In a week’s time the annual Show Whitsunday celebrate its 110th festivity with a repertoire of new attractions, as well as familiar favourites returning to the fold on June 17 and 18.

Carnival rides will light up the Proserpine showgrounds, dodgems will collide, and food vendors will whip up corn dogs to delight showgoers in mid-June.

10,000 people are set to roll through the show over its two-day duration specially to enjoy some of those new offerings.

Airtime FMX

High-flying, Evel Knievel like stunts are making their way to the Whitsundays courtesy of Airtime FMX Motocross next Friday and Saturday. In their first year at the Proserpine Showgrounds, the motorbike gymnasts will deliver captivating and jaw dropping live Freestyle Motocross entertainment, flying through the air in death-defying stunts.

They’ll display their acrobatic prowess all on motorbikes – a combination of skill, speed, and precision that no other show in the country can match.

Show Organiser Donna Rogers said they went the extra mile this year to secure these talented racers.

“They’ve been getting a lot of talk up and down the coast,” Ms Rogers said.

“These incredible athletes are going to be something so different for the show this year and we know they’re going to be an enormous hit.”

JetPak Entertainment

A “mysterious jet pack man” is gracing the showgrounds next week as part of the festivities. The water sport attraction propels its rider up into the air, allowing them to perform flying feats and twists and turns.

“We don’t want to spoil it too much,” Ms Rogers said.

“Let’s just say he’s going to be an absolute treat – a real spectacle!”

Familiar Favourites

The sugar town showgrounds will be filled with plenty of action for families to enjoy – with tickets available through online pre-purchase only this year.

For more info visit www.showwhitsunday.com.au

WHAT: Show Whitsunday

WHEN: June 17 and 18

WHERE: Proserpine Showgrounds

TICKETS: Friday https://bit.ly/3M7Ax2D and Saturday https://bit.ly/3agSEG0

The high-flying Airtime FMX will take on the show on both Friday and Saturday

A mysterious jet pack wearing man will shoot into the air on stilts of water at Show Whitsunday

All the familiar rides are back this year too

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Come as you are to The Pub when one tribute show recreates the performances of two of the world’s most iconic bands, The Foo Fighters and Nirvana, all in one afternoon.

Four highly experienced musicians – Clint Timothy on bass guitar, Dean with the vocals, backed by guitarist Barry, and Steve on the drums - will come together at the Airlie Beach Hotel as FooVana on Saturday, June 25.

They’ll celebrate the genius of Dave Grohl and Kurt Cobain, faithfully recreating the energy and the dynamism of Foo Fighters and Nirvana.

When they came together in 2001 to form the Australian Foo Fighters and Nirvana Tribute Show known as FooVana, they never knew they would perform over 200 live shows at venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria, as well as interstate.

These guys aren’t The Pretender, they’re the real deal, delivering a cross section of the renowned band’s material, from early Nirvana to the latest Foo Fighters, all while preserving the power and integrity of the original music.

“We’re very excited to first of all to escape the Melbourne cold, but to perform in front of a new audience in Airlie Beach will be amazing,” Clint said.

“It’s stuff we grew up on and we’re proud to bring the sing-along lyrics to new places.”

Chris said that the Airlie audience should get ready for a special set.

“This show has taken on a new direction for us, it’s not just a tribute to the bands we love, but also to Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters, who recently passed away,” Chris said.

“We’re keeping the spirit of both Nirvana and Foo Fighters alive.”

FooVana emulate the raw energy and emotion of the vocals, while maintaining the complexity of their pulsating rhythm and the searing power of lead guitar.

Then, on Sunday they’ll roll into the Airlie Beach Hotel as Louderfinger, delivering a hard-hitting and set from Powderfinger’s 7 albums and 18 Aria award winning songs, including My Happiness, These Days, Sunsets, On My Mind and much more.

At the end of their set, they’ll bring it all home with a carefully curated set of 90s rock classics from the likes of Pearl Jam and more.

On Saturday, June 25, FooVana will rock The Pub before they return on Sunday, June 26, as Louderfinger from 2pm – 5.30pm both days.

Don’t miss the free tribute event to some of the world’s best rockers.

FooVana arrive at The Pub June 25

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Jurassic World: Dominion

A perfect storm propelled Jurassic Park into cultural ubiquity back in 1993. Author Michael Crichton was at the height of his writing powers, and Steven Spielberg had already carved out the edgings of blockbuster cinema, defining its contours and ridges. Ground-breaking computer-generated imagery mixed with life-size animatronics brought Dinosaurs back from the dead to movie screens across the globe.

That was almost thirty years ago.

One of films crowning franchises has had a long and storied life, and Dominion is the conclusion to this dinosaur fraught universe, and it pulls out all the stops.

Dinosaurs now live—and hunt—alongside humans all over the world, and some old timers are out of retirement to try and help save mankind. The familiar cast of Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard are joined by Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill – each of whom had starring roles in the original.

It’s not to be missed.

Catch Jurassic World: Dominion (M) at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema opening 6.45pm this Friday.

The star-studded cast includes returning Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, and Laura Dern for the final instalment of Jurassic World. Image: Universal

Lightyear

Let me explain this to you: Lightyear is a blockbuster film within a film. It’s the movie the characters in Toy Story would watch. Basically, Andy – little boy, loves Buzz Lightyear – would have seen this movie, which would have made him beg his parents to buy the Buzz Lightyear toy who put the entirety of the Toy Story franchise into motion.

I hope that clears things up.

In this film within a film, Chris Evan’s voices a new-look Buzz Lightyear, a young space pilot who finds himself in a sticky situation. It’s his first adventure into the infinity of space, but he ends up going beyond. Marooned on a hostile planet, having travelled 60 years into the future, he now needs to find his way back home through space and time.

The definitive Buzz Lightyear origin story has a little something for everyone; particularly adults who will recognise the voice of Taika Waititi, who lends his quirky New Zealand humour to the fold.

Catch Lightyear (PG) at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema opening Friday, June 17.

Talent like Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear lend their talent to this blockbuster Toy Story spinoff. Image: Disney

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Local up-and-coming artists will take to the stage in three sets of heats starting in August for the return of Young Whitsundays Got Talent.

The showcase of local singers aged 19 or under will run in two heats: August 28 in Proserpine, September 25 in Bowen, and a grand final on October 23 in Woodwark.

The talent show, which started back in 2019, has gained a stellar reputation amongst the region’s young artists.

Local Paula Hovey created the identifier show as a performance platform for young burgeoning musicians in the Whitsundays. In its first year, it began as a partnership with the Airlie Beach Festival of Music – one which has continued to this day.

That partnership sees the winner of Young Whitsundays Got Talent head for tours of the festival’s main stage to rub shoulders with its nationally renowned acts, as well as perform on the Fish Jam Stage.

Founder of Young Whitsundays Got Talent, Paula Hovey, said they were looking forward to another year of top tier talent for the competition.

“We’re super excited to hear from the young local superstars registering already, and I’m super excited to get out amongst it to Bowen and Proserpine and see what they can bring to the table, Ms Hovey said.

“It always blows me away to see how much talent is on offer around the region.”

Heat one will see the competitors head to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Proserpine, and heat two will take place at The Grandview in Bowen.

From there, the best of the best will compete in the grand final at Northerlies.

Ms Hovey said the competition “gives young musicians a chance to perform in front of an audience in a supportive and encouraging environment,” as well as a chance for them to improve their skills with lead up events and exciting workshops.

Winners will receive a makeover and photoshoot as well as a backstage tour at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music during sound checks and a performance at the after party at Northerlies.

All finalists will be invited to perform on the Fish Jam Stage at the market foreshore during the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Ms Hovey said any prospective contestants should reach out to her through the Young Whitsundays Got Talent Facebook page.

Some of last year’s competitors will be showcased at the Great Barrier Reef Festival on Friday, August 5 on the Fish Jam Stage.

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John Madden’s newest drama, Operation Mincemeat, is a somewhat microcosm of World War II British operations; a time of devastation and horror, and in the face of it, unequivocable hope. Its true to life story – the British deception operation to disguise the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily – is a macabre tale of espionage brilliance that contributed to Ally victory.

The British lost countless lives in the war, but it was ironically “The Man Who Never Was”, a tramp who lost his life after eating rat poison on the streets of London away from the fighting, that would become one of its most important.

Madden’s film tells the astounding story of the men who cooked up a high-risk disinformation strategy centred on that dead man.

Five weeks before the invasion of the Italian shores by allies to break Hitler’s grip on occupied Europe, an impossible challenge presents itself: how to protect the invasion force from potential annihilation.

Two remarkable intelligence officers, Colin Firth’s Ewen Montagu and Matthew Macfadyen’s Charles Cholmondeley, dream up the most inspired and improbable strategy of the war: to convince the Germans that the English will invade Greece, set in motion by a corpse with fake classified information washing ashore in Spain.

That information was a correspondence between two British generals suggesting the Allies would invade Greece and Sardinia, and that Sicily was merely a feint – an extraordinary gamble.

Madden’s telling of one of war history’s greatest and most fanciful achievements is replete with dark humour, remarkable circumstance, and an exceptional cast – both in its talented actors and its historical figures.

It serves as an espionage tilt at a World War II story – a site greatly plundered, and often told in grandeur and sentimentality. A spy thriller that inspired the world, especially when a young Lieutenant Commander, Ian Fleming, who worked on the operation would go on to pen Casino Royal and give the world James Bond.

Operation Mincemeat (M) is coming to the Bowen Summergarden Cinema this June.

Colin Firth stars in Operation Mincemeat, which doesn't always take itself seriously because the idea at its centre "edges over into Monty Python territory".

Supplied: Transmission

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Let There Be Rock on your way down the Airlie Beach Esplanade, a surrogate Highway To hell where a Whole Lotta Rosie will shake The Pub all night long.

The Acca Dacca tribute band Whole Lotta Rosie will Shoot to Thrill at The Airlie Beach Hotel this month, taking the bar-top stage by storm on June 18.

These Australian rockers came together with one goal in mind: to create an AC/DC show with the best of the best and bring the authentic hard rock band’s sound to audiences across the nation.

Each Whole Lotta Rosie member has more than one thing in common, but there love for AC/DC is chief among them. Each lists the band from the Razors Edge as one of their most influential while growing up.

Their love for the Sydney rock and roll band shines through in their own performances with each member playing their parts to a tee.

It helps when a few of A Whole Lot Of Rosie members ended up touring with Mark Evans, the actual AC/DC bassist from 1974 -1977, as well as alongside Simon Wright, the Acca Dacca drummer from 1984 -1989.

Led by Cynthia Gallie - the only voice in Australia that can do justice to both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson – she and her band are the closest thing to the original.

Since its inception, the band has gained the trust and respect of true AC/DC fans, with many now travelling alongside the faithful tribute act just to catch a glimpse of what the real shows were like.

“We don’t pretend to be the real band, we don’t make our guitarist wear the school uniform, we just want the music and performance to be 100 per cent AC/DC Rock and Roll!” Cynthia Gallie said.

So, for Those About To Rock, you can catch Whole Lotta Rosie Saturday June 18 and again Sunday June 19 with their Women of Rock show from 2pm to 5.30pm free, live and loud at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

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Operation Mincemeat

John Madden’s newest drama, Operation Mincemeat, is a somewhat microcosm of World War II British operations; a time of devastation and horror, and in the face of it, unequivocable hope. Its true to life story – the British deception operation to disguise the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily – is a macabre tale of espionage brilliance that contributed to Ally victory.

The British lost countless lives in the war, but it was ironically “The Man Who Never Was”, a tramp who lost his life after eating rat poison on the streets of London away from the fighting, that would become one of its most important.

Madden’s film tells the astounding story of the men who cooked up a high-risk disinformation strategy centred on that dead man.

Five weeks before the invasion of the Italian shores by allies to break Hitler’s grip on occupied Europe, an impossible challenge presents itself: how to protect the invasion force from potential annihilation.

Two remarkable intelligence officers, Colin Firth’s Ewen Montagu and Matthew Macfadyen’s Charles Cholmondeley, dream up the most inspired and improbable strategy of the war: to convince the Germans that the English will invade Greece, set in motion by a corpse with fake classified information washing ashore in Spain.

That information was a correspondence between two British generals suggesting the Allies would invade Greece and Sardinia, and that Sicily was merely a feint – an extraordinary gamble.

Madden’s telling of one of war history’s greatest and most fanciful achievements is replete with dark humour, remarkable circumstance, and an exceptional cast – both in its talented actors and its historical figures.

It serves as an espionage tilt at a World War II story – a site greatly plundered, and often told in grandeur and sentimentality. A spy thriller that inspired the world, especially when a young Lieutenant Commander, Ian Fleming, who worked on the operation would go on to pen Casino Royal and give the world James Bond.

Operation Mincemeat (M) is coming to the Bowen Summergarden Cinema this June.

Colin Firth stars in Operation Mincemeat, which doesn't always take itself seriously because the idea at its centre "edges over into Monty Python territory".

Supplied: Transmission

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You can’t have a fundraiser without the fun!

The Mackay community event of the year presented by Gardian Group is back this weekend, and with families eager to get out and about, the fundraiser is expected to attract thousands!

Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day presented by Gardian Group will play host to a huge selection of kids’ activities perfect to keep the entire family entertained.

The fun event will include jumping castles courtesy of Bounce Now Entertainment and mechanical rides including King flyer, Tea Cup Ride and merry-go-round.

2022 is set to be even bigger with something for all to see and do such as market stalls, a Mini Eat Street, Live Music and Celebrity Chef Alastair McLeod will be there with cooking demonstrations.  

The low-cost family-friendly outing allows everyday people to make a real difference in the community simply by attending.

For a $5 admission fee, all rides and amusements inside the gate at BB Print Stadium will be free – allowing families on any budget to enjoy the day. With all proceeds donated to Mackay region hospitals, this event isn’t just for the kids, there is something for everyone, you can take your parents, children, grandchildren, and friends to the Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day on June 5 and contribute to the incredible work Mackay Hospital Foundation carries out each year.

Mackay Hospital Foundation CEO T’aire Olsen said she is excited to see the joy on children’s faces at the event.

“Families are encouraged to attend regardless of whether or not they have utilised the services of Mackay Hospital and Health Service,” Ms Olsen said.

“All proceeds will benefit hospitals in our region ultimately resulting in improved health outcomes for people within our local health system footprint.”

The event is sponsored by Gardian Group, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Mackay Regional Council, BHP, DGH Engineering, Hastings Deering, Jayden Enterprises, Key Solutions Group, Payne Print & Sign Mackay, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, SH Tait & Co, Wilmar Sugar, Triple M Mackay, 7 News Mackay, and Bills Amusements.

To take part in Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day presented by Gardian Group, head to BB Print Stadium on Casey Avenue from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, June 5. Entry is only $5 and food and drinks will be sold at the event.

To find out more information about Mackay Hospital Foundation, visit https://www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au/

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Mackay’s Dean McClintock has completed his first rally, making the trek from Wollongong to Mackay in the Autumn leg of the Shitbox Rally wrapping up a couple of weeks ago.

Dean and co-driver Ben Jones, from Gympie, made up Team TOCK and traversed the route in a 1996 XH Falcon that had 545,000km on it when they bought it for less than $1,000 (i.e. a shitbox).

The pair came across the rally on Facebook in 2019 and have applied every year since, with this year being the first time they’ve been accepted.

The Shitbox Rally raises funds for the Cancer Council, which is a cause close to Dean’s heart, saying he has a history of cancer in his family.

“I haven’t lost anyone but had people with it and still do so it still affects our lives,” he said.

Dean says he was surprised at the positive response they received, raising nearly $34,000 throughout the Autumn campaign.

“It was unreal, the support and help that we got just from reaching out to people,” he said.

“Especially for our first one, we were blown away.”

Starting in Wollongong, 250 teams of two people met at the lookout for a debrief before hitting the road the next day.

“There’s pretty much 500 people that you don’t know but you’re best mates with,” Dean said, reflecting on the camaraderie of the group.

“It’s funny, even though you’re all in one big group, there were still people and cars I’d never seen.”

The 250 teams are then split up into smaller teams of about seven, allowing for pairs to move in groups.

Dean says their group had a few hiccups including someone losing a suspension mount, another blowing a head gasket, and the Falcon’s exhaust being ripped off in a puddle between Glengarry Hilton and Tibooburra.

“We went and bought some earmuffs in the next town, she was pretty loud for the rest of the trip,” Dean laughed.

Further issues came when the wet weather resulted in road closures, diversions, and alternate routes having to be taken.

The group was unable to go through Cameron’s Corner or Windorah as originally planned, going through Charleville, Aramac, and Emerald instead.

“It was a bit of a logistics nightmare for everyone but turned out alright,” said Dean.

After seven days and 3500kms, the group made its way into Mackay.

“As soon as you come over that finish line, you’re kind of relieved,” said Dean.

“It’s a pretty big trip.

“It does take it out of you and the sense of achievement when you’re finished is a good feeling.”

Dean and Ben are already looking forward to the Spring leg of the rally between Mackay and Darwin in October but say a new shitbox could be on the cards beforehand.

“We’ll be finishing at Darwin so it’s a bit of a drive home,” he laughed.

Ben and Dean, AKA Team TOCK, travelled from Wollongong to Mackay in a week in the Shitbox Rally

Team TOCK ran into strife when their exhaust was ripped off in a puddle between Glengarry Hilton and Tibooburra

Ben and Dean will be taking on the next leg of the rally between Mackay and Darwin in August with some familiar faces. Photos Supplied: Dean McClintock

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Friday 3 June

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Port of Mackay - Whiskey Night

Friday, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Hosted by Port of Mackay Rotary and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, with funds raised supporting local community. Featuring high quality whiskies and spirits, all open under one roof for your tasting pleasure. Come along and taste while you learn and experience the excitement of having a flutter on our very own phantom beach races. Ticket price includes your own souvenir nip glass, samples of an array of quality whiskeys, finger foods and starting purse for the Phantom beach races.

Mackay Surf Club

Echoes of Pink Floyd

Friday, 7:30pm

Entitled “A Journey Through Time”, the Adelaide-based band’s latest show will take audiences on a musical and visual journey from Pink Floyd’s earliest days as darlings of 1960s London’s psychedelic underground, all the way to their 1990s powerhouse performances as the undisputed masters of stadium rock. Please note, this is a tribute show.

MECC

Saturday 4 June

Fresh Local Organic Microgreens

Saturday, 6:00am to 10:00am

Come on down and support your local farmers and get some fresh produce. Delicious and nutritious organic microgreens grown in Mackay for Mackay. Great varieties, great value, great markets. Get in early to get your favourite varieties!

Mackay Showgrounds Entrance

Author Behind the Book

Saturday, 9:30am to 11:30am

Are you interested in meeting local emerging and established authors? Come and meet the authors behind the books that are making a difference in the local literary scene. They will be able to share their journey with you around becoming an author and describe their new book. Register via Eventbrite.

Gordon White Library

Sugar City Art Deco Walking Tour

Saturday, 6:00pm

The award-winning Art Deco Night tours of the Sugar City Art Deco Modernism Society have released the new dates for 2022, with the first tour happening this Saturday. Mackay's architecture is unusual compared to that of other cities in Queensland. The Art Deco style was not limited to a particular type of building. It was used for picture theatres, shops and hotels. Although settled in the 1860s, most buildings in the city centre were designed and constructed within the first three decades of the 20th Century; thus, Mackay has one of the best collections of Art Deco buildings in Queensland. The Art Deco Night tours of the city start at 6:00 pm in front of The Australian Hotel before heading off down Victoria Street and the surrounding city area. Discover buildings rich in historical significance to the time period and hear about our local Mackay heritage. Please visit the Mackay Art Deco website to book a ticket.

The Australian Hotel

Rhyley McGrath: The Dispensary

Saturday, 6:00pm

Rhyley McGrath is a travelling musician, gaining fans around Australia with his soulful vocals, catchy originals, and a honed skill on guitar. Specialising in finger-picking blues, and acoustic folk music, Rhyley is always pursuing new songs, sounds and ideas to continually develop his style. On any given night, blues standards, Dylan-esque folk, bluegrass influences and funky-grooves can all be heard. In 2022, Rhyley and partner Maddie, their dog Bella and the van are hitting the road again, playing every town they can on their way around Australia. With new music recorded, CDs from last trip still available, and a new arsenal of creative covers to enjoy, this is one local gig you shouldn't miss!

The Dispensary Mackay

David Strassman – The Chocolate Diet

Saturday, 7:00pm

From London to New York, David Strassman’s comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it’s your turn to experience Strassman’s uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood. Strassman’s newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare’s health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis.

MECC

Sunday 5 June

BMA Mackay Marina Run

Sunday, 6:30am

The BMA Mackay Marina Run is a signature event on the Mackay Road Runners’ calendar and features the 21.1km half marathon, 8km, 5km fun run, 5km corporate challenge and 3km junior dash. The event raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation and welcomes event ambassadors Robert de Castella and Benita Willis. Participants are asked to arrive at 5.30am.

Mackay Marina

Sunday Live Music

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

Silent Walking Meditation At Shoal Point

Sunday, 6:00pm

You are invited to Mackay Walking Meditation Group's third event of the year, as they gather for a silent sunset walk around Shoal Point beach. Walking meditation is a simple and profound practice in which we walk mindfully and silently as a group in nature. If you have trouble being still or switching off, but crave a way to calm your restless mind, you may discover walking meditation to be a delightfully easeful experience. Meet between 4:00pm and 4:15pm by the big trees near the covered picnic tables at Shoal Point Park.

Shoal Point Park

The World of Musicals

Sunday, 6:00pm

The World of Musicals concert has graced stages across the globe and features a world-class ensemble of multi-talented performing artists who exquisitely recreate classic hits, fused with emotive ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes. From the best of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” to “We will Rock You, “Sister Act” and many more, the World of Musicals delivers a stirring musical concert theatre experience that will leave you spellbound – from the opening song to the final medley of classics.

MECC

Tuesday 7 June

Community Biggest Morning Tea

Tuesday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Get together and make a difference to those impacted by cancer. Guest speaker, raffles, lucky door, games and more! Morning tea provided. all proceeds go to Cancer Council QLD.

The Neighbourhood Hub

Wednesday 8 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

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 presents Don’t Mess With the Dummies

Wednesday, 6:00pm

Don’t mess with the Dummies — they’re on an expedition and you’re invited along for the ride. Pack your bag, tie your shoes and get ready for circus-filled hilarity as the Dummies monkey around the jungle, swing through treetops and skip past foliage. With a rockin’ soundtrack, unbelievable acrobatics and trademark Dummies frivolity, let’s get ready to rumble! Age Recommendation: 5+ Ages. Show duration: 60 mins, no interval.

MECC

Thursday 9 June

Music Bingo

Every Thursday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Join Nicole at the Boomerang Hotel for Music Bingo every Thursday night from 7pm! Free to play, great prizes and family friendly! To book a table phone 3558 3301.

Boomerang Hotel

Whiskey Night

Echoes of Pink Floyd

Sugar City Art Deco Walking Tour

Rhyley McGrath

David Strassman – The Chocolate Diet

Don’t Mess With the Dummies

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Linda Mackenzie, Kirstin Dwyer and Cathy Freeman. These three Mackay women share the title of Olympian, and now talent scouts from the state’s capital are on a hunt for the next crop of superstar athletes.

The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) is on a mission to unearth and develop our region’s most talented athletes and prepare them for success in 2032.

If you are aged between 13 and 23 (Olympic sports) or 13 and 30 (Paralympic sports) you are eligible to take part in the QAS Youfor2032 testing sessions in Mackay, from June 14 to 16, 2022.

Mayor Greg Williamson applauded the Queensland Government’s introduction of Youfor2032, which is Australia’s largest ever athlete talent identification program.

“The Queensland-hosted Olympic Games may be a decade off, but council is already working to ensure the Mackay region is a big part of it,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council is proud to foster the development of young athletes, sporting clubs and vital sporting infrastructure in our region, so it’s tremendous to have talent scouts from the Queensland Academy of Sport here for three days to work with our budding athletes,” he said.

Queensland Academy of Sport executive director, Talent and Coaching, Troy Ayres, encouraged young local athletes in Mackay to register online today for the chance to be tested at one of five sessions to be held in Mackay in June.

“Youfor2032 is about widening the net further and ensuring no stone is left unturned in providing aspiring athletes the opportunity to see how good they can be,” Mr Ayers said.

“The testing sessions unfold in partnership with schools, universities, councils and school sport districts to put young aspiring athletes through a series of speed, agility and endurance tests,” he said.

The quest for the best starts now, register for Youfor2032 today at youfor2032.initiatives.qld.gov.au/apply. Once you submit your application, there will be an opportunity to select your preferred testing session, location and time.

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Fresh from headlining Mackay’s Italian Street Party, the “Australian Andrea Bocelli” and renowned tenor Paul Ettore Tabone is in Mackay for morning melodies at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

The Aussie West End Star and Queensland singer has come direct from Her Majesty's Theatre in London's glittering West End, returning home for a regional Queensland tour in Golden Days - Songs from the Movies & Musicals on June 24.

In Golden Days, Tabone takes his audience on a musical journey of the best songs from movies to musicals throughout the decades.

It’s a variety hour of featurette songs from the ‘Golden Age’ of music, incorporating singers such as Mario Lanza and Perry Como, and songs from Disney all the way to Ennio Morricone.

The show “has it all”, serving as a wonderful trip down memory lane.

After performing four years in London's ‘The Phantom of The Opera’ and having released his debut album ‘This Is Me’, Paul has reached the lofty heights of #1 in the Classical Music Charts in Australia, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

His is a voice not to be missed.

The show has a backbone of local and regional talent as well, featuring up and coming regional artists.

Paul himself grew up in Ingham, and despite his international career as one of Australia’s most successful exports, he continues to promote the wealth of talent in regional Australia.

Join the ‘Tenor From Oz’ as he takes you on a journey through the songs of stage and screen: from opera, films and musicals such as The Student Prince, The Great Caruso, Toast of New Orleans, Tosca, Beauty and The Beast and many more.

So come along for some sizzling entertainment, and your chance at a lucky door prize and don’t forget the free morning tea.

Volunteer group Friends of the MECC will supply tea, coffee and biscuits before the show.

Make sure to get your tickets early for the latest performance in the Morning Melodies season - Golden Days is sure to be a morning of music you’ll never forget!

Morning Melodies 2022 Paul Ettore Tabone Sings Golden Days Friday 24 June 2022, 11.00am MECC Plenary Halls Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

Paul Tabone will arrive at the MECC on June 24

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Get your favourite frock and your tidiest tux ready, The Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club are hosting their 1950-60's Las Vegas Ball in July.

This is the club’s first ball in four years after the biennial event was unable to go ahead in 2020 due to the pandemic, so it’s bound to be big.

Club President Anthony Azzopardi says the ball is a great opportunity to get the club and the community together and highlights the charitable work of the club.

“We’re not just a bunch of hoons, we’re registered as a charity ourselves and we raise money for other charities,” he said.

“We’re all car enthusiasts but we try to raise money for other groups.”

Tickets are just $60 and attendees can expect a drink on arrival, canapes throughout the night, $5000 worth of casino chips to spend across five different casino tables, a silent auction, and live 1950s-60s style music from The Two Maoris.

All proceeds from the event go to Dragons Abreast Mackay, an organisation spreading the message of breast cancer awareness through participation in the sport of dragon boat racing.

The Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club was founded in 2010 by former Mirani police officer Fred Baguley and his wife Barb.

The Club’s marquee event, Dad’s Day in the Valley, raised over $10,000 for local charities last year.

Since its inception, the Club has strived to look after the Valley and local charities and has raised and donated over $120,000 to date.

The Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club 1950-60's Las Vegas Ball is happening Saturday 9th of July from 6:30pm at Souths Leagues Club.

Tickets are available to the general public and sales close Sunday June 26.

Get yours at https://www.trybooking.com/BYVRF or Contact Michelle

This year will be the Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club’s first ball in four years. Photo: supplied

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The country’s only independent and low-cost airline is searching for a Mackay legend!

Bonza airlines are closing in on their launch day and are asking for Mackay’s help to spread the good word about the region.

They’ll crown one passionate person as the ‘Bonza Local Legend’ and have them join a group of 16 other legends - one from each destination on Bonza’s route map.

Bonza are asking Mackay local legends to upload a 30 second or less video to Facebook or Instagram and tag @FlyBonza with #BonzaLocalLegends to show fellow Aussies why they should visit on holiday.

The winning legend will gain free VIP flights on the first-ever flight from Mackay alongside three other mates or family members of their choosing.

Bonza said they plan to work alongside their appointed legend to help put the region firmly on the map, as well as taking onboard the legend’s sage advice.

Legends will share their opinion on deserving members of the community to also be on the inaugural flight, join important taste testing of the all Aussie menu and road test the airline’s first ever uniform.

They’ll also potentially feature in upcoming video content promoting destinations that Mackay locals can visit with a direct low-cost Bonza flight: Sunshine Coast, Cairns, and Melbourne.

Speaking this morning, Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza said they wanted any “legend, larrikin, or personality about town” to come forward.

“We’re looking for big hearts, welcoming arms and people who aren’t shy to give it a go and promote their slice of Allstralia,” Ms Povey said.

Adrian Miles, Head of Operations Mackay Airport said this was “a great opportunity for a Mackay local to help spread the word about all the fantastic things in our region and why they should fly Bonza to come and visit.”

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It was a very happy birthday for the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens thanks to a sizeable donation from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association (MRBG Friends).

MRBG Friends President Maya Harrison presented the Gardens with a cheque for $10,000 to contribute to the purchase of database software.

Gardens Curator Lisa Kermode thanked MRBG Friends for their donation, saying IrisBG Software has been specifically designed for botanic gardens and is used all over the world.

“It’ll be a really great tool for us to manage and record all the plants in our living collection,” she said.

“It’ll record information like the species, where they’re located, the history and origin of that particular plant.

“We’ll also be able to display that information on some maps and that will be available to the public and also to botanic gardens across the world to find out about our collection.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the significant contribution brings the Gardens into the 21st century.

“Without interest by ‘friends’ groups in our community, we wouldn’t be a community,” he said.

“This database will certainly revolutionise the way we do business as the botanic gardens.”

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens were opened on May 24, 2003 and celebrated their 19th birthday last week.

MRBG Friends President Maya Harrison says the association raises funds year-round through the garden shop, community events and fundraising to assist the Gardens and save for such donations.

“The friends of the gardens have been involved in the gardens since before they even opened,” she said.

“The garden friends have basically planted most of what you see here in the gardens as tubestock.

“The Botanic Gardens is really showcasing our regional plants.”

These days, MRGB Friends are involved in planting, weeding and feeding throughout the Gardens as well as leading guided tours and social events.

Last Saturday, MRGB Friends made their next significant contribution to the Gardens, planting 1000 Golden Everlasting Daisies (xerochrysum bracteatum) on the lagoon’s edge.

MRGB Friends have had to reschedule the annual planting twice this year but there was not a cloud in the sky this time around.

“It’s quite spectacular when they’re all flowering and hopefully they don’t get buffeted by wind and rain and stay upright,” said Ms Harrison.

Botanical Art Interest Group

Another branch of the MRGB Friends is the Botanical Gardens Interest Group which is currently running its latest exhibition ‘Where A Plant Begins’.

Similar to the old conundrum of ‘the chicken or the egg,’ the exhibition ponders whether seed or flower came first.

Botanical artists have focused on a particular aspect of the plant’s lifecycle – flowers, pollination, seeds, germination or seedlings using photosynthesis – or they have portrayed the entire lifecycle of a plant complete with flowers, seeds and features of their chosen plants.

Combining detail, accuracy and artistry, the botanical artists have committed many hours to each graphite drawing, pastel drawing, watercolour or acrylic painting.

Each piece showcases how the artists take live specimens and create a living piece of botanical art via their sketch books, photos and art materials.

‘Where a Plant Begins’ is available for viewing at the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café and is open 9:00am to 2:00pm Wednesday to Friday and 11:00am to 1:00pm on weekends until Sunday, June 26.

For more information on the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association, the exhibition or any other initiatives, contact Maya Harrison on 0436 331 009 or email mackayrbgfriends@gmail.com.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, MRGB Curator Lisa Kermode, Mackay Regional Council Regional Services Coordinator Ross Willis, MRGB Friends President Maya Harrison, and MRGB Friends Penny McMahon, Kevin Jackson, Julie Inkson, Meryl Ritchie and Carolyn Atkinson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

MRBG Friends planted 1000 Golden Everlasting Daisies on the banks of the lagoon last Saturday

Where a Plant Begins’ is available for viewing at the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café

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