From exquisite European-themed cuisine with absolute waterfront dining to a lively Mexican Cantina with authentic dishes and stunning sea views or a traditional Italian restaurant with sultry marina views, and a quaint home-made gelato and dessert bar – there is so much to choose from when you dine with the Panuccio family.

Taking the Airlie Beach food scene by storm, this dynamic hospitality family continue to introduce a range of dining experiences that add to the diversity of our local food offering.

Here is your guide to their four dining experiences in Airlie Beach:

Paradiso, 1/287 The Esplanade

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live music from Thursday to Sunday

Renowned for its absolute waterfront dining, Paradiso’s main restaurant is the perfect place for an intimate and romantic dinner, its lovingly created a la carte menu designed to delight and amaze.

For those looking for a handmade authentic pizza and a lively bar setting, simply head to the laid-back Pavilion side of the restaurant that lays adjacent. Here you can sit and sip exotic signature cocktails, watch live sport on TV, listen to live music and perhaps watch the kids enjoy the play park from a safe distance.

Lazy Joe’s Cantina, 6/1 The Esplanade

Open for lunch and dinner Thursday – Tuesday

The newest restaurant to join the group, Lazy Joe’s Cantina boasts an authentic Mexican street food menu with hints of South American influence. Taquitos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Enchiladas and Elotes are freshly made and can be washed down with Frozen Margaritas, spicy cocktails or Mexican beer which are all at your fingertips when you visit Lazy Joe’s.

With a vibrant family-friendly main restaurant and a lively bar-style area adjacent, the two distinct sections work well together to offer a quick and easy option from the bar or a sit and relax dining experience at the restaurant.

Themed with authentic Mexican memorabilia imported specifically for its colourful decor, Lazy Joe’s is a warm, fun, and affordable venue that is quickly becoming popular with locals and tourists alike.

La Marina, Port Of Airlie

Open for dinner Wednesday – Sunday

Built with family, food and love, La Marina is steeped with Italian hospitality and authentic flavours. Full of secret family recipes that are guarded with pride and have been passed down for more than four generations, every menu item is inspired by the Panuccio family’s homeland.

The lovingly made dishes include fresh homemade pasta, gnocchi, pizza, meatballs, lasagne, risotto, seafood, steaks and much more. All served alongside the stunning views of the Port of Airlie Marina surrounded by boats and harbour life.

Gelatiamo Dolce, 4 Airlie Esplanade

Open seven days a week from 10am till late

With authentic Italian pastries and unique homemade gelato flavours – where else would you go for a delicious dessert or sumptuous, sweet treat? Bringing a refined and elegant patisserie style offering to Airlie Beach, every item on the menu at Gelatiamo Dolce is made in-house.

Executive Chef, Deanna Pannucio, loves creating European style pastries, cakes, while Vanessa, another Panuccio family member, makes the delicious gelato flavours. The display window is full of colourful creations that can either be enjoyed at the outside café seating or wrapped with love and taken home to enjoy.

Specialising in celebration cakes, these traditional Italian-style recipes and presentations create the ‘wow factor’ for any event or occasion.

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Joining the likes of Toni Childs and Mark Sholtez, the iconic duo Vika and Linda OAM will be a part of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency.

Participating in the Songwriter Residential Retreat at the end of August, Vika and Linda will partner with other artists to create new and exciting music, across all genres.

For the past three decades, the pair have made and performed their music across the world, creating three albums with The Black Sorrows, as well as their own eight studio albums, two live albums and an anthology.

They have performed alongside Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, and John Farnham, and have been nominated for six ARIA awards.

In 2022, Vika and Linda were presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for their service to the performing arts, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“When you set out to be a singer, you sing because you love it, it’s your passion,” Linda said.

“But when you’re recognised by your country for it, for your service to it, that’s a whole other level.”

The duo will perform some of their new music at the Festival’s Concert and Conversation event, held at Paradiso on September 2, with other famous headliners, including Karen Jacobsen, and Francesca de Valence.

This will be a unique opportunity for fans to view an intimate performance from these artists and hear their stories.

They will also act as mentors for aspiring singer-songwriters in the Emerging Songwriter Workshops during the festival.

WHAT: Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency

WHEN: Thursday August 31 and Monday September 4

TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: whitsundayartsfestival.org

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Melbourne sisters, Vika and Linda, will be participating in the 2023 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival at the end of the month. Image by Tania Jovanovic

Sweeping the audience through the entirety of his life, this beautiful and poignant biography of John Farnham’s musical career does not miss a beat, speaking to each rise and fall of this Aussie legend’s career.

Beginning in the early days, audiences see a fresh baby-faced 18-year-old John, in 1967, just as he released ‘Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)’.

With humble beginnings as a plumber’s apprentice, the sudden success of ‘Sadie’ saw John go to stardom quickly, typecast as the Aussie heartthrob of the time.

This turned sour quickly, when he travelled to London looking for a recording contract but was rejected because the labels said they already had their teen idol and didn’t need another one.

Coming back to Australia, he retreated away from the scene, and by the 70s, John was in the wrong crowd, favouring party drugs and reduced to singing in musicals.

In 1973, he married Jill Billman, who he met on the set of musical Charlie Girl.

This is where he met Glenn Wheatley, who was the bassist for Masters’ Apprentice and set on bringing the icon of John Farnham back to life.

Securing John as lead singer of Little River Band, John was pushed back into stardom.

In a massive turn of events, 1986 saw the release of ‘Whispering Jack’, John’s solo studio album, which Glenn put his house as collateral against, much to the chagrin of his wife, Gaynor Wheatley.

Only discovering his famous track ‘You’re The Voice’ close to the end of the recording of the album, John and his musicians recorded the song without permission from the song writers.

Once the track hit radio waves, it was an instant success, and ‘Whispering Jack’ went sky high.

Created using almost entirely old images and footage, as well as interviews with friends and family, this biography is touching and intimate, but void of the legend himself.

John does not contribute any new stories to the film itself, with interviews often referring to him in the past tense.

Despite this, it is a touching tribute to the legend, who is now battling cancer, and to Glenn, who revitalised John’s career but sadly passed away in 2022 due to COVID complications.

John Farnham: Finding the Voice will be released at Bowen Cinema Saturday August 12.

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Aussie Icon John Farnham’s career is beautifully explored using images, footage, and touching interviews

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The 35th Airlie Beach Race Week is full steam ahead, with over 163 registrations this year and 152 yachts expected to jostle for best position in the mass-start event this Friday morning.

“It’s all happening down at the Sailing Club,” said Race Week Manager, Ross Chisholm.

“This week so many boats have been sailing up the coast or travelling by road and the Sailing Club is a hive of activity!

“Spectators can see the start from anywhere on the shoreline and, as soon as the gun goes off, they with be heading north to Double Cone, hopefully under spinnaker.”

Previously Airlie Beach Race Week would see around 120 yachts competing but for the past few years they have been consistently above 150, a record that organisers are proud to achieve.

While the competition and the camaraderie are centred around the 16 different divisions participating in the event, the lively social evenings and jovial nautical culture offer something for everyone in the community.

“The Festival Village on the Sailing Club Lawn will have live music and a host of food stalls every evening aside from lay day,” said Whitsunday Sailing Club Manager, Robin Ross.

“The 20 Degrees South Bar and Restaurant is also open all week.

“We are really looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy Race Week this year and would love all the locals to come on down and take part in all the fun!”

WHAT: Airlie Beach Race Week

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: 10-17 August

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LOCALS FAVOURITES:

• Watch the start at 10am Friday morning

• Live music from 7pm every night (aside from Monday)

• Long Table Lunch Sunday on the balcony from 12pm

• Fireworks on Thursday, August 17 at 8pm

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Another warm welcome to competitors, officials, volunteers and supporters of Airlie Beach Race Week. Now in its 35th consecutive year, the event continues to grow, with last year’s event reaching record entries.  

Following that up with over 150 entries this year indicates the popularity of the event. The added challenge this year was to find sufficient berthing for competitors, given that both local marinas were fully booked.  

A lot of work has gone into sourcing every vacant berth in Airlie Beach, sourcing hard stand facilities for trailable boats, allocating moorings for some visitors.

A special thanks to our team of volunteers and staff who have put hours into this exercise, as well as our own club members who have had to vacate their own berths to accommodate visitors.

Once again, the on-water team will be working hard to ensure six days of fantastic racing around the waters and islands of the Whitsundays.  

A fleet in excess of 140 boats makes for exciting sailing on the water and a great experience on shore. The fleet has been split into 17 divisions (another record) to ensure that similar boats are in direct competition.

As in recent years the regatta will start with the mass start race out to Double Cone Island. This has become a regatta tradition, and with the large fleet will provide a wonderful spectacle for competitors, spectators and media alike.

On shore, the festival village will be in full swing, with a similar layout to last year and more details provided within this feature.

We look forward to seeing you all on the water and at the social events ashore.

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Bowen teenager, Jack Scharf, is competing in his second Airlie Beach Race Week this year and if his winning streak continues, the boat he’s crewing on stands a good chance of winning.

The 16-year-old has been sailing since he was 10 and first discovered the sport when a friend invited him to a ‘Come and Try Day’ at Port Denison Sailing Club.

For Jack, it was love at first sight and he has been passionately pursuing every opportunity to sail ever since.

“I just love being out on the water and experiencing it all,” he said.

Jack started his career sailing Optimists, which are two-metre single-handed fibreglass boats, and he has since progressed to Laser 4.7s and Radials.

In 2018 he competed in three national championships held all over the country and he won first place for the Green Fleet that year.

In 2019 he won the intermediate nationals and in January this year he competed in the Radial Division, coming 4th in Oceania for the Under 17’s in the Silver Fleet.

“One day I would love to compete in the Sydney to Hobart,” said Jack.

“But right now, my sights are set on making the Gold Fleet at Nationals if I can.”

Swapping a solo sport for a team gig, Jack will be part of eight crew sailing on the Sydney 38 in the Performance Cruising Division at this year’s Race Week.

“I love them both equally,” said Jack.

“When I sail solo it is more ‘me’, I am in full control but when I am part of the crew, it is a bit like family, we build friendships, and it’s heaps of fun.”

Once he completes Airlie Beach Race Week, Jack will be setting off to Hamilton Island Race Week and although he’s missing two weeks of school, he says it will be a different kind of education.

When asked about inspiring other youngsters to try sailing, Jack says it’s important that everyone understands how easy it is to get involved.

“Just give it a crack!” he said.

“There are heaps of people out there looking for crew and all the owners are usually happy to take the young kids onboard to experience it.

“And of course – the more you ask the more you know!”

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16-year-old sailing enthusiast Jack Scharf from Bowen

Sailing solo, Jack has competed in national championships

Jack was part of the crew on Italian Job at last year’s Race Week. Photos supplied

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Every good event needs an after party and this happens every evening during Race Week when sun-kissed sailors make their pilgrimage to the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawns and the Festival Village.

Everyone in the community, whether they’ve been sailing or not, is invited to come down to the festivities where they can dine like kings from the selection of on-site food trucks, enjoy live music and a vibrant post-race atmosphere.

The main stage will be set up on the Lawn where presentations of the day’s winners will commence at 6.30pm, followed by live music from 7pm.

Mingle and mix with friends and strangers, soak up the ambience and celebrate our quintessential local sport.

For those that prefer a restaurant-style dining experience, head to 20 Degrees North at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, where you can dine inside or sit on the deck and watch the festivities below.

Evening festivities take place every night aside from Monday Lay Day and all are welcome to come and get involved.

The Airlie Beach Race Week social calendar culminates on Thursday, August 17 with the final night celebrations and a sensational firework display.

The community are welcome to watch the fireworks from anywhere along the Foreshore or come to the Festival Village.

WHAT: Festival Village

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: 10-17 August (not 14)

COST: Free for everyone

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Back by popular demand, Airlie Beach Race Week’s signature Long Table Lunch will delight guests with exotic flavours inspired by South American countries, brought to you with authentic tastes that excite and enliven your taste buds.

Seven decadent courses will be served, each matched with fine wine, good conversation and impeccable service.

At the helm of this elegant affair is Whitsunday Sailing Club Head Chef, Dean Atkin, who has personally designed the menu to give guests a diverse, full flavoured experience of South American cuisine.

From scallop ceviche to crispy spiced pork belly, soft shell crab and Chimmi Churri house smoked quail, each course will spark your palate and delight your senses.

Originally from the UK, Dean has spent his life travelling the world, eating different cuisine and learning from the best cooks at each destination.

When composing this menu, he felt passionate about bringing signature items from each country to life in his kitchen, ready to serve on your plate.

From Bolivia to Columbia, Argentina to Brazil, each dish will take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the world’s best cuisine.

“This is the ultimate fine-dining experience, a degustation of different tastes and flavours that everyone will enjoy,” said Dean.

“It doesn’t matter the size of your group; each course will be served individually as tasting pieces that are packed with flavour that encapsulates the essence of each one.”

An extravagant affair with sea views and a light balmy breeze, the Long Lunch will be held on the Whitsunday Sailing Club balcony where guests can watch yachts return after a day’s racing.

Soak up the ambience of Race Week and enjoy the fabulous wine pairings that make each course sing.

The final two dishes will be music to a sweet-tooth’s ear, with chocolate avocado mousse preceding a decadent custard tart.

What better way to finish a Long Lunch?

WHAT: Long Table Lunch

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club Balcony

WHEN: Sunday, August 13

TICKETS: $140pp

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Whitsunday Sailing Club Head Chef, Dean Atkin with two members of his team. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

First class service awaits at the decadent long table lunch. Photo supplied

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Bangers will soar over Bluewater Quay as the sun sets over the picturesque Pioneer River once again with the return of Rhythm and the Reef in 2023.

The unique waterfront location will welcome some of music’s biggest names while offering local acts the chance to play in front of a packed hometown crowd.

Leading the line-up this year is Sydney pop rock group Lime Cordiale, who have found success in the charts, at the ARIA Awards and in triple j’s Hottest 100 over the years.

Led by siblings Oli and Louis Leimbach, the band are currently on tour in the US, UK and Europe and will be sure to have everyone on their feet as the night takes over.

Lime Cordiale will be joined by iconic English rapper and singer Example, known for memorable hits like ‘Kickstart’ and ‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’.

Now an Australian resident, Example returned to his home country to impress audiences at Glastonbury and Creamfields earlier this year and will be bringing the party to Mackay in September.

Emerging popstar Go-Jo has been entertaining audiences with viral hits and TikToks and gives Mackay the chance to hear his latest banger ‘Mrs. Hollywood’ and more live at Bluewater Quay.

Those looking for a boogie will be indulged by Daft Punk tribute act Discovery as they take you on a journey through the catalogue of one of dance music’s pioneer acts.

Lastly, Mackay’s Giant Palms, Clovr and Cherry plus Townsville’s Late November are all ready to wow their hometown crowds with catchy originals and craftily selected beats to make the festival a real north Queensland affair.

The festival will also feature live art from David Day, Muddy Grimes, Louis Gervais and Jungarray, as well as food and drink vendors.

Rhythm and the Reef is held in conjunction with Rumble on the Reef, regional Australia’s biggest skateboarding competition, which is held at the Sugarbowl from September 18-23.

WHAT: Rhythm and the Reef 2023

WHEN: Saturday, September 30

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

TICKETS: rhythmandthereef.com

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Sign up for this musical Contiki tour as the Mackay Choral Society takes you on the trip of a lifetime.

A musical tour of hits from around the world, both new and familiar, the program for Come Fly With Me has been in the planning for almost a year.

“Jan Whelan and I have spent many hours discussing, discarding and dissecting the repertoire selection you will hear,” said Musical Director Nicole Thomson.

“Covering eclectic styles including jazz, film, theatre and Australiana standards, we love each and every arrangement and know that you will too.”

With a long and distinguished career as an accompanist in the highest regard, Ms Whelan OAM returns to the Mackay Choral Society once more, and has been an integral part of the planning and executing of this program, aside from her accompanying role.

This is also the first solo show that Bernie Camilleri-Cheng has produced since becoming President of the Mackay Choral Society.

His enthusiasm for choral music of great quality and his energy at rehearsal has spread amongst the group throughout rehearsals.

With beautiful arrangements and a gorgeous musical blend, Come Fly With Me will have you tapping your toes and perhaps even singing along.

Visit Mackay Choral Society on Facebook for more information.

WHAT: Mackay Choral Society presents Come Fly With Me

WHEN: Saturday, August 5 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 6 at 2:00pm

WHERE: Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, 151 Boundary Road, Ooralea

TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/CGTYV or call 0422 264 397

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Mackay Choral Society is ready to take you on a global journey of song. Photo supplied

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Friday 4 August

Mackay Disability Expo

Friday, 9:00am

The Mackay Disability Expo will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids, and equipment.

Mackay Showgrounds

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

The James Morrison Quartet

Friday, 7:00pm to 9:30pm

Internationally acclaimed jazz musician and multi-instrumental virtuoso James Morrison performs live in Mackay! A Mackay Festival of Arts event - Whitsunday Anglican School Oval will transform into a major entertainment outdoor hub, with James Morrison and his renowned jazz quartet headlining on the big stage, under the stars. Supporting acts include James Morrison performing alongside the talented Whitsunday Anglican School Junior and Senior bands, and the Whitsunday Big Band.

Whitsunday Anglican School

Mackay International Film Festival

Friday, 7:00pm to Sunday

Mackay International Film Festival commences with the Opening Night Event on Friday, August 4 and a screening of ‘The Innocent’, with French-themed canapes and drinks after the film included in the $30 ticket. The festival continues Saturday with a screening of Moroccan drama ‘The Blue Caftan’ from 4:00pm and ‘Limbo’ with a live Q&A with Director Ivan Sen to follow. Sunday’s screenings include the Darren Aronofsky drama ‘The Whale’, and Spanish-Italian drama ‘Alcarras’. For tickets and more information, visit filmartsmackay.weebly.com/2023-miff.html.

BCC Cinemas Mount Pleasant

ACCA DACCA plus GUNNERS

Friday, 7:30pm

Experience the ultimate double header with this tribute to AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Saturday 5 August

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Saturday, 3:00pm

Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with tea expert Geeta Harmon. Geeta runs bespoke workshops with The Rabbit Studio, Brisbane. At Artspace Mackay, she will demonstrate the history and principles of Chado – the ‘Way of Tea’. Participants will be served a ‘seasonal tea sweet’ followed by a ceremonial grade Matcha Tea, learn to whisk Matcha the traditional way, and discover practical methods for preparing Matcha at home. Geeta will also guide participants through a simple meditation that may be used on a daily basis. Held during the final weekend of Artspace’s 20th Birthday Exhibition Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser, this unique demonstration will inspire you to relax and bring the nourishing, calming ritual into your daily life! $30 per person, visit Eventbrite for tickets.

Artspace Mackay

Pasifika Mackay 2023

Saturday, 4:00pm

Always wanted to travel to the Pacific Islands and on? Well look no further than Pasifika Mackay! Brought to you by local and QLD pacific communities, Pasifika transports you through cultural crafts, food, song, and performing arts. This annual event allows local and regional pacific communities to work together as one team or family to celebrate pacific culture and experiences that build pride and awareness. Everyone is welcome to come and join in on the festivities!

Meadowlands Amphitheatre

Mackay Choral Society presents Come Fly With Me

Saturday, 7:30pm and Sunday, 2:00pm

Sign up for this musical Contiki tour as the Mackay Choral Society takes you on the trip of a lifetime. A musical tour of hits from around the world, both new and familiar, the program for Come Fly With Me has been in the planning for almost a year. With beautiful arrangements and a gorgeous musical blend, Come Fly With Me will have you tapping your toes and perhaps even singing along.

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Sunday 6 August

Lift the Lid Walk Mackay

Sunday, 8:00am

Join Lift the Lid Walk to raise funds for mental health research. The Lift the Lid Walk event is a national initiative used to raise awareness on mental illness across Australia. It gives communities an opportunity to come together and Lift the Lid on mental illness. Everyone is welcome, including dogs, for an 8km walk & talk (it's not a race!) 8am registration for a 9am start. Cost: $32 per registration (kids 15 & under free). Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle on the day. All proceeds will be donated to Australian Rotary Health.

Bluewater Quay

RSPCA Mackay Supporter Morning Tea

Sunday, 10:30am to 12:00pm

To thank the Mackay region for their support, RSPCA Mackay is inviting you to their Supporter Morning Tea. These events are an opportunity for like-minded animal lovers to join together for a casual morning and learn more about what the RSPCA does in the local area. The local inspector will also be in attendance. This event is free and everyone is welcome, however RSVPs are essential. Please call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au.

RSPCA Animal Care Campus

Sunday Live Music – BIG PUPS

Sunday, 2:00pm

Get ready, Mackay, because Big Pups is rolling into town! The legendary musician has embarked on his annual tour to the Cape, and this time he's bringing the Loving The Life Tour to the Seabreeze Hotel. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Seabreeze Hotel

Passport To Airlie Mackay

Sunday, 2:00pm to 7:00pm

Join Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Bricklane Brewing and The Metropolitan Hotel as they search for Australia's best live and original emerging artists and find someone from the Mackay region to head to Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Monday 7 August

Homeless Week 2023

Monday to Thursday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Visit CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc. on Facebook to find out what’s planned for Homeless Week 2023, including Money Matters, CASA Chats, Community Day and Handy Homeless Hacks.

CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc.

Emma Memma

Monday, 10:00am to 11:00am and 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Emma Memma is delighted to announce that she will be twirling her way to sunny Far North Queensland in her Butterfly Bus with her friends Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly and Waffles The Wombat! Empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness and friendship, Emma Memma with her love of dance, sign language and music, brings visual communication to the forefront of the children’s media space and fans will get to immerse themselves in this sparkling experience on Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour. Families are encouraged to dress in Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin’s favourite colours: orange, pink and green!

BCC Cinemas Mount Pleasant

Wednesday 9 August

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 10 August

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

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Mackay Disability Expo

James Morrison

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Pasifika Mackay

Emma Memma

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The rustic sights of the Mackay Isaac region were on display as an episode of Channel 7’s Weekender, which was filmed in the region in June, aired on Sunday, July 30.

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy led Weekender host Chris Parsons and his crew off the beaten track to prove there’s more to Mackay-Isaac than sugar and mining.

The episode opened at the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, which took place in St Lawrence, south of Mackay, from June 23 to 25.

The weekend of food, gardening, craft and music attracts crowds from across the country, and will be sure to be on everyone’s calendar after watching the episode.

The crew then headed west to what Mr Parsons described as “possibly the best caravan park I’ve ever seen”, Lotus Creek.

Hitting the road again, the crew traversed along dirt tracks, over creeks and through sorghum fields towards Dysart, taking in the breathtaking scenes of the Peak Ranges on the way.

The next stop on the road trip was the picturesque Theresa Creek Dam, followed by the historic town of Clermont.

Showcasing the town’s gold, copper, timber and sheep history, the crew paid a visit to the Clermont Historical Centre to discover the story of Clermont.

Mr Parsons farewelled the Isaac with a helicopter ride over the region before heading back to Mackay Airport, stopping at the Nebo Hotel, Mount Britton and Eungella on the way.

When asked about the trip, Mr Parsons said it was “honestly unbelievable.”

“I’m always happy to go somewhere I’ve never been before, but this region, I’ve been really intrigued to come out here,” he said.

“I can’t say how impressed I’ve been with the trip and the people we’ve met along the way.”

Rewatch the episode on demand at 7plus.com.au.

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Weekender host Chris Parsons and Clermont Historical Centre Caretaker Charlie Stranks. Photo supplied: Weekender

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Brace yourself for wormy spaghetti, bird pie and dirty beards when Roald Dahl’s nastiest couple, Mr. & Mrs. Twit head to the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) this August.

Known for their recent touring productions of Jane Eyre (2022) and Animal Farm (2021), shake & stir theatre co return with their daring adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits.

Packed with Dahlicious mischief, hilarious mayhem and big belly laughs, the performance promises a visually spectacular production that will delight and disgust, in equal measure.

Co-Artistic Director of shake & stir theatre co Ross Balbuziente, expressed his excitement in directing the show.

“It’s a passion for us at Shake & Stir Theatre Co to use Dahl’s books as inspiration for reimagined theatre works for audiences of every age to enjoy.” Mr Balbuziente said.

Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s Roald Dahl productions have been seen by over 200,000 people across Australia and New Zealand and have played sold out seasons at the Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne and QPAC.

Manager of MECC & Events, Andrew Bobeldyk encourages Mackay locals to take up the opportunity to see the award-winning theatre company in action.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Shake & Stir Theatre Co to the MECC as part of the DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“Shake & Stir is known for its exceptional stage productions, it’s an electrifying experience that one has to see to believe,” Mr Bobeldyk continued.

The MECC will host two performances of The Twits on 22 August, with the daytime performance already close to full capacity.

You’ve read the book - now experience the eye-popping stage adaptation from the wacky mind of the world’s number one storyteller. You won't believe your (glass) eyes.

What: DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2023 Shake & Stir Theatre Co presents ROALD DAHL’S THE TWITS Adapted for the stage by Shake & Stir Theatre Co

When: Tuesday 22 August – 12.30pm & 6pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Shake & Stir Theatre Co are bringing Roald Dahl's The Twits to Mackay this August

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Organisers of Mackay's premier country music festival, NQ’s Rock'n Country Festival, rallied the community's support to prevent the event's cancellation after facing a funding setback. Geoff Baguley, the festival director, expressed disappointment over the federal government's failure to fulfill their promise of increased investment in the arts, which left the event with a significant funding shortfall.

"The federal government made the decision not to support our event despite the overwhelming economic and social benefits it brings to the Mackay region," said Geoff Baguley. "We would not have gone ahead this year if we knew the government was all talk and no substance."

However, despite the challenges, the festival refused to back down and sought support from the local community.

"Some major decisions have had to be made for this year's festival as we have not received the funding as promised," Geoff Baguley acknowledged. "BUT we have received incredible support from ticket holders and local businesses, so we are happy to announce that we are able to PROCEED!"

Thanks to the overwhelming community support, NQ’s Rock'n Country Festival will go ahead, albeit in a condensed two-day format on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August. Although not the originally planned three-day extravaganza, the festival promises to be a jam-packed weekend full of incredible music and a rock'n atmosphere that Mackay's music enthusiasts look forward to.

Highlighting the positive aspects of this year's festival, Geoff Baguley emphasized the importance of the event for various stakeholders. "This is not the outcome we had planned for 2023, but it is better than the alternative of having to cancel completely as so many people are relying on this festival, including our artists, local businesses, staff, incredible stall and food vendors, and all of our suppliers!"

NQ’s Rock'n Country headliner, Morgan Evans, is still set to kick off his Australian tour right in Mackay, further adding to the excitement and anticipation for the event.

While the festival faced challenges, the spirit of the Mackay community prevailed, making it clear that the love for country music and support for local talent runs deep. Geoff Baguley acknowledged the local community's dedication, stating, "We have received terrific business sponsorship support from the local community but Canberra-based politicians have failed us."

NQ’s Rock’n Country Sponsor Prelaunch Party

Moss on Wood

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The three-time Grammy winning ensemble, Soweto Gospel Choir will take the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre’s (MECC) stage this August with harmonies and vocals that will leave audiences mesmerised.

Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music, Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto, a township off the city of Johannesburg (South Africa).

Mackay audiences can expect songs and anthems from the Freedom movement of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, and beautiful renditions of the protest music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by legendary artists James Brown, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, and the one-and-only Aretha Franklin.

Manager of the MECC Andrew Bobeldyk said the MECC team were thrilled to welcome the choir to Mackay.

“The Soweto Gospel Choir have incredible stage presence. These artists have performed alongside some of the biggest names in music including Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, and Red Hot Chili Peppers,” he said.

“Their harmonies will leave you wanting more, this is African Gospel music at its very best,” he continued.

The choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music and has received critical acclaim and audience adoration for their powerful renditions of African American spirituals, gospel and folk music. The choir performed many times for the late Nelson Mandela, sadly including his state funeral in South Africa and at the subsequent commemorative service at Westminster Abbey in London.

The Soweto Gospel Choir is suited for all ages and interests, including community and school choir groups.

“I strongly encourage anyone who has also worked in or with a choir, to come along. I know you will appreciate the teamwork behind this performance,” Mr Bobeldyk commented.

Soweto Gospel Choir is a concert that will live forever in your hearts, audiences can book tickets via themecc.com.au.

What: The MECC presents Soweto Gospel Choir - Hope

When: Sunday 27 August 2023, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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The triple Grammy winners are set to stun Mackay audiences this August

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