There's no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with live music, great company and the beach as your backdrop. This September, Dunes Harbour Beach is inviting locals and visitors to come together for Tunes in the Dunes, a free community event designed to bring people together in a relaxed coastal setting.

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Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dunes Harbour Beach, Tunes in the Dunes offers the perfect excuse to step away from the busy pace of everyday life and reconnect with friends, family and neighbours. Whether you're spreading out a picnic blanket on the grass, enjoying a quiet drink as the afternoon unfolds, or simply taking in the stunning ocean views, the event promises a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

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Providing the soundtrack to the afternoon is talented local musician Michael Scriha from Mellow Tone Music, whose laid-back acoustic style perfectly complements the natural beauty of the coastline.

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Events like Tunes in the Dunes are more than just live music performances - they're an opportunity to strengthen community connections and celebrate the lifestyle that makes our coastal region such a wonderful place to live. It's a chance to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces and enjoy quality time outdoors in one of Mackay’s most beautiful locations.

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Whether you're a resident, regular guest or someone discovering Tunes in the Dunes for the first time, this wonderful event offers something for everyone.

Tunes in the Dunes will be held on Saturday, 5 September 2026, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at Dunes Harbour Beach, Sol Drive, adjacent to the Community Square.

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While attendance is free, the event is ticketed, so guests are encouraged to register early to secure their place.

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Proudly brought to you by the URBEX team, Tunes in the Dunes continues to be one of the region's favourite events, and organisers look forward to welcoming everyone for another memorable afternoon.

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Mackay’s community spirit was on full display as the 11th annual M&P Services – Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day brought a sold-out field together at Mackay Golf Course on Friday 14th August.

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Players, sponsors and supporters turned out in force for a day of friendly competition, fundraising and connection, with the popular event once again proving its place on Mackay’s community calendar.

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With more than $75,000 raised last year in 2025, the event has become an important fundraiser for local charities, supported by businesses and community members coming together for causes close to home.

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Stay tuned for next week’s edition to find out how much this year’s amazing charity golf day raised!

See all photos here:

Part 1: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/m-p-services-big-charity-swing-a-success-for-2026

Part 2: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/m-p-services-big-charity-swing-a-success-for-2026-part-2

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Friday 21^st August

Get Crafty At CraftAlive

9am – Friday & Saturday

CraftAlive Mackay returns to Mackay Showgrounds this Friday and Saturday, offering craft lovers two days of supplies, kits, expert demonstrations and hands-on classes. With local and interstate talent on display, it’s a great opportunity to discover new skills, find inspiration and enjoy a creative day out. 9am–4pm, Mackay Showgrounds, 24 Milton St.

Mackay Showgrounds, 24 Milton St, Mackay

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Cuppa Between Chapters

9am–10am

Take a break and enjoy a warm cuppa, good company and a little time to unwind at Dudley Denny City Library this Friday. Whether you’re keen for a chat, looking for a quiet moment with your current read, or simply want a welcoming change of scenery, this relaxed gathering offers a chance to connect with others and enjoy some community spirit.

Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria St, Mackay

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Stay Active With Chair Exercise

9:30am–10:30am

Looking for a fun way to stay active without needing to be on your feet? Join Chair Exercise at Mirani Library this Friday for a gentle, seated workout designed to keep you moving while having a bit of fun. Bring along some water, get comfortable and enjoy an hour of exercise and activity in a welcoming setting. 9:30am–10:30am, Friday, August 21.

Mirani Library, 16 Victoria St, Mirani

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Saturday 22^nd August

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Connect At Multicultural Open Day

10am–12pm

New to Mackay or looking to connect with others in the community? The Neighbourhood Hub’s Multicultural Open Day this Saturday will bring migrants, multicultural families and locals together to meet new people, learn about available services and discover support to help settle and thrive in the region. Light meals will be provided, with registration required. 10am–12pm, Saturday, August 22.

Victoria Park State Preschool Centre, 43 Shakespeare St, East Mackay

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Sunday 23^rd August

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Art In The Park

9am–2pm

Spend Sunday surrounded by creativity at Art In The Park, held at the Field of Dreams in front of the Sarina Art Gallery. Browse stalls featuring original works from local artists across a range of mediums, meet the creatives behind the work and find something unique to take home. With children’s art activities and a nearby playground, there’s plenty to enjoy for the whole family. 9am–2pm, Sunday, August 23.

Sarina Art Gallery, Field of Dreams, Sarina

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Mackay Gemfair

9am–3pm

Explore a sparkling mix of gemstones, minerals, crystals, jewellery and handmade crafts at the Mackay Gemfair this Sunday. Hosted by the Mackay Gem and Craft Society, the event offers visitors the chance to browse unique creations, discover local lapidary work and learn more through demonstrations of stone cutting, polishing and jewellery making. Whether you’re a collector, craft lover or simply curious, there’s plenty to discover. $5 entry, 9am–3pm, Sunday, August 23.

3 Leisure Ct, South Mackay

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Make, Share And Create At Artist Book Collective

10:30am–12:30pm

The Artist Book Collective returns to Artspace Mackay this Sunday, bringing local artists together to explore bookmaking, share skills and ideas, and find inspiration from the MRC Artists Book Collection. New members are encouraged to join the conversation, learn something new and connect with fellow creatives in the Mackay region. 10:30am–12:30pm, Sunday, August 23.

Artspace Mackay, 61 Gordon St, Mackay

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Photos supplied  

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Mackay Musical Comedy Players have been busy in rehearsals for their upcoming production of The Secret Garden.

Director Marina Duncan said, “The cast and crew are going really well and the show has some great acting and beautiful singing.”

Ms Duncan said The Secret Garden was similar to MMCP’s last blockbuster production, Grease, in that both shows have super-talented casts, but this show is characterised by its beautiful, soaring ballads. Critics have labelled the musical score one of the most hauntingly beautiful ever written for Broadway.

The Secret Garden is a show that calls for great vocals, and Mackay is lucky to have some very talented performers in the cast.

Newcomer to Mackay Trinity Hoolihan-March, as leading lady Lily Craven, is joined by Joshua Duncan in the role of Archie Craven for their magical duets.

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Newly married couple Kenneth and Chantal Brown, who have delighted audiences for years, also perform as the stoic Neville Craven and the needy Rose Lennox.

The Secret Garden is based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which is a favourite of millions all over the world.

Mary, an 11-year-old orphan from India, is sent to live with relatives in Yorkshire — her embittered uncle Archie and his invalid son Colin. The uncle’s estate includes a magical-looking garden which was tended by his wife Lily, who died in childbirth.

Flashbacks, dream sequences and an ensemble of ghosts from Mary’s early life dramatise The Secret Garden’s compelling tale about the healing power of love.

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Talented youngsters Adele Shepherd and Alex Beale (pictured) will delight Mackay audiences with their enchanting performances as young Mary Lennox and her invalid cousin, Colin Craven.

MMCP President Tonia Beckmann said the club, which recently celebrated 60 years of providing local theatre to Mackay audiences, is excited to be staging this magical adventure for the whole family.

She cautioned, however, that rising costs to stage productions are making it difficult for the club to navigate its long-term future without the assistance of Mackay residents supporting their local performers onstage.

The Secret Garden is onstage at the MECC on Friday 4 September at 7.30pm, with two performances on Saturday 5 September at 2.00pm and 7.30pm.

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Michelle Wright and Ry Collins with Max Mitchell and Summer North of Soundzgood. Photos supplied: Summer North

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Bowen is getting another taste of festival life next weekend, with SoundzGood 2.0 bringing a diverse lineup of talent and a familiar face from Love Island Australia to town.

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Taking over the Bowen Sporting Complex on Saturday 22nd August, SoundzGood 2.0 follows last year’s debut at Flagstaff Hill, which drew around 450 ticket holders. This year, organisers are bringing everything onto one larger stage, with live artists and DJs covering everything from indie and R&B to house and electronic music.  

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“We’re putting it on for our Bowen community,” said event organiser Max Mitchell.

“This year will be bigger... more tickets have been sold.”

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“Expect a big stage and just a good atmosphere.”  

Behind the festival is SoundzGood Whitsundays, a Bowen-based production company now in its second year, bringing the sound, lighting, staging, big screens and full-scale production key moments.  

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Having already taken their production gear from the Stonker Fishing Challenge to weddings on Hayman Island, SoundzGood 2.0 gives the team a chance to build something of their own, right at home in Bowen.

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“We’re more or less showcasing what we can do as a production company, with a gig on top,” Max said.  

This year’s line-up brings a little bit of everything to Bowen, led by Love Island Australia 2025 contestant and DJ, Rossco, who’ll swap the villa for the decks with a house set.

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“He’ll bring a cheeky vibe to the festival,” the organiser said.

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Gold Coast singer-songwriter and triple j Unearthed High finalist Jacob Biermann will create a different pace with his live set, and is already an organiser favourite.

“Jacob Biermann’s my personal favourite, he's just an incredible vocalist,” said Max.  

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Airlie Beach live-loop artist Pluto Tango will make the trip north, while DJ Henasi from Brothas Entertainment brings the R&B and Nina Sinclair adds another dose of house and dance.

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There’ll also be a homecoming for Flaw Clinic, who made his DJ debut at Bowen’s Horseshoe Bay Café in 2022 before spending the past four years playing around Townsville.

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There’ll be more to SoundzGood than what’s happening on stage, with food vendors, games and a Photo Booth giving festivalgoers something to duck into and laugh about between sets. Ms Sippi will be serving its crowd-favourite espresso martinis, while last year’s popular slushies return alongside the bar to keep everyone chilled out.

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For the SoundzGood team, getting a festival of this size off the ground in Bowen has also relied on the local businesses and organisations getting behind it.

Jurgens Produce, Muscle Studio, Lowcock Builders, Port Denison Motor Inn and Whitsunday Regional Council are just some of the local names getting behind this year’s event, joined by Taylamaid Whitsundays Balloon Creation, Lehmann Print Solutions, LJ Hooker Bowen and Evolution Beauty as the festival heads into its second year.

“Thank you to them for helping us make cool things like this happen,” said Max.  

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There are few places that say “happy place” quite like Whitehaven Beach, this Photo of the Week from Megan Weir makes it easy to see why.

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Megan’s photo beautifully captures the popping turquoise waters and famous white sands that scream Whitehaven Beach, showcasing one of the Whitsundays’ most recognisable stretches of paradise.  

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The lone fedora resting on the sand adds a touch of humanity to the scene without commanding more attention than the nature around it. It’s clear why this is Megan’s “happy place”.

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I tip my hat to you, Megan, this is truly a hats-off photo!  

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For next week’s Photo of the Week, we’re changing colours and looking for your best snaps under the theme “Something Green”.  

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Public Interest In Marina. 150 People attended the information evening for the proposed Boat Haven Marina and hotel complex. Plans and an artists impression were on view. State MP Geoff Muntz said the development would boost tourism on the Whitsunday mainland.  

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Hold Up Robbery In Court. David Anthony Kear, charged with holding up NSW Bank in Airlie in April 1982 was brought to court. The robbery and getaway were carefully planned and constitute an interesting story culminating in West’s arrest at Moonee Valley Melbourne 4 years later.  

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Obituary, George Sax, a very old and gifted local identity died aged 94 years. George had been a great musician and a fantastic collector of shells.  

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State Liberal Leader Visit. Sir William Knox called in to Proserpine and predicted that ‘the sugar industry will remain around for a long time.’The Proserpine Mill became the third highest producer of sugar out of Australia’s 32 mills with an estimated tonnage of 1,100,000 tonnes.  

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Dental Health Week Poster Competition, commemorating 75 Years of Dental Health Service. Winners were Anthony Compston and Nils Thomsen, Cannonvale School, Theo Hart, Proserpine, and Craig Walding, Proserpine Special Unit.  

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‘The Local’ Bottle Shop: Benmore Scotch Whisky $11.99.  

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Fun Race Fever. Now a spectacular week in the Airlie Beach calendar and a serious source of revenue, growing from a bottle of rum wager between two local yachties ten years ago. The mardis gras, food stalls and carnival atmosphere is a rich fundraiser for local schools and clubs. Four weeks to fun in the third week in September.  

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The Professionals Real Estate; three bedroom, pantry and garage, a steal at $43,500.  

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Fausts Qmart; No 14 chicken $3.78, Streaky Bacon $4.79.  

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Airlie Bloods missing several of their best players went down in wet weather 115 to 46 to Mackay Cities.  

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Rugby Union. Local stars Ray Aldridge and Peter Chengody both had strong games for North Queensland against Brisbane.  

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League The Brahmans have to beat the reigning premiers Collinsville to bring the 1986 Whitsunday Grand final back to Proserpine  

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Collinsville Bacon Busters returns this Saturday 22^nd August, for another action-packed day of boars, bikes, entertainment and community spirit. Photo supplied

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Collinsville is gearing up for one of its biggest community events of the year, with the 2026 Collinsville Bacon Busters set to take over the Collinsville Football Grounds this Saturday 22^nd August.

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Celebrating “A Decade of Boars, Bands & Bikes”, this year’s event promises a full day and night of competition, entertainment and community spirit, with festivities kicking off from 9am.

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At the heart of the action will be the much-anticipated Bacon Busters boar competition and weigh-in, alongside a packed program featuring the popular bikekhana, touch football competition, dog jump, ute competition and iron man events.Market stalls, food, a licensed bar, entertainment and activities will keep spectators busy throughout the day, while younger attendees can also get involved through rides and a colouring competition.

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Entry for spectators is just a gold coin donation, helping organisers keep the event affordable and accessible for the wider community.

Behind all the fun is an important cause, with Bacon Busters organised as a not-for-profit event by the Collinsville State High School Parents and Citizens Association. For the past nine years, Bacon Busters has served as the P&C's major fundraiser, raising more than $300,000 to help broaden educational opportunities for students at Queensland's smallest standalone high school. Funds raised over the years have supported school camps and excursions, sporting equipment, outdoor seating, air conditioning, computers, the senior learning centre and the school's positive reward program.

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In 2026, fundraising efforts will continue to support the needs of students and staff, with a particular focus on technology.

Beyond supporting the school, Bacon Busters has grown into an event that brings the wider Collinsville community together for a day of friendly competition, entertainment and plenty of local pride.

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Those wanting to compete in the boar competition or bikekhana are encouraged to register ahead of Saturday, with bikekhana entry costing $5.

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What: 2026 Collinsville Bacon Busters
When: Saturday 22^nd August, 9am
Where: Collinsville Football Grounds, Collinsville

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Wendy Stapleton, Ally Mac and Georga Byrne. Photos supplied by Wendy Stapleton.

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A touch of Australian musical stardom is coming to Airlie Beach, as 80s rock favourite Wendy Stapleton and chart-topping husband Paul Norton turn back the clock for two afternoons revisiting the songs that filled Australian radios and dancefloors.

Taking over the Airlie Beach Hotel across the final weekend of August, Wendy Stapleton will bring two very different shows to the stage.  

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Saturday will see Wendy step into the world of Dusty Springfield, taking audiences through the life and music of one of the 60s, 70s and 80s most pronounced voices, with a show that has travelled stages across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

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“That show takes you on a journey through Dusty’s life,” Wendy said.  

Then on Sunday, she’ll take the audience back to The Swinging Sixties, with classics from some of the decade’s favourite female artists, including Diana Ross and The Supremes, Petula Clark, Lulu, The Ronettes and, of course, Dusty Springfield.

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“We have a lot of fun, and of course we costume it so that we’re in wacky ’60s,” Wendy said.

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Both afternoons will then change gears for the final set, with Wendy and the band stepping switching to a collection of their favourite pop-rock songs.

These shows have been getting crowds moving for decades, with the Dusty Springfield show first beginning as a musical theatre production in Melbourne in the mid-1990s, before Wendy later created The Swinging Sixties around 15 years ago.  

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Long before stepping into the shoes of Dusty Springfield, Wendy had already made a name for herself in Australian music as the frontwoman of Wendy and the Rocketts.

Formed in the early 1980s when signed by Mushroom Records, Wendy and the Rocketts made their mark on Australia’s pub-rock scene, with singles Reputation, Your Place or Mine? and Wendy’s self-penned Play the Game all hitting the charts, while their debut studio album Dazed for Days broke into the Australian Top 30.  

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Their success eventually took Wendy well beyond Australian stages, with Wendy and the Rocketts heading overseas and touring through Europe alongside some names that would become giants of rock, including Bryan Adams and ZZ Top.

After years in rock and roll, Wendy eventually found her way back to musical theatre, something that wasn’t entirely new territory for a performer who had first appeared professionally on stage as a child.

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As Wendy puts it, her career has simply been about continuing to move with the times.

“You’ve just got to keep rolling with the changes, keep reinventing yourself,” she said.

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While the Dusty show originally grew from Wendy’s return to musical theatre in the mid-1990s, The Swinging Sixties was a creation of her own, born from a desire to bring together the female voices that helped define the decade.

Joining Wendy on stage will be Angie Stapleton, Ally Mac and John Arthur Grant, with live guitar and keyboard accompanying the vocals and dancing. Angie performed in the original Dusty production, while Wendy’s daughter Ally joins her cousin as one of the show’s singer-dancers.

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Completing the line-up is another name Australian music fans might remember, Wendy’s husband and chart-topping musician Paul Norton.  

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Paul got his start playing bass as a teenager before helping form Melbourne band The Runners, who built a strong following on the pub circuit and signed with Mushroom Records in 1981. The band went on to release singles including Sure Fire Thing and Endlessly, along with their 1983 album Hitting the Wall, while touring heavily throughout the early ’80s.

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After The Runners, Paul spent time playing with Wendy and the Rocketts and Steve Hoy and the Hoy Boys before launching his solo career in 1988, again signing with Mushroom Records.

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His biggest break came with Stuck On You, which received strong radio play and climbed to #2 on the Australian charts. The success was followed by a trip to London to record I Got You and his debut album Under a Southern Sky, before he later worked with American musician and producer T-Bone Wolk on his second album, Let It Fly.

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These days, much of Paul’s work happens away from the rock stage as Musical Director for the Australian Shakespeare Company, writing music for theatre productions in Australia and abroad.

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“I’ve always been a songwriter, so I’ve always loved to do that,” he said.

Paul has joined Wendy for the shows over the past couple of years when time allows, and in Airlie he’ll return to his rock roots for the final set, performing a few of his own songs, including his hit Stuck On You.

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“If I’m in the audience and I go and see an act that I really like, you kind of want them to do the hit songs that they’re known for,” Paul said.  

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What: Dusty Springfield Tribute and Swinging Sixties shows

When: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August, 2pm-5.30pm

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

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21^st Hamilton Island Race Week Short Race, Winward/Leeward Race, & Around the Islands Race, ALL DAY, Hamilton Island  

21^st 2026 Flametree Gathering, ALL DAY, Lake Proserpine, 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine  

21^st 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

22^nd Hamilton Island Race Week Around the Islands Race & Presentations, ALL DAY, Hamilton Island  

22^nd 2026 Flametree Gathering, ALL DAY, Lake Proserpine, 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine  

22^nd Bowen Netball Association Super Saturday Grand Final, 9am, Woodlands Road, Bowen  

22^nd Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

22^nd Soundz Good Music Festival, 2pm, Bowen Sporting Complex, Bowen  

22^nd Queen Rhapsody Australian Queen Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

23^rd 2026 Flametree Gathering, ALL DAY, Lake Proserpine, 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine  

23^rd Queen Rhapsody Australian Queen Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

25^th Sailability Whitsundays.  

27^th FREE Salsa & Bachata Social, 7:30pm-9pm, Hog’s Breath Café, Airlie Beach  

28^th 74 Islands Cocktail Club, 4pm-10pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

29^th Cocktail Playground, 12pm-4:30pm, 74 Islands Distillery, 24 Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach  

29^th Dusty Springfield Show featuring Wendy Stapleton, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

30^th Swinging Sixties featuring Wendy Stapleton, 2pm-5:30pm, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Beach  

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21th August

ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento: Kaedan McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ night, 8pm onwards

Flametree Musical Gathering, 5pm-10:30pm

22nd August  

ABH: Queen Rhapsody, 2pm-5:30pm

ABH: Andy Mammers, 7pm-10pm

Sorrento’s: Sam McCarthy, 4pm-7pm

KC’s Bar & Grill: Phoenix Revival, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: B Doubles, 8pm onwards

Flametree Musical Gathering, 8am-11pm

23rd August  

ABH: Queen Rhapsody, 2pm-5:30pm,  

ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm  

Sorrento’s: Ash Smith, 4pm-7pm.  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Graham Rix, 8pm-10pm

Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles, 1pm-5pm

Flametree Musical Gathering, 8am-6pm  

24th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Paul Fergus Morris, 8pm-10pm

25th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Tiffany Grace, 8pm-10pm  

26th August  

Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm [Text Wrapping Break]KC’s Bar & Grill: Sam McCann, 8pm-10pm

27th August

ABH: Chris Booroff, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm  

KC’s Bar & Grill: Andrew Baldino, 8pm-10pm

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Lenny Pennell photo supplied

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Beyond the Exhibition: Where Artistic Journeys Begin  

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Last year, Lenny Pennell entered the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition for the very first time. Twelve months later, she returned to win the People's Choice Award with Beauty in Creation.  

In just one year, her artistic career has grown dramatically, with new collectors discovering her work, increased online attention and exciting opportunities that continue to unfold.  

Lenny's journey is a wonderful reminder that an exhibition can be much more than four days of displaying artwork. It can be the beginning of something extraordinary.  

"Being selected as a finalist last year gave me the confidence to believe in my work and to keep creating. The opportunities that have followed have been incredible, and winning this year's People's Choice Award has taken that journey to another level.” said Lenny.  

“If you're thinking about entering but you're not sure if your work is good enough, just do it. Entering the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition changed my artistic journey."  

Lenny's story is exactly why Creative Connections Whitsunday is passionate about presenting this exhibition.  

This year we welcomed several artists exhibiting publicly for the first time, along with an exciting group of finalists aged just 16 to 18. Every established artist was once a first-time exhibitor, and providing a platform where emerging artists can exhibitalongside experienced creatives builds confidence, creates opportunities and strengthens our region's creative future.  

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their investment helps us deliver a professional exhibition, provide meaningful prize opportunities and, most importantly, create experiences that can genuinely change an artist's future.  

Through the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition and the Creative Connections Community Art Gallery in Proserpine, we're proud to provide local artists with opportunities to exhibit, sell their work and continue growing their artistic careers throughout the year.  

If you've ever wondered whether your work is good enough to enter, take Lenny's advice and give it a go. You never know where that first exhibition might lead.  

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Celebrating local creativity, connection, and community  

Whitsundays Writers Festival  
Richard Evans  
Festival Director and President  
hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

Book your ticket now for the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, 13 September at whitsundayswriters.com/2026-programme-speakers  

Creative Connections Whitsunday  
Glenda Brown  
President  
info@creativeconnectionwhitsunday.com  

Creative Connections Whitsundays supports and celebrates the region's arts community by creating opportunities for artists to connect, exhibit, learn, and thrive through partnerships, cultural events, and creative programs.  

Get in touch!  
If you would like to submit a poem, creative writing piece, profile suggestion, event information, or share your creative story, please contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com  

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Give the Gift of Local Art  

Looking for a gift that is thoughtful, unique and supports local artists? The Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery in Proserpine offers plenty of inspiration, with an ever-changing collection of original artworks and locally made gifts.  

Among the artists featured is Margaret Burgess, whose handmade jewellery has plenty of character. Her collection includes sea glass earrings, bracelets and earrings made from reimagined cutlery, and distinctive pendants – each piece with its own story.  

Desma Munroe’s hand-painted watercolour greeting cards have also been proving popular. Each card is individually created, making it a small piece of original art that is almost too beautiful to give away.  

For something sculptural, take a closer look at the ceramics and sculptures of Linda Forrester. A multidisciplinary Whitsundays artist, Linda creates hand-built pieces that explore form, balance and texture. Her work evolves through experimentation and a hands-on connection with the materials.  

And if colour and light catch your eye, Libby Humphrey’s stained-glass creations are well worth a look. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, Libby combines heritage, reclaimed and contemporary glass to create distinctive pieces that have been popular with gallery visitors.  

Not sure what to choose? A Creative Connections Whitsundays Community Gallery Gift Card allows the recipient to select their own special piece from the gallery’s collection of artworks, jewellery, ceramics, prints, handmade gifts and more.  

It’s a gift that supports local creativity while giving someone the pleasure of choosing something they genuinely love.  

Community Gallery

192 Main Street, Proserpine

Monday–Friday: 9am–4pm

Saturday: 9am–1pm  

Pop in, browse the collection and discover something made right here in the Whitsundays.  

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Artists to Take Their Creativity Outdoors at Stories by the Sea  

Visual artists will have the opportunity to create alongside writers when a new Plein Air Challenge becomes part of the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival’s free Stories by the Sea community event on Sunday, 13 September.  

The challenge will see Creative Connections Whitsunday members create an original work on location at the Whitsunday Marine Club, responding to the coastal setting and atmosphere of the day.  

Festival-goers will be able to watch the artworks take shape throughout the challenge before viewing the completed works later that afternoon, and then be invited to vote for their favourite, with the People’s Choice Award announced at 4pm during the festival’s closing celebrations.  

The completed artworks will also be offered through a silent auction, with 100 per cent of sales going directly to the participating artists.  

Whitsundays Writers Festival Director Richard Evans said the challenge reflected the festival’s commitment to celebrating creativity in all its forms.  

“Stories aren’t told only through words. Artists capture the places, people and moments that shape our communities just as powerfully,” he said.  

Creative Connections Whitsundays President Glenda Brown said the challenge would give artists an opportunity to create, connect and engage with the community.  

“Plein air painting is about responding to a place in the moment. It encourages observation, creativity and connection, and we’re delighted to bring visual arts into this year’s festival.”  

The Plein Air Challenge is part of Stories by the Sea, featuring more than 20 regional authors, book sales and swaps, children’s activities, live music, open mic readings, a gold coin BBQ and refreshments.  

Plein Air Challenge: 11am–3pm, Sunday 13 September

‍People’s Choice Award announcement: 4pm

‍Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale  

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BY GEORGIA MCDONALD

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This week, I sat down with local musician Simon Briley to chat about his musical journey, from growing up in the United Kingdom surrounded by music to finding his way to the Whitsundays and sharing that passion with others.

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With a pianist for a dad, a drummer for a mum and uncle, and equally musical siblings, some would say Simon’s fate was set.

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It didn’t take long before he began finding his own place within that musical world. In primary school, a teacher recognised his love of singing and introduced him to a national choir. At the age of nine, Simon began doing what many of us did as children – pestering our parents for things to play with. For Simon, this was a drum kit – a parent’s worst nightmare. So, naturally, they gave him a guitar and put him in piano lessons instead. But with persistence, by the age of 11, Simon finally got his drums and never looked back.

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The guitar, however, was a different story. After a few lessons, Simon found that he didn’t quite connect with his teacher and put the instrument aside until he was 16.

“I think it is a massive thing with learning any instrument, that if you have someone that inspires you as a mentor, then you’re going to want to pursue it a lot more,” Simon explains.

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After forming original band Bandicoot with a group of school friends, Simon and the band were signed and began touring around Asia. While playing in Cambodia, they met two Australian event organisers who invited them to come over and play.

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The band went home, sold all their stuff and came to Australia.

And just like that, a new chapter began.

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It wasn’t long before Simon found his way to the Whitsundays.

“When I first came here, it was just that sort of awestruck-ness of the beauty of the place,” Simon reflects.

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Now an Australian citizen, he has spent years performing around the region. But he’s also found another way to share his love of music with the local community - through teaching.

Teaching was Simon’s first job. After completing his drum grades, his own drum teacher hired him. Then, teaching continued to be a massive part of Simon’s life, from working as a maths teacher to working with young offenders and in special educational needs.  

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So, combining 3 things that he loves - music, teaching and the Whitsundays - only made sense for Simon. This led to the creation of Whitsunday Music Academy.

“It’s great to give back to a community and to build that community space,” he says.

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With around 15 students already on his books, ranging from a 5-year-old learning to sing through to adults, Simon is hoping to continue growing the academy and bring more local musicians and teachers into the mix.

And it seems the academy is giving Simon something he didn’t quite realise he was missing. 

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“I’m actually finding it a little bit more fulfilling than the gigs,” he admits.

For Simon, the value of music goes far beyond learning an instrument or getting up on stage. He describes creating music as a “cathartic, therapeutic” experience, giving people a way to express something that might otherwise stay inside them.

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And for anyone thinking about starting their own musical journey, Simon’s advice is simple: “Try and find what your truth is.”

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Where to catch Simon this week:

Thursday 20th August – Boaty’s 4:45pm

Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd August – Hamilton Island Race Week

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SONG RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK
Home Again – Michael Kiwanuka

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Being a responsible dog owner helps keep our parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.  Dogs must be on a leash in parks, reserves and foreshores across the Whitsunday region, unless in a designated off-leash area. Even off-leash, dogs must remain under your effective control. Please remember to pick up after your dog and to be mindful of other people and pets. Fines apply for dogs off-leash where prohibited and for failing to properly dispose of dog waste. For designated off-leash areas, visit Council’s website or call 1300 972 753.

My Hospital Foundation have announced that the 2026 Dinner on the Runway event, scheduled for Friday 11 September 2026, will not proceed following the withdrawal of venue support from Ibis Mackay, one of the key location hosts for the event.

The Foundation had been preparing for another successful year of this signature fundraising event; however, without access to the venue support, it is not possible to deliver Dinner on the Runway to the standard expected by guests, sponsorsand the wider community.

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My Hospital Foundation Executive Officer Ashleen O’Neill said the organisation appreciates the community’s ongoing support and understanding.

“Dinner on the Runway is a much‑loved event, and while this outcome is disappointing, we remain committed to delivering high‑quality fundraising experiences for our region. We will continue working with our partners and supporters to explore future opportunities.”

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While Dinner on the Runway will not proceed this year, the Foundation's fundraising efforts will continue, including the exciting new event Gather & Graze, to be held at Note Park Grazing Co. on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

This exclusive cocktail-style dining experience will showcase the best local produce in the picturesque surrounds of Note Park Grazing Co. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu, premium beverages and genuine country hospitality while connecting with fellow supporters and helping raise vital funds for local healthcare.

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All sponsors, ticket holders and event partners associated with Dinner on the Runway have been contacted directly regarding next steps. Funds raised through My Hospital Foundation continue to support vital hospital equipment, patient comfort initiatives and healthcare programs across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

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New Event Details

What: Gather & Graze

When: Saturday, 19 September 2026

Where: Note Park Grazing Co.

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