With preparations for the Great Barrier Reef Festival in full swing, the free community lantern making workshops have proved popular again this year.

Led by dynamic sculpture artist, Lalune Croker, the workshops are lively and interactive, and represent an opportunity for aspiring local artists to get creative and spend time together.

“I love the whole bringing the community together kind of thing, it’s like medicine!” said Lalune.

“All over the world different cultures celebrate the lighting of the lantern, it symbolises new life and everyone joins together, it is so rewarding, there is just something so beautiful about it.”

Lalune is a full-time sculpture artist who specialises in lantern making.

For the past three years she has been the driving force behind the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s Lantern Making Workshops.

She also works with Mackay’s Illuminate Festival and is highly experienced at working with this medium.

Over the past few weeks, 50 lanterns have been created at the two workshops.

The most recent event, held at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday, saw dozens of parents attend with their children.

Each lantern takes about 30 minutes to craft, depending on the skill level, age, and speed of the creator, and they are made using largely organic materials.

“It’s all so achievable, anyone can come to one of these workshops and get a feel for it, and make something,” explained Lalune.

“People love working with bamboo and cane and all those organic things.”

Each lantern is made with simple products – cane and bamboo form the frame to the structure and greaseproof paper creates the shell.

They are then stuck together with artist’s masking tape and decorated with colourful crepe paper.

Some of the lanterns will form a display at Coral Sea Marina in time for the Immersive Reef Stories Event on Thursday, August 3.

In addition to the coral inspired lanterns, Lalune has created two enormous whale tale lanterns, the first is over six foot tall and the second is around 5 feet.

These two lanterns will form the centrepiece to the lantern parade.

Over one hundred additional ocean inspired lanterns have also been created at a series of community events over the past few months.

These pop-up stalls have once again proved popular, and children have taken their lantern creations home in preparation for the parade.

All the lanterns will join together on Friday evening, August 4, from 5.30pm and the Lantern Parade is due to kick-off at around 6pm.

The procession will begin at Garden Bar at dusk and families are invited to come and join the fun, walking along the Boardwalk to the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

Twinkling lights will adorn the coastline as the illuminated procession weaves its way towards the festival crowds as onlookers marvel at the display.

Upon reaching the Foreshore, many of the lanterns will be placed at the Immerse Arts Installation, completing the overall artwork.

The Lantern Parade and workshops are funded with thanks to Coral Sea Marina and Regional Arts Fund.

WHAT: Lantern Parade

WHERE: Meet at Garden Bar

WHEN: Friday, August 4 at 5.30pm.

‍

Organiser Lalune Croker (centre), with artists Noemi Martinez (left) and Brigitte Peel (right), plus Brigitte’s two sons, Jajden and Brodie. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Parents enjoyed creating lanterns with their children. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Heather Batrick

Festival Vice President

A long-term lover of the reef, this passionate scuba diver turned business coach unites her love of community events and the environment with every hour she volunteers to the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

For the past seven years Heather has devoted her business savvy-ness to the festival and used her skills from owning and operating her own dive company, Yongala Dive, to source grants and drive sponsorship.

“It’s great to volunteer with something that includes the reef and brings people here to celebrate the reef,” said Heather.

“And especially with the Immerse Art Installation, it means that people who can’t get out on the reef can still see a magical underwater world.”

Originally from England, Heather has been a Whitsunday local for the past 23 years.

She discovered the Whitsunday Islands when she was travelling Australia and, after diving the Yongala wreck, located 25 metres below the surface near Ayr, she decided to set up a dive company.

Fast-forward to the present day and she is offering her skills as a business coach and consultant with her company HSB Business Solutions, using her spare time to help with the festival.

“I love organising and getting involved with putting the event together,” said Heather.

“When I came back to working in Airlie every day I wanted something that gets me involved with the community and this definitely does that!”

What is your favourite part of the festival:

I love how the event celebrates the Great Barrier Reef which is at our doorstep, and my favourite part of the festival would have to be the Friday night fireworks.

What does the festival mean to you?

The way it celebrates the Great Barrier Reef at our doorstep.

‍

Lisa Stockow

Volunteer Recruiter

For the past 13 years Lisa has played a central role in bringing the Great Barrier Reef Festival to life by organising a sea of volunteers to help ensure its safe and smooth running.

From selling raffle tickets to completing visitor surveys and crowd controlling the larger events, there are over 30 dedicated volunteers offering their time to this much-loved community event.

Known for her enthusiastic and persuasive personality, Lisa uses her charm and charisma to encourage friends, family, and even strangers to volunteer.

Fortunately, most people agree and by the end of the event they are buzzing with excitement and ready to sign-up for the following year.

“We always need volunteers, especially with the pack-down at the end,” explains Lisa.

“It’s exhausting but great fun and we all have a laugh.

“I’ve formed a lot of close friendships over the last 13 years and learnt so many different things.”

A long-term local, Lisa moved to the region when she was just three years old.

She has worked across a range of industries over the years and especially loves customer-facing hospitality roles.

In her spare time, she plays guitar in a rock band with long-term bestie and Festival Chair, Margie Murphy.

What is your favourite part of the festival:

The Friday night fireworks – it symbolises the excitement of it all beginning!

What does the festival mean to you?

Community spirit.

‍

Margie Murphy

Festival Chair

The dynamic leader of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Margie is a passionate and dedicated event organiser who brings with her a wealth of knowledge in the industry.

Joining the committee in 2009, Margie has been the driving force behind the festival’s direction, constantly moving it forward with her clear vision of how the arts meets the reef and the community.

When she became Festival Chair almost a decade ago, Margie was catapulted from volunteer to organiser, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Some of her highlights include bringing Timomatic to the festival for the opening of the Main Street, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate.

Another key moment for Margie has been finding the ‘festival home’, centralising the event on the Foreshore at Fairy Tree Park.

A large part of this was the introduction of Immerse Art Installation which was Margie’s vision for connecting the three pillars of the festival.

“I’ve always had a passion for the arts, music, culture and of course parties!’ she said.

“Creating Immerse has been a huge highlight over the years and it’s been fabulous to see it all come together so well.”

Of course, Margie is not just the vision for the festival, she is also a hardworking and dedicated member of the team.

From sourcing funding opportunities, chasing sponsorship and organising permits, she is at the pulse of all things Festival.

“I’ve always been able to communicate really well with a lot of different people,” said Margie.

What is your favourite part of the festival:

The opening night and the Fireworks at the Foreshore – it is the moment that everything is set-up and everyone is going ‘wow!’

What does the festival mean to you?

Giving all my energy into creating something that the community enjoys and can be proud of.

Women from across the region crowded into the Proserpine Museum on Saturday, eager to learn more about their influential predecessors who had helped shape the region.

This special event catered for 80 people and was completely sold out in advance.

It was organised into two sessions, a morning and an afternoon tea, where guests could mingle and marvel at the lovingly created displays.

Local guest speakers, Karina Shim and Alison Holmes, who have both immersed themselves into the local community, gave heart-warming speeches.

Entertainment was provided by a professional musician and teacher at Proserpine State High School, Cathy Muir, who was accompanied by the very talented Acadia Simmons on violin and piano.

The idea for the new display came about when museum volunteers noticed that a 1917 collage page depicted entirely male pioneers of the region, with no reflection of women’s contribution.

“We decided to do something about it!” said Proserpine Museum volunteer, Larraine Biggs.

Endearingly known as ‘The Wow Factor’, the Women of the Whitsundays special display showcases the lives of over 40 women, their stories told in original profiles and illustrated with old photos of their lives.

“We realised that we had very little in the museum that featured women and acknowledging their contribution to the community,” said Larraine.

“Women were often considered just someone’s wife, but in fact a lot of these women were astute business women working in areas such as local government, retail, hospitality and tourism.”

The display will be at Proserpine Museum foyer for another month and volunteers are interested in hearing from other families who may have incredible stories to tell.

Simply drop a note in their suggestion box.

Volunteers at the Proserpine Museum standing in front of the Women of the Whitsundays display. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to the Proserpine CWA on this milestone.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

‍

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

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

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

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

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

‍

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Supplied

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE: The Pub, The Airlie Beach Hotel

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

‍

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

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

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

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

‍

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

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

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‍

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT: RSPCA Morning Tea

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

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

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

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‍

2022 Zonta Club of the Whitsundays Scholarship Recipients. Photo supplied

UPDATE - EVENT POSTPONED

www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/daly-bay-illuminate-postponed
‍

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Nothing lights up our region like Daly Bay Illuminate.

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

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

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

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

“This is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There are four distinct characters, inspired by three dog breeds – poodles, bull terriers and dachshunds – that are curled-up, standing and even touching noses,” he said.

“As visitors journey through the colourful pack, the dogs’ coats light up and they greet passers-by with happy grunts to celebrate each new person’s arrival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‍

‍

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

‍

By Sam Gillespie

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

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

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

What motivates you to keep so busy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEN: Sunday, July 30, 3:00pm

WHERE: The Metropolitan Hotel

TICKETS: Oztix

‍

‍

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

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What: Opera Australia: The Barber of Seville

When: Monday 31 July 2023, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

‍

‍

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

‍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mackay International Film Festival Program

Pinnacle Playhouse, Pioneer Valley

Saturday, July 29

7pm – Three Thousand Years of Longing

BCC Cinemas Mount Pleasant

Friday, August 4

7pm – The Innocent

Saturday, August 5

4pm – The Blue Caftan

6.30pm – Limbo, Followed by Director Q&A

Sunday, August 6

4pm – The Whale

6.30pm – Alcarràs

‍

‍

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

‍