“Clean up Mackay Region” will be held this year over six days during August in a bid to keep our region pristine.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the events were the perfect opportunity for residents to show their community pride and help keep our region beautiful.

“This year, council will step up and show our appreciation to our volunteers for their efforts by planting five native plants, either as street trees or revegetation, for each person who participates at an event,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These events are a great opportunity for our community to be proactive and lend a hand to help keep our region looking its best by collecting harmful plastics and other rubbish before it makes its way to our beautiful beaches, protecting our local waterways and wildlife in the process,” he said.

“With the combined efforts of council and our community, this year’s events will help to make our region cleaner and greener.”

This year, council has partnered with Mackay Airport, Sarina Landcare, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Grasstree Beach Progress Association, Mackay Board Riders, Mackay Land Rover Club and CQUniversity for the 2023 clean-ups.

Locations where you can join in the clean-up include:

Friday, August 11

·        Shellgrit Creek, Bridge Road – 1pm to 3pm

Saturday, August 12

·        Illawong Drive – 9am to 11am

·        Sandfly Creek Reserve – 3pm to 5pm

Sunday, August 13

·        Riverside Drive – 9am to 11am

·        Hodges Road, Shoal Point – 9am to 11am

Saturday, August 19

·        Freshwater Point – 9am to 11am

Sunday, August 20

·        Grasstree Beach – 9am to 11am

·        North Wall Beach – 9am to 11am

Wednesday, August 23

·        Harbour Beach – 9am to 11am

Members of the community are also welcome to host their own clean-up events at sites they have noticed are worthy of a clean-up. Once registered, they will be provided with bags and gloves for their clean-up event.

Volunteers are asked to wear closed-in shoes, a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Will you step up? Register today at www.cleanup.org.au/mackay or just turn up on the day.

For more information, contact council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer, Bruce Thompson on 0417 741 169.

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Mackay residents can join the biggest community clean-up to help keep our region beautiful. Clean Up Mackay Region is being held at sites around the region during August

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By Amanda Wright

Get ready to twirl into a world of enchantment and laughter as the effervescent Emma Memma presents her wondrous Twirly Tour, with three shows here in Mackay.

With a sprinkle of magic and a dash of imagination, Emma Memma invites all young adventurers and their families on an extraordinary journey filled with joy, dancing, and delightful surprises. Join in the fun as she introduces her brand-new characters and mesmerizing dance moves that will have everyone twirling with glee.

We caught up with the fabulous Emma Watkins (Emma Memma), formerly known as the Yellow Wiggle, to get an exclusive sneak peek into what promises to be a fun and inclusive show for children of all ages.

Emma's transition from the Yellow Wiggle to a different captivating children's entertainer has been nothing short of delightful.

"Emma Memma allows me to expand upon new areas of visual communication to help achieve greater accessibility for all children," Emma shares with a twinkle in her eye. With a passion for inclusivity, she aims to create a show that is not only fun but also engaging and attainable for everyone.

One of the highlights of the Twirly Tour is the incorporation of Auslan into the performances.

"Movement is everyone's first form of communication, so we aim to build on this foundation to make our content more fun, engaging, and inclusive," Emma explains. Auslan, Australian Sign Language, plays a significant role in making the show accessible to all children. Emma and her team use Auslan throughout the entire performance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic with movement.

So, what can young audiences and their families expect from the Twirly Tour?

"Audiences can expect to see everything they know and love about Emma, but now with all new characters and catchy dance actions to try for adults and children alike," Emma reveals with excitement.

The Twirly Tour will take place at BCC Cinemas, adding an extra touch of grandeur to the show. With the use of animations projected on the enormous movie screen, young adventurers will be transported to a world of magic and wonder.

"The BCC Cinema's in-house movie projector is by far the largest screen we've ever used, and we are very excited about it!" Emma exclaims.

Emma's commitment to inclusivity extends to ticket sales as well.

"Our whole show is accessible in Auslan and English, and Elvin, myself, and our dancers use Auslan throughout the entire performance," Emma shares.

For audience members who require interpretation, special Auslan tickets are available, ensuring that every child can fully experience the magic of the Twirly Tour. Additionally, photos and videos during the show are always welcome, and lucky fans may even get a snap with Emma and her friend Elvin!

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Emma Memma's shows is their appeal to all ages.

"We often see babies right through to 20-somethings and grandparents joining in the fun," Emma reveals.

The performances are gentle, calming, and perfect for little ones or audience members who may be sensitive to loud noises or strong lighting. No matter the age, everyone is invited to twirl into a world of pure imagination.

Having previously visited Mackay, Emma Memma holds fond memories of the warm reception she received. "Mackay is always so lovely and welcoming," she said.

"We can't wait for our friends in Mackay to meet BB Butterfly, Waffles the Wombat, and Elvin Melvin at our first-ever Emma Memma shows in Mackay, see you there!"

What: Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour

When: Monday August 7, 10am, 12pm, 2:30pm

Where: BCC Cinemas Mt Pleasant

Tickets: livenation.com.au/show/1431006/emma-memma/mackay

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Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin will be entertaining children in Mackay this Monday during the Twirly Tour. Photo credit: Jared Lyons

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This evening, thousands of people will gather on grassy banks, smooth rocks and sandy outcrops to watch the Friday Night Fireworks erupt into vibrant pops of colour over the bay on Airlie Beach Foreshore.

Celebrating the official beginning of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, the fireworks are a crowd-favourite and a symbol of exciting times ahead – with an action-packed event calendar ready to impress over the whole weekend.

Sponsored by the Whitsunday Regional Council, the fireworks are set-off from across the bay, blasting up into the night’s sky and visible from many local vantage points.

Join the party on a rooftop bar, gather the kids on a picnic blanket or walk to a grassy knoll at the edge of the lagoon – wherever you are, feel connected and liberated by the fireworks that are there for everyone and can be seen by everyone.

“Watching the fireworks is definitely one of my favourite parts of the whole event,” said Great Barrier Reef Festival President, Margie Murphy.

“It is the moment when all the plans and preparations are in place and everyone gathers together, excited for a fabulous weekend ahead!”

WHAT: Friday Night Fireworks

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday, August 4

TIME: 8pm

Maximise Your Friday Night!

• Come down early to watch the Lantern Parade from 6pm

• Make sure you check out the Immerse Art Installation

• The kids will love the fun fair rides and side show alley

• Bring your picnic blanket for the open-air movie – Finding Nemo

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Embracing the festival-themes of community, creativity and raising awareness for the environment, the Friday evening Night Markets are a treasure trove of home-made wares, recyclable arts, and cottage industry delights.

A part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival since 2018, the Night Markets were quick to become a popular event, attracting over 60 stall holders and hundreds of browsing attendees.

Shrouded by a starry night sky, the markets are lit-up like a beacon, drawing festival-goers from along the Foreshore into the bustling arms of Eat Street and the dozens of market stalls.

Artist, Margaret Burgess, has been a stall holder since its inception and says that the addition of the markets has drawn bigger crowds to the festival year by year.

“It’s a great atmosphere at the markets,” she said.

“Plus, it gives people the opportunity to sell their wares, it’s wonderful to see so many hand-made products for sale that are also environmentally friendly.”

From hemp fabric clothes and linen by Tracey Robb to cow bone carvings by Proserpine local, Mel Burns, and of course Margaret’s reimagined China and sea glass jewellery, there is plenty to see and explore at the markets.

Discover unique locally made pottery, hand-made fragrant candles and soaps, gemstones, and original marine memorabilia.

There will also be Face painting for the children, Great Barrier Marine Festival merchandise for sale plus LED light fun products to get the party started.

WHAT: Night Markets

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday, August 4 from 5pm

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DON’T MISS!

The Nature Celebration Area – Discover 12 different nature stalls promoting reef conservation and raising awareness for the environment

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Traffic will be halted on the bustling main street of Airlie Beach this Saturday and the steady flow of vehicles will be replaced by a plethora of colourful community events for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Saturday Street Fun.

A hive of activity for festival goers to enjoy, the day will kick-off with Fraser Ford Revvin’ the Reef Car Show.

Car enthusiasts from all over the region have been busy polishing their ‘pride and joy’, ready to display amongst a sea of other cars, bikes, and trucks.

Beautiful Pin-Up Girls will wander through the crowd with Rock and Roll music completing the nostalgic ambiance of yesteryear.

Continuing with the leisurely yet dynamic pace, there will be continuous activities throughout the day.

Roving Street Performers will surprise and amaze, Wildlife Whitsunday will bring along native wildlife and there will be live music throughout the day.

Attendees are welcome to head to the nearby Art Expo and cast their vote for the People’s Choice award, or cruise down to the Airlie Beach Hotel for a lazy afternoon listening to some Classic Rock Legends.

Hungry? Head down to the Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street where you’ll find a hot bed of food vans selling a range of delicious treats.

Then, at 4pm the main street transforms into a racetrack for the Medibank Magic Mile, where children, adults, and everyone in between are invited to participate.

Enjoy the cheers from onlookers as you dash by at top speed and challenge yourself in this exciting event.

The day finishes with the iconic Rotary Street Parade, a colourful and worthy finale to an action-packed event.

WHAT: Saturday Street Fun

WHERE: Airlie Beach Main Street

WHEN: Saturday, August 5 – all day!

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Did You Know?

You can submit photos from the day for a chance to be published in this newspaper. Simply scan this QR code to take part.

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Opening Night Madness

Along with the official opening of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, be sure to head down to the main stage to see famous headliner Reece Mastin, who will be followed by popular duo Salt and Steel.

Bringing high energy and good vibes to the opening night, quality live music sets the pace of what’s to come.

Reece Mastin gets the crowd pumping with his pop-rock tunes, while Salt and Steel offer edgy raw music that is perfectly paired with rock.

WHAT: Reece Mastin and Salt and Steel

WHERE: Beach Stage, Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday August 4, from 6.30pm

Classic Legends Take On Airlie Beach

Relive the glory days with the Airlie Beach Hotel, hosting the fantastic rock trio of Dellacoma Rio, Shaleena Bain and Tara Graham.

Full of heart pumping tunes and classic anthems, these rockers embody the best names of the 80s and 90s, in a production full of thrills and spills.

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

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday August 5, 2.30pm to 5pm

Beats On The Beach

With the chill tunes of Sun Salute, the Beats on the Beach is the best of Saturday night music.

Joining the Beach Stage is The Wild Sky, with classic blues beats that thrum through their soulful tunes, Mish ‘n’ Possible, with her powerful vocals and fantastically uplifting sound, and Flying Double Front Kick, Airlie Beach’s own rockers.

WHAT: Beats on the Beach

WHERE: Beach Stage, Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Saturday August 5, from 6pm

The Chats and Cosmic Psychos

The party continues on Saturday night with The Chats and Cosmic Psychos, in an unforgettable duo performance that brings young and old together under one roof.

Cosmic Psychos bring the beer-fuelled Australia punk rock, with absolutely no class, and even less cares.

While The Chats are the up-and-comers on the Aussie punk rock scene, bringing with them some ‘shed rock’ that rivals Cosmic Psychos.

WHAT: The Chats and Cosmic Psychos

WHERE: Magnums Club

WHEN: Saturday August 5, from 8pm

Chill In The Park

What a way to send off a mammoth weekend of live music, family fun, and unstoppable adventure!

Chill in the Park is one of the final events on the Great Barrier Reef Festival agenda, rounding out the event with legendary music and local artists.

The line-up includes The David Flower Band, with folk-rock music that will leave you swaying to the beat, and Erin Rues, this Airlie Beach local is an absolute powerhouse vocalist with an attitude to match.

Don’t miss Didgera, with their groovy tribal rhythmic beats of jazz and reggae, and Sam Bannink, creating an atmosphere perfect for a Sunday afternoon of sun with his guitar and soulful songs.

Send off the 2023 iteration of the Great Barrier Reef Festival with this chill afternoon of some of the best classic Airlie Beach hits.

WHAT: Chill in the Park

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Sunday August 6, from 1.30pm

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DID YOU KNOW?

You can book a VIP area at Point Bar and receive a free cocktail and nibbles with an ocean view

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Mish ‘n’ Possible will bring eclectic beats and uplifting tracks

Reece Mastin headlining Friday night will set the scene for this summer loving festival

This three-piece ensemble, The Wild Sky appears as the rock and roll blues centre of the Beats on the Beach lineup

Airlie Beach local, Flying Double Front Kick brings us home, with alternative rock tunes and beats to match

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Coming back to their roots, Sun Salute will be cruising into Airlie Beach this weekend for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Formed in the cool snow of Falls Creek in Victoria, duo Jarrah Kurth and Tane Tokorangi moved up north to the warm climate of Airlie Beach and created the Sun Salute band with its seven other band members.

“Over the course of the last few years, we grew into a seven-piece band, as we began playing records and needed more instruments,” explains Jarrah, who is on the drums for Sun Salute.

Together, they called Airlie Beach home for five years, before each of the members made their way south, some to Byron Bay, others the Sunshine Coast, and some in Melbourne.

But the energy of the music never left them, with the members regularly travelling for shows and to record new music.

“When we do come together and play, it’s a great energy on stage,” said Jarrah.

“We love playing together and we’re all great friends, and I think people can feel that.

“It’s a special special energy, and we’re just stoked to come back to Airlie Beach.”

On the line-up is Tane Tokorangi, with melodic vocals and guitar, Airlie Beach local Dylan Hammond on bass and vocals, Saia Latau with the keyboard and vocals, and Nestor Galapia with percussion.

Chris Booroff on guitar and trumpet, and Chelsea McNeiley on saxophone, are also welcome additions.

Sun Salute have become a synonymous staple on the reggae, roots, and funk scene, with eclectic electric tunes and the perfect vibes for a Saturday night performance.

Returning to Airlie Beach almost yearly, this will be the first time the full band performs for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

“We began in Airlie, it’s where we grew the band and we’re excited to be able to play in front of lots of familiar faces,” said Jarrah.

And lucky for Airlie Beach, Sun Salute will perform one or two of their unreleased upcoming tracks, for the crowd.

“It’s all funky reggae, good vibes, good energy, and good connection,” Jarrah said.

“To get everybody together to be able to write new music, yeah it’s a bit challenging, but this just makes it so much more special to be able to spend time together in the studio writing and playing, it’s a lot of fun.

“And everybody in the band is a songwriter, everyone’s got creativity.

“So many ideas and so much inspiration to bring to the music, we’re never short of any ideas musically, it’s just getting together and getting it recorded.”

How would you describe your music?

“You know, if you had to describe it in one word, it would be connection; connecting with the audience, the audience connecting with us on stage, with the music, and connecting with yourself.”

WHAT: Sun Salute for Beats On the Beach

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Beach Stage

WHEN: Saturday 5 August, from 6pm

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Old school fun is on the cards for this year’s Team Kerr Family Fun Day!

With a jampacked collection of events and activities running throughout the day, every member of the family will racing around to give everything a go!

What is on offer?

Check out the Eco Barge Sculpture tent and chat with representatives from the Master Reef Guides and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority who will be there all day alongside a Daydream Island display about the living reef.

The Ngaro and Giya Traditional Owners will also be hosting events, teaching everyone the art of storytelling, weaving, ochre painting and the perfect way to throw a boomerang.

Grab your treasure hunt card, and get stamped at each and every stall for your chance to win in the treasure chest prize draw, where kids will learn about the environment in a fun way.

Try your hand at the always popular donut eating competition, get involved with the circus workshops and other free kid’s activities.

Be sure to stick around for the foam party, sandcastle competition and good old sack and three-legged races which are sure to cause laughter and smiles for all involved, with the Recyclable Regatta to round out the fun.

WHAT: Team Kerr Family Fun Day

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Sunday August 6, from 10am to 2pm

Top Tip!

There will be a pop up bar for the adults from 12pm, as well as live music and food trucks, a perfect little adults retreat during the day of fun.

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Get your running shoes on, the Medibank Magic Mile is back for the 2023 Great Barrier Reef Festival!

Hosted by the Whitsunday Running Club, the event takes place along the Airlie Beach Main Street.

No matter the ability, everyone is encouraged to give it a go, with cash prizes up for grabs for the adults.

“It’s always a great day,” said Andrea Farley, from the Whitsunday Running Club.

“The lead up is always exciting, and it’s so cool to be able to run down the main street.

“I want everyone to give it a red-hot crack and try and win some cash!”

WHAT: Medibank Magic Mile

WHERE: Airlie Beach Main Street

WHEN: Saturday August 6, at 4pm

Did You Know?

You can register for the Magic Mile on the day! Stop by the Main Street Info Tent between 2pm and 3pm to sign up!

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Get your swimmers on, it’s time for the unforgettable Whitsunday Escape Recyclable Regatta.

A fan favourite for the Great Barrier Reef Festival, the Recyclable Regatta tests patience, determination, and communication, and is always a laugh for spectators and other competitors.

High-sea pirate shenanigans are sure to ensue, with all sorts of community groups and school groups getting in on the fun of the event.

And what have you got to do?

Make your raft out of recycled materials and find a crew of up to three.

Now, all you’ve gotta do is paddle it around the course and be sure not to lose a crewmember!

Register your raft at greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au.

WHAT: Whitsunday Escape Recyclable Regatta

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Sunday August 6, 2pm to 3pm

Top Tip!

Plastic drums and bamboo poles make excellent floats and frame for a raft, as well as your milk, juice, water and soft drink bottles!

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Speeding to the Whitsundays for a whirlwind visit before his next race on the Queensland Race Way is professional racing car driver, Nick Lange, who will be attending the Fraser Ford Revvin’ the Reef car show on Saturday.

A previous Whitsunday local, Nick lived in Airlie Beach for 15 years and loves returning to the region to give back to the community and say thank you to his local sponsors.

On the day, he will be parked outside KC’s Bar and Grill with his brand-new Chevvy Camaro, one of 100 cars of this kind that participate in Production Car Racing in Australia.

Nick is a self-funded motor enthusiast who has worked his way up the ranks to compete alongside some of the best racers in the country.

“It’s good to be up against the big names now,’ he said.

“To be rubbing shoulders with the best of the best is pretty awesome!”

Nick started his career in the early 2000s and worked his way up to driving in Production Car Racing, competing in the Bathurst 12-hour endurance race.

He has also worked as support crews for the V8 Super Cars and travelled the country for the sport.

He is now looking forward to bringing it home for the Whitsunday community and excited to participate in this weekend’s car show.

“I’ve got heaps of posters to sign and giveaway,” he said.

“And I’ll be happy to answer any questions about the motorsports industry, let people sit in the car and get a photo with me.”

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Professional racing car driver, Nick Lange. Photo supplied

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With almost 50 submissions, the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Show is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the event this year.

Embracing the broader festival theme, the art show ‘Grandeur of the Humpback Whales’ invited submissions comprising of whales, the reef, the Whitsundays and the environment above and below sea level.

Organiser, Leigh Skead from Creative Connections Whitsundays, said she was “totally floored” by the number of entrees.

“We pulled it together at the last minute and so many local artists came out of the woodwork,” she explained.

“We are very pleased with the response, and it is great to see young kids right through to people who could command thousands of dollars for their artwork participate.”

The Art Show is being held at Beach Plaza, next to La Tabella Restaurant on the Airlie Beach Esplanade, and will be open throughout the festivities.

Build upon community connection, the judging for the best artwork is entirely ‘people’s choice’ with everyone encouraged to come and take a look at the art before casting their vote to select a worthy winner.

There is only one overall winner announced and attendees are also invited to purchase raffle tickets to support ongoing art events in the region.

WHAT: Art Show

WHERE: Beach Plaza (next to La Tabella)

WHEN: August 3-6

OPEN TIMES: Thurs 9am-3pm, Fri-Sat 10am till late, Sun 10am-4pm

DID YOU KNOW?

The Art Competition is judged by the people – your vote counts!

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Two of the impressive submissions entering into the Art Show Competition. Images supplied

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Having spent the better part of 18 years working closely with the ocean and tourism, Crystal Lacey has perfected her expertise, skills, and knowledge, and is using it to positively influence the Whitsundays.

Stepping onto the Great Barrier Reef Festival committee in 2022, 2023 has seen her take the helm as Environmental Coordinator.

Tasked with enhancing the festival to encompass the environmental aspects of the reef, Crystal has helped curate fantastic immersive and educational opportunities for festival attendees to experience some of the very best of the Great Barrier Reef in a time of utmost attention to the Reef.

“We are bringing the Great Barrier Reef to life for the Great Barrier Reef Festival,” Crystal explains.

“Enhancing the Festival in these key spaces, from idea and concept to the actual event.”

Closely partnered with Reef educational bodies and eco-tourism operators, the Great Barrier Reef Festival provides in depth knowledge and education for community members and festival attendees.

Crystal was also integral with incorporation of indigenous leaders into the Festival line up, with indigenous leaders opening the Festival on Friday evening and leading many of the education classes and workshops.

In particular, Master Reef Guides will be playing a big part of the upcoming festival, leading various educational workshops and opportunities.

“This is the biggest collection of Master Reef Guides ever to be arranged,” Crystal said.

Crystal initially approached the Great Barrier Reef Committee in 2022.

“I wanted to bring the reef to the festival so I said, ‘this is what we should do and this is how we can do it’.”

Crystal has an extensive history of tourism, marine boating, and ocean activities, and has moved into eco-tourism, conservation, and education, through her business, Little Fish Tourism.

She was instrumental in the Welcome to the Whales event last month and a driving force behind pushing for the Whitsundays to become an accredited Whale Heritage Site, with the World Cetacean Alliance.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival theme for 2023 is to celebrate the whales, which goes hand-in-hand with gaining this accreditation.

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Crystal Lacey has been highly influential in eco-tourism and edu-tourism, stepping into the role of Environmental Coordinator for the Great Barrier Reef Festival

The Master Reef Guides will be running workshops and information sessions throughout the Festival. Photos supplied

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Taking pride of place at the heart of the Immerse Art Installation are an eight-metre mother whale and her three-metre-long calf.

Creating these majestic art pieces is renowned and highly respected regional artist, Margaret Burgess, who has dedicated “months and months” of work to lovingly re-create these two enormous sculptures.

Constructed with a timber spine and cane ribs, every join of the tough and durable centre is individually drilled, its design aiming to create a sculpture that can endure and shine at events for years to come.

Its outer ‘skin’ is made from cotton spandex, with the humpback’s striking black and white colours finishing the overall effect.

Margaret has been an artist for over 30 years and moved into the spotlight with her Plastic Boutique series of installations that were exhibited in Canelands Shopping Centre in Mackay.

She regularly hosts inspiring workshops and is the driving force behind many environmentally relevant art initiatives throughout the region.

“The Great Barrier Reef Festival ticks all my boxes,” she said.

“Creativity, the environment – I just love being part of it all!

“It’s an intensely busy period but it’s also so rewarding to stand back and say ‘wow!’

“I also love working with the rest of the team, we are always growing and evolving and aspiring to create something spectacular.”

The whale component of the Immerse Art Installation will be transported from Midge Point to Fairy Tree Park on Friday.

Immerse 2023 is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

WHAT: Immerse Art Installation

WHERE: Fairy Tree Park

WHEN: 4-6 August

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Respected regional artist, Margaret Burgess, with the whale sculpture at her home studio. Photo supplied

The Whales form an integral part of Immerse Art Installation. Photo supplied

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In 1960, “Mischief” was Queensland’s fastest displacement hull racing boat, achieving a speed of 69.862 mph (112.4 kph) at Home Hill; an accomplishment recognised and recorded by the Australian Power Boat Association. “Mischief” was built especially for Clement Cecil Walton, (known as Mick) by Lewis Bros, Taren Point, Sydney.

For the boating enthusiasts amongst our readers - the boat had an Iskerdenan camshaft which is still regarded as one of the best in high performance racing. It also had an aircraft inertia starter motor which made it tricky to start. Other features included a centre-mounted 283 cubic inch Corvette engine with a capacity for speed; an upward angled propeller shaft and props placement to the rear of the transom.

The quest for speed in Unlimited Class Racing Skiff meant both vessels and driver were under great stress. At all times, the occupants had to use their weight and fight the torque (turning effect) generated by the engine.

Light and graceful in design, “Mischief” was a powerhouse, reaching unofficial speeds of 72 mph (116kph) over the quarter mile. The boat occasionally became airborne in great 20-to-30-foot leaps, jarring the two occupants from side to side as the skeg re-entered the water. Idling was not one of her talents.

Mick always carried a spare propellor because when “Mischief” leapt out of the water, she would spin the prop shaft.

Mick went through 14 co-pilots in one season until Charlie Law and Billy Trail came along. They both suffered broken ribs and were sometimes thrown out at high speed. Mick would leave the skiff on its trailer and one of the co-pilots, either Charlie Law or Billy Trail, would put XXXX cans up the twin exhausts. But according to Charlie, it was larrikins who would stuff empty beer cans up the exhaust pipes just to see how powerful an engine could react. Who the larrikins were, we will never really know. Not surprisingly, when the engine built up enough pressure it would fire up and shoot cans out of the pipes at great rate of knots.

Mick raced all over Queensland including Hutchinson Lagoon (Burdekin), Lake Elphingstone and Groper Creek and Shingley Beach where locals were treated to the thrills and spills of fast boats in action.  “Mischief” and Mick chalked up many successes, for example, on December 8, 1960, “they” won the Power Boat Associations’ Queensland Short Couse Displacement Championship in the unlimited cubic inch shift class hull section. Over the new year weekend of 1961, Mick won the Queensland State Championship comfortably in the final heat. During an elimination heat, one of the water-cooling hoses flew off but Charlie Law, who was riding with Mick, forced the hose back into position and held it there – they were a great team.

Over the years, “Mischief” and its crew certainly lived up to the name.

But for now, more than six decades later, “Mischief” is no longer making mischief! It rests in Stage Two of the Proserpine Historical Museum after being bequeathed from the estate of Mick’s wife, Dawn. “Mischief” has been carefully restored by museum volunteers and is waiting for you to have a peep into our museum where you can admire this piece of boating history and marvel at the talent of its owner and co-pilots.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and Mr Jim Walton.

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