French philosopher Albert Camus believed the underlying reality was this: life is absurd. Now, how does that relate to Steven Soderberg’s Magic Mike’s Last Dance? I would think that is manifest, self-evident, although I am more than happy to explain; we are in a world in which Academy Award Winning directors helm – not just once but thrice - films about male strippers.

I am not espousing that Magic Mike cannot exist – nay, all life is rife for the pilfering when it comes to artistic expression, including male strippers - I am purely stating the illogical, bizarre, incongruous fact of someone with Soderberg’s resume being attached to such a project on three occasions spanning 10 years.

And more: did we need three Magic Mike films? Were we asking for it? I suppose the answer must be yes. The buying power of middle-aged women who enjoy shirtless Channing Tatum (as the titular Magic Mike) and contrived, predictable love stories is a great and terrible thing as ancient as time itself.

Absurdity aside, where does it all leave us? How does Magic Mike’s denouement, his coda, match up to the rest? For one thing, it’s starkly different from its former outing – Magic Mike XXL – and the original. Each is somehow a different genre from the last in another nonsensical turn.

We start with Mike Lane as he takes to the stage once again, hoping for one last hurrah in London alongside a wealthy socialite (Salma Hayek as Maxandra) who lures him with an offer he can't refuse – think the Godfather in England but with pectoral-pumping dudes dancing every five minutes (No, it’s not really like that).

There are interesting riffs on power and wealth and we end up with Mike leading a show in London that’s more cabaret-infused-lap-dance than it is classic bar-top grinding. The change of scenery and genre does prove a shot in the arm for what could be a tired formula and that’s all you can really expect, surely – a bit of fun.

In fact: no one is going to see Magic Mike’s Last Dance looking for any meaning, any sort of philosophical bent or take-away.

That would be absurd.

Magic Mike’s Last Dance is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema now.

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Friday 17th Feb

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Mike Duff (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Sam McCann (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Saturday 18th Feb

• The Pub: Divine Blonde Tribute (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Ash Smith (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: DJ Pirate (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Retro Joe (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Sunday 19th Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub: Divine Blonde Tribute (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Retro Joe (8pm-late)

Monday 20th Feb

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 21st Feb

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

Wednesday 22nd Feb

• KC’s: Lloyd Saunders (8pm-late)

Thursday 23rd Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Rebelquin (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Lloyd Saunders (8pm-late)

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A nationally touring adults-only comedy show is jamming two of its best comics into the car for a North Queensland Tour arriving at the Original North Australian in mid-March.

The Aussie Pub Comedy Tour will arrive in Bowen at one of the state’s oldest pubs on March 18, bringing comedians Chris ‘The Bloke’ Franklin and Evan Hocking with it.

Franklin and Hocking are both classic Aussie comedians to their core – crass, crude, rude, and lude – and excellent humourists with a finger on the pulse of bloke culture; especially Franklin, who is most famous for his number one song ‘Bloke’, which debuted in 2000.

“I’m a bloke, I’m a yobbo, and me best mate’s name is Robbo”, Franklin sang in his famous song, which sold more than 120,000 copies and was the third biggest single released by an Australian that year, launched his comedy career to soaring heights.

In the eyes of true-blue Aussies, the parody song became a strong candidate for replacing Advance Australia Fair, capturing bogan cliches that still ring true.

Alongside Hocking – a renowned comedy podcaster and stand-up comic – the pair are ready to “sweat bullets” in the Far North for the Aussie Pub Comedy Tour, a concept conceived in late 2017 with the vision of bringing quality comedy shows to regional pubs and venues.

Don’t miss the ‘The Bloke’ and Hocking at the Original North Australian soon.

Tickets can be purchased online through www.trybooking.com

WHAT: The Aussie Pub Comedy Tour

WHEN: Saturday, March 18, from 8.00pm

WHERE: The Original North Australian

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Chris ‘The Bloke’ Franklin is just one of two comedians coming to Bowen as part of the Aussie Pub Comedy Tour

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‘Good Golly Miss Milly’, there’s a ‘Travelin’ Band’ cruising to The Airlie Beach Hotel to take over the whole first weekend of March – it’s sure to cause a ‘Commotion’.

The Australian Creedence Clearwater Revival show, Ramble Tamble, will take over the Bar Top Stage ‘Down On The Corner’ at The Pub on Saturday, March 4 and 5 in a free show featuring all the best of CCR.

Getting to see this world-class four-piece tribute band from Melbourne is a treat for any ‘Fortunate Son’ – these boys have a pedigree of performing as the band from El Cerrito, starting back in 1989, they’re the certified deal, experts of that American music.

Creedence tapped into the rich, traditional seam of the United States’ sound when they emerged in the ‘70s - only for a short time – and wrote their page in the Great American Songbook. With Ramble Tamble bandmates Rob, Bren, and Richard, there is a reverence for that which made CCR so phenomenal.

The boys take on the roles of the Fogerty brothers and their bandmates, capitalising on their own years of experience touring alongside some of the world’s top recording artists and tribute shows nationally and internationally.

For them, it comes down to one thing: detail.

In producing their tribute to America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band, they made sure it was an experience no die-hard CCR fan would be disappointed with – it’s like they were ‘Born on the Bayou’ with how completely they replicate every facet of them, like a true ‘Chameleon’.

It is a “tribute in the true sense of the word.” They delve into all seven of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s seven albums showing respect, veneration, devotion, and some damn hard work, they "ain’t never had no day off”. It’s about reproducing the sound of the iconic American roots band as if you’re back in the late ‘60s. That ‘Pendulum’ never stopped swinging.

Every show is an event, a miniature concert comprised of two acts: on Saturday, Ramble Tamble will show off their Creedence Show before heading into The Best of Die Hard Creedence classics. They’ll hit all the bests and then head ‘Up Around The Bend’ and back again. Everything from ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ to ‘Proud Mary’.

Then on Sunday, there's Ramble Tamble’s Cosmo’s Factory, the entire album from start to finish

, and afterward their "The Creedence Influence”, a mixture of songs from the era that influenced the Californian band.

Don’t miss them when they arrive at the Airlie Beach Hotel for two days of free shows in March.

WHAT: The Australian Creedence Show Ramble Tamble

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Australian Creedence Show, Ramble Tamble, is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel in March

The Melbourne-based tribute show recreates the sound of the iconic American Band in a pitch-perfect emulation

Don’t miss them in a full weekend of shows at The Pub

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Young and aspiring musicians performed in front of 200 people at the Dingo Beach Hotel over the weekend as part of the Music Evolution Project’s Young Vocalists showcase.

From midday through to 9pm on Saturday evening dozens of young performers exhibited their well-rehearsed songs, many taking to the stage for the first time in their lives.

Mentor and teacher, Lisa Stanley, said she was very proud.

“I was so so proud of their efforts,” she said,

“They were all so good and so professional, it was a huge success and Dingo Beach Hotel have already invited us back!”

The Music Evolution Project is dedicated to helping young people express themselves through music, giving those that might not otherwise have access, the opportunity to learn and perform.

At its core, the project aims to help improve mental health through music.

Over 30 performers took to the stage on the day.

These included Meg McKeon, Destiny, Ella Kelly, Dominik James, Amber Hinschen, Chloe Kaddatz, The Microns and Tanika Lulham.

The two pianists were Maddy Hughes and Fitia Steel-Gaby.

The next Music Evolution Project performance will take place on Saturday, March 25 at the Dingo Beach Hotel.

WHAT: Music Evolution Project Young Vocalists

WHERE: Dingo Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, March 25

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Some of the Young Vocalists that performed at the Dingo Beach Hotel on Saturday. Photo credit: Crissy Bottrell

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You are invited to an evening of decadence and six-course degustation at Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar, home of dining experiences that blow your mind and your palate.

Food lovers from across the region are still talking about the five-course gin-inspired degustation held at the venue last month and, with the next event highlighting premium drinks and cuisines from around the world, tickets are selling fast.

Each course is matched with a top shelf liqueur or wine that has been hand-picked by the Executive Chef to pair seamlessly with the flavours and bring out each tantalising taste to its full.

Think caviar and ceviche, truffles, wagyu steak and more.

There will be a creative blend of flavours to enhance and complement each drink.

Palate cleansers between courses will allow you to really assess and enjoy the unique and subtle nuances of each course.

Taste the highest quality Tequila from the agave fields of Mexico, smooth Italian Rose, premium gins from the fields of England, limited edition rums of the Caribbean and rare Japanese Whisky, finishing with a perfect French Cognac.

The talented team of chefs and mixologists have put together a menu that will be sure to tantalise the taste buds and other senses as you relax in 5-star comfort.

An intimate dining experience like no other, book your tickets and immerse yourself in a dining experience of decadence and delight.

Limited seats are available.

The ticket price also includes a courtesy shuttle pick up and drop off.

WHAT: Tastes of the Top Shelf Degustation Dinner

WHERE: Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar

WHEN: Friday, February 24 – 6pm to 10pm

TICKETS: whisperginbar.com

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Early Bird registrations are now open for the 2023 BMA Mackay Marina Run to be held in June.

Now in its 15th year, the annual run is widely regarded as Queensland’s most scenic running event with a flat, fast course set against stunning sub-tropical scenery.

Event Director Tim Magoffin advised the run was fast becoming a signature event on the national running event calendar.

“The BMA Mackay Marina Run offers a unique event with runners able to enjoy our flat, fast course set within a scenic sub-tropical location,” he said.

“Runners will wind their way through Mackay with the stunning blue water Pioneer River as a backdrop – it’s a pretty special experience that is unrivalled by other events.”

With the event taking place four weeks out from the Gold Coast Marathon, Mr Magoffin advised they were expecting competitors from all over Australia.

“The national appeal of our event has definitely grown,” he said.

“People are recognising what a great precursor we are for the Gold Coast Marathon and that’s presented a wonderful opportunity for tourism in our region.”

Over 3,500 competitors are expected for this year’s event which will raise funds for The Leukaemia Foundation.

The BMA Mackay Marina Run will take place on June 4, 2023, and includes a 21.1km half marathon, 8 and 5km, a 3km junior dash and the popular 5km Corporate Challenge.

Early Bird Registrations will close March 13.

A part of the suite of events involved in the Mackay Marina Run, Mr Magoffin launched the Twilight City Run last week with the announcement of its major sponsor, Mackay Airport, extending its naming rights sponsorship through to and including 2025.

The Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is scheduled to be held on Friday March 3 and is a popular and inclusive event that sees hundreds of runners, walkers and families take to the street for an evening of fun and fitness.

“It’s a way of launching the Marina Run and also a separate event to raise money for the local branch of the Leukemia foundation,” Mr Magoffin said.

“It’s a real community event and the sponsorship of the Mackay Airport allows us to absorb and pay for the expenses of putting the event on so that people’s registrations can go straight into the Leukemia Foundation.”

With over 700 participants in last year’s run, Mr Magoffin is expecting a record turnout of over 800 runners to hit the streets for a good cause in March.

“We’re hoping this year that we’ll get over $500,000 raised from Mackay Marina Run and City Run for the Leukemia Foundation, so there’s half a million dollars that, without the community getting behind it, wouldn’t exist.”

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said Mackay Airport’s shows event organisers and the community the Twilight City Run has a prosperous future.

“Events like this are so important to my community and also visitors to the region,” he said.

“It provides an opportunity to promote physical health and social engagement and then also is a draw card for visitors coming to the region to stay and attend such great events.

“A big part of Mackay Airport sponsorship is for the community and is also for charity organisations where we can so all funds going to the Leukemia Foundation is one of the best outcomes from this event.”

To find out more, visit www.mackaymarinarun.com.

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Event Director Tim Magoffin and Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles

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The Mackay community was shocked by the murder of 23-year-old Shandee Blackburn in 2013, with Shandee’s life and legacy celebrated on the ten-year anniversary of her death on Saturday.

While the assailant is yet to be brought to justice, the incident has united the Mackay community and shone a light on certain failings of the Queensland justice system.

“I felt it was important for Shandee on the ten-year anniversary of Shandee’s death, to come back to Mackay and show you all that we are still fighting for justice for Shandee and justice for our community,” Shandee’s mother Vicki Blackburn said, addressing and thanking the supportive crowd on Saturday.

“We haven’t given up and we hope that you all will keep on supporting us in this fight and we can make some changes.”

In 2021, Ms Blackburn was approached by journalist Hedley Thomas who, after reading the findings of the 2019 inquest into Shandee’s death, decided to lead a podcast investigation into the case.

“Before you can breathe life into an idea for an investigative podcast series, it can take a year, a year and a half to develop,” Mr Thomas said.

“It’s vital to have the support of the victim’s family, and in Vicki Blackburn, I’ve been supported every inch of the way.”

Vicki shared an external hard drive containing documents and case material with Hedley, with one document leading him to Forensic Scientist Dr Kirsty Wright.

“Finding Kirsty, thanks to a simple Google search, and showing her the documents from Vicki’s hard drive relating to the appalling conduct of Queensland’s DNA testing laboratory, changed everything in Shandee’s story and potentially in Shandee’s case going forward,” Mr Thomas said.

“The damning findings a couple of months ago from the public inquiry … tell the story of a DNA lab which had effectively perverted the course of justice and allowed violent criminals to avoid detection.

“None of it would have been known but for Shandee and the bravery of Vicki and Dr Kirsty Wright.”

When Dr Wright read the documents from Hedley, she realised something was very wrong with the investigation into Shandee’s case.

Dr Wright and Mr Thomas’ discoveries contributed to an independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland, with the report delivered on December 13, 2022, by Mr Walter Sofronoff KC.

“We were all just so shocked at what we found with the inquiry,” Dr Wright said.

“We not only found bad science, scientific misconduct, deliberate deception of the police and the courts, a complete disregard for quality, new methods weren’t tested properly before they were used on crime scene evidence, and we found proof that Shandee’s samples, they were put on this process that was failing.

“Shandee’s case didn’t get a fair go because of this lab.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Queensland Government accepted Mr Sofronoff’s recommendations within two days.

“Since then, and as we speak, Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General have been powering ahead with a multi-pronged hundred-billion-dollar effort to ensure these failings never occur again,” Ms Gilbert said.

“At the conclusion of this transitionary process, Queensland will have a world class forensic science agency.

“Queensland will have a forensic DNA service it can be proud of and a more trustworthy justice system.

“That will be Shandee’s legacy.”

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Councillor Pauline Townsend and Vicki Blackburn

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Journalist Hedley Thomas

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson

Proceeds from the event were donated to Mackay Women’s Services

Local organisations such as Crime Stoppers and Mackay Police were present

Bubbles were blown at sunset in memory of Shandee. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Friday 17 February

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, Conversations with Art is a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as they look at works on show and images from gallery and museum collections. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, they’d love you to join. It’s an inclusive, thought provoking and satisfying way to spend an afternoon!

Artspace Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Opening Event - Four new exhibitions

Friday, 6:00pm

Join Artspace Mackay to celebrate the official opening of four exhibitions. 'Davida Allen: Colourful Expressions' is a colour filled selection of works highlighting the artist’s connection to South East and Central Queensland, on show in the Main Gallery. 'Glen Skien: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll' and 'Great Australian Hoist' both feature works from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection in the Foyer Gallery, and 'Deanna Hitti: M is for Madraseh (School)' explores themes of identity and misrepresentation, Foundation Gallery.

Artspace Mackay

Kath & Kim Drag Bingo at MECC

Friday, 8:00pm to 10:00pm

Kath & Kim Drag Bingo is coming to Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre hosted by two foxy morons: Prada Clutch & Conchita Grande. Play to WIN $1,000 cash & proizes. Enjoy 5-rounds of bingo plus live Kath & Kim shows. Dress as your favourite Kath & Kim character for your chance to win our best dressed proize. Doors open 7:00 pm for an 8:00 pm show. It’s noice, it’s different, it’s bingo!

MECC

Saturday 18 February

Mackay Officiating Induction Day

Saturday, 8:00am to 11:00am

Mackay & District Rugby League Referees Induction Day. Meet the MDRLRA Officiating Committee with special guest QRL - Queensland Rugby League Referees. Message Mackay & District Rugby League Referees on Facebook for more information.

Mackay Junior Rugby League

Exhibition Floor Talk – Davida Allen talks about her work and latest exhibition

Saturday, 10:30am

Davida Allen will be at Artspace Mackay for the launch of her latest exhibition Colourful Expressions, on show in the main gallery at Artspace Mackay. Allen’s colourful, expressionist paintings have documented her everyday experiences, for over 40 years. In this major exhibition of work from northern regional gallery collections and the artists’ archive, her joyful interrogation of daily life as artist, mother and grandmother is seen. Drawing on the artist’s connection to Southeast and Central Queensland, Allen’s paintings are honest expressions of everyday life.

Artspace Mackay

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

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

Mackay Showgrounds

Rebel Rebel – The Bowie Anthology

Saturday, 7:30pm to 10:00pm

Rebel Rebel - The Bowie Anthology is a captivating live concert recreating the iconic sound of David Bowie. This live rock performance set in a rockumentary format tells the story of David Bowie's life and music, from Bowie’s 1969 release "Space Oddity" to his last Album "Blackstar".

MECC

Sunday 19 February

Sunday Live Music – Barbs Wired

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

Steve-O – The Bucket List Tour

Sunday, 7:00pm

Every idea on Steve-O’s Bucket List was so ill-advised, he never expected to go through with any of them. Until it was time to prepare for this tour. Not only are the stunts more ridiculous than what you already know Steve-O for, he did them all, and made a highly XXX-rated, multimedia comedy show out of them. Not for kids, or for the faint of heart.

MECC

Tuesday 21 February

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run craft activities in two sessions, Session 1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Session 2: Anytime from 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 22 February

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 23 February

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

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The Main Gallery of Artspace Mackay is set to showcase one of Queensland’s most successful contemporary painters, Davida Allen.

Opening today (February 17), the exhibition, entitled Davida Allen: Colourful Expressions, has been completely curated by the Artspace Mackay team.

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said Allen received one of Australia’s best-known accolades in 1986 when she won the Archibald Prize.

“In this show some of Allen’s most intimate portraits are displayed, including Josephine, a portrait of the artist’s daughter,” Ms Heathwood said.

“Her signature, highly textural oil paintings are executed using anything and everything – from palette knives, large brushes and fingers, to sticks and other found objects,” she said.

“Tracing a period of almost thirty years, these works highlight Allen’s ongoing affiliation with Central Queensland and career-long refinement of an expressive, abstract and very colourful painting style.”

Mayor Greg Williamson congratulated the Artspace Mackay team on the exhibition, as well as the two other exhibitions opening on Friday, “Deanna Hitti: M is for Madraseh (School)” and “Glen Skien: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll”.

“Artspace Mackay is turning 20 this year, and to celebrate this, the team are focusing heavily on our own collections and are curating a series of celebratory exhibitions,” Mayor Williamson said.

“With Colourful Expressions, our Artspace Mackay curator Lauren Turton has brought together work from northern Queensland regional gallery collections – including our collection – and the artist’s archive to celebrate Allen’s impact as one of this state’s most revered painters,” he said.

“And it’s tremendous that we have Davida herself coming for the opening night and presenting a free artist’s talk on Saturday, February 18, at 10.30am.”

Ms Heathwood said Deanna Hitti: M is for Madraseh (School) was opening in the Foundation Gallery and contained an exciting large-scale installation.

“Hitti invites the viewer into a world gilded by imagery and language – her works are a symbolic response to her experience as a woman of Lebanese-Australia heritage,” Ms Heathwood said.

Glen Skien: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is a series of twelve etchings that proudly forms part of the print folios and artists’ book holdings by Skien in the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

For more information on any of the exhibitions, or to book your spot at the Davida Allen artist’s talk, head to artspacemackay.eventbrite.com.au.

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Davida ALLEN Josephine (detail) 1985, oil on Belgian linen. Image courtesy the artist

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Celebrating Women's Empowerment At Zonta Mackay's International Women's Day Luncheon

Zonta Mackay’s International Women’s Day luncheon fundraiser will once again take place at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this March.

This year’s theme Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future, highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive technologies, and accessible education can play in combating discrimination and the marginalisation of women globally.

The annual luncheon is a time to socialise with attendees enjoying delicious food, raffles, silent auctions and a cash bar. Auctions this year include original artwork by popular Get Smashed Art, and this year’s guest speaker, Karen Jacobsen will entertain the crowd. The original Australian voice of “Siri”, Karen Jacobsen was recently praised by Harry Connick Jr on his national US talk show for her hypnotic vocal abilities. Karen will entertain crowds with stories and songs.

The winner of the Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Award will be announced, and all funds raised will go to local charities in addition to the international projects supported by Zonta International.

Proudly sponsored by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, the Mackay community is encouraged to join Zonta for this annual event celebrating International Women’s Day. Tickets available at themecc.com.au

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An 11-year-old Mackay girl has donated her hair and $1,200 to two charities this week in memory of her grandmother who passed away in December.

Isabella Baretta gifted roughly 40 centimetres of her strawberry-blonde hair to Variety’s Hair with Heart program and $1,200 to The Trudy Crowley Foundation, a local charity with extreme significance to her late grandmother, Diane Bultitude, Kristy Baretta, Isabella’s mother, said her daughter had donated her hair twice before to the charity, and it had always made her nanny “so proud.”

“Isabella was my mother’s only granddaughter out of 11 grandchildren, which meant she was always very, very proud of Isabella; especially of her donating her hair,” Kristy said.

“People would always comment on Isabella’s hair, and when she was six, she decided to donate it to sick children for wigs, and again when she was eight. That was something which meant a lot to nanny.”

This year, after the passing of her nanny, who was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer five years ago and was assisted by the Trudy Crowley Foundation, which helps those suffering from the disease, Isabella decided to donate her hair one last time and raise funds while doing it.

“It makes me happy to know that I’m doing something really special for nanny,” Isabella said.

On Wednesday, Isabella had her hair cut at The Trudy Crowley Foundation’s monthly meetings surrounded by people extremely important to her nanny.

Her mother, Kristy, said it was the least they could do for such an amazing organisation.

“They go above and beyond what you would expect from an organisation,” Kristy said.

“Rosie, the Foundation nurse, came around when mum was discharged from the hospital and brought her a special cake; they would come and visit her all the time. Mackay is extremely lucky to have a service like that.”

Isabella’s impact has not stopped with just her hair donation and the fundraising, she has inspired other Mackay little girls to do the same.

“One of my best friends from gymnastics wants to donate her hair now,” Isabella said.

“I’ve also inspired my friend, Amani, and two other mums reached out to us and their daughters are donating their hair too.”

And Isabella has contributed to something even greater: creating awareness for Ovarian Cancer, the Trudy Crowley Foundation’s biggest message -- her grandmother would be more than proud.

You can donate to The Trudy Crowley Foundation at the link: https://www.trudycrowleyfoundation.com.au/donate-now

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Mackay girl Isabella Baretta donated her hair to charity alongside $1,200 in memory of her grandmother, Diane Bultitude (pictured together)

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The Children's Book Council of Australia have announced dates for the 2023 Children's Book Week, with festivities kicking  off from August 19, 2023.

Make sure to get your costumes ready, with Mackay Regional Council Libraries to announce their Book Week events throughout the year.

Each year since 1945, the Children's Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia with the Book Week celebrations.

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Mackay Regional Council Libraries hold book week events every year, with 2023’s event happening in August. Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council Libraries

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February

13 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

13 Breathing Classes every Monday at Dynamic Health & Fitness

13 Breathing Classes every Monday at EvoPrime Fitness

14 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC

15 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

15 Wednesday Night Trivia at The Met

16 Lovely Day performance at Bowen PCYC

16 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC

16 Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Special Guest Speaker (tickets via WCCC website)

16 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

18 Pink Stumps Day at Bowen Sporting Complex (ticketed event)

21 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am @ Whitsunday Sailing Club

22 Wednesday Night Trivia at The Met

23 Tourism Whitsundays Networking Night at Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat

March

1 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

6 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

7 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am @ Whitsunday Sailing Club

10 Conversations with Spirits (Chantal Miranda) at PEC

11 Ocean Film Festival: World Tour showing at PEC

19 Lior & Domini: Animal In Hiding performing at PEC

21 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am @ Whitsunday Sailing Club

23 Blue Bayou performing at PEC

May

2-3 Mr Stink production at PEC

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The decadent food offering in Airlie Beach has reached a whole new level with the recent opening of Gelatiamo Dolce Patisserie and Gelato store on the Esplanade in the centre of town.

Passers-by will have noticed the vibrant fridge display boasting an array of colourful cakes which beckons in those looking for a sweet treat for morning tea or perhaps a sumptuous dessert to finish off a perfect evening.

A vision of Joe and Deanna Panuccio for many years, the concept began with traditional Gelato made with ingredients sourced directly from Italy.

This soon turned into the new addition of a Patisserie, which was made possible with the creative magic of head pastry chef Andrea Manna.

Meanwhile Joe’s sister, Vanessa, is the backbone behind all of the stunning gelato flavours and products in the store.

Having arrived in Australia one year ago, Andrea is astounded by the opportunities presented to him in a country he has now decided to make his own.

A fortuitous Facebook post saw Andrea and Joe connect over a shared passion for creating exciting desserts and cakes.

“Joe asked me if I wanted to open a pastry shop in Airlie Beach, so I booked a flight!” recalls Andrea.

That was six months ago now, and the pair have not looked back.

Initially introducing a small display fridge and extended dessert menu at his nearby restaurant, Paradiso, Joe quickly saw the demand and was thrilled to refit and re-brand his gelato shop to create Gelatiamo Dolce Patisserie and Gelato late last year.

Originally from northern Italy, Andrea grew up in his parent's restaurant, a business his family owned for over 50 years.

After working at the restaurant for five years he knew that “pastry was my life” and moved to Padua where he studied the craft at Hangar 78.

“I learnt all the skills from so many chefs from all over the world,” said Andrea.

“And now I am bringing them here to Airlie Beach.”

So far, Andrea has introduced the popular Cannoli which is made with puff pastry and house-made own custard, the signature Hazelnut and Chocolate Dome, the Lemon Meringue Pie made with tangy lemon curd, a New York Style Cheesecake with fresh strawberries and, most recently the stylish Mille Feuille.

Every pastry, sauce, cream, ganache and decoration is made from scratch and with love in the dedicated pastry kitchen.

Each individual cake in the display fridge is a treat for the senses - they are exciting masterpieces to behold, fashioned with intricate craftsmanship, and backed up by taste - giving every customer a sensational experience, they will always remember.

Gelatiamo Dolce Patisserie and Gelato are also introducing a selection of pre-order birthday cakes based on a traditional French recipe which involves layers, mousse, and texture.

“They are very fresh and very summery, more like a mousse cake instead of a sponge,” explained Andrea.

“There are lots of layers with different flavours like vanilla and raspberry or pistachio and passionfruit – different textures like a crunch or a mousse – they are so good and my favourite to make.”

Gelatiamo Dolce also have plans to launch a wedding cake selection soon, as well as the exciting news of branching out and opening a new store in Townsville.

Whether you are looking for a refined morning tea, a sweet treat takeaway or a classy dessert bar, Gelatiamo Dolce Patisserie and Gelato is Airlie’s brand-new offering that is setting a new benchmark in the industry.

Caption: Andrea Manna, Head Pastry Chef at Gelatiamo Dolce Patisserie and Gelato in Airlie Beach. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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