Friday 5 August

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Mackay IFF 2022 Opening Night Event: Official Competition

Friday, 7:00pm

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Mackay International Film Festival, Film & Arts Mackay warmly invites you to this special Opening Night event.

BCC Cinemas Mackay

Latin Roots Night

Friday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Get your ticket and join in Latin Roots Night with the best Latin music, enjoy a complimentary drink and enter for the chance to win a Latin Roots t-shirt!

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Saturday 6 August

Big Boys Toys Expo 2022

Saturday, 8:30am to Sunday, 3:00pm

The Ultimate Adventure Expo showcasing boating, fishing, camping plus a huge range of caravans, campervans, 4x4s, classic cars, performance cars, clothing, spas, DIY, mowers, excavators, sheds, tools, BBQs – you name it. And as always, stunt riders and fun for the whole family.

Mackay Showgrounds

BE Social Fest 2022

Saturday, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

BE Social Fest is back for its second year and is bringing some big names to the sugar city. Catch Hermitude, Middle Kids, Thundamentals, Peach PRC, The Stone Apes and more.

Harrup Park

Mackay IFF 2022

Saturday, 2:00pm to 8:00pm

2:00pm – Blind Ambition

4:00pm – Hive

6:00pm – Drive My Car

BCC Cinemas Mackay

Artists' Books on Show: Director's Choice from the MRC Collection

Saturday, 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Meet Artspace Gallery Director Tracey Heathwood at ART ON SHOW and see her present a selection of her favourite artists’ books from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. The Art Collection holds over 600 artists’ books and every two years Artspace Mackay hosts a national artists’ book prize, the Libris Awards. Tracey has a long association with the gallery and its collection of artists’ books and is herself a practicing printmaker. She will share personal insights into some of her favourite artists and artists’ books.

500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds

Mackay Christian College Open Day 2022

Saturday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Every year, MCC has amusement rides, a variety of food and beverage stalls, displays, and activities, and not to forget our fantastic fireworks show to conclude the night. Tickets can be purchased through the Senior Campus front office or the Junior Campus reception, by cash or EFTPOS.

Mackay Christian College

Sunday 7 August

2022 Mackay Weddings & Events Expo

Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm

The annual Mackay Weddings & Events Expo is happening again in 2022! Fashion parade from 1:00pm. Food, coffee and beverages available. Prizes to be won on the day. Gold coin donation at the door for Headspace Mackay. There will be a wonderful choice of local vendors from our Mackay region ready to help you plan your special wedding or event!

St Pat's Hall Mackay

Sunday Live Music – One for the Road

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

Mackay IFF 2022

Sunday, 2:00pm to 8:00pm

2:00pm – Hit the Road

4:00pm – Compartment No 6

6:15pm – A Stasi Comedy

BCC Cinemas Mackay

Tuesday 9 August

Mackay Plumbing & Gas Trade Expo 2022

Tuesday, 4:00pm to 7:00pm

MPAQ invites you to attend your local Plumbing & Gas Trade Expo. Set out exhibition style, the event is FREE to attend and you'll have the opportunity to view trade displays and grab some delicious food and drinks, all while networking with industry representatives. A new addition in 2022 will be the interactive learning hub, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about industry-related products and/or services in short, engaging presentations run in conjunction with the Expo. Registration and Expo Start Time: 4:00pm | Expo Concludes: 7:00pm. Complimentary canapes and drinks provided.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Wednesday 10 August

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 11 August

Art talk: How to start an ARI

Thursday, 6:00pm

Artist Run Initiatives & practical advice with Hamish Sawyer. Hear from Brisbane-based independent curator and writer Hamish Sawyer about what makes a successful Artist Run Initiative (ARI). Hamish will provide some relevant case studies, offer practical advice on how to start an ARI, and identify pitfalls to avoid. Hamish will also discuss his involvement with Outer Space, a Brisbane-based contemporary art organisation, its current SUPERCUT initiative and opportunities for Queensland artists.

Artspace Mackay

Envoy: Shark Cull Screening

Thursday, 7:00pm

Community screening of the ground-breaking documentary Envoy: Shark Cull – exposing the truth about shark culling programs on Australia’s East Coast. Join Humane Society International for the screening with a brief Q and A to follow.

Red Dog Brewery

‍

Celebrating its 10th year of hosting the Mackay International Film Festival, Film & Arts Mackay has curated another exhilarating program of award-winning film titles from across the globe which will screen this weekend at BCC Cinemas in Mt Pleasant.

Starting at 7pm tonight, the Opening Night film event is the bitingly funny comedy from Spain Official Competition about a mismatched collective of artists and investors making a film for all the wrong reasons. The film boasts a wicked dialogue and stellar acting from Spanish greats Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas. After the screening, the audience are invited to enjoy some delicious Tapas and drinks in the cinema foyer. Tickets are $22 and are available online through www.eventcinemas.com.au or at the box office.

One of the films on offer at this year's festival is the multi award-winning drama from Japan, Drive My Car, playing on Saturday, 6th August. Drive My Car is a beautifully haunting and absorbing recreation of a short story collection by the renowned Japanese writer Murakami which focuses on exploring emotions like regret and sorrow. The film won multiple awards including the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2022 as well as a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award.

Other award-winning titles on offer are the Iranian drama Hit the Road playing on Sunday, 7th August.  This striking feature debut is a sincere and moving comic drama that follows a family of four as they drive across the Iranian countryside. In addition, screening on Saturday 6th August is the Australian-made documentary Blind Ambition, a true story of an unlikely team of Zimbabwean refugees turned sommeliers who shake up the international wine establishment when they compete in the World Wine Tasting Championships.

The closing film on Sunday, A Stasi Comedy, is a hilarious and brilliantly acted comedy from Germany which follows a man’s double life as an underground poet and a Stasi agent in East Berlin in the 1980s which comes back to haunt him 30 years later. Also in the program are films from Albania (Hive) and Finland/Russia (Compartment No 6).

In addition, and as a result of generous funding from the Queensland Government (Flying Arts Alliance and Regional Arts Australia), there will also be films shown in Sarina on August 13 and Proserpine on September 25 as part of the program.

Film & Arts Mackay President and film programmer Sally Marsden says it is evident that people are not staying away from the cinema, but rather grabbing opportunities like the film festival and the monthly film screenings to watch quality, independent cinema on the big screen.  

The full program and ticket details can be found on FAM’s website filmartsmackay.weebly.com or on their Facebook page and programs are available at the cinema box office.

Blind Ambition

Drive My Car

‍

Do you dream of reliving the good old days?

Well do not miss THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 1960's TV VARIETY SHOW with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys.

The boys are back with a brand-new show! Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from: The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers! The Robertson Brothers grew up in a home that appreciated the Variety TV Show.

When designing this new live touring show they decided to reinvent the magic and diversity of the old school 1960's Variety TV shows. With an amazing multimedia presentation, expect to be entertained by many of the classic hits from the 60's.

Through the prism of the Variety TV show format, you will travel back in time to embrace and celebrate all the hits of these 60's Music Legends. You'll be singing, dancing, laughing and crying to Georgy Girl, Morningtown Ride, I’ll Never Find Another You, Oh Carol, Calendar Girl, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Spicks and Specks, To Love Somebody, Massachusetts, I Started A Joke, Got To Get A Message To You, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Let’s Hang On, Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Cathy’s Clown, Bus Stop, plus so many more in this celebration of your favourite 60’s Superstars!

“It’s the best show I’ve seen in years!” - Ray Hadley, 2GB

What: The Robertson Brothers 1960’s Variety Tv Show

When: Sunday 28 August 2022, 2pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

‍

A clash of forces occurred last month when five Units of the Australian Defence Force Cadets come together for the Mackay Region’s annual Tri Service Challenge.

With last year’s event being such a success, the Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets went all out to win the Champions Trophy for their Unit in 2022.

Competitions included Drill routines, First Aid Skills, Relays and Tug-of-War which were all hotly contested.

Co-ordinating Officer for this year’s event, Major AAC John Zimmermann OAM, says the Cadets enjoy the opportunity to come together to contest in events to continue the friendly rivalry between each of the Units.

“The Jubilee Year Games continues the spirit of teamwork from formal events such as ANZAC Day to enable the Cadets to compete together in rivalry while participating in a variety of fun activities,” he said.

Mayor of Mackay Region, Councillor Greg Williamson visited the Cadets during the day together with the Brigade Commander and Regimental Sergeant Major of the North Queensland Australian Army Cadet Brigade.

The Challenge took place at Queens Park where families and Support Groups cheered on their teams. After scoring all of the individual events, the 122 Army Cadet Unit (Mackay) won the Champion Unit Shield for 2022.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is comprised of the Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets and Australian Air Force Cadets for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years.

Photo credit: Mackay Seen

‍

Over 400 photo entries were received from budding photographers in the Mackay and Isaac region for the 2022 Mackay Isaac Tourism #visitmackay and #ourisaac photo competition.

The panel of judges for the competition comprised of Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler, all given the mammoth task of choosing from the huge array of entrants.

Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea says since the pandemic, travellers and locals have changed their travel habits and are looking to explore holiday destinations closer to home.

“The beauty and variety of our region has been captured spectacularly by the marvellous photographs entered in this photo competition – from coastal pandanus to rugged caves to sweeping vistas – it is all here and more,” Ms Vea Vea said.

"By sharing the photos captured as part of this competition on social media and in print in magazines hopefully we can capture the hearts of our locals and travellers.”

Throughout the month-long competition, Mackay Isaac Tourism’s social channels were flooded with stunning photos of hidden gems and stunning landscapes of the Mackay Isaac region.

With many amazing photos sent in this year, the judges had a hard time trying to pick out the finalists.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says he was not surprised by the amount of talent that was out there.

“Our residents prove time and again that they have a real eye for what is beautiful about our region,” Mr Williamson said.

“I think the (photos) that have been chosen by the panel really do represent the area.

“It’s been an absolutely sensational outcome this year around, with the 400 entries, hard to choose from, but it was all a celebration of our district.

“It makes you proud.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim CEO Tash Wheeler says this year’s photo competition was all about inspiring locals to be proud of our region and showcasing it to friends and family, encouraging them to visit.

“Stimulating growth in the region’s tourism industry post-pandemic is particularly important as many people have now gone months without seeing their loved ones,” Ms Wheeler said.

“It’s fantastic to see the passion and creativity from everyone who got behind the #visitmackay and #ourisaac photo competition.

“In a region which is as expansive and diverse as ours, each picture perfectly represents not just what makes the Mackay Isaac region a great place to live, but also the perfect place to visit,” she said.

The prizes for the best pictures included drones, GoPros and Polaroid cameras and photos will be used in future marketing collateral by Mackay Isaac Tourism.

Mayor Greg Williamson was a judge alongside Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The winning photo for Mackay was St Bees Island by Benjamin Rennie

Sugar Mill Night shot by Ben Ashmore, second place for Mackay

Ring Road by Gus Sacco came third for Mackay

Sunrise at Clairview by Courtney Snook placed first for Isaac

Train Carriages Clermont by Damian Freiberg, second place for Isaac

Sunflowers by Emma Turnbull came third for Isaac

‍

As Goosies filled with tinsel, Santa hats, baubles and over a hundred smiling faces, it could only mean one thing: the Mackay 50’s & Better Christmas In July Luncheon.

108 gathered at Goosies last Friday for the annual Christmas in July luncheon, with many dressing up to take part in the fashion parade.

Attendees also enjoyed Australia-themed trivia, live music from Annette Worthington and, of course, a meal fit for kings and queens.

“It went very well,” said Margaret Edwards.

“We’re getting rave reviews from all our members that were there.

“We had a very good meal, of course - they do a good spread.”

“The food was absolutely tremendous,” added Garry Edwards, who emceed the event.

“(Annette Worthington) provided us with great entertainment and jokes as well.”

The next Mackay 50’s & Better outing will be a Mag and Meal luncheon on August 31, again at Goosies, featuring a guest speaker from Queensland Rail.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased from Margaret at upcoming 50s and Better events at Goosies on August 10 and 17.

For more information, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779.

108 social seniors enjoyed live music, trivia, a fashion parade and a hearty meal at the Mackay 50’s & Better Christmas In July Luncheon last Friday. Photo credit: Photos By Nell

‍

It’s coming up on five decades since the release of (potentially) cinemas all-time greatest blockbuster, Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws.

And yet we’re still infatuated with the nightmare-fuelling fish; shark thrillers have populated the bargain bins of the late Blockbuster Videos (and now supermarkets) since time immemorial. The shark thriller became its own subgenre of horror in the chum-filled wake of the Orca, and the imitators keep surfacing to this day, hoping to catch a morsel of that success.

But the stumble for most shark schlock – where they end up dead in the water – is that they focus on the fish.

Jaws isn’t about the shark.

The shark is a sparingly used story beat; it drives together our three, starkly different main characters. Now that might be the conceit of a story critiquing capitalism, but the idea still rings true.

The best of the horror genre in recent years have employed that trop: there’s a ‘monster behind the monster’.

In the case of Andrew Traucki’s film, The Reef: Stalked, the shark doesn’t represent capitalism or class war; the shark represents domestic violence and the post-traumatic stress disorder that comes with it.

A sequel to The Reef, Traucki’s 2010 feature film, The Reef: Stalked is another Bowen-filmed shark story, but one that this time employs an almost entirely female cast to battle a hefty shark near the Great Barrier Reef.

The past shapes this story where, after witnessing her sister's horrific murder by an abusive partner, who drowned her in her own bathtub, Teressa Liane’s Nic travels to a tropical resort with her friends for a kayaking excursion – one which inevitably goes wrong.

Only hours in, the women are stalked and then attacked by – you guessed it - a great white shark, and Nic must overcome her post-traumatic stress to survive.

For a shark thriller with fifty-years of well-worn track behind it, The Reef: Stalked is a competent suspense horror with an admirable treatise on domestic violence – and certainly one Bowen audiences will enjoy knowing many of its scenes took place at Queens Beach.

The Reef: Stalked opens at Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Friday, August 12 at 6:45pm.

Andrew Traucki’s The Reef: Stalked was filmed in Bowen over six weeks, and will release at the Summergarden Cinema in early August

Image: Declan Durrant

If You Like Pina Coladas, and singing along at The Pub, then you’re in for smooth Sailing courtesy of a soft-rock octet cruising to the Whitsunday shores in early August.

There’s set to be a Summer Breeze blowing in the Airlie Beach Hotel when the eight-member band Yacht Rock Revival pay tribute to the definition of ‘70s light rock, coinciding with the sailing sensation that is Airlie Beach Race Week.

Soulful, well-constructed groove, baby; if you’ve ever heard the Doobie Brothers fronted by Michael McDonald doing What A Fool Believes in, that’s Yacht Rock!

A collection of your favourite sounds, songs, and grooves from an era when ‘smooth’ meant everything. When artists like Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates, The Eagles, and America were kings and queens of the charts.

It’s like a sunset on the Santa Monica pier, walking hand-in-hand with your baby, matching gold-tone bracelets jingling as the ocean breeze caresses your moustache. The two of you stare out into the ever-deepening blue to think, in tandem: "Yeah, this is how it should always be".

When that foghorn blows, hold onto your captain’s hat because there’s an effortless cool flowing through your favourite local – we all love a bit of that sweetly unique ‘70s sound.

The Melbourne-based band recapture the time when music mellowed out and smooth sounds and Sunkissed melodies took over the airwaves – and they’re decked out in retro, nautical costumes to boot.

Band frontwoman Susan Marsden said they’ll be performing two afternoon shows at the Airlie Beach Hotel on August 13 and 14.

“We can’t wait to be in Airlie Beach – if there’s anywhere that sings yacht rock and smooth ‘70s tunes, it’s the Whitsundays,” she said.

“Be ready for songs that are slicker than slick and enormously well-played, from the melodically clever to the harmonically unexpected.”

By the end of their set, you’ll be singing: Ooh-ooh-hoo, no, Baby, please don't go

What: Yacht Rock Revival

When: 2.00pm to 5.30pm Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

Yacht Rock are sailing up to the Whitsunday waters direct to perform at the Airlie Beach Hotel

The Melbourne-based band are groovy as can be, performing the very best of Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates, The Eagles, and more

They’ll be soft-rocking out at The Pub on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14

‍

David Leitch’s Bullet Train is drenched in neon. A modern-day Japan besieged on all sides by dripping stylism. It’s a visual treat - both in its choreographed action and neo-noir visage - where the directors previous work on John Wick mixes with his Deadpool 2 and gets wackier and more vibrant for it.

This star-studded action comedy is based on Kôtarô Isaka’s novel Maria Beetle and reminds of Leitch’s solo directorial debut: the Charlize Theron led Atomic Blonde.

Aboard the world’s fastest train, Brad Pitt plays Ladybug, an unlucky assassin on his first job back after a self-chosen sabbatical. His handler, Maria Ladybug, is played with a sultry and laconic style by Sandra Bullock, who’s hand-picked his mission.

He was looking for an easy job to get him back in his groove – but his luck still hasn’t turned.

This latest foray into the assassination world puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe - all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives. Six assassins played by a who’s who of stars crash his party: Zazie Beetz, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Logan Lerman, Hiroyuki Sanada, and even Porto-Rican singer Bad Bunny.

It’s a story of dark-comic glee where there’s no grand cultural idea at stake, just the irresponsible pleasure of sheer entertainment where the end of the line is only the beginning.

It’s a wild, non-stop thrill ride, only helped by the performances. Each actor is undoubtedly having a blast, especially Pitt, decked out in a white bucket hat and thick glasses. Bullet Train is an absolute riot, and certainly one to catch when it hits cinemas.

See Bullet Train at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema, opening Friday, August 5.

Bradd Pitt plays Ladybug, an assassin down on his luck, in Bullet Train

‍

Grey nomads and tourists enjoyed an enormous, annual dinner courtesy of BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort on Monday night, all in the name of a local cause.

An event that has been running for over two decades, the Christmas In July celebration is just one of the holiday park’s fundraising dinners which regularly run during the busy season.

Grey Nomads who have been travelling to the region for as long as the event itself – and sometimes longer – sat around long tables, enjoyed party games, were serenaded by Coral C Voices choir, and ate a roast dinner.

“We make different occasions like an Asian night where we have Thai Dancing and all Thai food, but Christmas In July is always the biggest,” owner of BIG4 Whitsundays, Greg McKinnon said.

“It started many years ago as just cake, tea, and coffee for free, and people were saying they needed a meal, so then we started barbecues and it grew out of that.”

Mr McKinnon said the Christmas In July event is the largest of their fundraising dinners throughout the year – with Monday night hosting around 100 guests.

The event was all in the name of this year’s fundraising project for BIG4: Airlie Beach local, Louise Meadows, a woman with a rare degenerative optical disease called Stargardt’s Dystrophy.

Ms Meadows has lost a critical portion of her central vision – over 70 per cent – but is assisted by her loyal Guide Dog, Hector.

The funds this year will all go directly towards medical support for Louise, as well as Guide Dogs Queensland for training and housing.

Mr McKinnon said BIG4 would have raised somewhere in the figure of $300 thousand for charities over the events lifetime.

Coral C Voices choir serenaded the Christmas in July celebrations at BIG4 Whitsunday Resort’s fundraising event

‍

Entries have now closed for Mackay`s prestigious national art prize, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2022. This year is the 16th celebration and has joined the Mackay Festival of Arts as a new Fringe Event.

200 talented Australian artists have entered, and have a chance to win a share in over $11,000 non-acquisitive prize pool, and be part of a four-day exhibition with an opportunity to sell their works.

This stand-alone annual event will this year enjoy new additions to further highlight and celebrate art and culture in our region.

The Mackay Show Associations initiative behind establishing The Art on Show Awards was to take the arts to a higher level of professionalism within the context of a public/community art competition in the show “arena”.

Art on Show Coordinator, Melissa Broadhurst, said, “Our continuing aim is to seek a very significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nation-wide, provide a high standard of presentation, play an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future, as a high-profile arts event, and provide an educational role, raising awareness and promoting the arts to patrons who attend the Art on Show event and the Mackay Regional Show, annually.

“We aim to highlight the wealth of diverse local artistic talent in our region and attract a high standard of interstate works.”

The Art on Show Awards have 5 sections of entry, the major prize the Woollam Art on Show Award $3000, and the total prize purse is $11,000. The People’s Choice Award judged by the event patrons is published post event.

A high-profile judge has been secured for the 2022 awards with Ms Deanna Hitti, nationally acclaimed Australian artist, and recipient of the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award, judging this year’s competition.

Ms Hitti, a previous winner of our very own Artspace Mackay Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize, is also looking forward to reconnecting with Mackay`s art community.

She will also be presenting a special artist talk at Artspace Mackay and a Masterclass artist workshop at the Mackay Showgrounds during her visit.

You can show your support for art and culture, in your community, by purchasing work from our local artists, during the public exhibition.

OFFICIAL OPENING EVENING and AWARDS PRESENTATION: Friday 5 August 2022, Commencing 6.30pm.

ART EXHIBITION: Friday 5 – Monday 8 August 2022.

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES: Friday 5 August 6.30pm – 9pm Official Opening - ticketed event.

Tickets available online at artonshow@mackayshow.com.au July 2022

Saturday 6 August 10am – 5pm Sunday 7August 10am – 5pm Monday 8 August 10am – 5pm

ARTISTS DEANNA HITTI MASTERCLASS WORKSHOP DATES: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August

ALL WORKS FOR SALE. Over 200 works exhibited in the exhibition. In the 500 Pavilion (Upper level).

Previous Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award 2021 Artist Greg Cannon with his work entitled Driftwood Retreat

Guests Letitia Anderson and Taya Anderson admiring works in the 2021 exhibition

‍

What we sometimes take for granted, girls and women in many parts of the world consider a luxury.

When it’s life and death just to feed your children, many families living in poverty can’t afford sanitary items for their girls. Without the means to manage a menstrual period, many of these girls end up missing school or missing work, losing out on opportunities because they have no way of protecting themselves from period stigma.

Days for Girls Mackay is a team of dedicated volunteers who produce washable reusable sanitary packs for women in developing countries.

These kits allow young girls to attend school, and women to go about their daily lives. The kits empower - and are a great stigma eraser - for women who would otherwise be isolated while menstruating.

Days for Girls' aim is to afford all women the dignity, health and opportunity they deserve.

Fundraiser

Days for Girls is holding a cent sale on Saturday, July 30 at Goosies Sports Club, from 12 midday. There are more than 200 items, an auction, raffle and lucky door prize. Proceeds raised will ensure this group of volunteers can continue their work to provide

‍

It’s a show about sex, taboos, female pleasure, speaking out and the sharing of women’s stories.

BARE, a live cabaret show by The Just Saying Project, is coming to the MECC North Foyer on Saturday, July 30, at 7.30am and on Sunday, July 31, at 2.30pm.

According to The Just Saying Project founder Fallon Drewett, the show, which explores the female body in all its pleasure and pain, is in its second iteration.

“Now, more than ever, women are making noise and they have found their power in not staying quiet,” Ms Drewett said.

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

"BARE is a show that celebrates women's stories but also shares the pleasure and pain of being a woman.

"Part of this season of BARE is about encouraging the men in women's lives to join them for this cabaret. The delivery of this message is performed in a fun, entertaining and engaging way that will make your belly hurt from laughter.”

Deputy Mayor Karen May said BARE was a triumph of local talent and was a fitting finale for the core program of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

“The Just Saying Project have done some wonderful projects to date that are all about recognising and celebrating our local women,” Cr May said.

“This show is no exception and is 100 per cent local, featuring local writers, actors and more than 30 women who will take part in a Body Love Runway and a dance for the finale,” she said.

“They will be led by two fantastic local providers, Boutique Burlesque by Bailey and RNB Dance Fitness. The show script was also co-written by Fallon Drewett and Mackay performer Sammie Mitchell.

“Make sure you grab your tickets as soon as possible, because this will be a great night out.”

Tickets are available from the MECC Box Office or online at themecc.com.au/festivals  

BARE is an 18+ event.

BARE writers Sammie Mitchell (left) and Fallon Drewett

BARE is a show about sex, taboos, female pleasure and speaking out

‍

All things ‘queing and brewing is returning to Harrup Park this November, with the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival.

Mark Saturday November 12 on the calendar to experience some of the most succulent meat you’ve ever experienced, matched with superb sauces and accompanied by bubbles and beer. It’s low and slow cooking by some of the best pit masters in the region, where you get to sample the best in the business.

Enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great food and drinking your choice of over 50 Australian and international beers.

In 2021 the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival worked with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance to bring an official round of the Australian Barbecue Championships to Mackay. The competition was named ‘The BBQ Battle’ and saw 20 teams travel to Mackay to compete in the lucrative Barbecue Championship Round with $9,500 in prize money.

This year they’re doing it again, looking to bring back all the big names! Registrations are now open.

Come along and watch as local legends battle it out to win Mackay’s Best Beard & Mullet Competitions. Entry is free to anyone on the day and there is still plenty of time left to grow a winning mullet or beard.  

It wouldn’t be the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival without the famous Chilli Eating Contest. Can you handle the heat? Registrations are now open – find applications on the event’s website.  

The event will feature live entertainment from Kyle LIONHART, French Press, Nortica and more throughout the day.

Harrup Park General Manager, Adrian Young said, “We’re extremely excited to be doing this amazing event again in 2022!

“It was a great experience to have a sanctioned ABA event in Mackay with teams traveling across Queensland to compete on our grounds.

“This year we’re also making an effort to get more independent breweries on board to help showcase their beers.”

What: De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

When: Saturday November 12, 12pm – 8pm

Where: Harrup Park

Tickets: $15 + Booking fee - mackaybbqandbeerfestival.com.au

‍

You might remember Tom Barry.

Mackay Life published a story about Tom in our May 6 edition earlier this year, speaking to him about his incredible life story and his telling of it in his memoir ‘The Prodigious Leap’.

Tom raises his bat next Monday, August 1, celebrating his 100th birthday with a book launch this weekend.

Tom has already received birthday cards from some high-profile friends including member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia David Hurley and his wife Linda and, of course, the Queen.

“She wrote ‘Dear Tommy,’” Tom jested with a cheeky grin.

“No, she did not, don’t tell lies,” Ann laughed.

Tom says turning 100 is an exciting occasion, but it all starts again come August 2.

“I have no worries, nor should I have,” he said.

“When the second of August comes, you make new plans.

“There’s always something new to look forward to.”

Friends and family will help Tom celebrate, with guests travelling from as far as Adelaide, Brisbane, and Victoria, some of which he hasn’t seen for years.

Tom and his wife Ann say Tom’s book wouldn’t have been published as quickly and successfully as it has without the support of Bolton Clarke’s At Home Support team, the Regional Arts Development Fund Grant and the generosity of their family and friends including Jo Penola and Jo and Doug Blackhurst.

“You can’t even begin to say the amount of time and effort and money and all sorts of stuff that they’ve done, and they do it without thinking, they do it because they want to,” said Ann.

“They’re just beautiful people.”

Tom is the recipient of a package provided by Bolton Clarke which brought now close friend Jo Penola into his and Ann’s lives.

“I still think it’s an amazing thing that a homecare package for an aged person can help them with things like that because one of the things it’s meant to do is help a person with the package reach their goals,” said Jo.

“When you’ve lived a hundred years, obviously you’ve seen a hundred years’ worth of stuff happen, so that’s just so amazing, and (Tom’s) got such fabulous recall of that hundred years.”

“Well, that’s because it was so interesting,” responded Tom.

‘A Prodigious Leap’ will be available for purchase and signing by author Tom Barry at Magpies Sporting Club tomorrow, Saturday, July 30 between 1 and 5pm.

The book can also be purchased on Amazon.

Tom and Ann Barry

‍