In 1960, “Mischief” was Queensland’s fastest displacement hull racing boat, achieving a speed of 69.862 mph (112.4 kph) at Home Hill; an accomplishment recognised and recorded by the Australian Power Boat Association. “Mischief” was built especially for Clement Cecil Walton, (known as Mick) by Lewis Bros, Taren Point, Sydney.

For the boating enthusiasts amongst our readers - the boat had an Iskerdenan camshaft which is still regarded as one of the best in high performance racing. It also had an aircraft inertia starter motor which made it tricky to start. Other features included a centre-mounted 283 cubic inch Corvette engine with a capacity for speed; an upward angled propeller shaft and props placement to the rear of the transom.

The quest for speed in Unlimited Class Racing Skiff meant both vessels and driver were under great stress. At all times, the occupants had to use their weight and fight the torque (turning effect) generated by the engine.

Light and graceful in design, “Mischief” was a powerhouse, reaching unofficial speeds of 72 mph (116kph) over the quarter mile. The boat occasionally became airborne in great 20-to-30-foot leaps, jarring the two occupants from side to side as the skeg re-entered the water. Idling was not one of her talents.

Mick always carried a spare propellor because when “Mischief” leapt out of the water, she would spin the prop shaft.

Mick went through 14 co-pilots in one season until Charlie Law and Billy Trail came along. They both suffered broken ribs and were sometimes thrown out at high speed. Mick would leave the skiff on its trailer and one of the co-pilots, either Charlie Law or Billy Trail, would put XXXX cans up the twin exhausts. But according to Charlie, it was larrikins who would stuff empty beer cans up the exhaust pipes just to see how powerful an engine could react. Who the larrikins were, we will never really know. Not surprisingly, when the engine built up enough pressure it would fire up and shoot cans out of the pipes at great rate of knots.

Mick raced all over Queensland including Hutchinson Lagoon (Burdekin), Lake Elphingstone and Groper Creek and Shingley Beach where locals were treated to the thrills and spills of fast boats in action.  “Mischief” and Mick chalked up many successes, for example, on December 8, 1960, “they” won the Power Boat Associations’ Queensland Short Couse Displacement Championship in the unlimited cubic inch shift class hull section. Over the new year weekend of 1961, Mick won the Queensland State Championship comfortably in the final heat. During an elimination heat, one of the water-cooling hoses flew off but Charlie Law, who was riding with Mick, forced the hose back into position and held it there – they were a great team.

Over the years, “Mischief” and its crew certainly lived up to the name.

But for now, more than six decades later, “Mischief” is no longer making mischief! It rests in Stage Two of the Proserpine Historical Museum after being bequeathed from the estate of Mick’s wife, Dawn. “Mischief” has been carefully restored by museum volunteers and is waiting for you to have a peep into our museum where you can admire this piece of boating history and marvel at the talent of its owner and co-pilots.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and Mr Jim Walton.

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The good times are coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel, with the Latitude 24 band cruising in from ‘Margaritaville’.

Blowing off the winter chill, this Jimmy Buffett tribute band will bring the ‘Bama Breeze’ and we’ll all ask ‘Why Don’t We Get Drunk’ to the summer vibes and smooth sailing.

The good chill atmosphere is not lost here, with Latitude 24 perfecting their craft since 2002.

Have your ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’ and let all your worries wash away with some ‘Little Miss Magic’.

Latitude 24 is the passion project of Lionel ‘Lions’ Aitken, who started the band as a fundraising project for children living with a disability.

Once endorsed by Jimmy Buffett, who regularly sent video messages for the fundraising concerts, the band morphed into an official Jimmy Buffett tribute.

He is joined by Alvin Rostant on the steel drum, Dan James as drummer, and Ben Westphal as lead guitar.

There is also Ashleigh Denning as backing vocals, Ben Deboer on the keyboards, and Collin ‘The Colonel’ Chapman on bass.

Since its inception, Latitude 24 has called Airlie Beach a repeat venue for a cruisy party.

“It’s all beaches, oceans, and the tropics,” explains Lionel.

“The vibes are right, the crowds are right, Airlie Beach is a great place to come to.

“Every knows the words, everyone sings along, it’s the whole Jimmy Buffett experience,” he said.

And don’t forget the special guest of Tumbling Dice – the Linda Ronstadt Tribute Show performing alongside Lionel and his Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers energy.

Ashleigh Denning embodies Linda Ronstadt to the bone, playing to a ‘Different Drum’ and bringing the ‘Heat Wave’.

More than just a pretty face, Tumbling Dice ‘Hurt So Bad’, but believe that ‘Love Is a Rose’.

Appearing on stage alongside Latitude 24, this won’t be a show to miss, so ‘How Do I Make You’ get to the Airlie Beach Hotel and have a ‘Livingston Saturday Night’.

As we believe here, ‘It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere’, so have a ‘Lovely Cruise’ and let’s make a ‘Trip Around the Sun’.

And as Lions says, “Just be there!”

WHAT: The Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show with Tumbling Dice – the Linda Ronstadt Tribute

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, 2pm to 5.30pm

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Lionel ‘Lions’ Aitken knows how to put on a Jimmy Buffett show, that’s for sure

Drawing a crowd in Hawaiian shirts and good energy, Latitude 24 is a solid show on the Airlie Beach calendar

Latitude 24 has even been endorsed by the one and only Jimmy Buffett.

Evolving over the years, Latitude 24 knows the very best of Jimmy Buffett and knows how to put on a show. Photos supplied

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This biopic film, brought to life by the enigmatic and creative Christopher Nolan, speaks to the darkness of nuclear weaponry and J Robert Oppenheimer, ‘the father of the atomic bomb’.

The film illuminates Oppenheimer’s tumultuous life, prior to him creating the two atomic bombs that catastrophically devasted the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War, and afterwards, faced with the consequences of his own creation.

Manoeuvring through his youth, audiences see Oppenheimer’s growth from being a student in Europe, to him as a professor in California, till his recruitment onto the Manhattan Project, the top-secret US project to build nuclear weaponry in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Compelled through two different storylines, before the explosion that destroyed Hiroshima, and the 1950s court battle, where Oppenheimer’s political motivations were questioned, the audience is constantly bombarded with information, fantastic cinematography, and intimate playacting.

Oppenheimer was praised as the hero of the Second World War by the Americans, for protecting their American democracy, which, in turn quelled his political motivations, once seeing the absolute destruction of the bombs.

This political pacifism is the fuel to the fire of these court hearings.

The court hearings are the titular settings of the film, where, in the 1950s, Oppenheimer is arguably the most famous American scientist, but he is being questioned as a security risk, harbouring communist ideals, which will lead to the downfall of the American way of life.

He is namely opposing Lewis Strauss, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commissioner, who has secretly been working to bring Oppenheimer down.

Always discussing the consequences of actions, this film leaves no stone unturned, no detail missed.

Oppenheimer is ultimately stripped of his security clearances as a member of the Atomic Energy Commission’s General Advisory Council, effectively bringing his career to an end.

One of the film’s concluding scenes portray Oppenheimer speaking with Albert Einstein, discussing whether or not he created a chain reaction that would ultimately destroy the entire universe.

Oppenheimer is showing in the Bowen Cinema from Friday August 11, and at Proserpine Entertainment Centre from August 18.

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Juggling political motivations and scientific ambition, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer discusses the power of consequences and actions

The inaugural Whitsundays Weddings Industry Networking and Fashion Show was a massive success last Sunday afternoon and evening, with over 40 excited almost-wedded couples attending the event.

There were a variety of industry professionals available to chat with guests, including wedding celebrants, venue managers, accommodation providers and stylists, providing a great introduction to some of the best wedding industry suppliers in our region.

The highlight of the event was the exclusive fashion show presented by DK Bridal, Whitsunday local bridal gown designer Dina Kriswanti.

The latest and upcoming trends and predictions in bridal couture were showcased through DK Bridal designs, allowing attendees an up-close and personal look at the beautiful gowns.

With so much on offer, with some of the best wedding vendors, industry professionals and suppliers under the one roof, the to-be-married could easily discuss their proposed plans, trends, demands, and find answers to any other business questions they have.

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Coming together to meet with some of the best local wedding providers, professionals, and venues, the Whitsundays Weddings Industry Networking and Fashion Show. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

By Sam Gillespie

Jack and Patrick are the Pierce Brothers, an indie-folk duo known for their high energy live performance and their ability to create authentic, heartfelt music that speaks to the soul. The Melbourne boys recently unveiled their latest single, ‘In The Water’, a soulful and uplifting track that highlights the band's unique sound and musical style. Pierce Brothers will be headlining the Seabreeze Hotel in August to celebrate, so Sam had a chat with Jack ahead of the show.

What role did music play in the Pierce family and how did that translate into playing music with your twin brother?

We were always fairly musical, singing a lot when we were younger. Mum used to sing to us a lot and our older brothers played guitar, so we just wanted to be cool like them and just copied them. We had a real knack for performing and it just took off from there. The avenues just presented themselves to us the more interested we were, and things just started moving.

What were you listening to growing up and what’s influenced the music of the Pierce Brothers?

A lot of Neil Young and Simon and Garfunkel from my folks, we had a lot of Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers from our older brothers and sister and then a lot of things came through. There was a lot of Jack Johnson going on, so we wanted to do that surf folk vibe and that’s what we did.

What’s it like to be in a band with a sibling?

It can certainly be challenging (laughs). We’re best mates, but we can bicker and argue a lot more freely with a sibling rather than a bandmate.

‘In The Water’ is the latest single that you’ll be touring up here, tell me about it.

That one was written with Dara Munnis, who we met on the Tash Sultana tour, he was the photographer, and he is an incredible pianist, so he jumped on the road with us a couple of years ago now to do a few shows and we’ve been best mates for a while. Now he’s pretty much one of the Pierce Brothers. We decided to write that song together, the three of us. It was an idea that Pat had years ago that we were playing around with. We actually had a full song, and it just sounded too poppy, and we didn’t like leaning into that pop. We wanted to go down a melancholy dark route, so it just sat in a draw until after doing all this writing we explored it and having Dara come in and put some keys down and put his spin on it, it really opened it up to be able to talk about finding a place of calm and relaxation in amongst the turmoil which is going out into the water.

What can Mackay audiences expect from your show at the Seabreeze next month?

We’re really looking forward to going a bit nuts up there. This will be our first headline show in Mackay and we’re really excited to put on a decent show and have a bit of a party. A lot of jumping around, a lot of excitable Melbourne boys making a lot of noise.

WHAT: Pierce Brothers ‘In The Water’ Tour

WHEN: Friday, August 11 from 8:00pm

WHERE: Seabreeze Hotel

TICKETS: Oztix

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I overheard a real estate agent the other day saying that write-ups are a “thing of the past”.

In the modern world we live in it is true that previously important and highly valued features of life are indeed things of the past.

The horse and buggy is, largely, a “thing of the past”. As much as I like the monochrome image, it is undoubtedly true that black and white televisions are a thing of the past.

Video recorders, tape decks, the typewriter and the polaroid instamatic camera are all deserving of being labelled a thing of the past.

The history of human habitation of our planet is a catalogue of things that were once useful and highly valued but, thanks to the march of human advancement, became things of the past.

We don’t see modern armies confronting the enemy with bows and arrows much these days. Rarely do sailing ships with hundreds of people on board traverse the oceans to begin life in the New World.

There are some things that have stood the test of time and, while they might have evolved, they have not become things of the past.

A piece of art is a good example. Yes, art has changed … witness installation art and other forms of contemporary artistic expression displays show creativity in a very different way.

But the good old painting on canvas has not gone away. Many modern artists still paint the same way the masters did centuries ago. The most expensive paintings are those done years ago by now-dead artists.

Those painters might be of the past but their works are as relevant and important today as ever. Their paintings are not “things of the past”.

Now, as I climb down from my high horse to make my point I will say that in a world of social media videos, Instagram, text messaging and email alerts there is still a vital role for real estate write-ups.

Yes, we must evolve and make the most of every single bit of modern technology to market and sell real estate to the very best of our ability, but the write-up still has a crucial place.

People need information and a well-presented and thought-out write-up provides that but it also creates the emotional connection that many buyers need if you are going to attract them to a property.

There are other important tools beyond the write-up that we must all master but if an agent doesn’t  put thought into a write-up they are letting down the seller and failing to reach all potential buyers. So there!

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We’ve officially hit cold and flu season!

Literally every time we get a change of season or an out-of-the-norm week of weather, I’m someone who starts getting sick instantly. I swear by the cold and flu liquid by Sambucol. It’s not only delicious but, nine times out of ten I’ll wake up the next day feeling, if not entirely better, 90 per cent better. I promise this is not sponsored (but I’ll take it if they want to partner – HEY SAMBUCOL MARKETING TEAM!) so I thought we could take a look at a couple of obscure cold and flu remedies from around the world.

Gogol Mogol

From European descent, this remedy is an egg-based concoction that can be made for children and with a splash of rum or cognac. Egg yolk is whisked together with honey or sugar, then poured into milk that has been heated with unsalted butter. The verdict is still out on the actual medical benefits of this remedy, they do say that it is possible the egg helps coat the throat to make it feel less scratchy and given hot milk has tryptophan, it may help you sleep.

Lizard Soup

Yes, this is just as appealing as it sounds! Stemming from Chinese herbal medicine remedies, this soup is the same idea as having a big bowl of chicken noodle soup. Making up this concoction will require yams, Chinese dates, and dried lizards simmered together in water. I don’t know where you’d find dried lizards other than shriveled up on a pathway somewhere but I’ll be putting this one down to a HARD no. Again, the medical benefits are out on this one, but extra fluids for hydration and loosening mucus never hurt no one.

While they’re a couple of extremes you can go to in order to treat a bout of the coughs and sniffles, if you prefer to stick to a more conservative option, that’s okay too. Whatever you’re using to keep yourself well through this weird cold and flu season, I hope it works and you and your family can stay as healthy as possible.

Kaley

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Friday 28 July

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Friday Jazz @ The Con

Friday, 6:00pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @ the Con featuring Dr David Reaston (guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (saxophone), Jason Smyth-Tomkins (drums). The July concert will feature Australian trombonist and current CQU trombone lecturer, Jeremy Borthwick.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Open Mic Comedy

Friday, 7:00pm

Mackay Open Mic Comedy Group is back on the July 28 at the Ambassador Hotel in the Lush Bar. If you have been thinking about giving comedy a crack, even your best dad jokes, now is your chance. This month Sean Cooper from Townsville will headline and Mackay's own Mathew Brand will emcee.

Ambassador Hotel

Saturday 29 July

Mackay Yarn on the Voice

Saturday, 11:00am

Join Yes23 spokespeople Thomas Mayo and Jade Appo-Ritchie for an in-person yarn about the upcoming Voice Referendum. You will learn about why constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step on the path to creating a better future. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and learn about how you can engage with the campaign locally.

CQUniversity Mackay City

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

Come and browse the many local small business market stalls, then have a seat and listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customers convenience. $2 Adult Entry (Kids 17 & under free). Entry fee collected at the door on your way in. Market stalls, mini eat street, local musician, jumping castles and face painting. Come and enjoy a night out with your family. It's not just another market, it’s a great family night out.

Mackay Showgrounds

Mackay International Film Festival Screening – ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’

Saturday, 7:00pm

Mackay International Film Festival kicks off with a pre-festival screening of ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’, a vibrant fantasy and romantic drama which celebrates the power of storytelling from visionary director George Miller of Mad Max fame. An optional package is available including film ticket, return coach transfer from Mackay and dinner at the Pinnacle Pub (drinks not included).

Pinnacle Playhouse

Sunday 30 July

National Tree Day

Sunday, 8:00am to 12:00pm

National Tree Day will be held on Sunday, July 30, from 8am to noon at Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, Iluka Park. Mackay Regional Council is aiming to plant up to 5,000 plants at this year’s event. You can register as a volunteer at treeday.planetark.org/site/10028301. Please wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a water bottle. If you have your own gloves and gardening equipment, please bring them along. A free barbecue will be provided to everyone who participates in this event.

Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, near Iluka Park

Jade Holland & JONTE Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Head along to the Seabreeze Hotel on Sunday, July 30, for an unforgettable live and loud performance by the talented Jade Holland. After making waves in 2022 with one of the hottest country tracks of the year, “OH MY HEART,” Jade Holland is ready to get the dance floors moving in clubs worldwide.

Seabreeze Hotel

Bloom Sings The Stevie Linda Carole Songbook

Sunday, 3:00pm

Celebrate all the hits of Grammy Award winning artists and vocal powerhouses Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt in one massive show. She’s mesmerized audiences across the globe, and now you can witness Bloom’s “sensational” vocal prowess with this songbook that’s been highly applauded by audiences across the country.

Metropolitan Hotel

Monday 31 July

Opera Australia - The Barber of Seville

Monday, 7:30pm

The Barber of Seville fizzes and pops with lyrical acrobatics and irrepressibly funny characters. Rossini’s most famous ‘opera buffa’ is a musical masterpiece with a storyline that would be equally at home in a Hollywood rom-com. Opera Australia’s finest voices and a live orchestra deliver a score that is instantly familiar from renditions in movies, cartoons and commercials. Here, the frothy humour is intoxicating and the chorus revels in every uproarious escapade.

MECC

Wednesday 2 August

RSPCA Mackay Supporter Morning Tea

Wednesday, 10:30am to 12:00pm

To thank the Mackay region for their support, RSPCA Mackay is inviting you to their Supporter Morning Tea. These events are an opportunity for like-minded animal lovers to join together for a casual morning and learn more about what the RSPCA does in the local area. The local inspector will also be in attendance. This event is free and everyone is welcome, however RSVPs are essential. Please call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au.

Botanic Gardens Café

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 3 August

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

Artist's Talk - Anneke Silver discusses her works in the MRC Collection

Thursday, 5:30pm

Dr. Anneke Silver is a prominent North Queensland artist born in the Netherlands and based in Townsville. While visiting our region to judge Mackay Show Association’s renowned ‘Woolams Art on Show Awards’, Anneke will deliver a very special artist’s talk at Artspace Mackay, giving us a closer look and deeper insight into her varied works in the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Artspace Mackay

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The Woollam Art on Show Awards is celebrating 17 years of art excellence in 2023, with the prestigious exhibition and arts event right around the corner.

Taking public and community art to a higher level of professionalism, the Mackay Show Association continues to seek a very significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nation-wide, providing a high standard of presentation, playing an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future as a high-profile arts event, and promoting the arts to patrons.

The four-day event kicks off on Friday, August 4 with the official opening evening and awards presentation commencing at 6:30pm, with tickets available at www.artonshow.com.au.

The exhibition will then be open from Saturday, August 5 to Monday, August 7 from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.

Over 200 works, both local and interstate, will be exhibited and are for sale during the event, giving patrons the opportunity to show their support for art and culture in the community.

North Queensland visual artist Dr Anneke Silver will judge this year’s competition, bringing her decades of experience in art practice and teaching.

The Art on Show Awards have five sections of competition with a total prize purse of $12,000 including the major $3,000 prize the Woollam Art on Show Award,.

Patrons will also have the opportunity to judge the People’s Choice Award, to be published post event.

Visit www.artonshow.com.au for more information.

WHAT: Woollam Art on Show Awards 2023

WHEN: Friday, August 4 to Monday, August 7

WHERE: 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds

TICKETS: www.artonshow.com.au

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Dr Anneke Silver

The Australian Church Women will celebrate our annual Fellowship Day Service on Friday 28th July at 10am at the Iona West Uniting Church Brook Street, Mackay. The theme is Renewal through Trust: Growing in God’s Ways.

The Australian Church Women is a network of Christian women dedicated to encouraging fellowship and service across denominational, national and international boundaries. We seek to promote peace, understanding and unity through faith and love in the one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The offerings presented at the Fellowship Day Service go towards the Winifred Kiek Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honours Winifred Kiek, the first woman to be ordained in Australia. The scholarship is offered to Christian women of member countries of the Asian Church Women’s Conference, Australia and Pacific Island nations. The scholarship is used for supplementary training and further studies in theology or related fields. The 2023 scholar is Rev Priti Priyadarshan Sandhagalla from India who is studying for a Doctor of Ministry.

Please join us on Friday as we renew and celebrate in word and song our faith and grow in God’s way through love and trust in the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Morning tea will follow the service giving us all the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Anne Jennings

Secretary/Treasurer

Mackay Unit Australian Church Women

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For the third consecutive year, the Dinner on the Runway by Ibis Mackay in support of Mackay Hospital Foundation will take place at Mackay Airport on Friday 8th September.

The event is unique in that it takes place on the tarmac adjacent to the ‘old terminal’ on Casey Avenue. Guests will dine under the stars while scheduled jets take-off and land only metres away.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “I’ve only had the pleasure of attending one of these events in the past but it’s a truly amazing and unique event to be a part of.

“I believe everyone should attend this event at least once in their lifetime; however, we’re extremely lucky to have sponsors and guests return each year for which we are extremely grateful.”

The event is hosted by Ibis Mackay with Mackay Hospital Foundation being the recipient of fundraising on the night. The Dinner on the Runway raised an incredible $89,000 for local hospitals last year and it’s on track to be another successful event in 2023.

Ibis Mackay General Manager, Adriette Meyer commented, “The Dinner on the Runway is growing in attendance numbers each year and this year is no exception. Ticket allocation has increased to 500 this year but prior to tickets being released for public sale, around 300 tickets had already been sold to sponsors and corporate donors.

“Our Chef, Tery Wekumbura, has catered for this event for the past two years and has planned another delicious 3-course meal again for our guests.”

During the evening, guests will have several opportunities to win cash when purchasing Lucky Numbers. There will also be Live and Silent auctions with opportunities to bid on Sleepmaker ensembles donated by Harvey Norman Bedding or perhaps you’ll be riding home on a mobility scooter which has been donated by Mackay Outdoor Power Centre.

Mango Junction will entertain, and guests can end the night with dancing and of course, some excellent prizes.

Tickets will be available for public sale from 8am on 29th July through the Mackay Tickets link. https://tickets.mackaytickets.com.au/outlet/event/36261fc7-013e456b-aec9-5568bb286baa.

Cost is $180 per person and includes a 3-course meal, as well as beer, wine and basic spirits.

What: Dinner on the Runway by Ibis Mackay

Where: Mackay Airport, Casey Avenue Mackay

When: Friday, 8th September 2023

Beneficiary: Mackay Hospital Foundation

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Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes Photographer

Queensland-based filmmaker Ivan Sen is one of Australia’s leading First Nations directors, as well as a screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, composer, and sound designer, and to celebrate the release of his newest film, he will be visiting the region in a first for the Mackay International Film Festival.

‘Limbo’ is a poignant, profound meditation into the complexities of loss and the impact of the justice system on Aboriginal families in Australia.

Simon Baker gives a career-best performance as Travis, a jaded detective, who arrives in the remote outback town of Limbo to investigate the cold case murder of local Indigenous girl Charlotte Hayes 20 years ago.

Shot on location in Coober Pedy, South Australia, Limbo is a riveting outback noir described by The Guardian as “a tough, muscular film with the grit of crime, but a heartbeat of compassion.”

‘Limbo’ will be screened at the Mackay International Film Festival on Saturday, August 5 from 6:30pm, with Mackay audiences given the unique opportunity to take part in an in-person discussion with writer, director and producer Sen following the screening.

The festival starts with the popular pre-festival screening of ‘3000 Years of Longing’ (directed by George Miller of Mad Max fame) tomorrow night, Saturday, July 29, at the Pinnacle Playhouse with an optional bus and meal package available.

‘Limbo’ is then one of five screenings throughout the next weekend, commencing with the Opening Night Event on Friday, August 4 and a screening of ‘The Innocent’, with French-themed canapes and drinks after the film included in the $30 ticket.

The French comedy follows widower Abel who learns that his impulsive mother is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison.

The festival continues Saturday with a screening of Moroccan drama ‘The Blue Caftan’ from 4:00pm, telling the tale of Mina and her husband Halim who run a small business making and selling bespoke caftans when the talented and handsome Youssef is hired as an apprentice and forces them to reconsider the future of their relationship.

Sunday’s screenings include the Darren Aronofsky drama that earnt Brendan Fraser his first Academy Award, ‘The Whale’, with Spanish-Italian drama ‘Alcarras’, inspired by director Carla Simón's own family story, concluding the festival.

For tickets and more information, visit filmartsmackay.weebly.com/2023-miff.html.

Mackay International Film Festival Program

BCC Cinemas Mount Pleasant

Friday, August 4

7pm – The Innocent

Saturday, August 5

4pm – The Blue Caftan

6.30pm – Limbo, Followed by Director Q&A

Sunday, August 6

4pm – The Whale

6.30pm – Alcarràs

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Filmmaker Ivan Sen will take part in a Q&A at Mackay International Film Festival

In an exciting event, Emma Memma, formerly known as "Emma Wiggle," made a delightful appearance at Mackay's Dudley Denny City Library during Toddler Time. The visit was part of her promotional tour ahead of the upcoming Twirly Tour scheduled for August 7 here in Mackay.

Emma Watkins, with her new persona, Emma Memma, brought a burst of vibrant energy and a fresh signature colour, captivating the children of Mackay as she read, sang, danced, and signed with them. The library event was a heartwarming opportunity for young ones to experience the magic of storytelling and interactive performances with the beloved children's entertainer.

Emma Memma's transition from "Emma Wiggle" has been marked by her passion for sign language, dance, and film editing. She now focuses on empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness, and friendship. The Twirly Tour promises to be an adventure filled with visual communication, choreographed dance narratives, singing, crafting, and more.

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Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council Libraries

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It’s been over two decades since one local began what was originally the Whitsunday Reef Festival, starting an event that would bring together the coastal community of the Whitsundays in celebration of their lifestyle.

Now, 22 years on and with a new name, that vision has become one of the region’s biggest events, with the Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival carrying on the original legacy of “what it means to live in the Whitsundays.”

But at the time, its founder didn’t know whether it would even survive its first year.

Whitsundays, 2001: The region was on an astronomical, tourism rise, growing a name for itself as a Great Barrier Reef destination, but David Hutchen didn’t feel it was properly recognised as such.

The region needed an event.

“A reef festival just seemed obvious to me,” David said.

“And it was also obvious we had to do something to get the whole community involved.”

David funded the inaugural event himself, utilising the 200 staff at his Great Barrier Reef operation, Fantasea Cruises – the first Reef Festival was afloat, and it certainly pulled a crowd.

“Lots of people came from Mackay and Proserpine and Bowen, so it was pretty easy to see we could expand it,” he said.

From there, it was nothing but smooth sailing – the local business community picked up the sponsorships, and the rest is reef history.

David spent many happy festival years running his baby, but time brings all things to an end, and he eventually sold Fantasea Cruises and left the Whitsundays in 2006 - but the idea he started has become the region’s mainstay event.

It turns the main street into the reef itself, it brings together hard-working volunteers – it encapsulates the Whitsunday Spirit.

Now the Great Barrier Reef Festival has come full circle with one of the region’s iconic tourism operators, Cruise Whitsundays, onboard as naming sponsors.

As well, carrying the torch of David’s legacy is event chairwoman Margie Murphy and her team of passionate volunteers, who are proud to have taken on the reigns.

“We can’t wait to show you what’s in store for this year’s Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival,” she said.

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival just got even bigger, with massive Australian headliner Reece Mastin confirmed for the opening night of the festival.

In 2011, Australia was introduced to 16-year-old Reece when he auditioned for the music competition television show, The X Factor.

With his confidence and charisma, it was clear to everyone that Reece was a natural born performer.

However, being an international musician was not what he had in mind for his career.

“When I was in school in England, I wanted to be a footballer, but I was never very good,” Reece said.

It seems his granddad, however, knew of his hidden talent and gifted him a guitar shortly before he and his family made the move to Australia.

“But I never played it because I was always playing football,” Reece explained.

It was in the cards for Reece though, a perfect hobby for him when he moved to Australia.

“When I moved here, my accent was so hard to understand that I kinda just sat by myself at school, and I picked up the guitar and wrote a couple of songs,” he explained.

“And then I met a kid who was really into it as well. By the time we were in high school, we were in three or four bands. None of them were very good, but then I went and auditioned for the show.”

Since then, Reece’s career has exploded taking him across the nation and onto massive international success.

Cementing himself on the Australia rock circuit, Reece has two platinum number one albums, and three consecutive chart-topping singles, and is currently working on his newest album, which is tightly under wraps, but is set to be a massive release.

Now, off the back of his 10 Year Anniversary Tour, that saw Reece and his crew travel on an 18-month trek across the country, Reece will be back in Airlie Beach for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Having only checked through Airlie Beach once before, he is keen to stop and explore the area.

Acting as the headliner on the opening night of the festival, this young gun on the scene is set to bring the high-octane energy that will cruise through the rest of the weekend.

“We want to be known in the music scene, in the rock and pop scene, that our shows are as fun as possible,” said Reece.

“There’s not a lot of time to breathe, it’s just an absolute onslaught of good vibes, good songs, and good energy.”

“It’s definitely going to be loud, with tonnes of singalongs and a lot of high energy!”

Reece Mastin will perform on the Great Barrier Reef Main Stage on Friday August 4, at 8.15pm, followed by duo Salt and Steel at 9pm.

WHAT: Reece Mastin

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday August 4, 8.15pm

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