Image:  Mercy College Eisteddfod winners Lily Wardrop, Zoe Wardrop and Kayli Vormister with St Patrick’s/Mercy College principal and Mackay Eisteddfod Association President Janelle Agius

Mercy College students achieved a wave of success across all platforms at this year’s 75th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod.

The performing arts students claimed multiple ribbons in the Dance, Music, Speech and Drama categories – earning high praise from experienced judges as well as Mercy/St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius, who is the widely respected President of the Mackay Eisteddfod Association.

Talented 15-year-old dancer and vocalist Sophie Reilly received the Mackay Discount Drug Store $200 Bursary for the Most Promising Performer 18 Years & Under in the Eisteddfod’s Vocal Section.

Sophie capped a memorable Eisteddfod by also winning the 14 Years Girls Vocal Solo as well as the 13- & 14-Years Song and Dance Solo categories.

She was the winner of Miss GTB Entertainment at this year’s Get the Beat Competition in Mackay; attended the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge and was a finalist in the Musical Theatre Scholarships.

At the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition held recently in Brisbane, Sophie was part of the Mercy/St Patrick’s College team that were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also brought home the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy.

Year 10 dancer KAYLI VORMISTER picked up the 13-14yrs Lucy Bishop Encouragement Award after impressive performances in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and duo.

She featured in ten solos,  finished runner up in Jazz and Duo and a Highly Commended in lyrical.

Kayli has performed at local Eisteddfods since 2013 when aged six and is a promising student of Demi Reck at Dance Avenue.

EVA BISHOP won Most Outstanding Jazz Solo in 11yrs and under plus the Jazz Modern Aggregate for 11-12yrs.

She competed in 14 solos in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical and Championship Jazz and won the Ballet and Jazz solos, Waltz Tap, Speed Tap, Dance Improvisations and Demi Character.

Year 7 student Eva has honed her skills at the Leisa Payne School of Dance in Mackay since the age of 4.

Siblings ZOE WARDROP, 14 and LILY WARDROP, 15 turned in classic performances and brought home a swag of awards in Contemporary, jazz, ballet, National and Championship.

Zoe won the Jazz Modern Aggregate Award as well as Contemporary and Jazz sections and impressed in the Teams events.

Lily won the Mary Haughton Memorial Trophy for 15yrs-18yrs Impromptu Story Telling and achieved top two placings in Lyrical, Drama, Characterisation, Mime, Shakespeare,Verse, Verse by Australian and Prose Reading.

She also received the Venebles Trudgion Encouragement Award.

MACKENZIE WOTHERSPOON impressed in solo Dance – tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and won the Modern Championship and collected four top places in jazz solo, lyrical solo, tap and ballet improvisation.

She also gained second place in speed tap and five thirds in Waltz tap, Classic Tap, Ballet solo, tap solo and jazz.

MYAH ROKIC won the Joyce Caldwell Memorial Perpetual Trophy with top performances in the 12-14ys Piano and Forte.

Talented Irish Dancer AVA PEARL continued her superb achievements at competition level with brilliant displays at this year’s Eisteddfod.

Ava – who has danced since she was aged 4 – has joined a new dance school and is currently performing with International Dance Affair.

Despite having to learn all new dances this year and considering she had a six-month restyling ban from competition, Ava has risen to the challenge.

Her team have been super proud of her resilience and placings this year with superb results at the NQ Premierships, IDA Feis and Eisteddfod.

ADYSON BAYLISS shone in the Piano category – finishing second in the 13yrs Modern and third in the 14yrs Modern.

By Chris Karas

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Image 1: Artist Emma Pattemore showing exhibition visitors her work. Photo Credit: Crossroad Arts

Image 2: Artist Sue Nami with their work. Photo Credit: Crossroad Arts

Image 3: Cynthia Gregg and Exhibition Visitors. Photo Credit: Alison Richardson

Crossroad Arts has again thrown open their doors to the community with their walls adorned by the art of a number of talented local artists.

Artists including Emma Pattermore, Cynthia Gregg, Hahn Izard, Sue Nami, Bonnie Keam, Jewels Ibby, and Carly Lange are displaying their works at the Street View Gallery which opened on November 21 and will welcome visitors through to December 12.

The exhibit is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm at 55 Wood Street, Mackay.

The Street View Gallery addresses a gap in the Mackay artist community for emerging artists and those living with disability to exhibit their work.

Artists with mental health conditions, neurodivergence and those who identify as First Nations or LGBTIQA+ were also encouraged to apply to the three exhibitions across the year.

Artist Emma Patterson describes what an opportunity like the Street View Gallery means to her as an emerging artist.

“I would say the main thing I have been wanting is to be more involved in the art community and having the experience of exhibiting,” Emma said.

“I have never exhibited my recent work before.”

If people are unable to attend the gallery during business hours, they can enjoy the works projected on the Crossroad Arts Window Gallery each weekday evening.

The front windows of 55 Wood Street come alive at night with projections of the artists’ works from 5pm for the duration of the exhibit.

A special free event will be held to coincide with the City Heart Fridays event program tonight with the exhibit open 4:30 - 7:30pm with wine and nibbles.

WHAT: Street View Gallery City Heart Fridays Event

WHERE: 55 Wood Street, Mackay

WHEN: Friday, December 2 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm

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presents

The Power of Dance

Leisa Payne School of Dance features the cream of Mackay dance talent in a non-stop variety of Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Cabaret.

Be entertained by performers ranging from 2 years to pre professional.

For only one show, these spectacular dancers and routines are sure to entertain everyone!

Saturday 3 December, 2pm

MECC

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Image: The Bidyiri Woorwaya cultural precinct at CQUniversity Mackay will include an Indigenous mural thanks to the latest round of RADF grant funding

Bidyiri Woorwaya means “to dream big” in the YUWI language.

It’s fitting that this is the name given to the cultural gardens and yarning circle at CQUniversity's Mackay Ooralea Campus.  

To dream big is also set to be the theme of a wall mural at the site thanks to $8000 in funding approved in the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) round one of grants.

RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann said the grant would be used to source and employ a local Indigenous artist to complete the mural, who was also ideally a Traditional Owner.

“The committee was very supportive of the theme of the mural and hoped it would inspire students, staff and the community ‘to dream big’ and achieve their dreams,” Cr Mann said.

“The committee was also very pleased to see the collaboration with YUWI to ensure this site complimented and respected the culture of our region,” she said.

The applicant, Mellisa Taggart, CQUniversity’s Indigenous student wellbeing project officer, said research showed that establishing culturally appropriate spaces and places to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students had wide ranging benefits.

She said it helped them to feel welcome and encouraged them to participate in tertiary education and achieve positive outcomes.

“Our vision is to develop cultural safe spaces at each campus to welcome, engage, support and promote the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous students and staff,” Ms Taggart said.

Also receiving funding to the tune of $3211 was a project by Shelley Engwirda that looks at how the "ordinary", everyday experiences of women are recorded so that their contributions to society can be recognised, valued and not forgotten.

Also funded in this RADF round were:

• Nature Clay and the Things Inbetween by Fiona Flohr - $4320 to allow two interregional artists to investigate and explore ideas for new artworks to be exhibited in June 2023

• Georgina Baira EP Debut - $5500 for the recording of a five track EP, with release and management to streaming services, artist development and a launch event in Mackay

• Mackay Art Society 2023 Workshop Program - $5900 to deliver Artist Development Workshops across a variety of mediums to both society members and artists from the local community.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration, the Queensland Government will provide $2.13 million for RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 local councils, who will contribute a co-investment amount of over $1.9 million

“Established in 1991, RADF is a long-standing success story between the Queensland Government and regional councils, enabling local artists and arts workers to tell their rich and unique stories, boosting regional employment opportunities and other positive economic outcomes,” Minister Enoch said.  

“For 31 years RADF has provided a legacy of creating new art and cultural experiences for Queensland audiences and communities, and a platform for professional development and growth across the regional arts sector,” she said.

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Image 1: Emersen Lamb’s evening wear for the Miss Diamond Finals in Brisbane

Image 2: Emersen won Miss Junior Teen Diamond International 2022 and five other awards. Photos supplied

Miss and Mr Diamond is more than just a beauty pageant.

It’s a program for men and women across the world from different walks of life, celebrating inclusivity and diversity and giving contestants the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for any charity of their choice.

Emersen Lamb came across the program last December, entered and, almost 12 months later, was crowned Miss Junior Teen Diamond International 2022.

“Looking back, I’m so glad I did,” Emersen said.

“Miss Diamond has changed my life and opened my eyes to a whole new world.

“I want to empower girls around the world to take action and chase their dreams.

“Confidence is your best accessory.”

Emersen travelled to Brisbane for the Miss Diamond finals held from November 18 to 20, participating in a boot camp, boat party, picnic in the park, photoshoot, gala dinner and the big night on Sunday night where she was crowned Miss Junior Teen Diamond International.

She was also awarded five other awards including Miss Diamond Social Media Queen, Pageant Planet People’s Choice Award Winner, Miss Diamond Runway Queen, Miss Diamond Congeniality and Miss Diamond Charity Queen.

While Emersen’s campaign was a fruitful one, she says the experience and the friendships she made were the ultimate incentive.

“I made so many new friendships that I will forever hold close to my heart,” she said.

“It was just one big family, it felt like you’d known everyone forever because everyone’s just so nice there.

“My experience at Miss Diamond is unforgettable, it has changed my life.”

Throughout Emersen’s campaign, she advocated for her chosen charity Broken Ballerina Inc., raising $2,000 for the charity that assists and supports victims of domestic violence.

“Broken Ballerina is an amazing charity,” said Emersen.

“They give back to people who are going through hard times in their life.

“I’ve met Jules (Thompson, Founder) and I’ve seen how many amazing things she does.

“She goes and supports them in court, she gives them money to buy groceries, she helps out the families, and I’m so happy that I chose to advocate for this charity.”

Emersen will hold the title of Miss Junior Teen Diamond International for the next 12 months before returning next year to crown the new winner.

“While in my reign, I will continuously advocate for my charity,” she said.

“It’s pretty much doing the same thing as you were as a finalist but now, I’m a titleholder so it’s a bit more special.”

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Mercy College student Alyssa Battaia and St Patrick's graduating dancer Lucy Crust will perform in the Centre Stage Dance Concert on December 5-6 at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

St Patrick’s and Mercy College Mackay students feature prominently in Centre Stage Dance Company’s upcoming That's Entertainment 2022 Concert next Monday December 5 and Tuesday December 6 at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) starting at 6pm.      

Eight seniors, who have developed their dancing at Centre Stage under the tutelage of experienced dance teacher Cassie Craig since they were 2-3 years of age, will be graduating this year.

These include current St Patrick’s College Girls Captain Sophie Novosel and students Lucy Crust, Amber Roscher and Ella Newman.

That’s Entertainment 2022 includes young dancers from 2-18 years of age with first half of the concert showcasing a pantomime based on a family favourite, Peter Pan.  

Come fly through Neverland and meet the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians, Pirates and many more characters as Peter shows Wendy what it's like to never grow up!  

Second half features a smorgasbord of dance routines in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Cabaret and Showgirl.

This show is for all ages and is only group routines with no solos.

Tickets $48 adults, $35 concession or $24.50 children under 12. Enquiries (07) 4961 9777.

By Chris Karas

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With December literally upon us and Christmas around the corner, a quick reflection on an amazing and unprecedented 12 months.

This time last year, we were frantically completing vaccinations, struggling to comply with and arguing about government mandates and borders were on the brink of opening up with normality almost within grasp. Since that time, we have been swamped by some of the best business conditions ever experienced locally.

Despite rampant COVID numbers in the first quarter, every sector experienced unprecedented and sustained growth with tourism flourishing on all fronts, building and real estate sales booming and all service and retail sectors travelling well, hampered only by staffing and accommodation issues.

We have had changes of government federally including our local federal member, a new mayor and now a December election for a new Division 2 councillor.

The chamber hosted a meet the candidates forum on Monday evening giving the business and general community a chance to meet and chat to the four candidates. After opening addresses and answering a series of pre-submitted questions, it was clear that we have some extremely passionate and well-intentioned candidates.

Interesting, without going into specifics, all candidates had quite similar views on most of the hot topics in both Division 2 and the region more broadly. It is safe to say that the candidate’s position aligned fairly closely with the preferences of broader community meaning the residents and businesses in Division 2 will be well.

The choice for voters comes down not so much to policies, but who they feel has the experience, time and drive to be an effective councillor. The chamber thanks the candidates for their time on Monday and wishes them all good luck on Saturday. We are grateful to have the option to pick from some quality candidates.

From Allan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.

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A series of information sessions were held in Cannonvale and Bowen this week in an effort to give individuals working in the beauty industry the knowledge and resources to best deal with disclosures of domestic or sexual violence.

Owner of The Beauty Room Airlie Beach, Charlotte Greenwood, attended a session and said that she understands how important it is to know how to respond.

“When you find your ‘beauty person’ you tend to go to the same one every time and this creates friendship and trust,” she said.

“You end up knowing everything about them and people feel comfortable to disclose.

“Although I haven’t had a serious disclosure yet, I came here today to find out about the signs to look for and how to respond.”

The two-hour information sessions were held by Whitsunday Counselling and Support (WCS) who actively work within the community to provide services such as the Women’s Refuge.

“This project is just brilliant,” said Poppy Annear, Women’s Refuge Coordinator.

“Often it’s the final step that’s the hardest and encouraging them to make the final move.”

During the information sessions attendees were given tools to best respond to disclosures and advised on how to emotionally process hearing about the trauma.

They also received resources for their business detailing referral pathways.

Amanda Jensen from WCS facilitated the sessions and says she is happy to come to any salon or beauty parlour in the Whitsundays to give the same free talk to anyone who is interested in upskilling their team to handle disclosures.

Poppy Annear, Women’s Refuge Coordinator, with owner of The Beauty Room Airlie Beach, Charlotte Greenwood and Whitsunday Counselling and Support Manager, Amanda Jensen. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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It’s time: Let’s Go Crazy! Because one of Australia’s biggest R&B artists, with a career spanning three decades, is bringing his dedication to The Artist (Formerly Known as Prince) to the Airlie Beach Hotel in December.

Andrew De Silva, the famed R&B and Rock singer who exploded onto the scene in the ‘90s as the leading member of CBD (famous for their platinum award winning cover of ‘Let’s Groove’, amongst other hits) and returned to the limelight as winner of 2012’s Australia’s Got Talent, is making his way to ‘The Pub’ for two shows next weekend.

On Saturday, December 10, Andrew will take to the stage in a heartfelt tribute to the music of one of the 21st Century’s greatest musicians and icons, Prince.

Get on your Raspberry Berets and head to locals’ favourite local and see De Silva, a multi-platinum, ARIA award winner, join forces with Australia’s leading musicians to take audiences on a funk-filled, electrifying musical journey through the life of Prince.

To say that Andrew is a musician who has “done it all” is an understatement. His storied career at the top of the Australian music world saw him receive countless vocal comparisons to Prince and led to him putting together his band Purple Revolution – a tribute to the diminutive star which has been pegged as “One of the best going around” and like “Born again Prince”.

From stadiums to theatre shows and solo acoustic sessions, Andrew has proven time and again that he is a seasoned performer that simply entices the crowd with his voice and musicianship.

Andrew’s Prince Show promises to bring you the songs, entertainment, the energy, and the individuality that is His Royal Badness. It’s the entire experience of Prince’s discography: From his albums I Wanna Be Your Lover to Diamonds and Pearls and Purple Rain. Every song from Around the World in a Day, Paisley Park, and Kiss – there’s no stone Andrew won’t uncover in this free, two-hour show.

And that’s just half of what Andrew is offering in his two-day extravaganza. From Saturday’s Prince performance, he’ll return, transforming from the iconic artist back to himself on Sunday to play his own repertoire of famous tunes.

He’s a true artist, always evolving, and is proving that his sound and style is still on the pulse. Don’t miss him performing his back catalogue as well as his latest single What’s Up What’s Down.

Catching Andrew with his band or as a solo artist is pure world class entertainment. The R&B and Soul specialist is versatile, able to win over any audience, and will never disappoint.

Don’t miss Andrew De Silva when he arrives at The Pub for a Saturday afternoon show as Prince, and when he returns as himself on Sunday at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

WHAT: Andrew De Silva’s ‘Dedication To Prince’ and ‘Andrew De Silva & Band’

WHEN: 2.00pm to 5.30pm on both Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Andrew De Silva is bringing Prince to The Pub with his Dedication to The Artist in December

De Silva will be making two performances over two days at The Airlie Beach Hotel, one as himself and one as Prince

Andrew has a long career in the Australian Music scene, most famously as a member of CBD

When Black Panther arrived in theatres in 2018, black audiences felt they had been given their mainstream cinema voice. Marvel, at the height of its powers, had given their culture the platform it deserved.

There had been arthouse films before it, like 2016’s Moonlight, or more mainstream ventures like Jordan Peele’s Get Out, and audiences were experiencing a renaissance for black cinema – particularly the American kind. But Black Panther was the one that picked up the ball, and Marvel had a touchdown. A huge commercial and critical success and following it up was always going to be a challenge.

What doubled the difficulty of the task was the death of Black Panther’s star, Chadwick Boseman.

Ryan Coogler, who returns to direct Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is hyper aware of this. He has a balancing act that now demands several things: The action needs to be exceptional, the stakes higher, the culture vibrant, and it needs to be a poignant tribute. But, of course, if that weren’t difficult enough, Coogler is tasked with maintaining the tired Marvel demand that all things must serve The Franchise.

The Franchise demands toy sales, it demands comic sales, it demands more box-office, more tie-ins, more sequels. And so, here we are, two years removed from Boseman’s death with a sequel that, yes, audiences asked for. But was it in this circumstance?

I don’t think any director would envy him for the tearing pain the directions his studio, his actors, and his conscience were tugging him in throughout production.

How does Black Panther: Wakanda Forever fair, though? Its performances are its beating heart; its actors are grieving and the moments where Boseman is remembered are its most remarkable and touching. That heart is surrounded by a standard Marvel film body. One that is serviceable but could have been much more had Coogler been free of commercial constraints. Grief overshadows this superhero sequel.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-13) is showing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, December 3.

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is serviceable Marvel cinema with a strong, sombre story at its core

Visiting 20 different venues up and down the East Coast, the Festival of Small Halls brings some of the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists from as far afield as Prince Edward Island, Canada, and as close as Byron Bay, to the McKenna Hall in Bowen this Wednesday night.

A celebration of soulful sounds and great company, this rich and vibrant touring festival sees halls of every shape and size flung open for an event which is dedicated to bringing quality music to regional communities.

For the for the past 30 years, music lovers have been enjoying The Festival of Small Halls, an opportunity for everyone to gather for an evening of music, cakes, tea and neighbours.

Having departed Mount Mee on November 16, the tour featured at the Queenscliff Music Festival before its stop in Bowen and will travel on to conclude at the Woodford Folk Festival on January 1.

Bowen will be its northernmost venue.

Famous for their larger-than-life music festivals, Woodfordia Inc. are the creators of the event which always features at least one Australian act and a touring international band.

This year they present Byron Bay-based folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham, whose repertoire has progressed alongside her life experience.

Growing from her American/folk roots into alternative pop with fierce storytelling and rich

soaring vocals, Sam’s live show combines vocal looping with guitar into a dynamic and intimate performance.

"To be back touring again after two years of stops, starts and a lot of waiting has felt magical,” said Sam.

“To then be invited to work with legendary Small Halls tour feels like a dream. I've seen my friends play these shows, and heard them rave about the beautiful shows, the incredible team, and the lovely people they meet along the way. I'm honoured to become a part of this nationwide family."

A young trad-folk trio, Inn Echo, from Prince Edward Island in Canada are also featuring.

Blending hundred-year-old traditional tunes with contemporary arrangements and originals that have been enchanting audiences across the Pacific, their music is captivating and beautifully crafted.

Each member hails from a different town and they each blend their individual experiences into this project.

“We are beyond excited to bring our music to Australia for the first time as part of the Festival of Small Halls!” said the group.

WHAT: Festival of Small Halls

WHEN: Wednesday, December 7

WHERE: McKenna Hall Bowen

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Byron Bay based folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham

Trad-folk trio, Inn Echo, from Prince Edward Island in Canada

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Qui Nguyen coats his animated feature with world-building, transforming what is ostensibly a standard narrative into an exceptionally poignant, visually gorgeous, and thoroughly jubilant tale in a vibrant world. The writer-director has crafted a heartfelt and humorous ode to classic, pulp action-adventure comics of old with his 2022 animated film Strange World.

In terms of script, there is the old familiar framework: An emotional tale of an estranged father and son, and the legacy and expectation our previous generations can leave behind. It borrows heavily from classical works like Jules Verne’s ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’, as well as Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, but there is a complexity, comedic, and contemporary feel that elevates Strange World from its pulpy premise.

We follow Jake Gyllenhaal’s Searcher Clade, the son of legendary explorer Jaeger. Gyllenhaal is our audience vehicle – an everyman character – but his complexity comes from his relationship with his father, played with roguish charm by Dennis Quaid. Jaeger disappeared on an unchartered adventure in year’s past, and now Searcher is heading on a similar trip, torn from his normal home-life by a sense of generational duty. He takes with him Ethan, his son played in earnest and humorous manner by Jaboukie Young-White, who definitively steals the show. When Jaeger, believed to be dead, is found living as a Crusoe-esque figure in a manic, goopy world of alien lifeforms, generations collide and are forced to reconcile with emotional trauma.

A film of stunning beauty – pushing the envelope on animations malleable form – Strange World is at its core an age-old message that is a more than welcome revival. Charming and disarming, the film is a triumph and the best animated feature of the year with a heart of gold.

Strange World opens tonight at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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Strange World is a visually gorgeous animated feature with a message of bettering our world

When Tia Gostelow visited Times Square for the first time earlier this year, she never imagined her face would be displayed across the towering electronic billboards mere months later.

The indie-pop darling, who started her music career in Mackay, was spotted on the iconic big screens of New York City over the weekend after being selected in YouTube’s Black Voices Class of 2023.

The US$100 million multi-year initiative was introduced by YouTube Music in 2020 to provide emerging Black creatives with resources needed to maximise their success on the platform.

Only 40 musicians were selected in the class of 2023 and only three from Australia: A.B. Original, BLESSED and Tia.

“You never really think you’ll get into things like this, so it was pretty unreal to be selected,” said Tia.

“Being able to work directly with YouTube and learn all of their tips straight from the source is probably the most exciting part.

“We also get to do co-writing, so being able to write with people from the States and people I probably wouldn’t have been able to meet or do a session with, that’s also an extremely exciting part of it.”

Tia’s face appeared on the New York City billboard as part of the initiative and will also appear on billboards in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and Nashville.

“It was insane,” she said.

“After going there, and then actually seeing my face up on the billboard in that photo, I could realise how big of a deal it actually is.

“It’s something that I never thought my face would be on, to be honest.”

Tia posted a photo of the billboard on her social media and received supportive messages from far and wide.

“The reaction from everyone, especially people in Mackay, people that have supported me for so long, it was really overwhelming,” she said.

“Just seeing how far it spread and all the people that were messaging me and responding, it was just a great feeling.”

Tia says the selection comes at a great time, as she has recently finished recording her third album and looks forward to utilising the platform in the album’s release.

“I’m about to release a single as well, so being able to get these one-on-one sessions with someone from YouTube, showing me how to market everything properly and make the most out of releases, it’s just a really exciting part,” she said.

“The end half of this year has been really productive compared to the last three years, so it feels like things are starting to move and releases are coming, so I’m really excited for what next year holds.”

‘Say It To My Face’, the first single from Tia Gostelow’s third album, will be out on Thursday December 1.

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With the PBR Australia 2022 season finale happening this weekend, a couple of Mackay locals will once again take centre stage at the toughest sport on dirt.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson and Jason Dittmann are two of Mackay and the Whitsundays most famous names in bull riding and will be joining the 22 riders in the arena at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Mr Dittmann is the man behind the powerhouse operation, Dittmann Bucking Bulls, which has dominated the PBR arena with a strong stable of bucking bulls.

“It’s been a solid season and we’re lucky to have a handful of young bulls coming through that have been on the tour for a couple of years and are really starting to hit their straps,” Mr Dittmann said.

Mr Dittmann is set to take a sweep of awards at the Grand Finals in Townsville next week with Bull of the Year, Contractor of the Year and Highest Earning Bull seemingly already stitched up by the Bloomsbury local.

“We are really excited to hit Townsville for the Grand Finals,” he said.

“It’s one of our favourite events of the year.

“We have had some unforgettable memories in that arena so hopefully all the boys do their job.”

As one of the sport’s most decorated Protection Athletes, Mr Simpson returned to the PBR arena in 2021 after an eight-year hiatus.

In 2022, he played a pivotal role protecting the human athletes from the bovine athletes at 10 different events and looks forward to returning to Townsville for the Grand Finals.

“I just love what I do,” Mr Simpson said.

“Being in there, fighting bulls with great blokes makes the job so much easier.

“I also love the physical challenges of the sport.

“I think the finals this year are going to be off tap with a lot of energy and great bull rides.”

With a career spanning three decades, Mr Simpson remained coy about whether he will be making a return in 2023.

“It might be the last time you see me… but I’m not 100 percent on that yet,” he laughs.

Mr Dittmann and “Maddog” will take to the ring at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals this weekend, November 25 and 26, at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

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The Valley Spinners and Craft Group held its Christmas function recently at the Railway Hotel in Marian.

The special day was made more personal with members exchanging hand-made craft gifts.

The group has been a local favourite for sharing craft techniques for more than four decades. In 2024 it will celebrate its 45th year. Members meet on the first Monday and the third Saturday of each month.

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