The third annual Whitsundays Arts Festival is fast approaching and creatives from across the region are putting the final touches on their entries to this years’ art prize which has a pool of over $11,000 up for grabs.

The Whitsundays Art Prize Exhibition opened in April and is due to close on Monday, August 1 and organisers are asking last-minute entrants to get in quick before submissions end.

This year’s theme is ‘Memories’ and is open to artists working with any 2D or 3D mediums aside from photography.

The art prize winners will be decided by guest judge Tracy Cooper-Lavery who is the Director, Gallery and Visual Arts at Home of the Arts Gold Coast (HOTA).

The major prize-winning artwork will be acquired into the Whitsundays Regional Council Art Collection and selected finalists will be exhibited at the Elbow Room at Coral Sea Marina for a week after judging.

Categories include Local Artist Award, 2D Works On Paper, 2D Painting, 3D Sculpture, Young Artist and People’s Choice.

Winners will be announced on Friday, September 23 and the Art Exhibition will be held at Coral Sea Resort until Friday, September 30.

This year, the festival is also opening up a competition to children - the 'Junior Whitsundays Art Exhibition,' is an opportunity for the budding artists, talented tots and creative kids aged 5-15 years to show-off their work.

There are prizes up to $200 so this is an unmissable chance to develop your child’s passion for creating.

To enter, simply head to whitsundayartsfestival.org.

What’s Happening This Year?

Handmade Markets

A popular favourite at the festival, these lively open-air markets held at Fairy Tree Park on the Airlie Beach Foreshore are vibrant affair with live music, colourful artwork and giftware. There is also an opportunity to network with a fascinating bunch of artists, designers and makers. Register on the website if you would like to become a stall holder.

Workshops

Offering an extensive range of workshops hosted by expert creatives, this engaging series of events are an excellent way to develop your skills and engage with others. The professional workshop series will be held from 17-24 September in the workshop space at Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat, and on 24-25 September at the Festival site in Fairy Tree Park.

WHAT: Whitsundays Arts Festival

WHEN: September 17-30

WHERE: Airlie Beach

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Parenting can often be an isolating experience where you feel like you are constantly making mistakes when navigating the sleepless nights, tantrums and mealtime mishaps involved with raising a young child.

Genius Childcare in Cannonvale understand this implicitly which is why they’ve decided to launch a series of community parenting sessions designed to bring parents together in an informal setting to share knowledge and learn tips and tricks from facilitator Jen Frisby-Young.

“It’s all about empowering children without losing your mind!” said Centre Manager, Bec Schultz.

“We are promoting parent self-care and tackling the hot topics like toileting, sleep habits and more.”

Each session will have a different theme and tea, coffee and snacks will create a sociable atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Facilitator Jen Frisby-Young is a qualified neuro-linguistic Programmer who meticulously researches each topic so she can impart as much knowledge as possible.

“I’ve found that there is a large need in the community for connection and support,” said Jen.

“These events are open to everyone in the community – they are a great way to meet-up and form friendships.”

Genius Childcare is an innovative and holistic early years education centre for preschool-aged children offering state-of-art, purpose-built childcare facilities, a diverse and thoughtful curriculum, and passionate, highly skilled educators to lead the way.

The Curriculum is based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and has a strong emphasis on play-based learning, recognising the importance of communication, language, social and emotional development.

Join Jen and Bec at the next parent’s information evening.

WHAT: Community Parenting Session

WHEN: 1st Tuesday of every month – 5pm-6pm

WHERE: Genius Childcare in Cannonvale

Centre Manager Bec Schultz and Facilitator Jen Frisby-Young are here to support and connect with local parents

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Friday 24 June

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and does a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Morning Melodies 2022 – Paul Ettore Tabone sings Golden Days

Friday, 11:00am

Aussie West End Star, direct from Her Majesty's Theatre in London's glittering West End, Queensland singer, Tenor Paul Ettore Tabone returns home for a regional Queensland tour in Golden Days - Songs from the Movies & Musicals. Golden Days is a musical journey of the best songs from movies to musicals throughout the decades. You can expect a variety of songs from the ‘Golden Age’ of music, incorporating singers such as Mario Lanza and Perry Como and songs from Disney all the way to Enio Morricone. This show has it all and will certainly be a wonderful trip down memory lane.

MECC

Friday SUN.sets – Noah Cookson

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 25 June

Clothes Swap

Saturday, 9:00am to 1:30pm

Drop five clean adult clothing items off between 11am and 5.30pm on Friday, June 24 and receive up to five swap tokens in return. Make a booking and bring your tokens Saturday, June 25, to browse the racks and leave with something new to spice up your closet. This event supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and Production.

Gordon White Library

Collage, Stamp and Draw

Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10, Tuesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm

A free school holiday activity is starting this weekend involving the art of mixed media. Inspired by the art and exhibition ‘Looking for Paradise’ by New South Wales artist, Nathalie Hartog-Gautier, this activity gives visitors of all ages and abilities an opportunity to combine collage, drawing and letter stamping techniques by adding to a wonderful collaborative paper wall in our Artspace workshop room. Parental supervision for children is essential. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, no bookings necessary.

Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay

June Photo Walkabout - Photography in the afternoon light

Saturday, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens’ June Photography Walkabout will start with a discussion about what settings you will need on your cameras to adjust with afternoon light that will disappear as the sun sets and some help to set your camera up. The Botanic Gardens can have some spectacular sunsets. Phone 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

HOLLYWOOD

Saturday, 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Mackay Choral Society Inc. performs a selection of iconic songs from the Hollywood stage and screen. Get your tickets here: trybooking.com/BXUAW or call 0422 264 397.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Steel/Sky presents Systematic Machine @ Hotel Mackay with Friends

Saturday, 7:30pm

Get down to Hotel Mackay on June 25th for yet another night of the best in local heavy, grungy, punk sounds. Featuring Systematic Machine, Vipersnatch, Subservia and Viper Syndicate. FREE entry at the door. Music starts at 8pm, doors close @ midnight.

Hotel Mackay

Sunday 26 June

Sunday Live Music – Michael Scriha

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

Monday 27 June

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1, Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8, 9:30am to 4:30pm daily

Come and find Tibbles and decode his latest message! This is a free self-guided activity, suitable for kids aged 3-12 years. Pick up an activity sheet from the activities table on the deck in the Tropical Shade Garden.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tuesday 28 June

World Café

Tuesday, 3:00pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Wednesday 29 June

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

Thursday 30 June

Festival Hub

Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2, Thursday, July 7 to Friday, July 8, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licensed bar, take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Park your car in Brisbane Street and enter the Bluewater Quay, grab a bite to eat, a drink and relax in front of the stage for a night of free entertainment.

Bluewater Quay

Gin Appreciation Evening

Thursday, 6:30pm

If gin is your drink of choice this is one event you don't want to miss! The evening will feature 5 gin tastings with a 3-course menu designed by The Dispensary head chef, Alex.

The Dispensary Mackay

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Mercy College celebrated NAIDOC Week early last week, with celebrations commemorating the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week celebrations began on Monday with Mercy College staff enjoying a NAIDOC High Tea.

Year 10 students who prepared and served traditional inspired foods and tea to the staff.

On Tuesday, Mercy College continued celebrations with staff and students tasting traditional food such as crocodile and kangaroo.

Wednesday saw staff and students take the oval and face off in a game of touch football.

Mercy Indigenous students took on staff in what was a close and exciting game.

The score was 4-4 at full time with the students claiming the win having scored the first try.

Mercy College celebrated NAIDOC Week with traditional food and a game of touch football last week. Photos supplied

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There’s plenty happening at the Senior Citizens Centre weekly, with the Mackay & District Senior Citizens’ Association hosting bowls, cards and dancing every week.

Bowls and cards are held every Tuesday and Thursday.

Doors open at 8.30a.m for a 9.00am start and finishes at 11am. Morning Tea is served during the morning.

Cards are also played the third Saturday of the month. Doors open at 12.30pm for 1.00p.m start till 4.00 pm.

For enquiries, please phone Betty Phillips 0749563266 (after 6pm).

Every Saturday there is old time/new vogue dancing from 7.30pm – 11pm. Live band, lucky door, lucky spot, raffle, Monte Carlo and light supper are features of this fun evening.

For enquiries, please phone Val Cross 0408075877.

The Senior Citizens Centre is located at 58 Macalister Street, Mackay.

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One of Mackay’s favourite musicians, Tia Gostelow, announced her first hometown festival Sugardrop Festival earlier in the year, aiming to bring a new bevy of musicians to our town.

The crowd gathered at the Harrup Park Garden Bar, with Brisbane-based band Mt. Nadir taking the stage as the Hawks and Swans Senior Women’s AFL sides faced off on Great Barrier Arena to the left.

The setting afternoon sun shone across the stage as the band, featuring two members originating from Mackay, embarked on their debut set in the sugar city.

As a newly formed band with an unreleased repertoire, Mt. Nadir enlightened audiences with a unique sound dipping its toes in punk, emo and indie rock.

Closing with an anthemic rendition of The Killers’ When We Were Young, Mt. Nadir well and truly announced themselves to Mackay and Tia’s first festival was off to a cracking start.

Next to the stage was Amber Farnan hailing from far north Queensland.

This was also Amber’s Mackay debut and she brought a whole band along for the show, resulting in an immersive set of folk-tinged indie pop.

She received recognition from the Queensland Music Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards over the last couple of years and it wasn’t hard to see why.

On the back of releasing two singles this year, Amber’s endearing set was the perfect soundtrack to a setting sun, launching the crowd into their night of entertainment.

As the only interstate band on the line-up, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers took to the stage to a growing and enthusiastic crowd.

The Canberra band had fans on their feet and singing along throughout a set of gritty grunge tunes, featuring a perfectly suited cover of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend.

Giving Mackay a taste of what the rest of Australia will experience on their national tour later this year, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers closed with their huge 2021 hit AHHH!, inciting a huge singalong from the crowd.

Bucking the trend of debuts, Beddy Rays brought their raucousness to Mackay for the third time this year.

It’s no wonder they keep coming back, as Mackay seems to always turn out in force to see their powerful punk riffs live.

There was plenty of energy and headbanging from the crowd and the band alike, particularly when Tia was welcomed to the stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak which is always a highlight.

Closing with their ode to drinking beer with mates in the Queensland sun, Sobercoaster, the Brisbane band once again proved why they’re a Mackay favourite.

Speaking of Mackay favourites, the person behind the whole show was next to the stage to finish it off in style.

This was Tia Gostelow’s first hometown performance in three years and audiences were clearly eager to experience some of their favourites live again.

Her career-spanning set had everyone keen for a boogie and featured favourites Strangers, Two Lovers, Always and a cover of Dua Lipa’s viral earworm Levitating.

Tia would frequently pause and appreciate, assuring the crowd of how much the whole day meant to her.

Tia’s goal of bringing bands to a stage and crowd that they wouldn’t normally get to perform in front of was clear in the lead-up to Sugardrop Festival and she undoubtedly achieved it.

With a unique setting and a diverse line-up teeming with talent, let’s hope Sugardrop Festival returns and becomes a mainstay on the Mackay music calendar.

Tia Gostelow had crowds enthralled at her first festival Sugardrop

Tia joined Beddy Rays on stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought the crowd to their feet

Amber Farnan provided the perfect soundtrack to a classic Mackay sunset

Mt. Nadir kicked things off in the late afternoon sun. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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More than 920 students from 16 high schools travelled from as far afield as Moranbah and Bowen to get a taste of the glitz and glam of Mackay’s Mocktail Dance. It’s a chance for Year 12 students from a variety of schools to mix and mingle, dressed in their best, while raising money for youth services across the region.

With an estimated 1,400 Year 12 students at schools across the Mackay district, that means more than half make the effort to attend the event hosted by The Seniors Club Inc in what has become known as the Year 12 dance of the year. It’s so big, it needs two Plenary Halls at the MECC to host it.

The 2022 event marked Mocktail’s 30th anniversary, and Russell French, Mocktail’s founder, attended to celebrate with the students.

Event Manager Michael McGrath said there were now children of original Mocktailers attending the annual event.

“With 30 years behind us, there are now second generation Mocktailers, the children of past students who attended the Mocktail over the last 30 years.”

L-R: Sinead Kennedy, Lainey Wilson and Ella Tancred made the most of their Mocktail experience with a pre-event photo shoot in the Mackay CBD. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

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Whether you are looking for some historical non-fiction or a little love and romance, some new recipes to bring into the kitchen or some magazines to keep you entertained – the Book Bonanza will have you covered.

There are thousands of books on display and avid readers from across the region are invited to browse for bargains, select a special book and breathe new life into old treasures.

The first Book Bonanza that sold pre-loved books and magazines was held in St Catherine’s Hall over a weekend in 1996, with the aim of raising funds to build the new Museum.

This was achieved in 2001 and the event has since become so popular that it extends over an eight-day period.

These days the Book Bonanza is held on the foyer of the museum at 198 main street.

“The mezzanine floor is groaning with the weight of books,” said Ailsa Reinke from Proserpine Museum.

“The response from a generous public has been better than ever and prices are very reasonable!”

In addition to books and magazines, there will also be puzzles, bric-a-brac, CD’s, records, DVD’s, lots of fabric remnants and plants for sale this year.

There will also be Trash and Treasure stalls and raffle draws during event with all proceeds going back into the local community towards maintenance of the present building and a future extension of the museum.

The Book Bonanza takes place from 9pm to 4pm Saturday, July 2 to Friday, July 8 and from 9am to 12pm on Saturday, July 9.

Customers are asked to bring their own bags and boxes so they can stock-up on some good reads for the year ahead.

WHAT: Book Bonanza

WHEN: July 2-8

WHERE: Proserpine Museum

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The fitness craze that everyone is talking about in Airlie Beach has its official opening day this Saturday and the whole community are invited to come down to F45 Functional Training.

Combining cardio, strength, mobility and agility into a unique 45-minute workout, extending to one hour on Saturdays, with 36 other members in a controlled and supervised setting, F45 is different to any other workout you’ve tried.

Head down to 13 Waterson Way tomorrow morning between 6am and 11am to watch a class in action and meet the team.

Coral Sea Resort resident DJ, Nina Sinclair, will be playing live from 6am to 9.30am and there will be giveaways, with two three-month memberships up for grabs and lucky door prizes worth approximately $1500.

During the event there will also be free supplement sampling so you can discover the tastiest accompaniments to your fitness regime.

“We are celebrating a successful first week as a studio and opening our doors to everyone,” said F45 owner Sonny Ivanovic.

“Come on down and check it out!”

F45 is more than a place to work out, it is a community and a culture, a place to make friends and a place to belong.

The special foundation membership offer, which includes a two week trial, ends on Saturday so make sure you get in quick if you would like to get involved.

WHAT: F45 Official Opening Day

WHEN: 6am – 11am, June 25

WHERE: 13 Waterson Way

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Whitsunday PCYC are hosting a range of exciting school holiday camps over the next few weeks open to those looking to fine-tune their skills as well as those who want to experience a class for the first time.

With its extensive range of gymnastic equipment and its popular ninja course, the Whitsunday PCYC has one of the best facilities in our region.

This is matched with a highly skilled gymnastic team who can offer professional training tips and advice on all levels and abilities.

On Wednesday, July 6, newcomers are invited to a free 60-minute trial in Gymnastics and Ninja so they can experience the course and possibly discover a new passion.

This is an extremely popular event so families are advised they must book ahead.

Throughout the school holidays Under 5’s playtime sessions will continue to run on Wednesday and Friday morning from 9am to 10:45am and community group play for older kids runs on Fridays between 11:45am to 12:45pm.

“The PCYC team can’t wait to welcome both new and old faces to the club for some school holiday fun,” said Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC.

Camps and trials must be pre-booked and paid due to limited spots available please contact the office on 07 4948 1144 or email whitsunday@pcyc.org.au for further information or to book.

Holiday Camps

June 27-30

Gymnastics Monday and Thursday 10am-12pm

Ninja Monday and Thursday 12pm- 2pm

July 4-7

Gymnastics Monday and Thursday 10am-12pm

Ninja Monday and Thursday 12pm- 2pm

Find your inner-gymnast these school holidays

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The first prom of the senior year took place at Coral Sea Resort last Thursday night with 47 Year 12 students from St Catherine’s Catholic College dressing in their finest frocks and smartest suits to mark the culmination of their school career.

With the largest Year 12 cohort in St Cath’s history, this year saw over 100 staff, family and friends gather at the entrance to the resort while 35 cars rolled around the driveway, every student greeted by cheers and applause as they disembarked.

From hot rods to tractors and army jeeps, there were many different modes of transport to view, creating a spectacle that even resort guests enjoyed watching.

Every student made a striking entrance, the girl’s sparkling gowns stealing the show.

St Cath’s hold their prom in June every year so that it can differentiate between the graduation ceremony at the end of the year and allow the students to focus on their end of year exams.

“Having our Formal at this time of the year makes graduation a bigger celebration of our students’ 13 year journey as graduates,” said Principal Luke Thomson.

Family members attended for drinks and canapes on the jetty and mother-son and father-daughter dances in function room.

Afterwards, students and teachers dined together and then danced the night away.

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One of Mackay’s favourite musicians, Tia Gostelow, announced her first hometown festival Sugardrop Festival earlier in the year, aiming to bring a new bevy of musicians to our town.

The crowd gathered at the Harrup Park Garden Bar, with Brisbane-based band Mt. Nadir taking the stage as the Hawks and Swans Senior Women’s AFL sides faced off on Great Barrier Arena to the left.

The setting afternoon sun shone across the stage as the band, featuring two members originating from Mackay, embarked on their debut set in the sugar city.

As a newly formed band with an unreleased repertoire, Mt. Nadir enlightened audiences with a unique sound dipping its toes in punk, emo and indie rock.

Closing with an anthemic rendition of The Killers’ When We Were Young, Mt. Nadir well and truly announced themselves to Mackay and Tia’s first festival was off to a cracking start.

Next to the stage was Amber Farnan hailing from far north Queensland.

This was also Amber’s Mackay debut and she brought a whole band along for the show, resulting in an immersive set of folk-tinged indie pop.

She received recognition from the Queensland Music Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards over the last couple of years and it wasn’t hard to see why.

On the back of releasing two singles this year, Amber’s endearing set was the perfect soundtrack to a setting sun, launching the crowd into their night of entertainment.

As the only interstate band on the line-up, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers took to the stage to a growing and enthusiastic crowd.

The Canberra band had fans on their feet and singing along throughout a set of gritty grunge tunes, featuring a perfectly suited cover of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend.

Giving Mackay a taste of what the rest of Australia will experience on their national tour later this year, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers closed with their huge 2021 hit AHHH!, inciting a huge singalong from the crowd.

Bucking the trend of debuts, Beddy Rays brought their raucousness to Mackay for the third time this year.

It’s no wonder they keep coming back, as Mackay seems to always turn out in force to see their powerful punk riffs live.

There was plenty of energy and headbanging from the crowd and the band alike, particularly when Tia was welcomed to the stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak which is always a highlight.

Closing with their ode to drinking beer with mates in the Queensland sun, Sobercoaster, the Brisbane band once again proved why they’re a Mackay favourite.

Speaking of Mackay favourites, the person behind the whole show was next to the stage to finish it off in style.

This was Tia Gostelow’s first hometown performance in three years and audiences were clearly eager to experience some of their favourites live again.

Her career-spanning set had everyone keen for a boogie and featured favourites Strangers, Two Lovers, Always and a cover of Dua Lipa’s viral earworm Levitating.

Tia would frequently pause and appreciate, assuring the crowd of how much the whole day meant to her.

Tia’s goal of bringing bands to a stage and crowd that they wouldn’t normally get to perform in front of was clear in the lead-up to Sugardrop Festival and she undoubtedly achieved it.

With a unique setting and a diverse line-up teeming with talent, let’s hope Sugardrop Festival returns and becomes a mainstay on the Mackay music calendar.

Tia Gostelow had crowds enthralled at her first festival Sugardrop

Tia joined Beddy Rays on stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought the crowd to their feet

Amber Farnan provided the perfect soundtrack to a classic Mackay sunset

Mt. Nadir kicked things off in the late afternoon sun. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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Stripped back, speaking out, baring it all.

Taking place in the Wonderland Spiegeltent, the Just Saying Project (JSP) and Mackay Regional Council are partnering up to bring BARE to the Mackay Festival of Arts during the last weekend of July.

Topics including sex, body image, pleasure, pain, and female power will all be seen on stage, for two shows – 7.30pm Saturday, July 30 and 2.30pm Sunday, July 31.

This isn’t the first time BARE has hit the stage – the cabaret show debuted in August 2021 with two sold-out shows.

The creatives at the Just Saying Project have since revamped and redesigned the performance to relay the important message to the community, that women don’t have to be quiet.

Founder of the Just Saying Project, Fallon Drewett said that now more than ever, “women are making noise and they have found their power in not staying quiet”.

“BARE brings women together to share their stories – empower, entertain and educate on matters that have left a scar,” said Ms Drewett.

“Revamping BARE’s storyline for its second season has been a thrilling process – this event truly is a show that both women and men enjoy.”

BARE’s co-writer Sammie Mitchell said, “The delivery of this message is performed in a fun, entertaining and engaging way that will make your belly hurt from laughter.”

“We are bringing men and women together to show what the female body can really achieve, by having local performers baring it all on stage - baring their hearts that is,” said Ms Mitchell.

BARE is an 18+ event – tickets are available now at themecc.com.au.

For more information on the Just Saying Project, visit www.thejustsayingproject.com.

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There’s no need to “run to paradise” because Queens Park will be as close as you can get on Saturday, July 16.

One of the most iconic pub rock bands in Australian history will hit the stage in front of more than 20,000 people at the Wisely Wine and Food Day.  

Choirboys are an essential part of our culture having penned one of Australia's unofficial pub rock anthems 'Run To Paradise'.

Choirboys’ frontman Mark Gable said Wisely Wine and Food Day audiences could expect a mix of old and not-so-old songs.

He said the band had been having a lot of fun live streaming sets during Covid times, but nothing beat a festival crowd.

“Being in front of crowds is how it all started, and nothing beats having an ‘artist’ and an audience being as one and that is what we are hoping for at the Wine and Food Day,” he said.

The Choirboys are no strangers to our region, having previously played at the old Paradise Nights nightclub during their chart-topping days.

“We have been to Mackay many times; I think the best time was when Run To Paradise was top of the charts and we did, possibly, our first show after it was a hit in Mackay,” Gable said.

Gable joked that the recently viral Covid-lockdown-inspired cover “Stuck in Paradise” he created with his partner, country music songstress Melinda Schneider, would likely not make an appearance.

“Stuck In Paradise won’t be in the set list, as it really needs Melinda to make it happen, but who knows,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Choirboys with their massive rock anthems – Run To Paradise, Boys Will Be Boys and Never Gonna Die – are the perfect headliners to cap off a stellar Wisely Wine and Food Day line-up.

“The Choirboys are renowned for putting on a great live show and it’s not just the music, it’s the atmosphere and the humorous banter they bring,” Mayor Williamson said.

“And we’ve got some other sensational acts this year that will help to build the atmosphere from ‘chilled and funky’ to ‘high energy rock and roll’ as the sun settles into the afternoon,” he said.

“Bands like Tropical State of Mind and Redtie Band will have the crowd well and truly warmed up for when the Choirboys hit the stage.”

MECC and Events acting manager Jemma Carey encouraged diehard Choirboys fans to make sure they reserved the best seats in the park.

“For the first year we are offering The Oasis, a red-hot ticket to a stress-free tent, complete with private bar and amenities, and a great view of the main stage,” Ms Carey said.

“There will even be delicious food delivered straight to your table, so you can forget lining up for food or leaving someone to hold a space on the grass,” she said.

For those looking for some culture before they rock and roll, Ms Carey said there were Wine and Cheese Masterclasses with the team from Plattered Up and Mini Paint and Sip sessions with art operators Bottletops and Brushes.

Festivals coordinator Sarah Porter said she was really excited by the line-up on the Grassroots Stage this year.

“Grassroots Stage headliners Egoism are an indie pop duo from Sydney’s inner west that are really taking off at the moment,” Ms Porter said.

“And they’ll join a string of folk, indie, soulful and chilled musicians and bands that will appeal to those keen to kick back and relax.

“Wisely Food and Wine Day will have a bit of everything for everyone this year and will certainly be a great day out for the whole family.”

Entry to the Wisely Food and Wine Day is completely free, however, the ticketed areas and classes are selling fast.

To book your spot in The Oasis, at a Plattered Up Wine and Cheese Masterclass or in a Paint and Sip session, head to themecc.com.au/festivals

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Australia’s six-foot something songstress, Prada Clutch will pay tribute to the world’s greatest divas in the show of a lifetime when her sweet show comes to the Sugar City.

Les Divas: An All-Male Revue will storm the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with an all-star drag cast on June 18.

Leading lady Cher - aka Prada Clutch – will take audiences from Mackay on a trip to the Las Vegas strip, along with some of her most famous diva friends.

Showgoers will celebrate alongside acts like Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Diana Ross.

“You can expect nine of the world’s greatest divas being impersonated by three drag queens on the one stage,” Prada said.

“You can’t travel overseas so we’re bringing Las Vegas to you, darlings!”

The all-male revue is a trip down memory lane, with greatest hits including If I Could Turn Back Time, Get the Party Started, Proud Mary, I Will Always Love You, and I’m Coming Out.

“I’ve brought my best girlfriends along for the show: Barbara Streisand, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion & Diana Ross,” Prada said.

“We get to perform our greatest hits with four very sexy male dancers.”

That trip down memory lane for the “old girls” has been spiced up with inclusions of the likes of Beyoncé “for the young folk.”

Les Divas cast of seven perform their choreographed show courtesy of Stephen Clarke’s exceptional handiwork.

Clarke has worked with renowned divas including Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Cyndi Lauper and Diana Ross to name a few.

There’s talent across the production, with creative direction by Monique Kelly, an original cast member of the Les Girls of Kings Cross from 1973 to 1997.

Having headlined stage shows across the country for the past nine years, Prada is one of Australia’s most in-demand live-singing drag queens and Australia’s self-proclaimed number one live-singing Cher impersonator.

“I’m looking forward most to the crowd’s reaction when I first come out on stage as our touring shows have been far and few between since the pandemic first reached our shores,” Prada said.

“I really miss the buzz of a live audience – they are the reason I do what I do.”

In Les Divas, Prada and her ‘girls’ will dazzle audiences with wonderful wigs, colourful costumes dripping in diamantes, cheeky humour and diva impersonations like you’ve never seen before. Don’t miss it at the MECC.

Les Divas: An All-Male Revue is arriving at the MECC in June

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