In April 1923, a meeting was held in the Grand Theatre to form a branch of the Country Women’s Association in Proserpine with the goal of easing the isolation and loneliness of women and children who lived on farms. Only five ladies attended so a letter was written to request that a state representative visit to explain the objects of the association. A successful meeting was held in the Shire Hall in July with fifty-one ladies present to hear the State President, Mrs Fairfax.

And so, the Proserpine Branch was formed. Office bearers were President Mrs Blair (a position she held for thirteen years); Vice Presidents, Mrs Michael (wife of Anglican minister), and Mrs C Faust; and Miss Aimes (school teacher) as Secretary/Treasurer. Meetings were monthly - sometimes in private homes; sometimes in the rest room in the Diggers Hall where women could attend to their baby and rest in between shopping.

In 1923, World War 1 had not long ended. Wives of farmers often worked hard planting cane, milking cows, supervising correspondence schooling for their children. Roads were only dirt tracks and everyone came to town by horse and buggy. Life was difficult. The CWA worked to improve the conditions of women wherever they lived; whatever their interests. They also raised funds to assist others; made regular hospital visits, donated gifts of comfortable chairs, lounges, cushions to the maternity and women’s wards and did mending.

In 1928, branches were formed at Kelsey Creek and Banana Pocket. In 1931, a ‘younger set’ was formed with 18 members and operated for some years assisting the parent body with fundraising, at social functions and hospital mending.

In June 1935, the CWA rest rooms were opened free of debt and a clinic sister travelled from Bowen weekly to conduct a baby clinic which was welcomed by young mothers. The rest rooms were a great place to warm the baby’s bottle (in water boiled on a primus) to exchange ideas and to rest before the journey home.

During World War 2, many of the women made articles for the Comforts Fund. Mrs Blair knitted 28 pairs of socks, 67 pairs of mittens and gloves and 7 pairs of kneecaps for the war effort. At the Proserpine Show, the CWA often conducted the luncheon booth and had a tent for mothers and babies. For decades, they provided lunch for ex-servicemen and women after the Anzac Day march.

Bloomsbury Branch held its first AGM on September 27, 1952 with 26 members present. In 1956, Cannonvale/Airlie Beach was formed with 13 members. At first, meetings were held in the Cannonvale shelter shed then the Lutheran Church. In 1980, they built their own building next to the tennis courts.

In 1963, the Proserpine Rotary Club built and donated to the Proserpine branch a three-bedroom house at Airlie Beach to provide a venue for residents of the Bush Children’s Home, Townsville. However, it was decided that the building was not really suitable and it became a rental cottage for the branch. In July that year, the old Strathdickie School was bought for £60 and moved to Midge Point as a rental beach cottage for the Lethebrook branch.  

Today, there are many service clubs and cultural groups for women in our community but “hats off’ to that wonderful band of pioneer women who made life more comfortable in those early years. They have left behind a fine legacy of community service and friendship which the present members continue to uphold.

Congratulations to the Proserpine CWA on this milestone.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Now in their 60th year, the Proserpine Orchid and Foliage Society have held their 2023 Field Day.

The Field Day is a special event on the Society’s calendar, inviting guests from neighbouring Orchid and Foliage Societies, as well as local members, to their gardens for the day.

The Proserpine members prepared their extravagant gardens for the event, with special guests coming from Bowen, Townsville, Mackay, Sarina, Homehill, and Ayr for the day.

The day culminated in a cake cutting by club president Mervyn Fuller and honouring of club patron Velma McDonald with a Life Membership Pin and Certificate.

The Proserpine Orchid and Foliage Society meet on the fourth Saturday of the month at 1.30pm at the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Hall in Proserpine.

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Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Supplied

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Powerhouses on the Aussie tribute scene, Dellacoma Rio, Tara Graham and Shaleena Bain are calling Airlie Beach home for a weekend of all-star rock tunes and standout performances.

Headlining the very best of classic rock icons, from the legendary 80s and 90s, this is not a weekend to miss.

In this ‘Paradise City’, this trio will bring the best headbanging classics, from AC/DC, Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Whitesnake and so much more, with the fantastic backing of a killer live rock band to bring the rocking tunes.

‘When the Wild Wind Blows’ these legends our way, we can only scream ‘Louder Than Hell’.  

Dellacoma Rio is a seasoned professional in all thing’s entertainment and has been the headline name for the Australia INXS Show, which has taken him across the nation.

‘From Here to Eternity’ Dellacoma is ready to give Airlie Beach a performance to talk about.

With ‘Looks That Kill’ and a persona to match, Dellacoma is sure to take us back to the 80s, reminiscing on the ‘November Rain’ and ‘Lady Strange’.

Shaleena Bain is incredible in her own right, being kept busy as a successful model, presenter, content creator, actress and singer.

Shaleena keeps ‘Bringin On the Heartbreak’, with perfect vocals for the rock soundtrack.

Taking audiences back to ‘Summer Nights’, turning over every ‘Sweet Leaf’, we’ll be leaving it all to Shaleena to bring us home.

Tara Graham continues to grace the Airlie Beach Hotel stage, previously with her No Doubt About Gwen tribute show and once again with this mammoth night of classic rock.

Tara takes audiences ‘Slow An’ Easy’, cruising through the hit tracks with ease.

No one will be left behind, and no one will be ‘Crying In The Rain’ with this one.

Embodying these rock classics, these shows will have you ‘Dance The Night Away’ before you ‘Finish What Ya Started’.

With head banging, thumping tracks that are made to get your blood going, with the Saturday performance just one of many for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

One added bonus is the perfect atmosphere to watch the Street Parade stroll past, with these classical legends in the background.

And as the Airlie Beach Hotel always says: “Once a rocker, always a rocker.”

WHAT: Classic Rock Legends of the 80s and 90s

WHERE: The Pub, The Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, from 2pm to 5.30pm

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Dellacoma Rio is no newcomer to Airlie Beach, and will be sure to bring all the class of the classic legends

Shaleena Bain brings all the charisma and class of national stardom to the stage

Tara Graham is a powerhouse vocalist and has fantastic on-stage presence

Backed by a fantastic and experienced rock band, this tribute to the classic rock legends is perfect for every fan. Photos supplied

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Set on the beautiful backdrop of the Coral Sea, with gentle winds and soft sunlight, the latest rendition of the Coral Sea Resort Long Lunch was well received.

With a six course seafood menu perfectly paired with a range of d’Arenberg Wines, this was an afternoon well spent.

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Set on the backdrop of bankruptcy and scornful exs, No Hard Feelings follows Maddie Barker, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, a struggling 30-year-old with financial troubles who is willing to do anything to help her situation.

On a whim, she takes up a Craiglist offer, from a wealthy couple who is wanting to help their socially awkward 19-year-old son come out of his shell, before he leaves for university.

The son, Percy, played by Andrew Barth Feldman, is unaware of his parent’s involvement with the new lady in his life, and unintentionally makes Maddie work hard for her payment.

Jennifer’s portrayal of the crass bartender and Uber driver is hilarious and is perfectly juxtaposed with Andrew’s clueless and meek performance throughout the film.

The turning of the film comes when Maddie begins to like hanging out with Percy, who causes her to question her future, and why she is considering staying in their small town when she could be exploring the world.

Percy is so smitten with Maddie, he decides to stay at home, not go to university and be able to grow closer to Maddie.

Maddie’s guise is eventually revealed to Percy when he overhears a conversation between Maddie and his parents when the Bluetooth of his parent’s Tesla is activated.

Understandably, Percy is upset by the situation, but still decides to send her a Buick Regal, which allows her to continue working for Uber and pay off her debts.

No stone is left unturned in this raunchy film, saturated with adult humour with a touch of classy intimacy that forces audiences to root for Percy and Maddie’s budding friendship.

The pair ultimately rekindle their friendship, when Maddie drives Percy to university as she treks to California, to start her new life.

With crass humour and a touch of intimate relatability, No Hard Feelings explores a reality of young adulthood, of not being sure of what you’re doing, and questioning your decisions.

No Hard Feelings is currently showing in the Bowen Cinema and will be released at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre August 5.

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Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie and Andrew Barth Feldman as Percy are both loveable and lost, as they navigate young adulthood. Photo supplied

The local branch of the RSPCA is excited to welcome any and all animal lovers to a free special connection Morning Tea at the VMR in Cannonvale.

Attendees will hear from the local RSCPA inspector about their job, the inspiring work they do rescuing and rehoming animals in the Whitsundays region.

There will also be a presentation showcasing the Home Ever After program that provides emergency care for pets, a Q and A session about the local RSPCA branch and so much more.

RSVPs are essential, so be sure to contact the RSCPA.

WHAT: RSPCA Morning Tea

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

WHEN: Monday, July 31, 10.30am to 12pm

RSVP: Call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au

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The Zonta Club of the Whitsundays is excited to announce the scholarship applications for the Laura Morrison Bequest Scholarship is open for 2023.

The scholarship is in memory of late Laura Morrison, a long-standing member of the Zonta Whitsundays club.

The Laura Morrison Bequest Scholarship is open for any year 12 female student from the Whitsundays region, to aid them in their tertiary education.

2023 will be the third year that the scholarship with be offered to a deserving student and is worth $2000.

The ideal recipient will demonstrate academic promise and commitment to their education, engage in extra-curricular activities, and have personal qualities and values consistent with Zonta.

In 2023, Zonta Club of the Whitsundays received four applications of worthy students and decide to award each a scholarship.

Maddison Scott Fitzgerald was awarded the Laura Morrison Bequest Scholarship, and Sienna Sobott, Ella Crossley and Annabel Danvers were awarded a special Zonta Scholarship, worth $1000 each.

Applications of the 2023 Laura Morrison Bequest Scholarship close September 15, with interviews to be held in late September.

Applications can be emailed to the club at zontaclub7@hotmail.com or posted to PO Box 427 Cannonvale QLD 4802.

For any questions, email the club at zontaclub7@hotmail.com

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2022 Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Scholarship Recipients. Photo supplied

UPDATE - EVENT POSTPONED

www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/daly-bay-illuminate-postponed
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Nothing lights up our region like Daly Bay Illuminate.

Queens Park will come alive with giant neon dogs, unworldly flowers, glowing sea creatures and so much more, from next Thursday, July 27, to Sunday, July 30.

Better still, entry to this all-ages, illuminated wonderland is completely free.

The event will run from 6pm to 9pm each night.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s massive drawcard installation was the Lost Dogs’ Disco by ENESS.

“This is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m 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.

“This is an amazing installation that will be a huge hit with families and will act as a centrepiece for this tremendous event.”

Mayor Williamson said Daly Bay Illuminate was the most attended event of the Mackay Festival of Arts calendar.

“If we get good weather, there can be up to 10,000 people a night going through this event.

“It’s an amazing drawcard event that is the perfect night out for families – they can stroll through the installations, take some fantastic photographs and relax on a picnic rug after grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food vendors onsite.”

Festivals and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said another highlight of Daly Bay Illuminate would be Oasis by Indirect Object.

“Oasis is a glowing display of organic-shaped artworks that are crafted from consumer waste,” Ms Porter said.

“Each artwork has been handcrafted in extreme detail, with more than 100 PET bottles creating each flower,” she said.

“Neon Marine Park by Carla O’Brian is also beautiful.

“It features a cluster of colourful sea creatures found in Australian waters and will make for some great photos.”

Ms Porter said a dedicated team of local artists had also spearheaded the construction of an assortment of UV-enhanced artworks.

“Lalune Croker, Tracey Johnson, Cheb Jeffery, Lisa Roebig Holmes and Wanda Bennett have been instrumental in running community workshops in the cricket shed at Queens Park to ensure local residents have the opportunity to create works to be part of the displays,” she said.

“The talented MECC lighting team will then bring these works, and the natural landscapes of Queens Park, to life with expertly installed lighting arrays.”

Daly Bay Illuminate is an alcohol-free event and the Festivals team recommends bringing some mosquito spray and warm clothes for the evening.

Entry to the event will be via the corner of East Gordon Street and Goldsmith Street and on Goldsmith Street.

For more information and updates, follow Mackay Festivals on Facebook.

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Lost Dogs Disco by ENESS is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall that will be a standout at Daly Bay Illuminate. (Photo: Diana Snape photography)

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By Sam Gillespie

She’s mesmerised audiences across the world on the stage and the screen, and now Mackay gets its chance to experience acclaimed singer/songwriter Bloom performing her Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt Songbook. Sam spoke to Bloom about her musical motivation, what we can expect from the show and her important fundraising work.

You’ve clearly got a wide variety of experiences in the music industry, from writing your own music to tribute shows and even The Voice. How do you balance it all?

It’s pretty chockers. I like being busy and as a creative person, the variety of all the different artists that I cover plus the creativity of writing my own stuff, it definitely keeps it interesting, and I never get bored.

What motivates you to keep so busy?

Performance, for sure. I love to connect with people. I love being on the road and travelling. That’s what makes all the admin and the behind-the-scenes stuff worth it … I just love being with a live audience and creating a show together with that audience because every show is different depending on who’s there. The audience is a big part of the show, so I love meeting new people and putting smiles on people’s faces.

Tell me about the show you’re bringing to Mackay, Bloom sings Stevie Nicks, Carole King & Linda Ronstadt.

That one is one of my favourite shows just because it allows the audience to take a trip down memory lane. A lot of the songs are older than I am so it’s nice to see cross-generations, mothers and daughters, everyone experiencing these songs. These songs are soundtracks to people’s lives, so it brings back a lot of memories and I find that to be super powerful. Everybody leaves buzzing because the songs have taken them back to their youth and being that it’s Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt, trailblazers in the music industry, hit after hit after hit, there’s not one song that people don’t know.

Can you tell me more about the fundraising you’re doing with the show?

Linda Ronsdadt can no longer sing due to her Parkinson’s, so with that, I just decided to bring deeper meaning to the tour and help Australians with Parkinson’s, so I’m an Ambassador for Shake It Up Australia and so far, we’ve raised over $30,000 for Australians with Parkinson’s.

How important is it to you to utilise your talents for such a good cause?

It’s one of the most important things I do, because, unfortunately, I’m not a scientist, so I’m not one of the people out there working everyday to try and find a cure, so if I can use my platform to contribute to that in my way, which is by raising the funds so we can keep those people researching, then we’re making a difference.

WHAT: Bloom sings Stevie Nicks, Carole King & Linda Ronstadt Songbook

WHEN: Sunday, July 30, 3:00pm

WHERE: The Metropolitan Hotel

TICKETS: Oztix

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Bloom will perform the songs of Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt at the Metropolitan Hotel on July 30

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As you read this, I’ll be just about to jump on a plane at the Mackay Airport and head down to Sydney with my daughter for one of the best holidays you could ask for.

A few months ago, my 19-year-old daughter asked me if I wanted to come for a trip to the home of the Opera House with her so I could show her around my old hometown. I of course said yes and here we are, Friday about to start a weekend of fun.

One of the big reasons my daughter wanted to travel to Sydney was to see Lizzo in concert on Saturday. I of course, won’t be going along, as she wanted to go by herself (who wants their dad at a Lizzo gig right...?)

Outside of the massive sold-out concert, I am going to make sure she sees so much of the place I called home in the late 70’s over the next few days.

We have quite a few items on the to-do list already and if I can share a few, see how you’d go if you went there. The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, Sydney Football Stadium, the Vans shop in the city, Kings Cross, driverless trains, ferry to Taronga Zoo, heading to Bondi Beach, Manly Beach as well, plus we may even go for a massive walk around Darling Harbour and count how many millions of dollars are just floating in the water.

I reckon that’s a good list of stuff to get up to for a few days before we come back next week.

Of course, catching up with family and cousins that we haven’t seen in years is paramount as well. My Dad, (her grandpa) is so excited to get to show her around too. But you know what, there is one thing I want to show her when we get there and it’s to do with food. You know I love to eat right?

I want to take her down to the navy barracks area on the harbour and go and check out a place a love. Harry’s Café de Wheels. This place is an institution in Sydney, and I must take her to grab a pie floater. It’s a must do on my list each time I head down there, and I hope she see’s how great the place is as well.

I’m sure there will be plenty of great experiences as we travel down to Sydney, but really for me, the best part over all these things is spending time with her. I don’t get to do it very often as she’s grown up, so I’ll be savouring up every second of it, like there’s no tomorrow.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Local students of Mackay will experience the opportunity of a lifetime when they perform alongside Australia’s finest professional opera vocalists at the MECC this month.

Opera Australia is Australia’s largest performing arts company, presenting over 700 performances to more than half a million people every year.

The company will return to Mackay with its 27th annual national tour, showcasing crowd favourite The Barber of Seville with a choir of local students as part of the company’s Regional Children's Chorus program.

The program involves recruiting a local chorus of students in each participating town to perform as part of the touring production, enabling them to take the first steps on their own special journeys with opera.

Led by Choir Leader Nicole Thomson, the students have been hard at work rehearsing, learning music, harmonies, and Italian lyrics – quite the feat for some of the students with limited experience in a language other than English.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for regional singers, they’re learning so much and are all looking forward to performing on stage with Opera Australia” Ms Thomson said.

For many of the students, this will be their first taste of live performance in front of an audience.

“We can’t wait to showcase our hard work on stage at the MECC, it will be an exciting night for all involved” she continued.

Taking opera out of the major cities and into regional areas remains an imperative part of Opera Australia’s annual program, says CEO Fiona Allan.

“We’re aiming to increase access to live performance to regional areas and inspire new generations to take the stage through the ongoing Regional Children’s Chorus program.” Allan said.

Opera Australia will delight Mackay audiences with the original Italian version of The Barber of Seville, with English subtitles. This contemporary Australian spin brings fresh energy and vibrancy to one of the world’s most loved operas.

Those who were unable to join the community choir are invited to attend a community workshop session with Opera Australia on Tuesday 1 August in the Lynette Denny Space. For more workshop information, please email mecc@mackay.qld.gov.au

What: Opera Australia: The Barber of Seville

When: Monday 31 July 2023, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Back row L-R - Amelia Webber, Amelia Beckmann, Alexis Bickford, Sophia Stevens, Alita Huyton, Ruby Galletly-Hope Middle row LR - Kelsey McNichol, Katelyn Basham, Charlotte Basham, Poppy Thomson, Kane Robertson Front row L-R - Claire Phillips, Juliet Beckmann, Olivia Vella, Tamzyn Chambers, Addison Pianeda, Hannah Grech, Henry Miller Absent - Madeline Curran, Lisa Ford, Ella Freer, Lucy Niendorf, Imogen Trewavis

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Film and Arts Mackay (FAM) is renowned for delivering alternative cinema to the region and their flagship event, the Mackay International Film Festival, is returning across two weekends in 2023.

Showcasing a diverse range of thought-provoking stories from around the world, the festival will screen six films, beginning with Three Thousand Years of Longing on Saturday, July 29 at Pinnacle Playhouse.

Described by The Guardian as “a heartfelt Aladdinesque adventure for grownups”, visionary director George Miller of Mad Max fame brings a vibrant fantasy and romantic drama celebrating the power of storytelling.

Tilda Swinton plays Dr Alithea Binnie, an academic who is content with life and a creature of reason.

While attending a conference in Istanbul, she happens to encounter a Djinn, played by Idris Elba, who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom.

The Djinn tells Alithea of fantastical stories from his past until eventually, filled with doubt and caution, she is beguiled and makes a wish that surprises them both.

The annual Pinnacle Playhouse screening offers a unique opportunity to catch this “mythical extravaganza” in one of the Pioneer Valley’s most iconic venues.

Mackay locals also have the option of a coach transfer, meal and film package, which includes a ticket to the film, a return coach transfer from Mackay CBD and dinner at the Pinnacle Pub, all for $60 for FAM members and $65 for non-members.

The package has been known to sell out, so make sure to visit filmartsmackay.weebly.com/2023-miff.html to secure your spot for an exceptional night of good food, world-class culture and great company.

The festival will continue at BCC Cinemas Mount Pleasant the following weekend, kicking off on Friday, August 4 with the Opening Night Event and a screening of French comedy The Innocent – canapes and drinks after the film are included in the $30 ticket.

Saturday’s screenings include The Blue Caftan and Limbo, featuring a very special in-person discussion led by former ABC presenter and conversational expert Kim Kleidon with acclaimed writer and Limbo director Ivan Sen.

Academy award-winning The Whale will compel audiences on Sunday, followed by a screening of 2022 Spanish-Italian drama Alcarràs.

For tickets and more information, visit filmartsmackay.weebly.com/2023-miff.html.

Mackay International Film Festival Program

Pinnacle Playhouse, Pioneer Valley

Saturday, July 29

7pm – Three Thousand Years of Longing

BCC Cinemas Mount Pleasant

Friday, August 4

7pm – The Innocent

Saturday, August 5

4pm – The Blue Caftan

6.30pm – Limbo, Followed by Director Q&A

Sunday, August 6

4pm – The Whale

6.30pm – Alcarràs

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Mackay International Film Festival commences with a screening of Three Thousand Years of Longing at Pinnacle Playhouse

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Friday 21 July

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Mushroom Valley Presents...Techno Dinner Party

Friday, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Mushroom Valley presents Soundfood, a unique fusion of Mark's two biggest passions - music and food. During a Soundfood session this Melbourne based Kiwi simultaneously DJs and cooks, resulting in a sensory explosion; bringing the heat with sweet treats and phat beats. Get your fancy shoes out, dust off your cocktail dress and come enjoy an amazing night. Throughout the evening you will be served a variety of fresh tapas with a side of the best beats!

The Residence at Dispensary

Leyon Milner Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday, 6:30pm

Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Dance the night away at the Seabreeze.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 22 July

July Photo Walkabout Workshop - Birds in the Botanic Gardens

Saturday, 8:00am to 10:00am

Get your binoculars and cameras out this month as we look at the birdlife on the lagoons and surrounds of the Botanic Gardens. Meet the group at the Botanic Gardens Viewing Deck (next to the cafe). Bring along the longest camera lens you have. This workshop is suitable for smart devices to DSLR cameras. These workshops are hosted by the Garden Friends Association and supported by Mackay Camera Group and Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. To book your spot, phone the gardens on 4952 7300.

Mackay Showgrounds

Mack PopCon 2023

Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Special guests, cosplay, games, vendors, food and drink, music and much more! Ages 10+ - $5. Under 9 – Free. An event you don’t want to miss!

Mackay Showgrounds

Kucom Theatre ‘Things I Know To Be True’ Auditions

Saturday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Victor Scott will be holding auditions for his production of "Things I Know To Be True", by Andrew Bovell, coming to Kucom in October. Visit the EventBrite website to register and download an audition pack. Registrations are essential and places are limited, so don't miss out.

Kucom Theatre

A BeeYOUtiful Showcase

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

A crowning showcase of entrants new found confidence, positive mindset and body image while fundraising for BreastScreen Mackay throughout the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

Seabreeze Hotel

Lucid Wings Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday, 6:30pm

Dance the night away with Lucid Wings performing from 6.30pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday 23 July

Beach to Gardens Charity Fun Run 2023

Sunday, 6:00am

The 2023 Beach to Gardens Charity Fun Run offers runners a selection of beautiful scenic routes from 5km, 8km, 16km and 21.1km along the Bluewater Trail to raise vital, lifesaving funds for your region’s rescue helicopter service, RACQ CQ Rescue. All four races will start and finish at Iluka Park.

John Breen Park

Mackay Disc Sports Come & Try League Day

Sunday, 8:00am to 12:00pm

Learn how to play Disc Golf. One or two rounds of nine baskets on the pop-up course. Prizes for different divisions thanks to sponsors Mt Pleasant Tavern and Kingfisher Disc Golf. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the Playground at John Breen Park (Gooseponds). $5 per person. Disc Hire: $10 refundable deposit on return of discs. Anyone under 18 will need a guardian to accompany them. Closed in shoes required.

John Breen Park

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 26 July

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 27 July

ART and MEMORY

Thursday, 10:00am

Book a seat for an enjoyable social experience discussing memories and our responses to artworks at Artspace Mackay. This free program, designed and delivered by gallery staff, is for people living with dementia and their carers. Participants in Art and Memory will meet in the Artspace foyer. We’ll have a cuppa at the café, then go into the gallery to take a closer look at two selected artworks. This is not an art theory lesson, you don’t need prior art knowledge or a passion for art. The aim of this program is to take our time and look at the artworks—notice features and themes, and allow them to trigger our memories, thoughts and generate relaxing and enjoyable discussion. Phone Billie-Jo on 4961 9737 to reserve a seat for you and your loved one living with dementia. Seats are strictly limited so call now!

Artspace Mackay

Chair Yoga in North Mackay

Every Thursday, 2:00pm

Using a chair for support (either sitting or standing) Chair Yoga is a practice of gentle movement, combined with mindful breathing & meditation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to focus on a gentle, nurturing practice. Chair Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, concentration & strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Bookings are essential. Call or text your full name to 0434 940 300 or message the Wellness With Deb Facebook page.

Palmview Village Community Centre, via Oasis Drive / Bradford St.

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

Daly Bay Illuminate

Thursday to Sunday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Shining the light on Mackay, this July! Mackay’s favourite winter wonderland of lights returns bigger, brighter and bolder in 2023! For four nights, Mackay’s iconic Queens Park will come to life with a spectacle of art, light and imagination. As darkness falls, Daly Bay Illuminate transcends Queens Park adding a spotlight to historic landmarks and the natural flora of the park. Through the involvement of local and national artists, Daly Bay Illuminate is designed to captivate and rekindle your sense of optimal wonder.

Queens Park

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Birds in the Botanic Gardens. Photo credit: Belinda Eckford

Mack PopCon

Beach to Gardens Charity Fun Run

Mackay Disc Sports Come & Try League Day

ART and MEMORY

Daly Bay Illuminate

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Nothing beats the feeling of inviting friends and family to a home that you’re proud of, and that is exactly what you will experience living on the elevated enclave of Airlie Summit. With stunning panoramic views of the crystal clear cerulean blue seas to the front, each plot of land is also sheltered by the lush natural wonderland of the Conway National Park behind. There is there literally nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Consisting of only 89 residential blocks ranging from 606 to over 1,938 square metres, this 24-hectare parcel of land is the highest zoned site in Airlie Beach and the last remaining master planned estate. Each gently sloping site is builder friendly and ready for your architectural vision to be manifested.  

With a diverse range of plot size and aspect to choose from, there are broad and varied options to suit the most discerning taste. Regularly commanding $1 million, but ranging to a modest $450,000, these unique parcels of land are proving popular with those seeking the ultimate elevated lifestyle.

Their builder-friendly gradient is an architect’s dream, offering unending potential to the most bespoke designs that will truly make your heart sing. The gently sloping sites provide an opportunity for higher ceilings and a feeling of more space, air, and light.

While Airlie Summit boasts elevated and tranquil surrounds, it is also a short distance to Airlie Beach town centre and ideally placed as gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.

Exclusive Selling Agent for Airlie Summit, Steve Marks Principal of Explore Property Whitsundays, said these bespoke land plots are selling fast and offer a unique opportunity.

“This will be the last ever residential development in Airlie Beach and the last approved

major subdivision,” he explains.

"Bordering the Conway National Park to the south, this will be the last ever major land elevated subdivision in Airlie Beach, opportunities to buy a block and build your dream home will soon no longer be an option.”

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Don’t forget to check out the Australian Foreigner Show on Sunday, July 30, showcasing the likes of Ben Jovi of the Bon Jon Forever Show, depicting the absolute legend, Lou Gramm, of the classic Foreigner.

This ‘Hot Blooded’ show is perfect for the ‘Juke Box Hero’ and has all the makings of a perfect winter in Airlie Beach Sunday afternoon.

WHAT: The Australian Foreigner Show

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Sunday, July 30, 2pm to 5.30pm

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We’re a ‘Fool For You Anyway’ Ben returning to the Airlie Beach Hotel for the Australian Foreigner Show  

Iconic old-school rockers leading audiences into a chill Sunday evening. Photos supplied