October
19 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
19 Tourism Awards, Daydream Island, from 5.30pm
25 Preloved Market Night, 3 Little Birds Espresso, from 6pm
26 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
26 Drizzle Boy, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7pm
27 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
31 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm

November
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sound of Music, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
1 An Evening with Vika & Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
1 Vika and Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
2 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
8-10 Airlie Beach Festival of Music
9 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
14 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Moulin Rouge Soiree, Whisper Gin Bar & Restaurant, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
21 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

December
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Merry Madagascar & Home Alone 2, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm
18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from 11am and 3pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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Last Sunday marked the sixth Young Whitsundays Got Talent event and there was over 300 people in attendance cheering on the youth of the Whitsundays as they hit the stage.

Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey said the talent was amazing, the turnout was great, and the overall event was fabulous.

Equal first was Category 5 (band) and Dom & Kaydee (duo).

Second was Relaxolotyl (band) from Townsville in which every band member was under 11 years old. 

Third was Samara Risteski who was 12 years old and it was her first time on stage. 

Winner from the 2022 Young Whitsundays Got Talent Tiffany Grace performed new songs and she was sensational, a true inspiration to what the current participants can strive towards.

Looking forward Paula hopes to grow the event and next year they will open a Whitsundays Got Talent headquarters in Cannonvale with music workshops, vocal coaching, merchandise for sale, and more exciting news to come.

It will be a great place for the youth of the Whitsundays to learn and grow as musicians.

Paula also expressed her thanks to Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill for hosting, and all other sponsors and supporters for making the event what it is today.

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Photo of all the winners, plus Judge and Councillor Jan Clifford, Bronnie Nicol, Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey, Barb Hill and Rebecca Olsen. Photo supplied

All bands in this years Young Whitsundays Got Talent

Bliss, Vogue, and Echo
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie, SMP Whitsundays

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Northern Beaches State High’s Stunning Soiree

Northern Beaches State High School’s Year 12 Formal on 5th October was a dazzling affair, held beneath a stunning marquee at the Mackay Marina. With golden moons and stars shimmering against a navy blue backdrop, the scene was set for an enchanting evening. Students enjoyed a night of celebration and memories under the celestial glow, marking a special milestone.

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Memorable moments from the Northern Beaches State High School Year 12Formal, where students celebrated their achievements and created lastingmemories. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

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East Mackay Homicide

Detectives from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 33-year-old man in connection with the death of a 64-year-old man in East Mackay on October 3.

Emergency services responded to reports of an unresponsive 64-year-old man at a Rae Street residence around 3.40pm.  Mackay police Superintendent Shane Holmes said Colin Thomas Grohs was found unresponsive, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 33-year-old Mackay man, Samuel Luke Muntelwit, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder.

Grievous Bodily Harm Charges

Two people have been charged in connection with an alleged grievous bodily harm incident in Mackay on Wednesday night, October 3.

At around 7:45pm, the pair allegedly assaulted a 30-year-old man from Sarina on a fishing vessel near Victoria Street.

The man suffered serious head injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital before being flown to Townsville for treatment.

A 26-year-old Benholme man was taken into police custody at an address in North Mackay on Thursday, October 3.

He has been charged with one count each of grievous bodily harm, possess dangerous drugs, and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear at Mackay Magistrates Court on January 13, 2025.

Following extensive investigations, detectives from Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch arrested a 26-year-old Blacks Beach man on October 5.

He has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm and is due to appear at Mackay Magistrates Court on October 8.

Investigators would like to thank the community for their assistance, and appeal to anyone with further information to come forward.

Update On Fatal Bloomsbury Crash

A 21-year-old Kelso man has been charged with careless driving causing death following a fatal three-vehicle traffic crash near Bloomsbury on August 1.

It will be alleged, around 2.50pm, a white Toyota Landcruiser utility was travelling north along the Bruce Highway when it crossed onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a white Isuzu truck and a white Mazda CX5 travelling behind the truck.

The driver of the Mazda, a 72-year-old man from Victoria, and the driver of the Landcruiser, a 21-year-old Kelso man, were airlifted to the Townsville Hospital with serious injuries.

The 72-year-old man died in hospital on August 14 from his injuries.

The passenger of the Landcruiser, a 34-year-old Mundingburra man, the driver of the Isuzu, a 61-year-old Sarina man, and the passenger of the Cx5, a 69-year-old Clifton Hill woman, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Mackay Base Hospital.

The 21-year-old is due to appear at the Mackay Magistrates Court on November 25.

High Speed Incident, Sarina

A 22-year-old man who lives in Dumbleton has been stopped by police for an alleged high-speed incident at about 6:07pm on October 7 at the Bruce Highway (south), Sarina.

It's alleged that officers were performing mobile speed enforcement patrols when the speed of am Isuzu D-Max was checked to be travelling at 150 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone.

Police from Highway Patrol Mackay stopped the Isuzu and had a conversation with the 22-year-old driver.

After the conversation officers have issued the driver with an infringement notice to the value of $1,854 resulting in the loss of 8 demerit points and a licence suspension period of 6 months.

Stolen Navara Located Burnt Out Near Kinchant Dam

Between 6:00am and 12:00pm on October 6 a car has been stolen from its parking spot on the roadside curb at Karwin Drive in Andergrove.

The stolen car was a white coloured 2004 model Nissan Navara dual cab.

The car was parked partially on and off the road at this location near the owner's home at the time of its theft.

The Nissan was found completely burnt out at about 12:37am on October 7 on Leichhardt Road at Kinchant Dam.

Anyone who might have information about the car theft from Karwin Drive or the dumping of the car on Leichhardt Road is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible - police report number QP2401716025.

Wilful And Unlawful Damage In Mackay City

Between 9pm on September 28 and 6am on September 29, an individual entered a business on Victoria Street in Mackay City. Access was gained through a garage door.

Once inside, the perpetrator repeatedly jumped on the windscreens of three parked cars, resulting in significant damage.

Fortunately, nothing was stolen.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the police as soon as possible. Please reference police report number QP2401671428.

If you witness any suspicious activity at any time of the day, please report it immediately.

Attempted Home Break-in In South Mackay

At approximately 12:18am on October 1, someone attempted to gain entry into a unit on Prospect Street in South Mackay.

The resident was awake and in the kitchen when they heard someone trying to open the locked entry door.

A person wearing a hi-vis shirt was seen standing outside the door before quickly running away from the area.

No entry was gained, and nothing has been confirmed as stolen or damaged.

Simple security measures often create the most frustration for property offenders, as seen in this case.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the police as soon as possible. The police report number is QP2401685859.

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It is an exciting time for the arts in the Whitsundays, as the third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival prepares for an open to the public Concert & Conversation evening, and the Emerging Songwriter Workshop, both to be held this Saturday.

Hear outstanding songwriters and recording artists share about their careers and their creative process in an intimate one off Concert in a private event venue at Whitsundays Sailing Club.

Each songwriter will be interviewed, then perform a song before members of the faculty take to the stage to share a song they wrote literally the day before. This is as behind the scenes as you could imagine.

The Whitsundays Arts Festival is thrilled to welcome Wendy Matthews to Airlie Beach for the third annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival.

Her many hits include I Don’t Wanna Be With Nobody But You, Let’s Kiss, Woman’s Gotta Have It, Standing Strong, If Only I Could and mega hit The Day You Went Away. All of Wendy’s albums have multi-platinum status, and her music is in over a million homes in Australia.

The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival comprises a Professional Songwriter Residential Retreat (10-15 October), a one-day workshop for Emerging Songwriters on Saturday 12 October, and an evening performance by the Professional Faculty at Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach on Saturday 12 October from 6pm.

Festival co-founders Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence say: “We were energised by the feedback from our last festival, with memories of Toni Childs wowing the audience at our Concert and Conversation event and are over the moon to be able to continue this life-changing arts program in regional North Queensland, and to fulfill our mission to develop the next generation of songwriters.”

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WHAT: Concert & Conversation evening presented by Whitsundays Songwriters Festival
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
WHEN: Saturday 12th October from 6pm
TICKETS: whitsundaysartsfestival.org

7 Time ARIA Award Winning Singer Songwriter Wendy Matthews (Image Provided)

By Ruth Puddefoot

An interview with Rogue Traders who will be performing at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on the 11th October 2024.

Q: How has Rogue Traders' sound evolved since your early days, and what can fans expect from your latest music?

Natalie: “With Rogue Traders, there's still that element that all the stuff that you know and love is still there, it's just elevated, and it's just slightly shifted, but it's not reinventing the wheel or completely changing our style.”

Q: How have you managed to overcome some of those harder moments where inspiration has been hard to come by?

Natalie: “You have to ride the waves, if it's not there, it's not there.”

“I find it really frustrating thinking ‘we have to write today,’ that's not how inspiration happens.”

James: “Nat’s awesome for that, when we're working, she'll often just come out with these lines that she's already had written down, or give us a different perspective.”

Q: What are you most excited about for your upcoming performance at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre?

Natalie: “The people there are ready to party, and we’re ready to party too! We love when the audience gets involved. We want everyone to sing along and jump up and down.”

Q: Tell us about some of the classic Rogue Traders songs that you'll be bringing to Airlie - will all the big hits be included in the line up?

James: “Of course, we will certainly be playing the classics, but we also have some surprises in there too.”

Q: How do you engage with your fans during performances? Any special moments from past shows that stand out to you?

Natalie: “The connection is real, I'm down on my bloody knees at some point and reaching out to the crowd, and get them to sing along, it's my favourite part of performing, connecting with the audience.”

James: “Nat will often have full on chats with the crowd and one of the songs we do ‘One of My Kind’, which is an accessory mix that's an audience participation moment.”

Q: With the rise of digital music, what do you think the future holds for live performances?

James: “I think it's more important than ever, as working artists, we used to look at taking most of our income from record sales and obviously that's not the case now.”

Natalie: “People just need live music; we need that connection, everyone's very social media driven.”

Q: Can you share any hints about upcoming projects or new music in the works?

Natalie: “Next year's a really big anniversary for us, it's 20 years of ‘Voodoo Child’ so we'll be doing something pretty special around that time, but there will definitely be new music accompanying that as well.”

James: “Also, hopefully two new singles next year!”

Q: Why do you think people have resonated with your music throughout the decades?

Natalie: “That's the age-old question, who the hell knows?”

“I mean, I definitely think it helps when you're doing something that you love and you believe in and you're passionate about, I think that resonates and shines through.”

James: “One of the secrets that people maybe don't talk about is you just got to write heaps, and just pick your best one.”

Q: Have you been to the Whitsundays before and if yes, what’s your favourite part about the area?

Natalie: “It's all just so beautiful. I definitely love the people like energetically, the people are just so grounded and ready to have a great time, and it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

James: “The Whitsunday’s has some of my most precious memories, holidaying around the area with the kids, they are jewels in my brain that I will never, ever let go, it’s very special area for us.”

The Rogue Traders are coming to Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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This Sunday, 13 October, the annual Young Whitsundays Got Talent event is happening at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill.

The event showcases the amazing young talent we have in the Whitsunday and at this year’s event there will be three categories - under 12, 13 – 17 and 18 – 21 for soloists, duos and bands. 

Each entrant will perform two songs but if they reach the Grand Final they will get an additional one, three in total.

The day will be jam packed with hits, tunes and good times as the Whitsunday youth hit the stage and feel like rockstars.

Last year’s winners, the 2024 winner of North Queensland NQLD Battle of the Young Bands Gleezus, and 2022 winner will be special guests on the day. 

Organiser and coordinator Paula Hovey is extremely excited about this year’s event.

“We have new faces, contestants entering, with great prizes to be won,” said Paula.

“At the moment we have 8 bands, 3 duos and 6 solo acts.

“We are expecting another full house to support our local super stars.”

“Also, we have, fabulous prizes to be won on our raffle worth over $4000.”

Admission for the 2024 Young Whitsundays Got Talent will be a gold coin donation.

What: Young Whitsundays Got Talent
Where: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
When: Sunday 13 October at 12pm
Admission: Gold coin donation

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North Queensland Battle of the Young Bands winners Gleezus will be performing at this year’s Young Whitsundays Got Talent. Photo supplied

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During the course of this year, nine regions from around Australia have hosted Passport to Airlie Competitions, inviting emerging artists that play original live music to perform in a showcase of local talent. One act from each region has then been invited to play the Friday night Showcase event at Airlie Beach Festival of Music on the mainstage.
On the Friday night, the nine acts play in front of a panel of music industry judges including Rai Thistlethwayte, front person of Thirsty Merc, Jeremy Berg drummer for 19Twenty, Mark Westaway from Australian Venue Co and long-time friend of the festival and supporter of live original music Cindy Jensen (Buskers By The Lake).
The regional winners this year are The Corbs from Darwin, Slippery Gypsy the Townsville band who won the Cairns event, Noah Davis from Mackay, Tom Neilson from the Sunshine Coast, HILZ from Brisbane, Space & Ages who played in the Gold Coast, Thirst Trap from Byron Bay, Phoebe Over from Newcastle and ANA from Melbourne.
While the panel deliberates, the 2023 winners Avalanche will perform for the crowd of dedicated music fans.
Avalanche had this to say about their time with Passport and Airlie Beach Festival of Music:
“We had the absolute time of our lives last year playing and partying at the best and biggest live music comp and festival in Oz!”
Following the Friday night show the overall winners will be announced and all regional winners go on to gig Saturday and Sunday in the iconic official street venues of Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music promoter Gavin “Butto” Butlin is looking forward to checking out this year’s talent.
“Every band that plays on a mainstage or a stadium was once a local band writing their originals and looking for an audience,” he said.
“We have a ready-made audience of fantastic music fans, so we love to bring the two together.”
Cherrie Hughes, the National Coordinator of Passport to Airlie said, “We are really proud that we offer the acts some invaluable industry experience and networks to help them on their way to the top, as well as a great weekend of music and good times in paradise.”
Three-day tickets to the festival include entry to this great event or there is a day ticket price to give fans a chance to see the emerging talent alongside the three headliners. There will also be the chance for those in the tent early to WIN a VIP ticket upgrade for the evening.

Passport to Airlie finalists announced to play at ABFoM

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Embark on a trip back to the 80’s with ‘Reckless’ the Australian Crawl Tribute, their recreation of the music has fans saying, “you took me back to the 80’s and made me feel 18 again.”

Coming back to the Airlie Beach Hotel is The Australian Crawl Tribute and Lead Singer/Owner of the band Marco Sinni said he and the rest of the band are looking forward to putting on a show in front of us here in the Whitsundays.

“Everybody is so welcoming every time we go, and the amount of people that go over and above to come and speak to us and find out what we're about is fantastic, and this includes the venue, the staff and the public,” said Marco.

“It's just a nice feeling that people appreciate the hard work we do to reproduce the music and give them a couple of hours of a trip back to the 80s.”

The band also try to replicate the Australian Crawl as much as possible, even down to the costumes.

“Australian Crawl never had a particular dress style costume, as such they were just your local boys from Mount Eliza that started a surf rock band,” explained Marco.

“I do tend to dress up a little bit like the singer, James Raine, because he does wear certain surfy type clothing, with beachy type clothing.”

Marco also says the band try to reproduce the music note for note and produce music for fans as close to humanly possible to the original Australian Crawl.

Marco and the rest of the band are massive fans of Australian Crawl, which is why they created the tribute act in the first place.

The crowd at the Airlie Beach Hotel can expect B-side songs like ‘Chinese Eyes’, but other hits such as ‘Beautiful People’ and ‘Errol’.

Since Australian Crawl are surf rock, the band don’t expect you to be on your feet all day long, but Marco ensures they will get you up before you leave.

“The response we get from audiences is interesting because it's semi-soft rock, it tends to be a response where people are tapping their feet and singing for the whole night, not necessarily jumping up and down like crazy,” said Marco.

“However, we structured the sets as per record sales and popularity. So, as we get towards the end of the second set with the faster songs, people tend to then start jumping around.”

What: ‘Reckless’ The Australian Crawl Tribute
Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 19 October 2pm – 5.30pm & Sunday 20 October 2pm – 5.30pm

Photos supplied

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Friday 11 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Dan (from 8pm)

Saturday 12 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Robbie Williams Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Dejavu (from 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm)

Sunday 13 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Robbie Williams Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Nick Di Gregorio (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm – 8pm)
Colonial Palms Motor Inn: Jazz Blues and Grooves with Nick Di Gregorio (from 3pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill Acoustic Session (from 2pm – 6pm)

Thursday 17 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Crash Duo (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

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October
10-13 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grand Opening
10-15 The Songwriters Festival
11 Junior Cricket Come & Try Afternoon, Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds from 4pm
11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
11 Rogue Traders, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
12 Sowing The Seeds Of Wellbeing, Bowen Community Garden, from 8am
12 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Bowen Cup, Bowen Turf Club, from 11am
13 Pirates Open Day, Port Denison Sailing Club, from 9am
13 Young Whitsundays Got Talent, Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill, from 12pm
14 Whitsunday Jobs Fair, Proserpine High School, from 1pm
15 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
17 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
19 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
19 Tourism Awards, Daydream Island, from 5.30pm
26 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
26 Drizzle Boy, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7pm
27 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
31 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm

November
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sound of Music, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
1 An Evening with Vika & Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
1 Vika and Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
2 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
8-10 Airlie Beach Festival of Music
9 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
14 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Moulin Rouge Soiree, Whisper Gin Bar & Restaurant, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
21 Adult Roller Skating Class, PCYC Whitsunday, from 6pm
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

December
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Merry Madagascar & Home Alone 2, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
14 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
15 Christmas Actually, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 2pm & 6.30pm
18 Mada’s Magic Marvels, from 11am and 3pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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Friday 11th October

Unlock Your Potential With Toastmasters

6.45am

Unlock your potential with engaging presentations, networking opportunities, and improving your communication skills. Contact eyeopenmackay@gmail.com for inquiries.

St Paul’s Uniting Church

Yoga At The Botanical Gardens

9am

Join Anna for some blissful yoga sessions out in nature at the beautiful Botanical Gardens. These classes are FREE and will be held on the 2nd Friday of the month from 9-10am. All ages are welcomed, even if you have never tried yoga before. The group will be doing some gentle yoga stretches to energise the body, guided breathing to rejuvenate the nervous system and guided relaxation and meditation to calm the mind and soothe the soul. Bring a mat if you have one, there will be some spare ones available. If there is wet weather please meet at the cafe and we will decide whether to run the session under shelter

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

LIVE Music

7.30pm

Enjoy Nathan Kennedy LIVE at Ocean International – it’s a performance you won’t want to miss! Pizzas & tapas available on the deck! Call 4957 2044 to make your booking!

Ocean International

Saturday 12th October  

MS Super Splash

From 8am

Join in to help raise much needed funds to help find a cure for MS! Register as a team or as an individual in one of our community lanes. You don’t have to be a pro swimmer to participate and you’re not expected to swim the whole day. There will be a range of activities outside of the pool and a chance to socialise with your local community. We have registration discounts for people living with MS and discounts for group bookings. Please reach out for more information.

Mackay Memorial Swimming Pool

Self-Publishing Workshop

From 9am

Learn how to self-publish your book! A. L. Tippett's workshop will teach you how to find cover designers and editors, distribute to bookstores and libraries, market yourself and your book, and hold a physical copy of your hard work in your own hands! Bookings required via jotform.com

Split Spaces

Healing Hearts Fundraiser – Garden Party

1pm

Gather in the garden for an afternoon filled with love and laughter raising funds for Cardiac Unit @ Mackay Base Hospital. Enjoy Champagne on Arrival, Delicious Afternoon Tea, Multi-draw Raffles, Live Music “Tunes by Shanksy, Fashion Parade by Myer. There’s heaps of fun to be had by all! $40 per person – book via trybooking.com

St Charles Anglican Church

Sunday 13th October  

NQ Babies And Kids Expo

8am

The Mackay NQ Babies & Kids Expo is a specialised event for all things Babies & Kids, showcasing a variety of products and services for local families. Explore the many amazing market stalls, ran by local businesses, and discover a range of helpful services within the community for new & soon-to-be parents. There will also be delicious food and fresh coffee available, as well as jumping castles and face painting for the little ones. You can also pick up a FREE bounty bag, jam-packed with valuable information for new & expecting parents and product samples for mums & bubs. $2 Adult Entry Fee - Kids 17 and under get in for FREE.

Mackay Showgrounds

Monday 14th October

Monday Track Training

4.30pm

Track Training with MCC will commence Monday 5th August 2024 and will continue every Monday afternoon until Monday 4th November 2024. 10 lap warm up 3 x elements of a sprint, time trail and pursuit. This is a Group activity where everyone is welcome, come and give Track Racing a go this year!

58 Creek Street Walkerston, Mackay

Tuesday 15th October  

Mackay Seniors Expo 2024

9am-Noon

Entry is FREE. This expo regularly attracts more than 80 exhibitors and approximately 3000 community members. This event forms part of the Queensland Government’s state-wide Seniors Month celebrations which aim to improve community attitudes towards older people, facilitate community participation and activity by older people, and enhance community connections and inter-generational relationships. Free buses are running from Sarina and Mirani.

The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds

Book Of The Month

3.30pm

Artspace Mackay presents its popular Book of the Month program at Artspace Mackay each month. Book of the Month is a free event and opportunity for you—with the help of Artspace Volunteers—to explore the featured artist’s book of the month up-close and page-by-page. This program is an enjoyable, inspirational and informal way for people of all ages and abilities to see selected artists’ books from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Artspace Mackay, Civic Precinct, Gordon St

Wednesday 16th October  

Mackay Farmers’ Market

6:30 – 10:30am

Shop local at the Mackay Farmers' Market and enjoy a morning on the Pioneer River.

Grab your reusable coffee cups, drink tumblers, water kefir bottles, produce and carry bags and stop in at the Mackay Farmers' Market every Wednesday.

Bluewater Quay

Explore A Gym

9am-11am

Bring your child along for a morning of FUN! Explore-A-Gym is a 2 hour play session that is designed to give your child the opportunity to learn and explore in a non-structured environment. Suitable for ages 18 months to 5 years. Cost is $12/child

5 Snow Wright CRT, Beaconsfield. Mackay

Thursday 17th October  

Switch On With Sizzle & Sparkies

6.30am-8.30am

You’re invited to an electrifying meet and greet with MEA’s new CEO, Kate Raymond. Participants can chat with the Field Support Advisor about the latest trends, discuss industry challenges, and discover what’s buzzing in the world of electrical contracting. A sausage sizzle will be available to keep everyone fueled while exploring the newest electrical gear from Lawrence & Hanson. No need to register, just rock up!

Lawrence & Hanson Mackay – 69 Archibald St , Paget

Riverside Markets

3pm-8pm

Come along and browse collections of unique and colourful creations by crafted by local talents. Explore clothing, handmade cultural items and delicious food and drinks from local vendors by the river, every Thursday!

Bluewater Quay

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Returning for the fourth time to Airlie Beach is Louie Lee Feltrin, a legendary performer who is bringing us the high energy Robbie Williams Experience.

Louie has been performing as Robbie Williams for almost 20 years and still loves it.

He loves getting up on stage and giving people what they want from an authentic Robbie Williams tribute show.

“We don't take it too seriously; we tend to make it a lot of fun,” said Louie.

“We know it's all pretend, so we enjoy that aspect of it, and we give everyone what they want to see, which is Robbie when he's at his best.

“It is really engaging for the audience, we try to make sure that it's an interactive, high-energy show, that is lots of fun, and includes all of Robbie's hits.”

Louie said they will play all of the well-known Robbie Williams hits like, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Rock DJ’, and of course ‘Angels’ but the Robbie Williams Experience will be an authentic show, mirroring the covers that Robbie performs in Australia.

“He plays covers when he comes to Australia to make the sets more of a show, a bit more personal and interactive, so we will be doing a lot of that stuff this time in Airlie Beach,” said Louie.

“I will also play the stuff he performed at the Grand Final a couple of years ago in Melbourne.”

Robbie is a big John Farnham fan, so Louie and the band will be performing ‘You’re the Voice’, and they may also throw in some other Australian classics like ‘Down Under’.

Louie is returning to Airlie Beach shortly and he is already excited.

“I can't wait to get back to Airlie Beach it's one of my favourite places to play,” expressed Louie.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everybody enjoying themselves, it's going to be a ripper show.

“We are doing a couple of new and different Robbie songs this time, to make everyone a bit more engaged, I can't wait for it!”

Louie has performed in front of thousands of people before, the most being 20,000 people at a festival but he actually prefers the smaller performances, in particular Airlie Beach.

“I prefer doing the smaller shows they are always a lot more into it, and at Airlie Beach Hotel you're right in there with the crowd because they are sitting right in front of you so I can have a lot of fun with everyone and you get that reaction right away.

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What: Robbie Williams Experience
Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 12 October 2pm-5.30pm & Sunday 13 October 2pm-5.30pm
Tickets: Not needed, it’s free. But booking a table is recommended

The Robbie Williams Experience is coming soon to Airlie Beach Hotel
Robbie Williams Experience last visit to the Airlie Beach Hotel
Photos supplied

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Friday 4 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah *special event* (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: Rene Le Feuvre (from 8pm)

Saturday 5 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Oompah Loompah(2pm– 5:30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (7pm – 10pm)
Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Live Music (from 1pm)
Coral Sea Pavilion: Chill DJ Session (2pm – 6pm)

Sunday 6 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Mad Mariachi (2pm – 5.30pm)
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: NRL Live Final – Live & Loud (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
Grand View Hotel: Sam McCann (4pm – 8pm)
Coral Sea Pavillion: Chill Acoustic Session (from 2pm – 6pm)

Thursday 10 October
The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6:30pm – 9:30pm)

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The Whitsundays Arts Festival is thrilled to reveal the final addition to this year's Whitsundays Songwriter Festival.
Airlie Beach will be graced with the presence of Mark Sholtez, the first Australian artist to be signed to Verve Records in New York.
Joining him is 7 time ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews, Queensland Music Award winner Jude York and America’s Got Talent and The Voice Australia’s sensation Johnny Manuel who were announced last month.
Mark will take part in the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival as part of the Songwriter Retreat (October 10 - 15) at Elementa Whitsundays completing the line up alongside Wendy Matthews, Jude York, Johnny Manuel, Francesca de Valence and Karen Jacobsen.
The professional residency offers the opportunity for collaboration across genres, co-writing, and the creation of new works.
These new compositions will then be performed in an intimate performance on the Airlie Beach foreshore on Saturday 12 October.
Set in a private event space at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this evening event, ‘Concert & Conversation,’ promises a rare occasion to listen to the stories of these songwriters.
Music lovers and fans of these accomplished artists will have the unique chance to get up close and personal.
For Mark Sholtez, this is the story of a regional Queensland singer and songwriter who has worked with some of the most successful producers, musicians and artists in the industry in both Australia and the United States.
An ARIA nominated and APRA award winning songwriter, Mark has written, recorded and produced music for Universal Music, Sony Music, EMI Music and Warner Music and collaborated with music industry icon Tommy LiPuma (Barbra Streisand, George Benson, Miles Davis) and multiple Grammy award winning Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Tracy Chapman).
Mark’s music has been in numerous international film and television productions including Private Practice, Packed to the Rafters, Grim Pretty Little Liars and Teen Wolf.
Mark also joins the professional faculty as mentor for the Emerging Songwriter Workshop on Saturday 12 October at Whitsunday Sailing Club, and as an educator for the prestigious Berklee College of Music it is very exciting he will be working with local songwriters.

WHAT: The Whitsundays Songwriters Festival
WHEN: October 10-15
TICKETS: www.whitsundaysartsfestival.org

Mark Sholtez, the first Australian artist to be signed to Verve Records in New York. Photo supplied

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