The Australian Idol journey has ended for the two Mackay singers representing the region this week as they return home after making it to the Top 24 round of the national television series.

Mackay locals Noah Cookson and Damien Agius were farewelled by audiences across the country after their final performances, much to the disappointment of Sugar City viewers on Sunday and Monday night.

Neither Mackay nor the singers were browbeaten, though – Cookson and Agius have both returned home with a fire in their bellies for becoming full-time musicians with the backing of what was an incredible experience.

“Idol was amazing – it was crazy,” 19-year-old Cookson said.

"When I made it through to the Top 24, it was a feeling of endless relief, but also nerves. I'm disappointed that it's over, but I finished on a good note, a good performance of the music I like to play. Getting to play with professional artists was an incredible experience and my parents are so proud.”

“I gave it my all and it was tricky, but I did my best and was happy with myself.”

Agius, a Moranbah coal miner, said, even during Idol, he had been doubting himself, and the experience had been “an incredible journey”.

“This isn’t going to be the end of my journey, it’s only the beginning,” he said.

"I felt okay with how I got through, the support I've received. It was my dream to win, but the journey I went on was unbelievable and the people I met were incredible. What Idol has taught me is that the industry is a brutal place, but that Australia loves country music.

“The comments I’ve been getting are unbelievable. That’s made me stronger even to have that level of support.”

Agius said he planned to write more originals, performing as much as he can locally before heading to the United States to capitalise on the American love for country music.

Cookson said it was now all about momentum: “To have that support from Mackay is so encouraging and uplifting for going forward in my career. I’ve been a cover artist with the odd original but the future holds for me an original music career – that’s where I want to be.”

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Mackay singers Damien Agius (pictured) and Noah Cookson have returned home after being eliminated from Australian Idol this week

Noah Cookson and Agius said this wasn’t the end of either of their journeys, but just the beginning

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From little things big things grow was a great way to describe the growth of Catherine McAuley College, Mackay, according to Principal Jim Ford.

“I think we would be quite unique in terms of our dramatic change in student and staff numbers for the start of the 2023 academic year,” Mr Ford said.

The Catholic co-educational College entered its second year of operation more than doubling student enrolments to over 260 and expanding to two Year levels offering Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts in 2023. The College also saw a 50 percent increase in staff levels including 10 new teachers this year.

“Our expansion plan will see the College add a new Year level each year until 2027 as we steadily build to a full secondary school for Years 7 to 12,” he added.

Mr Ford said a new wave of construction would soon commence to provide facilities for subsequent year levels. Continuing with the tradition of identifying College buildings by the letters of the Greek alphabet, construction of Blocks Kappa and Theta was due to commence in February/March.

“Kappa will see a major expansion of modern classroom facilities, Library, and covered student area. Theta block quite suitably will be a specialist facility in Information Technology and Design,” Mr Ford said.

Classes will commence using the new facilities as of the 2024 School Year.

“Most importantly, though, we are all about young people and their experience of school at Catherine McAuley College,” Mr Ford said.

“Everyone is new at the start of Grade 7. It’s an exciting and an anxious time for most with an array of uncertainties; ‘Will the teachers be nice? Will I make friends? Will the classwork be challenging? Will I know where to go? Will my parents embarrass me?’.”

The answer to all the above, Jim Ford said, is YES.

“High school is an exciting time full of new experiences, challenges, changes, and a much broader curriculum than students have experienced so far in their educational journey,” he said.

“Our dedicated and passionate teachers and staff at Catherine McAuley College are here to make it happen supporting students and their families every step of the way.

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) opened Catherine McAuley College in 2022 following extensive community consultation and planning in response to the need for increased enrolment capacity on Mackay’s southside and surrounds.

CEDR Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat said the development of the new college was very pleasing.

“It’s extraordinary growth and very much in line with forecast demand from a growing number of families choosing a Catholic secondary education,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Catholic Education has enjoyed enormous support from the Mackay community for over a century and Catherine McAuley College has been a great addition to our existing Colleges in the region.”

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2023 Catherine McAuley College Year 7 and 8 students

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People come to see Gary Greenhill for one reason: To connect with the world.

For computer-literate generations who were either born with iPads in their hands or, perhaps, introduced to them in a professional sense, computers are simple. They are taken-for-granted tools; they broaden our world whilst miniaturising it – everything at your fingertips.

For older generations of Australians, that is not so; computers are alien, fragile technology. And that is where Gary comes in.

Gary volunteers his time at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre once a week to help seniors with their tech, getting them up to speed on email, Facebook, text messaging, you name it.

In one-on-one lessons, Gary teaches the art of devices and software, and in turn brings the residents of the Whitsundays into a modern, expansive world. It might seem scary, but underneath all the wires, the world and its people are just the same as the old one – we all want to connect with other people.

“My interest in computers began when I helped install them at my ambulance station out west when I was a young paramedic,” Gary said.

"Teaching older Australians about computers is something I enjoy; I enjoy helping people like this. It gives me a sense of purpose, especially watching people go: 'That is fantastic' because it opens a whole world for them. It allows them to connect with their family, but it’s a social outing that they and I enjoy. We bond over this learning, social outing.”

Gary, who has experience professionally building websites and coding, is a certified computer whiz. He has been running computer literacy classes for almost two years at the local not-for-profit because he said "we cannot know enough people."

“I have met so many interesting people and helped them reconnect to the world,” Gary said.

“The most common thing people come in for is email, text, Facebook, messaging, using their phone. It is to keep in contact, to be social. To help them makes me feel excellent.”

Gary said he soon plans to begin group classes focused on internet scams, teaching anyone what to look out for and avoid.

For more information on Gary’s Computer Literacy Class, ring the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre.

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Gary Greenhill (R) teaches computer literacy classes at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre one day a week to help people connect with the world

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The Whitsunday PCYC Get Set For Work program hosted its first cohort of graduates to celebrate the completion of the intensive employment and training assistance initiative on Friday last week.

The local community organisation hosted a ceremony to end the skills program which began on November 14, 2022, and congratulate its four debut alumni.

The state government project ran for 10 weeks, inviting 15- to 19-year-olds to attend and gain valuable skills and work experience, with the participants either no longer enrolled in schooling or struggling to find employment.

Program Coordinator Scott Lynch said he was extremely proud of his four graduates for their diligence throughout the Get Set For Work program, which has already paid off for one of his star pupils.

"I had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand how far these boys have come in such a short amount of time," Mr Lynch said.

“I am extremely proud of our graduate Levi Harrison, who has secured an apprenticeship. It is fair to say that these boys are set up and ready to go for the workforce.”

Over the length of the program, the graduates undertook several work placements at locales across the Whitsundays, including on Hamilton Island, with Bredl’s Wild Farm, Woolworths, volunteering at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Master Butchers Whitsunday, and many more.

Upon completion, three of the four graduates attained a Certificate II in Skills For Work and Vocational Pathways, as well as several other achievements and accreditations, including first aid certificates, white cards, completion of the Responsible Service of Alcohol Course, and the shipboard safety skillset course.

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm, who attended on the day, applauded the graduates for their commitment to the program.

“It is not easy to get up every day and make a commitment,” The Member for Whitsundays said.

"Participating in something like this helps you grow, helps you change, and expands your thinking about things. These graduates can do anything they put their minds to and on behalf of our community, we are very proud of you. This is just the start."

The course is now opening for its next intake, which is planned to begin on April 17 and is hoping to field an even larger group, including from Proserpine with conversations for transport undergoing.

For more information, contact Scott Lynch at scott.lynch@pcyc.org.au

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Whitsunday PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford, PCYC Youth Worker Declan Coull, graduates Bradley Basset, Reon Grant-Iramu, Levi Harrison, and Nicholas Wright, and Get Set for Work Program Coordinator Scott Lynch, and State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm at the Get Set For Work graduation

Declan Coull, Reon Grant-Iramu, and Scott Lynch

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Down at the Airlie Beach Men’s Shed, there is a steady flow of blokes coming and going, of projects in various degrees of completion and a hot jug always ready to fill a cup and fuel a conversation.

Since 2012, the local Men’s Shed has provided a safe place, a social network and a feeling of purpose for many men within our community.

There are over 1,200 Men’s Sheds in Australia, some of which began as early as the 1980s.

They first originated because there was a growing concern within society that men would not talk about their feelings, ask for help or take care of their health.

By providing a warm and welcoming place for men to connect in a positive and productive environment, there was a space for men to discuss important issues.

Locally, at the Airlie Beach branch, they have seen this firsthand in the open conversations the guys have about Prostate Cancer.

“More than half of our 22 members either have or have had Prostate Cancer,” said Airlie Beach Men’s Shed President Don Campbell.

It was in 2016 when Don received the diagnosis himself.

By completing his routine six monthly blood tests, which are recommended for anyone in his age bracket, the rapidly increasing PSA levels were flagged, and he was sent to a specialist.

When they conducted scans, the doctors found not only Prostate Cancer but also an issue with his Aorta which could have resulted in a heart attack, likely within the next month.

“The scan saved my life!” said Don.

With both medical conditions treated, Don's health was restored, and he now leads a full life once again.

He is now proud to be able to help others with their health problems and says the group often talk about matters that could potentially lead to life-saving decisions.

Of course, central to the Men’s Shed is also the numerous projects they work on.

Don has spent several months restoring an 18th-century sewing machine, his mate Coll has been working on a beautiful timber cabinet and Alan has just started fixing up a model of a classic sailing ship.

While projects are always encouraged, Don says there is no pressure to contribute, guys are more than welcome to simply come along

“You can do what you want down here,” he said.

“You don’t have to do any work, you can just come in and talk to people, have a coffee and socialise.”

Two men that learnt that firsthand are Peter Hallsy and Alan Bourton.

Both of them have only been coming along for a few weeks and laughingly say that their wives told them to get out of the house, but it is evident they are simply enjoying being in the calming presence of other men.

While most members are retired, there is no age barrier.

In fact, Andrew Patterson, who is 42 years old, regularly attends and says he enjoys getting guidance from the older men.

Airlie Men’s Shed is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am until lunchtime.

You simply need to attend three times and then pay your annual $25 membership to join.

There are plenty of tools if you want to get involved with a project of your own or help with one they have on the go.

Airlie Men’s Shed is located at 11 Salmon Street, Cannonvale.

They are currently looking for new members and are happy to consider opening on Saturdays if there was interest.

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Coll Pritchard, Peter Hallsy, Alan Corney, Don Campbell, Alan Bourton and PJ Tell from the Airlie Beach Men’s Shed. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Coll Pritchard and his cabinet

Don Campbell and his restored sewing machine

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A full house crowded into the Creative Hub at 3 Little Birds Espresso on a quiet Tuesday morning in Airlie Beach in late January.

This assortment of local creatives were all looking to connect and become inspired by successful Mackay artist Margaret Burgess who preached the merits of collaboration, community and culture.

The event was organised and funded by CQ RASN, the Regional Arts Service Network and CQ University, who are dedicated to invigorating the local arts community and finding avenues to help artists progress.

This workshop is the latest in the series of sessions hosted by CQ RASN.

In November a Free Sponsorship Masterclass was held during the Airlie Beach Festival Weekend and attendees heard from well-respected Marketing Manager, Zoe Ottaway, who shared her wisdom on how to create strong partnerships with sponsors.

Then, in January, Margaret Burgess gave an inspiring, informal talk on uniting artists through a variety of community initiatives.

During the workshop, she enthralled guests with a range of case studies including the Artist Collective in Canelands, Plastic Boutique and the Great Barrier Reef Festival Immerse Sculpture Project.

Coming up in the next few months is a Grant Writing and Project Development workshop which aims to give aspiring artists the tools with which to seek funding for their creative endeavours.

As part of their initiative, CQ RASN is also producing an Arts and Culture Heritage Plan for the Whitsunday Regional Council.

By conducting a series of public consultations, they are producing a report which outlines the existing cultural activities and our regional challenges to create a roadmap to boost and strengthen the local arts community.

So far, the organisation has been thrilled with the response from all their activities and is excited to see a thriving arts community here in the Whitsundays.

“Through all consultations it was identified that the Arts Sector across the Whitsundays is dynamic, self-determined and for the most part, operating independently of Council,” said the report.

CQ RASN suggests that Airlie Beach could become the only Special Entertainment Precinct in Northern Australia if a Live Entertainment/Music Precinct was present.

The report also suggests more galleries and venues would add to the general cultural offering, giving a creative ‘home’ to both large and small events.

If you would like to add a comment to the report, go to Whitsunday Regional Council’s Your Say website to participate.

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Lara Russell and Wanda Bennett from CQ RASN organise a series of arts workshops in the Whitsundays. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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A three-hour film festival will showcase the “mysteries of the big blue” at Proserpine Entertainment Centre in early March.

The 10th anniversary Ocean Film Festival World Tour is bringing the salt spray, the crest of waves, and the mesmerising power of the ocean to Proserpine on March 11.

In a series of short films, comprised of “sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface,”   the Film Festival will bring its celebration of divers, surfers, swimmers, and oceanographers who live for the sea to local audiences.

The Festival is brimming with captivating cinematography, awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences, and inspiring and thought-provoking footage complete with touching interviews and insightful narrations.

Festival founder Jemima Robinson said the message of environmental conservation may be a universal one but it was all the more relevant to audiences in the Whitsundays.

“With a personal passion for film and all things ocean, I wanted the Ocean Film Festival World Tour to become an avenue for promoting ocean conservation and bringing people together to celebrate mother nature,” Ms Robinson said.

“We have done this through sharing unique stories by independent filmmakers from around the globe, reaching many exciting milestones, and now we set our sights towards the next 10 years of making an even greater impact”.

The two-and-a-half-hour program showcases several films from independent filmmakers worldwide and has been hosted annually in 14 countries over 10 years, touching countless lives in and out of the ocean with 325,670 attending it thus far.

Tickets can be purchased from $26 at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre website.

WHAT: Ocean Film Festival World Tour

WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 7.00pm to 10.00pm

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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French philosopher Albert Camus believed the underlying reality was this: life is absurd. Now, how does that relate to Steven Soderberg’s Magic Mike’s Last Dance? I would think that is manifest, self-evident, although I am more than happy to explain; we are in a world in which Academy Award Winning directors helm – not just once but thrice - films about male strippers.

I am not espousing that Magic Mike cannot exist – nay, all life is rife for the pilfering when it comes to artistic expression, including male strippers - I am purely stating the illogical, bizarre, incongruous fact of someone with Soderberg’s resume being attached to such a project on three occasions spanning 10 years.

And more: did we need three Magic Mike films? Were we asking for it? I suppose the answer must be yes. The buying power of middle-aged women who enjoy shirtless Channing Tatum (as the titular Magic Mike) and contrived, predictable love stories is a great and terrible thing as ancient as time itself.

Absurdity aside, where does it all leave us? How does Magic Mike’s denouement, his coda, match up to the rest? For one thing, it’s starkly different from its former outing – Magic Mike XXL – and the original. Each is somehow a different genre from the last in another nonsensical turn.

We start with Mike Lane as he takes to the stage once again, hoping for one last hurrah in London alongside a wealthy socialite (Salma Hayek as Maxandra) who lures him with an offer he can't refuse – think the Godfather in England but with pectoral-pumping dudes dancing every five minutes (No, it’s not really like that).

There are interesting riffs on power and wealth and we end up with Mike leading a show in London that’s more cabaret-infused-lap-dance than it is classic bar-top grinding. The change of scenery and genre does prove a shot in the arm for what could be a tired formula and that’s all you can really expect, surely – a bit of fun.

In fact: no one is going to see Magic Mike’s Last Dance looking for any meaning, any sort of philosophical bent or take-away.

That would be absurd.

Magic Mike’s Last Dance is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema now.

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Friday 17th Feb

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Mike Duff (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Sam McCann (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Saturday 18th Feb

• The Pub: Divine Blonde Tribute (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Ash Smith (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: DJ Pirate (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Retro Joe (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Sunday 19th Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub: Divine Blonde Tribute (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Retro Joe (8pm-late)

Monday 20th Feb

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 21st Feb

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

Wednesday 22nd Feb

• KC’s: Lloyd Saunders (8pm-late)

Thursday 23rd Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Rebelquin (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Lloyd Saunders (8pm-late)

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A nationally touring adults-only comedy show is jamming two of its best comics into the car for a North Queensland Tour arriving at the Original North Australian in mid-March.

The Aussie Pub Comedy Tour will arrive in Bowen at one of the state’s oldest pubs on March 18, bringing comedians Chris ‘The Bloke’ Franklin and Evan Hocking with it.

Franklin and Hocking are both classic Aussie comedians to their core – crass, crude, rude, and lude – and excellent humourists with a finger on the pulse of bloke culture; especially Franklin, who is most famous for his number one song ‘Bloke’, which debuted in 2000.

“I’m a bloke, I’m a yobbo, and me best mate’s name is Robbo”, Franklin sang in his famous song, which sold more than 120,000 copies and was the third biggest single released by an Australian that year, launched his comedy career to soaring heights.

In the eyes of true-blue Aussies, the parody song became a strong candidate for replacing Advance Australia Fair, capturing bogan cliches that still ring true.

Alongside Hocking – a renowned comedy podcaster and stand-up comic – the pair are ready to “sweat bullets” in the Far North for the Aussie Pub Comedy Tour, a concept conceived in late 2017 with the vision of bringing quality comedy shows to regional pubs and venues.

Don’t miss the ‘The Bloke’ and Hocking at the Original North Australian soon.

Tickets can be purchased online through www.trybooking.com

WHAT: The Aussie Pub Comedy Tour

WHEN: Saturday, March 18, from 8.00pm

WHERE: The Original North Australian

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Chris ‘The Bloke’ Franklin is just one of two comedians coming to Bowen as part of the Aussie Pub Comedy Tour

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‘Good Golly Miss Milly’, there’s a ‘Travelin’ Band’ cruising to The Airlie Beach Hotel to take over the whole first weekend of March – it’s sure to cause a ‘Commotion’.

The Australian Creedence Clearwater Revival show, Ramble Tamble, will take over the Bar Top Stage ‘Down On The Corner’ at The Pub on Saturday, March 4 and 5 in a free show featuring all the best of CCR.

Getting to see this world-class four-piece tribute band from Melbourne is a treat for any ‘Fortunate Son’ – these boys have a pedigree of performing as the band from El Cerrito, starting back in 1989, they’re the certified deal, experts of that American music.

Creedence tapped into the rich, traditional seam of the United States’ sound when they emerged in the ‘70s - only for a short time – and wrote their page in the Great American Songbook. With Ramble Tamble bandmates Rob, Bren, and Richard, there is a reverence for that which made CCR so phenomenal.

The boys take on the roles of the Fogerty brothers and their bandmates, capitalising on their own years of experience touring alongside some of the world’s top recording artists and tribute shows nationally and internationally.

For them, it comes down to one thing: detail.

In producing their tribute to America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band, they made sure it was an experience no die-hard CCR fan would be disappointed with – it’s like they were ‘Born on the Bayou’ with how completely they replicate every facet of them, like a true ‘Chameleon’.

It is a “tribute in the true sense of the word.” They delve into all seven of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s seven albums showing respect, veneration, devotion, and some damn hard work, they "ain’t never had no day off”. It’s about reproducing the sound of the iconic American roots band as if you’re back in the late ‘60s. That ‘Pendulum’ never stopped swinging.

Every show is an event, a miniature concert comprised of two acts: on Saturday, Ramble Tamble will show off their Creedence Show before heading into The Best of Die Hard Creedence classics. They’ll hit all the bests and then head ‘Up Around The Bend’ and back again. Everything from ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ to ‘Proud Mary’.

Then on Sunday, there's Ramble Tamble’s Cosmo’s Factory, the entire album from start to finish

, and afterward their "The Creedence Influence”, a mixture of songs from the era that influenced the Californian band.

Don’t miss them when they arrive at the Airlie Beach Hotel for two days of free shows in March.

WHAT: The Australian Creedence Show Ramble Tamble

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Australian Creedence Show, Ramble Tamble, is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel in March

The Melbourne-based tribute show recreates the sound of the iconic American Band in a pitch-perfect emulation

Don’t miss them in a full weekend of shows at The Pub

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Young and aspiring musicians performed in front of 200 people at the Dingo Beach Hotel over the weekend as part of the Music Evolution Project’s Young Vocalists showcase.

From midday through to 9pm on Saturday evening dozens of young performers exhibited their well-rehearsed songs, many taking to the stage for the first time in their lives.

Mentor and teacher, Lisa Stanley, said she was very proud.

“I was so so proud of their efforts,” she said,

“They were all so good and so professional, it was a huge success and Dingo Beach Hotel have already invited us back!”

The Music Evolution Project is dedicated to helping young people express themselves through music, giving those that might not otherwise have access, the opportunity to learn and perform.

At its core, the project aims to help improve mental health through music.

Over 30 performers took to the stage on the day.

These included Meg McKeon, Destiny, Ella Kelly, Dominik James, Amber Hinschen, Chloe Kaddatz, The Microns and Tanika Lulham.

The two pianists were Maddy Hughes and Fitia Steel-Gaby.

The next Music Evolution Project performance will take place on Saturday, March 25 at the Dingo Beach Hotel.

WHAT: Music Evolution Project Young Vocalists

WHERE: Dingo Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, March 25

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Some of the Young Vocalists that performed at the Dingo Beach Hotel on Saturday. Photo credit: Crissy Bottrell

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You are invited to an evening of decadence and six-course degustation at Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar, home of dining experiences that blow your mind and your palate.

Food lovers from across the region are still talking about the five-course gin-inspired degustation held at the venue last month and, with the next event highlighting premium drinks and cuisines from around the world, tickets are selling fast.

Each course is matched with a top shelf liqueur or wine that has been hand-picked by the Executive Chef to pair seamlessly with the flavours and bring out each tantalising taste to its full.

Think caviar and ceviche, truffles, wagyu steak and more.

There will be a creative blend of flavours to enhance and complement each drink.

Palate cleansers between courses will allow you to really assess and enjoy the unique and subtle nuances of each course.

Taste the highest quality Tequila from the agave fields of Mexico, smooth Italian Rose, premium gins from the fields of England, limited edition rums of the Caribbean and rare Japanese Whisky, finishing with a perfect French Cognac.

The talented team of chefs and mixologists have put together a menu that will be sure to tantalise the taste buds and other senses as you relax in 5-star comfort.

An intimate dining experience like no other, book your tickets and immerse yourself in a dining experience of decadence and delight.

Limited seats are available.

The ticket price also includes a courtesy shuttle pick up and drop off.

WHAT: Tastes of the Top Shelf Degustation Dinner

WHERE: Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar

WHEN: Friday, February 24 – 6pm to 10pm

TICKETS: whisperginbar.com

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Early Bird registrations are now open for the 2023 BMA Mackay Marina Run to be held in June.

Now in its 15th year, the annual run is widely regarded as Queensland’s most scenic running event with a flat, fast course set against stunning sub-tropical scenery.

Event Director Tim Magoffin advised the run was fast becoming a signature event on the national running event calendar.

“The BMA Mackay Marina Run offers a unique event with runners able to enjoy our flat, fast course set within a scenic sub-tropical location,” he said.

“Runners will wind their way through Mackay with the stunning blue water Pioneer River as a backdrop – it’s a pretty special experience that is unrivalled by other events.”

With the event taking place four weeks out from the Gold Coast Marathon, Mr Magoffin advised they were expecting competitors from all over Australia.

“The national appeal of our event has definitely grown,” he said.

“People are recognising what a great precursor we are for the Gold Coast Marathon and that’s presented a wonderful opportunity for tourism in our region.”

Over 3,500 competitors are expected for this year’s event which will raise funds for The Leukaemia Foundation.

The BMA Mackay Marina Run will take place on June 4, 2023, and includes a 21.1km half marathon, 8 and 5km, a 3km junior dash and the popular 5km Corporate Challenge.

Early Bird Registrations will close March 13.

A part of the suite of events involved in the Mackay Marina Run, Mr Magoffin launched the Twilight City Run last week with the announcement of its major sponsor, Mackay Airport, extending its naming rights sponsorship through to and including 2025.

The Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is scheduled to be held on Friday March 3 and is a popular and inclusive event that sees hundreds of runners, walkers and families take to the street for an evening of fun and fitness.

“It’s a way of launching the Marina Run and also a separate event to raise money for the local branch of the Leukemia foundation,” Mr Magoffin said.

“It’s a real community event and the sponsorship of the Mackay Airport allows us to absorb and pay for the expenses of putting the event on so that people’s registrations can go straight into the Leukemia Foundation.”

With over 700 participants in last year’s run, Mr Magoffin is expecting a record turnout of over 800 runners to hit the streets for a good cause in March.

“We’re hoping this year that we’ll get over $500,000 raised from Mackay Marina Run and City Run for the Leukemia Foundation, so there’s half a million dollars that, without the community getting behind it, wouldn’t exist.”

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said Mackay Airport’s shows event organisers and the community the Twilight City Run has a prosperous future.

“Events like this are so important to my community and also visitors to the region,” he said.

“It provides an opportunity to promote physical health and social engagement and then also is a draw card for visitors coming to the region to stay and attend such great events.

“A big part of Mackay Airport sponsorship is for the community and is also for charity organisations where we can so all funds going to the Leukemia Foundation is one of the best outcomes from this event.”

To find out more, visit www.mackaymarinarun.com.

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Event Director Tim Magoffin and Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles

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The Mackay community was shocked by the murder of 23-year-old Shandee Blackburn in 2013, with Shandee’s life and legacy celebrated on the ten-year anniversary of her death on Saturday.

While the assailant is yet to be brought to justice, the incident has united the Mackay community and shone a light on certain failings of the Queensland justice system.

“I felt it was important for Shandee on the ten-year anniversary of Shandee’s death, to come back to Mackay and show you all that we are still fighting for justice for Shandee and justice for our community,” Shandee’s mother Vicki Blackburn said, addressing and thanking the supportive crowd on Saturday.

“We haven’t given up and we hope that you all will keep on supporting us in this fight and we can make some changes.”

In 2021, Ms Blackburn was approached by journalist Hedley Thomas who, after reading the findings of the 2019 inquest into Shandee’s death, decided to lead a podcast investigation into the case.

“Before you can breathe life into an idea for an investigative podcast series, it can take a year, a year and a half to develop,” Mr Thomas said.

“It’s vital to have the support of the victim’s family, and in Vicki Blackburn, I’ve been supported every inch of the way.”

Vicki shared an external hard drive containing documents and case material with Hedley, with one document leading him to Forensic Scientist Dr Kirsty Wright.

“Finding Kirsty, thanks to a simple Google search, and showing her the documents from Vicki’s hard drive relating to the appalling conduct of Queensland’s DNA testing laboratory, changed everything in Shandee’s story and potentially in Shandee’s case going forward,” Mr Thomas said.

“The damning findings a couple of months ago from the public inquiry … tell the story of a DNA lab which had effectively perverted the course of justice and allowed violent criminals to avoid detection.

“None of it would have been known but for Shandee and the bravery of Vicki and Dr Kirsty Wright.”

When Dr Wright read the documents from Hedley, she realised something was very wrong with the investigation into Shandee’s case.

Dr Wright and Mr Thomas’ discoveries contributed to an independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland, with the report delivered on December 13, 2022, by Mr Walter Sofronoff KC.

“We were all just so shocked at what we found with the inquiry,” Dr Wright said.

“We not only found bad science, scientific misconduct, deliberate deception of the police and the courts, a complete disregard for quality, new methods weren’t tested properly before they were used on crime scene evidence, and we found proof that Shandee’s samples, they were put on this process that was failing.

“Shandee’s case didn’t get a fair go because of this lab.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Queensland Government accepted Mr Sofronoff’s recommendations within two days.

“Since then, and as we speak, Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General have been powering ahead with a multi-pronged hundred-billion-dollar effort to ensure these failings never occur again,” Ms Gilbert said.

“At the conclusion of this transitionary process, Queensland will have a world class forensic science agency.

“Queensland will have a forensic DNA service it can be proud of and a more trustworthy justice system.

“That will be Shandee’s legacy.”

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Councillor Pauline Townsend and Vicki Blackburn

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Journalist Hedley Thomas

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson

Proceeds from the event were donated to Mackay Women’s Services

Local organisations such as Crime Stoppers and Mackay Police were present

Bubbles were blown at sunset in memory of Shandee. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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