James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water was, amongst what became a turning tide of popular opinion over the past 13 years, an unwelcome sequel. Audiences would certainly have eaten up a return to Pandora in, maybe, 2011. But after more than a decade, they weren’t begging for a new Avatar - but JC still thought he should deliver.

Has he delivered, though? Maybe. Certainly, he has in a few personal parameters.

What I mean to say is, the indisputable thing with this universe that Cameron has collated is that it’s a passion project where he’s aspiring to perfection not for audiences but for himself. For Cameron, his aspirations for cinema can be expressed in few key metrics: Is it visually stunning, is it pushing the technological envelope, is it splendiferous and winsome, awe-inspiring, and beautiful?

He believes that a simple, solid story surrounded by an exceptional shell of visual acuity and worldbuilding can still create something special. James Cameron is a master of ‘Movie Magic’ – the true blockbuster experience - where the audience’s jaw is plastered to the floor, and they’re saying to themselves: “I don’t know how he did that.” Therein lies the achievement behind his return to the Avatar universe – he has created something breathtaking and immensely enjoyable because of it. There is a beating heart to this world, like our own.

Avatar: Way of Water sees Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) return alongside Ney'tiri (Zoe Saldana), the pair having formed a family, trying to do everything they can to stay together by even moving across Pandora’s regions to a new aquatic land. We have the standard faire of action, but there’s also Avatar’s often heavy-handed message to protect our own natural world – one that Whitsunday audiences will be attuned to in its salience; The Great Barrier Reef may just be an excellent allegory for our own Way of Water.

Avatar: Way of Water arrives at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema today.

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Avatar 2 is a cinematic achievement in its pure spectacle, and may very well capture the hearts of audiences worldwide

Friday 9 December

Christmas Wrapping

9:00am to 4:00pm daily

SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be Christmas Wrapping at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight starting November 26 until Christmas Eve daily 9am to 4pm. Gold coin plus extra for over-sized gifts. All proceeds go to local charities including Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop (Australian Street Aid Project) and Mackay Animal Rescue Society.

Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight

Gift Wrapping For A Great Cause

From December 8 to 24

Get your Christmas gift wrapping sorted and help make a difference through a small donation to the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Our gift-wrapping elves will be located in front of the food court travelators, helping to make Christmas that little bit easier for all. Bookings not required.

Mount Pleasant Centre

Saturday 10 December

Garlands from the Garden

Saturday, December 10 to Friday, December 23

Bring your friends and family to Artspace Mackay during the December school holidays and learn to use different kinds of leaves to make beautiful, natural garlands for a wonderful sustainable Christmas! You can say no to plastic decorations this year - simply snip, fold, stitch and tie mango, eucalypt and coconut leaves together to create special handmade garlands to decorate your room. The possibilities are endless! This is a drop-in style activity with instructions and signage to guide you, parental supervision for children is essential. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, no bookings necessary. Artspace Mackay opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm (closed Mondays).

Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay

Fame Talent School presents ROYAL

Saturday, 11:00am

FAME Talent School presents its 2022 production of ‘Royal’. Starring Fame Talent School’s homegrown dancers, singers and actors, this production will have you tapping your toes, singing along and planning a trip to London.

MECC Auditorium

Highway No 1 Country Music Associations Christmas Breakup

Saturday, 6:00pm

Phone or text Betty 0434911712 as soon as possible if you will be attending. You do not need to be a Club Member to attend. Music will be supplied by the resident band and club members. Christmas Raffle will be drawn during the evening. There will also be a ½ ham raffle during the evening. Admission is free. We welcome you to join us for our last Country Music night for 2022.  

Metropolitan Hotel

Sunday 11 December

Mackay Country and Western Family Associations Christmas Breakup

Sunday, 10:00am

Please phone the President: - Charlie 0408 776 564 and let him know if you can attend as soon as possible for catering purposes. Everyone welcome.

Senior Citizens Hall

Sunday Live Music – Jax Morton

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

Santa Paws Pet Photos

Sunday, 2:30pm and 5:30pm

Everyone gets their time with Santa this season, including our furry friends! Your pet will get the su-paw-star treatment having their pic taken with Santa, making precious family memories for years to come. Bookings essential. To secure your spot, head to: https://mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/.

Mount Pleasant Centre

Monday 12 December

Tibbles Word Search

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Tibbles the friendly garden gnome is adventuring through the Tropical Shade Garden during the holidays. Find all the hidden gnomes to discover the secret code. Suitable for kids aged five to 12 years. Additional self-guided activity resources can be found online: mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Tropical Shade Garden

Tuesday 13 December

Nature Crafts

Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00am to 10:00am

Create holiday-themed crafts, perfect for gifts or ornaments. Open to all ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Holiday Card Creation

Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30am to 3:00pm

Add a personal touch to gift giving this year with a handmade holiday card. Decorate a native fauna themed card and write a kind message inside. Open to all ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Christmas Wreath and Flower Workshops

Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00am and 2:00pm daily

For little and big kids alike, these Christmas craft workshops will be a real treat. Thanks to Flowers from Lisa’s, join us to create your very own Christmas wreath or table arrangement to take home and leave everyone in awe. Tickets $30 per person. Children and adults both welcome. Bookings essential. To secure your spot, head to: https://mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/

Mount Pleasant Centre

Wednesday 14 December

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

Cookie Decorating Workshops

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm

The only thing sweeter than being on the nice list, is a ticket to our Christmas cookie decorating workshops! This is a chance to get creative with your festive decorating skills, and create a delicious treat to take home (or eat on the spot!) - thanks to Muffin Break.

Tickets $5 per child. Bookings essential: https://mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/.

Mount Pleasant Centre

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

Thursday 15 December

Pot Plant Decorating

Thursday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Decorate a small pot and take home a plant from the Mackay Natural Environment Centre. Bookings required and spaces limited, phone 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

Bedtime Stories

Thursday, 5:00pm to 6:00pm

A fun evening for children from birth to eight years of age and their families. This session features nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas!

Gordon White Library and Dudley Denny City Library

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Caption1: Christmas Wrapping

Caption2: Garlands from the Garden

Caption3: Fame Talent School presents ROYAL

Caption4: Nature Crafts

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Image 1: The Mackay & District Pipe Band at the unveiling of of the plaque at Jubilee Park on Remembrance Day 2018

Image 2: Marching along River Street in 1987. Photos supplied

The Mackay & District Pipe Band are one community organisation keeping Mackay’s Scottish heritage alive and are sharing their history in a new book being launched this weekend.

The band are hosting the St Andrews Scottish Music Concert on Saturday, December 10, inviting aged care homes and members of the community to an afternoon of Scottish music.

The book “A Caledonian Heritage: The History of Mackay & District Pipe Band” will be launched at the concert, recounting the band’s 96-year history.

The Mackay Caledonian Association was formed shortly after the township of Mackay was established as a municipality in 1839.

In 1911, it was suggested that the Association form a pipe band, with the Daily Mercury reporting of a concert being held on Wednesday, June 14 of that year.

The Mackay & District Pipe Band was formed as an independent pipe band in 1926.

The band has marched in every Mackay ANZAC Day since 1928 and played at other historical events including the opening of Mackay Harbour in 1939 and the opening of the Forgan Bridge in 2011.

These days, the community band performs at weddings, birthdays and funerals as well as large annual events including ANZAC Day, the Robbie Burns Supper, Bluewater Fling and St Andrews Scottish Music Concert.

“Generally, everything’s followed by a ceilidh, which is a Gaelic word for party,” said band member Bryan Dobbie.

Mr Dobbie has been a member of the band for five years, with his children also getting involved.

“It’s in my blood, I guess,” he said.

“My dad’s played pipes since he was 12 and I didn’t start to learn until I was 40.

“It’s a family thing for us and we enjoy it.”

The band were able to compile the book telling the band’s history with the assistance of the Mackay Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund and local editor Paul Vander Loos.

“There’s a lot of people there, a lot of connections to this region from 100 years of it, generations of it,” said Mr Dobbie.

The band meets and rehearses every Thursday at St Paul’s Uniting Church and welcomes new members of all ages.

Tuition is free and there are pipes and drums available to be borrowed.

The band will be joined by 3RAR Army Band, Kathleen Campbell and Piping MaD this weekend at the St Andrews Scottish Music Concert which will be followed by a ceilidh at Goosies.

WHAT: St Andrews Scottish Music Concert

WHERE: Mackay Christian College Powerhouse Hall on Ambrose Way

WHEN: Saturday, December 10 from 1:30pm

TICKETS: $5 donation

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Image 1: Graduating class of Prep-Ready Kids 2022. BACK ROW L-R Victoria Park State School representatives Kristi Elworthy, Riley Cousen, Katusha Lee, Logan Beale, Courtney Edwards. FRONT ROW L-R Led Francis Contreras, Precious Anderson, Jacob Mateo, Fatima Lopez, Gabriel Zarate, Patrick Buchanan, Isaac Soriano, Aviitausili Howman, Ela Maglente (Program Coordinator)

Image 2: A separate celebration was held for Andra Novri (son) and Indriani Indriani (mum). Photos supplied

Excited Prep-Ready Kids and their families celebrated their graduation last Monday, November 28, having completed the Prep-Ready Kids Program delivered by The Neighbourhood Hub.

Prep-Ready Kids Program is for children aged 3.5 to 5 years old and aims to prepare them for primary school. It allows children to learn some of the basic skills they will build on as they enter primary school including numbers, letters, listening, comprehension, cooperation, socialising, experiments, physical literacy, excursions and more.

Celebrations on the day included a visit from Santa, celebratory games, and watching a photo compilation of the group’s achievements over the year.

Special guest, Kristi Elworthy, Head of Department for Curriculum from Victoria Park State School, gave an inspiring message to the graduating children and their families.

The graduating children received their framed certificates and medals from student representatives from Victoria Park State School.

Ela Maglente, Program Coordinator has worked with the children throughout 2022 and says the group took a completely different approach in the program this year.

“We focused on increasing the children’s independence and focusing more on activities that do not require direct parental engagement,” she said.

“We decided to run the sessions as if they were happening in the Prep classrooms at school.

“The children have excelled in the new setup.

“This new setup also allowed us an opportunity to provide activities which focused on parents such as fitness sessions, information sessions, workshops, and other activities which the parents thoroughly enjoyed and, in the process, found friendship and connections with one another.

Ms Maglente said the end of the year event is a special one that families look forward to.

“This year is a celebration of the children and parents’ hard work and resilience during this unprecedented time,” she said.

“It was wonderful to see the families come together and celebrate what has been a challenging yet fruitful year for the multicultural families.”

The Prep-Ready Kids Program is taking expressions of interest for their class of 2023 and the Neighbourhood Hub encourages anyone who is interested – either of Australian or multicultural background – to email elam@tnhub.org.au.

Prep-Ready Kids is delivered at 43 Shakespeare St, East Mackay every Monday (school term only) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

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Image: Mackay educators were welcomed to the MECC with a catered high tea, goodie bags and an exclusive backstage pass. Photo: Supplied

Last Wednesday, the MECC invited more than 50 educators for a sneak preview of the performances in the 2023 lineup.

The annual MECC Educators Launch is an opportunity to assist local primary and secondary school teachers with lesson and excursion planning for the year ahead. The launch also informs educators of funding opportunities to help cover the costs of transport to the theatre, particularly for rural and remote schools.

Acting Manager MECC and Events, Jemma Carey said the Launch gives the opportunity to recognise the impact teachers have on a thriving arts community.

“Students develop a love and appreciation of performing arts early in life, they really are our audiences of the future” she said.

“We are so thankful for the support from our local schools, and of course our major sponsors BMA and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT).” she continued.

“This is our way to recognise their contribution towards the performing arts sector.”

Speaking on the day was Mackay-born singer and songwriter, Karen Jacobsen with an exciting announcement regarding a collaboration between herself, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the MECC. Together, they will present the Australian premiere of ‘Misogyny Opus’ – an inspiring retelling of the famous misogyny speech by former female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.

The MECC also showcased other select performances for the 2023 season, providing those in attendance an exclusive first look at what’s to come. Comprising of an array of genres, performances are chosen not only for their appeal, but for their ability to provide capital city experiences to regional areas such as Mackay.

Opera Australia and Queensland Ballet are returning to the MECC stage in 2023 with world-class stage performances, and kids favourites Possum Magic and Wind in the Willows are sure to enrich young minds.

All 2023 MECC season performances will be on sale in early December.

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Image: Bernard Fanning is bringing his sincerely Queensland songs to Mackay for Legends on the Lawn

He fronted the band that soundtracked a state and now Bernard Fanning is bringing his solo show to Mackay as part of next year’s Legends On The Lawn. The festival in Mackay caps off a tour of massive shows for Bernard and company and is the biggest tour the Brisbane icon will embark on since his Powderfinger days. Mackay Life journalist Sam Gillespie had a chat with Bernard about the scene that started it all, the movement it incited and what Mackay can expect next May.

Powderfinger are one of the first bands that come to mind when you think of Brisbane bands, what was Brisbane’s music scene like when you started playing music and first joined Powderfinger?

I think there’d always been a pretty strong scene in Brisbane but in the time when Powderfinger had started to come up, it really emerged a lot more quickly in the ‘90s than it had before. Prior to that, a lot of people left and went to Sydney or Melbourne or London or wherever else which was kind of a product of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen era government and what Queensland was like, how conservative it was and how closed it was to the arts and creativity and whatnot. I went to university the year that changed, I was in first year of uni in the late ‘80s, and the nature of how people thought in Brisbane was a bit different starting with my generation of bands and the idea that you didn’t need to leave, you could stay here and be part of something in Brisbane and then branch out elsewhere was new. It was an amazingly vibrant scene and very varied in terms of styling and the different types of bands that there were around. Powderfinger was a pretty traditional rock band but there was lots of other bands that were playing ska and metal and fusion and later hip hop and rap and dance music, so it all unfolded pretty quickly in the ‘90s.

What venues did you used to play in the early days?

We played at a place called the Orient Hotel, which is still there, actually, and lots of smaller places. The Zoo came along in the ‘90s which is about to have its 30th birthday and Dooleys, at the time, and later places like Metropolis, the Roxy and the Site, as bands got bigger. In the early days, there was lots of little pub-style venues that we used to do gigs at. We used to play at a biker club in the Valley called Club AC’s, when we first started out. We’d play Thursday to Sunday night from midnight 'til 4:00am. It was a pretty different time then but it was good for us as a band, it helped us to work out what we were doing, we got lots of practice.

I’ve noticed a wave of Queensland spirit over the last five years that involved XXXX Gold, the Maroons, the Brisbane River and also Powderfinger, did you notice that and what was that like from your perspective?

What was it? Euphoric Queensland Memes was where it started, right? It’s hilarious. It’s really funny. I think those guys tapped into something that was probably always there, but it was always taken too seriously, whereas those guys took the piss out of it and it made it much more fun. Then there were bands who were right in the middle of their big rise like Violent Soho and bands like that that tapped into it, wearing Broncos shorts on stage and all that kind of stuff as well which is awesome. It was great because Queensland and Brisbane had always been patronised for that stuff by, what will we say, the ‘southerners’, and that was just taking it right back to them. What I was saying before about not leaving Brisbane as a band, that was part of the beginning of that sentiment, just saying, ‘We grew up here, this place is actually awesome, so why would we leave?’ We’d been to Sydney and Melbourne plenty of times and we were like, ‘Why would you want to live here? This place sucks.’ I loved all of that Euphoric Queensland Memes stuff and obviously Betoota (Advocate) has exploded into something else. It’s been a phenomenon all of its own.

While your voice is quite iconic, your Powderfinger material and your solo material are quite different sonically – do you enter a different headspace or draw on different inspirations when adjusting to different projects?

Yeah, for sure. Powderfinger leaned more towards being a songwriting collective, so even if one of us came in with a song, it would be worked on by everybody and everyone had little bits of input whereas when I do my own stuff it’s really just me bossing everyone else around telling them what to do. So there’s that limitation, that it’s one set of ideas as opposed to four or five. Part of the reason that I wanted to make my own records was because I wanted to do other things, I wanted to make music that was a little bit gentler than what Powderfinger had been doing. I’d always written songs on acoustic guitar and pianos anyway, so that was just and extension of that really.

How excited are you for this massive tour finishing in Mackay for Legends on the Lawn?

Yeah, it’s massive, isn’t it? I’m really excited. The closer it gets, the more anxious I’ll probably become about the amount of shows there are and how much travel there is but it’s just so great to be able to go back on the road and do a really extensive tour. I haven’t done a tour like this since Powderfinger was around so it’s going to be great. And we’re going everywhere or within driving distance of almost everywhere, so it’s going to be really fun. I’ve never done a tour like this where none of the big six cities are on the itinerary so it’s going to be pretty different. The line-up’s phenomenal. It’s a pretty “iconic” line-up I guess you would say, having Paul (Kelly) at the top of it, especially. It’s really exciting, I’m really pumped about it.

And what can the Mackay crowd expect from your Legends on the Lawn set?

A bit of everything. A little bit of older material, some more recent stuff, possibly a new song or two. We won’t finalise exactly what we’re doing yet, we’ve got some rehearsals to do in January but we’ve got a fair idea. People can generally expect to hear what they’d like to hear. Not a huge amount of surprises but there’ll be some. A big part of that is trying to put on a show. After people have seen songwriters of that quality all day, you have to do something special to make it good.

WHAT: Legends On The Lawn 2023

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 2023

TICKETS: On sale now via Ticketmaster

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The jolly man in red was popular indeed at last weekend’s Breakfast with Santa, held by Mount Pleasant Centre.

Up until Christmas Eve, the centre is set to host a series of events and activities that give back to the local community, making the holiday season that little bit merrier for all.

The Centre welcomed Santa last Saturday when he touched down from the North Pole for the special breakfast event. There was also a festive performance from Dance Express Mackay, and face painting to delight kids of all ages.

Proceeds will be donated to the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

Mount Pleasant Centre’s Centre Manager, Cathy Sullivan, said, “We know it’s been a tough year for so many, so it was important for us to give back this Christmas.

“We’re excited to be able to offer some free Santa photos to bring some extra joy to families, and our Santa’s Breakfast and charity gift wrapping will assist with raising much-needed funds for the Mackay Hospital Foundation – a critical resource for so many in our local community.

“Naughty, nice, or a work-in-progress – everybody is welcome to join in the festivities at Mount Pleasant Centre these holidays!”

Bookings are essential to most events, and they’ll book out faster than flying reindeers, so it’s recommended to head to mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/ early to secure your spot.

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Image: Sheryl Cuttriss and Joan Williams were gift wrapping last week at Home Co. The ladies volunteer during SCOPE fundraisers to help the organisation raise money for local charities in need. Photo: Amanda Wright

The silly season is here, and with around 15 shopping days left until Christmas, gift wrapping can be one of those time-consuming chores left to the last minute.

Why not make life simple this year by taking a break, knowing your contribution will help a local organisation in need?

When the volunteers from Mackay’s SCOPE club wrap your gifts for a gold coin donation, the proceeds are donated to local charities. This year, proceeds will go to the Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop and Mackay Animal Rescue Society.

Simply take your shopping bags to the SCOPE ladies and they can wrap them on the spot. If you have many to be wrapped, enjoy some quiet time at the nearby café, or continue with your shopping and collect later.

Some helpful tips – try to separate gifts for specific people into separate bags, so once they are wrapped, you know who to label them for. Please be generous and include a gold coin donation for every gift, and larger gifts should be acknowledged with a larger donation. Also if an item is fragile or awkwardly shaped, consider putting it in a box first.

The SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be wrapping gifts at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight, every day until the 24th of December, daily from 9am until 4pm.

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For the past six months members of the Bowen community have been enjoying the relaxational powers of breathing at free weekly Breathing Classes held by Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.

Held by facilitators Megan Mattingley and Donna McLauchlan, the weekly classes are proving popular, with between 9 and 12 people attending each week.

“You can learn some simple breathing techniques to slow your heart rate down, as well as gentle movements to open up your body and calm your central nervous system,” said Megan.

“This creates a deep sense of relaxation and is great for anyone who wants to simply practice good self-care or those that are managing stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss.”

Breathwork supports so many of the challenges that we all face in day-to-day life, and it has been used for years to connect mind and body.

It reached global fame when Wim Hof broadcast the merits of breathwork to audiences all over the world.

The way you breathe strongly affects the chemical and physiological activities in your body, by learning different techniques you can incorporate them into your everyday life to provide calm in times of stress.

The weekly classes are completely free and take place at Dynamic Health and Fitness, 33 Maroona Street in Bowen from 6pm to 7pm every Monday.

The venue is a beautiful community space with polished wooden floorboards and a relaxing vibe.

Attendees are requested to bring a warm blanket or jumper, a pillow, a yoga matt, and an open mind.

There is another breathing class in Airlie Beach every Monday at EvoPrime Fitness, 1A/11 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale every Monday from 6pm-7pm.
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WHAT: Breathing Classes

WHERE: Dynamic Health and Fitness, Bowen and EvoPrime Fitness Cannonvale

WHEN: Every Monday from 6pm to 7pm

COST: Free

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Music fans are excited to welcome back a visiting muso, and friend to many, Tennyson King – who spent some time here in the Whitsundays with the musical community in 2017.

Returning for the third time this year, Tennyson will be here all Christmas and says he is looking forward to reconnecting with some old friends and playing good music with good people.

Originally from Hong Kong, Tennyson moved to Canada when he was just eight years old and is inspired by travelling and sharing his culture with others.

He arrived in Australia earlier this year and performed at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival with his band before embarking on a solo adventure, doing gigs on the Gold Coast and now finally coming to the Whitsundays in time for Christmas.

Renowned for his “super chilled” music, Tennyson says that many have compared him to Jack Johnson.

Sharing stories of adventure and travels with the audience while strumming electrifying guitar sounds paired with silky vocal lines, Tennyson brings a rock and roll infusion, partnered with earthy roots and blues, all subtly laced together with psychedelic ear candy.

His pathway to music wasn’t always easy though, in fact Tennyson remembers having to take classical piano lessons as a child and viewing music more like homework than fun.

When his sister got him into radio, however, Tennyson heard bands like Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins and felt inspired to pick up a guitar, discovering a true passion for playing music.

For the past four years he has been constantly touring the world and has been given the name ‘nomadic musician’ having travelled throughout Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand and South America.

During his career Tennyson has performed with notable acts such as Paul Dempsey, Paul Woseen, Yirrmal, Geoff Achison, Clare Bowditch, Bashar Murad, Basia Bulat, Whitehorse, Sloan, Elliot Broode and The Jerry Cans.

This current Australian tour is timed to coincide with the release of his latest album – ‘Good Company’ and he has recently put out a remix by an Australian DJ.

You can catch Tennyson King live at KC’s and Magnums in the run-up to Christmas.
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Quick Quiz:

Favourite song: Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Musician you would most like to perform with: Jack Johnson

Last song you listened to: Alicia Keyes – If I Ain’t got You
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WHAT: Tennyson King

KC’s: December 20 and 21

MAGNUMS: December 23
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Tennyson King is coming to the Whitsundays for Christmas

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Get ready to Rock DJ, because it’s time to move your body.

The world’s most authentic Robbie Williams Tribute show is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for a close to Christmas carnival of the English musician’s best tunes from Life thru a Lens to The X Factor.

In a week’s time, grab yourself an alibi and make your way to The Pub for this show that captures the Feel of Robbie’s best: ‘The Robbie Williams Experience’.

Come and hold performer Louie Lee Feltrin’s hand - one of Australia’s most popular entertainers – in this all-out tribute performance of the hits from Let Me Entertain You, Millennium, Better Man, Monsoon, and many, many more.

The Melbourne-born musician transforms into one of the globe’s biggest superstar artists in this tribute show, utilising his own God-given gift (as well as pure dedication) of Robbie Williams impersonation.

Capturing that cheeky guy personality of Williams, Lee Feltrin caught the attention of the entire nation with his impersonation on Channel 9’s television program “StarStruck” – shooting him into the limelight as, arguably, the world’s best Robbie impersonator.

He went from strength to strength: That first TV spot with Channel 9 saw him become a highlight of Channel 10’s “Grand Final Breakfast” telecast of 2006, performing to over three million people, and in front of the nation’s Prime Minister and local and international celebrities and dignitaries.

His is a complete vocal and physical metamorphosis where Lee Felton takes on an uncanny resemblance to Robbie – almost scarily so.

Since those days he’s only perfected his spellbinding act, and he’ll be arriving for one show only at the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday, December 17.

A natural born entertainer who is spurred on by the energy of the crowd, Lee Feltrin is ready to bring his infectious love of Robbie Williams to the Bar-Top Stage at The Pub next week.

Robbie’s repertoire of anthems – Angels, Rock DJ, Candy, She’s the One – and even some of his newer stylings will be sung out loud and proud in this tribute show that edges on the border of the real deal.

Don’t miss your chance to book your seats at the Airlie Beach Hotel for The Robbie Williams Experience, entirely free.

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A world-class tribute show, The Robbie Williams Experience, is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel next week

Don’t miss Louie Lee Feltrin’s transformation into the rock-pop icon that is Robbie Williams

On the Bar-Top Stage, Lee Feltrin will blast out all of Robbie’s classic songs in an afternoon of music magic

We’ve all dreamt of a mid-life crisis where we’ve traded in our dead-end careers in real estate to, instead, become a Dolly Parton impersonator, haven’t we?

Just me? Okay. Whatever.

Well, that’s the basic rundown of Gracie Otto’s Seriously Red, a flick of supreme Oz-Camp in the vein of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – or Muriel’s Wedding, if that be your preferred flavour of bargain-bin, ‘90s Australiana cinema.

Written by Krew Boylan, who double-dips and stars as the titular Red, this film feels like a fever-dream throwback - both its earnest budget and its screenplay help to emblazon that ‘90s torch flare. Watching Seriously Red is like stepping back into a simpler, sillier time where movies might not take themselves so seriously.

In the opening, audiences are treated to the story of our vivacious and hilarious redhead (Boylan) who’s grappling with high expectations and low self-esteem. But the film moves at such a breakneck speed that we’re soon with her as she pours herself a cup of ambition and trades in her 9-to-5 for a life under the spotlight.

After misreading her work party's dress code, Red tumbles outta bed and finds her world turned upside down. She’s out of a job and quickly falls into a new world of tribute artists and impersonators in a wild and messy journey. Not to try and dissect a popcorn flick that includes scenes of romancing a Kenny Rogers (Daniel Webber) impersonator, but Seriously Red emphasizes how little choices can lead to a better life – those happy little accidents might just see you lose yourself in order to find yourself.

What can be taken away from Simply Red – a fun at its best dramedy that never takes itself seriously, nor overstays its welcome – is we might all benefit from putting on a curly blonde wig and getting out on the road.

Seriously Red (M) is showing from Friday, December 16, at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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You’re darn tootin’ that Krew Boylan and Daniel Webber are vibrant, fun, and campy in Seriously Red

Image: L-R: Mandy Treloar, Jan Lindbergs, Mike Oakley, Gus Chetcuti, Russel McLean, Donna Seymour (new member), Morris Walburn, Ted Mullan, Gary Sorensen.

Members who could not attend: Anne Jennings and Angie Kidd. Photo supplied

They’re there when you often need them most, through births, deaths, marriages and even buying your first home.

JPs in the Community are local volunteers, trained Queenslanders who can witness and certify your routine legal documents. For example, wills, affidavits, statutory declarations and enduring documents.

The Mt Pleasant branch of JPs in the Community welcomed a new member last week with a social lunch at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club.

Volunteer JP Ted Mullan said the group would be taking a break over Christmas.

“Following a busy year witnessing all manner of documents for clients, the team will enjoy a well-earned break from 26th December to 2nd January,” Mr Mullan said.

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Image: Paul “Campo” Campion

It’s been over one year since Paul “Campo” Campion lost his mother to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

These days, Paul can be heard across the southeast Queensland airwaves on Ipswich-based radio station River949, but he grew up in Armstrong Beach, near Sarina, and says his north Queensland childhood was wonderful.

“I’ve got many fond memories of growing up in Sarina,” he said.

“It was a wonderful time through the 80s, a lot of fun for kids.”

When Paul left Sarina State High School in 1987, he got a job at Mackay radio station 4MK, embarking on a career in radio that would take him to Sydney and Brisbane.

He has also become an advocate for COPD after watching his mother struggle with it for 20 years.

“There’s no real cure, it just keeps deteriorating,” said Paul.

“Your lung filaments die and it’s very slow.

“Your lungs just continually deteriorate as the years go by.”

COPD affects around one in 13 Australians over the age of 40 and is the number one cause of avoidable hospitalisations in Australia.

The lung condition worsens over time and leads to increasing breathing difficulty, disability and premature death, usually affecting people aged over 45 but often going unnoticed or undiagnosed for a long time.

Paul said COPD heavily affected his mother’s quality of life.

“As years went by, she couldn’t really leave the house because she was on the oxygen tank,” he said.

“It was very difficult to watch when we all came home for Christmas, all the kids were there, she could talk and everything but there was no getting up and enjoying life.

“Watching my mum, over the years, deteriorate and lose her quality of life, I think it’s enough for anyone to tell people to look after your lungs, look after your breathing, because once they’re gone, you’re stuffed.”

World COPD Day was held on November 16 and saw Lung Foundation Australia launch its blueprint calling on the state and federal governments to take urgent action to improve COPD care and outcomes.

“We urgently need to create pathways for lifelong prevention of COPD, earlier diagnosis, and improved awareness and treatment of this condition,” said Lung Foundation Australia Board Member and Respiratory Expert Professor Christine Jenkins AM.

“Much can be done to address these inadequacies of care delivery, and this Blueprint describes the innovations and changes in service delivery that could accelerate this.”

There are many ways to avoid COPD and Paul said not smoking and early detection is key.

“Anyone who’s sucking foreign substances into their lungs, there’s going to be issues later in life,” he said.

“If you’re starting to get short of breath, struggling to run or be active, starting to cough, you might want to check it out sooner rather than later.

“With early detection, you can have quality of life, but my mum was too far gone.”

Lung Foundation Australia have prepared ‘Making Lung Cancer A Fair Fight: A Blueprint for Reform’ to raise awareness about the burden of lung cancer in Australia and the particular challenges faced by people diagnosed with the condition.

To view the Blueprint, visit the following link: https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/making-lung-cancer-a-fair-fight-a-blueprint-for-reform/.

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Image 1: Gladys Smart turned 100 early last month

Image 2: 105 family and friends gathered to help Gladys celebrate

Image 3: Gladys’ grandson Dean couldn’t attend but sent his well wishes from Antarctica

Mackay resident Gladys Smart turned 100 years old on November 6, 2022, celebrating her milestone at her daughter Beryl and son-in-law John Ahern’s home in Mackay alongside 105 family and friends.

Son Bob and his wife Jan and their family travelled from Bowen and many other family members travelled from as far as Melbourne, Brisbane, Yeppoon, Blackwater and Calliope.

Gladys’ grandson Dean also sent his special greetings from Casey Station, Antarctica, where he lives and works.

A wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by all featuring a puppet show, pinatas and lots of delicious food.

Gladys’ family has grown from her twins, Bob and Beryl, to now include 7 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 23 great, great grandchildren.

Gladys has received special congratulations from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk, Governor of Queensland Jeanette Young and Professor Graeme Nimmo, Governor General David Hurley and wife Linda, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and still awaits her letter from His Majesty King Charles.

Congratulations, Gladys!

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