By Sam Gillespie

Mackay’s indie pop darling Tia Gostelow has delivered yet another sweet line-up for the second iteration of her hometown festival, Sugardrop.

After a successful debut in 2022, Tia again aims to deliver a boutique event to the Mackay music calendar, bringing bands to the sugar city for the first time while giving locals a platform to share their craft on the big stage.

“I feel like I’ve found my feet after last year,” Tia said.

“It’s really nice to see that it’s continuing to happen year after a year, and it keeps coming into fruition.”

Growing up in Mackay, Tia said opportunities for young musicians to play local festivals were seldom, but the local music scene is starting to thrive.

“I’m hoping Sugardrop is something that can just add to that and give local bands a platform to be able to play with these bigger bands,” she said.

One of these local bands is Inside Lane, who impressed Tia when she saw them open for Kingswood in April.

“They were just amazing,” she said.

“I was so blown away by their drummer, I think he’s 14, they’re so cool so I really needed to get these boys on the line-up, and I’m really excited about having them.”

Inside Lane will be joined by a bevy of Australian talent, most visiting north Queensland for the first time, including headliners the Terrys.

“I’m a huge fan of them and I’m really stoked that they’re a part of it,” Tia said.

“Peach Fur are amazing … they are literally one of the best bands I’ve ever seen play in my life.

“Jem Cassar-Daly makes incredible, beautiful music and Mt. Nadir are playing; half of their band is from Mackay.

Local DJs Clovr and Pacey will be providing the grooves while Tia will also be taking the stage herself, kicking off her album tour following the release of her third album, ‘Head Noise’, due for release on August 18.

“I feel like this is some of the best songwriting I’ve ever done and I’m really excited to play these songs live and get back out and tour Australia with my band,” Tia said.

“I really can’t think of a better way to start the tour than at Sugardrop.”

WHAT: Sugardrop Festival

WHEN: Saturday, September 16 from 2pm

WHERE: Harrup Park

TICKETS: Oztix

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Tia Gostelow will launch her album tour in her hometown at Sugardrop Festival. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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The cult classic is back in cinemas and fans could not be more excited.

Addressed to both new and old fans, this 2023 instalment of the massive franchise is a welcome reprise to much loved characters and sees the ending of the chapter beginning.

The film opens with a nod to the fifth film and how the son of a drug lord, Dante, played by Jason Momoa, has joined the chorus and his own vendetta, with a plot to avenge his father.

Soon after, the rest of the gang are brought on screen, by another barbeque, forever planning their next big heist, before the chaos begins.

Dante is set on getting revenge on Dom’s – Vin Diesel – gang, who caused the death of his father.

His personal motto ‘never accept death when suffering is owed’ propels the antics of the film, with high intensity action fuelling the drama and insane stunts.

Dante is determined to have the gang deemed as terrorists, and plants a massive bomb in Rome.

The extreme violence and action of the film follows the absolute cluster mayhem of the story, following as the group separates and each meets their own mess of violence, action, and warehouses filled to the brim with weapons, flash cars, and super computers.

Fighting and tumbling all across the world, the stakes continue to grow until the final climax of the final fight.

With a superstar cast, including Brie Larson, John Cena, Jason Statham, Ludacris and Michelle Rodriguez, there is not a face that won’t ring some bells with viewers.

CGI and fantastical stunts are just the start of this film, with legendary casting, acting and with stunning cinematography.

This film will leave a lasting impression and is a touching beginning of the final chapters for the franchise.

Fast X is now showing at the Bowen Cinema and will be screened at Proserpine Cinema from June 11.

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Jason Momoa depicts the disturbed son of a drug lord, who was instrumental in previous films

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) has reached the impressive milestone of 100,000 customers in 12-months and the team are celebrating with the ultimate ticket giveaway.

Mackay locals will be given the opportunity to win a share in more than 100 tickets via the MECC’s 100K Competition, simply by uploading any photo or video of them attending an event at either the MECC or BB Print Stadium Mackay. The milestone marker is a cause for celebration, with the strong attendance numbers indicating Mackay’s appetite for live performance and cultural events has grown, and it’s not just the MECC who benefits.

Mayor Greg Williamson said 100,000 customers through the MECC had a far-reaching impact on our local economy.

“We’re seeing out of town visitors use these events as mini-holiday opportunities,” Mayor Williamson said.

“They’re enjoying our accommodation providers, our restaurants and our local businesses.

“It’s tremendous to see and is a testament to the service levels the MECC team provide – people aren’t just coming to our events and shows; they’re coming back, time and time again.”

Manager of MECC and Events Andrew Bobeldyk said the events that were proving the most popular at the MECC and BB Print Stadium may surprise a lot of people.

“Mackay’s love for live music and ballet really stand out when you crunch the numbers,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“Queensland Ballet’s performance in March had more than 1000 people in the audience!” he said.

The MECC’s 100k Competition closes on Thursday 15 June. Fifty lucky winners will be chosen at random, each enjoying a double pass to a randomly selected performance. Terms and conditions and further details on how to enter can be found at themecc.com.au.

MECC FUN FACTS

• Largest stadium event for the 22/23 Financial Year – Mackay Cutters vs Townsville Blackhawks (1708 in attendance

• Largest MECC event for the 22/23 Financial Year – Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors 75th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod – October (14,679 in attendance)

• Month with the highest attendance 22/23 Finance Year – October 2022 (20,662 in attendance)

• Largest attended single event in the MECC Plenary Halls – QLD Museum Unearthed (4693 in attendance)

• Largest attended single event in the MECC Auditorium (excluding Mackay Eisteddfod) – Steve-O The Bucket List Tour (1068 in attendance)

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The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball has now donated more than $1 million to local charities since the creation of the event.

The Ball was formerly organised by Sunrise Rotary Club of Mackay and raised about $600,000 over 15 years before the reins were handed over to council, the MECC and a community committee.

It has since raised about $410,000, including about $91,000, to be split between two local charities, earlier this month at the MECC.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was an amazing achievement and something all the community could celebrate.

“Cracking the $1 million mark is a credit to the event planning committee and all the amazing sponsors we have on board,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The goal of the event is to support local charities, who are sometimes overlooked by state and federal funding but are in desperate need of funds,” he said.

“This year’s funds have been split equally between Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities Mackay Family Room, with each receiving $45,529.01.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) are planning to use the funds to assist with operational costs of the RMHC Family Room in Mackay and Australian Street Aid Project will use the funds to help support people experiencing homelessness in the Mackay region.

Mayor Williamson said the event was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 440 in attendance.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event of this calibre again in Mackay,’’ he said.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities at a council morning tea today to thank all sponsors.

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Samantha Lee, Ronald McDonald House Charities Community Engagement Executive, receiving a cheque from the Mayor’s Charity Ball by Mayor Greg Williamson and committee member Brendan Hughes

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FUELLED BY FIRE AND WOOD

Ahead of its special 20-year exhibition openings, which took place last month, Artspace Mackay reached out to the community to borrow some very special pottery pieces.

That pottery is the beautiful, woodfired works of Arthur and Carol Rosser.

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said the Rossers took up pottery full time in the 1970s after spending a year in Japan.

“They purchased a neglected farm at Dalrymple Heights and spent decades re-foresting the property by planting 10,000 trees,” Ms Heathwood said.

“The Rossers’ pots were the very essence of this place; they were made from local clays, and local timbers fuelled the up to 100-hour long anagama kiln firings,” she said.

“‘Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser’ celebrates the legacy of this husband-and-wife team, bringing together more than forty years of their creative practice.

“It celebrates the artists’ considered approach to land care, development of unique ash glazes and long wood firings.”

Artspace Mackay curator Lauren Turton said Arthur Rosser’s sudden passing in 2020 and Carol Rosser’s need to go into full-time care marked the end of an era for these local pioneers of Australian woodfired ceramics.

“The Artspace team would like to thank their daughter Zoe Judge for her generosity in sharing her parents’ story with us, loaning us much of their personal collection and opening her home to our curatorial team,” Ms Turton said.

“A component of this exhibition features Rosser pots which we have loaned from various local community members, paying tribute to the artists’ commitment to producing beautiful but functional pots for everyday use.”

Also opening on Friday night was Dylan Mooney: The Wall, In Bloom and Time of Our Lives.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Dylan Mooney, who is a proud Yuwi, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander artist from our region, had created an amazing mural on the foyer wall within the gallery.

“The mural, titled ‘Oceans are rising, so must we’, is an extension of Dylan’s advocacy work with the Torres Strait 8 and their Our Islands Our Home campaign, which is about protecting the Torres Strait Islands from the impacts of climate change,” Mayor Williamson said.

“In Bloom celebrates the growth of our art collection over twenty years and features an exciting, new artwork commission by north Queensland artist Brian Robinson, alongside historic artworks and non-acquisitive commissions connected to important stories from our region,” he said.

“Lastly, Time of Our Lives is a partnership with the incredible community arts organisation Crossroad Arts, which will see tremendous animations projected onto the gallery’s exterior entrance wall during the 2023 Mackay Festival of Arts.

“Those who attended the opening were treated to a debut public screening and were blown away by the amazing display.”

Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser, Dylan Mooney: The Wall and In Bloom are on show now at Artspace Mackay.

Visit artspacemackay.com.au for more details.

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Daughter of Arthur and Carol Rosser, Zoe Judge spoke passionately about her parent’s work at the opening of the Artspace Mackay exhibition Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser. Photo credit: Jim Cullen

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By Chris Karas

Mackay Musical Comedy Players are celebrating the resounding success of their latest production The Addams Family Musical.

Three sell out performances at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre is a testimony of the talent of the hard-working local cast and creative team behind the scenes.

A feature were the efforts of the St Patrick’s College Mackay alumni and current staff and performing arts students that continue to make an impact in the wider community with their strong cultural presence.

No less than thirteen past and present students and staff showcased their skills during the popular musical that was based upon The Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams which depict a kooky and ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre.

Cast included St Patrick’s College alumni Leticia Harberger (Class of 2014/ancestor), Michelle Moore (Class of 2010/ancestor), Belinda Grech (Class of 2006/ancestor), Annaliese Mauchline (Class of 2015 and teacher/ancestor), Ebony Walker (Class of 2016 and teacher; Assistant choreographer/Dance Captain), choreographer Kyra Geoghegan (Class of 2006); Dallis McLean (Class of 2021/Wednesday Addams), Bethany Ellefson (past teacher/Assistant Director), George Rogers (Class of 2015/Lucas Beineke) and teacher Molly Rossetto (Alice Beineke) along with current students Sophie Reilly (Year 11/ancestor) and Jaxon Anderson (Year 10/ancestor) and teacher assistant Harry O’Connell (ancestor).

“The musical was a tremendous team effort by all those involved during the past three months with all making valuable contributions,” reflected Molly.

“We can’t thank the Mackay community enough for their loyal support – it was exciting to see a high number of alumni banding together with current staff and students and being involved in a quality production in the performing arts” she added.

Mackay Musical Comedy Players are now preparing for their next production Little Shop of Horrors to be staged in September.

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Dolly Louw is about to do something she says no one has ever done before.

The visionary principal of Mackay Fame Talent School has purchased the rights to iconic Disney musical The Lion King, representing a rare and fantastic opportunity for the children of Mackay.

It’s the first time a full-scale Disney Junior production has been staged in Mackay and will be entirely cast, acted and performed by young Mackay talent.

“It’s a very holistic artistic experience for the children that culminates in a full-scale, musical production,” Ms Louw said.

“I encourage the community to come and support the performance as the children have put in a lot of hard work and effort to make it a success.”

Laffos Bar and Pizzeria proudly announced their sponsorship of the production in May.

“We are so grateful to businesses like Laffos for supporting artistic endeavours like this,” Ms Louw said.

“It allows us to deliver sets, lighting and staging you’d expect from a full-scale Disney production.

Laffos owner Mark Laffin said it was a pleasure to support the initiative.

“My kids love Disney; all kids love Disney,” he said.

“These sorts of opportunities are always available to big city kids and never in towns like Mackay.”

Children from all over Mackay were invited to audition in February and are now rehearsing for what promises to be an amazing experience.

“We are hoping lots of people jump onto the MECC website and purchase tickets early,” Ms Louw said.

“If we receive the support, we’ll do a second show, which will be absolutely amazing for the kids.”

WHAT: Fame Talent School Presents The Lion King Junior

WHEN: Sunday, June 18 at 10:00am

WHERE: The MECC

TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

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Prepare for an uproarious evening of laughter as the comic dynamo, Jimeoin, graces the stage of the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre on June 24, 2023. With his brand-new stand-up show titled 'The Craic!', Jimeoin promises to unleash his razor-sharp wit and hilarious observations on the quirks of suburban life in his signature devil-may-care style.

Renowned for his award-winning performances and universally appealing humour, Jimeoin has captivated audiences worldwide, from the UK and Europe to the USA and his beloved adopted homeland of Australia. His appearances at the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow and his immensely successful Australian tours consistently sell out, often prompting additional shows to meet the overwhelming demand.

Don't miss the chance to experience the brilliance of Jimeoin's smash-hit show, 'Jimeoin: The Craic!', as it takes centre stage at the MECC this June.

Book your tickets online at themecc.com.au or call the box office for an evening filled with infectious laughter and comedic genius. Get ready to have your funny bone tickled by one of Australia's comedy legends!

What: Jimeoin, ‘The Craic’

When: Saturday 24 June 2023

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Internationally acclaimed 'Irish Master' Jimeoin is sure to leave audiences in stitches

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Friday 2 June

HeART (beats) - Access is Love exhibition

Friday, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

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 after-thought. Crossroad Arts Inc invited all community members to respond to the theme Access is Love by creating an original artwork using any medium and in any style. Opening Night is Friday June 2 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm as part of Mackay City and Waterfront’s ‘City Heart Fridays.’ No need to book, just come along. Opening Night will be Auslan interpreted and digital image description will be available for each artwork. There will be beats from a local DJ, nibbles and drinks and a chance to admire all the artworks! Most works for sale for $40 each with proceeds going back to Crossroad Arts. Can't make opening night? The exhibition will run Monday - Friday until Friday August 4.

Crossroad Arts Inc

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Keep The Speed Off The Street

Friday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Race your mates in a safe and controlled environment! All cars and bikes welcome. More info on what is required is available on the Palmyra Dragway website.

Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc

Saturday 3 June

Mackay Basketball v Logan Thunder

Saturday, 6:00pm

Mackay Meteorettes and Meteors take on Logan Thunder at the Crater.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

June Film Night: ON THE WATERFRONT

Saturday, 7:30pm

Join Film & Arts Mackay for a once-in-a-lifetime waterfront screening of one of the most iconic films out of Hollywood in Mackay’s very own pop-up cinema at Paxton’s Warehouse on Saturday, 3rd June starting at 7.30pm.

Paxton’s Night Markets

Pizza For A Purpose

Saturday, from 9:30am

Members of the public are encouraged to go down to Laffos on June 3 for a raft of pizza-eating competitions with all food supplied by Laffos. Funds raised will support suicide prevention with the Grapevine Group.

Laffos, Caneland Central

Sunday 4 June

BMA Mackay Marina Run

Sunday, 6:00am

Discover why Mackay Marina Run is regarded as Queensland’s most scenic running event. A flat, fast course set against spectacular sub-tropical scenery – the perfect platform for achieving your next PB. Held annually on the first Sunday in June, the stunning 21.1km race winds through the coastal city showcasing the very best scenery of the region. From a 3km kids dash and 5km fun run to more advanced runs, there are categories and courses to suit all motivations.

Mackay Harbour

Visiting Preacher Returns To Mackay

Sunday, 9:15am

Rev. Dr Solmon Zwana, former general secretary of the Zimbabwean Council of Churches, returns to Mackay for a weekend of activities starting on Friday night at 7pm at St Paul's and culminating with a combined service and shared lunch at 9.15am on Sunday at St Paul's led by members of the Zimbabwean community and a pleasant Sunday afternoon at 2.15pm at Calen Uniting Church. For more information contact the Rev. Dr Julia Pitman 0411 094 185.

St Paul's Uniting Church

Family Fun Day

Sunday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

The annual Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day is back, bigger and better than ever in 2023. With heaps of fun for the whole family, just $5 per person will get you unlimited access to the huge variety of activities and rides, plus browse the market stalls and sample the delights from a variety of delicious food and coffee vendors. Take a seat and enjoy the tasteful tunes of Australian Idol’s Noah Cookson and pass the footy with Broncos, Maroons and Australia rugby league legend Sam Thaiday, all the while raising funds for Mackay Hospital Foundation.

BB Print Stadium

Sunday Live Music – Lucid Wings

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 5 June

Boogie Bounce Mackay Community Walking Group

Monday, 9:30am

Walk with Boogie Bounce Community on the first Monday morning of each month. Meet on the deck at the Botanic Gardens at 9:30am, have a casual walk around the gardens to get your steps up. All welcome.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Wednesday 7 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 8 June

Homeless Expo

Thursday, 10:00am to 1:00pm

Housing providers, medical services, flu vaccinations, community services, haircuts, blankets, tea, coffee and food will be available at the Homeless Expo, facilitated by CASA at the undercover basketball area at CQU Mackay Campus.

CQU Mackay Campus, Sydney Street

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

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‘Song Contest - The Almost Eurovision Experience'

Experience the glitz, the glamour, and the hilarious madness of CQUniversity's Bachelor of Theatre students as they unleash their uproarious new musical parody, Song Contest - the almost Eurovision experience. Get ready for a night of unforgettable performances that will transport you to Eurovision's dazzling world.

The students will present five performances at Mackay’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) from Friday, 16 June.

With eleven countries competing, an array of anxious contestants, and an over-the-top hostess, this comedic and loving tribute to Eurovision is as close to the real thing as you can get.

Competing countries include Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Greece, Italy, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Ukraine, and Norway.

The show also features all original songs, including wind-blown hair power ballads, pretty glitter boy pop, soulful groove, and all manner of patriotic foolishness.

Associate Lecturer in Theatre and Acting, Matt Young has been working with the students over the past few months to prepare them for the performance.

“The show is an exhausting but ultimately an affordable, uplifting top night out, with everything about this mingled comedy and music act sure to delight and make you cringe at the same time,” Mr Young said.

“The songs are top shelf and sound just like something you have heard before on Eurovision, only different and a bit wrong."

Head of Course for the Bachelor of Theatre, Dr Linda Lorenza said the performance will provide an interactive theatrical experience like no other, with the audience getting to participate.

“Just like real the Eurovision, Song Contest audiences will actually vote using an online voting system at each performance!  Every performance will have a different winner, an unpredictable Act 2” she said.

“It is exciting to bring this new kind of interactive theatrical experience to the Mackay community.”

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience this unique theatre experience. This show is recommended for ages 13 and up.

What: Song Contest - the almost Eurovision experience

When: Friday, 16 June 2023 – 10:30 am and 7:30 pm

Saturday, 17 June 2023 – 2 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday, 18 June 2023 – 2 pm

Where: CQCM Theatre, Boundary Road

Tickets: cqu.edu.au

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By Sam Gillespie

Much like the Bee Gees, Luke, Sarah and Ryan Dunn are three siblings following their music dreams.

Unlike the Bee Gees, the Mackay “family band” are impressing local crowds with their fresh take on indie punk music, fusing all their favourite genres to create a unique sound.

Their band, Red Veridian, takes its name from the colours Luke, Sarah and Ryan associate with this sound, with red and viridian sitting almost opposite each other on the colour wheel.

“What the name has actually come to mean is duality and we try to encompass that with genres, lyrical content, everything the music encompasses,” said guitarist Luke.

Luke’s obsession with punk music and guitars started at the age of 13 and, being the oldest sibling, his taste heavily influenced that of Sarah and Ryan.

“That’s how Ryan got forced into starting drums because the parents decided he was going to be a drummer and bought him a drum kit,” Luke said.

“I didn’t even really like drums when I first started playing them,” laughed Ryan.

The boys began jamming together in 2017, ultimately forming another local band, Subservia, while Sarah’s singing background was in musical theatre.

It wasn’t until the outbreak of the pandemic, with Sarah moving home from Sydney, that she started writing music with Luke after he’d recently left Subservia.

“I was out with a vengeance,” Luke laughed.

“I wanted to create something better.

“I think Subservia’s awesome, but that was one of the motivating forces.”

Ryan, who still drums for Subservia and lives with Luke at the time, had already agreed to play music with his siblings once they’d started writing, and so Red Veridian was formed.

The trio agreed that being in a band with siblings brings with it certain perks.

“Siblings don’t mind giving it to each other a bit,” laughed Luke.

“And letting them know that you’ve taken it too far,” added Sarah.

“But then you always cool down and come back and it’s never actually a problem.

“We all have a really good relationship.

“The dynamic is good but just a bit more honest.”

Drawing on those punk influences from their childhood, the Dunns’ listening has varied drastically throughout the years as they aim to incorporate elements of indie, blues, jazz, folk, metal and hardcore.

They’re coming through in a Mackay music scene that they said is now livelier and more diverse than ever before.

“There’s actually a fair few bands in Mackay now which is good to see,” said Ryan.

“When Subservia started up in 2017, there was really only a handful of bands.

“There’s now a few younger bands starting up which is awesome.”

Having played local venues like Empire, Hotel Mackay and Harrup Park, Red Veridian deliver an energetic live show that truly encapsulates their diverse catalogue of influences.

They’re excited to play at Pocket Sessions on Saturday, August 5 with more gig announcements to come.

Red Veridian’s debut single ‘Silver Mantle’, a punchy punk tune released in April, is a perfect introduction to the band and comes before their second single, ‘Glass Houses’, which hits streaming services tomorrow, Saturday June 3.

“Glass Houses goes heavier and softer and everything in between,” said Luke.

The singles come off the band’s debut album, ‘Misconceived Felonies and Rabbits From The Hat’, which they will be releasing to the world in two parts over the next few months.

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Luke, Sarah and Ryan Dunn of Red Veridian. Photo supplied

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Everyone is invited to hear the Rev. Dr Solmon Zwana, National Chaplain to Zimbabwean Methodists in Australia and Oceania, speak at meetings at St Paul’s Uniting Church on 2-4 June and on Sunday 4 June when he will preach at a combined service at 9.15am at St Paul’s Uniting Church and at 2.15pm at Calen Uniting Church. Dr Zwana will also speak at St Paul’s on Friday 2 June at 7pm.

‘The Uniting Church is your church,’ says Solmon to Methodist Zimbabweans looking for the Methodist Church in Australia. At church union in 1977, the Methodist Church of Australasia joined the Uniting Church in Australia, so when migrants come to Australia looking for their church, they can struggle to find it. ‘The Methodist Church continues in the Uniting Church.’ The Uniting Church is also the continuing church of Reformed and Congregational Churches around the world and encourages migrant members of all three churches to join their local Uniting Church and to contribute to its life.

The program includes the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal launch, a day trip to Eungella, a Mackay Churches Together social, a combined service on Sunday led by Zimbabwean church members and the Mackay Zimbabwean community and a pleasant Sunday afternoon at Calen. Everyone is welcome to join us! For more information contact the Rev. Dr Julia Pitman on 0411 094 185.

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By Sam Gillespie

A local artist is getting ready to launch her Pioneer Valley studio and is inviting the Mackay community to get involved.

Charlene Attard has been practising art since taking art lessons with legendary Mackay artist Rosemary Payne at age 12 and has been teaching art throughout Queensland for over 20 years.

In trying to balance teaching and practising art, Ms Attard has established a studio, gallery and workshop space on her property in Netherdale called ‘The Brae’.

“I’ve never forgotten about the drive to be an artist, it’s always still been there, and I think being busy with teaching and raising a young family, I still needed to do something about continuing my work as an artist,” she said.

Ms Attard’s studio is launching as part of the Mackay Art Studio Trail, an event held throughout the Mackay Festival of Arts.

The Brae will host an opening night on Saturday, June 24, inviting artists and community members together to enjoy a night of art, live music, food and drinks.

From Sunday, June 26 to Saturday, July 15, Ms Attard will facilitate art workshops for all age groups using a variety of mediums including watercolour, printmaking, mixed media.

She said the theme of the workshops will be ‘Up Close and Far Away’.

“We’ve got 360-degree mountain views of the Pioneer Valley where we are so I’m going to be encouraging people to think about the landscape not just in a broad term but think about the experience of the landscape up close,” she said.

The gallery will also be open by appointment throughout the Mackay Festival of Arts, displaying the work of Ms Attard and five other local artists.

Ms Attard is looking forward to sharing her gift with the community as she does in her role as an art teacher at Whitsunday Anglican School, saying teaching and practicing art are interrelated.

“I think that my practice informs my teaching, and my teaching informs my practice,” she said.

“Jumping onboard with this trail and moving forward with our plans for the studio is me trying to find a better balance between working as an artist and working as an art teacher.”

For more information, visit charleneattard.com.au or Charlene Attard Artist on Facebook.

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Charlene Attard is launching her studio as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts’ Mackay Art Studio Trail. Photo supplied

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The upcoming Havana Party ‘Let’s Do Latin’ just got even more exciting with the announcement that the evening’s art auction will include a commissioned piece by a local Cannonvale artist, Trudy Hastings.

This respected artist has worked on various major projects overseas and nationally overseeing conceptual design, exterior finishes, and art pieces.

She now shares her creative talent in her latest piece ‘Tiny Homes, Big Heart’, inspired by the fundraiser’s beneficiary – the Tiny House Project - which aims to fund four ‘tiny homes’ in Proserpine for homeless women over 55.

It is this demographic that are particularly susceptible to homelessness.

“Elderly women living amongst us are valued so little that no one will provide them with a safe place to sleep, eat or live,” Fundraiser Fiona Donnellan said.

“A place where they can be surrounded by the memories and possessions they have gathered over a lifetime”.

Fundraising Coordinator for Whitsunday Housing, Sandy Clark, said that it has taken a band of compassionate local women to join forces to make a difference.

“Things will be different now, because women with love and compassion have teamed up as volunteers to bring about change,” she explains.

“The art depicts the love and joy taking place in the very roots of the foundations of the tiny homes.

“The power of love can be seen springing up through the earth and giving birth to new lives in bright happy houses, creating the hope and dignity elderly women deserve.”

Tickets for this event are $125 each available from Airlie Events.   Link:  https://bit.ly/Lets-Do-Latin

WHAT: Havana Party ‘Let’s Do Latin’ – Ting Homes Project Fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, July 8

WHERE: The Whitsunday Sailing Club on the lawns

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This stunning artwork with be on auction at the Tiny Homes Project, Havana Party ‘Let’s Do Latin’

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For over 35 years, The Beatnix has been bringing the best of The Beatles to audiences all around the world, and now it’s Airlie Beach’s turn once again.

Performing the best of the best from The Beatles discography, this intimate and authentic tribute act will run true for any Beatles fan.

The Beatnix has envisioned and embodied the sound of The Beatles and will perform the boldest and the best tracks from all 12 Beatles studio albums at the Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend.

Formed in Perth by front man Tony Dean in 1980, The Beatnix is the world’s longest standing Beatles tribute act, and are often regarded at the best tribute show in Australia.

Formed just eight months prior to John Lennon’s death, The Beatnix speaks to the impressive ingenuity of The Beatles, of their stage presence, of their influence over music and pop culture at the time and continues their legacy across Australia and the world.

Authenticity is at the heart of The Beantnix’s members, with authentic instruments, props, and costuming.

“We try to recreate what it would be like watching The Beatles live, complete with costumes, accents, and everything,” said David Stanley, who plays the iconic role of George Harrison.

David is a guitar superstar in his own right, with his own recording studio and has toured the world on various productions and shows.

“Of course, we play songs like Hey Jude, Come Together, Help, I am a Walrus, I Feel Fine, I saw her Standing There, Here Comes the Sun, and many more.”

Even the ever-iconic Sergeant Peppers attire and costumes will make an appearance, impressing all die-hard fans of the infamous band.

The Beatnix will not let Airlie Beach down, bringing the yellow submarine and all the bells and whistles they can fit on stage.

There is sure to be the cool bass that sways the crowd, amazing vocals, and fantastic on-stage interaction.

“The best part of the show is always the audience interaction.

“We have played this show hundreds of times, but it’s always different due to the audience,” explains David.

“The best part is watching people around you have the best time of their lives while celebrating the music of The Beatles together.”

This sensational show is not one to miss, and with two massive shows over two days, the Airlie Beach Hotel has catered to every schedule and will chase away your winter blues.

“We look froward to coming to Airlie Beach all year,” David said.

“The audience is so full of enthusiasm and loves to have fun.

“The atmosphere is electric with people that have come from all over.”

David added, “It’s also great to leave freezing Sydney.”

“This time, we might make it on a tour of the reef!”

WHAT: The Beatnix Live at Airlie Beach Hotel

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, 2pm – 5.30pm

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Fans of the legendary Beatles will be blown away by this fantastic tribute band

Performing for over 35 years, this show has all the greatest hits and the best of each album

Celebrating The Beatles with exciting accuracy, no fan will be left disappointed. Photos supplied