Stripped back, speaking out, baring it all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sugar Drop Festival is happening tomorrow at Harrup Park and is bringing local musicians to the Mackay stage for the first time.

Newly formed Brisbane band Mt. Nadir will be opening proceedings tomorrow afternoon, with drummer Conor Harris and bassist Jake Mallet both hailing from Mackay.

The pair put a callout in a Brisbane Music Scene Facebook group where they met singer Francis Rosbrook and guitarist Jaina Sacranie, forming Mt. Nadir.

“I honestly feel like we just got incredibly lucky, the first two people that had come in to jam with us from our ad clicked so well, both personally and musically,” said Conor.

“The initial feeling of us all getting together was just super organic and the songs just began to flow through us with almost every single jam we had,” added Jake.

Mt. Nadir played their first gig earlier this year and tomorrow will be their hometown debut.

“Playing for my friends and family at a festival headlined by such talented bands still feels so surreal,” said Conor.

“Our two biggest supporters Deborah Mallet (my mum) and Margeret Heggie (Conor’s mum) are yet to see us play so we can’t wait to get out there and show them and the rest of Mackay what we’ve been working on,” added Jake.

“Expect a high ride of emotions and a very warming energy made by four friends who all adore each other and love playing with each other.”

Amber Farnan will be taking the stage after Mt. Nadir, her fusion of indie, pop and folk sure to delight Mackay crowds as the sun sets over Harrup Park.

Amber grew up in Cooktown where she says the music scene was non-existent.

“I feel this pushed me further to pursue music and drove me to want to expose myself and others to the industry,” Amber said.

Inspired by Crowded House and fellow North Queensland musician Greta Stanley, Amber moved to Cairns to pursue her music dreams.

“I find it so refreshing and exciting to see music festivals like Sugar Drop popping up in regional areas, exposing and showcasing the local and national talent that Australia has to offer,” Amber said.

“I will be playing with a full band and have heaps of new songs on my setlist which I can’t wait to play live for the first time, and of course the plan is to have fun!”

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Beddy Rays and Tia Gostelow will also take the stage at Sugar Drop tomorrow.

The festival is now 15+ and tickets are still available.

WHAT: Sugar Drop Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 18 from 4:00pm

WHERE: Harrup Park, Mackay

TICKETS: Oztix

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Friday 17 June

Seniors Friendship Group

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

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

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

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

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

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Conversations with Art  

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

This free and enjoyable discussion is led by Artspace staff, looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from Gallery and Museum. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions – Mat Surha

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Ross Noble - On The Go

Friday, 7:30pm

Science has proved laughter can induce a zen-like state similar to meditation, but can contemplation, reflection and self-discovery be achieved by thinking every and all the thoughts at once? Ross Noble is always on the go and will be smashing ideas together in the pursuit of fun. Come see ‘one of comedy’s greatest marvels’ (The Daily Telegraph). Book your tickets at the MECC.

MECC

Saturday 18 June

Sugardrop Festival 2022

Saturday, 4:00pm

After what seems like a lifetime, Tia Gostelow is finally coming home to play a live show and bringing along some mates. Kicking off her first annual hometown event Sugardrop Festival featuring Beddy Rays, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Amber Farnan and Mt. Nadir.

Harrup Park

Les Divas: An All-Male Revue

Saturday, 8:00pm

Witness the greatest divas being impersonated like never before as they tour Australia. From the producers of Prada Clutch’s: All-Drag Revue comes Les Divas: An All-Male Revue. Australia’s six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch plays Cher in her new show set on the Las Vegas Strip featuring an all-star line-up of her most famous friends.

MECC

Sunday 19 June

2022 Libris Awards Exhibition: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize

Sunday

It’s the final week to catch the 2022 Libris Awards exhibition at Artspace Mackay. The Libris Awards brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across Australia. The Awards are a chance to celebrate the art form and build on the gallery’s significant artist book collection through the competition’s acquisitive prizes. The exhibition is available during Artspace Mackay opening hours, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 3pm.

Artspace Mackay

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

Canecutter Statue Unveiling

Sunday, 3:00pm

The new ‘Joe the Canecutter’ statue will be unveiled after being replaced. Community members are all invited to attend.

Albert Lloyd Park, Marian

Monday 20 June

Ukulele Workshop with Paul Jonson

Monday, 7:00pm to 9:30pm

A 2-hour workshop available for all levels of players. Learn a couple of new songs and techniques, learn to show off your personality with your uke with Paul Jonson from NZ.

Contact Julie on 0413316973 to confirm place.

Kucom Theatre

Tuesday 21 June

World Café

Sunday, 3:00pm

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

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Tropical Paint & Sip with Hand Drawn Designs by Michelle

Wednesday, 6:30pm

Mackay, come celebrate with the ultimate party experience! Paint & Sip parties are fun group painting sessions that provide the opportunity to gather your friends and wine while you design, regardless of your artistic ability or skill. Your expert teacher guides you step-by-step. It's that easy! This is NOT an art workshop, so put on your drinking boots and let's have some fun! Adults only event. Book your tickets here! https://bit.ly/3MXavA7

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 22 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

Biggest Morning Tea

Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30am

The team at Magpies Sporting Club are holding a fantastic fundraising Morning Tea to help make a valuable difference in the lives of so many impacted by cancer. Enjoy a decadent morning tea, barista tea & coffee, juice and an inspirational guest speaker for $20 per person. Raffle tickets available now at reception or at the morning tea, drawn on the day, winners don’t need to be present. All ticket and raffle sales will go directly to the Cancer Council.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Thursday 23 June

Playgroup with Maria

Thursday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Story time, movement, music, games and FUN! $3 per family. Email tomin@tnhub.org.au.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay

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Following the resounding success of its 2018 Vicar of Dibley season, Kucom Theatre is proud to present The Vicar of Dibley 2, adapted from original TV scripts by Richard Curtis.

This year’s stage adaptation is based on three popular episodes: Love and Marriage – featuring the wedding of Alice Tinker and Hugo Horton; Autumn, and the Vicar’s scandalous fling with David Horton’s younger brother; and Winter, culminating in the Dibley Nativity Play.

Kucom Theatre President Bronwyn Grannall said the cast includes an array of well-known local performers.

“Our range of local performers includes Pia Larsen, Geoff Stewart-McLean, Zachary Trounson, Chanelle Redgwell, John Irvine, Paul Vander Loos, Andrew Deguara and Richard Calligan, with Vicky Bobeldyk in a guest cameo role,” Ms Grannall said.

“Geoff Stewart-McLean, reprising the role he played in our 2018 production, once again decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and have his head shaved to play the role of Councillor David Horton, played by the follically challenged Gary Waldhorn in the TV series.

“He had his head shaved on 27 May, we were tremendously impressed by Geoff’s generous offer, and by the excellent result achieved by Tanya Russell at Gina-T Hair and Beauty.”

Season dates for the Vicar of Dibley 2: Thu 14th, Fri 15th, Sat 16th, Thu 21st, Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd July.

Tanya Russell (GinaT Hair & Beauty), Geoff Stewart-McLean and Kucom President Bronwyn Grannall

Tanya Russell from GinaT Hair & Beauty gets to work in balding Geoff Stewart-McLean for the role of David Horton in the upcoming show The Vicar of Dibley 2

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Fascinators, Frocks and Fillies

The weather couldn’t have been much better for the return of the Mackay Beach Horse Races on the weekend, one of the most anticipated events on the Mackay calendar.

Mackay Harbour Beach was packed to the brim with bright, eye-catching outfits as punters dressed to the conditions of the coastal location and casual atmosphere of regional Queensland’s cheeky answer to the Melbourne Cup.

With six races on the card, Fashions on the Sand, the Air Jockey Competition and plenty more to delight the huge crowd, the Mackay Beach Horse Races is cementing itself as the race that stops Mackay.

A Day At The Races Done Different

The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and the shoes were filling with sand.

The Mackay Beach Horse Races thrilled a huge crowd with an action-packed day of racing and entertainment for the whole family last Saturday.

Sand flew as retired thoroughbreds, stock horses, quarter horses and mixed breeds galloped from the Mackay Surf Club starting line to the Dispensary VIP Deck finish line, passing cheering fans as they sped down the beach.

Six races were run throughout the day with Terminate, ridden by Josh Manzelmann, winning the ultimate Mick Pope Memorial Race, named in honour of the Beach Horse Races founder.

Mackay’s most fashionable stepped up for Fashions on the Sands where everything from pluggers and Hawaiian shirts to incredibly elegant suits, gowns and headwear took to the runway.

Four winners were crowned with Sheri Sampson winning Best Contemporary, Breanna Godfrey winning Best Classic, Julie-Anne Coombs winning Best Headwear and Dean Williams named the Best Man in the Sand.

The Air Jockey Competition also took centre stage, with competitors doing their best jockey impressions and battling it out for some great prizes.

A selection of DJs played bangers throughout the festival space all day, keeping the vibes high between races and inevitably packing out the dancefloor.

As the sun set, the crowd congregated at the main stage to boogie the night away.

After such a successful event from the Mackay Beach Horse Races and Mackay Isaac Tourism, it’s exciting to see what the team have in store for next year.

L-R Fashions on the Sand winners Dean Williams, Breanna Godfrey, Sheri Sampson and Julie-Anne Coombs.

Mackay Beach Horse Race Winners

Race 1: The Harvey Norman Quarter Horse 400m

1st Clover Lily ridden by Jen Kavanagh

2nd Cool Dream N Hollywood ridden by Les Croydon

3rd Damage ridden by Jarrod Robinson

Race 2: Uniform Solutions Off the Track Thoroughbreds 400m

1st Mutomba ridden by Jarrod Robinson

2nd Almah Rocket ridden by Trinity Nash

3rd Authentic Swing ridden by Shanay Weston

Race 3: The Cruise Whitsundays Off The Track Thoroughbreds 500m

1st Ambassadors Jet ridden by Jarrod Robinson

2nd Damage ridden by Trinity Nash

3rd Pirates Jessie Jane ridden by Melissa  Milton

Race 4: The Fullhammer Lady Riders Only Race 500m

1st Arnie ridden by Lisa Manzelmann

2nd Big Bubba ridden by Rachael Smith

3rd Rixon’s Funny Face ridden by Rike Buenhing

Race 5: The Wildcat Mackay All Breeds Race 450m

1st Big Bubba ridden by Rachael Smith

2nd Rixon’s Funny Face ridden by Rike Buenhing

3rd Maverick ridden by Vicki Beasy

Race 6: The Mick Hope Memorial 450m thanks to Mackay Airport

1st Terminate ridden by Josh Manzelmann

2nd Mutomba ridden by Jarrod Robinson

3rd Clover Lily ridden by Jen Kavanagh

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There’s not much better than an afternoon out at The Pub, but when you add Sex and Chocolate, it really seals the deal.

The Airlie Beach Hotel is bringing the Motown era up close and personal to Whitsunday audiences in an indulgent show by one of the hottest groups on the Queensland circuit.

Performing centre stage, Sex and Chocolate – a multi-award-winning act - will play all afternoon long with their Motown II Millennia show at everyone’s favourite local.

They bring the swing and croon era of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra to modern audiences, pairing it with the tunes from Usher and the Black Eye Peas – all with some incredible choreographed dance moves.

The harmonies are varied, with hits from bands like the Temptations in their repertoire, and others like the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, The Spinners, Earth Wind and Fire, Barry White, Billy Ocean, Prince, Shaggy, Bruno Mars, and many more.

They’ve been a trusted band – and brand - for more than 20 years, entertaining at more celebrity and high-profile events than you can count.

Sex and Chocolate’s resume includes a string of well-known celebrity weddings and special events, including the Indy 500, HRH Gala, the Mayoress Charity Ball for Ruth Tate, a string of Rugby league and union stars weddings - Brent Tate, Petero Civoniceva, and Daniel Herbert.

A personal favourite for the famous quartet was with the great Aussie favourite Paul Hogan, where Sex and Chocolate performed at his Crocodile Dundee after party.

They’re expert entertainers that connect with an audience like only the very best can.

Meet The Gang:

Maihi Pinker, a born New Zealander entrenched in Maori culture. He developed a keen ear for melodies and harmonies in a musically religious family, mastering the art of using his voice to suit many genres: from soul, r&b, and reggae to the sweet highs and tantalising lows.

Possessing rich vocals with Hayes Loau is our next member. A charismatic, high energy performer who brings the stage to life – and another New Zealander. He started his career at Australia’s wonderland at 15, dancing and singing in stage shows for seven seasons.

Leader of the pack is Paul ‘The Wolfman’ Thompson, a natural born entertainer with a deep soulful voice and charisma. His performances have a genuine warmth, humour and charm.

And finally Wilz Karekare, a star who possesses an incredible vocal range and vocal control that very few can match. Singing songs with feelings and meaning, and touching people’s hearts, is what he loves best.

This amazing two-hour spectacle brings the four phenomenal singers and supporting DJ Fia to The Pub on Sunday, July 2 and 3 from 2.00pm to 5.30pm both days.

You wanted a dance floor! You’ve got your dance floor!

Sex and Chocolate arrive at The Pub on July 2

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The Airlie Foreshore Outdoor Cinema is hosting two Thursday night double featurettes in both weeks of the upcoming school holidays.

Both nights of holiday films will host food trucks alongside the Foreshore’s entertainment.

A classic Hanna-Barbera character will be the first to waddle onscreen in the screening of the 2010 film Yogi Bear on June 30 starting 6.00pm.

The mixed live-action and computer-generated comedy features Dan Akroyd of Ghostbusters fame as well as Justin Timberlake in a wacky adventure to save Jellystone Park.

The Foreshore event isn’t just for little kids, though, as Yogi makes way for Jim Carrey in The Mask for the first Thursday double feature.

As a meek bank employee, Carey turns into an eccentric, maniacal, reality bending green-skinned superhero when he adorns a wooden mask created by Loki, the Norse god of mischief.

A classic performance from the 90’s star that ends the first school holiday movie night.

Next up are some more cinema landmarks, this time on July 7 from 6.00pm.

It’s a paleolithic pair of pictures at the Foreshore with first up The Land Before Time, where an orphaned dinosaur faces a string of obstacles before coming across four other dinos. Together, they learn how to survive and search for the fabled Great Valley.

To finish off the holidays is the original Jurassic Park, where entrepreneur John Hammond will open his wildlife park of cloned dinosaurs – I think we all know how that one ends.

WHAT: Yogi Bear and The Mask

WHEN: June 30 from 6.00pm

WHAT: The Land Before Time and Jurassic Park

WHEN: July 7 from 6.00pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

TICKETS: Free

This school holidays the Airlie Foreshore Outdoor Cinema will host four movies

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Whitsunday rev-heads rejoice as the out-of-nowhere motorsport event Whitsunday Horsepower Heroes returns for its second iteration next month.

Last year under the title of Full Metal Health Day, the event hosted a 60-vehicle display and an appearance by Supercar Driver Cameron Waters along with his Monster Energy V8.

Now with a new name and a fresh coat of paint, Whitsunday Horsepower Day is back to create a “place where people feel safe and can enjoy their passions” while raising funds and awareness for mental health charities.

Last year the event surpassed its organisers’ wildest expectations, raising $1850 dollars for charities with a conservative estimate of 600 attendees. This year, it will return on July 2, again with V8 Supercar driver Cameron Waters in its showcase of Australia’s leading motorsport categories.

It promises to feature “genuine heroes of horsepower” – both drivers and their cars - including the Monster Energy Race Car, and vehicles from various racing categories.

Whitsunday Horsepower Heroes founder Victor Pozolli and local Steve Knox founded the previous event after learning the harrowing statistic that, in the Whitsundays, two thirds of death by suicide are men.

The event this year will again donate its funds raised back to local groups like Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Real Mates Talk, and Kick On to combat that statistic.

The event’s fundraising raffle is offering three incredible prizes this year: A first prize Ultimate Hot Lap Experience with Cameron Waters, a second place Hayman Helicopter Experience, and a third place Hamilton Helicopter experience.

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000

Crisis support numbers: Lifeline: 13 11 14 ; Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 ; Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

You matter.

WHAT: Whitsunday Horsepower Day 2022

WHEN: July 2

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

TICKETS: Gold Coin Entry

V8 Race Car driver Cameron Waters will be back in the Whitsundays for Horsepower Day at the beginning of July

Image: R Jean Photography

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The King Of Rock and Roll has never had a feature length blockbuster portraying his life until now. He starred in his own bout of films: Flaming Star, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock – but never was there a biopic focused on Elvis the man, especially one so haunting.

Australian director Baz Luhrmann has been away from the big screen for almost a decade, and his much-anticipated return to the silver screen is an impish, delirious fever dream. In Elvis, our Presley stand in (hardly) is Austin Butler – a teenage heartthrob who, with Elvis, becomes a man. He outshines fellow cast members to create something indelibly dynamic, putting seasoned actors like co-star Tom Hanks – playing Elvis’s Dutch puppet-master, Colonel Tom Parker - to shame.

Luhrmann’s Elvis is beautifully shot, coloured, and textured. But its performances elevate it; Austin “channelled and embodied” Elvis’s energy, his “heart and soul” according to his own daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

“If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot,” she said.

A return to form for Luhrmann, who captures the Moulin-Rouge magic of his early career to follow Elvis from young, impressionable writhing performances in Memphis gospel tents to the blinding lights of Las Vegas legendry.

There have been performances which embodied a since passed artist, a towering cultural figure - Joaquin Pheonix as Johnny Cash in Walk The Line comes to mind. There is the plaintiveness of Walk the Line in Elvis – a gloomy American Dream that is sadder than one might expect from a film about The King.

But this story about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship is real, it has the endorsement of those who were there.

“It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered,” Priscilla Presley, Elvis’s ex-wife said.

Elvis is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema in late July.

Austin Butler in Elvis

Photo: Warner Brothers Pcitures

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Some of Australia’s finest male physiques are about to sizzle and seduce some locals for one night only at the Whitsunday Sailing Club with their brand-new killer show - The Secret Fantasies Tour.

A hand-picked selection of the Sydney Hotshots will have the crowd off their chairs and screaming for more with a high energy production that boasts the perfect mix of killer dance routines, eye-catching costumes, acrobatics, and of course jaw dropping athletic male physiques.

Each of the 14 dreamy guys coming to the Whitsundays have been chosen from hundreds of men nationwide and put though an intensive “Hotshots Bootcamp”, all graduating with an A+ in hip thrusting!

Coming from various backgrounds, the smorgasbord of delicious dudes includes Tradies, Cops, Farmers and even Fireman who love touring Australia and entertaining the ladies!

Hosted by seasoned professional Paul Reynolds, who was the original cast member of Manpower Australia and is a Las Vegas headliner, the showmanship and cheeky banter with audiences makes for an extra entertaining evening.

It’s the most fun a girl can have standing up!

The Sydney Hotshots have graced television screens, appearing on Studio 10, Sunrise, AGT and Good Morning New Zealand.

It is not very often that this type of performance comes to our small town, so let’s make the most of this opportunity!

WHEN: July 9

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

TICKETS: sydneyhotshots.com

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A crowd of thousands passed through the gates at the Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft last weekend and organisers said it was a fantastic four days full of action and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Held in Collinsville, the annual event has been running since 1886.

This year, an unprecedented number of competitors signed-up for a variety of events which encouraged the whole family to participate - the campdraft was especially popular with junior level competitors.

Organiser Sally Fry said that it was wonderful for the children to get involved and also watch the professionals so they could learn first-hand what they could aspire to achieve one day.

The committee are still adding up all the proceeds which will be heading directly to two worthy local causes – the RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter services and BUCK OFF Melanoma which raises money to aid medical research into finding treatment and possibly a cure for melanoma.

Dan Condon Winner of the Futurity

Gotcha!

Yee ha!

Sam Kime takes control

Thumbs up if you’re having a good time

Mac Shann riding Porter - winner of the Restricted Open

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Over $10,000 was raised at the inaugural Lions Club Corporate Golf Day which was held at Whitsunday Green Golf Club on Sunday.

150 keen golfers played at the event, accounting for 32 teams who each represented a local business – from Red Cat Adventures to Eclipse Financial Services – this was an opportunity for a broad spectrum of businesses to get together and raise money for charity.

All proceeds will go to the Proserpine Hospital, split equally between the maternity ward, children’s ward and the palliative care ward.

Maurice Kite was the main instigator of the event, having suggested it to his Lions colleagues, recounting its success when held in Currumbin each year.

During the event many businesses donated items which were then awarded as raffle prizes.

An impressive $1000 was also up for grabs for anyone who scored a hole-in-one at hole 16 but unfortunately no-one got there on the day, so the prize money was put back into the raffle prize draw.

The organising committee said they were thrilled with the turn-out this year and are looking forward to making it an annual event.

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Perhaps one of the world’s most successful cult comedians of our time is headed to the Sugar City this June, bringing with him his freewheeling and fanatic brand of humour.

Science has proven laughter can induce a Zen-like state, but Ross Noble doesn’t know anything about that; his crowds are belly-laughing away at his on the go, amalgamated smashing of ideas together in the pursuit of comedy, arriving at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) June 17.

With an on-stage presence like no other, his exuberance, spontaneity and cerebral style have established him as one of The World’s best-loved comedians.

Join the master surrealist as he uses an infinite imagination and plenty of tomfoolery in a night not to be missed.

The English-born stand-up comedian who’s spent much of his life living in Melbourne is bringing his show Ross Noble - On The Go to Mackay audiences with a bang.

Each year and each show has seen his live following grow to the point where he’s been the best selling show at both the Edinburgh Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival on more than one occasion.

What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up?  Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show! You can come and see it!

With critical acclaim across the globe: a Perrier Award nominee, Barry Award and Time Out award winner for best live stand up, Ross is as prestigious a comic can come, so don’t miss out!

Find out what the supreme master of spontaneity will bring to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre next month.

You can book your tickets online at the MECC website.

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