With Nedd Brockmann At Whitsunday Voices Festival Tickets are now available for one of the most anticipated events on Mackay’s cultural calendar – the DBI Literary Dinner, headlined by Australian trailblazer, homelessness advocate, and larrikin with a mission, Nedd Brockmann. Held as part of the 2025 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival, the dinner will take place on Friday 18 July at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), inviting the wider community to a powerful evenin
Read the full storyThe Father is a powerful and deeply affecting play by Florian Zeller, translated into English by Christopher Hampton. Hailed as "the most acclaimed new play of the last decade" following its premiere in September 2012, The Father explores the unsettling experience of dementia through the eyes of André, an aging man whose grasp on reality is steadily deteriorating. This powerful and intriguing psychological drama is now coming to Kucom Theatre for a two-week season, opening on 4 September.
Read the full storyAt Whitsunday Multicultural Festival On Saturday Bowen came alive with the Whitsunday Multicultural Festival. Organised by the Whitsunday Regional Council the free family-friendly event showcased traditional dance, global cuisine, music, art, storytelling and interactive activities. The festival closed with fireworks at 8pm, lighting up the cool Whitsunday winter sky. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has become a signature event in the reg
Read the full storyOn Thursday over 200 people gathered at Lake Proserpine for the Queensland Music Trail's free Reef Sundowner. Despite the poor weather in town, the evening at Lake Proserpine was chill but clear and the vibes were unmatched. Relaxing by a fire….. The event was enjoyed by all and the performers from the I Heart Songwriting Club were exceptional and well received. The Whitsunday Regional Council are already in talks with Queensland Music Trails to ensure that the Reef Sundowner event is secured
Read the full storyReturning 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!
The Bowen Turf Club and Hillery Group Bowen Cup is fast approaching, and this year’s Cup is even bigger, with six races! One more than last year.
Bowen Turf Club Treasurer Helen Daley is expecting another busy event with over 3000 people expected to attend and sit back and enjoy a day filled with racing, socialising and cold drinks.
“I enjoy seeing everybody having a great time,” said Helen.
“It's all about the people socialising in a fun atmosphere with the local races happening.
“I look around, and everybody is just having a good time, which is what all we want.”
Tickets for the premium marquee are sold out, and there are very limited number of table tickets available.
A table sits eight people and costs $100 - they are perfect if you fancy having a comfortable home base for the duration of the day.
It wouldn’t be a race day without high class fashion and this years Fashions On The Field at Bowen Cup is sponsored by Pilcher’s Recycling.
Fashion experts can enter the competition and there five categories this year.
Race times are yet to be confirmed but Bowen Turf Club will open their gates at 11am.
General admission tickets are available now via Oztix and are $20 plus booking fee, on the day tickets will be $25 plus booking fee.
What: Bowen Turf Club and Hillery Group Bowen Cup
Where: Bowen Turf Club
When: Saturday 12 October at 11am
Bowen Turf Club will be hosting the 2024 Bowen Cup, Photo supplied
The Grand View Hotel in Bowen is open every day and this classic pub always has something on that’ll make you want to visit.
Every Monday evening Grand View Hotel hosts a trivia night, testing your brain and spending time with friends is the best way to start the week. And why not enjoy Grand View’s Monday food special, a Pot & Parmi for $20.
On Tuesday you can enjoy 50% your second meal, so make sure you bring a friend!
Music lovers will love Wednesdays at Grand View Hotel. Test your music knowledge with Musical Bingo, there are prizes to win and what better way to break up the week than to spend time with your mates. Accompany testing your music knowledge by tucking in to a delicious steak with a massive $10 off.
Thursdays, for just $20 you can enjoy one of Grand View Hotel’s signature Burgers plus a pot of beer.
Nothing beats popping down to the local on a Friday night to celebrate reaching the weekend but at the Grand View Hotel there is something better. On Friday’s between 5pm – 7pm purchase a raffle ticket to go into a draw to win gift vouchers from Bowen meat. Buying raffle tickets helps raise funds for the different nominated not-for-profit organisations raising money that week.
The weekend really does start on Fridays at the Grand View Hotel. On Friday 8pm – 12am live musicians hit the stage and give you the perfect start to the weekend. And continuing on the good vibes, the live music celebrates the weekend with music on at 8pm – 12am at Saturday and Sunday 4pm – 8pm.
Grab a Burger and a Pot for $20 every Thursday at Grand View. Photo supplied
Port Denison Sailing Club is hosting an open day for little adventures to try out sailing.
This event is for new sailors but is also open to sailors that participated in the Port Denison Sailing Club’s Little or Big Pirates program earlier in 2024.
You are encouraged to come along, test your memory and see how your abilities have held up, just in time for the new season.
Pirate Open Day will be $10 per participant and each session following will also be $10, pay as you go.
Sailors must be between 5-10 years old and confident in the ocean. They also must bring their own stinger suit, water bottle, sunscreen and hat. The club can provide a life jacket, and bump hats are available for purchase as well.
For any enquires, message Kara Jeffrey on FB or on 0484344993.
What: Pirates Open Day
Where: Port Denison Sailing Club
When: Sunday 13 October 9am – 12pm
On Saturday 12 October witness the official launch of the Bowen Community Garden at the ‘Sowing the Seeds of Wellbeing’ event.
Starting at 8am and located at 65 Williams Street, Bowen the event is free, family-friendly and offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of mental health while connecting with nature.
The day promises to be packed with engaging activities, including gardening and wellbeing presentations led by experts, giving attendees practical tips on improving their mental and physical wellbeing
There will also be community information stalls, where local organisations will share resources and services related to health, wellness, and community support. Visitors will be treated to a free sausage sizzle and can explore a variety of options from local food vans, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
Mayor Ry Collins will launch this new wonderful garden.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the event which is a great way to learn about mental health, experience the benefits of nature, and strengthen community ties.
Whether you're an avid gardener or simply looking for a fun and informative family day out, there will be something for everyone.
For more information, visit www.stellacommunity.org.au or contact 0456 951 980.
What: Sowing The Seeds Of Wellbeing Community Event
Where: Bowen Community Garden 66 Williams Street Bowen
When: Saturday 12 October from 8am
Get ready to ignite your senses with the sizzling sounds of The Mad Mariachi. Straight from the heart of Queensland, Mad Mariachi are ready to bring unmistakable flavour and flair to the Airlie Beach Hotel.
Having played together for over 10 years, and regularly playing in Brisbane at their Mariachi Mondays, the band is well equipped to provide you with a sensational Mexican tequila chaser to draw a close to Oktoberfest-ivities.
Leading the charge is multi-talented Nelson Mansilla, whose guitar and vocals transport audiences into a world of musical enchantment. Nelson says for audience members to be prepared as it is going to be a fun one:
“It's going to be a twist on your traditional Oktoberfest and we do have some surprises there, so be ready for some quirky competitions, and get ready to enjoy.”
The band have played for a wide variety of audiences including guitarist of Powderfinger Ian Hawk’s birthday, which Nelson said was a fantastic highlight of their career.
Nelson says he and the band can’t wait to head to Airlie Beach and play at Oktoberfest:
“We are very excited; the plan is to try and find the best fish and chips in Airlie Beach!”
Mad Mariachi love playing for regional crowds like Airlie Beach:
“We love playing for regional crowds as they are quite responsive and super curious,” Nelson enthused.
“We also feel a little bit of a responsibility when, we go around calling ourselves mariachis, because it’s also an educational thing for people.”
The passion and energy of The Mad Mariachi are irresistible and contagious, making every performance a fiesta of joy and celebration, where you can sing, dance and party Oktoberfest away.
“Audience members will be able to participate with us in some surprise little events that we are going to be preparing for them and there might even be a pinata,” Nelson explained.
Head down for a Marg with Mad Mariachi for Oktoberfiesta!
What: Mad Mariachi
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel Oktoberfest
When: Evening – Saturday October 5 from 7pm; Afternoon – Sunday October 6 from 2pm
Mad Mariachi are ready to shake up Airlie Beach Hotel at Oktoberfest
Grab a Marg and head to the Airlie Beach Hotel
Kicking off Oktoberfest at the Airlie Beach Hotel is Oompah Loompah, who are going to bring, a whole load of fun to the weekend festivities, with their oompah and polka style pop covers on Friday night and Saturday Afternoon.
Expect to hear 500 miles, Billie Jean, Bohemian Rapsody and their all-time favourite song ‘Livin on a prayer’, all mixed in with traditional style music, helping you get your Trachten shoes warmed up for a day full of games, drinking and competitions.
Oompah Loompah consists of five fantastic jazz musicians, who grew up in Wollongong, and are very excited for their first ever performance in Airlie Beach, where they can't wait to explore on their time off.
Starting out Oktoberfest on a high-note the band will be also putting on a yodelling competition, to ensure guests leave with sore throats!
The band will be kitted out in full lederhosen, in the spirit of the festivities, and encourage audience members to do the same.
Band leader and trumpeter Kyle Eardley, states that Oompah Loompah love playing to regional crowds:
“Coming from a more rural area ourselves, it’s nice to see people really enjoy the music and just get into it.
“Just seeing everyone enjoy it as much as we do is really thrilling for us!”
Audiences can expect one big party when they head down to watch Oompah Loompah in action:
“It’s just going to be one big party; we are really excited to come to Airlie Beach.”
Oompah Loompah always have a great time, whether on stage or roving, and want the audience to be a part of the experience. Whether you dance, sing or just smile it doesn’t matter.
This fantastic performance can’t be missed, grab a stein and have a good time!
What: Oompah Loompah
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel Oktoberfest
When: Friday October 4th from 7pm; Afternoon – Saturday October 5th from 2pm
Oompah Loompah are dancing their way to the Airlie Beach Hotel at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Airlie Beach Hotel style