Entries are now open for Mackay`s prestigious Woollam Art on Show Awards.

Mackay Show Association announced the launch of Mackay`s highly popular, non- acquisitive 2023 National Art Prize, returning August 4-7, with new additions to further highlight art and culture in the region.

Celebrating seventeen years of art excellence, The Mackay Show Association’s initiative behind establishing The Art on Show Awards was to take the arts to a higher level of professionalism within the context of a community art competition in the show “arena”.

The Association strives to seek a significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate and nationwide while providing a high standard of presentation.

Art on Show plays an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future as a high-profile arts event and provides an educational role, raising awareness and promoting the arts to patrons who attend the event and the Mackay Regional Show.

The Art on Show Awards have five sections of entry with the major prize the Woollam Art on Show Award being $3,000 and the total prize purse increasing to $12,000.

As always, Mackay Show Association has secured the services of a high-profile judge with nationally and internationally acclaimed Australian artist Anneke Silver judging this year’s competition.

Townsville Artist Dr. Anneke Silver loves the tropical North as a place to live, and the diversities of subject matter it offers, from interpretations of landscape to rainforests, vast expanses of the outback as well as the typical architecture.

Most of her life has been divided between art practice and art teaching, enjoying the interaction between the two.

Art on Show is the starting point for many local artists to exhibit and launch their careers, also focusing on unearthing new talent amongst emerging high school senior art students by working closely with our region’s Art Educators

All works will also be available for purchase during the exhibition.

Art on Show will open on the evening of Friday, August 4 and the exhibition will be open until Monday, August 7.

Visit artonshow.com.au for more information and to enter.

WHAT: Art on Show

WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds

WHEN: Friday, August 4 until Monday, August 7

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Winner of the 2022 Art on Show Award Artist Emily Jayne Carroll and her work entitled Fredrick

Artist Dr Anneke Silver, nationally and internationally acclaimed Australian artist, will judge the 2023 Art on Show Awards competition

Coordinator Melissa Broadhurst and Cynthia Williams view entries in 2022 exhibition. Photos supplied

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Meet The Dancers

Part 3

Mackay Hospital Foundation is well-known for signature events that bring the community together, and Dancing With Heart is no different.

Tonight, Friday March 31, eight local identities will take to the dance floor to showcase their individual dance styles in support of our local hospitals.

Each dancer has been working with Dolly Louw from Fame Talent School to fine tune their skills on the dance floor, with each dance choreographed especially for the individual performer.

Read on to meet the last two dancers taking to the dancefloor tonight and the dance teacher behind it all.

Kay Nyenuh – Muscle Garden

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

Dancing is not something I’d usually put my hand up for let alone doing it on stage in front of a crowd! But anyone who knows me well would know that I’d do anything for charity, especially for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. So here we are!

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is amazing. I am not a natural at a lot of things and dancing is definitely one of those but what I don’t have a shortage of is the ability to put in the work to get better. Dolly is patient and she knows her stuff so we’re getting there.

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

I don’t know about getting on the dance floor but I can definitely move my body to any RnB, Hip Hop or any Rock song with a good beat and sound, lyrics and melody.

What is your go to dance move?

I’m African so dancing with the hips is a given.

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?

Given that they’re working with Dolly, I think it’ll be very entertaining.

Cathy Sullivan – Mount Pleasant

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

I am very passionate about the Mackay Community and like to do what I can to help where I can.  At Mount Pleasant, we are committed to giving back to our community and this is one way I can do that, by raising funds for the Hospital Foundation and having some fun at the same time.

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is an amazing teacher and I am learning so much! She is very patient. I have about 80% of the dance done, now I need to practice what I’ve learnt so far to be ready for the final moves.

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

I can’t let an opportunity to do the Nutbush pass me by.

What is your go to dance move?

I don’t really have one, although if I don’t really know the song, a bit of a side step sway will do!

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?

I’m expecting nothing but the best from everyone on the night. We are all community-oriented people and although everyone is extremely nervous, like me, they are all willing to step outside their comfort zones to provide the audience with a once in a lifetime show!

Dolly Louw – Dance Teacher (Fame Talent School)

How and why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

I was contacted by the Hospital Foundation to see if I would be interested in choreographing and training the dancers. I had heard a similar charity event had been held in Brisbane and that it was a huge success. I love helping out and thought it was a great opportunity for me.  

How has your work with all the dancers been?

It’s been an absolute blast. I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone. Dancing on stage really takes you out of your comfort zone. The dancers have all worked hard and are bringing lots of energy to their performances. The audience is going to love it. It’s very hard to compare teaching adults for performances like this, with teaching my regular students. These guys are complete novices, but the really cool thing is, they can dance better than they ever imagined they could.

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

I love all 80s music.

What is your go to dance move?

I love a good chair dance.

This has been pretty epic to put this show together because everybody works different hours and personally, I am busy with the studio and family life. My Fame backup dancers have been fabulous and have given up their free time to come and rehearse on both weekdays and Sundays. I really appreciate the effort they have put in. On the night, I hope we raise the roof and a whole lot of money for the Hospital Foundation. It’s a very grassroots and practical cause.

WHAT: Dancing With Heart

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Tonight, Friday March 31

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See Gallery here

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Dungeons And Dragons: Honour Among Thieves

If you put all the prosaic fantasy stuff into a soup (all the goblins and taverns and caverns, magic whatsits and wyverns and wizards) then served it in the Witch King’s helmet, you’d have this ghoulish goulash they call Dungeons and Dragons. An apocryphal, derivative, generic fantasy thing -that ends up, somehow, surprisingly edible -- in fact, it’s quite delicious.

I jest, though, in some respects. Dungeons and Dragons is not so simplistic and thieving as that. Because all those fantasy genre tropes, those cliches and old chestnuts, either came into being through the famed boardgame or were brought back in fashion by it.

For almost 50 years, Dungeon’s and Dragons has been a cultural touchstone for fantasy nerds everywhere, whether you’d played it or not. And now, for the second time in two decades, it has received a big-screen adaptation: “Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves”. This time, it’s courtesy of John Francis Daley and Jonathon Goldstein who took pointers from the start of this review: they packed the whole kit and kaboodle into this one.

They knew they didn’t need to reinvent the sword to make a good Dungeons and Dragons film. Stack in the traditional elements, throw in a few comedically charged dragons and singing, and watch the dice fly.

We follow the charming thief (and singing bard) Edgin, played by Chris Pine, and his band of unlikely, motley adventurers as they embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic. What could be more regular than that? It would be strange if their charming adventure didn’t go dangerously awry (which it does) and they didn’t run afoul of the wrong people (tick that box there).

By definition, this kind of film needs to look and be somewhat run of the mill. What Goldstein and Daley do to mitigate that is to throw in some curve-fireballs, a few D1 and D20 rolls on the dice, and some heartful moments punctuated by quippy humour. It all adds up to make Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, a ridiculous romp of fantastical proportions.

Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves is showing from March 31 at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Review Written by Declan Durrant

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Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Justice Smith in ‘Dungeons And Dragons: Honour Among Thieves’

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Two tantalisingly talented Aussie television darlings of the early and mid-2000s will make a combined eight appearances at The Airlie Beach Hotel across April and May, rolling back the years to when they captured the hearts of the nation as finalists in X-Factor and Australian Idol.

As part of The Pub’s patented Acoustic Sessions – which weekly feature Whitsunday musos – the smooth songs of Idol Top Four finisher Dan England and X-Factor runner-up Andrew Wishart will take to the Bar Top Stage.

England, who shot to stardom in 2005 as one of Australian Idol’s most popular finalists, will play on Friday, March 31 to April 3, in a solo-act showing, with Wishart – a storied career vocalist with X-Factor credentials – playing The Pub from May 4 to 7.

In the early oughts, England could be spotted for his trademark dreadlocks during his remarkable time on Australian Idol, where he was eliminated from the show by a mere 27 votes – the closest ever in Idol history, and not without its controversy.

After the highly successful run on air, England continued creating his remarkable story, honing his songs and playing to tens of thousands of people in towns and cities across Australia, and now he’ll be at The Airlie Beach Hotel for the first time.

England, a Queenslander through and through, said he’s excited to be heading up the coast to bring his smooth acoustic rock to the Whitsundays.

“What Idol gave me over the years was more than I could ever imagine,” Dan said.

"To be able to still perform after almost 20 years, putting smiles on people's faces with classics and current hits, there’s nothing like it. I can’t wait to bring that to Airlie Beach.

Then Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Andrew Wishart will arrive at The Airlie Beach Hotel to entertain the crowds as he has around Australia for more than 25 years.

With his mixture of classic songs from the ‘70s onwards, Wishart will remind audiences why he beat out more than 30,000 plus hopefuls to be Runner Up on the top-rating reality show, The X Factor.

He’ll smash out some of his tunes from ‘It’s Never Too Late’, which went top 15 in the Australian Aria charts, and all of the classics he’s mastered since the early days of his musical journey at the age of 14.

Wishart said he “lives and breathes music, playing the guitar, and wowing crowds” with his dynamic vocals, interpretations, stage wit, and engagement.

Don’t miss these superstars when they arrive at The Airlie Beach Hotel over the next two months.

What: Australian Idol top four finalist Dan England and X-Factor Australia finalist Andrew Wishart

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

When:

Thurs Mar 30: Solo 6.30pm - 9.30pm – Dan England

Fri Mar 31: Solo  7-10pm Dan England

Sat Apr 1: Solo  7-10pm Dan England

Sun Apr 3: Solo  7-10pm Dan England

Thurs May 4: Solo  6.30pm - 9.30pm – Andrew Wishart

Fri May 5: Solo  7-10pm Andrew Wishart

Sat May 6: Solo  7-10pm Andrew Wishart

Sun May 7: Solo  7-10pm Andrew Wishart

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Mackay’s newest sporting arena, Great Barrier Reef Arena, was opened in emphatic style last Saturday at Harrup Park’s Party in the Park.

With live music from Wild Sky and Graeme Connors, amusement rides, activities, fireworks and the DBCT Poole Cup Cricket final, it was impossible not to get excited.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Meet The Dancers

Part 2

Mackay Hospital Foundation is well-known for signature events that bring the community together, and Dancing With Heart is no different.

On Friday March 31, eight local identities will take to the dance floor to showcase their individual dance styles in support of our local hospitals.

Each dancer has been working with Dolly Louw from Fame Talent School to fine tune their skills on the dance floor, with each dance choreographed especially for the individual performer.

Read on to meet three more dancers.

Tegan Jones – Dysart Hospital

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

I am the Business Manager at the Dysart Hospital and the health and wellbeing of our community, especially our kids, is very important to me. I am the boots on the ground seeing the work that our clinical and support staff do to provide a service to our patients. We are working really hard to continuously improve, there are always new ways to support patients and families in their journey through the health system. Of course, everything costs money, so having the Hospital Foundation behind us to support equipment purchases and facility upgrades to improve the experience of patients at our facility is amazing!

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Well, I can't dance so it's not going well honestly. My first lesson with Dolly is actually on Monday, so I feel very sorry for her!

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

As they say out here in Dysart, there are only two types of music, Country and Western. But I also enjoy heavy metal and the boys from Booyah did get me into Hooligan Hefs.

What is your go to dance move?

My go-to dance move is definitely the two step, however my line manager did show me a move called the shopping trolley last week so I will have to practice that one.

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?

Well, I have heard that Cathy has already had 5 lessons, and Bing just opened a karaoke bar, so he has his own practice space. It's going to be such a great night.

I am flying the flag for the rural health services, from Prossie, Bowen, Collinsville, Sarina, Moranbah, Clermont, Middlemount and of course through to Dysart. We are all supported by the Mackay Hospital Foundation so get behind your local hospital by donating today!

Renae Kunst – Queensland Rugby League

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

The lovely Brenda from the Mackay Hospital foundation reached out to me to assist although she may have failed to mention I would be dancing after already agreeing. How could I say no when it goes to such a great cause.

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is such a gem human being and so patient. I am hopeless but she keeps me laughing (actually I think this is the other way around)

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

This is the thing; I have never been the dancing type so I am well out of my comfort zone

What is your go to dance move?

I have always had a huge appreciation for the athleticism on display from dances, unfortunately none of these skills pertain to me.

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?

I have meant this wonderful bunch of people and I am sure they will put their best foot forward. It will be a fun and eventful night that will contribute to the wonderful work the organisation does.

Paul Manttan – Mackay West State School

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?  

As Principal of a local primary school, I know all too well about the important role of Mackay Hospital Foundation and their support of patients and families, particularly kids.

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is a superstar taking on the challenge of teaching me to follow some dance moves.  She’s a very patient lady and I can only hope I do her proud on the night of Dancing with Heart.  I think the dance is coming along quite well, others may not agree….  Whatever the case, it will be very entertaining I’m sure.

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?  

I can’t go past “Low” for Flo Rida.  

What is your go to dance move?

The sprinkler is definitely my favourite.  Sometimes the shopping trolley comes out after a few cordials!

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?  

I’m expecting that all the dancers will be well rehearsed and pumped for the night by the time 31st March comes around.  I’m sure we’re going to see some personality coming out in the dances as the night rolls on.  

Don’t forget to grab next week’s paper for the final profiles.

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STARFLEET International officially opened its Star Trek Mackay Chapter USS Pacifica during a function last Saturday at the Mackay Surf Club.

The commissioning comes after a nine month “Shake Down” where members have built rapport and relationships while adapting to their various roles.

For over 40 years STARFLEET International has provided Star Trek fans a way to meet each other, make friends, have fun, give back to their communities and show that the dream of Gene Roddenberry can live long and prosper.

“On the local level members can gather with other fans for a variety of enjoyable activities,” revealed Captain Matthew Perna.

“The USS Pacifica is the newest addition to the fleet, comprised of members based in and around Central Queensland.

“We are a family orientated Chapter and enjoy meeting up at conventions, recreating the costumes and props of the shows and to share our love of Star Trek – and other pop culture too.

“We welcome all forms of Star Trek from the classic 1960s Trek to the current New Trek movies and TV shows.”

The group meets on the second Sunday each month at the Haven Gaming & Pop Culture store in Sydney Street Mackay from 11am.

For further enquiries email: info@usspacifica.org.au

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USS Pacifica members Captain Matthew Perna, Executive Officer Jess O’Neill, Chief of Tactical Lt Jason Heart, Chief of Engineering Lt Scott Marshall, Chief Medical Lt Lulu Mollis, Junior Grade Communications Officer Lt Alana McAnulty, Chief of Communications Lt Trevor May, Engineering Officer Crewman Felicia Scott, Marcus Perna and Emily Perna

Captain Matthew Perna and Executive Officer Jess O’Neill at the official opening of Mackay’s new Star Trek Chapter USS Pacifica at Mackay Surf Club. Photo credit: Chris Karas

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The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) kicked off “Take a Child to the Theatre Day” this week by giving away yo-yos and bookmarks to all children who visit the box office between Monday March 20th and Saturday March 25.

Take a Child to the Theatre Day is an annual day of celebration, to encourage families to introduce children to the benefits and enchantment of live theatre.

MECC and Events Manager Andrew Bobeldyk said the yo-yo and bookmark giveaways are the MECC’s way to welcome new faces into the building.

“We want all families to feel welcomed when they visit our theatre,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“If you haven’t been to the MECC before, come along and say hello.

“Our box office team will welcome all children with a yo-yo and a bookmark,” he said.

It’s no surprise that theatre promotes education and literacy.

Studies have shown theatre can motivate a child to read more, increasing their comprehension levels and their ability to connect with a story.

Each year, the DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season brings stage adaptations of popular children’s books to the MECC stage.

Previous years have included performances The Hungry Caterpillar, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Pete the Sheep.

“The 2023 season includes Possum Magic, Just Live, Wind in the Willows and Roald Dahl’s The Twits,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“All fantastic books, which will be brought to life with the magic of theatre.

“Sponsored by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, a family pass to any performance in DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season is $60, making it an affordable children’s theatre option.”

Families are advised they do not need to make a purchase to receive free yo-yos and bookmarks for their children.

Simply visit the box office, say hello, and the staff will welcome you with a smile, a bookmark and a yo-yo.

Offer ends Saturday March 25 at 1pm.

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Bringing a slice of Cuba to Mackay, the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball officially launched last Friday with the theme of Havana Nights.

There will be plenty of lush greenery at the MECC on Saturday, May 6 and the night promises to be “hot, hot, hot” on the dance floor, with the award-winning Salsa Kingz Band playing.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Havana Nights was the room theme for the Ball.

“Those attending will feel like they’ve taken a trip to Cuba for the night,’’ he said.

But the dress code for the Ball remained formal, Mr Williamson confirmed.

“It isn’t a fancy dress event, but ball-goers should feel free to accessorise to add to the Havana Nights feel,’’ he said.

This year’s ball will raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), to assist with operational costs of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, as well as Australian Street Aid Project, a Mackay charity in urgent need of funds to help support people experiencing homelessness.

It is the second year of sponsorship for the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, with Australian Street Aid replacing HeartKids Mackay, which has dropped out following its two years of tenure.

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) was established in 2018 by Mackay nurse Kayleigh Brewster.

She said the organisation had in recent months seen a dramatic increase in presentations of people experiencing homelessness in Mackay.

“Many of these people have one or more unmet medical needs,” Ms Brewster said.

“Homelessness is an isolating and scary experience, and chronic or acute pain contributes to both the difficulty of the journey and the feeling of hopelessness in finding a pathway out.

“This funding will directly impact the lives of many disadvantaged people in our community, and we are delighted to be beneficiaries of this year's Mayors Charity Ball.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia CEO, Tamara South, extended her sincere thanks to Mayor Williamson for council’s continued commitment to local families, who call upon the Charity in their greatest time of need.

“Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay Regional Council for their continued and extraordinary support,’’ she said.

“Funds raised from the generous community of local sponsors and attendees of this year’s event will help to ensure that RMHC North Australia continues to be there to support Mackay regional families when they need it most.”

Channel 7 fishing personality Scotty Hillier returns as Emcee again this year and there will also be the usual gala charity auction.

WHAT: 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball

WHERE: The MECC

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

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Mayor Greg Williamson, sporting a Fedora hat, at last week’s launch with representatives of 2023 Mayor’s Ball charity recipients Samantha Lee (right), of Ronald McDonald House, and Kayleigh Brewster, of Mackay’s Australian Street Aid Project

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A life is turned upside down by epilepsy every 33 minutes.

The team at Gardian Real Estate felt that impact last year, losing a colleague and friend to the disorder.

“We do a lot for epilepsy to remember him,” said Gardian Corporate Support Officer Kylie Darko.

This March, Gardian have set their directors a series of daring challenges to help raise money and awareness for epilepsy.

“We set certain goals, so the first goal was $250 and then all the directors of Gardian had to do the ice bath challenge,” said Ms Darko.

Gardian enlisted the assistance of Base Performance and Recovery who hosted the event and donated the session, inviting people to take part in a $10 ice bath with all funds going to Gardian’s cause.

Between 50 and 60 people took the plunge, raising $1480 for Epilepsy Queensland, with an extra 40 people coming along to watch and support.

With each milestone reached, directors will be tasked with new challenges including a 5km run dressed as a purple fairy, eating a fertilized duck egg, getting a purple ribbon tattoo and a hot yoga session dressed as a purple wiggle.

Gardian are no strangers to charity, frequently donating to local causes including the Mackay Hospital Foundation, Chances Café and more.

“We give back to the community and are very involved.”

To find out more and to donate, visit myimpact.epilepsyqueensland.com.au/fundraiser/Gardianmakesmarchpurple/gardian-makes-march-purple.

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The team at Gardian Real Estate plunged into ice baths last Friday, raising money for Epilepsy Queensland. Photos supplied

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Printmaker Marilyn Bliss is exhibiting her prints as part of the Sarina Arts Council exhibition now on show at the Sarina Art Gallery.

Marilyn had always wanted to paint and when she retired nearly 20 years ago, she joined an art group and went to quite a few workshops.  

Marilyn continued painting until about 10 years ago when Brigitte Zimmerman (Brizi) talked her into joining Printbank Mackay and since then she has spent her time printmaking.

Currently she uses copper or aluminium plates.

She now has her own press and last year sent prints to six exhibitions, three in Australia and three overseas.

Marilyn said she enjoys the challenge of creating new images using the age-old technology of printmaking.

In printmaking, plates are used to transfer an image onto another surface, usually paper.  

Tools or chemicals are used to create a design onto the plate which is inked and then applying pressure usually using a printing press to transfer the design onto paper.

Seven artists are displaying their works at the Sarina Art Gallery daily from 10am-3pm until March 24.

Other artists are Gail McKeown, Brigitte Zimmermann, Kerry Williams, Jenny Tibbett, Jodie Perna and Lenore Chapple.

The Sarina Art Gallery is in the Field of Dreams Parkland, with plenty of parking available.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Friday 24 March

Friday Jazz @ The Con featuring Dan Barnett

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @ the Con featuring Dr David Reaston (guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (saxophone), Jason Smyth-Tomkins (drums).

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Blake O'Connor // Finding Light Tour

Friday, 8:00pm

Guitar Slinger Blake O’Connor is often described as incorporating the outlaw country of Chris Stapleton, Soul of the blues of Tedeschi Trucks Band with the melodic soft rock of John Mayer. Catch him at the Met this Friday.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Saturday 25 March

Free Community Boot Camp

Saturday, 6:00am to 7:00am

Join Muscle Garden for their Free Community Boot Camp at the Mackay Gym. It’s absolutely free! Bring a friend or family member and have some fun. Please arrive 5 minutes early. All non-members welcomed. Bring a towel, water bottle and a smile.

Muscle Garden Health & Fitness Centre

Pocket Sessions - Autumn 2023

Saturday, 3:00pm

Join in for a day and night of live music in the rainforest. Featuring Late November, Will Blume, Stone Faced Heathens, The Wild Sky and Josh Vine and a performance by the amazing Tattyfaze Ablaze.

1195 Calen Mount Charlton Rd, Mount Charlton

Mackay Cutters Round 3

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as they take on Townsville Blackhawks. 10:45am | GATES OPEN. 11:30am | Cyril Connell Challenge. 1:00pm | Mal Meninga Cup. 2:30pm | Harvey Norman U19s. 4:00pm | Hastings Deering Colts (TRIAL). 6:15pm | Hostplus Cup.

BB Print Stadium

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

Market stalls, mini eat street, local musician, jumping castles and face painting. Come and browse the many local small business market stalls, then have a seat and listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customers convenience. Come and enjoy a night out with your family. It's not just another market, it’s a great family night out!

Mackay Showgrounds

Leaving Jackson - The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show

Saturday, 7:30pm

Relive the moments that captured the life of a legend! A life story played out through some of the greatest songs ever written. Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Walk the Line, Boy Name Sue, Ring of Fire, San Quinten, The Man in Black, Big River, Hurt, Get Rhythm, Sunday Morning coming down and much more. A heart-warming and inspiring night of music!

MECC

Sunday 26 March

Lifeline 60th Anniversary

Sunday, 9:15am

Songs, prayers and presentations by the Rev. Dr Julia Pitman and Edie Weiss, long-time volunteer telephone counsellor and suicide prevention trainer. Morning tea to follow – no need to RSVP, please just turn up.

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street, Mackay

Sunday Live Music – Mango Junction

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday 28 March

Kucom Theatre Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, 7:00pm

The Kucom Annual General Meeting, including election of the 2023 Committee, is scheduled for Tuesday 28 March 2023. This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome to attend.

1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

Wednesday 29 March

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 30 March

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

Community Easter Activation

Thursday, 4:00pm

Join for an afternoon of Easter excitement. Teen Shed Teenagers will be setting up an Easter Activity station that will lead you along the new waterfront. Starting point is near Paxton Markets where you will be given a FIND IT card to stamp off on your Easter Hunt journey. Activities will involve Easter Cookie decorating (made by Jo Jo's Bakehouse), Tattoos, Get active activity, Photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, Bunny mask and Bunny ear decorating. Once you get to final destination, you will be gifted with Easter Eggs. You can then hang around and have dinner at the markets. This fun family friendly activity, is for anyone to join. We ask a gold coin donation which will go back to Teen Shed to help its growth.

Bluewater Quay

Practice Your Performance

Thursday, 6:00pm

PERFORMERS: Bring your music, instrument, monologue, family and friends to the "Practice Your Performance" night at the con. This is a free opportunity for anyone in the community to prepare a performance and deliver it on the beautifully lit stage. If you require an accompanist, Sarah Rozekrans will be there to help you out! Completely informal and relaxed, these evenings are a great opportunity for you or your music students. All are welcome to participate or to just watch.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

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Author Talks With Richard Evans

A local author, who has published eight political crime thrillers, is launching a series of talks at our local libraries and he is inviting the whole community to come along.

His inspiring and engaging talks will give attendees an insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ of his creative writing process and will also include some light entertainment with humorous political anecdotes from his time as a federal member of parliament.

At the event, you'll be enthralled by Richard's examination of parliamentary corruption, integrity, equity and inclusion, Aboriginal sovereignty, euthanasia, capital punishment, and the manipulation of election campaigns.

He shares his insider experiences in politics and business which inspire a driving energy in his fictional novels and makes each hard-hitting topic fresh and exciting with his quick wit and charismatic manner.

During the talk, Richard will also provide first-hand commentary on the challenges and successes of his traditional and self-publishing journey – giving both insight and encouragement to other aspiring authors.

One of the main organisers of the Whitsunday Writers Festival which, after a six-year hiatus is due to be revived in 2024, Richard will also be available to discuss the next event and answer any questions on the day.

The library author talks are free events and light refreshments will be provided.

Don't forget to bring cash or card to grab a signed copy of Richard's books for just $20.

Bookings are required through the library, so make sure to secure your spot by visiting libraries.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Richard Evans’ Author Talks

PROSERPINE LIBRARY: Friday, March 24 at 10am

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY: Thursday, March 30 at 10.30am

BOWEN LIBRARY: Thursday March 30 at 2pm

CANNONVALE LIBRARY: Friday, March 31 at 10am

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Richard Evans has published eight political thrillers

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The Multicultural Festival is due to take place at Whitsunday PCYC in May and organisers are looking forward to their new partnership with Whitsunday Regional Council in hosting the third iteration of this bi-annual event.

This is an opportunity for our community’s wide-ranging cultures and ethnic backgrounds to come together and celebrate their unique differences by sharing food, entertainment and conversation.

This year, organisers are planning for a jumping castle, tastes of the world food stalls with free taste testing, traditional dancers and musicians, a cultural dress parade, storytime, multi-cultural art workshops, raffles and more.

The festival first took place in 2019 and was started by Sergeant Billy Li from the Whitsunday PCYC in an effort to get the community back into the facility following lengthy repair works post Cyclone Debbie.

Sergeant Billy was familiar with hosting cultural events following his time in Brisbane and saw an opportunity to introduce one here.

The festival has since become a huge success with upwards of 500 people attending each event.

For the first time this year, they are in partnership with Whitsunday Regional Council and are looking forward to expanding the event further.

“The festival is a fantastic way for people to connect with each other,” said Sergeant Billy.

“And it’s good for us all to see that we live in a very diverse community, learn from each other and experience difference.”

If you are interested in showcasing your culture as a stall holder, vendor, educator, workshop facilitator, artist, musician or dancer you can lodge your expression of interest by going to the Your Say page on the Whitsunday Regional Council website.

WHAT: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival

WHERE: Whitsunday PCYC

WHEN: Sunday, May 21 from

TIME: 10am – 2pm

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Did you know that our community is made up of over 83 different ancestries with over 6,000 residents born overseas?

The Multicultural Festival is looking for performers and stall holders to participate in the event

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