The inaugural Whitsundays Weddings Industry Networking and Fashion Show was a massive success last Sunday afternoon and evening, with over 40 excited almost-wedded couples attending the event.

There were a variety of industry professionals available to chat with guests, including wedding celebrants, venue managers, accommodation providers and stylists, providing a great introduction to some of the best wedding industry suppliers in our region.

The highlight of the event was the exclusive fashion show presented by DK Bridal, Whitsunday local bridal gown designer Dina Kriswanti.

The latest and upcoming trends and predictions in bridal couture were showcased through DK Bridal designs, allowing attendees an up-close and personal look at the beautiful gowns.

With so much on offer, with some of the best wedding vendors, industry professionals and suppliers under the one roof, the to-be-married could easily discuss their proposed plans, trends, demands, and find answers to any other business questions they have.

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Coming together to meet with some of the best local wedding providers, professionals, and venues, the Whitsundays Weddings Industry Networking and Fashion Show. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

By Sam Gillespie

Jack and Patrick are the Pierce Brothers, an indie-folk duo known for their high energy live performance and their ability to create authentic, heartfelt music that speaks to the soul. The Melbourne boys recently unveiled their latest single, ‘In The Water’, a soulful and uplifting track that highlights the band's unique sound and musical style. Pierce Brothers will be headlining the Seabreeze Hotel in August to celebrate, so Sam had a chat with Jack ahead of the show.

What role did music play in the Pierce family and how did that translate into playing music with your twin brother?

We were always fairly musical, singing a lot when we were younger. Mum used to sing to us a lot and our older brothers played guitar, so we just wanted to be cool like them and just copied them. We had a real knack for performing and it just took off from there. The avenues just presented themselves to us the more interested we were, and things just started moving.

What were you listening to growing up and what’s influenced the music of the Pierce Brothers?

A lot of Neil Young and Simon and Garfunkel from my folks, we had a lot of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers from our older brothers and sister and then a lot of things came through. There was a lot of Jack Johnson going on, so we wanted to do that surf folk vibe and that’s what we did.

What’s it like to be in a band with a sibling?

It can certainly be challenging (laughs). We’re best mates, but we can bicker and argue a lot more freely with a sibling rather than a bandmate.

‘In The Water’ is the latest single that you’ll be touring up here, tell me about it.

That one was written with Dara Munnis, who we met on the Tash Sultana tour, he was the photographer, and he is an incredible pianist, so he jumped on the road with us a couple of years ago now to do a few shows and we’ve been best mates for a while. Now he’s pretty much one of the Pierce Brothers. We decided to write that song together, the three of us. It was an idea that Pat had years ago that we were playing around with. We actually had a full song, and it just sounded too poppy, and we didn’t like leaning into that pop. We wanted to go down a melancholy dark route, so it just sat in a draw until after doing all this writing we explored it and having Dara come in and put some keys down and put his spin on it, it really opened it up to be able to talk about finding a place of calm and relaxation in amongst the turmoil which is going out into the water.

What can Mackay audiences expect from your show at the Seabreeze next month?

We’re really looking forward to going a bit nuts up there. This will be our first headline show in Mackay and we’re really excited to put on a decent show and have a bit of a party. A lot of jumping around, a lot of excitable Melbourne boys making a lot of noise.

WHAT: Pierce Brothers ‘In The Water’ Tour

WHEN: Friday, August 11 from 8:00pm

WHERE: Seabreeze Hotel

TICKETS: Oztix

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I overheard a real estate agent the other day saying that write-ups are a “thing of the past”.

In the modern world we live in it is true that previously important and highly valued features of life are indeed things of the past.

The horse and buggy is, largely, a “thing of the past”. As much as I like the monochrome image, it is undoubtedly true that black and white televisions are a thing of the past.

Video recorders, tape decks, the typewriter and the polaroid instamatic camera are all deserving of being labelled a thing of the past.

The history of human habitation of our planet is a catalogue of things that were once useful and highly valued but, thanks to the march of human advancement, became things of the past.

We don’t see modern armies confronting the enemy with bows and arrows much these days. Rarely do sailing ships with hundreds of people on board traverse the oceans to begin life in the New World.

There are some things that have stood the test of time and, while they might have evolved, they have not become things of the past.

A piece of art is a good example. Yes, art has changed … witness installation art and other forms of contemporary artistic expression displays show creativity in a very different way.

But the good old painting on canvas has not gone away. Many modern artists still paint the same way the masters did centuries ago. The most expensive paintings are those done years ago by now-dead artists.

Those painters might be of the past but their works are as relevant and important today as ever. Their paintings are not “things of the past”.

Now, as I climb down from my high horse to make my point I will say that in a world of social media videos, Instagram, text messaging and email alerts there is still a vital role for real estate write-ups.

Yes, we must evolve and make the most of every single bit of modern technology to market and sell real estate to the very best of our ability, but the write-up still has a crucial place.

People need information and a well-presented and thought-out write-up provides that but it also creates the emotional connection that many buyers need if you are going to attract them to a property.

There are other important tools beyond the write-up that we must all master but if an agent doesn’t  put thought into a write-up they are letting down the seller and failing to reach all potential buyers. So there!

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We’ve officially hit cold and flu season!

Literally every time we get a change of season or an out-of-the-norm week of weather, I’m someone who starts getting sick instantly. I swear by the cold and flu liquid by Sambucol. It’s not only delicious but, nine times out of ten I’ll wake up the next day feeling, if not entirely better, 90 per cent better. I promise this is not sponsored (but I’ll take it if they want to partner – HEY SAMBUCOL MARKETING TEAM!) so I thought we could take a look at a couple of obscure cold and flu remedies from around the world.

Gogol Mogol

From European descent, this remedy is an egg-based concoction that can be made for children and with a splash of rum or cognac. Egg yolk is whisked together with honey or sugar, then poured into milk that has been heated with unsalted butter. The verdict is still out on the actual medical benefits of this remedy, they do say that it is possible the egg helps coat the throat to make it feel less scratchy and given hot milk has tryptophan, it may help you sleep.

Lizard Soup

Yes, this is just as appealing as it sounds! Stemming from Chinese herbal medicine remedies, this soup is the same idea as having a big bowl of chicken noodle soup. Making up this concoction will require yams, Chinese dates, and dried lizards simmered together in water. I don’t know where you’d find dried lizards other than shriveled up on a pathway somewhere but I’ll be putting this one down to a HARD no. Again, the medical benefits are out on this one, but extra fluids for hydration and loosening mucus never hurt no one.

While they’re a couple of extremes you can go to in order to treat a bout of the coughs and sniffles, if you prefer to stick to a more conservative option, that’s okay too. Whatever you’re using to keep yourself well through this weird cold and flu season, I hope it works and you and your family can stay as healthy as possible.

Kaley

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Friday 28 July

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Friday Jazz @ The Con

Friday, 6:00pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @ the Con featuring Dr David Reaston (guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (saxophone), Jason Smyth-Tomkins (drums). The July concert will feature Australian trombonist and current CQU trombone lecturer, Jeremy Borthwick.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Open Mic Comedy

Friday, 7:00pm

Mackay Open Mic Comedy Group is back on the July 28 at the Ambassador Hotel in the Lush Bar. If you have been thinking about giving comedy a crack, even your best dad jokes, now is your chance. This month Sean Cooper from Townsville will headline and Mackay's own Mathew Brand will emcee.

Ambassador Hotel

Saturday 29 July

Mackay Yarn on the Voice

Saturday, 11:00am

Join Yes23 spokespeople Thomas Mayo and Jade Appo-Ritchie for an in-person yarn about the upcoming Voice Referendum. You will learn about why constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step on the path to creating a better future. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and learn about how you can engage with the campaign locally.

CQUniversity Mackay City

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

Come and browse the many local small business market stalls, then have a seat and listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customers convenience. $2 Adult Entry (Kids 17 & under free). Entry fee collected at the door on your way in. Market stalls, mini eat street, local musician, jumping castles and face painting. Come and enjoy a night out with your family. It's not just another market, it’s a great family night out.

Mackay Showgrounds

Mackay International Film Festival Screening – ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’

Saturday, 7:00pm

Mackay International Film Festival kicks off with a pre-festival screening of ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’, a vibrant fantasy and romantic drama which celebrates the power of storytelling from visionary director George Miller of Mad Max fame. An optional package is available including film ticket, return coach transfer from Mackay and dinner at the Pinnacle Pub (drinks not included).

Pinnacle Playhouse

Sunday 30 July

National Tree Day

Sunday, 8:00am to 12:00pm

National Tree Day will be held on Sunday, July 30, from 8am to noon at Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, Iluka Park. Mackay Regional Council is aiming to plant up to 5,000 plants at this year’s event. You can register as a volunteer at treeday.planetark.org/site/10028301. Please wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a water bottle. If you have your own gloves and gardening equipment, please bring them along. A free barbecue will be provided to everyone who participates in this event.

Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, near Iluka Park

Jade Holland & JONTE Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Head along to the Seabreeze Hotel on Sunday, July 30, for an unforgettable live and loud performance by the talented Jade Holland. After making waves in 2022 with one of the hottest country tracks of the year, “OH MY HEART,” Jade Holland is ready to get the dance floors moving in clubs worldwide.

Seabreeze Hotel

Bloom Sings The Stevie Linda Carole Songbook

Sunday, 3:00pm

Celebrate all the hits of Grammy Award winning artists and vocal powerhouses Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt in one massive show. She’s mesmerized audiences across the globe, and now you can witness Bloom’s “sensational” vocal prowess with this songbook that’s been highly applauded by audiences across the country.

Metropolitan Hotel

Monday 31 July

Opera Australia - The Barber of Seville

Monday, 7:30pm

The Barber of Seville fizzes and pops with lyrical acrobatics and irrepressibly funny characters. Rossini’s most famous ‘opera buffa’ is a musical masterpiece with a storyline that would be equally at home in a Hollywood rom-com. Opera Australia’s finest voices and a live orchestra deliver a score that is instantly familiar from renditions in movies, cartoons and commercials. Here, the frothy humour is intoxicating and the chorus revels in every uproarious escapade.

MECC

Wednesday 2 August

RSPCA Mackay Supporter Morning Tea

Wednesday, 10:30am to 12:00pm

To thank the Mackay region for their support, RSPCA Mackay is inviting you to their Supporter Morning Tea. These events are an opportunity for like-minded animal lovers to join together for a casual morning and learn more about what the RSPCA does in the local area. The local inspector will also be in attendance. This event is free and everyone is welcome, however RSVPs are essential. Please call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au.

Botanic Gardens Café

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 3 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

Artist's Talk - Anneke Silver discusses her works in the MRC Collection

Thursday, 5:30pm

Dr. Anneke Silver is a prominent North Queensland artist born in the Netherlands and based in Townsville. While visiting our region to judge Mackay Show Association’s renowned ‘Woolams Art on Show Awards’, Anneke will deliver a very special artist’s talk at Artspace Mackay, giving us a closer look and deeper insight into her varied works in the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Artspace Mackay

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The Woollam Art on Show Awards is celebrating 17 years of art excellence in 2023, with the prestigious exhibition and arts event right around the corner.

Taking public and community art to a higher level of professionalism, the Mackay Show Association continues to seek a very significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nation-wide, providing a high standard of presentation, playing an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future as a high-profile arts event, and promoting the arts to patrons.

The four-day event kicks off on Friday, August 4 with the official opening evening and awards presentation commencing at 6:30pm, with tickets available at www.artonshow.com.au.

The exhibition will then be open from Saturday, August 5 to Monday, August 7 from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.

Over 200 works, both local and interstate, will be exhibited and are for sale during the event, giving patrons the opportunity to show their support for art and culture in the community.

North Queensland visual artist Dr Anneke Silver will judge this year’s competition, bringing her decades of experience in art practice and teaching.

The Art on Show Awards have five sections of competition with a total prize purse of $12,000 including the major $3,000 prize the Woollam Art on Show Award,.

Patrons will also have the opportunity to judge the People’s Choice Award, to be published post event.

Visit www.artonshow.com.au for more information.

WHAT: Woollam Art on Show Awards 2023

WHEN: Friday, August 4 to Monday, August 7

WHERE: 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds

TICKETS: www.artonshow.com.au

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Dr Anneke Silver

The Australian Church Women will celebrate our annual Fellowship Day Service on Friday 28th July at 10am at the Iona West Uniting Church Brook Street, Mackay. The theme is Renewal through Trust: Growing in God’s Ways.

The Australian Church Women is a network of Christian women dedicated to encouraging fellowship and service across denominational, national and international boundaries. We seek to promote peace, understanding and unity through faith and love in the one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The offerings presented at the Fellowship Day Service go towards the Winifred Kiek Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honours Winifred Kiek, the first woman to be ordained in Australia. The scholarship is offered to Christian women of member countries of the Asian Church Women’s Conference, Australia and Pacific Island nations. The scholarship is used for supplementary training and further studies in theology or related fields. The 2023 scholar is Rev Priti Priyadarshan Sandhagalla from India who is studying for a Doctor of Ministry.

Please join us on Friday as we renew and celebrate in word and song our faith and grow in God’s way through love and trust in the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Morning tea will follow the service giving us all the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Anne Jennings

Secretary/Treasurer

Mackay Unit Australian Church Women

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For the third consecutive year, the Dinner on the Runway by Ibis Mackay in support of Mackay Hospital Foundation will take place at Mackay Airport on Friday 8th September.

The event is unique in that it takes place on the tarmac adjacent to the ‘old terminal’ on Casey Avenue. Guests will dine under the stars while scheduled jets take-off and land only metres away.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “I’ve only had the pleasure of attending one of these events in the past but it’s a truly amazing and unique event to be a part of.

“I believe everyone should attend this event at least once in their lifetime; however, we’re extremely lucky to have sponsors and guests return each year for which we are extremely grateful.”

The event is hosted by Ibis Mackay with Mackay Hospital Foundation being the recipient of fundraising on the night. The Dinner on the Runway raised an incredible $89,000 for local hospitals last year and it’s on track to be another successful event in 2023.

Ibis Mackay General Manager, Adriette Meyer commented, “The Dinner on the Runway is growing in attendance numbers each year and this year is no exception. Ticket allocation has increased to 500 this year but prior to tickets being released for public sale, around 300 tickets had already been sold to sponsors and corporate donors.

“Our Chef, Tery Wekumbura, has catered for this event for the past two years and has planned another delicious 3-course meal again for our guests.”

During the evening, guests will have several opportunities to win cash when purchasing Lucky Numbers. There will also be Live and Silent auctions with opportunities to bid on Sleepmaker ensembles donated by Harvey Norman Bedding or perhaps you’ll be riding home on a mobility scooter which has been donated by Mackay Outdoor Power Centre.

Mango Junction will entertain, and guests can end the night with dancing and of course, some excellent prizes.

Tickets will be available for public sale from 8am on 29th July through the Mackay Tickets link. https://tickets.mackaytickets.com.au/outlet/event/36261fc7-013e456b-aec9-5568bb286baa.

Cost is $180 per person and includes a 3-course meal, as well as beer, wine and basic spirits.

What: Dinner on the Runway by Ibis Mackay

Where: Mackay Airport, Casey Avenue Mackay

When: Friday, 8th September 2023

Beneficiary: Mackay Hospital Foundation

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Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes Photographer

Queensland-based filmmaker Ivan Sen is one of Australia’s leading First Nations directors, as well as a screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, composer, and sound designer, and to celebrate the release of his newest film, he will be visiting the region in a first for the Mackay International Film Festival.

‘Limbo’ is a poignant, profound meditation into the complexities of loss and the impact of the justice system on Aboriginal families in Australia.

Simon Baker gives a career-best performance as Travis, a jaded detective, who arrives in the remote outback town of Limbo to investigate the cold case murder of local Indigenous girl Charlotte Hayes 20 years ago.

Shot on location in Coober Pedy, South Australia, Limbo is a riveting outback noir described by The Guardian as “a tough, muscular film with the grit of crime, but a heartbeat of compassion.”

‘Limbo’ will be screened at the Mackay International Film Festival on Saturday, August 5 from 6:30pm, with Mackay audiences given the unique opportunity to take part in an in-person discussion with writer, director and producer Sen following the screening.

The festival starts with the popular pre-festival screening of ‘3000 Years of Longing’ (directed by George Miller of Mad Max fame) tomorrow night, Saturday, July 29, at the Pinnacle Playhouse with an optional bus and meal package available.

‘Limbo’ is then one of five screenings throughout the next weekend, commencing with the Opening Night Event on Friday, August 4 and a screening of ‘The Innocent’, with French-themed canapes and drinks after the film included in the $30 ticket.

The French comedy follows widower Abel who learns that his impulsive mother is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison.

The festival continues Saturday with a screening of Moroccan drama ‘The Blue Caftan’ from 4:00pm, telling the tale of Mina and her husband Halim who run a small business making and selling bespoke caftans when the talented and handsome Youssef is hired as an apprentice and forces them to reconsider the future of their relationship.

Sunday’s screenings include the Darren Aronofsky drama that earnt Brendan Fraser his first Academy Award, ‘The Whale’, with Spanish-Italian drama ‘Alcarras’, inspired by director Carla Simón's own family story, concluding the festival.

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

Mackay International Film Festival Program

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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Filmmaker Ivan Sen will take part in a Q&A at Mackay International Film Festival

In an exciting event, Emma Memma, formerly known as "Emma Wiggle," made a delightful appearance at Mackay's Dudley Denny City Library during Toddler Time. The visit was part of her promotional tour ahead of the upcoming Twirly Tour scheduled for August 7 here in Mackay.

Emma Watkins, with her new persona, Emma Memma, brought a burst of vibrant energy and a fresh signature colour, captivating the children of Mackay as she read, sang, danced, and signed with them. The library event was a heartwarming opportunity for young ones to experience the magic of storytelling and interactive performances with the beloved children's entertainer.

Emma Memma's transition from "Emma Wiggle" has been marked by her passion for sign language, dance, and film editing. She now focuses on empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness, and friendship. The Twirly Tour promises to be an adventure filled with visual communication, choreographed dance narratives, singing, crafting, and more.

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Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council Libraries

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It’s been over two decades since one local began what was originally the Whitsunday Reef Festival, starting an event that would bring together the coastal community of the Whitsundays in celebration of their lifestyle.

Now, 22 years on and with a new name, that vision has become one of the region’s biggest events, with the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival carrying on the original legacy of “what it means to live in the Whitsundays.”

But at the time, its founder didn’t know whether it would even survive its first year.

Whitsundays, 2001: The region was on an astronomical, tourism rise, growing a name for itself as a Great Barrier Reef destination, but David Hutchen didn’t feel it was properly recognised as such.

The region needed an event.

“A reef festival just seemed obvious to me,” David said.

“And it was also obvious we had to do something to get the whole community involved.”

David funded the inaugural event himself, utilising the 200 staff at his Great Barrier Reef operation, Fantasea Cruises – the first Reef Festival was afloat, and it certainly pulled a crowd.

“Lots of people came from Mackay and Proserpine and Bowen, so it was pretty easy to see we could expand it,” he said.

From there, it was nothing but smooth sailing – the local business community picked up the sponsorships, and the rest is reef history.

David spent many happy festival years running his baby, but time brings all things to an end, and he eventually sold Fantasea Cruises and left the Whitsundays in 2006 - but the idea he started has become the region’s mainstay event.

It turns the main street into the reef itself, it brings together hard-working volunteers – it encapsulates the Whitsunday Spirit.

Now the Great Barrier Reef Festival has come full circle with one of the region’s iconic tourism operators, Cruise Whitsundays, onboard as naming sponsors.

As well, carrying the torch of David’s legacy is event chairwoman Margie Murphy and her team of passionate volunteers, who are proud to have taken on the reigns.

“We can’t wait to show you what’s in store for this year’s Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival,” she said.

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival just got even bigger, with massive Australian headliner Reece Mastin confirmed for the opening night of the festival.

In 2011, Australia was introduced to 16-year-old Reece when he auditioned for the music competition television show, The X Factor.

With his confidence and charisma, it was clear to everyone that Reece was a natural born performer.

However, being an international musician was not what he had in mind for his career.

“When I was in school in England, I wanted to be a footballer, but I was never very good,” Reece said.

It seems his granddad, however, knew of his hidden talent and gifted him a guitar shortly before he and his family made the move to Australia.

“But I never played it because I was always playing football,” Reece explained.

It was in the cards for Reece though, a perfect hobby for him when he moved to Australia.

“When I moved here, my accent was so hard to understand that I kinda just sat by myself at school, and I picked up the guitar and wrote a couple of songs,” he explained.

“And then I met a kid who was really into it as well. By the time we were in high school, we were in three or four bands. None of them were very good, but then I went and auditioned for the show.”

Since then, Reece’s career has exploded taking him across the nation and onto massive international success.

Cementing himself on the Australia rock circuit, Reece has two platinum number one albums, and three consecutive chart-topping singles, and is currently working on his newest album, which is tightly under wraps, but is set to be a massive release.

Now, off the back of his 10 Year Anniversary Tour, that saw Reece and his crew travel on an 18-month trek across the country, Reece will be back in Airlie Beach for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Having only checked through Airlie Beach once before, he is keen to stop and explore the area.

Acting as the headliner on the opening night of the festival, this young gun on the scene is set to bring the high-octane energy that will cruise through the rest of the weekend.

“We want to be known in the music scene, in the rock and pop scene, that our shows are as fun as possible,” said Reece.

“There’s not a lot of time to breathe, it’s just an absolute onslaught of good vibes, good songs, and good energy.”

“It’s definitely going to be loud, with tonnes of singalongs and a lot of high energy!”

Reece Mastin will perform on the Great Barrier Reef Main Stage on Friday August 4, at 8.15pm, followed by duo Salt and Steel at 9pm.

WHAT: Reece Mastin

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday August 4, 8.15pm

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Get ready for one of the best food experiences at the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Completely unique and always different, try your hand at the exclusive Bait to Plate experience, hosted and curated by Kev Collins, of Fish D’Vine.

The six-course carefully selected and interactive seafood lunch is a delicacy for all those who attend.

Kev acts as head chef for the meal, live cooking one dish for attendees while his team of chefs are in the kitchen cooking the remaining 59 dishes.

This demonstration also includes some knowledge of the catch and some history, as well as helpful hints on serving and cooking.

On offer is some of the best locally sourced and caught seafood, fresh from the fisherman just days before the event.

“The menu is completely influenced by the ocean and what’s fresh and available,” explains Kev.

This dependency on the ocean’s conditions means that the menu will never be repeated, adding to the allure of the event.

Kev begun the Bait to Plate experience almost 15 years ago and has yet to repeat a dish.

“In the years I’ve been doing this lunch, I have never done a dish twice,” he said.

Joining the experience will be the famous Rum Bar Mojito, which will be served for attendees when they arrive, and a carefully selected wine for one of the courses.

With less than a week before the event, be sure to purchase tickets, even if the menu is a mystery.

“Even now, I have no idea what the menu will be!” Kev said.

WHAT: Fish D’Vine Bait to Plate

WHERE: Fish D’Vine Restaurant and Bar

WHEN: Sunday 6 August, 12pm to 2.30pm

TICKETS: greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au

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For the past three years the Immerse Art Installation has formed a creative centrepiece to the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Its glowing sea creatures, stunning animations and sparkling reef sculptures bring a magical underwater wonderland to life at Fairy Tree Park.

With each year that passes, the installation grows in both scale and diversity – colourful marine life is added to the scene, the animations extend to neighbouring walls and this year, for the first time, an instrumental composition completes a full sensory experience.

Immerse is the brainchild of festival Chair and Creative Director, Margie Murphy, who is elated to see the project evolve from the seed of an idea to one of the highlights of the whole event.

“I always envisioned a reef themed installation at the centre of the festival,” explains Margie.

“I love the way it creates a visual focus and links everything back to the reef.”

Margie went to art school in her youth and spent many years working with screen printing and running a construction business alongside her husband while organising regional Whitsunday events.

Over the last three years she has enjoyed rekindling her passion for art and working with other respected artists.

Regionally acclaimed artists Margaret Burgess and Donna Marie Robinson create Immerse alongside local artists, Margie Murphy, Liz Knight, Anita Pender, Bridgette Peel and new creatives Noemi Martinez and Joan Hunter.

In the first year of its inception, Immerse cultivated its roots near the one hundred year old Fig Tree at Fairy Tree Park on the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

This location has remained the focal point as the art installation has grown around it, like branches and leaves, creating a majestic coral garden.

Year one saw the introduction of sea creatures which were crafted from recycled marine debris to recreate and repurpose litter, maximising the potential use of waste products.

The second year of Immerse saw the expansion of the animations and projections, their incredible night-time visuals opening up a vibrant wonderland for all to admire.

Each year Immerse builds upon the last, incorporating different mediums and different locations.

Nearby Heart Hotel became a feature wall for the projections in 2022 and this was so successful that it will be replicated this year.

The 2023 event will welcome two large Humpback Whales to the installation, their intricate designs creating a jaw-dropping centrepiece.

The whale theme will be continued with two enormous whale tail lanterns travelling to Fairy Tree Park on Friday evening leading the Lantern Parade from Coral Sea Marina to the Foreshore.

Hundreds of children will also carry their hand-crafted glowing lights, marching them along the scenic coastal trail to the pleasure of onlookers.

The whale tails and some of the other lanterns will join the installation, placed within Immerse to form the finishing touches of the artwork.

On Saturday evening, the full sensory experience will be completed when classically trained musicians perform a unique orchestral piece written especially for the event.

The piece will include authentic whale sounds and create a captivating experience for everyone.

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In honour of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, naming sponsor Cruise Whitsundays, are transforming their iconic day trip to the Reefworld Pontoon into an immersive Master Reef Guide experience.

For one day only, more than 10 Master Reef Guides will be on-board hosts, educating festival-goers on the marine environment in a tour that is both educational and informative.

Organiser Crystal Lacey graduated with the first ever cohort of Master Reef Guides in 2018 and she has since launched her own tourism consultancy business called Little Fish.

On the day, Crystal will host the event and she is looking forward to sharing her knowledge with the guests.

“We strive to be the story tellers of the reef by creating this immersive experience,” said Crystal.  

“We give a deeper understanding of the reef by talking about the hard topics in an educational way and by making it fun to learn we offer a special experience out on the water.”

The day will begin with a Welcome to Country, hosted by local Indigenous owners who will join the tour and impart their knowledge and wisdom alongside the Master Reef Guides.

The Cruise Whitsundays vessel will head 39 nautical miles out to the Reefworld Pontoon where guests can experience a range of activities.

There will be an animal adaptation tour, a hide and seek critter hunt, an underwater photography masterclass and a coral reef scavenger hunt.

Guests can also enjoy the optional extra of a scuba dive and also take a tour on the semi-submersible, exploring the underwater coral gardens.

Onboard passengers can play the fish identification game or use a microscope to zoom in on coral polyps and discover so much more with a closer insight.

The Master Reef Guides will also give a coral predator talk about the Crown of Thorns Starfish and the Drupella Snail.

Traditional Owners will host a boomerang painting workshop and show guests traditional weaving.

On the return journey the traditional owners will host an interactive presentation on some precious artefacts.

The whole day will be serenaded by live acoustic music, with the performers providing a lively accompaniment to the day’s festivities.

“We are really excited to bring the people to the reef,” said Crystal.

“And we are really looking forward to connecting guests with traditional owners so that the community can engage in this event.”

Festival Chair, Margie Murphy, said she is thrilled to see this special educational day return to the festival event calendar again this year.

“The Festival was originally started as a community festival to celebrate the reef that is right on our doorstep, an underwater world of colour and wonder bought to the surface for the day,” she said.

“As the world and our Festival have evolved, reef education has become an important part of the celebrations.

“What this Festival is today is a beautiful balance of fun and education to suit adults through to kids, igniting a passion for the reef amongst festival-goers.”

WHAT: Cruise Whitsundays Master Reef Guide Experience

WHERE: Reefworld, 39 nautical miles out to sea

WHEN: Saturday, August 5

TICKETS: cruisewhitsundays.com

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