We were talking about this a while back on the radio after learning that Matthew McConaughey and his wife allowed their son to join Instagram for his 15th birthday. I respect that.

Having kids now in double digit age and soon to be negotiating teenage years, the pressure will be coming my way, although it probably already is.  

The line that we’ve heard and I’m sure a lot of other parents have heard is “My fiend (insert name here) already has (insert app/technology here)”. And you can fill those gaps with iPhone, iPad, YouTube account, Facebook, Insta… the list goes on.

Already my kids are talking with friends through games and technology like Zoom calls while playing games. What I like about that is I can hear what’s being said by the other kids, and more importantly by my own. For now, the danger of a stranger becoming involved is minimal. The messaging by typing worries me more, and we’ve had lots of conversations about that, how 12-year-old Johnny could actually be 53-year-old Peter who should be in jail.

You don’t want your kids being last to the party, but at the same time, you want to be making sure they’re smart enough to work through what’s going on once messages start coming in.

Really, it’s other people that I’m more concerned about. If my kids say or do something then I can do something about that, a stern talking to, grounding, changing the wifi password… but other people’s kids, that’s a different story.

I’m still not sure when I’ll be allowing these apps into my kids’ lives, but when it happens, I’ll be monitoring what’s said and sent to them, and what they’re saying.  

Scotty

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Prepare your costumes, Mackay, for Mack PopCon is back in 2023.

This year’s event is shaping up to be another great convention full of pop culture, cosplay, celebrity guests and entertainment.

President Matthew Perna said there’ll be something for everyone, with cosplay workshops and competitions, games, virtual reality, exhibitors and market stalls, a photo booth and panel discussions.

“There’s a lot more to pop culture than just dressing up,” he said.

Special guests include Comic book artist Jesse Dracman of Freek Productions, cosplay guests NIX_COSPLAY and Slightly Villainous, and actors Clayton Watson from The Matrix and Lincoln Lewis from Home and Away.

Celebrity cars have also become a staple of Mack PopCon, with KITT from Knight Rider and Tow Mater from Cars on display waiting to take a photo with you.

The family-friendly event comes at a family-friendly cost, with tickets available online or at the door for $5 and children 9 and under free.

“We rely on a lot of community support to fund getting the guests and that sort of stuff,” said Mr Perna.

“The support this year has been really good, from Council and local businesses,” added Funding Coordinator Kristy Harper.

The convention is marked on the calendars of pop culture fans throughout the region as one of few platforms to network, but the Mack PopCon team hopes to grow these opportunities in the future.

“The pop culture community in Mackay is definitely there, but it’s very quiet,” said Mr Perna.

“This gives them the opportunity to get along to an event, meet others and hopefully make some friendships.”

Doors will open at 9:00am for people with sensory needs and disabilities, with general admission open from 10:00am.

“We want the whole community to be able to enjoy it,” Mr Perna said.

Visit www.mackpopcon.org.au to find more information about the cosplay competition, volunteering, tickets and guests.

WHAT: Mack PopCon 2023

WHEN: Saturday, July 22 from 9:00am to 4:00pm

WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds

TICKETS: www.mackpopcon.org.au

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Mack PopCon organisers held a cosplay promotion at Caneland Central recently. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Whether you’re an amateur cultivator or an orchid expert, the Mackay and District Orchid Society Inc invites you to the annual Winter Orchid Show.

Orchids will be available for sale as well as pots, potting mediums, tags and more accessories.

Members of the Mackay and District Orchid Society Inc will present orchid culture demonstrations and be available to answer any questions and offer any advice.

Raffles will be on offer as well as Devonshire morning and afternoon teas.

It’s all happening at the Sporting Wheelies Hall on Bridge Road today, Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15 from 8:00am both days.

For more information, email mdos.secretary@gmail.com, contact President Dennis Farlow on 0458 043 132 or visit Mackay and District Orchids Inc on Facebook.

WHAT: Winter Orchid Show

WHEN: Friday July 14 from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday July 15 from 8:00am to 3:00pm

WHERE: Sporting Wheelies Hall, 78 Bridge Road, Mackay

TICKETS: $2 coin donation

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Photo supplied: Mackay and District Orchid Society Inc

Mackay Senior Citizens recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a luncheon at Souths Leagues Club.

Members and guests gathered to enjoy the celebrations in a lovely afternoon enjoyed by all.

Vi McFadzen, who is the oldest Life Member Mackay Senior Citizens, had the honours of cutting the anniversary cake alongside President Charlie Symons.

Entertainment was supplied by Sylvia Heideman, Alan Mackenzie, and Dennis and Faye Macrae.

Celebrations also extended to the recent 50th Anniversary Ball, held at the Senior Citizens Hall.

Life Member Vi McFadzen and President Charlie Symons cut the anniversary cake

Herman Mayer, Jan Strachan, Ted and Lyn Coburn, Lynn and John Bianchi, Pam Louis, and Wayne and Shirley Davidson enjoying themselves at the recent 50th Anniversary Ball held at the Senior Citizens Hall. Photos supplied: Lyn Coburn

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The Farview Tavern came alive with music and dance recently, as the Beaconsfield Ukulele Strummers hosted an afternoon extravaganza on Saturday, June 24.

150 folks enjoyed a great afternoon of singing, dancing and entertainment and excellent hospitality and meals from the Tavern.

Under the guidance of leaders Bruce and Betty Kearney, 30 members of the Strummers played and sang for almost three hours, with the ever-changing performers on the dance floor enjoying the tunes.

The dancers were a mix of ukulele players, Golden Years and others from the audience.

There was waltzing, jiving, rock and roll, hula dancing and the Running Bear conga line, including wheelie walkers.

A great band playing great music, a fantastic day and smiles all round.

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The Beaconsfield Ukulele Strummers enjoyed an afternoon of singing, dancing, conga lines and good company. Photos supplied: Bruce Kearney

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Mackay is eagerly anticipating the return of one of its own musical prodigies.

Glenn Christensen, a talented violinist and native of Mackay, has garnered international acclaim for his virtuosic performances. With his upcoming series of highly anticipated concerts in his hometown, Glenn is set to captivate audiences once again with his mesmerising talent and unwavering passion for music.

Glenn became Concertmaster of the Australian Youth Orchestra in 2012 and 2013 and an Australian Chamber Orchestra Emerging Artist in 2012. From 2012 to 2014, Principal First Violin in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He performed, broadcasting live on ABC Classic FM, was a finalist in the 2014 ABC Young Performer Awards. He moved to Sydney in 2014 becoming a full-time member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra under the demanding and watchful eye of Richard Tognetti. Six years later, in 2020, resigning to take up offers in Germany.

Next, everything stopped.

Globally contracts were cancelled, performances cancelled, theatres closed, entire orchestras unseated. Musicians, a close-knit community, left with nothing but to pack their instruments, and go home.

“In one fell swoop Covid decimated the livelihood of all artists,” said Glenn. “Our world ended. And it was rapid.”

“Fear is what I felt most strongly. Not for my health, but for my very existence having just left a full-time position.

“Luckily I had a contract waiting for me in Germany. But borders closed, international travel was restricted. As a non-essential service all movement was forbidden.

“I couldn’t get out of Sydney, even if I had a flight I wouldn’t gain entry.

“Much of the pandemic was spent shuffling emails between Germany keeping me hopeful the contract remained open. In isolation, I was fearful.”

The position with Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie of Deputy Concertmaster and Principal 2nd Violin remained open. Glenn is now resident in Bremen.

“Living in the heart and soul of European classical music is the quickest way to restore anyone’s optimism,” says Glenn.

“The orchestra’s management style is democratic, no hierarchy. Decisions are made laterally. If you work for the company you have input, everyone is valued. It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Glenn still has time for a grand passion. The Mackay Chamber Music Festival, an annual festival he started in his hometown in 2018, of which he is Artistic Director.

“It’s thrilling,” said Glenn. “Mackay has its own classical music festival.”

“The best part is the feeling of community. I get to work with amazing musicians and music lovers on and off stage.

“It’s important to program works relevant to today’s audiences, so we have works by living Australian composers Anne Cawrse, Elizabeth Younan, Harry Sdraulig and Paul Stanhope, alongside classic works from Schubert, Mozart, and Mendelssohn.

“A rewarding initiative is giving young, and young at heart musicians, guidance through an extensive education program.

“Regardless of where you live, you should have access to wonderful music and music education.”

Dates for the fifth annual festival are 21-23 July 2023.

For further information on Mackay Chamber Music Festival visit: https://www.mackaycmf.com.au/

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Lyrebird Trio – Glenn Christensen (violin), Angela Turner (piano) Simon Cobcroft (cello)

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Holy Spirit College is proud to present Disney’s High School Musical on 20, 21 and 22 July 2023 in the Father Bucas Centre, located at the College.

Students have been busy rehearsing and the excitement is building as performance dates approach and the cast and crew can’t wait to entertain the Mackay community.

Lily Warner, Cultural Events Coordinator, is directing the production and said, “We have very talented students that shine in what they do. Come and see the magic of High School Musical come to life!”

Adapted from the original movie from the Disney Channel chronicles, this is the story of two high schoolers who discover their love for singing and challenge their cliques in the process. Troy Bolton, the star athlete at a small-town high school, falls for nerdy beauty Gabriella Montez at a holiday karaoke party. When they return to school after break, they both audition for the upcoming musical. Meanwhile, the jealous Sharpay Evans, with the help of twin brother, Ryan, conspire to squelch their chances. Troy and Gabriella struggle to make it to their auditions while also meeting their existing obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon.

You are invited to a fantastic night of entertainment, suitable for all ages, as Holy Spirit College students perform High School Musical on stage.

Purchase your tickets today at www.trybooking.com/CIKWQ or scan the barcode on this page. Hurry, as tickets are limited!

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Troy Bolton (Andrew Kirkwood) and Gabriella Montez (Laniece Pace), learn to navigate a new relationship at high school

Brother and sister, Ryan and Sharpay Evans, are played by real-life siblings, Liam and Alana Hyde. They are certainly a triple threat, and we see Ryan seeking to break free from under Sharpay’s shadow

High School Musical performances, at Holy Spirit College, on 20, 21 and 22 July 2023

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Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved picture book, Possum Magic has enchanted children for 40 magical years.

Possum Magic is the best-selling children's book in Australia. With sales of over three and a half million, the story has become a classic in children's literature.

To celebrate the iconic book's 40th birthday, Mackay’s young audiences can watch the classic story come to life with three performances at the Mackay Convention & Entertainment Centre on July 17 and 18.

The clever combination of live action, magic, soundscape, puppetry and animation transports audiences to the whimsical world of Little Hush and Grandma Poss.

After a sold-out national tour in 2019 captivating over 100,000 young people, Artistic Director at Monkey Baa, Eva Di Cesare is thrilled to bring Possum Magic back to regional areas, like Mackay.

“We hope the young people of Mackay and their families delight in this shared magical experience that Possum Magic provides” Di Cesare said.

The magical adaption returns to the stage just in time for Possum Magic’s 40th anniversary.

"To be able to share our beautiful production of Possum Magic, on the 40th anniversary of Mem Fox and Julie Vivas's gorgeous story, is a dream come true for us,” she continued.

An ever-popular performance, tickets to the Possum Magic performances are selling fast. The MECC strongly encourages parents to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

WHAT: DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2023

Possum Magic

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production

Based on the book by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare and Sandie Eldridge

When: Monday 17 July 2023 - 6pm Tuesday 18 July 2023 – 9.30am & 12.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Possum Magic is celebrating its 40th birthday. Image Credit: Clare Hawley

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By Sam Gillespie

Emerging out of a global lockdown, Gerringong surf rockers The Terrys have been kicking goals over the last few years, including releasing their debut album ‘True Colour’ and appearing on triple j’s Like a Version. The boys are preparing for their next career milestone: performing in north Queensland for the first time at Sugardrop Festival, and guitarist Lukas Anderson had a chat with Sam about it all.

Tell me about how the pandemic birthed The Terrys?

Myself and our lead vocalist, Jacob, we both lost our jobs because of Covid. We lived together at the time, and we had to stay home a lot of the time and we just started covering some songs. I’d always played guitar and he was a rapper, so we started doing covers of songs that we liked and then got GarageBand up and tried to write our own music.

Was music something you all always wanted to do?

We’ve always loved music. I played guitar when I was a kid but I never thought it would be my occupation. It wasn’t on the cards, like starting our own band, but we were always really interested in it and just didn’t realise it was what we wanted to do but now it’s probably all I want to do.

How has your lifestyle changed?

It’s not like a Monday to Friday 9-5 situation anymore. We’ve done so much travelling around Australia already and we’re about to go overseas and do a couple of tours, we’re doing New Zealand and then we’re going to go to Europe hopefully. I always travelled when I was a bit younger, just funding my own trips to go surfing in different countries, but now it’s pretty sick that we’re going take our instruments and play shows to people who like our songs

It seems like you’ve achieved heaps in those three years and releasing an album is a massive milestone, what are your reflections on ‘True Colour’ nine months on?

Since recording and releasing that album, we’ve all matured a little bit musically and as people, so we’ve just been recording new music and it’s still The Terrys obviously but it’s very different. ‘True Colour’ was a good reflection of us learning how to make an album.

What do you think you have learnt? How do you think you’ve matured?

With the new stuff we’ve been recording, we’re in a different studio with a different producer and we know a little bit more about what to do, what not to do, stop overthinking that and put more effort into this. I think simplicity is the key.

What was it about the opportunity to play Sugardrop Festival that appealed to you?

Tia Gostelow’s a legend so we were pretty flattered and honoured to be offered to play it. I love going to Queensland, and I think the furthest I’ve been is the Sunny Coast. Keen as to come to Mackay and rip it up.

And what can we expect from your show at Sugardrop?

It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be fun. There might be a couple new tracks in there, there’s definitely going to be some old classics in there, and just heaps of smiles and maybe a couple of beers.

WHAT: Sugardrop Festival

WHEN: Saturday, September 16 from 2pm

WHERE: Harrup Park

TICKETS: Oztix

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3-6 August

The Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival is gearing up for success with another action-packed line-up that includes live entertainment, immersive experiences, street parades, fireworks, fairground rides and fun.

Due to be held from 3 to 6 August, the festival is an exciting, family-friendly fiesta that has become a cornerstone of the local events calendar.

Friday Night

Commencing at 6pm with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, the Friday night festivities include a traditional dance and whale story performance by Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, as the enchanting Immerse art installation in Fairy Tree Park is illuminated for the first time.

Afterwards, the Main Stage entertainment will kick off at 6:30pm with an electrifying showcase of the region’s top youth bands and performers, with the evening hosted by HitFM's Jacob ensuring a lively atmosphere.

At 8pm, all eyes will be on the sky for spectacular fireworks display over the Coral Sea.

Back on the Main Stage, get ready for a captivating performance by rock ‘n’ roll young gun, Reece Mastin, followed by dynamic duo Salt and Steel.

Entertainment will be spread along the foreshore on Friday night, with night markets and the Whitsunday FoodService Eat Street providing a delightful culinary experience.

The kids can also enjoy a screening of "Finding Nemo" on the movie screen starting from 6:00pm, where pop-up performers will be ready to surprise and delight.

Saturday

Saturday promises a day of excitement and festivities with the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Saturday Street Fun event starting from 10:00 am with the Fraser Ford Car, Truck & Bike Show.

Main Street entertainment includes a showcase of Young Whitsundays Got Talent, the Miss Pinup Comp, mesmerising roaming performers, and exhilarating carnival rides for all ages.  

Music enthusiasts can head to the Airlie Beach Hotel at 2:00 pm to enjoy the sounds of Classic Rock legends. Magnums gets in the festival spirit with an afternoon of games for the big kids and joining in the Street Parade fun with some big hair and big heels will be Drag Queens Shushu Funtanna and Scarlett Fever.

After the parade, the day will melt into night with a special performance "Call from the Deep" at 6pm from within the Immerse installation, featuring solo classical musicians and whale song, guided by renowned contemporary composer Corrina Bonshek.

Beats on the Beach will be where the party’s at on Saturday night with a stellar line-up of live music headlined by popular 7-piece reggae band Sun Salute.

Also playing the main stage are blues funk Mackay 3-piece The Wild Sky, local alt-rockers Flying Double Front Kick, and multi-instrument songstress Mish N Possible.

The VIP bar area will be available on Saturday night, providing an exclusive experience for guests. Magnums will have Aussie rock double-header, The Chats & Cosmic Psychos in the nightclub.

Sunday

The entertainment extravaganza will continue on Sunday when the Fish D’Vine Bait to Plate lunch takes guests on an interactive culinary journey with Owner and Chef, Kevin Collins.

The afternoon winds down with Chill in the Park, acoustic vibes from 2:00pm to 6:00pm on the foreshore stage, the perfect end to a jam-packed weekend of excitement.

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Reece Mastin will headline on Friday night. Photo supplied

Popular 7-piece reggae band Sun Salute will play Saturday night. Photo supplied

Everyone is invited to get involved in a range of immersive events. Photo supplied

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Country music is cruising into the Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend, with the legendary Australian Eagles Show bringing the very best of classic American country and rock.

Performing with fantastic accuracy and authenticity, The Australia Eagles Show is not a show to miss, for fans of country and rock and The Eagles.

These ‘New Kids in Town’ are known for their unique blend of country and rock.

The Eagles are faithfully recreated with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, that only adds to the vocal harmonies and powerful instrumentals.

No ‘Wasted Time’ here, with the Airlie Beach Hotel keeping the dance floor clear, because ‘All She Wants to do is Dance’.

We’ve got founding member Shayne Browne, on vocals and guitar, who started the band in 2015 with Paul Kerin, who is Shayne’s “guitar player in arms” and fellow harmonic vocals.

Jason Chandler has been with the show for three years on bass guitar and has been close with Shayne for over 30 years.

“He’s done everything from Irish folk to pop rock,” Shayne explained.

Identical twins Michael and David Thompson rock on drums and guitar, plus vocals.

Known around the world, these brothers bring some of the hardest beats and notes to the band.

“I can only tell them apart because of their tattoos!” said Shayne.

Touring the world with international acclaim, these ‘Boys of Summer’ know exactly what to do and where to do it, embodying the appeal and stage presence of the beloved Eagles.

‘The Heat is On’ and the Airlie Beach Hotel is excited to be hosting.

“We perform all over the place, usually in big venues like civic centres,” explained Shayne.

“There’s only a handful of places that we go back to, and Airlie Beach is definitely one of them.”

With over two hours of absolutely free live music, you better get out there and spend time with that ‘Peaceful, Easy Feeling’.

The Australian Eagles Show is a classic for Eagles fans, for everyone of any age.

“There was the time when we played at the Hamilton Island Race Week, and we were getting ready, and we could hear the doof doof dance music that the young people dance to,” said Shayne.

“When we got on stage, here came the young people, who knew every word of the Eagles shows, many knew the songs better than some of the older people in the crowd!

“It’s a true testament to the reach of the Eagles, and that we’re not doing the wrong thing.”

No matter a casual fan or a diehard fanatic, The Australian Eagles Show will create some ‘Heartache Tonight’.

WHAT: The Australian Eagles Show

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July, 2pm to 5.30pm

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The Australian Eagles Show is bringing the very best of The Eagles to the Airlie Beach Hotel

Country-coloured glasses will fall over Airlie Beach when the Australian Eagles come to town

Not a show to miss, for the fantastic blend of country and rock, perfect for a weekend at The Pub

Showcasing the classic presence of The Eagles as a cultural moment for Australians of any age. Photos supplied

Now is the time to check out the best of the best of motorsport and racing cars at the 2023 Whitsunday Horsepower Day this weekend, with all funds funnelled back into local mental health organisations.

Not afraid of thrills and spills, the crew behind the Monster Energy Race Car will be on the scene, along with high performance cars, corporate displays, and a fantastic display of might from the Queensland Police, Fire and Ambulance Services.

“This event is an exhibit of motorsport in all forms,” said committee member of Horsepower Heroes Victor Pozzoli.

“We have classic, modern, track cars and even crazy modified trucks, plus the helicopter doing adventure flights.”

Even V8 Supercar legend Cam Waters will be on the ground, sharing his love for the sport, as well as Nick Lange from the TA2 Racing Australia Muscle Car series.

With the crew of Blokesworld, beloved lifestyle TV show exploring all things bloke, filming all day, the event will be broadcast on TV across the nation.

Acting as a fundraiser for Horsepower Heroes Whitsunday, all funds raised will go towards community organisations, such as Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network and Kick On.

“We will have a mental health pit bay too, with all the mental health organisations in the area set up like a pit lane,” said Victor.

“We’re playing on the race theme and promoting the different organisations.”

WHAT: Whitsunday Horsepower Day

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 9.30am – 5pm

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Expect to see the very best of motorsport and racing cars at the Whitsunday Horsepower Day this Saturday. Photo supplied

Our trusty hero Indiana Jones is back in the fifth and final instalment of the franchise.

Portrayed by Harrison Ford, this newest film is reminiscent of classic Indiana Jones films, bringing high intensity action, thrills, and adventure to the big screen.

The film begins back in the end stages of World War 2, with a younger Jones racing through a train, weaving between Nazi officers, to recover a priceless and valuable artefact, and keep it out of the hands of the dreaded Nazis.

This digitally de-aged Jones retains all the charisma and charm of the classic Jones, setting up the film for its high stakes and endearing love.

Of course, this new artefact happens to be one half of the Archimedes’ dial, an ancient device that is believed to be able to predict future disaster.

An artefact long forgotten, the film cuts to the 1960s, with Jones a grumpy professor whose students no longer appreciate his reputation or esteem.

That is until his goddaughter Helena strolls into his classroom, her enemies in tow, dragging Jones out of semi-retirement to find the second half of the Archimedes’ Dial.

One such enemy is an ex-Nazi, Jurgen Voller.

Since the end of World War 2 and initially meeting Jones as he escaped with the half of the dial, Voller has become an esteemed scientist in the United States space program, however he sets out to retrieve the two pieces of the dial and travel back in time.

He ultimately wants to change history, wherein Germany is not defeated by the Axis and the German dream was revealed.

This action-packed story does not stop, bringing high energy and fantastic CGI adventure and fun.

With touchingly intimate reunions of fan favourites and throw backs to classic hero-treasure hunter stories.

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Harrison Ford returns for the fifth and final instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise

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The third Tiny Homes Project Fundraiser was a huge success last weekend with over 160 people attending a fun and frivolous event held at the Bali Hut on the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawns.

After a week of wild weather, the clouds parted and it was a cool and starry night, perfect for dancing and merriment.

An impressive $32,000 was raised on the evening, and all funds will be put directly into the Tiny Homes Project which is funding four homes for homeless women over 55 in the Whitsundays.

The total project will cost around $700,000 and the team of fundraisers are almost halfway to their target amount.

Whitsunday Regional Council has donated a plot of land in Proserpine and final plans are being put into the design of the homes, with construction expected to start before the end of the year.

The Let’s Do Latin Fundraiser was the biggest money raiser of all events so far and organiser, Sandy Clarke said she was thrilled to be part of another successful night.

“It was the most beautiful night and everyone who attended were just such lovely, giving people,” she said.

The evening kicked-off with an auction which saw over a dozen items up for grabs.

This was followed by raffle before the evening’s entertainment began.

One of Australia’s top 10 Burlesque Dancers, Kelly Ann Doll, wowed the crowd with an evocative, playful, and sexy performance that got the party started.

Afterwards Latin Madness put on a performance and then taught eager participants the basics of Latin dancing.

This got the dance floor packed, and the evening progressed into a party atmosphere with Viva and her Fiesta Band rocking out to classic tracks that everyone enjoyed.

Kandice Adlington won the Best Dressed Female and Paul Skinner won Best Dressed Male.

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Organisers Sandy Clarke and Fiona Donnellan. Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Bronte Hodge

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A Week of Gin Tastings, Neon Art, Craft (Brews) And Cultural Delights

The Mackay Festival of Arts is now in full swing, and this week’s offerings include gin tastings, the DBI Literary Dinner, the Mackay Art Studio Trail, sunset sessions and craft beer.

This Saturday, July 8, from 6pm, there will be a gin tasting night at the Seabreeze Hotel featuring a four-course meal paired with hand selected, award-winning gins.

Also on Saturday night, the Creative Art Studio is offering a Neon Night Sip and Paint session from 6pm to 8pm. Painters will be painting in the dark under UV to bring their neon artworks to life.

Mayor Greg Williamson encouraged festival goers to experience the Mackay Art Studio Trail.

“This is an amazing initiative that is a collaboration between dozens of local artists to open their studios to the public and provide tremendous workshops and experiences,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Not only can you visit artists in their studios, and see their works and learn about their processes, but there are also some amazing learning opportunities,” he said.

“For example, next Wednesday (July 12), there are beginners’ pottery lessons, and then on Thursday (July 13) there are tie dying workshops.”

For a full list of artists’ open studios, workshops and exhibitions in the program, head to www.artistsconnectinc.au.

Mayor Williamson said there was also still time to enjoy the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub in the Civic Precinct.

“The action-packed circus show Le Coup and the hilarious High Tea with Booff are still showing until this Sunday (July 9),” he said.

“Which also means there’s still time to try Red Dog Brewery’s Mackay Festival Hub Lager, which was a recipe they created especially for the Festival Hub that you can only get at this event.”

The following events, shows and activities are also on offer during the second week of the Mackay Festival of Arts:

• DBI Literary Dinner at the MECC on Friday, July 14  Featuring a three-course meal, live music and entertainment by Annabel Crabb

• Friday Sun.set Sessions at the Wake House Enjoy different acoustic musicians every Friday from 5pm to 9pm

• Live music at Red Dog Brewery Enjoy pizza, local craft brews and live music at Red Dog Brewery on Fridays and Saturdays

• July 6 to 8 and 13 to 15 – Kucom Theatre presents Perfect Wedding A bridegroom wakes on his wedding morning in his own bridal suite, with his bride-to-be about to arrive any moment, and finds a strange girl in bed beside him. Hilarity ensues.

• Get ready for the Wisely Wine and Food Day At Queens Park on July 15 and featuring amazing acts from around Australia.

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Gin tasting at the Seabreeze Hotel

The hilarious High Tea with Booff runs until July 9 and is an intimate show for groups of just 10 people

Neon Night Paint and Sip session with the Creative Art Studio

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