For La Marina Restaurant and Bar, the difference is in the flavour, steeped in tradition and handcrafted with classic and timeless techniques.

For La Marina, the difference is in Angelo Panuccio.

Since the early days of La Marina, Angelo has been instrumental in creating the beautiful and tasty Italian meals that satisfy the soul.

Father to Joe Panuccio, the owner and operator of La Marina, Angelo has been serving as key pasta and gnocchi creator and meatball connoisseur since the beginning.

“The best thing is that my dad is still here,” Joe explained.

“Yes, he’s still making the pasta by hand, and he’s still making his famous meatballs by hand.”

Using classic and traditional Italian techniques and recipes, which are tightly kept hidden by Angelo, you can trust that only the very best Italian is being served at La Marina.

“We started with the traditional cooking, going back to our roots. We still do things the old school way; nothing’s really changed. Everything is made from scratch, handmade with the very best locally sourced ingredients,” Joe explained.

Almost every day, Angelo handcrafts the pasta and gnocchi, and with a completely open kitchen, patrons can watch as the chefs use the beautifully handcrafted pasta in their dishes.

With an extensive menu, Joe recommends the meatballs, a dish with a secret recipe that leaves patrons wanting more, and any pasta dish with the fettuccine, as the flavours creates a divine experience for guests.

And watch out for Ange’s Weekly Specials, that will begin very soon, with traditional southern Italian dishes, created in Angelo’s homeland, which will entice and excite patrons.

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Angelo Panuccio dedicatedly making his pasta fresh. Photo supplied

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CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD PAVOLVA

INGREDIENTS

6 Large Eggs

1 1/2 Cups of caster sugar

1/2 Teaspoon All Spice

1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

2 Teaspoons Ginger

1 Tablespoon Corn Flour

1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar

300ml Thickened Cream

1 Cup berries of your choice

1 Ginger bread man

METHOD

Set oven to 150 degrees Celsius (A little lower if fan forced)

Line a baking tray with baking paper

Mix all your dry ingredients together in a bowl

In a separate bowl, add the egg whites (only)

Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then slowly add in your dry ingredients, one tablespoon at a time while still whisking (this will take a bit of whisking)

The sugar needs to be completely dissolved, so keep whisking.

Then add vinegar until whisked through

Spoon meringue onto your baking tray to make a circle around 25cm wide, leaving a hole in the centre

Bake for 50 minutes, then turn oven off and leave over night with the door slightly open (Place a tea towel in the door to keep it ajar)

The following day, you can store your pavlova in an airtight container, and it will keep for a couple of days.

Just before serving, whip your thickened cream, adding a couple of tablespoons of sugar.

Spoon cream on top of pavlova, place your cherries (and other berries) on top and crumble your ginger bread man over the top.

Dust with icing sugar and serve!

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BOWEN LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am - 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

10am - 11am Upcycled CD Ornaments

2pm - 3pm Santa Mail Project

Wednesday 13th December

10am - 11am Elf on the Shelf: Coding Activity

Thursday 14th December

10am - 11am Wooden Picture Frame Present

2pm - 3pm Christmas Lego Challenge

PROSERPINE LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am to 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

2pm to 3pm Sensory Play

Thursday 14th December

10am to 11am Wooden Nutcrackers

2pm to 3pm Christmas Decorations

CANNONVALE LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am - 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

10am to 11am Mosaic Christmas Baubles

2pm to 3pm Velvet Art Trinket Boxes

Wednesday 13th December

10am to 11am 12 Days of Christmas Storytime

3pm to 4pm Chess

Thursday 14th December

10am to 11am Christmas Craft: Wooden Nutcracker

2pm to 3pm Velvet Art Trinket Boxes

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am - 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

10am - 11am Upcycled CD Ornaments

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The Bowen community gathered together and celebrated the upcoming Christmas celebrations in style, with their Community Christmas Carols last weekend.

Seeing a great turnout, on par with pre-covid numbers, the Rotary Club of Bowen were excited to see people flicking to join in the festive spirit.

“It seemed like the whole town was there,” said Mark Steen, Bowen Rotarian who was instrumental in organising the annual event.

“The Rotary Club of Bowen has been putting on the carols for years, and it’s always great to see all our hard work pay off.”

With performances from groups such as Bowen Flexi Care, Kidz at the Beach, Good Start Early Learning Centre, Bowen State School, St Mary’s Catholic School, and Queens Beach State School, the night culminated in great singing and festive excitement.

“It was quite beautiful,” Mark explained.

“And of course Santa made a visit, which is always a great time for the children. Really everyone who got involved in the evening had a great time, and that’s all we ask for.”

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Carols By The Beach

The Whitsunday Regional Council are gearing up for their Christmas celebrations, with the annual Carols by the Beach returning for another mammoth event.

Beginning at 4.30pm with a performance by the Proserpine Citizens Band, with the Cannonvale State School Choir kicking off celebrations at 5pm.

From 5.30pm, Christmas Carols begins with the highly anticipated arrival of Santa.

The outdoor cinema showing of Home Alone begins at 6.30pm.

The food hub will service any diet and any flavour, with Airlie Beach Rotary and Whitsundays Zonta hosting a BBQ, Prossy Kebabs, Sn 2 Go, RILO, Dirty Southern BBQ, Simply Yum, Whats Poppin Whitsundays, Lynne’s Lemonade, Bauies Smokin Hot Meats, and Yummy Dum Dum Dumplings.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Carols By The Beach

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Sunday, December 3, from 4.30pm

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Collinsville Christmas Carols

Experience the majesty that is the Collinsville community Christmas Carols, organised and led by the Collinsville Lions Club.

Kicking off celebrations from 6pm, be enchanted by Carols by Candlelight displayed by the Collinsville Christian Fellowship, with the Bowen Outreach Band.

WHAT: Collinsville Christmas Carols

WHERE: Collinsville Lions Park, Conway Street

WHEN: Sunday December 3, from 6pm

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Carols In The Park

The Whitsunday Regional Council are at it again, with the Proserpine Carols In Park and Christmas Party.

This event will be spectacular, with Carol performances by Proserpine State School, Proserpine Citizens Bands, Mommas and Poppas and Sweet Alibis. The Christmas Fun will be encompassed with a fantastic visit from Santa, a Sky High Circus, an electric dance performance, and the Rotary Club of Proserpine Ham Wheel.

And don’t miss the free face painting, kids activities, eat street and market stalls, ensuring that this evening is fun for the whole family.

WHAT: Proserpine Carols In The Park

WHERE: Ken MacPherson Park, Proserpine

WHEN: Friday, December 8, from 4.30pm

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At Home In Our Region

Whitsunday Auto Group have a Christmas treat for our region, boasting plenty of stock of the 2023 Car of the Year.

Named by Carsales.com.au, the MG4 took out the top spot last week, highlighting the new vehicle for its safety, speed, practical economics, and its unbeatable price point.

Now what makes the MG4 stand apart from the rest?

The MG4 is MG’s first completely electric performance machine, with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating it is extremely reliable with a sleek European design and superior engineering precision.

With a range of seven colours available for all four variants, there is something for everyone.

“This is a powerful machine,” Gary Brenchley, Principal of Whitsunday Auto Group said.

“It can go from zero to 100 kilometres in seconds.”

Being completely electric driven, the MG4 is better suited to the regions where petrol remains costly.

“You can get an entire charge on the MG4 for a maximum of $17 on Grid Charge, and with fast charging at $42 it takes almost no time to get on the road,” Gary explained.

“You can get to Mackay and back on one charge and costing only $17, you can’t beat that!”

With a lower centre of gravity, impressive 50:50 weight distribution, and cutting-edge technology, the MG4 is perfectly equipped for country roads as well as residential city streets, being able to transition seamlessly to any terrain you throw at it.

Director of Content and Editor in Chief of Carsales, Mike Sinclair said, “In terms of assessment, the MG4 successfully fulfils our testing criteria – safety, practicality, and presentation, innovation, and technology, driving performance and cost of new ownership – but more importantly, it’s just a really good car. That its price tag puts new EV ownership within reach of more people is worthy of praise in itself, but the fact that the car is truly engaging and genuinely enjoyable to drive is the MG4’s real achievement.”

And don’t miss the sleek and luxurious interior, with comfortable and ergonomic seating, powerful air conditioning, completely and extensive entertainment system, with CarPlay and keyless start and electric parking brake.

Whitsunday Auto Group is offering comprehensive finance and insurance options, extensive vehicle servicing and hands-on support, you can drive away with this machine in moments, in the colour of your choosing, at a price you can’t beat.

For the base model variant of the MG4, you are looking at $41,165 drive away, with other variants upping the comfort with a wireless phone charger in the centre console, steering wheel heating, 360 degree camera, and two level boot floor.

The MG4 will be available to test drive, from their Bowen Dealership, and in Cannonvale, with the MG4 taking host in Whitsunday Plaza from today till Monday.

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After a three-year hiatus, the annual Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend is back and better than ever.

Planning this mammoth weekend of non-stop fishing is Russ McCabbin, who is excited to see the event return.

“Everything is back on track, and this will be an unbelievable weekend,” he said.

The event takes place at the Bowen Foreshore and features a fantastic fishing competition with two chances to win big money in each category.

With 14 different species of fish on the competition list, there is something for everyone, and two specialty prize pools per category.

The participant with the heaviest catch will be rewarded and there will also be a prize for whoever’s catch is closest to the ‘secret’ weight, so you never know if you’ll win big.

Entrants will also be divided into age categories to keep it fair.

While the fishing is the main drawcard, so too is the exciting family entertainment.

There will be live music from The Crack Up Sisters, Sweet Alibis, and Paul Samuels, plus a free dance lesson, amusement park, fireworks, Dash for Cash, and even a sandcastle building competition.

With so much on offer and prizes donated from local businesses worth a good chunk of change, “Everyone will be walking out with a big smile!”

Over previous years, the event attracted over 10,000 people to Bowen and organisers are expecting big numbers of visitors once again.

“This year will be the 29th year of the event,” Russ said.

“And we even have special guest Barefoot Fisherman, Hodgie, (David Hodge) coming on Sunday for the weigh in and a few competitions.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was fantastic that the Bowen Family Fishing Classic was being held again this year.

“This event has not been held since 2019 and we are very pleased that the organisers are making it happen again in 2023,” she said.

“It will provide a great economic boost for Bowen and attracts people from the surrounding areas.

“It is great for all ages and the community really gets behind it. It is expected to be a fun-filled weekend and it is right at the beginning of the school holidays, so we are expecting a bumper weekend in Bowen, right before Christmas.”

WHAT: Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend

WHERE: Front Beach Esplanade and Bowen Soundshell

WHEN: Saturday 9 December and Sunday December 10

TICKETS: Available through various businesses around Bowen, including Mitre 10, Bowen Outdoors, and Grandview Liquor Barn.

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the fishing event of the year is back on! Photos supplied

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T8T Fest Wraps Up For 2023

The fifth T8T Fest has wrapped up for Bowen, but the work isn’t over yet!

For the Tait family who organise T8T Fest, the festival acts as a reunion and special celebration of life for their much-loved family member Nicholas Tait, who passed away in 2016 from Melanoma.

At the age of 36, Nicholas was diagnosed with melanoma, and 16 short weeks later, he sadly passed away.

“And in 2017, we held a reunion for everyone who knew Taity,” explained Amanda Tait, Nicholas’ eldest sister.

“We held it at the Grand View Hotel and held some raffles for the Australia Melanoma Research Foundation, and from there, the event just got bigger and bigger.”

For the 2023 event, the T8T Fest saw over 500 walk through the doors.

“From what started as a few ideas thrown around by friends and family to this massive event, it’s great. Year on year, it keeps building momentum.”

The 2023 event welcomed four Bowen local music acts, Head Rush, Cameron Bartlett, Damon Leary and up-and-comers Gleezus, and Airlie Beach musicians The Fox.

“We try and support Bowen bands, because it gives the local guys a platform to perform at someplace not a pub,” Amanda explained.

While Nicholas was a fan of heavy rock music, the event usually has a mixed genre of music, so that everyone can enjoy the festivities.

“Not this year though! Quite a lot of the acts was heavy rock, but everyone had a great time.”

With 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Australia Melanoma Research Foundation, the T8T Fest remains in the honour and memory of Nicholas, a Bowen born and bred local whose legacy remains strong.

“A lot of people come to T8T Fest because of Nicholas, they were his friends or family, but people also just come for the music. Others come just because it’s a charity event and want to support it.”

Amanda and the organisers would also like to thank the sponsors of the event.

To learn more about T8T Fest or to support their cause, follow their Facebook page.

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Photo credit: Ashlee Webster

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Dear Kaylem,

I know you will hate this, but I just had to do it!

Dad and I are so proud of you and the amazing young man you have grown up to be.

As this chapter closes and a new one begins, know that no matter what it brings Dad and I will always be here.

Love Mum & Dad xxx

Ps. Rent will be due next week! 😊

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Photoshoot Location: Villa Botanica / Private Home / Shute Harbour

Photography by: Norina Jane and R Jean Photography

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Year 12 Students Mark End Of An Era With School Formals

Year 12 students from around the region celebrated the end of their school journeys this week, the countless festivities marked the end of an era, but also commemorated each individual’s achievements from a memorable period in their lives.

Friends united, proud parents watched on with tears in their eyes and entire school communities gathered to wish departing students all the success in life.

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Click the link to view gallery

Whitsunday Christian College

Proserpine State High School

Bowen State High School

‍CongratulationsMille and Kaylem on your graduation

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A musical movement that is aimed at not only raising awareness of our local indigenous culture but also healing the wounds of the past, is alive and singing in the Whitsundays, led by two inspiring local musos.

The collaboration of artists Adrian Thomas and Uncle Harold Bowen has seen indigenous stories translated into meaningful music with heartfelt compassion and true storytelling.

The pair have been working together for several months, Adrian writes the lyrics from the stories Uncle Harold tells and together they create beautiful music that has resonated in the hearts of many.

So far, five songs have been recorded alongside David Hudson, who is one of the best didgeridoo players in Australia, and Yothu Yindi drummer, Ben Hakalitz.

Adrian has spent a lot of time in Melbourne where he was a social worker, heavily involved with helping underprivileged indigenous children live their best life.

“I’ve spent a long time working in Aboriginal communities and I’ve seen firsthand the human rights that are lacking in these communities,” he explained.

“The lack of clean drinking water, the lack of affordable fresh fruit, lack of housing and base level care.”

Adrian has travelled all over the country connecting with indigenous communities and most recently moved down from Cairns to the live in the Whitsundays.

After meeting Harry Bowen, Adrian says he was saddened to hear the story of the Ngaro Gia people who had been displaced from their land many years ago.

The dream time story he was told shows how many indigenous families were killed and only those strong enough to be slaves were saved.

These Ngaro/Gia survivors cut the trees to build Proserpine and after the work was done, they were shipped up north to do the same in Yarrabah and Hopevale.

This pain anguish, but also the pathway to healing and recovery is explored in the music, most notably in the song, “Milbi" which is the lead track of the release.

“It’s a healing journey from what happened early on but also rediscovering and reconnecting with culture and power,” he shared.

“But it is not only the healing of Aboriginal people, it is also the healing of us as colonisers, as white people, of our ancestors who came here and did some really horrible things.”

As part of the musical journey, Adrian is also advocating for a monument or landmark to pay homage to the past, connect the story and offer a place where people can gather to understand and acknowledge our local indigenous’ culture.

At the same time, Adrian and Harold Bowen are also visiting Cannonvale State School next month to share their story and work with students to create a documentary.

They will be accompanied by Vino with Lateo Films, an Australian filmmaker based in Cairns.

During the visit, the trio plan to work with students to share some of the Ngaro/Gia history, play music with them and organise and involve students in a traditional dance workshop.

Once the film has been completed it will be entered into festivals worldwide and following that it is likely the film will end up on a streaming platform or TV.

Bringing voice and volume to the indigenous story, these inspiring local characters are sharing a meaningful cultural dialogue through the purity of song.

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Local inspiring musician, Adrian Thomas. Photo supplied

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The folk event of summer is arriving in the Whitsunday PCYC, checking into Airlie Beach for one night of mammoth music, that will leave the soul replenished and recharged.

The Summer rendition of the Festival of Small Halls is back and featuring headlining acts Assynt and Jackie Marshall, with the evening expected to be music for the soul.

Jackie Marshall is a folk singer-songwriter, with her inspirations stemming from 60s and 70s and western folk and country, jazz, and improvisation. Full of energy and warmth, the audience will be swept away with her fantastic stage presence and gentle atmosphere.

“It's a huge pleasure to be heading out on the road for Small Halls,” said Jackie. “I love being in motion, soaking up the colours of this beautiful country, meeting new people with fascinating stories, and experiencing the joy of performing to intimate audiences in venues rich with the feeling of personal connection. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved.”

Assynt are Scotland’s own award-winning instrumental folk band, passionately known for their tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing combination.

Itching to present their tunes to audiences across Australia, Assynt noted "We have been looking forward to touring Australia as part of the Small Halls tour for over four years now! A little later than planned due to the pandemic, we are excited to showcase our Scottish music for the Australian audiences and experience the culture in Queensland and Victoria!"

The Festival is proudly supporting Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network and will feature a BBQ style eat street on the night, with all proceeds from the event going towards the suicide prevention charity.

WHAT: Festival of Small Halls

WHERE: PCYC Whitsundays

WHEN: Friday December 1

TICKETS: festivalofsmallhalls.com starting from $10

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Festival of Small Halls is the event of the summer. Image supplied

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Friday 24th Nov

• Paradiso: Mike Duff (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-Late)

• Metropole: Live Music (8pm-Late)

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andrew Wishart (7pm-10pm)

• Grand View Hotel: TBC (from 8pm)

Saturday 25th Nov

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andrew Wishart (7pm-10pm)

• Airlie Beach Hotel: Dire Straits (2pm-5.30pm)

• Paradiso: Simon Briley (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Retro Joe (8pm-Late)

• Grand View Hotel: Dave Helgi Johan (from 6pm)

Sunday 26th Nov

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andrew Wishart (7pm-10pm)

• Airlie Beach Hotel: Pink Floyd (2pm- 5.30pm)

• KC’s: TBA (8pm-Late)

• Grand View Hotel: Keiran McCarthy (2pm-5pm)

Monday 27th Nov

• KC’s: Kaedan McCarthy (8pm-Late)

Tuesday 28th Nov

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-Late)

Wednesday 29th Nov

• KC’s: Louisa Taylor (8pm-Late)

Thursday 30th Nov

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30pm-9.30pm)

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Matt Angell (6.30pm-9.30pm)

• KC’s: Louisa Taylor (8pm-Late)

GRANDVIEW

https://www.grandviewhotelbowen.com.au/whats-on/live-entertainment/

https://www.hotelmetropoleproserpine.com.au/whats-on/

Grandview gigs contact is Chloe

ABH: all acoustic is 7-10pm except Wednesdays & Thurs 6.30 - 9.30pm

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With A Perfect Present From Mackay Music

Whether you're embarking on a musical journey as a novice, searching for your dream instrument as a seasoned professional, or in need of comprehensive event gear, Mackay Music stands as the reliable choice committed to meeting all your musical needs.

With a legacy of twenty-four years in the business, Owner Kelly Cacciola and her team have made Mackay Music a go-to destination for musicians of all ages and skill levels.

The team at Mackay Music boasts a range of expertise, catering to everyone from little kids eager to play the ukulele to school students mastering brass and woodwind instruments, and teenagers ready to rock out with their first electric guitars.

Christmas is a bustling time for the store that offers an extensive range of items from guitars, amps, violins, keyboards, and pianos to harmonicas and percussion instruments, including electronic drum kits.

Kelly stated, “Everyone has different needs and that’s what we’re here for, for them to come in and find what’s best for them.

“They might like the look of something, but it might not really be what’s best for the style of music they’re playing.” You can’t get the ‘hands on’ experience from looking online, you need to come in to feel and play the instrument.

As the holiday season approaches, Mackay Music is offering enticing deals that are sure to strike a chord with music enthusiasts. One popular offer is the Fender Pack, featuring the Squier Sonic Stratocaster, Squier Frontman 10 watt amp, along with accessories like a padded gig bag, 3 metre cable, strap, and picks priced at $529.

The Tanglewood Reunion electric/acoustic guitar is available at a discounted price of $349, a significant $150 in savings.

The mahogany Tanglewood Auld Trinity is another attractive option, now retailing at $399 down from $599. Additionally, the Tanglewood concert-size mahogany ukulele is on sale at $129, marked down from $179.

Mackay Music also offers low-cost shipping, ensuring that customers can access a wide range of instruments and equipment regardless of location. The convenience extends to both online and in-store support, as well as services like guitar and violin restringing and repairs.

To explore Mackay Music's full catalogue, visit their website at www.mackaymusic.com.au or drop by their store at 28 Sydney Street.

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The infamous wall of electric and acoustic guitars at Mackay Music

Pianos, brass and woodwind instruments galore

Bongo drums are a quirky gift idea this Christmas

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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Get Your Tastebuds Tingling At Mackay Farmers Market

Every Wednesday morning from 6:30am to 10:30am, Mackay comes alive with the Mackay Farmers' Market Inc. at the picturesque Bluewater Quay.

Two years ago, stall holders started the incorporation to continue offering Mackay locals a chance to experience the midweek market. This is your go-to destination for all things fresh and locally sourced, with an abundant array of quality produce and products.

Start your morning right, with a cup of coffee in hand and a choice of delicious foods including dumplings, pies and sausage rolls.

You can explore stalls boasting a wide variety of goods, from fresh milk to artisan sourdough bread, eggs, pure honey, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, tea and rich coffee blends, a selection of premium meats, pet treats, smoked smallgoods, olive oils, vibrant tropical flowers and plants and eco-friendly beeswax wraps– the Mackay Farmers Market has got it all!

What makes the Mackay Farmers' Market special is their commitment to sustainable living and supporting local growers. By choosing to shop local, you're not only getting the freshest produce but also contributing to the growth of the Mackay community.

Available products are advertised on social media leading up to the event, with produce sourced within a two-hundred kilometre radius of Mackay. Offerings straight from the grower assists in cutting out the big corporations.  

Marketing Manager Loren Vanzella is passionate about her community and local produce, stating: “We are very grateful to our loyal customers for their ongoing support.

“The response to our challenges has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s wonderful to know that what we do makes a difference to so many.”

Some of the stalls welcomed by the market include but are not limited to the Mount Jukes Family Farm, Shore Fresh Seafoods, Venton’s Tropical Blooms, Zelenka Farms and many more.

Don't forget to bring your reusable bags – the market strives for an eco-conscious shopping experience.

Join the flourishing community every Wednesday at the Mackay Farmers Market, to indulge in the joy of shopping fresh, local, and midweek with quality and variety nestled against a beautiful backdrop at Bluewater Quay.

Visit Mackay Farmers’ Market on Facebook or Instagram for the latest information.

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Pure n' Natural Honey

Eungelladale Milk

Zelenka Farms

Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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