An opportunity to meet six candidates in the race for the Whitsundays’ next mayor is happening next Thursday, hosted by Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce (WCCC).

The Local Chamber, an apolitical community organisation, will be hosting the Meet Your WRC Mayoral Candidates on Thursday, July 14 starting 6.30pm at the VMR in Cannonvale.

It’s inviting not just its members but all residents of the greater Whitsunday region to attend this event at no cost.

Each of the six current candidates will be in attendance – Michael Brunker, Jan Clifford, Al Grundy, Peter J Hood, Julie Hall, and Phil Batty.

The community organisation focused on improving the region for its members and community at large is hoping the event will provide an opportunity for businesses and individuals to speak with the potential mayors.

Chamber members have been invited to submit in advance, to the chamber secretary, any general questions they would like the candidates to address on the evening.

The organisation with no affiliation with Whitsunday Regional Council wanted to express that, in each 12-month cycle on rotation, a WRC counsellor is invited to attend all committee meetings throughout the year with a goal of two-way communication between the organisations.

Every attendee at this event will receive a bonus ticket to attend Chamber’s next networking event in August – an annual fee of $99 is usually required to attend one of the six meetings.

Who gets your vote in the next Mayoral election for the Whitsundays may be decided when you meet the candidates at VMR next Thursday

‍

Delia Owens’s novel Where The Crawdads Sing was a revelation upon release in 2018. Her debut capitalised on a long-standing tradition of American literary greats. Like Harper Lee in To Kill A Mockingbird and Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn before her, it entwines a deep-South story of Americana with bigotry. But, like those novels before it, Crawdads is of its time. It submerges its 1969, period-piece story in a murder mystery – a genre well-travelled in contemporary literature – but it does so exquisitely and elevates what could be a tired story in the hands of a lesser writer into a beautiful one. In fact, it has become one of the best-selling books of all time.

Now – rightfully so – it’s receiving a screen adaptation thanks to the workings of Reese Witherspoon, who’s producing the film.

Raised in the marshes of North Carolina, Catherine “Kya” Clarke – played, with gentle at one moment and then exquisite furore in the next, by Daisy-Edgar Jones - is endlessly resourceful. Abandoned by her parents and older siblings in the early 1950s, Kya learns to survive on her own. She is taught to read and write by her friend Tate Walker (Taylor John Smith) and falls for him but is left behind once again when he goes to college.

Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson) is a quarterback who draws Kya into a tryst with promises of marriage that never materialise. After Kya ends their relationship, Chase attacks her and she narrowly escapes. Then, while she is away, Chase is found dead and Kya is engulfed in a murder trial, with the evidence against her seeming insurmountable

Like it’s novel, this film adaptation is haunting and ethereal, and tells us more about ourselves through a thought-provoking, wise, and deeply moving story.

Where The Crawdads Sing is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on July 22.

Daisy Edgar Jones and Taylor John Smith in Where The Crawdads Sing

‍

What’s your karaoke song? Because the Airlie Beach Hotel’s bar manager Matthew Rowley’s pick is Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, which he’ll be singing loud and proud for his own inaugural birthday bash at The Pub on July 27.

The very first Rowley’s Birthday Karaoke Bash is inviting the entirety of the Whitsundays along to one of the coastal town’s favourite locals for the biggest, baddest karaoke event Airlie has ever seen.

For Rowley’s 39th birthday, the pub will be hosting its sing-along from 6.30pm till 9.30pm, with no need to book, just rock up and rock on!

It’s an open invitation to bring some friends and wish Rowley a happy birthday in the best way possible – by singing him a serenade, although Rowley said he wouldn’t mind “a few presents”.

“That’d be nice for a welcome change to get some presents from everyone, but I just want everyone to come down and get involved,” he said.

“It’s a Wednesday night, yeeha! Don’t be shy, we’re all bad singers, come join the rest of us!”

Although this is the official kick-off for his Karaoke Bash, last year there was an impromptu session held at the local pub which capitalised on Rowley’s “love for a sing and dance while on the booze”.

“Last year I got asked because they all know what I’m like when I get a few drinks in me! I’ve had regulars asking me about karaoke from the last time for about a year now!”

“Everyone in town is going to know who I am after this one, I guarantee it.”

It’s going to be a classic karaoke setup, but with the added bonus that songbirds get to belt out their favourite tunes from on top of the Airlie Beach Hotel’s stage, looking down at their crowds of adoring fans while they croon to Summer Nights.

Or maybe Love Song by Sara Bareilles, I Want You Back by Jackson Five – Someone Like You from Adele, maybe? Rowley said there’s plenty of locals at the Hotel who have let him in on their choices already. They’ve had a year to prepare after all.

“Everyone’s going to get involved, and I can tell you it’s going to go later than 9.30 with everyone singing and dancing and carrying on,” he said.

“You all just better prepare for my 40th next year, it’ll be even bigger!”

Rowley’s Birthday Karaoke Bash will start from 6.30pm till 9.30pm on Wednesday, July 27 – get out and wish him a happy 39th!

What: Rowley’s Birthday Karaoke Bash

When: July 27 at 6:30pm

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

Matthew Rowley is a four-year veteran of the ABH with two years as a bouncer and two as a bar manager – but he also has a special talent for karaoke

‍

‍

The Whitsunday region is in safe hands with its next generation of leaders handpicked in a state-wide police program which hopes to develop these young trailblazer’s skills.

Proserpine State High School students Rachel Hutchinson, Ruby Hearn, and Hayden Hearn were selected by PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li for the State Youth Leadership Program (SYLP).

Part of the local PCYC branch’s Youth Group, the students were chosen to participate in the program designed to prepare young people for more active roles in not just their PCYC, but as active leaders for their entire community.

The program, which is run at no cost to the participants, is a five-day, four-night camp held during the school holidays and led by PCYC Bornhoffen which acts as an experiential education framework – helping young leaders flourish and build confidence through “adventure-based learning”.

It has been running from 2003, and its experience is valued at over $1,200 per participant, but money can’t buy a place – it is by invitation only and is one of the “most unique and exclusive programs in Australia” of its type.

SYLP is broken up into three separate trips to Bornhoffen, each more limited in capacity than the last; SYLP One is open to almost 60 teenagers, while SYLP two and three halve that number.

Sergeant Billy Li’s students experienced SYLP One and Two, with Hayden Hearn experiencing the former and Rachel Hutchinson and Ruby Hearn the latter.

Sergeant Billy Li said he chose his three local candidates because the program would be of benefit to them and guide them in becoming new leaders.

“I believe they were ready to go on the program and that’s why I chose them; I think they will be able to take a lot of the lessons into their daily lives,” Sergeant Li said.

The experiences the students had throughout both SYLP One and Two included activities like slacklining, creeking, high ropes and more.

Hayden Hearn said that SYLP was about stepping up and taking the lead, while Rachel Hutchinson said it helped her with time management, and Ruby Hearn added it was about trust.

“I think I’m going to be able to take a lot of what SYLP showed me and put it into my daily life,” Hayden said.

Each Proserpine student said they were extremely happy to have been a part of the prestigious program and hoped it would help them with careers post-school.

“I’m really hoping to join the air force cadets,” Hayden said.

Young leaders Hayden Hearn, Ruby Hearn, and Rachel Hutchinson with Police Sergeant Billy Li

‍

REV YOUR ENGINE

Wet And Wild Horsepower Heroes

Horsepower Heroes Day

For the past 11 years, riders in the Mackay and Whitsundays have been getting on their bike to give back to two local charities that do so much for the people in the community.

The BMA River to Reef Ride Festival is an annual charity bike ride that brings friends and families together raising monies for RACQ CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association.

“BMA River 2 Reef ride started as just a little idea back in 2011 to give the Mackay region an opportunity to give back to charities that do so much for our community,” says Director Evan Corry.

“It’s also a way of uniting businesses, friends and family in a healthy, engaging way.”

The event is a Festival held over two exciting days, kicking off with the Golding Kids Colour Ride on September 3.

“Cycling is not just about adults, learning the skills to ride starts with our kids,” says Evan

“If we can engage our kids early, teach them how to look after their bikes and how to ride safely we are in turn making their bodies stronger and giving them life-long skills.”

BMA’s Linda Martin said, “BMA employs so many people in the region, we have a lot of team members who are keen cyclists who have young families.

“Being the naming rights sponsor for this important event enables our BMA staff to feel connected to their community that is both physically and mentally rewarding.”

Since its inception, River 2 Reef Ride has attracted so many local businesses as sponsors.

“The cycling community in Mackay is larger than the general person realizes,” Evan said.

“We have never struggled to find sponsors for River 2 Reef Ride, businesses want to be involved because of the non-competitive team nature of the event.”

On the second day of the festival, registrants choose one of three cycling distances: a 30km Queensland Country Bank, the Health 60km City Fitness and the 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo rides.

This year the ride will start and finish at Mackay Botanic Gardens.  The entire Mackay community is invited to join in or spectate.  

Registrations for this year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival are now open, visit river2reefride.com.au

Mayor Greg Williamson, Linda Martin (BMA) and River 2 Reef Director Evan Corry launch the 2022 River 2 Reef Festival

‍

Kim says she’s looking forward to making the most of being nominated but it’s not why she does what she does.

“I think I just love waking up and putting on the outrageous dresses that I wear,” she laughed.

“But all of that – my dresses, my fruit and veggie shoes, my big earrings, it all adds to the engagement and the start of a conversation, so there’s method to my madness.

“I’m so passionate about it, I just love it. I just feel like I can make a difference and I am making a difference.”

Active Squirtz mainly run programs through community centres, kindergartens and early learning centres throughout the region.

To find out more about Active Squirtz and where you can find Kim, visit www.activesquirtz.com.au.

To vote for Kim and Active Squirtz, visit www.whatson4kids.com.au/awards/awards-voting.

‍

Friday 8 July

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

The Festival Hub

Friday, 6pm to 9pm

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licenced bar – take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. This is a free ticketed event for all ages.

Bluewater Quay, Brisbane Street Mackay

Read the Room

Friday, 7.30pm

A quiz panel show where the audience answer curly questions live through their phones while guest contestants try to work out which way the room will swing. It’s fun, cheeky, clever and hilarious. From ‘would you rather’, moral dilemmas, comparing the audience to national averages… it could get messy, but we promise it will be hilarious! Each night has a new panel of contestants, so come and support your favourite team and see if they can Read the Room!

$35 admission

Lush Room, Ambassador Hotel

Saturday 9 July

The Platypus Paddle 2022

Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10

Mackay's annual two-day SUP/OCEAN SKI/OUTRIGGER competitive races including the technical surf battle, flat-water sprints, free community clinic, short (5km) and Long (10km) courses. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club

PDRC Champs 2022 and Rotary Feature

Saturday, 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Palmyra Drag Racing club are proud to be bringing ROTARY POWER to Mackay again in 2022 along with a full field of our 2022 Championship brackets! PRO ROTARY - With some big HP engines in small light weight cars these guys now how to put on a show! STREET ROTARY - Street registered Rotary powered machines, some hitting the 1/4 mile for the first time! Spectators: $20 at the gate, cash or card. Gates open at 8:00am, racing from 12:00pm until approx 8:00pm.

Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc

Bluewater Fling 2022

Saturday, 1:30pm to 5:00pm

Gather your clan and celebrate Scottish culture at the Bluewater Fling in Mackay Saturday 9th of July! See bagpipes, drums, scottish rock, celtic folk, heilan dancing and much mair.

Jings, crivens, help ma boab!! You won't want to miss this FREE, fun day out for all ages!

Bluewater Quay

Sunset Launch Party

Saturday, 5:00pm

BE Social and Rhythm & The Reef are teaming up for a big one at The Ambassador Hotel! Join two of Mackay's favourite events as they celebrate the return of Festivals throughout Australia! Sunset Launch Party featuring Yolanda Be Cool with Support From Benny Frank (RCK), AVNU (TSV), Clovr, Cherry, Pacey, Shieldsy (TSV), Caleb Pace.

The Ambassador Hotel

1950-60s Las Vegas Casino Ball

Saturday, 6:30pm to late

Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club Presents 1950-60's Las Vegas Charity Ball. Proceeds to Dragons Abreast Mackay. Tickets $60pp, bevy on arrival, canape's throughout the night. $5000 of casino chips, silent Auction and live music with The Two Maoris. Dress code strictly 1950-60’s formal.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Sunday 10 July

Bullet Bikes Superstore presents Motorcycle Beach Races

Sunday, 9:30am

It's On Again! Who will be King of the Beach? Join the Motorcycle Beach Races for a fun family community event held in the Mackay region for over 90 years. Methanol fuelled action under tropical skies. Gates open for competitors at 6am with racing starting from 10am. Mini Eat Street, Jumping Castles, Trade Displays and more. Tickets online now. Check out www.motorcyclebeachraces.com.au for more information

Grasstree Beach

Sunday Live Music – The Feels

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

Passport To Airlie Mackay 2022 – Round 1

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Passport to Airlie is one of the most exciting moments around Airlie Beach Festival of Music, giving the audience not only a taste of the music we all love and know but displaying the talents of some incredible up-and-coming Australian artists. Mackay will have three heats and a final before deciding which artist will be announced as the winner. All regional winners will be awarded with accommodation and VIP tickets to the festival in November.

Harrup Park

Monday 11 July

‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ self-guided quiz

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm during school holidays

Calling all dinosaur lovers! Have you ever wondered about the type of plants dinosaurs ate? Grab a ‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ quiz sheet from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information (Administration) and find out as you venture along the Coal Garden pathways, exploring dinosaur footprints, petrified wood and plants like those from ancient times.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Pick up your activity sheet and wander the pathways to find Tibbles and decode the latest message he has for you!

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Bocce in the Gardens

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Did you know we have a sand bocce court in the Malta Garden? Bring your own set and play or hire a set of bocce balls from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information for just $5 a set. Hire is available weekdays 9am to 4pm or play at your leisure with your own set at any time.

Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

Wednesday 13 July

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 14 July

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 presents Alphabet of Awesome Science

Thursday, 1:00pm and 6:00pm

Debuting to rave reviews as part of the 2019 Adelaide Fringe, The Alphabet of Awesome Science uses BIG words to inspire BIG science – with a performance that’s equal parts explosive, messy, spectacular, hilarious, fascinating and gross. Professor Lexi Con has curated a collection of her absolutely favourite words – one for every letter of the alphabet. Each word provides Professor Noel Edge with an inspirational jumping off point for 26 quirky, (sometimes ‘explody’!) scientific demonstrations.

MECC

Artist's Talk: In Conversation with Shelley Engwirda

Thursday, 6:00pm

Join Mackay artist Shelley Engwirda as she talks about her exhibition We Rise on show in the Foyer Gallery at Artspace Mackay. Inspired by her experience as a new grandmother, Engwirda explores the way female artists have been regarded historically. For this exhibition she examines the success and failures of the women’s movement through her multidisciplinary practice. The artist’s large scale patchwork quilts alongside glass work respond to what she considers major moments in the women’s movement from the 1970s to present.

Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay

Luke Kidgell

Thursday, 6:45pm and 9:00pm

Australia's most loved comedian* Luke Kidgell, is back on tour with his brand-new show 'Cheers to that!' (*not a fact, just a personal opinion of Luke's). After a big year in 2021 dodging lockdowns and attending almost every pub in the country, Luke has some tales to tell.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

The Vicar of Dibley 2

Thursday, 7:30pm to 10:00pm

The sequel to Kucom Theatre's highly successful 2018 season, "The Vicar of Dibley 2" will feature the wedding of Alice and Hugo, Geraldine’s romance with David Horton's younger brother, and the Dibley Nativity play. "The Vicar of Dibley 2" is a Mackay Festival Fringe event, opening Thursday, July 14 and running until Saturday, July 23.

Kucom Theatre

Wonder Rooms

Thursday, July 7, to Sunday, July 10

Thursday, July 14, to Sunday, July 17

Thursday, July 21, to Sunday, July 24

Shipping containers converted into vibrant selfie museums, Wonder Rooms will awe visitors with their creative and unique backdrops. Get your camera ready for a day of exploration, with the Wonder Rooms set up across the region, from the Bluewater Quay to Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Melba House to Sarina Field of Dreams and Slade Point’s Ram Chandra Park – all with different themes! Travel the region, take a selfie and tag @mackay_festivals

5 locations to explore

‍

Artspace Mackay is usually a quiet place to study works of art, but that changed with the opening of a new exhibition last Friday.

“Material Sound” will have gallery visitors immersed in a cacophony of sound created by a myriad of materials.

It features newly commissioned work by artists Vicky Browne, Pia van Gelder, Caitlin Franzmann, Peter Blamey, Vincent and Vaughan Wozniak-O’Connor and Ross Manning.

Each of these artists’ work investigates sound and materials within art and performance.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the show would really appeal to families.

“All six works make their own sounds – many are interactive, and they are kinetic works based on movement that encourages audience participation,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Together they will make their own blend of sounds that will have a real impact when you walk into the Main Gallery,” he said.

Material Sound curator Caleb Kelley said this show differed from many shows in that it was an exhibition in an art gallery that was primarily focused on sound.

“There is plenty to look at – there’s installation, there’s movement, there’s interaction – but what we are doing in this show is listening to the exhibition,” Mr Kelley said.  

“The artists are all working with sound; they’re all working with ways of thinking about materials through sound,” he said.

“And, by listening, we learn something that we can’t by just looking.”

Also on show, in the Foyer Gallery, is the exciting exhibition We Rise by prominent local artist Shelley Engwirda.

Artspace Mackay director Tracey Heathwood said Shelley explored feminism and looked at the success and failures of the women’s movement in We Rise.

“She has these beautiful large scale patchwork quilts alongside glass work,” Ms Heathwood said.

“With these works she responds to what she considers major moments in the women’s movement from the 1970s to the present,” she said.

Ms Heathwood said the final new exhibition which opened last Friday was Nathalie Hartog-Gautier: Looking for Paradise, a show that brings refugee experiences to the fore via artists’ books and digital animation.

“Hartog-Gautier highlights Australia’s responsibility as a first signatory of the United Nations Human Rights Charter and examines the treatment of asylum seekers in Australia,” she said.

Shelley Engwirda will deliver an artist’s talk at 6pm on Thursday, July 14.

Tickets are free and available at www.artspacemackay.eventbrite.com

Material Sound is a Murray Art Museum Albury exhibition, curated by Caleb Kelly and presented nationally by Museums & Galleries of NSW. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Ross Manning, Pixel Points (detail) 2018, Material Sound, installation view, Murray Art Museum Albury, 2018. (Photo: Tyler Grace)

On show in the Foyer Gallery is the exciting exhibition We Rise by prominent local artist Shelley Engwirda

‍

The festival of STEM concluded with the next generation of STEM practitioners competing in F1 in Schools, Drones and Robotics at the MECC on Wednesday, June 15.

F1 in Schools involves activities based on Formula 1 racing and tests students on project management, interviewing and racing.

The winners of F1 in Schools will now be off to the State Finals in Brisbane in October.

‍

Last month, ATSICHS Mackay and The Pioneer Murri Court Elders hosted the 3rd annual Mr and Miss NAIDOC pageant. Anjelina Hankin-Bero was crowned Miss NAIDOC while Mr NAIDOC was awarded to Kynan Nicholls. NAIDOC Week continues this weekend, the 2022 theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! It is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a chance to acknowledge our history, culture and achievements.

The Mr and Miss NAIDOC pageant was held on June 22 at the Ocean International. Photo credit: SarahHearts Photography

WINNERS

MISS NAIDOC 2022 - Anjelina Hankin-Bero

MR NAIDOC 2022- Kynan Nicholls

Cultural knowledge (boy)

Runner up — Naseili Tamwoy

Winner — Kynan Nicholls

Cultural knowledge (girl)

Runner up — Cody Mann

Winner — Anjelina Hankin-Bero

Get up! Stand up! Show up! NAIDOC 2022 theme meaning (boy)

Runner up — Kynan Nicholls

Winner — Andrew Malayta

Get up! Stand up! Show up! NAIDOC 2022 Theme meaning (girl)

Runner up — Janeile Seden

Winner — Theresa Malayta

Best dressed (boy)

Runner up — Jalias Campbell

Winner — Kailu Phineasa

Best dressed (girl)

Runner up — Anita Daniel

Winner — Sophie Cruikshank

2022 Mr & Miss NAIDOC

‍

Friday 1 July

Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG)

Friday, 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. This event is for children aged five to 12 years. When Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound in her small New York City apartment.

Gordon White Library

Festival Hub

Friday, July 1 - Sunday July 3, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licenced bar, take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Park your car in Brisbane Street and enter the Bluewater Quay, grab a bite to eat, a drink and relax in front of the stage for a night of free entertainment.

Bluewater Quay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Bliss n Eso

Friday, 7:00pm to 10:30pm

Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to announce a 30-date metro and regional Australian tour for one of the country’s finest hip hop acts, Bliss n Eso. In what is a truly national tour, the three-time ARIA-award winning group will take their electric energy and unmatchable flow to audiences in every Australian state and territory in 2022.

Harrup Park

Goanna

Friday, 7:30pm

Forty years on, and with their messages of positive engagement in Indigenous rights and environmental protection more relevant than ever, Australian icons Goanna return to celebrate their multi-platinum, game-changing debut album ‘Spirit of Place’. In 2022, Shane Howard, Rose Bygrave, Marcia Howard and Graham Davidge, together with special guests, embark on a new journey, paying homage to their classic songs and reigniting the Goanna spirit once more.

MECC

Flickerfest 2022 Tour – Mackay

Friday, 7:30pm

A Kaleidoscopic Carnival of Short Films! Celebrating 31 years, Flickerfest is Australia’s only Academy Qualifying and BAFTA Qualifying Short Film Festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screening the best of shorts from Australia and around the world, hand-picked from over 3,200 entries. Flickerfest is excited to be bringing its National Tour back to the Central QLD Conservatorium of Music in Mackay showcasing the Best Of Australian Shorts programme.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Latin Night

Friday, 7:30pm

Latin Roots presents Social Latin Night with special guests. It's a mixed event for all styles. Visit the website for details, updates and future dates: https://latinrootsnights.com/ plus invite your friends who would love a night like this.

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Saturday 2 July

Curator's Talk with Material Sound curator Caleb Kelly, and Performance with artist Ross Manning

Saturday, 10:30am to 11:45am

Join exhibition curator Caleb Kelly and Brisbane performance artist Ross Manning for a Curator’s Talk and Sound Performance to celebrate the opening of their touring exhibition Material Sound. This multi-form exhibition draws together six art practitioners and collaborative groups, each creating an experience of sound within installations constructed from everyday materials. Handmade instruments and electronics, recycled components, outmoded technologies, fake technologies, imagined sounds, and silences are brought together to challenge the way we think about materiality in a cumulative sound experience.

Artspace Mackay

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Mackay Twilight Market, Mackay Showgrounds at the big shed. $2 adult entry, kids 17 and under free. Market stalls, Mini Eat Street, local musicians, jumping castles and face painting. Come browse the many local small business market stalls then have a seat and listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customer convenience. Come enjoy a night out with your family. Not just another market, it’s a great family night out.

Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday 3 July

Warrior Mackay Multisport Festival

Sunday, 6:30am to 11:00am

The Multisport Festival is Mackay Triathlon Club’s Major event on the calendar and the only event in which they hold a standard (Olympic) distance race. The event expanded in 2021 to include Duathlon, Aquathlon & Aquabike events across all 3 distances to allow those not so keen on a particular discipline to race solo rather than in a team. There are four different multiport events. Participants can choose between Triathlon (Swim / Bike / Run), Duathlon (Run / Bike / Run), Aquabike (Swim / Bike) or Aquathlon (Swim / Run).

Mackay Harbour

Seabreeze Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 4 July

‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ self-guided quiz

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm during school holidays

Calling all dinosaur lovers! Have you ever wondered about the type of plants dinosaurs ate? Grab a ‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ quiz sheet from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information (Administration) and find out as you venture along the Coal Garden pathways, exploring dinosaur footprints, petrified wood and plants like those from ancient times.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Pick up your activity sheet and wander the pathways to find Tibbles and decode the latest message he has for you!

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Bocce in the Gardens

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Did you know we have a sand bocce court in the Malta Garden? Bring your own set and play or hire a set of bocce balls from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information for just $5 a set. Hire is available weekdays 9am to 4pm or play at your leisure with your own set at any time.

Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

Wednesday 6 July

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 7 July

Ukulele for kids

Thursday, 3:40pm to 4:40pm

This program is the perfect opportunity for children and their parents to come along and have a go at playing the ukulele and learn some basic musical skills in a fun environment. Specifically designed for children aged eight to 12 years and their parent/guardian. This program will run on the first Thursday of the month at Gordon White Library.

Gordon White Library

Festival Hub Continued

Thursday, July 7 to Friday, July 8, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays.

Bluewater Quay

Story Party Mackay | True Dating Stories

Thursday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

At Story Party you will hear true dating stories that will make you feel better because, let’s be honest, it could be worse. Story Party has played to sold out audiences in over 65 countries because the dating struggle is real worldwide! You'll hear stories from our professional storytellers and some brave audience members.

Haunt Mackay

Read The Room

Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8, 7:30pm to 9:00pm

A quiz panel show where the audience answer curly questions live through their phones while guest contestants try to work out which way The Room will swing. It’s fun, cheeky, clever and hilarious!

Ambassador Hotel

‍

Ballistic Beer Co are heading to the Bluewater Quay for a special Mackay Festival of Arts event.

The team will be bringing their exciting Reef Range of North Queensland inspired brews to the Festival Hub from June 30 to July 3 and again on July 7 and 8.

Ballistic Whitsundays head brewer Liam Paget said the team would be bringing the Ballistic mobile bar with the Reef Lager, Reef Pale, Reef Red Ale and Reef Mid Lager.

“The Reef Range is crisp, refreshing and easy-drinking to suit our tropical climate,” Mr Paget said.

“The Red Ale is a little more malty – it’s English inspired – and tends to be a hit with more mature drinkers who often comment that it reminds them of beers they’ve drank decades ago that you can’t find any more in Australia,” he said.

“For those that like the bigger, hoppier beers, we will have a selection of Ballistic favourites available in tins.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Ballistic Whitsundays team were brewing some great beers that were also supporting our local environment.

“Ballistic Whitsundays is a big supporter of Libby Edge’s Eco Barge Clean Seas project,” he said.

“Every Reef Beer sold contributes 10c to Eco Barge Clean Seas, which cleans up litter and pollutants from our offshore islands, including Blacksmith Island, Goldsmith Island, Keyser Island, Linne Island, Thomas Island and Tinsmith Island.

“Funds are also used to support the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.”

Acting manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said while trying new brews was obviously a drawcard, the Festival Hub was a family friendly event.  

“The aim of the Festival Hub is to provide the ultimate space to get together before or after a number of Festival events where you can enjoy live music, roving entertainment, great food and drinks and talk about what you’ve seen and plan what to attend next,” Ms Carey said.

“The event is completely free, but due to the event being licensed, we have had to cap numbers at 500 per night,” she said.

“So, to avoid disappointment, we are encouraging Hub-goers to head to our website (themecc.com.au/festivals) and book their free tickets straight away.”

If for some reason you can’t make it to the Festival Hub, don’t panic, because there’s a chance we will be seeing more of the Ballistic team in our region in the future.

Liam Paget said Ballistic was very interested in having a more permanent presence in the Mackay region.

“It’s no secret that we have been looking at locations in Mackay, and this will be a great trial run for our beers on tap in the local market,” he said.

“We love Mackay and have been in town recently working with the guys at Red Dog Brewery on a collaboration beer that I hope will show up on taps in the Mackay and Whitsundays in the not-so-distant future, so keep an eye out for that.”

The full line-up of performers at the Festival Hub are:

•Friday, July 1, 6pm – 9pm – Bella Mackenzie

•Saturday, July 2, 6pm – 9pm – Jonte

•Sunday, July 3, 6pm – 9pm – Tiffany Grace

•Thursday, July 7, 6pm – 9pm – Red Dirt Blues Band

•Friday, July 8, 6pm – 9pm – G Force

Sensory Circus Tribe will be onsite at the Festival Hub performing at the following times:

•Friday, July 1, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling

•Saturday, July 2, 7pm to 7.45pm - fire twirling

•Sunday, July 3, 6pm to 7pm – street theatre

•Thursday, July 7, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling

•Friday, July 8, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling

Ballistic Beer Co will bring their exciting Reef Range of North Queensland inspired brews to the Festival Hub as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts

Sensory Circus will be onsite at the Festival Hub performing street theatre and fire twirling

Bella Mackenzie will be playing at the Festival Hub this evening

‍

One of the most exciting events on the Mackay calendar, Rumble on the Reef, is back for 2022 and is bringing some of skateboarding’s best talent to the region.

The FMS Group Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Championships has cemented itself as one of the premier skateboarding competitions in Australia and was a regular stop for the world’s biggest pro skaters Prior to the pandemic.

Now in its fifth year, the event will bring a new fleet of internationals as well as some returning icons to take on the Sugar Bowl in September.

The 2022 competition will see the return of international pros Matt Berger from Canada and Aidan Campbell from the US.

Berger competed in skateboarding’s Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 and the two of them will be looking to bring a few mates along for the ride.

They will be one of the main highlights of the week performing live demos before the finals broadcast.

Two of Australia’s best, Tommy Fynn and Dennis Durrant, will be back in town as well.

The two of them have continually brought the energy to Rumble on the Reef throughout border closures, with Fynn winning the Championship twice.

Rumble on the Reef has also been developing throughout the pacific region and will feature representation from Fiji for the first time, as well as New Zealand.

Event Manager Donny Fraser says Rumble on the Reef brings people from all over the country to Mackay while also delighting local audiences.

“It’s one of the biggest platforms in Australia for skateboarding, kiteboarding and wakeboarding where people can see it live and free in their hometown,” he said.

“It’s something quite special and unique to the town.”

Mr Fraser says the event strives to deliver skateboarding’s biggest names and gives the next generation more opportunities.

“It’s been really important to make sure skaters around Australia have opportunities to make a living,” he said.

Rumble on the Reef will run from September 19 to October 1 and feature skateboarding, wakeboarding and hydrofoil competitions as well as music festival Rhythm on the Reef.

September will see national and international pro skaters, as well as up and coming superstars, take on the Sugar Bowl. Photos supplied: Rumble On The Reef

‍

Ten former Mackay State High School classmates reunited at the Austral Hotel on Thursday, June 9, some seeing each other for the first time in 60 years.

The women formed part of the Mackay State High School Commercial Studies Class of 1962, completing most of their studies at the Alfred Street campus.

With plenty to catch up on, many lengthy conversations ensued, stories were exchanged and photographs were explored.

The commercial studies subject incorporated bookkeeping, typing and shorthand, putting students in good stead for later life.

It was a subject offered to students alongside English, geography, history, mathematics and a language other than English.

A particular highlight came one year when Commercial Studies students took centre stage during a school concert at the Theatre Royal to perform on typewriters to the music of the William Tell Overture.

The first reunion was held in 1987 and the group has big plans for future reunions.

In 2023, the organisers are planning a major reunion and are seeking suggestions from former students.

To get in touch and make a suggestion, please contact Marion Brown on mshs1962reunion@hotmail.com.

L-R Lynn Whitmore (Wallace), Raye Atkinson (Walsh), Christine Taylor (Lancaster), Carol Boxall (Goldston), Merle Edmonds (Zillfleish), Marion Brown (Matheison), Kaaren Sephton (Lester), Beth Gordon (Ferris), Marlene Lanigan (White) and Barbara Blackford (Tennant)

The first Commercial Girls Reunion took place in 1987. Photos supplied: Marion Brown

‍