Daly Bay Illuminate glows anew with a rescheduled date, following a weather-induced postponement during the last week of July.

The dedicated Mackay Festival of Arts team worked tirelessly to bring back the mesmerising displays to Queens Park from October 5 to 8.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the MECC and Festivals teams had done a tremendous job bringing the event back together.

“Daly Bay Illuminate features sprawling works by community artists and three big third-party displays that all needed to be available to come to our region at the same time – plus we needed a time when we could have the MECC available, so we could have a wet-weather backup,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Hats off to the team – this is going to be a fantastic event combining local, community-created artworks, the lighting magic of our MECC technicians and large-scale travelling installations,” he said.

Entry to this all-ages, illuminated wonderland will still be free.

The event will run from 6pm to 9pm each night and will feature the Lost Dogs’ Disco by ENESS as its major drawcard.

“This is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to five-and-a-half metres tall,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There are four distinct characters, inspired by three dog breeds – poodles, bull terriers and dachshunds – that are curled-up, standing and even touching noses,’’ he said.

“As visitors journey through the colourful pack, the dogs’ coats light up and they greet passers-by with happy grunts to celebrate each new person’s arrival.”

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Friday 11 August

CASA Monthly BBQ

Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Come down for a snag and a yarn.

CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc.

Cinema Under the Stars

Friday, 5:30pm

Revisit the tradition of outdoor cinemas on the lawn at the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s 'Cinema Under the Stars'! This is the perfect event to gather your family and friends and roll out your picnic blanket. This Cinema Under the Stars will feature Oscar Nominated movie 'Mary Poppins Returns'! This will be a magical night not to be missed! Gates opening at 5:30pm. Tickets will be for sale at the gate for $5 each or $20 for a family. There will be amusement rides, raffles, food vendors and more! Something for the whole family.

Meadowlands Amphitheatre

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Pierce Brothers 'In The Water' Single Tour

Friday, 7:00pm

Pierce Brothers are known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of folk, blues, and indie rock gaining fans all around the world. 2023 is set to be an unforgettable year for the boys, having released 'High & Unsteady' co-written by Tash Sultana in January, their follow up single 'In The Water' is set to be an absolute banger. With a setlist that includes both fan favorites and new material, this is a show that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a die-hard Pierce Brothers fan or simply looking for a great night out, this is the event for you. So grab your tickets now and get ready for an incredible night of music with the Pierce Brothers.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 12 August

INXSIVE Live at Harrup Park

Saturday, 6:30pm

INXSIVE, the INXS Tribute Show appear live in concert at Harrup Park in South Mackay on Saturday the 12th of August as part of their Queensland tour, performing the greatest hits of Aussie Rock legends INXS in their high energy, audience engaging show. Book now and get set for an epic evening of INXS anthems performed live in concert by Melbourne band INXSIVE in a full production show. This is something that INXS fans and lovers of classic Australian Rock music will not want to miss!

Harrup Park

Forest. ‘Parts Work’ Tour w/ Exotic Potion Cookies and Systematic Machine

Saturday, 7:00pm

Celebrate the launch of the new Forest. album "Parts Work" with Forest and friends at Arcadia Bar. With a killer line up of alternative and progressive heavy acts including Exotic Potion Cookies and Systematic Machine, this show is one not to be missed.

Arcadia Bar Mackay

Sunday 13 August

Clean Up, The Mackay Region - Shoal Point

Sunday, 9:00am

Welcome to #SeaToSource, a project powered by Conservation Volunteers Australia and supported locally by BMA Hay Point Services, aimed at empowering individuals and communities to take action on one of the world’s most solvable environmental issues – ocean litter. In partnership with the Mackay Regional Council, you are invited to Clean Up, The Mackay Region! Come along to Hodges Road - Shoal Point on the 13th of August and do your part for litter pollution in Mackay. Bring sun safe clothing, a hat, and a water bottle. To register online visit: Make Booking (conservationvolunteers.com.au).

Hodges Road, Shoal Point

Konvoy 4 Kids Mackay

Sunday, 10:30am to 3:00pm

Join in the family fun! Over the last 10 years the Variety teams 69, 50 & AW409 in Mackay have proudly raised over $214,000 for children in need. Their biggest event is the annual Konvoy 4 Kids, a convoy of trucks that travel from Sarina Showgrounds along the Bruce Highway to Mackay Showgrounds before celebrating with a family fair. See the trucks roll in and enjoy free rides for kids, market stalls, food vendors and prizes to be won on the day.

Mackay Showgrounds

Passport to Airlie Mackay

Sunday, 2:00pm to 7:00pm

Join Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Bricklane Brewing and The Metropolitan Hotel as they search for Australia's best live and original emerging artists and find someone from the Mackay region to head to Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Sunday Live Music – The Feels

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 16 August

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 & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. 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

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce 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. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 17 August

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 desert.

Bluewater Quay

Ash Grunwald

Thursday, 7:00pm

A journeyman, storyteller, and troubadour at heart, Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald has announced a new National Tour to promote his forthcoming record – studio sessions featuring all your favourites – curated from a career spanning twenty-years.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 9th, as the Sarina Beach Coconut Festival returns for its 5th edition. This free and family-friendly event promises a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and a celebration of all things coconut.

The festival's main focus is on the serene coastline, adorned with an abundance of coconut trees, attracting visitors from all around the region. This year's event is bigger and better than ever, featuring international kite flyers, captivating entertainment, market stalls, and a wide variety of food options to indulge in.

As you stroll through the festival, you'll find numerous activities to keep the whole family engaged. Children can enjoy free train rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and jumping castles. Local singers will entertain the crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Sarina Beach Coconut Festival aims to create a relaxing environment where families can spend the entire day together. Moreover, all funds raised during the festival will support the Sarina Beach Progress Association, contributing to future community projects.

Thanks to the generous support of various sponsors, this event promises to be a huge success. However, there's still room for more sponsors to join in. If you wish to lend a hand, you can contact Roy at 0407745140.

The festival will offer a range of coconut-related activities, including palm weaving, de-nutting and de-husking fresh coconuts, and a tropical market for local produce shopping. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might even catch a glimpse of humpback whales on their annual migration.

The Sarina Beach Coconut Festival guarantees to cater to everyone's tastes and interests, promising a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. As you join in the fun, take in the beauty of one of Queensland's most stunning beaches.

What: Sarina Beach Coconut Festival

Where: Sarina Beach

When: Saturday September 9, 1pm – 6pm

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To celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night, Sydney based theatre company Bell Shakespeare, will be visiting Mackay with a fresh retelling of the romantic comedy which captured the attention of audiences in 1623.

Those familiar with Shakespeare’s works recognise Twelfth Night as the playwright’s most musical play. It tells the story of Viola, who finds herself washed up in a strange new land and, determined to survive, disguises herself as a man to secure a position in the household of Duke Orsino.

MECC Manager, Andrew Bobeldyk, encourages audiences who are new to Shakespeare to come along and try something different.

“Bell Shakespeare has an uncanny ability to get an audience laughing at comedy and wit that was written centuries ago,” he said.

“First timers are always surprised at how much they enjoy their renditions of Shakespeare’s plays.”

Directed by Heather Fairbairn, who has worked internationally with companies including the Royal Opera House and the Royal Court Theatre in London, the production will feature original music from Aria Award winner Sarah Blasko, bringing a unique vision to Shakespeare’s most musical play.

Ms Fairbairn said, “I’m fascinated by the enigmatic nature of Twelfth Night, which transcends time and place.

“In this production, there is no specified setting which, coupled with the haunting nature of Sarah Blasko’s music, lends an otherworldly feel to the play.”

The Sydney based theatre company is also bringing student scholarship and workshop opportunities to the region with their Regional Arts Access (RAW) and John Bell Scholarship (JBS) programs.

For more information on the performance, RAW or JBS please contact themecc.com.au.

What: Bell Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

When: Tuesday 5 September, 7.30pm

Where: MECC – Auditorium

Tickets: themecc.com.au

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Bell Shakespeare Twelfth Night Rehearsals. Photo Credit: Brett Boardman

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Holy Spirit College’s Class of 2023 were shining like the stars of yesteryear at their Formal on Saturday August 5. With the theme ‘Golden Years of Hollywood’, the red-carpet looks were simply sensational at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. The Formal represents a time for Year 12 students to celebrate their final year of high school.

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(Back L-R) Harry Copley, Matthew Dorl, Nikolaus Djukic, Cooper Spencer, Benjamin Schembri, Balin Burnett, Krystopher Gakowski, Lachlan Dempsey, Kynan Day, Alexander Dlask, Harry Kirkwood, Cohen Murry, Bayley Holmstrom, (Front L-R) Rylan Misztela, Riley Marshall, Matthew Castorina, Tully Dee

(L-R) Blake Luckel, Jude Busby, Luke Wells, Alex Haworth, Seth Winters, Samuel Thomas, Cody Elgar, Lachlan Kerr

Ashleigh Filtness

Noah Miosge, Taj Rowler, Jackson Casey

Nash Mallise and Hayley Woodwell

Kaede Smyth, Jacob Janssen-Groesbeek, Ashalea Loveday, Emma Coyle

Georgie Gosper and Sam Riggs

Emily Parnis and Angelina Matthews

Douglas Pace, Bronte Vella, Kalan Morris

Cate Gauci, Summer Gilroy and Ella Steel

Andrew Kirkwood and Kira Atherton

Aiva Hovinga and Harrison Dries

Courtney Brooke

Laura Allen

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After his sold-out international ‘Cheers To That Tour’, Tik Tok star Luke Kidgell is heading to Mackay with his brand new show, Happy Hour.

Luke has amassed over 3 million fans online for his viral stand-up videos, often showcasing outrageous and quick-witted crowd interactions.

Luke is also known for co-hosting the Luke and Meg and the B.L.T. Podcast and for his multiple comedy specials which feature on YouTube and Amazon Prime. He started his YouTube channel in 2013. He has gone viral with his "you don't own me" videos, in which he humorously disobeys societal norms.

Now Mackay locals can attend the brand-new stand-up show at MECC this September.

“The show is literally called happy hour, I dunno, it will be fun. Just buy a ticket” - Luke Kidgell

You've seen him on the internet, now it's time to see him in real life on 13 September at the MECC.

What: Luke Kidgell – Happy Hour

When: Wednesday 13 September 2023, 6pm

Where: MECC – Auditorium

Tickets: themecc.com.au

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Performing Arts continues to prosper for the talented dance students at St Patrick’s College Mackay.

The College excelled at the recent Dance Xchange competition for Primary and Secondary schools on the Gold Coast – bringing home a variety of regional awards to qualify for this year’s State Finals to be staged on October 14-15 in Brisbane.

A squad of thirty six St Patrick’s College dancers travelled to Somerset College in Mudgereeaba for the prestigious Exchange event and demonstrated their skill and poise to gain first place in both Junior and Senior Lyrical categories and second place in the Jazz and Hip Hop routines.

To cap an outstanding contribution, the College also received the Most Memorable Routine award.

Team coordinator and highly-respected St Patrick’s College dance teacher Natalie Porter praised the efforts of her students for their meritorious achievements and commitment during the two-day competition.

“All our students were fine ambassadors for the College and received plaudits for their dancing skills and exemplary behaviour” revealed Natalie, who was one of the team’s three renowned choreographers.

Joining Natalie at the Dance X extravaganza were first class choreographers Ashley Fergus and Abigail Vickers with excellent administrative support from the accomplished Molly Rossetto and Mel Camilleri.

“It was a tremendous team effort and I was grateful to have two experienced campaigners in Ashley and Abigail alongside me in helping create some top-notch dance compositions with their unique styles” Natalie said.

St Patrick’s College competed with 15 other schools in each section of the competition.

The triumphant squad featured Holly Bates, Alyssa Battaia, Klancie Coben, Peyton Cook, Ruby Deguara, Lauren Gray, Layla Jamieson, Milly Mayfield, Ruby Meares, Charlotte O’Brien, Ruby Pidgeon, Adysen Ruddick, Gabriella Ruggeri and Kaylah Stephens; Taylah Blaney, Jacee Borg, Chelsey Butler, Alice Camilleri, Sana Campbell, Charli Cross, Jacinta Franettovich, Estella Martin, Sarah Pratt, Sara Reid, Katelyn Sturdy, Lily Taylor, Katelyn Vassallo, Kayli Vormister, Zoe Wardrop and Mackenzie Wotherspoon.

Other team members included Shelby Campbell, Callyn Grady, Rhylee Keating, Ally Kinnane, Zoe McCarthy and Aidyn McSherry.

Due to their commitment to this year’s Mackay Eisteddfod, the St Patrick’s College dancers are unable to take up the invitation to compete at the State Finals to be held at the All Hallows School in Brisbane.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College dancers display their individual awards from the recent Dance X competition on the Gold Coast. They are pictured with renowned choreographers and staff members Ashley Fergus and Team coordinator Natalie Porter, holding the Most Memorable Routine Award trophy.

St Patrick’s College dancers that won the Junior Lyrical category at the Dance X competition on the Gold Coast

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Proserpine Hospital has celebrated World Breastfeeding Week in style, with their own ‘Breastival’ to celebrate all things breastfeeding.

With a team of 19 midwifes, the Proserpine Hospital delivers about 265 babies a year, with 97 per cent of mothers deciding to breastfeed their baby.

“We are pro breastfeeding, that’s what we promote, but we support all women with what they choose to do,” explains Donna Martin, the Midwifery Unit Manager.

Ms Martin and her team take their mothers on the full birth and care journey, making sure all mothers are well-informed of their options, and support all decisions.

“Breastfeeding is going to provide the baby with antibodies for a lot of different infections.

“Breastfed babies also get less gastro type infections, ear infections, there is reduced incidences of childhood diabetes, childhood cancers, childhood obesity. It’s obviously free, it’s there, it’s perfect for baby.

“For mum, there’s reduced incidences of certain types of cancers, less incidences of osteoporosis, and they get back to their pre-pregnant weight quicker.”

Proserpine Hospital is Baby Friendly Health Initiative accredited and have been holding the accreditation for 18 years now.

“We were the first rural hospital on the east coast of Australia to implement skin to skin in theatre, and the first rural hospital to achieve Baby Friendly Health accreditation in Queensland,” Ms Martin said.

Over the last few years, the Proserpine Hospital has introduced antenatal breastfeeding class, which was delivered over Zoom over COVID.

On the staff is Lactation Consultants, who support women on their feeding journey.

“We just supporting mums to feed their babies, however they wish to feed.”

The midwifery unit also encourages women to begin expressing their breasts around week 37 of their pregnancy.

“They usually have some milk in their breasts by that stage, so we get them to express and freeze that milk, so they have extra for when baby is hungry, or if the baby needs additional milk.”

The Breastival was hosted by the Maternity Unit and welcomed 50 attendees, including mums with their bubs.

With a raffle, with prizes donated from the community, and fun games, the event raised $1500, which will go towards items on the unit’s wish list.

With the success of this inaugural Breastival, the Maternity Unit is looking to make it an annual celebration.

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Wearing their specially made scrubs, the Maternity and Midwifery Team at Proserpine Hospital celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Performing Santana And The Doobie Brothers

Sitting Down with Dino Jag:

So, what makes this tribute performance so special?

It just seemed like a really good fit to take the opportunity to present both bands in one show.

These songs were written at a time when music was approached differently, nowadays there is so much pressure on the three-minute song.

The way that these songs were written, it was more about the foreplay and listening to the music was more of an experience.

We’re celebrating the big things with our show, a moment in musical history that is an absolute joy.

You’re an artist in your own right, how does it feel to perform the discography from legends of the 80s?

I've released a lot of tracks and been a part of a lot of recording projects.

I really respect and admire great songs, and for me, it's a joy to be able to do something like this.

It's a completely different dynamic, than touring with my own music, and it's great in many ways; it's a lot easier when you can celebrate someone else's legacy.  

They’ve done all the hard work and they have these amazing songs.

Everybody sings along because they know all the words.

It's a great buzz for us to hit the stage together and deliver this kind of stuff to an eager crowd.

What’s your favourite song from Santana and The Doobie Brothers?

There are different things I love about each artist at different times, it’s a bit like going to a restaurant and having a 10-course meal!

The thing is with Santana, they have those Latino rhythms that kind of melt into pop.

I mean, Santana reinvented himself, when he started doing collaborations with other artists.

He was kind of pretty unique and how he went from becoming the Woodstock kind of era guy, to all of a sudden, 20 years ago, he ended up having the biggest hit.

So, it’s hard to name just one song that I love, that’s why this project is so special.

‘This Game of Love’ Is On, With Santana And The Doobie Brothers Powerful Tribute

Dino Jag and The Mighty Big are appearing on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage for two massive shows next weekend, with two hours of powerful and electric hits from Santana and The Doobie Brothers.

Dedicated and full of ‘Evil Ways’, this is an eclectic performance not to miss.

WHAT: A Tribute to the Music of Santana and The Doobie Brothers

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday August 19 and Sunday August 20, from 2pm to 5.30pm

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Dino Jag brings powerful vocals and enigmatic stage presence to the Airlie Beach Hotel

Jesse Catalano is talented at many things, but he is a master at keyboards

On the bass is Michael Gramazio, known infamously as the Bass Boss of Adelaide, with his shredding notes and massive beats

Known around the world, Jordan Lennon is a dynamo on the drum set, setting the confident beats for the show

Pete Lymbo is electric on guitar, known for his phenomenal skills. Photos supplied

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From exquisite European-themed cuisine with absolute waterfront dining to a lively Mexican Cantina with authentic dishes and stunning sea views or a traditional Italian restaurant with sultry marina views, and a quaint home-made gelato and dessert bar – there is so much to choose from when you dine with the Panuccio family.

Taking the Airlie Beach food scene by storm, this dynamic hospitality family continue to introduce a range of dining experiences that add to the diversity of our local food offering.

Here is your guide to their four dining experiences in Airlie Beach:

Paradiso, 1/287 The Esplanade

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live music from Thursday to Sunday

Renowned for its absolute waterfront dining, Paradiso’s main restaurant is the perfect place for an intimate and romantic dinner, its lovingly created a la carte menu designed to delight and amaze.

For those looking for a handmade authentic pizza and a lively bar setting, simply head to the laid-back Pavilion side of the restaurant that lays adjacent. Here you can sit and sip exotic signature cocktails, watch live sport on TV, listen to live music and perhaps watch the kids enjoy the play park from a safe distance.

Lazy Joe’s Cantina, 6/1 The Esplanade

Open for lunch and dinner Thursday – Tuesday

The newest restaurant to join the group, Lazy Joe’s Cantina boasts an authentic Mexican street food menu with hints of South American influence. Taquitos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Enchiladas and Elotes are freshly made and can be washed down with Frozen Margaritas, spicy cocktails or Mexican beer which are all at your fingertips when you visit Lazy Joe’s.

With a vibrant family-friendly main restaurant and a lively bar-style area adjacent, the two distinct sections work well together to offer a quick and easy option from the bar or a sit and relax dining experience at the restaurant.

Themed with authentic Mexican memorabilia imported specifically for its colourful decor, Lazy Joe’s is a warm, fun, and affordable venue that is quickly becoming popular with locals and tourists alike.

La Marina, Port Of Airlie

Open for dinner Wednesday – Sunday

Built with family, food and love, La Marina is steeped with Italian hospitality and authentic flavours. Full of secret family recipes that are guarded with pride and have been passed down for more than four generations, every menu item is inspired by the Panuccio family’s homeland.

The lovingly made dishes include fresh homemade pasta, gnocchi, pizza, meatballs, lasagne, risotto, seafood, steaks and much more. All served alongside the stunning views of the Port of Airlie Marina surrounded by boats and harbour life.

Gelatiamo Dolce, 4 Airlie Esplanade

Open seven days a week from 10am till late

With authentic Italian pastries and unique homemade gelato flavours – where else would you go for a delicious dessert or sumptuous, sweet treat? Bringing a refined and elegant patisserie style offering to Airlie Beach, every item on the menu at Gelatiamo Dolce is made in-house.

Executive Chef, Deanna Pannucio, loves creating European style pastries, cakes, while Vanessa, another Panuccio family member, makes the delicious gelato flavours. The display window is full of colourful creations that can either be enjoyed at the outside café seating or wrapped with love and taken home to enjoy.

Specialising in celebration cakes, these traditional Italian-style recipes and presentations create the ‘wow factor’ for any event or occasion.

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Joining the likes of Toni Childs and Mark Sholtez, the iconic duo Vika and Linda OAM will be a part of the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency.

Participating in the Songwriter Residential Retreat at the end of August, Vika and Linda will partner with other artists to create new and exciting music, across all genres.

For the past three decades, the pair have made and performed their music across the world, creating three albums with The Black Sorrows, as well as their own eight studio albums, two live albums and an anthology.

They have performed alongside Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, and John Farnham, and have been nominated for six ARIA awards.

In 2022, Vika and Linda were presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia for their service to the performing arts, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“When you set out to be a singer, you sing because you love it, it’s your passion,” Linda said.

“But when you’re recognised by your country for it, for your service to it, that’s a whole other level.”

The duo will perform some of their new music at the Festival’s Concert and Conversation event, held at Paradiso on September 2, with other famous headliners, including Karen Jacobsen, and Francesca de Valence.

This will be a unique opportunity for fans to view an intimate performance from these artists and hear their stories.

They will also act as mentors for aspiring singer-songwriters in the Emerging Songwriter Workshops during the festival.

WHAT: Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency

WHEN: Thursday August 31 and Monday September 4

TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: whitsundayartsfestival.org

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Melbourne sisters, Vika and Linda, will be participating in the 2023 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival at the end of the month. Image by Tania Jovanovic

Sweeping the audience through the entirety of his life, this beautiful and poignant biography of John Farnham’s musical career does not miss a beat, speaking to each rise and fall of this Aussie legend’s career.

Beginning in the early days, audiences see a fresh baby-faced 18-year-old John, in 1967, just as he released ‘Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)’.

With humble beginnings as a plumber’s apprentice, the sudden success of ‘Sadie’ saw John go to stardom quickly, typecast as the Aussie heartthrob of the time.

This turned sour quickly, when he travelled to London looking for a recording contract but was rejected because the labels said they already had their teen idol and didn’t need another one.

Coming back to Australia, he retreated away from the scene, and by the 70s, John was in the wrong crowd, favouring party drugs and reduced to singing in musicals.

In 1973, he married Jill Billman, who he met on the set of musical Charlie Girl.

This is where he met Glenn Wheatley, who was the bassist for Masters’ Apprentice and set on bringing the icon of John Farnham back to life.

Securing John as lead singer of Little River Band, John was pushed back into stardom.

In a massive turn of events, 1986 saw the release of ‘Whispering Jack’, John’s solo studio album, which Glenn put his house as collateral against, much to the chagrin of his wife, Gaynor Wheatley.

Only discovering his famous track ‘You’re The Voice’ close to the end of the recording of the album, John and his musicians recorded the song without permission from the song writers.

Once the track hit radio waves, it was an instant success, and ‘Whispering Jack’ went sky high.

Created using almost entirely old images and footage, as well as interviews with friends and family, this biography is touching and intimate, but void of the legend himself.

John does not contribute any new stories to the film itself, with interviews often referring to him in the past tense.

Despite this, it is a touching tribute to the legend, who is now battling cancer, and to Glenn, who revitalised John’s career but sadly passed away in 2022 due to COVID complications.

John Farnham: Finding the Voice will be released at Bowen Cinema Saturday August 12.

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Aussie Icon John Farnham’s career is beautifully explored using images, footage, and touching interviews

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The 35th Airlie Beach Race Week is full steam ahead, with over 163 registrations this year and 152 yachts expected to jostle for best position in the mass-start event this Friday morning.

“It’s all happening down at the Sailing Club,” said Race Week Manager, Ross Chisholm.

“This week so many boats have been sailing up the coast or travelling by road and the Sailing Club is a hive of activity!

“Spectators can see the start from anywhere on the shoreline and, as soon as the gun goes off, they with be heading north to Double Cone, hopefully under spinnaker.”

Previously Airlie Beach Race Week would see around 120 yachts competing but for the past few years they have been consistently above 150, a record that organisers are proud to achieve.

While the competition and the camaraderie are centred around the 16 different divisions participating in the event, the lively social evenings and jovial nautical culture offer something for everyone in the community.

“The Festival Village on the Sailing Club Lawn will have live music and a host of food stalls every evening aside from lay day,” said Whitsunday Sailing Club Manager, Robin Ross.

“The 20 Degrees South Bar and Restaurant is also open all week.

“We are really looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy Race Week this year and would love all the locals to come on down and take part in all the fun!”

WHAT: Airlie Beach Race Week

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: 10-17 August

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LOCALS FAVOURITES:

• Watch the start at 10am Friday morning

• Live music from 7pm every night (aside from Monday)

• Long Table Lunch Sunday on the balcony from 12pm

• Fireworks on Thursday, August 17 at 8pm

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Another warm welcome to competitors, officials, volunteers and supporters of Airlie Beach Race Week. Now in its 35th consecutive year, the event continues to grow, with last year’s event reaching record entries.  

Following that up with over 150 entries this year indicates the popularity of the event. The added challenge this year was to find sufficient berthing for competitors, given that both local marinas were fully booked.  

A lot of work has gone into sourcing every vacant berth in Airlie Beach, sourcing hard stand facilities for trailable boats, allocating moorings for some visitors.

A special thanks to our team of volunteers and staff who have put hours into this exercise, as well as our own club members who have had to vacate their own berths to accommodate visitors.

Once again, the on-water team will be working hard to ensure six days of fantastic racing around the waters and islands of the Whitsundays.  

A fleet in excess of 140 boats makes for exciting sailing on the water and a great experience on shore. The fleet has been split into 17 divisions (another record) to ensure that similar boats are in direct competition.

As in recent years the regatta will start with the mass start race out to Double Cone Island. This has become a regatta tradition, and with the large fleet will provide a wonderful spectacle for competitors, spectators and media alike.

On shore, the festival village will be in full swing, with a similar layout to last year and more details provided within this feature.

We look forward to seeing you all on the water and at the social events ashore.

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Bowen teenager, Jack Scharf, is competing in his second Airlie Beach Race Week this year and if his winning streak continues, the boat he’s crewing on stands a good chance of winning.

The 16-year-old has been sailing since he was 10 and first discovered the sport when a friend invited him to a ‘Come and Try Day’ at Port Denison Sailing Club.

For Jack, it was love at first sight and he has been passionately pursuing every opportunity to sail ever since.

“I just love being out on the water and experiencing it all,” he said.

Jack started his career sailing Optimists, which are two-metre single-handed fibreglass boats, and he has since progressed to Laser 4.7s and Radials.

In 2018 he competed in three national championships held all over the country and he won first place for the Green Fleet that year.

In 2019 he won the intermediate nationals and in January this year he competed in the Radial Division, coming 4th in Oceania for the Under 17’s in the Silver Fleet.

“One day I would love to compete in the Sydney to Hobart,” said Jack.

“But right now, my sights are set on making the Gold Fleet at Nationals if I can.”

Swapping a solo sport for a team gig, Jack will be part of eight crew sailing on the Sydney 38 in the Performance Cruising Division at this year’s Race Week.

“I love them both equally,” said Jack.

“When I sail solo it is more ‘me’, I am in full control but when I am part of the crew, it is a bit like family, we build friendships, and it’s heaps of fun.”

Once he completes Airlie Beach Race Week, Jack will be setting off to Hamilton Island Race Week and although he’s missing two weeks of school, he says it will be a different kind of education.

When asked about inspiring other youngsters to try sailing, Jack says it’s important that everyone understands how easy it is to get involved.

“Just give it a crack!” he said.

“There are heaps of people out there looking for crew and all the owners are usually happy to take the young kids onboard to experience it.

“And of course – the more you ask the more you know!”

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16-year-old sailing enthusiast Jack Scharf from Bowen

Sailing solo, Jack has competed in national championships

Jack was part of the crew on Italian Job at last year’s Race Week. Photos supplied

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