By Sam Gillespie

A newly formed group of environmentalists are inviting those who want to peacefully protect the natural environment to an interactive full day workshop.

While members have all been lifelong environmentalists, recent events led them to form CQ Collective in October 2022 to ensure the environment remains a priority.

As the announcement of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project came to light last year, the group opted to “sit back and observe for a while” before making themselves known.

“We realised that we have certain skills and awareness, being environmentalists for a long time, that a lot of the general public don’t have, so we decided to jump in and share those skills,” said founding member Tonia ‘Tone’ Binsiar.

Ms Binsiar cited other environmental concerns throughout central Queensland as their motivation including wind farms proposed towards Rockhampton and the proposed expansion of Mackay Port onto North Wall Beach.

“A lot of things are very important to us, but we started the group because we realised there’s a lot of projects being slated to happen that may be really detrimental to our natural environment here,” she said.

“A lot of these projects are renewables, and we are so in favour of renewables, but the positioning of those projects and the secrecy and lack of significant community consultation has us really concerned about the impacts.”

This Sunday, June 25, CQ Collective are hosting Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) Training where attendees will learn peaceful, legal protest techniques.

“We live in a democracy and it’s our democratic right to protest,” Ms Binsiar said.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions out there, so the training is generally just to educate people about how this can be done safely, responsibly and successfully.

“A lot of people assume it’s just to block a road, but what it’s going to teach people is media awareness, cultural awareness, negotiations with police and council in a respectful way and to prompt thoughts and discussions on where to focus your time.”

Veteran Franklin River activist and author Alice Hungerford will facilitate the workshop, sharing her years of experience with the group.

“Alice has been ongoing as an environmental activist, so she’ll be able to share some wonderful experiences, stories and knowledge to motivate people,” Ms Binsiar said.

The cover charge for the workshop will be $20 to cover the cost of the hall and Ms Hungerford’s expenses.

Visit CQ Collective on Facebook or email cqcollective@proton.me for more information.

WHAT: CQ Collective Non-Violent Direct Action Training

WHEN: Sunday, June 25 from 9:00am to 4:00pm

WHERE: Neem Hall, 4948 Mackay Eungella Rd, Finch Hatton

REGISTER: Email cqcollective@proton.me

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The preservation of North Wall Beach is one of Tonia Binsiar and CQ Collective’s highest priorities. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

By Sam Gillespie

Brisbane musician Dylan Cattanach, AKA Katanak, is no stranger to Mackay. He’s an avid believer in regional live music and will be bringing his glistening indie pop sound back to the sugar city in July following the release of his new single, ‘Lights of Tokyo’, playing alongside a star-studded north Queensland line-up. Sam had a chat with Dylan ahead of the show.

Why is it important for you to tour regional Queensland?

Everybody goes down to Sydney and Melbourne, but rarely do you hear of anybody going to north Queensland. For me, it felt like a better option because the people up there actively want to go out and see music because it’s not something that’s super regular up there. Being able to take my music up there seems like a good step to get in, have genuine people like the music, come out to see it and become fans of what I’m doing.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I grew up listening to heaps of ‘80s and ‘90s stuff. There was always music playing at my house. My early inspirations were Pete Murray, Thirsty Merc, Missy Higgins, really awesome music that translated really well live. As I got older and Katanak started, I got really into British indie music, like Circa Waves, The 1975, Two Door Cinema Club, bands of that similar vibe. I love all of that music and that’s what inspired Katanak specifically.

Tell me the story behind ‘Lights of Tokyo’?

‘Lights of Tokyo’ is a song I’d been sitting on for going on eight years. The reason for that is because I love this song so much and I didn’t want to ruin it by not doing it the justice it deserves. I released the song five years ago with another band and I have all the rights to the song so I kept it and I didn’t really like how it was originally recorded. I felt like it was wasted and I wanted to redo it in Katanak, so I worked with Matt McGuffie and Aidan Hogg to create what it is now and I think it’s exactly how I wanted it to be.

What else is in store for 2023?

We are going to be releasing an EP sometime in the future. I’ve got six songs booked and ready to go with Aidan Hogg and I am excited for everybody to hear this music.

And what can punters expect from your Mackay show?

You can expect it to be one of a kind. The bands we’re playing with and us personally are very excited to play and I’m excited to put on the show of a lifetime for anyone who comes along in Mackay.

WHAT: Katanak's 'Lights of Tokyo' East Coast Tour with Weathered, Comfort Royale and Noah Davis

WHEN: Empire Alternacade and Events

WHERE: Saturday, July 1 from 9:00pm

TICKETS: Eventbrite

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Photo credit: Gabi Rankine

Things I Know To Be True, directed by Victor Scott, will be Kucom Theatre’s final production for 2023.

Celebrated WA playwright Andrew Bovell (When the Rain Stops Falling, Lantana) exposes a tumultuous year in the life of an Australian family that digs deep into the heart of household dynamics and how we react to change.

The Price’s seem like your typical tight knit, working-class suburban family. Fran and Bob have worked hard to raise four loving, noisy, healthy kids, taking the stresses, strains and growing pains in their stride. However, when the kids return home after flying the coop, buried truths come to the surface, turning everyone’s world upside down.

Funny, poignant, and relatable, Things I Know To Be True is a beautifully complex story of love and loyalty.

Auditions are being held on Saturday 22nd July at 10am

Audition packs will shortly be available for download from the Kucom website. Please visit the Kucom Facebook page for more information.

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Celebrated WA playwright Andrew Bovell

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The team at the Neighbourhood Hub is known for its support to the community, particularly their assistance to migrants in their transition to life in Mackay.

New and established migrants are invited to an informal ‘Meet and Greet’ evening hosted by the Neighbourhood Hub to connect with others and meet the staff.

All migrants are welcome to join this event, which will take place at our 43 Shakespeare Street, Mackay premises on Tuesday, July 18, from 5:30 to 7:00pm.

Families are encouraged to attend, as the evening will feature a food truck, entertainment, and playground equipment for small children, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

With the number of migrants arriving in Mackay increasing since the beginning of the year, the event aims to facilitate connections and support for newcomers.

"While we don't always have specific arrival dates, we know that many employers in the region are hiring migrants to fill positions in their businesses," said Migrant Settlement Coordinator Claire Christensen.

“It’s our role at the Neighbourhood hub to connect migrants to each other, the community and services such as education, legal services, health care, counselling and employment services so migrants move towards feeling empowered to navigate systems and their new life more independently.”

Both new and established migrants are encouraged to attend this casual evening, where representatives from community organisations will be present to engage in further conversations with migrants.

For more information about The Neighbourhood Hub, please email admin@tnhub.org.au or contact 07 4957 2626.

WHAT: The Neighbourhood Hub Migrant Meet and Greet

WHEN: Tuesday, July 18, from 5:30 to 7:00pm

WHERE: 43 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

This is a free community event.

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Migrant Driver’s Education is one of the many programs the Neighbourhood Hub delivers for Mackay's migrant community. Photo supplied

View the full gallery here

Whitsunday children’s authors and illustrators are uniting, with the creation of the Whitsunday Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators Group.

Led by local author and illustrator Sofia Fortunato, the group hopes to reinvigorate children’s reading, foster a supportive community, and run skill development for local authors and aspiring authors.

“My goal is to create a vibrant and collective community of children’s book creators right here in the Whitsundays,” said Sofia.

“We will start our first meeting at the library, and when I proposed the idea to Robyn, the libraries team leader, she was so supportive.

“I want to not only gather the ones who are already authors and illustrators, but also the ones who always dream about being one.”

The group will undertake regular workshops, peer critiquing, and skills building sessions with industry professionals.

“Because we live in regional Queensland it is difficult to access the mainstream publishing houses, as well as professional development,” said Sofia.

“So I hope that a group as such will help others to build their path as professional writers and illustrators.”

Whitsunday Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators Group will collaborate with the community and deliver outreach programs to encourage youth reading and literature, including book readings, workshops, and literacy events for children.

“I believe in the power of books to shape young minds, promote empathy and foster a lifelong love of reading,” Sofia said.

WHAT: Whitsunday Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators Group

WHERE: Cannonvale Library

WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 9.30am to 10.30am

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Local children’s author, Sofia Fortunato is starting The Whitsunday Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators Group to support local authors and illustrators and encourage youth reading. Photo supplied

International sell-out comedian Jenny Wynter, infamous for her side-splitting cabaret, is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) this July.

As part of the PEC Morning Melodies, Jenny Wynter is making a guest appearance, bringing her international show “By Request” with her.

Developed to be completely impromptu and derived from suggestions from an onstage fishbowl which the audience is invited to fill, this show is one that will never be repeated.

The routine is 100 per cent made up on the spot by this internationally award-winning comic who brings audiences a mind-blowing collection of songs, stories and comedy.

“I can’t wait to share this show with audiences across Queensland again and see what they come up with!” she said.

“After the pandemic lockdowns I’ll never take live performance for granted again.

“This show is kind of poetic at this point, in the sense that it literally cannot exist without the audience, namely because they help create it!

“My favourite thing in the world – both as a performer and as an audience member – is the magic that happens when the performance goes off script.

“This show is entirely that in that there is no script.

“Yes, that’s nerve-wracking, but I firmly believe that the scary zone is where the amazing stuff can happen.

“I love creating something with an audience that is purely for them, never to be repeated and only works in that exact room at that exact time. It’s magic!”

WHAT: Jenny Wynter’s “By Request”

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 11am to 12pm

TICKETS: Proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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Comedian Jenny Wynter is throwing away the script for an impromptu performance. Photo supplied

Whitsunday local and author of eight novels, Richard Evans, has released his most recent novel, just in time for Men’s Health Week, June 12 to 18.

Richards’ novel, titled Selfish Ambitions, follows Ryan Kennedy, the deputy prime minister of Australia, as he juggles his powerful position and differing demands in his professional and personal life.

Readers follow his journey as he tries to meet the expectations of the incredibly influential women in his life, including his wife, his lover, his daughter, and even the prime minister.

Selfish Ambition speaks about a powerful man’s regret and how one day can change the entire outcome of your life.

“A lot of blokes tend to wonder about their past, wondering if they made the right decision,” Richard explained.

The novel is inspired by Richard’s own political journey, being a former federal member of parliament in the 1990s, and understanding the nature of the role and its impact on mental health.

Richard sets out to illuminate the emotional side of politics and being a man in political power, while exploring themes of regret, trueness, passion, and relevance.

“This novel gives the view of how difficult it is to be a member of parliament,” said Richard.

“It exposes the challenges of being under constant pressure, always under stress.”

This second chance romance is touching and relatable for readers, no matter their profession, creating a long-lasting impression of the key values of men’s mental health and professionalism.

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Richard Evans, Whitsunday author, releases eighth novel, speaking on men’s mental health. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Hotel is setting the weekend off right, welcoming Dancing in the Shadows of Motown back on Saturday and Sunday June 1 and 2.

Legends in the industry, Dancing in the Shadows of Motown knows how to swoon and sway a crowd and have been making waves for fans of Motown tunes.

Reaching out with a nine-piece band, Motown intimately recreate legends in the industry, including The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, Junior Walker and Martha and The Vandellas, with all the very best Motown classics and hits.

This band knows how to keep the crowd entertained, having sold out numerous venues to eager and excited audiences, leaving everyone wanting to know what becomes of the broken hearted these days.

With internationally acclaimed artists, including Franchesca Appolis’s vocals, made infamous through The Starlettes and Harlem Knights, Patou Powell, the double ARIA Winner with the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and Kimi Tupaea from the Doobies/Eagles Show and Barry Lead Band.

That is only a snapshot of the all-star cast that Dancing in the Shadows of Motown bring with them, on this fantastic tribute to classic young America and modern soul.

This is why the completely free Airlie Beach Hotel performances are an absolute win for locals and tourists alike, showcasing the very best of national and international sounds in our very own backyard.

This ‘Signed, Sealed, and Delivered’ hit production will leave you wanting more.

We aren’t ‘Too Proud to Beg’ for more from this classic American Motown and soul band, bringing the best tunes that will have you ‘Dancing in the Streets’.

There isn’t a ‘Mountain High Enough’ to keep us away from checking this one out at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

“We authentically recreate the dynamic performances and hits of many Motown artists and our costumes are of the same style as the original artists and we boast the best vocal section in the country presenting beautiful harmonies,” said Craig Bodinnar, bassist of the group.

“We guarantee the spirit heart and soul to recreate the Motown legacy,”

Dancing in the Shadows of Motown won’t ‘Stop in the Name of Love’ with this one, being sure to hit every note.

“The audience will be transformed and go back to relive their favourite songs that bring back happy memories,” said Craig.

“It’s an uplifting and feeling show for all ages.”

This is not a show to miss; the sounds of young America and the soul of modern music cruises the audience through the weekend.

WHAT: Dancing in the Shadows of Motown

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, July 1, and Sunday July 2, from 2pm to 5.30pm

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A nine-piece band backs this iconic Motown production

With the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Fontella Bass, and The Jackson Five – plus so much more – this Motown show is not one to miss

Cruise through the weekend with the sounds of Motown. Photos supplied

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A storyline filled with heart and intimate love, The Flash is set to pull on heart strings.

Ezra Miller reprises his role as Barry Allen in this DC Universe film, where he is set on time travelling to save his mother in the past, thus saving his father and himself from immeasurable heartache and pain.

He does so, going against the advice of his universe’s Batman – portrayed by Ben Affleck – and manages to skip entire time lines, inadvertently meeting himself at 18-years-old, with two living parents and a totally different life.

In this universe, meta humans don’t exist, Original Barry meets a new Batman – this one played by Michael Keaton and newcomer Super Girl, played by Sasha Calle - in order to fight classic Superman villain, General Zod.

Audiences are given the opportunity to see much loved character Barry learn and grow, in two distinct ways.

Original Barry must grow up, come into his responsibility of being a super hero, while New Barry is given the space to be silly and idiotic, something Original Barry missed out on.

New Barry also is given the opportunity to enter the Speed Force, with some assistance from Original Barry.

This CGI blockbuster is full of non-stop action and fantastic one-liners. It also provokes thoughts on losing a loved one and the implications that has on one’s life.

Having the two Barry’s side by side lends itself to an interesting comparison, of ethics and of compassion.

If you could go back in time, and save your mother from being murdered and your father for being found guilty, would you? Of course you would!

This exciting new chapter to the DC Universe is looking hopeful, perhaps even able to rival the massive Marvel universe with its own charm and wit.

The Flash is currently showing at Bowen Cinema and will be released at Proserpine Cinema Thursday June 29.

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Barry Allen joins hands with an alternate version of himself, a new Batman and Super Girl to take on a new threat

The iconic Immerse art installation at this year’s Cruise Whitsunday Great Barrier Reef Festival is reaching new heights with the incorporation of a classical composition to provide a soundtrack to the artwork at its opening on the Saturday night.

The Immerse installation initiative, first delivered in 2021, is the brainchild of creative director and Great Barrier Reef Festival Chairperson Margie Murphy, who wanted to create a reef-inspired visual focus for the event.

For the first time, in 2023 the installation will include a composed musical element, inviting musicians aged 15 and over who play a classical instrument to perform under the guidance of Brisbane-based contemporary composer Corrina Bonshek.

‘Call from the Deep’ will be a purpose-created piece featuring stunning recordings of Eastern Humpback Whales and performed by talented regional youth.

Margie Murphy said she was thrilled to be bringing another element to the installation.

“This will be a special performance on the Saturday evening of the festival, which will also provide a soundtrack for the installation,” she said.

“There are so many parts of our community involved in the Immerse 2023 project, and I can’t wait to see them all come together.”

The project recreates the Reef with projected animations, and sculptures using recycled materials created by local and visiting artists and the community.

Free community workshops are scheduled in June and July for members of the public to create corals and fish to be incorporated into the installation.

Funded through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program, Immerse 2023 will be delivered by award-winning multi-media artists Margaret Burgess and Donna Maree Robinson and features works by local artists Brigitte Peel, Liz Knight, Anita Pender, and Joan Hunter.

Lead sculpture artist Margaret Burgess said she was excited to be working on the Immerse installation again.

“This project ticks all my boxes; community building, creative, inclusive, educational and it creates environmental awareness and conversations about our Great Barrier Reef,” Mrs Burgess said.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton is excited for the Immerse 2023 installation.

“It is hugely encouraging to have the State Government support the Immerse installation, again, this year,” he said.

“The opportunities the funding opens up for the festival organisers is significant; and it also provides the community with the opportunity to get involved and create their piece of the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Immerse installation brings the Great Barrier Reef out of the water and into the centre of the festival, where kids and adults alike are awed by the almost life-size sculptures hanging from the fig tree.

“Using recycled materials is an important part element of Immerse and one that fits with the values of the Festival and The Whitsundays.”

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Great Barrier Reef Festival Chairperson Margie Murphy and lead sculpture artist Margaret Burgess. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Two artists prepare for last year’s Immerse Installation

The coral reef creations are a central theme to the artwork

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Families and children of the Whitsundays have a new opportunity for adventure right at their fingertips thanks to the new Wattlewood Nature Play activity program which is inspired by Forest Schools.

Giving kids the opportunity to connect with our region's incredible outdoors while growing as learners, Wattlewood Nature Play offers programs designed to engage children in our natural environment while building their confidence and problem-solving skills, while giving them a sense of belonging and resilience.

Wattlewood’s programs have received an incredibly positive response from parents of the Whitsundays, with many children engaging with activities such as Playgroup and Bush Kinder. The child-led programs help children gain independence, grow their confidence, expand their problem-solving skills, and make new friends.

The new School Holiday Program running this June/July is now open for families to secure their spots. Children will enjoy a range of in activities such as cubby building, muddy play, nature challenges, knot tying and more, with the support and encouragement of experienced primary school teachers.

“Wattlewood’s new School Holiday Program has been designed to help children grow in the most natural way possible, in the great outdoors at their own pace,” says owner and educator Molly Brown.

Molly has personally curated these exciting and innovative programs drawing on her knowledge as an experienced local primary school teacher who is passionate about the contexts in which children learn and develop independent resilience.

Using her experience teaching in schools and bush school programs throughout Queensland and Tasmania, Molly has developed a passion for nature-led learning which she infuses into every facet of Wattlewood Nature Play.

Through the firsthand experience of seeing kids thrive learning outside of the classroom setting, she is excited to offer this first of its kind opportunity to the families of the Whitsundays.

"The Whitsundays are an ideal location for nature play, we are surrounded by tropical national parks, eucalyptus forests, blue water and coral reefs, but not all families have the time or opportunities to explore as they would like,” said Molly.

“Wattlewood creates the opportunity for children to be able to access their incredible backyard here in the Whitsundays and explore it with a qualified educator who will foster their love for learning, encourage healthy risk taking and develop their resilience.

“Learning is so much more than four walls and Wattlewood is excited to give children freedom to be themselves, explore, create, use their imaginations, problem solve and learn through their environment.”

Little Explorers Playgroup

Ages 0 – 5 years

This program is designed to create connection and belonging through play and self-directed education.

Tutoring Sessions

All ages

Small Group tutoring encourages connection, creativity and curiosity while aligning with curriculum. These sessions allow for children, to learn, share their knowledge, build confidence, and solve problems.

Education Consults

All ages

Offering Wattlewood’s expertise in education to provide support to families and children, to help them grow. With many alternative schooling options available, Wattlewood is here to provide everything from lesson plans to motivating activities and monthly check-ins.

Nature Nurture’s Program

7 - 12 years old

Opportunities for learning, connecting, confidence building and problem solving. This program is for children who may need some extra support for their emotional and social wellbeing.

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GIVEAWAY!

Win a school holiday session valued at $110!

To enter, sign up to the mailing list, like or comment on the post and share to your story!

DISCOUNT CODE currently running for new bookings ‘ADVENTUREAWAITS.’

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Children embrace the simplicity of the outdoors at Wattlewood Nature Play

Handcrafting from nature is one of the many activities children experience

Molly Brown, founder and educator at Wattlewood Nature Play

Now is the time for the thrill of a lifetime, with Airtime FMX bringing the best of high-octane heights and motocross to Show Whitsunday this Friday and Saturday.

Pushing the limits of gravity, the Airtime FMX Motocross boys have been in the business for 23 years, performing at major events nationally, with the Show Whitsunday performance not an event to miss.

These family-friendly thrills will leave the audience wanting more, with short but punchy shows, where all the action is revved up and fast-paced.

One of the best acts will involve launching the stunt drivers 15 metres into the air, showcasing all their skills, including backflips, handstands, and the holy grab and ruler.

Watch as the motorbikes launch from 23 metre take-off steel ramp, flying through the air and landing on the Airtime FMX truck.

“The audiences can expect big backflip tricks, and all the crazy tricks from tv and the movies,” said Brad Burch, director of Airtime FMX.

With a clear team of professional and experienced riders, this show is set to impress and astound the audience.

There is Brad, on the crew since 2009, Kain Saul, a fan favourite for his tricks, and young gun Ben Richards, impressing despite his age, with infamous Tommy G working the microphone.

“Breathless is the best word to describe it.”

Airtime FMX is Performing

Friday

12pm

2.30pm – Meet and Greet

7pm

Saturday

12pm

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Massive heights with the Airtime FMX Motocross team this Show Whitsunday. Photo supplied

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Steeped in a rich history of townspeople wanting to show off the very best of their homemade goods and produce, the classic regional Australian show has become a landmark on the calendar.

It is a special day to spend with friends and family, with entries into the competition categories displayed for all, the boisterous noise of the wood chop and the screams of thrill seekers metres high in the air on the fantastic rides overlaid with the smells of cooking dagwood dogs and fairy floss.

Now in it’s 110th year, the Show Whitsunday is a much-loved event on the Whitsundays calendar, holding the very best of regional performances with fun flare of modern family entertainment.

Donna Rogers, President of the Show Whitsunday committee is excited for the 110th year of the show.

“The Show always has something for everyone, from the five-year-old fascinated with dinosaurs, to the teenagers who craves adrenalin rush on the Graviton or Hurricane, for the adults is the competitions, exhibits and ringside entertainment; it truly is fun for the entire family.”

Wood Chop

The history of the woodchop has humble beginnings, originating in Tasmania in 1870 as a bet between two men.

Now a firm fixture in almost every regional show, the woodchop shows the strength and tenacity of the woodchopping community.

Show Whitsunday is no different, with locals bringing their sharpest axes, their best muscles, and their hardened skills to show the wood absolutely no mercy, all the while entertaining the flocking audience which is always attracted to the exciting event.

Equestrian

The horse skills of competitors are tested with the equestrian events at Show Whitsunday, with dressage, camp drafting and show jumping attracting massive crowds into the grandstands.

Being poised and dedicated, the equestrian events bring out the best in both horse and rider, as they showcase their skills to the judges and the audience.

Regional equestrian shows often act as a gateway for riders to practice their sport in a professional setting, while garnering a name for themselves and their horse.

Cane

A special event for Show Whitsunday, the Cane Exhibition and Competition highlights the best of the cane industry local to the Whitsundays, and with the introduction of the new Proserpine Young Farmers’ Trophy, to recognise the efforts of young farmers, there are plenty of ways to win big.

Other categories include stalk plant cane, heaviest stalk, best display of General Milling Cane, and highest quantity of Commercial Cane Sugar in six stalks of ratoon cane.

For locals and for visitors, the cane exhibit is a fantastic display of the thriving local sugar cane industry, which is a staple for the area.

Entertainment

Where family fun meets traditional regional Australia, the thrill seekers can experience the very best of show rides, including the fan favourite Big Whizzer, the Cliff Hanger, Tornado, and the Graviton.

For those not seeking the adrenaline rush, try your hand at the dodgem cars and the big slide.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the lurking dinosaurs, that are sure to escape from the exciting Dinosaur Park.

Melvilles Baby Animal Petting Farm is making another appearance, with chickens, ducklings, ponies, alpacas, goats, and geese (plus so much more), with the opportunity for a snuggle and a cuddle with the cute creatures.

No matter what, there is something for everyone at Show Whitsunday.

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Perfect for novice and experienced fisherman, the Berkley Travelling Fishing Show and Super Tank brings you the very best of the newest lures and fishing practices.

The mega 12-metre-long, four-metre-high tank, holding 14 thousand litres of water, is the centre stage for the educational program.

Demonstrated by seasoned fishing professional Michael Cooke, and his 20 live Barramundi in the tank, audiences will see a live and in person lure and bait fishing workshop from the top of the tank.

“This is a show for the whole family, even non-fishing people, and we don’t use any hooks,” Michael said.

“The presentations include catch and release techniques, mastering lures and gear tips for the first timers.

“The team will also demonstrate how the many different types of fish react to different lures and techniques used by many of today’s top anglers.”

Running throughout the day, on the hour from 10am, Michael’s demonstrations are educational, thrilling, entertaining, and entirely free during Show Whitsunday.

There is also the chance to ask questions to Michael, and he is always willing to take pointers and learn new techniques from the crowd.

“I’ve done a heap of fishing, but I’m always happy to listen and learn something as well.”

The Super Tank is the largest travelling fish tank and is almost entirely Perspex, allowing the audience and visitors to get the best look at the lures, as well as just get a good look at barramundi in action.

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The Super Tank is the largest travelling fish tank and is almost entirely Perspex. Photo supplied

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