnes Water to Cooktown, with submissions closing on 29th June 2026.
The exhibition will showcase more than 80 selected works across painting, sculpture and photography, with entries accepted in 2D, 3D and photographic categories.
Creative Connections Whitsundays President Glenda Brown said the exhibition provides opportunities for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work to a wide audience.
An $8,000 prize pool will be awarded across several categories, including the prestigious Best in Show Award sponsored by Whitsunday Regional Council.
Whitsunday Christian College are set to put on a show of great music and sentimental charm. Photo source: Facebook
Whitsunday Christian College have been hard at work rehearsing for Peter Pan Jr.
The musical will be performed at the school both Friday 15th May and Saturday 16th May, with both shows commencing at 7pm.
Adapted from J.M Barrie’s classic 1904 tale of youth, sword fights and fairies, the musical features iconic songs “I’m Flying”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land”.
Tickets can be found via the QR code attached. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to leave the Whitsundays and enter a world of magic, whimsy, wonder and awe.
https://www.trybooking.com/DLIZJ
The money will go towards important maintenance of the Meals On Wheels Proserpine headquarters. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club have made a donation of $5000 to Proserpine’s Meals on Wheels, with funds generated through the restorer’s annual car show which is held every September and will be returning to the Whitsundays region in 2026.
The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club was formed by community members with a passion for restoration and preservation of cars and motor vehicles.
The club’s iconic annual car show allows community members to put their vintage, restored and beloved cars on display, with the most popular displays earning the Old Iron Restorers Club trophy. Money is raised through tickets, raffles and entry to the food hall.
The money will go towards a new coal room, asbestos removal and general upkeep. The Proserpine Meals on Wheels Organisation operates across Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Jubilee Pocket, providing hot meals to those in need. As a volunteer organisation they are dependent on donations, so contributions like these are vital.
Meals on Wheels deliveries also come with a friendly chat and welfare check to ensure people in need receive social connection and support.
The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club wish to continue supporting the community through their fundraisers. To date they have also helped fund the placement of headstones for the unmarked graves of return soldiers at the Proserpine Cemetery.
Did you know?
Local businesses can connect with Whitsunday Regional Council procurement opportunities through Local Buy — a platform that helps councils’ source trusted suppliers for goods and services. Applications are open now until 29 May 2026 for businesses wanting to become pre-qualified suppliers and access future Council quoting opportunities.
To find out more, search for Doing Business with Council on our website.
Voting is now open for the Small Tourism Town Award and will close 24th May Photo source: Facebook
Airlie Beach has once again been recognised as one of Queensland’s leading visitor destinations, earning a place as a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Top Small Tourism Town Awards.
Announced by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the awards celebrate the towns, communities and tourism ambassadors helping shape Queensland’s reputation as one of Australia’s most desirable travel destinations.
Airlie Beach is one of four finalists in the Top Small Tourism Town category, which recognises towns with populations between 1,500 and 5,000 residents. The Whitsundays destination joins fellow finalists Esk, Port Douglas and Cloncurry.
QTIC Chief Executive Officer Natassia Wheeler said the awards highlight the communities delivering memorable visitor experiences and showcasing local pride.
“Every finalist should be incredibly proud of what they represent,” Ms Wheeler said.
The awards, presented by Airbnb, also announced Stanthorpe, the inland town famous for its wineries, gourmet food, and stunning natural scenery, as the overall winner of the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award.
‘Small’ and ‘Tiny’ town winners are soon to be determined, with public voting now open. Results will be announced next month.
Locals, businesses and visitors are encouraged to support Airlie Beach by casting their vote before voting closes on 24th May 2026.
Voting details are available via the Queensland Tourism Industry Council website.
Photo source: Mackay AG Trade Expo
Families and industry representatives turned out in strong numbers for the 2026 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Saturday 18th April.
Running from 8.30am to 3pm, the event showcased the region’s agricultural sector while providing a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Children enjoyed a range of entertainment throughout the day, including a mini Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, ice cream van and petting zoo.
The expo brought together exhibitors, growers and community members, highlighting the importance of agriculture to the region while offering plenty of activities that ensured visitors of all ages had something to enjoy.
With more than three decades in the real estate industry, Greg Lewis has become a cornerstone of Blacks Real Estate and the wider Mackay property market.
Joining the agency in 1990, Greg steadily built his career, becoming a licensed real estate agent in 1998 before stepping into a leadership role as partner and licensed auctioneer in 2000. His long-standing tenure has seen him work across a broad spectrum of clients, including private sellers, companies, mortgagees, receivers and government departments.
Greg’s expertise spans a diverse range of property transactions, with a particular focus on developmental sites, en-globe land opportunities, and both residential and commercial land sales. His depth of knowledge and hands-on experience have positioned him as a trusted figure in complex and large-scale property dealings.
As Director of Blacks Real Estate, Greg continues to play a key role in shaping the agency’s strong presence in the Mackay region, backed by decades of industry insight and a commitment to delivering results for his clients.
Friday 8th May
Friday Colouring and Conversations
10am
Residents are warmly invited to join Friday Colouring and Conversations, a relaxed and welcoming gathering where creativity and connection come together. Held from 10am to 12pm at 37 Brisbane Street, Mackay, the small group meets regularly to enjoy colouring, conversation and community. All materials are provided, making it easy for anyone to take part. Simply bring along a water bottle and settle in for a friendly morning of art and social connection. New faces are always welcome to join the group.
37 Brisbane Street
Saturday 9th May
Free Baloon Crafting Workshop
3pm
Families are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a free balloon crafting workshop at the Jubilee Community Centre on Friday, 8 May from 3pm to 5pm. The creative session offers children and families the chance to make colourful balloon gifts for the special mums in their lives. It is a fun and thoughtful way to prepare a handmade surprise while enjoying time together in a relaxed community setting. Bookings are essential via Admin@FreedClass.com
Jubilee Community Centre
Highway Country Music Family Night
7pm
Enjoy a relaxed evening of live entertainment at the Highway Country Music Family Night on Saturday, 9 May at Bakers Creek Community Hall. Starting from 7pm, the event welcomes locals and visitors alike to enjoy great country music in a friendly community setting. Walk-up performers are encouraged, with a backing band available if needed. Entry is $5 and includes a free supper. For more information, contact Betty on 0434 911 712.
Bakers Creek Community Hall
Sunday 10th May
Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group
10am
Community members affected by breast cancer are warmly invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group at the Meeting Room at the Botanic Gardens. The gathering runs from 10am to 12pm and offers a welcoming, confidential space for patients and survivors at any stage of their journey to connect, share experiences and support one another. Morning tea is provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a small plate to share and, if they wish, wear something pink. The event is free to attend.
Meeting Room at Botanical Gardens, Mackay
Illawong Beach Clean Up
3pm
Community members are invited to help care for the coastline at a beach clean-up at Illawong Beach on 10 May. Volunteers will work together to remove litter while enjoying the outdoors and connecting with others who care about ocean health. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat, water bottle, enclosed shoes and sun-safe clothing. For more information contact Leah at lscoble@cva.org.au or 0436 335 037. The project is supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
Illawong Beach
Monday 11th May
Understanding Neurodiversity – Free Workshop
9am
Attend a free Understanding Neurodiversity workshop with Mel from Empower 4 Success on Monday, 11 May from 9am to 11am at 43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay. This practical session will explore how different brains think, learn and experience the world, while sharing evidence-based strategies to support wellbeing, inclusion and emotional safety at home, school and in the community. Participants will gain practical tools to better support neurodivergent individuals and build stronger connections. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
43 Shakespeare Street
Carer Drop-In Day
9.30am
Carers are warmly invited to attend the Carer’s Drop-In Day at Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant, from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Monday, 11 May. The relaxed morning offers a welcoming space to enjoy a cuppa, chat with others and take part in simple creative activities such as colouring or rock painting. There is no formal program, and carers are free to come and go at their own pace while accessing friendly support and information if needed. All carers are welcome.
Gordan White Library, Mount Pleasant
Tuesday 12th May
Yarning Circle With Aunty Lyn
11am
Take part in a free Yarning Circle with Aunty Lyn on Tuesday, 12 May, from 11am to 1pm at 4 George Street, South Mackay. The relaxed gathering offers an opportunity to learn about Mackay’s local history, bush tucker and cultural traditions while sharing stories and connecting with others in a welcoming space. The session is proudly supported by the Macmahon Foundation, with registrations encouraged for those wishing to attend.
4 George St, Mackay
Experience an inspiring evening of storytelling, reflection and celebration as Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival proudly presents The DBI Literary Dinner 2026.
The special event will be held on Friday 17th July at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, with doors opening at 6.00pm and festivities continuing through until midnight. Guests are encouraged to secure their tickets early for what promises to be a memorable evening of powerful storytelling and elegant celebration.
This year’s DBI Literary Dinner will feature special guest speaker Jelena Dokic, the Australian broadcaster and former international powerhouse of the tennis court, who will take centre stage to share her remarkable journey.
Jelena has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, courageously sharing her story through the pages of her two bestselling books, Unbreakable and Fearless, as well as through her multi-award-winning documentary. Through these powerful narratives, she reveals the raw realities of her childhood while reflecting on the transformative journey of reclaiming her voice and breaking free from the weight of the past.
Her story speaks to the immense power of sharing lived experiences and the resilience that can be found when individuals confront adversity and rise beyond it. Jelena’s journey continues to resonate with audiences across the world, inspiring admiration for her courage, honesty and determination.
Guests attending the evening will enjoy welcome drinks followed by a three-course dining experience set within the elegant surrounds of the MECC. The evening will also include Jelena’s keynote address along with live entertainment, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all in attendance.
Tickets are $225 per person, which includes welcome drinks, a three-course meal, the keynote address and live entertainment throughout the night.
The DBI Literary Dinner has become one of the signature events of the Whitsunday Voices program, offering a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the power of storytelling. The evening brings together literature, lived experience and shared inspiration in a setting that encourages connection and reflection.
Guests are also encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, with the evening set to continue in celebratory style as the community gathers to enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere.
Organisers are encouraging the community to purchase tickets and be part of this iconic event where story and inspiration collide.
Tickets are available to purchase via www.whitsundayvoices.com.au/dbi-literary-dinner
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