The 2026 Pioneer Valley Show brought the community together for a day of competitions, entertainment, exhibits and rides, with strong support from locals helping make the annual event another success.

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Photo source: Pioneer Valley Show Society (Facebook)

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See all photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/highlights-from-the-pioneer-valley-show

By Cr Heath Paton

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Mackay will burst into life this July as the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts returns with a packed program of performances, exhibitions and familyfriendly events right across our region.

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Now in its 39th year, the festival runs throughout July and continues to be one of the highlights on Mackay’s calendar. This year, I’m exciting to see a full program that not only introduces fresh new experiences but also welcomes back popular favourites – many of them refreshed or in new locations to make them even better for festivalgoers.

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One of the standout events, the everpopular Wisely Wine and Food Day will this year be headlined by ARIA Awardwinning Australian artist Budjerah. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day out, combining great local food and drinks with live music and a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Daly Bay Illuminate also returns for four nights and will take centre stage in Mackay’s City Centre. Spectacular largescale light projections will transform some of our most recognisable building facades, alongside the muchloved outdoor theatre procession Whale Song, featuring enormous, illuminated whale puppets that celebrate our annual humpback whale migration.

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If you’re a business owner in the City Centre, now is the time to start planning how you can make the most of the extra foot traffic.  Why not put up some shop front lighting, offer some special deals or extend your trading hours?

Running alongside Daly Bay Illuminate will be the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub at Bluewater Quay, bringing together local musicians, food vendors and community artwork created especially for the festival.

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The festival kicks off during the school holidays, with plenty for families to enjoy. Highlights include Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and the immersive Sea of Light experience at the MECC.

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This year the program truly offers something for everyone, from theatre and comedy to music, exhibitions, workshops and community celebrations and it's fast becoming one of my favourite events on our calendar. 

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The full 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts program is available online, with printed copies available from the MECC Box Office and locations across Mackay.

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Let’s Chat – Council Connect

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Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be held at Koumala Community Hall on July 7 at 5pm.

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Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours is a beautiful open-air performance combining traditional First Nations dance and storytelling with contemporary circus acrobatics. Photo supplied

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Colour, movement and ancient storytelling will collide under the open sky when the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts begins on July 4th with an Indigenous-led contemporary circus spectacular. 

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Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours is created by ARC Circus Co in collaboration with Luther Cora and Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said the first fortnight of the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts aligns with the school holidays, providing a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy.

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“How the Birds Got Their Colours is a fantastic family-friendly show that will be held in our beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“The show celebrates diversity, identity and shared humanity through song, dance and spectacular acrobatics,” he said.

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Also featured in the Mackay Festival of Arts’ opening weeks is the immersive family experience, Sea of Light.

“This beautiful show allows kids and adults alike to use a UV torch as a paintbrush and paint or stencil a voyage that will leave glowing paths of light in their wake,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“Sea of Light artworks have been created by Aboriginal contemporary visual artist Elizabeth Close and are painted in light across the sea floor, reflecting the connection between land, sea, earth and water,” he said.

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Sea of Light will be on Wednesday 8^th July to Saturday 11^th July, at the MECC Plenary Halls.

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Another great show, just for the adults, will be the hilarious comedy showcase Late Nite PowerPoint.

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Following sell-out seasons at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe, this show features five comedians performing five different PowerPoints in a show that’s begging for technical difficulties.

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The Showcase will be on at Farview Tavern on Friday 10^th July and at Club Northern Beaches on Saturday 11^th July.

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Mackay Festival of Arts will also provide the following activities:

• On July 1^st DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season Fractured Fairy Tales, where classic stories have been tipped upside down and are all in a muddle at the MECC Auditorium.

• On July 4^th Malta’s culinary heritage will take the spotlight in Malta on a Plate at the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen, Marian.

• On July 6^th Cirque Nouvelle will thrill the whole family with acrobatics, juggling, aerials, balancing and jaw-dropping feats at the MECC Auditorium.

• On July 10^th  the NAIDOC Street Parade and Family Fun Day will again celebrate culture, community and connection at Queens Park.

• On July 11^th all the flare of the Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling will return to the Bluewater Quay.

• Plus, so much more.

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The second half of the festival will also be jam-packed with amazing events, including crowd favourites Wisely Wine and Food Day, Daly Bay Illuminate, Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub and the Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch.

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For more information on the full festival program, visit ourmackay.com.au/festivals

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The Mackay Show Arts & Crafts Pavilion overflowed with creativity this year, with organisers reporting what is believed to be a record number of entries across a wide range of categories.

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The pavilion featured exhibits from the arts, crafts, home economics, photography, patchwork, needlework and children's sections, along with many other displays showcasing local talent.

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From artworks and handmade creations to baking and school displays, the pavilion highlights the passion, skill and community spirit of those who entered.

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Organisers thanked all exhibitors who contributed to this year's display, describing it as one of the best so far.

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“A huge thank you to every exhibitor who entered and helped make this year's display one of the best we've ever seen.”

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See all the photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/record-participation-fills-mackay-show-arts-crafts-pavilion

Pictured is year 11 companions, with Camp Coordinator Lisa Buddery.  Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Laughter, new experiences and moments of quiet courage once again filled Whitsunday Anglican School as the Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp returned last weekend.

Twenty young people from across the Mackay region took part in the three-day camp from Saturday 20th to Monday 22nd June, enjoying activities in a safe and inclusive environment.

Now in its 12th year locally, the camp gives children and young people with disabilities the chance to take part in enriching experiences while also providing respite for families and carers.

Hosted at Whitsunday Anglican School since 2014 as part of the Sony Foundation Australia national initiative, the camp remains a valued community program. More than 120 student volunteers from Years 10 to 12 gave up part of their school holidays to support the weekend, including 51 Year 11 companions.

Teacher and Camp Coordinator Lisa Buddery said the camp continues to grow.

“This is our 12th year running Sony Camp at Mackay’s Anglican schools, and it has grown bigger and better each year since 2014,” she said.

“We’ve had new sponsors come on board, and we introduced a Build-a-Bear-style workshop where campers created soft toys.”

Ms Buddery said the camp aimed to provide experiences young people might not otherwise have access to in a safe and supportive environment.

“Activities such as Mackay Gymnastics, movie nights, discos and Show Day allow campers to take part in fun, memorable experiences,” she said.

“For many families, this camp is invaluable. It provides 48 hours of respite, while giving campers a space where everything is focused on them.”

“One of the most rewarding moments is seeing a camper overcome fear at the foam pit with encouragement from companions.”

“For me, it’s incredibly rewarding. You see the difference it makes, not only for campers but our Year 11 companions as well.”

Camp attendee Mikayla Mpeck said she especially enjoyed spending time with friends.

“My favourite parts were gymnastics and swimming because I got to spend that time with my friends,” she said.

“I enjoyed the farm animals, especially taking care of them.”

“I would definitely like to do Sony Camp again.”

Year 11 companion Nethmi Sella Kapu said teamwork was central to the camp, with students paired with campers and working closely together throughout the weekend.

“We’ve learned to think creatively and work together to find solutions when challenges come up,” she said.

Year 11 companion Emily Wilkins said the camp also strengthened connection and understanding between students and campers.

“We’ve done swimming, gymnastics, discos, movie nights, and today’s Show Day has been amazing,” she said.

The weekend once again delivered fun, connection and meaningful shared experiences for campers, families and student volunteers alike.

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26^th June

Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrentos: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

27^th June

Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s, 2pm-5pm,  Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm
Sorrentos: Andrew Baladino, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-Late

28^th June  

Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s, 2pm-5pm, Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm  

The Colonial Palms Motor Inn - Live Jazz, Blues & Grooves On The Deck, 2pm -5pm  

Sorrentos: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-Late

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29^th June  

Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm

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30^th June

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm

1^st July  
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm

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2^nd July
Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

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3^rd July
Sorrentos: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

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Winner: Jan Hollingsworth

Theme: Textures

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This week's winning image transports us to the heart of Quito, Ecuador, where the breathtaking Church of the Society of Jesus showcases a remarkable display of texture, craftsmanship and history.

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Constructed by the Jesuits between 1597 and 1760, the church is renowned for its elaborate interior, adorned almost entirely in gold leaf.

Beyond its striking appearance, the church is rich in symbolism and religious iconography, with its artwork designed to educate and inspire worshippers.

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The building also reflects a unique mix of European Baroque architecture and indigenous traditions, making it an important cultural and historical treasure that continues to represent Quito's diverse heritage.

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Jan's photograph beautifully captures the intricate detail and ornate design that have made the landmark one of South America's most celebrated religious buildings.

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A gentle giant with a goofy side, Happy Jack is searching for a patient family to help him continue building his confidence.

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The 14-month-old Greyhound and Arab mix can be a bit shy at first but those who earn his trust are rewarded with a sweet and affectionate friend for life. Once he feels comfortable, Happy Jack's playful personality shines through.

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The young dog loves his social time with other friendly dogs, enjoys a good food puzzle toy and never misses the opportunity to stick his head out the car window. He is also a fan of lead walks and, after a day of adventures, is more than happy to settle in for a nice relaxingcuddle.

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While he is currently recovering from knee surgery, he’s still eager to find his forever home where he can thrive post recovery.  

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He is particularly great with kids of all ages, being notoriously easy to walk, making him the perfect companion for any family looking for a loyal new member.  

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If you've got the patience and space to help this big sweetheart settle into his next chapter, Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue would love to hear from you.  

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Best-selling author Rachel Armstrong to deliver 2026 From the Heart keynote at the upcoming Whitsundays Writers Festival.

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She set her debut novel here. Now, talented, multi-award-winning romance author Rachel Armstrong is returning to the Whitsundays to take centre stage at the region’s premier literary event.

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Rachel has been named the 2026 From the Heart keynote speaker for the Whitsundays Writers Festival – a homecoming for the Townsville-based author who has cherished the region since childhood.

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“I’ve always loved the Whitsundays and spent many holidays in the area, so it’s no surprise it became the setting of my debut novel,” Rachel said. “To now deliver the keynote here is a special honour.”

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As one of Australia’s leading romance writers – and a two-time Romantic Book of the Year winner – Rachel knows exactly why the genre dominates global best-seller lists.

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“Love resonates with everyone. Romance guarantees emotional impact and the happily-ever-after we all long for,” she said. “Throw in some banter, a little danger, or a touch of magic, and you have a book readers simply can’t put down.”

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The From the Heart keynote is a cornerstone of the Whitsundays Writers Festival, previously delivered by Miles Franklin winner Shankari Chandran and acclaimed author Dr Anita Heiss.

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What: 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival  

When: Sunday 13 September 2026

Where: Whitsundays Marine Club, Cannonvale

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June

26^th Echoes of Pink Floyd - 60 Years of Pink Floyd, Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

28^th Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets 8am–1pm  

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July
8^th Cirque Nouvelle, Proserpine Entertainment Centre

23^rd Fire & Rain: The James Taylor Songbook, Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

25^th Whitsunday Mayor’s Charity Ball, , Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

25^th-26^th Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

30^th Your Song, Proserpine Entertainment Centre  

30^th-2^nd Aug Great Barrier Reef Festival

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Community Art Gallery, Proserpine
The Community Art Gallery showcases works and merchandise by local artists across a diverse range of subjects, styles, and mediums, including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, sculpture, and handcrafted gifts.

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Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 1.00pm (new extended hours)

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Volunteers Wanted
The Community Art Gallery in Proserpine is seeking volunteers to welcome visitors and support daily operations. Shifts are flexible, running for 3.5 hours on weekdays or 9am–1pm on Saturdays. No experience is required – volunteers help greet guests, share information, and create a welcoming visitor experience.

Learn more: https://www.creativeconnectionswhitsunday.com/volunteer

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Whitsundays Writers Festival: Early Bird tickets closing!
Early Bird tickets for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival close 30 June. Full-day tickets are $49 and include all sessions, two drink vouchers, a gourmet lunch box, and refreshments. Concession tickets are $39, children under 12 are free, and session-only tickets are just $10 each: https://www.whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers/

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Markets This July

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Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets (Coconut Grove) run 28 June, 9 July, 16 July & 28 July, 8am–1pm, shocasing local artisans, makers, artists and food vendors whenever a ship arrives. Browse handmade gifts, original artworks, and local treats while supporting small businesses.

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Proserpine Community Market is on Sunday 19 July, 8:30am–12:30pm at Proserpine Showgrounds, featuring coffee, food, live music, and the Whitsundays’ only purely local craft market. Meet makers, shop handmade goods, and enjoy a relaxed community morning.  

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Get in touch!

This column welcome contributions from across the community. If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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This month, challenge yourself to experience something creative in the Whitsundays that you've never done before.

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·       Discover local talent at the Community Gallery in Proserpine.

·       Borrow a book and read something outside your usual genre.

·       Strike up a conversation with a local maker at one of the Whitsundays' markets.

·       Step into the Proserpine Museum and explore new stories.

·       Send a message to a local creative you admire and ask them a bold question.

·       Roll your sleeves up at a workshop.

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Better yet, take a friend, support a local creative and discover something new together.

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Then tell us about it.

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What did you discover? What surprised you? What inspired you? How did the experience change the way you see your community?

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Send a few sentences and a photo (if you have one) to hello@whitsundayswriters.com. Selected responses may be featured in a future edition.

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Get out, get curious and celebrate the creativity that's all around us.

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By Creative Connections Whitsunday

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Drawing inspiration from her life experiences and inner world, Trudy Hastings creates artwork that encourages both positivity and reflection. With an artist's eye for possibility, she finds inspiration everywhere, motivated to explore new ideas and creative directions.

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Trudy's contemporary style is shaped by the people, places and moments that capture her imagination. Her creative process often begins with a vision of the finished piece, although the journey to get there can take unexpected and rewarding turns. To nurture her creativity, she works from her lovingly named "Trudio", a calm and organised space where ideas can flourish.

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Known for her enthusiasm, originality and dedication to her craft, Trudy is a valued member of the Whitsundays creative community. Through her art, she invites viewers to see the world through a lens of curiosity, optimism and imagination.

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A collection of Trudy’s artwork is currently on display at the Bendigo Community Bank Display Space until 23 July. Visitors can also view and purchase several of her original artworks and artist merchandise at the Community Art Gallery in Proserpine.

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What: Community Creative Space
When: Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm for lunch)
Where: Bendigo Community Bank branch, Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale

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By Glenda Brown, President, Creative Connections Whitsundays

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Creativity is often misunderstood.

Many people link the word to paintings, poetry, galleries or performance but it’s so much bigger than that. It's how we solve problems, share ideas, connect with others and makes sense of the world around us.

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In a time when so much of our lives is becoming faster, more digital and, in many ways, more isolated, creativity matters because it brings us together.

When someone joins a choir, attends a workshop, visits a gallery, writes a story, learns a craft, volunteers at a festival, or simply spends time making something with their hands, they're doing more than being creative. They're building confidence, developing skills, improving their wellbeing, and strengthening community connections.

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Research consistently shows that creative pursuits and participation in arts and cultural activities can reduce loneliness, support quality mental wellbeing, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. Creativity provides people a voice. It helps communities tell their stories, preserves identity, and celebrates what makes us unique.

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Here in the Whitsundays, creativity is all around us. It's in the Community Gallery, libraries, museums and archives. It's in our local markets, the live music venues, community festivals, school productions, exhibitions and workshops. It's in the work of artists, writers, performers, makers and the many magnificent volunteers who help bring cultural activities to life.

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Our arts are not separate from community life – they are community life.

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We enrich our daily experiences, support local businesses, attract visitors, inspire learning and help people feel connected to where they live.

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Creativity thrives when communities participate - and every one of us has a role to play.

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Learn more: https://www.creativeconnectionswhitsunday.com/

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Successful Show Despite The Drizzle. Large crowds braved the rain on the Saturday of the Show. Improvements such as the extended members’ lounge and the new toilet block added to the convenience as did the addition of four public telephones. However the spectacular Fourex Balloon only gave lifts to a lucky few late on Friday.

Cattle Quality Praised at Show. The judge said “They wouldn’t have disgraced any Royal Show in Australia.” Kenny Muller, BJ Valmadre and L. Camm were among prize winners.

Late Start For The Crushing. Good burning of the harvesting crop was possible so the delayed start was only minimal.

Dam Village To Begin. The contract for the building of the village for workers at the Proserpine Dam was let. Construction of the 45 metre high dam to store 500,000 megalitres of water would begin in early 1988.

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Illegal Homes. 59 illegal homes had been erected in Nellie Bay and adjacent beaches such as Jonah Bay. Squatters have been warned of the decision to remove the homes by the end of July as they were erected without authority.

Proserpine Historical Society Members Jan Maltby and Don Dinnie are appealing for copies of photographs for their future collection. Permission has been granted to microfilm all old Guardians for a future museum ‘if ever we have one.’

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Alan Dufty: Marathon Champion. Local wheelchair athlete Alan Dufty won the international marathon at Winnipeg, Canada in 2 hours 28 minutes, finishing 200 metres after taking the lead at 35 kilometres.

Distance Runner Passes Through Town. World famous marathon runner Tony Rafferty passed through town on a 1000 mile run from Bundaberg to Cairns on Tuesday morning.  

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Ambulance Contributions. Proserpine Centre has been informed that they must charge pensioners the following annual contributions: Married pensioners- $36.00, Single Pensioners- $24.00.

Apprentice Award. 4^th year mill electrical apprentice Stephen Curti won the Norman Bennett Bursary for the second successive year judged by T.A.F.E. on quality of work and study.

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Success For Top Local Horseman. Glen Gough has added to his list of successes with The Reg Brown Memorial Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge. Both his horses performed well.

Happy Birthday To Elizabeth. 200 guests gathered in the Show pavilion for the 80^th birthday of longtime resident Elizabeth Allan. ‘Born in 1906, Elizabeth has seen the World progress from horse and buggy to man on the Moon.’ quoted chairman of the day George Orr.

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Proserpine Golf Championships Final Rounds this Saturday and Sunday.

Champion Show Flowers; Champion Orchid shown by Tom Pond, Champion Cut Flower Irma Borellini.

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To Live In The Whitsundays. The Committee of the W.C.D.A. decided that “The Whitsundays will soon be promoted as a place to live in, and a place to visit” Two information packages have been prepared to help sell the area as a place to live. Enormous amounts have been spent on tourism.

Baton Twirler Championships. Six local twirlers will head to Brisbane to attend the first State baton twirling Championships.

Contributed with thanks by the Proserpine Museum 

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