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Friday 20 March Dancing With Heart 6:30pm A night of entertainment with a purpose, Dancing With Heart returns on Friday 20 March, bringing local personalities to the stage for a fun-filled dance competition. Guided by professional choreographers, participants will perform to raise funds for the My Hospital Foundation. Guests can enjoy dinner, vote for the People’s Choice Award and help support better outcomes for local patients and families. Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Saturday 21 March New Moon Ultra “Off the Beaten Track” Trial Run Series 6am Test your endurance at this unique overnight trail running event held under the March new moon. Athletes can choose from 6km, 36km or 72km distances, with races starting every hour from 6pm through to 6am. Prize money is up for grabs, and participants will take on exclusive trails only open for this event — making it a one-of-a-kind challenge for runners of all levels. Rowallan Park Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce 10am Dads are invited to bond with their little ones at this fun and interactive Baby Bounce session. Featuring nursery rhymes, songs and playful activities, the session supports early language development from birth to walking age. It’s a great way to connect, create special memories and support your child’s growth. This is a free event, but bookings are essential. Dudley Denny City Library Autumn Orchid Show Saturday 8am – 4pm & Sunday 9am – 2pm The Mackay & District Orchid Society will host its annual Autumn Orchid Show on March 21–22 at the Senior Citizens Centre on Macalister Street, featuring a stunning display of flowering orchids alongside plants and gardening supplies for sale, including pots, potting medium, tags and hangers, with raffles and refreshments also available; the event runs from 8am to 4pm Saturday and 9am to 2pm Sunday, with a $2 coin entry, and further information is available by contacting President Noel Acton on 0409 637 384. Senior Citizens Centre, Macalister Street Rotary Charity Wine Dinner 5:30pm Enjoy an elegant evening of fine food and wine at the Rotary Charity Wine Dinner on Saturday 21 March. Featuring a five-course degustation with wine pairings, the night also includes a wine auction, raffle and lucky door prizes. Proceeds support charities assisting women and children impacted by domestic violence. Guests can expect a memorable night of dining, giving and community spirit. Harrup Park Country Club Sunday 22 March Cuppa With Your Neighbour – Northern Beaches 9am Connect with your community at this free “Cuppa with Your Neighbour” event on Saturday 22 March at the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Enjoy a complimentary coffee while meeting locals and making new connections in a relaxed, friendly setting. Proudly supported by the Mackay Regional Council, this welcoming event is open to everyone — whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident. Northern Beaches Community Hub Tuesday 24 March Walk and Talk Book Club 8am Combine a love of reading with the outdoors at this unique walking book club set in the Botanic Gardens. Meet fortnightly for relaxed walks, chats and book discussions, with a new title to explore each month. Stay after for a social coffee and connect with fellow book lovers. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, sun protection and water for this enjoyable, wellbeing-focused community activity. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Wednesday 25 March Mackay Blues Club Blues Jam 6pm Enjoy a night of live music and laid-back vibes at the Mackay Blues Club Blues Jam on Wednesday 25 March at the Seabreeze Hotel. Featuring acclaimed pianist Andrew Farrell, the evening kicks off with a performance before opening the stage for a community jam session. Free entry, with dinner bookings recommended. 72 Pacific Esplanade, Mackay Thursday 26 March Wine Society March Event 6:30pm Wine lovers are invited to the first Wine Society event of 2026 at The Dispensary Mackay on Thursday 26 March. Guests will enjoy an evening of exceptional wine tastings paired with a specially designed menu, hosted by Graeme Connors. Open to both new and returning guests, this relaxed event promises great wine, food and company. The Dispensary Mackay
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The PCYC’s Awakening Spirits 2026 moved audiences on Wednesday 11 March with touching stories told through dance. An audience of more than 1000 was drawn to watch 200 performers in a sold-out session at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. Awakening Spirits is an annual performance that brings together young people from 13 schools across Mackay, who take part in PCYC's Cultural Arts in Dance program. Since beginning in 2022, the audience has rocketed from just 175 people to a sold-out audience at the convention centre this year. The piece performed was ‘The Waterhole’, a concept and story developed by PCYC Queensland’s First Nations Coordinator and the man behind Cultural Arts In Dance, Patrick Thaiday. It is inspired by the magical stories of The Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait, a book written by the late Margaret Lawrie. The story begins with Tilly, a white sulphur-crested cockatoo, who watches as a plume of smoke rises from the canopy of the Australian outback bush lands. Indigenous warriors and hunters from communities conduct a cultural burn – a land management practice refined over thousands of years. From her vantage point, Tilly observes the hunters moving alongside the fire’s perimeter, tracking animals displaced by its flames. As the story goes on, the waterhole, long a point of convergence for countless species, begins to change. Tilly notices a dark, viscous substance appearing beneath the surface. Drawn by concern she descends to investigate. As her feet touch the water, the substance adheres to her feathers releasing harsh toxic fumes that engulf her feet. She takes flight only to be flipped over by the weight of her wings. Her bright plumage darkens rapidly, and her beak blackens under the spreading poison. When Tilly rises again, she is no longer the white cockatoo she once was. Transformed by the dark waters, she takes form of a willy wagtail – a creature associated with omens, messages, and transitions. This metamorphosis positions her within a larger conflict, linking her fate to forces that extend far beyond the waterholes edge. Now known as Willy the Wagtail, she becomes a bearer of warnings and stories, navigating a world where ancient myth and emerging threats collide. When the story of ‘The Waterhole’ ends, all performers returned to perform a choreographed dance to The Seekers song, I am Australian. We are one, but we are many And from all the lands on earth we come We'll share a dream and sing with one voice "I am, you are, we are Australian" The bright smiles, excitement, and emotion from the performers did not leave many dry eyes in the auditorium; the room filling with a feeling: this is what we want our Australia to be. Contributed with thanks to PCYC Queensland’s First Nations State Partnerships Manager Michael Cedar 1-4 - Spirits were high as Mackay’s young dancing stars took to the stage. Photos supplied.
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Follow the Sun’ to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music Xavier Rudd, Mental as Anything, The Whitlams and more on first lineup announcement for November 2026 The call is out for fans of Xavier Rudd to ‘Follow the Sun’ to the 2026 Airlie Beach Festival of Music from November 6-8. Set to arrive straight from a European festival tour, the popular Australian singer-songwriter says in addition to his much-loved catalogue of hits, a few surprises are in store for the Whitsunday audience, hinting: “There will be some new music at this show, which will be played for the first time in Australia”. Having visited Airlie Beach briefly on previous Australian tours, Rudd is already familiar with the region’s scenic beauty, but this will be his first time playing its signature event, dubbed a ‘party in paradise’ and the ‘ultimate music holiday’. “From the photos I’ve seen, the festival setting is amazing,” he said. “My music is definitely a celebration of our natural world, so a place like Airlie feels especially aligned with songs like ‘Follow the Sun’. “These are the kinds of shows I love, and hopefully, weather permitting, we can actually pull down the tent and play under the stars!” Equally as famous for his unwavering commitment to social and environmental activism as he is for his extraordinary gifts as a musician, the significance of playing at a destination known as the ‘Heart of the Great Barrier Reef’ isn’t lost on Rudd. “I’ve been lucky to witness some of the good work that people are doing in the world of reef regeneration and that’s inspiring,” he said. “Hopefully we can continue down that path.” Also urging festivalgoers to ‘Live it Up’ in Airlie Beach is beloved Australian band Mental As Anything, whose performance will form part of a historic 50th anniversary tour, comprising a limited number of exclusive festival appearances and select metropolitan headline shows. Original member and iconic pop artist, Reg Mombassa, is promising fans a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the band’s timeless hits live once more, and celebrate their unique blend of songwriting, artistry, and performance flair. “We’re known for being a party band, so the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a perfect fit,” he said. In total agreeance that there’s ‘No Aphrodisiac’ quite like it are The Whitlams, whose frontman Tim Freedman says the band is thrilled to be one of the festival’s headliners for 2026. “I’ve been wanting to return to the Whitsundays for decades and now we have the chance,” he said, adding: “it’s a great line-up, music lifts the soul, and we rock!” Other additions to the first line-up release include The Radiators, Adam Harvey, 19-Twenty, Skinny Living (UK), Little Quirks, The Mason Rack Band, The Wayward Suns, Loonaloop, Salt & Steel and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 2025 Passport to Airlie competition winners Monroe. Tickets are on sale now at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au costing $325 for a three-day pass, or $1100 for a VIP package, both including entry to the opening and after parties that bookend the main event. Ends Media Enquiries: media@airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au / 0402 126 461
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On Monday 16th March, North Queensland–raised Judah Kelly attended the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, where the short film he starred in, The Singers, was awarded an Oscar. The film tied for the win with another short film, in an Oscars occurrence that whilst rare, is indeed possible. This is a huge achievement that represents years of hard work, building craft and nurturing talent; Judah has no doubt made the community incredibly proud. Born in Townsville, Judah attended school in Bowen where he took part in various school choirs, an experience that inspired his musicianship and developed his performance capabilities. He continued his secondary education in Mackay before attending the Junior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth (NSW). Judah auditioned for the X Factor in 2012 and 2014. Despite not finding success, he was not deterred, deciding to audition for The Voice in 2017. After singing ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ in a blind audition he made it through the finals, where he became the official winner of the sixth season. His newest achievement is receiving the Oscar as one of the stars of short film The Singers, which received an award for Best Live Action Short at 98th Academy Awards. Directed by filmmaker Sam Davis, the film is an 18-minute musical comedy which centres around a spontaneous singing competition that breaks out amongst a group of random patrons in a dive bar. The film is based on the 1850 Ivan Turgenev story of the same name. Prior to the academy awards, the film had already won 35 awards across 50 film festivals in 2025. Judah’s inclusion in the film came out of a unique casting process. Rather than hiring actors through traditional means, filmmaker Sam Davis spent months scouring the internet for authentic voices he believed would bring the story to life. As a result, Judah was sought out for his raw vocal talent. “At first they emailed me to ask me to be in the film and I don’t act so I thought it was just a scam”, Judah said in an interview to Channel Nine’s Today Show prior to the ceremony. “They were very persistent with getting me to act. Then I found out everyone was a first-time actor and we all thought it was a scam. It turned out they did want us for a film – it’s about men and vulnerability”. Following the victory, Judah took to Instagram to express his joy. “We don’t even know how to act. Our film just won an Oscar!” The film tied with another short feature marking only the seventh time in Oscars’ history that a category closed with two winners. This is a fantastic achievement, and Judah should be incredibly proud of his efforts. He has certainly made communities across Bowen and Mackay immensely proud. Captions Judah Kelly, local legend fresh from Oscar win. Photo sourced: Facebook
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Many people kick off the festive season by settling in to watch Love Actually—a beloved holiday tradition. But this year, why not elevate the experience with Christmas, Actually.
Join the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for a sensational live performance of your favourite tunes from the iconic Love Actually soundtrack. This festive celebration is set to bring the magic of the holiday season to life with a rockstar band featuring some of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists, including Joshua Robson (Phantom of the Opera), Alisha Todd (Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves), and Joseph Naim (Come From Away, The TEN Tenors).
Led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, this all-star cast will deliver the timeless hits from the beloved holiday classic Love Actually, infused with plenty of charm, comedy, and holiday cheer. It's the perfect way to make your Christmas extra special!
Bursting with nativity lobsters, cinnamon sticks and endless fun, Christmas Actually is the ultimate silly-season starter.
Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out! Be sure to secure your spot by calling the friendly team at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on 0494 504 05.
What: Christmas Actually?
When: Saturday 14th December, 7:30pm & Sunday 15th December, 2pm.
Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
Christmas Actually is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this December!
The Airlie Beach Hotel invites you to celebrate the holiday season with its mouthwatering Christmas Lunch buffet this Saturday, 7 December, from 12pm to 2:30pm. This festive feast promises a delicious variety of hot and cold dishes to suit every palate.
The Hot Selection includes classic favourites like honey-baked ham with honey mustard sauce, roast lamb with rosemary gravy, and roast chicken pieces with gravy. Indulge in comforting sides such as broccoli and cheese macaroni, garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes, minted steamed vegetables, and freshly baked bread rolls. For dessert, savour traditional Christmas pudding with custard or chocolate cherry pudding.
The Cold Selection offers creamy pasta and smoked potato salads, fresh prawns, curried mango coleslaw, and sweet treats like pavlova, mango and macadamia cheesecake, brandy snaps, ice cream with toppings, and assorted lollies.
Make this Christmas memorable with a delectable meal at the Airlie Beach Hotel!
This non-alcoholic christmas punch recipe is the perfect holiday drink. It can be made in a big batch for a christmas party or for 1.
If you're hunting for an easy, delicious non-alcoholic Christmas punch, you've found it. Planning a holiday event can be busy enough without having the additional task of preparing and serving drinks, so why not whip this up in advance and your guests can serve themselves!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups Low sugar cranberry juice
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 1 cup Pineapple juice
• 2 cups Sparkling apple juice or cider *see notes for low sugar option
• 1 cup Ginger ale
• Orange slices, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and/or cherries for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix cranberry, orange and pineapple juice in a punch bowl or large jug.
2. Add sparkling apple juice/cider and ginger ale and mix gently.
3. When you're ready to serve, add ice and fruit of your choice to garnish.
Notes: For a lower sugar option, use sparkling water or sugar free lemonade instead of sparkling apple juice.
Mindfulmocktail.com
Prep Cook Serves
20m 05m 6
As Beyoncé famously says, "I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly!" And trust me, you’ll want to be. These mini-Christmas pudding jellies are made with a surprisingly delicious chocolate jelly (yes, it sounds unusual, but it works!) and are topped with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. To add the perfect festive touch, they’re decorated with chopped spearmint lolly leaves and M&M’s Minis, making them the cutest individual Christmas desserts ever!
Ingredients (9)
• 125ml (1/2 cup) water
• 1 tbsp gelatine powder
• 110g (1/2 cups) caster sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) water
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 6 Arnott’s Choc Ripple biscuits
• 50g white chocolate, melted
• Spearmint leaf lollies, chopped, to decorate
• Red M&M’s Minis, to decorate
• Step 1
Place the 125ml (1/2 cup) water in a small bowl. Sprinkle with the gelatine and stir until well combined. Place the sugar and 250ml (1 cup) water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil then remove from heat. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
• Step 2
Pour the gelatine mixture over the warm chocolate mixture. Stir until the gelatine dissolves. Place in the fridge, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Step 3
Stir the mixture until smooth. Place a 6-hole 100ml (7cm diameter) silicone dome mould on a baking tray. Divide the mixture evenly among the holes. Place a biscuit on top of each one. Place in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight until set.
• Step 4
Gently loosen each jelly from the mould by pulling it away from the edges. Place a serving plate or board larger than the dome mould on top and flip so the mould is upside down on top of the plate or board. Gently squeeze each mould to release the jellies.
• Step 5
Drizzle a little white chocolate over each jelly then top with spearmint leaves and M&M’s to decorate.
www.taste.com.au
Prepare to rock, roll and welcome the new year like never before with an ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration at the Airlie Beach Hotel!
To round off 2024 in style, one of the hottest venues along the Whitsunday coastline is gearing up to host an unforgettable night with the Australian INXS Show - a fully immersive, “Wembley-style” tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, headlining the celebrations.
Hold onto to your drumsticks because this epic event will take you on a four-hour journey through the iconic hits of INXS, Aussie rock anthems, and stadium rock classics, all set to a breathtaking original video show.
Fronted by the sensational Dellacoma Rio, whose uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, the Australian INXS Show promises an electrifying performance that must be seen to be believed.
With Dellacoma at the helm, the show delivers an authentic six-piece lineup, paying tribute to INXS in a way that will make you feel like you’re at a live INXS concert! Following on from an exhilarating world tour to locations including Dubai, Hawaii, and Singapore, the Melbourne-based band have become an international treasure celebrated for staging a unique, “Australian Made” rock experience for audiences to enjoy.
Paired with the outstanding talents of INXS, its clear this isn’t just any New Year’s Eve event! The night kicks off with a full INXS set, followed by the Aussie Rock Anthem Show, and culminates in a massive Stadium Rock finale. But that’s not all! There will be surprise special guest performers joining Dellacoma Rio on stage to elevate the experience, and during the break, get into the party vibe with the high-energy sounds of GEED UP!
And what's a NYE celebration without a perfect view of the fireworks? The Airlie Beach Hotel offers the best vantage point on the foreshore, so you can enjoy the spectacular fireworks display as you ring in the new year.
Seated tickets are nearly sold out, however there are still plenty of standing tickets available if you're ready to join the party and dance the night away. Don’t miss out on the biggest rock event of the year and grab your tickets for just $79 from Whitsunday Tickets.
Make your NYE 2024 unforgettable at the Airlie Beach Hotel – where the music is loud, the atmosphere is electric, and the memories will last a lifetime!
What: NYE 2024 “Australian INXS Show” plus Rock Anthem Shows and Special Guests!
When: Tuesday 31 December, 6pm.
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel.
Friday 6 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers(7pm–10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm)
Saturday 7 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Xmas Party Buffet (2pm–5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm–10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Live Music (4pm–8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm–6pm)
Sunday 8 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: 70s & 80s Cabaret Show (2pm–5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Sam McCann (6:30pm–9.30pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (2pm-6pm)
Thursday 12 December
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm–9.30pm)
Embrace the true magic and spirit of the silly season this Sunday with the wonderfully festive and highly anticipated Proserpine Community Christmas Market!
A celebrated community event, the market will be held on Sunday 8 December from 8:30am through to 12:30pm at Proserpine’s Cyclone Shelter and promises attendees a world of holiday cheer for both the immediate and wider community to enjoy.
A delightful abundance of holiday treats, handmade crafts and family-friendly activities will be on offer to showcase a plethora of locally made products, with over seventy stall holders offering everything from handcrafted gifts and decorations to tasty indulgences.
Attendees will also be treated to a lively atmosphere created by the talents of the Joy Chimers and other young, local pianists, and what is a Christmas market without a visit from the big man himself? Santa will grace the shelter from 11am to 12pm to spread plenty of cheer, and joy to all.
“Christmas is all about outdoor fun, great food, and spending time with loved ones, all whilst supporting small local businesses. We’re excited to bring that spirit to life with this year’s Christmas market,” said Tarnia Patton, Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Market.
Free balloon animals, wildlife encounters, and facepainting will also be available throughout the event with organisers promising they’ll be something for everyone to enjoy from curating thoughtful gifts to soaking up the cheerful atmosphere.
What: Proserpine Community Christmas Market.
When: Sunday 8 December 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Where: Proserpine’s Cyclone Shelter.
December
5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
6 Toni Childs: A Retrospective, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
7 Airlie Beach parkrun’s 9th Anniversary, from 7am
7 Women in Boating – On the Reef, Coral Sea Marina, The Lookout Lounge, from 5:30pm
8 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
8 Proserpine Community Christmas Market, Proserpine Cyclone Shelter, from 8:30am
11 FREE Adult Christmas Craft Workshop, Bowen Library, from 10am
12 FREE Adult Christmas Craft Workshop, Collinsville Library, from 10am
12 FREE Adult Christmas Craft Workshop, Proserpine Library, from 10am
13 FREE Adult Christmas Craft Workshop, Cannonvale Library, from 10am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14 Book Launch, Beach Book Boutique, Airlie Beach, from 11am
14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
15 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm
18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from 11am and 3pm
22 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Bowen Community Sunday Market, Hansen Park, from 8am
30 Dune Rats, Magnums Airlie Beach, from 7:30pm
30 New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Airlie Beach Foreshore, Bowen Foreshore, & Collinsville Showgrounds, from 8:30pm
The joy and wonder of the festive season are set to shine brightly this Saturday, 7 December, as Murroona Gardens hosts its much-anticipated 2024 Community Christmas Carols.
Held at the Murroona Gardens Wellness Centre in West Lane, Bowen, the event promises an enchanting evening of carols, community spirit, and holiday cheer. Families, friends, and locals are invited to come together to celebrate the season in a magical atmosphere filled with music, fun activities, and festive treats.
Adding to the excitement is the Christmas Carols Raffle, offering an assortment of fantastic prizes. Tickets are only $2 each or three for $5, with proceeds supporting efforts to make Christmas extra special across the Murroona Gardens care community.
Tickets are available at several local businesses, including Murroona Gardens Admin, Bowen Meat Supply, BiRite, and more. The raffle will be drawn during the event, so don’t miss your chance to win while giving back to the community.
Bring your holiday joy and join the celebration of the season. With festive music, a warm community atmosphere, and the magic of Christmas in the air, this year’s event promises to be one of Murroona Gardens’ most memorable yet.
What: Murroona Gardens Community Christmas Carols
When: Saturday 7 December, 6pm
Where: Murroona Gardens Wellness Centre, West Lane, Bowen
More Information: Contact Sally at pa@murroona.com.au
The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors had the opportunity last week to join Cherene from Driftwood Tours on a 3-hour Airlie Highlights tour. On her clean, comfortable bus, the Ambassadors were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at some of the hidden gems in the Airlie Beach area that Cherene introduces to cruise ship guests.
A highlight of the day was the stunning vista and photo ops offered by the lounge at Shute Harbour Terminal. The group also discovered some tucked-away spots at Shute Haven, where they enjoyed panoramic views of the islands. Cherene then led the group to the small reserve by the water at Mandalay, surrounded by mangroves, towering hoop pines, and a refreshing breeze. And to everyone's delight, they stumbled upon a surprise outdoor chapel—who knew! The afternoon wrapped up with a visit to the highest point on Seaview Drive, offering more breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities of Airlie Beach and Coral Sea Marina.
Cherene, with her passion for the Whitsundays history, flora, and fauna, provided fascinating commentary throughout the tour. Even locals who had lived in The Whitsundays for years discovered some new and surprising facts.
Contributed by Cait Fleming, Industry Development & Trade Manager, Tourism Whitsundays on behalf of the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors
Cruise Ship Ambassadors on Driftwood Tour
The Whitsundays isn’t just about beautiful beaches and islands – it’s also home to a fascinating history, and you can dive into it at the region's local museums. Each one tells a unique story, from the traditions of the First Nations peoples to the area's industrial past and wartime history.
Start with the Proserpine Historical Museum, right in the heart of Proserpine. Here, you'll learn about the region’s sugar cane and cattle industries, as well as the lives of the Juru, Gia, Bira, and Ngaro peoples. You can also explore exhibits about the area's early settlers, gold mining, and the impact of World War II. Kids will enjoy the interactive activities, and there’s even a small theatre showing films about local history.
If you're heading to Collinsville, don't miss the Collinsville Coalface Experience. This hands-on museum takes you through the history of coal mining, letting you explore what life was like for the miners and how coal shaped the region.
Over in Bowen, the Bowen Historical Society & Museum is a must-see. Established in 1963, this museum has grown to be well known and loved and displays Aboriginal, pioneer and local history, giving you a real sense of what life was like for early settlers.
And for something a bit different, check out the Catalina Interpretive Centre at Front Beach, in Bowen. It honours the area where in World War II, Catalinas were maintained and serviced before being redeployed and there is also information about Bowen’s involvement in the war.
These museums are a great way to learn more about The Whitsundays and its colourful history – a perfect addition to any trip!
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays
Coalface Experience museum
The Moulin Rouge Soirée, hosted at Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar in Airlie Beach, was a resounding success, raising $10,322 to support the construction of staff and nursing quarters at the Arthur Wina Memorial Hospital in Zambia.
The sold-out cocktail party and cabaret show, held on Friday, 15 November, welcomed 50 guests who enjoyed a dazzling performance by Georgia Darcy, a cabaret artist from Victoria.
Sandy Clark, who has been fundraising for the hospital through the Dignity Zambia initiative, shared her gratitude for the community’s ongoing support.
“The Whitsundays community has played a major role in fundraising for the hospital over the past five years and now 3,164 beautiful babies have been born with not a single loss of a birthing mother,” she said.
The soirée was the first of four planned events aimed at raising money to support the hospital in rural Zambia, which provides care for vulnerable birthing mothers. Upcoming fundraisers include another event in Airlie Beach in February, one in Adelaide in March, and a special event in Zambia in April.
The evening’s success was made possible by the contributions of local volunteers, including Fiona Donellan, Shirley Lethlean, Melissa Szalai, Suzanne Pelley, Sharon Ashman, Heather Sutton, Michael Thomas, and auctioneer Wayne Singleton of Sotheby’s Whitsundays. Special thanks also went to Amy from Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar and Amy from Airlie Events for their professionalism in bringing the soirée to life.
With the Whitsundays community rallying behind this cause, the project to build new quarters for hospital staff is gaining vital momentum. For more information about upcoming events or to donate to the cause, keep an eye out for updates from the Dignity Zambia fundraising team.
Photos supplied
The Mackay Festivals team are calling on locals to submit their iconic artwork design to become the front cover of the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts program.
This artwork will be the face of the festival and will be showcased around the wider Mackay region in all shapes and sizes.
The winner of the competition will receive a $1000 cash prize and two VIP tickets to the official program launch event.
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to be championing local art and artists as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.
“The call is going out to artists, graphic designers, freelance creators, hobbyists, beginners and everyone in between – we want to see something iconic and unique,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The theme this year is ‘Uniquely Yours, Distinctively Ours – celebrating Mackay and all its uniqueness together’,” he said.
“The judges will be looking for an artwork that celebrates the Mackay region and all that makes it special.
“But the thing about our region is that what makes it special to one person, may be completely different for another.
“We all have something that we celebrate about our home, whether that’s our natural wonders, our community, our artistic and cultural heritage or our opportunities through industry and our economy.
“It’s a big ask, but we want to see that uniqueness celebrated and expressed in an artwork and we are really excited to see what our creative residents deliver.
“We have no doubt that this festival program will be a piece of art in its own right and that it will be a collectors’ item.”
Festival and Events Coordinator Phoebe Short said the Mackay Festival of Arts program design competition began in 2024 as another way to celebrate arts and culture in our region.
“We wanted our program to be a canvas to showcase amazing local talent and creativity,” Ms Short said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to receive extensive exposure on a medium that champions art, expression and creativeness,” she said.
For design requirements, terms and conditions and to apply, visit themecc.com.au/designcomp
Applications close on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
The Festivals and Events Team will contact each applicant once all submissions have been reviewed by the judging panel on December 17, 2024. The panel’s artwork selection will then go to public vote where the winner will be chosen by the community and announced in the New Year.
Should you have any queries, please contact the team on 4961 9777.
For those ‘once-a-year’ bakers, the thought of compiling festive food can be overwhelming.
But, fear not!
Fun festivity doesn’t need to be fiddly.
Check out these melted snowman cookies. Simply purchase pre-made cookies, dip the top in melted white chocolate and pop your marshmallow snowman on top. You can purchase an edible pen decorator in the baking section of your supermarket.
TIP: It’s easier to draw the snowman faces before sticking the marshmallow onto the chocolate.
Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Ingredients
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sugar syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
• 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water
• 1/2 cup rum or vodka (optional)
• Fresh fruit slices (orange, lemon, lime, and berries)
• Ice cubes
Instructions
1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup (if using).
2. Add rum or vodka if desired and stir to combine.
3. Refrigerate for at least an hour to chill.
4. Just before serving, add ginger ale or sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh fruit slices.
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