February

24 Tastes of the Top Shelf Dinner at Whisper Restaurant (ticketed event)

March

1 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

1 Cape Gloucester Community Catch-Up at Dingo Beach Comm Centre

4 Race Day at Ben Bolt Park, Bowen

4 Disney Sing-Along: Encanto at PEC Cinema

6 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

7 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

8 Bowen Zonta Club's International Women's Day at the Grand View Hotel from 5pm

10 Conversations with Spirits (Chantal Miranda) at PEC

11 Ocean Film Festival: World Tour showing at PEC

12 Disney Sing-Along: Moana showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Antman & The Wasp showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Magic Mike’s Last Dance showing at PEC Cinema

16 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

18 Aussie Pub Komedy Tour at Original North Australian (ticketed event)

18 Disney Sing-Along: The Lion King showing at PEC Cinema

19 Lior & Domini: Animal In Hiding performing at PEC

21 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

23 Blue Bayou performing at PEC

25 Young Vocalist performance at Dingo Beach Hotel

25 Disney Sing-Along: Frozen showing at PEC Cinema

25-27 Creed III showing at PEC Cinema

26-27 Scream VI showing at PEC Cinema

Apr

3 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

4 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

4 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

5 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

6 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

20 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

May

2-3 Mr Stink production at PEC

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The Banshees of Inisherin

Coastline cliffs with a wine-dark sea below, long fields of warn-green, windswept grass, desolate and marked only by some lonesome cottage and a grey, etherised sky. Quaint people and quaint villages, cut off from the main and the problems of life.

This storybook ideal of early 20th century Ireland, Martin McDonagh’s newest film The Banshees of Inisherin tells us, is a lie.

On the remote island of Inisherin, Pádraic Súlleabháin (Colin Farrell) is devastated when his buddy, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), suddenly ends their lifelong friendship. It echoes what's happening on the mainland, where Ireland is not doing so well – it is raging in Civil War, and those drumbeat sounds of distant cannons and brother fighting brother can be heard from across the sea in little Inisherin.

That is the simplest layer of McDonagh’s film, an allegorically dense work that balances tragedy and comedy only as a playwright could; it is outrageously funny in its pure absurdity, yet desperately plaintive. That humour derives from McDonagh's stylistic choices as a director and his abilities as a writer, and those sadder notes present sides to a truer story of a place trying to leave the shadow of colonialism – but one that might miss the point with its simpler caricatures of Irish people.

In James Joyce’s Ulysses, Stephen Dedalus remarks of a damaged mirror: “It is a symbol of Irish art. The cracked lookingglass of a servant.” For Irishman, their art was often doomed to one reading: a reflection of the outside reader – a non-Irish person - only worse because they believe Irish art to be broken in nature because they believe the Irish are broken in nature.

A century on from Ulysses, we still point at the warn-green grass, the simple, peasant Irishman drunkard, and we laugh. Dublin isn't a cosmopolitan city, no – we don’t see the real Ireland; we diminish Ireland.

Despite the diminishment, The Banshees of Inisherin is an immensely enjoyable film. It alights on dreadful, tragic feelings, whilst composing an Irish Civil War story with humour and pathos which brings its audience into a contemplative mood – "do I understand Ireland better? Perhaps. Do I want to know more? Certainly."

The Banshees of Inisherin is showing this weekend at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Review by Declan Durrant

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Friday 24th Feb

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Nick DeGregario (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Rebelquin (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Saturday 25th Feb

• The Pub: Songs of Jack Johnson (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Tasman (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Shaun Diver (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Sunday 26th Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub: Boys of Summer (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Lloyd Saunders (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Monday 27th Feb

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 28th Feb

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

Wednesday 1st Mar

• KC’s: live music (8pm-late)

Thursday 2nd Mar

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (6.30-10pm)

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

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“You win, it’s your show now. So what’s it gonna be?” – The Airlie Beach Hotel has handed over the reins, they’ve turned it ‘Upside Down’ and given their patrons what they’ve been asking for: A day of beachy, Hawaiian rock in a Jack Johnson-themed double event.

A cobbled-together band comprising members of California Kings and the Smashed Crabs Gold Coast – both Australian tribute show royalty – are coming ‘From Here To Now To You’ at The Pub this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, they’ll drop in with some tunes from Jack Johnson – ‘Better Together,’ ‘Banana Pancakes’, ‘Upside Down’, and more classics – then some iconic, reggae-flavored tunes. And they’re being joined by local legend Aaron Saxon who’ll be putting the beach in Airlie Beach.

The Centre-Dining Stage will be dressed up in Island Theme, alongside the whole venue, and pubgoers can don their Hawaiian shirts and shorts and party Whitsunday style – they’ll even get a free lei on arrival (a traditional Hawaiian flower necklace).

Once they’ve gone ‘On And On’ and worked their way through Johnson’s catalogue of acoustic works, the day will conclude with hits from artists like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and 10cc.

Then on Sunday, the collaborative band will return as Boys of Summer – a fresh, surfy Sunday Session Beach Party playing all the favourite summer festival songs from artists like Ben Harper, Xavier Rudd, Donovan Frankenreiter, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, John Butler Trio, and more.

It’s ‘Times Like These’ at The Pub that we’re all ‘Sitting, Waiting Wishing’ for – so drop in tomorrow and Sunday for this free show.

WHAT: The Songs of Jack Johnson Plus Reggae Flavoured Classics, and Boys of Summer

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Airlie Beach Hotel has heard your requests and is hosting a beachy Jack Johnson-themed double event this weekend

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Gimme, gimme, gimme that synth and soprano coming to The Airlie Beach Hotel in mid-March – I can hear the distant drums and bugle sounds closing in on the Bar-Top Stage.

SOS - A Tribute to the Songs of ABBA arrives in the Whitsundays, bringing Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Freda back to town and ‘As Good As New’ in a perfect recreation of the iconic ‘70s band.

The Airlie Beach Hotel has become a perfect sojourn for this group of super-fans of the Swedish super-group, who for years has been leading a double life: by day, they’re mild-mannered Australian musicians, but by night, they’re crazy ABBA fans.

The Melbourne-based band came together to obsessively re-create the sound, music, and look of the Swedish pop sensation they loved so dearly. Now, they walk out on stage, leaving behind their everyday lives and transforming into rock stars at The Australian ABBA Tribute Show.

Armed to the teeth with fantastic costumes, incredible vocal talents, animated ABBA dance moves, and Swedish accents, the SOS Tribute to ABBA show is back and better than ever.

Sam Bennet, who fills the shoes and takes up the pick as SOS’s Bjorn, said that audiences in the Whitsundays had given them a huge reception when they were last at The Pub in August and were hoping for even better this time out.

“We’re so excited to be back; it was so incredible and amazing last time,” Sam said.

“We’re excited to be giving people that feeling of seeing ABBA live because you can tell how much it means to people – there’s always a song in the set where there’s a twinkle in their eye that they’re remembering a moment in their life.

“Whether that be heartbreak or love, it's a real honor to perform that music."

Sam said the group doesn’t just perform to emulate the records, they match the energy that audiences saw when ABBA played at Wembley or the Sydney Mine Music Bowl.

“We match that energy and the arrangements we use are often based on those live performances rather than the records,” Sam said.

“The one thing we try and do is give the audience an experience of what ABBA was in the 70s and 80s.”

Patrons at The Airlie Beach Hotel are in for two free shows (that's right! For absolutely no Money, Money, Money): one on Saturday, March 11, and (Mama Mia, here we go again) another on Sunday, March 12, when SOS take the Bar Top stage again.

Put On Your White Sombrero for their afternoon shows from 2.00pm to 5.30pm!

What: SOS – The Australian ABBA Tribute Show

When: Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm both days

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Leaving Jackson Brings Johnny Cash's Iconic Hits To The MECC

Get ready to experience the iconic music of Johnny Cash and June Carter like never before!

Leaving Jackson, one of Australia's fastest-growing tribute shows, is bringing its electric energy to the MECC stage next month. With performances at some of the country’s largest theatres, including the Opera House in Wellington and the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, this show is an unforgettable experience.

Leaving Jackson has spent the past four years crafting the show, which has become a beloved tribute to Cash and Carter, two of the most legendary figures in the world of country music. With all the hits, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," and "Hurt," this two-hour live concert will transport you back in time.

"We're not just playing Johnny Cash and June Carter," says Jeff Carter, who stars as Cash. "We're trying to capture the essence of their relationship, their music, and their love for each other. We want to bring their story to life on stage."

Melanie Lewin, who plays June Carter, agrees, saying, "We're not just performing their songs, we're trying to honour their legacy. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of this show."

Accompanied by a full backing band, the show is a moving and unforgettable tribute to Cash and Carter's musical legacy.

Johnny Cash and June Carter's love story, which began as a professional collaboration on stage, blossomed into a lifelong romance that lasted until Cash's death in 2003. The duo was famous for their on-stage chemistry and musical talent, and they supported each other through personal struggles and health issues. Their music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

Don't miss your chance to see this incredible tribute show. Leaving Jackson hits the MECC stage next month, and tickets are available to purchase from the box office or online through the MECC website. As Jeff Carter says, "We're excited to bring our show to Mackay, and we hope to see everyone there!"

What: Leaving Jackson – The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show

When: Saturday 25 March 2023, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Powered by returning naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, registrations for the 2023 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run are now open.

Hosted by Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club, the 21 May event has five different run options to choose from, with all proceeds going to support the Club.

Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club Event Director Neil John said that the Fun Run was the Club’s principal annual fundraiser, combining “fun, fitness and fantastic views” into one event to support the Club’s vital work in the community.

“As a 100% volunteer organisation, we are so grateful for all of the support that we receive from our community – and our popular Cruisin’ the Coast Fun Run is a major part of that support,” Mr John said.

“While raising much-needed funds for us, it also gives our community an opportunity to experience beautiful Sarina Beach – it’s a really fun atmosphere.”

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said the event was a “great way for families and friends to reconnect”.

“Whether you choose to walk or run, we want everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace and be reminded of why we love our community so much.”

The run events include a 5km community walk, a 3km, 5km or 10km run and a half marathon option, to make the event suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Alongside naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina, the 2023 run sponsors include Mackay Whitsunday Life, Wilmar, Ray White Sarina, Daly Bay, North Queensland Bulk Ports and Permanent Way Solutions.

For more information and to register, visit www.sarinafunrun.com.au.

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The 2023 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run was launched this week at a Chamber of Commerce networking event held at Roots Café in Sarina. Photo credit: RebelNation

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Placemaking Projects To Breathe Life Into The City Centre

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The Mackay City Centre is set to undergo a range of revitalisations with many exciting placemaking projects in the works. From vibrant street art to interactive installations and green spaces, the initiatives aim to inject new life into the heart of the city and create a more engaging and welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.

One of the most eye-catching projects is the creation of a 3D interactive mural, which will allow visitors to become part of the artwork and capture some amazing photos. Meanwhile, new parklets, bike racks, and seating will enhance pedestrian access and encourage more people to explore this vibrant city.

Nine community-driven placemaking projects have been given the green light thanks to council funding.

Mackay Waterfront Make Your Place placemaking grants will inject almost $40,000 to further support the Mackay City Centre and Waterfront in becoming a vibrant, inclusive and engaging place.

The successful projects include:

Parts. Of the mind and of the self by Cynthia Gregg - $7500

A one-month public art exhibition focusing on improving mental health. The exhibition will feature more than 75 pieces of original work, which will include paintings and drawings by local artists, to be displayed on the walls at 75 Victoria Street.

The Artist Place at Queens Park - $6067

The Artist Place will host nine days of artistic activities and workshops at Queens Park’s cricket shed and rotunda to engage the community in arts activities run by established artists. Each weekend the artists will host workshops in a variety of mediums (watercolour, drawing, printmaking, drumming, textile).

Mudskippa’s Community Fishing Clinics - $6840

Mudskippa will host 20 free community fishing clinics utilising the Pioneer River fishing jetties. Each clinic will be held over a three-hour period for up to 10 people.

Artists in the City by Artists Connect - $7500

The project will bring colour, vitality, excitement and activity to City Centre and Waterfront spaces and businesses through inclusive community workshops. Fifteen workshops will be offered, culminating in a colourful yarn bomb in the City Centre and an exhibition of works produced by participants.

Old Town Hall Placemaking Project by Bonnie McCarthy - $1000

This placemaking project aims to reinvigorate the Old Town Hall parkland space by installing some temporary installations. This project will feature several sections including a "garden" of bright and fun recycled water bottle flowers and a temporary milk crate setting to take advantage of the shade that the beautiful mature trees provide.

Latin Inspired Street Party by Coco Cubano and Coffee Club - $1000

Mackay Latin Street Party aims to connect the local community through sharing and celebrating Latin culture and customs through live music, traditional dance performances, audience dance lessons, and speciality food and beverages.

Mackay Community Waterfront by Teen Shed Mackay - $1000

An Easter-themed scavenger hunt for families. Participants will use a scavenger card to direct them to locations around the waterfront. The card is based on events and locations from the timeline of Mackay’s history as detailed on the “Upon the Levee Wall” community arts project.

Mackay River Wharves Festival by Red Dog Brewery - $7500

Red Dog brewery will present the Mackay River Wharves Festival. A free community event showcasing locally brewed craft beer and artisan products, local food and live music by local artists.

Mackay CALD Community Cultural Connection Tour by George Street Neighbourhood Centre - $1570

The Neighbourhood Hub will deliver a cultural tour for the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community. The tour will utilise public art and local First Nations Yuwi and Australian South-Sea Islander guides to tell the story of their peoples’ challenging history in Mackay.

All projects will be delivered by June 2023. To stay up to date with more information and timing on a specific event/project, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au or follow Mackay City and Waterfront on Facebook.

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Coco Cubano and Coffee Club will host another Latin Inspired Street Party this year thanks to a Make Your Place placemaking grant

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Mackay is getting its first Annual Careers Expo, hoping to make the decisions of school leavers and career-changers a little easier.

Careersevent runs career expos throughout Australia and will be holding the Mackay Careers Expo at the Mackay Convention Centre on August 3, 2023.

The event is not just open to school students but parents wanting more information to help advise their children, as well as experienced workers considering upskilling for their current or next job, making a career change or wanting to transition into a new industry.

A record number of exhibitors will be featured at the expo, enabling visitors to speak with more than 120 highly qualified representatives from more than 85 organisations providing relevant, up-to-date knowledge in the education, training and employment sectors.

Exhibiting companies include universities from across Australia, student accommodation providers, Head Space, the Department Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural affairs, Mackay Regional Council, Glencore, Community Solutions, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Defence Force Recruiting.

Employers and tertiary education institutions from industries such as information technology, biotechnology, aviation, early childhood education, hotel management, healthcare, hairdressing, creative media, performing arts and business education will all be present.

The community-based event will provide attendees with advice on how to apply for courses, the costs involved, financial support options and qualifications required.

“The current economic climate is forcing the community to be aware of the importance of gaining new skills or upgrading their existing skills,” said Event Organiser Hannah Mann.

In response to these conditions, a large number of exhibitors will provide details on current career and employment options, trainee and apprenticeship programs or options for adults to upskill and retrain in the workplace.

The Mackay Careers Expo is the one event you cannot afford to miss if you’re looking to take control of your future.

Admission to the expo is free.

For more information, visit careersevent.com and click on Mackay Careers Expo.

Make The Most Of Your Careers Expo

1. Plan your day in advance: Keep an eye out for a full list of exhibitors and highlight the one’s that interest you most.

2. Take your time chatting with stallholders: Make sure to visit the exhibitors high on your list and ask any burning questions you have – they’re there to help.

3. Consider something new: This is the perfect opportunity to discover pathways you may never have considered before, so be open to them.

4. Be inspired, learn and have fun!

WHAT: Mackay Careers Expo

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Thursday, August 3 2023

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Love was in the air as the Mackay & District Senior Citizens’ hosted a romantic Valentine’s Dance. The event was filled with couples wearing stunning red and white outfits, moving to the beat of the music.

But that's not all! The next theme dance is just around the corner, and it's time to get your green on! The St. Patrick’s Dance will be held on the 18th March, and we're excited to see everyone decked out in their most fabulous green attire.

And the excitement doesn't stop there! This year, the Mackay & District Senior Citizens Association is celebrating its Golden Anniversary of 50 years, and what better way to celebrate than with a magnificent 50 Years Anniversary Ball in June! It's an event not to be missed, and to make the day even more memorable, a celebratory lunch will be held on the 29th June. Get ready to celebrate in style.

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Eight well-known Mackay identities will be lacing up their dancing shoes and taking to the stage as part of the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s newest fundraising initiative.

Dancing with Heart will take over the MECC on Friday, March 31 and will see some of Mackay’s biggest personalities, who aren’t necessarily known for their dancing, bust a move.

Taking the stage includes Cathy Sullivan, Alex Finlayson, Paul Manttan, Michelle Cross, Tegan Jones, Renae Kunst, Bing Guo and Kay Nyenuh.

The participants will be performing a thoughtfully choreographed dance by Dolly Louw of Fame Talent School before a judging panel chooses the winning dancer on the night.

There will also be a number of prizes including the People’s Choice Award.

The team at Mackay Hospital Foundation prides itself on its unique events and can’t wait for Mackay to be a part of this event and support its favourite dancer and our local hospitals.

To donate to the initiative or sponsor a dancer, visit dancing-with-heart.raisely.com.

WHAT: Dancing with Heart

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Friday, March 31 from 6:30pm

TICKETS: $150 per person from themecc.com.au

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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER AUSTRALIA

On Friday the 3rd of March, millions of women around the globe will unite to mark the annual World Day of Prayer.

The World Day of Prayer is a collaborative, grassroots movement of Christian women from every continent who join together in informed prayer and prayerful action. Each year a different country is invited to highlight their cultures and traditions and share their hopes, joys and needs with the world. This year the country is Taiwan.  

In Mackay we are celebrating, with prayer and song at the Salvation Army Corps, Gregory Street, Mackay at 1O am on Friday 3rd March. Following the Service join us for morning tea and an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Anne Jennings

Mackay Unit of Australian Church Women

AMPLIFY INSPIRATION

Our children and youth need our support, guidance and love in order for them to grow and flourish into men and women who will stand for justice, love and truth.  

So how can you invest in the young people of today? On the 4th of March there is a non-denominational Christian conference for leaders working with children, youth and families called Amplify. We will gather to hear from experts, share our experiences and be sharpened in our thinking for the young people of today.  Please join us at the Mackay hub!

https://amplifyconference.com.au/

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Friday 24 February

CASA Monthly BBQ

Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Head down for a snag and a yarn.

CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc.

RADF Showcase and Networking Event

Friday, 5:00pm

The Regional Arts Development Fund Showcase and Networking Event is an opportunity to learn more about the Regional Arts Development Fund, meet the current RADF Committee Members and Arts Development team and meet the Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network Officer, Wanda Bennett. If that's not enough, come along to meet other creatives! Connect ~ Create ~ Collaborate!

Jubilee Community Centre

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Anette Worthington Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Friday, 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Dance the night away with Anette Worthington performing from 7pm - 10pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Crowned Ruckus presents an Alternative Evening In Mackay

Friday, 7:00pm

Bundaberg's Evergreen Aus and Exotic Potion Cookies are embarking on a mini QLD Regional Tour, playing Mackay with Systematic Machine and Yellowslip. Help christen a new original alternative venue in Mackay! Doors 7pm - Entry $20.

Ambassador Hotel

Saturday 25 February

Mackay Cutters Trial 3

Saturday, 3:00pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as they take on the Blackhawks and Central Queensland Capras! 3:00pm – Gates open. 4:00pm – BMD CUP. 6:00pm – Hostplus Cup.

BB Print Stadium

Saturday Live Music at Empire – Ronny Croker

Saturday, 9:00pm

For the Month of February and a half of March the Main Bar will be hosting Soloists - come and enjoy the immaculate vibes, drinks, music and company.

Empire Alternacade and Events

Sunday 26 February

Sunday Live Music – Leyon Milner Duo

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 27 February

Trivia Night

Every Monday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Trivia night on Mondays at Centro Restaurant. There's no excuse not to stretch the grey matter as it's free to play so come along with your mates or you can be put in a team. Each team can have 2-7 players. Registrations from 6:30pm, starts 7pm. Book your table to avoid disappointment, call 49 656 100. Terms & conditions apply.

Magpies Sporting Club

Tuesday 28 February

Musical Bingo Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo. Every Tuesday in the Bar from 7pm where you can show off your musical knowledge in Musical Bingo. Prizes will be on offer for winners each and every week so make sure you’re on the ball. Oh, and entry is free! Registration opens from 6pm, with all the action kicking off from 7pm. Music buff or not, make sure you clear your schedule each Tuesday evening for Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel. To book your table for Musical Bingo call the team on (07) 4955 1644.

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 1 March

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 2 March

Coffee Connection ~ Women Supporting Women

Thursday, 9:00am to 11:00am

Morning tea (gluten & diary fee) provided ~ cost $10 per person. Non-judgemental space, open conversations where anything goes! Learn more about supporting yourself holistically and become part of a community.

That Little Counselling Room Mackay

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

Cocktails and Karaoke

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come on down for a few cheeky cocktails and karaoke to your hearts content - Empire along with Karaoke Under the Stars have you covered!

Empire Alternacade and Events

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The official amalgamation of historic St Patrick’s College and Mercy College in 2023 has revived golden educational memories for old time residents of Mackay.

Local identity and decorated Sister of Mercy Denise Hinton took a trip down memory lane this week when she reflected on her days at St Patrick’s Convent High School – a boarding school for post-primary aged girls and secondary school students that opened in 1930.

The school was located in River Street – across the road from St Patrick’s Christian Brothers College that was founded the previous year.

Sister Denise attended the school from 1958 to 1961 after sitting for her Primary School scholarship exam during her final year at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School.

“Back in those days most of the Convent High students would ride their bikes to school - complete with hats, gloves and stockings,” recalled Denise.

“A few buses transported students from Marian and Sarina but the majority travelled to school by bike.

“The Sisters held a Retreat Day at the school on the first Sunday of each month and the boarders would have the option of going home or spending the weekend at a friend’s place.

During her time at the Convent High School, Denise attended the Sub Junior, Junior, Sub Senior and Senior classes.

“There were 70 students enrolled when I started at the school in 1958 which included 36 students in my Sub Junior class and by the time I graduated three years later the numbers had grown to 100,” revealed Denise.

“In my final year in 1961 there were only six students in the Seniors class which comprised of myself, Margaret Dixon, Myra Rodgers, Heather O’Rourke, Patricia Watson and Phillipa Bull,” she said.

“There were no Schoolies Week celebrations during those times of course so to mark the occasion we visited the Mackay Tourist Café in Victoria Street and treated ourselves to delicious waffles and ice cream and a milkshake,” Denise laughed.

A talented basketball/netball goal shooter in her youth, Denise represented Mackay at the 1960 Queensland Schools Championships in Townsville and remembers the team travelling north to the Carnival by train on a Friday June 10 night.

“It was during that same evening that a Fokker F27 Friendship aircraft crashed at Far Beach (Illawong) killing 29 people that included students from Rockhampton Boys Grammar School,” said Denise.

“The Mackay girls formed a guard of honour the following week at a special Memorial Service for those departed – such a terrible tragedy.’

Denise was a stalwart of the St Francis Xavier Netball Club and a prolific goal scorer with unerring accuracy – leading her teams to several premierships.

Her catch cry before shooting for goal was: “Hail Mary full of grace, put the ball in the right space.”

She also teamed up with good friend Margaret Dixon to capture the Mackay Schools tennis championship.

Annual School Picnic Days were usually held at Far Beach but in her final year Denise and colleagues persuaded principal Mother Mary John to stage the event at the original Mulherin Park near Mackay Harbour Beach.

“Are there plenty of trees offering shade at Mulherin Park?” enquired Mother Mary.

When the students arrived at the park they were shocked to learn that the trees were barely a foot high – and went home severely sunburnt.

“To make matters worse the girls had to front up to the School Speech Night that evening which proved an uncomfortable experience” Denise recalled.

Anzac Day Marches were also major events at the school.

Deportment specialist Mrs Frendo ran a tight ship and would remind students to “keep in step” in no uncertain manner.

“If a student lost a shoe or their skirt loosened during the march they had to keep moving – much to their dismay” Denise added.

After graduating, Denise helped run the office of her father’s Fruit Exchange business in River Street Mackay before entering the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy in 1966.

She was professed in 1968 and this year chalks up 55 years of service as a Sister of Mercy.

Following her profession Sister Denise trained as a primary school teacher and taught at various locations including Bundaberg, Walkerston, Sarina, Rockhampton, Biloela and Barcaldine where she had various roles including teaching, part-time pastoral care, religious education co-ordinator and school board member/chaplain.  

During these years, Sister Denise recognised the need for a ministry to refugees and migrants. With the support of the Sisters of Mercy, Denise dedicated her time and gifts to many families from various ethnic backgrounds and she is well-known and respected within the Mackay community for her commitment to this work.

By Chris Karas

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When Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert got a table tennis bat in her hand, you couldn’t get it away from her.

Julieanne took on local player Emma Widdup and juniors Trent and Erin Day and Oliver Hamelink to try out one of the new tables at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Championship standard tables, nets, scoring boards and barriers have been purchased through a successful application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, enhancing the centre’s standing as one of the best in Queensland.

“Of course once the bat was in Julieanne’s hand, a couple of games had to be played,” association president Janice Kent said.  

“We would like to thank the Member of Parliament for her interest in our club and our sport and encouragement to continue to develop our facility.”

Janice said obtaining grant funding was paramount in maintaining a well-equipped community asset.

“Mackay Table Tennis continues to encourage people of all ages and abilities to give the sport a go.  

“It is truly a sport that doesn’t discriminate against gender, age or ability and our table tennis community is continuing to grow.

“Mackay Table Tennis is a community sport with junior, senior and veteran numbers increasing all the time.  

“If you think you would like to join or even return to the sport, we would love to see you at our hall.”

Janice said that following the purchase of new tables, the club had tables it would like to donate back into the community.  

“Paying it forward is what community spirit is all about and even though we were successful in obtaining the grant and purchasing new equipment, others can also benefit.  

“Help us find new homes – if you know of a community centre, sporting club or a charitable organisation that you think would benefit from having one of these tables, please contact me 0420 251 622.”

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Julieanne Gilbert, right, had plenty of table tennis advice from players, from left Geoff Denman, Oliver Hamelink, Steven Whiting, Emma Widdup, Steve Mathieson, Trent and Erin Day, Donna Abbott and Janice Kent when she visited to inspect new tables provided through a government grant. Photos: Charlie Payne

Julieanne Gilbert takes on junior Oliver Hamelink, as players Erin Day, Emma Widdup, Janice Kent, Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson, Trent Day, Steve Whiting and Geoff Denman watch the ball

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