A celebration of pride, diversity and community will take place as the Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day takes over Queens Park next weekend.

Meeting at the Iconic Shelter at Queens Park, attendees will celebrate Mackay Pride in a safe environment with a parade around the park followed by music, entertainment, games, stalls, food and coffee vendors, local support organisations and a whole lot of colourful fun.

Mackay Rainbow Pride volunteer Hannah Lewis said the mission of the event is to support and increase awareness and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mackay and show that there is support available.

“The aim is to create a safe space for people and for them to know that they are valid in how they feel and with their sexuality,” Hannah said.

“It’s nice to have a group of people.

“I remember the first year, I was like, ‘Finally, there is something for queer people in Mackay to be a part of.’

“It’s about creating a space and making friends.”

Mackay Rainbow Pride was founded in 2020 by three women in the mental health space, Abby Chester, Beth Cooper and Tracy Connors, with the support of Anna Kahler.

“They saw that there was a gap and they said, ‘We need to fill this,’” said Mackay Rainbow Pride President Garry Thomas.

The event is now in its third year after Garry attended last year and wanted to get involved straight away, becoming president after Abby had to relinquish her duties earlier this year.

“It looked very much like we weren’t going to have an event at all,” said Garry.

“From where I stand, we need something, whether it’s big or little.

“I found some time and put my hand up for president, so we’ll do this event, another AGM and see what happens for next year.”

Mackay Rainbow Pride will also facilitate a Parkrun and a panel discussion in the lead-up to the event.

This Saturday, October 22, Mackay Rainbow Pride, On The Run Mackay and Mackay Parkrun are joining forces in a celebration of the diversity of the people that live in the region, inviting runners to wear bright colours as they complete the 5km course through Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Then, on Friday, Mackay Rainbow Pride are hosting a panel discussion focussing on the experience of growing up queer in the regions, featuring panelists from Mackay, Moranbah and regional New South Wales.

The Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day is sponsored by NBN Co and facilitated in partnership with Brisbane Pride Incorporated, and will feature stalls from Tropical Coast Greens, Woolworths, Feros Care, Mind Australia, headspace and Share the Dignity.

The event is free and all ages are welcome.

“There’s something there for everyone,” said Hannah.

For more information on Mackay Rainbow Pride and all of their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page.

WHAT: Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day

WHERE: Iconic Shelter, Queens Park

WHEN: Saturday, October 28 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm

This is a free community event.

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Combining and showcasing the cultures of more than a dozen proud local multicultural communities, Global Grooves is an amazing and insightful family festival.

Coming to Queens Park this Saturday, October 22, Global Grooves will feature a full stage line-up of musicians, bands, dance groups and cultural performances.

There will also be a workshop teepee and more than a dozen food vendors with exotic food options, coffee and dessert.  

Filipino community leader Vivien Hanrahan said Global Grooves presents a unique opportunity for residents.

“Mackay has many passionate multicultural communities, and they all have their festivities during the year to celebrate and showcase their cultures, but Global Grooves is special because it brings them all together and gives people a taste of a variety of cultures,” Ms Hanrahan said.

“We (the Filipino community) will be doing a lechon (rotisserie pig), which is a dish we cook at home when we have a celebration.

“When people come and try our lechon they are connecting with our culture and joining us in this celebration.”

Ms Hanrahan said not only is Global Grooves an amazing showcase of multiculturalism, but it’s also a great networking opportunity for different communities to share ideas, experiences and stories.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Global Grooves gave residents the opportunity to experience a variety of multicultural home cooking styles not available anywhere else.

“It’s also a very colourful event – the costumes are sensational, and the dances and music come from across the globe,” Mr Williamson said.

“Where else will you find bagpipes and Irish dancing sharing the stage with traditional dances from the Philippines, Napal, China and Thailand?

“And the workshops on offer are equally diverse – there’s everything from ochre crushing and kokadama making to henna painting and Fijian dancing.  

“Entry is free and Queens Park is a tremendous venue with plenty of space and shade.

“It’s going to be an amazing day and we look forward to seeing a big turnout.”

Global Grooves is an alcohol-free event.

WHAT: Global Grooves

WHERE: Queens Park

WHEN: Saturday, October 22 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm

This is a free community event.

Global Grooves Main Stage

• 3pm - Mayor’s welcome

• 3.15pm - Yuwi Corporation

• 3.45pm - Piping Mad

• 4.10pm - Mackay Filipino-Australian Community

• 4.30pm - Nepalese Australian Association of Mackay

• 4.45pm - Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe

• 5.10pm - Sugar City Rock and Rollers Mackay

• 5.25pm - Mackay and District Pipe Band

• 5.50pm - Mackay Chinese Association

• 6.05pm - Claddagh School of Irish Dance

• 6.30pm - Mackay Chinese Association

• 6.45pm - Thai Aussie Community Mackay

• 7.10pm - Mackay Chinese Association

• 7.20pm - Will Blume

Workshop Teepee

• 3pm to 6pm – Face painters by Let’s Face It

• 3.30pm to 4.30pm - Henna workshop by Mackay Regional Council Libraries

• 3pm to 4.45pm - Ochre crushing workshop by Melanie Kemp

• 5pm to 5.45pm - Succulent Kokadama workshop by Melanie Kemp

• 6pm to 7pm - Dance workshop by the Fiji Association

For a full list of market stalls and food vendors, visit the Mackay Festivals Facebook page at facebook.com/mackayfestivals

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It’s not every day that a multi-national award-winning tourism operator decides to launch a new business in a neighbouring region, but when they do, they do it with style.

Taking home the award for Most Outstanding New Business, Wildcat Mackay is the latest offering from adventure tourism company Red Cat Adventures and they are proud to have established a solid reputation in Mackay after nearly a year of operation.

Owned by Asher and Julie Telford, who currently operate four charter boats, two land-based tours and manage Lake Proserpine Campground in the Whitsundays, their new business Wildcat Mackay started in December 2021, offering full-day island tours, school group immersive learning experiences, private charters and sunset cruises from Mackay Marina.

The purpose-built all-weather catamaran can carry up to 50 people and caters to all types of customers, from unique Christmas parties to remote island adventures.

Asher Telford said they were thrilled to win their first award for Wildcat Mackay and that it was a pleasure to bring along their eight invaluable staff to the tourism awards, many who had been involved in the planning and implementation of the tour from inception.

“Starting a new business in the middle of Covid definitely put us through a stress-test, but the end result was well-worth it,” said Asher.

“We are now really proud of what we created. This would not have been possible without assistance from the Queensland Government Growing Tourism Infrastructure grant. We are very grateful.”

“We are also proud to showcase Mackay as we are the only charter day boat operating locally and it’s great to help put Mackay on the map, encouraging people to stop-off when they travel up and down the coast,” added Julie.

Wildcat has become a local’s favourite, with 90 per cent of all passengers coming from the region.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us so far,” said Julie.

“We have so many local return customers who love the tour because every day is different and we visit different locations.”

Heading to some of the most untouched and remote islands off the coast of Mackay, the Wildcat tour includes snorkelling, paddle boarding and plenty of beach time.

Everything is included on this tour – from stinger suits to a delicious locally catered lunch. There is also a licensed bar onboard.

The sunset cruise departs on the weekends from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and takes a scenic tour around the marina with stunning views across the bay as the sun fades beyond the horizon.

Their business in the Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures, has won gold over three consecutive years at the Australian Tourism Awards and entered the prestigious Hall of Fame twice for the best Major Tour and Transport Operator and Adventure Tourism business at the 2021 Queensland awards.

Still riding the waves of this success, they have chosen not to re-enter this year and focus on raising the profile of their new business Wildcat Mackay instead.

“Ash and I would just like to thank all our hardworking staff for everything they do, the Mackay tourism industry for welcoming us and all the locals who have supported us from the beginning.” said Julie.

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Former employees of the Proserpine Sugar Mill are invited to attend the 24th annual staff reunion, which is due to take place on Friday, November 4.

This is an opportunity for everyone who has spent time working at the local mill to come together, share stories, reconnect, make new friends and reminisce about the good ol’ days.

Everyone is welcome - whether you have simply moved on to other employment, been retired for a year or a decade – every past employee is encouraged to come along.

84-year-old Ron Read started the event 24 years ago on the first year he retired after 46 and a half years of service.

He said that often they have around 50 people attending the reunion and that it is a good laugh with like-minded people.

The reunion takes place at the Mill Social club on Mill Street Proserpine, starting at 11.30am.

A meal is provided courtesy of Wilmar and you simply need to purchase what you want to drink.

Register your attendance directly with Ron by calling 0429 443 295 or emailing  ronread@tpg.com.au.

WHAT: Proserpine Sugar Mill Reunion

WHERE: Mill Social club on Mill Street, Proserpine

WHEN: Friday, November 4 at 11.30am

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Former workers share a beer at last years’ mill reunion

The Proserpine Sugar Mill

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

In a flurry of colourful costumes, epic demonstrations and insightful discussions, the first-ever Mack PopCon has come and gone.

The unique pop culture event brought celebrities, special guests, unique collectables and exciting photo opportunities to the Mackay Showgrounds last Saturday and pop culture fans turned out in force to immerse themselves in other worlds.

Celebrity guests, including The Matrix and Star Wars actor Matt Doran and graphic novelist Shaun Keenan, took to the stage to discuss all things pop culture while Sons of Obi-Wan and Mercenaries of Western Europe put on demonstrations and lessons throughout the day.

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For its tenth year of delivering the nostalgic, the boutique, the rock, and the roll, Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) has upped the ante, capitalising on its status as QMA 2022 Festival of the Year to bring an all-star selection of acts to the coastal town it calls home.

In a decade of performances at the festival, there have been few set lists as stacked full of talent. There’s too many to choose from, but these are the must-see performers at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2022:

The Animals

Travelling direct from The House Of The Rising Sun, The Animals – the British band and Rock Hall Of Famers who topped the American charts in the ‘60s – are the premier performers at this year’s ABFoM.

Featuring original members John Steel and Mickey Gallagher alongside Danny Handley and Bobby Ruiz, The Animals are set to deliver a performance worthy of a festival celebrating a decade of bringing live music to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Playing their greatest hits including House Of The Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, and more, they’re the ones to watch at this year’s celebration of music.

Eskimo Joe

Representing Australian rock royalty at ABFoM will be Eskimo Joe, 35-time ARIA nominated band who have only been surpassed in the metric by Silverchair, Powderfinger, John Farnham and Kylie Minogue – they’re in good company.

Eskimo Joe’s juggernaut song Black Fingernails, Red Wine spent a monster 62 weeks in the ARIA Top 50 Chart, and their single, Foreign Land, brought home two APRA Awards for Most Played Rock Song on Australian Radio and Best Rock Song Of 2010.

John Stevens

Musician Jon Stevens – with his new album Starlight, and a brand-new single titled ‘Hold On’ – will bring the rock back to Airlie Beach.

Stevens is recognised as one of the most talented rock musicians to emerge from Australia in recent memory. The once lead singer of major rock acts Noiseworks, INXS, and Dead Daisies has had a career that’s only gone from strength-to-strength.

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In the western tradition, forests are an “imagination exerciser” where danger can lurk in every hollow, every shadow.

For his fifth fiction novel ‘The Tilt’, best-selling Australian author Chris Hammer – who recently visited the Whitsundays whilst touring with his novel up the coast - followed in the footsteps of fairy tales, setting his story of familial intrigue, history, and murder in a famed Australian woodland.

In the Barmah Millewa Forest, which stretches across the state line of New South Wales and Victoria, becoming a swamp when the Murray River swells to its fullest, the crime writer plants a multi-layered story where bodies and secrets are unearthed.

“It’s a forest nine months of the year and a wetland for three when the river spills out, running up the myriad creek,” Hammer said.

“The water managers have put little dams on all of the mouths of these, regulating the water. That’s the setting and it’s a good setting for a crime book – in forests they tell you to not go off the path.

“In this book, it’s not just one storyline but three – one in the second world war, another in the ‘70s, and in modern day.”

At three Whitsunday libraries – Cannonvale, Proserpine, and Bowen – Hammer was interviewed on his latest book by local journalists for ‘In Conversation’ events, including Whitsunday Life writer and journalist Declan Durrant.

Locals attended the intimate events to ask their own questions to Hammer, an ex-journalist of 30 years, have their books signed, and listen.

Hammer has established himself as one of the country’s premier writers in the Australian noir genre – which often sees small-town life thrown into disarray when a dark and chilling crime takes place.

“I think I’m very fortunate to be a full-time author, and that’s thanks to all of you,” he said.

Chris Hammer’s novel The Tilt is available at each of the Whitsunday libraries, as well as online for purchase at Booktopia.

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Author Chris Hammer and Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant at Cannonvale Library during an ‘In Conversation’ Event hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council

It’s one thing to imitate and another to embody.

Since 2005, Dan Aykroyd, and the John Belushi Estate have been a driving force behind The Official Blues Brothers Revue – a show coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for free in early November.

Officially sanctioned and endorsed by the family – including the late John Belushi’s wife, Judith – as well as Dan Aykroyd himself, this show direct from the US is as close as it comes to the real deal.

It’s been a long time since the Blues Brothers and their hit 1980s musical, comedy film about a not-quite-real and not-quite-fake musical duo became legendary – and two performers with the blessing of the Blues are carrying on their legacy.

They’ll croon onto the Bar Top Stage at locals’ favourite local on November 5 for more than a tribute show: It’s “the concert version of The Blues Brothers” according to Judith Belushi.

The North American duo of Wayne Catania and Keiron Lafferty as Jake and Elwood Blues will don the official hat and sunglasses to walk in the legendary footsteps of the boys in a rollicking performance at The Pub.

There’s good reason the pair have been given not just the go ahead to perform as Elwood and Jake, but have been officially sanctioned.

They capture the infectious humour and unbridled spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd themselves would walk the stage. Backed by a hard-hitting, powerhouse band, Jake and Elwood give audiences a show to remember, packed with their classic hits from the Blues Brothers’ catalogue.

From Soul Man to Rubber Biscuit, Sweet Home Chicago to Gimme Some Lovin’, Rawhide, and more. It’s a night of laughter and foot-stompin’ fun that will have Airlie Beach audiences on their feet.

Wayne and Kieron, aka Jake and Elwood, have been on a mission to deliver the most dynamic and authentic Blues Brothers show ever to hit the US – and undoubtedly succeeded.

Now on an Australian tour, they’ll cruise into The Pub to combine the comedy, music and mayhem from the original movie, as well as songs from the five popular albums put out by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

It is a more than faithful recreation of the characters, and a spectacular tribute to Chicago’s rich history of blues, R&B and traditional soul music, played with the same conviction of the original Blues Brothers Band.

The entirely Free Show will go down in history as one of the Airlie Beach Hotel’s highest tier performances, and comprises just one part of The Pub’s miniature festival: The Airlie Beach Hotel’s Music Weekender, which kicks off on Thursday, November 3 and runs all the way through to November 6.

WHAT: The Official Blues Brothers Revue

WHEN: Saturday, November 5 from 2.30pm to 5.00pm

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Official Blues Brothers Revue is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel in early November as part of a massive line-up across three days of performances

The boys, Wayne Catania and Keiron Lafferty as Jake and Elwood Blues, will sing out the band’s famous hits in a nostalgia filled show

The Revue is officially endorsed by Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate – they’re almost the real deal

The country’s box office records were broken by a (frankly) absurd candidate in the year 2000 – one that few would have suspected, although looking back it was an absurd time - when ‘The Wog Boy’ became one of the highest-grossing Australian films of all time.

It might not have ever set critics alight, but the film, which starred and was written by Nick Giannopoulos, managed to find itself as part of the pantheon of iconic Australian cinema.

It was in some good company, too - The Castle and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert among them – and it even spawned a sequel which arrived onscreen in 2010, ‘Wog Boy 2: Kings of Mykonos’.

Now, another decade on, a third instalment, again with Giannopoulos at the helm as a writer and star, has arrived in the form of ‘Wog Boys Forever’.

It still follows Steve ‘The Wog Boy’ Karamitsis (Giannopoulos), who, despite his best efforts, remains single and still works as a taxi driver.  An unexpected guest in his cab sets in motion a chain of events for the character – alongside Vince Colosimo reprising his role as Steve’s best mate Frank - to once again show the world that “Where there’s a Wog, there’s always a Way!”.

It’s been twelve years since we last saw Steve, and things haven’t turned out the way he thought they would. He’s not dancing the Zorba anymore or doing ouzo shots. We find him all alone in an upside-down world.

It’s a rite-of-passage story for Steve, although he might be enduring a mid-life crisis, he’s still trying to find his way.

Let’s see if he can get back “that wog boy mojo he once had.”

Wog Boys Forever (MA) is showing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema now.

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Vince Colosimo and Nick Giannopoulos in Wog Boys Forever (2022)

Grizzly ghouls from every tomb are closing in to seal your doom, uniting for all hallows eve to transform the Whitsunday PCYC into a “House Of Horror.”

In a week’s time, when a gibbous moon creeps in the sky, bathing the Whitsundays in eerie light, the local community centre will change, becoming spook central for kids and parents to enjoy on October 29.

For the first time ever, the PCYC will be celebrating Halloween in special, spectral fashion: opening its doors as a House of Horror for all to enjoy (if they dare).

PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant, as well as chief ghoul wrangler, Billy Li said his team at the PCYC have been hard at work creating a creepy castle atmosphere, transmuting the back rooms of the building into spider-webbed catacombs.

“In the haunted house maze, travel from room to room in PCYC and experience horror,” Sergeant Li, who will be dressed in a surprise costume on the day, said.

There will be two sessions of the Haunted House: the spooky session at 4.00pm to 5.30pm for all ages, and the scream session from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for those who dare.

“The second session will be catered for adolescents to adults where we will level-up our scares. Expect people popping up from strange places and being chased,” Sergeant Li said.

The event will function as a fundraiser for the not-for-profit organisation to upgrade its youth space. Supplies have been donated by Cannonvale Big W, Woolworths Airlie Beach, Bunnings, and Whitsunday Plaza.

Entry is $5 for one-time entry or $10 for three times.

Sergeant Li thanked all his staff for “getting behind the spooky day.”

WHAT: House of Horror

WHEN: October 29, 4.00pm to 8.30pm

WHERE: Whitsunday PCYC

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PCYC Whitsundays will turn into a spooktacular Haunted House on October 29

When 14-year-old Shae Robinson appeared as Anne Frank in Kucom Theatre’s 2016 production of The Diary of Anne Frank, she may not have realised she was starting a family trend.

It didn’t happen right away, but in 2018 she somehow persuaded her father, Simon, to audition for a small role with Mackay Musical Company Players in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

He loved the buzz of being on stage, so he was keen to audition for Kucom in 2021 when Victor Scott directed When the Rain Stops Falling, where his sympathetic portrayal of Joe Ryan left an indelible impression on Kucom audiences.

Now, six years after her Kucom debut, Shae returns to the Kucom stage as heiress Catherine Simms in The Foreigner, a comedy by Larry Shue, directed by Maureen Coleman and Sarah Ralph as part of Kucom’s 75th anniversary celebrations – and for the first time, she is performing on stage alongside her father, Simon, who plays Staff Sergeant ‘Froggy’ LeSueur.

To complete the family picture, mum Jenny is the official photographer for this production, and while she is content to remain behind the camera, she has assembled an impressive portfolio of cast profiles and candid rehearsal shots, including this lovely father-and-daughter shot.

The Foreigner is Shae’s first stage performance since finishing high school, and she is thoroughly enjoying getting back into acting.

Her love of performing goes back to when, aged 7, she started Drama and Musical Theatre classes with Fame Talent School.

Over the years she has been involved in productions with various local theatre companies including Red Giraffe Theatre (13 – The Musical, 2016), Fame Talent School (Shrek JR, 2016), Triple Threat Theatre Company (Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical, 2017), and Mackay Musical Comedy Players (Wicked, 2017; The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 2018).

Until 2019, she regularly appeared in Fame Talent School Pantomimes and performed in the Mackay Eisteddfod.

While in Year 12, Shae received her Associate of Trinity College London – Diploma of Performing - with Distinction.

The Foreigner opens at Kucom Theatre on Thursday 27 October and will run for six nights from October 27-29 and November 3-5, starting at 7:30pm each night.

Featured cast members include Simon Robinson, Gordon Lowe, Carolyn Roche, Dennis Rozekrans, Shae Robinson, Jim Kelly, Kodi Ryke.

Tickets are available through TryBooking at www.trybooking.com/BZKXZ.

WHAT: The Foreigner

WHERE: Kucom Theatre

WHEN: October 27-29 and November 3-5, 7:30pm

TICKETS: TryBooking

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2022 has already been a massive year for Brittany Elise.

She took the crown at the Gympie Music Muster’s NAB Talent Search, was a grand finalist in the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition and awarded Most Popular New Female Artist of the Year at the ICMA Awards.

The Mackay-born and raised singer-songwriter is still touring the nation off the back of her scorching single, ‘Feel The Fire’ and has just released her latest single ‘Like Me That Way’ ahead of the release of her new album Just Be, out October 21.

‘Like Me That Way’ springs to life with sunny acoustic guitars, while Brittany’s vocal commands centre stage.

She sings an empowered tune of self-love - “I like the way I am / This is who I am / I like me that way”.

Written alongside Lyn Bowtell, the song is Brittany’s take on a breakup anthem.

“(It’s) a reminder to never change who you are as a person especially if others are telling you to,” she said.

“I took influence from two powerful artists and songs - Kasey Chambers ‘Am I Not Pretty Enough’ and Missy Higgins ‘Scar’.”

Brittany collaborated with her producer, Liam Quinn, remotely.

“These vocals were recorded in my Queensland homebuilt studio and the rest produced in Sydney,” she said.

The result is an uplifting blend of country musicality layered with pop hooks – a sound fans have come to love from Brittany Elise.

Brittany’s inspiring messages, set to an equally upbeat soundtrack, have proven to be a much-loved recipe.

With each release, she gains more listeners, drawn to the honesty and relatability of her words.

‘Like Me That Way’ is yet another excellent offering from an artist who is proud to share her story.

Brittany is also about to kick off a tour of Australia, playing in Mackay in February next year.

WHAT: Brittany Elise Feel The Fire Tour

WHERE: Magpies Sporting Club Mackay, Mackay

WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 7:00pm

TICKETS: Tickets: $40, on sale end of 2022

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Friday 14 October

FridaySUN.sets

Every FridayEvening From 6pm
Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake HouseAustralia

Saturday 15 October

Shitbox RallyStart Line

Saturday,7:30am to 9:30am
Shitbox Rally Spring 2022 is commencing on Saturday 15th October fromMACKAY! 250 cars all worth less than $1,500 (hence the name of the Rally) eachin a team of two, will be driving to Darwin via the outback over 7 days,raising money and awareness for Cancer Research and Cancer Council. Bring yourfriends and family and support the legends who have worked so hard to make thestart line!

New MulherinPark, East Point Drive, Mackay

Mack PopCon 2022

Saturday,8:00am to 6:00pm
Mack PopCon 2022 is Mackay’s newest and only Pop Culture convention! Celebrityand special guests, cosplay, exhibitors, entertainment, food and more!

MackayShowgrounds

Beach SoundsMusic Festival

Saturday,1:00pm to 10:00pm
Beach Sounds Music Festival is a single-day outdoor music festival heldat the grounds of the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Mackay Harbour Beach. Bandsperforming include Dallas Crane, The Blackwater Fever, Hugo Stranger & theRattlers, The Double Happiness, The Far Outs, Bella Mackenzie and Matt Tandy. Thefestival will be licenced with indoor and outdoor bars. Local food vans will beonsite in addition to the Surf Club Bar Restaurant.

The MackaySurf Lifesaving Club

WBBL at GreatBarrier Reef Arena

Saturday

AdelaideStrikers v Sydney Sixers 2:40pm

Brisbane Heatv Melbourne Stars 6:05pm
Take the family out to see the Women’s Big Bash League make its returnto The Great Barrier Reef Arena this October!

Harrup Park

PBR MonsterEnergy Tour Mackay Invitational

Saturday,7:00pm
A sport unlike any other. A battle of the greatest. A competition of manvs beast where every second counts. The best in bull riding battle it out in anew Professional Bull Riders season like no other. Buckle up for the toughest 8seconds in sports and find out what it means to be cowboy.

BB PrintStadium

Sunday 16 October

WBBL at GreatBarrier Reef Arena

Sunday

MelbourneRenegades v Adelaide Strikers 9:15am

Sydney Sixersv Melbourne Stars 12:40pm
Take the family out to see the Women’s Big Bash League make its returnto The Great Barrier Reef Arena this October!

Harrup Park

Nature Connection Walk – Mental HealthWeek
Sunday, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Take some time to connect to nature and quiet the mind while enjoyingthe sights and sounds of our local wetlands and spending the morning withlike-minded people. In acknowledgment of Mental Health Week, we invite you tojoin us for a guided nature and mindfulness walk, led by guest speaker,Christopher David of True Nature Retreats. Together, the group will exploreseveral mindfulness practices that will deepen our sense of connection tonature and reawaken a sense of awe and wonder about our local wetlandecosystems. Following the walk, the day will end with a provided lunch andconversation. Bookings are essential. conservationvolunteers.com.au.

WetlandWalkabout

Sunday LiveMusic
Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel thisSunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.
Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday 18 October

Great BarrierReef Clean-up – Mackay

Tuesday,9:00am
Calling all citizen scientists, schools, community groups, localgovernments, and ocean lovers! Registration for ReefClean’s Great Barrier ReefClean-up is now open. Join the Pioneer Catchment Landcare group in MackayHarbour on Tuesday, the 18th of October. They’ll be going from site to site toclean-up Boulder Creek, Banana Farm, Cattle Creek and Platypus Beach on theday. The clean-up data you collect will help us track litter to its source andprevent it from entering the waste stream and harming our Great Barrier Reef. Toregister and view our other events, please visithttps://www.tangaroablue.org/.../great-barrier-reef-clean-up or email reefclean@tangaroablue.org.

MackayHarbour

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday,10:00am to 2:00pm
BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program,gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in aclimate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run craftactivities in two sessions, Sess1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Sess2: Anytimefrom 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bringyour children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

ArtspaceMackay

WBBL at GreatBarrier Reef Arena

Tuesday

Brisbane Heatv Melbourne Renegades 2:30pm
Take the family out to see the Women’s Big Bash League make its returnto The Great Barrier Reef Arena this October!

Harrup Park

Wednesday 19 October

MackayFarmers’ Market
Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market isa showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

BluewaterQuay

CharcoalDrawing Workshop
9:00am to 3:00pm

This workshopis all about how to draw with charcoal on a painted wood panel. Suitable forbeginners to intermediate or anyone wanting to ‘have a go’ over 13 years of age.

ArtistCollective Caneland

Thursday 20 October

GinAppreciation Evening
Thursday, 6:30pm

If gin isyour drink of choice this is one event you don't want to miss! The evening willfeature 5 gin tastings with a 3-course menu designed by THE DISPENSARY headchef, Alex.

TheDispensary Mackay

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A new book will be launched at CQUniversity next week explaining the key issues holding back progress in Australian education.

‘Bunyips in the Classroom: The 10 Changes’, by Dr Susan Galletly doesn’t just suggest changes, it also provides logical practical solutions.

As the book states, Australia has too many struggling readers, excessive child and teacher workload, and teaching and learning are inappropriately pressured.

“While many other nations enjoy highly effective education, Australia has ongoing low literacy and academic achievement,” said Dr Galletly.

“We need the 10 changes for transforming Australian education.

“This is a conversation Australia has to have.

“Our children, teachers and nation are struggling.

“Our classrooms are full of bunyips.”

Dr Galletly is a Mackay-based literacy-development and learning-difficulties specialist and researcher, who is also a speech-language pathologist and teacher.

She draws strongly from both research and practice in discussions in the book and compares a bunyip in the classroom to ‘the elephant in the room’.

“An elephant in the room is a big embarrassing issue everyone is aware of, which is deliberately not mentioned,” she said.

“A bunyip in the room is a big issue people aren’t aware of, which is extremely obvious and thus embarrassing once highlighted and acknowledged.

“Currently, Australian education is full of bunyips.”

Dr Galletly’s insights are shrewd, insightful, practical and positive, exploring education bunyips, the 10 changes and Australia’s need for them.

The book is an entertaining and easy read for those interested in education, including teachers, parents and academics.

“Bunyips in the Classroom: The 10 Changes” is out now, available for purchase at all major online retailers in both paperback and e-book format.

The book will be officially launched at CQUniversity Ooralea Campus, on Wednesday, October 19 at 4:15pm.

All are welcome to attend the book launch and are invited to RSVP at Dr Susan Galletly’s website www.susangalletly.com.au.

“We need the 10 changes for transforming Australian education,” Dr Galletly said.

“This is a conversation Australia has to have.”

WHAT: ‘Bunyips in the Classroom: The 10 Changes’ Book Launch

WHERE: CQUniversity Ooralea Campus Library

WHEN: Wednesday 19 October 2022, 4:15pm to 6:15pm

RSVP: www.susangalletly.com.au

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Star 101.9 Mackay has welcomed its new announcer and he’s eager to immerse himself in the community.

John “Johnny” Wilson started out in the Adelaide nightclub scene as an emcee before getting a taste of radio and finding his calling.

“I just loved it, I fell in love,” he said.

The excitement and the adrenaline rush of being on-air inspired Johnny to start in community radio in Adelaide, hosting shows for community and commercial radio in both Adelaide and Riverland before getting the gig in Mackay and making the drive up.

“It was an epic three-day drive with my old dad, he’s an absolute bloody legend,” Johnny said.

“He did the drive with me, so we shared it, and we had a big adventure, it was out of control.”

Johnny started on-air with Star 101.9 Mackay last Wednesday and you’ll be able to hear him between 9:00am and 1:00pm Monday to Friday.

“My job here is mainly being on air, being aware of what’s going on around this region and playing some great music for all the lovely locals,” he said.

“I think it’s just great for the community to have this station that’s across everything that’s going on here.

“It’s also a place that they know they can tune in, they’ll hear some music that they like, and it’ll bring a bit of a smile and brighten up their day a little bit.”

Outside of work, Johnny is excited to join his first soccer club, having previously coached and played with Adelaide University Football Club.

“I was there for over ten years and involved in every way I could be so I really want to find a club up here that I can do the same for,” he said.

“I just want Mackay to know that I’m so keen to get involved here with the community, become a local and get around it.

“I’m a friendly guy, so if you see me out and about, please say hello.”

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