Crossroad Arts is diving into a glamorous new venture with their upcoming poolside arts fundraiser. The premiere Palm Royale Poolside Soiree, proudly supported by Principal Sponsor Mackay City Property, promises to be the year's most unique and immersive outdoor dining experience.
A twilight long table experience in support of inclusive arts, based on the vintage glamour of the Palm Royale Beach Club, sprawling out under the palms on the lawns of Mackay`s iconic Memorial Pool.
Live aerial mermaid entertainment by Sensory Circus, music by the clam shell jazz trio, lively poolside art auction, and the undeniable Crossroad Arts performers, present a special water ballet performance. The event features an all-inclusive dining experience by sponsors D`Vine catering & events which includes shared plates and a two-course dinner, paired with delicious wine from exceptional Sydney-based winemakers Joval wines.
The fabulous art auction features collectable works from renowned artists including, local 2023 Art on Show winner artist Stephen Homewood, renowned Queensland artist Dr. Anneke Silver, 2024 Archibald Prize finalist, Sydney-based visual artist Digby Webster, and Mackay Artist Muddy Grimes.
Mackay City Property Manager Tammy Laval said, "Mackay City Property is proud to continue to support Crossroad Arts to host this unique annual arts fundraiser, with dinner, drinks, and glamorous entertainment on the lawn poolside.
“Get a group together and give your support to this important local fundraising event, the first of its kind to be held at the Memorial Pool.”
A fabulous night under the stars poolside, celebrating the arts, in chic vintage beach club glamour, raising funds for inclusive arts, this event promises to be an entertaining fun night, not to be missed!. All proceeds will be directly re-invested into the Mackay community through Crossroad Arts’ inclusive arts events and artistic programs, helping it to expand and enrich its annual program of workshops and events in regional and remote QLD.
For further details including how to book tickets please visit www.crossroadarts.com.au
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What: An exclusive twilight poolside long table fundraiser in support of inclusive arts!
When: Saturday 26 October 2024, Time: 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Where: Poolside, Memorial Pool, Milton Street Mackay
Tickets: $185p.p limited tickets available crossroadarts.com.au

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The Mackay Musical Comedy Players are excited to announce their latest production, Downtown! The Mod Musical, a fun and energetic celebration of the swinging 1960s. This lively musical revue will hit the stage at Souths Leagues Club on Friday, November 8th, and Saturday, November 9th, 2024, for two groovy performances.

Downtown! The Mod Musical is packed with the timeless hits that defined a generation, including favourites like “Downtown,” “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” “To Sir With Love,” and more. Audiences will be transported back to the vibrant and colourful mod era, following the stories of five women navigating love, friendship, and the social changes of the '60s.

The production features a stellar cast of local talent, starring Cicely Baira (Orange Girl), Kellie Doherty (Gwendolyn Holmes), Danielle McCully (Green Girl), Samantha Munt (Blue Girl), Rachel Taylor (Red Girl), and Dana Vella (Yellow Girl). The talented cast will bring to life the excitement and energy of the '60s, with electrifying performances, dazzling costumes, and choreography that will have you tapping your feet all night long (with plenty of laughs along with way!)

Under the direction of Molly Gibbins, and Isabelle Wright, with choreography by Ebony Walker and music direction by Molly Bettridge, this production promises to be a standout event on Mackay’s theatrical calendar. The show features a talented live band, led by musical director Molly, alongside the skilled Sarah Rozekrans on keyboard and George Rogers on drums, adding an energetic and dynamic soundtrack to the performance.

When asked about the show, Isabelle Wright shared, “The music and stories of Downtown are infectious—it’s impossible not to get caught up in the fun and nostalgia of it all. Our cast is having a blast, and I know the audience will too!”

Downtown! The Mod Musical marks another exciting chapter in the rich history of the Mackay Musical Comedy Players. As their final production before celebrating their milestone 60th year in 2025, the group continues to build on their legacy of hit shows, including Shrek, Chicago, Mamma Mia, and The Addams Family. With such a strong legacy, this show is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Tickets for Downtown! include a complementary platter and are available now through the TryBooking, and with only two performances, seats are limited. Don’t miss your chance to step back into the '60s and enjoy a night of feel-good entertainment.

Secure your tickets today and get ready to groove along to the sounds of the swinging '60s via trybooking.com/CVOGH 

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Come along for a groovy night of feel-good hits as Mackay Musical Comedy Players present Downtown! The Mod Musical. Image supplied

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Fans across Central Queensland are rallying on social media in an energetic bid to bring Tones and I to Mackay.

The excitement has led to the creation of a dedicated fan page, "Tones And I To MKY," spearheaded by Jenna from Jim's Driving School Central Queensland.

This page is calling on supporters to join the movement, urging fans to comment on the pinned post, tag friends and family, and share widely to gain as much traction as possible.

The frenzy began when Tones and I herself issued a challenge to her fans across regional towns. She encouraged them to make the loudest noise through comments, tags, and likes on social media, promising that the town with the most engagement would be rewarded with a live performance. Mackay has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, and the local fanbase shows no signs of slowing down.

With over 800 dedicated fans already reaching out to Tones and I through various platforms, Mackay’s message is loud and clear as they are eager to welcome the globally recognised artist for an unforgettable concert.

The face behind the "Bring Tones And I To Mackay" Facebook page is a passionate fan of the Australian superstar herself, which Jenna believes that having Tones and I perform in Mackay would bring so much to the community.

“I absolutely love her so much, her songs resonate with me so much as well,” Jenna said.

“A lot of her songs are based on her life and emotions…very real and authentic and I just love that family vibe that she’s got as well.

“Her story is just so inspiring from where she came from to where she is now, and I’ve noticed the younger demographic is majority of her fan base so I’d love to see her bring joy to so many others… and I would just be ecstatic.”

Since the inception of the page, the official Tones and I has reacted and commented on the Mackay fan page, which is a remarkable achievement for local supporters who are thrilled to have caught the attention of the superstar herself.

But the mission isn’t over yet… “Mackay if you love her as much as we do and you want to see her here, please show your support by commenting on the pinned post of Bring Tones And I To Mackay, like and tag all your friends and family and share!”

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Jenna and her husband from Jim's Driving School Central Queensland are on a mission to get the official Tones And I to Mackay. Photos supplied

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A vibrant group of early risers attended a breakfast sausage sizzle on Tuesday morning, each person enjoying good company, conversations and connection.

The BBQ Breakfast, held at Shirtfront Solutions in Cannonvale, was orchestrated in collaboration with Real Mates Talk and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.

Guys from across the community came together to show support for each other, connect and raise awareness of the importance of regular mental health check-ins with each other.

Popular community crusader, Barb Hill from Drug ARM Mackay was one of the main drivers of the breakfast and she said that it is events such as these that really make a difference.

“It’s about connection, resources and chatting,” she said.

“We collaborate with Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network and together we can help more people.

“We have both been in the region doing our own thing but together we can reach more people.”

A similar event is held once a month in Bowen and Barb is looking forward to the next BBQ Breakfast at Shirtfront Solutions on November 15.

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Representatives from Real Mates Talk and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network teamed up to bring the BBQ Breakfast to life. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Friday 18 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Dave Johan (from 8pm)

Saturday 19 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: ‘Reckless’ Australian Crawl Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (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 20 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: ‘Reckless’ Australian Crawl Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6.30pm – 5.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Mike Vaughan (4pm – 8pm)
Colonial Palms Motor Inn: Jazz Session with Nick Di Gregorio (from 3pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (from 2pm – 6pm)

Thursday 24 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

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October
19 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
19 Tourism Awards, Daydream Island, from 5.30pm
25 Preloved Market Night, 3 Little Birds Espresso, from 6pm
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

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Last Sunday marked the sixth Young Whitsundays Got Talent event and there was over 300 people in attendance cheering on the youth of the Whitsundays as they hit the stage.

Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey said the talent was amazing, the turnout was great, and the overall event was fabulous.

Equal first was Category 5 (band) and Dom & Kaydee (duo).

Second was Relaxolotyl (band) from Townsville in which every band member was under 11 years old. 

Third was Samara Risteski who was 12 years old and it was her first time on stage. 

Winner from the 2022 Young Whitsundays Got Talent Tiffany Grace performed new songs and she was sensational, a true inspiration to what the current participants can strive towards.

Looking forward Paula hopes to grow the event and next year they will open a Whitsundays Got Talent headquarters in Cannonvale with music workshops, vocal coaching, merchandise for sale, and more exciting news to come.

It will be a great place for the youth of the Whitsundays to learn and grow as musicians.

Paula also expressed her thanks to Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill for hosting, and all other sponsors and supporters for making the event what it is today.

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Photo of all the winners, plus Judge and Councillor Jan Clifford, Bronnie Nicol, Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey, Barb Hill and Rebecca Olsen. Photo supplied

All bands in this years Young Whitsundays Got Talent

Bliss, Vogue, and Echo
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie, SMP Whitsundays

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Northern Beaches State High’s Stunning Soiree

Northern Beaches State High School’s Year 12 Formal on 5th October was a dazzling affair, held beneath a stunning marquee at the Mackay Marina. With golden moons and stars shimmering against a navy blue backdrop, the scene was set for an enchanting evening. Students enjoyed a night of celebration and memories under the celestial glow, marking a special milestone.

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Memorable moments from the Northern Beaches State High School Year 12Formal, where students celebrated their achievements and created lastingmemories. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

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East Mackay Homicide

Detectives from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 33-year-old man in connection with the death of a 64-year-old man in East Mackay on October 3.

Emergency services responded to reports of an unresponsive 64-year-old man at a Rae Street residence around 3.40pm.  Mackay police Superintendent Shane Holmes said Colin Thomas Grohs was found unresponsive, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 33-year-old Mackay man, Samuel Luke Muntelwit, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder.

Grievous Bodily Harm Charges

Two people have been charged in connection with an alleged grievous bodily harm incident in Mackay on Wednesday night, October 3.

At around 7:45pm, the pair allegedly assaulted a 30-year-old man from Sarina on a fishing vessel near Victoria Street.

The man suffered serious head injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital before being flown to Townsville for treatment.

A 26-year-old Benholme man was taken into police custody at an address in North Mackay on Thursday, October 3.

He has been charged with one count each of grievous bodily harm, possess dangerous drugs, and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear at Mackay Magistrates Court on January 13, 2025.

Following extensive investigations, detectives from Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch arrested a 26-year-old Blacks Beach man on October 5.

He has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm and is due to appear at Mackay Magistrates Court on October 8.

Investigators would like to thank the community for their assistance, and appeal to anyone with further information to come forward.

Update On Fatal Bloomsbury Crash

A 21-year-old Kelso man has been charged with careless driving causing death following a fatal three-vehicle traffic crash near Bloomsbury on August 1.

It will be alleged, around 2.50pm, a white Toyota Landcruiser utility was travelling north along the Bruce Highway when it crossed onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a white Isuzu truck and a white Mazda CX5 travelling behind the truck.

The driver of the Mazda, a 72-year-old man from Victoria, and the driver of the Landcruiser, a 21-year-old Kelso man, were airlifted to the Townsville Hospital with serious injuries.

The 72-year-old man died in hospital on August 14 from his injuries.

The passenger of the Landcruiser, a 34-year-old Mundingburra man, the driver of the Isuzu, a 61-year-old Sarina man, and the passenger of the Cx5, a 69-year-old Clifton Hill woman, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Mackay Base Hospital.

The 21-year-old is due to appear at the Mackay Magistrates Court on November 25.

High Speed Incident, Sarina

A 22-year-old man who lives in Dumbleton has been stopped by police for an alleged high-speed incident at about 6:07pm on October 7 at the Bruce Highway (south), Sarina.

It's alleged that officers were performing mobile speed enforcement patrols when the speed of am Isuzu D-Max was checked to be travelling at 150 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone.

Police from Highway Patrol Mackay stopped the Isuzu and had a conversation with the 22-year-old driver.

After the conversation officers have issued the driver with an infringement notice to the value of $1,854 resulting in the loss of 8 demerit points and a licence suspension period of 6 months.

Stolen Navara Located Burnt Out Near Kinchant Dam

Between 6:00am and 12:00pm on October 6 a car has been stolen from its parking spot on the roadside curb at Karwin Drive in Andergrove.

The stolen car was a white coloured 2004 model Nissan Navara dual cab.

The car was parked partially on and off the road at this location near the owner's home at the time of its theft.

The Nissan was found completely burnt out at about 12:37am on October 7 on Leichhardt Road at Kinchant Dam.

Anyone who might have information about the car theft from Karwin Drive or the dumping of the car on Leichhardt Road is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible - police report number QP2401716025.

Wilful And Unlawful Damage In Mackay City

Between 9pm on September 28 and 6am on September 29, an individual entered a business on Victoria Street in Mackay City. Access was gained through a garage door.

Once inside, the perpetrator repeatedly jumped on the windscreens of three parked cars, resulting in significant damage.

Fortunately, nothing was stolen.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the police as soon as possible. Please reference police report number QP2401671428.

If you witness any suspicious activity at any time of the day, please report it immediately.

Attempted Home Break-in In South Mackay

At approximately 12:18am on October 1, someone attempted to gain entry into a unit on Prospect Street in South Mackay.

The resident was awake and in the kitchen when they heard someone trying to open the locked entry door.

A person wearing a hi-vis shirt was seen standing outside the door before quickly running away from the area.

No entry was gained, and nothing has been confirmed as stolen or damaged.

Simple security measures often create the most frustration for property offenders, as seen in this case.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the police as soon as possible. The police report number is QP2401685859.

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It is an exciting time for the arts in the Whitsundays, as the third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival prepares for an open to the public Concert & Conversation evening, and the Emerging Songwriter Workshop, both to be held this Saturday.

Hear outstanding songwriters and recording artists share about their careers and their creative process in an intimate one off Concert in a private event venue at Whitsundays Sailing Club.

Each songwriter will be interviewed, then perform a song before members of the faculty take to the stage to share a song they wrote literally the day before. This is as behind the scenes as you could imagine.

The Whitsundays Arts Festival is thrilled to welcome Wendy Matthews to Airlie Beach for the third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival.

Her many hits include I Don’t Wanna Be With Nobody But You, Let’s Kiss, Woman’s Gotta Have It, Standing Strong, If Only I Could and mega hit The Day You Went Away. All of Wendy’s albums have multi-platinum status, and her music is in over a million homes in Australia.

The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival comprises a Professional Songwriter Residential Retreat (10-15 October), a one-day workshop for Emerging Songwriters on Saturday 12 October, and an evening performance by the Professional Faculty at Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach on Saturday 12 October from 6pm.

Festival co-founders Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence say: “We were energised by the feedback from our last festival, with memories of Toni Childs wowing the audience at our Concert and Conversation event and are over the moon to be able to continue this life-changing arts program in regional North Queensland, and to fulfill our mission to develop the next generation of songwriters.”

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WHAT: Concert & Conversation evening presented by Whitsundays Songwriters Festival
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Saturday 12th October from 6pm
TICKETS: whitsundaysartsfestival.org

7 Time ARIA Award Winning Singer Songwriter Wendy Matthews (Image Provided)

By Ruth Puddefoot

An interview with Rogue Traders who will be performing at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on the 11th October 2024.

Q: How has Rogue Traders' sound evolved since your early days, and what can fans expect from your latest music?

Natalie: “With Rogue Traders, there's still that element that all the stuff that you know and love is still there, it's just elevated, and it's just slightly shifted, but it's not reinventing the wheel or completely changing our style.”

Q: How have you managed to overcome some of those harder moments where inspiration has been hard to come by?

Natalie: “You have to ride the waves, if it's not there, it's not there.”

“I find it really frustrating thinking ‘we have to write today,’ that's not how inspiration happens.”

James: “Nat’s awesome for that, when we're working, she'll often just come out with these lines that she's already had written down, or give us a different perspective.”

Q: What are you most excited about for your upcoming performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre?

Natalie: “The people there are ready to party, and we’re ready to party too! We love when the audience gets involved. We want everyone to sing along and jump up and down.”

Q: Tell us about some of the classic Rogue Traders songs that you'll be bringing to Airlie - will all the big hits be included in the line up?

James: “Of course, we will certainly be playing the classics, but we also have some surprises in there too.”

Q: How do you engage with your fans during performances? Any special moments from past shows that stand out to you?

Natalie: “The connection is real, I'm down on my bloody knees at some point and reaching out to the crowd, and get them to sing along, it's my favourite part of performing, connecting with the audience.”

James: “Nat will often have full on chats with the crowd and one of the songs we do ‘One of My Kind’, which is an accessory mix that's an audience participation moment.”

Q: With the rise of digital music, what do you think the future holds for live performances?

James: “I think it's more important than ever, as working artists, we used to look at taking most of our income from record sales and obviously that's not the case now.”

Natalie: “People just need live music; we need that connection, everyone's very social media driven.”

Q: Can you share any hints about upcoming projects or new music in the works?

Natalie: “Next year's a really big anniversary for us, it's 20 years of ‘Voodoo Child’ so we'll be doing something pretty special around that time, but there will definitely be new music accompanying that as well.”

James: “Also, hopefully two new singles next year!”

Q: Why do you think people have resonated with your music throughout the decades?

Natalie: “That's the age-old question, who the hell knows?”

“I mean, I definitely think it helps when you're doing something that you love and you believe in and you're passionate about, I think that resonates and shines through.”

James: “One of the secrets that people maybe don't talk about is you just got to write heaps, and just pick your best one.”

Q: Have you been to the Whitsundays before and if yes, what’s your favourite part about the area?

Natalie: “It's all just so beautiful. I definitely love the people like energetically, the people are just so grounded and ready to have a great time, and it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

James: “The Whitsunday’s has some of my most precious memories, holidaying around the area with the kids, they are jewels in my brain that I will never, ever let go, it’s very special area for us.”

The Rogue Traders are coming to Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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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

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

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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

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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

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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)

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