Tourism business owners and anyone working within the sector are invited to attend a free workshop which will provide helpful tools and sustainable initiatives to offer a pathway towards creating low carbon tourism across the Whitsundays.

The workshop is due to take place at The Reef Gateway Hotel on Wednesday, May 10 from 2pm until 4pm.

The event is part of a larger four-year program which began by educating 37 tourism businesses on sustainable working practices back in 2022.

Since then, the Healthy Heart Project has shown these businesses how to help the environment and save money at the same time.

The latest workshop is dedicated to recruiting more tourism businesses to the program and during the event, participants will hear real life accounts from other businesses who have experienced success through adopting the key principals.

EcoBiz Sustainability Auditor Fiona Sleight will be presenting alongside Lee Hawkins who will give a broader description of the role of the Health Heart Project in our local region.

“The rise of environmentally conscious travellers is rewarding tourism businesses that are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Ms Hawkins, Climate Change Resilience Officer.

“More visitors are looking for eco-tourism options that have a low, or even non-existent environmental impact.”

During the afternoon, further topics will include consumer behaviour, climate change and pathways to create a Sustainable Destination Accreditation for the Whitsundays.

Attendees will also receive an online carbon calculator demonstration and afternoon tea will be provided.

WHAT: Tourism Workshop: Moving Towards Low Carbon Tourism

WHERE: The Reef Gateway Hotel

WHEN: Wednesday, May 10 – 2pm-4pm

COST: Free

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The boys from Sex and Chocolate are back and ready to work their magic in Airlie Beach over this Mother’s Day weekend, at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

With their intimate Motown II Millennia show, the Sex and Chocolate boys are ready to give Airlie Beach a show not to be missed.

With smooth tunes and unforgettable dance moves, Sex and Chocolate draw inspiration from classic Motown, R&B, and soul, with hits from Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Spinners, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, Bruno Mars, Outkast, and Bill Ocean, there will be something for everyone.

Featuring the vocals and appeal of Paul Thompson and his team, Mikey, Wilz, and Maihi, three award-winning sensations that dominate, the boys will perform this personal show to a crowded dance floor.  

With every rendition of this up-close and personal show, the boys of Sex and Chocolate have perfected their craft, wowing audiences throughout the two-hour show, and leaving every single person entertained and entranced.

The boys have shared their excitement to be performing to the Airlie Beach crowd once again, wanting to make sure the ladies feel extra special on the day.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays has become a favourite for the group, returning for the umpteenth time to entertain the unforgettable Airlie crowd, their classic temptations of sex, charisma, and romance leading the show.

With over 20 years’ experience in the entertainment trade, these boys have perfectly smooth harmonies and sensual dance moves and are always ready to serenade the crowd through the two afternoon shows.

And the Airlie Beach Hotel is looking after you - any table booked at the Airlie Beach Hotel for Mother’s Day will receive a complimentary gift of Devils Corner Rosé, so be sure to make a reservation and treat your mum right this Mother’s Day.

While, yes, Sex and Chocolate are very popular with the ladies – there’s no denying that - but all are welcome to this charismatic show, where the only stripping is the boys’ smooth harmonies and powerful dance moves.

Indulge in this Mother’s Day weekend special at the Airlie Beach Hotel and experience the most romantic show of the year, with the highly sought-after boys as they travel Australia, sharing their love.

Expect to be swooned by smooth talking, engaging tunes that will ease the workday blues right out of you.

WHAT: Sex & Chocolate presents Motown II Millennia

WHEN: May 13 and 14, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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The boys are back and ready to serenade all through this Mother’s Day weekend

Airlie Beach Hotel has the perfect free shows for the weekend

Sex and Chocolate will be at the Airlie Beach Hotel, May 13 and 14, ready to bring their Motown charm

To imbue this review with the spirit of “Mafia Mamma”, I refuse to refer to the film as pastiche – instead, I dub it a “pasticcio”. Please: cue the weeping strings, the long, drawn-out horn, and “leave the gun, take the cannoli.”

Mafia Mamma is, at its purest, a fish-out-of-water comedy where the fish has been dropped into a nice Napoletana Sauce; it is unabashedly inspired by every mafia trope ever from every mafia film ever (Especially “The Godfather”). There’s a premise and a promise of goofiness in that. And being directed by the talented Catherine Hardwicke – whom audiences would vaguely know from her directorship on “Twilight” – though, ever since then, she’s flitted between television and film directing; notably in “This Is Us” and “Guillermo del Tor’s Cabinet of Curiosities” – the offer to see Mafia Mamma seems to be one audience can’t refuse.

Hardwicke again directs Toni Collette, having worked with the star in 2015’s “Miss You Already” (A brilliant performance from Collette, as ever). And here, she portrays the self-effacing American helicopter-mom Katherine, and inherits her grandfather's mafia empire in Italy – becoming the eponymous Mafia Mamma. And she carries the film with her charm, despite an often-flailing script that seems torn between mafia motifs and Hallmark travel films. Based on a short story by French novelist Amanda Sthers, Mafia Mamma has some deft flourishes to it.

So, guided by the firm's consigliere, Bianca (Monica Belluci), Collette attempts to defy everyone's expectations as the new head of the family business. A sort of female-empowerment narrative ensues – the lacking in confidence Collette tries to find her feet in Italy in an “Eat, Pray, Copulate” approach -- but the film seems remiss to commit to it wholeheartedly. Despite the detractors, Mafia Mamma cuts a goofy figure worth the watch.

Mafia Mamma (R) is playing at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre this Sunday, May 7.

Review by Declan Durrant.

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Friday 28 April

Wintermoon Music Festival

Friday 5pm to Monday, 4pm

The annual Wintermoon Music Festival is back, celebrating music and dance, with workshops and circus acts in the Mount Charlton rainforest.

Mount Charlton, Queensland

Hypnotise Me presented by Andy Vening

Friday from 6.30pm

Returning by popular demand, comedy hypnotist Andy Vening is ready to surprise the audience with his new comedy show. Prepare to be shocked by his amazing hypnotic skills, where volunteers test their unconscious minds in fantastic displays.

Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay

Saturday 29 April

Sarina Mud Trials May Day

Saturday 7am to Sunday 8pm

Join Sarina for the annual Sarina Mud Trials. Following the Grand Parade at 8am, the races begin, tearing through the course and making a mess. Classes include junior, standard, buggies, bombs and topgun. With a licensed bar and live music, this will be fun for the whole family.

Sarina Showgrounds

Flavourista Social Tasting

Saturday, 9am to 11am

Enjoy good food and others company with this great workshop. Starting with a nature walk, create meals together, using Flavourista blends, which are gluten and nut free, with the chance to win various prizes.

Wetland Walkabout

Sunday 30 April

The Wild Sky live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, from 2pm

Mackay local band, The Wild Sky, will cruise you into the public holiday, with their blues-inspired tunes.

Seabreeze Hotel

Resin Workshop by the Creative Art Studio

Sunday, 2pm to 5pm

Relax the weekend away with this calming resin workshop. Come home with a beautiful floral resin trinket dish. Led by artist Michelle, this workshop will teach you all you need to know about resin art and give you handy tips and tricks to make your own.

The Creative Art Studio, 3 Ungerer Street, Mackay

Monday 1 May

Boogie Bounce Mackay Walking Group

Monday, from 9.30am

Hosted by the Boogie Bounce Mackay Walking Group, come along to the new walking group, starting Monday. Meet at the Botanical Gardens and join the group for a casual walk around the gardens, following by a coffee at the café.

Botanical Gardens Mackay

Wednesday 3 May

Novice/Beginner Yoga

Every Wednesday, 3pm to 4pm

Led by Wellness with Deb, this new novice and beginner yoga class is perfect for everyone. Strengthening and stretching muscles is the game, learning how to use and engage muscles for the best results with your fitness.

Habana, Queensland

STEAM Club – Magformer Construction

Wednesday, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Hosted by the Mackay Regional Council Libraries, this STEAM Club will encourage creative minds, by building engineering projects with Magformer magnet shapes.

Gordon White Library

Thursday 4 May

Frenchy Judgement Day

Thursday, from 7.30pm

Viral Australian comedian Frenchy is visiting Mackay on his national tour. With nothing off limits, and warnings for sitting in the front row, this show will test the audience.

Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay

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July sees the return of the Whitsunday Voice Youth Literature Festival and the Literary Dinner, with headline keynote speaker, Annabel Crabb announced.

Whitsunday Voices is one of the largest literature festivals for youth in north Queensland, attracting over 5,000 students to Mackay to the annual event.

The festival allows students to meet and engage with some of Australia’s most acclaimed authors, presenters, and performers, with students coming from as far south as Rockhampton, and just north of Bowen.

2023 Australian stars include authors Isobelle Carmody, Katrina Nannestad, and Matt Stanton and performers Shake and Stir.

The Literary Dinner is a highlight of the program, celebrating the conclusion of the wider festival, with Australian personality Annabel Crabb presenting the keynote presentation.

Annabel has led the charge on various ABC Projects, including Australia Talks, The House with Annabel Crabb, and The Kitchen Cabinet, which received two Logie nominations for Most Outstanding New Talent and Most Popular New Female Talent.

The Literary Dinner includes a three-course meal, live music, and the opportunity to grab a hold of favourite high-profile presenters.

The festival spans three days, July 12 to 14, and includes author talks, writing and art workshops, a Poetry Slam! Competition and short story competition, presentations, plus book signing for all patrons.

WHAT: Whitsunday Voices Literary Dinner

WHERE: MECC Plenary Hills

WHEN: Friday, July 14

TICKETS: themeec.com.au

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Annabel Crabb joins the Whitsunday Voices lineup

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It was perfect weather for the first 2023 Cinema Under the Stars for the Mackay Hospital Foundation, presented by Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay, and sponsored by BHP BMA.

Over 300 people attended the showing of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Mackay Botanical Gardens lawn on Friday, April 21.

From 5.30pm, families were welcomed into the Amphitheatre, with a jumping castle and merry-go-round, face painting and balloon animals available.

Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to go into the draw for the chance to win a VIP marquee package.

The VIP marquees were decorated with lights, and had lanterns, an inflatable lounge with blankets and cushions, and a table perfect for food and drinks, plus vouchers for food and drink vendors that participated in the event.

Other raffle ticket prizes also included one of 25 pillow and store vouchers for Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay and food vouchers from the food vendors.

Cinema Under the Stars is one venture of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, which is driven to support Mackay families, and aid in reducing the offset costs associated with receiving essential health care services.

As a community charity, the Mackay Hospital Foundation supports patients within Mackay Base Hospital and other public hospitals in the Mackay district.  

The next Mackay Hospital Foundation Cinema Under the Stars will be held on August 11, in the Mackay Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre, with a third on September 16, in Sarina.

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308 people attended the first Cinema Under the Stars held by the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Photo supplied

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At the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) has always been known for bringing together the best in the music industry to mentor students and entertain Mackay audiences. This May, CQCM have two exciting events lined up that are sure to be a treat for fans of great jazz, blues, and soul.

Friday Jazz @ The Con on May 12th will feature George Washingmachine, a Sydney-based vocalist, guitarist, and violinist, who will perform alongside the talented staff and students of the Conservatorium. The following week, on May 19th, Keyboard Confessions will showcase the vocal and keyboard prowess of Clayton Doley, another Sydney-based musician. The event will also feature performances by staff and students of the CQCM.

George Washingmachine has been a fixture in the Australian music scene for over four decades. He is known for his impeccable musicianship and his ability to blend various genres of music, including jazz, blues, swing, and country. He has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, and Leo Sayer. Washingmachine's style is soulful, and his violin playing is particularly memorable.

Clayton Doley is a musician who is equally at home on the keyboard or behind a microphone. His style is a mix of blues, funk, and rock, and he is known for his soulful vocals and his impressive keyboard skills. Doley has toured with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Joe Bonamassa, Harry Manx, Jimmy Barnes, and Renee Geyer. Doley has recorded a number of albums with his groups the Organ Donors and Bayou Billabong, with the finest musicians Australia and New Orleans has to offer.

These two events are a rare opportunity to experience some of the best jazz and blues musicians in the country, performing alongside the talented students and staff of the CQCM.  Tickets for both events can be purchased on the CQCM website, https://cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales/sales. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the musical genius of George Washingmachine and Clayton Doley, and to support the Conservatorium's talented staff and students. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now!

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Spanning over 10 years, Cosentino’s career is mind-blowing and extraordinary, always mystifying crowds, shocking and surprising audiences all over the world.

And now, Cosentino is taking it regional, performing his Decennium: The Greatest Hits Tour, honouring the 10-year milestone.

The master magician and escape artist caught up with Mackay and Whitsunday Life journalist Bronte Hodge ahead of his show in Mackay this May.

How does it make you feel to reach 10 years in the industry?

You know, I’ve been doing this a long, long time and looking back, I think of the TV specials and the international TV shows. All the tours and all the people I've met, and all different countries have been pretty you know, amazing. To be able to turn a little passion into entertainment is a niche, and to turn that into a viable career is amazing. So, yeah, I'm kind of, very proud of what we've managed to accomplish.

We’ve really broken the mould. And now I’ve got a new TV show coming out next month, so we just keep going. We keep reinventing and we keep refreshing and we keep breaking the rules.

What is a defining moment in your career?

Wow, there’s a couple of really interesting moment. The first one I remember I was watching David Copperfield, when I was a teenager after Regent Theatre in Melbourne, it's pretty special. And then probably two years later, I auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent at the Regent Theatre, and I was so nervous. And then, a year later, I filmed my own TV special at the Regent Theatre, and that was really a completion of a circle.

What can audiences expect in the Decennium show?

It’s the best of my best. I’m taking a part my five TV specials, the international TV show, the international tours, and experiences from around the globe and jampacking them into one 90-minute show. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s great. It’s not new material, it’s the best material. So, if people have seen the show before, their getting the best parts. I’m drawing on five hours of TV specials, nine hours of international TV shows and 10 years of material since Australia’s Got Talent. There’s no way anyone has seen all my material.

Can you share a shocking act that’s in the show?

Yeah, I can. One would be where my head is in a Perspex box with 18 kitchen knives. I have to wriggle and get out with a timer. And this one went wrong on a rehearsal on my TV special. I had to get 12 stitches in my chin and caught it all on camera.

And it's, you know, seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing it live is another because someone comes on stage, they examine the apparatus and the knives, and they become invested.

WHAT: Cosentino – Decennium – The Greatest Hits Tour

WHEN: Thursday, May 5

WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: cosentino.com.au

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Master magician and escape artist, Cosentino, returns to Mackay with 10th year anniversary performance. Photo supplied

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Spanning over 10 years, Cosentino’s career is mind-blowing and extraordinary, always mystifying crowds, shocking and surprising audiences all over the world.

And now, Cosentino is taking it regional, performing his Decennium: The Greatest Hits Tour, honouring the 10-year milestone.

The master magician and escape artist caught up with Mackay and Whitsunday Life journalist Bronte Hodge ahead of his show in Mackay this May.

How does it make you feel to reach 10 years in the industry?

You know, I’ve been doing this a long, long time and looking back, I think of the TV specials and the international TV shows. All the tours and all the people I've met, and all different countries have been pretty you know, amazing. To be able to turn a little passion into entertainment is a niche, and to turn that into a viable career is amazing. So, yeah, I'm kind of, very proud of what we've managed to accomplish.

We’ve really broken the mould. And now I’ve got a new TV show coming out next month, so we just keep going. We keep reinventing and we keep refreshing and we keep breaking the rules.

What is a defining moment in your career?

Wow, there’s a couple of really interesting moment. The first one I remember I was watching David Copperfield, when I was a teenager after Regent Theatre in Melbourne, it's pretty special. And then probably two years later, I auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent at the Regent Theatre, and I was so nervous. And then, a year later, I filmed my own TV special at the Regent Theatre, and that was really a completion of a circle.

What can audiences expect in the Decennium show?

It’s the best of my best. I’m taking a part my five TV specials, the international TV show, the international tours, and experiences from around the globe and jampacking them into one 90-minute show. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s great. It’s not new material, it’s the best material. So, if people have seen the show before, their getting the best parts. I’m drawing on five hours of TV specials, nine hours of international TV shows and 10 years of material since Australia’s Got Talent. There’s no way anyone has seen all my material.

Can you share a shocking act that’s in the show?

Yeah, I can. One would be where my head is in a Perspex box with 18 kitchen knives. I have to wriggle and get out with a timer. And this one went wrong on a rehearsal on my TV special. I had to get 12 stitches in my chin and caught it all on camera.

And it's, you know, seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing it live is another because someone comes on stage, they examine the apparatus and the knives, and they become invested.

WHAT: Cosentino – Decennium – The Greatest Hits Tour

WHEN: Thursday, May 5

WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: cosentino.com.au

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Master magician and escape artist, Cosentino, returns to Mackay with 10th year anniversary performance. Photo supplied

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Boasts 32 Event Program Line-Up

Returning for its 35th year, the Mackay Festival of Arts is offering a jampacked line-up of artists and events, so everyone is covered.

The Mackay Festival of Arts encompasses the entire month of July, with a series of events and music festivals that cater for everyone, be it live music and entertainment, workshops, high teas, and tours.

“Expect late-night laughs and madcap comedy at High Tea with Booff and everything from sword swallowing to daring aerial feats and tap dancing inside the Ukiyo tent with Le Coup,” said Mayor Greg Williamson.

Included in the line-up is the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub, which will take over the Civic Centre Precinct from July 3 to 9, and will feature live music, food vans, a licensed bar with Red Dog Brewery and two on-site festivals.

“And that’s just a very small part of the festival,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our team have collaborated with event organisers across the region to unite many existing festivals under the Mackay Festival of Arts Banner,” allowing patrons more opportunity to experience the events.

Other events under the banner include BE Social Fest, Daly Bay Infrastructure Literary Dinner, Wisely Wine and Food Day, Breathe In with Crossroad Arts, and Mack Popcon.

Festival favourites, including Daly Bay Illuminate and Wisely Wine and Food Day have been reimagined, with exciting twists to surprise locals.

Manager of Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre (MECC) and Events, Andrew Bobeldyk said “We have some spectacular installations from around the nation to light up Daly Bay Illuminate in Queens Park.”

Mr Bobeldyk also said the Wisely Wine and Food Day have a new layout, meaning patrons can have improved views of the stage and better VIP experiences.

Festival-goers are spoilt for choice, with something for everyone, Mackay is the place to be in July.

WHAT: Mackay Festival of Arts

WHEN: July 1 to July 31

PROGRAM: themecc.com.au

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The Lost Dogs’ Disco to feature at Daly Bay Illuminate. Photo supplied

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Welcome to the Sugar City, where sweet sugar lingers in the air, and you can taste it on the tip of your tongue.

With delicate design and integral artistry, it is no surprise Mackay is home to the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society, an organisation which celebrates and preserves the classic architecture and history of the city.

And for the upcoming World Art Deco Day on Friday, April 28, the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society will be hosting Mackay’s World Art Deco Day, with a lucrative cocktail party at the Ambassador Hotel.

Art Deco Day commemorates the opening of the Exposition Internationale Des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderne in Paris, in 1925, a monumental world fair that highlighted the new modern style of architecture, interior design, art and jewellery.

Celebrating the 1920/30s, this evening also announces the launch of the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Guide Book, a dedicated guide highlighting the architecture of Mackay and its history.

Grab your best flapper dress and your fedora and join the cocktail party of the century.

WHAT: Mackay’s World Art Deco Day

WHERE: The Ambassador Hotel

WHEN: Friday, April 28, from 6.30pm

TICKETS: mackayartdeco.org

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Mackay’s flapper party of the century

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A local surf lifesaving club has put the call out to the region to show off “our beautiful part of the world” in a calendar competition for 2024.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) wants locals to submit their original and inspiring photos that celebrate Eimeo and its surrounding areas.

Awards will be given to 14 images across multiple categories, including the coveted cover photo and people’s choice.

“Pictures speak louder than words when it comes to the love a community can have for their local area,” Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Chief Training Officer Cynthia Hegerty said.

“So, submit your photos today and have your chance to contribute to our Calendar!”

Calendars will be on sale later in the year for purchase to support the Eimeo SLSC, which has for over 22 years patrolled and provided a community service at Eimeo Beach and surrounding areas (from Dolphin Heads to Bucasia).  

The locality is one of the largest surf clubs in the Whitsunday region, with membership of over 250 from juniors through to masters.  

More information can be found at the Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Facebook page.

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Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club is hosting a 2024 Calendar Competition

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AANS Lieutenant QX 48901 (Q143344)

(08.02/1913 – 16/11/1999)

Madge Holmes was born on the 8th February, 1913 at Nurse Fraser’s home, positioned near the water tower in Proserpine.  When she was eighteen, she worked at the Mt Alma Private Hospital at Charters Tower which was run by her aunt.  In 1932, at the age of 19, she started three years training at the Charters Towers General Hospital.  

Sister Holmes started nursing at the Proserpine Hospital in June 1935.  There she stayed until July 1936 when she moved to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Hobart to do obstetrics training. After finishing this training, she went to Campbelltown where she nursed scarlet fever patients.  Madge stayed at this hospital in charge of the Maternity Ward for two years and was also on call for Theatre and General Ward work. When war was declared in 1939, Madge decided to go home to Proserpine, working again at the Proserpine Hospital where Matron McGrath was in charge, Dr George was the hospital doctor and Dr Stevens was the private doctor.  

On January 5, 1943 Madge was called up by the army, enlisting as a Lieutenant attached to the 112th A.G.H* where she nursed the first Milne Bay casualties at the Greenslopes Military Hospital.  After working for several months there, she was sent to Charters Towers to the 116th A.G.H. The Mt Carmel and All Souls Schools were used as temporary hospitals and patients were brought in on hospital trains. It was then off to Cairns for a short time before returning to Charters Towers to wait for a boat to transfer her to Bougainville.  Madge was assigned to the 109th C.C.S.* and was one of six sisters. Seventeen sisters were in the 2nd 1st A.G.H. that also sailed on the U.S. ship taking them to Bougainville.  

Her first posting was Torokina Bay. Upon arrival, the nurses commenced work immediately while A.G.H. set up the hospital of 1000 beds.  As soon as it was functioning, the C.C.S. closed down and moved 70 miles to a 200 bed C.C.S. at Motupena Point on the south of the island.  After initial treatment there, patients were sent back to Torokina Bay by barge. For several weeks, the C.C.S. sisters were held at A.G.H.  During that time, Madge was working in the Blood Bank where they took and gave blood and made up penicillin for the wards.  At one stage, she worked for the 21st A.G.H which was only 11 miles from Mt Bagana, an active volcano. The medical staff were always in readiness with ports packed for a quick evacuation if Japanese invasion threatened.

When the war ended, the C.C.S. closed down and joined the A.G.H.  Some nurses were sent home. Madge remained for nearly 13 months before returning home, docking at Bowen and then travelling to Brisbane by train. The nurses were then sent home on leave.  After returning to 102 A.G.H. in Brisbane, Madge was finally discharged on 22nd August, 1946.

Early the next year. Madge went to Sydney to Karitane to study for a Child Welfare course and stayed on the staff for some time.  Upon her return to Proserpine, she was asked by Dr Courtice to work as acting Matron as Matron McGrath was unwell and was taking 6 months leave. She then relieved at Bowen Hospital while their Matron was on leave.  And there, ended Sister Madge Holmes’s nursing career.

Sister Margaret Holmes died on November 16 1999 and was laid to rest in Proserpine Cemetery.

LEST WE FORGET

*A.G.H. - Australian General Hospital      *C.C.S. - Casualty Clearing Station

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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The second book in an inspiring series about resilience and overcoming adversity has just been released by local author, Natalie Stockdale.

Campfire For A Woman’s Heart includes personal recounts of challenges overcome and an inner spirit rising from within, as Natalie interviews dozens of women who have that one attribute in common.

“Imagine sitting around a campfire with a Paralympian champion, a gutsy barrister who stood up to ICAC, a brave young student from Afghanistan, a mother from war-torn Ukraine and many other extraordinary resilient women,” said Natalie.

“Sitting around a metaphoric campfire, women share how they have overcome their worst nightmares and while most storytellers are unknown heroes of their personal journeys, others are well-known champions of resilience.”

Natalie captures the essence of what it means to survive and learn how to thrive again by interviewing a diverse range of women whose words and stories fill the pages of her book.

From the tragic loss of children to the coalface of war, Taliban terror, homelessness, violence, illegal imprisonment, disease, divorce, injuries, and more, every subject is impactful and the survival story empowering.

Natalie is inspired to bring these stories together after enduring her own survival battle which included droughts, divorce, and disease.

Upon recovering, she woke up to the importance of resilience for our mind and body, resigned from a corporate position and decided to pursue a career in wellness.

She is now on a mission to help make happier more resilient people.

“By learning how other people have recovered from life’s tragedies and traumas, we can be inspired and empowered to recover from ours,” she explains.

In this book you will discover what a mother from war-torn Ukraine, a survivor of the Port Arthur massacre and a former First Lady of Timor Leste have in common.

“They all share a resilience and relentless determination to rise despite devastation and challenges,” said Natalie.

Bigskypublishing.com.au

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Local author Natalie Stockdale has just released her second book. Photo supplied

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As passionate about music as he is about life, multi-instrumentalist Simon Briley, has been busy writing and producing a swath of new music and is now ready to show the world.

Simon says that his first single, Give Me Your Love, is an alluring pop song, painting a picture in words of a love so strong it can move men to war.

“It speaks about the kind of love that intoxicates you, making all other feelings dull in comparison,” he said.

Originally from a small town called Maidstone in Southeast England, Simon comes from a musical family and has grown up with music all around him.

In primary school he enjoyed singing and it wasn’t long before he was selected to perform in national choirs.

At age seven, his dad bought him his first guitar, but ever since watching his uncle play drums, Simon had dreamt of having his own drum kit.

He was 13 when that wish eventually came true.

From here, he grew up playing in bands and was part of a well-known band called Bandicoot for many years.

Together they toured the world, signed record deals, and travelled internationally for almost a decade before deciding to part a few years ago.

While they were touring, Simon met a few Australians and came to the country to travel, eventually finding his way to the Whitsundays with his partner.

Since then, he has enjoyed playing gigs across town – from weddings to parties, pubs, and clubs – he is a well-known face on the music scene.

He is also now part of a band called Flying Double Front Kick with two other well-known musicians – Kaeden McCarthy and Nick di Gregorio.

Together they have been busy recording songs, performing music and are set to release four EPs this year.

In his solo gig, Simon has several other releases coming out soon with an album expected by the end of the year.

Each song is more instrumental than the last and Simon plays each instrument himself, from piano and keyboard to bass and drums.

You can check out this talented musician by looking him up on Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple Music.

Or follow him on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

Alternatively, listen out for him playing at a local venue near you!

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Talented local musician Simon Briley releases first single. Photo supplied

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