Leah Purcell writes, stars, and directs in The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, a re-interpretation of a re-imagining of Henry Lawson’s 1892 short story The Drover’s Wife. If that weren’t enough to signal it as a uniquely Australian story, then I don’t know what is.

Like Lawson’s story itself, Purcell’s adaptation has its own storied history – one which sees it reinterpret the great Australian writer’s work for a new era, but whilst maintaining its thematic heart.

At the age of five, Purcell – a First Nation’s actress, playwright, novelist and now director, who’s been much a part of Australian cinema’s greatest hurrahs of the past two decades – was read the nine-page, seminal Australian fiction work of Henry Lawson’s as a bedtime story by her mother. It’s a story that has “been with me for 45 years,” Purcell says.

It’s a link to her past, and a long forgotten Australian one, that she’s retold now in three different mediums: a play, in 2016, and a novel in 2019 - both loosely based on Lawson’s classic – and now her debut film outing as a director.

"The essence of the Henry Lawson short story and his underlining themes of racism, the frontier violence and gender violence are [in my story],” she says.

But Purcell’s Drover’s Wife – unlike Lawson’s - has a name: Molly Johnson.

Set in 1893, on an isolated property, a heavily pregnant Molly Johnson (Purcell) and her children struggle to survive the harsh Australian landscape; her husband is gone, droving sheep in the high country.

Molly finds herself confronted by – instead of the black snake in Lawson’s original story – a black man. The shackled Aboriginal fugitive Yadaka (played by Rob Collins), and an unlikely bond begins to form between him and Molly.

It turns the outback back to front, focusing on women. And, while occasionally lilting with modern sensibilities, Purcell’s debut is a deft dissection of theme and modern Australia, by looking at the past through a First Nations and female lens.

The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson is showing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, August 27.

Leah Purcell’s debut is startlingly modern in its sensibilities, while starkly harsh in its old Australian display of nature and the pioneer

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Gin glasses will clink, and views will sparkle at Whisper Bar this October when Sandy Clark’s latest fundraising event takes on an elegant New York theme, bringing both culture and philanthropy to our regional town.

Best of all, this charity event is dedicated to supporting a very important local cause – the affordable housing shortage which is currently seeing a predominance of women over 55 become homeless in our local area.

“It could be any one of us,” said Sandy.

“People in this area love helping others and with most of our attendees between 40 and 75, it is in our demographic, which makes the cause even more relatable.”

Sandy has a long history of fundraising for important causes, most notably holding events in South Australia that helped her charity, Dignity Zambia, raise funds to build a hospital, care and educational facility for women in Zambia.

She is now using her skills to help the local Whitsunday community and a cause close to her heart.

“I did many years when I was younger working with homeless people so I’m very excited to be involved with this,” she said.

Collaborating with the Whitsunday Housing Company, Sandy is raising funds to contribute to a pilot scheme which is set to erect four tiny homes for homeless women over 55.

The Queensland Government have supplied a plot of land in Proserpine and the project requires around $500,000 to complete.

Local businesses are invited to sponsor one of the homes and receive a plaque to honour their contribution.

So far, Whitsunday Housing Company have been able to acquire funding for half the amount and, along with additional government funding, Sandy is hoping to host events to supply the remaining.

The Fundraiser Cocktail Party is due to take place on Wednesday, October 8 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar located at Mirage in Cannonvale.

Fashionista Liz Clift will bring along her latest purchases from New York and Europe for a colourful fashion show.

Singing duo, Ian and Becky Blake will regale the audience with Frank Sinatra and other similar musical melodies.

Kind donations from local artists and businesses provide auctioneer Brad Sobott with an enticing list of charity donations for guests to bid upon.

Decadent dinner platters will be served as well as a glamorous gin cocktail on arrival.

They are now looking for event sponsors and appealing for local businesses to get involved and donate.

WHAT: New York New York Fundraiser Cocktail Party

WHERE: Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar

WHEN: Wednesday, October 8 – 6.30om-9.30pm

TICKETS: $100

Stunning views from Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar

Receive a glamorous gin cocktail on arrival

Entertainer Becky Blake will serenade the evening

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Pioneer Valley children will soon have the opportunity to learn a traditional handicraft thanks to a $1946 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to support the Crafty Hands Holiday Workshops to be held in the next school holidays.

This two-day event will be held at the Gargett CWA Hall in the September school vacation.  The program will be open to interested students (aged 10 years or older) from Gargett SS, Pinnacle SS, Eungella SS, Finch Hatton SS, Mirani SS and Mirani SHS.  

Children will learn the basics of one handicraft - knitting, crochet, raffia/eco-weaving or Japanese sashiko stitching. Thanks to the RADF and local sponsor, Richglen Maintenance Group, equipment and materials will be provided and children will work towards producing items to keep that are fun and useful.

Valley Spinners and Crafts president, Margaret Borg said, “Many of our members learnt to knit or crochet as children under the helpful eye of their mothers, grandmothers or aunts but this is not so common today.

“There’s a wealth of crafting knowledge amongst our members and we are very excited to share this with younger ones in our community.  We hope that these workshops might begin a lifelong love of craft for some of them.”

“I believe this is a wonderful initiative… that will definitely create some remarkable changes in students,” said Gargett State School principal, Fiona Tass.

Bookings are limited and can be made via http://craftyhandsworkshops.eventbrite.com .  

For further information:  valleyspinnersandcraft@outlook.com

Valley Spinners and Crafts Group member and September workshops tutor, Connie Muscat, shares crochet tips with her granddaughter, Mattie Muscat

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Friday 26 August

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

Silver Screen Surprise – McLintock 1963 (PG)

Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am

Are you tired of seeing the same movies? Discover a hidden movie gem at our Silver Screen Surprise showing of an American Western comedy film starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, called McLintock. Bookings required.

Gordon White Library

Age Care Fees and Charges Seminar

Friday, 11:00am to 12:30pm

A free seminar by Services Australia discussing aged care needs, options for the former home, fees and charges, and pension and tax implications. Bookings required.

Dudley Denny City Library

Bass Jamming

Friday, 3:40pm to 4:40pm

Play bass guitar with other music enthusiasts. This session now includes percussion and synth bass as well. The event is for those aged 12 years and older. Bookings required.

Dudley Denny City Library

Friday SUN.sets – Jack Oliveira

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 27 August

Clean Up the Mackay Region

Saturday, August 27, 9am to 11am – Plane Creek revegetation site

Saturday, August 27, 3pm to 5pm – Grasstree Beach

Sunday, August 28, 8am to 10am – Riverside Drive, Cremorne

Sunday, August 28, 9am to 11am – Hodges Road, Shoal Point

Are you sick of seeing litter in the Mackay region’s beautiful natural areas? It’s not too late to lend a hand during ‘Clean Up the Mackay Region’ in the month of August. Join a clean-up near you and help intercept the Mackay region’s litter before it reaches the ocean. Check out the list of events being held in August and register at www.cleanup.org.au/mackay.

Various locations

Legends On The Lawn

Saturday, 12:00pm

Legends on the Lawn is coming to Harrup Park! Bringing some of the biggest names to North Queensland, it’s time to get your mates together for one massive day of live music. Headlined by Jimmy Barnes, along with The Living End, Jon Stevens, Vika & Linda, Vanessa Amorosi, Busby Marou and Christine Anu, Legends on the Lawn is put together by the organisers who are responsible for the ever-popular Red Hot Summer Tour.

Harrup Park

Sugar City Rock 'n' Rollers Mackay Club Hop

Saturday, 6:30pm to 11:00pm

Our next Hop is at St Patrick’s Hall on Saturday with The Two Maoris providing the music from 7pm to 11pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

St Patrick’s Hall, River Street, Mackay

Sunday 28 August

Workshop: Practical Bookbinding

Sunday, 10:00am to 2:30pm

A resurgence of the bookbinding craft has seen many visual artists and photographers explore captivating ideas through the use of a book medium. In this workshop, Louis Lim will discuss the various possibilities in artist book making followed by a hands-on session learning several book-binding techniques. $15 per person.

Artspace Mackay

Robertson Brothers 1960’s TV Variety Show

Sunday, 2:00pm

Do you dream of reliving the good old days? Well, don't miss the Robertson Brothers 1960s TV Variety Show with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys. Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers!

MECC

Pets at the Pub

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon with your best friend browsing the pet market stalls and enjoying the live entertainment. RSPCA Mackay will be onsite with some adorable adoptions. Plus there will be live music by Jax Morton.

Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday 30 August

World Café

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:30pm

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

ECDP Superhero Trivia Night

Tuesday, 6:30pm

Come on down to Superhero Themed Trivia night. All money raised on the night will be going to assist children needing mobility aids to participate in an educational setting. $5 per person and gold coin donation for kids under 12. Prize for best dressed. Winning team and lucky door prize. Come and help support your local community. Book now online or call (07) 4942 1711.

Mount Pleasant Tavern

Wednesday 31 August

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 1 September

In Hearts Wake – Green Is The New Black Tour

Thursday, 7:30pm

Australian heavy music act In Hearts Wake are stoked to announce a massive national tour in celebration of their new feature-length documentary, Green Is The New Black, which has recently finished screening across the country and internationally alongside Earth Week 2022. The huge 27 date tour will be hitting Mackay and will also feature some of the most exciting heavy acts in the country with support from RedHook, Pridelands and Banks Arcade.

Seabreeze Hotel

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Byron Bay metalcore act In Hearts Wake kicked off a massive 27-date Australian tour in Western Australia last week and will be making their way to Mackay next Thursday, September 1. The tour celebrates their new feature-length documentary, Green Is The New Black, an examination of the music industry’s relationship to the environment and an account of the making of their 100% carbon offset 2020 album Kaliyuga. We chatted to In Hearts Wake lead singer Jake Taylor ahead of the tour.

What was the initial motivation to record Kaliyuga in a carbon-neutral manner and then to document it?

We’ve been on this environmental journey for at least the last decade. It’s always been a part of who we are growing up in such a nature-rich place so that’s been instilled in us since our inception. We’re always making steps and we just didn’t quite know to what deep end of the ocean we’d be diving in. It got to that point where doing record signing weeks at that point didn’t make sense so how can we celebrate it? Let’s do these marine debris clean-ups with our fans where we actually pick a spot, have a meet-up and celebrate release day like that. As we were doing that, we were picking up pool toys and discarded t-shirts in waterways and things like that. And then you get back on stage later that week where we’ve got the pool toys and we’re selling the t-shirts and it was that next step to go ‘wow, we have to look at what we produce and what we create on a whole new level,’ and once you go down that rabbit hole…the next big necessary dive into the ocean was to look at how to reduce emissions and offset an album.

So, here we are today, and I realised there’s no point doing this if you’re not able to share your challenges and triumphs along the way because that ripple effect is far greater than just doing it yourself and keeping it hidden or a secret. I think we often keep things hidden or a secret because we’re afraid of getting it wrong. So, this journey is our journey, what we got wrong and potentially what we got right. We’re really opening ourselves up to be that case study.

Do you have any examples of what you did learn throughout the process?

Yeah, well, the film really dives into everything thoroughly and to give you a blanket few points, it was merchandising, what can we switch to to get off regular cotton and polyester, making those eco choices; it was stage production, getting rid of pool toys and CO2, looking at alternatives that benefit our show and minimise our impact on the environment; then there was renewable solutions to touring itself, like reducing emissions; and how to produce a record that isn’t on something that’s super harmful to the environment, something that is eco-friendly, recycled, those sorts of avenues. It's looking at these solutions holistically to realise there’s no one single one but there are many. To really dive into it is to watch the film but those are the areas we looked into.

What do you have planned for the tour?

We’re putting on the biggest and best show that we can in this new way, with all the new ways we’ve learnt with this doco. That’s the cool thing, testing out these new ways.

How important is it for you guys to visit the regions like Mackay and do you notice any difference in the crowds and the vibes compared to metro places?

Yeah, I do notice. To me, it’s more important. We enjoy it more than metro places because, not only is there easy parking, better hospitality, but there’s a realness…it feels more like a real, more pure taste of a place, and in that the people aren’t spoilt for like, ‘which show do I go to this week?’ but rather like, ‘wow, there’s a show here and I’m grateful that you came.’ So, people are much more present and that equals a higher vibe and people are really in the joy, they tend to be more joyous… In north Queensland, there’s a rowdiness in a good way… Truly, out of all the states, north Queensland is the state we often look forward to for some of the craziest shows. There’s like a party, tropical vibe, too. There’s a loose, joyousness that happens up there.

WHAT: In Hearts Wake

WHEN: Thursday, September 1 at 7:30pm

WHERE: Seabreeze Tavern

TICKETS: Moshtix

In Hearts Wake are touring Australia to celebrate the release of their documentary Green Is The New Black

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Crossroad Arts are coming together with Townsville’s Dancenorth and Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre to produce their annual national meet-up incorporating three exciting days of workshops in contemporary movement, performance and theatre-making to nurture a new crop of fresh and crushingly sweet talent.

There are fantastic opportunities on offer for regional Australian artists with disability to apply for scholarships of up to $2,000 to assist with travel and accommodation to attend the annual C.R.U.S.H theatre-making intensive.

C.R.U.S.H is suitable for all bodies, minds and levels of artistic experience from raw beginners to highly accomplished performers and/or dancers of 15 years and older.

The fabulous weekend will see artists with and without disability from all over Australia converge on Mackay to participate.

“C.R.U.S.H is an opportunity for artists across Australia to undertake skills development in contemporary performance making in an inclusive and fun environment,” said Crossroad Arts Artistic Director Alison Richardson.

“It’s an opportunity to make new friends and build your confidence in a collaborative setting.”

Dancenorth Community Experience Manager Alice Lee Holland has been involved as facilitator with C.R.U.S.H since its inception in 2019.

“It’s a highlight on our community calendar each year,” Ms Holland said.

“It’s a special project, in that it offers the rare opportunity for regionally-based artists to gather and share skills and ideas – it’s such a thrill to be immersed in such a joyful, passionate and inspired space and we encourage everyone with an interest in creative arts to get involved.

“We love being part of C.R.U.S.H.”

La Boite Theatre is Australia’s longest continuously running theatre company and their Youth and Education Producer Ari Palani attended as a C.R.U.S.H facilitator in 2021.

“C.R.U.S.H is about exploring all of the skills it takes to share your own story your way and what it takes to craft your story to share with an audience,” Ms Palani said.

“Performances are led by the heart and the artists sharing how their stories connect and weave together.”

Applications for scholarships close today and application forms can be found at crossroadarts.com.au or call 4953 5122, admin@crossroadarts.com.au or text (for those that are Deaf) 0400 832 626.

Interviews can also be arranged if more accessible.

Crossroad Arts performers pose by a canefield for C.R.U.S.H. Photo credit: Jim Cullen Photography

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Three local artists have exhibited their artworks at the Jubilee Community Centre in a new exhibition entitled ‘Art Transports Us’.

Joy Rogers skilfully paints traditional watercolour scenes of coastal Australian towns, Josephine Iacovelli’s work is bright scenes from Europe in acrylics and Linda Danvers’ work is gentle and calming nature scenes in watercolour and acrylic.

All three artists have exhibited their artworks around town previously, with Ms Danvers initiating this exhibition.

“I knew that Josephine and Joy were both painting and had artworks they’d like to put in an exhibition so we chatted about and they all said, ‘yeah, let’s do it,’” she said.

Ms Danvers has been painting since 2015 and says her inspiration comes from the ocean, islands, foliage and whatever inspires her in the moment.

“When I’m walking, I take a lot of photos, so my aerobic walks don’t get too aerobic because I stop a lot,” she laughs.

“One day, you just know it’s the day, you pick up the paints, and you just do it.

The exhibition is open for all to enjoy a few moments of calm amongst the artworks, from 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays until next Tuesday, August 30 at the Jubilee Community Centre.

All works are available for purchase.

Joy Rogers

Linda Danvers

Josephine Iacovelli. Photos supplied: Linda Danvers

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There is great news for Mackay country music lovers with the sugar city being included on the busy touring schedule of the Butler Showband.

The group features the legendary master of country guitar, Lindsay Butler OAM, Queensland’s own well known country singer / songwriter Shaza Leigh, ably supported by bush balladeer Ashley Cook and musician Penny Gilchrist.

Their show at the Mackay Senior Citizens Centre on Friday September 2 will be a treat with these multi-award-winning country music artists coming on a rare trip north from their Tamworth base to take their National Touring Road Show to country towns and regional cities.

Mackay is a favourite stop for this band and the many country music fans in this city with multiple country music clubs are eagerly awaiting their show.

Lindsay Butler is an inspiring country guitarist who has featured on thousands of recordings as well as over 30 of his own career albums. Among his numerous country awards are multiple Golden Guitars in a career that also saw him honing his skills touring with Slim Dusty for 17 years. His Order of Australia Medal for services to Australian Country Music is richly deserved and his visit to Mackay will be enjoyed by many long-term fans.

The Mackay show is a special one to welcome Shaza Leigh home to the region. Locals had the pleasure of watching a young local girl Sharon Waddington pursue her love of country music with a passion while she was growing up here. She honed her vocal and guitar skills with the support and teaching of some fine Mackay musicians, including John Killcullen and the Country Conspiracy Band before spreading her wings as Shaza Leigh.

She first travelled with the Brian Young Show and then formed an iconic country music partnership with husband Lindsay Butler. From her debut album in 1990 she has recorded 15 career albums and three DVDs and won countless awards.

Ashley Cook brings another interesting style to the Butler Road Show’s visit to Mackay. He is recognised Australia wide as a bush balladeer who continues the Australian Bush Ballad tradition, having won numerous national bush ballad awards. His recordings in this tradition keep the music alive of the pioneers of bush music

Penny Gilchrist is an accomplished country musician, with piano and strings being her forte. Her instrumental albums have earned her many awards and she is a highly sought after session musician.

What: The Butler Showband

Where: The Mackay Senior Citizens Centre, 58 Macalister Street

When: Friday September 2, commencing at 1.30pm

For details and bookings: Contact Charlie Symons 0408 776564

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With their toes a-tappin’, their Akubra’s atop their heads and their hands in the air, country music fans of all ages enjoyed three days of country music at the 2022 NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival over the weekend.

Over 40 of Australia and New Zealand’s best country musicians took to the stage at the Mackay Showgrounds for the third installment of the festival.

Icons of the genre Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Fanny Lumsden all delivered show-stopping sets to the passionate crowd, as well as local legends Graeme Connors, Luke Geiger and Bella Mackenzie.

Also featured throughout the weekend was line dancing, karaoke, Q&As and more.

NQ’s Rock’n Country is a supporter of Variety, raising over $40,000 for the children’s charity at this year’s festival.

The Mackay Showgrounds was transformed into a country music haven last weekend at the NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Book Week is a time to celebrate creativity, imagination and cute characters, and Picnic in the Gardens is the perfect opportunity.

The picnic, hosted by Mackay Regional Council Libraries, will feature 18 stallholders, roving puppets, face painting, a Baby Bounce and a Story Time session.

It will be held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens next Thursday, August 25, from 9.30am to 11.30am.  

Mayor Greg Williamson said the event was aimed at families with children up to five years of age.

“If you’ve got young children, this is a tremendous morning out that’s both enjoyable and educational,” Mr Williamson said.

“There will be 16 different providers of family services at the picnic as well as face painting and Ros with her Wild Puppets.

“This is the biggest event on the calendar for our Library’s First Five Forever team and the atmosphere is amazing.

“There are hundreds of fairy tale and book characters, as well as a good spread of superheroes, Disney princesses and the occasional Wiggle.

“There’s plenty of games being played and usually multiple bubble machines running non-stop.  

“It’s a sensational way for the team to spread the message of just how important early literacy is.

“Research shows that reading, singing and playing with children for the first five years of their lives has a big impact on their future development.  

“Simple things like joining a Story Time or a Baby Bounce at your local library, or at an event like Picnic in the Park, can teach parents great tips for stimulating their child’s literacy development.”  

This year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week theme is “Dreaming with eyes open”.

The theme encourages readers to explore their own stories, to listen to Country as the first storyteller and to learn from friends that help them along the way.  

WHAT: Picnic in the Gardens

WHEN: Thursday, August 25, from 9.30am to 11.30am.  

WHERE: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Isla and Sienna Gibbs with Ros Campbell and “Winnie the Australovenator” of Wild Puppets at last year’s Picnic in the Gardens. Photo supplied

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Mega will be back when the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre and the Variety Club join forces for a fundraising cent sale on September 18.

The sale at Sarina’s Bob Wood Community Hall on Sunday, September 18 will be the third that the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre has held with Variety, which each year helps hundreds of children throughout Australia.

The Arts and Crafts Centre’s Jenny Costello and Sandi Power of the Variety Club have put together a huge collection of great prizes.

“I think we’ll have more than 200 quality prizes,” Sandi said.

The mega cent sales originated when Jenny Miotto of the Variety Club and Jenny Costello got together to plan their first three years ago.

“Jenny was known as the Queen of the Cent Sales but she has retired, so I’ve taken it on,” Sandi said.

Doors open at 10am on September 18 for a noon start at the Bob Wood Community Hall. Food and drinks are available.

Some of the prizes for the mega cent sale on September 18

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It’s a Konvoy!

The region’s favourite annual road trip from Sarina to Mackay was held last weekend, with 154 trucks and vehicles rolling into the Mackay Showgrounds in the name of raising money for charity.

Konvoy 4 Kids is about giving all children the same opportunities in life, no matter their ability.

“Our mission is to empower Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, to live, laugh and learn. Our vision is for all Aussie kids to attain their full potential regardless of ability or background,” the Konvoy 4 Kids website reads.

This year was a raging success, with funds raised supporting Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Check out the smiling faces who attended the family fun day, thanks to Mackay Seen, a photography sponsor of Konvoy 4 Kids.

Photo credit: Mackay Seen

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Every day, 9 people die by suicide in Australia.

It’s a shattering statistic, one which local suicide prevention organisations are desperate to reduce.

A special movie screening and Australian Premiere is being hosted in Mackay next month, to give hope to people struggling with suicidal thoughts and to encourage conversation around the issue.

My Ascension chronicles the story of 16-year-old Dutchtown High School varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit, who was paralysed by a suicide attempt, which propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive.

My Ascension is a feature length documentary that highlights Emma's inspiring journey, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also shares the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

The screening will be followed by an engaging discussion on youth suicide prevention and mental wellness with local identities, leaders, youth workers, youth mental health professionals, lived experience representatives and frontline first responders. There will also be resource tables sharing important information on mental health and suicide prevention.

These include Run for MI Life, Grapevine Group, TUFMINDS Life Rescue, Real Mates Talk, Headspace, YIRS, Project Booyah Mackay, Standby- Support after Suicide.

“Emma's story captures the severity of the mental health and suicidality pandemic amongst the adolescent population in the United States. It is a serious yet uplifting story that provides hope, clarity and support to its audience from a personal perspective.” Saro Altinoglu, PSY.D, ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Center.

This screening is a collaboration between MAD Cow Coffee, Run for MI Life and Barb Hill Coaching and Mentoring. Each of these organisations work passionately within our community to raise awareness, provide support and ongoing education within our community and share the belief that working together we can reduce the stigma that prevents young people from speaking up and reduce the statistics within our region.

What: My Ascension Documentary Screening Event

When: 7 September 2022

Where: Birch Carrol and Coyle Cinemas Mt Pleasant

Emma Benoit was paralysed by a suicide attempt. My Ascension is a documentary featuring her journey

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Members of the Mackay and District Orchid Society enjoyed a social evening with a dinner at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club recently.

The Society is passionate about beautiful blooms, but also takes the opportunity to share the like minded passion of growing orchids with regular social occasions to form friendships.

The Society meets at 7.30 pm the third Thursday of the month at the Sporting Wheelies Hall, 78 Bridge Road, Mackay.

They invite you to come along and learn about growing orchids, everyone is welcome.

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Major businesses are jumping onboard local festival Rhythm & The Reef ahead of its second event in September.

Field Mining Services Group has partnered with the festival, helping to put on an event that has quickly become an icon of culture and community in North Queensland.

Mackay Regional Council, Daly Bay and the Ambassador Hotel have also joined forces in support of bringing big city entertainment to regional Queensland.

Event Director James Slade says the support of these businesses helps events bring bigger and better artists to Mackay, ultimately putting on a better festival in a turbulent time for the industry.

“These businesses see the importance of creating a culture of excitement throughout the region, and by doing so encouraging more young people to move north and fill crucial roles of employment,” he said.

Rhythm & The Reef is expected to attract punters from Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and southeast Queensland, providing a major boost to the economy.

In 2021, the Rumble on The Reef events collectively brought over 5000 people from all over Australia to the region across a two-week period.

This year’s line-up includes Running Touch, Touch Sensitive, ShockOne, Jack Botts, Ivan Ooze, Godlands, Felipe Baldomir, Moss and heaps of local favourites.

The event will also feature life-size marine sculptures made from beach debris, live art displays and heaps more.

This year’s event will be held on the riverfront at Bluewater Quay.

Tickets are selling fast and are available online now.

WHAT: Rhythm & The Reef 2022

WHEN: Friday, September 24

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

TICKETS: Oztix

Rhythm & The Reef is back for 2022 thanks to local business. Photo supplied: Rhythm & The Reef

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