By Georgia McDonald

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Last week I caught up with one of the Whitsundays’ established musicians. This week, the spotlight turns to a newer face who is winning over the local community one gig at a time. In the musical hot seat this week is Filippo Cantele.

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Born and raised in Piedmont, Italy, Filippo never imagined the singing lessons he began as a 13-year-old boy would one day lead to him pursuing music in the Whitsundays. He arrived in Airlie Beach with one goal: complete his 88 days of regional to extend his visa. Here, he found a community that embraced his sound and a place he fell in love with.

Filippo is no stranger to the stage. Before arriving in Airlie Beach, he busked on the Gold Coast and even took part in The Voice Italy in 2019. Yet his musical journey is still evolving, having only taught himself guitar within the past year.  

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Filippo admits that his biggest challenge entering the Whitsundays music scene was a lack of confidence. That changed when local musician Josiah Samuel invited him to join him on stage during a gig at Paradiso.

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“At the beginning, I was a little bit shy,” Filippo recalls.  

“But then Josiah said to me, ‘Jump on stage with me, do half my gig with me and see how it goes.’ He was my biggest reason I got back up onto the stage.”

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Whilst Josiah gave him that first step, Filippo credits his friends and housemates for keeping him going, saying they followed him to every gig and supported him every step of the way.  

For Filippo, those moments on stage have become some of his favourite memories of living in the Whitsundays.

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“I am living the best period of my life right now,” he says. “Every time I drive over the hill into Airlie Beach and I see the ocean, the colour of it when the sun is reflecting on the water. That’s it for me.”

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Filippo also credits the local community for making his experience so special.

“Music is very big in this town, people have heard a lot of musicians. So if someone comes back or gives me a compliment about it, that means a lot.”

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For Filippo, music has always been about more than the performance itself; it is about creating a connection with the audience. When describing his sound, Filippo simply says: “Emotional. Deep.”  

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For him, music is about creating a feeling and giving something back to the people listening.

He recalled a moment from his busking days when a listener became emotional after hearing him perform Tennessee Whiskey.

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“She started crying. She came to me and hugged me and said, ‘Please keep going,’” Filippo remembers.

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The moment reflects exactly what Filippo hopes to achieve through music. He remembers first listening to Chris Stapleton’s Tiny Desk performance of When The Stars Come Out and being moved by the raw emotion behind it. This is an experience he hopes to recreate for his own audience.

“If I can give something to people and let them feel their own way of emotion, that’s my main goal,” Filippo says.  

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“If someone comes to one of my gigs and feels something about themselves, or their lives, I am singing for them. For me, that’s the only reason I sing.”

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You can catch Filippo the next coming week at:

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Mulligans - Sunday 9th August 4PM – 7PM

The Pontoon Platform, Great Barrier Reef – Tuesday 11th August & Wednesday 12th August

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Filippo’s Song Recommendation For The Week:

When The Stars Come Out – Chris Stapleton (Tiny Desk Performance)

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Coral Sea Pavilion at Coral Sea Resort has been recognised among OpenTable's Top 25 Hotel Restaurants in Australia for 2026, cementing its place as one of Queensland's premier dining destinations. Photo source: Coral Sea Resort

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A waterfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea has earned national recognition, with Airlie Beach's Coral Sea Pavilion named one of OpenTable's Top 25 Hotel Restaurants in Australia for 2026.

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The Coral Sea Resort restaurant is one of just five Queensland venues to make the prestigious list, standing alongside acclaimed dining destinations in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sanctuary Cove.

Compiled from more than 190,000 verified diner reviews and hospitality metrics collected over the past year, the annual list celebrates Australia's highest-rated hotel restaurants, recognising exceptional food, service and overall dining experiences.

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The accolade comes as new OpenTable research reveals Australians are increasingly choosing hotels for what's on the menu rather than simply where they sleep. Nearly one-third of Australians have booked a hotel stay specifically because of its restaurant, while almost every respondent surveyed said they had dined at a hotel restaurant without staying overnight.

Perched on the waterfront at Coral Sea Resort, Coral Sea Pavilion has become a favourite among both visitors and locals, pairing panoramic Whitsunday views with a menu showcasing fresh local seafood, premium Australian produce and modern coastal cuisine.

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The recognition reflects a broader shift in Australia's dining culture, with hotel restaurants evolving into sought-after culinary destinations in their own right.

OpenTable Australia General Manager Drew Bowering said the days of hotel restaurants being seen as a convenient option for weary travellers were well and truly over.

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"Hotel restaurants across Australia have officially shed their reputation as solely a convenience option for tired travellers," Mr Bowering said.

"Australians are proving you don't need a room key to enjoy world-class hospitality."

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Research released alongside the awards also found half of Australians have enjoyed a staycation in their own city or region, while 42 per cent have chosen travel destinations based primarily on the local food scene.

Located just a short stroll from Airlie Beach's main street, Coral Sea Resort has long been recognised for its absolute waterfront setting, luxury accommodation and iconic oceanfront pool.  

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The latest accolade places its restaurant firmly among Australia's best, adding another reason for locals and visitors alike to experience one of the Whitsundays' standout dining destinations.

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Garden Bar Airlie Beach Chocolate Lava Cake.  

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Some desserts simply end a meal. Others become a highlight of it. The Chocolate Lava Cake at The Garden Bar is firmly in the latter category.

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Served warm to the table, this house-made dessert's delicate sponge gives way to a rich molten chocolate centre with the first touch of a spoon. It's deeply chocolatey and undeniably decadent, yet beautifully balanced - sweet enough to satisfy without overwhelming the palate.

It's the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down.

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Perhaps you order one all to yourself, settling back with an espresso as the afternoon fades into evening. Or perhaps it's the final course of a romantic dinner, shared across the table with someone special as the sun sets over Coral Sea Marina.

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However you choose to enjoy it, every element is designed to be savoured - from the rich aroma of warm chocolate to the contrast in texture of the delicate sponge and velvety molten centre.

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For those who appreciate a classic pairing, the Chocolate Lava Cake is equally at home beside a freshly brewed espresso or a glass of full-bodied red wine. The bold flavours beautifully complement the richness of the chocolate, creating a finish that's both comforting and sophisticated.

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At The Garden Bar, the setting is already unforgettable - waterfront views, tropical gardens and relaxed Whitsundays hospitality. The Chocolate Lava Cake simply provides the perfect excuse to stay a little longer.

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Because sometimes the final course becomes the one you remember most.

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Nominations are now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards! Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make the Whitsunday Region a better place? From volunteers and community champions to sporting, arts, cultural and environmental achievers, the awards celebrate those making a positive difference in our community. Submit your nomination by visiting whitsundayrc.smartygrants.com.au by 4pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026, and help recognise our local heroes.

The Flametree Gathering will run from August 21^st-23^rd at Lake Proserpine. Photo supplied: Bronwyn Garland.

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More than just a weekend of live music, the Flametree Gathering will bring together musicians, artists, and families for three days of creativity and connection.  

Starting on Friday, August 21, at 5pm with a night of music, the festival vibe will roll into two full days of music, workshops and family activities across the weekend. Saturday's program starts at 8am with a yoga session by the lake and continues through to 11pm, while Sunday's festivities run from 8am until the sunset finale.

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Founded in 2023 by travelling musician David Flower and Bronwyn Garland, this year's event marks the gathering's fourth edition and its second at Lake Proserpine. Alongside bringing people together through music, the gathering has also raised more than $10,000for the Eco Barge Clean Seas Turtle Rehabilitation Centre over the past three years.

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After years of performing original music across Australia, David wanted to create an event that reflected the welcoming atmosphere of his own shows, where audiences are encouraged to feel part of the experience rather than simply spectators.

Headlining the gathering is Marty Rogers, joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter Paul Green, blues artist Lecia Louise, award-winning Western Australian musician Chris Matthews, reggae performer Jesse Morris and crowd favourites Sky Eater, with a lineup spanning folk, blues, rock, roots and reggae.

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"All the artists will get up and play in each other's sets and jam together, so it really feels very inclusive,” said Event Organiser Bronwyn Garland.  

True to its name, the Flametree Gathering is about far more than what's happening on stage.  

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Beyond the music, gatherers can take part in parasol painting and lantern-making workshops, join in an Aussie Olympics featuring thong-throwing and esky races, cheer on the returning dog parade, or unwind with camping, kayaking and sunset views across Lake Proserpine.  

"It's very much like you're in somebody's backyard," Bronwyn said.  

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“It's called a gathering because what we aim to do is create that community feeling.”

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The program will close with one final collaborative performance as the sun sets over Lake Proserpine.  

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Photo Credit: Lucy Seddon-Brown from Stories in Light Imagery.

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Airlie Beach came alive over the weekend as the Great Barrier Reef Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary with one of its biggest and most colourful programs to date.  

Three days packed with entertainment, markets, music and family activities helped draw the crowds back after wet weather saw attendance dip in 2025.  

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"We went back to our prior year numbers, maybe even increased a bit," said Great Barrier Reef Festival President, Heather Batrick.  

Friday night alone attracted an estimated 6,000 people to the Airlie Beach Foreshore, where the milestone fireworks display gave way to a packed Bloom Festival after-party that kept the celebrations going late into the night.  

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Saturday was packed with activity from start to finish, with the Hog's Breath Revvin’ the Reef Car Show kicking off the day before the Club Whitsundays Street Parade filled Main Street, with the live music then driving the festivities well into the night.

"The street parade was amazing, I think we've had the biggest crowd that we've seen there," Heather said.  

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"It was quite emotional for us as a committee, with St Catherine's doing the Stevie Wonder Happy Birthday with an adapted version for the festival."  

Sunday offered something for everyone, with the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day giving families the chance to unwind or jump into a range of games and activities.  

The Recyclable Regatta brought out the competitive spirit as homemade vessels took to the water, while Bait to Plate with Kevin Collins gave festival-goers the opportunity to enjoy fresh local seafood paired with fine drinks.  

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The weekend wrapped up on a relaxed note with the SOLLOS Sunday Session, where Australian Margaritas, live music and a headline performance from The Jungle Giants brought the 25th Great Barrier Reef Festival to a fitting close.

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“We'd like to say a big thanks to our corporate sponsors this year, which really enabled us to keep the festival running,” Heather said.  

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/the-25th-great-barrier-reef-festival-sparks-joy-across-airlie

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Find the full photo gallery here: https://lucyseddon-brown.smugmug.com/Great-Barrier-Reef-Festival-/n-ZvG2Dp/i-vpL4GGh/A

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Friday 31^st July

Mackay Group Connect and Share – Starting Solids  

9am

Starting solids is an exciting milestone for families, but knowing where to begin can sometimes feel overwhelming. Join Mackay Group Connect and Share for a relaxed session covering the signs your baby is ready for family foods, where to start and tips for managing the mess. A breastfeeding counsellor will lead the discussion, with time to ask questions and share experiences. Bring a picnic rug and a snack for a relaxed morning chat at John Breen Park, Mackay, from 9am.

John Breen Park  

Sarina Show  

Friday & Saturday  

4pm

The 2026 Sarina Show is set to celebrate the best of country life, community and creativity, bringing locals and visitors together for a fun-filled day of entertainment. Featuring livestock and equestrian events, arts and crafts, cooking, horticulture, photography, pavilion displays, rides, food, live music and traditional show favourites, the annual event offers something for all ages.

Sarina Showgrounds

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Saturday 1^st August

Mack PopCon 2026

9am-4pm

Mack PopCon 2026 is set to bring a celebration of pop culture to the Mackay Showgrounds on Saturday 1st August, from 9am to 4pm. The event will feature special guests, cosplay showcases, local artists, vendors, collectibles, gaming zones and more. Whether you're a longtime fan or looking for a fun day out with family and friends, Mack PopCon offers a chance to explore all things pop culture in one action-packed event.

Mackay Showgrounds  

PJ Day At The Memorial Pool  

9.30am  

Slip into your favourite pyjamas and head to Memorial Pool for National Pyjama Day, supporting children living in foster care. The community event will feature free soup and pies, a best-dressed pyjama competition and an opportunity to make a difference through donations supporting The Pyjama Foundation. Come along for a fun morning of community spirit, tasty treats and helping raise awareness for children in care.

Memorial Pool  

Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce  

10am

Dads and little ones are invited to join Mackay Regional Council Libraries for Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce, a fun and interactive session featuring nursery rhymes, finger plays and action songs designed to support early language development from birth to walking. Held at Dudley Denny City Library, the free session is a chance for dads to connect with their babies, make memories and support their child’s early learning through music and play. Bookings are required.

Dudley Denny City Library

'Transformation: The language of water' at Cedar Gallery

3pm

Experience an evening of art, connection and stunning scenery at Cedar Gallery in Eungella as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. Transformation: The Language of Water explores the relationship between landscapes, stories and waterways of the Pioneer Valley through contemporary works by local artists. Guests will travel by festival bus from Mackay, Mirani, Marian or Finch Hatton before enjoying the exhibition, artist-led moments, complimentary nibbles and drinks overlooking the valley. The event runs on Saturday 1^st August, from 3pm to 5.30pm and is open to guests aged 18 and over. Bookings essential.

Eungella Dam Rd, Broken River 

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Sunday 2^nd August

Writing Sunday  

11am

Writers of all levels are invited to join Writing Sunday at Dudley Denny City Library, a free volunteer-led program designed to help participants focus on their craft while connecting with fellow writers. Using the Pomodoro Technique of focused writing sessions and short breaks, the program provides a supportive environment to make progress on stories, build writing habits and share ideas with the local writing community.

Dudley Denny City Library

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Thursday 6^th August

Together For Shelter  

10am-1pm

Together For Shelter is a free community event connecting residents with more than 40 local organisations offering support across housing, wellbeing, family, youth and community services. The event provides an opportunity to ask questions, have conversations and learn more about the support available locally. Whether you’re seeking information or simply want to better understand the services in the community, everyone is welcome to attend and discover where to find help when it’s needed.

Queens Park  

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Photo credit: Mackay Life  

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The Sarina Show returns this weekend, with organisers preparing for another strong turnout as locals and visitors gather to celebrate one of the district's longest-running community traditions.

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While the show is known for its rides, entertainment and food, it remains firmly rooted in showcasing the people, skills and industries that have shaped the region for generations.

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Across the weekend, visitors will find plenty happening around the grounds. Sideshow Alley will once again provide entertainment for families, with carnival rides, games and the familiar show favourites including hot donuts, fairy floss, dagwood dogs and snow cones. For many, it's a chance to enjoy a few hours with family and friends and experience the atmosphere that only a country show can offer.

Inside the Pavilion, local talent will be on display through a wide range of competitions and exhibits. Art, photography, home economics, needlework, schoolwork and horticulture entries all reflect the time, skill and pride that exhibitors put into their work each year. The Pavilion continues to be one of the highlights of the show, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship found throughout the district.

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Visitors are also encouraged to cast their vote in the People's Choice Art and Photography Awards while exploring the exhibits.

The horse events remain a major drawcard and will feature competition across a variety of disciplines, including dressage, showjumping, western events, pony classes and led and ridden classes. From experienced competitors to young riders entering the ring, the horse program reflects the strong equestrian culture that continues to thrive across the region.

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Like many country shows, the Sarina Show relies heavily on volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and exhibitors who dedicate countless hours behind the scenes to make the event possible. Their efforts help preserve an important part of rural life while creating an event that brings the wider community together.

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Agricultural shows have long played an important role in regional Queensland, providing an opportunity for producers, hobbyists, schools and community groups to share their knowledge, celebrate achievement and connect with one another. While the attractions have evolved over the years, the heart of the show remains much the same.

Whether you're keen to admire the Pavilion exhibits, spend time watching the horse competitions, enjoy a meal with friends or simply support a valued local event, there's plenty of reasons to head along!

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What: 2026 Sarina Show  

When: Friday 31^st July 2026 - Gates open 4pm

Where: Sarina Showgrounds

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It’s All New, It’s Wild And It’s Extreme!

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Under the legendary banner of The Great Moscow Circus, death-defying acts from around the globe are being presented throughout Queensland in 2026.

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After COVID grounded the circus in 2021, and amid a sensitive political climate, a carefully selected group of international superstars has come together for the first time to perform in a brand-new show touring throughout Queensland.

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The Great Moscow Circus first visited Australia in 1965 under the auspices of the Edgley Organisation and has continued to tour Australia and New Zealand every three to five years ever since.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in December 1991, the famous Edgley family purchased the trademarks for ownership of the name. These trademarks are currently owned by the Weber Circus Family, Australian owners with no association or affiliation whatsoever with the government of Russia.

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The Great Moscow Circus remains an extremely strong brand name, built up in Australia and New Zealand since the 1960s, with more than seven million people attending its different seasons.

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This season, The Great Moscow Circus features superstar international acts from Argentina, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, New Zealand and Australia.

The all-new EXTREME show features some of Australia's top BMX riders, exciting trampoline performances and award-winning performers, including a hand-to-hand act from Uzbekistan and talented juggling extraordinaire performers.

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The line-up also includes one of the world's best and youngest daredevil motorcycle cage riders, alongside a clown renowned as "the funniest and most energetic", leaving audiences roaring with laughter.

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Wire acts and electrifying high tricks on the trampoline heighten the EXTREME theme, leaving audiences gasping in shock. Several extraordinary aerial acts and a mind-blowing trapeze performance are complemented by technicolour lighting and superb costuming to create a thrilling experience for audiences.

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Standing ovations have echoed throughout the Big Top during the all-new international extreme circus tour across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

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Touring Queensland for the first time in six years, The Great Moscow Circus is bringing its latest production to audiences across the state.

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With a long-standing tradition of high-quality international entertainment, the 2026 season promises extreme, wild and professional superstar acts as The Great Moscow Circus continues its unique circus tradition in Australia.

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Book your tickets now via: moscow.sales.ticketsearch.com

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Daly Bay Illuminate 2026 brought four nights of colour, creativity and family fun to Mackay's CBD, with the giant whale projection proving a standout attraction. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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Daly Bay Illuminate 2026 brought four nights of colour, creativity and entertainment to Mackay's CBD, with visitors exploring illuminated streets, interactive installations and live performances. Among the festival's highlights was the giant whale projection, which proved a popular attraction as families and visitors stopped to admire the display and capture photos throughout the event.

Across the city centre, festival-goers took part in a range of activities, including Curious Legends' hands-on puppet workshops, where children and adults created baby stingray puppets, alongside face painting, glitter tattoos, live drumming and roaming entertainment. The Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub at Bluewater Quay hosted nightly performances by The Orangutans, AJ Minniecon and Yonnipin Corowa, Hot Hot Hot and Pluto Tango, complementing the festival's large-scale projections, First Nations storytelling, community artworks and puppetry.

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While many attendees praised the festival's light displays and family-friendly entertainment, some community members suggested future editions could return to Queens Park or the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, saying they preferred the layout and atmosphere of previous events. Others said additional lighting between some installations would help families move more comfortably through the CBD after dark. The feedback comes as Mackay Regional Council continues its efforts to activate the city centre through community events designed to encourage residents and visitors to experience the CBD.

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Australian Eagles. Photo supplied: The Australian Eagles.

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The Aussie Eagles will return to Airlie Beach, promising a tribute act so close to the real thing that audiences say, "if you close your eyes, you really think you're there."  

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The band will play two free shows at Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday 8^th August and Sunday 9^th August, bringing a set packed with Eagles classics spanning more than 50 years.

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While plenty of tribute acts focus on looking like the artists they perform, band founder Shayne Brown said that's never been the goal.

“We don't want to look like them, we don't want to talk like them or dress like them, but we want to sound like them,” Shayne said.

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“That's all that really matters.”  

Formed about 10 years ago, Shayne formed the band as a show of respect and admiration.  

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“I first heard Take It Easy, which was their first single off their first album, in 1972,” he said.  

“I heard that and I just knew from that point that I wanted to play guitar and play those songs.

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“When I take songs out to put new songs in, I've got to think very hard about what songs to take out because there are just so many great ones.”  

Without the pressure of embodying the looks and personas of the arguably the biggest stadium band of all time, the Aussie Eagles craft their band purely around vocals and instrumental talent.  

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“It's about who’s the best person for the job,” Shayne said.  

Alongside Shayne on guitar, the band features drummer Michael Thompson, who also handles many of Don Henley's lead vocals, with more than 30 years of experience performing Eagles music. Geoff Taylor takes on many of Glenn Frey's signature songs, while Darren Griffiths anchors the rhythm section on bass and Scot Whatman rounds out the lineup on guitar.  

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Over the years, the band has played venues across Australia, including Melbourne’s Crown Casino, Sydney’s historic Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne, the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie and the Canberra Playhouse. Despite the long list, Brown said Airlie Beach Hotel still holds a special place for the group.  

"There's just something magical about the place," he said.

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“We like the atmosphere because we've been there so often, we know the staff and it's like coming home to a family.”  

For anyone yet to experience the Aussie Eagles, Brown said fans can expect a faithful recreation of one of rock's most celebrated catalogues, with a focus firmly on the music.

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"If you love the Eagles, whether you've seen them or you haven't, it's worthwhile to listen to this band," he said.

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JULY

31^st Mike Tyler Stand-up Comedy Night, 7pm, Coral Sea Resort  

31^st Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine  

31^st 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

31^st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

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AUGUST  

1^st Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 9am-2pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach  

1^st Geed Up, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

1^st Great Barrier Reef Festival Fireworks, Live Music & Street Celebrations, 5pm, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach  

1^st Ed Sheeran Out Loud, 7pm-10pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

2^nd Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition by Creative Connections Whitsunday, 9am-2pm, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach  

2^nd Geed Up, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

2^nd Great Barrier Reef Festival Street Party & Parade, 3pm, Main Street, Airlie Beach  

5^th AFCM Pathways Outreach Concert, 11am-12pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

6^th Whitsundays Festival of Sailing Airlie Beach Race Week, ALL DAY, Alive Beach  

6^th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach  

7^th Whitsundays Festival of Sailing Airlie Beach Race Week, ALL DAY, Alive Beach  

7^th Bowen Business Networking Event, 7:30am-8:30am, Le Sorelle Coffee House, Bowen  

7^th Proserpine Community Centre FREE Community Lunch, 11am-12:30pm, 36 Gardenia Street, Proserpine  

7^th Room on the Broom, 1pm-2pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine  

7^th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

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This week's winning image comes from David Johnson, whose striking capture at Gunyarra, south of Proserpine, perfectly embodies this week's theme, "Bare Trees."

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Standing stark against the landscape, the leafless tree is a reminder that beauty can be found even in nature's simplest forms, as well as the rural background echoing the Whitsundays country style.  

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A big congratulations to David and thank you to the members of the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for continuing to share such fantastic images from across the region.

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Now it's time to turn your lens towards next week's theme, "Fences." Whether it's a weathered cattle fence, a classic white picket, or something creative, we're looking forward to seeing your unique perspective.

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31st July

ABH: Ed Sheeran Tribute Show, 7pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 8pm onwards

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldanio, 8pm-10pm

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1st August  

ABH: Geed’up, 2pm-5:30pm

ABH: Ed Sheeran Tribute Show, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento’s: Filippo, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe , 8pm-10pm

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2nd August  

ABH: Geed’up, 2pm-5:30pm,  

ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm  

Sorrento’s: Kieran McCarthy , 4pm-7pm.  

Garden Bar: Kaedan McCarthy, 1:30pm-4:30pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe , 8pm-10pm

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3rd August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm

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4th August

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Louisa Taylor, 8pm-10pm  

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5th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm

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6th August  

ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer, 8pm-10pm

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Museum Day brought together a social crowd.

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The Proserpine Historical Museum welcomed extra visitors this Saturday, with locals discovering just how much history is tucked away inside one of the town's most treasured community attractions.

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Held as part of the museum's free Open Day marking 25 years on Main Street, the event gave visitors the chance to explore the extensive collection while learning about the Proserpine Historical Museum Society, which has spent more than four decades preserving the district's stories.

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Displays highlighting local identities and inventions proved particularly popular, with visitors fascinated to learn about figures including Sidney Cotton and Billy Sing, as well as the Proserpine connection to the invention of the louvre window and the story behind the town's giant bowl.

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Children kept busy searching the museum for handcrafted animals hidden throughout the displays, following a special activity worksheet created around pieces made by a former volunteer. Others enjoyed sitting in the museum's original theatre seats while classic films played on screen.

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The foyer featured a rolling presentation celebrating the 40 years of the Proserpine Historical Museum Society, alongside displays showcasing the volunteers' work and artwork by local artists.

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The visit was not complete without a stop for tea, coffee and homemade slices baked by volunteers using recipes from the society's Tried and True Recipe Book.

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