Mackay’s Broken Ballerina is able to dance another day thanks to a generous grant from CommBank.

The local Mackay not-for-profit which supports victims of domestic violence was one of 200 community organisations set to receive a $10,000 donation from CommBank as part of the CommBank Staff Foundation’s Community Grants program.

The $10,000 grant will allow Broken Ballerina to continue offering this vital local service and assisting those who are re-starting their lives after getting out of an abusive relationship.

The multi-million-dollar pool is made up of regular contributions by CommBank staff which are matched by the bank, and this year’s program builds on CommBank’s 100+ year history of supporting the community.

Through its Staff Foundation, CommBank employees nominate the charities they’re most passionate about to receive funding.

Liz Geisler, Branch Manager at Commonwealth Bank in Caneland Shopping Centre said, “We’re incredibly thankful to these inspiring organisations that are creating a brighter future in communities across Australia.

“The CommBank Staff Foundation is proud to support them to continue the amazing work they are doing and driving positive change.”

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Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina celebrated a $10,000 donation from CommBank with Liz Geisler (Branch Manager) and her team from CommBank Caneland Branch

The 2022 Annual Area 14 Toastmasters Conference and Speech Contests were hosted by Calen Canefields Club and held at Calen District State College Library on Saturday November 12, 2022.

Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the speech contests with the theme of the conference being “Stepping Up”.

There were four speech contests: Table Topics and Evaluation that are not prepared speeches, and International and Humorous are 5-to-7-minute speeches.

Content is your own choice but must be original.

Lynne O’Neill won the Evaluation Speech Contest representing Eyeopener Club and the International Speech Contest representing Calen Canefields Club.

Bert Pulman representing Pioneer Club won the Table Topics Speech Contest and Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest representing Mackay Regional Council Club.

All speeches were closely contested and were of a high standard with varied content and were a delight and entertaining to listen to.

Trophies were presented to Lynne O’Neill representing Calen Canefields Club as winner of the International Speech Contest, Pioneer Toastmaster Club as the overall winner of points and Mackay Regional Council Club as winner of the travel trophy.

The winners from Area 14 will now compete at the Northern Division Conference which will be held in Mackay on April 1, 2023.

Contributed by Gary Minter

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Lynne O’Neill accepting the International Speech Contest Ken and Norma Stewart Trophy from Area Director Gary Minter

Second from the left Bert Pulman won the Table Topics Contest

Middle Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest

Members from Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the contests. Photos supplied

Mackay locals are set to unwrap a special Christmas celebration at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this year.

Christmas is only just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s acceptable to play Love Actually on repeat.

But this year, The MECC is offering a twist on the classic film, wrapped up into a must-see live experience.

On Saturday 3 December, The MECC will be home to “Christmas Actually”, a live concert experience delivering hits from the 2003 British Christmas-themed romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’.

Featuring an all-star cast led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, the performance includes smash hit songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a band of Australia’s top musicians and superstar vocalists.

“We’re so excited to bring a celebration of an iconic Christmas classic to Mackay,” said acting Manager of MECC and Events, Jemma Carey.

Described by Limelight Magazine as “a sure-fire hit that has kept audiences coming, and returning for years”, the show has high-energy performances that will fill your soul with warmth and Christmas cheer.

“We wanted to create a unique Christmas celebration for friends and work colleagues to wrap up the year,” Miss Carey said.

“Airlie Beach band, Flying Double Front Kick will provide the post show entertainment that will have you dancing the night away”, added Miss Carey.

Along with individual tickets, tables of four, eight and ten are available with the option to purchase catering selections during the show.

For a little extra fun, a Christmas package is available where patrons receive a glass of champagne and an array of festive food selections with their tickets.

What: Christmas Actually

When: Saturday 3 December 2022, 7pm

Where: MECC Plenary Halls Civic Precinct Alfred Street  

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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A dazzling premiere at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. Photo Credit John McRae

Local creatives are rejoicing after the official opening of a new gallery in Airlie Beach which hopes to become a home for the Whitsundays’ artists and their artworks.

The 3 Little Birds Espresso & Creative Hub conducted its first open weekend starting from Friday, November 4, and ending on Sunday, November 6, inviting the Whitsunday community in to view nine artists’ works across the mediums of paint and sculpture.

The local artists displaying their pieces included Brigette Peel, Courtenay Vivian, Angela Vivian, Agnes Durbet, Bernard Avantin, Pam Harrison, Leah Warren, and Nelida Avila.

Another of the artists, Joan Hunter of JHunter Creations, curated and opened the gallery alongside her two sisters as an extension of their business, 3 Little Birds Espresso, which is situated next door.

“When we opened up our café, we started meeting local artists who wanted a space to display their artwork,” Ms Hunter said.

“When we were given the opportunity to take over this space next door, we thought: This is how we can support the creatives in our local community.

“We want to be a voice of people at all levels of artistic capability.”

The official gallery opening on Friday was named ‘A Day With an Artist in Airlie Art Exhibition’ and introduced locals to the space and the artworks, as well as hosting live music by Whitsunday musician Lucy Sherrington.

“A Day With an Artist In Airlie is a concept we came up with thinking that, even if it’s not local, if they’re international, national, we can host them,” she said.

“It doesn’t need to be a visual art either, we have the space for sculptures and even movement; we’re limited only by our imagination.”

Ms Hunter said the gallery is “an organic space” where malleability is key, with it already being utilised to host Central Queensland University creative workshops.

“If we need to, we can adapt it; add false walls, chop and change it, host workshops” she said.

“It’s not a clinical environment, it’s a creative space where people’s creativity can flow.”

The 3 Little Birds Espresso and Creative Hub plan to continue hosting exhibitions, as well as Paint & Sip sessions, workshops, and more, including potential collaborations with Whitsunday Arts Festival.

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Locals turned out in droves for the official opening night of the 3 Little Birds Creative Hub in Airlie Beach, a new home for Whitsunday artists

Image: Hannah Hannon-Worthington

There’s an early Christmas present for the Whitsundays’ live music fans with Allday heading up the coast on a festive tour.

The Adelaide born hip-hop artist – a three time Top 10 Aria charter with over 80 million streams under his belt – is on the road, arriving in Airlie Beach at Magnums, November 24.

The young artist has a palette of influences he’s drawn from for inspiration: "I grew up listening to different kinds of Hip Hop from MF Doom and Wu Tang to Kanye and Drake,” Allday said.

“I am also influenced by folk, country & old rock. I think the goal of my music is to combine it all.”

Aussie audiences know him from his hits like ‘Girl in the Sun’, ‘You Always Know the DJ’, and countless covers alongside The Veronicas.

With a monster new single under his belt, ‘Runtrack’, Allday is heading across the country to bring all the hits from his acclaimed four albums to the stage, as well as some new stuff.

There'll be fresh new tunes to go along with the swag of platinum and gold record hits, the favourites from countless Triple J Hottest 100 appearances, and the sing-along monsters that have been shutting down huge festivals for years – like Groovin’ The Moo, Beyond The Valley, Falls Festival, Field Day and more.

Don't miss Allday live for his ‘Early Christmas Present Tour’ at the local venue in two weeks’ time.

WHAT: Allday Early Christmas Present Tour

WHEN: Thursday, November 24 from 8.00pm

WHERE: Magnums Airlie Beach

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Adelaide-born artist Allday will bring his acclaimed Oz hip-hop to Airlie Beach in a few weeks

This weekend marks the start of the seven-day Schoolies celebration, with hundreds of students from around the country inundating the local holiday town of Airlie Beach to mark the moment their formal education finishes and life as young adults begins.

Last year 1500 school leavers chose to celebrate Schoolies in Airlie Beach and organiser Margie Murphy said that this years’ event will be another opportunity for a brand-new cohort to enjoy festival vibes, local tours, and nightly parties.

Located in Fairy Tree Park, the main festivities will begin at 8pm each evening and finish at 12am.

Popular local DJs such as Isaiah and Karma will be performing, and they will be joined by special guests DJ B and Nina Sinclair.

For the first time, there will also be a Schoolies DJ competition where attendees from around the state will battle it out on the main stage.

Each evening will also have a theme: Saturday is ‘Back to School’, Sunday ‘Tight & Bright’, Monday there will be a Pink Party, Tuesday is ‘Tropical’, Wednesday ‘Festival Fits’, Thursday night is a ‘Neon Disco’, and Friday features a classic ‘White Party’.

A special bus service will be running nightly from in front of the Heart Hotel between 10pm and 1am to get Schoolies safely to their accommodation.

The event is supported by the Queensland Government Safer Schoolies Program, Whitsunday Regional Council, Queensland Police Service, and Queensland Ambulance Service.

On ground support is given by the kind volunteers at Red Frogs and WYAM (Whitsunday Youth with a Mission).

This is strictly open to Year 12 students, with school ID required upon entry.

A fully fenced perimeter will ensure ticketed entries only and it is an alcohol-free event.

“Last year we had such a great bunch of kids come and enjoy the event who were really well behaved,” said Margie Murphy.

“These are Airlie’s future tourists, so making them feel welcome and safe benefits everyone in the long run as they are sure to keep returning”

WHAT: Schoolies Week

WHEN: Saturday, November 19 to Friday, November 25

WHERE: Fairy Tree Park

TICKETS: airlieevents.com.au or at the gate

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Last year 1500 youngsters attended Schoolies in Airlie Beach

Crowds at The Pub are going to be singing loud and proud: “I Need You Tonight”, when Dellacoma Rio and five enigmatic, energetic, and effervescent musicians take on the role of one of Australia’s biggest bands.

The Australian INXS Show is ‘What You Need’, and it’s making its way to The Airlie Beach Hotel, not just once, but three times, beginning with their performance on Saturday, November 26.

The country’s number one touring INXS tribute band are bringing their Oz music-inspired magic to locals’ favourite local alongside The Down Under Show where they’ll run the gamut of Australian Classic Anthems.

‘Listen Like Thieves’ as playboy Dellacoma Rio celebrates and honours both the memory of Michael Hutchence and his exceptional band by bringing back to life the halcyon days of INXS, all the way from their self-titled debut to Elegantly Wasted – it will bring you to ‘Bitter Tears’.

The Australian INXS Show is Australia’s definitive tribute to the Sydney-side band, faithfully reproducing their live spectacle, their sound, and their feeling.

There’s a reason these boys have sold out venues worldwide with incredible high energy live shows, including headline concerts in Dubai, India, China, and New Zealand, and exclusive headline theatre shows on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Although it’s almost impossible to capture the essence of the late Michael Hutchence, Dellacoma Rio – an experienced, explosive lead vocalist with a relentless work ethic – comes as close as you can get.

He’s shared the microphone across the globe with a slew of major acts like Def Leppard and Skid Row, as well as graced main stages at major festivals. He brings the natural charisma of Michael Hutchinson to the stage in a performance that needs to be seen to be believed.

Dellacomo is backed by Rob Moody, a 21-year guitar veteran of the Melbourne gig scene; Tim Phillips, a bass guitar legend of the Victorian capital; the consummate professional drummer Noel Tenny; and Tim Saxon, another Melbourne muso-alumni.

Since 2012, when INXS closed the book on their storied career as a band, thanked their fans, and paid tribute to their fallen front man Michael Hutchence, there have been few that have encapsulated the spirit of one of Australia’s biggest acts.

With The Australian INXS Show, audiences can come within touching distance of the band that entertained the world for 35 years and who sold over 30 million albums.

Don’t miss your chance to see them live and loud at The Pub in late November, on Australia Day, and back again for a third outing on January 28.

WHAT: The Australian INXS Show, Australia Day Two Up INXS & Aussie Crawl, and INXS Revived

WHEN: 2.30pm to 5.00pm on Saturday, November 26, Saturday, January 28, and from 3.00pm on Thursday, January 26.

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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Never Tear Us Apart! The Australian INXS Show is heading to The Airlie Beach Hotel in November

For the first of three shows within three months, the Dellacoma Rio led, six-piece band will take to the bar-top stage

Don’t miss them in a few weeks’ time, as well as live and loud for Australia Day

Last week, a former Federal Member of Parliament and now Whitsunday resident announced the release of his seventh crime novel.

Richard Evans launched his new thriller, ‘The Mallee’, which focuses on the issues surrounding water in a fictional world close to our own. Political power and criminal leverage are used to achieve economic and social goals while following a female politician fighting for her community.

“Through The Mallee I aim to keep alive the critical issue of water rights in public debate, as well as exposing the political dark arts, the ruthless nature of the politics we never see,” Richard Evans said.

“The Mallee, and my other books, are a form of creative advocacy on contemporary issues. I use political fiction to pose different perspectives on issues important to the community.”

Evans’s novel highlights the socio-economic challenges of water allocation, the impact and responsibility of water rights’ license holders, and the role of politics and politicians in addressing these and other community issues.    

The once Federal Member of Parliament during the 1990s Keating-Howard era, Evans said he brings “authentic insider knowledge to his writing.” and an “understanding of how the political system operates beyond the headlines.”

The novel is part of his ‘Referendum Series’, where each title explores modern issues “confounding the Australian public which are sent to referendum to amend the Australian Constitution.”

Evans’ books have explored parliamentary integrity, equity and inclusion, Aboriginal sovereignty, euthanasia, capital punishment, and the manipulation of election campaigns.  

It is the first novel Evans has published since becoming a Whitsunday resident in September of this year.

In the future Evans has plans to complete a novel set in the region.

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Author Richard Evans, a new Whitsunday resident and once Federal Member of Parliament, released his seventh crime novel in November

Anthony Fabian’s Mrs Harris Goes To Paris – based on Paul Gallico’s beloved 1958 novel – is a saccharine story in the best of senses. As maudlin (and occasionally pernicious) as it may be at times – especially in its assertions of capitalism’s ability to provide the poorer classes with happiness - audiences can’t help being drawn in on the whimsical journey.

In 1950’s London, Mrs Harris (played with exceptional facility and lovability by Lesley Manville), a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress. After working to raise the funds to pursue her consumerist dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will “change not only her own outlook -- but the very future of the House of Dior.”

Fairy-tale escapism is the order of the day in the adapted film – which has potential sequel opportunity, considering its origins as part one of a four book series of the titular Ada Harris’s adventures. And there’s a chance for it: Lesley Mansville gives a luminous performance, one which audiences can’t help but smile at. In the hands of a lesser actor, the script could easily become sentimental drivel. But instead, Manville has us cheering along for her blue-collar performance, letting us in on how small dreams can sometimes mean an entire world.

A few unfortunate events are led by the frosty Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert), who acts as a gatekeeper of taste who does her best to keep Mrs Harris at arm’s length from the posh upper crust.

Manville’s Cockney, chirpy cliché mounts challenge after challenge, undeterred by anything in her wake in this sugary film that is just what the doctor prescribes in a world of hardships.

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris is showing now at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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Lesley Manville is a delight in Mrs Harris Goes To Paris

Returning to the MECC for 2022, LOOSE ENDS will be an eclectic evening of art, music and performances by local artists and performers.

The performance is set to be a quirky night of entertainment, giveaways, fundraising, socialising and more as Crossroad Arts aim to heighten awareness for the International Day of People with Disability.

Crossroad Arts has initiated LOOSE ENDS to address the gap for young people with disability to go out in the CBD and know that the venue and facilities are accessible, and the attitudes of staff and clientele is open and inclusive.

Acts include Billy Dyer, Maddison Hunt, Groove Movers, With One Voice, Choir of Unheard Voices, Strictly Wheelchair dance group, Sacha Davis and Crossroad Arts Crew and more!

Crossroad Arts’ Artistic Director Alison Richardson says, “We are really excited to have such an array of acts on the evening in a fully accessible venue.

“We’re keen to address the need for an inclusive social performance evening for everyone, so I encourage people to come along, have a drink, meet a new friend and enjoy some entertainment!

“This is also one of our fundraisers for the year so we are keen to see people come out in support of what we’re trying to achieve here at Crossroad Arts - visibility and recognition for the talent we have in the region."

LOOSE ENDS is an Auslan interpreted event and the venue is accessible (toilet and level access) and is an official event of International Day for People with Disability.

WHEN: Friday November 25, 2022 7pm- 9:30pm

WHERE: North Foyer, The MECC Alfred St Mackay

TICKETS: $15 - $25 Bookings essential: (07) 4961 9777 or online via themecc.com.au

Companion cards accepted

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Friday 11 November

Estate Planning for Older People

Friday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Free seminar for your financial future delivered by Services Australia.

Gordon White Library

Ananse Stories Performance

Friday, 3:45pm to 4:45pm, Gordon White Library

Saturday, 10am to 11am, Dudley Denny City Library

Sam Derchie uses an engaging blend of storytelling, song and drumming to introduce children to Ananse, a spider from the folklore of the Ashantie people of Ghana in West Africa. His stories, with their messages of co-operation, empathy and the joy of learning, are interspersed with music, drumming and song and provide numerous opportunities for children to get hands on and participate.

With his colourful Ghanaian clothing, his many African percussion instruments and his years of performance experience, Sam holds his audience from beginning to end, leaving children with a lasting impression of his African culture. For children aged five to 12 years.

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Infamous

Opening Friday, November 11 running until Sunday, November 27, 7:30pm

A combination of sexy circus acts, raunchy dancing and cheeky comedy will have you crying with laughter. Infamous is an 18+ event encompassing delicious treats and snacks, VIP table service with a choice of alcoholic beverages for a never-seen-before circus cabaret vibe. At every Infamous show you can be assured of an intimate and unique setting when you arrive under the Spiegel Big Top. For all those who are over 18, this is a fresh and new offering to sit back to and enjoy the Infamous story, the costumes, the outrageous performances by a bevy of stunning superstars.

Mackay Showgrounds

Saturday 12 November

Jules Thompson book launch of ‘Broken Ballerina’

Saturday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Come and see Jules at Mount Pleasant Centre on centre stage and purchase a signed copy of her autobiography ’Broken Ballerina’. A percentage of the sales will go to Broken Ballerina Inc.

Mount Pleasant Centre

De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

Saturday, 11:00am

Enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great BBQ Food and drinking your choice of over 50 Australian and International Beers!

Harrup Park

Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence presents Showcase Gala 2022

Saturday, 4:00pm

Showcasing the very talented and diverse students from Twinkle Stars through to the elite Senior Students.  This show is sure to entertain with performances in all genres of Dance/Acro/Drama and Musical Theatre.

MECC

Sunday 13 November

Mackay Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market

Sunday, 8:30am

Over 50 Local businesses on display with all thing’s babies and kids, as well as mum to be and new mum products. The morning is set to be amazing, with lucky door prizes handed out throughout the market, jumping castles, face painting, free bounty bags. Don't forget you can get your coffee fresh and hot at the event to have while you’re shopping. Come join our amazing market morning to see all the amazing local small businesses under the one roof.

Mackay Showgrounds

Sour Sunday at Red Dog Brewery

Sunday, 1:00pm to 6:00pm

For the sour lovers - this one's for you. Ballistic Whitsundays will be joining Red Dog Brewery and celebrating all things Sours. The Ballistic beer trailer will have classics and some limiteds: Water Me Lawn, Twang Guava and Passionfruit, Twang Blackberry and Berliner Weisse.

Red Dog Brewery

Sunday Live Music – BarbsWired

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

Choir rehearsals: Christmas at St Paul’s

Sundays 4pm for four weeks

A four-week rehearsal schedule for the choir for Christmas at St Paul’s starts today at 4pm at the church. Have fun, make friends, and help lead worship at Christmas time in the beautiful acoustics of St Paul’s Uniting Church. It doesn’t matter if your voice is a bit squeaky, just turn up and sing!

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street

Paul Hayman presents Cloudland the Musical

Sunday, 6:00pm

Cloudland the Musical tells the story of a culturally significant venue on top of Bowen Hills overlooking Brisbane that played an integral part of the most defining decades of popular music. Its overnight demolition in 1982 stunned not just the locals but people from all corners of the globe who had attended the venue during its lifetime. The story is filled with drama and controversy and comprises of a blend of original compositions and works from iconic artists that played at the venue including The Bee Gees, Buddy Holly, The Angels, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cold Chisel, Johnny O’Keefe, Midnight Oil, Australian Crawl, Normie Rowe, Mental as Anything, Bill Haley, Split Enz and more. Cloudland was no ordinary venue.

MECC

Tuesday 15 November

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. Drop-in anytime between 10am and 2pm (live children's music from 11.30am to 12.15pm). 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. Proudly presented by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance.

Artspace Mackay

Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo. Every Tuesday join us in the Bar from 7pm where you can show off your musical knowledge in Musical Bingo. Prizes will be on offer for our winners each and every week so make sure you’re on the ball as we drop the beats! Oh, and entry is FREE! Registration opens from 6pm, with all the action kicking off from 7pm. So music buff or not, make sure you clear your schedule each Tuesday evening for Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 16 November

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

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Immerse yourself in one of the most unique productions touring the world.

Celtic Illusion, the Irish dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm and will tour nationwide in 2023.

Even fans who have seen our previous shows won’t dare miss The Magic Returns tour that is set to raise the bar once again. This exhilarating production has broken barriers by fusing unparalleled art forms and is more spectacular than ever before.

A breathtaking array of experiences, fusing Irish Dance, Magic and influential flavours of Fosse, Michael Jackson, with a Broadway style. Celtic Illusion is a show like no other.

The Reimagined tour features new spellbinding illusions and choreography, alongside a musical score that will either make you cry or send shivers down your spine.

Starring the multi-talented former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and Star Illusionist Anthony Street, with Georgia May, a marvel in both dance and Illusion. These impeccable performers lead a cast of champion dancers recruited from renowned productions across the world, such as Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, into a theatrical masterpiece that will have you mesmerised from the moment the curtain is raised.

Celtic Illusion will surpass your expectations and leave you wanting more.

Don’t hesitate, and book now to know the hype of one of the largest and most unique Dance and Illusion shows in the world.

Secure your seats today and experience an evening you will never forget!

What: Celtic Illusion – The Magic Returns

Where: The MECC

When: 20 April, 2023

Tickets: Available from the MECC, starting from $69.90

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Harrup Park is heating up the barbecues.

After a huge turnout in 2021, the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival is back again in 2022 this Saturday November 12 from 12pm.

It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great food and drinking your choice from more than 50 Australian and international beers on offer.

In 2021, the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival worked with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance to bring an official round of the Australian Barbecue Championships to Mackay.

The competition was named ‘The BBQ Battle’ and saw 20 teams travel to Mackay to compete in the lucrative Barbecue Championship Round with $9,500 in prize money.

This year, they’re doing it again, looking to bring back all the big names.

Watch local legends battle it out to win Mackay’s Best Beard and Mullet Competitions.

Entry is free to anyone on the day and there is still plenty of time left to grow a winning mullet or beard.  

It wouldn’t be the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival without the famous Chilli Eating Contest.

Can you handle the heat?

Applications can be found at Harrup Park’s website.  

The event will feature live entertainment from Kyle LIONHART, French Press, The Wild Sky and more throughout the day.

Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young said he’s extremely excited to have the event back in 2022.

“It was a great experience to have a sanctioned ABA event in Mackay with teams traveling across Queensland to compete on our grounds,” he said.

“This year we’re also making an effort to get more independent breweries on board to help showcase their beers.”

WHAT: The De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

WHERE: Harrup Park Country Club

WHEN: Saturday, November 12 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm

TICKETS: www.mackaybbqandbeerfestival.com.au

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Please, take a seat.

A beautiful young couple, I must say. Quite exquisite. Our pleasure to feed you. Shall we start with a drink? I always recommend the Chianti, the house. Excellent vintage and pairs favourably with the hors d’ouevres; simply makes your mouth water, thinking of it.

Though, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the mains – they always are. The steak is to die for; it melts in your mouth; the marrow accoutrement, too. A prime grade. But, we do things somewhat differently here at Hawthorne Island, so I implore: listen closely to ‘The Menu’.

What has happened to high-end dining? Often, there’s nothing even close to an actual meal served. And that’s the question posited throughout director Mark Mylod’s ‘The Menu’, a black comedy thriller following a couple as they travel to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish course of meals, with some “shocking surprises.”

And you might be thinking: Ah, it’s about food, I get it. A bit of a ‘Most Dangerous Game’ situation, huh? We are actually the meals and all that. I see you, surprises. I know what you are – but no, you really don’t. The Menu sounds like a standard fair where self-inflated rich people get their comeuppance in a horrible, twisted way, and you’re partially right, but it’s not just that. There are several courses to writers Seth Reiss and Will Tracy’s film.

Unlike the meals served up by Ralph Fiennes – who is at his absolute Fienn-est (couldn’t help it) – as Chef Slowik, The Menu has actual substance. Driven by a constant satirising of the unbridled emptiness of fine dining, which has become more about status for decadent aristocrats than it has about actually feeling full, The Menu is a biting film that never disappoints.

You might even come back for seconds.

‘The Menu’ (R) is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Friday, November 25.

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Ralph Fiennes is brilliant in ‘The Menu’, a dark thriller that takes aim at the vapidity of upper echelon foodie culture

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music brought thousands of people together for one wild weekend of live tunes and awesome beats, from its central main-stage tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club right through to the 16 venues spread right across the town.

A highlight of this years’ event was the nationally acclaimed Passport to Airlie Competition which saw eight talented representatives from all around Australia compete for the chance to win a spot in next year’s main-stage line-up.

The competition received hundreds of entrants and heats were carried out in Darwin, Mackay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Cairns – whittling the finalists down to one representative from each region.

The grand final took place last Thursday night and Perry Street Park from Brisbane were announced the overall winners.

The Neo, Abi Muir, Weathered, Karly Jewell, Dande & The Lion, Sunday Lemonade & Owls of Neptune also made the finals.

Perry Street Park said they were stoked to win.

“The talent pool was so deep this year, so we feel absolutely honoured," they said.

"For an up-and-coming band to be a part of a festival this size is a huge opportunity to get exposure and build the chops for a career in the industry, and now to be crowned the winners and come back again next year is incredible," added front-man Benny.

The evening saw a huge crowd come to support the artists and the night was topped-off with a stunning acoustic performance by Passport to Airlie competition judge Sarah McLeod from The Superjesus.

“A chance to be heard in a professional environment and to receive advice from established artists - I would’ve jumped at this opportunity when I was young. Feedback from industry professionals goes a long way,” said Sarah.

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Brisbane band, Perry Street Park win Passport to Airlie competition