By Hannah McNamara

Australia's beloved musical icon, Marcia Hines, is bringing her highly anticipated Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour to Mackay in 2024!

In an interview with Mackay Life, Marcia spoke about her musical journey over the years and touched on her upcoming tour to the Mackay region. She said, “I feel really blessed that people still want to come see the show and hear me sing… I’m stoked about it.”

This exciting event will celebrate Marcia’s incredible five-decade-long career and Mackay will have the chance to witness her legendary talent live. The Mackay concert is scheduled as part of a national tour that kicked off in Mandurah, Western Australia, on 8 August 2024 and is set to make its way to Queensland, including a much-anticipated stop in Mackay.

Still Shining honours Marcia’s journey from her arrival in Australia over 50 years ago to join the cast of Hair to becoming one of the nation’s most cherished musical artists. With 22 albums and over 2.6 million copies sold, Marcia’s impact on the Australian music scene has been nothing short of memorable.

Among her long list of accolades, Marcia says her most memorable achievements was when she won Queen of Pop as well as being awarded AM and receiving an induction into the Aria Hall Of Fame.

Marcia is thrilled to be in Mackay and noted that she is particular eager to sing with her good friend Graeme Connors.

“I hope to be singing on stage with my good friend Graeme Connors on the night that I’m up there.

“I’m just happy to be coming up to Mackay and hopefully people will come and have a nice night out.”  

Fans in Mackay will be treated to a night of unforgettable performances, featuring some of her greatest hits and songs from her celebrated career.

After starring in the internationally acclaimed Velvet stage production, she will also take on the role of Teen Angel in the upcoming John Frost/Crossroads production of GREASE in 2024.

In addition to her live performances, Marcia recently released Still Shining - The 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collection in June 2023, followed by The Gospel According to Marcia in November 2023, which celebrates her musical roots in gospel and her childhood in Boston.

Mackay fans won’t want to miss this special opportunity to see Marcia Hines live on her Still Shining tour as she continues to inspire audiences with her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence and enduring legacy.

For tickets and more information, visit www.marciahines.com.au

What: Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour – Marcia Hines
When: Saturday, September 21
Where: The MECC
Tickets: www.marciahines.com.au

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Don’t miss this opportunity to see Marcia Hines live in Mackay as she prepares to bring her Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour to town in 2024. Photo supplied

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September
6-8 Whitsundays Writers Festival
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 Colour Run for Child Protection, Coral Sea Marina Gardens, from 9am
7 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Kath and Kim Drag Bingo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
8 Whitsunday Thrift Club Market, Kipara Rainforest Retreat, from 9am
8 Memorial Service, World Suicide Prevention Day, Kevla Espresso & Health Food Bar, from 8:30–11am
10 BBQ Breakfast, World Suicide Prevention Day, Bowen Town Square, from 7-       10:30am
10 Proserpine Memorial Service, World Suicide Prevention Day, Pioneer Park, 3-     5:30pm
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Trolls & Jumanji, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
13 Celtic Illusion, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
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 6 September
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Troy Morrison (8pm – 12am)
KC’s: Chev Wilson (from 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm - 8pm)

Saturday 7 September
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Joe Cocker (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers Band (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (8pm – 12am)
KC’s: Corey Harris (from 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm - 4pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm - 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (from 1pm)

Sunday 8 September
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Joe Cocker (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Mike Vaughan (4pm-8pm)
KC’s: Loui Battour (from 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm - 4pm)

Monday 9 September
KC’s: Loui Battour (from 8pm)
Thursday 12 September
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

Tuesday 10 September
KC’s: Josiah (from 8pm)

Wednesday 11 September
KC’S: Ronnie Croker (from 8pm)

Thursday 12 September
KC’s: Ronnie Croker (From 8pm)

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The annual White On Whitehaven event takes place on Whitehaven Beach this weekend. From Friday to Sunday guests will be whisked over to Whitsunday Island to enjoy a decadent afternoon of feasting and festivity.

Upon arrival guests are treated to a glass of French champagne and canapés including fresh oysters and salmon sashimi.

This is followed by a sumptuous barbeque lunch made with the freshest local produce, indulge in gourmet seafood, BBQ meats and salad.

All guests are encouraged to wear white, to keep with the white-on-white theme which makes it a wonderful spectacle. If White on Whitehaven sounds like your type of day out, be sure to look for last minute tickets this year.

What: White on Whitehaven
Where: Whitehaven Beach, Pick up – Port of Airlie
When: 9am – 5pm Friday 6 September, Saturday 7 September, Sunday 8 September

Photos supplied

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The Australian ABBA Tribute Show are becoming regulars at the Airlie Beach Hotel, and yet they always bring in an amazing high energy crowd every time.

Band Manager Sam Bennett, who plays Bjorn in the show, says he and the rest of the band always enjoy performing here in Airlie Beach.

“We always love our trip to Airlie Beach itself, it’s a well-deserved break in the sunshine from the very unpredictable Melbourne weather,” said Sam.

“Everyone is always on holiday time there and it’s very easy to perform to a crowd that is there either on holiday or living that holiday lifestyle.”

Although Sam says he loves performing in front of the relaxed and fun Airlie Beach crowd because of the holiday lifestyle, it’s also due to the hits they perform too.

Sam says they perform all the favourites but also play some B-sides and hidden gems that the band love.

All members in the band have a theatre background and Sam believes it helps them deliver an authentic ABBA show for the crowd.

“I think doing an ABBA tribute show is the same thing as theatre, you're performing as a character,” explained Sam.

“We perform as Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny and Björn, we are a character, we have a story and a history.

“We all have our own connection to these songs, both in reality as performers, but also in characters.”

Having a strong stage presence combined with the catchy ABBA tunes makes it an unbelievably fun afternoon.

“I am always so excited to come to perform at Airlie Beach,” exclaimed Sam.

“It's always a big crowd, filled with people that plan to come there and people that are just walking through the street, see that we're playing and end up staying for two hours watching the show.

“It's always such a fun and high energy afternoon, so if anyone is even remotely near the Airlie Beach Hotel on the Saturday and Sunday, please come down. It's a free show, if you don't like it you can leave, but I doubt that you won't like it.”

What: SOS ABBA Tribute
Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 14 September 2pm – 5.30pm & Sunday 15 September 2pm – 5.30pm
Tickets: You don’t need any! It’s completely free!

The Australian ABBA Tribute Show, Photos supplied

At the weekend David Flower organised a beautiful bunch of artists to come together for an intimate three-day gathering on a private property in Preston (Conway Rd).
The gathering offered a variety of entertainment across different music genres, including folk /funk /rock and roots artists and a full program of activities, games and guaranteed spontaneous moments known as the ‘Flower Effect’.
The fantastic festival helped raise much-needed funds for Eco Barge Clean Seas, a spectacular organisation that arranges marine debris clean-ups alongside caring for injured turtles.
Founder of the festival, David Flower, gushed over how the three-day event went:
“I think everyone was just in awe of the atmosphere that was there because the setting was so beautiful, the skies were blue, and the sun would bank around the back of the stage, so everyone was in the shade, and early in the day and at night, everyone had a dance.”
“It was just beautiful.”
Around 200 individuals attended the event, which David said gave the festival a real “community feel.”
Some highlights from the weekend included the finishing act Salt n Steel, who got all the audience jumping and singing along at the end of the night, and the game of backyard cricket. However, David added that the “cherry on the top of a very great cake was that “everyone left with a big smile on their faces and the rumour’s getting out now of how great it was!”
While they are still counting numbers for how much was raised for Eco Barge, last year they raised $2.5k, and are expecting the numbers to be even higher this year.
Keep an eye out for next year's festival and join in raising funds for a great cause.

The festival had a fantastic line-up of artists
Families came together to enjoy the live entertainment
Musicians took to the stage to play in the sun
Attendees danced the night away
A beautiful turtle decoration
The lovely eco barge volunteers

Photo credit: Bronwyn Garland & Rion

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The community Colour Fun Run is back for 2024, with Whitsunday Counselling and Support gearing up for a bigger event than ever.
Get ready for a jumping castle, bubbles, face painting, sausage sizzle, raffles, prizes, and of course the coveted colour fun run - this absolutely free event will see smiles and laughter from everyone who attends!
Taking place during Child Protection Week, organisers aim to raise awareness that all adult community members are responsible for ensuring that our children remain safe and nurtured.
The Child Protection Week message for 2024 is ‘child protection is everyone’s business.’

What: Colour Run for Child Protection
Where: Coral Sea Marina Gardens
When: 9am on Saturday 7th September.
Registrations: FREE EVENT, just show up!

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August
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. 
31 QCWA Public Meeting, Cannonvale Neighbourhood Centre, from 10am

September
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
4 Stella Life Morning Tea, Bowen Garden Club, from 9am
6-8 Whitsundays Writers Festival
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 Colour Run for Child Protection, Coral Sea Marina Gardens, from 9am
7 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Kath and Kim Drag Bingo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
8 Whitsunday Thrift Club Market, Kipara Rainforest Retreat, from 9am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Trolls & Jumanji, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
13 Celtic Illusion, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
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 30 August
Flametree Gathering (from 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Zed Charles (8pm – 12am)
KC’s: Sam McCann (from 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm - 8pm)

Saturday 31 August
Flametree Gathering (from 9am)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Elton John Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sweet Alibi’s (8pm – 12am)
KC’s: Corey Harris (from 8pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm - 4pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (5pm - 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Live Music (from 1pm)

Sunday 1 September
Flametree Gathering (from 8pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Elton John Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Josiah (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Whitsunday Sailing Club: Live Music (1pm - 4pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (2pm – 6pm)
Colonial Palms: Jazz Afternoon with Nick De Gregorio

Thursday 5 September
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mat Stokes (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

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The highly anticipated arrival of the 32nd Variety Victoria Bash arrived in Airlie Beach last Friday 23 August.

83 themed cars and 292 people drove through our iconic main street before finishing their journey alongside Airlie Beach foreshore.

The 2024 Variety Victoria Bash began in Swan Hill, Victoria on Friday 16 August and travelled over 3,500 kilometres to Airlie Beach, arriving eight days later. This year’s course was named ‘Red Dirt to Reef’

Along the way, drivers delivered over $100,000 in vital grants to schools and regional communities, directly benefiting children and families in these areas. In addition to the grants, the Bash also injected over $100,000 into each local town every time they stopped for fuel, snacks, lunch, dinner and accommodation.

The 2024 Variety Victoria Bash raised over $1.6 million and Motoring and Events Manager Scott Watson is thrilled with the figure and with the work they have done.

“In Bundaberg we travelled to a Kindy in a low socio-economic area and we supplied a grand of $2000 for resources,” said Scott.

“Those resources are getting underpants, socks and food for the kids, it was beautiful and the manager of the centre was in tears.

Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the Variety Victoria Mandy Burns said during this Bash they visited 10 different schools and communities and offered grants to those in need.

“We granted to those schools and communities in terms of helping a school finish off their playground, providing a class with a set of iPads, and tonight (Friday 23 August) we're providing an insulin pump for a local teenager,” said Mandy.

“Those sorts of things mean it has been successful and our awesome 292 people have all raised a minimum of $5,000 each, in fact, have raised closer to $15,000 - $20,000 each.

“The other element of success is we deliberately target communities where we can invest and spend money.

“We've had approximately 20 schools and kindergartens that have also then benefited from fundraising from us.”

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Variety Victoria CEO Mandy Burns

Some of the bright coloured vehicles arriving in Airlie Beach last week

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The forecast is in… Leave your hats on and dress for a great night of Feelin’ Alright!
Step into the world of music legend Joe Cocker with The Joe Cocker Express!

The Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia, celebrating the legendary artist. The Joe Cocker Express will take you on a nostalgic journey with authentic renditions of Cocker’s greatest hits, ensuring a night full of timeless tunes and unforgettable moments.

Experience the magic of a 9-piece powerhouse band led by Australia's very own Chev Wilson. With a voice that remarkably echoes young Joe Cocker, Chev brings a fresh, electrifying energy to timeless classics like "You Are So Beautiful," "Up Where We Belong," "Delta Lady," "Unchain My Heart," "The Letter," and "With A Little Help From My Friends," among many others.

To the band Joe Cocker was a powerhouse in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark with his soulful voice and passionate performances.

“He was not just a singer; he was a true artist who poured his heart and soul into every note. Once we heard a song recreated by the rock soul voice of Joe Cocker, it was his way we forever wanted to hear it,” the band’s website reads.

“With a career spanning decades, Cocker’s influence on rock and blues is immeasurable.”

The fantastic tribute performance will take you on a journey of Cocker’s remarkable career, from his early days in Sheffield to his legendary Woodstock performance and beyond. The Joe Cocker Express is a tribute to the man, his music, and his enduring legacy.

“We are really excited to come up and play at Airlie Beach,” emphasised Rebecca Muino Director of Joe Cocker Express and back-up vocalist.

“We are going to enjoy a weekend there.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to relive the magic and experience the timeless songs that have touched the hearts of generations. Get your tickets now and be part of a night that celebrates the life and music of one of the greatest singers and voices of all time!

What: Joe Cocker Express
When: Saturday September 7 and Sunday September 8 at 2pm
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel
Tickets: FREE, but book a table to avoid disappointment on the day!

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The third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival is scheduled to take place this October and organisers are appealing for sponsors who would like to donate to this much-loved local event.

The festival is dedicated to developing amateur songwriters in the Whitsundays and connecting them with world-class mentors to help further their skills, capacity, and careers.

Last year, highly acclaimed artists Vika & Linda, and Toni Childs took participants on an incredible journey which culminated in a special Concert and Conversation event.

This year, six world class songwriters and artists have once again been invited to the region to mentor a new generation of local songwriters, create new work, deliver an emerging songwriter workshop, and perform in the event showcase,

There are only 12 spots up for grabs in the workshop and tickets go on sale soon, with the full line-up of attending artists expected to be announced soon.

Co-Founder of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Karen Jacobsen said she is thrilled for this year’s festival.

“I’m excited for local emerging songwriters to have the opportunity to be mentored by our superstar faculty in 2024, right here in the region,” said Karen.

“Our line-up features some of Australia’s most successful, iconic recording artists and we look forward to announcing them soon.”

Whitsundays Songwriter Festival are seeking donations from sponsors or crowdfunding, all crowdfunding donations over $2 are tax deductible.

If you loved last year’s Concert and Conversation event and are looking forward to discovering this years’ extraordinary line-up please donate to the festival to ensure the continuation of another one of the region’s inspiring cultural events.

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WHAT: Whitsundays Songwriters Festival
WHEN: October 10th - 15th

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Vika Bull, Toni Childs, Karen Jacobsen, Mark Sholtez, Francesca de Valence, and Linda Bull all attended last years’ event. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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The Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) is back for its 12th annual celebration, bringing three days of legendary music and festivities from November 8th to 10th.

Featuring an incredible lineup including Sweet (UK), Rose Tattoo, Pseudo Echo. Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Southern Sons, Christine Anu, Ash Grunwald, Reece Mastin, Sandi Thom, 19 Twenty and Bondi Cigars, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience.

To celebrate, ABFoM is offering you a chance to win the Ultimate Party in Paradise Package. This exclusive giveaway includes everything you need for a perfect escape to The Whitsundays and to enjoy this party in paradise.
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Here’s what’s included in the prize;
   • Return flights for two: Enjoy direct flights to Whitsunday Coast Airport from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Cairns, so you can dive straight into paradise.
   • Five nights of luxury accommodation: Stay in a Waterview Queen Room at Heart Hotel, valued at $1,325. Relax and take in the spectacular views of The Whitsundays.
   • Scenic flight and reef adventure: Experience a breathtaking flight over Heart Reef and a thrilling tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet with Ocean Rafting, valued at $1,034.
   • Daily breakfast at The Deck: Start your days with a delicious breakfast to fuel your adventures, valued at $250.
   • Seafood platter for two: Enjoy a fresh seafood platter at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill, valued at $155, while soaking in the stunning views.
   • Two 3-day passes to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music: Enjoy live performances from legendary artists with two passes to this iconic festival, valued at $640.
The Ultimate Party in Paradise Package is an amazing prize and would be an unforgettable experience. All aspects of the prize are amazing on their own, combined, the winner will have an incredible time in arguably Australia’s best location.

This year’s festival is stacked with an epic lineup of performers. UK rock band Sweet are headlining the festival and are bringing high standards to their performance. Renowned for recreating the high energy and soaring vocals associated with the Sweet sound is something they bring to all of their live performances and is the Sweet trademark.

It’s a tropical getaway like no other, says Gavin “Butto” Butlin, ABFoM Founder, “This will be the ultimate prize to win and enjoy a festival like nowhere else. We have an awesome lineup, an incredible location, and the best prizes to go with it. You’d be mad not to enter.” 
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To enter, complete the form on ABFoM’s website and share in 25 words or less how you would Party in Paradise.
ABFoM are eager to hear your most exciting and creative ideas. Don’t miss your chance to win this incredible package and experience the best of The Whitsundays alongside world-class music. Entries close on Friday September 13, 2024.

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One of the world’s most successful cult comedians is heading to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre today and the audience can expect an evening filled with his signature blend of irreverent and wildly entertaining humour.
Highly hilarious and extremely popular English comedian Ross Noble is gracing the Proserpine Entertainment Centre with his 21st solo stand-up tour ‘Jibber Jabber Jamboree.’
Noble invites you to an evening of inspired whimsy and inventive hilarity, showcasing why he’s the unrivalled master of freewheeling, stream-of-consciousness stand-up. Expect a performance rich with improv and audience participation, ensuring an unforgettable night of spontaneous laughter and joy.
Proserpine is thrilled to host the esteemed comedian on his Australian tour. Before arriving in Proserpine, he’ll be entertaining audiences across Alice Springs, Wollongong, and Mackay.
Noble rose to fame through his appearances on British television shows such as ‘Have I Got News for You’ as well as, other interview and panel shows.
In 2007, the acclaimed comedian was ranked 10th on Channel 4’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups. During that time, he also toured Australia on his motorbike, covering over 26,000 kilometres and documenting the journey. This adventure was later broadcast in 2009.
Noble is not only a talented comedian but has also made his mark as an actor, appearing in both films and stage productions.
In 2012, he made his film debut in the fantasy comedy horror movie ‘Stitches’, where he starred as Stitches, the killer clown.
In 2015 he made his musical theatre debut in The Producers and in 2018 was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein musical in the West End.
Noble is often referred to as a ‘randomist’, and asking What’s it about? What will we learn? How will it change the world? Are all pointless questions to ask when Noble is off on one of his tangents.
Join the master surrealist as he uses an infinite imagination and plenty of tomfoolery in a night not to be missed.
Grab a ticket and come and enjoy the ride.

https://alist.com.au/tours/jibber-jabber-jamboree/

What: Ross Noble’s Jibber Jabber Jamboree
When: Friday August, 30th
Where: The Proserpine Entertainment Centre

Join Ross Noble at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for a night full of laughs!
Jibber Jabber Jamboree comes to Prossie!

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