Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Film & Arts Mackay will host a special charity film night on Friday 8th May, raising funds to support Mackay primary students attending an annual camp for deaf children. The evening will feature the French film My Brother's Band, which organisers selected following its major success at the Cannes Film Festival. Organisers describe the film as an engaging, crowd-pleasing choice they believe will resonate with a wide-ranging audience while helping boost fundraising efforts for the students. The film has taken home multiple international awards including an Audience Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival 2024, an Audience Award at the American French Film Festival 2024 and a Cannes Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Description: A sensation at Cannes and a box office hit, Emmanuel Courcol’s My Brother’s Band follows two estranged siblings brought together by music. Thibaut (Benjamin Lavernhe), a renowned orchestra conductor, discovers after a health scare that he was adopted. He finds his younger brother, Jimmy (Pierre Lottin), a school cafeteria worker and trombone player in a community band. Though their lives differ, Thibaut sees Jimmy’s talent and aims to nurture it. A crowd favourite, My Brother’s Band blends humour and heart in a moving, feel-good story. Bring your family, your friends and some tissues. **DESIGNER NOTE - BREAKOUT BOX/HIGHLIGHT FOR THE BELOW** Event Details My Brother’s Band Film & Arts Mackay Charity Fundraiser Rated: M 7.30pm Friday 8 May Cook Theatre, CQUniversity Ooralea Campus, Building 1 (at the end of the road) Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DKULT
Read the full story
Friday 1st May North Queensland Games FREE Community Event 5pm The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the 2026 North Queensland Games at Harrup Park on Friday, May 1 from 5pm. The free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, jumping castles, community stalls, the March of Athletes, Holy Spirit College drumming corps, the lighting of the Games torch, live entertainment, fireworks, the Channel 7 100m Sprint Cup and an NQ Games cricket match. Five-time Olympian Nat Cook will also attend. Harrup Park, Mackay Saturday 2nd May Mens Breakfast 7.30am The community is invited to the Iona West Men’s Breakfast at Iona West Uniting Church, 7 Brooks Street, from 7.30am on Saturday, May 2. The $5 breakfast will feature guest speaker Doug Foster from Cairns, who recently retired after many years serving as State Chaplain Coordinator for the Uniting Church and previously as a police chaplain and congregation minister. Married with three children and seven grandchildren, Doug will share stories from his life and ministry. For enquiries or to RSVP, contact Anthony and the team. Iona West Uniting Church Saturday Story Time 9.30am Families are invited to enjoy a fun and engaging morning at Saturday Story Time at Gordon White Library from 9.30am to 10am on May 2. Designed for children aged one to five, the free session features captivating stories, singing and interactive activities that support early language and literacy development while giving parents and little ones a chance to bond and enjoy a relaxed weekend outing together. Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip St, Mount Pleasant Beach Clean Up 3pm Community members are invited to help protect the coastline at a beach clean-up at Blacks Beach on May 2 from 3pm–5pm. Volunteers will work together to remove litter while enjoying time in nature and connecting with others who care about ocean health. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat, water bottle, enclosed shoes and sun-smart clothing. The initiative is supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance. Blacks Beach Mackay Rural View and Rosewood Drive Walk 4pm Walkers are invited to meet at 3.50pm in the back car park of Woolworths Northern Beaches (Rosewood Drive side) for a relaxed community stroll past the high school and around the nearby lakes, where swans are often spotted. Participants can also stay for dinner afterwards at Northern Beaches Bowls Club. The casual walk is shared for information by the Women Who Walk group, with participants asked to sign an indemnity form. Nth Beaches Woolworths back car park (meeting spot) Sunday 3rd May Community Meditation and Breath Work 10am Residents are invited to explore mindful breathing through BMS Pranayam classes held Sundays from 10am–11am at Mind Psyence. Led by experienced yoga teacher Prabha Srinivasan, the free community sessions introduce traditional yoga breath and energy work aimed at reducing stress, improving clarity and supporting wellbeing. Suitable for beginners, the session includes guided breathwork, meditation and a Q&A. Donations are welcome to help cover costs. Mind Psyence, 358 Slade Point Road, Slade Point Writing Sunday 11am Writers of all levels are invited to take part in Writing Sunday at Dudley Denny City Library from 11am to 1pm on May 3. The free, volunteer-led program offers a supportive space to finish projects and connect with fellow writers. Using the Pomodoro Technique, sessions are structured into focused writing blocks with short breaks to boost creativity and productivity, encouraging participants to build momentum while refining their craft in a collaborative community setting. Dudley Denny City Library Monday 4th May Come & Try Gateball 1.30pm Community members are invited to a free “Come & Try Gateball” session at Mackay Croquet Club on Monday, May 4, with arrival from 1.30pm for a 2pm start. Gateball is a fast-paced, social team sport similar to croquet, designed to be easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities, with short 30-minute matches. The event offers a relaxed opportunity to stay active, meet others and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Phone:0413 500 897 for more information. Mackay Croquet Club, 105 Juliet Street, South Mackay. Tuesday 5th May The Mum Hub – Sparkly Brain Society 10am Mums are invited to connect and share experiences at a neurodivergent mums support group hosted by The Held Projecteach Tuesday at 10am at The Mum Hub Mackay. Facilitated by founder Amanda, the welcoming group is open to mums on the spectrum or those who feel they don’t fit traditional boxes, with or without a formal diagnosis. Babies and young toddlers are welcome, and tea and coffee will be provided in a relaxed, supportive environment. 10/46 Mulherin Dr, Mackay Harbour
Read the full story
Community members are being encouraged to step forward and make a difference as the Mackay VIEW Club joins the nationwide call for volunteers during National Volunteer Week (18th–24th May). The club is inviting locals to support children’s education charity The Smith Family by giving their time and skills, helping create brighter futures for young Australians. VIEW — which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women — is a leading women’s organisation with more than 13,000 members in close to 260 communities across Australia. Members are dedicated to supporting children in need through education by fundraising, raising awareness and volunteering with The Smith Family. This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” serves as a call to action for Australians to get involved in their communities and help create positive change. Mackay VIEW Club President Elizabeth said the theme strongly reflects the organisation’s purpose and the work being carried out by members across the country. “We help The Smith Family make tremendous change by giving children the best start to life through a quality education. “Last year alone, the charity’s educational and mentoring programs reached over 186,499 children and young people across the country. “VIEW members’ generosity, compassion and commitment create life-changing opportunities for young Australians every day. “As we celebrate ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, we honour those already giving their time and talents and invite others to discover how volunteering can spark connection, purpose and a powerful sense of community.” Elizabeth said members support a range of important initiatives through their volunteering and fundraising efforts. “We help raise funds for programs like student2student, which pairs younger children with reading buddies, we sponsor students through the Learning for Life program, so they are supported throughout their entire education, and members can volunteer at Learning Clubs, where children are given help with their homework after school.” Chief Executive Officer of The Smith Family, Doug Taylor, said the organisation’s work would not be possible without volunteers. “Each year, thousands of volunteers play a vital role in our learning support and mentoring programs and provide invaluable in-house administration support, with the students and families we support being the ultimate beneficiaries. “We are very grateful to all VIEW members for continuing to donate their time and energy, especially during the last few years which have been disrupted by the pandemic, and now the cost-of-living crisis.” Members of Mackay VIEW Club support The Smith Family through a range of local activities including raffles and money boards, collecting Containers for Change, Christmas gift wrapping with ESA, market stalls, the Seniors Expo and monthly lunch meetings. Elizabeth said there are many ways for people in the community to become involved. “There are many opportunities for people to help out. “We are always looking for women to join us in supporting The Smith Family and we’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch and come along to our next meeting to learn more about VIEW.” Anyone interested in learning more about Mackay VIEW Club can contact Elizabeth on 0438 715 731, visit the VIEW website, or find the club on Facebook at VIEW Club – Mackay, Queensland. The Mackay VIEW Club is encouraging community members to volunteer during National Volunteer Week, supporting children’s education through The Smith Family by fundraising, mentoring and community activities. Photo source: Mackay View Club
Read the full story
The Rise of Video on Demand : Netflix Not long ago, a Friday night meant standing under fluorescent lights, scanning video store shelves and hoping the latest release hadn’t already gone. A couple of decades on, a quiet red “N” sits in almost every lounge room, not just ready to entertain, but ready to decide what we watch next. The rise of Netflix didn’t happen overnight, though it can feel that way. Founded in 1997 the same year as redhotblue : ) it began as a mail-order DVD service. You’d queue films online, they’d arrive in the post, and you’d send them back when you were done. No late fees, no queues, no awkward counter chats. Convenient, yes, but not yet cultural. The turning point came when Netflix stopped behaving like a distributor and started thinking like a platform. In 2007, it introduced streaming quietly, almost as an add-on. The catalogue was limited and the tech imperfect, but the idea was powerful: instant access, no physical media, no waiting. Then came the bold move many legacy players couldn’t make, it bet against its own success. As DVDs peaked, Netflix doubled down on streaming. It leaned heavily into data, tracking what people watched, paused or abandoned. While traditional broadcasters relied on ratings and guesswork, Netflix built a real-time feedback loop. That approach reshaped content itself. When it launched originals like House of Cards, it wasn’t just commissioning a show it was engineering one. It knew audiences liked political drama, it understood the draw of Kevin Spacey, and it backed the binge model. Dropping entire seasons at once broke decades of convention and audiences loved it. Hits like Stranger Things and The Crown followed, cementing Netflix as more than a platform. It became a studio, a network, and a cultural force. Timing helped. Broadband improved, smart TVs became standard, and the shift from ownership to access already underway in music and software took hold in screen content. Netflix didn’t create the shift, but it aligned with it better than anyone else. There have been stumbles. Prices have climbed, and competition is now fierce, with studios launching their own platforms. But the behaviour Netflix shaped has stuck. Entertainment today is expected to be on-demand, personalised and immediate not a luxury, but the baseline. What’s remarkable is how quietly it happened. No single moment, no grand arrival just a steady build of smarter decisions, better content and fewer barriers. Until one day, the red “N” wasn’t new at all. It was simply there, part of the furniture. And like all things that become common place, it now faces its next challenge: staying essential in a world it helped create. JODY EULER, redhotblue DESIGNERS – INLCUDE HEADSHOT OF JODY AS PER PREVIOUS COL
Read the full story
Friday 18 March
Conversations with Art
Third Friday of each month, 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Join in the free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace Mackay staff as they look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from gallery and museum collections from around the world.
Artspace Mackay
Sunset Sessions
Every Friday Evening From 6pm
Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.
Wake House Australia
Karaoke Under The Stars @ The Burb
Friday, 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Get amongst a family-friendly night of karaoke at The Burb.
Souths Suburban Bowls Club
Saturday 19 March
Falun Gong Classes
Saturday, 9:00am to 11:00am
Soak in the morning sun and enjoy the fresh air as you experience relaxation, meditation, inner peace and health through movement. Falun Gong classes are a regular event at the Gardens.
Tropical Sun Lawn, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Hostplus Cup Round 1 – Mackay Cutters v PNG Hunters
Saturday, gates open 10:45am
Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as the Hostplus Cup squad clashes with the PNG Hunters! Junior squads take on the Northern Pride and the day wraps up with a battle between the Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts and local team, Souths Sharks. Bring the family and watch your favourite players out on the paddock of BB Print Stadium.
BB Print Stadium
Sacred Kirtan Meditation
Saturday, 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Come for an experience that will transport you to a world of inspiration, peace and joy, far beyond the stress and worries of life. This heart-warming group meditation combines chanting/singing of sacred mantras with musical instruments and sweet, cruising melodies to soothe the soul. The experience of Kirtan is meditative and beautifully immersive, the leader sings the mantra and everyone sings it back. This spiritual connection through song makes for a unique experience like no other. Chris and Anna have recently relocated to Mackay from Adelaide and have been sharing Kirtan meditation with the community for many years. They look forward to connecting with you through this wonderful meditation practice.
Unity Yoga Ayurveda
Shades of Women
Saturday, 6:00pm to 11:55pm
Shades of Women is an inaugural gala event and a first for Mackay. It signifies the commencement of a fundraising endeavour like no other in a quest to provide support for women and their children affected by Domestic Violence. This event provides 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. Money raised will be donated to Women’s Legal Services Queensland, who provide free legal and welfare help to Queensland women and their kids at risk from domestic violence.
Seabreeze Hotel
Beddy Rays
Saturday, 8:00pm
Since selling out their first headline tour and supporting Australian music legends Violent Soho in May, Beddy Rays have been biting their nails to get back on the road and bring their mosh-worthy, coastal-rock bangers to your hometowns of Sunny Queensland! Supported by French Press.
Seabreeze Hotel
Sunday 20 March
Photo Walkabout at the Botanic Gardens
Sunday, 9:00am to 11:00am
Do you love capturing interesting photos with your camera or smart phone? This month’s Photo Walkabout workshop is focussing on “What lies on the forest floor?”. Open to all photographers from beginners to advanced, it is a free activity for anyone to join. To book your spot, phone Kim on 4952 7321 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.
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
Didgeridoo Sound Healing
Sunday, 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Come and hear Rufus speak from real-life experiences and be immersed in sacred sounds of the Didgeridoo, crystal bowl, flute, vocals and medicine drum to reset your energy and find balance.
Glenella Community Hall
Bjorn Again – Mamma Mia! We Are Back Again Tour
Sunday, 7:30pm
iThe MECC Auditorium
Tuesday 22 March
BMA Kidspace
Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults.
Artspace Mackay
Wednesday 23 March
Mackay Farmers’ Market
Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am
The market is a showcase of our region’s amazting produce direct from the farmer.
Bluewater Quay
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
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
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
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.
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!
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
