Schools, businesses and organisations across the region came together last week to celebrate Harmony Day.

Grade 6 students at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School celebrated Harmony Day by hosting a play, scavenger hunt, chalk art and eat street markets, celebrating the 46 different cultures represented in the school.

“We’ve been learning about refugees and asylum seekers and their cultural backgrounds and the culture they bring into Australia that creates Australia’s cultural diversity,” said St Joseph’s School Captain Farrah Hamilton.

“It’s important to celebrate cultural diversity and to thank everyone for coming into Australia and making it the amazing place that it is,” added fellow School Captain Mila Hinschen.

Mackay North State High School celebrated similarly with chalk art, dumplings and plenty of orange.

Meanwhile, Mackay Regional Council teamed up with the Neighbourhood Hub to celebrate Mackay’s multicultural community.

Multicultural groups shared their culture by wearing traditional dress and sharing information and guest speaker Indriani shared her story as an Indonesian migrant.

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St Joseph's Catholic Primary School celebrated Harmony Day last week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Mackay North State High School put their chalk art skills to the test. Photos supplied

Mackay Regional Council and Neighbourhood Hub held a Harmony Day event. Photos supplied

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‘The Boys’ are back in town for an enormous Easter Weekend of three back-to-back-to-back shows at The Airlie Beach Hotel in what they promise is “a performance like no other.”

The Pub is becoming one of Brisbane band Geed UP's regular stomping grounds – and they’re becoming one of the region’s all-time favourite shows.

They’re ticking off the list of events: Already, Geed UP have rocked it out on New Year’s Eve, rode the stage on Melbourne Cup Day, and they’re tackling Easter this year.

Arriving in Airlie Beach for a massive Weekend, Geed Up will rock out to rapturous applause – as they have time and again with local’s favourite local hosting them for three world-class performances.

Comprised of Khan, Stevie, and Mat - who first met when they formed a casual singing group on the Gold Coast almost 20 years ago – Geed Up lines up these three New Zealanders who cater to every crowd with show-stopping dance moves guaranteed to bring down the house.

For the fifth time at the Hotel, The Boys are getting set to show off their vocal versatility when playing all afternoon long in three separate inspiring (and Geed up) performances for the crowds.

“We’re no regular singing trio,” Khan said.

“What’s different about us is we’re high-octane, performative. We incorporate percussion, saxophone, keys and guitar, explosive breakdancing choreography and comedy - I like to think we’re special; we do it better than anyone.”

The high-energy choreography is weaved into the performance’s base musicality – making it a truly show-stopping treat of electrifying movement and foot-tapping tunes that can’t help but inspire audiences to groove along.

With every Geed UP show a new and unique one, expect no different here: This Easter Weekend will mix some of the old and the new; from laid-back music to fill the dance floor, this trio will deliver it all.

The International-level performers, known for their polished three-piece harmonies, blending their unique vocal styles into a fusion of soul, funk, edge, and class, will have the audience speechless all afternoon.

Influenced by all genres of music and their New Zealand culture, there is nothing that the boys of Geed Up can’t cater for.

Expect plenty of surprises with a brand-new trick or two up their sleeve for this Easter. Don’t miss these three very special and free shows.

What: Geed Up! Easter Weekend

When: Good Friday, April 7, Easter Saturday, April 8, and Easter Sunday, April 9, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm each day.

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Geed UP Music are back in Airlie Beach for an Easter Weekend like no other, courtesy of The Pub

The incredible trio will set the bar-top stage alight at The Airlie Beach Hotel with three separate afternoon performances

Geed Up will bring comedy, charisma, and choreography to Airlie Beach for their fifth-ever performance in the Whitsundays

Some of Australian music’s heaviest hitters are heading to Mackay after Unify Gathering announced their touring festival UNIFY Off The Record 2023.

The rock, metal and punk festival, usually held in South Gippsland, Victoria, announced it will be taking a break in 2023, touring a mini festival around Australia instead visiting Mackay, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart and Frankston.

“When we made the decision to skip the 2023 gathering, we knew right away that we wanted to do something to fill the space left,” the festival said in a statement.

UNIFY Off The Record will feature a diverse roster of acts, celebrating heavy music at an intimate club show at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Thornhill, Void of Vision, Young Lions, Wildheart and locals Arcade Stories will all be taking the stage in May.

The event will also include pop up stores, artist signings and workshops before and after doors, with the aim to bring as much of UNIFY on the road as is possible.

“UNIFY is obviously a music festival, but it’s also always been an opportunity to bring our heavy music loving community together to share our experiences and learn,” the statement continued.

“We’re taking that ethos with us on the Off The Record road trip, working alongside APRA AMCOS and Support Act to host some real-talk sessions on everything from song writing to mental health, and providing exclusive insight into some of the Off The Record artist’s own stories.

“You’ll also be able to hit up the travelling pop up merch shop, selling our exclusive UNIFY Off The Record merch and other hard-to-find goodies.”

WHAT: UNIFY Off The Record 2023

WHERE: Seabreeze Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, May 20

TICKETS: unifygathering.com

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Melbourne’s Thornhill will headline the UNIFYOff The Record in Mackay. Photo supplied

Art lovers and passionate community members are invited to a special cheese and wine evening due to be held at the 3 Little Birds Espresso Bar in Airlie Beach tonight.

The evening is dedicated to fundraising for mounting costs needed to facilitate the ongoing legal battle against the approved high-rise development at Port of Airlie.

Local action group, Save Our Foreshore, are heading to the Planning and Environment Court next month to ask that the 47.7-metre high-rise planned for the site is replaced with the three to five storey resort that adheres to the town plan.

Many local artists have shown their support for the cause by donating artwork which will be auctioned at this evening’s event.

A range of artworks are available, including paintings, a voucher for a portrait, ceramic vases, sculptures, a cast iron wall decoration, and a picture framing voucher.

All proceeds will go directly towards paying for upcoming legal costs.

“It will be an auction of a collection of fabulous art and craft works donated by Whitsunday artists, residents and friends of Save Our Foreshore,” said organiser Faye Chapman.

“We would like to thank all those wonderfully talented artists and craftspeople, and individuals who have generously donated works and their time for our auction.  

“Your support is vital for an event such as this. Thanks to you all.”

WHAT: Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Auction

WHEN: Friday, March 31

WHERE: 3 Little Birds Espresso and Creative Arts Hub, Airlie Beach

TIME: 5.30pm – 7.30pm

TICKETS: Entry by donation

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Reverend Dr Julia Pitman

This Easter you are invited to attend church to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God.

At Easter, Christians are called to put aside the cares of work, family, and holidays to worship the triumphant risen Lord. ‘Up from the grave he arose’, is the first line of the 1874 gospel song by Baptist pastor and church musician, Robert Lowry, ‘with a mighty triumph o’er his foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose, He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose.’

The Bible invites us to follow Jesus in his sacrifice of his life for the world and his resurrection from the dead. As we live our lives every day as baptised believers, we follow the path of Christ’s death and resurrection.

When we sacrifice our lives and live in the light of the resurrection, then we abolish fear, restore confidence, and abound in joy!

In the final verse of Charles Wesley’s famous hymn, ‘Christ the Lord is risen today’, our resurrection life is transcendent, like the path of an eagle: ‘Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head; made like him, like him we rise, ours the cross, the grave, the skies.’

REV. DR JULIA PITMAN

Minister, St Paul’s Uniting Church

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One of the country’s largest Comedy Festivals is sending its best and brightest on the road to arrive in Mackay on April 27.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow will return to the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) with familiar favourites from this year’s Festival line-up, alongside the most talked-about breakthrough stars of the moment.

Comedian, self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, and cheeky scallywag Brett Blake MCs the evening alongside internationally recognised comedian Anirban Dasgupta.

Blake brings his brilliant digs at Aussie culture and Dusgupta – who vaunts an Instagram following of over 155 thousand and over 15 million views on excerpts of his skits – his effortless stage presence.

Joining them on the line-up are Bronwyn Kuss, Stuart Daulman, and He Huang – certainly a guaranteed great night out.

Manager of MECC & Events Andrew Bobeldyk said comedy is always a popular choice for Mackay locals.

“Laughter makes us feel good and helps us relax. Each year we receive great feedback following the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. Our audiences always enjoy their night” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“The festival has visited the MECC 15 times in 15 years. It’s quite popular!” he continued.

The night of entertainment will begin at 6.30pm with live music in the MECC North Foyer by local musician Jonte Tupaea.

For a one-way ticket to laughter, those looking for their next comedy fix should book now.

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The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is bringing its stellar line-up to Mackay in April

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Sam Mendes’s ‘Empire of Light’ is beguiling, undoubtedly, eventually finding a flow after its early portions, which can often feel overwrought or anxious.

Directing and penning the film, Mendes has a deal to contend with. Though, with his credentials, audiences can back him. He has an immense and startling array of talent at his disposal – the invariably praised cinematographer Roger Deakins; the presently-deified (and justifiably so) Olivia Coleman. Yet, despite everything, the film begins in a woozy malaise, not knowing what it wishes to be. Ode to Cinema? Love story? Political and social commentary? An admixture of all?

Set against the backdrop of a post-Margaret Thatcher ‘80s Britain, the rheumy-eyed Hilary Small (Coleman) returns to, what is for her, drab work at a local cinema within her coastal township after her stay in a mental health institution.

Luckily, as is the case with Coleman’s Hilary, the film’s feeling of ennui subsides as hers does, and Empire of Light finds its feet through performances from Toby Jones, Michael Ward, and Coleman herself, as well as the faultless Deakins. At times, his cinematography is painterly: its landscapes remind of the piercing, evenly lit outdoor works of Edward Hopper; its interiors eerily akin to the painter's 'New York Movie'. Empire of Light is more of an art-deco-infused pastiche, with Deakins’ propensity for the gloriously long, drawn-out shadows.

Hilary is drawn out from her depression by the young, handsome, and black Stephen (Ward), a new hire at the cinema who rejuvenates her. I mention his race as it becomes the film’s central political treatise: The Thatcher-fuelled small town despises him, causing more misery for Hilary.

At its end, we are left with a question. Will their romantic tryst pull Hilary from here tristesse? That remains ambiguous. For most viewers, though, they may be dubious: the ending echoes Anton Chekov's The Lady with the Dog, only far more saccharine. There is a gesture towards hopefulness in its closing narration – a reading of Philip Larkin’s poem The Trees. We wonder, will love begin “afresh, afresh, afresh?”

Often moving, Empire of Light makes a grandiose sweep at love and loneliness with the help of a cinematographer at his zenith.

Empire of Light (MA15+) opens at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Tuesday, April 4.

Review by Declan Durrant

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Sam Mendes’s Empire of Light is a film of exquisite beauty courtesy of seasoned cinematographer Roger Deakins

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From The Venerable Dr Rosemary Dunn

Christ dies, and Christ lives. Sure, but what difference does it make to my life? Well, the Easter story is actually about everyone’s life. Jesus endures what all of us face at some time: betrayal, injustice, hurt, insults, suffering.

OK, most mightn’t face literal crucifixion – although some do. But suffering is a part of life and humans don’t seem to be able to stop this suffering.

But Christians understand that God, who created this universe in love and is love, comes into this world in Jesus to face all the rubbish that we do.

And although he suffers like us, he responds to that suffering in a way that most of us can’t- with love and forgiveness.

Jesus faces his tormentors and says: ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’. Jesus hands his accusers to God, for God’s will to be done: that his creatures find new life.

Jesus will not participate in the cycle of human vengeance – and so he breaks the cycle of death.  

In a world of destruction and cynicism,  Easter reminds us that God continues to share his compassion, love and grace with us, so that we can bring new life to our lives, now and forever.

Be blessed as you share Easter love with others!

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No skater starts knowing how to ollie, kickflip, or even just move forward on the board – and that’s where Bowen PCYC’s free Skateboarding Workshop comes in.

The local not-for-profit organisation is inviting enthusiasts of all ages and all abilities to head to Queens Beach Skate Park this weekend for live demonstrations, tutorials, and a free sausage sizzle.

The Skateboarding Workshop will begin Saturday for beginners from the ages of 5-17 from 2.00pm to 3.15pm, then invites Intermediates from age eight upwards to join on the same day from 3.45pm to 5.00pm.

On Sunday, the park is welcoming all abilities and all ages of skateboarders from 9.30am to 11.00am before a live demonstration from a group of high-level skateboarders from ‘Rumble on the Reef’ -Mackay’s annual national skateboarding festival and competition.

Bowen PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Michelle O’Regan said they are excited to be able to continue working alongside the Rumble team to bring these workshops to Bowen.

“Donny Fraser, who is a part of the Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative, and the Rumble Team have a wealth of experience to offer for our skateboarders in Bowen,” Sergeant O’Regan said.

“We are extremely lucky to have them – it’s even made me consider jumping on a skateboard!”

The Skateboarding Workshop is currently the last of its kind planned for 2023, though Sergeant O’Regan said more were “in the works” and the PCYC will host a skateboarding competition in June.

What: Skateboarding Workshop

When: Saturday, April 1 from 2.00pm, and Sunday, April 2 from 9.30am

Where: Queens Beach Skate Park

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Bowen PCYC will host a Skateboarding Workshop at Queens Beach Skate Park this weekend

It was one year ago that the Mackay community excitedly came together to check out the new watering hole in town, Red Dog Brewery.

Offering fresh and flavourful beers made onsite, as well as a unique range of independent spirits and drinks, Red Dog clearly filled a gap in the market because, one year on, the brewery is going stronger than ever and is excited to invite everyone back for a big first birthday celebration.

Celebrations will kick off with beers pouring from 1:00pm tomorrow, Saturday April 1.

The brewery’s “Win Your Weight in Beer” promotion will get underway at 4:00pm, with draws every half hour until the main draw at 7:00pm, followed by a headline set from local band Wild Sky to entertain crowds into the night.

Head Brewer Jamie “Woodsy” Woods reflected on the year; the result of a bold decision to leave his office job and follow his passion for beer.

“It’s been a great ride so far,” he said.

“Everyone’s been really supportive, and we just keep doing what we do, and people keep showing up and supporting us.”

Throughout the year, the team at Red Dog has experimented with 10 different beers, all suited to the Mackay market, with their red ale even claiming 34th spot in the GABS Aussie Craft Beers New Releases Hottest 100.

The newest drop launches tomorrow, a session XPA that has become Jamie’s favourite.

“It’s a mid-strength, hoppy American pale ale,” he said.

“It’s right where I want it to be; it’s not super heavy in terms of alcohol content but it’s got all the flavours that you want in a craft beer.

“I think it’ll be popular.”

You may have also enjoyed a schooner of Red Dog at other venues including Hotel Mackay, The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Bar 94, Rare and Mackay Golf Club, with the brewery selling wholesale throughout the region.

They’ve also expanded to include a truck bar and are about to begin canning their beers, so enjoying a Red Dog beer is about to become easier than ever.

Not only has Red Dog provided the Mackay community with a unique watering hole, but the brewery has fostered many local musicians over the year, serving as an ideal location for live music.

The brewery has extended their license area for tomorrow’s celebrations and will have the pizza kitchen pumping out delicious hot pizzas.

“For those people that are thinking, ‘Should we come?’ definitely come out because we’ve got plenty of extra space for everyone,” Jamie said.

After a year of highlights, celebrations and memories made, Jamie is looking forward to commemorating the milestone in style and said there’s more to come.

“There’s something exciting in the works that we’ll be able to share with everyone shortly,” he said.

WHAT: Red Dog Brewery’s 1st Birthday

WHEN: Saturday, April 1 from 1:00pm

WHERE: Red Dog Brewery

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Woodsy and the team are celebrating one year ofRed Dog Brewery tomorrow. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Friday 31 March

Autumn Orchid Show

Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday, 8:00am to 3:00pm

Mackay and District Orchid Society Inc presents their Autumn Orchid Show at the Sporting Wheelies Hall. Orchids for sale. Pots, Potting Medium, Tags etc. Orchid Culture Demonstrations. $2 coin donation. Raffles Email: mdos.secretary@gmail.com. Phone 0435002990. Webpage: www.mdos.com.au.

Sporting Wheelies Hall, 78 Bridge Road, South Mackay

CASA Monthly BBQ

Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Come down for a snag and a yarn.

CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc.

Open Mic Night

Friday, 7:00pm

The headliner for Open Mic Night is Patricia O’Brien-Price visiting from Maryborough, with MC Deanne from North Queensland hosting the night. If you have thought about giving stand-up comedy a go, send Mackay Open Mic Comedy Group a Facebook message and they will put you on the list (strictly five minutes or less). Doors open at 7PM. $10 Entry at the door.

Ambassador Hotel

Film & Arts Mackay Film Night: FULL TIME

Friday, 7:30pm

The marvellous Laure Calamy demonstrates the phenomenal range of her talents in writer/director Eric Gravel’s gripping new drama FULL TIME, as a single woman pushed to her limits when the delicate balance between her home and work life is upended. AGM prior to screening from 7.00pm.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Karlie Wise Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Friday, 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel and dance the night away.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 1 April

Mackay Cutters Round Four

Saturday, 9:15am

9:15am | GATES OPEN. 10:00am |Cyril Connell Challenge. 11:30am | Mal Meninga Cup. 1:00pm | Harvey Norman Women's. 2:30pm | Hastings Deering Colts (TRIAL). 4:15pm |BMD Premiership. 6:15pm | Hostplus Cup. Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as they take on CQ Capras.

BB Print Stadium

Come, Try N Play Wheelchair Rugby League

Saturday, 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Wheelchair Rugby League is not just a sport for people with disabilities. It is an inclusive sport that is a variation of the rugby league running game. People with and without disabilities play on the same team. Men, women, boys and girls can all play Wheelchair Rugby League. NRL Wheelchair invites you to come along and try this all-inclusive recreational activity. Whether you are interested in playing, volunteering or supporting – or would like to know more about the game – everyone is welcome. People who register and attend will receive a free participation pack. This is the perfect way to see what the sport is all about.

Mackay PCYC

Red Dog Brewery’s 1st Birthday

Saturday, 1:00pm

Celebrate one year of fine brews at Red Dog Brewery. With plenty of prizes on offer, the pizza kitchen open and Wild Sky performing from 7, it’s sure to be a worthy celebration.

Red Dog Brewery

SUNDAY 2 APRIL

Calen Chappy Chat and Dedication Service

Sunday, 12.30pm-1.30pm Chappy Chat

Sunday, 2.15pm Dedication of signage and school chaplain

Join the Calen Uniting Church for their free Chappy Chat informal question and answer session at lunchtime.

Stay on into the afternoon for a church service and sumptuous afternoon tea with Lesley Tunnah on guitar, children’s talk and activities, and a dedication of new signage with signwriter Maree Gutschlag and Alun Tunnah as the new Calen District State School Chaplain. All welcome!

Calen Uniting Church, 42 McIntyre Street, Calen

Monday 3 April

Free Eggciting Easter Activities

Monday to Saturday

Hippity hop, Easter’s on its way and Caneland Central have plenty of FREE Easter Activities to keep your little ones entertained! You can get your face painted, enjoy crafts, meet the Easter bunny and take part in the Mega Easter Egg Hunt!

Caneland Central

Free Teen Confidence Building Workshop

Wednesday, 9:00am to 3:00pm

First day of school holidays and what better way to start the two weeks off than with a fun-filled day learning all things self-confidence and Teen building. Phil will guide you in how to feel good within yourself, stand up and be proud, work through certain situation and stand strong and proud. Phil’s training style is second to none and he just gets the Teens. He is enthusiastic to make a change in our Teenagers’ lives. Your teen will be wanting to come back for more.

Get It Done Training

Tuesday 4 April

Yoga for Youth

Tuesday, 4:45pm to 5:45pm

Welcoming all teens aged 12 - 18 to the Yoga for Youth Class over the school holidays. Join in for a 60-minute Vinyasa (flowing) Yoga Class exclusively for teens. This class is suitable for beginners through to advanced yoga students and is a safe and supportive space for teens to explore the many benefits of yoga, to connect with other teens and more importantly, yourself. BYO: yoga mat and water bottle. Attire: Comfortable clothing for movement. $10 per student. Online bookings essential as tickets are capped.

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School

Wednesday 5 April

Soul Jam Wednesdays at The Kooyong Hotel

Every Wednesday, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Soul Jam has an intimate room to itself where they will be hosting another friendly space to share your originals, jam with others and experiment with music. They supply a drummer and guitarist, bass also available. All artists are welcome including Slam Poetry and comedians.

The Kooyong Hotel

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 6 April

Chair Yoga in North Mackay

Every Thursday, 2:00pm

Using a chair for support (either sitting or standing) Chair Yoga is a practice of gentle movement, combined with mindful breathing & meditation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to focus on a gentle, nurturing practice. Chair Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, concentration & strength while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Bookings are essential. Call or text your full name to 0434 940 300 or message the Wellness With Deb Facebook page.

Palmview Village Community Centre, via Oasis Drive / Bradford St.

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 dessert.

Bluewater Quay

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Entries are now open for Mackay`s prestigious Woollam Art on Show Awards.

Mackay Show Association announced the launch of Mackay`s highly popular, non- acquisitive 2023 National Art Prize, returning August 4-7, with new additions to further highlight art and culture in the region.

Celebrating seventeen years of art excellence, The Mackay Show Association’s initiative behind establishing The Art on Show Awards was to take the arts to a higher level of professionalism within the context of a community art competition in the show “arena”.

The Association strives to seek a significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate and nationwide while providing a high standard of presentation.

Art on Show plays an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future as a high-profile arts event and provides an educational role, raising awareness and promoting the arts to patrons who attend the event and the Mackay Regional Show.

The Art on Show Awards have five sections of entry with the major prize the Woollam Art on Show Award being $3,000 and the total prize purse increasing to $12,000.

As always, Mackay Show Association has secured the services of a high-profile judge with nationally and internationally acclaimed Australian artist Anneke Silver judging this year’s competition.

Townsville Artist Dr. Anneke Silver loves the tropical North as a place to live, and the diversities of subject matter it offers, from interpretations of landscape to rainforests, vast expanses of the outback as well as the typical architecture.

Most of her life has been divided between art practice and art teaching, enjoying the interaction between the two.

Art on Show is the starting point for many local artists to exhibit and launch their careers, also focusing on unearthing new talent amongst emerging high school senior art students by working closely with our region’s Art Educators

All works will also be available for purchase during the exhibition.

Art on Show will open on the evening of Friday, August 4 and the exhibition will be open until Monday, August 7.

Visit artonshow.com.au for more information and to enter.

WHAT: Art on Show

WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds

WHEN: Friday, August 4 until Monday, August 7

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Winner of the 2022 Art on Show Award Artist Emily Jayne Carroll and her work entitled Fredrick

Artist Dr Anneke Silver, nationally and internationally acclaimed Australian artist, will judge the 2023 Art on Show Awards competition

Coordinator Melissa Broadhurst and Cynthia Williams view entries in 2022 exhibition. Photos supplied

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Meet The Dancers

Part 3

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

Tonight, 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 the last two dancers taking to the dancefloor tonight and the dance teacher behind it all.

Kay Nyenuh – Muscle Garden

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

Dancing is not something I’d usually put my hand up for let alone doing it on stage in front of a crowd! But anyone who knows me well would know that I’d do anything for charity, especially for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. So here we are!

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is amazing. I am not a natural at a lot of things and dancing is definitely one of those but what I don’t have a shortage of is the ability to put in the work to get better. Dolly is patient and she knows her stuff so we’re getting there.

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

I don’t know about getting on the dance floor but I can definitely move my body to any RnB, Hip Hop or any Rock song with a good beat and sound, lyrics and melody.

What is your go to dance move?

I’m African so dancing with the hips is a given.

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

Given that they’re working with Dolly, I think it’ll be very entertaining.

Cathy Sullivan – Mount Pleasant

Why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

I am very passionate about the Mackay Community and like to do what I can to help where I can.  At Mount Pleasant, we are committed to giving back to our community and this is one way I can do that, by raising funds for the Hospital Foundation and having some fun at the same time.

How have your dance lessons with Dolly been?

Dolly is an amazing teacher and I am learning so much! She is very patient. I have about 80% of the dance done, now I need to practice what I’ve learnt so far to be ready for the final moves.

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

I can’t let an opportunity to do the Nutbush pass me by.

What is your go to dance move?

I don’t really have one, although if I don’t really know the song, a bit of a side step sway will do!

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

I’m expecting nothing but the best from everyone on the night. We are all community-oriented people and although everyone is extremely nervous, like me, they are all willing to step outside their comfort zones to provide the audience with a once in a lifetime show!

Dolly Louw – Dance Teacher (Fame Talent School)

How and why did you get involved in Dancing with Heart?

I was contacted by the Hospital Foundation to see if I would be interested in choreographing and training the dancers. I had heard a similar charity event had been held in Brisbane and that it was a huge success. I love helping out and thought it was a great opportunity for me.  

How has your work with all the dancers been?

It’s been an absolute blast. I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone. Dancing on stage really takes you out of your comfort zone. The dancers have all worked hard and are bringing lots of energy to their performances. The audience is going to love it. It’s very hard to compare teaching adults for performances like this, with teaching my regular students. These guys are complete novices, but the really cool thing is, they can dance better than they ever imagined they could.

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

I love all 80s music.

What is your go to dance move?

I love a good chair dance.

This has been pretty epic to put this show together because everybody works different hours and personally, I am busy with the studio and family life. My Fame backup dancers have been fabulous and have given up their free time to come and rehearse on both weekdays and Sundays. I really appreciate the effort they have put in. On the night, I hope we raise the roof and a whole lot of money for the Hospital Foundation. It’s a very grassroots and practical cause.

WHAT: Dancing With Heart

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Tonight, Friday March 31

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See Gallery here

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Dungeons And Dragons: Honour Among Thieves

If you put all the prosaic fantasy stuff into a soup (all the goblins and taverns and caverns, magic whatsits and wyverns and wizards) then served it in the Witch King’s helmet, you’d have this ghoulish goulash they call Dungeons and Dragons. An apocryphal, derivative, generic fantasy thing -that ends up, somehow, surprisingly edible -- in fact, it’s quite delicious.

I jest, though, in some respects. Dungeons and Dragons is not so simplistic and thieving as that. Because all those fantasy genre tropes, those cliches and old chestnuts, either came into being through the famed boardgame or were brought back in fashion by it.

For almost 50 years, Dungeon’s and Dragons has been a cultural touchstone for fantasy nerds everywhere, whether you’d played it or not. And now, for the second time in two decades, it has received a big-screen adaptation: “Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves”. This time, it’s courtesy of John Francis Daley and Jonathon Goldstein who took pointers from the start of this review: they packed the whole kit and kaboodle into this one.

They knew they didn’t need to reinvent the sword to make a good Dungeons and Dragons film. Stack in the traditional elements, throw in a few comedically charged dragons and singing, and watch the dice fly.

We follow the charming thief (and singing bard) Edgin, played by Chris Pine, and his band of unlikely, motley adventurers as they embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic. What could be more regular than that? It would be strange if their charming adventure didn’t go dangerously awry (which it does) and they didn’t run afoul of the wrong people (tick that box there).

By definition, this kind of film needs to look and be somewhat run of the mill. What Goldstein and Daley do to mitigate that is to throw in some curve-fireballs, a few D1 and D20 rolls on the dice, and some heartful moments punctuated by quippy humour. It all adds up to make Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, a ridiculous romp of fantastical proportions.

Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves is showing from March 31 at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Review Written by Declan Durrant

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Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Justice Smith in ‘Dungeons And Dragons: Honour Among Thieves’

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