Get your favourite frock and your tidiest tux ready, The Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club are hosting their 1950-60's Las Vegas Ball in July.

This is the club’s first ball in four years after the biennial event was unable to go ahead in 2020 due to the pandemic, so it’s bound to be big.

Club President Anthony Azzopardi says the ball is a great opportunity to get the club and the community together and highlights the charitable work of the club.

“We’re not just a bunch of hoons, we’re registered as a charity ourselves and we raise money for other charities,” he said.

“We’re all car enthusiasts but we try to raise money for other groups.”

Tickets are just $60 and attendees can expect a drink on arrival, canapes throughout the night, $5000 worth of casino chips to spend across five different casino tables, a silent auction, and live 1950s-60s style music from The Two Maoris.

All proceeds from the event go to Dragons Abreast Mackay, an organisation spreading the message of breast cancer awareness through participation in the sport of dragon boat racing.

The Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club was founded in 2010 by former Mirani police officer Fred Baguley and his wife Barb.

The Club’s marquee event, Dad’s Day in the Valley, raised over $10,000 for local charities last year.

Since its inception, the Club has strived to look after the Valley and local charities and has raised and donated over $120,000 to date.

The Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club 1950-60's Las Vegas Ball is happening Saturday 9th of July from 6:30pm at Souths Leagues Club.

Tickets are available to the general public and sales close Sunday June 26.

Get yours at https://www.trybooking.com/BYVRF or Contact Michelle

This year will be the Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club’s first ball in four years. Photo: supplied

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The country’s only independent and low-cost airline is searching for a Mackay legend!

Bonza airlines are closing in on their launch day and are asking for Mackay’s help to spread the good word about the region.

They’ll crown one passionate person as the ‘Bonza Local Legend’ and have them join a group of 16 other legends - one from each destination on Bonza’s route map.

Bonza are asking Mackay local legends to upload a 30 second or less video to Facebook or Instagram and tag @FlyBonza with #BonzaLocalLegends to show fellow Aussies why they should visit on holiday.

The winning legend will gain free VIP flights on the first-ever flight from Mackay alongside three other mates or family members of their choosing.

Bonza said they plan to work alongside their appointed legend to help put the region firmly on the map, as well as taking onboard the legend’s sage advice.

Legends will share their opinion on deserving members of the community to also be on the inaugural flight, join important taste testing of the all Aussie menu and road test the airline’s first ever uniform.

They’ll also potentially feature in upcoming video content promoting destinations that Mackay locals can visit with a direct low-cost Bonza flight: Sunshine Coast, Cairns, and Melbourne.

Speaking this morning, Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza said they wanted any “legend, larrikin, or personality about town” to come forward.

“We’re looking for big hearts, welcoming arms and people who aren’t shy to give it a go and promote their slice of Allstralia,” Ms Povey said.

Adrian Miles, Head of Operations Mackay Airport said this was “a great opportunity for a Mackay local to help spread the word about all the fantastic things in our region and why they should fly Bonza to come and visit.”

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It was a very happy birthday for the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens thanks to a sizeable donation from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association (MRBG Friends).

MRBG Friends President Maya Harrison presented the Gardens with a cheque for $10,000 to contribute to the purchase of database software.

Gardens Curator Lisa Kermode thanked MRBG Friends for their donation, saying IrisBG Software has been specifically designed for botanic gardens and is used all over the world.

“It’ll be a really great tool for us to manage and record all the plants in our living collection,” she said.

“It’ll record information like the species, where they’re located, the history and origin of that particular plant.

“We’ll also be able to display that information on some maps and that will be available to the public and also to botanic gardens across the world to find out about our collection.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the significant contribution brings the Gardens into the 21st century.

“Without interest by ‘friends’ groups in our community, we wouldn’t be a community,” he said.

“This database will certainly revolutionise the way we do business as the botanic gardens.”

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens were opened on May 24, 2003 and celebrated their 19th birthday last week.

MRBG Friends President Maya Harrison says the association raises funds year-round through the garden shop, community events and fundraising to assist the Gardens and save for such donations.

“The friends of the gardens have been involved in the gardens since before they even opened,” she said.

“The garden friends have basically planted most of what you see here in the gardens as tubestock.

“The Botanic Gardens is really showcasing our regional plants.”

These days, MRGB Friends are involved in planting, weeding and feeding throughout the Gardens as well as leading guided tours and social events.

Last Saturday, MRGB Friends made their next significant contribution to the Gardens, planting 1000 Golden Everlasting Daisies (xerochrysum bracteatum) on the lagoon’s edge.

MRGB Friends have had to reschedule the annual planting twice this year but there was not a cloud in the sky this time around.

“It’s quite spectacular when they’re all flowering and hopefully they don’t get buffeted by wind and rain and stay upright,” said Ms Harrison.

Botanical Art Interest Group

Another branch of the MRGB Friends is the Botanical Gardens Interest Group which is currently running its latest exhibition ‘Where A Plant Begins’.

Similar to the old conundrum of ‘the chicken or the egg,’ the exhibition ponders whether seed or flower came first.

Botanical artists have focused on a particular aspect of the plant’s lifecycle – flowers, pollination, seeds, germination or seedlings using photosynthesis – or they have portrayed the entire lifecycle of a plant complete with flowers, seeds and features of their chosen plants.

Combining detail, accuracy and artistry, the botanical artists have committed many hours to each graphite drawing, pastel drawing, watercolour or acrylic painting.

Each piece showcases how the artists take live specimens and create a living piece of botanical art via their sketch books, photos and art materials.

‘Where a Plant Begins’ is available for viewing at the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café and is open 9:00am to 2:00pm Wednesday to Friday and 11:00am to 1:00pm on weekends until Sunday, June 26.

For more information on the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association, the exhibition or any other initiatives, contact Maya Harrison on 0436 331 009 or email mackayrbgfriends@gmail.com.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, MRGB Curator Lisa Kermode, Mackay Regional Council Regional Services Coordinator Ross Willis, MRGB Friends President Maya Harrison, and MRGB Friends Penny McMahon, Kevin Jackson, Julie Inkson, Meryl Ritchie and Carolyn Atkinson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

MRBG Friends planted 1000 Golden Everlasting Daisies on the banks of the lagoon last Saturday

Where a Plant Begins’ is available for viewing at the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café

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Members of the Mackay & District Orchid Society Inc. attended the Volunteer’s Expo which was recently held at the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.

Bright and colourful brochures, pull-ups, orchid & foliage plants certainly caught the eyes of people in attendance.

Members were promoting the upcoming Hail Creek Open Cut – Glencore ‘Orchids in Paradise 2022’, 53rd TQOC Conference Orchid and Foliage Show which will be held on July 2 and 3 at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Other major sponsors are Mackay Regional Council and Gambling Benefit Community Fund. This event is open to the general public who will be able to view and buy orchids, foliage, and accessories.

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Some folks are born, made to wave the flag! And those folks are Late for Woodstock, the tribute band bringing the 60s and 70s to The Airlie Beach Hotel in two June afternoon shows.

On Saturday June 11, the boys will play the best songs ever written from an era never to be forgotten.

They’ll rock out with tunes from The Doors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, The Kinks, Santana, The Rolling Stones, Doobie Brothers, Rodriguez, Bob Dylan and many more in a beautiful tribute to these classic artists

On Sunday June 12, they’ll bring in ‘The Creedence Clearwater Revival and Jimi Hendrix Tribute Show’.

A tribute band like no other, there’ll be guitar licks a-plenty when this tribute band turn the Airlie Beach Hotel’s bar top stage into a Watchtower.

Late for Woodstock formed in May 1998 in Noosa Heads, and this Queensland quadruple have been rocking with the authentic sounds of the era they love ever since.

It was an astronomical rise for the bunch, who quickly became one of the Sunshine Coast’s favourite bands playing “the music they grew up with”.

As the years raced by, the band continued to age gracefully, and will be riding all the way down Green River to arrive at everyone’s favourite local in June.

The four-piece rock group have Wrote A Song For Everyone, having fine-tuned a collection of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Jimi Hendrix classics for live performances.

Late for Woodstock have always been “students and fans” of Creedence and Hendrix – both of whom appeared at the original Woodstock Festival.

There’s sure to be a Commotion when they roll through the doors to play the night way. The band have been learning Creedence and Hendrix hits as part of their repertoire for decades – and its not a show to be missed.

While the times are indeed a-changin’, the music of the 60s and 70s is as good as ever and will bring The Pub to life once again on that June afternoon.

Late for Woodstock, playing with their notorious joy and enthusiasm, will embrace the Creedence and Hendrix oeuvre with open arms, giving it a level of grit and authenticity that reeks of the good ole days.

They’ll be performing these very special and free sessions for Airlie Beach Hotel on June 11 and 12 – from 2pm to 5.30pm both days - it’s just Up Around The Bend, so make sure you’re booking your seats for a meal and a show.

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It’s less than a month until the Proserpine Showgrounds light up with carnival rides, dodgems, and food vendors in mid-June for the 110th Show Whitsunday

The annual show is celebrating the milestone in style, coming off the back of its annual fundraiser the Show Ball, the team of volunteers behind the carnival of colour and culture are busily preparing for the main event on June 17 and 18.

10,000 people regularly roll through the show over its two-day duration and Show Whitsunday Committee President Donna Rogers expects this year to be even bigger.

“There are lots of things going on at the Showgrounds, and its full steam ahead for us for the next couple of weeks in anticipation,” Ms Rogers said.

“The show is always a constant in Proserpine, with the regular competitions and events, but this year we do have some new shows like motocross bikes coming this year – a new group who have never been here before.

“They’ve been getting a lot of talk up and down the coast, so we’ve gone the extra mile and secured them.”

Along with the new shows, the familiar favourites will be returning, meaning plenty of action around the showgrounds for families to enjoy.

Melville’s Baby Animal Farm, Dinosaur Park, horse jumping, carnival games, woodchopping, sugar cane exhibitions and more are set to bring the sugar town showgrounds to life.

Ms Rogers also said Luke the Reptile Man will be coming back to entertain the crowd with some crazy critters.

“We also have a mysterious water jetpack man coming, who we only booked yesterday!” Ms Rogers said.

“We’re gearing up for a big show in a months’ time and with all these new attractions and performances, it’s going to be so exciting.”

Don’t “Freak Out!” but Show Whitsunday is back in less than a month. Photograph: Declan Durrant

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Friday 27 May

Reconciliation Week Movie Screenings – Storm Boy

Friday, 3pm to 5pm

A time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, achievements and contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Both movies are part of a tribute to David Gulpilil, renowned indigenous Australian actor, and will involve round table discussions afterwards. These events are for adults aged 18 years and older. Bookings are essential. Storm Boy lives a lonely life with his reclusive father on a desolate coastline, but when he forms a close bond with a pelican, Mr. Percival, his life takes a new and unexpected turn.

Gordon White Library

Kucom’s Big Weekend – The Balding of David Horton

Friday, 4pm

It’s that time again—Geoff Stewart-McLean will be shedding his luxuriant locks in preparation for his role as David Horton in The Vicar of Dibley 2. Proudly sponsored by Gina T Hair and Beauty, Mackay. Come along and lend him your support.

Kucom Theatre

Sarina Candle Lighting Ceremony

Friday from 5pm

Join in the ceremony to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic and family violence.

ANZAC Park, Sarina

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Kucom’s Big Weekend – Neil Murray – Keep Rolling On

Friday, 7pm

Maverick song man Neil Murray was a founding member of the pioneering Warumpi Band, which in the 1980s penetrated mainstream Australia with the iconic anthems My Island Home and Blackfella Whitefella. On Friday he will perform at Kucom Theatre, ably supported by Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley (aka Phil & Trudy Edgeley). Expect an enthralling journey through the landmark songs of Neil Murray’s four-decade career.

Kucom Theatre

The Stone Apes

Friday, 6pm

The Stone Apes with supporting act Nortica will be set to kick off at 9pm the 27th of May - be sure not to miss out!

Empire Alternacade and Events

Saturday 28 May

Positive Pregnancy & Birth Expo

Saturday, 9am to 1pm

The expo showcases and connects women and families with services that can better their experience during pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, and post-partum, while highlighting the many wonderful local businesses Mackay has to offer new and evolving families. Admission is FREE.

The MECC

Native Plants Queensland Native Plant Sale

Saturday, 9am to 1pm

Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a range of native plants from as low as $3. Selections are made easy with colour-coded labelling and species numbers, with friendly society members on hand to help. Park your car in the Meadowlands Amphitheatre carpark, off Alexandra Street, and walk over to the nursery.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Nursery, Cowley’s Road

Kucom’s Big Weekend – The Foreigner Auditions

Saturday, 2pm

Kucom Theatre's final offering for our 75th anniversary year will be The Foreigner, a comedy

by American playwright Larry Shue. Directors are looking for some awesome cast members to bring this show to life and will be holding auditions at Kucom Theatre on Saturday 28th May from 2pm.

Kucom Theatre

Cocktail Masterclass

Saturday, 4pm to 4pm

Attention cocktail lovers! Don't miss Sarina Sugar Shed’s next cocktail masterclass. Not only do you make (and drink) your own cocktails, but the price includes yummy nibbles with lots of fun included! Book online or call on (07) 4943 2801. Limited spots are available so don’t delay.

Sarina Sugar Shed

Sunday 29 May

Sunday Live Music

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 30 May

Reconciliation Week Movie Screenings – The Tracker

Monday, 2:00pm to 4:00pm

When a white woman is murdered in 1920s Australia, a police officer ventures into the outback with a small crew in search of the aboriginal fugitive accused of the crime. As the pursuit through this dangerous territory drags on, tensions begin to rise between the crew members.

Gordon White Library

Come and Try Gridiron

Monday, 6:00pm

Mackay Gridiron Come and Try Day. If you have ever been interested in giving it a go, come down to meet the coach and some players and see what it’s all about.

Brothers Leprechaun Park

Tuesday 31 May

Party in the Park

Tuesday, 9:00am to 11:30am

Party in the Park is happening again in Mackay! There will be jumping castles, free face painting, ice-cream van, and a petting zoo, along with more than 30 stallholders in attendance. This event aims to connect families that have children under five, with local no cost, low cost and age specific services within the Mackay region.

Mackay Regional Council Lawns (Civic Precinct)

Wednesday 1 May

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 2 May

Xavier Rudd 'Jan Juc Moon' Tour

Thursday, 6:00pm

Xavier Rudd announces his 2022 Australian tour, in celebration of the release of his forthcoming 10th studio album ‘Jan Juc Moon’. The wind blows strong though Xavier Rudd's tenth album. It’s a recurring image that speaks of wide-open space and the awesome natural elements that shape it: a force far greater than us, but ours to harness if we take the time to learn, reflect and respect its ways.

The MECC

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Get your dancing shoes on, Mackay.

Be Social Fest is back for its second year and is bringing some big names to our region.

After an epic debut in December last year, the music festival will be bringing electronic hip hop heavyweights Hermitude to Mackay, who are sure to blow the pants off Harrup Park with new music and festival favourites.

Middle Kids are no strangers to Mackay and will showcase their endearingly driving indie-rock anthems, and Thundamentals will bust a rhyme or two in what is sure to be a party starting set.

Also on the genuinely stacked, 19-act line-up are the likes of Mashd N Kutcher, Peach PRC, Stellie, Cherry, KLP, and local icons The Stone Apes.

With the support of Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Tourism, and triple j, Festival Director Michael Delaney says Be Social Fest will put Mackay on the Australian music map.

“(It’s an opportunity) to have an event for large Australian artists to perform at what would not normally be on their touring radar and to give the Mackay people a chance to experience, and for local artists to have the chance to network and perform with high performance teams in the chance to get discovered,” he said.

“We can see the support from the community already and we have the vision of growing this into a very large tourist attraction in the years to come and to show off beautiful Northern Queensland and its hot, clear-skied winters near the reef.”

The festival’s objective is to bring together a fun bunch of festival goers to enjoy each other's energy and just BE, and when paired with an epic line-up and Mackay’s tropical winter climate, it’s set to be one hell of a night.

Be Social Fest is held as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts and will take place across two stages at Harrup Park on Saturday, August 6.

The event is 18+ and tickets are on sale now.

Be Social Fest returns to Harrup Park in August after a wild debut last year

Festival favourite electronic hip hop duo Hermitude are headlining this year’s line-up

Indie rock icons Middle Kids won ‘Best Rock Album’ at the ARIAs last year

Hip hop stalwarts Thundamentals know how to keep the party going

Local favourites The Stone Apes are joining the stacked line-up. Photos: supplied

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If you’ve ever heard artist Xavier Rudd’s breezy theme ‘Follow The Sun’, you’ll know that as a singer, he distills the sound of Australiana into his music: the carefree barefoot beaches and love of a sun-blessed country.

Rudd’s songs are the crisp sounds of breaking waves as they paint the dusk sand in a slick line of silver. The indie-folk artist from Torquay on Victoria’s coast is headed Mackay bound to elucidate audiences in the Sugar City on the tour of his newest album, Jan Juc Moon.

In total, he’ll be heading on one of the biggest national tours of the country undertaken by an Australian artist, with 38 destinations from May 25 to June 30.

His Jan Juc Moon album – its name born from the beach in his hometown at the east end of the Great Ocean Road - will tour almost every corner of the nation and arrive in the Sugar City on June 2 at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

It’s Rudd’s tenth studio album, and it’s already debuted on ARIA’s album chart at No. 6 and No. 1 on the A.I.R. album chart, and most important it’s been positively received by the industry and punters alike.

Three singles preceded the release of Jan Juc Moon and have yielded Rudd 12 million streams worldwide. With the release of the album, streams continue to gain momentum and show no signs of slowing down with a clear sense of the ground swelling for the magic that are Rudd’s live performances.

He’ll be joined for the full national tour by supporting act Marlon x Rulla, a dynamic First Nations duo who burst onto the scene in 2020 performing on some of the nation's biggest stages - opening for Midnight Oil at WOMADelaide, rocking Bass in the Grass in Darwin, Party in the Apocalypse in Tassie and wowing 30,000 fans at the AFL’s Sir Douglas Nicholls round.

Together they’re getting ready to bring Australian magic to the Sugar City in a show not to be missed.

You can find your tickets at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre website.

Xavier Rudd will arrive in Mackay for a show on June 2 at the MECC

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Friday 20 May

2022 Mackay Expo

Friday to Sunday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

The Mackay Showgrounds will be transformed into the region’s largest outdoor adventure and home and lifestyle event for 3 days in May 2022. Over 130 companies on show. Caravans, Camper Trailers, Boating, Holiday Destinations, 4x4 and Motoring Accessories, Homewares, Kitchens, Camping Gear, Sheds, Firepits, Pools, Spas, and loads more. Plus, daily entertainment and prizes to be won. Tickets available online only. For full event info, tickets, entertainment times, exhibitor list, and more, visit https://mackayexpo.com.au

Mackay Showgrounds

Free safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training

Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Learn how to identify someone at risk of suicide, talk to those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and help guide them to resources. To make your booking go to http://www.grapevinegroup.org.au/bookings/ and book online.

Gordon White Library

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from the gallery and museum. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner or expert, come along and enjoy this free, interesting, thought-provoking discussion.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 21 May

Handmade Boutique Market

Saturday, 8:30am

One of the largest handmade-only markets in Australia. With over 120 stalls, our Handmade Boutique Markets feature handmade, homegrown and crafted products. We’re proud to showcase local and interstate artists and artisans – with many travelling in from around Australia to take part.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

The Nebo Hotel presents Nebo Rodeo 2022

Saturday, 9:00am

Grab your hats, dust off your boots, and roll up your swag......It's Rodeo time! The Nebo Hotel presents the Nebo Rodeo 2022. Make sure you keep May 21 free for plenty of cowboy action! Make a weekend out of it and grab a ticket for the Nebo Hotel Street Party (separate event and ticket required) on Friday night then enjoy all of the Rodeo action on Saturday. Enjoy a great day of local events including full open, rookie & junior events.

Nebo Showgrounds

Sunday 22 May

May Photo Walkabout Workshop – Composing flowers, big and small

Sunday, 9:00am to 11:00am

This month’s focus is about composing flower photos. Bring a macro lens and torch if you have one and meet at the Botanic Gardens Meeting Room (opposite the Café). These workshops are free to attend and suitable for anyone interested in photography and nature, with a smart device camera or DSLR. Workshops are hosted by Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and supported by the Botanic Gardens and Mackay Camera Group. Bookings essential as places are limited. Phone the Gardens on 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Sunday Live Music

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

Tuesday 24 May

Storytime at Mount Pleasant Centre

Wednesday, 10:30am to 11:00am

Calling all families! Join us on the Food Court Stage at Mount Pleasant Centre for some FREE Storytime Fun! Thanks to Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council Libraries, First 5 Forever, and Wild Puppets. Join for FREE FUN including storybook reading, singing, dancing, and puppets!

Mount Pleasant Centre

Wednesday 25 May

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

Exhibition – ‘Where a plant begins’ by Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group

Opening Wednesday May 25 to Sunday June 22, 9:00am to 2:00pm

Like the old conundrum - Which came first, the chicken or the egg - the same can be said for plants. Which came first: the seed or the flower? In their latest exhibition, the botanical artists focus on a particular aspect of ‘where a plant begins’ or have portrayed the entire life cycle of a plant complete with flowers, seeds and features of their chosen plants. The showcase displays how the artists take live specimens and create a “living” piece of botanical art via their sketchbooks, photos and art materials.

Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Café

Meet the Artists – ‘Where a plant begins’ by Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group

Wednesday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Meet the artists from Mackay's Botanical Art Interest Group on opening day, to interpret their exhibition 'Where a Plant Begins' which is on display in the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Cafe.

Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Café

The MECC & Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents Classical Favourites

Wednesday, 11:00am to 12:30pm

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Connect ensemble presents an evening concert packed with classical favourites from Prokofiev ‘the king of Russian ballet’ to Grieg’s tip-toeing masterpiece, “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” Marvel as thirteen talented musicians from Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcase their talent and artistry performing much-loved favourites. Don’t miss out on your chance to see Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Mackay. Book your tickets now.

MECC

Thursday 26 May

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 Edward the Emu

Thursday May 26, 6:00pm, Friday May 27, 9:30am and 12:30pm (relaxed performance)

Written for the stage & directed by Eva Di Cesare, the award-winning Monkey Baa team brings to the stage a new imagining of the classic Australian books by Sheena Knowles and Rob Clement. Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has left him feeling glum and under the impression that the grass is greener in everyone else’s enclosure. Maybe being a seal, or a lion, or a snake might be a better option in life for a lonely bird? Convinced that the other creatures are more popular, Edward breaks ranks and goes to find the fun and along the way, finds Edwina!

MECC

Nat's What I Reckon

Thursday, 7:15pm

With hilarious commentary consistently clocking up views well into the millions, viral comedy champion, author, rock musician, and mental health advocate Nat's What I Reckon has proven that he is beloved for so much more than his sweary cooking clips. His dedicated audience of over 2.5 million champions are here for Nat’s love of taking the playful piss while never losing his ultimate message of positivity, kindness and inclusivity. Strap in legends for another epic live multimedia piss-taking extravaganza from Nat’s What I Reckon – live and Uncooked!

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

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There are few more famous fellowships than the boys behind Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and audiences at everyone’s favourite local are getting ready to relive Beatlemania this June with The Beatnix.

The Airlie Beach Hotel will Twist and Shout when one of the world’s longest running tribute shows bring Abbey Road to Airlie Beach on June 4 and 5.

It’s been 35 years since The Beatnix first formed – ten years after the Beatles themselves broke apart – and they’ve long been regarded as the best Beatles tribute show in Australia.

It was in Perth in 1980 that Tony Dean created this incredible show.

The Beatnix have stacked their claim as a special brand of tribute band; there’s something in the way they move that adds the expert touch of authenticity.

With every Beatles favourite under their belt, they not only sound like the Liverpool lyricists, but they also look like them. Helped by their authentic musical instruments including an identical drum set to that played by Ringo Starr in the 1960s.

They’ve got the look: costumes and stage props, including the outfits from that very Sgt. Pepper’s album - it’s as close as you’ll see and hear to the real thing.

It’s not just a Day In The Life to see this remarkable show that rekindles the Fab Four and experience firsthand a Guitar Gently Weeping all while enjoying a delicious afternoon feed.

Seasoned performers, The Beatnix have performed internationally across Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bangkok and New Zealand.

Domestically, they’ve ticked off every type of show: large venues like the ARL Grand Final at the Stadium Australia in front of 100,000 people, to intimate 50-person back garden sessions.

Now in an exclusive throwback at The Pub, The Beatnix will perform two free afternoon shows on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June from 2pm to 5.30pm.

Take The Long and Winding Road down the Airlie Beach Esplanade to your seat at The Pub and enjoy a revival of potentially the greatest band of all time.

The Beatnix are bringing Beatlemania to The Airlie Beach Hotel in June Image: The Beatnix

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There’s a unique British humour, and it’s emblemised in Roger Michell’s final film ‘The Duke’. Michell - who died last September - managed to see his film screened just a handful of times to audiences, happily to rave reviews.  

Now with its theatrical release, his swan song is still raking in those plaudits.

Actor Jim Broadbent stars in Michell’s adaptation of the true story of taxi driver Kempton Bunton, who ‘borrowed’ Francisco De Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington in 1961. It remains the only theft from the National Gallery, and it was done for all the right reasons. Sending ransom notes to the British Police, Kempton promised the portrait’s return on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly.

Broadbent is a familiar face in British cinema, and his partnership with Hellen Mirren – who plays his loyal wife, Dorothy - in The Duke is the heart of the film. The duo are magnificent, lending the story dignity, whilst balancing it with humour and charm that manages to deftly avoid oversentimentality.

“You couldn’t invent such a ridiculous tale. If you presented it as fiction, you’d never get away with it,” Jim Broadbent said of the film in an interview with The Guardian.

It took 50 years for Kempton’s full story to emerge - and the only truth was that he was a good man, determined to change the world and save his marriage - how and why he used the Duke to achieve that makes for a wonderfully uplifting cinema experience that opens up like a flower. Its quirky, kind and absolutely true.

The Duke (M) is coming to the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Saturday, May 28.

Jim Broadbent and Hellen Mirren in ‘The Duke’

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Friday 13 May

Paxton’s Night Markets

Friday, 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Paxton's Night Market is a unique shopping experience with quality stalls, live music, and food.

10 River Street, Mackay

Friday Jazz @the Con

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @the Con featuring Saxophone and TV legend - Wilbur Wilde, alongside music staff Dr David Reaston (Guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (Saxophone) & Jason Smyth-Tomkins (Drums).

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 14 May

Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party

Saturday, 3:00pm to 9:00pm

Bring little Italy to Mackay City Centre. Everything Italian - performers, dancers, food, and Italian cars! Wood Street will come alive from 3pm - 9pm hosting the best of Italy in our very own Mackay.

Wood Street, Mackay

Ca$h for Tricks

Saturday, 4:00pm to 7:00pm

FUN freestyle competition for wakeboarders of all ages and levels. Free entry for riders, free event for spectators. Two laps, show us your best tricks.

Wake House Australia

Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball 2022

Saturday, 6:30pm

Saturday night fever will take over the MECC as the prestigious Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball returns. Amazing auction items and prizes are up for grabs, with funds raised going to the Ronald McDonald Charity House North Australia and HeartKids.

MECC Plenary Halls

Latin Roots Night - with an Italian Flavour!

Saturday, 9:00pm to 12:00am

Keep the Italian party going! Hotel Mackay hosts the 3rd Latin Night party. The atmosphere will be electric, make sure you don't miss this Latin Night with an Italian Flavour!

Hotel Mackay

Sunday 15 May

Parentmedic North Qld Baby/Child First Aid

Sunday, 8:00am to 10:00am

Belly2babes is holding Baby/Child First Aid education for Parents, Grandparents and Carers of young children. In your two hour Baby + Child First Aid session learn about: Infant CPR, Choking, Fevers, Rashes, Allergies & Anaphylaxis, Poisons, Burns, Head Injuries and more!

Belly2babes

Mackay Volunteer Expo 2022

Sunday, 10:00am

The Mackay Volunteers Expo is an event designed to promote local volunteering opportunities while also acknowledging and celebrating the valuable contribution volunteers make to our community. Volunteering can benefit you both personally and professionally with increased social connection, on the job training, learning new skills and improving self-esteem and confidence.

Mackay Showgrounds

Jazz in the Park

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Staff and students from the Bachelor of Music course present "Jazz in the Park" on Sunday 15th May from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Queens Park Iconic Shelter on the corner of Goldsmith St and East Gordon St. Free event. Bring a picnic. BYO chairs.

Queens Park Shelter on the corner of Goldsmith Street & East Gordon Street

Sunday Live Music

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

Sunday Session @ Sails on the Marina

Sunday, 4:30pm

Live and awesome - end your week on a high with a traditional Mackay Sunday Session at Sails.

Sails Sports Bar

Monday 16 May

Full Moon Yoga

Monday, 6:30pm

Yoga truly does have to be experienced, so do what feels appropriate to do without worrying over much. Booking is essential via text, email, or inbox due to limited space. Yoga class is $10 for the hour. Bring towel, water & yoga mat (if you have one).

Eimeo Esplanade

Tuesday 17 May

Social Media for Indigenous Businesses

Tuesday, 8:30am to 10:00am

Building sustainable local Indigenous businesses for the future, Trading Tracks is an exciting new program that aims to enhance economic participation of locally based small-to-medium Indigenous businesses. This will be open to small-to-medium indigenous businesses based in the regions of Central Highlands, Isaac, Mackay, and Woorabinda region.

Resource Centre of Excellence

Wednesday 18 May

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 19 May

Mackay Musical Comedy Players present ‘Shrek The Musical’

Thursday, 8:00pm, Friday, 8:00pm, Saturday, 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Based on the oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that brings all the beloved characters you know to life onstage.Book your tickets online at the MECC.

MECC Auditorium

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Last time the beautiful and bodacious Lisa Hunt performed on the Bar Top Stage at ‘The Pub’, the soulstress tore down the roof with her ‘Forever Soul’ Show.

Her undoubted stage presence was what lured the enormous crowd to the hotel last time, the impressive songstress’ voice attracting people from near and far.

Audiences at The Airlie Beach Hotel on that night could hardly forget when she took the place by storm, and the now Byron Bay-based singer will be returning to treat the seaside town again on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May.

With her Forever Soul show back and better than ever at ‘The Pub’, Hunt is bringing with her Motown music and soul, as well as funk rhythm and blues for the completely free outing.

A singer in the great African American tradition of gospel music, Hunt emerged as a soul sensation in the 80s and has kept the music pumping all that time.

With a background in studying music at The City College of New York, Hunt was a soulstress made in the Big Apple, but it’s her natural vocals that set her apart from the rest.

A storied career featuring numerous compilations around the globe, both as singer and songwriter, she’s sold more than a million records as of 2015.

When she headed to the continent, she became an absolute sensation in Italy – a place of powerful musical heritage, seeping with strong voices.

She featured as a vocalist on tour and recordings of Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari for almost a decade and has worked with a range of artist from Pavarotti To Ray Charles – talk about a resume!

She’s shared the stage with the greats like Eric Clapton, James Brown, and even Andrea Bocelli, and now she’s at your favourite local, and the crowds are going to be loving it.

There are few places in town to get a meal and a show, especially one of this calibre – so book your tables for the Airlie Beach Hotel and experience soul, sister.

Soulstress Lisa Hunt performed one of the best ever shows at The Pub last year, and now she’s back

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The Northman

There’s an undoubted stylistic rhythm to all of director Robert Eggers films, and this time it’s no different. Voracious greed and visceral violence are the brushes his newest outing ‘The Northman’ is painted in.

And it is a surprisingly beautiful colour.

An adaptation of story ‘Amleth’, a medieval Scandinavian legend which formed the basis for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Northman follows Amleth on the quest to avenge his father’s murder by removing his despot uncle from power and in turn save his mother. Brilliant performances and masterful directing make this the must see of the year.

The Northman (MA15) is due to open Saturday, 21 May at Bowen’s Summergarden Cinema.

Top Gun: Maverick

If you were to put two photographs of Tom Cruise together, one from the first ‘Top Gun’ and the other its 2022 sequel ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ next to one another, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference. Certainly, you would hardly know that more than 30 years have passed since Maverick first flew onto screens in 1986.

There’s going to be a whole new audience introduced to the engine blasting thrill ride of Top Gun, a film so ubiquitous in the American psyche it was preserved in the National Film registry by the US Library of Congress – presumably until the end of time.

Cruise’s performance in the revival of the, now-franchise, thirty years on is a parallel to his character. Maverick and Cruise are where they belong: pushing the envelope – Cruise as an actor turning 60 who continually performs his own stunts, and Maverick as a courageous test pilot dodging the advancement in rank that would see him grounded for good.

There are plenty of familiar faces, familiar theme tunes, and this bombastic action flick manages to roll back the years in style, all with a smooth landing.

Top Gun: Maverick (M) is due to Open Friday, 27 May at Bowen’s Summergarden Cinema.

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