Want to do something for yourself and something for the community? Then why not join With One Voice Choir in Mackay and surrounds.

Performing out in the Mackay community, the choir is aimed at providing pleasure and enjoyment, working with local disability groups, singing at retirement homes and respite centres, as well as preparing and performing its own concerts.

Choir Director Jennifer Bee said that the most common obstacle to people joining the choir is their false belief that they cannot sing.

“Fundamental to the With One Voice Choir is our strong conviction that every person can sing!” Jennifer said.

“We provide acceptance, encouragement and support for those people who lack confidence and help them find their voice.”

“One of the most satisfying parts of our weekly rehearsals is how people feel welcome knowing that we are all there to do the best we can, as part of a group, which loves to sing and wants to support our community.

The next concert is planned for the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday May 7th at the Sporting Wheelies Hall in Bridge Road East Mackay.

“The High Tea and concert will be an opportunity for families to celebrate with Mothers and Grandmothers,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer Bee also pointed to research that has now found the act of singing aloud is beneficial to our health.

“Study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to the quality of life.”

“No matter what age you are or what your abilities are, singing offers opportunities to learn, grow and express who you are.”

With One Voice Mackay meets and rehearses every Thursday evening at 6.30 pm at the CQU University City Campus Building 2 Theatre 90-92 Sydney Street Mackay.

Potential new members are very welcome, so feel free to come along and give the Choir a try without obligation.

Enquires phone Greg at 0401 692 254 or Frank at 0427 530 774.

With One Voice Mackay is an excellent way to socialise and also to sing with a group of likeminded – and like-voiced - people

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The favourite creative collective known affectionately as the Briefs Boys are back at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this April, and this time they have a hills hoist in tow and are ready to air their Dirty Laundry.

The tight-knit group of representatives from the Briefs Factory, an Australian creative collective who produce and present evocative, physical performances, are returning to the Sugar City with their circus, drag, dance, burlesque, music, comedy inspired show ready to go.

With the ever-changing world around them, Briefs Factory have been dedicated to developing and touring their brand of award winning, genre defying, political party punk around the world, and are touching down in Mackay for a second time.

Led by Fez Faanana (AKA Shivanana) – director and co-founder of Briefs Factory - this brand-new party cabaret pegs a line-up of classic Briefs boys along with some new boys and toys in the basket.

These festival favourites promise a load of physicality, comedy, and showmanship, and none of it clean – so “turn your cycle to hot as you watch these boys tumble dry.”

After 10 years of selling out festivals worldwide and visiting Mackay back in 2020, the boys are ready to hit the MECC stage on the 2nd of April with more glitter stains and ballsy attitude than ever!

Get your tickets to the ultimate ladies’ night out at themecc.com.au for an 18+ event.

Meet the Brief Boys at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this April

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A notable selection of key Clermont characters will have their prolific lives showcased in a new exhibition in the Isaac region.

Clermont Historical Centre presents Faces of the Peak Downs which showcases a collection of stories from the first European settlers in the area to women paving their way in the saddle manufacturing industry.

Since Ludwig Leichhardt first traversed this area in 1845, the Clermont district or at the time, Peak Downs, has been home to an array of characters that contributed to its development.

The exhibition highlights identities like Jeremiah Rolfe who was the first European to settle in the Clermont area, establishing sheep runs and working the land, Oscar de Satge who named Wolfang Peak and established Wolfang Station, and Rose Harris who is regarded as Australia’s first female saddler.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said this year is worth visiting the centre especially as it took out silver in the best tourist attraction category at the 2021 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.

“This great local experience, run by locals working at Council and incredible volunteers, would not happen without their absolute dedication behind the scenes,” Mayor Baker said.

“Tourism is one of our most valuable industries in the Isaac region. It is worth more than $180 million a year and it directly employs 1000 people.”

This is a chance to explore, discover and jump back in time to learn the stories of the region’s harsh colonial era.

Faces of the Peak Downs exhibition will run to 17 December 2022.

Last year’s Back on Track exhibition which paid homage to country racing being an essential part of the social fabric of the Isaac region continues to be featured.

Clermont Historical Centre is located on Gregory Highway and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

Admission prices are $6 for adults, $4 for pensioners, $3 children under 12 years and $15 per family with two or more children.

Jeremiah Rolfe and family circa 1876

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Bowen artists get your pastels and paint brushes set, on the last Tuesday of every month local artist Mel Stone has been hosting Paint And Sip sessions at The Grandview Hotel.

The next tipsy painting gathering is set for March 29, and it’s your opportunity for a no judgement artistic journey helped by some red or white wine.

If you’ve been out of the loop, Paint and Sip is a relaxing, fun way to step into painting, where a resident artist takes participants step-by-step through painting a picture, portrait or otherwise.

With an easel, paint brush and a creative juice -preferably wine, although it can be coffee, tea, or beer – you can enjoy a no-pressure painting experience, with no painting experience required.

Last Month’s session was a grand success at the Grandview, with the wannabe artists showing their teacher their very best interpretation of shuttered blue window with plants below.

New and novice artists alike can find out more by contacting the Grand View Hotel.

25 seats are available for the sessions, which run $45 per person, and they’re a guaranteed blast – you might even discover a new talent.

Bookings are essential, so call the Grand View Hotel on (07) 4786 4022 to secure a seat for the next go around.

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The Airlie Beach foreshore will fill with the sounds of chaotic battle next Saturday, but not between knights or Vikings, instead the long-standing feud between Jerry Mouse and Tom Cat will take to the screen.

The Tom & Jerry Movie will be playing for free at the Airlie Beach Foreshore screen on Saturday, March 19 at 6:30pm.

The Tom and Jerry movie pits the famous fighting pair against each other in another instalment of their continuing feud, this time in Manhattan.

Jerry, running from his long-time rival after an incident in Central Park, takes refuge in the Royal Gate Hotel, with Tom in hot pursuit

Tom soon finds himself hired to drive him away before the day of a big wedding arrives in this family fun film.

The 2021 released slapstick comedy is filled with familiar faces like Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, and even Ken Jeong – so there’s some fun for the parents, too!

Whitsunday Regional Council are inviting local parents and their kids along to this relaxed family night, so bring the picnic rugs, chairs and food and enjoy a night of entertainment under the stars.

Airlie Beach Foreshore Outdoor Cinema has been a hit with locals since its instalment and the upcoming screening is looking to continue the trend – make sure you’re arriving early to find yourself the best spot to snuggle up for the night with the family!

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