This Sunday, 13 October, the annual Young Whitsundays Got Talent event is happening at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill.

The event showcases the amazing young talent we have in the Whitsunday and at this year’s event there will be three categories - under 12, 13 – 17 and 18 – 21 for soloists, duos and bands. 

Each entrant will perform two songs but if they reach the Grand Final they will get an additional one, three in total.

The day will be jam packed with hits, tunes and good times as the Whitsunday youth hit the stage and feel like rockstars.

Last year’s winners, the 2024 winner of North Queensland NQLD Battle of the Young Bands Gleezus, and 2022 winner will be special guests on the day. 

Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey is extremely excited about this year’s event.

“We have new faces, contestants entering, with great prizes to be won,” said Paula.

“At the moment we have 8 bands, 3 duos and 6 solo acts.

“We are expecting another full house to support our local super stars.”

“Also, we have, fabulous prizes to be won on our raffle worth over $4000.”

Admission for the 2024 Young Whitsundays Got Talent will be a gold coin donation.

What: Young Whitsundays Got Talent
Where: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
When: Sunday 13 October at 12pm
Admission: Gold coin donation

‍

North Queensland Battle of the Young Bands winners Gleezus will be performing at this year’s Young Whitsundays Got Talent. Photo supplied

‍

During the course of this year, nine regions from around Australia have hosted Passport to Airlie Competitions, inviting emerging artists that play original live music to perform in a showcase of local talent. One act from each region has then been invited to play the Friday night Showcase event at Airlie Beach Festival of Music on the mainstage.
On the Friday night, the nine acts play in front of a panel of music industry judges including Rai Thistlethwayte, front person of Thirsty Merc, Jeremy Berg drummer for 19Twenty, Mark Westaway from Australian Venue Co and long-time friend of the festival and supporter of live original music Cindy Jensen (Buskers By The Lake).
The regional winners this year are The Corbs from Darwin, Slippery Gypsy the Townsville band who won the Cairns event, Noah Davis from Mackay, Tom Neilson from the Sunshine Coast, HILZ from Brisbane, Space & Ages who played in the Gold Coast, Thirst Trap from Byron Bay, Phoebe Over from Newcastle and ANA from Melbourne.
While the panel deliberates, the 2023 winners Avalanche will perform for the crowd of dedicated music fans.
Avalanche had this to say about their time with Passport and Airlie Beach Festival of Music:
“We had the absolute time of our lives last year playing and partying at the best and biggest live music comp and festival in Oz!”
Following the Friday night show the overall winners will be announced and all regional winners go on to gig Saturday and Sunday in the iconic official street venues of Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music promoter Gavin “Butto” Butlin is looking forward to checking out this year’s talent.
“Every band that plays on a mainstage or a stadium was once a local band writing their originals and looking for an audience,” he said.
“We have a ready-made audience of fantastic music fans, so we love to bring the two together.”
Cherrie Hughes, the National Coordinator of Passport to Airlie said, “We are really proud that we offer the acts some invaluable industry experience and networks to help them on their way to the top, as well as a great weekend of music and good times in paradise.”
Three-day tickets to the festival include entry to this great event or there is a day ticket price to give fans a chance to see the emerging talent alongside the three headliners. There will also be the chance for those in the tent early to WIN a VIP ticket upgrade for the evening.

Passport to Airlie finalists announced to play at ABFoM

‍

Embark on a trip back to the 80’s with ‘Reckless’ the Australian Crawl Tribute, their recreation of the music has fans saying, “you took me back to the 80’s and made me feel 18 again.”

Coming back to the Airlie Beach Hotel is The Australian Crawl Tribute and Lead Singer/Owner of the band Marco Sinni said he and the rest of the band are looking forward to putting on a show in front of us here in the Whitsundays.

“Everybody is so welcoming every time we go, and the amount of people that go over and above to come and speak to us and find out what we're about is fantastic, and this includes the venue, the staff and the public,” said Marco.

“It's just a nice feeling that people appreciate the hard work we do to reproduce the music and give them a couple of hours of a trip back to the 80s.”

The band also try to replicate the Australian Crawl as much as possible, even down to the costumes.

“Australian Crawl never had a particular dress style costume, as such they were just your local boys from Mount Eliza that started a surf rock band,” explained Marco.

“I do tend to dress up a little bit like the singer, James Raine, because he does wear certain surfy type clothing, with beachy type clothing.”

Marco also says the band try to reproduce the music note for note and produce music for fans as close to humanly possible to the original Australian Crawl.

Marco and the rest of the band are massive fans of Australian Crawl, which is why they created the tribute act in the first place.

The crowd at the Airlie Beach Hotel can expect B-side songs like ‘Chinese Eyes’, but other hits such as ‘Beautiful People’ and ‘Errol’.

Since Australian Crawl are surf rock, the band don’t expect you to be on your feet all day long, but Marco ensures they will get you up before you leave.

“The response we get from audiences is interesting because it's semi-soft rock, it tends to be a response where people are tapping their feet and singing for the whole night, not necessarily jumping up and down like crazy,” said Marco.

“However, we structured the sets as per record sales and popularity. So, as we get towards the end of the second set with the faster songs, people tend to then start jumping around.”

What: ‘Reckless’ The Australian Crawl Tribute
Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 19 October 2pm – 5.30pm & Sunday 20 October 2pm – 5.30pm

Photos supplied

‍

Friday 11 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Dan (from 8pm)

Saturday 12 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Robbie Williams Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Dejavu (from 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm)

Sunday 13 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Robbie Williams Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Nick Di Gregorio (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm – 8pm)
Colonial Palms Motor Inn: Jazz Blues and Grooves with Nick Di Gregorio (from 3pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (from 2pm – 6pm)

Thursday 17 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Crash Duo (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

‍

October
10-13 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grand Opening
10-15 The Songwriters Festival
11 Junior Cricket Come & Try Afternoon, Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds from 4pm
11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
11 Rogue Traders, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
12 Sowing The Seeds Of Wellbeing, Bowen Community Garden, from 8am
12 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Bowen Cup, Bowen Turf Club, from 11am
13 Pirates Open Day, Port Denison Sailing Club, from 9am
13 Young Whitsundays Got Talent, Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill, from 12pm
14 Whitsunday Jobs Fair, Proserpine High School, from 1pm
15 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
17 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
19 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
19 Tourism Awards, Daydream Island, from 5.30pm
26 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
26 Drizzle Boy, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7pm
27 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
31 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm

November
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sound of Music, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
1 An Evening with Vika & Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
1 Vika and Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
2 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
8-10 Airlie Beach Festival of Music
9 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
14 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Moulin Rouge Soiree, Whisper Gin Bar & Restaurant, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
21 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

December
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Merry Madagascar & Home Alone 2, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm
18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from 11am and 3pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

‍

Friday 11th October

Unlock Your Potential With Toastmasters

6.45am

Unlock your potential with engaging presentations, networking opportunities, and improving your communication skills. Contact eyeopenmackay@gmail.com for inquiries.

St Paul’s Uniting Church

Yoga At The Botanical Gardens

9am

Join Anna for some blissful yoga sessions out in nature at the beautiful Botanical Gardens. These classes are FREE and will be held on the 2nd Friday of the month from 9-10am. All ages are welcomed, even if you have never tried yoga before. The group will be doing some gentle yoga stretches to energise the body, guided breathing to rejuvenate the nervous system and guided relaxation and meditation to calm the mind and soothe the soul. Bring a mat if you have one, there will be some spare ones available. If there is wet weather please meet at the cafe and we will decide whether to run the session under shelter

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

LIVE Music

7.30pm

Enjoy Nathan Kennedy LIVE at Ocean International – it’s a performance you won’t want to miss! Pizzas & tapas available on the deck! Call 4957 2044 to make your booking!

Ocean International

Saturday 12th October  

MS Super Splash

From 8am

Join in to help raise much needed funds to help find a cure for MS! Register as a team or as an individual in one of our community lanes. You don’t have to be a pro swimmer to participate and you’re not expected to swim the whole day. There will be a range of activities outside of the pool and a chance to socialise with your local community. We have registration discounts for people living with MS and discounts for group bookings. Please reach out for more information.

Mackay Memorial Swimming Pool

Self-Publishing Workshop

From 9am

Learn how to self-publish your book! A. L. Tippett's workshop will teach you how to find cover designers and editors, distribute to bookstores and libraries, market yourself and your book, and hold a physical copy of your hard work in your own hands! Bookings required via jotform.com

Split Spaces

Healing Hearts Fundraiser – Garden Party

1pm

Gather in the garden for an afternoon filled with love and laughter raising funds for Cardiac Unit @ Mackay Base Hospital. Enjoy Champagne on Arrival, Delicious Afternoon Tea, Multi-draw Raffles, Live Music “Tunes by Shanksy, Fashion Parade by Myer. There’s heaps of fun to be had by all! $40 per person – book via trybooking.com

St Charles Anglican Church

Sunday 13th October  

NQ Babies And Kids Expo

8am

The Mackay NQ Babies & Kids Expo is a specialised event for all things Babies & Kids, showcasing a variety of products and services for local families. Explore the many amazing market stalls, ran by local businesses, and discover a range of helpful services within the community for new & soon-to-be parents. There will also be delicious food and fresh coffee available, as well as jumping castles and face painting for the little ones. You can also pick up a FREE bounty bag, jam-packed with valuable information for new & expecting parents and product samples for mums & bubs. $2 Adult Entry Fee - Kids 17 and under get in for FREE.

Mackay Showgrounds

Monday 14th October

Monday Track Training

4.30pm

Track Training with MCC will commence Monday 5th August 2024 and will continue every Monday afternoon until Monday 4th November 2024. 10 lap warm up 3 x elements of a sprint, time trail and pursuit. This is a Group activity where everyone is welcome, come and give Track Racing a go this year!

58 Creek Street Walkerston, Mackay

Tuesday 15th October  

Mackay Seniors Expo 2024

9am-Noon

Entry is FREE. This expo regularly attracts more than 80 exhibitors and approximately 3000 community members. This event forms part of the Queensland Government’s state-wide Seniors Month celebrations which aim to improve community attitudes towards older people, facilitate community participation and activity by older people, and enhance community connections and inter-generational relationships. Free buses are running from Sarina and Mirani.

The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds

Book Of The Month

3.30pm

Artspace Mackay presents its popular Book of the Month program at Artspace Mackay each month. Book of the Month is a free event and opportunity for you—with the help of Artspace Volunteers—to explore the featured artist’s book of the month up-close and page-by-page. This program is an enjoyable, inspirational and informal way for people of all ages and abilities to see selected artists’ books from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Artspace Mackay, Civic Precinct, Gordon St

Wednesday 16th October  

Mackay Farmers’ Market

6:30 – 10:30am

Shop local at the Mackay Farmers' Market and enjoy a morning on the Pioneer River.

Grab your reusable coffee cups, drink tumblers, water kefir bottles, produce and carry bags and stop in at the Mackay Farmers' Market every Wednesday.

Bluewater Quay

Explore A Gym

9am-11am

Bring your child along for a morning of FUN! Explore-A-Gym is a 2 hour play session that is designed to give your child the opportunity to learn and explore in a non-structured environment. Suitable for ages 18 months to 5 years. Cost is $12/child

5 Snow Wright CRT, Beaconsfield. Mackay

Thursday 17th October  

Switch On With Sizzle & Sparkies

6.30am-8.30am

You’re invited to an electrifying meet and greet with MEA’s new CEO, Kate Raymond. Participants can chat with the Field Support Advisor about the latest trends, discuss industry challenges, and discover what’s buzzing in the world of electrical contracting. A sausage sizzle will be available to keep everyone fueled while exploring the newest electrical gear from Lawrence & Hanson. No need to register, just rock up!

Lawrence & Hanson Mackay – 69 Archibald St , Paget

Riverside Markets

3pm-8pm

Come along and browse collections of unique and colourful creations by crafted by local talents. Explore clothing, handmade cultural items and delicious food and drinks from local vendors by the river, every Thursday!

Bluewater Quay

‍

Returning for the fourth time to Airlie Beach is Louie Lee Feltrin, a legendary performer who is bringing us the high energy Robbie Williams Experience.

Louie has been performing as Robbie Williams for almost 20 years and still loves it.

He loves getting up on stage and giving people what they want from an authentic Robbie Williams tribute show.

“We don't take it too seriously; we tend to make it a lot of fun,” said Louie.

“We know it's all pretend, so we enjoy that aspect of it, and we give everyone what they want to see, which is Robbie when he's at his best.

“It is really engaging for the audience, we try to make sure that it's an interactive, high-energy show, that is lots of fun, and includes all of Robbie's hits.”

Louie said they will play all of the well-known Robbie Williams hits like, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Rock DJ’, and of course ‘Angels’ but the Robbie Williams Experience will be an authentic show, mirroring the covers that Robbie performs in Australia.

“He plays covers when he comes to Australia to make the sets more of a show, a bit more personal and interactive, so we will be doing a lot of that stuff this time in Airlie Beach,” said Louie.

“I will also play the stuff he performed at the Grand Final a couple of years ago in Melbourne.”

Robbie is a big John Farnham fan, so Louie and the band will be performing ‘You’re the Voice’, and they may also throw in some other Australian classics like ‘Down Under’.

Louie is returning to Airlie Beach shortly and he is already excited.

“I can't wait to get back to Airlie Beach it's one of my favourite places to play,” expressed Louie.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everybody enjoying themselves, it's going to be a ripper show.

“We are doing a couple of new and different Robbie songs this time, to make everyone a bit more engaged, I can't wait for it!”

Louie has performed in front of thousands of people before, the most being 20,000 people at a festival but he actually prefers the smaller performances, in particular Airlie Beach.

“I prefer doing the smaller shows they are always a lot more into it, and at Airlie Beach Hotel you're right in there with the crowd because they are sitting right in front of you so I can have a lot of fun with everyone and you get that reaction right away.

‍

What: Robbie Williams Experience
Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 12 October 2pm-5.30pm & Sunday 13 October 2pm-5.30pm
Tickets: Not needed, it’s free. But booking a table is recommended

The Robbie Williams Experience is coming soon to Airlie Beach Hotel
Robbie Williams Experience last visit to the Airlie Beach Hotel
Photos supplied

‍

Friday 4 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah *special event* (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Rene Le Feuvre (from 8pm)

Saturday 5 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah(2pm– 5:30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm)

Sunday 6 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: NRL Live Final – Live & Loud (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm – 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Chill Acoustic Session (from 2pm – 6pm)

Thursday 10 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6:30pm – 9:30pm)

‍

The Whitsundays Arts Festival is thrilled to reveal the final addition to this year's Whitsundays Songwriter Festival.
Airlie Beach will be graced with the presence of Mark Sholtez, the first Australian artist to be signed to Verve Records in New York.
Joining him is 7 time ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews, Queensland Music Award winner Jude York and America’s Got Talent and The Voice Australia’s sensation Johnny Manuel who were announced last month.
Mark will take part in the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival as part of the Songwriter Retreat (October 10 - 15) at Elementa Whitsundays completing the line up alongside Wendy Matthews, Jude York, Johnny Manuel, Francesca de Valence and Karen Jacobsen.
The professional residency offers the opportunity for collaboration across genres, co-writing, and the creation of new works.
These new compositions will then be performed in an intimate performance on the Airlie Beach foreshore on Saturday 12 October.
Set in a private event space at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this evening event, ‘Concert & Conversation,’ promises a rare occasion to listen to the stories of these songwriters.
Music lovers and fans of these accomplished artists will have the unique chance to get up close and personal.
For Mark Sholtez, this is the story of a regional Queensland singer and songwriter who has worked with some of the most successful producers, musicians and artists in the industry in both Australia and the United States.
An ARIA nominated and APRA award winning songwriter, Mark has written, recorded and produced music for Universal Music, Sony Music, EMI Music and Warner Music and collaborated with music industry icon Tommy LiPuma (Barbra Streisand, George Benson, Miles Davis) and multiple Grammy award winning Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Tracy Chapman).
Mark’s music has been in numerous international film and television productions including Private Practice, Packed to the Rafters, Grim Pretty Little Liars and Teen Wolf.
Mark also joins the professional faculty as mentor for the Emerging Songwriter Workshop on Saturday 12 October at Whitsunday Sailing Club, and as an educator for the prestigious Berklee College of Music it is very exciting he will be working with local songwriters.

WHAT: The Whitsundays Songwriters Festival
WHEN: October 10-15
TICKETS: www.whitsundaysartsfestival.org

Mark Sholtez, the first Australian artist to be signed to Verve Records in New York. Photo supplied

‍

October
5 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
5 Adopt-A-Dog-Day, Pets Domain Bowen, from 10am
5 Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
10 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
10-13 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grand Opening
10-15 The Songwriters Festival
11 Junior Cricket Come & Try Afternoon, Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds from 4pm
11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros & Sister Act, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
11 Rogue Traders, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
12 Sowing The Seeds Of Wellbeing, Bowen Community Garden, from 8am
12 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Bowen Cup, Bowen Turf Club, from 11am
13 Pirates Open Day, Port Denison Sailing Club, from 9am
14 Whitsunday Jobs Fair, Proserpine High School, from 1pm
15 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
17 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
19 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
19 Tourism Awards, Daydream Island, from 5.30pm
26 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
26 Drizzle Boy, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7pm
27 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
31 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm

November
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sound of Music, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
1 An Evening with Vika & Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
1 Vika and Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
2 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
9 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
14 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Spy Kids & Grease, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Moulin Rouge Soiree, Whisper Gin Bar & Restaurant, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
21 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

December
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Merry Madagascar & Home Alone 2, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm
18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from 11am and 3pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

‍

Young anglers get ready for Kids Fishing Day at Lake Proserpine, which is back for its second year. Promised to be a perfect opportunity for kids to learn fishing tips and tricks, participants can enjoy exciting workshops and try their hand at the Barra Cash Dash.
Last year 250 youngsters turned up to the day, and they expect numbers to be even higher this year with 42 pre-bookings already made by families in the community.
The day starts at 9am, and the organisers have 20 fishing rod sets to give away as well as lots of free ice cream and lots more giveaways. The day has some great sponsors including, Bowen Tackle World, BCF and Sunwater.
The kids will also get the opportunity to release the next generation of Barramundi, with the organisers providing Barramundi Fingerlings.
Local fishing clinic operator, Mudskippa, will also be set up with a range of fishing education and activity stations, offering his best fishing tips and tricks followed by a casting competition at 10:30am.
Craig Turner, Director, Commercial Businesses showed his excitement for the day:
“We've got lots of raffles and lots of prizes, we've got 140 lures to give away!
“What we want to do is make it an annual event where families can come, kids can come.
“It’s also about building the next generation of Fisher people.”
Come cast a line and have a good time!
‍

What: Kids Fishing Day
Where: Lake Proserpine
When: 5th October 2024

Kids Fishing Day Lake Proserpine

‍

Get ready to cast your line and reel in the prize of a lifetime with the Barra Cash Dash! The all-new community event is set to be fin-tastic.
The initiative is to help drive more tourism to the region, as well as get budding anglers off the couch and onto the lure.
Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Business at the Whitsunday Regional Council, shared exciting news about the fishing competition.
Participants have the chance to win incredible cash prizes, including a staggering $20,000 for catching a released Golden Barra. Additionally, there’s a chance to snag one of the two elusive Platinum Barras, each worth a remarkable $7,500.
“The Golden Barramundi is 1% of all Barramundi’s, it’s orange, yellow and all these amazing colours.” Craig enthused.
The fish, which will be released by the Mayor of the Whitsundays Ry Collins, will all be tagged, and the competition runs until someone catches the prized fish.
“What we want is for people to have access to fishing in Lake Proserpine, so you could go down there, camp with a $10 tent and with a cheap fishing rod and lure you could potentially catch a $20,000 Golden Barra,” Craig explained.
Launching on 5th October, this competition is open to all anglers, get your rods at the ready and reel in $20,000.
Top Tip for catching Barramundis:
They get hungry in the warmer water, so the hotter months from October to February are your best chance to catch the hungry Barras!

What: Barra Cash Dash
When: Launched 5th October and runs until someone catches the fish!
Where: Lake Proserpine

Catching the Golden Barra will win you a big cash prize

‍

Friday 4th October

Art Party Afternoons
3pm
Bring your own project! Do you have an existing arts project that you are looking to finish? Are you looking to meet up socially with other artists in an accessible environment? Art Party Afternoons recognises all of the unfinished projects (crochet, painting, craft, zine, artist book, comic, scribbles…whatever you are working on!). The monthly art hangs will connect the like-minded community to get creative inspo and provide you a place to make. This is a self-led event - bring your own project and share a cup of tea and a chat!
Crossroad Arts, 55 Wood Street, Mackay  

PBR Mackay
7pm
A sport unlike any other. A battle of the greatest. A competition of man vs beast where every second counts. The best in bull riding battle it out in a new Professional Bull Riders season like no other. Get ready for a premier entertainment experience at the PBR over 2 days (Friday 4th October and Saturday 5th October). Buckle up for the toughest 8 seconds in sports and find out what it means to be cowboy.
BB Print Stadium Mackay

Fremont – Film Night
7.30pm
Donya, a young Afghan who moved to Fremont, California after serving as a translator for the American army, spends her days working at a fortune cookie factory and her nights wide awake battling between her desire to rebuild her life and the overbearing guilt she carries within. In a bid to connect with the world, she sends an unconventional message through a fortune cookie. Book via trybooking.com
Cook Theatre, Building 1, CQU Mackay Campus

LIVE Music
6-9pm
Catch DJ Quincy LIVE at Ocean International – it's a performance you won’t want to miss!
Ocean International

Saturday 5th October  

Pilates With Katrina At Mantra
7am
Pilates for LRC Runners after your Saturday morning run/walk. Please bring your mat and $5 to pay for your session.
Mantra Mackay

Rhythm And The Reef 2024
From 1pm
Are you ready Central Queensland! Presented by @fieldminingservicesgroup and @hitmackay, your favourite local music and arts festival is back for its fourth year with a huge line-up to be announced. Bliss N Eso, Skegss, Thelma Plum, Sneaky Sound System, Allday, Giant Palms, Jonte, The Wild Sky, Same Pains, pacey and more! Enjoy a day packed with electrifying music, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant community vibes. All ages licensed bar event.
Meadowlands Amphitheatre, Botanic Gardens, Mackay

Sunday 6th October  

Mackay Swap Meet & Community Markets 2024
6am
Bringing to you a fantastic event that’s perfect for the whole community! With over 100 stalls packed with unique finds, there’s something for everyone. $5 Admission (per person) $25 Site Fee for sellers. Gates open from 6am - 12pm. What to expect: Car, truck, and bike parts. Cool memorabilia. A variety of tools for all trades. Plants, clothing, woodwork, and bric-a-brac. Whether you’re searching for that special item or just browsing, you’re sure to find something amazing! For more information contact: 0499 302 976 or email info@mackayswapmeet.org.au
Mackay Showgrounds

Boundless Book Club
12.30pm
In this digital age, nothing can take you away quite like a book. Join the group for a cup of tea to meet your local book lovers! Bring your favourite book that you would like to share with us, and $10 towards our Danishes...in the meantime, save the date and register your participation!
Kitten Vintage Mackay

Monday 7th October

Services Australia Drop In
9am
Do you require support with accessing your MyGov, or need information around payment and services with Centrelink, Medicare, and Child Support, come along to these drop-in sessions to have a face-to-face chat.
Dudley Denney City Library

Tuesday 8th October  

Chatty Cafe
9.30am
Chatty Café invites you to come along to connect, converse, and share ideas.
Chatty Café is a global movement that aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation, connecting people over a cuppa to help improve health and mental wellbeing.
People can feel isolated for many reasons; living alone, parenting at home, restrictive disabilities, getting older, or being linguistically diverse to name a few.
Gordon White Library

Phoneography Workshop
3.45pm
Learn how to take better photos on your mobile phone from a professional photographer! A workshop for young people aged 12-17years. Have you ever wanted to take better photos on your mobile phone? Are you trying to master that perfect portrait, compose better TikToks or beautify your Instagram grid? Just bring your own smartphone/tablet, appropriate footwear, sun protection and your imagination as we show you some basic tips and tricks for taking better photos. This FREE event is for youth aged 12-17 years of age. In the event of wet weather, the workshop may be cancelled or postponed.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Wednesday 9th October  

Mackay Farmers’ Market
6:30 – 10:30am
Shop local at the Mackay Farmers' Market and enjoy a morning on the Pioneer River.
Grab your reusable coffee cups, drink tumblers, water kefir bottles, produce and carry bags and stop in at the Mackay Farmers' Market every Wednesday.
Bluewater Quay

Puzzle and Chat
9.30am
A good puzzler can complete a 500-piece jigsaw in just hours! How quickly can a group of keen puzzlers put a 1000-piece jigsaw together? Join others to complete jigsaw puzzles while chatting. Drop in to Dudley Denny City Library, from 9.30am to 1pm on Wednesday, August 14 
Dudley Denney City Library

Thursday 10th October  

Explore A Gym
10am-12pm
Bring your child along for a morning of FUN! Explore-A-Gym is a 2 hour play session that is designed to give your child the opportunity to learn and explore in a non-structured environment. Suitable for ages 18 months to 5 years. Cost is $12/child
5 Snow Wright CRT, Beaconsfield. Mackay

Riverside Markets
3pm-8pm
Come along and browse collections of unique and colourful creations by crafted by local talents. Explore clothing, handmade cultural items and delicious food and drinks from local vendors by the river, every Thursday!
Bluewater Quay

‍

Eurovision, America’s Got Talent and The Voice (Australia) superstar Johnny Manuel joins the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival.

Johnny Manuel has an impressive 20-year career as a singer, songwriter and musician, and we get to see his skills here in the Whitsundays.

He has recently performed for United States President Joe Biden in New York City and, has appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Voice Australia and Eurovision, honing his skills and building an international fan base along the way.

Johnny Manuel will take to the stage in Airlie Beach for the Concert and Conversation held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Oct 12 as part of the festival’s program.

Last year’s festival Concert and Conversation sold out fast with audience members coming from all over Australia to see this unique world-class performance in a local waterfront setting.

Tickets are now on sale here to see Johnny Manuel and other festival favourites in Concert and Conversation on Saturday 12 October.

Johnny Manuel will also take part as songwriting mentor joining the festival’s Professional Faculty as part of the one-day songwriting workshop open to the public on Saturday 12 October.

Tickets are selling fast for both public events.

‍

Johnny Manuel is joining other world class musicians in the Whitsunday Songwriters Festival, Photo supplied

‍

Are you thinking about adding a new member to your family? Don’t miss the Adopt-A-Dog Day, which is taking place at Pets Domain in Bowen.

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc will be in-store to help you meet and learn about animals who are looking for their forever homes and encourage community members to “come along” and support them.

Whether you’re ready to adopt a furry friend or simply want to support your local rescue, this event is perfect for pet lovers of all kinds!
To make it even more special, for every bag of SavourLife dog dry food sold on the day, SavourLife will donate an equivalent bag to the local rescue group.
In addition to meeting adorable animals, enjoy delicious snag sizzles and face painting!
If you want a new furry friend, adopt don’t shop and head down to Pets Domain Bowen, where you can meet some fantastic animals who are all in need of a loving furrever home.

What: Adopt-A-Dog Day
Where: Pets Domain Bowen (79 Powell Street, Bowen QLD 4805)
When: Saturday 5th October 2024, 10am - 2pm

‍

Help make a dog’s day by giving it a forever home!

‍