Australia’s much-loved pop-up mini-golf phenomenon, Pixar Putt, will arrive in Mackay in time for the school holidays when it opens at Civic Lawn Art Space MECC from 16 September through to 9 October 2022.

This open air, pop-up mini-golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Turning Red, Soul, The Incredibles, Onward, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Inside Out, Luca and more. This premiere Mackay season also features a hole from Disney and Pixar’s latest movie Lightyear, now streaming on Disney+.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Pixar Putt

WHERE: Civic Lawn Art Space MECC

WHEN: Friday 16 September 2022 – Sunday 9 October 2022

HOURS: Opens Friday 16 September, 3:00pm – 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm)

Season Opening Times Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00am - 8:00pm (last entry 6.45pm) Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm)

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The elves have been busy collecting the goodies for this Sunday’s mega cent sale in Sarina on September 18.

More than 200 prizes, a major raffle of a wheelbarrow of goodies and other prizes, and 40 multi-draw prizes are among the day’s offerings.

The sale is a joint undertaking of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre, which operates Sarina’s Craft Centre at the Field of Dreams parkland, and the children’s charity the Variety Club.

Arts and Crafts Centre manager Jenny Costello said it was the third joint cent sale by the two organisations, and she expects it to be the biggest.

“We’ll have doors open at 10am, and the sale starts at noon at the Bob Wood Hall, Sarina.”

Food and drinks are available.

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Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre “elves”, Di Proctor, Jenny Price, Rosemary Rowles, Marg Hinrichs, Jenny Costello and Margaret Schwarzrock with some of the prizes for this Sunday’s mega cent sale. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

In less than 48 hours (about 2 days) I may not be here.

That sounds a little dramatic but it's real life.

On Sunday I will be running the Sydney Marathon with thousands of other people who want to push their bodies to the limit. This may go well, or it may go pear shaped. We will have to wait and see.

For those who do not know, a marathon length is 42.195km long. That's equivalent in distance to running to Homebush and running home again. That is just dumb as there are plenty of taxi's around that do that same job.

It's also the same distance of running to Bucasia, turning around, and running home, then running back out there again and falling over exhausted. Simple right? Nope. Not by a long shot.

Why is that I hear you say? Well to put it in an uncomplicated way, I am lazy.

I refuse to do the arduous work for the four months leading into the event so I can do a suitable time and not feel like 'death warmed up' so I expect what I get at the end. My own fault really.

This will not be my first rodeo though. This will be my 5th run in my 54 years on this earth and each time I have done one, I say I will never do another, and here I am. Ready to go.

I've run two Gold Coast marathons, one Melbourne and one virtual here in Mackay two years ago when COVID put the hand brakes on, so this will be number five and a special one too as I'll be running it with my sister Katriona.

She was the one who I can blame for this run. I made the comment years ago that ‘wouldn't it be fun if we ran the Sydney Marathon together’ as she has never done one, all in the hope that she would never say yes. Well guess what? She did say yes, so I had to follow through with the event with her.

I'll be running the whole 42km with her so we can push each other along.

Come 10am Sunday I'll know if I have failed or mastered the run. I'll let you know on the socials.

To everyone else from Mackay who is running, I will see you there. I wish you all well.

Now, where did I put that tube of Voltaren again?

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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A Mackay local’s dilemma.

Susan from Rural View has written in asking Style Central Home;

“We have been in our existing home for 10 years now, it’s in a street surrounded by high quality newer homes and ours looks tired and dated. We have seen another beautiful home online which is much more expensive, it ticks boxes although not all of them and we are confused what to do?”

At Style Central Home we treat your situation as individual as you. This is your hard-earned money, and we want you to get the best value with it. An unbiased professional opinion can be a game changer as there are many things to take into consideration.

If you love the area you live in there are many benefits in staying in your existing home. Some questions you need to think about are why do you want to move? Have you outgrown the space and feel restricted? When you walk in the door do you feel relaxed and calm or stressed and disorganised? What renovations could be done that will not only increase its value but to make it more liveable.? If you do decide to renovate, should you renovate to stay or sell?

If you decide to stay in your existing home, consider what areas are looking tired and what costs would be involved to make a substantial difference. Consider a budget you are prepared to spend whether it be from savings, home equity or pay as you go. An in-home consultation with an interior designer could not only give you great ideas and inspiration, it could also save you a lot of money because we are looking at it from an unbiased professional and practical perspective.  

Style Central Home will provide you with advice on the home and land with suggestions from the street appeal all the way through to the backyard. You will not have to remember everything as we will put it all in a follow up email report with everything that was discussed with links to all suggestions and inspiration. There will also be a strategy on the priorities to work in with your lifestyle and budget then it’s up to you how you proceed, we are there right beside you. We have additional services available to take the stress out of any transitions, including assistance in getting trades quotes, conveying your ideas and involving you in the discussion and decisions with the upmost respect and transparency. We also provide full project management if you’re too busy or live away from the property, to selling unwanted goods on various platforms to put the money back into other areas. Sourcing items from reputable businesses and liaising with them on your behalf to negotiate better pricing which helps with delivery costs which as we know are more expensive to regional areas.

Other benefits of doing home improvements are that once completed you may love it so much you will want to stay, or you will get an updated real estate appraisal and see the property has increased significantly to a point where you many decide to sell. If doing this though keep in mind the out-of-pocket costs involved like stamp duty, legal and agent fees, removals costs and the stress of moving.

If you decide to take the plunge and move, we are also able to do an inspection on your behalf, with you in person or virtually to give you and idea of what things would need to be done so you would be happy with it and to the costs and effort involved so you can make an informed decision. If you then want to get your existing property ready for sale, we have services and solutions unique to Style Central home to suit all budgets where we work with what you currently have so whilst selling you can have some familiarity around you. This is a more cost-effective way to present your home where certain items can be removed, stored, other items stay and can even be used in other areas you would not have considered. Additional cost-effective items can then be added to enhance your property so the potential client will find it irresistible. When the property sells you can either take them with you or resell them.

Contact Tracey at Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your situation and how we could assist you.

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“Where happiness is homemade and coffee is always a good idea.” Meet the café where a smile is a side delivered with every order. Along Walkerston’s rustic main street is the Siding Café, where owner Sharna Crawford and her team Brooke, Sue and Mel, bring joy to locals and passers-by through coffee and conversation.

“The idea behind owning a café was to be able to make a difference to somebody’s day,” Sharna said.  

“For some, their daily cup of coffee is more than the beverage itself. For some, it’s their chance to get out of the house, an opportunity for a conversation or connection with another person or simply a break from the daily grind.”

The Crawford family purchased the café just over 6 months ago. It’s been a favourite in Walkerston for about 7 years. The family grew up within the region and decided to move to Walkerston with their two young children, aged 4 and 2.

Sharna says that the food can be summed up as hearty and humble.

“Our regulars love that they can grab-and-go when they need to, other times they’ll stay and enjoy a chat.”

The regulars who frequent The Siding agree that a drawcard is the daily freshly made sandwiches with the dedicated crew up at 3:30am to ensure fresh fare is available from 4:30am when they open.

The early open time coincides with the civil construction crews and Bowen Basin miners who are passing through on their way to shifts. The breakfast wrap is a crowd favourite and Sharna says it’s the café’s most popular item.

“It’s one of the items we changed when we bought the business. It’s jam-packed full of wholesome goodness, but don’t take our word for it, come and try it yourself!”

It’s not just the fact that the sandwiches are made daily, but also that the filling is plentiful. The thick sangas feature favourite fillings like home-cooked corned beef, chicken and salad, egg and lettuce, ham and other specialties.

Passers-by love the convenience of grabbing fresh food on the go to enjoy on the road or to have for a hearty lunch later. Most regulars are known by name by the Siding girls.  

“With some of them being from the South-East, the connections they form with us is knowing they will see a smiling face and enjoy some good banter through conversation. Being away from their families for two weeks at a time, sometimes they need that feeling of familiarity to feel more at home,” Sharna said.

“That’s always been a point of difference with our café, we get to know our regulars and know most of them by name.

“It’s like creating an extended family, it’s not just about knowing their coffee order, in many cases we’ve watched their young family grow, consoled them during a time of grief or chatted about daily life.”

In the café you’ll find this local business supporting other local businesses, with a selection of homemade sauces and preserves, peanut butter, jerky, almond bread and even sets of handmade earrings for sale from small business throughout the region.

Platters can be made featuring the famous sandwiches as well as assorted sweets. They are popular for business morning tea and lunch shouts.

The next time you’re passing through Walkerston, stop at the Siding Café and see what all the fuss is about. Sip on great Merlo coffee, treat yourself to something sweet or savour a big sandwich for later. If you have time to dine in, try a delicious burger.

And a tip from the Editor, grab the banana bread. You’ll go bananas for it.

(left to right) Brooke, Sue, Sharna & Mel

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We all know the importance of exercising but stretching always seems to take a back seat.

When you’re young and fit, you might not see the benefits – but then one day it all comes crashing (maybe pinging) down. You’re tight, you’re sore, or – worst of all – you’re injured.

You’ve torn your hamstring, you’ve got constant back pain, you can’t bend over without cramping up.

What happened? You’re a mess!

Here’s how it starts: your hamstrings are tight, your physio or chiro says, but to release that built up tension, you need to stretch your calves. Ok, you’ve stretched out your calves – but how flexible is the right kind of flexible? And now your hip flexor is the cause of that pesky hamstring trouble. Your whole lower body is a condensed mess of knotted dough.

It’s daunting and confusing, and it’s kind of a pain. You don’t do exercise so you can keep exercising after the exercise. I’ve just finished a run, I don’t have the energy to do a post-workout stretch!

But hold on: what does stretching even do?

You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. But we all need to stretch to protect our mobility and independence; in fact, that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily.

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they’re weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

It might seem overwhelming to perform a daily stretching routine; with a body full of muscles, the idea is a bit daunting. But you don't have to stretch every muscle you have.

The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh.

Once you’ve given some of those a crack, you might even find you like it. Performing a daily stretching ritual, especially in the morning, can set you up for the day. It can centre you.

So this week of Movement Month, get down and stretch.

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Introducing Vibe Yoga and Pilates, a brand-new studio opening in the heart of Airlie Beach this Saturday.

Owner Manyia Vale says she is excited to welcome a community of people looking to connect, stretch out and revive from the stress of everyday life.

A yoga and Pilates teacher for 25 years, Manyia is originally from England but spent 14 years in Noosa where she owned and operated three yoga studios.

Looking for a new adventure, she moved to the Whitsundays two years ago and now feels a calling to open a dedicated studio which offers infrared heated yoga and Pilates classes, the first of its type in the region.

In her youth, Manyia was a marathon and triathlon competitor, but after she sustained many injuries she was no longer able to run.

Deciding to find alternative ways to heal her broken body, she discovered Bikram (26+2) hot yoga which not only calmed her mind but also aided her recovery.

Since then, she has felt passionate about helping others in the same way.

With five classes a day, running morning and afternoon, there are options for everyone in the community and everyone is welcome.

Here is a taste of what is on offer at Vibe Yoga and Pilates.

HOT YOGA

The infrared heat has powerful healing benefits. It releases stress and tension, sweats out the heavy metals and toxins, and reduces anxiety.

INFERNO PILATES (HIIT)

High intensity, low impact interval training with Pilates principals, weights and resistant bands are also added to classes. It is an effective way of recovering from sports injuries, it strengthens, leans and tones, burning fat for 72 hours after a 45-minute session.

VIBE FUSION

A mixture of Hatha (which promotes posture and stillness) and Vinyasa which is a flowing yoga, these classes incorporates breathwork and follows a sequence which evolves through the session.

Manyia Vale owner and operator of Vibe Yoga and Pilates

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The inaugural Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency is happening from 22-26 September and organisers are inviting all aspiring local musicians to get involved by attending one of the events which are led by six professional songwriters.

This inspiring cultural event will be held at Topaz House at Yangaro Resort in Funnel Bay and is run in conjunction with the Whitsundays Art Festival.

Attend the three-day professional Songwriter Residential Retreat or enjoy a one-day workshop for emerging artists – the choice is yours.

This will be followed by an evening performance will be open to the public at The Belvedere at Toscana on September 25, offering an evening of fine dining, conversation, and live music.

Six highly talented professional songwriters will impart their knowledge during the three-day retreat.

They include Graeme Connors, country music legend and the most successful songwriter to hail from the region with twenty albums and 14 Golden Guitar awards, and certified Platinum artist Tia Gostelow, a Queensland Music Award winner.

Other outstanding artists include Francesca de Valence, Karen Jacobsen, Bryce Sainty, and LT (Leanne Tennant).

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate and potentially co-write some original music with the guidance of industry experts.

The one-day workshop for emerging songwriters will be led by Francesca de Valence, who offers a host of practical tools for overcoming songwriters’ biggest blocks and barriers once and for all, and rare mentoring access to our professional faculty.

For further information visit the Whitsundays Arts Festival website.

WHAT: Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency

WHERE: Topaz House at Yangaro Resort in Funnel Bay

WHEN: September 22 – 26

Co-founders Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence

Graeme Connors and Tia Gostelow

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Pedro Almodóvar is singular in his brilliance. Not only have the Spanish director’s films seeped into the American-dominated, mainstream of cinema, they have done so in irreverent, glossy style. It’s always immensely impressive when a foreign director cracks that hard, obstinate shell.

It certainly makes you pay attention; and his newest film, Parallel Mothers, is no different.

Penélope Cruz and Milena Smit offer two scintillating performances as the eponymous counterpart mums. Both are one part vulnerable, two parts strong as single women who meet in a hospital room as they are both about to give birth. One is middle aged and doesn't regret it, while the other is adolescent and scared.

The two women form a strong bond with one another as they both confront motherhood. The few words they shared in those hours will create a link between them, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.

Like any Almodóvar film, though, it’s hardly that simple. In the hands of a lesser director and writer it would be, but complex narratives are his passion, his joie de vivre. He deftly weaves in his country’s history, enlightening audiences with his own musings on the wake of General Francisco Franco’s death.

How do two mothers in a modern-day Spanish hospital have anything to do with General Franco, you might ask? Well, you’ll have to watch and see.

It’s that ability to weld together the intricate details – and serendipity - of the cradle and the grave that make Almodóvar a landmark director and storyteller of our time. All his expertise and experience shine in the film’s denouement, an emotional bundle of joy which is nothing less than magnificent.

Parallel Mothers (M) is screening at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) on Sunday, September 25 at 1.30pm. Tickets are available online at the PEC website.

WHAT: Parallel Mothers (M)

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC)

WHEN: Sunday, September 25 at 1.30pm

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Musical notes will be ringing out of the Performing Arts Centre at Proserpine State high school next Thursday night when a host of musical magicians come together to present a night of big bands, big tunes and big entertainment.

The 2022 Gala Concert promises to be a revival of an iconic annual event that is now back after a three-year hiatus.

A true cross-community event, the concert brings together bands from across the region.

Cannonvale and Proserpine State School’s will join together, their concert bands and string orchestras combining to create the “The Little Kids Big Band’.

Having practiced the same songs separately all term, they will be united the day before for a full-day workshop where they will play together for the first time.

Proserpine State High School will showcase their concert band, stage band and string orchestra as well as their High School Big Band.

This year, the event also welcomes the Citizens Band who are coming to ‘sit in’ with the High School Band.

The Whitsunday Big Band will also feature in the Gala Concert and will be joined by young musicians from the High School.

Around 70 instrumentalists of all ages will be playing on the night and the new Performing Arts Centre can hold up to 450 people with tickets selling fast.

Head of the Arts Department Jenny Napier said that the bands will play a range of familiar songs from jazz to modern classics.

“It will be a lovely night of school and community bands getting together and performing,” she said.

“All the bands have already got a following so it will be a good opportunity for everyone to come and listen.”

A smaller event called The Gala Evening held in 2021

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Social Pics

When Mackay opened its regional gallery in 2002, artist and master printer Tate Adams AM made a donation that helped establish the gallery as the artists’ book powerhouse it is today.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Adams’ donation to commemorate the opening of Artspace Mackay is an important archive of Lyre Bird Press, of which he was a founder.

“For more than two decades, from 1977, Lyre Bird Press produced more than 50 artists’ books,” Mayor Williamson said. “Those works ranged from luxury publications to experimental book forms, involving creators of all kinds.”

Some of those works, as well as bookplates and ephemera, will form an exciting major exhibition opening this week at Artspace Mackay.

The exhibition, Tales of the Lyre Bird, opened in the Main Gallery last Friday, September 2, along with D. Harding: The Wall (Foyer Gallery) and Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – the Eloquence of Trees (Foundation Gallery).

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said Tales of the Lyre Bird would follow the important output of the press from its Melbourne conception by Tate Adams AM to its reinvigoration in North Queensland in the early 90s.

“This exhibition is curated by Ron McBurnie and Helen Cole and highlights the collaborative works that were conceived via the press, including collaborations with artists such as Tate Adams AM, George Baldessin, Anneke Silver, Ray Crooke and Juli Haas,” Ms Heathwood said.

Ms Heathwood said Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – the Eloquence of Trees was also an exciting exhibition.

“It’s a multidisciplinary exhibition that features photography, sound, drawing and installation and offers a window into what she sees as fractured landscapes, focusing on the different growth stages of trees,” she said.

All exhibitions run until November 20, 2022.

Juli Haas from Palmetum 2001, drypoint, edition 2/40. Townsville: Lyre Bird Press. Mackay Regional Council Art Collection, purchased 2002

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A significant historical recognition was made in the country town of Nebo last month, with the unveiling of the John and Margaret Shannon memorial.

The memorial coincided with the 150-year anniversary of Salt Bush Park, which was purchased by John in 1872 for £600.

A HISTORY OF SALTBUSH

John married Margaret and the couple had 11 children. The Youngest, Alan, took over the management of Saltbush before acquiring the aggregation. Alan and his wife Irene had three children, their son Alan Jnr took over Saltbush in 1946. Ian Shannon took over the management in 1955 when Alan took over ‘Cardowan’ and he eventually purchased the property from the family. Ian and his wife Margaret have four children, their second son Stuart and his wife Leigh took over ownership of Saltbush Park.

John Shannon’s living depended on horse teams. He had draught horses and over the years Saltbush Park’s horses achieved a great reputation amongst the cane farmers, which encouraged John to run a herd of 40 brood mares.

When Alan Snr took over, he had a keen eye to breeding quality livestock, he purchased several Clydesdale Stallions to upgrade the stock. Auction sales were held in Mackay each year, and some enterprising local farmers used the Clydesdales for use in the cane fields.  They were used for cultivating the fields and planting the cane and carting the cane to the mills.

Johns cattle herd was mixed when he arrived on Saltbush, predominantly Shorthorns, over the next few years he purchased heifers to build up the herd.  He eventually purchased some quality Devon Bulls to improve the herd further.  Later the herd was infused with quality Hereford bloodlines.  

Alan continued this practice. The Saltbush herd was noted for its quality Hereford cattle. However, the arrival of the cattle tick meant they had to be dipped frequently.

When son Ian took over in 1955, he was aware of the increasing benefits of cross-breeding with Bos Indicus bloodlines, and in 1965 he bought a Brahman Bull and it became apparent that the crossbreds were much more thrifty and able to forage and ticks were not as much of a problem.

As a focal point for the early settlers, picnic race meetings were held in several sites through the Broadsound and Nebo Districts. One of these (Normanby) was on “Saltbush” and was an extremely popular gathering each Spring.  

The locals would sometimes travel for days in their sulkies and buggies and set up elaborate camps for the race period.  There were even formal balls in the evenings, and the ladies reveled in dressing for the occasion: Ruby Shannon composed several pieces for the balls, and one, the Normanby Waltz, proved very popular for many years.

To celebrate the centenary of John Shannon taking over Saltbush in 1872, the family arranged some significant activities around the weekend on 26th August 1972.  The most significant event was a five event Picnic Race Meeting, which was staged to invite the local community to join the family to celebrate the survival and prospering of the family through the first 100 years.

A great day and evening were had by all and as a result, a new ambulance was presented to the Sarina Q.A.T.B.  The races were held for another 10 years, however the decimation of the local community through the migration to the coal mines meant that there were eventually insufficient volunteer workers and local attendees, and the meetings closed.

This year marks the 150th year of the Shannon Family and Saltbush Park with the unveiling of a bronze Plinth in Centennial Park along with other celebrations held in Nebo and surrounding districts.

Last weekend saw two days of celebrations in Nebo and on the property, with more than 230 friends and family registering for the celebrations, some coming from as far away as Perth.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker was in attendance and said the day was “absolutely beautiful”.

“Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful project,” she said.

Thanks to Angie Caldwell, manager of the Nebo Museum for the history of Saltbush Park

Historical images courtesy of CQUniversity Australia Library Capricornia CQ Collection - Image of Saltbush Park station and John and Margaret Shannon

A bronze Plinth in Centennial Park was unveiled last weekend marking 150 years of the Shannon family in Nebo. Image: Mayor Anne Baker

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The final performance for DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 will take place at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) this Friday and Saturday.

Serving as a gateway to every dinosaur lover’s dream, Erth’s Prehistoric World Tour showcases some of the most incredibly detailed (and at times large!) dinosaur puppets ever to take the MECC stage.

Erth has worked over the years with leading paleontologists, museums, and zoos to ensure that the content of the shows is accurate, up to date and a catalyst to inspire young minds.

When asked what audiences could expect of the performance, Kristy Rushe, Acting Assistant Manager of MECC Events said; “Last time Erth’s visited the MECC, a giant Plesiosaurus magically floated over the audience. It was mesmerizing. This time – expect more lifelike dinosaur puppets, including a Velociraptor that will keep children on the edge of their seats”.

Dinosaurs are a gateway to learning, inspiring children to consider an array of subjects from science to literature, geology to bio engineering, and natural history to mathematics.

Dinosaurs have become a curious link between child and parent, grandparent, guardian and educator. “If you have a young dinosaur lover at home, bring them along. This will be a fun weekend activity” Mrs Rushe continued.

Focusing on Australian prehistoric life, with the majority of the creatures in the show having an Australian lineage – the show includes a host who acts as a zoologist, respectfully handing the wild animals to educate young minds.

WHAT: Erth’s Prehistoric World Tour

WHEN: Friday 9 September 2022, 6pm Saturday 10 September 2022, 9.30am & 12.30pm

WHERE: MECC Auditorium

TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

Age Recommendation: Age 5+

Content Warning: Fog/smoke effects, loud noise, dinosaurs

Show Duration: 55 mins, no interval

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