Get your sombreros and colourful outfits ready for a brand-new authentic Mexican Restaurant in the heart of Airlie Beach, a place where you can kick back and relax with a frozen margarita or bring friends and family for a lively dining experience.

There is something for everyone on the menu at Lazy Joe’s Cantina, specialising in Mexican Street Food with a splash of Texas BBQ, the restaurant is inspired by true Mexican street food with salsas and marinades made from traditional recipes.

Passionately created by General Manager Kelly Medford and the team, every item is inspired by her childhood spent in Texas and Mexico, creating that authentic depth of taste.

Enjoy Taquitos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Elotes, and other classic Mexican Street Food, taste a hint of Texan influence with tangy ribs and finger-licking chicken wings.

It’s time to enjoy a dining experience where the flavour of Mexico does not stop with the food - traditional sombreros, colourful flags and stunning prints have been imported straight from Mexico - infusing every element of this fresh and funky restaurant with authenticity.

Lazy Joe’s is the brainchild of Joe Panuccio and his family who own and operate Paradiso, La Marina and Gelatiamo Dolce Patisserie and Gelato.

Coincidentally, Lazy Joe’s was the first Italian restaurant Joe opened in Melbourne 15 years ago and the name felt right to use once again in this latest venture.

“We are big on innovating in town, and we want to do other things in the future that fill the holes in a small town and always aim to give the people what they want,” said Joe.

With significant events happening within a few months of opening his last two restaurants, Joe hopes it is third time lucky with this one.

“When we opened La Marina in 2017, we had Cyclone Debbie a few months later, then when we opened Paradiso in December 2019, COVID came a long three months later!” he explains.

“Hopefully it will be third time lucky!”

Aiming at a broad and inclusive demographic, Lazy Joe’s Cantina is priced really well so that families can enjoy an affordable yet high-quality dinner out.

There are $9.90 frozen margaritas that are already hugely popular and for those wanting to spend more, or for celebrations, there are also specialty high-end drink items.

Divided into two clear zones, Lazy Joe’s has a funky Mexican themed bar area with high-stools and a more party-like atmosphere for those stopping for a casual taste of authentic street food or a delicious cocktail.

Through the archway, is the second zone; a light and airy cantina which is ideal for a more relaxed dining experience, romantic dinners, family gatherings or large group bookings.

Both areas boast stunning sea views across the Airlie Beach Foreshore from large bi-fold windows which let the soft salty air breeze in, just like you are in Mexico.

Located on Airlie Beach Esplanade, above the Tattoo Parlour, Lazy Joe’s is open every day, aside from Wednesdays.

Bookings are essential and can be made online lazyjoes.com.au.

‍

Dreams are coming true at the Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend with one of the best Fleetwood Mac tribute artists coming to the beach and saying that they love us.

Tusk – The Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac brings all the charm and hit charisma of Fleetwood Mac, getting up close and personal with audiences and showing them what makes this classic rock band one of the greatest groups of all time.

Introducing Penni Jones as the ineffable Stevie Nicks, who’s portrayal of the star is touchingly intimate and hauntingly authentic.

With unforgettable vocals and classic charm, Penni embodies Stevie Nicks and all that she stands for.

Rachel Sifris as Christine McVie is the epitome of class and confidence, with fantastically classic vocals and dedicated and punchy keyboard lines.

Austin Dunmore is unmatched in his accurate recreation of guitarist Lindsay Buckingham, with his all-star guitar skills and the attitude to match.

Next to him is Kane Skinner as Mick Fleetwood on the drums, acting as a crucial backbone to the legendary group, bringing the high-octane energy and non-stop enthusiasm with him.

The group ‘Don’t Stop’ there, with Sam McAinch as John McVie on bass, bringing 20 years of industry professionalism and a dedicated rhythm to the group.

Performing as a tight-knit group for over 10 years, Tusk knows just how to rock a crowd, and Airlie Beach won’t be any different, swaying to the ‘Gold Dust Woman’ and the ‘Big Love’.

We’re not ‘Gonna Go Our Own Way’ with this one, that’s for sure, with the Airlie Beach Hotel making sure to keep the tunes turned all the way up and the drinks and good vibes non-stop.

Taking the journey from the early days of Fleetwood Mac, from the ‘Edge of Seventeen’, through to Stevie Nicks’ solo career, Tusk performs the good, the bad, and ugly, with every ‘Little Lies’ on display for an eager and excited audience.

This group eats, sleeps, and breath’s Fleetwood Mac classics, solidifying the everlasting impact this mammoth band had on the world.

“We’re unlike the usual Fleetwood Mac tribute shows,” explained Penni Jones.

“We’ve thrown out meticulously recreating the songs, we’re after the high energy, the interaction, we’re more about Tusk playing Fleetwood Mac, than being Fleetwood Mac.”

Unmatched in their accurate and tasteful recreation of the iconic Fleetwood Mac sounds, Tusk is not a performance to miss this July, Saturday 8 and July 9.

Take this journey through the story of Fleetwood Mac with the Airlie Beach Hotel, learn from the intimate and authentic Tusk – The Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, and be touched by the legendary band, iconic for their British blues soundtrack and artistic American pop, which continue to rock globally.

WHAT: Tusk – The Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9, 2pm to 5.30pm

‍

With over 10 years’ experience performing as the legendary rock band, Tusk is more than ready for the Airlie Beach Hotel

Penni Jones has all the charm and charisma of Stevie Nicks and won’t forget to wow the crowd with odes to Stevie’s solo career

Prepare to be blown away by this touchingly intimate and precious recreation of Fleetwood Mac. Photos supplied

The Proserpine Museum is ready to open its door for the 27th Book Bonanza this weekend.

Set to take place over the week from Saturday July 1 till July 8, the Book Bonanza caters for every reader, with an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, children, and magazines, plus CDs, DVDs, and bric-a-brac, including puzzles, plants, and craft supplies, to everyone occupied.

The event began in 1996, as just a weekend event held in the St Catherine Hall, before the donations inundated volunteers and the event was moved to the Museum, in 2001, and was extended to happen over an entire week.

Each and every book has been donated for the event, the Book Bonanza acting as Proserpine Museum’s sole fundraising activity, and all proceeds will go towards ongoing maintenance, improvements, and funding a new extension for the museum.

Delving into the rows and rows of books and trinkets, this event is not one to be missed, with something for everyone if you’re committed to searching and scavenging for a hidden treasure or two.  

WHAT: Proserpine Museum Book Bonanza

WHERE: Proserpine Museum, 198 Main Steet

WHEN: Saturday July 1 till Friday July 7, 9am – 4pm and Saturday July 8, 9am – 12pm

‍

Tonnes for the family, with thousands of books, bric-a-brac and knick-knacks on offer at the Proserpine Museum Book Bonanza. Photo supplied

Continuing the massive hit that was the original Transformers, this new film brings the fun of the much-loved toys with an exciting new storyline that takes on new stakes.

Following unwilling hero Noah Diaz, portrayed by Anthony Ramos, who attempts to steal a car, to move and get some money to support his sick little brother.

However, Noah gets the shock of a lifetime, when the Porsche awakens into a transformer, named Mirage.

Voiced by famous personality and comedian Pete Davidson, Mirage and the other Transformers employ Noah to help them find and protect the Transwarp Key, away from the dreaded Maximals, who wish to destroy the Earth.

Optimus is initially hesitant to use Noah, but he agrees, and Noah and Elena Wallace, portrayed by Dominique Fishback, an artifacts expert turned unlikely hero, work together to find the Transwarp Key, taking a fantastic trip to Peru part way through the story, to source the missing piece of the key.

For the final battle, all the Autobots come together to thwart the big enemy of the Maximals, futuristic mechanical animals, led by Scourge, voiced by Peter Dinklage, who wishes for the Transwarp Key to take over time and space.

Bringing waves of new generation fans, this film perfectly encapsulates strategic CGI robot-animal battles, touchingly intimate human moments, fantastic storytelling, and a hit soundtrack.

Particularly, the CGI mastery of the creatures in the film has been beautifully rendered with amazing artistry.

Noah’s and Mirage’s budding friendship is only one of multiple in the film, adding a loving sentiment to the films core, and with the introduction of the Maximals as the evil entity, Transformers: Rise of the Beast revives this fantastical franchise in one fell swoop.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is currently available at the Bowen Cinema and will be opening at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre July 6.

‍

Welcoming a myriad of new stars to the franchise, including Peter Dinklage, Anthony Ramos, Liza Koshy and Pete Davidson, this new film is bringing the 1990s back

The not-for-profit community organisation that has been helping people achieve their employment goals throughout the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, Ideal Placements lives up to its name of ideally placing people in jobs suited to their unique skill sets. Earlier this week, the teams celebrated the organisation’s 28th birthday in Mackay, Sarina, Cannonvale and Bowen. A large number of participants, providers, support workers and employers attended to celebrate with the teams.

In Bowen, Kenny the Mango from Bowen Tourism and Business welcomed all guests, assisted with cutting the cake, played activities with the guests and made the day a success while in Sarina, Disability Employment Consultant, David, took the celebration across the road to share with Buffy the Cane Toad. A BBQ was enjoyed in Mackay while in Cannonvale there was delicious cake.

‍

BOWEN

Photo 2 – Nina (participant) with Emma, TTW Employment Consultant

Photo 4 – selectability, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre with IDEAL Placements staff and Kenny the Mango

Photo 7 – Demani (participant) cutting the birthday cake with IP staff and Kenny the Mango

Photo 8 – Kenny the Mango being welcomed by Disability Employment Consultant Kristy at the celebration

Cannonvale

Photo 1 and 4 - Disability Employment Consultant Steven welcomed Endeavour Foundation guests who made a special trip to celebrate the 28th birthday

Photo 3 – Whitsunday Regional Councillor Clay Bauman, Mike Muller and Russell Smith from McDonalds and Dr Julia Evans from Whitsunday Coast Chamber attending the Cannonvale Celebrations

Sarina

Photo 1 – David with Sarina local, Buffy the Cane Toad

Photo 2 – Chloe and Denzel, TTW Employment Consultants in the new Sarina agency

Photo 3 – Kristie and Emily from IntoJobs attended the birthday celebrations

Mackay

Photos 1-4 – A barbecue was enjoyed in the sun along with the cutting of a delicious cake at the Mackay office

Photo 5 – The barbecue was also an opportunity to celebrate Customer Support Officer Richard Kris (left) on 15 years of service, pictured with Councillor Alison Jones. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

Friday 23 June

Thy Art Is Murder

Friday, 7:00pm

Thy Art Is Murder are set to cause absolute carnage across regional Australia. Kicking off in May, the lords of extreme metal will raze through venues across the eastern states with Justice For The Damned and To The Grave.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 24 June

2023 CQ Rescue Talent Search

Saturday, 12:30pm to 7:00pm

The CQ Rescue Talent Search is a Charity Talent Search raising much needed funds for RACQ CQ Rescue. Boys and girls 4 years & over are encouraged to be involved in the charity runway event. Doors open at 12.30pm. Show starts at 2pm

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Theatre

BE Social Fest 2023

Saturday, 12:30pm to 9:30pm

Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying performances from the likes of Grinspoon, Mallrat, San Cisco, 360, The Wild Sky and more plus a huge selection of amusement rides and food vendors.

Harrup Park

Sydney Hotshots

Saturday, 7:30pm

Sydney Hot Shots are coming to Mackay! For one night only, enjoy the hottest male bodies Sydney has to offer.

Rydges Mackay

Jimeoin: THE CRAIC!

Saturday, 7:30pm

You’ve seen him on The Royal Variety Performance, Live at the Apollo, Sunday Night at the Palladium, Conan O’Brien or perhaps online where he has clocked up millions of views of his comedy clips… but NOTHING beats seeing Jimeoin live. Catch his brilliant smash-hit Jimeoin: The Craic! show on tour.

MECC

Sunday 25 June

Mackay Disc Sports June Come and Try League Day

Sunday, 8:00am

Come along and learn to play Disc Golf - all ages and abilities welcome.

John Breen Park

Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat Live on Stage!

Sunday, 10:30am and 2:00pm

Two bored kids. One rainy day. And one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat. The Cat in The Hat interrupts this rainy afternoon with his unexpected visit to Sally and her brother's cosy home. Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred. He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination. "It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how." Along with Thing One and Thing Two, the cat will fill the theatre with mischievous humour and madcap style. Young and old alike will delight in this faithful adaptation of a classic book come to life before our very eyes. Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!

MECC

Monday 26 June

Tibbles Hunt In The Tropical Shade Garden

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Find Tibbles in the Tropical Shade Garden and decode his latest message for you! Return completed activity sheets to Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre to get your sticker. You can pick up your activity sheets from Visitor Information Centre, weekdays, 9am to 4pm.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Tropical Shade Garden

Bocce With A Buddy

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Enjoy a game of bocce with a friend on our sand bocce court. Bocce sets are available to hire from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre or bring your own to play. Cost: $5 to hire a bocce set.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Malta Gardens Bocce Court

Strolling Stories – The Bungee Jumping Caterpillar

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm during school holidays

Follow the Strolling Story to follow the adventure of ‘Zody’ and ‘AK’. Hunt for the bungee caterpillar painted rock along the looped circuit! There will be one painted bungee caterpillar rock hidden along the looped trail each weekday. Return the painted rock to Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre and get your very own copy of the Bungee Jumping Caterpillar book! The hunt is only available during the above times.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Follow the instructions on the activity sheet to complete your Nature Scavenger Hunt in the Botanic Gardens. Pick up an activity sheet from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre. Return the completed sheets to the entry box to go into the draw to win a $30 voucher from the Gardens Shop!

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Wednesday 28 June

Winter Creation Station

Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:00am

Come and enjoy a free drop-in nature craft activity at the Botanic Gardens. This activity is suitable for children aged four to 10 years. Short waiting periods may apply during busy periods. Keep up to date with the Facebook event.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Tropical Sun Lawn

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 29 June

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

Puppets And Pyjamas Bedtime Stories

Thursday, 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Join Ros from Wild Puppets for an evening of family fun. Suitable for children aged two to ten years of age and their families. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas!

Dudley Denny City Library

Breathe In

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:00pm to 8:00pm

BREATHE IN is a hauntingly poetic performance piece that explores an alienating, alternate world of existence and the fragile line between connection and isolation. Enter through Paxton’s Warehouse doors and be taken into a world filled with live music, poetry and projection as lead performers Georgia Cranko (VIC) and Brenden Borellini (QLD) give you a captivating and also disturbing insight into how they as people who use alternate communication, survive in a world that can be at times frightening, unrelenting and inaccessible.

Paxton’s Warehouse

‍

2023 CQ Rescue Talent Search

BE Social Fest

Sydney Hotshots

Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat Live on Stage

Tibbles Hunt In The Tropical Shade Garden

‍

The Pinnacle Playhouse will turn into a big haberdashery in July as the Valley Theatrical Players give away their treasure trove of old materials and costumes.

After months of sorting by president Jan Lindbergs and Secretary Diane Blines, the theatre will be filled with costumes, pieces of fabric and other pieces of history, all being given away or for sale at a low price.

“We’ve been collecting costumes and materials for costumes for the last 50 odd years,” said Mrs Blines.

Mrs Blines said the Valley Theatrical Players came to the realisation that they didn’t need so many costumes and are looking to spread the love throughout the community.

She said costumes have been sitting in large plastic bags for at least 15 years, preserving their good condition.

“We’re wanting to get it out into the public so that they can be used rather than being stored for the next ten years,” she said.

“We’ve got all sorts of materials; you name it, we’ve got it.”

Fabrics available include laces, velvets, cottons and synthetics in many different colours.

There are old costumes that can be cut up and repurposed or pieces of fabric that have never been used.

Most items are being given away, however lengths that have not been used will be sold for very low prices.

Not only is this an opportunity to repurpose and upcycle old fabric and fill your fabric draw with some bargains, but it’s a rare chance to do so with a piece of Pioneer Valley history.

Come and see what the Valley Theatrical Players have available and let your crafty imagination run wild!

WHAT: Valley Theatrical Players Costume Sale

WHEN: Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 from 9:00am

WHERE: The Pinnacle Playhouse, Elsie Nash Street, Pinnacle

CONTACT: 0417 963 056

‍

The Valley Theatrical Players have been sorting through fabric since January ahead of their fabric sale in July. Photo supplied

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

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

Celebrated WA playwright Andrew Bovell

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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