Mackay’s rapidly growing music festival is making a comeback to Harrup Park with its most diverse and impressive line-up to date.

Proudly presented by LiSTNR, BE Social Fest will once again provide an unforgettable day and night of music, community and social freedom.

Building on the success of the 2022 event, BE Social will expand its footprint to welcome an all-ages licensed offering with the aim of attracting thousands of new punters to experience some of the most influential artists Australia has to offer.

2023’s festival will bring rock royalty Grinspoon to Mackay for the first time in 10 years.

Grinspoon has been in the industry for almost 30 years and is considered a national treasure amongst audiences.

Joining them is perennial Australian pop sweetheart Vera Blue, whose thoughtful, cathartic, and sometimes melancholic sound has fuelled her touring calendar in recent years, with this being her first time back in Mackay since 2018.

West Australian indie rockers San Cisco, who have been a constant delight since their breakout year in 2011, are also set to perform.

When waxing poetic on the contributors to Australia's vibrant and fast-growing hip hop scene, few names hold as much significance as 360.

Having been to the top, sat firmly on the throne and lived as the king, the Victorian rapper was largely part of the eventual crossover of the genre to wider Australian audiences.

With plenty of notable acts populating this year's line-up, BE Social’s commitment to supporting emerging and developing Australian artists is evident with LISI, RedHook, Coterie and Mackay’s Wild Sky also on the bill.

BE Social returns in its largest capacity yet, in full formation and in the complete vision of the event’s founder, with even more music, more fun and more opportunities to connect with friends and music lovers alike.

“The growth in not only this event, but in the team of believers around the festival has been very significant,” said owner and director Michael Delaney.

“Without them, along with the support of major partners and sponsors we would not be able to pull off an outstanding event that is now proving to turn a lot of heads in the industry and regionally.

“We can’t wait for the 2023 event to see the punters enjoying themselves and coming together as we aim to grow this event to be an iconic event for the NQ region.”

WHAT: SE Social Fest 2023

WHEN: Saturday, June 24

WHERE: Harrup Park

TICKETS: besocialfest.com.au

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Ladies. Fellas. It’s getting hot at The Airlie Beach Hotel – so hot – as a cabaret show like no other arrives in the Whitsundays for one night only, promising top-tier entertainment from the "biggest and baddest" crew around.

The Magic Men are ready – are you? One of the country’s best male revue shows is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23, serving up some eye candy on stage.

Chuck on the heels and round up the girls for this one, it’s going to be “the ultimate night out in Airlie Beach.” They’ve got the blood-pumping, hip-thrusting gyrations audiences won’t help but fawn over – and daydream about for weeks to come.

Grab your gang and enjoy an epic girl’s night out, be treated like a queen, and experience fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for ogling.

Expect a spellbinding performance from the Magic Men’s all-star cast of expert dancers, hunks decked out in uniforms for every fancy. Each outfit highlights the performers' best assets, leaving little to the imagination.

The Airlie Beach Hotel will be home to the best hunks this show has lined up – all with gorgeous faces and chiselled bodies ready to bring the house down in a one-of-its-kind performance. It’s not often the Airlie Beach Hotel brings in a private show, and certainly not like this one.

Magic Men features a cast of talented performers, each a specialist in a range of disciplines: dance and acrobatics, fire-eating and burlesque. The Men are singular in their stylish, unique in both personality and perfection – there’s something for everyone in the audience.

And best of all, TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform.

He’ll be heating up the Whitsundays, serving up a heart-stopping live performance, alongside some of the most talented male dancers, they’ll tear up the stage.

What can you expect? Hunky men, drop-dead gorgeous waiters and eye-catching costumes. With a one-of-a-kind show that is guaranteed to make you Feel the Magic, it’s set to be a night out to remember.

Fully choreographed, the Magic Men have perfected their bodies and their routines, and it shows. From the moment they step onto the stage, they command attention – the kind that leaves you breathless.  

Grab a cocktail at The Airlie Beach Hotel for this hot, sizzling, adults-only event where the doors open at 7.00 PM.

Get your tickets now and see for yourself what makes these guys the talk of the town.

WHAT: The Magic Men Take Over Airlie Beach

WHEN: Thursday, March 23, from 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM.

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Magic Men is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23

Don’t miss these hunky fellas as they make their way to the Whitsundays for a one-night showing

TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform

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At Coral Sea Marina Resort

Attendees are asked to “expect the unexpected” at this year’s International Women’s Day lunch hosted by the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays and held at Coral Sea Marina Resort.

The theme of the day is ‘Cracking the Code’ and the dress style is ‘Rainbow’.

All women are invited to be colourful and creative with their outfit choices, the more vibrant and dazzling the better for your chance to win a prize for best dressed.

“Zonta has the reputation of holding fabulous events and we are hoping this will be as good if not better than our past performances,” said Marlene Reiffel from Zonta.

“Coral Sea Marina Resort, as you know, is a fabulous venue.”

This year’s guest speaker is Dr Kerry Reid-Searl AM who is an engaging presenter and Emeritus Professor.

As always, there will be a range of opportunities to win prizes and donate money – from the lucky door prize to rolling raffles, a major auction and the popular silent auction.

Melinda Butcher from Taylors Property Specialists is the auctioneer on the day and she will provide a lively commentary on all the action.

Zonta would like to thank all the local businesses for their kind donations.

Another highlight of the day is a delightful dining experience with a two-course meal included in the ticket price, as well as a glass of champagne on arrival.

There will also be live entertainment and the room will be decorated in the over-arching rainbow theme.

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WHAT: Zonta Club of the Whitsundays, International Women’s Day

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Resort

WHEN: Saturday, March 4 from 10am

TICKETS: $89 from whitsundaytickets.com.au

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February

24 Tastes of the Top Shelf Dinner at Whisper Restaurant (ticketed event)

March

1 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

1 Cape Gloucester Community Catch-Up at Dingo Beach Comm Centre

4 Race Day at Ben Bolt Park, Bowen

4 Disney Sing-Along: Encanto at PEC Cinema

6 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

7 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

8 Bowen Zonta Club's International Women's Day at the Grand View Hotel from 5pm

10 Conversations with Spirits (Chantal Miranda) at PEC

11 Ocean Film Festival: World Tour showing at PEC

12 Disney Sing-Along: Moana showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Antman & The Wasp showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Magic Mike’s Last Dance showing at PEC Cinema

16 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

18 Aussie Pub Komedy Tour at Original North Australian (ticketed event)

18 Disney Sing-Along: The Lion King showing at PEC Cinema

19 Lior & Domini: Animal In Hiding performing at PEC

21 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

23 Blue Bayou performing at PEC

25 Young Vocalist performance at Dingo Beach Hotel

25 Disney Sing-Along: Frozen showing at PEC Cinema

25-27 Creed III showing at PEC Cinema

26-27 Scream VI showing at PEC Cinema

Apr

3 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

4 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

4 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

5 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

6 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

20 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

May

2-3 Mr Stink production at PEC

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The Banshees of Inisherin

Coastline cliffs with a wine-dark sea below, long fields of warn-green, windswept grass, desolate and marked only by some lonesome cottage and a grey, etherised sky. Quaint people and quaint villages, cut off from the main and the problems of life.

This storybook ideal of early 20th century Ireland, Martin McDonagh’s newest film The Banshees of Inisherin tells us, is a lie.

On the remote island of Inisherin, Pádraic Súlleabháin (Colin Farrell) is devastated when his buddy, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), suddenly ends their lifelong friendship. It echoes what's happening on the mainland, where Ireland is not doing so well – it is raging in Civil War, and those drumbeat sounds of distant cannons and brother fighting brother can be heard from across the sea in little Inisherin.

That is the simplest layer of McDonagh’s film, an allegorically dense work that balances tragedy and comedy only as a playwright could; it is outrageously funny in its pure absurdity, yet desperately plaintive. That humour derives from McDonagh's stylistic choices as a director and his abilities as a writer, and those sadder notes present sides to a truer story of a place trying to leave the shadow of colonialism – but one that might miss the point with its simpler caricatures of Irish people.

In James Joyce’s Ulysses, Stephen Dedalus remarks of a damaged mirror: “It is a symbol of Irish art. The cracked lookingglass of a servant.” For Irishman, their art was often doomed to one reading: a reflection of the outside reader – a non-Irish person - only worse because they believe Irish art to be broken in nature because they believe the Irish are broken in nature.

A century on from Ulysses, we still point at the warn-green grass, the simple, peasant Irishman drunkard, and we laugh. Dublin isn't a cosmopolitan city, no – we don’t see the real Ireland; we diminish Ireland.

Despite the diminishment, The Banshees of Inisherin is an immensely enjoyable film. It alights on dreadful, tragic feelings, whilst composing an Irish Civil War story with humour and pathos which brings its audience into a contemplative mood – "do I understand Ireland better? Perhaps. Do I want to know more? Certainly."

The Banshees of Inisherin is showing this weekend at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Review by Declan Durrant

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Friday 24th Feb

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

• Paradiso: Nick DeGregario (7-10pm)

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

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

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

Saturday 25th Feb

• The Pub: Songs of Jack Johnson (2-5.30pm)

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

• Paradiso: Tasman (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Shaun Diver (8pm-late)

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

Sunday 26th Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub: Boys of Summer (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Lloyd Saunders (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Monday 27th Feb

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 28th Feb

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

Wednesday 1st Mar

• KC’s: live music (8pm-late)

Thursday 2nd Mar

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (6.30-10pm)

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

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“You win, it’s your show now. So what’s it gonna be?” – The Airlie Beach Hotel has handed over the reins, they’ve turned it ‘Upside Down’ and given their patrons what they’ve been asking for: A day of beachy, Hawaiian rock in a Jack Johnson-themed double event.

A cobbled-together band comprising members of California Kings and the Smashed Crabs Gold Coast – both Australian tribute show royalty – are coming ‘From Here To Now To You’ at The Pub this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, they’ll drop in with some tunes from Jack Johnson – ‘Better Together,’ ‘Banana Pancakes’, ‘Upside Down’, and more classics – then some iconic, reggae-flavored tunes. And they’re being joined by local legend Aaron Saxon who’ll be putting the beach in Airlie Beach.

The Centre-Dining Stage will be dressed up in Island Theme, alongside the whole venue, and pubgoers can don their Hawaiian shirts and shorts and party Whitsunday style – they’ll even get a free lei on arrival (a traditional Hawaiian flower necklace).

Once they’ve gone ‘On And On’ and worked their way through Johnson’s catalogue of acoustic works, the day will conclude with hits from artists like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and 10cc.

Then on Sunday, the collaborative band will return as Boys of Summer – a fresh, surfy Sunday Session Beach Party playing all the favourite summer festival songs from artists like Ben Harper, Xavier Rudd, Donovan Frankenreiter, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, John Butler Trio, and more.

It’s ‘Times Like These’ at The Pub that we’re all ‘Sitting, Waiting Wishing’ for – so drop in tomorrow and Sunday for this free show.

WHAT: The Songs of Jack Johnson Plus Reggae Flavoured Classics, and Boys of Summer

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Airlie Beach Hotel has heard your requests and is hosting a beachy Jack Johnson-themed double event this weekend

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Gimme, gimme, gimme that synth and soprano coming to The Airlie Beach Hotel in mid-March – I can hear the distant drums and bugle sounds closing in on the Bar-Top Stage.

SOS - A Tribute to the Songs of ABBA arrives in the Whitsundays, bringing Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Freda back to town and ‘As Good As New’ in a perfect recreation of the iconic ‘70s band.

The Airlie Beach Hotel has become a perfect sojourn for this group of super-fans of the Swedish super-group, who for years has been leading a double life: by day, they’re mild-mannered Australian musicians, but by night, they’re crazy ABBA fans.

The Melbourne-based band came together to obsessively re-create the sound, music, and look of the Swedish pop sensation they loved so dearly. Now, they walk out on stage, leaving behind their everyday lives and transforming into rock stars at The Australian ABBA Tribute Show.

Armed to the teeth with fantastic costumes, incredible vocal talents, animated ABBA dance moves, and Swedish accents, the SOS Tribute to ABBA show is back and better than ever.

Sam Bennet, who fills the shoes and takes up the pick as SOS’s Bjorn, said that audiences in the Whitsundays had given them a huge reception when they were last at The Pub in August and were hoping for even better this time out.

“We’re so excited to be back; it was so incredible and amazing last time,” Sam said.

“We’re excited to be giving people that feeling of seeing ABBA live because you can tell how much it means to people – there’s always a song in the set where there’s a twinkle in their eye that they’re remembering a moment in their life.

“Whether that be heartbreak or love, it's a real honor to perform that music."

Sam said the group doesn’t just perform to emulate the records, they match the energy that audiences saw when ABBA played at Wembley or the Sydney Mine Music Bowl.

“We match that energy and the arrangements we use are often based on those live performances rather than the records,” Sam said.

“The one thing we try and do is give the audience an experience of what ABBA was in the 70s and 80s.”

Patrons at The Airlie Beach Hotel are in for two free shows (that's right! For absolutely no Money, Money, Money): one on Saturday, March 11, and (Mama Mia, here we go again) another on Sunday, March 12, when SOS take the Bar Top stage again.

Put On Your White Sombrero for their afternoon shows from 2.00pm to 5.30pm!

What: SOS – The Australian ABBA Tribute Show

When: Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm both days

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Leaving Jackson Brings Johnny Cash's Iconic Hits To The MECC

Get ready to experience the iconic music of Johnny Cash and June Carter like never before!

Leaving Jackson, one of Australia's fastest-growing tribute shows, is bringing its electric energy to the MECC stage next month. With performances at some of the country’s largest theatres, including the Opera House in Wellington and the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, this show is an unforgettable experience.

Leaving Jackson has spent the past four years crafting the show, which has become a beloved tribute to Cash and Carter, two of the most legendary figures in the world of country music. With all the hits, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," and "Hurt," this two-hour live concert will transport you back in time.

"We're not just playing Johnny Cash and June Carter," says Jeff Carter, who stars as Cash. "We're trying to capture the essence of their relationship, their music, and their love for each other. We want to bring their story to life on stage."

Melanie Lewin, who plays June Carter, agrees, saying, "We're not just performing their songs, we're trying to honour their legacy. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of this show."

Accompanied by a full backing band, the show is a moving and unforgettable tribute to Cash and Carter's musical legacy.

Johnny Cash and June Carter's love story, which began as a professional collaboration on stage, blossomed into a lifelong romance that lasted until Cash's death in 2003. The duo was famous for their on-stage chemistry and musical talent, and they supported each other through personal struggles and health issues. Their music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

Don't miss your chance to see this incredible tribute show. Leaving Jackson hits the MECC stage next month, and tickets are available to purchase from the box office or online through the MECC website. As Jeff Carter says, "We're excited to bring our show to Mackay, and we hope to see everyone there!"

What: Leaving Jackson – The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show

When: Saturday 25 March 2023, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Powered by returning naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, registrations for the 2023 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run are now open.

Hosted by Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club, the 21 May event has five different run options to choose from, with all proceeds going to support the Club.

Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club Event Director Neil John said that the Fun Run was the Club’s principal annual fundraiser, combining “fun, fitness and fantastic views” into one event to support the Club’s vital work in the community.

“As a 100% volunteer organisation, we are so grateful for all of the support that we receive from our community – and our popular Cruisin’ the Coast Fun Run is a major part of that support,” Mr John said.

“While raising much-needed funds for us, it also gives our community an opportunity to experience beautiful Sarina Beach – it’s a really fun atmosphere.”

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said the event was a “great way for families and friends to reconnect”.

“Whether you choose to walk or run, we want everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace and be reminded of why we love our community so much.”

The run events include a 5km community walk, a 3km, 5km or 10km run and a half marathon option, to make the event suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Alongside naming rights sponsor Community Bank Sarina, the 2023 run sponsors include Mackay Whitsunday Life, Wilmar, Ray White Sarina, Daly Bay, North Queensland Bulk Ports and Permanent Way Solutions.

For more information and to register, visit www.sarinafunrun.com.au.

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The 2023 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run was launched this week at a Chamber of Commerce networking event held at Roots Café in Sarina. Photo credit: RebelNation

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Placemaking Projects To Breathe Life Into The City Centre

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The Mackay City Centre is set to undergo a range of revitalisations with many exciting placemaking projects in the works. From vibrant street art to interactive installations and green spaces, the initiatives aim to inject new life into the heart of the city and create a more engaging and welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.

One of the most eye-catching projects is the creation of a 3D interactive mural, which will allow visitors to become part of the artwork and capture some amazing photos. Meanwhile, new parklets, bike racks, and seating will enhance pedestrian access and encourage more people to explore this vibrant city.

Nine community-driven placemaking projects have been given the green light thanks to council funding.

Mackay Waterfront Make Your Place placemaking grants will inject almost $40,000 to further support the Mackay City Centre and Waterfront in becoming a vibrant, inclusive and engaging place.

The successful projects include:

Parts. Of the mind and of the self by Cynthia Gregg - $7500

A one-month public art exhibition focusing on improving mental health. The exhibition will feature more than 75 pieces of original work, which will include paintings and drawings by local artists, to be displayed on the walls at 75 Victoria Street.

The Artist Place at Queens Park - $6067

The Artist Place will host nine days of artistic activities and workshops at Queens Park’s cricket shed and rotunda to engage the community in arts activities run by established artists. Each weekend the artists will host workshops in a variety of mediums (watercolour, drawing, printmaking, drumming, textile).

Mudskippa’s Community Fishing Clinics - $6840

Mudskippa will host 20 free community fishing clinics utilising the Pioneer River fishing jetties. Each clinic will be held over a three-hour period for up to 10 people.

Artists in the City by Artists Connect - $7500

The project will bring colour, vitality, excitement and activity to City Centre and Waterfront spaces and businesses through inclusive community workshops. Fifteen workshops will be offered, culminating in a colourful yarn bomb in the City Centre and an exhibition of works produced by participants.

Old Town Hall Placemaking Project by Bonnie McCarthy - $1000

This placemaking project aims to reinvigorate the Old Town Hall parkland space by installing some temporary installations. This project will feature several sections including a "garden" of bright and fun recycled water bottle flowers and a temporary milk crate setting to take advantage of the shade that the beautiful mature trees provide.

Latin Inspired Street Party by Coco Cubano and Coffee Club - $1000

Mackay Latin Street Party aims to connect the local community through sharing and celebrating Latin culture and customs through live music, traditional dance performances, audience dance lessons, and speciality food and beverages.

Mackay Community Waterfront by Teen Shed Mackay - $1000

An Easter-themed scavenger hunt for families. Participants will use a scavenger card to direct them to locations around the waterfront. The card is based on events and locations from the timeline of Mackay’s history as detailed on the “Upon the Levee Wall” community arts project.

Mackay River Wharves Festival by Red Dog Brewery - $7500

Red Dog brewery will present the Mackay River Wharves Festival. A free community event showcasing locally brewed craft beer and artisan products, local food and live music by local artists.

Mackay CALD Community Cultural Connection Tour by George Street Neighbourhood Centre - $1570

The Neighbourhood Hub will deliver a cultural tour for the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community. The tour will utilise public art and local First Nations Yuwi and Australian South-Sea Islander guides to tell the story of their peoples’ challenging history in Mackay.

All projects will be delivered by June 2023. To stay up to date with more information and timing on a specific event/project, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au or follow Mackay City and Waterfront on Facebook.

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Coco Cubano and Coffee Club will host another Latin Inspired Street Party this year thanks to a Make Your Place placemaking grant

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Mackay is getting its first Annual Careers Expo, hoping to make the decisions of school leavers and career-changers a little easier.

Careersevent runs career expos throughout Australia and will be holding the Mackay Careers Expo at the Mackay Convention Centre on August 3, 2023.

The event is not just open to school students but parents wanting more information to help advise their children, as well as experienced workers considering upskilling for their current or next job, making a career change or wanting to transition into a new industry.

A record number of exhibitors will be featured at the expo, enabling visitors to speak with more than 120 highly qualified representatives from more than 85 organisations providing relevant, up-to-date knowledge in the education, training and employment sectors.

Exhibiting companies include universities from across Australia, student accommodation providers, Head Space, the Department Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural affairs, Mackay Regional Council, Glencore, Community Solutions, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Defence Force Recruiting.

Employers and tertiary education institutions from industries such as information technology, biotechnology, aviation, early childhood education, hotel management, healthcare, hairdressing, creative media, performing arts and business education will all be present.

The community-based event will provide attendees with advice on how to apply for courses, the costs involved, financial support options and qualifications required.

“The current economic climate is forcing the community to be aware of the importance of gaining new skills or upgrading their existing skills,” said Event Organiser Hannah Mann.

In response to these conditions, a large number of exhibitors will provide details on current career and employment options, trainee and apprenticeship programs or options for adults to upskill and retrain in the workplace.

The Mackay Careers Expo is the one event you cannot afford to miss if you’re looking to take control of your future.

Admission to the expo is free.

For more information, visit careersevent.com and click on Mackay Careers Expo.

Make The Most Of Your Careers Expo

1. Plan your day in advance: Keep an eye out for a full list of exhibitors and highlight the one’s that interest you most.

2. Take your time chatting with stallholders: Make sure to visit the exhibitors high on your list and ask any burning questions you have – they’re there to help.

3. Consider something new: This is the perfect opportunity to discover pathways you may never have considered before, so be open to them.

4. Be inspired, learn and have fun!

WHAT: Mackay Careers Expo

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Thursday, August 3 2023

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Love was in the air as the Mackay & District Senior Citizens’ hosted a romantic Valentine’s Dance. The event was filled with couples wearing stunning red and white outfits, moving to the beat of the music.

But that's not all! The next theme dance is just around the corner, and it's time to get your green on! The St. Patrick’s Dance will be held on the 18th March, and we're excited to see everyone decked out in their most fabulous green attire.

And the excitement doesn't stop there! This year, the Mackay & District Senior Citizens Association is celebrating its Golden Anniversary of 50 years, and what better way to celebrate than with a magnificent 50 Years Anniversary Ball in June! It's an event not to be missed, and to make the day even more memorable, a celebratory lunch will be held on the 29th June. Get ready to celebrate in style.

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Eight well-known Mackay identities will be lacing up their dancing shoes and taking to the stage as part of the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s newest fundraising initiative.

Dancing with Heart will take over the MECC on Friday, March 31 and will see some of Mackay’s biggest personalities, who aren’t necessarily known for their dancing, bust a move.

Taking the stage includes Cathy Sullivan, Alex Finlayson, Paul Manttan, Michelle Cross, Tegan Jones, Renae Kunst, Bing Guo and Kay Nyenuh.

The participants will be performing a thoughtfully choreographed dance by Dolly Louw of Fame Talent School before a judging panel chooses the winning dancer on the night.

There will also be a number of prizes including the People’s Choice Award.

The team at Mackay Hospital Foundation prides itself on its unique events and can’t wait for Mackay to be a part of this event and support its favourite dancer and our local hospitals.

To donate to the initiative or sponsor a dancer, visit dancing-with-heart.raisely.com.

WHAT: Dancing with Heart

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Friday, March 31 from 6:30pm

TICKETS: $150 per person from themecc.com.au

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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER AUSTRALIA

On Friday the 3rd of March, millions of women around the globe will unite to mark the annual World Day of Prayer.

The World Day of Prayer is a collaborative, grassroots movement of Christian women from every continent who join together in informed prayer and prayerful action. Each year a different country is invited to highlight their cultures and traditions and share their hopes, joys and needs with the world. This year the country is Taiwan.  

In Mackay we are celebrating, with prayer and song at the Salvation Army Corps, Gregory Street, Mackay at 1O am on Friday 3rd March. Following the Service join us for morning tea and an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Anne Jennings

Mackay Unit of Australian Church Women

AMPLIFY INSPIRATION

Our children and youth need our support, guidance and love in order for them to grow and flourish into men and women who will stand for justice, love and truth.  

So how can you invest in the young people of today? On the 4th of March there is a non-denominational Christian conference for leaders working with children, youth and families called Amplify. We will gather to hear from experts, share our experiences and be sharpened in our thinking for the young people of today.  Please join us at the Mackay hub!

https://amplifyconference.com.au/

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