The fantastic sequel to the 2018 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse hit, this new release has been highly anticipated by excited fans.

In this continuation, Miles Morales is one member of a new cast of other ‘spider-people’ each from their own universe.

One already fan favourite is Pavitr Prabhakar, an Indian spiderman, who finds being spiderman to be easy.

Travelling through numerous universes and meeting countless ‘spider-people’ is a big task, one which the directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K Thompson, and Kemp Powers have executed with perfect precision.

Each universe has its own specific artistic style, differentiating between the worlds with ease.

This is most notable with Miles’ universe, which is more comic-book style, while Gwen’s home is more impressionistic, with directors describing it more like a mood ring of colours.

This is a masterpiece in animation and art techniques, with something for everyone, no matter the artistic direction that people prefer.

The villain of the story is The Spot, also known as Johnathon Ohnn, a lesser-known marvel villain whose backstory encompasses an experiment to mimic another superhero, but something goes wrong, and his body is covered in black spots.

Johnathon then realises that the spots are portals to other universes and begins traveling across the dimensions and causing havoc.

With the infinite possibilities of the story, the plot will take place centrally in six spider-person universes, an Indian-inspired landscape, Nueva York, Miles’ universe, Gwen’s world, Spider-Punk’s new London world, and another final universe which has been tightly hidden away for audiences to be surprised with.

Ultimately, the film discusses superhero-ness and what is means to be a superhero, with Miles pitted against other spider-people in this new civil war across dimensions.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is opening in the Bowen Cinema Friday 2 June.

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Reprising the role, Miles’ Spiderman is set to entertain audiences

The loveable childhood classic, The Wind in the Willows, is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, in an exciting new theatre production set to impress and entertain the whole family.

Produced by RAVA Productions, The Wind in the Willows follows the charismatic cast of four animals - Moley, Ratty, Badger, and Mr Toad.

Mr Toad becomes obsessed with motor vehicles and has a need for speed, which only leads to danger and reckless behaviour.

Moley, Ratty, and Badger work together to show Mr Toad the errors of his new obsession, however, Mr Toad is shocked from motor cars when a series of wild-wooders invade his beautiful home, Toad Hall, and take up residence.

Now, Mr Toad and his friends must go into battle against these invaders and reclaim Toad Hall.

Exploring the theme of friendship, The Wind in the Willows is a touching story of the need for friendships, or people that are always willing to help in a pinch.

This RAVA Production is directed by Alison Vallette and produced by Ruth Atkinson and is set to keep all members of the audience pinned to their seats with excitement.

With powerful original music and imaginative characterisation, costuming and staging, The Wind in the Willows is fun for the whole family.

WHAT: The Wind in the Willows Production

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Friday June 9 and Saturday June 10

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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Mr Toad and his loveable friends bring their antics to Proserpine. Photo supplied

Friday 26 May

Marion Family Carnival

Friday, 5.30pm to Sunday 9pm

Get together and experience the fun at the annual Marion Family Carnival this May! With free entry, tonnes of fun rides and alley games, everyone will be entertained. Don’t forget all the food, including ice cream, fairy floss, and dagwood dogs. For $40, you can get an unlimited ride armband!

Marion Church Grounds

Saturday 27 May

Metal Fest Relaunch

Saturday, from 8.30pm

This Mackay favourite is back for 2023, with two new headliners. Don’t miss Gutterfire, Forest, and Systematic Machine, plus so much more! Tickets at only $17.19, available from Eventbrite, or $20 at the door.

Empire Alternacade and Events

Mayfair 2023

Saturday, 4pm – 8pm

Mackay West State School’s Mayfair is on with a great variety of activities, food stalls, games, live entertainment, including musical performances and the chance to dunk teachers! This afternoon will be fun for the entire family.

Mackay West State School

The Beatles’ Rooftop Concert

Saturday, from 7.30pm

The iconic band is back and ready to recreate their most infamous concert ever! Brought to Mackay by intimate tribute band, The Honey Sliders, this concert is setting up to be one of the best and most respectful and tasteful tribute acts of The Beatles! Tickets are available from themecc.com.au

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Sunday 28 May

Emergency Services Day

Sunday, from 10am

In this family fun day, learn from the local emergency services, with workshops, demonstrations, and activities. Chat with firefighters, paramedics and police officers, and get your photo taken in all the vehicles that will be on show.

Harrup Park

Million Paws Walk

Sunday, 8am – 12pm

Raise funds for RSPCA while walking and socialising your fur baby this weekend! The RSPCA Million Paws Walk is a great opportunity to meet other dog owners, get your exercise in and help a great cause. There will be food vans, live family entertainment, market stalls and raffles afterwards, so it is set to be a great family day.

Queens Park

Mackay Churches Together Pentecost Service – Walk of Witness

Sunday, from 4pm

Join the Mackay Churches Pentecost service, walking through the streets of Mackay with prayers and accompanied with the Mackay and District Pipe Band. The walk will include three city churches and finish at St Paul’s Uniting Church with a rest, pray and listen to Mavis Braithwaite on the organ. Wear red, orange, and yellow for Pentecost, and bring supper, water, hat and sunscreen. For more information, contact Dr Rosemary Dunn, Anglican Church, 0431 562 680.

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street

Tuesday 30 May

Yoga Teacher Training Night

Tuesday, from 6.30pm

Learn the craft of being a yoga instructor through Susan Deakin’s, of Unity Yoga, dedicated classes. This intensive program allows students to become teachers in four weekends. Come along to this introductory night to learn more about the program and how to enrol.

17 Hunter Street, West Mackay

Wednesday 31 May

PainWISE Chronic Pain Movement Class

Wednesday, 10am – 11.30am

This weekly class with welcoming energy helps alleviate pains with gentle exercises given by calm and kind instructors. Aid your pain and enjoy a cup of tea afterwards with other attendees. Your first visit is free, and only $5 after that.

Split Spaces

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

State of Origin Game 1 @ Souths Leagues Club

Wednesday from 8pm

Watch the State of Origin Game 1 on the big screens at the Souths Leagues Sports Club this Wednesday. This is not a game to miss, especially with the club looking after you!

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Thursday 1 June

Spacey Jane

Thursday, from 6pm

Massive headliner and Triple J band, Spacey Jane, are coming to Mackay for the first time ever! These tickets are selling out fast for this one day only show. Tickets are $79.90, and are available from oztix.com.au.

Harrup Park

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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State of Origin @ Souths Leagues Club

Spacey Jane Live At Harrup Park

The Beatles’ Return at The MECC

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Learn the Art of Yoga with Susan Deakin

2023 Emergency Services Day

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Get behind the control panel of a Bell 412 rescue helicopter and speak with local firefighters at the 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day, set to be a fantastic family fun day.

Open for all the community in the region, there will be every opportunity to slip into the seat of a police car, get behind a rescue helicopter and get up close and personal with marine rescue boats and all-terrain buggies and vehicles.

There will also be tonnes of fun family entertainment, including a jumping castle and face painting, food and drink stalls and vans, and enough educational resources and games to keep everyone busy on the car ride home.

“Here’s your chance to jump aboard the region’s rescue helicopter… without being sick or injured,” said RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee.

The event will include various educational and interactive exhibits, workshops and demonstrations, including getting a cuddle from animals rescued by the local branch of Australian Wildlife Rescue, chatting with volunteers with the State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Marine Rescue.

“The day will also feature displays and demonstrations by incredible organisation who do so much good in our community, including the Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, RSPCA Mackay and Aviation Fire and Rescue Services,” Mr Healee said.

The event is aimed to display the region’s emergency services and organisations which are always helping in time of distress and need and promote effective planning and emergency procedures.

WHAT: 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Sunday, May 28, 10am to 2pm

TICKETS: Gold coin donation

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RACQ CQ Rescue crewman Ben McCauley with the emergency services’ mascots at the previous Emergency Services Day. Photo supplied

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This was an event not to miss, with headliners Mark Seymour, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, and Paul Kelly causing chaos in the audience.

In the massive sold-out show, with 7,700 people attending, it was no surprise that you could feel the beat of the bass through the grass. Revellers could find Mark Seymour dancing with the crowd to Paul Kelly’s set, and had the chance to win signed Missy Higgins merch during her performance.

The turnout included young and old, all enjoying the serenading voices of Vika and Linda Bull, singing along to classic Bernard Fanning, and jumping up for Paul Kelly, as he ended out the night.

Legends on the Lawn acted as the official opening for the Great Barrier Reef Arena, and there was no better way to celebrate the new sporting and entertainment complex than with some of Australia’s biggest music legends and icons.

Be sure to have Legends on the Lawn marked on your calendar for 2024.

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Mackay Churches Together Pentecost Service

At 4pm on Sunday 28 May, in celebration of the Day of Pentecost, Christians from different denominations will walk, pray and sing together.

The spirited walk will follow the footpaths from St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street, to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Gordon Street, to the Salvation Army, Gregory Street, and back again to St Paul’s Uniting Church.

Inspired by the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, the account of the coming of the Holy Spirit on people of all nations, prayers will encourage Christian unity amid world-wide fear, conflict, and deprivation, work for peace, justice and care of God’s creation, and people of all ages to demonstrate God’s love in Mackay.

Walkers may park at or near St Paul’s, drop off a plate of supper in the St Paul’s Church Hall, walk over to Holy Trinity Anglican where the prayers will start and go around three city churches accompanied by members of the Mackay and District Pipe Band.

People not able to walk may sit in St Paul’s Uniting Church, rest, pray, listen to Mavis Braithwaite play the pipe organ, and wait for others to return for final prayers, song and supper. Please wear comfortable shoes, red, orange and yellow colours for Pentecost, and bring supper, water bottle, hat and sunscreen.

Contact: Rev. Dr Rosemary Dunn, Anglican Church, 0431 562 680.

Rev. Dr Julia Pitman, Secretary, Mackay Churches Together

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Artist Margaret O’Neill has turned full circle with her recent return to Sarina.

Margaret, who was one of seven artists displaying their works at the Sarina Art Gallery during May, now lives at Campwin Beach with husband Gary, a place she where spent many happy holidays when she was young.

“I was born at Townsville but christened at Sarina, and I had a lot of family from here,” she said.

“I spent many happy holidays at Campwin and now we can walk the beach each day.”

Margaret was a teacher for 34 years, initially in Victoria but later in the southern Queensland district, teaching senior English and history.

One of her works, an acrylic titled Overboard, has a story to it with an artistic twist.

“Some kids were playing with a beach ball on a ship inbound to Australia and lost a beach ball overboard, never to be seen again,” she said.

“I changed it to a life ring in the painting, and the cliffs are from my memory of Port Campbell National Park and in particular Loch Ard Gorge on the Great Ocean Road on the Victorian south coast.

“Funnily enough it was mentioned on the news last night.

“They have noticed a huge crack near the stairs leading down to it and have blocked users attempting to climb down to the beach.

“Many years ago, I found a gold wedding ring there and threw it back into the sea.”

The cliffs are named after the Loch Ard which ran aground in 1878 with only two survivors.

Others displaying their works were former South African Tia Gabriella, Kerry Williams, Jodie Perna, Jenny Tibbett, Susan Day and Lenore Chapple.

The gallery, near the Sarina Sugar Shed, is open 10am-3pm daily with free admission when a display is under way.

A new exhibition will start next month.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Artist Margaret O’Neill with her painting Overboard, a story of a mishap at sea with an artistic twist

Lenore Chapple’s Look Up Wisteria.

Tia Gabriella’s Gum Trees.

Susan Day’s Humpback Whales. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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This Queensland Day, visit Bowen for the Flavours of Bowen Festival and experience the best that the region has to offer.

As part of the region’s 2023 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations, Bowen’s Flavours of Bowen Festival will be held on Saturday, June 3, and showcase the best local produce, food and drink vendors, workshops, light entertainment, and cultural dancing.

The festival itself is hosted by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and has support from Bowen Tourism and Business, and the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The festival is set to further community connections and attract visitors to the region, according to Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers, Ry Collins.

“It will highlight our region’s rich agricultural history, producers and multicultural influences,” Mr Collins said.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to celebrate Queensland Day by highlighting everything that is great about our fresh produce.”

Bowen and Whitsunday farmers employee more than 3,500 skilled and unskilled workers and has an influence of $450 million in economic output.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business Jenn Honnery said, “The people who come here to work, short and long term, obviously want to enjoy the beauty of the region.”

The Flavours of Bowen Festival aligns with the iconic Big Mango’s 21st birthday taking place just nine days afterwards.

“This gives us another chance to promote Bowen as a wonderful holiday destination and offer visitors the opportunity to discover the vibrant horticultural industry that really brings our town to life,” she said.

WHAT: Flavours of Bowen Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 11am to 4pm

WHERE: Bowen Soundshell

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With a massive lineup spanning three and a half days, the 135th Bowen River Rodeo is gearing up to a weekend of fun, excitement, and high energy acts.

“People from all over Australia make the travel to come to this event,” said Kim Whalan, secretary and Treasurer of the Bowen River Committee.

The weekend will begin with the campdraft, scheduled half a day earlier than usual because of high competitor registrations.

Friday will have the special guest competition of Xtreme Broncs and Xtreme Breakaway Roping while on their tour, showcasing the best of the best in horse riding and racing.

Friday night will have headliner Wade Forster, Winton local and rising country and western musician play the night away.

Saturday will mark the start of the full APA rodeo, with three arenas showcasing all the action, with more live entertainment and performances through the evening.

Every member of the family will be covered with entertainment with a wide variety of market stalls and vendors, and tonnes of food and drink vans and face painting for the kids.

The Bowen River Rodeo is celebrating its 135th year, which has the committee excited for the 2023 event.

“It’s pretty good that the rodeo has been going on for so long,” said Kim.

“The Rodeo has kept going, and people still come out, which is great.

“And we’ve put more things in place to keep it going.”

With the 2022 event selling about 3,000 tickets, there are high expectations for the 2023 event.

So grab your Cowboy hats and your leather boots, and bring your friends and family to one of the biggest local events of the year!

WHAT: Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft

WHERE: 41 Mount Wyatt Road, Collinsville

WHEN: Thursday 8 June to Sunday 11 June

TICKETS: Whitsunday Tickets

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Expect high thrills and good energy at the 2023 Bowen River Rodeo

Fun for the whole family, with full APA rodeo

The 135th Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft is not an event to miss

The last weekend of May is turning out to be jampacked, with the Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club holding their annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show.

The day is free for everyone and has something for the entire family, including food and drink vendors, kids’ entertainment and activities, and live music from local musician, Paul Berger throughout the day.

Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea, the Car and Bike Show will showcase the best of the Car Club, with the parade through Airlie Beach to the Coral Sea Marina Gardens from 8am.

Excitingly, there will also be a Kids Show and Shine, so even the youngest car and bike enthusiast can show off their ride to an eager crowd.

With multiple prizes, including the hot ticket item five nights stay at the Coral Sea Marina Resort, on offer, be sure to register your car or bike and not miss out.

Entry is free but anyone who donates $5 or more go into the draw for more fantastic prizes.

And all money raised from the event will be donated to the Queensland Country Women’s Association Proserpine and Whitsundays branch.

This is sure to be a day with fun in the sun, so bring your picnic blanket and take it all in.

WHAT: Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 8am to 3pm

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The Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine is the place to be this weekend

Venture to Hydeaway Bay this July and experience the amazing art created by amateur and professional artists, local to Hydeaway Bay, Dingo Beach, and Cape Gloucester.

Taking place only every two years, the Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo is a perfect show for a quiet weekend.

While showcasing the beautiful art of locals, including pottery, textile pieces, quilting, photography, woodworking, and jewellery making, there will also be craft demonstrations and workshops, shopping alley, and kids craft space.

Children can be a part of the Rock Art Creations workshops hosted by Jenny Hock, to learn the hidden talent of rock painting and art.

Be sure to bring a shopping bag because the shopping alley will entice all with a large variety of handmade goods and items available for purchase.

Only open to artists who either live or participate regularly in the Gloucester artist movement, this expo is sure to showcase many projects and design never seen to the public before, that are sure to surprise many.

However, you might recognise a few exhibitions from artists whose pieces are regularly displayed and exhibited in galleries and art spaces around Australia.

Come along in July and be immersed in the hidden talent that is in our region.

WHAT: Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo

WHERE: Gloucester Sport and Recreation Association, 417 Hydeaway Bay Road, Hydeaway Bay

WHEN: Saturday July 1, 9am to 4pm, and Sunday July 2, 10am to 3pm

ENTRY: $5 adult, $2 child (children under five free)

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Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo showcases only local artists

Following on from the massive success of the inaugural 2022 event, the Lions Club Charity Golf Day is back this June!

Businesses and members of the community are encouraged to get together a team, no matter the skill level, enthusiasm is the main ingredient needed for a great day on the green.

There will be prizes awarded to players throughout the day and community raffles on offer.

There will also be live music in the afternoon, food and drink vendors and raffles for spectators and players alike.

The 2022 event raised over $10,000 for the Proserpine Hospital.

“We were quite surprised with the amount we raised last year,” said Allan Gravelle of the Whitsunday Lions Club.  

The funds were spilt between the maternity ward, the children’s ward, and the palliative care ward, with $6,000 being used to purchase chairs for patient families.

“One of the major items was chairs that convert into beds worth $6,000, mainly used by parents when their children are being treated in hospital. They are being well received,” said Mr Gravelle.

For the 2023 event, the Lions Club will distribute the funds to local causes and charities throughout the year, with Proserpine Hospital a likely recipient once again.

“We hope for good weather and good involvement, considering what a great turnout we had last year.”

Be sure to register for the event and not miss out!

WHAT: Whitsunday Lions Charity Golf Day

WHERE: Whitsunday Green Golf Club

WHEN: Sunday, June 11

REGISTER: 64.com.au/lionsgolfday

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The 2022 event had unprecedented support, with expectations high for 2023. Photo supplied

Two of the biggest Aussie legends are gracing the Airlie Beach Hotel stage next weekend, in a powerful classic rock grudge match not to miss.

Led by talented front men of the widely popular and energetic tribute acts, this battle of the legends will rock audiences, leaving them thunderstruck and mystified.

On the INXS side of the ring is the Australian INXS Show, led by Dellacoma Rio with his six-piece band bringing the big guns and taking the audience on a journey through the INXS classics and hits that pushed the band into all-time stardom and infamous notoriety.

Dellacoma has been a faithful tribute to Michael Hutchence for over 15 years, with his uncanny resemblance and powerful vocals, and is prepared to represent INXS on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

The classic sounds of the Aussie rock band bring the good times and the Airlie Beach Hotel are ready to ease audiences into the weekend.

“This show will have tonnes of energy,” said INXS front man Dellacoma Rio.

“It will be our first time performing with Adam Spizzo and the show was specifically designed for the Airlie Beach Hotel, and with Adam Spizzo, there will be a lot of energy and so much more audience interaction and surprises.”

On the other side of the ring is Adam Spizzo, from High Voltage – The AC/DC Experience.

Adam does the dirty deed, and he does it well, encompassing the passion of AC/DC and of Angus Young.

His heart-pounding and blood-churning performance blends perfectly with INXS, in the best grudge match of the year.

Adam is no newcomer to Airlie Beach, growing up in Mackay and often trekking to Airlie Beach for a weekend of fun and high energy.

“For the past four months, I have been jumping with excitement,” said Adam Spizzo.

“I am super excited to perform with Dellacoma on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

“He is an absolute monster on the stage.

“There will be an hour of the best AC/DC, an hour of INXS, and then an hour of classic Australian rock.

“It will be an absolute blast.”

This breathtaking Australian made show of classic Aussie legends is perfect for a cool Autumn afternoon, with intensity and energy sure to erupt on stage and into the audience.

Adam and Dellacoma are renowned for their passion and enigmatic stage presence, dominating crowds with guns in the sky on the highway to hell and this is not a show to miss at the Airlie Beach Hotel, Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4.

“Airlie Beach is like a second home for us, and we’re excited to be coming back,” said Dellacoma.

“All I can say is that Airlie Beach, we’re coming for you!” Adam said.

WHAT: INXS vs AC/DC

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday June 3 and Sunday June 4

TIME: 2pm to 5.30pm both Saturday and Sunday

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INXS with AC/DC are coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for the grudge match of the year

Adam Spizzo represents AC/DC and his sound is powerful and energetic on stage

Airlie Beach Hotel bringing the biggest Aussie legend tribute bands to the area

In the next instalment of Disney’s live action remakes of childhood classics is The Little Mermaid.

In this remake, Ariel is played by 23-year-old Halle Bailey, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and the voices of Daveed Diggs as crab Sebastian and Jacob Temblay as fish Flounder.

The Little Mermaid follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid who wishes to explore the human world. One day, she saves the human Prince Eric from a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him.

This furthers her determination to explore the human world, against her father’s wishes, the kingdom Atlantica’s ruler King Triton.

She runs from her father’s disappointment and fear, and becomes entangled with Ursula, a manipulative sea witch, who wishes for the demise of King Triton.

She convinces Ariel to trade her beautiful voice for a pair of human legs, so that Ariel can go onto land and be with Eric.

This is when the trouble begins for Ariel, as she attempts to impress Prince Eric and is encompassed by Ursula’s greed and her father’s worry.

This live action remake is incredibly faithful, professional, and whimsical all at once.

Old fans of the childhood classic, and new fans discovering the character for the first time will fall in love with Ariel and her antics, as she balances her new world, her secret, and the inability to speak with the love of her life.

The CGI is convincing and retains the heart of the original film.

The entire cast are faithful to the tale but give the characters a human touch and human connection that the original film was missing.

Perhaps because it is live action rather than animated?

Who knows, but rest assured audiences will be glued to their seats watching this remake, one of Disney’s best.

The Little Mermaid opens at the Bowen Cinema Friday, May 26.

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The Little Mermaid, great for new and old fans

Our unique and diverse cultures were celebrated at the Multicultural Festival on Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying free activities that offered them the opportunity to learn more about different countries and communities.

From food stalls inspired by cuisine from around the world, indigenous workshops using native flora, handbags crafted using traditional techniques and authentic Ukrainian headdresses – the event gave an insight into the diverse range of cultures in our region.

This was the third event of its kind and the first year that the Whitsunday PCYC collaborated with the Whitsunday Regional Council to host the event.

The addition of a Citizenship Ceremony was a popular choice.

“It was wonderful for new citizens to see we are a multicultural country,” said Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC.

“The event was a great success!”

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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