At the 110th annual Show Whitsunday, the lineup is one of the best, with family favourites and exciting newcomers eager to attend the two-day event.

Returning by popular demand is Airtime FMX Motocross, with their captivating Freestyle Motocross performance which is always intense and exciting.

Performing each day, and a second time on Friday right before the fireworks, this act is set to impress and keeps viewers in their seats.

Attendees can also check out the Australian Travelling Fishing Show with the Berkley Supertank.

Offering an up-close and personal look at spectacular underwater creatures, this 15-metres long, three-metre-high tank is perfect for live demonstrations of lures and fishing techniques as well as covering all things eyewear, footwear, knife sharpening, electronics, and must-see holiday spots.

For some kid’s entertainment, check out Melville’s Baby Animal Petting Farm, full of fantastic baby animals, including alpacas, ducks, chickens and goats.

The children can have a hand at feeding the animals and snap a few pictures.

Also, keep an eye out for the wild roaming dinosaurs, which have made the showgrounds their home for a few days.

Feel free to enter the Dinosaur Park – at your own risk, of course – and be educated on these majestic beasts.

There is also the Moovin Team, with balloon and ukulele workshops, to inspire and unleash creativity within children.

Some of the best show rides are returning as well, including wild attractions such as the Big Whizzer, the Sky Flyer and The Graviton, that have been paired perfectly with calmer entertainment, such as the Big Slide, Dodgem Cars, the Haunted House, and Shooting Galleries.

Also, don’t miss the side show alley and the show bag stalls, which make perfect mementos for the car ride home.

While there, check out the pavilion’s show entries, with homemade sweet treats, handmade paintings, craft and needlework, and the cattle, poultry and produce judgings.

With buses organised to ferry patrons to and from the showground, feel free to hit up the bar and enjoy yourself.

WHAT: Show Whitsunday

WHERE: Proserpine Showground

WHEN: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June

TICKETS: showwhitsunday.com.au or Whitsunday Computers and Stationary

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Shades of Women Galvanises Empowered Sisterhood

Shades of Women, an annual gala event organised by Kickass Women, brought together attendees from across the Mackay Region last week in a powerful display of support and solidarity.

Supported by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, the annual event serves as a fundraising initiative to support women and children affected by domestic violence in the Mackay and Whitsunday Region. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting Mackay Women's Services, a vital organisation offering assistance and resources to those in need.

Jo Sainsbury, the visionary founder of Kickass Women, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a success. Sainsbury emphasised the importance of women coming together to uplift one another, fostering a sense of connection and unity that transcends societal boundaries.

"When we empower and support one another, we create a ripple effect that touches the lives of not only women but also men and children," Sainsbury stated. "By replacing competition with collaboration, we can elevate society as a whole and initiate a positive chain of events that our world desperately needs.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed and supported this event.”

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Photo credit: Indigo Blue Photography

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Friday 9 June

Resources Industry Network June Industry Brief Lunch

Friday, Registrations open at 11:45am for 12:00pm start

Resource Industry Network is hosting its June Industry Briefing Lunch this Friday in the Lancaster Room at Harrup Park Country Club. Guest speaker Andrew Barger, Policy Director at The Queensland Resources Council (QRC), will be discussing the outlook for Queensland’s resources sector and much more.

Harrup Park

Friday 5K

Every Friday Evening From 5:30pm

Join Emmie-Lee Fitness, Rise & Mind Mackay and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Clubbies on a social fun run, jog or walk along the Breakwater and Marina paths. Meet at the beachside of the Surf Club ready to go every Friday arvo @ 5:30pm.

The Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Leyon Milner Live

Friday, 6:30pm

Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Dance the night away from 6.30pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Annette Worthington Live

Friday, 6:30pm

Join Anette Worthington for a night of live music from 6:30pm-10:30pm. Come along for a great night.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Saturday 10 June

Queensland Day With Scouts

Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Join in for this free family event for all ages hosted by Hibiscus Coast District Scouts, 21Degrees South Multisport Association and Crime Stoppers Volunteer Committee. Enjoy free activities including archery attack, crate stacking and MapRun, and support the organisations with a sausage sizzle.

Queens Park

Share The Rainbow @Sydney Street Markets

Saturday, 11:00am to 2:00pm

Celebrate Pride Month at Sydney Street Markets this June! Sydney Street Markets will transform into a vibrant rainbow wonderland, with live cooking demonstrations and sampling every Saturday from 11am - 1pm!

Sydney Street Markets

Hostplus Cup Round 13 - Mackay Cutters V Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Saturday, 3:00pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as they take on Wynnum Manly Seagulls! 3:00pm | gates open. 3:45pm | U21's Hastings Deering Colts. 6:00pm | Hostplus Cup.

BB Print Stadium

Eungella Highland Ceilidh

Saturday, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Come up to Eungella for the night or stay the weekend and enjoy a real Scottish Country Dance. Featuring the Mackay & District Pipe Band, Piping MaD, Mackay Ceilidh Dance School, Iain McKenzie and Margaret Silke. Lots of music and dancing all night long. Soup and bread is included in the price of $25.00 per head. Primary age children and under are free. Adult and children’s tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/eungella-highland-ceilidh.

13 North Street, Eungella

NBL1 North Round 11

Saturday, 6:00pm

Mackay Basketball welcomes the Ipswich Force to the Crater for Round 11 of the NBL1 North season. Mackay Meteorettes v Ipswich Force from 6:00pm. Mackay Meteors v Ipswich Force from 8:00pm.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

Sunday 11 June

Sounds at the Seabreeze

Sunday, 12:00pm

Join the Seabreeze on Sunday for an extraordinary musical experience at Sounds at the Seabreeze. Prepare to be captivated by an afternoon filled with incredible live performances by the exceptionally talented bands, The Wild Sky and The Feels. Starting from 12pm, immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies and infectious rhythms that will take your breath away.

Seabreeze Hotel

Picnic in the Park - Youth Event

Sunday, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Coming out of Mackay Regional Council’s YOL1000 project, the Youth and Arts Development Team organised and held a series of Youth Focused, Youth Led Event Workshops. A group of young people from the workshop decided to run their very own event, and Picnic in the Park was created. Live music, youth run market stalls, food vans, giant games and more! This event is organised by young people, for young people. Please bring your own picnic rugs and some cash for the youth market stalls. Parents welcome to attend. There will be adult volunteers and council staff from the youth development team on the ground for the day.

Jubilee Park

Wednesday 14 June

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 15 June

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

Beddy Rays Tour De Frothy

Thursday, 7:30pm

Beddy Rays, one of Australia’s most beloved bunch of fun-loving larrikins are gearing up to return to home soil and ride a lap around the country as part of their ‘Tour De Frothy’. After spending 2 months on the road throughout the UK and Europe, they are ready to kick off their tour in Mackay with special guests Betty Taylor.

Seabreeze Hotel

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The walls of the Crossroad Arts office are adorned with the brightly coloured artworks from artists throughout the region as well as some from interstate.

The HeART(beats): Access is Love exhibition aims to help build a world where accessibility is understood as an act of love, instead of a burden or an afterthought.

The exhibition Opening Night coincided with the Mackay City and Waterfront’s ‘City Heart Fridays’ on Friday June 2. The free event which was Auslan interpreted showcased the exhibition accompanied by beats from local DJ Ryan while viewers enjoyed some nibbles and drinks.

Crossroad Arts Artistic Director Alison Richardson describes how the project has opened the door to thoughtful discussion of access, "It has been heartening to see so many community members from Mackay and beyond take part in this exhibition, the theme has seemed to really resonate with people,” she said.

“It has been a great opportunity to open up discussion about how we view support and providing access for others."

Natasha Tomlinson, Crossroad Arts Social Media Officer and Ambassador shared why she is excited to welcome the community in to visit the exhibit.

"I would love to see people come along and check out our artwork! It is important because we need more people to come here and meet new friends and new people."

The exhibition can be viewed in the Crossroad Arts office at 55 Wood St Mackay, with wheelchair access and image descriptions available digitally for people who are blind or vision impaired.

The HeART(beats): Access is Love exhibit will remain open to the public until Friday August 4, Monday - Friday, 9-5pm, with most works for sale and all proceeds going towards the 2023 Annual Giving Program.

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The annual trivia fundraiser is back, and Meals on Wheels Proserpine is excited.

All fundraising is directly fed back into the organisation and to local clients.

“For this year, the fundraising will go towards costs, making sure the cost isn’t going up and to keep the price for clients’ meals down,” said Helen Maynard-Turner, Coordinator of Meals on Wheels Proserpine.

It is best to book a table of six for the night, so that everyone can be properly catered for, as well as be best accommodated for.

The Meals on Wheels Committee has been working hard to make this event, with one member, Julie, composing the questions.

WHAT: Meals on Wheels Annual Trivia

WHERE: Proserpine Bowling Club

WHEN: Friday, July 14, from 6pm

BOOKING: Ring Helen on 4945 1733, Monday to Friday, 7am to 12pm to book a table

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The Mackay Maltese Club had the pleasure of hosting a morning tea and cent sale last Tuesday, May 30 at the residence of Rose and Joe Borg.

Members of the Trudy Crowley Foundation were invited to the morning tea to talk about ovarian cancer and the importance of getting checked.

Ovarian Cancer Ambassador Bridgeen Doherty spoke about her own ovarian cancer journey and the work of the foundation, while Founder and Vision Advocate Jacquie Camilleri spoke about the foundation's vision of a palliative care sanctuary.

Board member Councillor Pauline Townsend and Patron of the foundation Councillor Fran Mann were in attendance, showing their support of the great cause.

The Mackay Maltese Club raised and donated $2,000 to the Trudy Crowley Foundation, to go towards the planned palliative care sanctuary.

The cheque was presented to Ovarian Palliative Care Nurses Rosie Standard and Chris Giannangelo.

“It was a beautiful day with many goodies and wins,” said Mackay Maltese Club Secretary Veronica Gauci.

“Thank you to all who attended and helped with the day.

“We appreciate your ongoing support.”

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Trudy Crowley Foundation Palliative Care Nurses Rosie Standard and Chris Giannangelo presented with a cheque by Mackay Maltese Club President Rose Borg and Treasurer Janis Vella

Trudy Crowley Foundation Founder and Vision Advocate Jacquie Camilleri

Ovarian Cancer Ambassador Bridgeen Doherty

A lovely morning was had by all. Photos supplied

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In an exciting move, Bruce Springsteen is coming to Airlie Beach and with him is massive powerhouse Pat Benatar.

Over two high energy and high-octane performances Springsteen will bring his charm and charisma to Airlie Beach and with the formidable Pat Benatar making special guest appearances, this will be a once in a lifetime show.

James G Brennan is no newcomer, performing as Springsteen for eight years now, taking his performance worldwide.

“Springsteen is a big job,” James said.

“But I’m always looking forward to entertaining the crowd.”

With him, James brings the E Street Band, a five-piece band that always hits just right on a weekend afternoon.

We have Danul Steward on guitar and vocals, Simon Abbott on drums, Jared King on Bass, Chris Alford on keyboard and vocals and finally Justen Stoodley on saxophone, percussion, and vocals, to round out this powerful and energetic crew.

Saturday afternoon will be rocked by this powerhouse band performing all of Springsteen’s best, with their unstoppable Glory Days Experience.

All the best hits are sure to come, with hidden gems and fantastic crowd interaction guaranteed for all.

Prepare for only the best of Springsteen, covering every hit with perfect and intimate precision, this tribute show will blow you away.

On Sunday afternoon, Lauren Kimberley will grace the Airlie Beach Hotel stage as the one and only Pat Benatar, the 70s and 80s rock legend, playing alongside James and the E Street Band.

These two absolute legends have never performed together on stage before, making this tribute act a special show not to miss.

In a legendary combination that Airlie Beach has never seen before, this show is sure to impress everyone, with Lauren’s powerful vocals a feat of their own.

“Lauren has a five-range vocal octave, and she knows what she’s doing,” said James.

“She is a pocket rocket, and we knew that Pat and Springsteen would make a great combination on stage.”

These Hall of Fall Inductees continue to make waves in rock and roll and Airlie Beach is next on the lineup.

“So, what can the audience expect?

“This is a show that everyone will love.

“It’s something a little different, something they haven’t seen before.

“The male and female dynamic on stage is exciting and we’re looking forward for Airlie Beach to get a taste of the action.”

You don’t have to be a super fan to be able to sing along to these classics, so why not wander down to the Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend and be blown away by these two powerhouses.

WHAT: Glory Days – The Springsteen Experience

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 2pm to 5.30pm

WHAT: Benatar and The Boss

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 2pm to 5.30pm

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James G Brennan as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band ready to rock at the Airlie Beach Hotel

The Glory Days tour is one of the best high energy high reward rock and rolls shows around

Lauren Kimberley performs as Pat Benatar is this legendary show. Photos supplied

For one night only, the hunks of Sydney Hotshots are coming to Proserpine with a fantastic new show.

One for the ladies (or the guys!), this 2-hour performance will have everyone hot and heavy, with sensual choreography and amazing visuals, in more ways than one!

This interactive show, as part of their Secret Fantasies Tour, is one of the best nights out, and Proserpine Golf Club is looking out for the locals.

Each of the Sydney hunks have been hand selected, crafted, and moulded to be the very best for the show, and have even been put to the tests with an intense ‘hotshot bootcamp’.

These boys bring high intensity, high energy hypnotic dance moves full of chiselled abs, eye-catching costumes, and outstanding acrobatics, with intimate and authentic audience engagement.

Everyone will be jumping out of their chair to get a piece of the hotshot action!

They are some of the best in the business, and with their tour bringing them to Proserpine Golf Club, who are we to deny them a good audience?

These hunks know what they’ve got and are more than happy to show it off, and Whitsunday Life is eager to give two locals the chance to win one VIP Entry Double Pass, with a glass of bubbles on arrival and the chance to meet the boys, plus two $50 club vouchers to use at the bar or restaurant. Scan the QR code to enter.

So, get the girls together for a girl’s night with live entertainment not to miss!

WHAT: Sydney Hotshots – One Night Only

WHERE: Proserpine Golf Club

WHEN: Thursday, June 22, from 7pm

TICKETS: eventbrite.com.au or the Pro Shop at the Proserpine Golf Club

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Sydney Hotshots are coming to Proserpine Golf Club for one steamy night only. Photo supplied

By Sam Gillespie

Mackay’s indie pop darling Tia Gostelow has delivered yet another sweet line-up for the second iteration of her hometown festival, Sugardrop.

After a successful debut in 2022, Tia again aims to deliver a boutique event to the Mackay music calendar, bringing bands to the sugar city for the first time while giving locals a platform to share their craft on the big stage.

“I feel like I’ve found my feet after last year,” Tia said.

“It’s really nice to see that it’s continuing to happen year after a year, and it keeps coming into fruition.”

Growing up in Mackay, Tia said opportunities for young musicians to play local festivals were seldom, but the local music scene is starting to thrive.

“I’m hoping Sugardrop is something that can just add to that and give local bands a platform to be able to play with these bigger bands,” she said.

One of these local bands is Inside Lane, who impressed Tia when she saw them open for Kingswood in April.

“They were just amazing,” she said.

“I was so blown away by their drummer, I think he’s 14, they’re so cool so I really needed to get these boys on the line-up, and I’m really excited about having them.”

Inside Lane will be joined by a bevy of Australian talent, most visiting north Queensland for the first time, including headliners the Terrys.

“I’m a huge fan of them and I’m really stoked that they’re a part of it,” Tia said.

“Peach Fur are amazing … they are literally one of the best bands I’ve ever seen play in my life.

“Jem Cassar-Daly makes incredible, beautiful music and Mt. Nadir are playing; half of their band is from Mackay.

Local DJs Clovr and Pacey will be providing the grooves while Tia will also be taking the stage herself, kicking off her album tour following the release of her third album, ‘Head Noise’, due for release on August 18.

“I feel like this is some of the best songwriting I’ve ever done and I’m really excited to play these songs live and get back out and tour Australia with my band,” Tia said.

“I really can’t think of a better way to start the tour than at Sugardrop.”

WHAT: Sugardrop Festival

WHEN: Saturday, September 16 from 2pm

WHERE: Harrup Park

TICKETS: Oztix

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Tia Gostelow will launch her album tour in her hometown at Sugardrop Festival. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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The cult classic is back in cinemas and fans could not be more excited.

Addressed to both new and old fans, this 2023 instalment of the massive franchise is a welcome reprise to much loved characters and sees the ending of the chapter beginning.

The film opens with a nod to the fifth film and how the son of a drug lord, Dante, played by Jason Momoa, has joined the chorus and his own vendetta, with a plot to avenge his father.

Soon after, the rest of the gang are brought on screen, by another barbeque, forever planning their next big heist, before the chaos begins.

Dante is set on getting revenge on Dom’s – Vin Diesel – gang, who caused the death of his father.

His personal motto ‘never accept death when suffering is owed’ propels the antics of the film, with high intensity action fuelling the drama and insane stunts.

Dante is determined to have the gang deemed as terrorists, and plants a massive bomb in Rome.

The extreme violence and action of the film follows the absolute cluster mayhem of the story, following as the group separates and each meets their own mess of violence, action, and warehouses filled to the brim with weapons, flash cars, and super computers.

Fighting and tumbling all across the world, the stakes continue to grow until the final climax of the final fight.

With a superstar cast, including Brie Larson, John Cena, Jason Statham, Ludacris and Michelle Rodriguez, there is not a face that won’t ring some bells with viewers.

CGI and fantastical stunts are just the start of this film, with legendary casting, acting and with stunning cinematography.

This film will leave a lasting impression and is a touching beginning of the final chapters for the franchise.

Fast X is now showing at the Bowen Cinema and will be screened at Proserpine Cinema from June 11.

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Jason Momoa depicts the disturbed son of a drug lord, who was instrumental in previous films

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) has reached the impressive milestone of 100,000 customers in 12-months and the team are celebrating with the ultimate ticket giveaway.

Mackay locals will be given the opportunity to win a share in more than 100 tickets via the MECC’s 100K Competition, simply by uploading any photo or video of them attending an event at either the MECC or BB Print Stadium Mackay. The milestone marker is a cause for celebration, with the strong attendance numbers indicating Mackay’s appetite for live performance and cultural events has grown, and it’s not just the MECC who benefits.

Mayor Greg Williamson said 100,000 customers through the MECC had a far-reaching impact on our local economy.

“We’re seeing out of town visitors use these events as mini-holiday opportunities,” Mayor Williamson said.

“They’re enjoying our accommodation providers, our restaurants and our local businesses.

“It’s tremendous to see and is a testament to the service levels the MECC team provide – people aren’t just coming to our events and shows; they’re coming back, time and time again.”

Manager of MECC and Events Andrew Bobeldyk said the events that were proving the most popular at the MECC and BB Print Stadium may surprise a lot of people.

“Mackay’s love for live music and ballet really stand out when you crunch the numbers,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“Queensland Ballet’s performance in March had more than 1000 people in the audience!” he said.

The MECC’s 100k Competition closes on Thursday 15 June. Fifty lucky winners will be chosen at random, each enjoying a double pass to a randomly selected performance. Terms and conditions and further details on how to enter can be found at themecc.com.au.

MECC FUN FACTS

• Largest stadium event for the 22/23 Financial Year – Mackay Cutters vs Townsville Blackhawks (1708 in attendance

• Largest MECC event for the 22/23 Financial Year – Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors 75th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod – October (14,679 in attendance)

• Month with the highest attendance 22/23 Finance Year – October 2022 (20,662 in attendance)

• Largest attended single event in the MECC Plenary Halls – QLD Museum Unearthed (4693 in attendance)

• Largest attended single event in the MECC Auditorium (excluding Mackay Eisteddfod) – Steve-O The Bucket List Tour (1068 in attendance)

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The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball has now donated more than $1 million to local charities since the creation of the event.

The Ball was formerly organised by Sunrise Rotary Club of Mackay and raised about $600,000 over 15 years before the reins were handed over to council, the MECC and a community committee.

It has since raised about $410,000, including about $91,000, to be split between two local charities, earlier this month at the MECC.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was an amazing achievement and something all the community could celebrate.

“Cracking the $1 million mark is a credit to the event planning committee and all the amazing sponsors we have on board,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The goal of the event is to support local charities, who are sometimes overlooked by state and federal funding but are in desperate need of funds,” he said.

“This year’s funds have been split equally between Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities Mackay Family Room, with each receiving $45,529.01.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) are planning to use the funds to assist with operational costs of the RMHC Family Room in Mackay and Australian Street Aid Project will use the funds to help support people experiencing homelessness in the Mackay region.

Mayor Williamson said the event was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 440 in attendance.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event of this calibre again in Mackay,’’ he said.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of Australian Street Aid Project and Ronald McDonald House Charities at a council morning tea today to thank all sponsors.

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Samantha Lee, Ronald McDonald House Charities Community Engagement Executive, receiving a cheque from the Mayor’s Charity Ball by Mayor Greg Williamson and committee member Brendan Hughes

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FUELLED BY FIRE AND WOOD

Ahead of its special 20-year exhibition openings, which took place last month, Artspace Mackay reached out to the community to borrow some very special pottery pieces.

That pottery is the beautiful, woodfired works of Arthur and Carol Rosser.

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said the Rossers took up pottery full time in the 1970s after spending a year in Japan.

“They purchased a neglected farm at Dalrymple Heights and spent decades re-foresting the property by planting 10,000 trees,” Ms Heathwood said.

“The Rossers’ pots were the very essence of this place; they were made from local clays, and local timbers fuelled the up to 100-hour long anagama kiln firings,” she said.

“‘Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser’ celebrates the legacy of this husband-and-wife team, bringing together more than forty years of their creative practice.

“It celebrates the artists’ considered approach to land care, development of unique ash glazes and long wood firings.”

Artspace Mackay curator Lauren Turton said Arthur Rosser’s sudden passing in 2020 and Carol Rosser’s need to go into full-time care marked the end of an era for these local pioneers of Australian woodfired ceramics.

“The Artspace team would like to thank their daughter Zoe Judge for her generosity in sharing her parents’ story with us, loaning us much of their personal collection and opening her home to our curatorial team,” Ms Turton said.

“A component of this exhibition features Rosser pots which we have loaned from various local community members, paying tribute to the artists’ commitment to producing beautiful but functional pots for everyday use.”

Also opening on Friday night was Dylan Mooney: The Wall, In Bloom and Time of Our Lives.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Dylan Mooney, who is a proud Yuwi, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander artist from our region, had created an amazing mural on the foyer wall within the gallery.

“The mural, titled ‘Oceans are rising, so must we’, is an extension of Dylan’s advocacy work with the Torres Strait 8 and their Our Islands Our Home campaign, which is about protecting the Torres Strait Islands from the impacts of climate change,” Mayor Williamson said.

“In Bloom celebrates the growth of our art collection over twenty years and features an exciting, new artwork commission by north Queensland artist Brian Robinson, alongside historic artworks and non-acquisitive commissions connected to important stories from our region,” he said.

“Lastly, Time of Our Lives is a partnership with the incredible community arts organisation Crossroad Arts, which will see tremendous animations projected onto the gallery’s exterior entrance wall during the 2023 Mackay Festival of Arts.

“Those who attended the opening were treated to a debut public screening and were blown away by the amazing display.”

Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser, Dylan Mooney: The Wall and In Bloom are on show now at Artspace Mackay.

Visit artspacemackay.com.au for more details.

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Daughter of Arthur and Carol Rosser, Zoe Judge spoke passionately about her parent’s work at the opening of the Artspace Mackay exhibition Fire and Ash: Woodfire Pottery of Arthur and Carol Rosser. Photo credit: Jim Cullen

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By Chris Karas

Mackay Musical Comedy Players are celebrating the resounding success of their latest production The Addams Family Musical.

Three sell out performances at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre is a testimony of the talent of the hard-working local cast and creative team behind the scenes.

A feature were the efforts of the St Patrick’s College Mackay alumni and current staff and performing arts students that continue to make an impact in the wider community with their strong cultural presence.

No less than thirteen past and present students and staff showcased their skills during the popular musical that was based upon The Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams which depict a kooky and ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre.

Cast included St Patrick’s College alumni Leticia Harberger (Class of 2014/ancestor), Michelle Moore (Class of 2010/ancestor), Belinda Grech (Class of 2006/ancestor), Annaliese Mauchline (Class of 2015 and teacher/ancestor), Ebony Walker (Class of 2016 and teacher; Assistant choreographer/Dance Captain), choreographer Kyra Geoghegan (Class of 2006); Dallis McLean (Class of 2021/Wednesday Addams), Bethany Ellefson (past teacher/Assistant Director), George Rogers (Class of 2015/Lucas Beineke) and teacher Molly Rossetto (Alice Beineke) along with current students Sophie Reilly (Year 11/ancestor) and Jaxon Anderson (Year 10/ancestor) and teacher assistant Harry O’Connell (ancestor).

“The musical was a tremendous team effort by all those involved during the past three months with all making valuable contributions,” reflected Molly.

“We can’t thank the Mackay community enough for their loyal support – it was exciting to see a high number of alumni banding together with current staff and students and being involved in a quality production in the performing arts” she added.

Mackay Musical Comedy Players are now preparing for their next production Little Shop of Horrors to be staged in September.

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Dolly Louw is about to do something she says no one has ever done before.

The visionary principal of Mackay Fame Talent School has purchased the rights to iconic Disney musical The Lion King, representing a rare and fantastic opportunity for the children of Mackay.

It’s the first time a full-scale Disney Junior production has been staged in Mackay and will be entirely cast, acted and performed by young Mackay talent.

“It’s a very holistic artistic experience for the children that culminates in a full-scale, musical production,” Ms Louw said.

“I encourage the community to come and support the performance as the children have put in a lot of hard work and effort to make it a success.”

Laffos Bar and Pizzeria proudly announced their sponsorship of the production in May.

“We are so grateful to businesses like Laffos for supporting artistic endeavours like this,” Ms Louw said.

“It allows us to deliver sets, lighting and staging you’d expect from a full-scale Disney production.

Laffos owner Mark Laffin said it was a pleasure to support the initiative.

“My kids love Disney; all kids love Disney,” he said.

“These sorts of opportunities are always available to big city kids and never in towns like Mackay.”

Children from all over Mackay were invited to audition in February and are now rehearsing for what promises to be an amazing experience.

“We are hoping lots of people jump onto the MECC website and purchase tickets early,” Ms Louw said.

“If we receive the support, we’ll do a second show, which will be absolutely amazing for the kids.”

WHAT: Fame Talent School Presents The Lion King Junior

WHEN: Sunday, June 18 at 10:00am

WHERE: The MECC

TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

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