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

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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

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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

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Monday 20th July  

Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm

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Tuesday 21th July  

Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm  

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Wednesday 22th July  

Sorrento’s: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  
KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm

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Thursday 23th July  

Sorrento’s: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm

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Revvin Car show set to rock Main street this Great Barrier Reef Festival. Photo supplied: Margie Murphy.  

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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.

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“Something that's cool, eye-catching, different,” said Rachel Bott, event organiser with her husband from Whitsundays Hot Rod Tours.  

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"We'd like people to come down, spend the weekend, and check out the festival program because there's so much on.”  

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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.

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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.

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“I want to encourage people to dress up and have fun with it,” Rachel said.  

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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.  

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Highly respected artist and judge Glenda Hobdell will travel to the Whitsundays to determine this year's major award winners:

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What: Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

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

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

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

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

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"It was a really good day."

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday 10^th July

NAIDOC Family Fun Day  

11am

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

Queens Park  

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Saturday 11^th July

Queensland Ballet Story Time

9.30am

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

Scottish Bluewater Fling

1.30pm

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

Bluewater Quay

Dudley Denney Library  

Highway Country Music Family Night   

7pm

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

Bakers Creek Community Hall  

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Sunday 12^th July

Eungella Community Markets  

9am

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

Eungella Memorial Hall

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Monday 13^th July

Travelling Seed Library In Sarina  

8.30am

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

Sarina Library  

Yarnbomb Mackay  

9.30am

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

Jamaica Blue Sydney St Markets

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Tuesday 14^th July

Walk and Talk Book Club  

8am

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

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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Photo source: Sarina Youth Centre  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (Facebook)

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

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council Libraries (Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WHAT: Unfamiliar Grounds

WHERE: Mackay Regional Council Lawns

WHEN: 15^th-18^th July

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Orpheus Quintet. Photo credit: Adam Taylor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the Proserpine Entertainment Centre," Mayor Collins said.

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

musicians performing at an incredibly high standard.  

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

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

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What: AFCM Pathways Free Concert.

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

Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre.  

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