Calling graduates of 2004 at Proserpine State High School and loved ones, it’s almost time for the 20-year reunion.

On Saturday 22 June at 2pm catch up with old classmates and enjoy the great setting at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill.

Sit back, mingle with old friends, and enjoy the live music plus an all-day menu at the Beach Bar.
 
Whether you graduated Proserpine State High School in 2004 or left a little bit earlier – you are welcome, partners and kids are welcome too.

It will be a great chance to catch up and have a good time.
 
RSVP before June 1 and for further details or to RSVP contact Kathleen via kathleen.s.price@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/pshs2004

WHEN: Saturday 22 June 2024
WHERE: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
TIME: 2pm
RSVP: Before June 1

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Anticipation grows as the Whitsundays Writers Festival prepares to unveil its Heart Awards Poetry Prize, celebrating the vibrant soul of poetry within the literary community.

Submissions are open until May 31st, offering poets the chance to contest for the esteemed Heart Award Poetry Prize, accompanied by a significant cash prize.

Poetry enthusiasts at the Festival are also encouraged to showcase their lyrical prowess at a special ‘karaoke style’ event on Friday 6 September, where attendees can step up to the mic and share their verses in an intimate and supportive atmosphere.

Poetry stands as an inclusive avenue for artistic expression, welcoming both seasoned poets and aspiring wordsmiths to participate in this celebration of verse and voice.

“We are delighted to provide a platform for poets to share their work and connect with fellow lovers of language,” says Festival President, Karen Jacobsen.

“The Heart Awards’ Poetry Prize and our Friday poetry event embody the spirit of creativity and community that defines the Whitsundays Writers Festival.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant literary event! Submit your poetry for the Heart Awards by May 31st and mark your calendars for the special poetry event to be held from 5:30pm Friday 6 September during the Whitsundays Writers Festival.

Also closing on Friday 31 May are submissions for the Heart Awards’ Short Story (adult and under 18 divisions) and Early Bird Festival tickets.

About the Festival: The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a premier literary event dedicated to fostering creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word. Bringing together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers, the festival celebrates the diverse tapestry of storytelling while showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.

The festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024, will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards to provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design.

WHAT: Whitsunday Writers Festival
WHEN: September 6-8
TICKETS: whitsundayswriters.com

POETRY SUBMISSIONS CLOSE TODAY!

In the heart of the Whitsundays, where poets’ dreams take flight,
The Writers Festival calls, under the starry night.
Announcing the Heart Awards, where poetry reigns supreme,
Submit your verses by May’s end, fulfill your poet’s dream.

A prize awaits the chosen one, a treasure rich and grand,
For words that dance like fireflies, across the golden sand.
But wait, there’s more! A special night, a poetry soiree,
Where open mics and whispered rhymes, steal the show away.

Come one, come all, to share your heart, your soul, your verse,
In the embrace of kindred spirits, let your words disperse.
For in the Whitsundays’ gentle breeze, where dreams take to the air,
The poets gather, hand in hand, a symphony of flair.

So mark your calendars, dear friends, and heed the poet’s call,
To the Whitsundays Writers Festival, where inspiration thralls.
Submit your poems, join the fray, let your spirit free,
For in the heart of poetry, lies the essence of eternity.

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May
24 Proserpine State School Community Fete, Proserpine State School, from 5pm
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Reef Gateway: Rebelquin (6pm – 9pm)
Jubilee Tavern: Jan Arns (6pm – 9pm)
Grand View Hotel: Jonesy n The Coffee Man (8pm – 12am)
KC’s: Josiah (from 8pm)

25 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC from 10am
CQ Rescue Charity Golf Day, Proserpine Golf Club, from 9am
St Mary’s Bowen Family Fun Day, Bowen, from 2pm
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Get Rhythm Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute (2pm –   5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Reef Gateway: Paul Berger (6pm – 9pm)
Grand View Hotel: Shaun Diver (8pm – 12am)
KC’s: Chris Booroff (from 8pm)

26 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
Jazz Event, Colonial Palms, from 3pm
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Get Rhythm Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute (2pm–   5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Lloyd Saunders (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Shaun Diver (4pm – 8pm)
Colonial Palms: Nick Di Gregorio & Ash De Neef (from 3pm)
KC’s: Josiah (from 8pm)

27 Flag Raising Ceremony, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9.30am
KC’s: Sam McCann (from 8pm)
28
29
KC’s: Erin Reus (from 8pm)

30
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
KC’s: Ferg (from 8pm)

31 Reconciliation Week – Bowen Twilight Markets, Hansen Park, Horseshoe Bay Road from 4pm
National Reconciliation Week Welcome to Countrry, Smpking Ceremony, Traditional Dance, Songs and Workshops, Twilight Markets & Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Last Daughter, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 5pm

June
1 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC from 10am
2 Whitsunday Cup Race Day, Ben Bolt Park Bowen, from 11am
4 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
2 Queensland Day, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 10am
8 Wearable Art Workshop, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
8 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC from 10am
8 Dreams – Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Show, at Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm
9 Dingo Beach Whitfunday, Dingo Beach
9 Wearable Art Workshop, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
13 Morning Melodies - Some Enchanted Evening - The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 11am
14 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14 Umbilical Brothers ‘The Distraction’, at Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 8pm
15 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC from 10am
15 Barra and Boots Music Festival, Lake Proserpine, from 1pm
18 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
20 Adults Social Skating, Rolldance Skate School, at Cannonvale State School Hall, from 5.30pm
21 A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
30 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

July
2 Sailability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
5 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sapphires, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
10 You Are a Doughnut, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 12pm and from 6pm
12 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Rio, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
16 The Sunshine Club, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
20 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 1pm
21 Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6am
28 Airlie Beach Triathlon, Airlie Beach Lagoon, from 5am
28 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

31 The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm

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Looking for the very latest in 4WD, hybrids, caravans, camper trailers, home, lifestyle and much more? There are thousands of products to discover at this year’s Mackay Expo!

You can see all your favourite brands in the one place and discover some new offerings too, with exhibitors and entertainers on deck to answer all of your burning questions.
 
The Mackay Expo is your opportunity to get the very best deals and some exciting show specials, featuring a massive daily entertainment line-up, including the return of the Shimano Fishing Show, where Mossy teaches you the best tips and tricks on how to catch a ‘barra’ in the massive 10m long Shimano fishing tank.

The Camp Oven King - Kingbrown has three cooking demos daily, showcasing both traditional camp oven, and Weber-Q cooking techniques.
 
Ranger Dan will bring along his not-so-fury pals so he can teach you all about Australia’s native reptilian wildlife… and with the all-new RACQ On-Road, Off-Road Safety Presentations have got you covered on how to prepare your vehicle for your next touring holiday.
 
Explore this years’ jam-packed Mackay Expo with thousands of innovative items, exciting show specials, and daily entertainment for everyone! With sessions on caravan preparation and weights, as well as 4WD preparation, recovery gear and more - you don't want to miss a moment of this year’s Mackay Expo.

This true-blue Aussie event will be held on Friday 24th to Sunday 26th of May at the Mackay Showgrounds.

WHAT: Mackay Expo
WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds
WHEN: 24-26 May

To purchase your tickets or find out more information, head to MackayExpo.com.au

Event Snapshot

   • Over 110 Exhibitors!
   • 4×4 accessories, new caravans, hybrid camper trailers, vehicles, marine, camping equipment, and more!
   • Win $7,900 in prizes
   • Outdoor Adventure Experience!
   • Prepare to be entertained with Hands-on Wildlife, Shimano Fishing Tank, RACQ Safety Presentations and camp cooking demonstrations!

Event Directory:

Conqueror Off Road Australia is hitting the road to present their premium off-road trailers at the Mackay Expo! Join them to discover the robust and versatile family of Conqueror Off Road trailers near you. They look forward to meeting you at the Expo!

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Friday 24th May

Star Wars Unlimited Store Showdown
9am
Join us for the very first Star Wars Unlimited Store Showdown! Big prizes are up for grabs, so you don't want to miss this one! Swiss style tournament with best of one, compete to see who can take out the top prize. Cost: $25 per person including a drink
Time: Friday 24th May 6:30pm-10pm. May the Force be with you!
 75 Victoria St, Mackay 

2024 Mackay Expo
4pm
Your lifestyle, your adventure at the 2024 Mackay Expo. Join us on 24th to 26th May at Mackay Showgrounds for the region’s largest and most exciting outdoor adventure, home and lifestyle event. Learn from the experts and discover new destinations, innovative living ideas, and outdoor products and services. Enjoy the interactive displays, entertainment, and prizes.
Mackay Showgrounds

VaMa Live
6.30pm
Get ready for a night to remember!  Join us this week at the Burb for an unforgettable live performance by the incredible VaMa! Feel the vibe, enjoy the music, and make memories from 6:30pm-10:30pm. See you in the bar for a fantastic evening of entertainment!
Souths Suburban Bowls Club

‘Into The Woods’ Play
8pm
Step into a world where fairy tales collide and dreams unravel. "Into the Woods" beckons you on a captivating journey where beloved characters venture into a mysterious forest to fulfil their deepest wishes. Join Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and others as they confront their fears and discover the true meaning of 'happily ever after.'
Don't miss out on our incredible show! Tickets available for 24 and 25 May, 2024.
CQU Conservatorium Theatre, QLD University, Boundary Road

Saturday 25th May

Pet Food Donation Ride
9am
All welcome to join Mackay Pet Rescue’s ride and to help animals in need. Please donate any unopened cat or dog food or visit mackaypetrescueinc.com.au for their wishlist. For any monetary donation please scan the QR code to donate via PayPal. Food Drop Off point at Pet Barn, Mt Pleasant
Pet Barn, Mount Pleasant

Mackay Poultry Annual Show
9am
IT'S SHOW TIME. Mackay Poultry Club Annual Show 25th May 2024
Gather your best show birds and come along to our Poultry show.
Our FEATURE this year is BRAHMA & COCHIN'S
Mackay Showgrounds

Talking Health and Hormones
5pm
Are you struggling with low energy, stubborn weight or feeling moody? Do you feel like your hormones are out of control? If so, this short, information session is for you.
Join us for real talk on how women are losing the bloat, sleeping better and feeling more in control of their health. Seats are limited so be sure to secure your tickets online.
Rydges Mackay Suites

Glow In The Dark Party
7pm
Kooyong Glow In The Dark R&B night,
Free Entry, 18+ only. Come on down for a party at the Yong
1 Harbour Rd, North Mackay

Sunday 26th May

Laura’s Triathlon
7am
Swim | Bike | Run
Check-In - from 7.00am, Race Briefings - 7.45am, Racing with Kids from 8.00am. Adults on completion of Kids triathlon. Couse Maps and more information available at: mackaytriclub.com.au
Mackay Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club

Million Paws Walk RSPCA
8am
Animal Lovers- 30 years - Rspca Million Paws Walk - kindly support by buying a ticket and or merchandise, bring your furbaby dressed up or fluffed up and enjoy a morning together. Significant Other will entertain plus there will be awards for puppies/dogs - enrol now at https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/mackay 
Queens Park

Mens Monthly Yoga With Chris
10am
Join Chris for his Mens only Yoga classes.
This class will be run on the 4th Sunday of most months.
Yoga offers an incredible range of benefits for men of all ages. Not only does the practice boast incredible stress-relieving qualities, but it can also help you lose weight, gain strength and muscle, improve work and sleep.
37 Boddington St, Mackay

Bushland Gelsoft Battlefield Games
1pm
Basic games & scenarios. 1pm sign in and briefings, 2-5pm games.
**Booking essential to qualify for the discount and confirm numbers**
$30pp prepaid or $40pp on the battlefield. Limited glow ready blasters are available for hire at $20 per blaster.
Rowallan Park, Farleigh

Tuesday 28th May

Chat and Play  
9am
Come along for a play in the park and catch up with other families. Come late, leave early, we know what it's like with small children!
John Breen Park

Pop-Up Play Spaces: Indoor Play
1pm
Drop in and explore our interactive play spaces for young children from birth to five years. These activities and experiences help support children’s physical, mental, social and emotional development.
Gordan White Library

Wednesday 29th May

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

Explore A Gym
9am
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 Ct, Andergrove

Thursday 30th May

Riverside Markets
From 3pm
Come along and browse J2Fs collections of unique and colourful creations… Funky jewellery and fun kids clothing 
Bluewater Quay Mackay

YP Networking By The River    
5.30pm
YP presents: Networking by the River, supported by Mackay Regional Council.
Get set for an evening of networking by the Pioneer River at River Wharves. Learn about Mackay Regional Council’s current projects and get to know your recently declared Mayor and Councillors. Tickets are $30 (plus booking fee), which includes one welcome cocktail or mocktail. A selection of cocktails/mocktail are available for purchase at 1999 prices! A range of other drinks are also available to buy. Grab your tickets and we'll meet you there, river side!
River Wharves, River Street Mackay

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Sydney Drag Queen’s sell-out Kath and Kim Drag Bingo returns to MECC on Saturday, 29 June, hosted by two foxy morons: Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande.

Prada is one of Australia's most sought-after live-singing drag queens. She plays Kathleen "Kath" Darleen Day-Knight.

“Playing Kath came natural to me as I grew up watching the TV show on rainy days at school and I was already using Kath-isms when hosting in drag as they have become a part of Australian culture,” says Prada.

Conchita is one of Sydney's most popular gender-bending miming drag queens.  She plays Kimberly Diane "Kim" Craig (née Day).

“Playing Kim involved a lot of homework.  I had to spend a lot of time sitting on the couch at home watching TV eating lots of unhealthy snacks,” Conchita says.

Prada and Conchita have been touring the East Coast of Australia with their Kath and Kim-themed drag bingo, playing to packed houses of fanatical Kath and Kim fans—and now they’re en route to Mackay!

“We started touring the new show just as COVID-19 hit our shores,” says Prada.

“The pandemic changed our plans slightly, but despite this, we’ve been touring the show since 2020, taking the show to the poiples of Australia.”

Each night, one thousand dollars cash plus prizes are given away while punters play absolutely hilarious games of drag bingo—the type of bingo that you would expect to hear on the main stage at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.

In addition to hosting Kath and Kim-themed drag bingo, Prada and Conchita perform a Kath and Kim favourite that you will know and love.

“Performing the chart-topping hit as seen on TV at The Logies, is definitely a hoighlight of the night for our fans,” says Prada.

“Come along dressed as your favourite Kath and Kim character for your chance to win our fancy dress proize. Who knows, you may even go home with our major $1,000 cash proize!”

If you’re looking for a fun night out that will leave you in stitches and maybe even a little more effluent, then this is the show for you,

Hornbags! Get your tickets now at www.kathandkimdragbingo.com.

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One of the country’s up and coming Opera stars, Marcus Corowa, is a Bowen boy who  spent most of his childhood in the region and is now hitting the big stage and performing in Queensland’s biggest opera productions.

But how did he get there?

Marcus grew up around music, going to the local church with his family and playing a lot of instruments.

With this passion for music at a young age, Marcus decided he wanted a career in singing and song writing.

To make this dream come true he moved to Sydney with those intentions, but other opportunities came his way.

Marcus started branching out and performing in musicals and operas, which required him to act, dance and perform.

With a new skillset and now fully immersed within the arts industry, Marcus has been performing in some of Queensland’s biggest opera productions with Opera Queensland.

Three years ago, he performed in Opera Queensland’s most successful production, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, which toured regional Queensland and celebrated Opera and Country music.

Earlier this year he was involved in a fun production named ‘Do We Need Another Hero’ which came to Proserpine as part of its regional tour.

The show was filled with a variety of genres and in essence left audiences wondering what it means to be a human being in this world.

In August of this year, Marcus will be performing in another Opera Queensland production called ‘Straight from the Strait’.

This production will be the first Torres Strait Islander musical in Australia, and it pays homage to the Torres Strait Islander men and women that ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland.

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Marcus Corowa, Photo Supplied

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Calling all Aussie rock fans to The Pub at The Airlie Beach Hotel!

Midnight Oil and Cold Chisel tribute acts are hitting the stage and bringing with them, the iconic songs everyone loves.

You’ll hear hits like Khe Sanh, When the War is Over, Cheap Wine, Flame Trees, You Got Nothing I Want and Choir Girl from Cold Chisel.

And from Midnight Oil you’ll be belting out the hits of Power and the Passion, US Forces, Dreamworld, King of the Mountain, Forgotten Years, Beds are Burning, Blue Sky Mine and many more.

Cold Chisel tribute act main singer Andy Lutze has been performing this Cold Chisel act for 24 years.

Throughout the years he has perfected the act and pushes his voice to the limit just like the real Jimmy Barnes.

Initially, he planned to do the show for just a few years but when it became a huge hit, he decided to continue.

Drawing inspiration from the real band, Andy combined the show with a Midnight Oil tribute and together created this masterful double feature.

The real Midnight Oil used to be an opening act for Cold Chisel in the 80’s, so these two tributes thought nothing would be better than combining their tribute acts.

The two perform one after another and play hit after hit.

Both acts deliver what you expect!

Amazing songs and tracks that are great to sing along to.

Midnight Oil front man, Alexander Hell said ‘If you only get to see two shows this year, make sure it’s this one, twice!”

And if that doesn’t sell the show to you, I don’t know what will.

WHAT: Midnight Oil Tribute Act & ‘Gold Chisel’ (Cold Chisel) Tribute Act
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday 1 June & Sunday 2 June (2pm – 5.30pm)
TICKETS: You don’t need any! But booking a table is recommended

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Māori man Josiah has always loved music.

Music is a big part in the Māori culture and growing up around that, Josiah developed an interest at an early age.

Despite having his first gig at 16, Josiah never imagined music would be his full-time career, but fast forward to today, and it is.

It’s been seven years since Josiah became a full-time musician and he has never looked back.

He has been hitting stages around Airlie Beach and displaying his talent.

Josiah said he primarily plays reggae, Motown and soul but also joked that when he plays pop and singalong anthems, he does it to entertain the girls.

For the past three months Josiah has had Casey Donnellan as his manager and he says he’s extremely thankful for her care and support.

Although Josiah’s career is in music, he likes to keep busy during the day, and he does the occasional day job, heading out the water or looking after accommodation.

WHAT: Josiah live on stage
WHEN: From 8pm on Saturday 24th May & Sunday 26th June
WHERE: KC’s Bar & Grill

Josiah performing on stage
Josiah

Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Regional Council is showing support for the local arts scene by sponsoring the main prize at the upcoming Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.

They have contributed $3000 to the prize pool, affirming their commitment to fostering local artistic talent.

Mayor Collins expressed Council’s dedication to promoting a thriving arts culture in the Whitsunday region.

“It’s important we support opportunities for artists to showcase their creations and connect with local audiences,” he said.

"It not only benefits our local artists but contributes to the cultural experiences available for our community."

The organisers from Creative Connections Whitsunday Inc have welcomed Council's sponsorship, which contributed to raising the total prize money to over $8000.

Glenda Brown, Exhibition Coordinator, emphasised that art prizes play a crucial role in providing artists with exposure and opportunities for artwork sales, and a unique cultural event for locals and visitors.

To add to the event's prestige, the winning artwork will be added to the Council's curated collection.

Panellists Sandy Guy and Bonney Bombach, along with a Council member, will help with the preselection process.

Deadline for entry is 30 June 30 2024 and all artists are invited to enter. 

The exhibition is due to be held at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from August 1-5, 2024. The event will display a variety of 2D and 3D artworks and photographs, and attendees can participate in the 'People's Choice' Award by voting for their favourite artwork.

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WHAT: Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: 1-5 August

Last year’s theme was Whales and this year artists are invited to explore ‘Above and Below’ works. Photo supplied

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James Reyne from Australian Crawl is coming to town!

With him he brings his amazing band and they’ll be performing all of the classic Australian Crawl hits, that’ll have you belting out the lyrics.

From Reckless to The Boys Light up, Hammerhead and Fall of Rome – there are too many iconic tunes to list here – you’ll have to go and see the performance instead!

James and his band have been performing this tour since January of this year and so far, every show has been sold out and has rocked out.

He’s extremely eager to get to the Whitsundays and says the small rural towns do not lack in support.

James said he feeds off the crowd to enhance his performance and take it to the next level.

“It’s a two-way thing, the psychology of show business is someone on stage, pushing energy out, and energy’s coming back,” he added.

Performing for such a long time, James said he is only improving with time, and during his career he has learned valuable information about show business, song writing and personal relations.

“Being in a band it means you get to experience things that people would normally experience but you get to experience them in a really intense few years,” he said.

“You get all these life experiences, and you have to learn these life lessons quite quickly and intently about human nature and how people are, how people relate to you, how you relate to them and the world.”

It’s not just life lessons James has learned throughout his career; he understands the muse and what to do if he encounters a blank with his song writing.

“I recognise that it’s not a hard time, it’s natural part of life,” James said.

“It’s the natural ebb and flow of creative consciousness and when you do that, you serve the music, you're calling it earlier, you sit down, and you work at your craft, you start working and you start thinking.

“You start tinkering with an idea you might have had three weeks ago or an idea you might have had yesterday or two lines you might have written down six months ago and things start to happen.

“I learned to not worry about that [getting a blank in songwriting], let it slide and the so-called muse will revisit you.”

James is bringing all his expertise and experience to Magnums Hotel in Airlie Beach this June, for one night with this incredible music legend.

Alongside all the Australian Crawl hits, you can expect to hear all the song you know and love for 90 minutes of rock and roll classics.

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WHAT: James Reyne from Australian Crawl
WHERE: Magnums Hotel
WHEN: June 21

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James Reyne is coming to Airlie Beach next month
A record cover of James Reyne’s Hammerhead released in 1987

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The North Queensland Battle Of The Young Bands and Young Whitsundays Got Talent are two very special events which invite our region’s youth to showcase their musical abilities, giving them an opportunity to play live in front of big crowds.

If you’re in a local band or a solo musician this is your chance!

First-up is North Queensland Battle Of The Young Bands competition and the winner receives $1000 in prize money and a gig at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill.

Open for young people of all ages, there are three age categories, 5-12, 13-17 and 18-21, anyone can enter!

Every registered band will perform two songs in a heat and winners of each heat will perform another song in the Grand Final.

Additionally, the event will be live streamed on Facebook, and appear on Whitsundays Got Talent’s YouTube page.

To enter, your band must have three or more band members.

This event is brought to you by Whitsundays Got Talent which is a not-for-profit local organisation that is passionate about helping young people unleash their musical abilities.

The organisation is currently looking for sponsorship so, if you are a local business or individual, and would like to support this community group, then please reach out.

WHAT: North Queensland Battle Of The Young Bands
WHERE: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
WHEN: Sunday 16 June, 12.30pm

WHAT: Young Whitsundays Got Talent
WHERE: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
WHEN: Sunday 13 October 1pm

REGISTER: info@whitsundaysgottalent.com

Gleezus won Young Battle Of The Bands last year. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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St Catherine's Catholic College celebrated its annual Under Eights Day last Friday, bringing together over 200 students from kindergarten to Year 2, students from St Mary's Catholic School travelled from Bowen to also enjoy the day’s fun activities.

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St Mary’s Catholic School in Bowen is hosting its Family Fun Day this weekend and the whole community are invited to come along to what is expected to be an entertaining day out.

There will be free wildlife encounters with Wildlife Whitsundays, and a variety of carnival rides for all ages including a chair-o-plane, inflatable obstacle course, climbing wall, super slide, mini-Jeeps and a Disney-themed jumping castle.

Several local organisations will also be present on the day, providing different types of entertainment and activities for all to enjoy.

With Emergency Service vehicles on display, a children's cake decorating competition and a Pony Poo competition – there will be plenty to do!

In addition, there will be a wide variety of stalls serving delicious food.

School Principal, Mrs Alicia Ninnes, said the school's Parents and Friends Association have been working tirelessly for the last few months to prepare for the biannual event.

"The Family Fun Day is going to be a fantastic opportunity to open our doors to the wider community, and to showcase the hard work and dedication of our parents, staff and students,” she expressed.

“It's going to be a lot of fun, with so many rides, stalls and entertainment on offer, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone on Saturday!"

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WHAT: St Mary’s Family Fun Day
WHERE: St Mary’s Catholic School, Bowen
WHEN: Saturday 25th May – 2pm-6pm

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Friday17t^hof May

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70’s & 80’s Band (7pm –10pm)

ReefGateway: Sam McCann (6pm – 9pm)

JubileeTavern: Erin (6pm – 9pm)

GrandView Hotel: Paul Berger (8pm – 12am)

KC’s:Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

Saturday18^thof May

MiniRoller Disco, PCYC from 10am

RossWilson & the Peaceniks at the Proserpine Entertainment Centrefrom 7.30pm

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70’s & 80’s Band (2pm –5.30pm)

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: London Calling (7pm – 10pm)

ReefGateway: Kieran McCarthy (6pm – 9pm)

GrandView Hotel: RnB Night (8pm – 12am)

KC’s:Sar-rha (from 8pm)

Sunday19^thof May

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: London Calling (2pm – 5.30pm)

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Lloyd Saunders (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

GrandView Hotel: Scotty Wilson (4pm – 8pm)

KC’s:Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

Monday20^thof May

KC’s:Scott Wilson (from 8pm)

Tuesday21^stof May

Sailability,Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

KC’s:Scott Wilson (from 8pm)

Wednesday22^ndof May

KC’s:Tim Conlon (from 8pm)

Thursday23^rdof May

KC’s:Tim Conlon (from 8pm)

Saturday25^thof May

MiniRoller Disco, PCYC from 10am

CQRescue Charity Golf Day, Proserpine Golf Club, from 9am

StMary’s Bowen Family Fun Day, Location TBA, from 2pm

Sunday26^thof May

JazzEvent, Colonial Palms, from 3pm

Friday31^stof May  

ReconciliationWeek – Bowen Twilight Markets, Hansen Park, Horseshoe Bay Road from4pm

NationalReconciliation Week Twilight Markets & Airlie Beach Movie Night –The Last Daughter, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 5pm

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Friday17t^hof May

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70’s & 80’s Band (7pm –10pm)

ReefGateway: Sam McCann (6pm – 9pm)

JubileeTavern: Erin (6pm – 9pm)

GrandView Hotel: Paul Berger (8pm – 12am)

KC’s:Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

Saturday18^thof May

MiniRoller Disco, PCYC from 10am

RossWilson & the Peaceniks at the Proserpine Entertainment Centrefrom 7.30pm

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Back to the 70’s & 80’s Band (2pm –5.30pm)

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: London Calling (7pm – 10pm)

ReefGateway: Kieran McCarthy (6pm – 9pm)

GrandView Hotel: RnB Night (8pm – 12am)

KC’s:Sar-rha (from 8pm)

Sunday19^thof May

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: London Calling (2pm – 5.30pm)

ThePub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Lloyd Saunders (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

GrandView Hotel: Scotty Wilson (4pm – 8pm)

KC’s:Shaun Diver (from 8pm)

Monday20^thof May

KC’s:Scott Wilson (from 8pm)

Tuesday21^stof May

Sailability,Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

KC’s:Scott Wilson (from 8pm)

Wednesday22^ndof May

KC’s:Tim Conlon (from 8pm)

Thursday23^rdof May

KC’s:Tim Conlon (from 8pm)

Saturday25^thof May

MiniRoller Disco, PCYC from 10am

CQRescue Charity Golf Day, Proserpine Golf Club, from 9am

StMary’s Bowen Family Fun Day, Location TBA, from 2pm

Sunday26^thof May

JazzEvent, Colonial Palms, from 3pm

Friday31^stof May  

ReconciliationWeek – Bowen Twilight Markets, Hansen Park, Horseshoe Bay Road from4pm

NationalReconciliation Week Twilight Markets & Airlie Beach Movie Night –The Last Daughter, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 5pm

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