Festival fans are buzzing with excitement as next week’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) reaches fever pitch, with legendary artists from across the country descending on our small holiday town and thousands of music lovers also expected to arrive over the coming week.

Straight off the back of its massive 10-year celebrations, the festival is entering a new era, taking its experience and accomplishments into a second decade where new ideas are on the horizon.

“Last year was huge!” said Gavin “Butto” Butlin.

“Not only was it our 10th year, but we also won Festival of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards.

“This year we are excited to be in our 11th year and we can’t wait to see familiar faces while also welcoming newcomers to the festival.

“It’s like our musical family comes together every year and we are pumped to see everyone enjoy the festival once again.”

Featuring over 50 different musical acts spread out over 15 different venues, Airlie Beach Festival of Music takes over the town for one wild weekend where live music is literally spilling out onto the streets and setting the whole town a-buzz with song, dance, and a party atmosphere.

Organisers encourage everyone to start planning their ABFoM experience now by purchasing a three-day pass which allows festivalgoers entry into any venue.

“The three-day passes are fantastic value for money,” said Butto.

“You can see the Passport To Airlie Grand Final on Thursday night, enjoy live music in 14 different venues over the weekend and also attend the After Party on Monday afternoon.”

“Enjoy five days of live music and the festival atmosphere in one three-day pass!”

There are also a range of other ticket options available, from the single day pass starting at $120 and the special VIP pass which includes your own bar with a six--hour food and alcohol package, separate toilets, tables, and chairs backing onto the ocean.

The main-stage of the festival is located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn inside the enormous, big top-tent which overlooks the turquoise Coral Sea.

“Nowhere in the country, if not the world, can you experience a festival back-drop like this!” said Butto.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club and 14 other venues

WHEN: 9-12 November

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea, there is no other festival venue like it! Photo credit: Bailey Simmons

Crowds loving the live music, the atmosphere is electric under the big top tent. Photo supplied

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For Ross Wilson, he is not shy to voice his true job at next week’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

“I am an entertainer. My job is to entertain. I love to get people out of their seats and dancing,” he explained.

“Fortunately, I have had a few hits in my career, so it’s easy to get people up and moving.”

However, the legendary Ross Wilson might be a tad too humble.

“I like to think of myself as a dance band. I have a really great band, the Peaceniks, with some of the best players. They always make me sound good.”

With a illustrious career spanning over 50 years, Ross is an Aussie household name, covering every single genre and every single beat.

From his early days of Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and his extremely successful solo career, Ross Wilson has not stopped pumping the tracks, tracks that must be laced because damn, they are good.

“The music keeps me going,” Ross said. There must be something in his water too then.

“It’s become an obsession at this stage. When I first walked on to that stage, I was like ‘wow, I could get used to this.”

At the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ross will be exploring his entire discography, including his classics ‘Eagle Rock’, ‘Summer of ‘81’, and ‘Come Said the Boy’ to his newer hits, and some newly released songs from his impending album, which is sure to set us all in a tail spin.

“Get ready, Airlie Beach. I performed at the first Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and now, in 2023, I’m back.”

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Get ready for another group of massive Aussie legends to grace the Airlie Beach Festival of Music stage, celebrating their own 50 years of rock music stardom.

Their announcement in this years’ line-up is only made sweeter by the fact that Dragon was a headliner for the first Airlie Beach Festival of Music, back in 2013, and now 11 years on, they are honoured to be invited once again.

The band embodies rock and roll and rocks out in a ‘gentlemanly-like fashion’, according to Mark Williams, lead vocalist, who joined the band 17 years ago.

Over the years Dragon has transformed into a household family name, particularly in 1987 when the band toured across Europe with powerhouse Tina Turner, under the name ‘Hunter’.  

Since then, Dragon has returned to Australia and made a local name for themselves across Australia and New Zealand.

Making their way to Airlie Beach Festival of Music is high on the band’s agenda.

“We have been wondering when we’d have the chance to come to the festival again. Every year it goes by, and every year we go ‘there it is, and there we aren’t’, but not this year!” said Mark.

“This year we’ll be playing the anthems that everyone knows, so we can play a chord and the audience can sing along.”

The classic timeless tunes of Dragon will not be lost on anyone at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, with every generation, young and old, rocking out to the set list.

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One of Australia’s favourite and most respected musicians, Ian Moss, is calling into Airlie Beach for the unmissable Airlie Beach Festival of Music in just under one weeks’ time.

Delivering smooth vocals and unforgettable tunes, the tenacity, clarity and resonating passion that is Ian Moss will ensure the best times for the Festival, both on stage and off.

Beginning his career on the backstreets of Alice Springs, Ian Moss was quick to head to Adelaide and mix in with the boys that would become Cold Chisel.

He travelled regional Australia with the boys in black, building their reputation and by 1980, Cold Chisel was a family name with their rock blues, resonating sounds and deep lyrics.

Despite the unfortunate closure of Cold Chisel in 1983, Ian was quick to launch his budding solo career, and released the phenomenal ‘Tucker’s Daughter’ in 1989. This immediate hit was well received across Australia and projected Ian into newfound solo stardom.

‘Tucker’s Daughter’, along with ‘Soul on West 53rd’, ‘Telephone Booth’ and many other hits on his album ‘Matchbook’, took Ian on a European Tour in 1990, before he returned home and started work on his second album ‘Worlds Away.’

It is no surprise that Ian Moss has evolved to become an Aussie icon, fuelling the Australian narrative since his Cold Chisel days, as he continues to headline across the globe.

And now 50 years on, Ian Moss continues to be an Aussie favourite, with Airlie Beach Festival of Music being one stop on his legendary celebratory tour.

Along with Ian Moss, both Dragon and Ross Wilson are also celebrating 50 years of rock, culminating in these massive Aussie icons calling Airlie Beach home for a weekend of unstoppable music.

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Aspiring musicians from across the country are coming to Airlie Beach next week to celebrate the best of Aussie original music in the Passport to Airlie Competition that propels small independent acts into national stardom.

Having competed in regional competitions across the nation throughout the year, the Passport to Airlie Showcase Finals will kick off the official Airlie Beach Festival of Music schedule next Thursday night.

Eight massive bands, from across the nation, have been handpicked for the competition final and have been gearing up for the festival opportunity of a lifetime.

Competing in the finals are, Gravy Train from Darwin, Sunshine Coast’s Staremaster, Funk Knuckle from Brisbane, Robert Cini Band from Cairns, Byron Bay’s Venus Fly Trap, Newcastle’s Avalanche, Ally Row from Melbourne and local band, The Wild Sky from Mackay.

And with an headlining act of Perry Street Park, the 2022 Passport to Airlie winners, who have achieved massive success following the competition, it is no surprise that Airlie Beach is excited to witness Australia’s next best on stage.

Open to all age groups, this opening night event is a great introduction for younger festivalgoers and an opportunity for local youth to experience some of the best aspiring musical talent in the country.

WHAT: Passport to Airlie Showcase Finals 2023

WHERE: Festival Main Stage, Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Thursday, November 9, from 6pm

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalosmusic.com.au

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Perry Street Park, the 2022 winners of Passport to Airlie. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Festival of Music just got better, with the infamous Aussie blues banjo bandits, The Pigs, making the line-up.

About to hit their 20th year anniversary of making the beautiful banjo blues, the boys of The Pigs are ready to take Airlie Beach by storm.

“This will be our first time pigging in Airlie Beach and we’re very excited,” T-Bone Pig, the band’s front man, said.

“We are supercharged hillbilly pop.”

T-Bone Pig is joined with Stretch Pig, Cousin Montz, Cousin Shamus, and Cousin Burt, and there is no stage that The Pigs won’t rock.

Excited to bring it on for the Airlie Beach crowd, The Pigs have been busy preparing themselves.

“We’ve travelled all over Australia and Europe, with five records, been nominated for a Golden Guitar, and we just love making people happy,” said T-Bone.

Now, where did the name come from?

“We’re not too sure either. We’re slightly confused. We’re not sure where we’re from but we’re here now and ready to bring the banjo blues,” T-Bone explained.

“We’re not a message from God, but a message from the South.”

And what can the people of Airlie Beach expect from the electric Pigs?

“It will be a lifechanging experience, with a lot of fun and a massive recharge. You’ll find out what’s important in life and you’ll wake up with a massive headache the next day.”

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The infamous Pigs are taking on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, bringing charm and banjo blues with them. Photo supplied

Returning with excitement in their hearts and fun on the mind are 2017 Passport To Airlie winners, The Wayward Suns.

These Gold Coast boys are no-newcomers to both Airlie Beach or the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, having taken the festival by storm in the early days of 2017, taking out the massive win at Passport to Airlie and appearing on the main stage alongside Kate Ceberano, Shannon Noll and The Chantoozies.

Now, six years on, these boys are back, ready to rock with some of their biggest fans.

“And we’re ready!” said front man Brad Kennedy.

“We’ve been in the think tank for a little while, coming up with new tracks for a whole new album. And we’ll be dropping a few of them at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.”

For them, the Passport to Airlie competition helped propel The Wayward Suns into stardom.

“It gave us a platform for success; it put us on the map, and we’ve been gigging ever since.”

During the pandemic, Brad and the boys took the opportunity to create new music.

“We have enough for two whole new albums, this one, and our second will be an acoustic album, sort of back to our roots.”

What can Airlie Beach expect from these seasoned professionals, who knows the motion of Airlie Beach to the tee?

Expect high intensity shows throughout the weekend, with the best sounds and music and performance.

“We’re not gonna give it all away, but we’re very excited to be back!”

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Coming off the back of winning the Mackay regional finals for the 2023 iteration of Passport To Airlie, The Wild Sky are riding the wave of excitement.

Known for their sophisticated jazz with hints of hip-hop, metal and rock, The Wild Sky brings a unique musical experience, with at least one track to satisfy every listener around.

We’ve got Ron Croker on vocals and guitar, with his signature smooth guitar moves and gravelly voice.

He is joined with Evan Daly, on drums, who brings some of the best backing beats around, keeping the rhythm smooth and tempered.

The third man of this trio is Michael Peters, with his bass hitting just right and sure to keep the boys keen and easy.

With eclectic beats and excellent tracks, this band is excited to get on the main stage and bring their best for the grand finals of Passport to Airlie next Thursday.

“We’re very excited to be headed to play at Airlie Beach Festival of Music and so grateful to Passport To Airlie for giving us this opportunity,” said Ronny.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing our fans there watching us on the big stage Thursday night and over the weekend. Their support means a lot to us.”

Cherrie Hughes is the National Coordinator for Passport To Airlie and is excited for the grand final showcase.

“We’re really excited about the level of talent at the Thursday night Showcase in Airlie,” she said.

“It’s great that we can bring this all-ages gig with this huge diversity of artists from around the country to really celebrate the future of live and original music in Australia.

“It’s going to be a great night in itself even if music fans can’t make the main festival.”

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Four Days, Four Acts, One Mammoth Weekend

Start Your Weekend Off Right

With the dynamic and electric boys from Geed Up, the three-man team, with their fantastic team of break dancers, that know just how to get an audience tapping to the beat.

With polished harmonies, perfectly rehearsed choreography, and energy to raise the Airlie Beach Hotel roof, this is the best way to begin an unmissable weekend of absolutely killer music.

WHAT: Geed Up Live Music November Weekender Warm Up

WHEN: Thursday November 9, 7pm to 10pm and Friday November 10, 2pm to 5.30pm

With fantastic heavy hitters, great tunes, and unforgettable beats, that will carry you home afterwards, this will fuel you through the weekend.

On the soundtrack, you’ve got Van Halen, AC/DC, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, and everyone in between!

Featuring the absolute legend that is Dellacoma Rio, known for his dedicated performances and killer vocals, Tara Graham, her outstanding presence, and Shaleena Bain, the goddess herself, every single rock classic will be covered and pumped out to an eager crowd.

No matter the sound, no matter the era, once a rocker, always a rocker with the Airlie Beach Hotel.

Will you be amongst it!?

WHAT: Direct from the theatres - Classic Rock Legends Take Over

WHEN: Friday November 10, 6.30pm to 10pm and Saturday November, 1pm to 4.30pm

Two legends are combining forces for the ultimate Aussie showdown, in the Airlie Beach Hotel.

Soul Chisel, featuring the one and only Steve Callanan, contains the very best of smooth Jimmy Barnes. With passion and enthusiasm, Steve has articulately created the sound, look and performance of the Aussie legend.

Steve and Jimmy will be up against Dirty Deeds, one of the leaders in AC/DC tributes. Having been perfecting their show for over 20 years now, with the best power, energy and vocals around!

Dirty Deeds is the real thing, and there’s no denying that!

Featuring duel lead singers Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, there will be a sight to behold.

With years of rock experience in their back pocket, they will make sure the last shows of the mammoth Live Music November Weekender is the send off it deserves.

WHAT: Soul Chisel VS AC/DC

WHEN: Saturday November 11, 5.30pm to 10pm and Sunday November 12, 12pm to 6pm

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Youth of the Whitsundays spent Halloween weekend the best way, with PCYC Whitsundays hosting a fantastic Halloween Disco!

With all sorts of costumes, from spooky ghouls and beautiful princesses, to an alien abduction, there was fun to be had all around.

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The weird and the wacky costumes this Halloween. Photo credit: Alissa Jayne Photography

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Academic Excellence

Year 7 – Trinity Blake, Adele Bosson, Charity-Rose Fellows, Casey Forrester, Reuben Jorgensen, Kale Malone, Ostin McMahon, Lily Moore, Zac Wright and Williams Weekes who was the top performing student for Year 7.

Year 8 - Katie Austin, Olivia Boyce, Sophie Brazil, Millie Brown, Ileana Cookson, Gabrielle Edgerton, Kasey Holt, Tyson Jensen, Jamie Lust, Lilly Roberts, Jacob Ross, Charlotte Southern, Hugo Williams and Riley Fletcher who was the top performing student for Year 8.

Year 9 – Lily-Ann Batalibasi, Grace Cullen, Ella Homewood, Sophie Jenkins, Anne Lynch, James Madlangsakay, Eliza McNee, Keeleigh Muir, Bryon Piggot, Grace Shubert, Quynh Anh Tran, Harris Wright and Keelah Ross who was the top performing student for Year 9.

Year 10 – Makenzie Horstman, Annie Lewis, Abigale McQuade, Charlotte McQuade, Logan Miller, An Nguyen, Winlee Petersen, Emma Stark, Savannah Walters and Valencia Gunnawan who was the top performing student for Year 10.

Year 11 – Jemma Collison, Lydia Jones, Skye Kennedy, Sajith Kokulan, Amber Van Moolenbroek and Alyssa Hardy who was the top performing student for Year 11.

Year 12 – Clayton Begg, Zachary Coventry, Tate McGrath, Hannah Moore, Logan Pott and Caitlin Vail.

Encouragement Awards

Year 7 – Henry Woodhouse and Jack Brown

Year 8 – Mark Thompson and Rhadaya Bidgood

Year 9 – Charlotte Hemmings and Bella Gilroy

Year 10 – Ashleigh Boyce and Frances Meekes

Year 11 – Elizabeth Menzies and Abel Cookson

Special Awards

Senior Citizenship Award - Willow Gaffney

Junior Citizenship Award - Sarah Redsell

School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Mason Gatto

Vocational Education Student – Logan Pott

Design Technology Award – Toby Jameson

Junior Arts Award – Sage Dunkerton

Senior Arts Award – Jack Homewood

Indigenous Leader Award – Danzel Lewis

Indigenous Leader Award – Jordan Harris

Most Outstanding Instrumental Music Student – Alyssa Hardy

Most Improved Instrumental Music Student – Eliza McNee

Year 7 All Rounder – William Weekes

Year 8 All Rounder – Olivia Boyce

Year 9 All Rounder – Eliza McNee

Year 10 All Rounder – Emma Stark

Year 11 All Rounder – Alyssa Hardy

Year 12 All Rounder – Hannah Moore

JCU Shield Awards – Adele Bosson, Gabrielle Edgerton, Keelah Ross, Brooke Jameson, Skye Kennedy, Toby Jameson

JCU Rising Star Scholarship – Ashley Warren

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Year 10 – Savannah Walters

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Year 12 – Danzel Lewis

ADF Future Innovators Awards for 2023 Year 10 – Jose Santos

ADF Future Innovators Awards for 2023 Year 12 – Zachary Coventry

Year 12 Bursary – Hannah Moore, Zack Coventry and Caitlin Vail

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Photos supplied

Friday 27 October

Guided Walks in the Gardens

10am – 11:15am

A guided walk in the Gardens. These walks last about an hour and are conducted at a leisurely pace.

While bookings are preferred, individuals can phone the gardens at 07 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to reserve their spot.

Every Friday until the end of October. | Free entry.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Come and Try Lawn Bowls

10am – 11:30am

Enjoy a fun session learning to play. Bowls provided or bring your own. Wear comfortable clothing, flat soled footwear, socks or barefoot. Families, workplaces and individuals welcome. | Free entry.

Mackay City Bowls Club

Endeavour Foundation Employment Showcase

2pm – 3:30pm

The different jobs that might just be right for you

What it’s like to work for Endeavour Foundation

How you can be a part of #TeamPossible!

This event is for you if you are:

- A person with disability looking for a job

- Looking to support people with disability as an employment coach

- A support coordinator

- Curious about the services we provide to support people with disability in the community.

Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions

Friday Night Live Music

Every Friday from 5pm

Join us on Friday’s from 5pm for live music from our local favourites, good food and great company. | Free entry.

Boomerang Hotel

Nathan Kennedy (Live)

6:30pm – 10:30pm

Come along for a great night of live music at The Burb. | Free entry.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Fire & Fate Unplugged (Live)

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Come on down to the Seabreeze Hotel to see Fire & Fate – Unplugged, LIVE!

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with awesome music and non-stop dancing. | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 28 October

Mackay Showground Markets

6am – 10am

Local Produce, Natural products, Seafood, Plants and much more.

Weekly event, held every Saturday. | Free entry.

Mackay Showgrounds

Obstacle Hell 2023

7:30am

Over 40 obstacles, mud pits, music mayhem & more. An obstacle challenge for fun & for all fitness levels. | Tickets available at obstaclehell.com

Rowallan Park Scout Camping Ground

Falun Gong Classes

Every Saturday from 10am

Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation, inner peace and health through movement.

You’re invited to come along and experience a session in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens.

Día de los Muertos

12pm – 9pm

Join this colourful and cultural extravaganza celebrating the Day of the Dead this Halloween!

Mexican meal specials all day, as well as activities from 6-9pm including Sugar Skull Face Painting, Live Music, Piñatas and a Costume Contest.

Family-friendly event. | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Live Music Saturdays

Every Saturday from 2pm – 5pm

Enjoy good tunes and great vibes every Saturday from 2pm. | Free entry.

The Kooyong Hotel

VaMa (Live)

6pm – 10pm

Experience the dynamic live performance by VaMa at the Garden Bar.

Join in for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment! | Free entry.

Harrup Park

Sunday 29 October

Tyla Rodrigues (Live)

3pm – 6pm

Soulful country sensation Tyla Rodrigues to light up Seabreeze Hotel with free live show!

Tyla has quickly risen to prominence, captivating audiences with her performances at renowned festivals, events, and venues.

Drawing inspiration from musical legends such as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill, as well as modern country icons like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, and Chris Stapleton, Tyla has crafted a unique country-soul style. | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday Bingo

Every Sunday from 7pm

Come along and you could win! | Free entry.

Souths Leagues Club

Monday 30 October

Come and Try Lawn Bowls

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Enjoy a fun session learning to play. Bowls provided or bring your own. Wear comfortable clothing, flat soled footwear, socks or barefoot. Families, workplaces and individuals welcome. | Free entry.

Mackay City Bowls Club

Tuesday 31 October

Mackay Work Well Regional Information Session

8am – 10am

Join the Work Well Information Sessions to learn, connect and share ideas with other industry professionals. The event will include presentations on:

• Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022

• Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022

• Powerline safety: Look up and live. | Reserve your free ticket at eventbrite.com.au

Rydges Mackay Suites

Halloween Carnevil Trick or Treat

3:30pm – 6pm

Dress up, grab your stamp card & trick or treat with a twist through the Centre.

Head in after school for the trick or treat, letting your costumed little monsters explore the Centre in search of participating stores who will reward them with a trick or treat stamp. Once all are collected come back to the stage and get a bag of goodies! Limited numbers available.

Trick or treat, spooky craft and free face painting.

Registration required for participating children.

Mount Pleasant Centre

Wednesday 1 November

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal and learn from each other. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

Shop fresh, shop local. The Farmers’ market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce. Enjoy a morning beside the Pioneer River and buy direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 2 November

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and dessert.

Bluewater Quay

Menopause the Musical

Thursday & Friday – 7:30pm

The original New York and Las Vegas hit Menopause The Musical® is coming to Mackay this November!

Inspired by a hot flush and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical® is a celebration for women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”. | Tickets available online

Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre

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Mackay Farmers Market

Día de los Muertos

Sunday Night Bingo

Tyla Rodrigues

Menopause the Musical

Obstacle Hell 2023

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DRIVING MADELEINE is a heart-warming French drama film, released in 2022 and directed by Christian Carion. The story rediscovers the power of the kindness of strangers, following taxi driver Charles (Dany Boon) who reluctantly takes on an early-morning booking.

He begins to regret his decision when a cantankerous old woman, Madeleine (Line Renaud) is waiting begrudgingly at the pickup point. Despite his own personal grievances, Charles begins to realise that his problems are nowhere near as hard-pressing as his client’s.

At the age of 92, she must bow to the pressure of family and doctors, waiting to be forced into an assisted living facility. With a day at her disposal, Madeleine intends to drag it out for as long as possible, indulging in her final hours of freedom.

Catch this flick at the upcoming film night at Film and Arts Mackay, 7:30pm on Friday 3rd November. Tickets available at trybooking.com/CMLUR

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Shed Happens Mackay is set to celebrate International Men’s Day on 17th November this year. The organisation celebrates this event annually, with a corporate charity breakfast on or near International Men’s Day, which falls on 19th November.

Sponsored by DGH Engineering and supported by DBCT, this is Shed Happens Mackay’s premier event, being supported by an Art Show in August and presentation of Mackay Man Of The Year at the International Men’s Day breakfast.

Our sponsors include DBCT, 2iT Technology, Bushman’s Bakery and we were fortunate to receive a RADF Grant. The RADF Grant is a joint initiative of the State Government and MRC.

Shed Happens Mackay’s theme for International Men’s Day 2023 is the third pillar of IMD, ‘Health and wellness for all generations of men’, for the ‘Shed Interview’ with Ian Rowan and the ever-popular small group discussion around the tables.

The organisation will conduct an Art Auction of three artworks, one of which won Best at Show, titled ‘Internal Oath/Eternal Growth’, a 2nd prize titled ‘A Healing Campfire’ and a donated painting. This is the fourth year of awarding Mackay Man Of The Year, and it is proving very competitive.

What: International Men’s Day Celebratory Breakfast

WHen: 17th November 2023

6:45am – 9:30am

Where: Souths Leagues Club

Tickets $60.00 per person or $550.00 per table of 10

Contact: Frank Cowell: 0434 908 968 or man@dfcowell.net for more information

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Best at Show painting, ‘Internal Oath/Eternal Growth’

2nd Prize painting, 'A Healing Campfire'

Donated painting

Photos supplied

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Billy Joel And Elton John On Stage

The entertainment never stops at the Airlie Beach Hotel, with one of the biggest races in Australia becoming a local extravaganza.

And with three legendary superstars joining the crew, what a way to spend Melbourne Cup Race Day!

“And we are ready,” said Anthony Mara, AKA Billy Joel.

Having been perfecting his own Billy Joel for over eight years now, Anthony is more than ready to take on Airlie Beach.

But which came first? The likeness or the music?

“Well, I’ve been in cover bands for over 30 years,” Anthony explained.

“I’ve always had the comments that I look like Billy Joel, over my journey. And then, a few years ago, a venue in Adelaide had their main act cancel on them one night, and I pulled the idea of a tribute to them.

“And they loved it, and it just went from there!

“I never planned for things to go this way, but I’m not complaining. I’ve got the beard, we have similar styles and I’ve been a fan of Billy Joel since I was a teenager.”

Joining him on stage is Greg Andrew, AKA Elton John.

The pair have come off the back of a national tour, celebrating the 25 years since Billy and Elton toured Australia together.

“For me,” Anthony started, “I love performing with Greg because I get such a great appreciation of Elton John’s music, and I know Greg gets such a great appreciation for Billy Joel.”

According to Anthony, the show will be “hit after hit after hit”.

“We duet with each other, Greg performs some of Billy’s songs, and I perform some of Elton’s songs, it’s just such a great event of some of the best music,” Anthony said.

The entertainment will be up close and personal, which is something that Anthony loves.

“We mainly perform in theatre halls and concert centres, so we love having a venue like Airlie Beach Hotel, where we’re so close to the action and can really interact with the crowd,” Anthony said.

WHAT: Melbourne Cup Tropicana

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Tuesday November 7, from 10am

TICKETS: whitsundaytickets.com.au

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Billy Joel and Elton John on stage together for a massive day at Airlie Beach Hotel

Anthony Mara, AKA Billy Joel, is ready to rock Airlie Beach

Greg Andrew, AKA Elton John, will bring his all to the stage

Performing alongside each other, there is no better way to spend Melbourne Cup Day. Photos supplied