Hundreds of students came to school dressed as their favourite character from a story book last Wednesday, marking the final ‘Book Week’ celebration across all schools in the Whitsunday region.

School assembly was a colourful display of creations, dozens of superheros, a group of Oompa Loompas, a masterfully home-made bright yellow digger, Where’s Wally and of course many princesses were all in attendance.

As is tradition, the ‘Book Week’ parade saw the teachers, followed by every year group, strut their stuff down the centre aisle, exhibiting their dance moves and outfits to the beat.

Image: Principal Angie Kelly (centre) with students and staff dressed up for Book Week

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Children from across the region are invited to participate in the inaugural Kids Arts Workshops at the Whitsunday Arts Festival this weekend, with a wide range of dedicated family-friendly activities offering a full program of events on Sunday from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

A specially allocated marquee will host the workshops with some that you can simply drop-in to attend and some that do require registration on www.whitundaysartsfestival.org.

All the featured events are free for children to enjoy.

These artist-led workshops are the creation of children’s book writer and illustrator Sofia Fortunato and Townsville artist Lisa Ashcroft who was last year’s winner of the inaugural Whitsundays Art Prize.

In addition to the marquee activities, there are a range of other events which children will enjoy over the course of the day.

These interactive activities including African drumming with Festival favourites Baala Baajo at 12:30pm, mandala making with stones on the beach with artist Mary Ann Santin at 9.00am, aboriginal storytelling with Harry Bowen from 9am-4pm, and many opportunities with over 50 stalls at the handmade markets demonstrating pottery throwing and lead light creations among many happenings.

WHAT: Kids Arts Workshops

WHEN: Sunday, September 25

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Kids Workshop Tent

Choose from these exciting workshops:

Making Sea Creatures

Craft your favourite sea creature from paper clay and felt texters - sea turtles, stingrays, and jelly fish to surfboarders and boats, join Lisa and use paper clay to create your sculpture.

Registration Required - 9am – 10am and 1pm – 2pm

Memorable Illustrated Portrait

In this workshop with Sofia, kids will create a self-portrait using only three colours for the background and a sharpie for the face.

Drop in and create - 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm

The Memory Tree

In this workshop with Sofia, kids will learn to illustrate a tree with a collage paper technique, using scissors, glue, and lots of colourful paper.

Drop in and create - 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm

Abstract Painting: Our Memories

Participate in a group abstract painting with Lisa on a large canvas with the theme ‘memories.’ Use bright fluoro and all sorts of brushes, palette knives, willow sticks, scrunched up bits of paper, drips.

Drop in and paint - 9am – 4pm

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It’s a chocka-block end to the month for one of Bowen’s top pubs where everyone’s a local.

The Grand View Hotel is running some special events alongside its regular staples like Musical Bingo and Paint & Sip, one of which includes an epic prize.

Check out the events to look out for at the Grand View in late September and early October:

Young Whitsundays Got Talent Heat

1.00pm on Sunday, September 25

Local up-and-coming artists will take to the stage in the second heat of Young Whitsundays Got Talent at the Bowen pub on September 25.

In a showcase of local singers aged 19 or under, Bowen’s young superstars will have a chance to head to the grand final on October 23 in Woodwark.

The winners of that final will be rewarded with a tour of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s main stage, where they can rub shoulders with its nationally renowned acts, as well as perform on the Fish Jam Stage

Head out and see some of the region’s best emerging talents perform at the Grand View this weekend!

Family Movie Night at the GVH

6.30pm on Monday, September 26

Join The Grand View next Monday from 6.30pm for a family movie night with a heart of gold.

The local pub will be screening Moana, a sweeping film that follows an adventurous teenager sailing on a daring mission to save her people. Moana, the daughter of chief Tui, embarks on a journey to return the heart of goddess Te Fitti from Maui, a demigod, after the plants and the fish on her island start dying due to a blight.

Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.

But, best of all, alongside the top-tier Disney flick, the Grand View will be providing popcorn and lollies to snack on!  Don’t miss this great opportunity to bring the whole family together.

Win A Tinny!

Drawn 5.00pm on Sunday, October 2

Have you ever dreamt of owning a boat? Well, the Grand View Hotel might just make your dreams a reality. One lucky Rewards member will take off in a XXXX Quintrex 400 Trigger Boat, valued at $11,000 at the beginning of October!

To win, all you’ve got to do is eat, drink, or play! As well as be a Grand View Rewards Member, of course.

To go in the draw, simply present your membership card when paying for food and drinks, or insert into the gaming machine. Fill out the entry form, pop it in the barrel and join them on Sunday 2 October at 5pm for the live draw.

If you’re not already a Grand View Rewards member it’s not too late to sign up for your chance to win.

Terms and Conditions apply, please see Grand View staff for details. The Grand View Hotel promotes the responsible service of alcohol and gambling – Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858.

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A new community program to build a thriving live music and performance industry in the Whitsundays will launch this October.

The ‘Harvest Music Development Program’ is being introduced by Whitsunday Regional Council in an effort to identify potential programs and support for the region’s local music sector.

The Harvest program hopes to shape what Whitsunday Regional Council call their “Arts and Culture Plan” and it will begin with a Community Forum at Proserpine Entertainment Centre led by Brisbane based Music Industry leaders Stu Watters and Ant Mckenna on October 6.

Watters and Mckenna will also be providing one-on-one Consultation Sessions to local musos over October 6 and 7 as part of the program.

Harvest has three major questions in mind: For musicians, what role could Council play in your career development, and what is your vision for a vibrant regional live music scene?

For those who program live music, what professional development do you feel would be well suited to the Whitsunday’s emerging and established performers?

Or for those in the music business, what ideas do you have to build your capacity and increase work in the region?

Council have also opened an online survey for those in the industry unable to attend the live forums where they can provide thoughts on the music/festival industry in the Whitsundays.

Survey participants will go into the draw to win two tickets to a show of their choice at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

Council said the program is the first of many consultations with the rest of the Arts industry in October and November.

To register your interest, visit yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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Mackay Regional Council Libraries

Sensational Spring Sand Art Friday, 9:30am to 10:30am Create colourful sand art designs inspired by spring, the season of colour, joy and growth. Suits children aged five to 12 years. Sarina Library

Movie Matinee – Turning Red Friday, 2:00am to 4:00pm Mei Lee is a 13yo girl who is torn between being her mother's obedient daughter and the chaos of her youth. As if that were not enough, when she gets too excited, she turns into a big red panda. Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. Suits children aged five to 12yo.  Gordon White Library

Magformers Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Click. Connect. Create. Magformers are educational construction toys for children of all ages that allow you to build your own magnetic 3D structures. No bookings required. Suitschildren aged five to 12 years of age. Sarina Library

Bamboo Construction Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Engineer. Design. Build. No bookings required. Suits children aged five to 12 years of age. Walkerston Library

Lego Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Imagine. Connect. Construct. No bookings required. Suits children aged five to 12 years of age. Mirani Library

MECC

Pixar Putt until Sunday, Oct 9, various times

This open-air mini golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc. 'Pixar Putt After Dark' sessions available for adults 18+ on Thurs to Sat nights from 7pm, with licenced bar. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/3BfOZ6K  Mackay Civic Lawn, between Artspace Mackay and the MECC

Artspace Mackay  

Lyre Bird ‘LOOKBOOKS’ – free until Sunday, Oct 2 during hours

Drop-in to Artspace during the September school holidays and create a special lookbook of lyre birds! Parental supervision essential. No bookings necessary. Inspired by ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, in the Main Gallery, until Nov 20. Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay

Sarina Sugar Shed

Special kids tour until Tues, Oct 4. Normal tours run 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm

Discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane, complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch. Enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill - 'Bill the Mill Junior". Taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, and freshly spun fairy floss for big and little kids! Cost: Adults at children’s prices $13.60 (bookings essential).

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens  

Free Friday Guided Walks Every Friday Apr and Oct, 10am - 11am

Find what’s flowering, some of our rare and special plants and perhaps some wildlife spotting! Phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 as places are limited. Group bookings welcome upon request. Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre

Mackay Park Run Every Sat, 7am - 8am

A 5km run/jog/walk put on by the community for the community every Saturday morning for all ages. Register at www.parkrun.com.au. Meet at Tamarind Carpark (near playground)

September Photo Walkabout – Macrophotography Sun, 9am - 11am

Get up close with macrophotography and make the smallest things in nature visible. If you have a macro lens and DSLR or a mobile phone with a clip-on lens, this is a workshop for you. Phone to book 4952 7300. Botanic Gardens Meeting Rooms

Bocce in the Gardens Mon to Fri, 9am - 4pm (except public holidays)

One of the most popular and oldest games throughout European countries Test your skills at our bocce court in the Malta Garden. Hire sets for hire $5/set from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information. Bookings not required. Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

Greenmount Homestead

Entry fees waived for kids during school holidays Open Mon to Wed and 25th Sep, from 9am to 1pm; Tours at 9am, 10am, 11am and noon

Take a step back in time at a 1915 Queenslander homestead which houses a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/greenmount.

Caneland Central

Ice Skating until Sunday, Oct 3, 1hr sessions start at 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm plus Thurs & Sat 6:30pm

Tickets available to purchase online or at the venue. Bookings recommended. $20pp or $70 family pass (4 people).  Spectators are free.  BYO socks or available for purchase. Timezone carpark, Caneland Central

LEGO® at Caneland Central until Friday, Sept 30

Free school holiday fun! Come down to Caneland Central to join in at our LEGO® Rebuild the World play zone! Centre Court, Caneland Central

Mount Pleasant Centre

Creation Station until Friday, Sept 30, 10am – 2pm daily

Kids will get the chance to make a miniature unicorn or dinosaur garden to take home and watch it grow. Recommended age 3+. Limited availability. Minimum $2 donation to the Mackay Hospital Foundation on the day. Outside Stellarossa, Mount Pleasant Centre

Bluewater Lagoon 7 days, 9am to 5.45pm

Cool down and splash around with the whole family at the free, three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon. For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/bluewaterlagoon

Sarina Youth Centre

A variety of school holiday activities are on offer for youth aged ten to 21 years. Bookings are required for each program. Contact Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Monday, September 26: Healthy Lifestyle: Activities, cooking, information

Tuesday, September 27: Game on! Pool competition, Centre bingo with prizes

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Image: Brisbane-based vocalist Melissa Western pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt

Mackay locals are set for a morning of live performance in honour of a magnificent era in music, with British-born, Brisbane-based vocalist Melissa Western paying tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt.

Each year Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) delivers the feel-good Morning Melodies Season. A stellar line-up of daytime performances programmed to bring a thrill to audiences of all ages.

October’s Morning Melodies performance will be dedicated to an inspiring trio of singers, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt. Although they vary in their styles of music, the three icons tore down a multitude of barriers, paving the way for all future artists who continue to walk in their footsteps to this day.

With a performance history including two consecutive years at the Edinburgh Festival, British born singer-actor-writer Melissa Western is no stranger to the stage. The vocalist seamlessly weaves song, story, and dance, taking viewers on a sensational journey they will want to share and cherish and is often seen performing at Brisbane Jazz Club. Western thrives while paying tribute to a magnificent era in music through her superb vocal range and compelling stage presence.

“Western is a force of nature…Great storyteller, feisty, highly enjoyable; … Warm, witty and supremely talented … captivating …fantastic instrumentalists” - Broadway Baby

“Western is absolutely brilliant… her aptitude for music is vast and versatile” - ThreeWeeks magazine  

Audience members are in for a treat with a chance to win a lucky door prize and indulge in a complimentary morning tea – with volunteer group Friends of the MECC supplying tea, coffee, and biscuits before the show.

Mackay locals are encouraged to transport themselves back to 1954 and partake in a sizzling morning of powerful soul and cheeky kitsch featuring the captivating Melissa Western and her band. Rewind time and witness the MECC stage revert to the 50’s with Ella, Etta & Eartha.

WHAT: Morning Melodies 2022 1954: Ella, Etta & Eartha

WHEN: Friday 7 October 2022, 11.00am

WHERE: MECC Plenary Halls

TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

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Do you feel nervous presenting in front of colleagues or speaking in public?

Mackay Toastmasters Club is hosting a Presentation Mastery Class next month to help participants improve their public speaking and communication skills.

The in-person masterclass will teach the best ways to prepare for a presentation, how to structure a presentation and how to deliver it while controlling your nerves.

Mackay Toastmasters Club member Megan Dillon says the masterclass is as much of a learning opportunity for members as it will be for attendees.

“Our experienced Toastmasters are putting together this masterclass,” she said.

“They’ll cover what goes into giving a presentation, from the first time you sit down to plan it to the moment you step out in front of your audience.”

The masterclass is suitable for anyone who would like to be able to present more confidently in front of an audience, whether that be at an industry conference or in front of a small group of colleagues.

Ms Dillon said Mackay Toastmasters Club regularly fields enquiries from people wanting to improve their public speaking and presentation skills, however, people aren’t always confident enough to take the next step and walk through the door.

“Personally, Toastmasters has done wonders for my confidence and it’s why I keep coming back,” she said.

“We recognise though that getting up in front of a group of people and giving a speech can be a daunting prospect.

“We were all new members once too!

“We hope this event will encourage anyone who has been curious to come along and experience the supportive learning environment Toastmasters offers.”

Tickets for the masterclass are $60, which includes a light meal, refreshments and education materials.

Mackay Toastmasters Club is part of the worldwide network of clubs that make up the not-for-profit educational organisation, Toastmasters International.

Whether you feel okay about presenting or dread the thought, this masterclass will have something for you.

WHAT: Presentation Mastery Class

WHERE: Jubilee Community Centre

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

TICKETS: $60 including a light meal, refreshments and education materials. Available from StickyTickets.

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Movie lovers from across the region are invited to the newly built Proserpine Entertainment Centre to view a weekend of exciting cinema.

The event kicks-off with Celeste on Saturday at 7.30pm, a movie that is filmed entirely at Paronella Park and features the story of a once-celebrated opera diva who prepares for her final performance.

This is followed by Parallel Mothers starring Penelope Cruz on the Sunday at 1.30pm.

This movie shows the story of two single women who form a strong bond with one another as they both confront motherhood.

The critically acclaimed Spanish drama is directed by award-winning Pedro Almodovar and is a beautifully constructed story full of twists and turns, some predictable, others not.

With outstanding cinematography, musical score and costume design, audiences are in for an unmissable experience.

This cinematic masterpiece is hosted by Film and Arts Mackay in collaboration with the Whitsunday Arts Festival.

On the Sunday, there will be a return coach transfer to the viewing of Parallel Mothers, departing from Gordon Street, outside Art Space, at 10.30am.

The cultural experience includes the movie followed by lunch at Whitsunday Gold Coffee.

Tickets are between $15 and $20 for the cinema only and the coach transfers, cinema and lunch dining package are between $75 and $80 depending on your Film Arts Membership status.

This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.

Image: Head to Proserpine Entertainment Centre this Sunday to see Parallel Mothers

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Image: Rhythm and the Reef has adopted a community model to get the community involved. Photo supplied

The landscape of the events industry has changed drastically since the pandemic brought social gatherings to a screaming halt.

Slowly but surely, the industry is finding its feet but is having to adapt to post-pandemic changes, finding new ways to thrive.

Rhythm and the Reef returns to Mackay tomorrow and Event Director James Slade has enlisted the help of the local community, hoping for a win-win for all involved.

“A lot of these big businesses are starting to take a keen interest in getting involved with us, especially the local grassroots music and arts festivals,” he said.

“There’s a benefit to the community model because it gets all of the Mackay region involved.”

As more and more events rise from the ashes of an event-less pandemic, consumers are finding themselves spoilt for choice, meaning events are competing against more than ever before.

Equally, cost-of-living pressures are seeing festivals and experiences drop down the priority list for consumers.

Mr Slade says the community model helps events navigate these concerns.

“(Businesses) partner up with the event and provide different parts of it, whether it’s the green arts segment of Rhythm or part of the production or putting up a second stage,” he said.

“They all sort of chip in in different ways.

“It doesn’t necessarily always mean money; it just means we’re trying to add so that the community can be thoroughly involved.”

As well as big business, local retail, tourism and hospitality businesses are also given the chance to get involved with food vendors, market stalls and auxiliary events supporting Rhythm and the Reef.

“These businesses also see that it’s important that the community creates a culture of excitement and, by doing so, it encourages young people to move to the area,” Mr Slade said.

“We’ve got all these jobs available, but we have all these young people moving away so it’s about trying to encourage these people to stay in the northern regions.

“There is a lot of good things happening in the region.

“Even though we’re in these hard times, people are still showing support for these events.”

Now in its second year, Rhythm and the Reef aims to perfect the foundations that were built in its inaugural year by bringing on businesses and supporters like FMS Group, Daly Bay, Ambassador Hotel, MQ Licensed Events, NQ Productions, Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Isaac Tourism.

The event will feature installation art pieces, sustainable sculptures, a live visual artist, a bigger line-up of headline and local artists as well as local food and market vendors.

“It’s this huge collaboration of everything now so it’s a big step up and it’s in a great location,” Mr Slade said.

WHAT: Rhythm and the Reef 2022

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, September 24 from 1:00pm

TICKETS: Oztix

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Friday 23 September

Souths Junior Cricket Come & Try Day

Friday, 4:00pm

Souths Cricket Club is holding a come and try day for boys and girls aged 6 - 11 on Friday 23rd September from 4:00pm till 6:00pm at Abbott Park. There'll be heaps of fun cricket activities throughout the afternoon followed by a sausage sizzle. Members of the committee will also be on hand to answer any questions along with taking registrations for the upcoming season. For more info contact Brad at southscricketmackay@gmail.com or 0407 592 988.

Abbott Park

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and Live music.

Wake House Australia

Ninja Hub Teen Shed Event

Friday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Ninja Hub Mackay is teaming up with Teen Shed Mackay by creating a session just for our Teens. All teens are welcome to join in the two-hour session learning the skills and having fun on the Ninja course. With their friends or making new ones. This event is for all teens aged between 12 and 16 years of age. Includes two hours fun, pizza and drink. Please wear shoes and bring a water bottle. Bookings are required as spots are limited. Head to The Ninja Hub webpage, look for the Teen Shed event and book from there.

The Ninja Hub

Saturday 24 September

Rhythm & The Reef 2022

Saturday, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Rhythm is back to spice up your 2022 spring season with a bigger line-up, better bar, more shade, and a fresh waterfront location. Featuring Running Touch, Touch Sensitive, ShockOne, Godlands, Jack Botts, Ivan Ooze, Moss, Felipe Baldomir and more. Artworks by David Day, Louis Gervais, Mathew Currie and Muddy Grimes. Proudly partnered with FMS Group, Rumble on the Reef, Daly Bay, The Ambassador Hotel, Moss On Wood and Mackay Regional Council.

Bluewater Quay

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Come browse the many local small business market stalls then have a seat, listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. Not just another market, it’s a great night out. Market stalls, mini eat street, jumping castles (free) and face painting.

Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday 25 September

Sunday Live Music – Jax Morton

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 26 September

Meditation and Sound Experience

Monday, 6:30pm

Sound and Meditation. Go into a deeper experience, powerful and beautiful.

$20 cash only for the session. Please wear loose comfortable clothes allowing for light movement. A yoga mat or something to lay on, pillow blankets or anything to make you comfortable and warm. This is an indoor event. Please select the going button on the Facebook event to confirm your booking.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Tuesday 27 September

Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel

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

There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo. Every Tuesday, join Seabreeze in the bar from 7pm where you can show off your musical knowledge in Musical Bingo. Prizes will be on offer for winners each and every week so make sure you’re on the ball as they drop the beats. Oh, and entry is free! Registration opens from 6pm, with all the action kicking off from 7pm. So, music buff or not, make sure you clear your schedule each Tuesday evening for Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 28 September

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

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 29 September

FMS Rumble on the Reef ~ WAKE COMP 2022

Thursday to Saturday

Rumble on the Reef Wakeboarding will take place in Mackay at Wake House Australia from 28 September to 01 October 2022. Lots of action on the lake and live music every night at the Lakeside Cafe & Sunset Bar. All welcome to attend. This is a free event at the end of the September school holidays. See some of Australia's best pro wakeboarders battle it out for a share in over $10,000 cash, with equal prize money for pro women and men. Spectators can make a day of it with action on the lake, crowd giveaways daily and live music into the evening. BYO picnic rugs and tents.

Wake House Australia

Leadership Unplugged with Mandy Johnson

Thursday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

In this thought-provoking masterclass, leaders take time out to assess their own performance and look at strategies to improve their results. The session uses corporate anecdotes, fun activities and videos, and evidence-based research to change the way participants view their own leadership, and also arms them with techniques that they can immediately apply to transform their own success. Meet Mandy Johnson, best-selling author with ‘in-the-trenches’ experience as a start-up founder and ex-director of global travel retailer Flight Centre’s UK operation, opening a store a month. She has worked with a wide range of companies including Virgin Australia, Teys Beef, the Australian Stockbroker's Association, Dairy Australia, Ray White Commercial, the Queensland State Library, Michael Hill Jewellery, and 99Bikes to name just a few. A great afternoon for business owners, their managers and anyone who is displaying potential to step up within the business. Tickets via Eventbrite.

Ocean International

ARTIST’S TALK with artist in residence D. Harding

Thursday, 5:30pm

A descendant of the Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal communities of Central Queensland, D Harding works in a wide variety of media to explore the visual and social languages of their communities as cultural continuum. During their residency at Artspace Mackay, Harding created a site-specific artwork, drawing from the ways of knowing—passed on through their matrilineal family Elders of the Kemp family here in Mackay—and from their learnings in formal art training, including international art histories and techniques from books, art school and travels. Harding is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Artspace Mackay

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One of Mackay’s favourite family friendly ocean-front bar and bistros is giving its lucky customers the opportunity to win a tinny valued at $11,000.

The Seabreeze Hotel, located in the quiet residential area of Lamberts Beach, is now offering anyone who spends more than $20 at their drive-thru bottle-shop free entry into the prize draw.

So, grab your mates and head on down to Seabreeze bottle-shop before your backyard BBQ or footy match and make sure you fill in an entry form for your chance to win.

Purchase a 30 pack of either XXXX Gold, XXXX Dry or Hahn 3.5 and Byron Bay cartons to receive bonus entries.

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a boat, now’s your chance to win this impressive XXXX Quintrex 400 Trigger Boat.

This nippy and versatile Trigger makes boating easy and boasts a great amount of space for fishing.

The live draw will be on Sunday, October 2 from 5pm at the Seabreeze Hotel and will be followed by the NRL Grand Final on the big screen.

Offering delicious meals, tasty beverages, comfortable accommodation, live entertainment, a games room and kids’ playground, there is something for everyone at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment at a favourite destination for locals, visitors, families and pets alike.

Seabreeze also cater for functions and events, with a range of private function spaces to suit all types from small intimate dinners to large celebratory gatherings.

For more information about participating in the tinny competition head to ttps://seabreezemackay.com.au/drive-thru-and-win/. Terms and conditions apply.

Image: For your chance to win this $11,000 tinny, enter the competition at the Seabreeze Hotel Drive-Thru Bottle Shop today!

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Mackay’s music scene is one that’s growing at a rapid rate led by bands such as the prolific and dedicated Nortica.

“It’s been really good recently just with everyone kicking back into action,” said Nortica lead singer and rhythm guitarist Tate Obst.

“There’s been heaps of gigs and heaps of youngsters, as well, playing music,”

“For a while there, there wasn’t much going on.

“There’s always been a really good metal scene in town, which is cool, but you’re starting to see some other bands popping out.

Nortica have become a Mackay staple, headlining their own shows and becoming the go-to support for touring bands making their way to the region.

With Tate up the front, Tate’s brother Jasper on drums and backup vocals, Connor McKinney-Moss on lead guitar and Jarell Corowa on Bass Guitar, the boys are starting to live their music dreams.

The band releases their sophomore single ‘Means Well’ today, with plenty more to come, Tate says.

“We’re really excited for that one because this first EP is a real shift in our sound, being a three-piece band, then a four-piece band, this is all old stuff now,” he said.

“We’re sort of playing different music now, so it’ll be really cool to see what’s coming even after this stuff.”

Brothers Tate and Jasper started playing music at an early age, with Tate receiving a violin and Jasper a drum kit for their birthdays.

Tate picked up the guitar in grade 10 and started to play gigs around town with good mate Connor, with Wakehouse Australia always being willing to give them a gig.

Tate, Jasper, Connor and Jarell ultimately formed to become Nortica in August last year when the boys entered Passport to Airlie and have been kicking goals ever since.

With influences including alternative, surf rock, funk, grunge and metal, Tate says writing music as a band almost always starts as a jam.

“We all start freestyling and playing music and if we like something that we’re playing we generally record it on voice memos,” he said.

“We just revisit it and keep things that we like.”

Not only is there plenty more new music coming, but the boys also have some massive gigs booked including Rhythm and the Reef tomorrow, the Rumble on the Reef Wake Comp the week after and some support slots for some of Australia’s biggest bands.

Tate says they’re most excited to be supporting Hockey Dad at the Seabreeze Hotel next month.

“It’s insane,” he said.

“I remember getting on the phone to the boys, I got the email, and I lost my crap calling Jasper.

“I can’t really explain how excited we are.”

In a tightknit community like Mackay, with a burgeoning music scene, Tate says there is a real community aspect that has helped them get to where they are today.

The band received a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund to assist in recording their EP earlier this year.

“There’s a lot of cool stuff available through the Council that we’re lucky enough to utilise and be able to do the stuff that we want to do, especially with recording because it costs some serious coin,” Tate said.

On top of the grant, Tate says Nortica have collaborated with people, venues and businesses throughout the community including Kadence Group, Red Lotus Company and Gina’s Flags.

“There’s a lot of people in town that can help out and stick out a hand for you when you’d do the same for them,” he said.

“It’s really cool.

“The networking that goes on in this town, it’s crazy that there isn’t a bigger scene.”

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In the last few generations, we have become radically sedentary.

Jobs keep us stuck at a desk all day long, machines do our heavy lifting, and phones and other gadgets mean we can do almost anything, all without moving.

We’ve disconnected from our bodies to the extent that, often, we only notice them when they go wrong. We’re detaching from a pivotal process and doing more of the things that are harmful for our brains.

Sit at work, come home and sit, go to bed late, wake up, drive to work – seated – and sit again. Eat, sleep, sit, repeat. It’s easy. But the connection between your brain and your body is a “two-way street.” Working your legs can work your grey matter; if you’re feeling down, it might behove you to move.

There are numerous mental health benefits related to movement, and that’s not even just exercise. We all know, intellectually, that exercise is good for us, and it’s time to turn intellectual into action. The truth is that whatever your lifestyle: there is always an opportunity to move.

When we do move our body, energy flows through it, our bodily systems are activated, which makes us function well, and our brain generates various happy hormones (transmitters) that make us feel good.

Just like food nourishes the body and brain, so does movement! And, intellectually, we can list the benefits:

• Improved circulation

• Improved metabolism

• Improved clarity

• Improved mood

• Improved resilience

But what we really need to do is get going. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other, over and over, until it becomes habit. Endeavour to take a morning or afternoon walk, cycle to work, hop up from your desk and go for a little cruise around the office. Getting started is the hardest part.

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The purest form of uninhibited movement is dance - free flowing, expressive and dynamic. Learning to move your body to the music is an artform and a sport.

Emma Whybird, Director of Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday, understands the devotion and passion it takes to transform dance into performance and imparts this knowledge to her young students every day.

From two-year-old ‘Little Gems’ to 18-year-olds considering a professional career, Edge Dance can teach any level and any style – from jazz to tap, hip hop to acro, modern and musical theatre.

Celebrating their first year in business, the dance students will be holding their inaugural concerts this November and have been practising all year to fine tune their routines.

“It’s been an amazing year. We have children who have been dancing for many years and those who have never stepped foot on a dance floor,” said Emma.

“For me, it’s all about building confidence. I love watching how the younger students look up to the older students. We have a great family atmosphere here.”  

Edge Dance operate two studios, one in Proserpine and the other in Bowen.

Proserpine dance classes are held at the old St Catherine’s School building in a newly refurbished dance studio from Monday to Thursday every week.

Bowen classes take place Monday and Tuesday.

Edge Dance offer ‘Little Gems’ casual classes for 2–3-year-olds in Proserpine which are open for enrolments all year round.

Expressions of Interest are now being taken for anyone interested in joining in 2023.  Free trial classes will be taking place this November.

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Watch out for a group of meddling kids and their dog coming to the coastal town of Airlie Beach this weekend.

As part of a full afternoon of free festivities for the Get Active Family Fun Day, the Airlie Beach Foreshore outdoor cinema screen will show Scooby-Doo: The Movie from 6.00pm.

Pack a picnic blanket and head down to the Sound Stage to watch this original live-action iteration of Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne.

The Mystery Inc. gang have been apart for two years after a dispute sees them call it quits, but individual invitations to Spooky Island are about to have them crashing back together.

Not knowing the others have also been invited, they show up to discover an amusement park that’s not all it seems. Young visitors are turning into creatures of the night and the gang can’t solve this mystery without help from each other.

A movie for both the kids and the parents, Scooby-Doo will have you laughing along and rooting for your favourite mystery solving gang.

Roll on down to the Airlie Beach Foreshore, grab dinner or a snack from the food stalls, and relax with family, friends, or both.

Pop down a little early for Get Active Family Fun Day starting 2.00pm (Read more on page 18).

What: Scooby Doo The Movie

Where: The Outdoor Cinema Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore

When: 6.00pm on Sunday, September 18

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The gang are coming to Airlie Beach on the big screen as part of Get Active Family Fun Day