Get ready to dust off your sunglasses, straighten your tie, and shake your tail feather, because one of the most energetic tribute performances around is arriving for a huge weekend of live music this June.

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Across Saturday 6th June and Sunday 7th June, audiences will be transported straight into the world of Jake and Elwood Blues as The Soul Men present their acclaimed Blues Brothers Tribute Show — a high-energy performance celebrating the legendary soul, rhythm and blues sounds made famous by the iconic film and soundtrack.

More than just a cover band, The Soul Men recreate the unmistakable atmosphere and charisma of the original Blues Brothers experience with incredible attention to detail. Featuring a powerhouse eight-piece band complete with dynamic horn and rhythm sections, the show delivers all the big hits audiences know and love with the same raw energy and infectious groove that made the originals famous.

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“When you come to one of our shows, it is always interactive,” said band leader Greg Hill who plays Blues Brother Jake.  

“Every set we teach the audience how to dance and how to sing a song with us.”

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From the moment the band hits the stage, it’s a full-scale musical production. Expect choreographed dance routines, scripted comedy, authentic costumes, and non-stop crowd interaction as Jake and Elwood take audiences on their “mission from God” through a catalogue of classic soul and blues anthems.

“The music is fantastic and it’s ingrained in our culture. The music is everywhere. It’s in movies, commercials. It’s even in the background when your favourite team scores a try.”

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Entry is completely free, making it the perfect excuse to gather friends, enjoy some live music, and experience one of the most entertaining tribute acts on the circuit.

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What:

The Soul Men – Blues Brothers Tribute Show, FREE EVENT

When:

Saturday 6th June & Sunday 7th June
2:00pm – 5:30pm

Where:

Airlie Beach Hotel

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May

29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am

29 WSPN BBQ, Shirtfront Solutions Parking, 6.30am

30 Welcome Whales, Airlie Beach Foreshore, 4.30pm

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June  

3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm

9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

16 Collinsville Open Cut Free Event

18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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The Whitsundays Wedding Trail on Sunday 14th June doesn't end when the venues close their doors. For couples who want to make the most of the day, the closing function at Elementa Whitsundays is where things wrap up in the best possible way.

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Running from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, the event gives Trail participants the chance to slow down, take stock of the day, and continue the conversations that matter — all in one of the Whitsundays' most beautifully positioned venues. Elementa Whitsundays is a full-service wedding property offering ceremony, reception and accommodation in a setting that looks out over Airlie Beach and Whitsunday islands. The closing function is designed to give couples a genuine experience of what Elementa delivers in a hospitality context, and it makes a compelling case.

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Guests are welcomed with canapés that showcase the range of Elementa's in-house catering. These aren't token finger food - they are a deliberate sample of what the venue can produce for a wedding, giving couples a real sense of the food experience they could offer their own guests. It is the kind of detail that makes a venue visit feel concrete rather than hypothetical.

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The evening also features a display from 74 Islands, Elementa's onsite boutique distillery. For couples weighing up a venue that offers something beyond the standard, the presence of a working craft distillery on the property is a genuine point of difference. The closing event gives guests the chance to learn more about it firsthand.

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A cash bar serves cocktails throughout the two hours, and the setting - drinks in hand, the sun dropping over the water - is a fitting close to what is a full and inspiring day. Suppliers who have been present across the Trail will also continue to be available at the function, making it as much an opportunity for ongoing planning conversations as it is a celebration.

The closing event ticket is $30 per person, inclusive of all canapés, the 74 Islands display and cash bar access, and can be added at registration via weddingswhitsundays.com/whitsundays-wedding-trail/

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There are plenty of reasons to get your tickets for the Whitsundays Wedding Trail. But this one might be the most memorable.

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Every couple who registers for the Trail is entered into the draw to win a helicopter flight with Airlie Beach Helicopters - and not just any flight. The winner will arrive at The Creek Whitsundays by helicopter on Sunday 14th June, beginning their Trail day in a way that very few wedding planning experiences could ever match.

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The Creek Whitsundays is one of the Trail's standout venues. A ceremony and reception property, it offers couples a setting that balances the region's natural beauty with the infrastructure required for a polished event. Arriving by helicopter - above the coastline, over the Coral Sea, and down to the venue itself - is a preview of the kind of extraordinary moments the Whitsundays makes possible. For couples dreaming of a wedding that feels genuinely different, it is a hard image to shake.

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Airlie Beach Helicopters is one of the region's most experienced aerial operators, running scenic and charter flights throughout the Whitsundays for travellers and event guests alike. A helicopter transfer to a wedding venue is one of those details that sets the tone for an entire celebration, and the flight on offer gives the prize winner a first-hand taste of what that experience looks like.

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The draw is open to all couples who register for the Trail before Sunday 7th June. Registration is free for the self-drive option, with bus loop access at $10 per person and the Elementa closing event at $30 per person. Every registration - regardless of ticket type -qualifies for the prize draw.

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For couples who have been considering attending, the prize is a timely reason to lock in their place. The Trail itself is already worth a day out: six venues, curated suppliers at every stop, two bus loops, and a sunset closing event overlooking the water. A helicopter arrival is simply the kind of beginning the Whitsundays does best.

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Register now at weddingswhitsundays.com/whitsundays-wedding-trail/

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The Whitsundays has long been recognised as one of Australia’s most breathtaking wedding destinations. From crystal-clear waters and tropical islands to coastal towns overlooking the Coral Sea, the region offers an unforgettable backdrop for couples wanting something truly special. Yet for many planning from interstate or overseas, understanding where to begin can feel overwhelming.

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That’s exactly why Weddings Whitsundays was created.

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Designed as a central hub for couples planning weddings or vow renewals in the region, the platform brings together trusted venues, local suppliers, practical planning advice, and destination insights all in one place. Its goal is simple: to make organising a Whitsundays wedding easier, clearer, and far less stressful.

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At the centre of the platform is an extensive collection of venue listings showcasing the diversity of the Whitsundays. Couples can explore everything from secluded island retreats and luxury resorts to waterfront venues, countryside properties, and intimate tropical settings. Each listing provides the key information couples need when narrowing down options, along with direct contact details to connect with venues directly.

The vendor directory has been built with the same focus on convenience and clarity. Local photographers, celebrants, florists, stylists, caterers, transport providers, accommodation specialists and more are featured throughout the platform. These are professionals who understand the unique logistics involved in destination weddings and have experience helping celebrations run seamlessly across the Whitsundays region.

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Beyond venues and suppliers, Weddings Whitsundays also offers practical planning resources tailored specifically to destination weddings. From understanding Australian marriage requirements to coordinating guests travelling from interstate, the guides address the questions couples genuinely ask when planning a wedding away from home. The advice is grounded in local knowledge and designed to help couples feel informed from the beginning.

One of the biggest surprises for many visitors is just how diverse the Whitsundays really is. The region stretches across islands, coastal communities, hinterland properties, and marina precincts, all offering completely different experiences and atmospheres. Understanding the layout of the region, travel times, accommodation options, and seasonal conditions can make a significant difference when planning a wedding, which is why destination information forms such an important part of the platform.

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For couples dreaming of a Whitsundays wedding, Weddings Whitsundays provides a practical and inspiring place to start. It brings together the people, places, and information needed to turn an idea into a well-planned celebration in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.

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Discover venues, connect with local suppliers, and explore planning resources at Weddings Whitsundays

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Planning a destination wedding is no small undertaking. The venues are unfamiliar, the suppliers are unknown names on a list, and the sheer logistics of organising a celebration in a place you've only visited for the weekend (maybe), can feel paralysing before a single decision has been made. The Whitsundays Wedding Trail, taking place on Sunday 14th June, is designed to change all of that.

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Unlike a traditional wedding expo - where hundreds of suppliers pack into a convention centre and couples leave with a tote bag of brochures and little else - the Trail works entirely differently. It is an immersive, region-wide event that takes engaged couples directly to six of the Whitsundays' most stunning wedding venues, with key suppliers waiting at each stop, ready to meet them in the very spaces where they might one day be working together.

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The concept is simple, but the effect is something a website or floor plan cannot replicate. Couples spend the day moving between venues - from lush country settings to waterfront estates - experiencing ceremony and reception spaces in their actual environment. They can understand the flow of a space and get a genuine feel for whether a venue matches their vision. No amount of scrolling through Instagram can achieve that.

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The six venues on the Trail represent the full range of what the Whitsundays has to offer. Water's Edge Resort and Coral Sea Resort bring waterfront settings. The Garden Bar offers flexible spaces and marina views. The Creek Whitsundays offers a touch of country only 40mins from Airlie Beach. Elementa and Yangaro, round out the route with accommodation, ceremony and reception options for those who want to keep everything beautifully in the one place.

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Two bus loops run throughout the day, making it straightforward for couples to move between venues without needing to nominate a driver or worry about directions. For those who prefer to set their own schedule, a self-drive option covers most of the Trail. There is no single prescribed way to experience the day - couples are encouraged to visit the venues on their wish list and linger as long as they need at each one.

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What sets the Trail apart from other wedding planning events is the deliberate presence of suppliers at each venue. Photographers, celebrants, caterers, transport providers, stylists and florists are all represented, giving couples the rare opportunity to have real conversations in the very spaces where those suppliers would actually work. Meeting a photographer in a venue's garden, or a caterer in the function space, carries a very different weight to exchanging cards across a booth.

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The Trail is the creation of Weddings Whitsundays, the region's dedicated wedding planning platform connecting engaged couples with venues and vendors across the area. The platform was built on a simple idea: that planning a Whitsundays wedding should feel accessible and inspiring, not overwhelming. The Wedding Trail extends that philosophy into a live, immersive experience - a curated introduction to the region for couples at any stage of their planning journey.

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For those who are just beginning, it is an ideal starting point - a day to gather ideas and start understanding what the Whitsundays actually looks like in person. For couples further into their planning, it is the chance to meet suppliers they have been weighing up and see shortlisted venues side by side.

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Tickets are available in three tiers. The self-drive option is free. The bus loop, which provides access to both loops throughout the day, is $10 per person. A closing event ticket at Elementa Whitsundays is $30 per person, and includes canapes, a cash bar, and the opportunity to keep meeting suppliers as the sun sets over the water.

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The Whitsundays Wedding Trail begins on Sunday 14th June. Registrations are open at weddingswhitsundays.com/whitsundays-wedding-trail/

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Bowen Tourism and Business team members Leanne Abernethy and Cindy Tonks with the Big Mango. Photo supplied

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It’s been a big week for Bowen’s iconic Big Mango, which celebrated it’s 24^th birthday on May 25th.

Named Queensland’s “Best Big thing” in 2025, the tourist attraction is 10 metres tall, and is located next to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre – where you can buy a large range of mango-themed products, including Bowen’s much-loved mango sorbet.  

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Bowen is the Australian birthplace of the Kensington Pride variety of mango, also known as the “Bowen Special”, introduced from India in 1871.

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The Big Mango is a replica of that variety and is suitably lush in colour, having been repaired three years ago to ensure it was “ripe” for its 21st.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the Big Mango was an important tourist attraction for the Whitsundays region.

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“We have welcomed a record number of people at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre in recent years and there is no doubt the Big Mango is one of the major attractions in the region,” she said.

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The Big Mango was famously “stolen” in a publicity stunt by Nandos in 2014 as part of the launch of a new mango and chicken product.

As part of that promotion, Nandos had a 6-metre mango built, which they set up in Federation Square in Melbourne, claiming they had found the Big Mango.

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That structure is now known as the “Little Mango” and has been installed at Bowen’s Front Beach, next to the information booth – so Bowen actually has two big mangos.

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As a fourth generation bull rider, Ky’s passion for the sport runs deep. Photo supplied

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For 21-year-old local Ky Borghero, bull riding is in the blood.  

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As the youngest of sixth and a fourth-generation bull rider, Ky has been honing his skills aboard wild cattle from a very young age.

“I started riding small calves when I was two years old. My dad used to put me on them. He would hang onto me and let them around,” Ky said.  

This year, Ky will compete in the Queensland team against New South Wales for the Professional Bull Riders Monster Energy Origin II; an annual competition which pits the two states against each other to see who possesses the greatest bull riders.  

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Ky cites his family as a major source of inspiration.  

“I started competing when I was twelve. We used to have 11 Brahman bulls at home, and I would jump on one every afternoon. Both my older brothers ride as well – in fact one is the coach of the Queensland team this year.”

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Ky’s bull riding abilities also promise to take him around the world, with bull riding trips planned for the United States and Brazil both this year and next.  

Ky will compete for the State of Origin team in Newcastle (May 29^th), Brisbane (June 6^th) and Sydney (August 1^st).  

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“I’m super stoked to be in the team and represent our state. Let’s go win the trophy!!”  

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BMA CQ Rescue is the sole beneficiary for this year’s Whispers of the West Mayor’s Charity Ball.

From remote rescues to critical medical transfers, BMA CQ Rescue provides life-saving support when our community needs it most.

With the average cost of responding to a single task sitting at an incredible $13,990 per hour, every dollar raised makes a real difference.

Tickets for the ball are on sale now. Grab your friends and reserve your spot today to help us raise as much as possible for this vital service.

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Mayor Ry Collins cut a cake alongside Principal Jeremy Callaghan and co-organiser Sue Connors at Proserpine School (primary) Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Last week both Proserpine State School and St Catherines Catholic College celebrated the 70^th year of Under Eights Week at their primary schools; an annual week of themed activity organised by Early Childhood Australia that promotes the importance of early learning and play, celebrating children as capable, creative and connected citizens.  

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Both schools celebrated the occasion with their own event, each featuring educational stalls from local organisations such as the Whitsunday Regional Council, State Government Office, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, and Proserpine Museum Expo.  

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Primary school students were able to enjoy a host of activities such as face painting, bubble blowing, arts & crafts and music.  

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Photo source: Facebook

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This labrador cross is looking for her forever home in the Whitsundays and beyond.

Vitani is an approximately 1 year old Labrador cross, small to medium sized, and absolutely bursting with energy, love, and eagerness to learn. She is the kind of dog who will match your morning walk, your afternoon run, and still have love left over at the end of the day.

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She is friendly, playful, and great with kids and other dogs. She is still learning her manners, but that is half the fun. Vitani is eager to learn and will thrive with someone who can give her consistency, structure, and a little patience.

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She has so much love to give and she is ready to give it all to the right person.

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To adopt Vitani, DM us with your Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue your phone number and "Vitani".

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The adoption fee $400. Vitani is microchipped, desexed, vaccinated and vet checked.

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The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry brought together business leaders from across the region to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently held its regular business breakfast briefing at Club Whitsunday, bringing together business leaders from across the region to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month and look ahead to the future in light of the federal budget and ongoing regional expansion.

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A highlight of the morning was a guest speaker panel featuring standout winners from the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards. Panellists included Kellee Fogg from Whitsunday Law, Elizabeth Hackett from Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach, and Sam Vanderpoel from Rolling With Netherpoel.

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The panel shared insights into their business journeys, the challenges and opportunities facing local enterprises, and the importance of innovation, resilience and community support in a growing regional economy. Speakers also reflected on the value of the Whitsunday Business Awards in recognising excellence and inspiring other local operators.

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See more photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/chamber-of-commerce-breakfast-celebrates-small-business-month-and-looks-to-the-future

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1. Megan Taylor, Kellee Fogg, Fiona Erquiaga Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi  

2. Patrick Atkins – Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

3. Michael and Val Kimpton with Elizabeth Hackett Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

4. Executive Officer Dr Julia Evans and President Alan Milostic Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi  

5. Louise Sugrue, Leanne Abernathy, Annie Lloyd-Louis Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Emily Stamatovich, Ashleen O’Neill and Claire Tobin

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Hosted by Local Eyes at Blossoms Flower Boutique.

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See more pictures here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/b2b-brews-in-rural-view

1. Joly Albarracin and Marti Harris  

2. Lilly Kitching and Shirlz Russell  

3. Vanessa Koster and Emma Murphy  

4. Elissa Hatherly, Zoe Barrow and Janet Ambrose  

5. Paul Beardmore and Solveig Lobo

6. Emily Stamatovich, Ashleen O’Neill and Claire Tobin

7. Ellen Madden, Erin Ryley, Gary, Kristy-Lee O’Brien and Rachel Barbeler

8. James Hunter, Joanne Sharam and Kate Stanton

9. Wendy Steindl and Katrina Burt

10. Maree Sturdy and Jenny Winton  

11. Phil Deguara, Kim Baldacchino, Frances Deguara, Lucy Deguara, Georgi Deguara. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Friday 22^nd May  

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Mackay Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo  

8.30am - (Three Day Event - Friday-Sunday )

The Mackay Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo is set to bring together the best in travel, lifestyle and home inspiration, offering visitors a chance to explore everything from off-grid escapes to everyday home upgrades. Held as a ticketed event, the expo will showcase caravans, camper trailers, hybrids and 4x4 vehicles alongside smart camping gear, outdoor technology, home improvement ideas and décor inspiration. Visitors can also discover travel destinations, enjoy live entertainment and take advantage of exclusive expo-only deals. Designed as a one-stop destination for inspiration and planning, the event invites attendees to explore how their lifestyle and next adventure can come together in one place.

Mackay Showgrounds  

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Saturday 23^rd May

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Botanic Gardens Open Day   

8am

Celebrate nature at the Botanic Gardens Open Day this Saturday, May 23, from 8am to noon at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. The free event will feature community displays, workshops, native wildlife, plant sales, children’s activities and a selection of food and drink. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to come along, explore the gardens and learn more about the region’s unique plant life in a relaxed outdoor setting. For details, contact the gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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Writing for Performance – Free Workshop  

10am

Aspiring writers and creative minds are invited to step into the world of live storytelling at a free theatre writing workshop this Saturday, May 23, at the Dudley Denny City Library. Facilitated by Cassandra Ramsay, the two-hour session will explore how to craft compelling characters, build dramatic tension and create moments designed for the stage. Supported by Mackay Regional Council Libraries and the Queensland Writers Centre, the workshop runs from 10am to noon, with beginners and experienced writers welcome. Attendance is free, but bookings are essential.

Dudley Denny City Library

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Broken Ballerina Candle Lighting Ceremony  

5pm

The Mackay community is being encouraged to come together in remembrance and solidarity at a candle lighting ceremony marking Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Hosted by Broken Ballerina Inc., the event will be held at the Mackay Surf Club on Saturday, May 23 from 5pm. The ceremony will honour lives lost to domestic and family violence while supporting those impacted, with survivors, families, frontline workers and community members invited to stand together as candles are lit in remembrance and hope.

Mackay Surf Club 

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Sunday 24^th May

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Mackay Country & Western Club Family Afternoon

1.30pm

The Mackay Country & Western Club is inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of live music and country entertainment at its Family Afternoon on Sunday, May 24, at the Senior Citizens Hall. Commencing at 1.30pm, the event features walk-up performances with backing from a live band, creating an open stage atmosphere for musicians and visitors alike. Admission is $5, with all welcome, including visitors to the region. Organisers are encouraging attendees to arrive ready for a relaxed afternoon of music, with club memberships also due on the day. For more information, contact Charlie on 0408 776 564.

Senior Citizens Hall

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Tuesday 26^th May

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The Mum Hub – Sparkly Brain Society  

10am

Mums seeking connection and understanding are invited to join a supportive neurodivergent mothers group held every Tuesday at 10am at The Mum Hub Mackay. Facilitated by founder Amanda Fenton through The Held Project, the relaxed gatherings offer a welcoming space for mums on the spectrum or those who simply feel they don’t fit the usual mould. Children are welcome, with the space suited to babies and young toddlers. Tea and coffee will be provided as mums share conversation, support and community.

10/46 Mulherin Dr, Mackay Harbour

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BMA Kidspace – Free Art, Craft & Music for Toddlers  

9.30am  

Families are invited to enjoy a vibrant morning of creativity and music at Artspace Mackay as part of the popular free toddlers’ program BMA Kidspace, designed for children aged 0–5 years. Running one Tuesday each month, the drop-in program offers two art-making sessions alongside live music designed to encourage playful, co-operative learning. Sessions run from 9.30am to 1.30pm, with families welcome to come and go throughout the day. Presented by Artspace Mackay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, the program requires no bookings, with upcoming dates scheduled across the year for families to simply turn up and take part.

Artspace Mackay 

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The countdown is officially on for one of the region’s most anticipated community events: the 2026 Pioneer Valley Show!

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Set to light up the Pioneer Valley Showgrounds on Sunday, 14th June 2026, this much-loved one-day spectacular is gearing up to deliver a full day of colour, excitement and country charm, welcoming more than 16,000 visitors through its gates.

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Proudly presented by the Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show Society, the event has earned its reputation as “the best one-day show in Australia,” and it’s easy to see why. From the moment gates open, the show comes alive with the sights, sounds and energy of true rural celebration.

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Families can look forward to thrilling rides, free entertainment, agricultural exhibits, competitions, live displays and an unbeatable selection of food stalls offering all the classic show day favourites. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, exploring local talent, or simply enjoying a relaxed day out with family and friends, this is the show day for you.

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The Pioneer Valley Show is designed to bring the community together, celebrating the region’s agricultural roots while showcasing the best of local creativity, industry and entertainment. It’s a place where generations meet, where children experience the magic of the show for the first time, and adults return year after year for tradition, laughter and connection.

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Pre-purchased tickets are now available online, with savings on offer including a Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children) for $55 and bonus ride ticket sheets for $25. Show organisers are also encouraging visitors to get in early to make the most of value-packed options and avoid missing out on the day.

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Gate entry also gives visitors the chance to win major prizes, including a $1000 fuel voucher from Crokers Fuel & Oil and a family pass on a speed boat.

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So mark it in bold on the calendar: Sunday, 14th June 2026. Bring the family, bring your friends, and step into a day where the Valley comes alive with energy, community spirit and unforgettable show day magic.

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What: 2026 Pioneer Valley Show

When: Sunday, 14th June 2026

Where: Pioneer Valley Showgrounds

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