One of the most exciting events on the Mackay calendar, Rumble on the Reef, is back for 2022 and is bringing some of skateboarding’s best talent to the region.

The FMS Group Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Championships has cemented itself as one of the premier skateboarding competitions in Australia and was a regular stop for the world’s biggest pro skaters Prior to the pandemic.

Now in its fifth year, the event will bring a new fleet of internationals as well as some returning icons to take on the Sugar Bowl in September.

The 2022 competition will see the return of international pros Matt Berger from Canada and Aidan Campbell from the US.

Berger competed in skateboarding’s Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 and the two of them will be looking to bring a few mates along for the ride.

They will be one of the main highlights of the week performing live demos before the finals broadcast.

Two of Australia’s best, Tommy Fynn and Dennis Durrant, will be back in town as well.

The two of them have continually brought the energy to Rumble on the Reef throughout border closures, with Fynn winning the Championship twice.

Rumble on the Reef has also been developing throughout the pacific region and will feature representation from Fiji for the first time, as well as New Zealand.

Event Manager Donny Fraser says Rumble on the Reef brings people from all over the country to Mackay while also delighting local audiences.

“It’s one of the biggest platforms in Australia for skateboarding, kiteboarding and wakeboarding where people can see it live and free in their hometown,” he said.

“It’s something quite special and unique to the town.”

Mr Fraser says the event strives to deliver skateboarding’s biggest names and gives the next generation more opportunities.

“It’s been really important to make sure skaters around Australia have opportunities to make a living,” he said.

Rumble on the Reef will run from September 19 to October 1 and feature skateboarding, wakeboarding and hydrofoil competitions as well as music festival Rhythm on the Reef.

September will see national and international pro skaters, as well as up and coming superstars, take on the Sugar Bowl. Photos supplied: Rumble On The Reef

‍

Ten former Mackay State High School classmates reunited at the Austral Hotel on Thursday, June 9, some seeing each other for the first time in 60 years.

The women formed part of the Mackay State High School Commercial Studies Class of 1962, completing most of their studies at the Alfred Street campus.

With plenty to catch up on, many lengthy conversations ensued, stories were exchanged and photographs were explored.

The commercial studies subject incorporated bookkeeping, typing and shorthand, putting students in good stead for later life.

It was a subject offered to students alongside English, geography, history, mathematics and a language other than English.

A particular highlight came one year when Commercial Studies students took centre stage during a school concert at the Theatre Royal to perform on typewriters to the music of the William Tell Overture.

The first reunion was held in 1987 and the group has big plans for future reunions.

In 2023, the organisers are planning a major reunion and are seeking suggestions from former students.

To get in touch and make a suggestion, please contact Marion Brown on mshs1962reunion@hotmail.com.

L-R Lynn Whitmore (Wallace), Raye Atkinson (Walsh), Christine Taylor (Lancaster), Carol Boxall (Goldston), Merle Edmonds (Zillfleish), Marion Brown (Matheison), Kaaren Sephton (Lester), Beth Gordon (Ferris), Marlene Lanigan (White) and Barbara Blackford (Tennant)

The first Commercial Girls Reunion took place in 1987. Photos supplied: Marion Brown

‍

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mackay International Film Festival is back for 2022 and delivers a stellar line-up of thought-provoking Arthouse and Independent cinema.

The festival will showcase a diverse range of stories from around the world, to be screened over six days at four venues.

A pre-festival screening of UK drama film Belfast (2021) will kick off proceedings at Pinnacle Playhouse on Saturday, July 30 at 7:00PM.

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh, and starring an acclaimed ensemble cast, Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory, set in late 1960s Northern Ireland.

Based on Branagh’s own childhood, at the centre of the film is 9-year-old Buddy whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance.

Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the Troubles will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.

The festival will then continue at BCC Cinemas Mackay with an Opening Night Screening of Spanish comedy Official Competition (2021) on Friday, August 5 at 7:00PM.

BCC Cinemas Mackay is the place to be for the rest of the weekend with a wide array of films to be screened before the festival heads to Sarina and Proserpine.

Visit Film & Arts Mackay on Facebook for all the details.

Mackay International Film Festival Dates

Saturday, July 30 – Pre-festival screening of Belfast (2021) at Pinnacle Playhouse

Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 7 – Mackay International Film Festival at BCC Cinemas Mackay

Saturday, August 13 – Reels to Reef Project film in Sarina

Sunday, September 25 – Reels to Reef Project film in Proserpine

Mackay International Film Festival will kick off its 10th year with a screening of Belfast at Pinnacle Playhouse

‍

‍

Schools across the region celebrated b kinder day last Wednesday by spreading its message of love and empathy.

The June 22 event was started by the mother of Billie Kinder, a 12-year-old girl who passed away in a tragic horse accident in 2016.

Billie’s legacy has become the b kinder initiative, as well as the charity flyhighbille. Both of which remember her empathy and compassion by promoting them at schools across the globe.

Organisations like Proserpine State School have continued to adopt the annual commemoration and make it their own.

The primary school’s iteration of the event this year included selling 500 badges leading up to the day - with the funds heading back to flyhighbillie – each with hand-drawn artwork from students.

The badges were illustrated by teacher Kylie Edmondson’s prep class.

The prep cohort began their day by reading individual, personalised notes left on their desks that had been written by Ms Edmonson.

The messages were compassionate and thoughtful expressions for the students to cherish. The prep class then wrote their own kindness letters to be given to another student – an activity the entire school undertook.

b kinder volunteer Mel Turner said it was excellent to see how much the Whitsundays have “totally embraced the message”.

“This is the second year at this school and they’re really going all out this time; the badges in particular that the students designed has made it so interactive,” Ms Turner said.

“At the end of the day, it’s about being kind and empathetic, and inspired activities like those badges are an expression of that.”

That morning the school had installed, with the help of parent Iain Karon, a B the ‘I’ in Kind wall – a large poster painted by parents Sue Thompson, Jade Olsen, and Bec Radford.

Students individually stood in front of the poster to become the I in kind and have their picture taken – just one of many activities they took part in over the course of b kinder day.

Fleur Wallis, Sue Thompson, Shiralee Morris-Blair, Linda Sippel, Kylie Edmonson, Mel Turner, Rachel Crisp, Kelly Bennett, Jade Olsen, and Bec Radford

B kinder volunteer Mel Turner with some of Ms Edmonson’s prep class

Teacher Fleur Wallis, b kinder volunteer Mel Turner, and teacher Kylie Edmonson

Students enjoyed the B the ‘I’ in Kind wall created by parents

Ms Edmonson’s prep class forming a love heart on the school’s oval

‍

One of the country’s biggest hip-hop groups is finally touching down in Airlie Beach to bring their electric energy and unmatched flow to the Whitsundays in celebration of their seventh studio album.

The nine-time ARIA-award winning group Bliss N Eso are set for the stage at Magnums tomorrow night at 7.30pm, returning to finish the Queensland shows in their The Sun tour.

Originally planned to play at the local venue in January, the group were forced to can the Airlie Beach performance due to positive Covid cases in their touring party.

Renowned for their captivating live performances and boisterous energy, the Aussie superstars are excited to rock out with a Whitsunday audience this weekend.

Ahead of the tour, we caught up with one third of the iconic trio for a one-on-one interview about Covid hiatuses, collabs, and the hunger to hit the stage.

One On One With Eso

When it comes to creating and recording, Max MacKinnon, or better known as Eso to his legions of fans, said the band have always been in the habit of lockdowns.

“We already lock ourselves away. It’s kind of like lockdown anyway. We shut ourselves in a studio, away from society, and write and record,” MacKinnon said.

“But when it comes to promoting the album, recording video clips and of course live performances, [Covid] was a real kick in the balls.”

But, recording still had its Covid blues, too. The album - released in late 2021 – features its share of guest artists, including the likes of Xzibit, Dizzee Rascal, Lee Fields, and Aussie artists Kasey Chambers.

MacKinnon said the collab with Dizzee Rascal was an odd one, born from a direct message on Instagram.

“I tagged him in a post thinking nothing of it,” he said.

“Next thing, he messages me back saying ‘yo, I know who you are man, let’s f**king ‘ave it’, and it was on!”

With the show fast approaching, MacKinnon reflected on the stage being their “second home”.

“I’m so hungry to get back out on that stage, by the time I’m finished, there’ll be nothing left. There better not be an act playing after us because there will be no stage left, that’s our hunger,” he said.

“We love what we do and we’re grateful for what we do. We’ll forever keep doing what we love.”

The Aus hip-hop supergroup will jam out at Magnums tomorrow night, with tickets from the original show date still applicable.

WHAT: Bliss N Eso – The Sun Tour

WHEN: Saturday, July 2, 7.30pm

WHERE: Magnums, Airlie Beach

Iconic Aussie hiphop group Bliss N Eso will perform tomorrow night at Magnums

Photograph: Dean Hammer

We sat down with Eso (Max MacKinnon) for a one-on-one ahead of the Airlie Beach performance

‍

Picture this: waves gently lapping against the rocks, palm fronds swaying along the shoreline in one of the most iconic locations in the Whitsundays, and you painting a masterpiece to hang above the mantle.

Not an artist? Not a problem. Coral Sea Resort’s first Cocktails and Canvas event in just under a months’ time will provide the easel and the alcohol to help you get over those paintbrush jitters.

The local resort is putting their own spin on the wildly popular paint and sip format where novice artists get daubing, smearing and rendering with the help of a creative juice – usually wine.

But at Coral Sea Resort, the no-pressure painting will be helped along by cocktails instead of vino and is set to take place on the venue’s iconic jetty.

The relaxing, fun way to dive into painting will see a resident artist – in this case the creative gurus Angela and Joan - take participants step-by-step through creating a landscape, portrait, still life or a smear – if you’re so inclined.

The best part (aside from the cocktails): no painting experience or skills are needed.

The $65 dollar tickets include a Coral Sea Cocktail On Arrival, painting materials like brushes, paints and canvas, a delicious grazing station, and of course the easy to follow instructions from the art teacher.

And, don’t forget, you’ll be bringing home an original one-off image, painted by you on a quality canvas in colours of your choice.

Drag your bestie, make it a date, or get your family along for an afternoon that goes into the night, it’s guaranteed to be loaded with laughter, fun and creativity.

WHAT: Cocktails and Canvas

WHEN: Saturday, July 23

WHERE: Coral Sea Resort Hotel

Coral Sea Resort will host their first Cocktails and Canvas event, a spin on the paint and sip format where participants are guided through painting and enjoy a bit of booze

‍

The world is in an eighties renaissance thanks to the vanguard of creatives born and raised in that long-ago time of hairspray and synth. The influence from that era of popular culture seeped into the 2010s and has become a permanent stain on the carpeting of our collective cultural unconscious.

We’ve welcomed shows like the Netflix flagship Stranger Things and garish fashion dominates the shelves. The mullet even seems to have made its resurgence – although that one might just have to go. So, in Hollywood it is easy to see why previously failing franchises like Marvel’s Thor series took a new direction; one with a bit of pomp, some Led Zeppelin, and (yes) some hairspray.

Director Taiki Waititi’s newest romp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is, again, an ‘80s inspired trip through the wilder side of the now-well-travelled comic book films. It follows in Thor Ragnorak’s at times fever dream footsteps, traversing space alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy in a post-Endgame Marvel world.

Thor is rediscovering himself in a journey for inner peace, and the film is a brilliant match made in heaven between Hemsworth’s Thor – who has been manifestly ridiculous since even his first outing but was somehow supposed to be thought of as serious – and Chris Pratt’s wily band of space-trotting misfits.

The zany story of the Guardians meets Thor becomes a sidepiece for the film, however, even though it’s one of its stronger facets.

Thor comes face to face with Gorr the God Butcher – an uber serious and plaintive villain who seeks the extinction of the gods (Thor included) and played by Christian Bale. It’s a clear dichotomy where Waititi balances the film on a tonal border between comedy and drama deftly and to great success.

For lovers of Marvel, this is a must-see, and even for those just missing the ‘80s.

Don’t miss Thor: Love and Thunder’s opening day at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema Thursday, July 7.

‍

The Pub’s bar-top stage will be a Stairway to Heaven for No Quarter, a tribute to the legacy of Led Zeppelin performing as the Airlie Beach Hotel’s first ever show by an internationally touring band.

The American group coming straight from Seattle are bringing their live concert to the little coastal town, smashing out famous riffs from Heartbreaker, Immigrant Song, Kashmir, and more for Whitsunday audiences.

Potentially the greatest band of all time will be recreated in painstaking detail by No Quarter in two afternoon shows at everyone’s favourite local on July 16 and 17.

Led Zeppelin IV

The word has spread; this Rock and Roll band from Over the Hill and Far Away have captured the characters of John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and infamous leading man Robert Plant.

They’re the real deal.

No Quarter are their own Led Zeppelin IV – they recapture the vigour and bring it back to fore as if the hard rock band were within touching distance, live on stage in their absolute prime.

Die Hard Zeppelin Fans and even the rockstars they’ve shared the stage with have sworn they were watching the real group live. Their show is a pounding, haunting experience where history comes alive, as if the original band have returned for once last gig.

Bryan Christiansen founded No Quarter back in 1998 – cementing a lifelong love affair with the band – and acts as the stand-in for Zeppelin’s stalwart guitarist, Jimmy Page.

On touching down in Australia, landing in Sydney, he was “dying to see the Great Barrier Reef” and the iconic landscapes in Australia that are “absolutely breathtaking”.

Born in the United Kingdom, Christiansen moved stateside to live in Tacoma, Washington, and fell in love with Led Zeppelin from the first time he listened to When The Levee Breaks.

“When I was a kid, my brother played Led Zeppelin albums and I didn’t know who they were. I heard the drums on When The Levee Breaks and it wasn’t until years later that I even connected that was Zeppelin,” he said.

“I picked up the guitar and started fiddling around and I was learning all the styles as a kid; there wasn’t a better idol to have than Jimmy Page growing up as a young guitarist. He’s always consistently in the top three greatest of all time.”

Christiansen has been a lifelong musician since those days, and eventually realised he wanted to continue the legacy for a band that has brought him so much joy. He formed No Quarter to create a real-to-life experience that only a Led Zeppelin show can provide.

It led him on a career to perform alongside incredible artists, strumming Stratocaster guitars last played by Jimmy Hendrix at Woodstock, and keeping Zeppelin alive in the best way possible: through their music.

“It’s hard to put into words. There’s a musical force, an energy that gets thrown out when you play like them. The audience throws back their own energy and you see in their eyes that they’re feeling what Led Zeppelin were like; that they’re right in front of them,” he said.

“We throw the energy back at them until the roof’s ready to blow up. There’s a magic to the music.”

In their performance at Airlie Beach Hotel, Christiansen said the show will be a special one for fans and for himself. The band will perform a first-ever, taking the audience through the entire iconic Led Zeppelin IV album from start to finish, just as Zeppelin played it, and just as he listened to it as a kid all those years ago.

“That extra set will be so special. We’re going to be stretched a little and I’m so excited for it – that album is mind-blowing – Stairway to Heaven, Levee Breaks, Black Dog – I can’t wait,” he said.

Christiansen ended the interview with an anecdote: Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones was signing autographs when he was approached by Chad McMurray, who plays the role of Jones for No Quarter.

McMurray presented Jones with a concert photo – an image from one of No Quarter’s legacy performances.

“That’s scary,” Jones said as he signed the concert photo and looked across the faces and likeness of each character: “As long as you’re doing it, means we don’t have to.”

Gonna Make You Sweat, Gonna Make You Groove

For over 15 years they’ve performed as No Quarter, pounding the Hammer of the Gods to Led Zeppelin fans across the US as well as internationally. Now, they’re arriving on the golden sands of the Whitsundays to bring the ocean of true Led Zeppelin fans a Whole Lotta Love.

The Black Dog barks in this authentic reproduction that goes far beyond any covering the legendary British supergroups tunes.

It’s no wonder they’ve performed alongside legendary artists like Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Molly Hatchet, Kansas, Steppenwolf, Nazareth, Tesla, Warrant, Jefferson Starship, Eric Burden and the Animals, Eddie Money, and many others.

They’re eerily close to watching one of rocks all-time great quartets in their glory days, and they’ll be arriving at the Airlie Beach Hotel for two free shows on Saturday July 16 and 17, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm both days.

Airlie Beach Hotel’s first ever internationally touring act is No Quarter, the real deal Led Zeppelin Legacy Band

They’ve performed for over 24 years, keeping the spirit of Zeppelin alive

‍

The third annual Whitsundays Arts Festival is fast approaching and creatives from across the region are putting the final touches on their entries to this years’ art prize which has a pool of over $11,000 up for grabs.

The Whitsundays Art Prize Exhibition opened in April and is due to close on Monday, August 1 and organisers are asking last-minute entrants to get in quick before submissions end.

This year’s theme is ‘Memories’ and is open to artists working with any 2D or 3D mediums aside from photography.

The art prize winners will be decided by guest judge Tracy Cooper-Lavery who is the Director, Gallery and Visual Arts at Home of the Arts Gold Coast (HOTA).

The major prize-winning artwork will be acquired into the Whitsundays Regional Council Art Collection and selected finalists will be exhibited at the Elbow Room at Coral Sea Marina for a week after judging.

Categories include Local Artist Award, 2D Works On Paper, 2D Painting, 3D Sculpture, Young Artist and People’s Choice.

Winners will be announced on Friday, September 23 and the Art Exhibition will be held at Coral Sea Resort until Friday, September 30.

This year, the festival is also opening up a competition to children - the 'Junior Whitsundays Art Exhibition,' is an opportunity for the budding artists, talented tots and creative kids aged 5-15 years to show-off their work.

There are prizes up to $200 so this is an unmissable chance to develop your child’s passion for creating.

To enter, simply head to whitsundayartsfestival.org.

What’s Happening This Year?

Handmade Markets

A popular favourite at the festival, these lively open-air markets held at Fairy Tree Park on the Airlie Beach Foreshore are vibrant affair with live music, colourful artwork and giftware. There is also an opportunity to network with a fascinating bunch of artists, designers and makers. Register on the website if you would like to become a stall holder.

Workshops

Offering an extensive range of workshops hosted by expert creatives, this engaging series of events are an excellent way to develop your skills and engage with others. The professional workshop series will be held from 17-24 September in the workshop space at Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat, and on 24-25 September at the Festival site in Fairy Tree Park.

WHAT: Whitsundays Arts Festival

WHEN: September 17-30

WHERE: Airlie Beach

‍

Parenting can often be an isolating experience where you feel like you are constantly making mistakes when navigating the sleepless nights, tantrums and mealtime mishaps involved with raising a young child.

Genius Childcare in Cannonvale understand this implicitly which is why they’ve decided to launch a series of community parenting sessions designed to bring parents together in an informal setting to share knowledge and learn tips and tricks from facilitator Jen Frisby-Young.

“It’s all about empowering children without losing your mind!” said Centre Manager, Bec Schultz.

“We are promoting parent self-care and tackling the hot topics like toileting, sleep habits and more.”

Each session will have a different theme and tea, coffee and snacks will create a sociable atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Facilitator Jen Frisby-Young is a qualified neuro-linguistic Programmer who meticulously researches each topic so she can impart as much knowledge as possible.

“I’ve found that there is a large need in the community for connection and support,” said Jen.

“These events are open to everyone in the community – they are a great way to meet-up and form friendships.”

Genius Childcare is an innovative and holistic early years education centre for preschool-aged children offering state-of-art, purpose-built childcare facilities, a diverse and thoughtful curriculum, and passionate, highly skilled educators to lead the way.

The Curriculum is based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and has a strong emphasis on play-based learning, recognising the importance of communication, language, social and emotional development.

Join Jen and Bec at the next parent’s information evening.

WHAT: Community Parenting Session

WHEN: 1st Tuesday of every month – 5pm-6pm

WHERE: Genius Childcare in Cannonvale

Centre Manager Bec Schultz and Facilitator Jen Frisby-Young are here to support and connect with local parents

‍

Friday 24 June

Seniors Friendship Group

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

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and does 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

Morning Melodies 2022 – Paul Ettore Tabone sings Golden Days

Friday, 11:00am

Aussie West End Star, direct from Her Majesty's Theatre in London's glittering West End, Queensland singer, Tenor Paul Ettore Tabone returns home for a regional Queensland tour in Golden Days - Songs from the Movies & Musicals. Golden Days is a musical journey of the best songs from movies to musicals throughout the decades. You can expect a variety of songs from the ‘Golden Age’ of music, incorporating singers such as Mario Lanza and Perry Como and songs from Disney all the way to Enio Morricone. This show has it all and will certainly be a wonderful trip down memory lane.

MECC

Friday SUN.sets – Noah Cookson

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 25 June

Clothes Swap

Saturday, 9:00am to 1:30pm

Drop five clean adult clothing items off between 11am and 5.30pm on Friday, June 24 and receive up to five swap tokens in return. Make a booking and bring your tokens Saturday, June 25, to browse the racks and leave with something new to spice up your closet. This event supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and Production.

Gordon White Library

Collage, Stamp and Draw

Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10, Tuesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm

A free school holiday activity is starting this weekend involving the art of mixed media. Inspired by the art and exhibition ‘Looking for Paradise’ by New South Wales artist, Nathalie Hartog-Gautier, this activity gives visitors of all ages and abilities an opportunity to combine collage, drawing and letter stamping techniques by adding to a wonderful collaborative paper wall in our Artspace workshop room. Parental supervision for children is essential. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, no bookings necessary.

Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay

June Photo Walkabout - Photography in the afternoon light

Saturday, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens’ June Photography Walkabout will start with a discussion about what settings you will need on your cameras to adjust with afternoon light that will disappear as the sun sets and some help to set your camera up. The Botanic Gardens can have some spectacular sunsets. Phone 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

HOLLYWOOD

Saturday, 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Mackay Choral Society Inc. performs a selection of iconic songs from the Hollywood stage and screen. Get your tickets here: trybooking.com/BXUAW or call 0422 264 397.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Steel/Sky presents Systematic Machine @ Hotel Mackay with Friends

Saturday, 7:30pm

Get down to Hotel Mackay on June 25th for yet another night of the best in local heavy, grungy, punk sounds. Featuring Systematic Machine, Vipersnatch, Subservia and Viper Syndicate. FREE entry at the door. Music starts at 8pm, doors close @ midnight.

Hotel Mackay

Sunday 26 June

Sunday Live Music – Michael Scriha

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

Monday 27 June

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1, Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8, 9:30am to 4:30pm daily

Come and find Tibbles and decode his latest message! This is a free self-guided activity, suitable for kids aged 3-12 years. Pick up an activity sheet from the activities table on the deck in the Tropical Shade Garden.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tuesday 28 June

World Café

Tuesday, 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

Wednesday 29 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

Thursday 30 June

Festival Hub

Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2, Thursday, July 7 to Friday, July 8, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licensed bar, take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Park your car in Brisbane Street and enter the Bluewater Quay, grab a bite to eat, a drink and relax in front of the stage for a night of free entertainment.

Bluewater Quay

Gin Appreciation Evening

Thursday, 6:30pm

If gin is your drink of choice this is one event you don't want to miss! The evening will feature 5 gin tastings with a 3-course menu designed by The Dispensary head chef, Alex.

The Dispensary Mackay

‍

Mercy College celebrated NAIDOC Week early last week, with celebrations commemorating the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week celebrations began on Monday with Mercy College staff enjoying a NAIDOC High Tea.

Year 10 students who prepared and served traditional inspired foods and tea to the staff.

On Tuesday, Mercy College continued celebrations with staff and students tasting traditional food such as crocodile and kangaroo.

Wednesday saw staff and students take the oval and face off in a game of touch football.

Mercy Indigenous students took on staff in what was a close and exciting game.

The score was 4-4 at full time with the students claiming the win having scored the first try.

Mercy College celebrated NAIDOC Week with traditional food and a game of touch football last week. Photos supplied

‍

‍

There’s plenty happening at the Senior Citizens Centre weekly, with the Mackay & District Senior Citizens’ Association hosting bowls, cards and dancing every week.

Bowls and cards are held every Tuesday and Thursday.

Doors open at 8.30a.m for a 9.00am start and finishes at 11am. Morning Tea is served during the morning.

Cards are also played the third Saturday of the month. Doors open at 12.30pm for 1.00p.m start till 4.00 pm.

For enquiries, please phone Betty Phillips 0749563266 (after 6pm).

Every Saturday there is old time/new vogue dancing from 7.30pm – 11pm. Live band, lucky door, lucky spot, raffle, Monte Carlo and light supper are features of this fun evening.

For enquiries, please phone Val Cross 0408075877.

The Senior Citizens Centre is located at 58 Macalister Street, Mackay.

‍

One of Mackay’s favourite musicians, Tia Gostelow, announced her first hometown festival Sugardrop Festival earlier in the year, aiming to bring a new bevy of musicians to our town.

The crowd gathered at the Harrup Park Garden Bar, with Brisbane-based band Mt. Nadir taking the stage as the Hawks and Swans Senior Women’s AFL sides faced off on Great Barrier Arena to the left.

The setting afternoon sun shone across the stage as the band, featuring two members originating from Mackay, embarked on their debut set in the sugar city.

As a newly formed band with an unreleased repertoire, Mt. Nadir enlightened audiences with a unique sound dipping its toes in punk, emo and indie rock.

Closing with an anthemic rendition of The Killers’ When We Were Young, Mt. Nadir well and truly announced themselves to Mackay and Tia’s first festival was off to a cracking start.

Next to the stage was Amber Farnan hailing from far north Queensland.

This was also Amber’s Mackay debut and she brought a whole band along for the show, resulting in an immersive set of folk-tinged indie pop.

She received recognition from the Queensland Music Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards over the last couple of years and it wasn’t hard to see why.

On the back of releasing two singles this year, Amber’s endearing set was the perfect soundtrack to a setting sun, launching the crowd into their night of entertainment.

As the only interstate band on the line-up, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers took to the stage to a growing and enthusiastic crowd.

The Canberra band had fans on their feet and singing along throughout a set of gritty grunge tunes, featuring a perfectly suited cover of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend.

Giving Mackay a taste of what the rest of Australia will experience on their national tour later this year, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers closed with their huge 2021 hit AHHH!, inciting a huge singalong from the crowd.

Bucking the trend of debuts, Beddy Rays brought their raucousness to Mackay for the third time this year.

It’s no wonder they keep coming back, as Mackay seems to always turn out in force to see their powerful punk riffs live.

There was plenty of energy and headbanging from the crowd and the band alike, particularly when Tia was welcomed to the stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak which is always a highlight.

Closing with their ode to drinking beer with mates in the Queensland sun, Sobercoaster, the Brisbane band once again proved why they’re a Mackay favourite.

Speaking of Mackay favourites, the person behind the whole show was next to the stage to finish it off in style.

This was Tia Gostelow’s first hometown performance in three years and audiences were clearly eager to experience some of their favourites live again.

Her career-spanning set had everyone keen for a boogie and featured favourites Strangers, Two Lovers, Always and a cover of Dua Lipa’s viral earworm Levitating.

Tia would frequently pause and appreciate, assuring the crowd of how much the whole day meant to her.

Tia’s goal of bringing bands to a stage and crowd that they wouldn’t normally get to perform in front of was clear in the lead-up to Sugardrop Festival and she undoubtedly achieved it.

With a unique setting and a diverse line-up teeming with talent, let’s hope Sugardrop Festival returns and becomes a mainstay on the Mackay music calendar.

Tia Gostelow had crowds enthralled at her first festival Sugardrop

Tia joined Beddy Rays on stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought the crowd to their feet

Amber Farnan provided the perfect soundtrack to a classic Mackay sunset

Mt. Nadir kicked things off in the late afternoon sun. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

‍

‍

More than 920 students from 16 high schools travelled from as far afield as Moranbah and Bowen to get a taste of the glitz and glam of Mackay’s Mocktail Dance. It’s a chance for Year 12 students from a variety of schools to mix and mingle, dressed in their best, while raising money for youth services across the region.

With an estimated 1,400 Year 12 students at schools across the Mackay district, that means more than half make the effort to attend the event hosted by The Seniors Club Inc in what has become known as the Year 12 dance of the year. It’s so big, it needs two Plenary Halls at the MECC to host it.

The 2022 event marked Mocktail’s 30th anniversary, and Russell French, Mocktail’s founder, attended to celebrate with the students.

Event Manager Michael McGrath said there were now children of original Mocktailers attending the annual event.

“With 30 years behind us, there are now second generation Mocktailers, the children of past students who attended the Mocktail over the last 30 years.”

L-R: Sinead Kennedy, Lainey Wilson and Ella Tancred made the most of their Mocktail experience with a pre-event photo shoot in the Mackay CBD. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

‍