Mackay’s newest sporting arena, Great Barrier Reef Arena, was opened in emphatic style last Saturday at Harrup Park’s Party in the Park.

With live music from Wild Sky and Graeme Connors, amusement rides, activities, fireworks and the DBCT Poole Cup Cricket final, it was impossible not to get excited.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Meet The Dancers

Part 2

Mackay Hospital Foundation is well-known for signature events that bring the community together, and Dancing With Heart is no different.

On Friday March 31, eight local identities will take to the dance floor to showcase their individual dance styles in support of our local hospitals.

Each dancer has been working with Dolly Louw from Fame Talent School to fine tune their skills on the dance floor, with each dance choreographed especially for the individual performer.

Read on to meet three more dancers.

Tegan Jones – Dysart Hospital

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

I am the Business Manager at the Dysart Hospital and the health and wellbeing of our community, especially our kids, is very important to me. I am the boots on the ground seeing the work that our clinical and support staff do to provide a service to our patients. We are working really hard to continuously improve, there are always new ways to support patients and families in their journey through the health system. Of course, everything costs money, so having the Hospital Foundation behind us to support equipment purchases and facility upgrades to improve the experience of patients at our facility is amazing!

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Well, I can't dance so it's not going well honestly. My first lesson with Dolly is actually on Monday, so I feel very sorry for her!

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

As they say out here in Dysart, there are only two types of music, Country and Western. But I also enjoy heavy metal and the boys from Booyah did get me into Hooligan Hefs.

What is your go to dance move?

My go-to dance move is definitely the two step, however my line manager did show me a move called the shopping trolley last week so I will have to practice that one.

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?

Well, I have heard that Cathy has already had 5 lessons, and Bing just opened a karaoke bar, so he has his own practice space. It's going to be such a great night.

I am flying the flag for the rural health services, from Prossie, Bowen, Collinsville, Sarina, Moranbah, Clermont, Middlemount and of course through to Dysart. We are all supported by the Mackay Hospital Foundation so get behind your local hospital by donating today!

Renae Kunst – Queensland Rugby League

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

The lovely Brenda from the Mackay Hospital foundation reached out to me to assist although she may have failed to mention I would be dancing after already agreeing. How could I say no when it goes to such a great cause.

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is such a gem human being and so patient. I am hopeless but she keeps me laughing (actually I think this is the other way around)

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?

This is the thing; I have never been the dancing type so I am well out of my comfort zone

What is your go to dance move?

I have always had a huge appreciation for the athleticism on display from dances, unfortunately none of these skills pertain to me.

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?

I have meant this wonderful bunch of people and I am sure they will put their best foot forward. It will be a fun and eventful night that will contribute to the wonderful work the organisation does.

Paul Manttan – Mackay West State School

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?  

As Principal of a local primary school, I know all too well about the important role of Mackay Hospital Foundation and their support of patients and families, particularly kids.

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is a superstar taking on the challenge of teaching me to follow some dance moves.  She’s a very patient lady and I can only hope I do her proud on the night of Dancing with Heart.  I think the dance is coming along quite well, others may not agree….  Whatever the case, it will be very entertaining I’m sure.

What song gets you on the dance floor faster than any other?  

I can’t go past “Low” for Flo Rida.  

What is your go to dance move?

The sprinkler is definitely my favourite.  Sometimes the shopping trolley comes out after a few cordials!

What are you expecting from everyone else’s dance moves on the night?  

I’m expecting that all the dancers will be well rehearsed and pumped for the night by the time 31st March comes around.  I’m sure we’re going to see some personality coming out in the dances as the night rolls on.  

Don’t forget to grab next week’s paper for the final profiles.

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STARFLEET International officially opened its Star Trek Mackay Chapter USS Pacifica during a function last Saturday at the Mackay Surf Club.

The commissioning comes after a nine month “Shake Down” where members have built rapport and relationships while adapting to their various roles.

For over 40 years STARFLEET International has provided Star Trek fans a way to meet each other, make friends, have fun, give back to their communities and show that the dream of Gene Roddenberry can live long and prosper.

“On the local level members can gather with other fans for a variety of enjoyable activities,” revealed Captain Matthew Perna.

“The USS Pacifica is the newest addition to the fleet, comprised of members based in and around Central Queensland.

“We are a family orientated Chapter and enjoy meeting up at conventions, recreating the costumes and props of the shows and to share our love of Star Trek – and other pop culture too.

“We welcome all forms of Star Trek from the classic 1960s Trek to the current New Trek movies and TV shows.”

The group meets on the second Sunday each month at the Haven Gaming & Pop Culture store in Sydney Street Mackay from 11am.

For further enquiries email: info@usspacifica.org.au

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USS Pacifica members Captain Matthew Perna, Executive Officer Jess O’Neill, Chief of Tactical Lt Jason Heart, Chief of Engineering Lt Scott Marshall, Chief Medical Lt Lulu Mollis, Junior Grade Communications Officer Lt Alana McAnulty, Chief of Communications Lt Trevor May, Engineering Officer Crewman Felicia Scott, Marcus Perna and Emily Perna

Captain Matthew Perna and Executive Officer Jess O’Neill at the official opening of Mackay’s new Star Trek Chapter USS Pacifica at Mackay Surf Club. Photo credit: Chris Karas

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The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) kicked off “Take a Child to the Theatre Day” this week by giving away yo-yos and bookmarks to all children who visit the box office between Monday March 20th and Saturday March 25.

Take a Child to the Theatre Day is an annual day of celebration, to encourage families to introduce children to the benefits and enchantment of live theatre.

MECC and Events Manager Andrew Bobeldyk said the yo-yo and bookmark giveaways are the MECC’s way to welcome new faces into the building.

“We want all families to feel welcomed when they visit our theatre,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“If you haven’t been to the MECC before, come along and say hello.

“Our box office team will welcome all children with a yo-yo and a bookmark,” he said.

It’s no surprise that theatre promotes education and literacy.

Studies have shown theatre can motivate a child to read more, increasing their comprehension levels and their ability to connect with a story.

Each year, the DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season brings stage adaptations of popular children’s books to the MECC stage.

Previous years have included performances The Hungry Caterpillar, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Pete the Sheep.

“The 2023 season includes Possum Magic, Just Live, Wind in the Willows and Roald Dahl’s The Twits,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“All fantastic books, which will be brought to life with the magic of theatre.

“Sponsored by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, a family pass to any performance in DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season is $60, making it an affordable children’s theatre option.”

Families are advised they do not need to make a purchase to receive free yo-yos and bookmarks for their children.

Simply visit the box office, say hello, and the staff will welcome you with a smile, a bookmark and a yo-yo.

Offer ends Saturday March 25 at 1pm.

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Bringing a slice of Cuba to Mackay, the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball officially launched last Friday with the theme of Havana Nights.

There will be plenty of lush greenery at the MECC on Saturday, May 6 and the night promises to be “hot, hot, hot” on the dance floor, with the award-winning Salsa Kingz Band playing.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Havana Nights was the room theme for the Ball.

“Those attending will feel like they’ve taken a trip to Cuba for the night,’’ he said.

But the dress code for the Ball remained formal, Mr Williamson confirmed.

“It isn’t a fancy dress event, but ball-goers should feel free to accessorise to add to the Havana Nights feel,’’ he said.

This year’s ball will raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), to assist with operational costs of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, as well as Australian Street Aid Project, a Mackay charity in urgent need of funds to help support people experiencing homelessness.

It is the second year of sponsorship for the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, with Australian Street Aid replacing HeartKids Mackay, which has dropped out following its two years of tenure.

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) was established in 2018 by Mackay nurse Kayleigh Brewster.

She said the organisation had in recent months seen a dramatic increase in presentations of people experiencing homelessness in Mackay.

“Many of these people have one or more unmet medical needs,” Ms Brewster said.

“Homelessness is an isolating and scary experience, and chronic or acute pain contributes to both the difficulty of the journey and the feeling of hopelessness in finding a pathway out.

“This funding will directly impact the lives of many disadvantaged people in our community, and we are delighted to be beneficiaries of this year's Mayors Charity Ball.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia CEO, Tamara South, extended her sincere thanks to Mayor Williamson for council’s continued commitment to local families, who call upon the Charity in their greatest time of need.

“Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay Regional Council for their continued and extraordinary support,’’ she said.

“Funds raised from the generous community of local sponsors and attendees of this year’s event will help to ensure that RMHC North Australia continues to be there to support Mackay regional families when they need it most.”

Channel 7 fishing personality Scotty Hillier returns as Emcee again this year and there will also be the usual gala charity auction.

WHAT: 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball

WHERE: The MECC

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

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Mayor Greg Williamson, sporting a Fedora hat, at last week’s launch with representatives of 2023 Mayor’s Ball charity recipients Samantha Lee (right), of Ronald McDonald House, and Kayleigh Brewster, of Mackay’s Australian Street Aid Project

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A life is turned upside down by epilepsy every 33 minutes.

The team at Gardian Real Estate felt that impact last year, losing a colleague and friend to the disorder.

“We do a lot for epilepsy to remember him,” said Gardian Corporate Support Officer Kylie Darko.

This March, Gardian have set their directors a series of daring challenges to help raise money and awareness for epilepsy.

“We set certain goals, so the first goal was $250 and then all the directors of Gardian had to do the ice bath challenge,” said Ms Darko.

Gardian enlisted the assistance of Base Performance and Recovery who hosted the event and donated the session, inviting people to take part in a $10 ice bath with all funds going to Gardian’s cause.

Between 50 and 60 people took the plunge, raising $1480 for Epilepsy Queensland, with an extra 40 people coming along to watch and support.

With each milestone reached, directors will be tasked with new challenges including a 5km run dressed as a purple fairy, eating a fertilized duck egg, getting a purple ribbon tattoo and a hot yoga session dressed as a purple wiggle.

Gardian are no strangers to charity, frequently donating to local causes including the Mackay Hospital Foundation, Chances Café and more.

“We give back to the community and are very involved.”

To find out more and to donate, visit myimpact.epilepsyqueensland.com.au/fundraiser/Gardianmakesmarchpurple/gardian-makes-march-purple.

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The team at Gardian Real Estate plunged into ice baths last Friday, raising money for Epilepsy Queensland. Photos supplied

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Printmaker Marilyn Bliss is exhibiting her prints as part of the Sarina Arts Council exhibition now on show at the Sarina Art Gallery.

Marilyn had always wanted to paint and when she retired nearly 20 years ago, she joined an art group and went to quite a few workshops.  

Marilyn continued painting until about 10 years ago when Brigitte Zimmerman (Brizi) talked her into joining Printbank Mackay and since then she has spent her time printmaking.

Currently she uses copper or aluminium plates.

She now has her own press and last year sent prints to six exhibitions, three in Australia and three overseas.

Marilyn said she enjoys the challenge of creating new images using the age-old technology of printmaking.

In printmaking, plates are used to transfer an image onto another surface, usually paper.  

Tools or chemicals are used to create a design onto the plate which is inked and then applying pressure usually using a printing press to transfer the design onto paper.

Seven artists are displaying their works at the Sarina Art Gallery daily from 10am-3pm until March 24.

Other artists are Gail McKeown, Brigitte Zimmermann, Kerry Williams, Jenny Tibbett, Jodie Perna and Lenore Chapple.

The Sarina Art Gallery is in the Field of Dreams Parkland, with plenty of parking available.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Friday 24 March

Friday Jazz @ The Con featuring Dan Barnett

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @ the Con featuring Dr David Reaston (guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (saxophone), Jason Smyth-Tomkins (drums).

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Blake O'Connor // Finding Light Tour

Friday, 8:00pm

Guitar Slinger Blake O’Connor is often described as incorporating the outlaw country of Chris Stapleton, Soul of the blues of Tedeschi Trucks Band with the melodic soft rock of John Mayer. Catch him at the Met this Friday.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Saturday 25 March

Free Community Boot Camp

Saturday, 6:00am to 7:00am

Join Muscle Garden for their Free Community Boot Camp at the Mackay Gym. It’s absolutely free! Bring a friend or family member and have some fun. Please arrive 5 minutes early. All non-members welcomed. Bring a towel, water bottle and a smile.

Muscle Garden Health & Fitness Centre

Pocket Sessions - Autumn 2023

Saturday, 3:00pm

Join in for a day and night of live music in the rainforest. Featuring Late November, Will Blume, Stone Faced Heathens, The Wild Sky and Josh Vine and a performance by the amazing Tattyfaze Ablaze.

1195 Calen Mount Charlton Rd, Mount Charlton

Mackay Cutters Round 3

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as they take on Townsville Blackhawks. 10:45am | GATES OPEN. 11:30am | Cyril Connell Challenge. 1:00pm | Mal Meninga Cup. 2:30pm | Harvey Norman U19s. 4:00pm | Hastings Deering Colts (TRIAL). 6:15pm | Hostplus Cup.

BB Print Stadium

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 8:30pm

Market stalls, mini eat street, local musician, jumping castles and face painting. 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. Come and enjoy a night out with your family. It's not just another market, it’s a great family night out!

Mackay Showgrounds

Leaving Jackson - The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show

Saturday, 7:30pm

Relive the moments that captured the life of a legend! A life story played out through some of the greatest songs ever written. Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Walk the Line, Boy Name Sue, Ring of Fire, San Quinten, The Man in Black, Big River, Hurt, Get Rhythm, Sunday Morning coming down and much more. A heart-warming and inspiring night of music!

MECC

Sunday 26 March

Lifeline 60th Anniversary

Sunday, 9:15am

Songs, prayers and presentations by the Rev. Dr Julia Pitman and Edie Weiss, long-time volunteer telephone counsellor and suicide prevention trainer. Morning tea to follow – no need to RSVP, please just turn up.

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street, Mackay

Sunday Live Music – Mango Junction

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

Tuesday 28 March

Kucom Theatre Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, 7:00pm

The Kucom Annual General Meeting, including election of the 2023 Committee, is scheduled for Tuesday 28 March 2023. This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome to attend.

1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

Wednesday 29 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 30 March

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

Community Easter Activation

Thursday, 4:00pm

Join for an afternoon of Easter excitement. Teen Shed Teenagers will be setting up an Easter Activity station that will lead you along the new waterfront. Starting point is near Paxton Markets where you will be given a FIND IT card to stamp off on your Easter Hunt journey. Activities will involve Easter Cookie decorating (made by Jo Jo's Bakehouse), Tattoos, Get active activity, Photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, Bunny mask and Bunny ear decorating. Once you get to final destination, you will be gifted with Easter Eggs. You can then hang around and have dinner at the markets. This fun family friendly activity, is for anyone to join. We ask a gold coin donation which will go back to Teen Shed to help its growth.

Bluewater Quay

Practice Your Performance

Thursday, 6:00pm

PERFORMERS: Bring your music, instrument, monologue, family and friends to the "Practice Your Performance" night at the con. This is a free opportunity for anyone in the community to prepare a performance and deliver it on the beautifully lit stage. If you require an accompanist, Sarah Rozekrans will be there to help you out! Completely informal and relaxed, these evenings are a great opportunity for you or your music students. All are welcome to participate or to just watch.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

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Author Talks With Richard Evans

A local author, who has published eight political crime thrillers, is launching a series of talks at our local libraries and he is inviting the whole community to come along.

His inspiring and engaging talks will give attendees an insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ of his creative writing process and will also include some light entertainment with humorous political anecdotes from his time as a federal member of parliament.

At the event, you'll be enthralled by Richard's examination of parliamentary corruption, integrity, equity and inclusion, Aboriginal sovereignty, euthanasia, capital punishment, and the manipulation of election campaigns.

He shares his insider experiences in politics and business which inspire a driving energy in his fictional novels and makes each hard-hitting topic fresh and exciting with his quick wit and charismatic manner.

During the talk, Richard will also provide first-hand commentary on the challenges and successes of his traditional and self-publishing journey – giving both insight and encouragement to other aspiring authors.

One of the main organisers of the Whitsunday Writers Festival which, after a six-year hiatus is due to be revived in 2024, Richard will also be available to discuss the next event and answer any questions on the day.

The library author talks are free events and light refreshments will be provided.

Don't forget to bring cash or card to grab a signed copy of Richard's books for just $20.

Bookings are required through the library, so make sure to secure your spot by visiting libraries.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Richard Evans’ Author Talks

PROSERPINE LIBRARY: Friday, March 24 at 10am

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY: Thursday, March 30 at 10.30am

BOWEN LIBRARY: Thursday March 30 at 2pm

CANNONVALE LIBRARY: Friday, March 31 at 10am

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Richard Evans has published eight political thrillers

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The Multicultural Festival is due to take place at Whitsunday PCYC in May and organisers are looking forward to their new partnership with Whitsunday Regional Council in hosting the third iteration of this bi-annual event.

This is an opportunity for our community’s wide-ranging cultures and ethnic backgrounds to come together and celebrate their unique differences by sharing food, entertainment and conversation.

This year, organisers are planning for a jumping castle, tastes of the world food stalls with free taste testing, traditional dancers and musicians, a cultural dress parade, storytime, multi-cultural art workshops, raffles and more.

The festival first took place in 2019 and was started by Sergeant Billy Li from the Whitsunday PCYC in an effort to get the community back into the facility following lengthy repair works post Cyclone Debbie.

Sergeant Billy was familiar with hosting cultural events following his time in Brisbane and saw an opportunity to introduce one here.

The festival has since become a huge success with upwards of 500 people attending each event.

For the first time this year, they are in partnership with Whitsunday Regional Council and are looking forward to expanding the event further.

“The festival is a fantastic way for people to connect with each other,” said Sergeant Billy.

“And it’s good for us all to see that we live in a very diverse community, learn from each other and experience difference.”

If you are interested in showcasing your culture as a stall holder, vendor, educator, workshop facilitator, artist, musician or dancer you can lodge your expression of interest by going to the Your Say page on the Whitsunday Regional Council website.

WHAT: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival

WHERE: Whitsunday PCYC

WHEN: Sunday, May 21 from

TIME: 10am – 2pm

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Did you know that our community is made up of over 83 different ancestries with over 6,000 residents born overseas?

The Multicultural Festival is looking for performers and stall holders to participate in the event

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Monday is World Storytelling Day and local author, Natalie Stockdale, is inviting the community to come together and celebrate this ancient ritual by sharing personal anecdotes on a series of topics.

“Sharing stories brings a sense of connectedness, a sense of belonging,” said Natalie.

“This is an opportunity for people to feel seen, heard and valued – it is also really good for your wellbeing and resilience.”

This is the third time Natalie has hosted one of these events, but the first time in the Whitsundays.

Natalie is the author of two books that share stories of individuals overcoming life’s challenges.

By sharing their stories, she hopes to inspire others and show readers how to build resilience.

At the storytelling session, Natalie will draw on her experience working with others to create a fun and interactive morning where people share their reflections on key topics.

The topics include light warm-up exercises, and answering questions like whether you prefer dogs or cats – she will then move on to your proudest moment and your experience with random acts of kindness, among other inspiring themes.

Celebrate Storytelling Day this Monday by attending this nourishing and invigorating event where you can meet other like-minded people and feel connected to our broader community.

The tickets are $20 cash and a morning tea is included.

Reserve your space by emailing natalie@stockdalewellbeing.com.

WHAT: Storytelling Morning

WHEN: Monday, March 20 from 9.30am – 12pm

WHERE: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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While on set at Sinclair Bay, filming sea planes gliding across crystal clear, deep blue water, film producer Steve Jaggi took a break from shooting his latest production Love is in the Air to have a chat with Whitsunday Life about making movies in the Whitsundays.

How did Love is in the Air come into being and what was your role in that?

It’s a concept that we came up with a few years ago and we knew it’d be something really special. We worked with a series of writers on developing and brought on board Adrian Powers who’s the director, who we’ve worked with a few times before, a fantastic director. We’ve shot a lot of content in north Queensland before, but we’ve never had the opportunity to shoot in the Whitsundays. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do, I just find it so spectacularly beautiful up here. What’s unique with this film, compared to some of our other recent films, is this film is really targeted 100% at a domestic audience; set in Australia, for Australians, with an Australian cast.

What I find interesting as somebody who isn’t from Australia originally, in my travels over the last couple of years, particularly down south, is how few Australians have been to the Whitsundays which I find astounding because it is really one of the best places in the world so I thought it’d be really great to set an Australian film in the Whitsundays and show Australians how amazing and unique it is here. Not just the reef but the islands themselves, the topography of the islands, the people who live on the islands, how you get between the islands. The ecosystem up here is really appealing for a story and a great place to set an adventure rom com.

What is it about the north Queensland that keeps you coming back?

It’s the aspirational nature of being up here. For me, with my creative hat on, I know my specialty is making aspirational stories, making films and TV shows that people watch, and it transports them to somewhere they’d rather be, somewhere they can aspire to be. There are very few places on earth that are more aspirational than north Queensland.

What’s your opinion on the state of the film industry in Queensland?

I think it’s very healthy … Entertainment is a big part of the Queensland economy and it’s growing, with more and more streaming services and more access to content and because of the number of streaming services, the demand for content keeps rising.  The standard of living is rising, and more and more people are getting access to content, and they want to see new stuff, they want to see stuff that’s made in Australia.

We’ve had a lot of action in the Whitsundays lately, do you think we’ll see a peak in films being shot here?

I think it’s a steady incline. Now the pressure is on both the federal and state government to keep that there. I think the state government does such a spectacular job of incubating both foreign companies to come here but also helping domestic companies like ours to make content which is phenomenal. Now we just need to make sure the federal government continues to see value in entertainment rather than mining.

Are you taking any time off to see the sights?

It’s obviously tough being the producer and being on 24/7. Right now, in Sinclair Bay, it’s pretty bloody amazing. Some people would say that every day is a holiday for me – I would counter that and say it’s a very stressful time even though I’m spending my time in some beautiful locations … Once we wrap the film, I’ll stay up here another week and spend some time getting around the islands and checking things out.

Your IMBD paints you to be a very busy man, what’s next for you?

We are really busy, and I think that’s indicative of the film business. I can tell you that our production slate for the next three years is fully financed. We’re doing four more films this year and I think a lot of Australian companies are like that. If you went back before Covid, no company knew what they were doing six months into the future let along two years, so I think Covid has really changed the fortunes of domestic production companies.

Interview by Sam Gillespie.

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Steve Jaggi owns Jaggi Entertainment, a Logie and AACTA-nominated company responsible for producing Love is in the Air

L-R Roy Billing, Steph Tisdell, Director Adrian Powers, Delta Goodrem and Joshua Sasse on the set of Love Is In The Air. Image supplied.

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An educational yet engaging children’s book has just been released by local author, Sofia Fortunato, who shares the journey of her own science-based career and teaches young readers that any type of future is possible.

Entitled “Magic big sister”, the book is authored and illustrated by Sofia Fortunato and is the fifth in a series of books that teach about science and connect with nature.

The initial idea to write the book came four years ago while observing her children playing with cardboard boxes.  

“Which kid doesn’t like cardboard boxes? Right? Sometimes you just give them toys but then they would use their creativity and take a cardboard box to a whole new level, and that's exactly what this book is all about - creativity,” Mrs Fortunato said.

“Creativity is an important part of children's playtime and so it's for Science disciplines. In this book two sisters take you into their playtime while turning their games into exciting science adventures, using cardboard boxes.”

Magic Big Sister took four years for Sofia to finish.

“When I initially had the idea and wrote it, the story didn’t feel ready. It never felt ready,” explains the author.

“I wasn’t a perfectionist or anything like that, I was just certain that the story was missing something, and that something was the STEM educational part of it, the missing part was to teach my own background to children, Science careers!”

Sofia will be reading Magic big sister at the local libraries during the first week of the school holiday and will also have an official book launch at 3 Little birds, Airlie Beach, on April 5.

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Magic Big Sister is the fifth book released by local author Sofia Fortunato. Photo supplied

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A lucky Airlie Beach local was chosen to portray the young version of Delta Goodrem in the upcoming Netflix movie ‘Love Is In The Air’ currently filming in the Whitsundays.

Proserpine State High School student Lola Keyte was picked by producers to play a young version of Goodrem’s character Dana Randall, a seaplane pilot flying the tropic who finds herself falling for the man sent to sink her business.

Filmed across the Whitsundays – including at Whitsunday Coast Airport – the six-week production was in desperate need of a young Goodrem lookalike for a “prominent part of the film”.

Lola’s mother, Amy Keyte, said her 12-year-old daughter was picked by pure chance.

“I had sent a photo of myself to the production team hoping I would get a role and Lola was in the image,” Amy laughed.

“Then they called me up quick and asked if she could play the part of Delta as a child for a polaroid snapshot used in the film.”

The polaroid is a major part of the film with Delta continually referring back to it throughout the romantic comedy’s runtime, according to crew members.

“It was funny when we arrived, I don’t think Lola realised until we got there how serious it was,” her mother said.

“They put her in full hair and makeup and she was looking over at me making a face that just said, is this happening?

After taking the photo for the film, the crew introduced Lola to Delta: “Meet yourself as a 12year old girl.”

“Delta was just so lovely, and we really can’t wait to see Lola up on the big screen,” Ms Keyte said.

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Delta Goodrem met Airlie Beach local Lola Keyte who plays a younger version of her in the currently filming in the Whitsundays movie ‘Love Is In The Air’

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Local Caterers, Simply Yum, were asked to provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea to the Love Is In The Air cast and crew which consisted of 50 people.

Owners Kristel and Ivan Risteski were on-site every day with their food van which was able to travel between destinations and supply hot food whenever filming paused.

“It was an amazing experience and exciting to see how the movie was produced,” said Kristel.

“I can’t wait to see it all come together on-screen!”

The couple catered for the whole event and said it was an exciting but also demanding schedule where they had to be ready to serve and flexible with times, often receiving messages late in the evening and changing plans for the next day.

“I was very proud of my husband,” said Kristel.

“He served up amazing meals for 15 days straight and he didn’t cook the same thing twice!”

Each day the cast and crew were given a different themed meal – from Mexican to Asian – and all dietary requirements were catered for.

“It was just the two of us but we had such a great time – most of the filming was done either at Sinclair Bay or Shute Harbour Airport and we had great fun working on the airstrip,” said Kristel.

“It was nice that they sourced so much from local suppliers.

“They said there will be a couple more films coming up here this year – possibly one big one – and we are excited about that too!”

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Delta Goodrem, Kristel and Ivan Risteski and Joshua Sasse. Photo supplied

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