Entertainment

Northern Beaches To Come Alive With Creativity At Inaugural Art In The Park

Northern Beaches To Come Alive With Creativity At Inaugural Art In The Park

The Mackay Northern Beaches will soon come alive with colour, music, and creativity as the community gears up for the launch of Art in the Park 2025 on Saturday, the 20th of September. This brand-new community arts event will unfold across Bucasia Esplanade, Shoal Point, and the Northern Beaches Community Hall, inviting people of all ages to gather, create, and celebrate the spirit of the Northern Beaches. Delivered by the Northern Beaches Community Network and the Mackay Northern Beaches

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Mackay Marina Comes Alive To Mark Lighthouse Milestone

Mackay Marina Comes Alive To Mark Lighthouse Milestone

The Mackay Marina was abuzz with colour, music and community spirit last Sunday as locals gathered to celebrate the 140th birthday of the historic Pine Islet Lighthouse. Under clear skies and a gentle sea breeze, crowds flocked to the Marina Precinct along Mulherin Drive for a day packed with market stalls, live music, face painting, food trucks, raffles and the perfect vantage point to watch the yachts from the Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race glide into the harbour. The star of the cele

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Freestyle Kings Return To Mackay With High-Flying 2026 World Tour

Freestyle Kings Return To Mackay With High-Flying 2026 World Tour

Mackay is revving up for the return of Freestyle Kings Live, “the greatest show on two wheels”, with the high-octane action sports spectacular locked in for Saturday, the 6th of June, 2026, at BB Print Stadium. Returning as part of a massive six-country, 50-show World Tour, Freestyle Kings Live promises a night packed with gravity-defying stunts and edge-of-your-seat thrills and organisers are determined to deliver a show Mackay will never forget. Billed as a family-friendly, all-ages ev

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Event Guide 8 August

Event Guide 8 August

**Friday 8th August ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Friday Guided

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Key Solutions Group

Rock Around The Clock

August 24, 2023

Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay is a club that has been promoting rock and roll dancing throughout the community since 1995.

The club meets weekly on a Wednesday evening for a social dance for all ages and all abilities.

“We have a bit of teaching between 7 and 8 and then from 8 to about 9:30 it’s really just a social dance and somewhere for people to practise what they’ve just learnt,” said President Colin McPherson.

“It’s four step rock and roll.

“If someone like me can do it, there’s plenty of other people who can do it, and it’s really just a fun thing to do.

“You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”

The club also holds two social dances a month at Goosies, other dances throughout the year and frequently perform throughout the community including at Global Grooves and Mackay Festival of Arts.

Although it focuses on the promotion of rock and roll dance and music, there is a large social component to the club including weekends away.  

The next of these events will be held at Conway Beach Caravan Park, with the main dance on the evening of Saturday, May 27, attracting dancers and travellers from around the state.

Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay welcomes new members of all ages to their social Wednesday dances for a night of fun, fitness, and music.

“Once you get to learn the steps and go every week, it’s just an enjoyable activity,” Mr McPherson said.

To find out more, find Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Inc on Facebook.

Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay meet weekly of a Wednesday evening and hold many social events throughout the year. Photo supplied

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Rainbow Pride Event Coming Soon

August 24, 2023

It’s less than a month until the fourth annual Mackay Rainbow Pride Event and organisers are hoping for their biggest event yet.

Previous years have seen around 150 people attend the lively event which kicks-off at the Bluewater Quay, with a Pride March over Pioneer River Bridge.

Colourful signs and costumes celebrate the LGBTI community, and everyone is welcome to come along and support this free event.

“The event is to tell people there is a queer community here in Mackay and also for the queer community to know there is help here if you need,” said organiser Gary Thomas.

“Fortunately, these days it is certainly more acceptable to be ‘out’ at work and in public and events like this really help.”

After the march, the parade will return to Blue Water Quay for the festivities.

So far over 15 stalls have registered and they are set to be a mixture of food vans, artists, and local crafts.

Well-known Mackay cover band, The Feels, will be performing and emceeing the event alongside other local artists.

There will also be prizes for the Best Dressed Person, the Best Dressed Pet, and the Best Dressed Vendor.

An event that brings the community together will flare, colour and freedom, the Rainbow Pride Event is sure to be a fun afternoon where everyone can relax and be themselves.

WHAT: Rainbow Pride Event

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, June 17

TIME: 3pm – 7pm

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Dancing In The Dark

August 24, 2023

Starting in Melbourne in 2009, No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) brings people together to dance like no one’s watching.

Rapidly spreading to 74 different countries, the initiative has recently been introduced to Mackay by two women who love to feel the rhythm, move their bodies, and clear their minds.

Anna Kahler first tried NLNL at the Sydney Opera House and recently connected with Lisa Merrett, who was a frequent NLNL participant in Melbourne before recently moving to Mackay, the pair teaming up to start the program just over a month ago.

Originating in Brunswick, NLNL is the product of professional dancers who wanted to reembrace what dancing meant to them.

“They were looking for an opportunity to dance where they didn’t feel like they were being judged and they could just enjoy dancing again,” Ms Kahler said.

It involves an hour of dancing in a safe, non-judgemental, alcohol and drug free environment, low light conditions meaning the people around you are just silhouettes.

“You have freedom to experiment with the sorts of moves you might like to do and really get carried away,” Ms Kahler said.

Ms Merrett first started NLNL for fitness, finding innumerable other benefits along the way.

“I found I carried it into my everyday life, I’d start moving more to music in general,” she said.

“It just brought out that rhythm a bit more.”

Since starting in Mackay, NLNL has amassed a loyal following of dancers, with many describing the experience as a mindful one, with the positive effects of movement and dancing being felt throughout the room.

“It’s the movement, getting embodied again and the mindfulness of the whole thing,” Ms Merrett said.

“You can listen to your body cues and decide what you want to do based on the song in that moment,” Ms Kahler added.

“It’s exercise as a celebration as opposed to a punishment.”

Both women work in the community and mental health spaces and see the need for initiatives like NLNL as a mindful experience.

“Being able to move and be grounded and be in your body is really healthy,” Ms Merrett said.

“People seem to have lost that ability of connecting with their bodies because of technology, so it’s about getting back in to being able to connect with your body.

“When we’re struggling with mental health, we can become disconnected with things, and this is just a super grounding experience.”

The casual dance session happens weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8pm at St Pauls Uniting Church.

More information, FAQs and previous playlists can be found at No Lights No Lycra Mackay on Facebook.

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Cat In The Hat Live On Stage

August 24, 2023

Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200-word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’.

As the top selling children’s author of all time, the story is as popular now as it was in the 1950’s when Dr. Theodor ‘Seuss’ Geissel wrote the book.

Now both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain and tells the story of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped Hat.

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 his friends, Thing One and Thing Two, they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear, The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.

So, if you’re looking for ideas for your Thing 1 and 2 this coming school holidays, come and share in the magic and mystery of live theatre at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.

Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!

For more information, please visit www.themecccom.au

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Event Guide

August 24, 2023

Friday 19 May

Nebo Rodeo

Friday 19, from 4.30pm and Saturday 20, 8am to 12am

The infamous Nebo Rodeo is back and better than ever. Friday has eat street, kids entertainment, dodgem cars, and the best stalls around. Saturday will have the main events, with the sounds of Luke Geiger to carry us out afterwards. There are no tickets available at the gate, so be sure to purchase beforehand at oztix.com.au

Nebo Showgrounds

Nebo Hotel Street Party

Friday 19, 4.30pm to 11.45pm

The party of the year is back. Showcasing the likes of the Wolfe Brothers, LG & Biig G Sxxc, Zac & George, and Layla Gossage, plus kids entertainment and this event will have fun for the whole family. Tickets are available at oztix.com.au

Nebo Hotel

Mackay Expo

Friday 19 to Sunday 21

Come to the Mackay Expo and check out the newest range of the best camping, home, and lifestyle. No matter the home project or dream inspiration, this expo has something for everyone, be it a new campervan, a fantastic garden display, or pest control options. Be sure to purchase tickets at mackayexpo.com.au

Mackay Showgrounds

Saturday 20 May

Legends on the Lawn

Saturday, from 12.30pm

Another epic music event for Mackay, Legends on the Lawn is set to be an event not to be missed. Having the likes of Missy Higgins, Troy Cassar-Daley, Paul Kelly, and Mark Seymour, all the classic hits will have the audience dancing and singing-along. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Great Barrier Reef Arena

Mother’s Day Make and Take

Saturday, 2pm to 5pm

A special afternoon for a special lady, relax and make some soft and nourishing body products, and being treated with lovely, delicious treats. Tickets are $66 per person and available through the Essential Moon Magick Facebook page.

Campwin Beach

Unify Off The Record

Saturday, from 6pm

A powerful night of music, the Unify Off The Record show is coming to Mackay. With Thornill, Banks Arcade, Young Lions, Wildheart and Arcade Stories, this will be a great night of every music lover, with artist signings, pop up stores, and workshops also on offer. Tickets available through oztix.com.au

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday 21 May

Create Your Own Junk Journal

Sunday, 9am to 1pm

Run by Pioneer Valley Arts, this workshop will teach you all about making your own junk journal and explore your messy creative side. Tickets are $85.

Elsie Nash Street, Pinnacle

Laura’s Triathlon

Sunday, from 6am

In memoriam of Laura Pettifer, local triathlete who passed away in 2008 after a Collinson during a mountain bike training ride. There are two categories with four events, the triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and aquabike. Tickets are available through allevents.com

Mackay Harbour Beach

Tuesday 23 May

Rock and Roll with Sarina Crocodile Rockers

Every Tuesday, 6.45pm to 9.30pm

The 50s and 60s dance is coming back and the Sarina Crocodile Rockers are making it happen! This all-inclusive dance lesson will get even the worst dancer matching the beat.

Sarina Cultural Hall

Wednesday 24 May

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 25 May

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

National Simultaneous Storytime with Music and Movement with Cassie

Thursday, 9.15am

Join Cassie for the National Simultaneous Storytime reading The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath Mckenzie.

Studio 53, Gregory Street, Mackay

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Massive Lineup For 2023 Legends On The Lawn

August 24, 2023

It is less than three weeks away from the exciting 2023 return of Mackay’s Legends on the Lawn.

With a massive lineup of Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Mark Seymour, Vika and Linda, and Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley, it is no surprise that locals are ecstatic.

Having been touring since January, Troy Cassar-Daley sat down with Mackay Life’s Bronte to talk about the upcoming festival.

What drew you to Legends on the Lawn?

I saw it first on Facebook actually. And wow, I thought. I think Jimmy Barnes played and I didn’t realise that the year following, I’d be asked to go.

I just happened to be a part of this huge tour and for this show to be in Mackay is incredible. I think people will see this lineup and know it’s something extra special. Paul Kelly is nothing but class, and then you’ve got Bernard Fanning, Queensland royalty, Missy Higgins who is song writing royalty. Mark Seymour is a great mate, and we’re both mad on old fashioned things like watches.

I mean, no matter what artist you’re into, the most important thing for me has been just seeing the cross collaborations between some of the artists.

It’s a really incredibly lineup and I’m very excited.

What can audiences expect from you?

I think people can expect some of the most incredible song writing that you’ll see in one night. You feel like you’re 18 and at the pub again, singing alone with all your friends to a local cover band, but you’re watching the actual real bloke that wrote it.

We play a couple of things that are from 50 Songs 50 Towns, and so to have Ian Moss and myself play on stage is the best. He’s playing on Born to Survive and stuff like that, and I’m playing on Tucker’s Daughter, you know. When you’re playing with someone that you really like, it doesn’t get any better.

I reckon that people will just sit back and just in their chairs and love every minute.

What’s your favourite thing about the area of Mackay?

I love the river. I’ve always drawn to it. Ever since I used to go to there in my 20s, I went through my first trip through the area with a lady named Gina Jefferies when I was very, very young. And the first thing I did was I had my handline in my bag. And I went down to the river, and in those days, no one talked about crocodiles. But I’ve always been drawn to the river.

And every time I go to Mackay, whether we played at the Bowls club, or we’ve done the Entertainment Centre, I always find myself sitting on the bank having a feed, just watching the river flow. It’s just an incredibly part of the world.

Any last things you wish to share?

I mean, look, these line-ups over the years have been rock and roll. The organisers of Legends on the Lawn have this uncanny ability to put these line-ups together that just work so well. We look forward to being able to invite people out.

And this lineup, its just a lot of iconic songs that are going to be falling into your lap and you get the chance to sit there and have a drink and enjoy it.

WHAT: Legends on the Lawn

WHEN: Saturday May 20, 1pm to 9.30pm

WHERE: Great Barrier Reef Arena

TICKETS: legendsonthelawn.com.au

Troy Cassar-Daley is one massive headliner of 2023 Legends on the Lawn festival. Photo supplied

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Mother’s Day Raffle A Rousing Success

August 24, 2023

A beautiful quilt made by a late Sarina crafter has gone to a good home.

Lilian Brown won the quilt made by Dulcie Christensen, first prize in the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre mega raffle drawn just in time for Mother’s Day.

Lilian and Dulcie spent many years working on crafts together at the Sarina Fibre Arts Group and as supporters of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

The quilt was donated by Dulcie’s son Glen after she sadly passed away last week.

It was one of five prizes in the raffle, which was drawn by Jon Eaton of the Sarina Men’s Shed.

Gail Tomerini won a hamper packed with goodies from the Sarina Sugar Shed, Bees 2U, Sharon Price, Celia Gutschlag, Adorabull Treats, Koko Loko, Zelenka Farm and Heather Coleman.

Rosemary Rowles won a corner-to-corner rug made by Jenny Costello, and Genny Axiak won a tea cosy and teapot made by Jenny Price.

Sharon Price won a $50 petrol voucher donated by Rhonda and Charlie Payne.

“We’d like to thank everyone for supporting the raffle which has raised valuable funds for the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre,” centre manager Jenny Costello said.

“And a big thank you to our crafters and volunteers who got behind the raffle by selling tickets.”

Contributed by Charlie Payne

Lilian Brown holds the late Dulcie Christensen’s quilt, first prize in the Sarina Arts and Crafts raffle

Margaret Schwarzrock and Jenny Costello help Jon Eaton of the Sarina Men’s Shed draw the raffle. Photo credit: Rhonda Payne

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Test Your Inner Artist

August 24, 2023

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at jewellery making, weaving, felting, yarn and textile working, or charcoal drawing, but wanted some detailed instruction first?

Why not take part in The Artist Place’s workshops at Queens Park.

The Artist Place is a community art group, who allows people to try their hand at a broad range of art mediums in workshops and classes with local artists.

In this mammoth week of 11 workshops, attendees will be given dedicated instruction and intimate help, in order to craft their own art piece.

There are also three Come and Play sessions, free for anyone in the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to come along and play with the wide range of materials and mediums on offer in the shed.

WHAT: The Artist Place Workshops

WHEN: Sunday May 27 to Sunday June 4

WHERE: Cricket Shed in Queens Park

TICKETS: Humanitix.com – search ‘The Artist Place’

SAT 27 MAY

Collage - 10.00 -2.30

Rejuvenate your Bling - 1.30 – 4.00

SUN 28 MAY

Charcoal Drawing on Wood - 10.00 -2.30

Drum Circle - 12.30–2.30

Printmaking - 1.30 – 5.30

MON 29 MAY

Vessel Felting - 11.00–2.30

TUES 30 MAY

Scratching the Surface - 10.00 -2.30

WED 31 MAY

Come and Play - 10.00–3.00

THURS 1 JUNE

Come and Play - 10.00–3.00

FRI 2 JUNE

Come and Play - 10.00–3.00

SAT 3 JUNE

Water Colour Painting I - 10.00 -2.30

Water Colour Painting II - 1.30 – 4.00

SUN 4 JUNE

Cardboard loom Weaving - 10.00 -2.30

Textile Wall hanging - 1.30 – 4.00

Drum Circle - 2.30 -4.30

Come along to Queens Park and learn from local artists

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Biggest Morning Tea For Cancer

August 24, 2023

For the second year in a row, Magpies Sporting Club is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea event to raise money for Cancer Council and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

Everyone is welcome to attend this vibrant charity function which will take place on The Deck, where guests will enjoy a decadent morning tea with barista coffee.

An inspirational guest speaker from the Icon Cancer Centre Mackay will inform and tickets are just $25 per person, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council.

“This event is a great opportunity for the community to come together and support a vital cause,” said Kate Godfrey from Magpies Sporting Club.

“With an estimated 162,163 Australians diagnosed with cancer in 2022 alone, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.”

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24

TIME: 10am-11.30am

WHERE: The Deck, Magpies Sporting Club

COST: $25 per person

TICKETS www.magpiesmackay.com.au or Magpies Reception

Last years’ Biggest Morning Tea. Photo supplied

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The Ballet of Ukraine Coming To Mackay

August 24, 2023

Prepare to be amazed by the performance of the year, with the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine taking over the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this June.

This internationally touring performance will keep audiences hooked, encompassing two magical stories that will be sure to keep audiences enraptured in the touching choreography and fantastic cinematography.

The first act follows the Ukrainian story, Forest Song, and reflects Ukrainian culture and heritage. Forest Song follows Lukash, a human man, and a mystical creature, named Mavka. Mavka wishes for peace and tranquillity in her world, drawing parallels to Ukraine and its political unease.

The second act is Don Quixote, an energetic Spanish ballet following the romance of a courageous young man and his search for love.

Both acts include extravagant and lavish choreography and costuming, with intimately and honestly intricate songs, duets, and breathtaking music.

The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine was formed by National Opera of Ukraine dancer Alexander Stoyanov in 2014 and has been touring the globe brining the Ukrainian ballet to the likes of New Zealand, China, America, and South America.

WHAT: The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

The ballet of Ukraine is coming to Mackay, in a beautiful display of love, loss, and tender moments.

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The Botanic Gardens Turn 20!

August 24, 2023

For the month of May, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens are celebrating their birthday.

On May 24, 2003, the Mackay botanic gardens officially opened, marking a goal accomplished of the Mackay Association.

Since then, the Botanic Gardens have gone through stages of redevelopment and redesign including constructing new gardens, permanent wetland, to highlight the various water plants, and a kids play garden in 2006, and restoring and rehabilitating frost-damaged and drowned plants in 2007 and 2008.

In order to celebrate the gardens 20th birthday, the Botanic Gardens will be holding a series of events for the community.

Every Friday through May, and June 2, visitors can take part in a free guided walk, learning about the gardens and features different plants and aspects of the grounds.

On May 6, the gardens are hosting a daisy planting day, creating a daisy meadow on the lagoon banks.

There will be composting workshops of Saturday May 20, to educate participates on worms, composting and gardening, adding nutrients to home gardens. There is also the chance to win a worm farm.

For children, on Saturday, May 27, join an insect hotel workshop, to learn about native bees and other insects that help gardens, and build an insect hotel to attract insects into gardens.

For plant lovers, there will be a plant sale, on Saturday June 3, of native plants, grown by Native Plants Queensland – Society for Growing Australian Plants Mackay branch.

No matter how much or how little of a plant and garden enthusiast, there is something for everyone. Visit mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au for more information, or how to register to events.

Join the Mackay Botanic Gardens as they celebrate 20 years

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Tea Time

August 24, 2023

The world is their oyster for a group which visited the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

The World Café group enjoyed a morning tea before viewing the centre’s crafts.

It is a free culture-sharing group which meets every Tuesday at 4 George Street, Mackay (the Annex) between February and November from 10 am to 12.30 pm.

Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions, culture and conversations and local excursions.

For more information phone (07) 4957 7222.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

World Café group members from left Kaye Humphreys, Mary Gardner, Gail Ruse, Raelene Cant, Ernie Roh, Edyta Konopka, Raph Maglente, Svan Stephenson, Kamlawati Singh, Maedel Maglente, Ruth Bell, Kitty Yuen, Rydell Hansen and Maureen Solager at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Joining them for morning tea were Arts and Crafts members Jenny Costello and Marg Hinrichs, at back right. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Be Inspired By The Coral Sea Academy

August 24, 2023

Locals and cruising yachties are invited to enjoy a packed calendar of social events at Coral Sea Marina thanks to their unique edu-tourism workshops and experiences that are free for both customers and the broader community to enjoy.

The first in the series, Cruising the Whitsundays, is due to take place tomorrow at the marina’s Lookout Lounge.

All are welcome to attend this free event featuring presentations from guest speakers who will be shining a light on what to expect when out on the water this season.

Guest speakers include Master Reef Guide Crystal Lacey, on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Fiona Broadbent from Queensland Parks and Wildlife, the Whitsunday’s own local sailing guru, Sharon Smallwood, to share her hidden Whitsundays gems, and Olivia Brodhurst on behalf of the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Committee.

Attendees will learn about the history of the islands, whale migration, the Eye on the Reef, newly opened island trails, top spots to visit and local sailing tips.

There are several other events coming up at the marina this winter.

Mainstay Sailing and Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays host the “Better Boating” series of free maritime training which provide the perfect opportunity for attendees to brush up on their boating skills or learn something new in a relaxed and informal environment.

In addition, the Coral Sea Academy will host monthly Art Classes, multiple Women in Boating networking and training opportunities, as well as environmental information workshops on the Great Barrier Reef and conservation volunteer opportunities.

WHAT: Cruising the Whitsundays

WHEN: Saturday, May 20 from 10am

WHERE: Coral Sea Resort, Lookout Lunch

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Circa Comes To The PECC

August 24, 2023

This world-wide sell-out production by Circa, a front runner in performing arts and acrobatic illusions, is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) this Saturday, May 20.

On by Circa is the newest creation for the powerful acrobatic and circus company, expanding their repertoire to include a hauntingly beautiful tale of a chance encounter, and an intimate touch for eight strangers.

Taking place in an apartment block courtyard, On by Circa explores an impossible connection for these eight strangers of the love, loss, and longing of a shared existence.

The audience is pulled through the performance with powerful acrobatic skill and beautiful light show which is timed perfectly with elegant and touching music.

Creator of On by Circa, Yaron Lifschitz, depicts the beauty of human connection, the delicate nature and intricacies of the performing arts and the circus craft, in a powerful display of human strength and ability.

Since 2004, Circa has been dazzling audiences with their perfect craft, becoming the leader in circus performing arts and acrobatics.

Circa has travelled to 40 different countries, performed to over 1.5 million people, with numerous sell-out productions.

Circa productions always contain a massive range of acrobatic and circus acts, with performances including large scale opera, fantastical choreography, and beautiful instrumentals.  

On by Circa will be at the PEC for one night only. This is not a show to miss.

WHAT: On By Circa

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Saturday, 20 May 6.30pm

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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Annette Kellerman - A Mermaid in our Midst

August 24, 2023

An extroverted Australian swimming and diving champion of the early 1900s, Annette Kellerman raised many an eyebrow with her exploits in world swimming circles and for her risqué appearances in films depicting her as a mermaid.

Born in 1887 in Sydney, as a child she suffered from rickets and had to wear calipers to assist her to walk until it was suggested she take up swimming. This not only fixed her problem but led to her being declared a perfect physical specimen. Thereafter, she made a career of swimming and became quite a celebrity in Australia, America, England and Europe where she travelled widely, giving swimming and underwater ballet displays, diving exhibitions and lecturing on physical development. She was the first woman to attempt (unsuccessfully) a crossing of the English Channel and completed marathon swims in the rivers Yarra, Thames and Seine.

Ultimately, she attracted the attention of Hollywood and appeared as a mermaid in two silent films, “Neptune’s Daughter” (1914) and “Daughter of the Gods” (1916); films which scandalised some because she appeared topless though long hair was appropriately draped to preserve a degree of decency. In 1907, she was arrested in Boston (US) for wearing a ‘revealing’ swim-suit in days when women wore neck to ankle bathers.  

During those heady days, she married American film agent, Jimmy Sullivan. Contrary to the usual Hollywood culture, the marriage was lasting - until Annette’s death in 1975 at Labrador, Gold Coast.

Readers might now be wondering just why this story belongs in the Whitsunday history section.

The point is that nowhere, in all the publicity about her, is there any mention of the fact that Annette Kellerman graced Whitsunday waters with her presence for nine months in 1933/4.

In August 1933, Annette and her husband came to Lindeman Island which they used as a base while making a movie about coral with Annette swimming among it as a mermaid, complete with fish-tail. Much of their time was spent camping on adjoining islands such as Cole, Maher and Seaforth. While on Cole Island in August 1933, a party from HMAS “Moresby” landed there to make survey sketches. This must have been quite a treat for a ship-load of virile sailors.

Originally planning to stay for only three months, unfavorable weather delayed filming and extended the stopover. Annette’s sister, Marcelle, was married to Frederick Charles Wooster who began a small resort on Newry Island in those years. Annette and her husband spent time there in a hut built for the purpose, the foundation of which still exists today.

During her stay at Lindeman, Miss Kellerman entertained guests, particularly over the Christmas holidays of 1933. She organised fancy-dress balls on Christmas and New Year’s days as well as water sports and other entertainment.  She had a diving tower of rough bush timber built off the beach to give displays and encouraged visitors to do likewise. At the time, the couple were camped on Seaforth Island and guests on Lindeman Island were invited there for a ‘jazzarino’ as Annette called it. She was ‘the life of the party’ - her presence was quite an event for those staying on the island.

In April 1934, the couple left for Europe after a farewell trip among the islands in the “Cheerio”, a tourist launch owned and operated then by local identity, Bruce Jamieson.  

Such was Annette’s fame that, in the 1950s, Hollywood produced a film of her life, “Million Dollar Mermaid”.  

Thus, our island area can notch up another item of fame in its historical records.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and thanks to the late Ray Blackwood.

Caption: Annette Kellerman was a famous actress and swimmer. Photo supplied

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