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The emotional, human side of selling real estate is what makes it interesting, brings value to what we do. It is an important time for people and, as agents, we get to know and help buyers and sellers at a significant point in their lives.

And you get to know all sorts of people; the good, the bad, the powerful, the wounded, the clever, the fastidious, the generous, the not-so generous, the hard-working, the rich, the battlers … and that was just the buyers and sellers of the first house I ever sold. Not really, but you get what I mean.

A few years ago I sold a unit to a lady called Susan Nitz. Susan worked at Coles in Sydney Street and had saved hard to be able to buy her first home, a nice little two-bedroom unit.

Susan was single, in her 50s and lived a simple life; she enjoyed music, loved her cat, had a close and loving bond with her mother and had warm friendships with the customers and colleagues she knew at Coles.

She was a gentle, kind soul who saw the best in everyone and loved to help them. I really enjoyed selling her the property because it was so important to her and she was such a nice person. She had lots of questions and concerns and I was pleased to ease her through it all and hand over the keys to a delighted buyer.

A couple of years later Susan became ill and, sadly, died earlier this year. She was brave and stoic and didn’t tell people what she was going through. Even her mother, Ethel, didn’t know about her illness until its late stages.

Her passing hit Ethel hard. The two of them shared a bond, partly through their love of country music, and had lived together for years. A mother shouldn’t have to bury her daughter. It rips your heart out.

It was left to Ethel to look after Susan’s affairs and a couple of months after she passed away Ethel rang me and asked me to sell the unit I had sold to Susan.

So, I got to know Ethel over the past few months, dropping around to get her to sign listing documents, disclosure statements, contracts and the like. Talking about her life, Susan, the terrible loss and the beautiful memories.

There was a lot of interest in the unit and I sold it to a young woman in her early 20s called Katie. Katie is a warm, energetic, hard-working, optimistic soul from a supportive local family who knew Susan and remember her fondly from shopping at Coles.

Somehow it seems so much better that Katie bought Susan’s unit rather than some investor from down south who needed a positively geared rental to balance out their portfolio of shares and property.

You might think that selling real estate is only about bricks and mortar and money. You would be wrong.

We’ve officially gotten to the time of the year where it’s socially acceptable to get excited for Christmas. With that, Star and Mackay Women’s Services officially launched the 2023 Hamper Drive!

The Hamper Drive will officially run until Friday December 8th, and we are asking businesses, schools and individuals to donate hampers to the Mackay Women's Centre. These can be gathered in a box or washing basket and can include non-perishable food and Christmas gifts or other similar style items.

If you’re in need of some hamper filler ideas I’ve done the hard work for you:                                                

•     Milk

•      Pasta and pasta sauce

•     2 Min Noodles

•     Biscuits

•     Christmas Bon Bons

•     Custard

•     Jelly

•     Pudding or Cake

•     Tin Fruit

•     Tuna

•     Taco Kit

•     Lollies

•     Crisps

•     Tea and Sugar

•     Tinned Veggies

Also, any toy donations will go to children of all ages. Toys or gifts for a variety of ages would be suitable, as would gifts for the mother of these families. Vouchers for movies, Timezone or even the grocery store would be greatly appreciated.

Any hamper donations you collect you can drop directly to the Mackay Women's Services at 418A Shakespeare St, West Mackay. Or get in touch with us at Star to see what we may be able to arrange.

Kaley

Award-winning films will illuminate Mackay’s big screen from 17th to 19th November. Prepare for an extraordinary cinematic experience BCC Mount Pleasant, with a selection of highly-acclaimed new films from across the world.

The Travelling Film Festival (TFF) is the touring arm of the Sydney Film Festival and began in 1974, bringing assorted genres to regional and rural locations that would not ordinarily get to see them.

This year’s Opening Night film is Sundance Audience Award-winner ‘Shayda’, a stirring and inspiring drama about an Iranian migrant battling the legal system to protect her 6-year-old daughter in Australia.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is a must-see inclusion, winning the Sydney Film Festival Audience Award in 2023 as well as the 2023 Cannes Palme d’Or. This tense psychological drama sees an author accused of murdering her husband.

Winning over 30 international awards is semi-autobiographical drama ‘Riceboy Sleeps’, a warm, endearing, shot-on-16mm treasure about a Korean mother and son’s migrant experience in Canada.

Just awarded Best Film of 2023 by the International Film Critics Federation, is ‘Fallen Leaves’. The story features a lonely supermarket worker and an even lonelier metalworker creating a delightfully deadpan courtship.

‘Perfect Days’ has been earning smiles and swelling hearts, with classic rock tunes from the likes of Van Morrison and Prince permeating this poetic reflection on the beauty to be found in the everyday, from renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire).

Berlinale-nominated ‘Blackberry’ puts the invention of the first smartphone and the rise of “tech bros” under a savagely funny microscope, resulting in a boisterous and dramatic tale for our time.

Three Australian short films accompany the program, including dark comedy ‘Chum’, a story about a blind woman who bonds with a stranger; but all is not as it seems.

‘Katele’ is spoken in English and Kala Kawa Ya and is set across a Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Island backdrop.

Animated story ‘Teacups’, based on the true story of Don Ritchie, who’s calm and comforting intervention saved many lives near his cliff-top home and is narrated by Hugo Weaving.

Manager of Travelling Film Festival Annie Parnell stated, “We are delighted to be returning to the region, which has hosted the Travelling Film Festival for some years, to showcase this special program of award-winning features and short films.

“There are stories from around the world, with gripping drama and laugh-out-loud comedy that we are sure will please the Mackay cinema-goers, both returning and new!”

Tickets to the Travelling Film Festival Mackay are now on sale at sff.org.au/tff/program/mackay

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'Anatomy of a Fall' movie poster

'Fallen Leaves' movie poster

The first Mackay Hospital Foundation Cinema Under the Stars is coming to Sarina this weekend and is bringing the Christmas spirit!

With gates opening from 4pm, families will be greeted with all sorts of children’s activities, from jumping castles, face painting, market stalls, as well as tonnes of food vendors, and of course, Santa Claus.

And the headlining movie is the family favourite Elf, starring Will Farrell.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “The Cinema Under the Stars movie nights have been regular events in Mackay for quite some time but this will be our first Cinema Under the Stars in Sarina. Entry is very cost-effective at $5 per person or $20 per family. All proceeds raised at the event will be directed back to Sarina Hospital so the Sarina Community can rest assured that they will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this event when visiting Sarina Hospital.”

There will also be the chance to win a VIP experience for the night, which includes a personal covered area, an inflatable lounge and food vouchers to ensure no one is left hungry.

Ms Algate added, “We are so pleased to be able to bring this event to Sarina. We hope to see many people throughout the local community taking advantage of this event with a difference and share in some early Christmas Spirit with us.”

WHAT: Cinema Under The Stars, Sarina

WHERE: Sarina Showgrounds

WHEN: Saturday November 18, from 4pm

Travel lovers from across the region are invited to come along to a special trivia night held at Harrup Park next Thursday, 23 November. Not only will attendees enjoy a fun and lively trivia evening, they will also get to meet 20 travel partners who will be on-hand to answer questions about a range of travel destinations. There will also be a selection of Black Friday deals up for grabs.

For one night only, 20 travel experts representing exciting travel brands, will be visiting Mackay and ready to talk to attendees at the Trivia By Travel Associates event next Thursday.

This is your opportunity to speak with the experts, take advantage of some Black Friday deals and brush up on your travel knowledge.

The trivia night kicks off at 6pm and is hosted by 4MK Radio star, Rob Kidd, with the evening sure to be lively and entertaining for all.

Each table will consist of eight people so get your friends together and book your place.

Tickets are just $25 and include a share platter on your table.

The Trivia Champion, decided by a quick-fire round, will secure a remarkable prize—a 12-Day Norwegian Coastal Voyage for two guests.

This features a journey cruising through the world-renowned fjords, providing a front-row seat to the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights or the phenomenon of the midnight sun.

If you can’t make it to the trivia evening and want to make the most of the Black Friday offers – contact the team at Travel Associates to make an appointment 07 4940 0500.

Visit Travel Associates Mackay on Facebook for more information or to secure tickets.

WHAT: Trivia By Travel Associates

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Thursday, 23 October  

TIME: 5pm – 8pm

Junior Sportsman of the year 2023 – Hugo Williams

Junior Sportswoman of the year 2023 – Lily Moore

Terry Wake Memorial Award – Kane Dyne

Paul Le Bherz Memorial – Wesley Homewood

Keith Shiels Memorial Award – Hannah Moore

Senior Sportswoman of the Year 2023 – Hannah Moore

Senior Sportsman of the Year 2023 – Gausa Dau

MVP Junior Rugby League – Elli Dau

MVP Junior Rugby League – Taleisa Savelio

MVP Senior Rugby League – Isabella Gillroy

MVP Senior Rugby League – Winlee Petersen

MVP Junior Netball – Harris Wright

MVP Senior Netball – Hannah Moore & Tilly Mitchell

MVP Senior Netball – Tate McGrath & Kane Dyne

MVP Cricket – Wesley Homewood

MVP Rugby 7s – Elli Dau

MVP Rugby 7s – Trinity Blake

North Queensland Representatives

Wesley Homewood

Willow Gaffney

Marcus Yasso

Diesel Bonds

Byron Piggott

Gausa Dau

LJay Barton

Brakley Pham

James Madlangsakay

Mathew Lust

Hugo Williams

Jacob Logan

Jamie Jacobson

Lily Moore

Remy Hedges

Hannah Moore

The annal Whitsunday Cricket Sevens is back for 2023, and the Proserpine Cricket Association is more than excited.

This is one massive weekend of great cricket, perfect for every novice or avid fan of the sport.

Each team will have seven players a side, with players of all ages and abilities.

Each game with be short, to allow plenty of social time.

All weekend, there will be tones of music, fun, games, daily prizes and raffles, and even food and drink vans.

There will be three grades of teams, to ensure that everyone is able to get the most out of the day.

Be quick, as nominations for this social event close 5pm, November 30. To sign up, email Craig Brown on brownhouse003@gmail.com for a nomination form. Complete form and send it back to Craig by November 30.

Each team incurs a nomination fee of $100 per team, regardless of the number of players, to be paid prior to game day.

For any enquiries, feel free to ring Craig on 0427 764 828.

WHAT: Whitsunday Cricket Sevens

WHERE: Proserpine Cricket Grounds, Kelsey Creek Road, Proserpine

WHEN: Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10, from 8.30am

SIGN UP BY: November 30, 5pm

T8T Fest

Rockers of Bowen, get ready for one of the best rock festivals around. And this one has an extra special cause.

T8T Fest is a rock festival to remember Nicholas Tait, who passed away in 2016, following a diagnosis of an aggressive Melanoma. Nicholas fought the hard fight for 16 weeks before he passed away.

Nicholas was an avid musician who loved performing and rocking out, and so his family and friends got together to create T8T Fest.

The rock music festival is also a fundraiser for Melanoma research and the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.

2017 was the first T8T Fest and now seven years on, the 2023 festival is gearing up to be hell of a show.

Here are the headliners:

Headrush, belting out the classic 70s, 80s, 90s and a few noughties heavy rock tracks.

Cameron Bartlett, specialising in old school blues, rock and 60s and modern country and pop.

The Fox, a high energy pop and punk cover band, with nostalgic flare.

Damon Leary, a youth solo acoustic artist who will be covering American country and classic pup rock.

And lastly, Gleezus, the up-and-coming youth rockers out of Bowen High, who are making waves in the rock scene.

How will you rock out this weekend?

WHAT: T8T Fest

WHERE: Bowen Sporting Complex

WHEN: Saturday November 18, from

TICKETS: Entry via donation at the door

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T8T Fest organisers, at the inaugural festival in 2017. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach is welcoming music icons Dire Straits and Pink Floyd, under the guise of dutiful recreation and tribute by artists Money For Nothin and Crazy Diamonds, led by front man Terry McMahon.

Money for Nothin

Terry has been dedicated to perfecting his craft, becoming the epitome of Mark Knopfler, replicating his mystifying guitar riffs and techniques and vocal prowess with uncanny ability.

“The Money for Nothin show started over six years ago, because we wanted to make a show that we’re passionate about,” explained Terry.

“The show is all things Dire Straits!”

Terry had been playing guitar and performing in tribute shows for over 30 years, before he decided he wanted to branch out with a new show that he was passionate about.

“We all love Dire Straits, and all the boys in the band are seasoned professionals when it comes to recreating the songs,” Terry said.

You will be transported to the 70s and 80s, back into the clutches of a Dire Straits show, and be blown away by the unwavering perfection that is Money for Nothin as the Dire Straits.

“And lucky for me, Dire Straits are known for their music, not for a distinct look! They liked to play in whatever was comfortable that day, so no costumes or anything like that. However, Mark liked to wear his headbands, which always get a laugh out of the crowd when I ‘get into uniform’,” Terry laughed.

Not missing any of the ultimate classics, Money for Nothin will perform ‘Sultans of Swing’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Walk of Life’, ‘Lady Writer’, ‘Your Latest Trick’, ‘Tunnel of Love’, and their namesake ‘Money for Nothing’.

Crazy Diamonds

Cut your teeth with this one and be ‘Comfortably Numb’.

Led by the ineffable Terry McMahon, Crazy Diamonds is a seamless recreation of the tracks of Pink Floyd, of the timeless, unbeatable and psychedelic classics that propelled the boys in pink to their initial and now long-lasting stardom.

With a track for everyone, this performance will keep the crowd dancing, and the enjoyment high.

“We pick the songs that everyone knows, even if they’re not fans, they’ll recognise the tracks. We just wanted everyone in the crowd to be happy and loving the show,” Terry said.

“Both shows are a tonne of fun, and we love having fun with the crowd, surprising them with the very best songs and letting the music do all the talking.”

WHAT: Money For Nothin: Dire Straits Experience

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, November 25, from 2pm to 5.30pm

TICKETS: Absolutely Free!

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WHAT: Crazy Diamonds: Pink Floyd Tribute

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Sunday, November 26, from 2pm to 5.30pm

TICKETS: Absolutely Free!

Get into the festive spirit with the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church and their annual Carols service.

A well-loved community event, the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church annual Carols service brings the community together and ignites the Christmas celebrations in the region.

“It is always a popular event,” Jane Bettridge, Fundraising Chair of the Uniting Church said.

“Our church musos will play, and we have a few members with lovely voices, but we welcome the community to get involved and sing as well. The whole idea is that everyone gets involved.”

The combined event of the Christmas markets and the carols is a new update for 2023.

“Last year, we had the markets during the day, and the carols at night, and for this year, we thought to combine them into one big event,” Jane said.

The night begins at 5pm, with the market stalls, with the Minister beginning the Christmas Story at 6pm, and the carols afterwards, with fantastic live music and traditional carols.

“The Christmas story is always lovely. Putting the Christ back into Christmas, and we will be sharing the child-friendly version of the Christmas story,” Jane explained.

So, bring your picnic rug or a camp chair, set yourself up in the midst of all the action.

Jane recommends that all attendees bring plenty of cash, as there is limited EFTPOS available.

WHAT: Christmas Stalls and Carols

WHERE: Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grounds, Corner Herbert and Main Street, Proserpine

WHEN: Friday, December 1, from 5pm, with Carols beginning at 6pm

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The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church annual Christmas Carols and Markets. Photo supplied

Passport to Airlie for 2023 is done and dusted with a spectacular battle of the bands grand final last Thursday evening.

With eight bands from across the country culminating to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music main stage for one night, tensions were high and the music was electric.

Against the seven other regional winners, the Newcastle regional winners, Avalanche, won out top accolades on the night, with their head banging, heart thumping beats.

A four-piece band, comprised of Arthur Divas on rhythm guitar, Ryan Roma on drums, Steve Campbell as lead vocalist and bass, and Veronica Campbell on lead guitar, Avalanche bring the heavy rock.

Since their early days in the confines of an old steel factory in 2018, Avalanche have grown to create their own movement, supporting the likes of Buckcherry, Fozzy, The Iron Maidens, Dead City Ruins, and have been invited to tour with Rose Tattoo in 2024.

The Passport to Airlie Grand Final marked the beginning of an action-packed three day Airlie Beach Festival of Music, with Festival Founder, Gavin ‘Butto’ Butlin saying it was one of the best yet.

“We are thrilled with the success of the 2023 Airlie Beach Festival of Music,” he said.

“We had over 7,000 people over the weekend, amazing performances from our artists, and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event. The support from our sponsors, partners, and the Airlie Beach community is greatly appreciated, and we are looking forward to next year’s festival already,”

2023 Passport to Airlie Winners, Avalanche from Newcastle. Photo supplied

It’s that time of year again, with Schoolies celebrations prepped and ready for November 18.

Spanning one week of mammoth parties, excitement and fun, the Year 12 graduates across the state are saying goodbye to high school and cheering on the rest of their lives.  

Local year 12 graduates can get in on the fun here in the Whitsundays with Local Tickets available for all.

Event organiser, Margie Murphy, Director of Airlie Events said, “Last year we had such a great bunch of kids come and enjoy the event who were really well behaved”.

“These are Airlie’s future tourists so making them feel welcome and safe benefits everyone in the long run as they are sure to keep returning.”

Supported by Safer Schoolies Program, Whitsunday Regional Council, Queensland Police and Ambulance Services, with the Red Frogs and Whitsunday Youth with a Mission on the ground, the event is expected to see 1500 school leavers flow into Airlie Beach.

This years’ themes:

Saturday November 18 – Uniforms

Sunday November 19 – Pink

Monday November 20 – Thrift Finds

Tuesday November 21 – White Party

Wednesday November 22 – Festival Fits

Thursday November 23 – Rodeo

Friday November 24 – Tropical Vibes

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WHAT: Airlie Beach Schoolies

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Fairy Tree Park

WHEN: Saturday November 18 to Friday November 24

TICKETS: Locals Only Tickets, $150 each, for 7-nights available through airlieevents.com.au

Gargett branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association will mark its 75th anniversary on 20th November, with a special luncheon reminiscent of times gone by.

This month, the children and grandchildren of those women will be at the centre of the branch’s anniversary celebrations, joining past and present QCWA members and people with links to the branch at a birthday luncheon at Gargett Hall.

A morning tea, as well as a display of photos through the ages will be a part of the itinerary, to assist in celebrating the milestone for the QCWA community.

The branch had its first beginnings on November 17, 1948, at a meeting held in Gargett’s Coronation Hall. One of the earliest photos, taken in the early 1950s, shows a group of women on the hall stage, which doubled as the town’s picture theatre.

The was the early meeting place for members before Gargett CWA opened its own hall in 1957.

Construction of the hall in 1957 remains one of the branch’s major achievements. Members held miniature deb balls, fashion parades, dances, fancy dress balls, concerts and more in the 1960s.

For 10 years during the 1960s and early 1970s, an annual Tourist Festival Ball was held at Gargett Hall, a highlight was the crowning of the Tourist Festival Queen.

Today, service to the community is a major focus, with members meeting monthly to work on numerous fundraising projects to keep the hall open and maintained, as well as boosting the CWA’s State Crisis Fund and financing local community support initiatives.

The 75th Anniversary Lunch starts at 10:30am. The cost is $20 to attend and RSVP is essential by 10th November to Secretary Loris on 0400 559 557 or lorisvwall@gmail.com.au.

This will be a joyous occasion for local women to celebrate the achievements of their beloved organisation and share in the spirit of community, as they do best.

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Original members of the Gargett branch QCWA in early 1950s (L-R) Edie Omand, Ethel Bradshaw, Madge Bradshaw, Violet Kohler (later Martin), Thelma Cameron, Doris Voss (later Luscombe), Nell Webster, Elizabeth Henderson, May Millard, Ina Childs, Jess Launder and Elsie Nash

Celebrations for the opening of the new Mirani Bridge in 1959. CWA had a float in the procession

Tourist Festival Queen 1971. (L-R) Lola Dwyer, President Silvia Bourke, Winner Marie Louise Howie Secretary Glady Dillon, Treasurer Shirley Venton and Vice President Irma Forzatti

Photos supplied

A brilliant line-up of highly awarded new films from around the globe will light up the big screen in Mackay at BCC Mount Pleasant, from 17th to 19th November, bringing exciting world-class cinema to sunny Queensland.

The Travelling Film Festival brings international and Australian film programs to venues and locations that would not ordinarily get to see the range of films on offer in a cinema setting.

Featuring six award-winning and nominated feature-length films and three award-winning Australian short films, the festival program promises absorbing stories from masterful filmmakers.

Filmgoers can enjoy an Opening Night welcome drink before the film starts, hosted by Film & Arts Mackay from 6:15pm on 17th November.

This year’s Opening Night film is Sundance Audience Award-winner ‘Shayda’, a stirring and inspiring drama about an Iranian migrant battling the legal system to protect her 6-year-old daughter in Australia.

The Travelling Film Festival will also feature showings of award-winning films such as ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, a tense psychological drama featuring an author accused of murdering her husband.

‘Riceboy Sleeps’, a warm and endearing shot-on-16mm treasure about a Korean mother and son’s migrant experience in Canada.

‘Fallen Leaves’ is an off-beat and quirky romance of a lonely supermarket worker and an even lonelier metalworker.

‘Perfect Days’ Tokyo-set, including classic rock tunes from the likes of Van Morrison and Prince.

‘Blackberry’ puts the invention of the first smartphone and the rise of “tech bros” under a savagely funny microscope.

‘Chum’ is an Australian short dark comedy of a blind woman who bonds with a stranger; but all is not as it seems.

‘Katele’ is set across a Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Island backdrop, spoken in English and Kala Kawa Ya.

‘Teacups’ is a poignant animation based on the true story of Don Ritchie, who’s calm and comforting intervention saved many lives near his cliff-top home.

MACKAY LIFE READERS CAN ENJOY A DISCOUNT ON TICKETS BY USING CODE TFFFRIEND

Tickets to The Travelling Film Festival Mackay are now on sale. For more information and bookings, please visit www.sff.org.au/tff/program/mackay

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The Travelling Film Festival Returns with an Award-Winning Lineup fromAround the Globe