Mackay Churches Together Pentecost Service

At 4pm on Sunday 28 May, in celebration of the Day of Pentecost, Christians from different denominations will walk, pray and sing together.

The spirited walk will follow the footpaths from St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street, to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Gordon Street, to the Salvation Army, Gregory Street, and back again to St Paul’s Uniting Church.

Inspired by the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, the account of the coming of the Holy Spirit on people of all nations, prayers will encourage Christian unity amid world-wide fear, conflict, and deprivation, work for peace, justice and care of God’s creation, and people of all ages to demonstrate God’s love in Mackay.

Walkers may park at or near St Paul’s, drop off a plate of supper in the St Paul’s Church Hall, walk over to Holy Trinity Anglican where the prayers will start and go around three city churches accompanied by members of the Mackay and District Pipe Band.

People not able to walk may sit in St Paul’s Uniting Church, rest, pray, listen to Mavis Braithwaite play the pipe organ, and wait for others to return for final prayers, song and supper. Please wear comfortable shoes, red, orange and yellow colours for Pentecost, and bring supper, water bottle, hat and sunscreen.

Contact: Rev. Dr Rosemary Dunn, Anglican Church, 0431 562 680.

Rev. Dr Julia Pitman, Secretary, Mackay Churches Together

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Artist Margaret O’Neill has turned full circle with her recent return to Sarina.

Margaret, who was one of seven artists displaying their works at the Sarina Art Gallery during May, now lives at Campwin Beach with husband Gary, a place she where spent many happy holidays when she was young.

“I was born at Townsville but christened at Sarina, and I had a lot of family from here,” she said.

“I spent many happy holidays at Campwin and now we can walk the beach each day.”

Margaret was a teacher for 34 years, initially in Victoria but later in the southern Queensland district, teaching senior English and history.

One of her works, an acrylic titled Overboard, has a story to it with an artistic twist.

“Some kids were playing with a beach ball on a ship inbound to Australia and lost a beach ball overboard, never to be seen again,” she said.

“I changed it to a life ring in the painting, and the cliffs are from my memory of Port Campbell National Park and in particular Loch Ard Gorge on the Great Ocean Road on the Victorian south coast.

“Funnily enough it was mentioned on the news last night.

“They have noticed a huge crack near the stairs leading down to it and have blocked users attempting to climb down to the beach.

“Many years ago, I found a gold wedding ring there and threw it back into the sea.”

The cliffs are named after the Loch Ard which ran aground in 1878 with only two survivors.

Others displaying their works were former South African Tia Gabriella, Kerry Williams, Jodie Perna, Jenny Tibbett, Susan Day and Lenore Chapple.

The gallery, near the Sarina Sugar Shed, is open 10am-3pm daily with free admission when a display is under way.

A new exhibition will start next month.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Artist Margaret O’Neill with her painting Overboard, a story of a mishap at sea with an artistic twist

Lenore Chapple’s Look Up Wisteria.

Tia Gabriella’s Gum Trees.

Susan Day’s Humpback Whales. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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This Queensland Day, visit Bowen for the Flavours of Bowen Festival and experience the best that the region has to offer.

As part of the region’s 2023 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations, Bowen’s Flavours of Bowen Festival will be held on Saturday, June 3, and showcase the best local produce, food and drink vendors, workshops, light entertainment, and cultural dancing.

The festival itself is hosted by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and has support from Bowen Tourism and Business, and the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The festival is set to further community connections and attract visitors to the region, according to Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers, Ry Collins.

“It will highlight our region’s rich agricultural history, producers and multicultural influences,” Mr Collins said.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to celebrate Queensland Day by highlighting everything that is great about our fresh produce.”

Bowen and Whitsunday farmers employee more than 3,500 skilled and unskilled workers and has an influence of $450 million in economic output.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business Jenn Honnery said, “The people who come here to work, short and long term, obviously want to enjoy the beauty of the region.”

The Flavours of Bowen Festival aligns with the iconic Big Mango’s 21st birthday taking place just nine days afterwards.

“This gives us another chance to promote Bowen as a wonderful holiday destination and offer visitors the opportunity to discover the vibrant horticultural industry that really brings our town to life,” she said.

WHAT: Flavours of Bowen Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 11am to 4pm

WHERE: Bowen Soundshell

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With a massive lineup spanning three and a half days, the 135th Bowen River Rodeo is gearing up to a weekend of fun, excitement, and high energy acts.

“People from all over Australia make the travel to come to this event,” said Kim Whalan, secretary and Treasurer of the Bowen River Committee.

The weekend will begin with the campdraft, scheduled half a day earlier than usual because of high competitor registrations.

Friday will have the special guest competition of Xtreme Broncs and Xtreme Breakaway Roping while on their tour, showcasing the best of the best in horse riding and racing.

Friday night will have headliner Wade Forster, Winton local and rising country and western musician play the night away.

Saturday will mark the start of the full APA rodeo, with three arenas showcasing all the action, with more live entertainment and performances through the evening.

Every member of the family will be covered with entertainment with a wide variety of market stalls and vendors, and tonnes of food and drink vans and face painting for the kids.

The Bowen River Rodeo is celebrating its 135th year, which has the committee excited for the 2023 event.

“It’s pretty good that the rodeo has been going on for so long,” said Kim.

“The Rodeo has kept going, and people still come out, which is great.

“And we’ve put more things in place to keep it going.”

With the 2022 event selling about 3,000 tickets, there are high expectations for the 2023 event.

So grab your Cowboy hats and your leather boots, and bring your friends and family to one of the biggest local events of the year!

WHAT: Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft

WHERE: 41 Mount Wyatt Road, Collinsville

WHEN: Thursday 8 June to Sunday 11 June

TICKETS: Whitsunday Tickets

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Expect high thrills and good energy at the 2023 Bowen River Rodeo

Fun for the whole family, with full APA rodeo

The 135th Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft is not an event to miss

The last weekend of May is turning out to be jampacked, with the Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club holding their annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show.

The day is free for everyone and has something for the entire family, including food and drink vendors, kids’ entertainment and activities, and live music from local musician, Paul Berger throughout the day.

Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea, the Car and Bike Show will showcase the best of the Car Club, with the parade through Airlie Beach to the Coral Sea Marina Gardens from 8am.

Excitingly, there will also be a Kids Show and Shine, so even the youngest car and bike enthusiast can show off their ride to an eager crowd.

With multiple prizes, including the hot ticket item five nights stay at the Coral Sea Marina Resort, on offer, be sure to register your car or bike and not miss out.

Entry is free but anyone who donates $5 or more go into the draw for more fantastic prizes.

And all money raised from the event will be donated to the Queensland Country Women’s Association Proserpine and Whitsundays branch.

This is sure to be a day with fun in the sun, so bring your picnic blanket and take it all in.

WHAT: Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 8am to 3pm

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The Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine is the place to be this weekend

Venture to Hydeaway Bay this July and experience the amazing art created by amateur and professional artists, local to Hydeaway Bay, Dingo Beach, and Cape Gloucester.

Taking place only every two years, the Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo is a perfect show for a quiet weekend.

While showcasing the beautiful art of locals, including pottery, textile pieces, quilting, photography, woodworking, and jewellery making, there will also be craft demonstrations and workshops, shopping alley, and kids craft space.

Children can be a part of the Rock Art Creations workshops hosted by Jenny Hock, to learn the hidden talent of rock painting and art.

Be sure to bring a shopping bag because the shopping alley will entice all with a large variety of handmade goods and items available for purchase.

Only open to artists who either live or participate regularly in the Gloucester artist movement, this expo is sure to showcase many projects and design never seen to the public before, that are sure to surprise many.

However, you might recognise a few exhibitions from artists whose pieces are regularly displayed and exhibited in galleries and art spaces around Australia.

Come along in July and be immersed in the hidden talent that is in our region.

WHAT: Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo

WHERE: Gloucester Sport and Recreation Association, 417 Hydeaway Bay Road, Hydeaway Bay

WHEN: Saturday July 1, 9am to 4pm, and Sunday July 2, 10am to 3pm

ENTRY: $5 adult, $2 child (children under five free)

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Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo showcases only local artists

Following on from the massive success of the inaugural 2022 event, the Lions Club Charity Golf Day is back this June!

Businesses and members of the community are encouraged to get together a team, no matter the skill level, enthusiasm is the main ingredient needed for a great day on the green.

There will be prizes awarded to players throughout the day and community raffles on offer.

There will also be live music in the afternoon, food and drink vendors and raffles for spectators and players alike.

The 2022 event raised over $10,000 for the Proserpine Hospital.

“We were quite surprised with the amount we raised last year,” said Allan Gravelle of the Whitsunday Lions Club.  

The funds were spilt between the maternity ward, the children’s ward, and the palliative care ward, with $6,000 being used to purchase chairs for patient families.

“One of the major items was chairs that convert into beds worth $6,000, mainly used by parents when their children are being treated in hospital. They are being well received,” said Mr Gravelle.

For the 2023 event, the Lions Club will distribute the funds to local causes and charities throughout the year, with Proserpine Hospital a likely recipient once again.

“We hope for good weather and good involvement, considering what a great turnout we had last year.”

Be sure to register for the event and not miss out!

WHAT: Whitsunday Lions Charity Golf Day

WHERE: Whitsunday Green Golf Club

WHEN: Sunday, June 11

REGISTER: 64.com.au/lionsgolfday

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The 2022 event had unprecedented support, with expectations high for 2023. Photo supplied

Two of the biggest Aussie legends are gracing the Airlie Beach Hotel stage next weekend, in a powerful classic rock grudge match not to miss.

Led by talented front men of the widely popular and energetic tribute acts, this battle of the legends will rock audiences, leaving them thunderstruck and mystified.

On the INXS side of the ring is the Australian INXS Show, led by Dellacoma Rio with his six-piece band bringing the big guns and taking the audience on a journey through the INXS classics and hits that pushed the band into all-time stardom and infamous notoriety.

Dellacoma has been a faithful tribute to Michael Hutchence for over 15 years, with his uncanny resemblance and powerful vocals, and is prepared to represent INXS on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

The classic sounds of the Aussie rock band bring the good times and the Airlie Beach Hotel are ready to ease audiences into the weekend.

“This show will have tonnes of energy,” said INXS front man Dellacoma Rio.

“It will be our first time performing with Adam Spizzo and the show was specifically designed for the Airlie Beach Hotel, and with Adam Spizzo, there will be a lot of energy and so much more audience interaction and surprises.”

On the other side of the ring is Adam Spizzo, from High Voltage – The AC/DC Experience.

Adam does the dirty deed, and he does it well, encompassing the passion of AC/DC and of Angus Young.

His heart-pounding and blood-churning performance blends perfectly with INXS, in the best grudge match of the year.

Adam is no newcomer to Airlie Beach, growing up in Mackay and often trekking to Airlie Beach for a weekend of fun and high energy.

“For the past four months, I have been jumping with excitement,” said Adam Spizzo.

“I am super excited to perform with Dellacoma on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

“He is an absolute monster on the stage.

“There will be an hour of the best AC/DC, an hour of INXS, and then an hour of classic Australian rock.

“It will be an absolute blast.”

This breathtaking Australian made show of classic Aussie legends is perfect for a cool Autumn afternoon, with intensity and energy sure to erupt on stage and into the audience.

Adam and Dellacoma are renowned for their passion and enigmatic stage presence, dominating crowds with guns in the sky on the highway to hell and this is not a show to miss at the Airlie Beach Hotel, Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4.

“Airlie Beach is like a second home for us, and we’re excited to be coming back,” said Dellacoma.

“All I can say is that Airlie Beach, we’re coming for you!” Adam said.

WHAT: INXS vs AC/DC

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday June 3 and Sunday June 4

TIME: 2pm to 5.30pm both Saturday and Sunday

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INXS with AC/DC are coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for the grudge match of the year

Adam Spizzo represents AC/DC and his sound is powerful and energetic on stage

Airlie Beach Hotel bringing the biggest Aussie legend tribute bands to the area

In the next instalment of Disney’s live action remakes of childhood classics is The Little Mermaid.

In this remake, Ariel is played by 23-year-old Halle Bailey, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and the voices of Daveed Diggs as crab Sebastian and Jacob Temblay as fish Flounder.

The Little Mermaid follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid who wishes to explore the human world. One day, she saves the human Prince Eric from a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him.

This furthers her determination to explore the human world, against her father’s wishes, the kingdom Atlantica’s ruler King Triton.

She runs from her father’s disappointment and fear, and becomes entangled with Ursula, a manipulative sea witch, who wishes for the demise of King Triton.

She convinces Ariel to trade her beautiful voice for a pair of human legs, so that Ariel can go onto land and be with Eric.

This is when the trouble begins for Ariel, as she attempts to impress Prince Eric and is encompassed by Ursula’s greed and her father’s worry.

This live action remake is incredibly faithful, professional, and whimsical all at once.

Old fans of the childhood classic, and new fans discovering the character for the first time will fall in love with Ariel and her antics, as she balances her new world, her secret, and the inability to speak with the love of her life.

The CGI is convincing and retains the heart of the original film.

The entire cast are faithful to the tale but give the characters a human touch and human connection that the original film was missing.

Perhaps because it is live action rather than animated?

Who knows, but rest assured audiences will be glued to their seats watching this remake, one of Disney’s best.

The Little Mermaid opens at the Bowen Cinema Friday, May 26.

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The Little Mermaid, great for new and old fans

Our unique and diverse cultures were celebrated at the Multicultural Festival on Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying free activities that offered them the opportunity to learn more about different countries and communities.

From food stalls inspired by cuisine from around the world, indigenous workshops using native flora, handbags crafted using traditional techniques and authentic Ukrainian headdresses – the event gave an insight into the diverse range of cultures in our region.

This was the third event of its kind and the first year that the Whitsunday PCYC collaborated with the Whitsunday Regional Council to host the event.

The addition of a Citizenship Ceremony was a popular choice.

“It was wonderful for new citizens to see we are a multicultural country,” said Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC.

“The event was a great success!”

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With the Million Paws Walk coming up, RSPCA Mackay Shelter Manager Jacqueline Smith is calling on the community to get involved after a three-year hiatus.

On Sunday, May 28, locals and their furry friends will walk and play, with every step and dollar helping to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need just like Ms Smith’s recent adoptee Millie.

Two-year-old ridgeback Millie came into RSPCA Mackay’s care in 2022 with severe injuries to her front and back left legs after running through a barbed wire fence.

Instead of seeking professional treatment, her previous owners plastered her legs themselves.

“We would recommend seeing a vet ASAP. It’s left her with a limp, but as she’s come along, she’s improved a lot more than they thought she would’ve,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith fostered Millie for a couple of nights and “ended up falling love”, ultimately adopting her.

“They thought she’d have to go through all these surgeries, and I made the decision not to and she’s just healed with a lot of love and a lot of care,” she said.

“As she gets older, she will get onset arthritis earlier than most dogs, but right now she’s running like a racehorse with my other dog, so I have no worries.”

With 6,359 dogs turning to RSPCA Queensland last year for a second chance, RSPCA Queensland’s Chief Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester said Million Paws Walk is a wonderful opportunity for locals to support the 47,000 animals who require assistance and intervention from RSPCA annually.

“All funds raised go directly to the RSPCA, which includes helping us rehome over 10,0000 animals in Queensland each year,” Dr Chester said.

“Some of the 6,000 plus dogs that came into our care last year experienced awful mistreatment, abandonment or were bred to turn a profit, so each step you take at Million Paws Walk helps us in our fight to save lives.”

RSPCA Mackay has raised the most funds for 2023 so far out of all shelters in Queensland and Ms Smith sees firsthand where the funds help.

“If any animal comes into our care, at least we know the community’s helping for medicals, food or even a blanket to sleep on,” she said.

For a great dog-friendly day out, while helping to raise vital funds for animals in need, joins RSPCA Mackay at Queens Park on Sunday, May 28.

Registration opens at 8:00am and the walk will kick off at 9:00am, with food vans, market stalls, competitions, games, family entertainment and raffles, all in support of a great cause.

WHAT: Million Paws Walk

WHEN: Sunday, May 28 from 8:00am to 12:00pm

WHERE: Queens Park

REGISTRATION: www.millionpawswalk.com.au/mackay

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Millie the ridgeback was adopted by RSPCA Mackay Shelter Manager Jacqueline Smith with the support of RSPCA. Photo supplied

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Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay is a club that has been promoting rock and roll dancing throughout the community since 1995.

The club meets weekly on a Wednesday evening for a social dance for all ages and all abilities.

“We have a bit of teaching between 7 and 8 and then from 8 to about 9:30 it’s really just a social dance and somewhere for people to practise what they’ve just learnt,” said President Colin McPherson.

“It’s four step rock and roll.

“If someone like me can do it, there’s plenty of other people who can do it, and it’s really just a fun thing to do.

“You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”

The club also holds two social dances a month at Goosies, other dances throughout the year and frequently perform throughout the community including at Global Grooves and Mackay Festival of Arts.

Although it focuses on the promotion of rock and roll dance and music, there is a large social component to the club including weekends away.  

The next of these events will be held at Conway Beach Caravan Park, with the main dance on the evening of Saturday, May 27, attracting dancers and travellers from around the state.

Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay welcomes new members of all ages to their social Wednesday dances for a night of fun, fitness, and music.

“Once you get to learn the steps and go every week, it’s just an enjoyable activity,” Mr McPherson said.

To find out more, find Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Inc on Facebook.

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Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay meet weekly of a Wednesday evening and hold many social events throughout the year. Photo supplied

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It’s less than a month until the fourth annual Mackay Rainbow Pride Event and organisers are hoping for their biggest event yet.

Previous years have seen around 150 people attend the lively event which kicks-off at the Bluewater Quay, with a Pride March over Pioneer River Bridge.

Colourful signs and costumes celebrate the LGBTI community, and everyone is welcome to come along and support this free event.

“The event is to tell people there is a queer community here in Mackay and also for the queer community to know there is help here if you need,” said organiser Gary Thomas.

“Fortunately, these days it is certainly more acceptable to be ‘out’ at work and in public and events like this really help.”

After the march, the parade will return to Blue Water Quay for the festivities.

So far over 15 stalls have registered and they are set to be a mixture of food vans, artists, and local crafts.

Well-known Mackay cover band, The Feels, will be performing and emceeing the event alongside other local artists.

There will also be prizes for the Best Dressed Person, the Best Dressed Pet, and the Best Dressed Vendor.

An event that brings the community together will flare, colour and freedom, the Rainbow Pride Event is sure to be a fun afternoon where everyone can relax and be themselves.

WHAT: Rainbow Pride Event

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, June 17

TIME: 3pm – 7pm

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Starting in Melbourne in 2009, No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) brings people together to dance like no one’s watching.

Rapidly spreading to 74 different countries, the initiative has recently been introduced to Mackay by two women who love to feel the rhythm, move their bodies, and clear their minds.

Anna Kahler first tried NLNL at the Sydney Opera House and recently connected with Lisa Merrett, who was a frequent NLNL participant in Melbourne before recently moving to Mackay, the pair teaming up to start the program just over a month ago.

Originating in Brunswick, NLNL is the product of professional dancers who wanted to reembrace what dancing meant to them.

“They were looking for an opportunity to dance where they didn’t feel like they were being judged and they could just enjoy dancing again,” Ms Kahler said.

It involves an hour of dancing in a safe, non-judgemental, alcohol and drug free environment, low light conditions meaning the people around you are just silhouettes.

“You have freedom to experiment with the sorts of moves you might like to do and really get carried away,” Ms Kahler said.

Ms Merrett first started NLNL for fitness, finding innumerable other benefits along the way.

“I found I carried it into my everyday life, I’d start moving more to music in general,” she said.

“It just brought out that rhythm a bit more.”

Since starting in Mackay, NLNL has amassed a loyal following of dancers, with many describing the experience as a mindful one, with the positive effects of movement and dancing being felt throughout the room.

“It’s the movement, getting embodied again and the mindfulness of the whole thing,” Ms Merrett said.

“You can listen to your body cues and decide what you want to do based on the song in that moment,” Ms Kahler added.

“It’s exercise as a celebration as opposed to a punishment.”

Both women work in the community and mental health spaces and see the need for initiatives like NLNL as a mindful experience.

“Being able to move and be grounded and be in your body is really healthy,” Ms Merrett said.

“People seem to have lost that ability of connecting with their bodies because of technology, so it’s about getting back in to being able to connect with your body.

“When we’re struggling with mental health, we can become disconnected with things, and this is just a super grounding experience.”

The casual dance session happens weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8pm at St Pauls Uniting Church.

More information, FAQs and previous playlists can be found at No Lights No Lycra Mackay on Facebook.

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Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200-word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’.

As the top selling children’s author of all time, the story is as popular now as it was in the 1950’s when Dr. Theodor ‘Seuss’ Geissel wrote the book.

Now both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain and tells the story of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped Hat.

Their outspoken and outraged pet, Fish, is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred.

He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination.

"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how."

Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two, they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear, The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.

So, if you’re looking for ideas for your Thing 1 and 2 this coming school holidays, come and share in the magic and mystery of live theatre at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.

Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!

For more information, please visit www.themecccom.au

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