There’s no reason to really tread new ground in the Despicable Me franchise – it’s whacky, goofball stuff all the way down has kept working for it each time.

In fact, it’s strangely paying dividends this time, you might have seen it in the news: it has traction with a counter-culture movement of teenage boys dressed in suits, coordinated on Tik Tok, calling themselves Gentleminions.

What a horrid portmanteau.

This newest iteration - the second in the series putting the adventures of the Minions front and centre - follows that familiar rail track of madcap silliness and raspberry blowing.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is where the bean-shaped evil-groupies deliver a concentrated hit of irrepressible, coocoo nonsense. It’s a bit of harmless fun – just like those hordes of Gentleminions heading to cinemas across the globe to watch what they’re calling a “cinematic classic comparable to The Godfather”.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming, though: in the heart of the 1970s, amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans, Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carell, you heard it right) is growing up in the suburbs as a fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6.

Hatching a plan to become evil enough to join them, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions.

Together with Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto - a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please - deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions.

And, when the Vicious 6 oust their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles (That’s right, it’s Oscar winner Alan Arkin), Gru interviews to become their newest member.

It doesn't go well (to say the least), and only gets worse after Gru outsmarts them and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil.

This kid’s film is certainly enjoying a bit of the spotlight thanks to its ironic audience of kids having fun but is also a bit of fun in its own right – so catch Minions: The Rise of Gru at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

Showing next weekend, Saturday July 30, 3.20pm and Sunday July 31, 3.20pm

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Minions: The Rise of Gru

There’s always something for everyone at the Cannonvale State Primary School Fete, and this year’s no different.

The annual fete has become one of the region’s biggest events, especially for local families who enjoy the opportunity to spend a day in the sun enjoying the rides.

Set for Sunday, July 31 from 10.00am to 2.00pm, the Cannonvale State School Fete will transform the school into a celebratory stadium of shows, stalls, and tasty treats.

Rides this year include Dodgem Cars, Sizzler, King Flyer, Super Slide, Roller Coaster, Cannibal Pots (Tea Cup Ride), Merry Go Round, Paw Patrol, Lost World and Dora Combo Castle.

This year there’s also set to be live entertainment alongside the smorgasbord of food like fairy floss, hamburgers, and a sausage sizzle.

But, for students heading to the event, there’s no more appealing stall than the Dunk A Teacher – an ever-popular choice for kids looking to soak their favourite teacher in the name of a bit of fun.

The best part of the day: all funds raised will go towards new playgrounds for the students.

President of the Cannonvale State School Parents and Association (P&C), Sabrina Mitchell was so excited to host what she said would be an amazing event for the whole region.

“There’s more to do than just rides, and it’s not just for Cannonvale State School teachers, students and parents; it’s for the community,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It’s about community and family fun.”

Ride tickets are running at $30 dollar presale for unlimited rides, or can be purchased on the day for $35.

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The Cannonvale State School Fete is just on the horizon, with organisers excited to show the community the “bigger and better” event this year

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s tenth anniversary just got noisier with the announcement that Jon Stevens, Masters of Pop, Loonaloop and more are joining the line-up.

Acts like Ben Ransom, The Re-Mains, Niksta, The Hipshooters, Matt Angell and The Gold Diggers, Salt and Steel, and Tropical State of Mind, will be joining the all-star line-up for the November 4 to 6 Festival.

Finding fame firstly as the lead singer of Noiseworks, followed by a stint as frontman of INXS, and latterly collaborating with Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics, Jon Stevens is widely recognised as one of the most talented rock musicians to emerge from Australia in recent memory.

Having performed and holidayed in the Whitsundays many times before, but never at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Stevens is counting down the days to what has become one of Queensland’s most iconic live music events.

“I’ve heard lots of great reports about the Airlie Beach festival over the years and have always wanted to perform there,” he said.

“I can’t wait to play this festival and share the stage with all the amazing Australian artists on the line-up.

“I’ll be performing all the hits from Noiseworks and INXS – you may never see me do this show again, so I encourage people not to miss it.”

Festival founder, Gavin Butlin said there was something for literally everyone at this 10th anniversary event.

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music has a well-deserved reputation for always delivering a diverse line-up and this milestone in the event’s history definitely won’t disappoint,” he said.

To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au, and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram.

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Airlie Beach Festival of Music have released another update of their line-up, adding names like Ben Ransom to the tenth anniversary celebrations

Wests Tigers have announced a huge line-up of footy greats for the Craig Menkins Sportsman's Dinner in August.

The event is a fundraiser for Wests Tigers A Grade Coach Craig Menkins who is battling brain cancer.

The night will be headlined by special guest and Fox Sports Legend Matty Johns who has previously played rugby league alongside Craig.

Also in attendance will be Tony Butterfield, Stephen Crowe (emcee), Brad Godden, Peter Jones, Martin Locke, Steven Holmes, Dallas Hannay, Michael Hogue and Glen Murphy.

All proceeds from the night will go to Craig and the Special Olympics Mackay Fire.

WHAT: The Craig Menkins Sportsman's Dinner

WHEN: Friday, August 19

WHERE: West's Leagues Club, Walkerston

TICKETS: $250, phone 4959 2480 to book

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Friday 22 July

Seniors Friendship Group

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

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

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

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

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

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Free Come and Try Lawn Bowls

Friday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Would you like a fun morning learning to play bowls? Mackay City Bowls Club, 305 Shakespeare Street on Fridays for four weeks, 10:00am – 11:30am. Bowls provided. Wear flat-soled footwear and comfortable clothing. All welcome. Bookings on 0427 275 492 or by emailing mackaycitylbc@gmail.com.

Mackay City Bowls Club

Breathing and meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Explore calmness and mindfulness. Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what’s in front of us? By quieting the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring your own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session.

Gordon White Library

City Heart Fridays

Friday, 2:00pm to 10:00pm

Come and unwind after work on Friday in the Mackay City Centre. Enjoy M’Lady’s Shoes 40-year celebration, sidewalk markets, Latin dancing, paint and sip, and the Fifth Lane Zappar experience. Check out the Mackay City and Waterfront Facebook page for more details.

Mackay City Centre

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Mackay Chambers Music Festival

Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24

The fourth Mackay Chamber Music Festival is back, offering a weekend of inspiring concerts, masterclasses and workshops, featuring some of the finest classical musicians from around the world.

Queensland Conservatorium of Music, CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus

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Saturday 23 July

Mackay Cup Race Day

Saturday, gates open at 11:00am

It’s one of the biggest days on the racing calendar, with a function room, lounge bar, general admission and drink package deals available. The day will include Fashions on the Field with great prizes, local live horse racing, free photobooth, live music and free buses to MOJOs afterwards.

Mackay Turf Club

Indie/Punk Night

Saturday, 6:30pm

Nortica, Yellow Slip and Inside Lane live show on the 23rd of July at Hotel Mackay. This is a free event showcasing the young bands in Mackay, their original music and covers

Hotel Mackay
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Sunday 24 July

Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch

Sunday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

The Bluewater Big Band will take the stage once again in 2022 for the Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch. The band is a collaboration of local musicians who share a passion for jazz and big band playing. Led by band ‘instigator’ Kate Agioritis, the ensemble thrives on the sheer joy its members experience through making music. Performing a wide variety of jazz music and led by a vocal duo, this talented big band will have toes tapping with their loud and proud sounds. Tickets include a mouth-watering buffet lunch and non-alcoholic punch.

MECC North Foyer

Rockabilly Sunday Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Put on your dancing shoes and head down to the Seabreeze Hotel next Sunday 24th July for our Rockabilly Sunday. Joshy J & the Ricochets will be hitting it off with your all-time rock & roll favourites from 2pm. Dress in your 50s rock & roll best and enjoy an afternoon of live music, jumping castle, milkshakes, banana splits, classic cars and more. Competitions include Best Dressed, Best Dancer/s, Best Hair. It's going to be a ball!

Seabreeze Hotel

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Tuesday 26 July

Roll Back the Clock Exercise classes

Tuesday, 10:00am to 11:00am

Start feeling young and healthy again - every Tuesday, starting July 26, 10:00am – 11:00am for eight weeks. Each session involves light exercise with rubber balls and resistance bands, wellness topics and social education which is fun, interactive and adapted for each individual's needs. It is an opportunity for physical health benefits and to meet new friends. There is a charge. For further information, please contact 0427 275 492 or email mackaycitylbc@gmail.com.

Mackay City Bowls Club

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
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Wednesday 27 July

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

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Free Come and Try LawnBowls

Mackay Cup

Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch

Rockabilly Sunday

Roll Back the Clock Exercise classes

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Adding to an impressive lineup of music gigs in Mackay, a new beachside music festival has received a funding boost to bring people back to the beach.

Mackay Regional Council has approved more than $47,000 in grants towards 11 projects as part of the latest Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) round, with the beachside music festival, the Keswick Island Artwork Trail and a photographic exhibition featuring water sport culture all among the winners.

RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann said a celebration of coastal living was a real theme in the applications for this round of funding.

“The committee was pleased to see so many projects that celebrate our beaches, islands and the way of life that makes our region so appealing,” Cr Mann said.

“The Beach Sounds music festival is a new event, hosted by Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, that’s all about ‘bringing people back to the beach’ and giving local artists the opportunity to perform,” she said.

“The club hopes that Beach Sounds will become an annual fundraising event which will not only create much needed funds for them, but also create an environment of great food, wine and music at beautiful Harbour Beach.”

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club received a $7500 grant towards Beach Sounds.

Cr Mann said Mackay Adventure Lodge had also been successful, with a $4000 grant towards the Living Room project.

“This is a photographic account of Mackay's outdoor water-sporting lifestyle through the lens of two emerging photographers, Jacob Vinall and Brent Coles,” she said.

Applicant Amanda Pelagalli said the aim of the exhibition was to get a group of likeminded people together to talk about water sports, the art of photography and help get new people into both.

“We believe that by staying active and connected, we stay healthy and on the straight and narrow,” Ms Pelagalli said.

Cr Mann said $9457 had been approved to develop the Keswick Island Art Trail under the Green Arts category.

The project received a previous RADF grant of $5656 for concept development.

“Nine quality artworks are being installed in key locations for a two-month ephemeral art trail on Keswick Island that is a fringe event in the 2022 Mackay Festival of Arts,” she said.

According to the applicant Eva Browne-Paterson, Wildcat Mackay will bring visitors out to the island to experience the trail.

“There will be minimum impact from the installation of the artworks, and it will take little time to dismantle the art trail and put the locations back to their natural state,” Ms Browne-Paterson said.

“Although the art trail will be ephemeral, we are intending to store the artworks and reuse/repurpose them for use in alternate locations in future art trails,” she said.

Also funded under this round to the value of $8976 is an exciting project by Janet Ambrose which will lead to an exhibition and book of high-quality visual artworks and stories showcasing elders from the diverse cultures of Mackay.

“Mackay is hugely diverse with over 80 different cultural groups,” Ms Ambrose said.

“This project will showcase our community elders, chosen through liaison with partners and paid cultural advisors,” she said. “In some cases, younger members of families will conduct the interviews with their grandparents.”

Also funded under this round were:

$6815 towards Louder (Youth-Led Forum Theatre Project) by Zahrah Andrews

$1946 towards Crafty Hands, a Holiday Workshops for Pioneer Valley Kids led by the Valley Spinners and Crafts Group Inc

$1382 towards a Printmaking Collage Workshop with Laura Castell to be hosted by Printbank Mackay Inc

$1950 towards Fiona Flohr attending Life-In-Style-Melbourne with Shelley Pisani for professional development

$3588 towards developing “OUR Artist Trail”, an Artist trail in the Isaac, Mackay and Whitsunday regions, by Margaret Burgess

$1700 towards the 2022 International Men's Day Art Show by Shed Happens Mackay

$7050 towards the Whitsundays Songwriters Residency - Emerging Artists’ Workshop where 12 emerging local songwriters will be mentored by professional songwriters

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the State Government is investing $2.08 million through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2021-22, matched with a contribution of approximately $2.3 million from 59 councils across the state.

“RADF is a great example of working together to deliver our COVID-19 economic recovery plan, supporting employment opportunities and creating new arts and cultural experiences in local and regional communities,” Minister Enoch said.

“RADF in 2021–2022 will provide valuable social, health and economic outcomes for regional Queenslanders, and support our government’s 10-year arts roadmap priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, and drive social change across the state.

“Our investment complements the Palaszczuk Government’s wider commitment to regional arts, including continued support of $6 million over four years for the Regional Arts Services Network.”

Keswick Island residents and artists setting up artworks for the Keswick Island Art Trail

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An inaugural gala to support women and children affected by domestic violence took centre stage last weekend, in a female-only event format, a first for Mackay.

The initiative came from local entrepreneur Jo Sainsbury, founder of Kickass Women, to provide an opportunity to celebrate women and the strength they bring to the lives of so many, but also a time to bring about awareness and raise much needed funds for domestic violence.

Funds raised on the evening will be donated to the Mackay Women’s Centre, and thanks to the generosity of the event’s gold sponsors, 12 Hope Bags were also donated to the Women’s Centre. The Hope Bags are filled with the essentials that a woman and her children need to survive and seek help in the 24 – 48 hours after fleeing a domestic, family or sexual violence situation.

In addition to raising money and awareness, the conversations to flow during and after the event is immeasurable.

Photo credit: Alyce Holzy Photography

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Awarded the Best Circus and Physical Theatre Show of the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2021, tonight audiences are in for a treat, as Barbaroi will have locals gasping in their seats.

Inspired by a world of shadows where anything goes, and the gritty underbelly of society, Barbaroi is a blend of high-octane circus, cabaret and physical theatre, and it’s on at the MECC tonight.

Complemented by finely tuned lighting and special effects, the show will leave audiences of all ages spellbound and wondering about the limits of human abilities.

Acting manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said Barbaroi was the Greek word for barbarian or outsider.

“There’s no doubt these performers are outsiders – they are outside of anything you’ve seen from a circus before,” Ms Carey said.

“It’s got an industrial, dystopian, cyberpunk feel, and everything has a gritty element of danger and suspense – it’s a really cool show,” she said.

Dubbed “street gladiators of the night” the Barbaroi performers feature six crew members with diverse skillsets:

● Stan Ricketsoons is an elite gymnast and acrobat

● Amy Nightingale-Olsen is a professional flyer (she gets tossed in the air by people and lands on them again for a living)

● Ryan Darwin uses a combination of juggling, rola bola (balance board), aerial ropes, headstands and handstands to present circus at a human level

● Karina Schiller is an elite gymnast who specialises in the Chinese poles and various acrobatics

● Jon Allingham specialising in partner acrobatics, hoop diving and Russian bar

● Byron Hutton has dedicated his life to juggling and stage craft

Tickets to Barbaroi are selling fast.  Grab yours today from the Box Office or themecc.com.au

Barbaroi has an industrial, dystopian, cyberpunk feel, and everything has a gritty element of danger and suspense

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With their first headline tour under their belt and a year of touring and recording ahead, Sydney indie pop duo Egoism are making the trip up to Mackay for the first time to play the Wisely Wine and Food Day tomorrow.

Scout Eastment and Olive Rush will headline the Grassroots Stage and douse Queens Park in dreamy, blissful melodies.

On the back of releasing two new singles in 2022, For Ages and 2016-2018, the duo hit the east coast, headlining venues in Melbourne, Brisbane, Wollongong, Newcastle and Sydney throughout May and June.

“We were pretty excited for it and excited for the good and the bad because it was our first headline tour, we just really weren’t sure what to expect and who was going to be there,” said Olive.

“We’ve spent a lot of time playing to other people’s crowds and the idea of playing to our own crowd was a little scary, but it ended up being really good, kind of overwhelming in a way, like ‘this is not real, you guys aren’t here to see us.’”

When Mackay Festival of Arts reached out, Olive says they jumped at the chance to play in the sugar city for the first time.

“I’ve never been to Mackay before,” they said.

“It’s hard to get to a lot of smaller cities and towns because the smaller you get, the less people have heard of you and listen to you and will come to the shows.

“It’s good, when a festival like this reaches out to you, it’s the perfect opportunity to actually get to a smaller place like Mackay.”

While Egoism know their way around a club or festival stage, Olive says they haven’t played many park gigs like Wisely Wine and Food Day.

“This is a pretty novel experience, we’re used to playing more concerts,” they said.

“I think when you’re playing in a smaller place, it seems more like, ‘well, it’s here, let’s go.’

“Which I really respect because it kind of reminds me of how I would approach any kind of event when I was a teenager.

“Expect a good time.

“I’m expecting to play to a completely mixed crowd, a lot of people that have never heard of us before, I’m assuming.”

Olive says Egoism has a big year ahead, with a tour alongside Eliza & the Delusionals starting next month and plenty of recording in between.

“It seems like every weekend we’re somewhere playing a show so it’s going to be nice to actually organise our time properly and get some music finished,” Olive said.

WHAT: Egoism at the Wisely Wine and Food Day

WHEN: Saturday, July 16

WHERE: Queens Park, Goldsmith Street, Mackay

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Scout Eastment and Olive Rush of Egoism will play in Mackay for the first time when they headline the Grassroots Stage at Wisely Wine and Food Day tomorrow. Photo credit: Billy Zammit

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Following the resounding success of its 2018 Vicar of Dibley season, Kucom Theatre has opened its Mackay Festival Fringe production of The Vicar of Dibley 2!

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

The cast includes an array of well-known local performers including Pia Larsen, Geoff Stewart-McLean, Zachary Trounson, Chanelle Redgwell, John Irvine, Paul Vander Loos, Andrew Deguara and Richard Calligan, with Vicky Bobeldyk in a guest cameo role.

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

More than 400 tickets have been sold – don’t leave it too late to see one of the hilarious performances.

“We owe a special debt of gratitude to Rev Dr Julia Pitman, Rev Prof James Haire, and the Church Council of St Paul’s Uniting Church, Mackay, for letting us film inside their beautiful church, and for generously sharing their resources (and their congregation) with us in joint celebration of our respective landmark anniversaries, St Paul’s 150th and Kucom’s 75th.”

What: The Vicar of Dibley 2

Where: Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

When: 15, 16 July (matinee and evening) and 21, 22 and 23 July.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/BVNWP.

REVIEW

Samantha Munt went to a dress-rehearsal of the Vicar of Dibley 2, here’s what she had to say.

“If that was Kucom’s idea of a dress rehearsal then the rest of us need to pull our socks up, because that was tighter than most productions I’ve ever seen on closing night. The set was beautiful, the audio and video cues were spot on, the costumes were perfectly suited to every character, right down to the bobby socks with loafers (which seriously- only Chanelle Redgewell can pull off) and there wasn’t a single flubbed line unless it was Andrew intentionally flubbing it in character.

“Each play is short and sweet and hilarious, and no, you do not need to be a fan of the actual show to follow along because each stands beautifully on their own, with their own little sub-plots.

“Kucom theatre is celebrating their 75th birthday this week, and that is definitely something that the people of Mackay ought to get behind celebrating.

“If you’re as ready for a good laugh as I know I was, then grab your tickets for the Vicar of Dibley 2 quickly before they sell out.”

A display of Mackay Community Theatre, Kudos, Kucom Theatre memorabilia was opened at the Gordon White Library on Monday 4 July and will run until Friday 5 August

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Tourism Research Australia released the National Visitor Survey (NVS) 2022 results last week, revealing the Mackay Isaac region has seen an increase in intrastate and intraregional visitation.

This welcoming news is a positive sign for the local tourism economy as more domestic travellers are looking to explore and discover their own backyard.

1.1 million intrastate visitors and 38,200 intraregional visitors explored our beautiful backyard for the year 2021/2022.

These figures represent a three-year trend growth of 6.3 per cent for intrastate visitation, and a 21.7 per cent for intraregional travel – a record for the Mackay Isaac region.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler detailed the considerable growth of local tourism as demonstrated in the NVS results as something that the community and region should be proud of.

“It is amazing to see that the Mackay Isaac region is becoming an increasingly sought-after tourism destination for our very own locals and domestic travellers,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We are also seeing a steady upwards trend in business travel.

“An incredible 62,400 visitors came to the region for business purposes during the year 2022, a new record and a three-year trend increase of 6.4 per cent.”

With several major events, conferences and projects due for completion over the next few years, the Mackay Isaac Region’s tourism economy is looking to have a positive tourism boost in the upcoming years ahead.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said that he is confident that the year 2022/2023 will see tourism continue to grow as a key economic pillar for Mackay Isaac Region’s economy.

“With plans in place for major upgrades to the Barrier Reef Arena and a masterplan in development for BB Print Stadium, as well as the development of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail, our tourism economy can only continue to grow,” Mr Williamson said.

“These world-class facilities will ensure that we can continue to attract major events to the region that are a drawcard for visitors from all around the country.”

The Mackay and Isaac Regional councils are both committed to growing tourism in the region, driving investment into our communities, supporting sustainability, job creation and building upon the liveability of the region.

The survey’s results came as no surprise to Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker who said the increased visitor numbers were a testament to the collaboration between both Councils and Mackay Isaac regions.

"The years of developing tourism offerings has paid off with visitors confirming we are on the right track," Ms Baker said.

"From our multi-award-winning St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend to unique experiences along the road less travelled, we are in a strong position to grow domestic visitation.

"Growing visitor numbers grows the local economy and that is why we have increased our partnership with Mackay Isaac Tourism and focusing on tourism development projects."

Full results of the NVS and IVS are available from Tourism Research Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Experiences such as Eungella National Park are bringing more visitors to the region

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Friday 15 July

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

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Barbaroi

Friday, 7:30pm to 10:00pm

Barbaroi is a blend of high octane contemporary circus and exciting physical theatre. It combines daring acrobatics, aerials & phenomenal circus acts set against a pumping soundtrack complimented by finely tuned lighting and special effects. The Barbaroi will leave audiences young and old holding their breath and on the edge of their seat. Welcome to the five star award winning cyberpunk circus showdown that is Barbaroi!

MECC

Saturday 16 July

Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce

Saturday, 10:00am to 10:45am

The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and action songs and is a great opportunity for dads to do something special and beneficial with their little one. Please bring a small blanket to lay your child on.

Dudley Denny City Library

Wisely Wine & Food Day

Saturday, 10:00am to 5:30pm

Set in the beautiful North Queensland winter, enjoy a relaxing day filled with wine, food and amazing music. Together with an array of restaurants, cafes, and festival food trucks, the community bars will be showcasing a handpicked collection of sought-after wines, beer and foodie delights.

Queens Park

Hostplus Cup Indigenous Round – Mackay Cutters v Ipswich Jets

Saturday, 3:15pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as the squad clashes with the Ipswich Jets for Indigenous Round on Saturday 16th July. Gates open at 3:15pm, Hastings Deering Colts kick off at 3:45pm and Hostplus Cup at 6:00pm.

BB Print Stadium

Sunday 17 July

Beachside Boutique Pre-Loved Clothing Market

Sunday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Beachside Boutique Market is back on Sunday! Coffee, good vibes, mimosas and Sunday morning shopping, Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club has you sorted! There's no entry charge for customers.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Sunday Live Music – TJ Maber

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

Passport To Airlie Mackay 2022 – Round 2

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Passport to Airlie is one of the most exciting moments around Airlie Beach Festival of Music, giving the audience not only a taste of the music we all love and know but displaying the talents of some incredible up-and-coming Australian artists. Mackay will have three heats and a final before deciding which artist will be announced as the winner. All regional winners will be awarded with accommodation and VIP tickets to the festival in November. On the Thursday night of the festival, all regional representatives will perform at the Passport Showcase event in front of celebrity and industry judges with this year's panel including Sarah McLeod and Bill Chambers.

Harrup Park

Tuesday 19 July

Queensland Mining And Engineering Expo 2022

Tuesday, July 19 to Thursday, July 21, 9:00am to 5:00pm

For over 29 years the Queensland Mining & Engineering Expo (QME) has been at the heart of the mining sector in Mackay. QME will provide the ultimate showcase of supplier innovation and excellence and will illustrate the world-class capabilities of Mackay and the broader Central Queensland region. For more information, visit the Queensland Mining Expo website.

Mackay Showgrounds

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

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

Artspace Mackay

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 20 July

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 21 July

Community Climate Connection

Thursday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

How do you feel when you hear about "climate change"? Do you want to learn more to understand what it means? Does it make you want to join with others to take action to protect our way of life, now and in the future? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this is the event for you.

Mackay Conservation Group

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Following the hugely popular Mackay Brick Event in 2017, a bigger and better LEGO® extravaganza is coming back to Mackay this July.

The Mackay Brick Event will be held Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at the Mackay Showgrounds and is set to showcase the LEGO® creations of many talented brick builders who will be exhibiting creations built entirely from LEGO®.

Also appearing at the Mackay Brick Event and to conduct some Special Masters Builders sessions will be Andrew from LEGO MASTERS.

The Mackay Brick Event is the biggest event of its kind held in Mackay and will feature over 30 different exhibits all made from LEGO® bricks. Themes on display encompass Space and Star Wars, City (with working trains), Ships, Robotics, Dinosaurs, operating Technic vehicles and will also feature Donna and her most impressive Harry Potter Display.

The build and play tables along with the creation walls will be extremely popular with children and adults of all ages, along with retail outlets offering fans all the latest in LEGO® kits, minifigs and assortment of LEGO® parts for sale.

The creativity of LEGO® and how it connects has so many people around Australia enthused about the brick. If you’re feeling creative, the MASTER BUILDERS session with Andrew is a must. Let your imagination run wild on the Master Builders Tables as Andrew guides you through the things he had to build on LEGO MASTERS. If you don’t have somebody to build with don’t worry, event organisers will pair you up. The Challenge is to build a MEGA city!

More detailed works will feature in excess of 30,000 pieces each, and no, none of it is glued (that would be sacrilege). The total brick count would be in excess of 1 million pieces! All of this from the private collections and imaginations of dedicated individuals or in LEGO® speak – Master Builders.

Displays are constantly evolving and expanding, the time spent on creating these works make them incalculable. Set up of the individual displays at the Mackay Showgrounds will be a meticulous process. Creators will spend hours delicately unpacking already assembled sectioned pieces before industriously joining them to create final masterpieces.

Opening hours for entry to the Mackay Brick Event will be two general admission sessions on Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 11am and 11am to 1pm.

Master Builders sessions with Andrew will be on Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

What: Mackay Brick Event

Where: Mackay Showgrounds

When: July 30-31

Tickets: www.iwannaticket.com.au

Images from the recent Inverell Brick Event

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Youngsters, and the young at heart, who love to get lost in the literary wonder of Roald Dahl’s storytelling won’t want to miss a magical theatrical experience coming to the MECC in August.

Inspired by the World’s No.1 Storyteller, Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families. It’s the latest show in the MECC’s DBCT’s Kids’ Theatre Season.

This show is an unforgettable interactive and immersive theatrical experience. Especially made for ages 6 and up, involving games and imaginative play, while exploring Roald Dahlʼs extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way.

The two cast members are Madi Savage and Josh Burton. Madi Savage is an actor and writer based in Melbourne. Madi is one-third of the comedy trio Big Big Big, the team behind scripted podcast series The Candyman (Australian Podcast Awards, NPR, CBC Radio One, ABC), and Catching Jack (MICF, Adelaide Fringe).

Josh Burton is an actor, writer, comedian and singer with over a decade of professional performance experience. He has played a recurring character on Neighbours and had supporting roles on Australian films including Holding the Man and Son of a Gun.

This production is the only interactive show licensed by the Roald Dahl literary estate to tour. So come, grab your tickets, and get swept up in a story-telling experience that is sure to be unforgettable!

What: Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

When: Wednesday 3 August 2022, 6.00pm Thursday 4 August 2022, 9.30am & 12.30pm Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

Inspired by the World’s No.1 Storyteller, Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families

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More than 30 food vendors have registered to cater for what is shaping up to be a massive Wisely Wine and Food Day.

Combine that with three huge bars, a mass of market stalls, children’s amusements and a packed stage line up and Queens Park is set to go off this Saturday (July 16).  

Mayor Greg Williamson said Wisely Wine and Food Day would be the biggest day of the Mackay social calendar.

“Wisely Wine and Food Day has cemented itself as a free event with an amazing atmosphere that appeals to a huge variety of people,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Some people like to get up and dance, others just sprawl on a blanket and soak up the music,” he said.

“Some people simply want a pizza and a cold beer and others are excited to sample international wine and cheese pairings.

“It doesn’t matter what your idea of a great day is, there’s something to suit everyone – including children’s amusements, markets and tremendous music.”    

Acting manager MECC and events Jemma Carey said the biggest changes this year were the VIP experiences and increased food and beverage options to cater for the great crowds.

“The Oasis, which is catered by the MECC and has a private bar, has been hugely popular and has sold out, but we still have some spots left for both the Plattered Up Wine and Cheese Masterclasses and the Paint and Sip sessions,” Ms Carey said.

“The Masterclasses are a really nice way to make your Wisely Wine and Food experience a little more gourmet,” she said.

“There’s New Zealand and Barossa wines paired with Tasmanian Brie, Italian Parmagiano Reggiano and French Mimolette – plus assorted gourmet accompaniments.

“The Paint and Sip sessions by Bottletops and Brushes are also a really fun idea, especially if you like the idea of relaxing with live music in the shade of a gazebo, with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other.”

Festivals and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said it was awesome to have 30 food vendors booked in for the day.

“It should give people plenty of options and help to keep wait times down,” Ms Porter said.

“Festival goers are also welcome to bring a picnic – we understand that when you have children it can be a lot easier to have food on hand.

“Just please no BYO alcohol – the festival is fenced and fully licensed.”

Ms Porter said ATMs would be available at the event and most vendors would also offer EFTPOS, including the bars.

Of course, the biggest drawcard for the Wisely Wine and Food Day is the amazing music line-up of national and local acts across two stages.  This year’s line-up includes:

Main stage:

10.30am            Simon Briley Music

11.30am            Leyon Milner & Zoe Mills Duo

12.30pm            G-Force

13.30pm            The Stone Apes

14.30pm            The Base Coats

15.30pm            Red Tie Band

16.30pm            Choirboys

Grassroots stage:

11.15am            Jonte Tupea

12.15pm            Noah Davis Music

13.15pm            Matt Tandy

14.15pm            Weathered

15.15pm            Nortica Band

16.15pm            EGOISM

Dance stage:

11.20                Claddagh School of Irish Dance

12.20                 Dance Express

13.20                 Revolution Cheer & Dance

14.20                 FAME Talent School

15.20                 Sugar City Rock n Rollers

Tickets are also still available to the following VIP experiences:

Bottle Tops and Brushes Session Times:

Session One - 11am to 12pm

Session Two - 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Session Three - 2pm to 3pm

Session Four - 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Plattered Up Wine & Cheese Masterclass Session Times:

● 11.30am to 12.15am

● 12.30pm to 1.15pm

● 1.30pm to 2.15pm

● 2.30pm to 3.15pm

Food vendors include:

● Mr Whipsunday

● Aus & Asian

● Bigbite Foodtruck

● Bistro Bites

● Eat Street No.8

● Just India

● Mr SKIPPY

● Plattered Up

● Dumpling Hut Mackay

● Marshall's Catering

● Mount Jukes Family Farm

● Crave Coffee Co

● Annie's Kitchen

● Bohemian Elyse

● Fudge-Tastic by Michelle

● Lexi Floss (Bounce Now Pty Ltd)

● Let'z Waffle

● Ma's Pizza Kitchen

● MAD Cow Coffee

● Mr Whippy Vans Australia

● R Donald

● Twisted Tatas

● Industry specific management Group pty ltd

● Masala Indian cuisine

● Shorefresh Seafoods

● Sprinkles & Love Cake Emporium

● Ziffy's

● Woodfire 600

● SPICY'N'SAUCY

● Fat Jim’s

For more information, including a full list of frequently asked questions, head to themecc.com.au/festivals

Wisely Wine & Food Day map

Main Stage headliners Choirboys (pictured) will hit the stage at 4.30pm

Let’z Waffle are one of 30 food vendors

Take a picnic blanket and enjoy the live music

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