The Shed Happens International Men’s Day Art Show was officially opened last month with all entries displayed at the Mackay Art Society and finalists announced.

The theme for the show and subject for the artists was the first pillar of International Men’s Day, ‘Celebrating Positive Male Role Models’.

The Art Show was officially opened by Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May who says it’s a fantastic initiative.

“I think to express what a positive male role model looks like through art is just fantastic,” she said.

“I’ve had the privilege of going to Shed Happens meetings and I see the number of gentlemen that go there and the comradeship that is formed within that organisation, it can do nothing but good for our community.”

Shed Happens Convenor Frank Cowell says the idea for an art show came to him in the middle of the night.

“I was woken up at 2 o’clock and a voice said to me, ‘art show’,” he said.

“I woke up, heard it again, got up and went to the computer, tapped out an outline for about an hour and went back to bed.”

Mr Cowell says he got in touch with the Mackay Art Society and the idea grew from there.

“The community involvement’s been fantastic; the council, the art section of council, has been fantastic, the RADF (Regional Arts Development Fund) committee have been fantastic.”

Entries were received across three categories with finalists from each category to be displayed in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Lagoons Café.

The works were judged by Mr Cowell, Councillor Fran Mann and Director of Artspace Mackay Tracey Heathwood.

“I was really interested in work that said something that we might not expect about what it means to be a man in our society and what it means to be a good man, so they were the kind of things I was looking for,” said Ms Heathwood.

“It’s so important to support these kinds of events and to support our local artists because they are reflecting back to you your world and what is happening in our world and they’re communicating things that are sometimes difficult to say or difficult to write.”

Art Show winners will share in $3000 prize money, with the piece voted most popular artwork to be donated to Shed Happens to auction.

Finalist works will be displayed at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Lagoons Café from Wednesday, August 31 to Sunday, October 2 with awards to be announced on Friday, September 16.

Mr Cowell says he hopes the Art Show will raise awareness for Shed Happens, International Men’s Day and the Mackay Man of the Year Award, urging people to nominate the men in their community.

“If you don’t win, what happens? You get encouraged,” he said.

“No one goes backwards with encouragement and that’s my job, every day, is to encourage every bloke I come in touch with, and I do it as best I can.”

Nominations for the 2022 Mackay Man of the Year Award are open until September 1 and can be made through the Shed Happens Facebook page.

International Men’s Day Art Show Finalists

Section 1: Rebetzke Homes Award (Art on Canvas)

Hayley Patterson – Treasure

Ben Ranson – Someone To Look Up To

Janet Ambrose – Peter

Roberto Catelli – Wide Bowled, Well Played, Well Umpired

Section 2: Shed Happens Mackay Award (Art on Paper)

Brigette Zimmerman – Still Good

Catherine Clark Dowden – I’ve Got You

Sharon Drew – Writing Home

Stephanie Allen – Helping Hands

Section 3: 2iT Technology Award (Emerging Artist Age <25)

Juliet Sorbello – Time is Passing

Charlie Attard – Her Day

L-R Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood, Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May, Shed Happens Convenor Frank Cowell, Mackay Art Society’s Ben Ranson and Councillor Laurence Bonaventura

L-R Ms May, Mr Ranson and State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Photos supplied: Mackay Art Society

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While the entire music industry was re-emerging from a difficult few years, Beccy Cole was suffering one of the worst years of her life personally. Good mate Adam Harvey suggested that cutting an album with an old friend could be the best medicine, and The Great Country Songbook Volume 3 was born, along with a national tour to match. Released on Friday, September 9, The album is about two best friends getting together again to record some of their favourite classic country songs. The pair are playing at the Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club and Sam had a chat with them ahead of their tour.

Sam: Can you tell me the origins of your relationship and how it got where it is today?

Adam: I think we first met in Tamworth, Bec, at the festival. I think you were pregnant with Ricky at the time, your son. How old’s Ricky now, Bec?

Beccy: Ricky’s 23, so there you go, that’s how long ago that was.

Adam: Yeah, wow. Then I think the first tour we ever did, you’d just had Ricky and he was in the pram, and I remember I’d stand backstage and rock the pram backwards and forward while you were on doing your thing, Bec, and I’d rock him to sleep. I still remember that.

Sam: Beccy, you clearly don’t shy away from sharing your personal life when performing. Can you tell me how Adam’s friendship has helped you through your ups and downs and how it birthed this album and tour?

Beccy: I was going through a fair trauma in the first part of this year. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to make it through, to be honest…Then Adam did that thing that mates do, you know. R U OK? Day is coming up and that’s when we’re encouraged to ask our mates and our friends, are you alright? Adam did that quite constantly throughout that time and he said, “is there anything I can do?” and I said “yeah, you can tour with me,” because they’re some of my favourite times and he said, “mate, I’ll tour with you until the wheels fall off.” I knew if I got through it, that he’d take me on the road. Divorces cost a lot of money, I’m realising now how much, so obviously there’s that aspect of it but also to bring my smile back on my face. My favourite place to be is on stage and I can’t think of anyone else that I love being on stage with as much as with Adam. He took it one further than the tour and suggested the album as well and orchestrated the whole thing, changed his year around for me, and pretty much orchestrated the whole thing so I owe him a lot for that.

Sam: Adam, what were you seeing at the time?

Adam: It was pretty scary, to be honest…I honestly didn’t think that she’d be here today, and I just kept annoying her and annoying and annoying and checking on her and talking to her. Then, to see her now…she’s got her spark back, and she’s just full of this positive energy again and smiling, it’s just so good to see.

Sam: Mackay gets the release day show which is exciting. What do you have planned for the Northern Beaches Bowls Club and for the rest of the tour?

Adam: What is it, Bec…“You make them laugh, make them cry, scare the hell out of them and send them home,” isn’t that your motto?

Beccy: Yep, that’s it. These days I’ve thrown in “and send an invoice,”…We’ve got the band coming, a really lovely bunch of people that played on the record as well. We’re doing songs from the first album that we put out together as well and a couple of our individual hits but mainly we spend the night on stage together which is what people have come to see…There’s no two shows that we do that are the same, that’s what I love about Adam and I. You never know what you’re going to get, we never know what we’re going to do, it’s not really planned…Adam’s always made me a better performer because he makes me rise to the occasion and we raise the bar on each other each night and I think it's good fun. We’re on the edge.

Adam: Which can be dangerous at times. I always say that Bec’s the best entertainer I’ve ever seen and when you’re on stage with her it’s amazing but it’s also scary because you never know what she’s going to do next or what she’s going to say next. It’s kind of like a rollercoaster, you just hang on and roll with the punches.

Sam: And will you be peppering the Adam and Beccy story throughout?

Beccy: Always. We’ve got too much dirt on each other not to uncover some of it, at least. This will be our 13th national tour together in 20 odd years. It’s a great friendship story and supporting each other through all sorts…we’ve gone through births, deaths, marriages, divorces, you name it, it’s happened. It's as cheesy as it sounds but we’re mates that enjoy making music together.

WHAT: Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole 'The Great Country Songbook Volume III' Tour

WHEN: Friday, September 9 from 7:00pm

WHERE: Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole are performing at the Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club on Friday, September 9. Photos supplied

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Friday 2 September

Breathing and Meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what’s in front of you? By quietening the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session.

Gordon White Library

Opening night - four exhibitions at Artspace Mackay

Friday, 6:00pm

Join in the opening night of four exhibitions, to be officially opened by Mayor Greg Williamson. ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, curated by Helen Cole and Ron McBurnie brings together more than two decades of work produced by the Lyre Bird Press, on show in the Main Gallery. In the Foyer Gallery, ‘Figuratively Speaking’ takes an interesting look at figurative works from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. ‘D Harding: The Wall’ features work from Harding’s Artspace residency. Opening in the Foundation Gallery, ‘Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – The Eloquence of Trees’ encourages visitors to contemplate human impacts on the environment. Bookings are required to attend.

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 Friday Film Night: Delicious

Friday, 7:30pm

Writer/director Éric Besnard’s mouth-watering historical comedy Delicious indelibly pairs Grégory Gadebois and Isabelle Carré as a gifted chef and his unlikely protégé, who must find the resolve to free themselves from servitude.

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Mexican Night

Friday, 7:30pm

Get your wardrobe ready and come celebrate Latin Roots Mexican Night at The Gallery Lounge and Bar.

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Mackay Musical Comedy Players Presents ‘Chicago’

Friday, 8:00pm and Saturday, 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Mackay Musical Comedy Players, who brought you the smash hit Mamma Mia and Shrek The Musical earlier this year, in association with Ma’s Pizza Kitchen, present Chicago. Featuring hits from the roaring twenties, such as Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz, this show is sure to dazzle audiences.

MECC

Saturday 3 September

BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival

Saturday and Sunday

Whether you’re a beginner, cycling fanatic or simply want to have fun with the kids, the River 2 Reef Ride Festival provides all that plus raises funds for two important and local charities, CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association. Saturday gives kids the chance to ride along the Botanic Gardens while being covered in colour, while Sunday is for cyclists to complete 30,60 or 100km trails, starting and finishing at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre. Find all details via the website.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Curators’ talk – Tales of the Lyre Bird

Saturday, 10:30am to 2:30pm

Join curators Helen Cole, former Coordinator of the Australian Library of Art at State Library of Queensland, and Ron McBurnie, Townsville based artist and educator, as they provide a closer look at artworks and themes in Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibition, Tales of the Lyre Bird.

Artspace Mackay

Sunday 4 September

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

2022 Australian Poetry Slam Central Queensland Heat

Sunday, 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Think you've got what it takes to become Australia's next poetry slam champion? All you need is an original poem and two minutes on the mic. The winner goes on to the state finals, with the chance for a shot at the nationals. Everyone is welcome to compete. Both competitors and spectators need a ticket - so grab yours today!

The Grove

Tuesday 6 September

RSPCA Queensland Community Morning Tea

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:00pm

Hear from your local RSPCA Inspector as they talk about their inspiring work in rescuing and rehoming animals in the Mackay region. There will also be a presentation on the Home Ever After program that provides care for much loved pets in emergency situations, a Q&A session about the RSPCA and much more. Join the RSPCA and other animal lovers at this free community event. RSVPs are essential, please call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au.

Botanic Gardens Café

Minibeasts – Entomology

Tuesday, 3:45pm to 5:15pm

Are you interested in learning how to pin and preserve the insects you find? This class will teach you how to do just that! Learn how to pin, label and preserve your insects for years to come. This event is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years.

Dudley Denny City Library

Wednesday 7 September

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 8 September

Kids Take Over Caneland

Thursday, 10:00am to 7:00pm

As part of Child Protection Week the Mackay Family Support Alliance is hosting Kids Take Over Caneland. Come along and enjoy free children's activities during the day and youth activities in the evening. Over 20 service providers will be sharing information throughout the day.

Caneland Central

Andy B's Elvis Tribute Show

Thursday, 6:30pm

Andy B will be performing his Elvis tribute show on the "Reflections of the King tour". It's a colourful, exciting tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, Elvis Presley.

Seabreeze Hotel

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A book is always worth a look. It’s where our imagination takes hold and leads our mind on adventures only known to us. Despite rapidly evolving technology, most of us agree, the tactile emotion of flicking pages, even that ‘new book smell’, can’t be replaced by a screen.

Every year since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia through Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend a fun week celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators.

Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.

2022’s book week was held August 20-26 and the theme was ‘Dreaming with eyes open’.

Dinosaurs and bears, princesses and explorers, butterflies and bugs; you could find them and many other colourful and creative book characters at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens last week for the annual Book Week event, Picnic in the Gardens. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

Book Week

How couldn’t The Pub bring back one of their all-time favourite shows? And not just theirs, but the local’s favourite, too! Geed UP are arriving in the coastal town in mid-September because you asked for it!

They’re an act like no other, having rocked out at the Airlie Beach Hotel to rapturous applause time and again – and the local’s favourite local is hosting them once more on September 17 and 18 for two world-class shows.

The three New Zealanders - who formed a casual singing group on the Gold Coast over 17 years ago – were last at The Pub earlier this year - and are lining up once more at the hotel to show off their vocal versatility when they play all afternoon long.

Khan, Steve, and Mat can cater to any crowd with their show-stopping dance moves which are guaranteed to get everyone up and about and dancing.

Part of that ability to inspire (and gee up) crowds is that they’re no regular singing trio. Incorporating percussion, saxophone, keys and guitar, and explosive breakdancing choreography, Geed UP are a special, show stopping treat.

Matty and Brad (who’s better known as ‘BBoy Yogi’) lead the high-energy choreography, weaving it into the performance’s base musicality. They make sure you see it all; their electrifying movement and foot-tapping tunes that can only inspire audiences to groove along – as well as laugh at the comedic undertones.

With every show a new and unique one, this is no different. Calling it the ‘Worst Show Ever’ it’s far from it, with a mix of the old and the new set to leave everyone wanting more. From laid back music to filling the dance floor, this trio delivers it all.

Geed Up are known for their polished three-piece harmonies, blending their unique vocal styles into a fusion of soul, funk, edge, and class – they know how to hold a stage.

Influenced by all genres of music and their New Zealand culture, there is nothing that the boys of Geed Up can’t cater for.

Don’t miss their two very special and free shows with new surprises in store in two weeks’ time.

What: Geed UP Music

When: 2pm to 5.30pm on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

Geed UP Music are back in Airlie Beach this September, courtesy of The Pub

The incredible trio will set the bar-top stage alight with two separate afternoon performances

Bringing comedy, charisma, and choreography, Geed UP are a special act

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A local marina is getting onboard for the Big Aussie Barbie this year, inviting locals to raise much-needed funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

For the month of September, Coral Sea Marina will gather money and raise awareness for research into the cancer which threatens the lives of one in five Australian men.

The marina will be hosting their own iteration of the PCFA’s biggest event for the second year running, a Big Aussie Barbie on the marina lawns at sunset where locals can grab a burger and a drink and listen to some live music for a good cause.

Head of Marketing at Coral Sea Marina, Joscelyn O’Keefe said they were excited to be bringing the event, which raised $5000 for cancer research last year, back to the region.

“We want to make this an annual event each September, which is prostate cancer awareness month. It’s such an important cause; we all know people who have been affected by some form of cancer,” Ms O’Keefe said.

“And that’s the big thing: giving people an informal setting where they can start the conversation. It’s a way to get your mates together and maybe even inspire someone to go and get tested.

“Particularly for men who often don’t want to talk about health issues.”

Prizes have been donated for a raffle, as well as food, and a local support group for prostate cancer will be in attendance.

You can donate to Coral Sea Marina’s fundraising page here: https://www.bigaussiebarbie.com.au/.../CoralSeaMarina.../bab

What: Big Aussie BBQ

When: Friday, September 16 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Where: The Gardens, Coral Sea Marina

The Big Aussie Barbie is back this year at Coral Sea Marina, raising much-needed funds and awareness for prostate cancer and its research

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Animal lovers from across the region are invited to attend the upcoming morning tea hosted by an RSPCA inspector next Thursday.

This educational information session will be an opportunity to find out more about protecting animals by learning how this vital charity operates.

Meet the friendly inspectors and learn about their inspiring work rescuing and re-homing animals in our region.

Discover how they work in a positive way within our community, whether it be attending to local wildlife or checking on the welfare of a pet.

The RSPCA’s central hotline in Brisbane receives between 30 to 40 calls each day for the Mackay and Whitsunday area and, within the last year the local team has grown from just one to three inspectors ensuring much better coverage.

Philanthropy Specialist’s, Aileen Mcgregor Lowndes, will also explain the Home Ever After program which provides care for much-loved pets in emergency situations, from hospital visits to a re-homing service.

A welcoming and inclusive environment, this morning tea is also a place for like-minded people to meet, share stories about their pets and enjoy good company while learning more about this important cause.

WHAT: RSPCA Supporter Day

WHEN: Thursday, September 8

WHERE: Airlie Beach Whitsunday Marine Club (VMR)

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The 25th anniversary celebrations for a local Prep to Year 12 school were a roaring success on Friday night as the community turned up in droves to enjoy ‘A Night Under the Stars'.

Whitsunday Christian College was lit up with festoon lights and an ‘Eat Street’ vibe, as families and locals weaved their way through the College enjoying the delicacies of the food vans and playing the “Old School” sideshow amusement stands run by teachers and students.

The event was the perfect opportunity for the College to “honour the past, celebrate the present, and look towards the future” and the night exceeded the Principal, Kylie Langshore’s expectations as hundreds attended the packed event.

Families enjoyed the petting zoo, face painting, inflatables zones, music and dance performances by students. The ‘Star Gazers Lucky Stars Competition’ sent kids searching through the school for six Lucky Stars to go into the draw to win a Nintendo Switch Lite.

“The best part of the night was seeing the Whitsunday community all come together to celebrate with us and experience what our College has to offer,” Mrs Langshore said.

“It was a fantastic way to celebrate who we are, what we do and why we do it. The event was a credit to everyone who came together as one to make it a night to remember. It is a wonderful show of community spirit and we are excited to see what the future holds with this much community support. We thank the Lord for his continued provision as we see to educate for eternity, equip for life.”

Mrs Langshore said the school is planning to make this an annual event thanks to the overwhelming feedback and support they received from local families.

Whitsunday Christian College hosted an exceptional 25th anniversary community event last Friday which was led by students who hosted stalls and gave performances

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“Adventure is out there” is a sentence to reignite your passion at any age; to pump up your balloon of life, and Pixar’s UP is certainly a movie that can inspire that feeling.

The classic tale of a late in life adventure is showing at the Airlie Beach Foreshore Outdoor Cinema on Friday, September 9, so pack your picnic blanket and drop by for the showing on the big screen under the stars.

And you won’t go hungry; the foreshore screenings are now flanked fully by yummy food trucks – so grab a snack and dig into this animated adventure.

UP follows Carl, an old widower, who heads on one last journey to his wife’s dream destination: Paradise Falls.

This impeccably crafted story is both parts funny and poignant, maintaining Pixar’s particular brand of visual treat – a delicacy best enjoyed on the big screen.

Watch as the 78-year-old balloon salesman fulfills a lifelong dream by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying off to the South American wilderness.

Carl's worst nightmare comes true, though, when he discovers a little boy named Russell is a stowaway aboard his balloon-powered house. But, although he may be curmudgeonly, Carl has a heart of gold.

Whether it be your – or your kids - first time hearing the music swell (and the emotions with it), or your 500th, you won’t be disappointed.

What: ‘UP’ on the Outdoor Cinema

When: 6:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday, September 9

Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore Outdoor Cinema

Pixar’s UP will be playing on the big screen at the Airlie Beach Foreshore next Friday

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A total of 63 artists have been short-listed for the prestigious Whitsundays Art Prize Exhibition which is due to take place in conjunction with the third annual Whitsundays Arts Festival in September.

A total of $11,200 worth of prizes are up for grabs for winners of a range of categories including Local Artist Award, Young Artist Award, 2D Works on Paper Award, 2D Painting Award and 3D Sculpture Award, with the top Whitsunday Regional Arts Prize receiving $5000.

This years’ theme is ‘memories’, encouraging artists to consider and reminisce upon a certain moment in time, a place or person that inspired them, or an experience that shaped them.

Of the 63 finalists that were selected, eleven of the finalists reside outside of Queensland with 50 per cent coming from the Whitsunday/Mackay region.

This years’ exhibition space is bigger than ever before and will be located at the Coral Sea Resort from September 23 to 30.

Doors open to the public 6:30pm to 8pm on Friday September 23 in the Elbow Room at the Coral Sea Resort and prize winners will be announced that evening with the highly coveted People’s Choice prize chosen by visitors to the exhibition.

Last years’ winning piece was ‘Bleached Blue Coral Reef’ by Lisa Ashcroft and the winner this year will join her artwork in the Whitsunday Regional Council’s art collection.

Exhibition Coordinator Glenda Brown said the standard of submissions this year was of extremely high quality.

“All participants should be incredibly proud of themselves,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to support artists and to be able to display such a high calibre of works for our audiences.”

The Whitsundays Arts Festival takes place from September 17 to 30 and will be held across multiple venues, including 5-star resorts, the new Proserpine Entertainment Centre, and Airlie Beach foreshore.

Highlights include the inaugural Songwriters Residency and workshops, art installations with artists-in-residence, workshops for all ages, film screening and historical photographs and the Handmade Art Markets.

WHAT: Whitsundays Art Prize Exhibition

WHERE: Coral Sea Resort

WHEN: September 23 to 30

The 2021 Whitsundays Art Exhibition

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Can you hear me calling out your name? I’ll speak a little louder, I’ll even shout: get to The Airlie Beach Hotel this September for ‘Dreams’ a Fleetwood Mac Tribute unlike any other.

It’s time to Tango In The Night with this impeccable recreation of one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time at The Pub on September 10 and 11.

Re-live the performances from the seventies and eighties with one of history’s most legendary bands – and its leading lady, Stevie Nicks – with the ‘Dreams’ show from 2.00pm to 5.30pm both days.

Listen to the wind blow when this well-oiled and talented group of musicians dedicate an afternoon on the Airlie Esplanade to bringing this era, this sound to the Bar-Top Stage at the local’s favourite local.

The outfits, the moves, harmonies and grooves – it’s going to be big guitar leads, all the iconic songs, and a perfect revival of this legendary band.

Although there’s no snow-covered hills in Airlie Beach, there’s certainly going to be a Landslide of Fleetwood Mac favourites thrumming out from the Hotel.

It’s a full complement of the British-American band’s repertoire of tunes: Go Your Own way, Gypsy, Edge of Seventeen, Rooms on Fire, Say You Love Me, Everywhere, Sara, The Chain and many, many more are going to feature!

Don’t just take our word for it though, Dennis Dunstan, former Fleetwood Mac manager from 1981 to 1999, said: “The ‘Dreams’ Show was a breath of fresh air when it comes to Fleetwood Mac tribute shows. These guys deliver, big time!”

“I was thoroughly impressed from start to finish. Don’t miss this show if you’re a Mac fan!”

Not only does it refabricate the vocals of Stevie Nicks – eerily recapturing the magic in a bottle of her sound - but it pays delicate, close-to-perfection levels of tribute to Lindsay Buckinham’s guitar prowess.

Most notably in performances of Never Going Back Again – arguably the hardest finger-picking combination in a pop song ever. Fleetwood Mac did have to hire three guitarists to replace Buckingham, after all!

Then, when the curtains are looking to close on Fleetwood Mac, each afternoon show will conclude with a very special cover set by ‘Krush’, the tribute band’s alter-ego when they’re not recapturing the magic of the 120 million record-selling band.

Both bands are fronted by ex-Las Vegas dancer and performer Nikki Canale, who tears it up on stage, giving it her all.

The outfits, the moves, harmonies and grooves of Fleetwood Mac are making their way to the Airlie Beach Hotel on September 10 and 11

For Mac fans, it’s a must see. As ‘Dreams’ The Fleetwood Mac Tribute arrives at The Pub

Not just a vocal recreation, the band recreate the magic of the instrumentals of Fleetwood Mac

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With just a few weeks to go until the Whitsundays signature event, organisers are busy planning and preparing for what is expected to be the biggest White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch with the event being held over three stunning spring days.

Harnessing a love for the beautiful Whitsunday region and an appetite for delicious fresh produce, award-winning catering company Fish D’vine will create a culinary feast for guests to enjoy on the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach.

Dressing in white, the theme is classic and refined, an elegant day where food, wine, festivity and nature unite.

Over 200 guests will enjoy the full day experience which can be booked on one of two days – Friday, September 9 or Sunday, September 11 – Saturday is already sold out.

Departing from the Port of Airlie at 9.30am, guests will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the Whitsunday Islands before disembarking on Whitehaven Beach where they will be greeted by a glass of French champagne as they step onto the sand, plus canapes of freshly shucked oysters, and salmon sashimi.

Relax and enjoy the stunning vista before taking a seat at the beautifully decorated long-table, chatting to fellow diners and soaking up the beauty of one of the Whitsunday’s most iconic locations.

Indulge in the gourmet lunch buffet which includes the freshest seafood, tender meats and refreshing salads prepared by the D’vine Chefs. A decadent dessert will also be on offer to finish the feast.

The dining experience will be accompanied by bottomless Laurenti champagne, premium Australian wines, beers and selected cocktails.

After lunch, cool off in the glimmering blue water and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, enjoying live entertainment from roving acoustic band The Natural Culture.

Guests will enjoy a magic four-hours on Whitehaven Beach offering the perfect balance between flavour, fun, relaxation and romance – Everyone will enjoy a fun filled return trip back to the mainland feeling like they have just returned from another world.

WHAT: White On Whitehaven Long Table Lunch

WHERE: Whitehaven Beach

WHEN: 9 – 11 September

TICKETS: whitsundaytickets.com.au

A spectacular sight on Whitehaven Beach

2: uests dress in elegant white

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Leah Purcell writes, stars, and directs in The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, a re-interpretation of a re-imagining of Henry Lawson’s 1892 short story The Drover’s Wife. If that weren’t enough to signal it as a uniquely Australian story, then I don’t know what is.

Like Lawson’s story itself, Purcell’s adaptation has its own storied history – one which sees it reinterpret the great Australian writer’s work for a new era, but whilst maintaining its thematic heart.

At the age of five, Purcell – a First Nation’s actress, playwright, novelist and now director, who’s been much a part of Australian cinema’s greatest hurrahs of the past two decades – was read the nine-page, seminal Australian fiction work of Henry Lawson’s as a bedtime story by her mother. It’s a story that has “been with me for 45 years,” Purcell says.

It’s a link to her past, and a long forgotten Australian one, that she’s retold now in three different mediums: a play, in 2016, and a novel in 2019 - both loosely based on Lawson’s classic – and now her debut film outing as a director.

"The essence of the Henry Lawson short story and his underlining themes of racism, the frontier violence and gender violence are [in my story],” she says.

But Purcell’s Drover’s Wife – unlike Lawson’s - has a name: Molly Johnson.

Set in 1893, on an isolated property, a heavily pregnant Molly Johnson (Purcell) and her children struggle to survive the harsh Australian landscape; her husband is gone, droving sheep in the high country.

Molly finds herself confronted by – instead of the black snake in Lawson’s original story – a black man. The shackled Aboriginal fugitive Yadaka (played by Rob Collins), and an unlikely bond begins to form between him and Molly.

It turns the outback back to front, focusing on women. And, while occasionally lilting with modern sensibilities, Purcell’s debut is a deft dissection of theme and modern Australia, by looking at the past through a First Nations and female lens.

The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson is showing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, August 27.

Leah Purcell’s debut is startlingly modern in its sensibilities, while starkly harsh in its old Australian display of nature and the pioneer

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Gin glasses will clink, and views will sparkle at Whisper Bar this October when Sandy Clark’s latest fundraising event takes on an elegant New York theme, bringing both culture and philanthropy to our regional town.

Best of all, this charity event is dedicated to supporting a very important local cause – the affordable housing shortage which is currently seeing a predominance of women over 55 become homeless in our local area.

“It could be any one of us,” said Sandy.

“People in this area love helping others and with most of our attendees between 40 and 75, it is in our demographic, which makes the cause even more relatable.”

Sandy has a long history of fundraising for important causes, most notably holding events in South Australia that helped her charity, Dignity Zambia, raise funds to build a hospital, care and educational facility for women in Zambia.

She is now using her skills to help the local Whitsunday community and a cause close to her heart.

“I did many years when I was younger working with homeless people so I’m very excited to be involved with this,” she said.

Collaborating with the Whitsunday Housing Company, Sandy is raising funds to contribute to a pilot scheme which is set to erect four tiny homes for homeless women over 55.

The Queensland Government have supplied a plot of land in Proserpine and the project requires around $500,000 to complete.

Local businesses are invited to sponsor one of the homes and receive a plaque to honour their contribution.

So far, Whitsunday Housing Company have been able to acquire funding for half the amount and, along with additional government funding, Sandy is hoping to host events to supply the remaining.

The Fundraiser Cocktail Party is due to take place on Wednesday, October 8 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar located at Mirage in Cannonvale.

Fashionista Liz Clift will bring along her latest purchases from New York and Europe for a colourful fashion show.

Singing duo, Ian and Becky Blake will regale the audience with Frank Sinatra and other similar musical melodies.

Kind donations from local artists and businesses provide auctioneer Brad Sobott with an enticing list of charity donations for guests to bid upon.

Decadent dinner platters will be served as well as a glamorous gin cocktail on arrival.

They are now looking for event sponsors and appealing for local businesses to get involved and donate.

WHAT: New York New York Fundraiser Cocktail Party

WHERE: Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar

WHEN: Wednesday, October 8 – 6.30om-9.30pm

TICKETS: $100

Stunning views from Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar

Receive a glamorous gin cocktail on arrival

Entertainer Becky Blake will serenade the evening

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Pioneer Valley children will soon have the opportunity to learn a traditional handicraft thanks to a $1946 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to support the Crafty Hands Holiday Workshops to be held in the next school holidays.

This two-day event will be held at the Gargett CWA Hall in the September school vacation.  The program will be open to interested students (aged 10 years or older) from Gargett SS, Pinnacle SS, Eungella SS, Finch Hatton SS, Mirani SS and Mirani SHS.  

Children will learn the basics of one handicraft - knitting, crochet, raffia/eco-weaving or Japanese sashiko stitching. Thanks to the RADF and local sponsor, Richglen Maintenance Group, equipment and materials will be provided and children will work towards producing items to keep that are fun and useful.

Valley Spinners and Crafts president, Margaret Borg said, “Many of our members learnt to knit or crochet as children under the helpful eye of their mothers, grandmothers or aunts but this is not so common today.

“There’s a wealth of crafting knowledge amongst our members and we are very excited to share this with younger ones in our community.  We hope that these workshops might begin a lifelong love of craft for some of them.”

“I believe this is a wonderful initiative… that will definitely create some remarkable changes in students,” said Gargett State School principal, Fiona Tass.

Bookings are limited and can be made via http://craftyhandsworkshops.eventbrite.com .  

For further information:  valleyspinnersandcraft@outlook.com

Valley Spinners and Crafts Group member and September workshops tutor, Connie Muscat, shares crochet tips with her granddaughter, Mattie Muscat

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