By Bronte Hodge

Ever a fan of touring and getting back to their roots, Australian-New Zealand rock legends Dragon will be gracing the Airlie Beach Festival of Music stage this November.

In fact, Dragon was a headliner for the first Airlie Beach Festival of Music, back in 2013, and now 10 years on, they are honoured to be invited once again.

The boys, Todd on vocals and bass, Mark with vocals and guitar, Bruce on guitar, and Pete who is awesome on drums, have an antipodean rhythm that thrums through them, creating hit Aussie classics that everybody has to get up and dance to.

The band embodies rock and roll and rocks out in a ‘gentlemanly-like fashion’, according to Mark, who was propositioned by Todd 17 years ago to join the band.

“Of course, I said yes,” said Mark.

“I was just wondering, who calls at 10 o’clock in the morning with something so unexpected?

“And it was quite amazing.”

Dragon has transformed into a household family name, particularly in 1987 when the band toured across Europe with powerhouse Tina Turner, under the name ‘Hunter’.  

“I think that is by far a high point for the band,” said Mark.

Since then, Dragon has returned to Australia and made a local name for themselves across Australia and New Zealand.

“We went to one of those big festivals in New Zealand, Rhythm and Vines.

“And, you know, there was nobody there, nobody in the audience.

“We had only just arrived and there was somebody on stage just announcing.

“And we’re going ‘oh my god, this is going to be awful. We’re going to walk out on stage and play to nobody’ and literally within the 10 minutes before we walked on stage, thousands of people came over the hills and everywhere, and everyone came down to the stage.

“It was a phenomenal sight!”

Making their way to Airlie Beach Festival of Music is high on the band’s agenda.

“We have been wondering when we’d have the chance to come to the festival again. Every year it goes by, and every year we go ‘there it is, and there we aren’t’, but not this year!

“We are thrilled, absolutely thrilled to be coming!”

The variety of artists on the 2023 lineup continue to get bigger and better, with more headliners announced seemingly every day.

“The variety of acts is outstanding. It seems to be a lot of classics. With us, we’ll be playing the anthems that everyone knows, so we can play a chord and the audience can sing along.”

The classic timeless tunes of Dragon will not be lost on anyone at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2023, with every generation, young and old, rocking out to the set list.

What a way to spend a chill spring afternoon, rocking to the best of ‘April Sun in Cuba,’ ‘Are You Old Enough?’ and ‘Still in Love with You’.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Airlie Beach

WHEN: Thursday November 9 to Sunday November 12

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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Rock legends Dragon are touching base in Airlie Beach this November, in a performance not to miss. Photo supplied

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Time to get the girls and guys together for an easy-going long lunch, perfectly catered by Coral Sea Resort, paired with Bird In Hand wines, and set to the backdrop of the beautiful and effervescent Coral Sea.

With a fantastically beautiful, curated menu by Coral Sea Marina Resort Head Chef Michael Dominici, this six course degustation menu spells poise and sophistication.

Each course has been carefully paired with wine, including the very best of oysters, paired with a sauvignon blanc, king prawns with pinot gris and beautiful osso bucco gnocchi with a rose, plus so much more.

And don’t forget the absolutely delectable tiramisu as the final course to send you on your way.

With cruising live music and good energy, this afternoon has been planned to the tee and is not an event to miss.

Dressed in your best whites, this afternoon will be elegant and classy, sophisticated, and sweet.

Relax to the picture-perfect panoramic ocean views, the sound of gentle waves lapping at the jetty, the swaying palms and the cool breeze wafting through your hair.

“This event is a great way to connect with other locals,” said Anna Johnstone, Sales and Events Executive for the resort.

“Our chef has created something different from the menu and his creativity is exciting.”

WHAT: The Long Lunch

WHERE: Coral Sea Resort

WHEN: Saturday, June 25, from 12pm

TICKETS: $150 available through Whitsunday Tickets

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Future Dates:

July 23

August 27

September 24

October 29

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Food lovers have been excitedly anticipating the arrival of Lazy Joe’s authentic Mexican Restaurant and Bar on the Airlie Beach Esplanade, and it is opening next week!

Specialising in Mexican Street Food with a splash of Texas BBQ, this new restaurant is inspired by true Mexican street food with sauces and marinades made from traditional recipes.

Enjoy Taquitos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Elotes and more at this fresh, fun, and cruisy restaurant while marvelling at their eclectic décor and furnishings, shipped straight from Mexican markets.

There will also be Frozen Margaritas, spicey cocktails, Mexican beer and an amazing Tequila range that will all be expertly created by the in-house mixologists.

With house cocktails starting at just $9.90, this exceptional Mexican experience, is priced to be affordable, accessible, and great for friends and family to enjoy together or for couples to looking for a cosy evening escape.

Located at 6/1 Airlie Esplanade, above the tattoo parlour, guests can enjoy sea views and a warm breeze from the bifold windows, with a dining experience that makes you feel like you just walked into a traditional Mexican Cantina.

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Head on down to the Proserpine RSL this evening for a performance by some incredible female vocalists at the Bright Lights Dinner and Show fundraiser.

Starring Lisa Stanley and three of her talented students, the evening will be a mixture of solo performances, harmonies, and group songs.

Lisa has been performing for over 20 years and she uses this experience to mentor young people in the community with her music club, Music Evolution Project.

Tonight, she will sing alongside three of her star students.

Amber Hinschen is a 15-year-old vocalist and lead singer of Category 5.

Lisa describes her as a “belting powerhouse” who has been part of the club for a year and a half.

Also singing on the night is 13-year-old Meg McKeon who has a unique voice that Lisa describes as “laid back Sunday afternoon music that you could listen to all day”.

Completing the trio of young vocalists is Dominik James who is the lead singer of MyENVY.

She came third in Young Whitsundays Got Talent last year and her band came second.

Tonight’s event will be a lively and dynamic affair with dancing, karaoke and of course the show.

Dinner will also be served to guests.

All proceeds are going directly back towards the RSL and will help fund their new kitchen.

WHAT: Bright Lights Dinner and Show fundraiser.

WHEN: Friday, June 16

WHERE: Proserpine RSL, 27 Chapman Street

TICKETS: RSL

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With less than six months to go, the biggest music festival in the Whitsundays is ready to deliver something to everyone again this year and organisers are excited by the latest line-up announcement.  

With 15 venues across Airlie Beach and 50 bands of all genres, Airlie Beach Festival of Music is already shaping up to be an exciting event for all to enjoy.

This year, organisers are welcoming back some classic artists who performed in the festival’s first year.

Ian Moss, iconic Aussie music icon, is “extremely excited to be playing in in 2023, along with my incredible band.”

“The Whitsundays region and the North Queensland tropics is such a beautiful part of our country, so if you can, grab a friend, get your tickets, and get along to see some great acts and music. We can’t wait!” he said.

He will be joined by classic legends Dragon, who also performed at the first festival in 2013.

Frenzal Rhomb guitarist, Lindsay McDougall, said his band dreamed of the Whitsundays when they were young.

“From Hamilton to Hayman, from Daydream to some other ones that I can’t think of right now, and now we get to play there!” he said.

“More importantly, we’re gonna be near Ian Moss! And The Superjesus, Pierce Brothers and more. And Ian Moss! Can we borrow someone’s trimaran?”

Joining this all-star lineup is Lucy Gallant, Chocolate Starfish, Billy Field, and Skunkhour.

King Stingray’s strong vocals are set to cruise through the festival, bringing imagery of connections to home and family, only stepping into the scene in 2020.

Ross Wilson is an essential addition, performing his 50 years of Eagle Rock production with band The Peaceniks.

2022 Passport to Airlie winner Perry Street Park have been making waves and are coming back to wow Airlie Beach once again.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton is looking forward to another big year of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

“Gavin, the festival founder, and his team have put together the perfect festival that incorporates the whole town seamlessly,” he said.

“From free buses running to and from accommodation houses to having bands in 15 venues and fully-equipped seating so there’s no need for attendees to even take camping chairs, it’s a music festival unique to Airlie Beach,” he said.

“As a tourism-driver, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music has transformed the first weekend of November into the most sought-after weekend outside of school holidays.

“If you want to experience The Whitsundays and some great music acts, I encourage you to book your tickets and accommodation soon.”

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Airlie Beach

WHEN: Thursday November 9 to Sunday November 12

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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Reformed Rockers, The Superjesus, led by frontwoman, Sarah McLeod welcomed to Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2023

Perry Street Park, winners of 2022 Passport to Airlie, set to return with massive success in tow

Rock band powerhouse Chocolate Starfish having been rocking since the 90s. Photos supplied

Back by popular demand, the second annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency has just been announced for August 31 to September 4 this year.

Organisers are excited to provide a three-day Songwriter Residential Retreat which includes a diverse and educational program where attendees have the opportunity to learn from some of the best musical minds in the industry.

The event will culminate in a special evening performance by the professional faculty at Paradiso in Airlie Beach on the Saturday evening.

The festival is a brainchild of inspiring local musician, Karen Jacobsen, who performed her pop-orchestral piece, Misogyny Opus, at the MECC last month, and Francesca de Valance, who is the founder of I Heart Songwriting Club.

Professional Australian songwriters of diverse music genres have been invited to attend the 2023 mentorship program, with names expected to be announced soon.

Over the three days the faculty will participate in a retreat, co-writing songs, networking, and sharing their personal experiences in the music industry.

Last year 13-year-old Noah Robertson penned an entire song during the residency and went on to win the Australian National Busking Championship Awards, demonstrating the transformative power of the festival's mentorship and guidance.

Emerging songwriters are encouraged to sign-up to the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency now and discover how this revolutionary musical community can help you reach your dreams.

The festival is made possible with the support of the Queensland Government through Arts Showcase Program and Whitsunday Regional Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund.

WHAT: Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency

WHEN: August 31 to September 4

WHERE: Yangaro Resort

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Last year’s Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency was such a success that it is returning this August

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The whole community is invited to formally welcome the whales to our region in a special event hosted by the Traditional Owners of The Whitsundays.

Each year between June and October, thousands of whales – especially Humpbacks – migrate north from the cold waters of Antarctica to breed and give birth within our warm and calm tropical waters.

This year, the community is invited to mark the official start of the 2023 season with a family event on the Airlie Beach Foreshore from 5pm this evening.

Children are encouraged to wear blue to the ceremony and Traditional Owners will invite children to be painted in traditional markings.

They will then be guided to put their handprints on a traditional painting of a mother and calf Humpback to signify the community’s bond and connection with the whales.

In keeping with long-established First Nations ritual, a smoking ceremony will then take place, before an ancient whale chant sung by the Traditional Owners.

Representatives of the Ngaro people will then speak about their cultural connection with the whales and the deep-seated cultural significance of the season’s first whales.

During the event there will also be a pop-up workshop hosted by the Great Barrier Reef Festival and lead by artist Margaret Burgess as part of the Immerse Installation Art Presentation.

A giant whale will make the centrepiece of this activity.

After the formalities and activities, everyone is invited to relax and watch a film by Master Reef Guides about The Whitsundays and the cetaceans that live and visit the area.

This will be followed by Whitsundays Reef Guardian Council’s alfresco screening of The Snail and the Whale movie at 6pm.

WHAT: Welcome To The Whales Ceremony

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday, June 16

TIME: From 5pm-6pm

TICKETS: Free to the community

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Come and join the Welcome To Whales event at the Airlie Beach Foreshore this evening. Photo supplied

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Internationally renowned superstar comedian Jimeoin is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for a massive one night only this July and it will be an evening of unforgettable fun, and non-stop laughter.

This Irish comedian has performed here, there, and everywhere, and next up on his national tour is the one and only, and completely unforgettable, Airlie Beach Hotel.

He is infamous for declaring a tour then adding little spots along the way to share the laughter with and Jimeoin only recently added Airlie Beach to the mix, making this show sure to be a hoot and a half of a production.

Now, Airlie Beach is always set with an eager, engaged, and excited audience, and Jimeoin has already been receiving high praise and accolades for visiting our little neck of the Australian woods, with just over one long month to go before his arrival.

Being a regular face on Aussie television since the early 90s, often performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, featuring at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each and every year, and having insanely popular live tours, Jimeoin will be taking on Airlie Beach and people are excited.

He is known, famous, and beloved for his absolutely cracking one liners, his intimate and personal stand-up comedy, and his charming and witty observations of everyday people and life.

Charming a crowd comes easy to Jimeoin and what a better place to be charmed than at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

Oh, and what will he say about our local Airlie Beach and Whitsundays area, where shoes are sometimes – more like often - optional, a tan is mandatory, and a cool and refreshing beverage on a summer’s day is a must?

Get your ticket now and find out in person what he observed and what he shares!

Jimeoin’s newest tour showcases the very best of his talents, drawing upon two of his beloved classic productions, The Craic and Who’s Your Man?!, both unbelievably funny performances each in their own right.

Combining fantastic elements of these hit shows, Jimeoin has created a show that is the best of the very best, and something not to miss.

Long time fans of Jimeoin will not be disappointed, and newcomers to the comedian’s work will be left stunned and impressed, and all will be coming back for more, you can guarantee that.

Catch this comedic superstar live, up close and in person, at the Airlie Beach Hotel for one night only!

And don’t worry, the Airlie Beach Hotel will look after you, with both seated and standing tickets available, ready for anyone and everyone to catch a peek of this absolutely knee slapping, wickedly exhilarating show.

WHAT: Jimeoin Live

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, from 7pm

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3VSJqU8

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Hilarious crack up Jimeoin makes the trek to Airlie Beach on his national tour

Powerhouse in stand-up, Jimeoin will get everyone slapping their knees and bent sideways with laughter

No one is safe in a live audience with Jimeoin. Be prepared! Photos supplied

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Elemental sees the reprise of classic Pixar and Disney animation and inspired storyboards, with a touching tale of unlikely love in a world of living elements.

The main storyline follows Ember, a Fire Person, who works in her father’s corner store, and is struggling with being socially ridiculed for wanting to explore outside her home, Fire Town.

However, one day, she breaks a pipe in her father’s store, flooding the basement.

In with the water cames City Inspector Wade, who is a water person and has been investigating Fire Town’s rundown water system which threatens all of Fire Town.

In a rush decision, Ember joins forces with Wade, to save her father’s shop from going under.

Together, her and Wade work as a team to solve the mystery of what’s going wrong in Fire Town and this partnership marks the beginning of an unlikely yet endearing love story between two characters who could not be more different.

With a touching and intimate soundtrack and stunning visuals, audiences can’t help but root for Ember and Wade’s happy ending, and the resolution and recognition of Fire People, who are often forcibly reserved to only remain in Fire Town and are looked down upon when outside their city.

Employing nuisance ideas of immigration and racial stigmatism, the sustained metaphor of Elementals is subtle and discrete, allowing audiences to think further on modern-day racial tensions.

With no true antagonist to the film, it is solely Wade and Ember’s bittersweet romance that propels audiences through to the end.

Elemental opens in Bowen Cinema on Friday June 16.

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This beautiful and endearing love story is full of stunning visuals and touching moments

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At the 110th annual Show Whitsunday, the lineup is one of the best, with family favourites and exciting newcomers eager to attend the two-day event.

Returning by popular demand is Airtime FMX Motocross, with their captivating Freestyle Motocross performance which is always intense and exciting.

Performing each day, and a second time on Friday right before the fireworks, this act is set to impress and keeps viewers in their seats.

Attendees can also check out the Australian Travelling Fishing Show with the Berkley Supertank.

Offering an up-close and personal look at spectacular underwater creatures, this 15-metres long, three-metre-high tank is perfect for live demonstrations of lures and fishing techniques as well as covering all things eyewear, footwear, knife sharpening, electronics, and must-see holiday spots.

For some kid’s entertainment, check out Melville’s Baby Animal Petting Farm, full of fantastic baby animals, including alpacas, ducks, chickens and goats.

The children can have a hand at feeding the animals and snap a few pictures.

Also, keep an eye out for the wild roaming dinosaurs, which have made the showgrounds their home for a few days.

Feel free to enter the Dinosaur Park – at your own risk, of course – and be educated on these majestic beasts.

There is also the Moovin Team, with balloon and ukulele workshops, to inspire and unleash creativity within children.

Some of the best show rides are returning as well, including wild attractions such as the Big Whizzer, the Sky Flyer and The Graviton, that have been paired perfectly with calmer entertainment, such as the Big Slide, Dodgem Cars, the Haunted House, and Shooting Galleries.

Also, don’t miss the side show alley and the show bag stalls, which make perfect mementos for the car ride home.

While there, check out the pavilion’s show entries, with homemade sweet treats, handmade paintings, craft and needlework, and the cattle, poultry and produce judgings.

With buses organised to ferry patrons to and from the showground, feel free to hit up the bar and enjoy yourself.

WHAT: Show Whitsunday

WHERE: Proserpine Showground

WHEN: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June

TICKETS: showwhitsunday.com.au or Whitsunday Computers and Stationary

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Shades of Women Galvanises Empowered Sisterhood

Shades of Women, an annual gala event organised by Kickass Women, brought together attendees from across the Mackay Region last week in a powerful display of support and solidarity.

Supported by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, the annual event serves as a fundraising initiative to support women and children affected by domestic violence in the Mackay and Whitsunday Region. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting Mackay Women's Services, a vital organisation offering assistance and resources to those in need.

Jo Sainsbury, the visionary founder of Kickass Women, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a success. Sainsbury emphasised the importance of women coming together to uplift one another, fostering a sense of connection and unity that transcends societal boundaries.

"When we empower and support one another, we create a ripple effect that touches the lives of not only women but also men and children," Sainsbury stated. "By replacing competition with collaboration, we can elevate society as a whole and initiate a positive chain of events that our world desperately needs.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed and supported this event.”

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Photo credit: Indigo Blue Photography

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Friday 9 June

Resources Industry Network June Industry Brief Lunch

Friday, Registrations open at 11:45am for 12:00pm start

Resource Industry Network is hosting its June Industry Briefing Lunch this Friday in the Lancaster Room at Harrup Park Country Club. Guest speaker Andrew Barger, Policy Director at The Queensland Resources Council (QRC), will be discussing the outlook for Queensland’s resources sector and much more.

Harrup Park

Friday 5K

Every Friday Evening From 5:30pm

Join Emmie-Lee Fitness, Rise & Mind Mackay and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Clubbies on a social fun run, jog or walk along the Breakwater and Marina paths. Meet at the beachside of the Surf Club ready to go every Friday arvo @ 5:30pm.

The Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Leyon Milner Live

Friday, 6:30pm

Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Dance the night away from 6.30pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Annette Worthington Live

Friday, 6:30pm

Join Anette Worthington for a night of live music from 6:30pm-10:30pm. Come along for a great night.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Saturday 10 June

Queensland Day With Scouts

Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Join in for this free family event for all ages hosted by Hibiscus Coast District Scouts, 21Degrees South Multisport Association and Crime Stoppers Volunteer Committee. Enjoy free activities including archery attack, crate stacking and MapRun, and support the organisations with a sausage sizzle.

Queens Park

Share The Rainbow @Sydney Street Markets

Saturday, 11:00am to 2:00pm

Celebrate Pride Month at Sydney Street Markets this June! Sydney Street Markets will transform into a vibrant rainbow wonderland, with live cooking demonstrations and sampling every Saturday from 11am - 1pm!

Sydney Street Markets

Hostplus Cup Round 13 - Mackay Cutters V Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Saturday, 3:00pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as they take on Wynnum Manly Seagulls! 3:00pm | gates open. 3:45pm | U21's Hastings Deering Colts. 6:00pm | Hostplus Cup.

BB Print Stadium

Eungella Highland Ceilidh

Saturday, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Come up to Eungella for the night or stay the weekend and enjoy a real Scottish Country Dance. Featuring the Mackay & District Pipe Band, Piping MaD, Mackay Ceilidh Dance School, Iain McKenzie and Margaret Silke. Lots of music and dancing all night long. Soup and bread is included in the price of $25.00 per head. Primary age children and under are free. Adult and children’s tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/eungella-highland-ceilidh.

13 North Street, Eungella

NBL1 North Round 11

Saturday, 6:00pm

Mackay Basketball welcomes the Ipswich Force to the Crater for Round 11 of the NBL1 North season. Mackay Meteorettes v Ipswich Force from 6:00pm. Mackay Meteors v Ipswich Force from 8:00pm.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

Sunday 11 June

Sounds at the Seabreeze

Sunday, 12:00pm

Join the Seabreeze on Sunday for an extraordinary musical experience at Sounds at the Seabreeze. Prepare to be captivated by an afternoon filled with incredible live performances by the exceptionally talented bands, The Wild Sky and The Feels. Starting from 12pm, immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies and infectious rhythms that will take your breath away.

Seabreeze Hotel

Picnic in the Park - Youth Event

Sunday, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Coming out of Mackay Regional Council’s YOL1000 project, the Youth and Arts Development Team organised and held a series of Youth Focused, Youth Led Event Workshops. A group of young people from the workshop decided to run their very own event, and Picnic in the Park was created. Live music, youth run market stalls, food vans, giant games and more! This event is organised by young people, for young people. Please bring your own picnic rugs and some cash for the youth market stalls. Parents welcome to attend. There will be adult volunteers and council staff from the youth development team on the ground for the day.

Jubilee Park

Wednesday 14 June

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 15 June

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

Beddy Rays Tour De Frothy

Thursday, 7:30pm

Beddy Rays, one of Australia’s most beloved bunch of fun-loving larrikins are gearing up to return to home soil and ride a lap around the country as part of their ‘Tour De Frothy’. After spending 2 months on the road throughout the UK and Europe, they are ready to kick off their tour in Mackay with special guests Betty Taylor.

Seabreeze Hotel

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The walls of the Crossroad Arts office are adorned with the brightly coloured artworks from artists throughout the region as well as some from interstate.

The HeART(beats): Access is Love exhibition aims to help build a world where accessibility is understood as an act of love, instead of a burden or an afterthought.

The exhibition Opening Night coincided with the Mackay City and Waterfront’s ‘City Heart Fridays’ on Friday June 2. The free event which was Auslan interpreted showcased the exhibition accompanied by beats from local DJ Ryan while viewers enjoyed some nibbles and drinks.

Crossroad Arts Artistic Director Alison Richardson describes how the project has opened the door to thoughtful discussion of access, "It has been heartening to see so many community members from Mackay and beyond take part in this exhibition, the theme has seemed to really resonate with people,” she said.

“It has been a great opportunity to open up discussion about how we view support and providing access for others."

Natasha Tomlinson, Crossroad Arts Social Media Officer and Ambassador shared why she is excited to welcome the community in to visit the exhibit.

"I would love to see people come along and check out our artwork! It is important because we need more people to come here and meet new friends and new people."

The exhibition can be viewed in the Crossroad Arts office at 55 Wood St Mackay, with wheelchair access and image descriptions available digitally for people who are blind or vision impaired.

The HeART(beats): Access is Love exhibit will remain open to the public until Friday August 4, Monday - Friday, 9-5pm, with most works for sale and all proceeds going towards the 2023 Annual Giving Program.

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The annual trivia fundraiser is back, and Meals on Wheels Proserpine is excited.

All fundraising is directly fed back into the organisation and to local clients.

“For this year, the fundraising will go towards costs, making sure the cost isn’t going up and to keep the price for clients’ meals down,” said Helen Maynard-Turner, Coordinator of Meals on Wheels Proserpine.

It is best to book a table of six for the night, so that everyone can be properly catered for, as well as be best accommodated for.

The Meals on Wheels Committee has been working hard to make this event, with one member, Julie, composing the questions.

WHAT: Meals on Wheels Annual Trivia

WHERE: Proserpine Bowling Club

WHEN: Friday, July 14, from 6pm

BOOKING: Ring Helen on 4945 1733, Monday to Friday, 7am to 12pm to book a table

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The Mackay Maltese Club had the pleasure of hosting a morning tea and cent sale last Tuesday, May 30 at the residence of Rose and Joe Borg.

Members of the Trudy Crowley Foundation were invited to the morning tea to talk about ovarian cancer and the importance of getting checked.

Ovarian Cancer Ambassador Bridgeen Doherty spoke about her own ovarian cancer journey and the work of the foundation, while Founder and Vision Advocate Jacquie Camilleri spoke about the foundation's vision of a palliative care sanctuary.

Board member Councillor Pauline Townsend and Patron of the foundation Councillor Fran Mann were in attendance, showing their support of the great cause.

The Mackay Maltese Club raised and donated $2,000 to the Trudy Crowley Foundation, to go towards the planned palliative care sanctuary.

The cheque was presented to Ovarian Palliative Care Nurses Rosie Standard and Chris Giannangelo.

“It was a beautiful day with many goodies and wins,” said Mackay Maltese Club Secretary Veronica Gauci.

“Thank you to all who attended and helped with the day.

“We appreciate your ongoing support.”

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Trudy Crowley Foundation Palliative Care Nurses Rosie Standard and Chris Giannangelo presented with a cheque by Mackay Maltese Club President Rose Borg and Treasurer Janis Vella

Trudy Crowley Foundation Founder and Vision Advocate Jacquie Camilleri

Ovarian Cancer Ambassador Bridgeen Doherty

A lovely morning was had by all. Photos supplied

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