Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Friday 20 March Dancing With Heart 6:30pm A night of entertainment with a purpose, Dancing With Heart returns on Friday 20 March, bringing local personalities to the stage for a fun-filled dance competition. Guided by professional choreographers, participants will perform to raise funds for the My Hospital Foundation. Guests can enjoy dinner, vote for the People’s Choice Award and help support better outcomes for local patients and families. Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Saturday 21 March New Moon Ultra “Off the Beaten Track” Trial Run Series 6am Test your endurance at this unique overnight trail running event held under the March new moon. Athletes can choose from 6km, 36km or 72km distances, with races starting every hour from 6pm through to 6am. Prize money is up for grabs, and participants will take on exclusive trails only open for this event — making it a one-of-a-kind challenge for runners of all levels. Rowallan Park Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce 10am Dads are invited to bond with their little ones at this fun and interactive Baby Bounce session. Featuring nursery rhymes, songs and playful activities, the session supports early language development from birth to walking age. It’s a great way to connect, create special memories and support your child’s growth. This is a free event, but bookings are essential. Dudley Denny City Library Autumn Orchid Show Saturday 8am – 4pm & Sunday 9am – 2pm The Mackay & District Orchid Society will host its annual Autumn Orchid Show on March 21–22 at the Senior Citizens Centre on Macalister Street, featuring a stunning display of flowering orchids alongside plants and gardening supplies for sale, including pots, potting medium, tags and hangers, with raffles and refreshments also available; the event runs from 8am to 4pm Saturday and 9am to 2pm Sunday, with a $2 coin entry, and further information is available by contacting President Noel Acton on 0409 637 384. Senior Citizens Centre, Macalister Street Rotary Charity Wine Dinner 5:30pm Enjoy an elegant evening of fine food and wine at the Rotary Charity Wine Dinner on Saturday 21 March. Featuring a five-course degustation with wine pairings, the night also includes a wine auction, raffle and lucky door prizes. Proceeds support charities assisting women and children impacted by domestic violence. Guests can expect a memorable night of dining, giving and community spirit. Harrup Park Country Club Sunday 22 March Cuppa With Your Neighbour – Northern Beaches 9am Connect with your community at this free “Cuppa with Your Neighbour” event on Saturday 22 March at the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Enjoy a complimentary coffee while meeting locals and making new connections in a relaxed, friendly setting. Proudly supported by the Mackay Regional Council, this welcoming event is open to everyone — whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident. Northern Beaches Community Hub Tuesday 24 March Walk and Talk Book Club 8am Combine a love of reading with the outdoors at this unique walking book club set in the Botanic Gardens. Meet fortnightly for relaxed walks, chats and book discussions, with a new title to explore each month. Stay after for a social coffee and connect with fellow book lovers. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, sun protection and water for this enjoyable, wellbeing-focused community activity. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Wednesday 25 March Mackay Blues Club Blues Jam 6pm Enjoy a night of live music and laid-back vibes at the Mackay Blues Club Blues Jam on Wednesday 25 March at the Seabreeze Hotel. Featuring acclaimed pianist Andrew Farrell, the evening kicks off with a performance before opening the stage for a community jam session. Free entry, with dinner bookings recommended. 72 Pacific Esplanade, Mackay Thursday 26 March Wine Society March Event 6:30pm Wine lovers are invited to the first Wine Society event of 2026 at The Dispensary Mackay on Thursday 26 March. Guests will enjoy an evening of exceptional wine tastings paired with a specially designed menu, hosted by Graeme Connors. Open to both new and returning guests, this relaxed event promises great wine, food and company. The Dispensary Mackay
Read the full story
The PCYC’s Awakening Spirits 2026 moved audiences on Wednesday 11 March with touching stories told through dance. An audience of more than 1000 was drawn to watch 200 performers in a sold-out session at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. Awakening Spirits is an annual performance that brings together young people from 13 schools across Mackay, who take part in PCYC's Cultural Arts in Dance program. Since beginning in 2022, the audience has rocketed from just 175 people to a sold-out audience at the convention centre this year. The piece performed was ‘The Waterhole’, a concept and story developed by PCYC Queensland’s First Nations Coordinator and the man behind Cultural Arts In Dance, Patrick Thaiday. It is inspired by the magical stories of The Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait, a book written by the late Margaret Lawrie. The story begins with Tilly, a white sulphur-crested cockatoo, who watches as a plume of smoke rises from the canopy of the Australian outback bush lands. Indigenous warriors and hunters from communities conduct a cultural burn – a land management practice refined over thousands of years. From her vantage point, Tilly observes the hunters moving alongside the fire’s perimeter, tracking animals displaced by its flames. As the story goes on, the waterhole, long a point of convergence for countless species, begins to change. Tilly notices a dark, viscous substance appearing beneath the surface. Drawn by concern she descends to investigate. As her feet touch the water, the substance adheres to her feathers releasing harsh toxic fumes that engulf her feet. She takes flight only to be flipped over by the weight of her wings. Her bright plumage darkens rapidly, and her beak blackens under the spreading poison. When Tilly rises again, she is no longer the white cockatoo she once was. Transformed by the dark waters, she takes form of a willy wagtail – a creature associated with omens, messages, and transitions. This metamorphosis positions her within a larger conflict, linking her fate to forces that extend far beyond the waterholes edge. Now known as Willy the Wagtail, she becomes a bearer of warnings and stories, navigating a world where ancient myth and emerging threats collide. When the story of ‘The Waterhole’ ends, all performers returned to perform a choreographed dance to The Seekers song, I am Australian. We are one, but we are many And from all the lands on earth we come We'll share a dream and sing with one voice "I am, you are, we are Australian" The bright smiles, excitement, and emotion from the performers did not leave many dry eyes in the auditorium; the room filling with a feeling: this is what we want our Australia to be. Contributed with thanks to PCYC Queensland’s First Nations State Partnerships Manager Michael Cedar 1-4 - Spirits were high as Mackay’s young dancing stars took to the stage. Photos supplied.
Read the full story
Follow the Sun’ to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music Xavier Rudd, Mental as Anything, The Whitlams and more on first lineup announcement for November 2026 The call is out for fans of Xavier Rudd to ‘Follow the Sun’ to the 2026 Airlie Beach Festival of Music from November 6-8. Set to arrive straight from a European festival tour, the popular Australian singer-songwriter says in addition to his much-loved catalogue of hits, a few surprises are in store for the Whitsunday audience, hinting: “There will be some new music at this show, which will be played for the first time in Australia”. Having visited Airlie Beach briefly on previous Australian tours, Rudd is already familiar with the region’s scenic beauty, but this will be his first time playing its signature event, dubbed a ‘party in paradise’ and the ‘ultimate music holiday’. “From the photos I’ve seen, the festival setting is amazing,” he said. “My music is definitely a celebration of our natural world, so a place like Airlie feels especially aligned with songs like ‘Follow the Sun’. “These are the kinds of shows I love, and hopefully, weather permitting, we can actually pull down the tent and play under the stars!” Equally as famous for his unwavering commitment to social and environmental activism as he is for his extraordinary gifts as a musician, the significance of playing at a destination known as the ‘Heart of the Great Barrier Reef’ isn’t lost on Rudd. “I’ve been lucky to witness some of the good work that people are doing in the world of reef regeneration and that’s inspiring,” he said. “Hopefully we can continue down that path.” Also urging festivalgoers to ‘Live it Up’ in Airlie Beach is beloved Australian band Mental As Anything, whose performance will form part of a historic 50th anniversary tour, comprising a limited number of exclusive festival appearances and select metropolitan headline shows. Original member and iconic pop artist, Reg Mombassa, is promising fans a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the band’s timeless hits live once more, and celebrate their unique blend of songwriting, artistry, and performance flair. “We’re known for being a party band, so the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a perfect fit,” he said. In total agreeance that there’s ‘No Aphrodisiac’ quite like it are The Whitlams, whose frontman Tim Freedman says the band is thrilled to be one of the festival’s headliners for 2026. “I’ve been wanting to return to the Whitsundays for decades and now we have the chance,” he said, adding: “it’s a great line-up, music lifts the soul, and we rock!” Other additions to the first line-up release include The Radiators, Adam Harvey, 19-Twenty, Skinny Living (UK), Little Quirks, The Mason Rack Band, The Wayward Suns, Loonaloop, Salt & Steel and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 2025 Passport to Airlie competition winners Monroe. Tickets are on sale now at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au costing $325 for a three-day pass, or $1100 for a VIP package, both including entry to the opening and after parties that bookend the main event. Ends Media Enquiries: media@airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au / 0402 126 461
Read the full story
On Monday 16th March, North Queensland–raised Judah Kelly attended the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, where the short film he starred in, The Singers, was awarded an Oscar. The film tied for the win with another short film, in an Oscars occurrence that whilst rare, is indeed possible. This is a huge achievement that represents years of hard work, building craft and nurturing talent; Judah has no doubt made the community incredibly proud. Born in Townsville, Judah attended school in Bowen where he took part in various school choirs, an experience that inspired his musicianship and developed his performance capabilities. He continued his secondary education in Mackay before attending the Junior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth (NSW). Judah auditioned for the X Factor in 2012 and 2014. Despite not finding success, he was not deterred, deciding to audition for The Voice in 2017. After singing ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ in a blind audition he made it through the finals, where he became the official winner of the sixth season. His newest achievement is receiving the Oscar as one of the stars of short film The Singers, which received an award for Best Live Action Short at 98th Academy Awards. Directed by filmmaker Sam Davis, the film is an 18-minute musical comedy which centres around a spontaneous singing competition that breaks out amongst a group of random patrons in a dive bar. The film is based on the 1850 Ivan Turgenev story of the same name. Prior to the academy awards, the film had already won 35 awards across 50 film festivals in 2025. Judah’s inclusion in the film came out of a unique casting process. Rather than hiring actors through traditional means, filmmaker Sam Davis spent months scouring the internet for authentic voices he believed would bring the story to life. As a result, Judah was sought out for his raw vocal talent. “At first they emailed me to ask me to be in the film and I don’t act so I thought it was just a scam”, Judah said in an interview to Channel Nine’s Today Show prior to the ceremony. “They were very persistent with getting me to act. Then I found out everyone was a first-time actor and we all thought it was a scam. It turned out they did want us for a film – it’s about men and vulnerability”. Following the victory, Judah took to Instagram to express his joy. “We don’t even know how to act. Our film just won an Oscar!” The film tied with another short feature marking only the seventh time in Oscars’ history that a category closed with two winners. This is a fantastic achievement, and Judah should be incredibly proud of his efforts. He has certainly made communities across Bowen and Mackay immensely proud. Captions Judah Kelly, local legend fresh from Oscar win. Photo sourced: Facebook
Read the full story
.jpg)
Get ready to ride the waves of excitement at the upcoming River of Life Festival!
Scheduled for April 20th from 11 am to 11 pm, this free community event promises a day packed with fun and entertainment for all ages. With 28 fantastic acts lined up across three vibrant stages, the festival will showcase the incredible talents of local performers. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mackay’s sparkling blue Pioneer River and utilising the newly developed Waterfront Precinct, attendees can look forward to a day filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It's an event not to be missed as the community comes together to celebrate the heartbeat of the town.
This festival has come about from the collective contribution of our community volunteers. There's something for everyone, including a kid’s hub with an array of activities for children of all ages and family, there will be dancing, market stalls, food vans and local displays.
Festival coordinator, Jamesly Gourlay says, "Please come join our party and celebrate the richness of togetherness.
“Let's celebrate who we are, bringing our community together with a showcase of Mackay's culture and talents."
With idyllic views of our iconic Pioneer River, watch local acts and discover new talent - there is something for every musical taste. Experience a town coming alive to the sound of music and art with the music spread throughout the three stages along the banks of the river.
Mackay Regional Council has supported the River of Life Festival with the Make Your Place grant funding designed to inspire community-driven events and attractions in the region. Various local businesses have also provided generous support with sponsorship, equipment and facilities.
What to expect at the RIVER OF LIFE FESTIVAL
* Sensory circus tribe
* Petting zoo
* Kids mini train rides
* Drum workshop
* Glitter Tattoo
* Facepainting
* Bush Craft
* Food stalls
* Art Workshops
* Dancing
* Local displays
* Fitness games
* Market stalls
* Music Bands
Get ready for another weekend of fantastic live music, loud and free at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel.
With the dynamic and engaging Australian Shania Twain Show you’ll be belting out lyrics like never before.
This incredible tribute band is fronted by lead singer, Ally Friendship, who said she has been performing from the age of 14 with her sister and always knew she wanted a career in music.
She has always loved music and chased that feeling her entire life.
Despite admiring Shania’s songs and being told she looked and sounded like the megastar, at first Ally never thought of performing her songs for a living.
That all changed when in early 2020 she was approached and asked to perform in a one-off Shania Twain tribute show.
With the show’s organiser having no intention of continuing it, Ally and her band took the opportunity and decided to start performing Shania Twain hits regularly.
‘We could see something really good, and thought someone should continue it,’ said Ally.
Their first show was a sell-out, and they have been riding the wave of success ever since.
The Australian Shania Twain Show has been performing for almost 5 years and has recently reinvigorated the show to launch a new era with this powerhouse singer at the helm.
The band are seeing success from their hard work and are now travelling all around Australia.
They have performing at a range of high-profile events including Country On The Green, the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton.
The Airlie Beach Hotel are next on their list and Ally said they are excited about bringing their Australia-wide show to the Whitsundays.
This will be the first time that Ally and her band have been to the region and they are looking forward to soaking up some tropical charm.
Ally in particular said she is excited to meet the Whitsunday locals and create a party atmosphere for all to enjoy.
‘We always like to have a chat after our show and see what the people thought of it!”
Fav Song: ‘You Know I’m No Good’ by Amy Winehouse
Least Fav Song: ‘Horses’ by Darry Braithwaite
Fav To Perform: ‘No One Needs To Know’ by Shania Twain or ‘ From This Moment On’ by Shania Twain
Last song you listened to: ‘Back To Black’ by Amy Winehouse
WHAT: The Australian Shania Twain Show
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Saturday 13 April and Sunday 14 April, 2pm-5.30pm
TICKETS: No Tickets Needed, but booking a table is recommended
.jpg)
The latest sensation which is adding an exciting sweet note to the local music scene is the fortnightly Jazz afternoons taking place on alternate Sundays on the deck at The Palms Restaurant and Bar.
Located at the Colonial Palms Motor Inn, these unique and intimate afternoons have generated a growing following among locals and tourists alike who enjoy the depth and complexity of jazz music.
The story began when Colonial Palm Managers, Greg and Nettie, approached locally highly acclaimed jazz musician, Nick Di Gregorio.
Thrilled to be given a platform to bring a new community of jazz musicians together, Nick has since brought visiting jazz musicians from as far afield as Melbourne, Townsville and Mackay, to play at these local events.
Having first picked up a guitar when he was 10, Nick’s talent was soon recognised and by the age of 15 he was studying at the Victorian College of Performing Arts.
After this, he attended the Western Australia Academy for Performing Arts where he specialised in jazz for three years.
Over the past 10 years Nick has played on cruise ships, gigged in London for five years and been the point person for Hamilton Island live music acts.
He has been a full-time musician since the age of 15 and luckily for the Whitsundays he is setting a life up here with his English partner and their six month old son.
You will find Nick performing at The Palms every other Sunday alongside a different visiting musician.
This Sunday he will be on guitar and vocals while special guest Clare Whitecombe will be on piano.
Come along this Sunday afternoon and enjoy a relaxing experience to the backdrop of stunning sea views from the deck, chilled drinks and delicious tapas.
WHAT: Afternoon of live jazz on the deck
WHERE: The Palms, Colonial Palms Motor Inn
WHEN: Sunday 14th April, from 3pm
Nick Di Gregorio hosts Live Jazz On The Deck at The Palms. Photo supplied
Every Thursday at the Reef Gateway bring the crew together and join Thursday Trivia.
With prizes to be won, laughs to be had, and fun guaranteed, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your Thursday night.
Want some dinner? The Reef Gateway’s Thursday food special has you covered.
Devour one of the Reef Gateway’s delicious pizzas plus a drink for just $20.
Or enjoy anything else from their menu, from pub classics to crispy pork belly.
Thursday Trivia is held at the pub’s Bistro, booking a table is recommended and registration starts at 6:00pm for the trivia to start at 6:30pm.
What: Thursday Trivia
Where: Reef Gateway Hotel
When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm
A group of talented musicians are bringing their unique flavour of music to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre later this month with their ‘Do We Need Another Hero’ show.
A joyful celebration of songs about bravery and heroism, the show features a variety of music genres from pop to opera, country to classical.
This live musical tribute will encompass chart-topping anthems and unique mashups that will have you dancing in your seat.
Timeless hits about bravery and heroism from artists like The Beatles, David Bowie, John Farnham and more, intertwine with opera classics from composers like Beethoven and Bizet to provide the soundtrack for our story as we search for what it means to be a hero.
Exploring the musical archives, the audience will discover that not all heroes wear capes.
From the creative minds behind Are You Lonesome Tonight and Lady Sings the Maroons, this new musical showcases Queensland’s finest talent including Marcus Corowa, Luke Volker, Jason Barry-Smith, Ruby Clark and Shikara Ringdahl.
Sing along with these artists as they take songs you know and love and weave them into a story for the whole family.
Do We Need Another Hero? believes that each person possesses a unique superpower, and grand acts of courage need not always make headlines.
This show will delight and encourage you to reflect on the idea that everyone can be a hero, if only for a day.
WHAT: Do We Need Another Hero?
WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
WHEN: Saturday 27th April from 6pm
TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au
‘Do We Need Another Hero’ performers. Photo supplied
Looking for something entertaining to do today?
There’s lots of fun for kids and adults in Mackay’s city centre as part of its Friday activation series.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Let the Children Play Toyshop Pokemon Card Game Workshop.
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Wood St, near the Grazing Goat Cafe FREE kids activities:
• Carlie's Fascinating Faces Face Painting Mackay
• Plaster kids/ SandWizard Mackay & Whitsundays
• Kids games
• Live music by Tiffany Grace Music
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: DeckaDice Watch Party Free to attend:
• Pokemon Concierge screening
• Pokemon Bingo
• Dress up in your best Pokemon-themed outfit and win prizes!!
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Crossroad Arts Inc Art Party Afternoon:
• Age: 15+
• Cost: Free
• Bring your own projects and materials. Some art supplies provided.
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm: The Deli Nook BYO and grab a platter arvo.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Pelican Zen Free City Heart Community Rhythm Drum Circle at Bluewater Quay.
6:00 pm - late: Red Dog Riverfront Ronny Crocker
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: The Dispensary Mackay DJ Nathan in the bar.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Hibiki 22 Bar & Karaoke Luke Miller Band
The Gallery Lounge and Bar: Free entry and pool until 9:00 pm with the resident DJ playing from 8:30 pm.
In collaboration with Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society, Film Arts Mackay have something very special underway for April. A production that will have you giggling and gasping in their next comedy-drama film, The Crime Is Mine.
Diving into the depths of Paris in the 1930s, Madeleine, a pretty, young, penniless and talentless actress, is accused of murdering a famous producer. With the help of her best friend Pauline, who is a young unemployed lawyer, she is acquitted on the grounds of self-defence. A new life of fame and success begins…until the truth comes out.
This masterpiece, directed by Francois Ozon, will roll from 7.30pm Friday, April 12 and will play for 1 hour and 42 minutes, this film is rated M for viewer discretion. There will be prizes for the best 30s themed dress, so dress to impress! Please book tickets online at www.trybooking.com/CPTTA in advance.
"Incredibly fresh, elegant, and extraordinary." - ESPINOF
"A joyous comedy with the air of vaudeville that flows like a spring from the hand of its cast." - EL PAIS
"A Smart and intelligent comedy about the show business in the 30s in Paris." – CINEMATISMO
Don’t miss this highly anticipated film, The Crime Is Mine! Book tickets online in advance to secure your spot for April 12
The ANZAC Day Australian Rock Tribute Festival at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel, promises to be a captivating homage to four legendary Australian bands - INXS, Cold Chisel, the Divinyls and AC/DC.
Featuring local favourite, Dellacoma Rio who will be channelling the spirit of INXS, Adam Spizzo who is from the High Voltage Show, Richard Champion who sings with Filthy Animals and is an ex-AFL football legend, and Tara Graham from Captain Thunderbolt Band and the All About Gwen Tribute.
With this all-star cast of performers this is a rock-tacular weekend to put in your calendar and it’s all live, loud and totally free at your favourite local.
In an exclusive interview, we caught up with the Australian INXS show’s lead singer Dellacoma Rio, who will be front and centre as he embodies the essence of INXS's Michael Hutchence.
Dell also fronts his own band called Dellacoma Rio, and he will be bringing the Festival of Rock to a close on the Sunday by performing his original music, with some of his favourite covers sure to be included.
The rest of his band are flying up from Melbourne for the event and to celebrate what is expected to be an incredible weekend of rock.
Dell's journey into music was deeply rooted in his upbringing, with a familial passion for singing. Despite initially exploring acting during his time in the US, he ultimately gravitated towards performing and singing.
It wasn't until his mid-twenties that Dell decided to pursue music professionally.
Dell said, “it’s something that’s just always been in my blood”.
“The band was born out of a belief and an inner knowing that I wasn’t done playing music yet.”
For Dell, paying homage to INXS comes as a natural progression, encouraged by audiences, both in the industry as well as regular punters over the years who would often point out a resemblance between him and Michael Hutchence.
Dell says it can be challenging from the standpoint that “everyone has a preconceived notion of who the legendary performer Michael was”, however, Dell says he finds freedom in helping people unlock memories through this music, or from when they were watching the original band back in the day.
“It’s about paying tribute to the music and the legacy that he left behind for audiences to enjoy,” he remarked.
The tribute shows often have audiences in tears as they reconnect with the timeless melodies of INXS. Through the immersive experience of live performances, Dell and his band transport listeners back in time, capturing the essence of the original band's heyday.
Dell is looking forward to showcasing the INXS Tribute Show alongside other legendary tribute acts over the four-day festival.
Get ready for an action-packed event which includes four days of entertainment, beginning with the ANZAC Day Australia Rock Tribute Festival, followed by Cold Chisel and ACDC on the Friday, and then INXS and the Divinyls on Saturday and culminating with the Dellacoma Rio show on the Sunday.
FOUR DAYS OF AUSSIE ROCK!
WHAT: Australia Rock Tribute Festival
WHEN: ANZAC Day Thursday 25th April – 12 Noon till 6pm
WHAT: Cold Chisel vs AC/DC
WHEN: Friday 26th April, 2PM – 5.30PM
WHAT: INXS vs DIVINYLS
WHEN: Saturday 27th April 2pm-5.30pm
WHAT: Dellacoma
WHEN: Sunday 28th April, 2pm–5.30pm
At the Airlie Beach Hotel, next weekend, get transported back to the 70’s with The Australian Eagles Show.
Usually playing in front of sold-out theatres, the Airlie Beach Hotel is extremely lucky to have this rocking act perform live from its bar-top stage.
Everyone in town is invited to come on down and enjoy this unforgettable show for free!
The group have travelled Australia-wide and are often called the country’s most authentic Eagles experience.
As part of their ‘Life in the Fast Lane’ tour, Airlie Beach Hotel is thrilled to host them and are excited for patrons to ‘Take It Easy’.
Whether that’s sitting back with a wine, beer or a ‘Tequila Sunrise’.
It’s a classic for Eagles fans of any age and it can’t be missed.
Founding member, Shayne Browne is on lead vocals and guitar, the heart of the band that leads us into belting out the lyrics with him.
Michael Thompson is beside the founder and on vocals and guitar. He knows just when to belt out, and when to mellow the tune away.
Next up is Paul Kerin, on guitar and vocals as well, he dominates with beats, and they hit just right.
Beside him is Colin Grimley, on drums and vocals. Keeping the boys in check and on beat, Colin is sure to be a hidden gem in the music.
Jason Chandler brings the rhythmic beats of the bass guitar, the steady streams of music that take the audience to new places.
With authentic reproductions, and intimate performances, you will be transported to a jampacked Eagles show in the 70s, with the swaying soft rock music just washing over you.
At the free two-hour show you’ll hear some classic Eagles hits from, ‘Take It Easy’, to ‘One Of These Nights’, to the much loved and widely know ‘Hotel California’.
What: The Australian Eagles Show
Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
When: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 April, 2pm-5:30pm
Tickets: Completely free, but reserving a table is recommended
Photos supplied
Inspector Sun and the Curse of the Black Widow
Spider Inspector Sun boards what seems to be normal plane for a much-needed vacation, but when a millionaire receives a threat for his life, Sun is back in action. Trapped in a web of lies, Sun must find the offender before it’s too late.
Running Time: 88 minutes
Price: $10-$12.50
Peter Rabbit 2
In an Easter Sunday special screening catch Peter Rabbit in his second big screen adventure. Peter now has a family, but he can’t help falling back into his mischievous ways. Peter adventures out of the garden and finds himself in a world where mischief is appreciated, but when his family risk everything to come looking for him, he must decide what type of rabbit he wants to be.
Running Time: 93 minutes
Price: $5
Kung Fu Panda 4
It’s been eight years since we last saw Po the Dragon Warrior on our screens. In that time, he has defeated legendary villains and saved countless civilians. In this adventure, Po is set to become the new spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace but can he do it before he chooses his Dragon Warrior successor?
Running Time: TBC
Price: $10-$12.50
Close off your school holidays in style with a special child friendly Come and Try Golf Day which is open to all families across the region.
This event is the first time Cannonvale State School P&C and Whitsunday Green have come together to create a special day of this type, and P&C President, Sabrina Mitchell, says she is hoping it could become annual.
All proceeds from the event are directed straight back into Cannonvale State School and will be used to purchase E reader pens.
These clever devises help children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties understand what they have written, as the pen speaks the written words out loud.
Any additional money raised will be given to the school sports department and used to buy new equipment for all the children to enjoy.
During the day, families and other groups are welcome to sign-up to the Ambrose Competition in order to be in the running for some terrific prizes.
There will also be trophies and prizes for participants placed in first, second or third place.
KC’s Bar and Grill are a major sponsor of the event and will be on-site with food and drink throughout the day.
There will also be live entertainment over lunch.
A range of raffle prizes are there to be won, with some lucky winners receiving meat trays by Master Butchers and speciality platters from Fishi Seafood.
For those not playing golf, there is free face painting throughout the day, and the bar is also open for food and drinks.
If you wish to become an event sponsor please contact Sabrina through the school.
What: Come & Try Golf Fun Day
Where: Whitsunday Green Club
When: Sunday 14 April
Families from across the region are invited to the Reef Gateway Hotel in Cannonvale this Easter Monday for a fun and interactive night of bingo where everyone, whether they be big or small, will have the chance to get involved.
Airlie Beach Bingo Whitsundays and Cannonvale State School P&C welcome you to this special Easter Family Bingo event, with a grand prize of $500, this is a bingo night that cannot be missed.
There will also be a mega raffle on the evening.
For the past 11 years Airlie Beach Bingo Whitsundays has been hosting fun evenings like this, so you know you’ll be in good hands and are guaranteed some fantastic family fun.
Organiser Sabrina Mitchell expressed that this is an event for the entire family and said that there may even be an appearance by the Easter Bunny who will be leaving gifts.
“I’m sure the Easter Bunny will leave presents and choccies,” she said.
The Reef Gateway is also home to two playgrounds which are the perfect way for kids to expend their energy.
They can head to the indoor soft play centre or outside to the fully enclosed play park, both are located safely within the complex and close to the bistro area.
At this special event, families are encouraged to get in the Easter spirit and dress up for the evening.
There will also be an Easter Bonnet competition.
What: Easter Family Bingo
Where: Reef Gateway Hotel
When: Monday 1 April
6:30pm-8:30pm
From singing in a church to singing on stage, homegrown Central Queensland talent Mackenzie May is making her way up in the music arts world at just seventeen years old as she released her first debut single ‘Little Things’ on Friday, the 1st of March.
Mackenzie wrote the bittersweet song back in July last year at the junior academy of country music in Tamworth, where she co-wrote the song with Sarah Buckley from ‘The Buckleys.’
Mackenzie says she wrote the song about the small joys in life, acknowledging the little things as she memorises the minor, but significant moments her close friends will leave behind after they move onto university and into a new life outside of their hometown.
“A lot of my friends are moving away to uni, the song is about little things in life that get left behind and the little things that are big things to me.”
Growing up, Mackenzie would often sing with her pop. As her passion for singing developed over the years of her youth, she began singing for her local church, which expanded into her performing her first ever open mic at just thirteen-years-old. At fifteen, she then realised she would be able to make a career out of her harmonic vocal cords and acoustic guitar skills.
“Pop used to sing, I used to sit on his lap and sing with him.
“I think I was about twelve years old when I started singing in church. When I was thirteen, I did my first ever proper open mic.
“Then when I was about fifteen that’s when I realised, I could probably make a career out of this.”
Mackenzie shared her thoughts on exploring other musical genres, commenting: “Country music is definitely my genre; I don’t think I could go down any other pathway.”
She won the award for Novice Songwriter of the year in January 2024 at the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) where she was given the opportunity to write another upcoming song in April.
“I’m going down to Hervey Bay in April to produce my second song so I’m really looking forward to that.”
“I’ll have to make an appearance up in Mackay sometime soon,” she says.
With a passion for singing mixed with her friendly charm, she will make a great artist throughout Central Queensland. Mackay looks forward to welcoming Mackenzie May in the near future.
Seventeen-year-old country singer-songwriter Mackenzie May. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
