The countdown is officially on for one of the region’s most anticipated community events: the 2026 Pioneer Valley Show!

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Set to light up the Pioneer Valley Showgrounds on Sunday, 14th June 2026, this much-loved one-day spectacular is gearing up to deliver a full day of colour, excitement and country charm, welcoming more than 16,000 visitors through its gates.

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Proudly presented by the Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show Society, the event has earned its reputation as “the best one-day show in Australia,” and it’s easy to see why. From the moment gates open, the show comes alive with the sights, sounds and energy of true rural celebration.

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Families can look forward to thrilling rides, free entertainment, agricultural exhibits, competitions, live displays and an unbeatable selection of food stalls offering all the classic show day favourites. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, exploring local talent, or simply enjoying a relaxed day out with family and friends, this is the show day for you.

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The Pioneer Valley Show is designed to bring the community together, celebrating the region’s agricultural roots while showcasing the best of local creativity, industry and entertainment. It’s a place where generations meet, where children experience the magic of the show for the first time, and adults return year after year for tradition, laughter and connection.

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Pre-purchased tickets are now available online, with savings on offer including a Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children) for $55 and bonus ride ticket sheets for $25. Show organisers are also encouraging visitors to get in early to make the most of value-packed options and avoid missing out on the day.

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Gate entry also gives visitors the chance to win major prizes, including a $1000 fuel voucher from Crokers Fuel & Oil and a family pass on a speed boat.

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So mark it in bold on the calendar: Sunday, 14th June 2026. Bring the family, bring your friends, and step into a day where the Valley comes alive with energy, community spirit and unforgettable show day magic.

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What: 2026 Pioneer Valley Show

When: Sunday, 14th June 2026

Where: Pioneer Valley Showgrounds

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Monthly Markets 

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Marian Markets
Held on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 8am to 12pm, the Marian Markets are set within the grounds of the Holy Rosary Church at Marian. Visitors can enjoy a great variety of stalls, delicious food, and a welcoming community atmosphere, making it a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning.

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Pinnacle Markets
The Pinnacle Markets are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9am to 1pm at the Pinnacle Family Hotel. Featuring a range of local stalls and community spirit, the markets are a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy a relaxed day out. Stallholder bookings can be made by calling 4958 5207. Markets will continue monthly through to September.

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Eungella Community Markets
Held on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm at the Eungella Memorial Hall, 5 North Street, Eungella, the Eungella Community Markets offer a family friendly experience in an undercover, air-conditioned, all-weather venue. With local stalls and picnic areas available, it is a great reason to visit the beautiful Eungella region and enjoy a day in the community. 

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Upcoming Events

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Sunday 31st May 

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Finch Hatton Cattle Camp 
Young people aged 5-25 across the region are encouraged to get involved in the Finch Hatton Cattle Camp on Sunday, 31 May 2026, at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds. Open to ages 5 to 25, the hands-on day will feature cattle husbandry workshops, junior judging, practical learning experiences and plenty of fun for those keen to learn more about the agricultural industry. With lunch provided and limited spots available, organisers encourage interested participants to book early and be part of a day celebrating country spirit, learning and community connection.
Finch Hatton Showgrounds 

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Sunday 14th June 

Pioneer Valley Show 
Experience the charm and excitement of the Pioneer Valley Show on Sunday 14th June from 8.30am at the picturesque grounds in Finch Hatton. This iconic one-day agricultural show attracts more than 16,000 visitors and is packed with exhibits, entertainment and family fun. Enjoy live music at the bar, food and show attractions throughout the day, with celebrations continuing into the evening. Bring cash and settle in for a classic country show experience in the heart of the valley.
Finch Hatton Showgrounds 

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Year 4 student Jack from St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School West Mackay was thrilled to receive a surprise reply from Dav Pilkey after writing him a letter about how the Dog Man books inspired him to start creating his own comics. Photo supplied

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Excitement has been building in Year 4 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, West Mackay, as one student’s creativity and initiative have led to an unforgettable experience!

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As part of a fast finisher activity in 4P, students were invited to choose from a selection of tasks once they had completed their classwork. One option encouraged students to write a letter to the author of a book they had enjoyed.  

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Inspired by his passion for the Dog Man series, Jack eagerly took on the challenge and wrote a heartfelt piece of fan mail to author Dav Pilkey.

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In his letter, Jack shared how the Dog Man books motivated him to start creating his own comics. With the help of Miss Plath, Jack’s letter was carefully addressed and posted all the way to America, an exciting journey that would take patience and hope!

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That patience paid off in a big way.

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Recently, Jack was thrilled to receive a reply from Dav Pilkey himself!  

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All the way from the USA, the package included a personal letter, a special bookmark, and an official Dog Man badge. The surprise brought immense joy and inspiration, reinforcing Jack’s enthusiasm for storytelling and illustration.

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Jack shared his thoughts about the experience:

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“I loved reading Dogman because I wanted to make comics when I grow up and when I started reading Dogman I thought I could start making them straight away. Because the characters George and Harold were making comics in the start of the book, I thought I’d try and do the same thing, so I made a full comic book.”

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He continued:

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“I’m starting my second one about Maya who brought a dinosaur to life and there is an Evil Dog, Catman, and a robot named ER.”

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On receiving the reply, Jack said:

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“I was very excited and I didn’t think he would write back. I’m grateful for my teacher posting the letter to Dav Pilkey for me.”

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Jack’s first comic has already impressed his teachers, featuring detailed illustrations, engaging dialogue, and imaginative storylines. Now working on his second comic, Jack is more motivated than ever to continue developing his craft.

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This wonderful story highlights the power of literacy, creativity, and taking initiative.

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A simple classroom activity has sparked a meaningful connection and inspired a young writer to pursue his passion.

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Congratulations, Jack! We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you next.

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Cr Peter Sheedy, Mayor Greg Williamson and Curator of Botanic Areas Lisa Kermode strolling through the newly renovated Shade Garden. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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A newly upgraded pathway through the Tropical Shade Garden at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens has officially reopened to the public as of last Monday, 18^th May to mark the beginning of Botanic Gardens Week.

The project replaces the former gravel pathways with 320 metres of concrete paths and 60 metres of modwood boardwalk, improving accessibility for visitors exploring one of the gardens’ most popular attractions.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said more than $420,000 had been invested in the upgrade.

“The shade garden is one of the most iconic features of our botanic gardens,” he said.

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“We have the ability now to get people of all ages and groups into here, because it used to be a pebbled pathway.

“It is now a wide shared pathway that's accessible to people with wheelchairs and people living with disabilities.”

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The improved access means visitors who previously found the area difficult to navigate can now experience the lush garden environment.

“So if you've never been to the Shade Garden before, because you couldn't access it, now you can,” Mayor Williamson said.

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He said spending time in nature also offered important wellbeing benefits.

“When you're able to access nature, and just listen to the birds and the environment around you… that does wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.”

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The new pathway also allows easier access to several garden features, including the crane sculptures gifted in 2004 by Mackay’s Japanese sister city, Matsuura.

Curator of botanic areas Lisa Kermode said the reopening formed part of a broader program of events for Botanic Gardens Week.

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“We’re really excited to be reopening the Tropical Shade Garden and welcoming visitors back,” she said.

“These are a collection of native and also exotic plants that all thrive in shady conditions,” Ms Kermode said.

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The new playground at Woodlands District Park has drawn inspiration from the natural environment. (Image for illustrative purposes only and subject to change.) Image supplied

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Mackay Regional Council has awarded a $2.3-million contract to Fergus Builders to construct an inclusive playground at Woodlands District Park in Andergrove, marking an exciting step forward for accessible recreation in the region.

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Inspired by the pale banded snail, a species native to Mackay’s woodland areas, the playground’s design cleverly echoes the spiral of the snail’s shell.  

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Mayor Greg Williamson said, “We’ve listened closely to residents and are creating a space where families, nature lovers and people of all abilities can come together and enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

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“This new playground has been thoughtfully designed so it’s truly inclusive, allowing children of all abilities to play, explore and interact together,” he said.

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Local State Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said supporting councils to deliver vital and accessible infrastructure is at the heart of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to Queenslanders.

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“This is not just a playground, it’s a fresh opportunity with the promise that every child, regardless of ability, has a place to play, learn and laugh within our community,” Mr Dalton said.

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The playground will feature accessible ramps, inclusive swings, a wheelchairfriendly carousel, sensory panels and two connected play towers offering a variety of challenges.

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There will be direct wheelchair access to one of the towers and a shared slide.

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There will also be a new amenities block including a Changing Places facility for people living with disabilities.

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Off-street parking at Broomdykes Drive and Schnapper Court is also included in this phase of the project.

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Construction of the playground is expected to begin in June and be completed by December 2026, weather permitting.

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Residents can stay up to date or view the project’s master plan at:
www.connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands

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This project is funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

The new playground at Woodlands District Park has drawn inspiration from the natural environment. (Image for illustrative purposes only and subject to change.) Image supplied

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Mackay Regional Council has awarded a $2.3-million contract to Fergus Builders to construct an inclusive playground at Woodlands District Park in Andergrove, marking an exciting step forward for accessible recreation in the region.

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Inspired by the pale banded snail, a species native to Mackay’s woodland areas, the playground’s design cleverly echoes the spiral of the snail’s shell.  

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Mayor Greg Williamson said, “We’ve listened closely to residents and are creating a space where families, nature lovers and people of all abilities can come together and enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

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“This new playground has been thoughtfully designed so it’s truly inclusive, allowing children of all abilities to play, explore and interact together,” he said.

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Local State Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said supporting councils to deliver vital and accessible infrastructure is at the heart of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to Queenslanders.

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“This is not just a playground, it’s a fresh opportunity with the promise that every child, regardless of ability, has a place to play, learn and laugh within our community,” Mr Dalton said.

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The playground will feature accessible ramps, inclusive swings, a wheelchairfriendly carousel, sensory panels and two connected play towers offering a variety of challenges.

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There will be direct wheelchair access to one of the towers and a shared slide.

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There will also be a new amenities block including a Changing Places facility for people living with disabilities.

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Off-street parking at Broomdykes Drive and Schnapper Court is also included in this phase of the project.

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Construction of the playground is expected to begin in June and be completed by December 2026, weather permitting.

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Residents can stay up to date or view the project’s master plan at:
www.connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands

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This project is funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Nigel dalton, Anthony Edwards, Amy Jeffcoat, Andrea Bye and John Doyle. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Volunteers from all walks of life came together at the 2026 Mackay Volunteers Expo, where the spirit of giving back was proudly on display inside the Big Shed Pavilion at the Mackay Showgrounds on May 17th. The free event attracted a strong crowd and featured dozens of local organisations, from wildlife and animal carers to rescue services, arts groups and sporting clubs.

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Visitors had the opportunity to learn about a wide range of volunteer roles and speak directly with representatives about how they could get involved. The expo highlighted the vital role volunteers play across the Mackay region and inspired many attendees to consider offering their time, skills and compassion to support important community causes.

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Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo supplied

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A Mackay couple are celebrating a life-changing windfall after a spontaneous decision to buy a last-minute lottery ticket turned into a $2 million prize over the weekend.

The North Queensland pair held one of the five division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4677, drawn on Saturday 16th May. Each division one winning entry pocketed $2 million.

Despite having known about their multi-million-dollar windfall for several days, the couple said the news was still sinking in.

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“We’ve been patiently waiting for this phone call since Saturday!” the winning wife laughed.

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“It’s absolutely life-changing! We’re pretty excited.

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“Around 6pm on Saturday night we saw that $10 million was on offer in the draw and we decided to put on a last-minute ticket.

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“Then hubby frantically came in around 9pm on Saturday night with the The Lott app open and said, ‘Is this true? Did we win $2 million?’.

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“It’s come at the most perfect time. We were going through a bit, and we were worried for our family.

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“We can now pay off the mortgage, complete home renovations and go on an overseas holiday!

“We’re keen to go to Scotland and do a trip around Australia.

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“There will definitely be some celebrations tonight.

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“Thank you! Thank you!”

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The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4677 were 32, 10, 3, 39, 33 and 23, while the supplementary numbers were 42 and 37.

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Across Australia, there were five division one winning entries in the draw, with three in Queensland and one each in New South Wales and Western Australia.

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In 2025, more than 121.6 million winners took home more than $3.93 billion in prize money.
 
Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.66 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.  As part of its commitment to supporting the community, The Lott proudly supports Play For Purpose, the not-for-profit charity raffle that gives Australians the chance to win while helping more than 500 causes across the country.

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I would like to include one of my own poems this week entitled ‘Voyager in the Darkness’. I wrote it a few years ago, but I find myself coming back to it because it always seems to resonate at different points in my life. Navigating your early twenties really can feel like being a ‘voyager in the darkness’. You’re trying to figure out and make sense of a world that is constantly changing. Things that once seemed so clear become blurred, ideas that you were certain on become riddled with doubt.  

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As a songwriter, poetry is something I’ve always loved to engage in. That’s what really prompted me to start the creative corner. Poetry is one of the oldest forms of artistic human expression. It’s much older than the novel which only dates back about a thousand years. Some of our oldest most influential stories such as the Iliad or the Odyssey by Homer, were told in verse, not prose.  

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People always wonder what it is that distinguishes us from animals. Cruelty? Compassion? Intelligence?  

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I think the only thing that truly differentiates us from other animals is our ability to tell stories. They are the essence of what it means to be human. The fabric of our society is built on storytelling. We tell stories on dates, at dinner parties, during work morning teas. Life’s most significant landmarks, whether they are weddings or funerals – are celebrated and mourned through stories.  

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Poetry is one of the oldest forms of storytelling and one of the most important. It grants us permission to express things in ways that grammatical rules and conventional sentence structure may not allow.  

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Poet’s Corner

Voyager in the Darkness

The sun that timidly kissed the ambivalent glass in the afternoon,

The baby-faced moon that haunted the ripples of water in the evening,

A journey of joy, stress and laughter,

Whose beauty is burdened by a tinge of sadness,

At the knowledge it signifies the end of a grand chapter,

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Prepared yet apprehensive,

Excited yet terrified,  

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A melancholic spirit,  

The seconds that move into hours and then days,

Days that will mark the end and beginning of everything,

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A plunge into the violent abyss,

Letting nature carve its path,

The apathetic endless sea,

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Into the night,  

The land of new on the horizon,

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This week’s winner is Shantal Cornford for the theme of comfort.

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Shantal took this photo of two baby birds sitting comfortably in their nest in a bush at Port of Airlie.

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Next week’s theme is Window View.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Amateur Photography.

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Brahmans Back On Track. Seniors and reserves won two hard fought matches against the Pirates. Tries from Padden, Leo, Lade, Cortibarte and Napier led to the A Grade 36-24 win while Gardel, Yasso and Danny Leo led the way in the Reserve Grade.

Proserpine League Lose Gate Money. Open access to freeloaders at the Sports Reserve led to an estimated $1000 loss and danger of losing State and Foley Shield games through failure to guarantee gate receipts.

Ladies Golf. Nola Hansen won Wednesday’s trophy from runner up Bess Simpson.

Rugby Union. Raiders led by Scotty Wardroper beat Brothers 12-0  thanks to a Neil Borellini try.

Tennis Upset. ‘A’ Grade leaders Scotfords were defeated by O’Neil Alrounders.

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Bridge. G. Cantamessa and J. Spencer won the Howell Competition.

Netball Very competitive games took place on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Good shooting from Elspeth Scotford and Mim Tielen.

Junior School Netball. Proserpine beat Burdekin, Collinsville and Bowen in the Whitsunday trials. Anita Fields and Susan Madeo were selected for Whitsunday.

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Soccer. Whitsunday Knights beat Tremorne 3-2 thanks to a winning goal from Colin Downer.

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Squash. Women’s teams are very close with Lyn Hooper’s 50 points just in front of Di Law’s 45 .

Basketball. Cougars beat Panthers 46-21 led by top scorer Rob Fraser with 20 points.

Darts. The Palace Hotel beat the RSL. Top scorer of the night was Barry Humphries.

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Bowls. A great weekend was enjoyed by many. John Daffara and Peter Sala beat Fil Dafara and Bob McClure.

Hill Climb Revival This has become a popular sport. The old climb was at Mt Marlow but Proserpine Motor Cycle Club’s new hill is on the Dittmer Road which is relatively easy for riders.

Proserpine Annual Show. Full details of entries appears.

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Rainforest Conservation. Whitsunday Branch of the Wildlife Conservation Society called on State and Federal Governments to immediately stop logging in remaining virgin rainforest areas.

Guiding Notes. Girls attended an ‘Its a knockout’  at Moranbah on Anzac Day. Leader Gayle Cook needs an assistant. Trainings at Cool Palms and Proserpine are coming up.

Heart Monitor for Hospital. Airlie Beach Rotaryannes presented Matron Dray with a $1000 cheque for a Foetal Heart Monitor.

“ Butterfly” Promotes Whitsundays. A 22 episode series “ Butterfly Island” filmed on locations like Shute Harbour, Dingo Beach and Whitsunday Paradise will promote the area worldwide.

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Champion Fire Brigades. Proserpine and Airlie Beach Fire Brigades under captains Dick Shoebridge and Derek Ward came first and second in the North Queensland Zone Championships.

Teddy Bears Picnic. 200 bears entered the picnic at the Cultural Hall to celebrate Under Eights Week with Family Day Care as hosts.

ESA Handover. Incoming officials of Alpha Phi Chapter took over at the annual dinner at Proserpine Motor Lodge.

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Local Fishermen Petition asking that the Proserpine River be closed from its mouth to trawlers was presented to Parliament by Labour deputy Tom Burns. Commercial fishermen complain that ‘bays ‘are being fished out.

Fun Run to Wanderers. A mini-marathon will go ahead next Saturday from Proserpine to Wanderers Paradise sponsored by Fausts and Wanderers. Individuals and relay teams are invited.

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Power Line Worry.The Electricity Board’s promotion of a heavy duty line through to The Beak Area to serve island resorts is criticised by WCDA who state that there will be no benefit to Coastal residents.

The Big Rodeo. Proserpine and the Whitsundays are gearing up for the hosting of the 1986 Australian Rodeo Championships this weekend at the Rodeo Complex, 20 klms North of Proserpine. Large crowds are expected for spectacular action. 600 entries have been made. The Gold Cup Open campdraft of $2000 and the Australian Championship open draft of $3000 will be the major events.

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Jim Sheppard - Telegram Boy

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Jim Sheppard started work in the Proserpine Post Office as a telegram boy in December 1941, coincidental with the time that the Japanese entered the war. In those days, although the major means of communication was mail through post offices and telephones, telegrams were an invaluable adjunct because they allowed for quick transmission of short messages over long distances.  

Modern communication is remarkably advanced compared with an era when telegrams were a primary way to deliver both good and bad news. In 1945, telegrams peaked at 35 million in Australia. They were transmitted by means of electric signals through “landlines” i.e. telegraph wires between poles, using Morse Code; a unique system of sequenced dots and dashes. An American, Samuel Morse, invented this system and sent the first official telegram from Washington to Baltimore in May 1844 with the words, “What hath God wrought?”  

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Memories shared by Jim Sheppard …

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How to send a telegram: The sender completed a form at the post office, listing the recipient’s name and address followed by the message. In 1941, the cost was one shilling for up to 16 words, later reduced to 14, with an additional two pence charged per extra word. Members of the Services paid half the standard cost. Messages could also be dictated to the post office by telephone.

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An operator transmitted the message using a device known as a “key.” Incoming messages were received on a “sounder” which produced clicking sounds representing dots and dashes. These were interpreted and converted into words by the operator.

Competency in Morse Code was required for advancement to higher positions such as Postmaster. Operators needed to achieve a minimum speed of 25 words per minute in both sending and receiving, with little room for error. In practice, experienced operators often worked at around 30 words per minute. It was common to delay typing by a few words so that any corrections would not affect the appearance of the finished telegram.

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Urgent telegrams, charged at double the normal rate, were given priority and printed on pinkish-red forms. Special decorative forms were also used for occasions such as weddings and congratulations.

During the years 1941 to 1943 when I was delivering telegrams in Proserpine, the war was raging in both Europe and the Pacific and telegrams were used extensively. Sometimes I was met with pleasure and excitement if the message was about a homecoming or the occasional marriage proposal but sometimes there were looks of dread: this could be bad news about a loved one on active service.  

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However, when there was news of someone “killed in action "or “missing presumed dead”, the Postmaster, Jim Hilton, had the good sense to enquire into the best way to deliver this message. He tried to arrange for a Priest/ Minister, a family member or a close friend to break the sad news.  

There is some parallel between the old morse days and today’s texting in that when ‘talking’ to each other on line, telephonists would abbreviate words just as is done in texting. As a matter of fact, it was not uncommon for people with the expertise to do just that in busy times when sending actual telegrams. It was called 'cutting them up'. To say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we would merely send MX (Xmas) HNY.

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The last time I operated a morse key was in in 1957. I retired as a manager in Telecom (now Telstra) in 1986 after 45 years of service but, like riding a bicycle, I have never forgotten the Morse Code together with the nostalgic memories of times now long gone when I was a Telegram Boy in Proserpine.  

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Story and photo sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives and thanks to Jim Sheppard..

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Photo source: Facebook

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Few bands have left a footprint on rock music as enduring as Creedence Clearwater Revival, the swamp-rock powerhouse that defined a generation with its raw, roots-driven sound. Led by the unmistakable voice and songwriting of John Fogerty, CCR delivered a string of timeless anthems that still resonate across decades, from protest-era grit to back-porch storytelling energy. Their music remains a staple of classic rock radio and live tribute stages around the world.

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That legacy comes roaring back to life with CREEDENCE CLEARWATER SURVIVAL, widely regarded as Australia’s most dynamic CCR/John Fogerty tribute experience. Over two special afternoons, the band will recreate the atmosphere and intensity of a true “live” CCR/Fogerty concert, capturing not just the notes but the spirit of the original performances. This is not a passive nostalgia act—it is a full-bodied recreation designed to transport audiences straight into the golden era of American rock.

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Fans can expect a setlist packed with defining classics, including “Green River,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,”, “Fortunate Son,” and “The Old Man Down the Road.” Each song is delivered with attention to detail that aims to faithfully reproduce the signature CCR sound—tight rhythms, driving guitar work, and that unmistakable Southern-tinged rock energy. Audiences consistently describe the experience as as close as it gets to witnessing CCR in their prime.

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The group are no stranger to Airlie Beach, having played here in the past.  

“We’ve got friends up here. We love it,” said bassist Jono.  

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With both shows running in the afternoon and open to the public, the event offers a relaxed yet electric atmosphere—perfect for longtime fans and new listeners alike. It’s a chance to reconnect with music that still feels urgent, powerful, and alive.

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WHAT: CREEDENCE CLEARWATER SURVIVAL, 2 Free Shows
WHEN: Saturday 30^th May & Sunday 31^st May, 2pm  
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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May 23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm

24 Community Volunteer Expo, Bowen Sunday Markets

26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am

29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am

30 Welcome Whales, Airlie Beach Foreshore, 4.30pm

June 3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm

9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9

The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has seen great success in previous years and its announcement is met with great anticipation. Photo source: Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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The 2026 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has been officially announced to take place on Friday 12^th June.

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Set to be a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and diversity, the festival will showcase the many communities that call the Whitsundays home, bringing together families, visitors and local groups for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.

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Held at the Bowen Sound Shell, the event will feature live performances, cultural displays, markets, family-friendly activities and fireworks proudly sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Organisers say the festival is designed to highlight the region’s rich multicultural identity while providing a welcoming space for people to share traditions, food and performance.

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Community participation is a key focus of this year’s event, with expressions of interest now open for cultural groups, stallholders, vendors, educators, workshop facilitators, musicians and dancers. Organisers are encouraging local and regional participants to get involved and help shape the program.

Applications are open via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, with submissions closing 31 May 2026: https://bit.ly/WMCF2026 (can this be made into a QR Code)

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What: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival
When: Friday 12 June 2026, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Bowen Sound Shell

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