By Georgia McDonald

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Let’s play a game of musical chairs – the hot seat edition. Each week, I will pull up a chair with one of the talented local musicians who keep the Whitsundays singing, dancing and coming back for one more.

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This week, I sat down with soloist Andrew Baldino, known locally as Baldi, who first began performing in the Whitsundays 16 years ago, in fast-paced 10-day trips from Adelaide that would leave him feeling like he needed a holiday from his holiday.

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The clock would strike 11pm, the crowd would begin to gather and Andrew would take the stage with his band to play into the early hours at Paddy's Shenanigans in Airlie Beach, before getting up the next day to do it all over again.  

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Over time, something changed. What started as a regular work trip became something more. The Whitsundays became more than just a pit stop to perform. Weeks spent here turned into whole winters as it became clear that Airlie Beach was somewhere Andrew could build a life around the music he loves.

Today, Andrew still has his calendar full with bookings, but in-between gigs, he enjoys morning swims and time spent with his dog, having found a balance that allows him to enjoy days in nature, as well as nights in the bars.  

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"I redid my relationship with the Whitsundays. I never used to completely understand when people called this place paradise," Andrew reflects. "But now I get it."

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After sixteen years of returning to the Whitsundays, Andrew has become a familiar face in the local music scene. He now plans his calendar months in advance, returning each winter to perform across venues throughout the region.  

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Andrew notes that one of things that keeps many musicians like him coming back is that unlike many parts of Australia where gigs can be confined to weekends, the Whitsundays offers musicians daily opportunities to perform.  

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While love for the place, and for the music, constitute major parts of the equation, Andrew has always approached music as a profession – because to make it work, you’ve got to be willing to hustle.  

Success, he says, comes from building a broad repertoire, gaining as much performance experience as possible and learning to “read the room” and understand what each audience needs before playing the first song.

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It’s advice that he now passes on to young musicians:

"Don't just play songs you like. Think about who's in front of you.”

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His advice is reflected in the songs he chooses to perform, which bring together generations. When it comes to getting a crowd going, Andrew says there a few songs he can always rely on such as The Pina Colada Song, Valerie and Walking on Sunshine.

Andrew credits much of his musical influence to one band - The Beatles.

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“I listened to a heap of The Beatles when I was younger. They are probably the most important to me as far as diversity and what they did, and of course, the amount of times I might refer to them in my brain.”

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As for what he is listening to himself, Andrew says in the last year, he discovered American country singer Don Williams.  

“He's very well known in the country scene, but I feel like he filled a massive gap in my country music knowledge. His songs are very simply beautifully crafted songs about love and life. So I'm a Don Williams fan at the moment.”

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You can catch Andrew this weekend:

Friday 31^st July – Magnums 3-6pm & KC’s 8pm onwards

Saturday 1^st August - Lola’s Bar 7:30PM

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Andrew’s Song Recommendation For The Week:

♫ Tulsa Time – Don Williams ♫

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Proudly brought to you by Club Whitsunday, for one spectacular afternoon, Airlie Beach Main Street will transform into a giant 25th birthday celebration by the reef. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival

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Airlie Beach's Main Street will burst into colour, creativity and community spirit when the Club Whitsunday Street Parade returns as a highlight of this year's Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival.

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From 5pm on Saturday 1st August, thousands of locals and visitors are expected to line the streets as spectacular floats, dazzling costumes and energetic performances celebrate the festival's 25th anniversary with a vibrant reef-inspired birthday party.

This year's theme, 25th Birthday Celebration, invites participants to combine the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with a splash of silver to mark the festival's milestone year.

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Festival organisers are encouraging schools, sporting clubs, businesses and community groups to let their imaginations run wild, creating floats and costumes inspired by everything from colourful coral gardens and tropical fish to turtles, sea creatures and underwater party scenes.

Whether marching in costume, performing, or showcasing a creative float, participants will help transform Airlie Beach into a moving celebration of reef life, with plenty of surprises along the way.

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The annual parade has become one of the Whitsundays' most loved traditions, bringing the community together in a colourful display of local pride while celebrating the natural wonder that makes the region famous.

Those entering the parade will also compete for cash prizes and bragging rights across categories including Best Business Entry, Best Not-for-Profit Entry and Most Creative & Wacky.  

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For spectators, the parade promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, with the best views available from anywhere along Main Street or from the cafés, bars and restaurants lining the route.  

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Whether you're taking part or simply cheering from the sidelines, this year's silver anniversary celebration is set to deliver one of the biggest and brightest street parties the Whitsundays has ever seen.

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What: Club Whitsunday Street Parade

When: Saturday 1st August, 5pm

Where: Main Street, Airlie Beach

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Children can explore the glowing reef-inspired sculptures during the Great Barrier Reef Festival's much-loved Immerse Art Installation, which transforms the Airlie Beach Foreshore into a vibrant underwater wonderland each evening. Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival

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The magic of the Great Barrier Reef will come to life in the heart of Airlie Beach when the much-loved Immerse Art Installation returns as part of this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Running from 31st July to 2nd August, the free installation, sponsored by Ergon Energy, will transform the Airlie Beach Foreshore into an enchanting underwater wonderland, inviting visitors to wander beneath glowing corals, colourful marine creatures and spectacular light displays inspired by one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.

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Centred beneath Airlie Beach's iconic fig tree and stretching along the foreshore, Immerse has become one of the festival's signature attractions. What began as a single reef-inspired display has grown into an immersive experience, with themed zones including the popular Great Eight Tree and Estuary, alongside animated projections lighting up the Heart Hotel and artistic lanterns illuminating the foreshore entrance.

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Created by a talented team of local artists, the installation showcases stunning sculptural corals, fish, turtles and other reef life, all handcrafted from recycled plastics and marine debris. The striking works not only celebrate the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef but also highlight the importance of protecting it by giving discarded materials a second life.

Festival organisers say the artwork reflects both the creativity of the Whitsundays community and a shared commitment to caring for the environment.

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Conceptualised by Art Director Margie Murphy the installation has been created by local and regional artists and members of the community, with pieces added annually since its inception in 2021. The core team of artists are Margaret Burgess, Anita Pender, Brigitte Peel and Liz Knight with Donna Maree Robinson creating the reef-themed animated projections.

Whether visitors are admiring the intricate sculptures by day or experiencing the colourful illuminated displays after dark, Immerse promises a unique celebration of art, community and the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. As the foreshore is transformed into a glowing marine wonderland, the installation offers the perfect opportunity for families, photographers and festivalgoers to explore, discover and experience the reef in a whole new light.

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What: Immerse Art Installations

When: 31st July-2nd August

Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach

Jungle Giants a few years ago at Love signs. Photo sourced: Jungle Giants Facebook.

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After Beach Music winds down and the festival fireworks light up the night sky on Friday 8pm, the celebrations are set to continue.

Bloom Festival will keep the party bouncing beachside, with the Reef Bar hosting a special DJ packed event in partnership with Bomba Events.

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The lineup includes Spanish techno DJ Jorch Jungle, who is currently touring Australia, and hard techno and bounce DJ Zuero. Adding to the experience, E.Motion will present Hypno Mandala and Buugeng Flow performances, while Inertia will showcase a mix of flow arts and movement.  

Things slow down on Sunday afternoon with the SOLLOS Sunday Session, running from 2pm to 6pm on the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

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Hosted by SOLLOS, the tropical Queensland agave farm that has grown Australia's first commercial Blue Weber agave, the session is a chance to relax by the water with live music and the farm's signature Australian Margarita.

Whitsunday musicians Pluto Tango and Chris Booroff will bring the afternoon's entertainment with cool acoustics.  

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Pluto Tango's mix of blues, folk, rock and contemporary music offers an easy soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon on the foreshore. With soulful vocals and a relaxed style, the Whitsunday act has become a popular choice at local venues and events.

With years of performing around the region, Chris Booroff has become one of the Whitsundays' best-known local musicians. His blend of blues, rock and roots, paired with warm vocals and an easy stage presence, makes him a natural fit to help round out the festival weekend.

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Closing out the Great Barrier Reef Festival weekend, Australian indie favourites The Jungle Giants will bring infectious anthems to Magnums Hotel for the official Sunday night after party.  

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Renowned for energetic live performances, the Brisbane band has built a loyal following with hits including She's a Riot, Heavy Hearted and Feel the Way I Do. Their appearance promises a memorable finish to the 25th annual festival weekend.

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Founder

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The Airlie Beach Foreshore is set to host an evening of live entertainment as Beach Music returns on Saturday 1^st August as a part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival.  

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Kicking off from 6pm, the $10 entry event will feature a mix of local favourites and touring acts, giving festival-goers another reason to stay in town after the parade winds its way through Main Street.

Headlining the event is rock-country band Kingswood, whose roots span Melbourne and Nashville. Founded by Fergus Linacre and Alex Laska, the pair and their “Family Band” have been making music together since they were 11 and have since toured extensively throughout Australia and overseas.  

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“We like to go little bit wild on stage. We've been around for a while and have done a lot of different genres so there's a bit in there for everyone,” Fergus said.  

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Touring has become a way of life for Kingswood. After the COVID-19 lockdowns, the band even built its own tour bus to help tackle a run of 100 shows across the country.  

Airlie Beach holds a special place in their heart, with the group relishing the chance to perform in front of a Whitsunday crowd and spend time near the Great Barrier Reef.

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“Really it doesn't matter who's in front of us, we'll cater our set to make sure they have the best time of their life,” said Fergus.  

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Bringing a change of pace to the evening is Mackay band Alchemunk, whose funk-inspired sound blends tight musicianship with an infectious stage presence. Expect driving basslines, and plenty of feel-good grooves.

Kicking things off at 6pm is another Mackay based band, Founder, whose relaxed indie sound provides the perfect start to the evening. The four-piece band is known for catchy melodies, with a knack for leaving first-time listeners wanting to hear more long after the final song.  

Completing the lineup is Townsville singer-songwriter Chris Baker, a seasoned performer with nearly two decades of experience at venues and festivals across Australia.

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Drawing inspiration from artists including the Eagles, AC/DC, Metallica and Guns N' Roses, Baker blends rock, blues, country, indie, funk and soul into a versatile performance. Over the years, he has shared the stage with Pete Murray, You Am I, Clint Boge and Phil Emmanuel, performing both as a solo artist and with his band.

Fans won't have to call it a night when Beach Music wraps up, with the Chris Baker Band keeping the festival atmosphere alive at Paddy's Shenanigans at the official after-party, giving revellers one more chance to dance well into the night.

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Adding a new element to this year's event, aerial performer Kara Enigma will wow audiences with two performances across the evening.

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The Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street will return alongside the popular Reef Bar, which will keep drinks flowing from its foreshore location. Playing on Friday night on the main stage will be local youth band Category 5, four-piece outfit that has become a familiar face on the Whitsundays live music scene.

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Featuring Amber Hinschen, Declan Davy, Liam O'Neill and Ava Buckley, the band has spent the past four-and-a-half years performing at festivals, community events and venues across the region, with this being there fourth time performing at the Great Barrier Reef Festival.  

“It just feels like home, we love performing for the locals here and bringing more to the music scene in Airlie,” said Amber.  

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The Young Whitsundays Got Talent 2024 and Fast Track Talent Quest 2025 Winners mix a playlist of indie rock, rock and pop covers to give festivalgoers a chill and up-beat drink.

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The new permanent swimming enclosure at Dingo Beach is now open, welcoming locals and visitors back to one of the Whitsundays' favourite coastal destinations.  

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Rebuilt after being damaged during Cyclone Kirrily in 2024, the new enclosure was shaped by more than 600 community submissions and provides year-round protection from marine stingers.  

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The project also pays tribute to Dingo Beach's history, with the original enclosure built by local residents in the 1960s.

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Ocean Rafting Team. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.  

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Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island celebrated their first birthday with an afternoon of food, drinks and entertainment alongside the people who helped make the milestone possible.

Held at The Palms, Hamilton Island, the event brought together staff, industry partners and supporters to celebrate the business's first year of operation after acquiring the location from Hamilton Island Watersports.

Guests enjoyed a plethora of great food, drinks, live entertainment, a mid-party joyride as the Ocean Rafting team thanked those who have supported the venture since its launch.

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“I think it's absolutely awesome,” Ocean Rafting CEO Cole Claxton said at the party.  

“Having everyone here mingling, our staff are all here to support us… It's a beautiful winter evening, it's really nice.”

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With a first year on Hamilton Island now complete, the team is looking forward to building on the success of the past 12 months while continuing to deliver the Ocean Rafting experience that has become a Whitsundays favourite over the past 28 years.

"It's our first birthday on Hammo, but we've got 28 years of experience behind us in Airlie," Cole said.

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"I really think we've shaken it up a bit and brought our own signature to Hamilton Island.  

“It's exciting to be able to do what we do from such an amazing place, and we're looking forward to seeing where it goes from here."

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Last Saturday, the Bowen PCYC Youth Leadership Team worked together on their monthly beach cleanup, spending an hour and a half tackling the shores of Rose Bay. The group weren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, getting into every nook and cranny to find rubbish trapped between the rocks.  

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Along the way, they had plenty of fun, connected to the environment, and enjoyed each other's company.

The monthly beach cleanups were put in motion by the youths themselves.

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“They started it,” said Community Development Officer Kymbellie Butler.

“They came up with the idea and I just made it work for them.

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“It helps them to create a healthier and more sustainable community while inspiring others to care for their environment, which they would love to do. That's their goal.”

The PCYC’s next cleanup will take place next month at Mellon's Lagoon, as they continue to make a difference and inspire more locals to roll up their sleeves and help keep Bowen's beautiful coastline clean for generations to come.

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The Who’s Who of the Whitsundays Wild West. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.  

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The 2026 Mayor's Charity Ball brought together faces from across the community to raise money for BMA CQ Rescue.  

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Held at Proserpine Entertainment Centre, this year's Whispers of the West theme celebrated the region's rural roots, with guests embracing western-inspired fashion.  

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Bolo ties, broad-brimmed hats and tweed jackets were paired with flowing prairie dresses, fringed garments and polished cowboy boots, in a stylish nod to country fashion.  

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“It looks pretty fantastic here,” Mayor Ry Collins said at the event.

“A lot of people probably forget that we are 95% rural here in the Whitsundays.  

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“We have a lot of rodeos every year, there's really cowboy culture and it’s really nice to celebrate that here tonight.”

While the evening was filled with fun and celebration, its lasting impact came through its purpose, raising vital funds for BMA CQ Rescue. The community-funded rescue helicopter service operates around the clock, providing lifesaving care, search and rescue missions, and emergency response across Central and North Queensland.

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“Of course, the underlying purpose of the night is that we help each other out,” Mayor Collins said.

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“Anyone who has lived here for a period of time has seen that helicopter go over and what that means is they're out trying to save someone’s life.  

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“It’s important work, in the central Queensland region, we see more visits from CQ Rescue then any other region.  

“That could be from saving a mine worker, a truck rolling over on a farm, a tourist in distress on the islands, they do real important work when someone' s at their worst, so it’s something really worth supporting.”

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Mayor Collins also acknowledged the event's sponsors and the local business community for their ongoing support, crediting them with helping make the annual fundraiser a success.  

So proud that our business community in particular, and such a wonderful range of sponsors are here to support.  

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A highlight of the evening was the charity auction, where some of the region's most generous supporters dug deep to bid on a range of exclusive items.  

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The auction featured regional artwork, a signed and framed Cowboys jersey, a private tour of the BMA CQ Rescue base, dinner with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at Parliament House, and many other unique prizes.

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Following dinner, guests were treated to a whip-cracking performance, a spectacular fireworks display and an evening of dancing, with many trying their hand at square dancing as the celebrations continued.  

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By night's end, the Mayor's Charity Ball had once again showcased the Whitsundays' strong community spirit, bringing people together in support of a service that saves lives across the region.  

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See more photos here:

Part 1: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/western-spirit-shines-at-mayors-charity-ball-part-1

Part 2: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/western-spirit-shines-at-mayors-charity-ball-part-2

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A day of laughter, learning and seaside adventure awaits when the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday, August 2, from 10am to 2pm, as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

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Completely free to attend, the much-loved event invites families to enjoy a vibrant program of interactive entertainment while discovering more about the remarkable marine environment that makes the Whitsundays so special.

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Designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages, the Family Fun Day brings together local organisations, environmental groups and activity providers to create an engaging celebration of the Great Barrier Reef. Through hands-on activities, games and educational experiences, children can learn about reef conservation while having plenty of fun along the way.

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The day is packed with entertainment, from circus workshops and face painting to crazy races, a donut eating competition and interactive reef-themed activities. Families can also take part in games, challenges and the ever-popular treasure hunt, with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

A strong focus on reef education and cultural learning adds another dimension to the event, giving visitors the chance to connect with the incredible natural environment that surrounds the Whitsundays.

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The Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and a range of eco stalls will be staffed by leading conservation, science and government organisations, offering fascinating insights into environmental initiatives and sustainability.

Visitors can also meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team, who will share their knowledge of coral restoration and reef care, while Coral Sea Marina Resort, along with local tour operators including Cruise Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting, will host fun, educational activities that encourage children to explore the wonders of the reef.

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When it's time to recharge, a variety of food vendors will be serving delicious options throughout the day, while adults can unwind with the Festival Bar, opening from 12pm, and soak up the lively festival atmosphere overlooking the waterfront.

Whether it's creating, exploring, competing or simply enjoying time together, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day offers something for every member of the family. Combining entertainment with meaningful environmental education, it's an opportunity to celebrate one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders in a way that's both memorable and inspiring.

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With free entry, a spectacular foreshore setting and a full program of activities, it's the perfect excuse to gather the family, embrace the festival spirit and experience one of the Great Barrier Reef Festival's most popular community events.

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Event Highlights:

• Circus workshops

• Donut eating competition

• Crazy races

• Face painting

• Interactive reef-themed activities

• Treasure hunt with great prizes

• Hands-on reef and marine education

• Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and environmental displays

• Meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team

• Educational activities with local reef tourism operators

• Food vendors throughout the day

• Festival Bar open from 12pm

• Free family entertainment for all ages

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What: Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day
When: Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 10am–2pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach

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Friday 24^th July

Chair Exercise  

9.30am

Stay active in a fun and supportive environment with Chair Exercise at Mirani Library on Friday 24^th July from 9.30am to 10.30am. Designed to boost strength, flexibility and wellbeing while seated, these energising sessions are suitable for a range of fitness levels. Bring a water bottle, book your place and discover how enjoyable staying active can be.

Mirani Library  

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Dementia Social Circle  

10am

Find friendship, support and meaningful connection at the Dementia Social Circle on Friday 24^th July from 10am to 11.30am at Gordon White Library. The welcoming group provides a chance for people living with dementia and their support networks to share experiences, build connections and enjoy time together in a caring environment. New participants are encouraged to come along and join the community.

Gordan White Library  

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3 Nights Of Daly Bay Illuminate  

6pm | 23^rd-26^th July  

Mackay’s City Centre will glow with ocean-inspired wonder this week as Daly Bay Illuminate returns from July 23^rd–26^th. The free evening event will transform the area from the Civic Centre to Bluewater Quay with spectacular light projections, live entertainment, food and the impressive Whale Song giant puppet performance. Running nightly from 6pm to 9pm, the event invites families, locals and visitors to explore a vibrant celebration of art, storytelling and the natural world.

Civic Centre to Bluewater Quay 

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Saturday 25^th July

JSP Home of Women’s Stories Open Day  

9.30am

The community is invited to the JSP Home of Women’s Stories Open Day, a free morning of storytelling, creativity and reflection. Held from 9.30am at Shop 5, 31 Wood Street, Mackay, the event welcomes women and everyone shaped by one to explore stories, mark-making, keepsakes and moments of quiet reflection. Come along, discover this special space and connect with others through shared experiences, creativity and meaningful conversations.

Shop 5 31 Wood Street , Mackay

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Discover Paper Quilling  

9.30am

Get creative at Gordon White Library with the Discover Paper Quilling workshop on Saturday 25^th July from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Learn how to create beautiful quilt-inspired paper designs in this hands-on session that's perfect for anyone keen to try a new craft. It's a fun, affordable way to build creative skills and meet like-minded people. Places are limited, so be sure to book early.

Gordon White Library  

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Art, Craft & Conversation  

10am

Bring your latest creative project and enjoy a day of inspiration at Art, Craft & Conversation on Saturday 25^th July, from 10am to 2pm at Gordon White Library. Whether you enjoy painting, knitting, sewing or other crafts, this welcoming session is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, share ideas and create in a relaxed social setting. Book your place and join the fun.

Gordan White Library  

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Sunday 26^th July

Artist Book Collective – July  

10.30am

Discover the art of bookmaking and connect with fellow creatives at the Artist Book Collective on Sunday 26^th July from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Artspace Mackay. Open to new and experienced artists alike, the community-led group shares skills, explores inspiration from the MRC Artists Book Collection and helps grow a local network of book makers. New members are warmly encouraged, so come along, join the conversation and get creative.

Artspace Mackay  

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Mackay may not experience the frosty winters seen further south, but the recent run of cool mornings and crisp evenings has been enough to make a warm drink especially appealing. Whether you're curling up with a good book, settling in for a movie nightor simply enjoying a slower start to the day, here are a few delicious drinks to try this winter:

• Brown Sugar Hazelnut Coffee: Rich espresso paired with brown sugar syrup, hazelnut flavouring and steamed milk creates a smooth, nutty drink with just the right amount of sweetness.

• Caramel Latte: A café classic featuring espresso, steamed milk and caramel syrup. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for an extra winter touch.

• Vanilla Chai Latte: Try a fragrant blend of chai spices and creamy milk with a hint of vanilla. Comforting without being too heavy.

• Hot Chocolate: Simple, rich and always a favourite. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa for an extra treat.

• Honey Cinnamon Tea: Stir honey and a pinch of cinnamon into your favourite black tea for a naturally warming drink that's quick to make.

• Peppermint Tea: Refreshing yet soothing, peppermint tea is perfect for winding down after a busy day.

• English Breakfast Tea: A timeless choice that's ideal on cooler mornings, especially with a splash of milk.

• Matcha Latte: Earthy green tea blended with steamed milk offers a smooth, creamy alternative to coffee.

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Whether you prefer coffee, tea or something a little sweeter, there's no shortage of warming options to make the most of North Queensland's brief taste of winter!

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Whether it's a family barbecue, workplace morning tea, birthday party or casual catch-up with friends, there are many thoughtful ways to contribute to a gathering without spending hours in the kitchen. The best options are simple to prepare, easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.

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Here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas:

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Grazing platter: Fill a board with crackers, cheese, cured meats, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, dips and nuts. It's easy to customise for different tastes and dietary requirements.

Mini sausage rolls or pastries: Ready-made puff pastry makes it quick to create sausage rolls or spinach and feta pastries that taste great served hot or cold.

Brownies, slices and muffins: Bake a batch of chocolate brownies, lemon slice or homemade muffins for an easy sweet treat that's simple to share.

Bliss balls: Made with ingredients such as oats, dates and cocoa, these no-bake snacks are ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Caprese skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, bocconcini and fresh basil onto skewers for a fresh, colourful appetiser that's ready in minutes.

Fruit skewers: A refreshing option that combines seasonal fruit into easy-to-grab portions.

Homemade dips: Tzatziki, hummus or French onion dip paired with crackers, pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks is an affordable and popular choice.

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When choosing what to bring, focus on recipes that travel well, are easy to serve and can be prepared in advance. A simple homemade snack is often all it takes to add something special to the table while leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the gathering!

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There’s something special about a pub that feels like it has always belonged. At Hotel Mackay, a piece of local history has been thoughtfully restored and given a new lease on life, creating a venue where heritage charm meets a fresh, welcoming atmosphere.

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Originally built in 1911, the historic hotel has been lovingly transformed into an elevated, traditionally run pub, blending art deco influences with the character and stories that come with more than a century of history.

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The team behind Hotel Mackay set out to create more than just a place to eat and drink — they wanted to create somewhere locals, visitors and anyone looking for good food and good company could walk through the doors and instantly feel welcome.

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Now serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Hotel Mackay is the perfect place to settle in with your favourite people, enjoy a hearty pub meal and catch up over a cold drink.

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There’s always something happening, with regular karaoke nights, meat tray raffles and plenty of reasons to make a return visit. Monday nights are a crowd favourite, with trivia running from 7pm to 8.30pm, alongside the unbeatable special of a chicken parmi and Laffos lager for $30.

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Whether you’re a long-time local or just passing through, Hotel Mackay invites you to step inside, enjoy the atmosphere and become part of its next chapter. Because great pubs aren’t just built with bricks and mortar — they’re built around the people who walk through the door.

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Call 07 4863 0564 to book now!

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Mackay and Whitsundays wedding industry came together on Tuesday 7^th July to celebrate the professionals helping couples create memorable moments, with the 9th Annual Wedding Industry Awards™ – Whitsundays & Mackay recognising excellence across the region.

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Presented through a virtual awards event, the 2026 awards celebrated wedding businesses recognised for their professionalism, service and dedication, with winners and recipients acknowledged for delivering exceptional experiences to newly married couples.

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The awards recognised wedding professionals who consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating passion, innovation and excellence in their work. Recognition was based on feedback and appreciation from the couples they had served, highlighting the trust and dedication built between local wedding businesses and the communities they work within.

The event also shone a light on the strength of Mackay and Whitsundays’ wedding industry, which continues to bring together a diverse network of venues, creatives, suppliers and service providers dedicated to helping couples celebrate their special day.

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The Wedding Industry Awards™ program aims to provide more than recognition, focusing on professional standards, continuous business improvement, marketing opportunities and regional pride, while creating a pathway for businesses to gain recognition within the wider Australian wedding industry.

The 9th Annual Wedding Industry Awards™ provided an opportunity for the region’s wedding professionals to celebrate their achievements and the important role they play in creating unforgettable celebrations for couples and their guests.

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The event also reflected the ongoing growth and professionalism of the Mackay and Whitsundays wedding sector, showcasing an industry built on creativity, service and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

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To see the full list of winners, and runner ups, visit weddingindustryawards.au/winners-2026/

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