Did you want to be in Paris for the Olympic skateboarding? That’s okay, next weekend the country’s best skateboarders will be coming to the Whitsundays for ‘Ramped Up Whitsundays’!

This two-day event is set to draw-in skateboarders from across Australia, turning the Whitsundays into a hub of high-energy excitement.

This weekend is also entirely free to watch.

Day 1 – Saturday 24 August 
Enjoy bowl skateboarding at the Cannonvale Skatepark with local markets and live music.

Day 2 – Sunday 25 August
Head to the Hazelton’s to watch an exclusive vert session on their private ramp.

‘Ramped Up Whitsundays is supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

To find out more about this exciting two-day event, check out The Rumble's Facebook page or visit their website - therumble.com.au

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Friday 9th August

CASA Monthly BBQ
10am-12pm
Join CASA for their monthly BBQ, that also ties in with their last fun filled day for Homelessness Week 2024! This final event for the week will see special guests from around our region, a delicious BBQ and an exciting unveiling! Bring a friend and come and enjoy a fun filled day with everyone here at CASA!
4/54 Gregory St, Mackay

Ladbrokes Lunch
11.30am
Mackay Turf Club is thrilled to invite you to their Ladbrokes Lunch. The one and only Jimmy "Pumper" Cassidy will be there on the day serving you an unforgettable afternoon of laughter, stories, and fun. Get ready to be regaled by the wit and wisdom of this racing legend! $125pp or $1200 for a table of 10. A 2-course lunch is provided and drinks on arrival.
Mackay Turf Club, Ooralea Racecourse

Daly Bay Illuminate
6pm-9pm
Friday 9 August - Sunday 11 August
ART, LIGHT AND CREATIVITY! Get ready to experience the magic of Mackay this August! Mackay's beloved winter light display is back and better than ever in 2024! For four nights Queens Park will be transformed into a stunning showcase of art, light and creativity. As the sun sets, Daly Bay Illuminate will transcend Queens Park, highlighting its historic landmarks and natural beauty.
Queens Park, Mackay

Exhibition: Painting With The Tide
6.30pm
‘Painting with the Tide’ - The Cumberland Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, with their vivid and ever-changing beauty, remain a magnet for artists. In 2023, artists Euan Macleod, Ron McBurnie, Bradley Short and filmmaker Ben McBurnie explored the region from Cape Hillsborough to Pentecost Island and captured what they saw.
88 Milton St, Mackay

LIVE Music
6.30pm
Get ready for the ultimate LIVE experience of Lucid Wings Duo!
Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 10th August  

Mack PopCon 2024
9am
Get ready for Mack PopCon 2024! What to expect on the day: Vendors, Celebrity guests, Cosplay competition, Photography and Interactive exhibits. Children under the age of 10 are free, $5 for all ages above 10. Tickets available online and at the door! 
Mackay Showgrounds

Native Bee Demonstration
9.30am
Ever wanted to learn about Australian Native Bees from top experts in bee management, rescues, and care? Join us for an exciting workshop, hosted by Pioneer Catchment & Landcare Group! Witness a live demonstration on safely transferring rescued hives into quality OATH boxes and gain invaluable insights and practical skills. 
Morning tea will be provided! Please wear closed shoes.
Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens

Multicultural Community Event
10am-12pm
Celebrate diversity and culture with us at our upcoming Multicultural Community Event! Enjoy a day filled with fun, creativity, and learning as we bring together different cultural activities for everyone to enjoy. This is a family-friendly event with activities recommended for kids over 5 years old. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about different cultures in a vibrant and welcoming environment. For inquiries, please email Ela at elam@tnhub.org.au
Mount Pleasant Mackay

Artists Talking – Richard Bell and Vernon Ah Kee
10.30am
Join proppaNOW artists Richard Bell and Vernon Ah Kee as they walk us through their exhibition OCCURRENT AFFAIR at Artspace Mackay. Established in 2003, proppaNOW is one of Australia’s leading cultural collectives, exploring the politics of Aboriginal art and culture, and provoking, subverting, and re-thinking what it means to be a ‘contemporary Aboriginal artist’. This is a FREE event, tickets available via Eventbrite.
Main Gallery, Artspace Mackay

LIVE Music
6.30pm
Come on down for a delicious meal and a drink…or two…whilst you listen to the legendary Michael Scriha LIVE!
Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday 11th August  

Centenary Family Fun Day
9am-1pm
Memorial Display, 1996 Time Capsule Opening, 2024 Time Capsule Entries, Open Classrooms, Past Student Roll Call – prize draw, Student performances, Centenary cake cutting, Scavenger hunt, Centenary Yearbooks and Cookbooks and more!
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Cent Sale!
10am
Free entry, tea, coffee and morning tea available to purchase. Come along for your chance to win some great prizes – all quality prizes valued at a minimum of $10. There will be lucky draw prizes, snap raffles and raffle tickets on sale. This is a fundraising event for Belinda Hassan’s ALP Mackay Campaign. Cent sale tickets are $5 per book (25 tickets per book) phone emily on 0436123528
Senior Citizens Hall, 58 Macalister Street, Mackay

KONVOY 4 KIDS MACKAY
10.30am
Get ready to celebrate the 15th Konvoy 4 Kids Mackay! Proudly supporting Variety QLD, the Children's Charity. The Konvoy will arrive at approximately 11am. Food vendors, Live Entertainment, Market stalls available. FREE rides for the kids $5 Entry per Adult, kids under 16 FREE. This is a family-fun day. ‘LET'S HELP KIDS AND FAMILIES IN NEED AND MAKE THIS THE BIGGEST AND BEST KONVOY YET!’
Mackay Showgrounds

LIVE Music
2pm
Get ready for an electrifying afternoon with Eatz n Beatz DJ Da Ridge. Don't miss the opportunity to catch them LIVE!
Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 12th August

Matwork Pilates
5.45am 
Matwork Pilates at Slade Point Community Hall. Wanting to learn the fundamentals? This is a beginner experience and has been designed to show you the ropes and give you a taste of Pilates and how it should feel. This is a no pressure class, it's for beginners to have fun learning yet still receiving the full value of a Pilates session. Pilates should improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. $25 per person. Bookings essential. Visit Double M Fitness online for more information.  
Slade Point Community Hall

Tuesday 13th August  

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. This initiative supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Eleven: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Gordan White Library

Wednesday 14th August  

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

Australia A vs India A – Women’s
9am
The summer of international cricket for the Great Barrier Reef Arena will kick off with an exciting women's 'A' series between Australia and India. The Arena will play host to three 50-over games during August 2024. Entry: FREE for everyone!
Don't miss all the action and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef Arena for all it has to offer!
Great Barrier Reef Arena

Thursday 15th August  

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

Mackay Disability Expo 2024
9am
This event aims to enhance the lives of people with disability. Entry is free and there is plenty of easy, accessible parking. The Mackay Disability Expo offers a crucial opportunity for people with disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids and equipment. It is an ideal platform for product and service providers to connect with people with disability, their families and carers. The opportunity is also there for service providers to build networks with other providers, organisations and agencies in the region.
Mackay Showgrounds

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August
8-15 Airlie Beach Race Week
8 Adult Learn to Skate, PCYC, from 6pm
8 Eskimo Joe, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
9 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy & Hook, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 5pm & FREE Sausage Sizzle, Proserpine Community Centre, 10am-12pm.
10 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 FREE Latin Dance Classes, Proserpine Community Centre, 10am.
15 Morning Melodies – A Farewell to Doris, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 11am
15 Zonta General Meeting, VMR Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Adult Learn to Skate, PCYC, from 6pm
17 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
17 Ben Bolt Cup Race Day, Bowen Turf Club, from 11am
17 Seagrass Musical Theatre Night, Proserpine State High School, from 6pm (7pm start)
20 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
24 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
24 Thanks Doc, Larrikin Hotel, from 5.30pm
25 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 6pm
30 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 10am
30 Ross Noble – Jibber Jabber Jamboree, at the Proserpine Entrainment Centre, from 8pm
31 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
31 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete, Cyclone Shelter, Primary school, Sterry St, Proserpine. 

September
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
6-8 White on Whitehaven, Whitehaven Beach, from 9am
6 Don River Dash Community Night, Bowen Showgrounds, from 4pm
7 Don River Dash 300, Telegraph Road Spectator Area, from 8am
7 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Kath and Kim Drag Bingo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Trolls & Jumanji, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
17 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
20 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Addams Family and Dumb & Dumber, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
21 Mayor’s Charity Ball, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 5pm
27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

October
1 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
3 Morning Melodies – Livvy & Pete, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
5 Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros & Sister Act, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
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

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
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Spy Kids & Grease, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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Friday 9 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Ash Smith (8pm – 12am)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm – 8pm)
KC’s: Phoenix Revival (from 8pm)

Saturday 10 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: INXS (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (from 1pm)
Grand View Hotel: Ash Smith (8pm – 12am)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm – 4pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm – 8pm)
KC’s: Sar-rah (from 8pm)

Sunday 11 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: INXS (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Rick Barron (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Jonesy & The Coffee Man (4pm – 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm – 4pm)
KC’s: Graeme Rix (from 8pm)

Monday 12 August
KC’s: Dallas Steele (from 8pm)

Tuesday 13 August
KC’s: Dallas Steele (from 8pm)

Wednesday 14 August
KC’s: Ash Smith (from 8pm)

Thursday 15 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
KC’s: 15 Danny Wellington (from 8pm)

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The Mystery Box Rally is coming to Airlie Beach in August!

The Mystery Box Rally is part of Box Rallies, which includes Shitbox Rally and Lunchbox Rally, it was devised in 2009 by James Freeman after both his parents sadly died of cancer within 12 months of each other.

After living these devastating circumstances James decided to turn his grief into a positive outlet and partnered with the Cancer Council to raise critical funds for Cancer Research.

Box Rallies is now the leading individual fundraiser for Cancer Council nationally generating over $48.3 million to Cancer research plus media awareness for Cancer Council. This helps the lives of millions of Australians who are facing their unknown journey.

This year The Mystery Box Rally is coming to Airlie Beach bringing with it 170 cars and 340 people which are taking part on the currently unknown course.

The route is a loop starting and finishing at the same location (Airlie Beach), but all the other details are kept under wraps, only given to the teams each morning.

Teams drive their own 25+ year old cars along a mystery route in this unique 5-day challenge, all in the name of cancer research.

This year our very own Airlie Beach Hotel owner Mick McFie and his best mate Andrew Bell (aka Belly) are participating in the Mystery Box Rally.

Currently Mick and Andrew have raised over $57,000 and will continue to raise more until the event starts.

You can get involved by becoming a team sponsor, in turn you’ll raise funds for Cancer Council and get your business advertised at Airlie Beach Hotel.

On Saturday 17 August Michael and Andrew will set out in their 1997 Ford Fairlaine.

Founder James Freeman says: “Mystery Box Rally is not a race, but a reward for fundraising efforts. All our rallies are so much fun, but Mystery Box keeps delivering year after year with more and more people returning to participate.”

“After a warm and amazing Mystery Box Rally in 2023 we are chasing the warmth again with the announcement that the 2024 start and finish line is Airlie Beach, Queensland.

“The position of Airlie Beach gives us a great area to travel for the rally with plenty of amazing bush tracks to explore and country/outback hospitality.”

What: Mystery Box Rally
Where: Airlie Beach
When: Saturday 17 August

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Mystery Box Rally on their mystery rally journey

Publican of Airlie Beach Hotel, Mick and his rally companion Andrew have raised over $57,000, Photo supplied

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Local beauty, Gizelle Lee is heading to Paris Fashion Week soon and in the lead-up to her world travels she is hosting a special French-themed event called Le Gala which will be will take place at Boatys on Saturday 17 August

Whitsunday resident Gizelle is just 16 years old and she is hosting this special Le Gala evening to help raise money for her travels and future career path.

At Le Gala guests will be treated to a drink on arrival, canapes, mingling and fun.

Roland Flynn will be hitting the stage and performing until 10pm when DJ in2theam finishes the night.

There will also be a raffle during the evening and businesses around town have been making generous donations to the raffle so there are heaps of great prizes up for grabs.

Gizelle’s mother is helping to organise Le Gala and loves that the community are getting behind her daughter.

“It's been really quite humbling that people just want to help and it's been really nice,” said Linda Lee.

“It has been really exciting for Gizelle too, we are sort of pinching ourselves a little bit.”

Le Gala is a formal cocktail attire event and costs $80 for an adult and $50 for a child.

In Paris Fashion Week Gizelle will be representing Belle Le Chic, a Sunshine Coast based modelling agency.

She has modelled for them before, one of her shoots was used on a billboard in Time Square, New York.

At such a young age she has already hit the ground running, but Paris Fashion Week will only help her develop and learn more.

You can help Gizelle get to Paris by attending her Le Gala.

What: Le Gala
Where: Boatys
When: Saturday 17 August at 5pm

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Gizelle Lee Le Gala
Gizelle Lee on a billboard in Times Square, New York

Photos supplied

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This Friday at Bowen Summergarden Cinemas Colleen Hoovers ‘It Ends with Us’ hits the screen.

The number one New York Times Best Selling Author originally published the book in 2016 and it is loved by many as it follows the story of Lily Bloom and her struggle to navigate her career and love life after the death of her father.

This changes when she meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon who she instantly falls for.

Blake Lively plays Lily Bloom and Justin Baldoni plays Ryle Kincaid.

‘It Ends with Us’ is rated M and premiers at Bowen Summergarden Cinemas on Friday 9 August at 6.45pm.

Tickets cost $10

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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in ‘It Ends with Us’, Photo supplied

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At this years Mayor’s Charity Ball, Mayor Ry Collins has chosen not one, but two incredible local charities to support: RACQ CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.
RACQ CQ Rescue has provided lifesaving services to the Whitsunday Region for over 27 years, ensuring rapid and safe transport to medical facilities.
The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) offers critical support and education to prevent suicide and address mental health issues.
The Mayor’s Charity Ball is a glamourous event and an evening that we celebrate this community and the two important charities.

Tickets prices range from $150-295

What: Mayor’s Charity Ball
Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
When: Saturday 21 August at 5pm

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Friday 2 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Rebelquin (8pm – 12am)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm – 8pm)
KC’s: Tash (from 8pm)

Saturday 3 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Bustamento (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (7pm – 10pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (from 1pm)
Grand View Hotel: DJ Night/Charly Templar (8pm – 12am)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm – 4pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm – 8pm)
KC’s: Chris Booroff (from 8pm)

Sunday 4 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Bob Marley Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Graham Rix (4pm – 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm – 4pm)
KC’s: Chris Booroff (from 8pm)

Monday 5 August
KC’s: Sam McCann (from 8pm)

Tuesday 6 August
KC’s: Sam McCann (from 8pm)

Wednesday 7 August
KC’s: Fergus (from 8pm)

Thursday 8 August
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Rick Barron (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
KC’s: Zed Charles (from 8pm)

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August
1-4 Great Barrier Reef Festival, Airlie Beach, from 9am
2 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Finding Dory, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
6 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
6 Whalebone, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm and 6pm
8-15 Airlie Beach Race Week
8 Adult Learn to Skate, PCYC, from 6pm
8 Eskimo Joe, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
9 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy & Hook, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 5pm
10 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
15 Morning Melodies – A Farewell to Doris, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 11am
15 Zonta General Meeting, VMR Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Adult Learn to Skate, PCYC, from 6pm
17 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
17 Ben Bolt Cup Race Day, Bowen Turf Club, from 11am
17 Seagrass Musical Theatre Night, Proserpine State High School, from 6pm (7pm start)
20 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
24 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
24 Thanks Doc, Larrikin Hotel, from 5.30pm
25 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 6pm
30 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 10am
30 Ross Noble – Jibber Jabber Jamboree, at the Proserpine Entrainment Centre, from 8pm
31 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
31 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete, Cyclone Shelter, Primary school, Sterry St, Proserpine. 

September
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
6-8 White on Whitehaven, Whitehaven Beach, from 9am
6 Don River Dash Community Night, Bowen Showgrounds, from 4pm
7 Don River Dash 300, Telegraph Road Spectator Area, from 8am
7 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Kath and Kim Drag Bingo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Trolls & Jumanji, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
17 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
20 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Addams Family and Dumb & Dumber, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
21 Mayor’s Charity Ball, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 5pm
27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

October
1 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
3 Morning Melodies – Livvy & Pete, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
5 Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros & Sister Act, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
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

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
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Spy Kids & Grease, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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Returning to Airlie Beach for the 13th time to perform, is Australia’s number one touring INXS tribute INXS “REVIVED” staring frontman Dellacoma Rio.
Dellacoma Rio and the band are gearing up and getting excited to come and play at Airlie Beach Hotel:
“We've got a very, very high energy show. Airlie Beach is one of only two hotels that we play in Australia, everywhere else we play performing arts centers, theater and festivals.”
“Airlie Beach has become a bit of a second home; they saved us a bit through COVID.”
INXS “REVIVED,” has six members, and all of them are full time musicians, except their keyboard player who owns a Laundromat.
The band was formed a decade ago by original member and guitarist Rob. Over the years, the lineup evolved, with most of the current members joining around six years ago.
“It is an opportunity to play these songs and then play them in a way that we feel like INXS would be playing them if they were still playing,” he added.
The bands favourite songs to play are ‘Never Tear Us Apart,’ and they generally end their performances with ‘Don’t Change,’ which Dellacoma says is a lot of fun.
The band has had several highlights over the years, but two distinct ones were the opportunities to play in Darwin and Alice Springs, alongside playing in Noosa for the second time, and selling out both times.
Dellacoma and the band reflected back on their wildest concert memory, which took place at a festival in Oklahoma 10 years ago. Despite a tornado and torrential rain, a day before, the festival went ahead. The skies cleared but the rain had soaked the ground.
“There was no one up front of the stage, it was just a mud pit, so, during a guitar solo, I jumped off stage and slid on the mud up to the audience on a big belly slide,” Dellacoma reminisced.
While Airlie will be a whistle stop tour for the band, Dellacoma stated how it's always fun at Airlie Beach. He added that whilst he, himself, lives in Queensland, the rest of the band are excited to get out of the cold weather in Melbourne.
Dellacoma also explained that he loves seeing locals amidst the holiday-goers: “It is pretty cool to see some of the same faces.”
Having played in the big cities and regional areas, Dellacoma Rio and the band find that there is something special about playing in the smaller towns:
“Regional areas generally are a lot more grateful to have you there.”
“You can get lost in the shuffle in the big cities, because there's always entertainment, not just music, but you're also competing with sports and bigger concerts, but regional areas, you can actually get into the heart and soul of Australia.”
INXS have an amazing show set for Airlie Beach with full video production that goes the entire time and legend has it, that Dellacoma Rio likes to jump on cars driving by, so if you are in town make sure you roll down your window to see if he comes by.
“It's going to be good coming home, back to our second home.”

What: INXS “REVIVED”
When: 10th and 11th August, from 2-5:30pm
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel
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Frontman Dellacoma Rio

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The 82nd Annual Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete will be held on Saturday, 31st August 2024 from 10 - 2:00pm.
Get ready to blossom at the upcoming show which is held at the Cyclone Shelter in Proserpine State Primary School. This year's theme is "Springtime in Proserpine."
Head to the flower show this year to catch up with friends and enjoy local entertainment, surrounded by beautiful flowers, amazing fruit and veg, and delicious home baking.
There are various stalls for you to enjoy during your time at the show, inclusive of, a cake, biscuit, craft, elegant white elephant and plants stall. There is also face painting, marvelous floral art, competitions and raffles, mystery parcels and fabulous entertainment. Morning tea and lunch is also available at the show and fete.
Make sure to enter your prize flowers, fruit, vegetables, orchids and pot plants for a chance to win.
Entry to the show is $5 and children under 14 go free.

WHAT: Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete
WHEN: Saturday 31st August 10am-2pm
WHERE: Proserpine State School

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The Shoreside Long Lunch at Airlie Beach Race Week is an exclusive culinary event that offers a delightful food experience amidst the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays. This ticketed event with limited seats, is a must-attend for those seeking a special and intimate dining experience.
Guests are treated to a sumptuous lunch, featuring a thoughtfully curated menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. The experience begins with an assortment of delectable canapés, an alternate drop entrée and main courses, followed by a delectable petit four dessert.
Including dishes with salmon, succulent pork belly, and a selection of fresh seafood and local produce, providing a true taste of coastal cuisine. Each dish is paired with wines chosen to complement the flavours and enhance the overall dining experience. The careful selection of wines ensures that each course is perfectly balanced, allowing guests to savour every bite and sip.
Adding to the must-do event which will be styled by the fabulous team at TP Events & Styling Whitsundays, are special lucky door prizes, providing attendees with the opportunity to win exclusive gifts. The gifts, which are provided by Mount Gay Rum, Infuse Me Whitsundays and Airlie Beach Festival of Music, ensure a fabulous range of prizes to be won amongst guests.
Set against the backdrop of breathtaking views, the Shoreside Long Lunch is not just a meal but a celebration of food, wine, and the stunning scenery of Airlie Beach. Tickets can be easily purchased by scanning the QR code below, ensuring a seamless and convenient booking process.

Join the Shoreside Long Lunch during Race Week

WHAT: Shoreside Long Lunch
When: Monday 12th August, 2pm onwards
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
QR code Caption: Shoreside Long Lunch QR Code

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Proserpine Entertainment Centre is hosting ‘Whalebone,’ a show set to make you laugh out loud, gasp in awe, and let your imagination soar.
Whalebone is said to be filled with eccentric contraptions, strange machinery and clunky inventions and even includes the world’s first half-human juggling machine.
Hidden within the enigmatic ‘Depository,’ the show takes you through a journey with a solitary worker who has a crucial mission. In an era where AI and machines increasingly control our choices, he is dedicated to preserving human stories, memories, and emotions.
This quirky show invites the audience to ponder technology's role in our lives, cleverly sparking conversations about what defines us as humans.

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival is excited to finalise its line-up of fourteen featured local authors in this year’s program.
Festival President, Karen Jacobsen said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with all our featured local authors in providing them a national platform to share their creativity, their journeys, and introduce readers to their new and important Australian stories.”
The festival has announced four new featured local authors.
Sandy Clark is an Airlie Beach local, public speaker and freelance journalist but volunteering for the vulnerable has been her greatest passion for the past fifteen years. In 2015 she self-published My Love Affair with Zambia with book sale proceeds donated to build a small maternity hospital in a northwest Zambian township. Her second memoir will be launched in 2025. Anyone Can Become a Princess is about volunteering and a special promise she gave to a Zambian chief.
Solo sailor, Glynda Joy Parfitt, has been sailing between Sydney and Port Douglas since 2011. Glynda won first prize for a short story when she was 15 and along with writing poetry and songs, she began writing her memoir in 1998. While writing at anchor off Fraser Island, Glynda completed My Memoir Part One: The Pastor’s Wife which is about her slightly eccentric childhood as a Seventh Day Adventist pastor’s daughter, and the 22 years spent with well-known Healing Evangelist John Mellor.
Peter Utber and his wife lived and sailed their small yacht around the coast of Australia for eighteen years before settling in the Whitsundays 24 years ago. He has written numerous short stories and poetry, many published by The Coastal Passage yachting magazine. Peter published his first full length novel in 2020, Demography Day, work of fiction that draws on contemporary fact and Peter’s long term sailing background.
Finally, Festival President, Karen Jacobsen. An international speaker, author, concert artist and songwriter, Karen Jacobsen’s speaking voice unexpectedly led to a unique pop culture status. In over a billion GPS and smartphone devices worldwide, including the original Aussie voice of iPhone ’Siri’, she developed The GPS Girl empowerment brand and is author of two journal style books – The GPS Girl’s Road Map for your Future and Recalculate - The GPS Girl’s 44 Directions for Performance Success.
Festival attendees will have multiple opportunities to meet and learn more about the featured local authors throughout the program.
The festival’s closing event – the Local Author Long Lunch – will be a fitting end to proceedings, including a celebration and showcase of the writing journey of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors. This event is open to all and will be held 12:30pm Sunday 8 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club.
The Local Author Long Lunch is proudly supported by the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund.
For program highlights and ticket details visit the festivals website: www.whitsundayswriters.com  
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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: Friday 6 – Sunday 8 September 2024
Where: Airlie Beach

Glynda Joy Parfitt

Karen Jacobsen

Peter Utber

Sandy Clark