If nothing else, director David O. Russell has assembled an ensemble cast for the ages in Amsterdam, his 1933, New York set film that mashes genres together like a fruit salad comprised of satire, comedy, romance, crime, and politics.

The epic film is absurdly stacked: a single scene has the potential (and it literally does at one point) to contain a who’s who of modern megastars.

Its troupe of secondary actors includes Remi Malek, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert De Niro, Chris Rock, Mike Myers, Michael Shannon, Matthias Schoenaerts, Timothy Olyphant, Zoe Saldaña, Alessandro Nivola, and more.

But, we mostly follow our main trio: long-time regiment buddies Burt (Christian Bale) and Harold (John David Washington) who become drawn into a murder investigation of their former commanding officers and now US Senator, Bill Meekins. Their sleuthing brings them back into the orbit of Valerie (Margot Robbie), a nurse who helped them back to health during WWI – a classic two-guys-and-a-girl setup.

At times freewheeling, Amsterdam’s idealistic outlook can become bogged down in the murderous plot that blows up to something bigger – an elaborate political coup - come the films second act. At times farcical, it’s the performers that can bring much of the joy to a story that loses itself in the surfeit threads of the messy tapestry it tries to weave.

Production, too, is what brings the film to life; a perfect recreation of ‘30s New York – in part thanks to costuming and cinematography – help to make the film feel ‘lived-in’ and worth the trip.

Amsterdam (MA15+) is showing now at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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David O. Russell’s Amsterdam features a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington

Local culture queen, Karen Jocobsen has once again risen to the top and this time she casts her eye on equality, looking to change the narrative of exclusion by promoting inclusion across gender, race and ability.

Using Julia Gillard’s impassioned ‘Misogyny Speech’ from 2012, Karen delivers a politically-charged, heart-filled opus that brings together 70 inspiring individuals from right around the world to mime lyrics alongside her own beautiful voice.

Three of those inspiring people are local faces; Councillor Jan Clifford, Photographer Debbie Savvy and founder of the Just Saying Project, Fallon Drewett.

Karen recounts the moment she first thought of the idea when watching a show on the ABC entitled Ms Represented which discusses the history of women in Australian politics and was narrated by Annabel Crabb.

“I ran straight to my computer and searched for the transcript of the speech,” she said.

“I took it to my piano and started to compose – I was so compelled – I spent four hours on that occasion before bringing my head up for air!”

As soon as she did rise for air, Karen realised that this project was much bigger than she first thought.

She asked a few fellow creatives about copyright laws and eventually went directly to Julia Gillard’s media team who gave her the go-ahead to use the words as lyrics.

This gave permission for Karen to embark on a project that would take her over a year, pulling together 70 hand-selected individuals from all across the world, dividing the script into 14 and allocating each participant with their set words.

The result is a masterpiece of meaningful and spirited compassion that demands attention in a soft and invigorating way.

“It was important to have a representative and inclusive music video,” said Karen.

“There are different cultures, ages and levels of ability – it’s a really diverse mix.”

From Hollywood producer Lucy Arnaz to Channel Seven news reader Kim McGrath and Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical doctor Dinesh Palipana, the video features many celebrities and influential people from around the globe.

“My intention is to spark a conversation and empower all of us to act and talk in a way that is in line with humanity and equality,” said Karen.

“So many of our devastating societal issues are the result of one group thinking they are superior than the other – it’s so denigrating.”

“On a personal note, being female, I have been on the receiving end of it my whole life.

“It is in the micro-agendas, in the language and in the systems – so much can be done to stop it by bringing awareness.”

Karen’s song ‘Better Standard Than This’ was released last week and has so far been watched by over 20,000 people on YouTube.

The Misogyny Opus full pop-orchestral work will be performed live with Karen at the MECC this February.

Break out quote

"Misogyny Opus that marks a decade of the speech that rocked the world"

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International songwriter and professional speaker Karen Jacobsen uses famous speech for Misogyny Opus. Photo supplied

Next Friday at the outdoor movie theatre on the Airlie Beach Foreshore there will be back to back cinema magic with a showing of Nanny McPhee followed by The Man From Snowy River.

It’s time to grab your picnic blanket and invite your family and friends for a night under the stars in front of the 5.5 by 3 metre LED cinema screen.

Spring is the perfect time of year to enjoy the cool evenings and the expansive lawn on the foreshore offers a relaxing environment for all to gather.

There will be a host food vans on site and the children can also enjoy playing on the beach or at the play park before the movie starts, enabling you to make a night of it.

Nanny McPhee

A heart-warming family classic, this movie tells the story of a widower called Cedric Brown (played by Colin Firth) who hires Nanny McPhee (played by Emma Thompson) to care for his seven rebellious children.

Having chased away all previous nannies, the children do their best to get rid of Nanny McPhee too but are surprised when she uses mystical powers to instil discipline and eventually wins them over.

When the children's great-aunt and benefactor, Lady Adelaide Stitch (Angela Lansbury), threatens to separate the kids, the family pulls together under the guidance of Nanny McPhee.

The Man From Snowy River

An age-old classic featuring a combination of feel-good romance and heroic antics, The Man From Snowy River was released in 1982 and will be back for an exclusive screening at the Airlie Foreshore next week.

Cuddle up with a loved one and enjoy the nostalgia hit of this classic western.

The movie is about a proud young man called Jim Craig (played by Tom Burlinson) who sets out to become his own man following the death of his father.

He takes a job with a horse rancher (played by Kirk Douglas) and is treated poorly by the more experienced cowboys, but wins the heart of the rancher's daughter, Jessica (Sigrid Thornton), when he helps her break a high-strung colt and later saves her life.

When he's unfairly blamed for the loss of an expensive horse, Craig fights to restore his honour and prove that he's worthy of Jessica's hand.

WHAT: Movies Under The Stars

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday, October 14

Image 1: Nanny McPhee is a family pleaser

Image 2: The Man From Snowy River is a classic western

Craft Show This Weekend

A celebration of clever creations, the upcoming craft show at the Proserpine Museum will exhibit the intricate and expressive needlework and sewing from a host of local ladies’ groups.

From delightful doilies to quintessential quilts and natty needlework, all will be on display at the event which promises to both honour and celebrate our local skills and heritage.

For just $5 you will receive entry into the craft fair, and broader museum if you choose, plus tea, coffee and scone.

Correction: the wrong date was published last week, please note the correct date is Sunday, October 9

WHAT: Craft Show

WHERE: Proserpine Museum

WHEN: Sunday, October 9 from 1.30pm to 4.00pm

ADMISSION: $5 includes Devonshire Tea

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It’s Bowen Turf Club’s biggest race of the season this Saturday: the famed “Race That Stops The Whitsundays”.

The Bowen Cup, which has regularly hosted more than three thousand attendees annually, will gallop its way to Ben Bolt Park on Saturday, October 8.

One of the region’s biggest social events of the year will host five local races, complete with TAB and on-track bookmakers, a licenced bar, food vendors, and everyone’s favourite: Fashion on the Field.

Ladies (and gentlemen) will be out in their Saturday best for a race-day that’s promising to be one of the club’s finest.

Fashion on the Field will this year be run by Filby’s Motors, where there’s already been a great deal of interest from local ladies.

For those looking for a way to and from the races, The Grand View Hotel will run their free, authorised local courtesy bus, dropping off and picking up patrons at the main gate every half an hour.

From 11:00am at the Grand View Hotel, two buses will be leaving regularly, as well as taking patrons from the main gate back to town to continue the celebrations at the Grand View at the official afterparty.

Live music, courtesy of The Feels 4-piece band, begins at 8.00pm, in a perfect way to spend your race day evening.

The Feels will delve into their repertoire of feel-good songs, ranging from pub classics, soul and funk, and reggae all night long.

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For annual Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW), a local organisation will bring together art and mindfulness in workshops across the region.

Stella Life Care will run ‘The Art of Wellbeing’ workshops in both Bowen and Collinsville to connect people and communities whilst “reflecting on the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.”

The free painting workshops aim to teach the art of expression through painting, all with a mental health backing.

Participants can create their own masterpiece to take home while a credentialed mental health nurse discusses this year’s QMHW themes: awareness, belonging, and connection.

The free workshops are open to both adults and children and will be led by Counsellor Su Willmott.

Linked to National Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day, held on 10 October every year, the workshops are in sync with QMHW’s yearly, week-long campaign.

The week of October 8 to 16 event hopes to have everyone think about their mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether they have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages help seeking behaviours, when needed.

Stella Life Care has been fortunate to receive support from the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program to partially fund the workshops.

Places are limited with bookings essential at the link below.

WHAT: The Art Of Wellbeing Workshops

WHERE: 39 Herbert Street, Bowen, and the Basketball Courts, Collinsville State School, Devlin St, Collinsville

WHEN: Bowen - Tuesday 11 October from 10am to 12pm, and Collinsville - Thursday, October 13 from 2.45pm to 4.45pm.

BOOKINGS: https://bit.ly/3Eizg8W

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It’s a big week for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music and the countdown to the 10th annual event has begun with day passes on sale now and the much-anticipated mainstage line-up announced.

Event organiser, Margie Murphy said that if budget and time allows, they recommend you purchase a weekend pass, however, if you can only spare a day, these new tickets will offer the flexibility to suit your needs.

“I know lots of people have been waiting for them,” she said.

“We’ve got some awesome acts spread out over the three days, so come for the whole experience if you can!

“You really don’t want to miss the first day with a stellar line-up to kick-off the festival.”

With jaw-dropping sea views from the main tent, the festival is a party like no other in a tropical paradise.

Experience Airlie Beach coming alive to the sound of music - with the entertainment being spread throughout multiple venues, the atmosphere is electric.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music takes place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from November 4-6, weekend passes are $300 and day passes are $140.

For more information head to: www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: 4-6 November

MAINSTAGE LINE-UP

Friday 5th Nov

Dallas Frasca

Niksta with Bill Chambers

The Re-Mains

Mi-Sex

Eskimo Joe

Jon Stevens

Saturday 6th Nov

Matty Rogers Band

Ben Ransom

The Badloves

Ben Lee

The Animals

Loonaloop

Sunday 7th Nov

Rick Price

Mardi Wilson

Lash 78

Matt Angell and the Gold Diggers

Lloyd Spiegel

Masters of Pop

Rogue Traders

Image: An incredible atmosphere awaits at this years’ 10th annual Airlie Beach Festival of Music

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Don’t Worry Darling

Olivia Wilde keeps things interesting in her first career foray into the director’s chair.

There’s been more real-world drama surrounding the release of Don’t Worry Darling than there is around some things that matter. It could have acted as a detractor for its cast, but it seems to have worked the other way around for some.

It wouldn’t be a Hollywood star’s debut directing gig if they didn’t give themselves an acting role, but it’s not Wilde’s on-screen chops that elevates Don’t Worry Darling.

It’s her protagonists.

Alice (Florence Pugh) has married Jack (Harry Styles), and the pair are living in the idealized community of Victory, an experimental company town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families.

Pugh is who really carries the film. She delivers such a roaring main performance that her fellow cast-mates pale in comparison. In a story where 1950's societal optimism is the rug under which misogyny is swept, Pugh elevates what can often be a predictable script.

She carries large chunks of the film more or less single-handedly.

While the husbands spend every day inside the Victory Project Headquarters, working on the "development of progressive materials," their wives get to spend their time enjoying the beauty, luxury, and debauchery of their community. It becomes a feminist parable – one which could easily have lost itself up its own bum if not for Pugh’s anchoring.

Life is perfect, with every resident's needs met by the company. All they ask in return is discretion and unquestioning commitment to the Victory cause. But when cracks in Alice’s idyllic life begin to appear, exposing flashes of something much more sinister lurking beneath the attractive façade, she can't help questioning exactly what they're doing in Victory, and why.

Just how much is Alice willing to lose to expose what's really going on in this paradise?

Don’t Worry Darling (M) is opening at Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Friday, October 7 at 6.45pm.

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Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about? A Billy Joel Tribute show is coming to The Airlie Beach Hotel - You can’t be serious?

Wait – it’s not just Billy Joel – it’s the Rocket Man, too! This will be huge: two tributes on the same day with duelling pianos for the Elton and Billy Experience Concert, Face to Face coming to The Pub in mid-October.

The internationally acclaimed Greg Andrew is bringing his Elton John Experience show, teaming up with Anthony Mara and his world-class Billy Joel Celebration for a spectacular afternoon of Crocodile Rock crossed with Uptown Girl.

It’s a musical journey of more than half a century where two of the world’s greatest singer-songwriters of all time mash-up in duets and duels.

Andrew and Mara recreate the moments of the real duo’s famous Face To Face world tour, where both artists perform together, sing each other’s songs and culminate onstage for the final encore.

In this premium show coming to the coastal town of Airlie Beach entirely free, the world-class production showcases the showmanship of the virtuoso piano players.

Every song will be Your Song with the crowd engagement turned up to 11 – it’s the level you expect from two of times’ most iconic performers. Not only do Andrew and Mara revive the experience of the Face To Face tour, they do it flanked by six other masterful musicians, all on the Bar Top Stage.

Mara’s world class band celebrate the musical journey of a remarkable career from Piano Man, New York State Of Mind, Honesty, It’s Still Rock’n’roll To Me, and the favourites: Uptown Girl and We Didn’t Start The Fire.

The full live band consists of the finest musicians around, plus state-of-the-art sound and lighting, in a powerful show that has mesmerised audiences across the country.

And standing next to Mara is one of the best in the world at his craft: Andrew brings hit after hit from Elton’s back catalogue to electrifying life in perfect sound. He’s like a young Elton!

With tracks I’m Still Standing, Saturday Nights Alright For Fightin’, Candle In The Wind, Daniel, Honky Cat, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and Hold Me Closer, plus many more, you’ll be taken back to the MCG like it’s 1998!

Sail on a River of Dreams down the The Road To El Dorado (Airlie Beach Esplanade) to listen to The Captain And The Kid – but who’s who? Find out when these titans of pop meet at the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday, October 22.

WHAT: The Elton John and Billy Joel Experience

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, October 22 from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

Image 1: Elton John and Billy Joel are being brought to The Pub in a tribute show of epic proportions in mid-October

Image 2: The Elton and Billy Experience Concert recaptures the spirit and performance from the pair’s famous Face To Face tours

Image 3: Don’t miss the internationally renowned artists performing some of pops greatest songs when it comes to the Airlie Beach Hotel

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Two creatives from Far North Queensland are bringing their part theatre show, part 80s rock concert and aerobics dance class - with a smidgen of time travel thrown in for good measure - to the Whitsundays this month.

Renowned Cairns artists Roz Pappalardo and Rachel Terry are telling the story of one woman's epic midlife crisis in their show ‘All Fired Up’ which arrives at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on October 22.

After a sold-out season at Brisbane Powerhouse in March and a return season at South Bank Piazza for Brisbane Festival, the pair of regional writers and performers are set to present their uplifting epic adventure to regional audiences.

Pappalardo, known for her long music and performing arts career, and Rachel Terry, NIDA trained actor and writer, have led a team of 10, strong and uniquely skilled regional creatives to present the brand-new work across the state.

And this time, the pair are working with a range of Whitsunday-based community dancers to integrate them into the final, high impact moments of the show.

“The show includes integral community engagement dance elements whereby local women are invited to engage in an open dance workshop and then are integrated into two moments of the actual professional performance,” Pappalardo said.

“All Fired Up was inspired by 80s superstar artists like Pat Benatar belting out Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Cyndi Lauper shrieking with passion to her parents that Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

The 70-minute, jampacked show features Terry and her real-life daughter, Scarlett Terry, who time travel to tell the story of the power of the arts solving life's problems, and Roz Pappalardo as “everyone’s favourite radio DJ” ‘Neon’, who acts as singer of approximately 20 hit songs of the decade.  

All Fired Up will fill you with joy, inspire and excite you, and will literally have you singing and dancing on your seats.

Tickets can be purchased via the Proserpine Entertainment Centre website: https://bit.ly/3RrYfJG

WHAT: All Fired Up An 80’s Mixed Tape Musical

WHEN: Saturday, October 22 at 7.00pm

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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Friday 7 October

Morning Melodies 2022 presents 1954: Ella, Etta & Eartha by Western-Dyer Productions

Friday, 11:00am

Swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch featuring Melissa Western and her band. It's the year 1954. Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Eartha Kitt are all at the dizzy heights of their careers. With swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch these three women broke new ground for all who followed in their footsteps. Melissa Western and her band pay tribute to this magnificent era in music and inspiring trio of pioneering singers. 50s style abounds.

MECC

Public Art Walk

Friday, 4:30pm

Hosted by Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood, the free city art walk for all ages begins at Artspace Mackay and takes you through the city centre. Along the way, participants will learn about Mackay’s iconic public art installations, and the local, and internationally-acclaimed artists who created them. Whether you’re an artist, art lover, local or visitor to our lovely riverside city, you’ll find this late afternoon public art walk a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Bring friends, family members, or come by yourself - wear a hat, comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and arrive promptly to Artspace Mackay as the group will depart on time.

Artspace Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Film & Arts Mackay Film Night: Murina

Friday, 7:30pm

Winner of the Caméra d’Or for Best First Feature Film at Cannes in 2021, MURINA is a psychological drama and a coming-of-age tale of a young woman’s struggle for independence.

Cook Lecture Theatre

Hockey Dad

Friday, 7:30pm

With touring stalled for much of 2020 and 2021, Zach and Billy alongside live bass player Steve Bourke have been writing and recording new music for album four, while keeping engaged in alternate ways. When Windang’s favourite sons had to cancel Mackay from a rescheduled tour earlier this year, fans were left disappointed and having to travel to Airlie to catch them play. Being as down-to-earth and true-to-their-word as they are, the boys have made it up to the sugar city and are ready to get back on the stage and deliver new music in 2022.

Seabreeze Hotel

Alex Lloyd

Friday, 8:00pm

This October, Alex Lloyd returns to the stage with his "Live And Amazing" Australian tour and will be hitting the Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay. The multi-platinum ARIA award-winning musician will bring all his hits to the stage for one incredible night of music, singing and nostalgia. Performing his classic songs like Amazing, Black the Sun, Lucky Star, Green, Coming Home & Never Meant To Fail together with some much loved and well-known covers, Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen), Better Be Home Soon (Crowded House). These amazing tunes will come to life through a tapestry of soulful singing, masterful playing and clever arrangements. Join for a very special show, up-close and personal with Alex Lloyd!

The Metropolitan Hotel

Standup Comedy - Mackay - Amy Hetherington & Kel Balnaves

Friday, 8:00pm

Get ready Mackay. Empire has a huge night of stand-up comedy coming your way. A couple of award-winning comedians. A jam-packed show full of side-splitting stand-up, relatable stories and funny jokes. Book early to avoid missing out.

Empire Alternacade

Saturday 8 October

Oktoberfest at Red Dog Brewery

Saturday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Be a part of the inaugural Oktoberfest at Red Dog Brewery. Enjoy locally brewed German-inspired beers, feast by Weaners on Wheels, Branded Red Dog half stein, 4x German beer fills, fun games and prizes.

Red Dog Brewery

Cuban Dance Class & Social Night

Saturday, 2:00pm

Cuban Salsa Dance workshops and Party with Australia's pioneer of Cuban Salsa Christina Monneron (Afrekete Australia). Workshop 1: 2-3.30pm – Cuban Salsa Fundamentals. Workshop 2: 3.45-5.15pm - Rueda (Cuban Circle Salsa - Progressive/ Wheel). Each workshop is $30 or $50 for both, pre purchased by Friday 7th October. It will cost extra if purchased at the door. PLUS Party Night from 7.30pm - $20. $70 for both workshops & party.

Palace Hotel

Slowly Slowly

Saturday, 8:00pm

Slowly Slowly are hitting the road again throughout August, September and October, visiting parts of Australia they’ve dearly missed and also making their long-awaited debut in others. Playing a slew of songs from their back catalogue and forthcoming release they will be shaking off the cobwebs from the last few years of silence.

Seabreeze Hotel

The Stone Apes Return

Saturday, 9:00pm

After a big Empire welcome the first time, Rockhampton’s The Stone Apes and Mackay’s Nortica return with Red Veridian in tow. Strap in Mackay and make it another night to remember!

Empire Alternacade

Sunday 9 October

Mackay Annual Gem Show

Sunday, 9:00am to 3:00pm

Mackay Annual Gem Show hosted by Mackay Gem Club, where you will find the club and many other market stall holders showcasing all things crystal, gem and lapidary related products. Join for a great day out. 3 Leisure Court, South Mackay.

Mackay Gem and Craft Society Inc

Sunday Live Music

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

Wednesday 12 October

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

ARTIST’S TALK - Meet ‘Creative Inquiry’ featured artist Sophie Munns

Wednesday, 5:30pm

Sophie Munns melds art and seed science in her Brisbane-based art practice. Her work features as an Art as Lens case study in the Queensland senior secondary visual art resource, Creative Enquiry. Join Artspace Mackay as Sophie makes the case for the wonder and power of curiosity as a learning tool to navigate a changing world. The artist describes a technique she calls ‘bio-cultural mapping’ – offering teachers and students an integrated method for exploring themes of biodiversity and climate change. Sophie uses rare and common seeds as a lens for viewing various aspects of the world including the constant regeneration of life.

Artspace Mackay

Thursday 13 October

WBBL at The Great Barrier Reef Arena - Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers

Thursday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm

WBBL IS COMING TO MACKAY. Take the family out to see the Women’s Big Bash League make its return to The Great Barrier Reef Arena this October! Six Professional Games of Big Bash Cricket played across a huge 4 days. Mini Eat Street, Kids Activities & Fireworks!

The Great Barrier Reef Arena

The Grogans

Thursday, 7:00pm

Genre-expanding outfit The Grogans are a trio of best mates from Melbourne who explore nuanced manoeuvres in surf, punk, blues, garage, psych, rockabilly and reggae. With the announce of their forthcoming album Which Way Is Out, The Grogans have dropped the fourth single No Thanks (I’m Going Surfing). This playful track, both lyrically and sonically, showcases the bands plethora of song-writing capabilities yet again, differing from influences displayed in the previous three singles – all wrapped up in a 3-minute anthem.

Seabreeze Hotel

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Dave Conway says he is here for a reason.

Dave has been nominated for Blind Australian of the Year in recognition of his work throughout the Mackay community and the disability sector.

“It feels amazing to be nominated,” Dave said with the widest of grins.

“To get a phone call about that, that someone had nominated me, I was just on cloud nine million.

“I was just floating.”

Dave’s story is one of action, of risk, but not one of regret.

At the beginning of his final year of an environmental sciences degree, Dave was rock climbing at Mount French, west of Brisbane.

“I loved it as a hobby,” he said.

“I was actually training to compete in the Extreme Games in 2004 but at the start of the year, the 19th of February 2004, life stepped in and redirected where I was going.”

Dave fell 20 metres while lead climbing when his top anchor came loose in a crack in the rock, sustaining substantial damage to his back, pituitary gland and optic nerves.

He spent 17 days in a coma and when he awoke, he was surrounded by his family.

“When I woke up from my coma, I couldn’t talk because I had a breathing tube in and I was totally blind, but I felt so safe and so loved so I just went with what happened to me,” Dave said.

Thus began a long road to recovery and rehabilitation – Dave ultimately spent the next 15 months in hospital in Brisbane.

With little to no memory of the accident, Dave’s family took him downstairs one day for a chat.

“Mum and dad and my brother and my sister, we’re a very close family, so they told me everything I went through, what they think happened in the fall, and I almost died three times in intensive care, so I knew that I was here for a reason,” he said.

“I’ve got to grab life with both hands and just run with it.”

Dave said one of the best conversations came when his family all accepted his accident because he was doing something he loved.

“Looking back at all my actions, I’m glad I can speak very highly of my accident,” he said.

“Through having a sport accident, I count myself lucky because I can talk about what I went through with no regrets.”

Dave started creating art in the spinal unit in 2004 and, after moving back to Mackay in 2005, he continued to create charcoal drawings.

“I’m lucky I got to move home with my family because it gave me time to really find myself,” he said.

While he still creates charcoal drawings, Dave prefers more colourful, high flow paintings and sells his colourful paintings through his business Art from the Blind Side.

“The art I do these days is the bright colours because they inspire me because I can see them better and just to see how colours interact with each other,” he said.

Dave says art provides therapy and a welcome distraction from the chronic pain of his spinal injury.

“The art really helps with keeping myself distracted from the pain as well as giving me a hobby, giving me an interest and also giving me a small business,” he said.

“It’s also great therapy for my eyes.

“As my ophthalmologist has said, when using the muscles in my eyes, somehow, that’s repairing things.”

Along with his artwork, Dave is kept extremely busy with his work in the community and the disability sector; work that has been recognised by his nomination for Blind Australian of the Year.

He works as a disability advocate, an access consultant, a state-wide convenor assisting people who self-manage their NDIS plans.

He’s worked alongside Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Hospital, IDEAL Placements, Mackay Advocacy, Sporting Wheelies and Queenslanders with Disability Network.

He’s a frequent host and speaker at forums and schools, he’s published a book and has even delivered a TED Talk.

“All the work I do, I really enjoy it,” he said.

“It’s been really self-satisfying but also, I’ve been really proud to be nominated as Blind Australian of the Year.

“All this work I do makes sense.

“People are paying attention, it’s pretty cool.”

The Blind Australian of the Year Award is announced later this month.

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The inaugural Grounded Festival wrapped up last Saturday with the organisers at Third Ground Coffee House elated with the event.

“I think it went really, really well,” said organiser Skye Bailey.

“It’s the first time pretty much any of us have done anything like this.

“Our whole team was just so proud of how much the community got behind it and how much they really wanted to be involved.”

The event saw over 300 people walk through the gate next to Third Ground Coffee House in Sarina with all funds raised being donated to local SES.

The highlight of the day came with Battle of the Beans, with both individuals and teams being judged to find the region’s best barista.

Competition was extremely even, with Madison Dargusch and Jahmayne Hicks tying for first place followed closely by April Leakena and Rusty Blazkovic.

Primal Coffee Roasters won the team competition over Third Ground Coffee House, but all would agree that coffee and community were the real winners on the day.

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A mega cent sale has raised vital funds for two community organisations when the third, jointly held event conducted by the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre and Variety, the children’s charity with Arts and Crafts Centre manager Jenny Costello saying it was one of the best,

“We’re very grateful for the support of all those people at the sale, and for those who helped us in organising it. It was thrilling to see the big roll-up at Bob Wood Hall!” she said.

“We had more than 200 prizes as well as raffles and major prizes, so I think the people got value at the sale.”

Jenny Costello, Marg Hinrichs and many other members of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre spent months collecting prizes for the sale.

Variety’s Greg and Sandi Power, who helped run the sale, said funds would also go towards helping children through the Variety charity.

The two recently took part in the Variety Bash rally through Queensland’s outback and helped raise more than $2 million.

During the Bash they distributed 200 Where’s Wally beanies to children along the route, which were made by and donated by members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group.

“The kids loved them. There are heaps of Where’s Wally characters getting around out there now!” they said.

Contributed with thanks Charlie Payne

Image: Debby Collins, Thelma Bromley and Helen Kirkwood got together for the Mega Cent Sale at Sarina. The trio are ex-domestic science teachers at Sarina State School. Photo: Owen Bromley

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

As the sun set last Friday and the sky filled with hues of pink and purple, an epic week of wakeboarding action was brought to a close.

The finals of Rumble on the Reef wrapped up at Wakehouse Australia with competitors of all ages from all over the country taking to the lake throughout the week.

RESULTS

Pro Men’s Final

1st Joe Battleday

2nd Busty Dunn

3rd Lachlan Fort

Pro Women’s Final

1st Charli Shore

2nd Sienna Mayer

3rd Pippa Wilkings

Amateur Men’s Final

1st Matthew Green

2nd Will Burgess

3rd Kouper Minniecon

Amateur Women’s Final

1st Noëlle Cooper

For all the results, visit liveheats.com/events/22355.

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