Friday 19 May

Nebo Rodeo

Friday 19, from 4.30pm and Saturday 20, 8am to 12am

The infamous Nebo Rodeo is back and better than ever. Friday has eat street, kids entertainment, dodgem cars, and the best stalls around. Saturday will have the main events, with the sounds of Luke Geiger to carry us out afterwards. There are no tickets available at the gate, so be sure to purchase beforehand at oztix.com.au

Nebo Showgrounds

Nebo Hotel Street Party

Friday 19, 4.30pm to 11.45pm

The party of the year is back. Showcasing the likes of the Wolfe Brothers, LG & Biig G Sxxc, Zac & George, and Layla Gossage, plus kids entertainment and this event will have fun for the whole family. Tickets are available at oztix.com.au

Nebo Hotel

Mackay Expo

Friday 19 to Sunday 21

Come to the Mackay Expo and check out the newest range of the best camping, home, and lifestyle. No matter the home project or dream inspiration, this expo has something for everyone, be it a new campervan, a fantastic garden display, or pest control options. Be sure to purchase tickets at mackayexpo.com.au

Mackay Showgrounds

Saturday 20 May

Legends on the Lawn

Saturday, from 12.30pm

Another epic music event for Mackay, Legends on the Lawn is set to be an event not to be missed. Having the likes of Missy Higgins, Troy Cassar-Daley, Paul Kelly, and Mark Seymour, all the classic hits will have the audience dancing and singing-along. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Great Barrier Reef Arena

Mother’s Day Make and Take

Saturday, 2pm to 5pm

A special afternoon for a special lady, relax and make some soft and nourishing body products, and being treated with lovely, delicious treats. Tickets are $66 per person and available through the Essential Moon Magick Facebook page.

Campwin Beach

Unify Off The Record

Saturday, from 6pm

A powerful night of music, the Unify Off The Record show is coming to Mackay. With Thornill, Banks Arcade, Young Lions, Wildheart and Arcade Stories, this will be a great night of every music lover, with artist signings, pop up stores, and workshops also on offer. Tickets available through oztix.com.au

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday 21 May

Create Your Own Junk Journal

Sunday, 9am to 1pm

Run by Pioneer Valley Arts, this workshop will teach you all about making your own junk journal and explore your messy creative side. Tickets are $85.

Elsie Nash Street, Pinnacle

Laura’s Triathlon

Sunday, from 6am

In memoriam of Laura Pettifer, local triathlete who passed away in 2008 after a Collinson during a mountain bike training ride. There are two categories with four events, the triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and aquabike. Tickets are available through allevents.com

Mackay Harbour Beach

Tuesday 23 May

Rock and Roll with Sarina Crocodile Rockers

Every Tuesday, 6.45pm to 9.30pm

The 50s and 60s dance is coming back and the Sarina Crocodile Rockers are making it happen! This all-inclusive dance lesson will get even the worst dancer matching the beat.

Sarina Cultural Hall

Wednesday 24 May

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 25 May

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 desert.

Bluewater Quay

National Simultaneous Storytime with Music and Movement with Cassie

Thursday, 9.15am

Join Cassie for the National Simultaneous Storytime reading The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath Mckenzie.

Studio 53, Gregory Street, Mackay

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It is less than three weeks away from the exciting 2023 return of Mackay’s Legends on the Lawn.

With a massive lineup of Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Mark Seymour, Vika and Linda, and Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley, it is no surprise that locals are ecstatic.

Having been touring since January, Troy Cassar-Daley sat down with Mackay Life’s Bronte to talk about the upcoming festival.

What drew you to Legends on the Lawn?

I saw it first on Facebook actually. And wow, I thought. I think Jimmy Barnes played and I didn’t realise that the year following, I’d be asked to go.

I just happened to be a part of this huge tour and for this show to be in Mackay is incredible. I think people will see this lineup and know it’s something extra special. Paul Kelly is nothing but class, and then you’ve got Bernard Fanning, Queensland royalty, Missy Higgins who is song writing royalty. Mark Seymour is a great mate, and we’re both mad on old fashioned things like watches.

I mean, no matter what artist you’re into, the most important thing for me has been just seeing the cross collaborations between some of the artists.

It’s a really incredibly lineup and I’m very excited.

What can audiences expect from you?

I think people can expect some of the most incredible song writing that you’ll see in one night. You feel like you’re 18 and at the pub again, singing alone with all your friends to a local cover band, but you’re watching the actual real bloke that wrote it.

We play a couple of things that are from 50 Songs 50 Towns, and so to have Ian Moss and myself play on stage is the best. He’s playing on Born to Survive and stuff like that, and I’m playing on Tucker’s Daughter, you know. When you’re playing with someone that you really like, it doesn’t get any better.

I reckon that people will just sit back and just in their chairs and love every minute.

What’s your favourite thing about the area of Mackay?

I love the river. I’ve always drawn to it. Ever since I used to go to there in my 20s, I went through my first trip through the area with a lady named Gina Jefferies when I was very, very young. And the first thing I did was I had my handline in my bag. And I went down to the river, and in those days, no one talked about crocodiles. But I’ve always been drawn to the river.

And every time I go to Mackay, whether we played at the Bowls club, or we’ve done the Entertainment Centre, I always find myself sitting on the bank having a feed, just watching the river flow. It’s just an incredibly part of the world.

Any last things you wish to share?

I mean, look, these line-ups over the years have been rock and roll. The organisers of Legends on the Lawn have this uncanny ability to put these line-ups together that just work so well. We look forward to being able to invite people out.

And this lineup, its just a lot of iconic songs that are going to be falling into your lap and you get the chance to sit there and have a drink and enjoy it.

WHAT: Legends on the Lawn

WHEN: Saturday May 20, 1pm to 9.30pm

WHERE: Great Barrier Reef Arena

TICKETS: legendsonthelawn.com.au

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Troy Cassar-Daley is one massive headliner of 2023 Legends on the Lawn festival. Photo supplied

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A beautiful quilt made by a late Sarina crafter has gone to a good home.

Lilian Brown won the quilt made by Dulcie Christensen, first prize in the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre mega raffle drawn just in time for Mother’s Day.

Lilian and Dulcie spent many years working on crafts together at the Sarina Fibre Arts Group and as supporters of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

The quilt was donated by Dulcie’s son Glen after she sadly passed away last week.

It was one of five prizes in the raffle, which was drawn by Jon Eaton of the Sarina Men’s Shed.

Gail Tomerini won a hamper packed with goodies from the Sarina Sugar Shed, Bees 2U, Sharon Price, Celia Gutschlag, Adorabull Treats, Koko Loko, Zelenka Farm and Heather Coleman.

Rosemary Rowles won a corner-to-corner rug made by Jenny Costello, and Genny Axiak won a tea cosy and teapot made by Jenny Price.

Sharon Price won a $50 petrol voucher donated by Rhonda and Charlie Payne.

“We’d like to thank everyone for supporting the raffle which has raised valuable funds for the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre,” centre manager Jenny Costello said.

“And a big thank you to our crafters and volunteers who got behind the raffle by selling tickets.”

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Lilian Brown holds the late Dulcie Christensen’s quilt, first prize in the Sarina Arts and Crafts raffle

Margaret Schwarzrock and Jenny Costello help Jon Eaton of the Sarina Men’s Shed draw the raffle. Photo credit: Rhonda Payne

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Have you ever wanted to try your hand at jewellery making, weaving, felting, yarn and textile working, or charcoal drawing, but wanted some detailed instruction first?

Why not take part in The Artist Place’s workshops at Queens Park.

The Artist Place is a community art group, who allows people to try their hand at a broad range of art mediums in workshops and classes with local artists.

In this mammoth week of 11 workshops, attendees will be given dedicated instruction and intimate help, in order to craft their own art piece.

There are also three Come and Play sessions, free for anyone in the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to come along and play with the wide range of materials and mediums on offer in the shed.

WHAT: The Artist Place Workshops

WHEN: Sunday May 27 to Sunday June 4

WHERE: Cricket Shed in Queens Park

TICKETS: Humanitix.com – search ‘The Artist Place’

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SAT 27 MAY

Collage - 10.00 -2.30

Rejuvenate your Bling - 1.30 – 4.00

SUN 28 MAY

Charcoal Drawing on Wood - 10.00 -2.30

Drum Circle - 12.30–2.30

Printmaking - 1.30 – 5.30

MON 29 MAY

Vessel Felting - 11.00–2.30

TUES 30 MAY

Scratching the Surface - 10.00 -2.30

WED 31 MAY

Come and Play - 10.00–3.00

THURS 1 JUNE

Come and Play - 10.00–3.00

FRI 2 JUNE

Come and Play - 10.00–3.00

SAT 3 JUNE

Water Colour Painting I - 10.00 -2.30

Water Colour Painting II - 1.30 – 4.00

SUN 4 JUNE

Cardboard loom Weaving - 10.00 -2.30

Textile Wall hanging - 1.30 – 4.00

Drum Circle - 2.30 -4.30

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Come along to Queens Park and learn from local artists

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For the second year in a row, Magpies Sporting Club is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea event to raise money for Cancer Council and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

Everyone is welcome to attend this vibrant charity function which will take place on The Deck, where guests will enjoy a decadent morning tea with barista coffee.

An inspirational guest speaker from the Icon Cancer Centre Mackay will inform and tickets are just $25 per person, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council.

“This event is a great opportunity for the community to come together and support a vital cause,” said Kate Godfrey from Magpies Sporting Club.

“With an estimated 162,163 Australians diagnosed with cancer in 2022 alone, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.”

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24

TIME: 10am-11.30am

WHERE: The Deck, Magpies Sporting Club

COST: $25 per person

TICKETS www.magpiesmackay.com.au or Magpies Reception

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Last years’ Biggest Morning Tea. Photo supplied

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Prepare to be amazed by the performance of the year, with the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine taking over the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this June.

This internationally touring performance will keep audiences hooked, encompassing two magical stories that will be sure to keep audiences enraptured in the touching choreography and fantastic cinematography.

The first act follows the Ukrainian story, Forest Song, and reflects Ukrainian culture and heritage. Forest Song follows Lukash, a human man, and a mystical creature, named Mavka. Mavka wishes for peace and tranquillity in her world, drawing parallels to Ukraine and its political unease.

The second act is Don Quixote, an energetic Spanish ballet following the romance of a courageous young man and his search for love.

Both acts include extravagant and lavish choreography and costuming, with intimately and honestly intricate songs, duets, and breathtaking music.

The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine was formed by National Opera of Ukraine dancer Alexander Stoyanov in 2014 and has been touring the globe brining the Ukrainian ballet to the likes of New Zealand, China, America, and South America.

WHAT: The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

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The ballet of Ukraine is coming to Mackay, in a beautiful display of love, loss, and tender moments.

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For the month of May, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens are celebrating their birthday.

On May 24, 2003, the Mackay botanic gardens officially opened, marking a goal accomplished of the Mackay Association.

Since then, the Botanic Gardens have gone through stages of redevelopment and redesign including constructing new gardens, permanent wetland, to highlight the various water plants, and a kids play garden in 2006, and restoring and rehabilitating frost-damaged and drowned plants in 2007 and 2008.

In order to celebrate the gardens 20th birthday, the Botanic Gardens will be holding a series of events for the community.

Every Friday through May, and June 2, visitors can take part in a free guided walk, learning about the gardens and features different plants and aspects of the grounds.

On May 6, the gardens are hosting a daisy planting day, creating a daisy meadow on the lagoon banks.

There will be composting workshops of Saturday May 20, to educate participates on worms, composting and gardening, adding nutrients to home gardens. There is also the chance to win a worm farm.

For children, on Saturday, May 27, join an insect hotel workshop, to learn about native bees and other insects that help gardens, and build an insect hotel to attract insects into gardens.

For plant lovers, there will be a plant sale, on Saturday June 3, of native plants, grown by Native Plants Queensland – Society for Growing Australian Plants Mackay branch.

No matter how much or how little of a plant and garden enthusiast, there is something for everyone. Visit mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au for more information, or how to register to events.

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Join the Mackay Botanic Gardens as they celebrate 20 years

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The world is their oyster for a group which visited the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

The World Café group enjoyed a morning tea before viewing the centre’s crafts.

It is a free culture-sharing group which meets every Tuesday at 4 George Street, Mackay (the Annex) between February and November from 10 am to 12.30 pm.

Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions, culture and conversations and local excursions.

For more information phone (07) 4957 7222.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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World Café group members from left Kaye Humphreys, Mary Gardner, Gail Ruse, Raelene Cant, Ernie Roh, Edyta Konopka, Raph Maglente, Svan Stephenson, Kamlawati Singh, Maedel Maglente, Ruth Bell, Kitty Yuen, Rydell Hansen and Maureen Solager at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Joining them for morning tea were Arts and Crafts members Jenny Costello and Marg Hinrichs, at back right. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Locals and cruising yachties are invited to enjoy a packed calendar of social events at Coral Sea Marina thanks to their unique edu-tourism workshops and experiences that are free for both customers and the broader community to enjoy.

The first in the series, Cruising the Whitsundays, is due to take place tomorrow at the marina’s Lookout Lounge.

All are welcome to attend this free event featuring presentations from guest speakers who will be shining a light on what to expect when out on the water this season.

Guest speakers include Master Reef Guide Crystal Lacey, on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Fiona Broadbent from Queensland Parks and Wildlife, the Whitsunday’s own local sailing guru, Sharon Smallwood, to share her hidden Whitsundays gems, and Olivia Brodhurst on behalf of the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Committee.

Attendees will learn about the history of the islands, whale migration, the Eye on the Reef, newly opened island trails, top spots to visit and local sailing tips.

There are several other events coming up at the marina this winter.

Mainstay Sailing and Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays host the “Better Boating” series of free maritime training which provide the perfect opportunity for attendees to brush up on their boating skills or learn something new in a relaxed and informal environment.

In addition, the Coral Sea Academy will host monthly Art Classes, multiple Women in Boating networking and training opportunities, as well as environmental information workshops on the Great Barrier Reef and conservation volunteer opportunities.

WHAT: Cruising the Whitsundays

WHEN: Saturday, May 20 from 10am

WHERE: Coral Sea Resort, Lookout Lunch

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This world-wide sell-out production by Circa, a front runner in performing arts and acrobatic illusions, is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) this Saturday, May 20.

On by Circa is the newest creation for the powerful acrobatic and circus company, expanding their repertoire to include a hauntingly beautiful tale of a chance encounter, and an intimate touch for eight strangers.

Taking place in an apartment block courtyard, On by Circa explores an impossible connection for these eight strangers of the love, loss, and longing of a shared existence.

The audience is pulled through the performance with powerful acrobatic skill and beautiful light show which is timed perfectly with elegant and touching music.

Creator of On by Circa, Yaron Lifschitz, depicts the beauty of human connection, the delicate nature and intricacies of the performing arts and the circus craft, in a powerful display of human strength and ability.

Since 2004, Circa has been dazzling audiences with their perfect craft, becoming the leader in circus performing arts and acrobatics.

Circa has travelled to 40 different countries, performed to over 1.5 million people, with numerous sell-out productions.

Circa productions always contain a massive range of acrobatic and circus acts, with performances including large scale opera, fantastical choreography, and beautiful instrumentals.  

On by Circa will be at the PEC for one night only. This is not a show to miss.

WHAT: On By Circa

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Saturday, 20 May 6.30pm

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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An extroverted Australian swimming and diving champion of the early 1900s, Annette Kellerman raised many an eyebrow with her exploits in world swimming circles and for her risqué appearances in films depicting her as a mermaid.

Born in 1887 in Sydney, as a child she suffered from rickets and had to wear calipers to assist her to walk until it was suggested she take up swimming. This not only fixed her problem but led to her being declared a perfect physical specimen. Thereafter, she made a career of swimming and became quite a celebrity in Australia, America, England and Europe where she travelled widely, giving swimming and underwater ballet displays, diving exhibitions and lecturing on physical development. She was the first woman to attempt (unsuccessfully) a crossing of the English Channel and completed marathon swims in the rivers Yarra, Thames and Seine.

Ultimately, she attracted the attention of Hollywood and appeared as a mermaid in two silent films, “Neptune’s Daughter” (1914) and “Daughter of the Gods” (1916); films which scandalised some because she appeared topless though long hair was appropriately draped to preserve a degree of decency. In 1907, she was arrested in Boston (US) for wearing a ‘revealing’ swim-suit in days when women wore neck to ankle bathers.  

During those heady days, she married American film agent, Jimmy Sullivan. Contrary to the usual Hollywood culture, the marriage was lasting - until Annette’s death in 1975 at Labrador, Gold Coast.

Readers might now be wondering just why this story belongs in the Whitsunday history section.

The point is that nowhere, in all the publicity about her, is there any mention of the fact that Annette Kellerman graced Whitsunday waters with her presence for nine months in 1933/4.

In August 1933, Annette and her husband came to Lindeman Island which they used as a base while making a movie about coral with Annette swimming among it as a mermaid, complete with fish-tail. Much of their time was spent camping on adjoining islands such as Cole, Maher and Seaforth. While on Cole Island in August 1933, a party from HMAS “Moresby” landed there to make survey sketches. This must have been quite a treat for a ship-load of virile sailors.

Originally planning to stay for only three months, unfavorable weather delayed filming and extended the stopover. Annette’s sister, Marcelle, was married to Frederick Charles Wooster who began a small resort on Newry Island in those years. Annette and her husband spent time there in a hut built for the purpose, the foundation of which still exists today.

During her stay at Lindeman, Miss Kellerman entertained guests, particularly over the Christmas holidays of 1933. She organised fancy-dress balls on Christmas and New Year’s days as well as water sports and other entertainment.  She had a diving tower of rough bush timber built off the beach to give displays and encouraged visitors to do likewise. At the time, the couple were camped on Seaforth Island and guests on Lindeman Island were invited there for a ‘jazzarino’ as Annette called it. She was ‘the life of the party’ - her presence was quite an event for those staying on the island.

In April 1934, the couple left for Europe after a farewell trip among the islands in the “Cheerio”, a tourist launch owned and operated then by local identity, Bruce Jamieson.  

Such was Annette’s fame that, in the 1950s, Hollywood produced a film of her life, “Million Dollar Mermaid”.  

Thus, our island area can notch up another item of fame in its historical records.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and thanks to the late Ray Blackwood.

Caption: Annette Kellerman was a famous actress and swimmer. Photo supplied

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The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) of Proserpine is celebrating 100 years this July and, to coincide with their big centenary, they are hosting one of their famous Devonshire Teas in August.

The passionate group of homebakers and conversation makers are looking forward to offering freshly baked scones to their guests and serving steaming pots of tea using their colourful teapot collection.

“Grab your buddy, get a group together and start a "sconversation" at our

Devonshire Tea morning!” said QCWA Proserpine Secretary, Kerrie Southee.

“We’ve got some beautiful tea pots that we’ve collected over the years and of course the scones are all home baked.”

While Kerrie is thrilled the QCWA Proserpine is celebrating 100 years this year, she is also eager to use this important milestone to invigorate the group and encourage new members.

“We need your support to keep going for another 100 years!” she explains.

“Without new members the whole thing would fail and that would be terrible.”

Everyone is welcome to come along to the Morning Tea, which is due to be held at the QCWA Hall, 4 Faust Street, Proserpine on Friday, August 11.

Guests can either drop in and grab a takeaway on the day or sit down and enjoy the ‘sconversation’.

WHAT: Scone Day: Devonshire Tea Morning

WHERE: QCWA Hall Proserpine

WHEN: Friday, August 11

TIME: 9.30am to 11.30am

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Join the ‘sconversation’ this August

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Set to the backdrop of a beautiful Autumn Day, the St Catherine’s Catholic College Under 8s Day was a massive success.

There was face painting, cookie decorating, a teddy hospital, drone flying, local firefighters and police officers, plus ice cream to round out the day.

A day dedicated to children under eight-years-old in the community, everyone was welcome to the junior campus playground and many senior students took the helm at various activities and games that entertained the younger ones.

Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Legends Elvis and Olivia Newton-John to Perform at Airlie Beach Hotel

Over two days of powerful music, the Airlie Beach Hotel is bringing two massive powerhouses to the Whitsundays.

This tribute show is unlike any other, with world class act Anita Spring as Dame Olivia Newton-John coming to Airlie Beach for the first time ever and performing alongside Brendon Chase as Elvis Presley.

The pair will each be guests to the other’s headline.

Brendon Chase as Elvis Presley is up first, with special guest appearance, Anita Spring’s Olivia Newton John, on Saturday, May 27.

Audiences can’t help but fall in love with the magic of the performance, of the ‘jailhouse rock’ and the ‘burning love’ that is Elvis.

You will ‘always be on my mind’ with powerful vocals and expressive and extravagant costuming.

This Elvis tribute is an authentic show delivering the best of Australian talent, with Brendon himself being awarded the Best Elvis Tribute Artist in multiple competitions.

His enigmatic show will shine even further with the special appearance of Olivia Newton-John and her powerful vocals and fantastic stage presence.

“Elvis never sang on stage with anyone else because Col Parker didn't think the fans wanted it,” Brendon said.

“However, in my opinion, the concept is brilliant.

“Who better to sing with than one of Australia's most well-known and talented artists?

“It also helps that Anita, who performs Oliva's Tribute, is one of the best in the business.”

Next up, is Anita Spring, as Olivia Newton-John, with special guest Elvis making an appearance.

Anita pays homage to the star, in her Forever Olivia show, performing at the Airlie Beach Hotel on Sunday, May 28.

Anita brings her all, performing all of Olivia’s biggest hits, from ‘Physical’ to ‘I Honestly Love You’.

Her seasoned and powerful country music vocals lend themselves well to the star’s hits, reminiscing and remembering Olivia in a touching and beautiful tribute performance that all Olivia Newton-John fans will appreciate.

She will leave audiences hopelessly devoted and suspended in time.

"The audience should come with their voices ready to be exercised!” Anita said.

“They will be singing along from the very start to so many classic songs we have all come to love over many decades.

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Worldwide headliners in Airlie Beach together for the first time

Elvis Presly and Olivia Newton-John will be appearing on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage

Anita Spring as Dame Olivia Newton-John performing in Airlie Beach for the first time

Finally returning to their own franchise after six years, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 is stunning audiences with beautiful CGI and touching storylines.

Following the rag-tag team of mercenaries that protect the galaxy, Volume 3 primarily showcases the band’s smallest team member, Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, a raccoon with a questionable moral outlook and keen obsession with prosthetic limbs, and his unfortunate backstory.

Volume 3 introduces new intergalactic villain named Adam Warlock, played by Will Poulter, who is tasked to retrieve Rocket for a mad scientist, who is hell-bent on recapturing his most successful experiment.

The film also revives loved character Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, who was sacrificed in 2018 film Avengers: Infinity War so that Thanos (Josh Brolin) could gather another Infinity Stone.

Filled with heart and heartache, audiences are introduced to Rocket’s childhood family, an otter with prosthetic arms named Lylla, a walrus with wheels, Teefs, and a rabbit with multiple mechanical arms called Floor, in a series of short flashbacks.

Surprisingly dark themes are counterbalanced with light-hearted bickering and touching family moments, which only pull the characters together as a family.

The actors have embodied their characters once again, with Dave Bautista, playing Drax, and Pom Klementieff’s, Mantis, chemistry a highlight throughout the film.

Also, Zoe Saldana’s ability to completely reinvent Gamora following the events of Avengers: Infinity War.

One standout scene that comes to mind is when Groot, the team’s walking tree, speaks and the group are finally able to understand what he has been saying.

Director James Gunn has proven himself an inspired director, bringing the audiences to tears at multiple stages in the film, and reaffirming the loveable nature of these interesting characters.

At two and a half hours, this is a heart wrenching conclusion to the trilogy, and the character interactions will be missed on the big screen.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (PG 13+) is currently showing at the Bowen Cinema.

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