Downton Abbey: A New Era

The Downton Abbey franchise - built on country-manor snobbery and titillating familial drama – is back and doesn’t disappoint as the Crawley’s return for a grand journey to the South of France. On the Riviera, they’re seeking to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa.

All the while back home, Hollywood has come to town, seeking to shoot a riotous film in exchange for a princely sum.

Downton now has seven seasons and two movies under its belt. Its characters have been all over the shop, and the melodrama of it all has astoundingly held up all that time. All the toffs and their servants are back - Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley chief among them.

There’s an inherent, undeniable charm to this installation of the Downton mythos, which Julian Fellowes’ has once again deftly penned. It’s a fabulously frocked outing that will have you laughing along at its foppish and British nature.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG) arrives at the Summergarden Cinema next weekend.

Everything Everywhere All At Once

Let me enlighten you: an interdimensional rupture has unravelled reality.

Don’t look around. You won’t see it. An unlikely hero is being tasked with channelling her newfound powers to fight the bizarre and bewildering dangers bursting from that rupture, and in turn the multiverse – and she’s doing it all for you.

In Daniel Kwan and Dainel Scheinert’s Everything Everywhere All At Once, Michelle Yeoh is that unlikely hero. In her role as Evelyn Wang, a Chinese American immigrant and laundromat owner, she is the last hope for all existence in this metaphysical martial arts caper.

Soon swept up in the insane adventure, she explores other universes, connecting with the lives she could have led. There are surprises galore in Everything Everywhere: it’s audaciously funny and absurd, but balances all of it with poignant tenderness.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (MA) is coming to the Summergarden Cinema soon.

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Opening night has been steadily approaching for the Proserpine State High School student directors, stagehands, and performers of the Seagrass Theatre and Music Company’s Night of Plays.

The troupe have been eagerly preparing for a night of nights not to be missed where the student-run Seagrass Theatre Company will showcase two performances: Dorothy Hewett's Song of the Seals and Angela Betziens Children of the Black Skirt.

Song of Seals, directed by Year 11 student Kaley Gilbert, follows the tale of the orphaned Willow, who lives amongst mystical creatures struggling to defend their home of Mystery Bay from Marlin Prawn and his 'One Big Deal.'

In Angela Betziens Children of the Black Skirt, Proserpine Year 12 student Amelia Brain will direct the story depicting a group of bush children who stumble across an abandoned orphanage.

In their search of the deserted place, they find the forgotten clothes of its residents, and after putting the garments on, the children begin reliving the past through the forgotten clothes.

Chosen by the students, Children of the Black Skirt is a tale of Australia’s history, told through a gothic lens.

The orphanage children tell stories of their lives from the time of convicts through to World War Two, the Stolen Generation and beyond in an evocative play which explores history, reconciliation, and the power of storytelling.

The Proserpine State High School’s PAC (Performing Arts Centre) will be packed to the rafters for the two performances soon arriving in the region.

Opening night was due to take place this week, however it has been postponed.

New dates are set to be announced soon.

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It’s here for its tenth year! The Airlie Beach Festival of Music has announced just the first snippet of its all-star line-up, backing up their Queensland Music Awards People’s Choice Festival of the Year win with a stellar showing of talent.

Rogue Traders, Mi-Sex, Ben Lee, and the Badloves are all taking to the stages for the decade anniversary of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music November 4-6.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, together with her band ‘Rogue Traders’, will be bringing the house down alongside the other star-studded acts.

Alongside them, Mi-Sex will be rolling back the years - famous for their landmark 1979 performance at the Sydney Opera House, dubbed the “concert of the decade” - vocalist Steve Balbi said it was fitting to have the band now performing in another quintessentially Australian location.

“That’s what makes these sorts of festivals really attractive to us and to audiences – we all just want to be in that special part of the world,” he said.

Singer-songwriter Ben Lee is booked to play, too, and is grateful to be joining the line-up in 2022 having missed last year due to Covid pressures.

And completing the first line-up announcement for 2022 are ‘90s legends The Badloves, whose debut album ‘Get On Board’ spent a massive 69 weeks in the charts, country king Bill Chambers, soul-fire music afficionado Matty Rogers, and festival favourites, The Hillbilly Goats.

Festival founder, Gavin Butlin, said he was proud to be kicking off the 10th anniversary line-up with such a diverse mix of artists, whose music spanned not just genres but also decades.

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is renowned for having something for everyone across its three-day line-up and we are determined to make the 10th year exceptional so keep watching this space,” he said.

Tickets are already on sale at a cost of $300 for the three-day festival pass and provide access to all days and events.

To purchase tickets or view the full festival program, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.

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P!nk, Lady Gaga, and Aretha Franklin fans unite!

Three of the most influential and powerful women in music are coming together to bring Queens Of Pop, Rock and Soul to the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday, May 14, presented by The Australian P!nk Show.

Kim Boath is P!nk, the spiky-haired rock goddess with countless top 10 singles and record-breaking tours.

Kim Boath was born in Mount Isa and has become a powerful performer in her own right.

Kim is supported by Koby Lee as ‘Queen of Pop’ Lady Gaga and Asabi Goodman as Aretha Franklin, arguably the greatest soul singer of all time.

Coming out of Brisbane, Koby Lee is a passionate and versatile performer and becomes a carbon copy of Lady Gaga having been inspired by her throughout her career.

American singer Asabi Goodman has over 25 years’ experience in music, stage, and screen, both here in Australia and across the Pacific, and is currently performing as part of Hairspray.

Asabi, Kim, and Emily are complimented by some of Queensland’s best musicians, all with extensive touring and performing experience.

The Australian P!nk Show band are absolute professionals and guarantee a magical show spectacular.

Band bassist Grant Boath is excited for their shows up in Airlie and says they prepare thoroughly before touring the show.

“The girls practice every night,” he said.

“A lot of work goes into it to make sure every T is crossed.

“Aretha Franklin (Asabi Goodman) toured the world doing it.

“She is dynamite, she is incredible.”

The band will also be backing it up on Sunday, May 15 with Rock The Decades at the Airlie Beach Hotel’s Sunday Sessions.

Take a musical journey through time as the band rocks through the decades starting in the 70s and rocking out all the way up to today’s hits.

Koby Lee and Asabi Goodman will bring powerhouse performances as they guide you through decades of incredible music.

Both shows are free, start at 2pm each afternoon and run until 5:30pm, and bookings are recommended.

Make sure you head to the Airlie Beach Hotel on May 14 and 15 to see these songstresses loud, live and free on the bar-top stage.

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Morbius: The Living Vampire

The setup for Daniel Espinosa’s film, Morbius, follows the eponymous Michael Morbius - played by Oscar winner Jared Leto – who has been dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder his entire life. That’s a bit of a buzz kill, but Morbius doesn’t let that get him down. He takes it upon himself to become a Doctor, determined to save others from his own fate, and what eventually leads him to a desperate gamble.

That stake transforms him into something unearthly, and while at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness is soon unleashed and Morbius must contend with friend and foe whilst trying to maintain his humanity.

Leto gives a respectable performance in this superhero flick that is opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, 1:00pm and 3:45pm.

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

For those who’ve followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe from day one: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is for you. For those who’ve jumped on board a little later: that’s alright – Marvel is more than capable of holding your hand and guiding you through the manic fever dream this second Doctor Strange adventure can be.

Benedict Cumberbatch is back as the Master of the Mystic Arts, and so too is director Sam Raimi, who’s previous Marvel outing was a few films in the early 2000s called Spiderman 1, 2, and 3 – you might have heard of them.

Teaming up Raimi and Doctor Strange is a no brainer, and this film does not disappoint on both the character and the director’s strengths. He also directed the Evil Dead, after all.

So, find out what happens in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness when the casting of a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse, and a threat emerges.

Opening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema Friday, May 6.

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Classical music fans, prepare to be delighted when the Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this May.

Marvel as thirteen talented musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcase their talent and artistry performing much-loved favourites and creating experiences that become extraordinary when shared.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Connect ensemble presents an evening concert packed with classical favourites from Prokofiev, the king of Russian ballet to Grieg’s tip-toeing masterpiece, “In the Hall of the Mountain King.”

Don’t miss out on your chance to see Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Mackay.

Book your tickets now and prepare to be swept away by classics like: Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets, Prokofiev’s Cinderella’s Waltz and Romeo and Juliet, Gershwin’s Walking the Dog and Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ from Peer Gynt Suite No.1, and more.

EVENT DETAILS

Queensland Symphony Orchestra – Classical Favourites Wednesday 25 May 2022 7.30pm

MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Friday 29 April

April Photo Walkabout Workshop at the Botanic Gardens

Friday, 6:30am to 8:30am

Start the day off right with a walk which focuses on our feathered friends, the birds in the Botanic Gardens. We will be joining Birdlife Mackay’s monthly bird walk and learning the best places to find birds and what birds occupy the gardens. Mackay Camera Group will also be present to assist with the best camera settings for bird photography. Open to all photographers from beginners to advanced, it is a free activity for anyone to join. Bring your camera or device, telephoto or zoom lens recommended and meet at the Botanic Gardens Viewing Deck (opposite the Café). To book your spot, phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Breathing and Meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what's in front of you? By quieting the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring your own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session. Bookings through Eventbrite.

Gordon White Library

Boomerang Launch Night

Friday, 4:00pm

The Boomerang Hotel is welcoming everyone back to their favourite new-look local with a massive night of freebies, live entertainment, and events for the whole family! Everyone's welcome so come on down and check out everything going on at the Boomerang Hotel!

Boomerang Hotel

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Graeme Connors ‘Back After A Short Break’

Friday, 7:30pm

Join Graeme Connors and his band, ‘In Concert’, with classic hits, favourites and new songs from the pen of Australia’s finest singer songwriter. Book via www.themecc.com.au.

MECC Auditorium

Subservia ‘Common Nonsense’ EP Launch

Friday, 9:00pm

In celebration of Subservia's debut EP, ‘Common Nonsense’, the boys are sending it out with a mad party at the Hotel Mackay! With support from Nortica, Systematic Machine, and Viper Syndicate, you won't want to leave your energy at home. Doors at 8pm, bands from 9pm, $10 entry, tickets sold on the door.

Hotel Mackay

Saturday 30 April

Kool Beanz Academy T10 Bash for Cash

Saturday to Monday, 9:00am to 10:00pm

Who will be this year's T10 Bash for Cash Champions? Come and watch the competition as we offer FREE ENTRY to all spectators. With a $30,000 prize pool split across a male and female division we are aiming to see some of the best battle it out for the Kool Beanz Academy GBRA T10 Bash for Cash crown. For team registrations email john@harruppark.com.au or for more information or visit bashforcash.com.au.

Harrup Park

Mackay Art Society Mother’s Day Markets

Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Find arts and crafts, paintings, wood turning, and jewellery at the Mother’s Day Markets at the Mackay Choral Society hall in Andergrove.

5 Snow Wright Ct, Andergrove

Pointglen's Movie Under The Stars 2022

Saturday, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Join Shoal Point Waters for a fun-filled night under the stars watching a family friendly movie. This is a free community event brought to you by Pointglen Developments.

Shoal Point Waters

Michael Jackson THRILLER Night

Saturday, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s THRILLER single in The Main Bar from 8pm. All the best tunes from Michael Jackson will be played all night plus prizes for the best Thriller outfit!

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Sunday 1 May

Live At Lamberts 2022

Sunday, 12:00pm to 10:30pm

An afternoon celebrating great music, tasty food, and a location like no other! The Seabreeze Hotel is excited to announce Live At Lamberts 2022! Featuring a premium music lineup including Pierce Brothers, Late November, Perry Street Park, The Stone Apes, Mardi Wilson, Karlou and Matilda Duncan. Once the sun sets, Michael Scriha will be kicking off the official after party!

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 4 May

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 5 May

Low Voltage Rescue with CPR

Thursday, 8:30am to 2:00pm

This course provides participants with the skills to manage common first aid situations that can arise in an electrical services industry environment, including rescue from low voltage panels. It is suitable for people employed as electricians and others employed in the electrical services industry.

St John Ambulance Mackay

Bugs - 'Cooties’ Tour

Thursday, 7:00pm

Bugs are no longer reserved to the confines of the Brisbane scene in which they made their start, with a whirlwind couple of years shepherding the band and their heartfelt, honest and relatable brand of pop rock to the national stage. It’s time to strap in and enjoy the next musical ride from self-professed “Noisey Guitar Pop from Sunny QLD” band, Bugs. With LOSER & VOIID.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

The MECC presents Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Thursday, 7:00pm

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the highways to home-deliver the freshest and funniest from the 2022 Festival to neighbourhoods across the nation. For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide. Buckle up for a night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness, and song in this rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your post-pandemic comedy cravings!

MECC Auditorium

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Keen for a Roman holiday with a Fair Lady or perhaps Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Crossroad Arts is thrilled to be hosting another excitingly unique fundraiser, Audrey’s Roman Holiday Party.

Coinciding with the Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party, participants will enjoy a night of Italian themed festivities complete with painting a Tuscan landscape with local artist Kate Kennedy.

Tickets include wine, nibbles and a 2-hour paint session, but with only 30 tickets available you will need to find your best Audrey Hepburn inspired wear and get in quick!

After the success of Crossroad Arts’ Frida Fundraiser Fiesta paint and sip last year this event is not one to be missed.

Artist Kate Kennedy said, “I am proud to be a part of the 2022 Crossroad Arts Paint and Sip Fundraiser - Audrey’s Roman Holiday Party, and excited to share some of my skills on how to paint a Tuscan landscape.  

“It's important events such as these that help to raise the much-needed funds to bring more accessible artistic programs and creative opportunities for people with disability in our community.”

Crossroad Arts has DGR status and is a registered charity. All donations made on the evening will be matched $1 for $1 by ReNew Mackay up to $5000.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday May 14, 2022

6:30pm- 9pm

Crossroad Arts- 55 Wood St Mackay. Accessible venue

$100pp limited tickets available

For further details including how to book tickets please visit www.crossroadarts.com.au

Georgia Knoll, Brenden Borellini and Annalise Mawer get ready for Audrey’s Roman Holiday Party. Image Credit: Alison Richardson

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Friday 22 April

Conversations with Art

Third Friday of each month, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Join Artspace staff as they guide a casual conversation about traditional and contemporary artworks from the Gallery and Museum Collections.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Friday Jazz Music - Out Of Abingdon

Friday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Head down to the Seabreeze for a night of Jazz! Out of Abingdon will be kicking off from 7:30pm. Free all ages event.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 23 April

Mango Junction Live at the Burb

Saturday, 7:00pm

Join us from 7pm-11pm with live music with Mango Junction! Grab a nice meal and a cold drink while you enjoy the music!

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Sunday 24 April

Pioneer Bonsai Mackay Workshops

Sunday, 1:00pm

Pioneer Bonsai Mackay hold their monthly bonsai workshops at the Botanic Gardens Meeting Room. If you enjoy the fellowship of bonsai or are interested in learning more please come along. New members are welcome.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Lift The Lid Walk – Mackay

Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Lift the Lid on Mental Health with this fundraiser for mental health. Funds raised go to Australian Rotary Health, which funds the all-important research, which helps the great local organisations deliver on the ground. You can walk for as short or as long as you like, departing from Bluewater Quay at 9am. Registration ($30, including free T-shirt) can be made at www.liftthelidwalk.com.au/mackay or late registrations (without the free T-shirt!) can be made from 7am on the day.

Bluewater Quay

Karaoke Under The Stars @ Eimeo SLSC Social Afternoon

Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Karaoke Social Afternoon at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club. Everyone is welcome to come join in the fun, sing, dance & party.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Sunday Live Music – Ella Hartwig

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. Ella Hartwig will be hitting it off from 2pm - 5pm. Ella is originally from Cooktown and is currently touring Far North Queensland.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 25 April

ANZAC Day at Harrup Park

Monday From 5.30am

Pay tribute to our diggers on ANZAC Day at Harrup Park. AFL and NRL matches will be televised in The Garden on the Big Screen and inside the club. Prior to the footy, Harrup Park's annual Two-Up competition will be held in an outdoor arena set up beside The Garden. Harrup Park is proud to be the Official Venue of the Mackay RSL Sub Branch.

Harrup Park Country Club

ANZAC Day AFL Fixture: City v Country

Monday, 12.30pm to 5:30pm

It’s a tried and tested battle, where the best city players fight it out against the best country players and it’s back on the AFL Mackay calendar in 2022. Hosted by Magpies Sporting Club, the clash will be played on Monday, April 25th to commemorate ANZAC Day. Gates will open at 12:30pm and will see the women’s action kicking off at 1pm, followed by the men’s game at 3pm. There is plenty of entertainment for the whole family including a jumping castle, face painting and food trucks.

Magpies Sporting Club

Tuesday 26 April

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

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 cooperative 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

Wednesday 27 April

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 28 April

Mackay Black Coffee

Thursday, 7:30am

Black Coffee in Mackay is an opportunity for grassroots Indigenous business owners to network and build relationships with each other, other professionals and their supporters.

Primal Coffee Roasters

Morning Melodies at the Burb

Thursday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies at the Burb with Anette Worthington performing live once a month!

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Beergustation

Thursday, 6:30pm

Join The Dispensary for Beergustation hosted by Liam from Ballistic Whitsundays.

Taste 5 unique Ballistic beers each paired with food designed by Head Chef, Alex.

If you enjoy beer and delicious food this is one event you don't want to miss!

The Dispensary Mackay

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Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

It feels a long time since the first Newt Scamander film scurried onto cinema screens in late 2016, and an even greater time since we were introduced to J.K Rowling’s Hogwarts world of Wizarding.

The magic is still well and truly alive though, with its beating heart intact: magizoologist New Scamander, played by the foppish haired Eddie Redmayne. Redmayne gives an increasingly more David Copperfield performance, and he combines with Jude Law’s Aldus Dumbledore exquisitely in the film.

They’re still taking on the wizarding worlds, pre-Voldemort bad guy, Gellert Grindlewald, now played by Mads Mikkelsen, and it invokes heavy themes of fascism in a Europe on the brink of World War Two. That sounds heavy, but the balance of light and whimsy get rid of those nasty ruffles of politicism. There’s a lot to love in the film: the visuals as well as the performances.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is playing now at the Summergarden Cinema.

Caption 2: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage once bought an octopus - as one does when you're famous, and bored - for $273,000 dollars.

If that doesn’t entice you to watch The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, I don’t know what will. Unfulfilled and on the cusp of financial ruin, Nicolas Cage plays Nick Cage – he plays himself – and attends a wealthy fan’s birthday party in return for $1 million.

It all gets a bit wild - it’s Nick Cage after all - when he forms a bromance with the billionaire fan, Pedro Pascal’s Javi Gutierrez, and Cage becomes an informant for the CIA, and Pascal is cast in a Quintin Tarantino movie.

It’s mental, and you need to see it. Cage said this fictionalised version of himself “bears little resemblance to my real offscreen personality” but he bought an octopus for goodness’ sake – he stole a dinosaur skull, too. Seriously.  

Look forward to it, because The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is playing at the Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, April 30.

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Entries are now open for one of Mackay’s most prestigious art prizes, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2022.

Celebrating its 16th year, the annual Art on Show event will take place between August 5 and 8, this year joining the Mackay Festival of Arts as a new Fringe Event.

Art on Show offers artists an excellent opportunity to showcase their work to over 300 guests throughout the exhibition at the Mackay Showgrounds 500 Pavilion.

Entrants will also have the chance to win a share of the $11,000 prize pool and the opportunity to sell their work.

There are five sections of entry, with the major prize, the Woollam Art on Show Award, offering $3000, and the People’s Choice Award to be judged by event patrons.

The Mackay Show Association initiative is a celebration of visual arts in regional Queensland, seeking a significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nationwide, with the aim of promoting the arts sector to the Mackay region through a high standard of presentation.

The event provides a platform for local artists to connect with the local art community, showcase and sell their work, and further their artistic careers.

The initiative also focuses on unearthing new talent amongst emerging high school senior art students by working closely with the region’s art educators.

Since the event’s inception in 2006, it has attracted over 6000 competition entries, received from artists as far as Tasmania and Cairns.

The Mackay Show Association has announced Ms Deanna Hitti as the guest judge for the 2022 awards.

Ms Hitti is an award-winning Melbourne-based artist whose works have been short-listed in numerous Australian art awards.

She was the recipient of The Libris Award in Mackay in 2008 and most recently the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award.

Ms Hitti will also be presenting a special artist talk at Artspace Mackay and a masterclass artist workshop at the Mackay Showgrounds during her visit.

The competition has previously attracted high-profile guest judges including directors and curators from Artspace Mackay, New England Regional Art Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, Art Gallery

Artist Greg Cannon with his work entitled Driftwood Retreat, the Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award 2021

Local artist Jason Keehn views his work in the 2021 exhibition

Art on Show Awards Coordinator Melissa Broadhurst admiring entries in the 2021 exhibition. Photos: supplied

Ms. Deanna Hitti, nationally acclaimed Australian artist, and recipient of the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award will judge the 2022 Art on Show competition. Photo: Rebecca Umlauf

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Saturday 16 April

Falun Gong Classes

Every Saturday, 9:00am to 11:00am

Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation, inner peace, and health through movement. You're invited to come along and experience a session in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens. The meeting place is under the Mango Tree on the Tropical Sun Lawn (near the cafe). Please bring a yoga mat (or similar) and wear comfortable clothing.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Easter Family Fun Day

Saturday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Meet the Easter Bunny this Easter Saturday at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay. FREE easter eggs, jumping castle, and face painting!.

Porters Mitre 10 Mackay

NBL1 North Pre-Season Game

Saturday, 5:00pm

The next pre-season game for the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors is next Saturday night when the boys take on the QLD U20 Men’s team at 8pm, with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes taking on the QLD U20 Women’s team at 6pm.

McDonald's Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium

Viva Solo Live @ HMK

Saturday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

The talented Viva comes back to Hotel Mackay for what is going to be a great night. Come join Viva as she sings all your favourites from gold oldies to all the hits including some Spanish hits!

Hotel Mackay

Karaoke Under The Stars @ Electric Dreams Karaoke Lounge McGuires Mackay

Saturday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Free entry, where you are the star! You love to sing, they have the songs.

McGuires Hotel

Sunday 17 April

Interactive Easter Sunday Celebration

Sunday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Imagine walking into the Fitzgerald State School Hall and seeing a bunch of tables with chairs around them all set up and ready for messy fun. Where there’s music, great people. Where you get to play with dirt, sew seeds, decorate, create and listen to a couple of short stories that explain the reason for Easter. This is fun for the whole family where together we’ll make Easter gardens that will spring to life during the week. Whether you’re a kid at heart or you've got kids, this will be a really meaningful and fun way to celebrate Easter together! And of course there will be Easter eggs for everyone.

Fitzgerald State School

Family Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, 11:00am

Wake House Australia's inaugural Family Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt takes place around Lake Poco (aka the wake park lake) in Andergrove Lakes. You will need to check in first at the Lakeside Cafe @ Wake House between 11am - 11.30am. All ticket sales go directly to local charity All Abilities Inc - Summer House Mackay.

Wake House Australia

Seabreeze Liquor Launch Party

Sunday, 2:00pm

Celebrate the launch of Seabreeze Hotel’s new bottleshop Seabreeze Liquor on Easter Sunday. The Stone Apes Duo will kick off the celebrations from 2pm. Plus there will be jumping castles, face painting, exclusive bottleshop opening specials & more! Bring your friends and family and dance the afternoon away with your favourite tunes.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sounds on Easter Sunday

Sunday, 2:30pm

Fun family day with The Feels, face-painting, food, and more.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Monday 18 April

FOCUS Training Centre Free Seminar & Workshop 3 of 4

Monday, 6:30pm

Join us at the Focus Training Centre for a free seminar & hands on workshop discussing and demonstrating various tempos to override plateau and build muscle. Free workshops for anyone to attend are held every Monday night for the month of April.

FOCUS Training Centre

Wednesday 20 April

2022 Innovative Grazing Forum

Wednesday April 20 to Friday April 22, 7:30am to 3:30pm

This event aims to create opportunities to improve landscape and production quality and quantity, to network, share knowledge and innovations to reduce nutrient runoff through our waterways and eventually to the Great Barrier Reef. It will include two separate field days and invigorate your perspective at the full conference day. Tickets on sale now.

Day #1 - Field Day @ Palmyra | Day #2 - Conference @ The Windmill Motel | Day #3 - Field Day @ Sarina Range

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

Soul Jam

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm to 10:00pm

A friendly space to share your originals, jam with others and experiment with music. We supply a drummer and guitarist, bass also available. Slam Poetry and comedians also welcome.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Dinkum Assorted Gala Preview

Wednesday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Watch the gala preview of 'Dinkum Assorted', a comedy by Linda Aronson directed by Luana Royle, and featuring the talented cast of Kucom Theatre. The play is a dancing, singing comedy set in a biscuit factory in a small Australian country town in the early 1940’s. Not only are all the workers in the factory women but they also have to contend with the possible closure of their workplace, 2000 American troops billeted just outside their town and having to cope with the pressures of running an ARP Unit. Dress in your best 1940’s outfits and enjoy the entertainment! Ticket price of $25 includes entry to the show and a little box of delightful nibbles.'Dinkum Assorted' opens at Kucom Theatre on 21st April for a two-week season.

Kucom Theatre

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Sugardrop Festival is the latest addition to the calendar for Mackay music fans, curated by local sweetheart Tia Gostelow.

Taking place at Harrup Park in June, Sugardrop will see musicians from Mackay and all over Australia take the stage in what is set to be an epic afternoon of live music.

“I’m so excited for it,” said Tia.

“It’s been in the works for a long time and I’m excited to bring some bands from out of Mackay in and also give local bands the opportunity to get up and play in front of a new crowd.

“I think the line-up’s amazing.”

Tia will be headlining the event with her powerfully melodic indie pop, playing alongside Brisbane punks Beddy Rays, Canberra troupe Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, as well as more local acts Amber Farnan and Mt. Nadir.

“Beddy Rays are incredible,” said Tia.

“Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, they’re from Canberra so I’m not sure if they’ve ever been to Mackay before so that’ll be awesome.

“And Amber Farnan and Mt. Nadir are obviously regional bands as well so I think it’s incredible to see such a diverse range of bands.

“Mt Nadir, two of the boys from the band are from Mackay and they’re actually really good friends of mine and they’ve literally just started this band so it’s really exciting for them to come back and play in their hometown which they haven’t done yet.”

Tia says Mackay played an important role in her career and she can’t wait to bring the festival to her hometown.

“I moved to Mackay when I was 10 and I’ve literally been playing in pubs since I was about 12 years old, so Mackay was a very important part in my career,” she said.

“I feel like it’s a very special thing to come back and play in Mackay.

“It hasn’t felt like hard work because I’m enjoying it a lot.”

Tia has big hopes for Sugardrop, hoping to make it a mainstay in the Mackay music scene.

“I really want it to be something that people in Mackay can look forward to every year.

“Hopefully bigger and better things as the years go by.”

Tia will be heading to America soon to write her new album before she returns to finalise preparations.

Catch Tia Gostelow, Beddy Rays, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Amber Farnan, and Mt. Nadir at Sugardrop Festival at Harrup Park on June 18.

Tickets are on sale now.

Tia Gostelow is excited to bring a brand new festival to her hometown

Tia will headline a line-up of top-tier local and interstate acts. Photos: supplied

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The Lost City

In this fizzy action comedy, Sandra Bullock is Loretta Sage, a reclusive writer of exotic adventure novels in the vein of Indiana Jones. Her Jones though is “Dash McMahon”, a blond heartthrob bursting from his linen shirt on the cover of her books, the most recent “The Lost City”. We meet the cover model who portrays Dash early in the film - Alan Caprison, a beefy model who could best be described as a himbo: a good looking but unintelligent young man.

The pair don’t so much get along, but when Loretta is kidnapped by eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe) to find the real Lost City, Alan heads off to save her. He’s determined to prove he can be a hero in real life and not just on the page of a book, enlisting the help of ex-Navy SEAL Jack Trainer, with Trainer played by a gorgeously wigged-up Brad Pitt.

Alan and Loretta quarrel and flirt their way across the jungle in search of help, and Fairfax’s mysterious treasure.

You can see The Lost City in cinemas Saturday 10.00am, 2.10pm, and 6.45pm.

Monster Family 2

A perfect picture for school holidays, watch as the Monster Family head out to free Baba Yaga and Renfield from the clutches of Monster Hunter Mila Starr. A return to the screen for the Wishbone Family as they once more transform into a Vampire, Frankenstein's Monster, a Mummy and a Werewolf.

Aided and abetted by their three pet bats, the family zooms around the world to save their friends, making new monstrous acquaintances along the way.

A “mix of the Incredible and Mulan”, this feature sees the family finally come to the realisation that 'Nobody's Perfect' – and even those with flaws can find happiness.

You can see Monster Family 2 Saturday 12.10pm.

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Film fanatics of the Whitsundays will have their eyes glued to the screen for the return of the Flickerfest Short Film Festival in late May as it brings hand-picked short cinema to the region.

Over 31 years, the largest short film festival in the country has screened the best of shorts from Australia and around the world to audiences across the country – this year chosen from over 3,200 entries.

With Academy Award and BAFTA accreditation, the festival is upper echelon in the Australian film scene, and heads on a national tour each year – having been through Airlie Beach on and off for the last decade.

Its curated 2022 National Tour has collected the Australian and International highlights from the 10-day Flickerfest Festival in Bondi, in what organisers are calling “A kaleidoscopic carnival of short films.”

This year, the tour will play the Best Australian Shorts, Comedy Shorts, and another category to be announced closer to the festival date on May 27-28.

Airlie Beach Rotary Club administrator and event organiser Dalwyn McErlane said she was extremely excited to have the festival return.

“It’s so great to have it be back, with last year our first outing after a bit of hiatus with Cyclone Debbie,” she said.

“It will be great to build it back to where it was in those previous years – so make sure you save the date!”

The full roster of short films will be announced in the coming month.

This year’s Flickerfest is themed after The Great Gatsby and will return to Airlie from May 27-28

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