Caption: Photo credit: Emma Goodland

Missy Higgins is one of Australia’s most beloved singer songwriters. Classic songs like Scar, The Special Two, Steer, Everyone’s Waiting and Futon Couch, plus her unforgettable live shows, have made Missy an authentic household name. Earlier in 2022, Missy released mini-album Total Control, picking up themes of exploitation and female empowerment that run through the TV series of the same name and which also dominated real world headlines last year as a string of abuse allegations emerged from Parliament House. Sam had a chat with Missy before she brings her songs and her stories to Mackay for Legends on the Lawn in May.

Missy, going back to the start, how did the song ‘All for Believing’ come about and how do you think it winning triple j Unearthed affect your career trajectory?

‘All For Believing’ was pretty much one of the first songs I ever wrote, I was 15 or 16 in year 10. I wrote it about my boyfriend I had when I was in year 10, he was kind of my first love. It was a very tumultuous affair. I wrote it for a school music assignment and, as usual, I just didn’t do my homework so I did it at the last minute. I went into a room with a piano at recess on the day that it was due and I wrote that song and it just kind of came out. I was listening to a lot of Sarah McLachlan at the time so I can hear that on it. I recorded it and then a couple of years later, when I was in year 12, my sister sent the cassette of the recording to triple j and it won Unearthed. I didn’t even know what Unearthed was at the time but it was a really big deal and it ended up getting my song on the radio and I got a record deal out of that; it was really how the whole thing started, I have my sister really to thank for sending the cassette in in the first place, because I’m not sure how I would’ve got my start without that.

When I was in bands in high school, sending something to triple j was the absolute goal, what role do you think triple j and Unearthed plays in the Australian music scene?

I think it’s just a really great way to showcase Australian talent, especially regional talent. A lot of people from regional areas don’t have as much access to the industry bigwigs like they do in the city. Triple j is a huge national radio station with so much respect. Back in my day you, you only really heard the people that won or were the runners up but now there’s the whole section on their website dedicated to the lot of people who entered that you can discover yourself, so it really puts it into the hands of the listeners to find their own music, which I think is really great.

What was 15-year-old Missy Higgins’ song writing process compared to that of current day Missy Higgins?

I guess back then, I didn’t have much going on so I could spend a lot of time in my bedroom pouring my heart out. My process was like keeping a diary and when you’re a teenager you feel like you’re going through so many huge waves of emotion and life altering experiences because you’re feeling lots of things for the first time and experiencing things for the first time. All of that makes for really good song writing because it’s such potent emotion. It was just a way of processing the way around me. Now I’ve really got to make an effort to carve out the time because I’ve got kids now and that’s a bloody full-time job so I’ve just got to figure out how the hell to make the time for myself to write songs, so it couldn’t be more different, actually.

I read that music was your escape from the pressures of high school, was music always the plan at that stage?

Yes and no. I knew how much I loved music and I knew how much I always wanted to do music. My older brother was a musician and I just grew up watching him play in these bands, because he’s a lot older than me. I just wanted to do what he did and I also love jazz, I love singing jazz, so I just thought, ‘I just want to play music. I want to play piano and I want to sing. Either or and I don’t care how I do it, I just want to do it, I just want to perform.’ That was the extent of it, it wasn’t until later that I developed this longing to write my own songs and sing my own songs. I just wanted to perform, even it meant just singing other people’s songs. I knew it was definitely music for me, I just didn’t realise that my name would be on the front of the album.

Flash forward 20 years and you’re on the bill under Paul Kelly, which you have been many times before, on this huge tour before coming to Mackay for Legends on the Lawn, how excited are you for these shows?

I’m so excited. It’s just such an amazing group of people on this tour, most of which I know and love from over the years. It’s just so great to have such a big run of shows, I think it’s 26 or 27 shows with the same group of people so after a while you just become a bit of a family. You see them backstage every day and get to listen to each other and catch up with each other and most of us live in different cities so it’s the only chance we get to hang out with each other. Just to have these regular, consistent shows after a couple of years of the pandemic ruining live music for us and for everyone else, it’s a real relief and I think all of us are even more grateful than we ever have been to be doing what we do and to be able to play live shows

You’re no stranger to performing in the regions, are there any noticeable differences between performing in places like Mackay compared to the big cities?

It’s always really fun, going to the regional places. It’s a different vibe I guess because you guys don’t get as much access to live music as we do in the big cities, we get a bit spoilt. It’s always really fun, everyone’s super excited, it just feels like a special event and that’s just so nice. It feels really special to us but it’s even more special if we feel like everyone in the audience is super stoked to have us there.

Can you remember the last time you visited Mackay?

I think it was ages ago. I think it was 2014, I think I played at the Convention Centre. So, yeah, a really long time ago so I can’t wait to get back. I might bring my kids and go and have a look at the Barrier Reef this time, that’d be great.

Oh nice, yeah there’s plenty to see and do up here. And what can we expect from your Legends on the Lawn set?

I released an album earlier this year called ‘Total Control’, it’s a real feminist powerhouse album so we’re going to be playing a lot of songs from that album but we mix in a lot of old stuff too so there’ll be quite a few from the first album and a mixture of the subsequent albums and there’s always a few surprises in there too, we’re trying to work up a cover song at the moment, so it should be a lot of fun.

‍

Image 1: Paul Kelly headlines Legends On The Lawn 2023

Image 2: Vika and Linda return for their second Legends On The Lawn

Image 3: Bernard Fanning headlines an impressive Legends of the Lawn lineup

After a sold-out inaugural event earlier this year, Legends On The Lawn will return in 2023 with an iconic all-Australian line-up.

Featuring Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, Mark Seymour, Vika & Linda and Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley, the one-day festival is back in May and is guaranteed to sell out.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said after the success of the 2022 Legends On The Lawn it was fantastic to see such huge names stepping out for the 2023 event.

“Legends On The Lawn will return again in May,” he said.

“With Australian music icons Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins and Mark Seymour, as well as crowd favourites Vika & Linda and Troy Cassar-Daley, it’s certain to again be an epic live music event that will benefit our community and our economy.

“Legends On The Lawn is shaping up to be a major drawcard for our region, attracting visitors who will also have the opportunity to experience all of the natural attractions on offer, including platypus spotting, sunrise on the beach with kangaroos and exploring our pristine beaches and tropical rainforests.”

Great Barrier Reef Arena General Manager Adrian Young agreed.

“We’re extremely excited to be involved in one of the best line-ups ever assembled in North Queensland,” he said.

“This year’s event was outstanding and we expect 2023 to be even better.

“We can’t wait.”

Paul Kelly has been writing music and touring for over forty years.

Along the way he has released over 40 albums and collaborated with many other artists.

Paul’s live shows in recent years reveal a performer and band at the peak of their powers.

For the Legends On The Lawn, he will be playing a generous selection from his ever-green, ever-selling greatest hits record Songs From The South, as well as delving into a range of songs from his vast catalogue.

Similarly, Bernard Fanning has accumulated one of the most celebrated songbooks on the Australian rock spectrum.

The former Powderfinger frontman has collectively released 11 studio albums producing songs that have become ingrained in the Queensland psyche.

It’s fair to say Bernard Fanning has firmly cemented his position as one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters and lyricists.

With over 20 years of touring, expect a rock show with swagger, entertaining banter, crowd interaction and a display of pure musical talent by a member of Australian rock royalty and his band who are the perfect accompaniment to his wide-ranging set list of heartfelt country - folk tinged charm and classic rock grooves.

Missy Higgins is one of our most beloved singer/songwriters and her acclaimed studio albums have sold more than two million copies.

Classic songs like Scar, The Special Two, Steer, Everyone’s Waiting and Futon Couch, plus her unforgettable live shows, have made Missy an authentic household name.

The stories Missy shares through songwriting come to life on stage as enjoyed by the thousands of fans who attend her concerts.

Read our interview with Missy on the next page.

Mark Seymour formed Hunters and Collectors in 1980 with a bunch of Uni friends.

The band became famous for its rhythmic power and very quickly became touted as the ‘next big thing’.

Mark Seymour is one of our finest songwriters, capturing our stories of love, loss, human courage and achievement.

Vika & Linda’s effortless harmonies and journey through rock, country, gospel, reggae, R&B, soul and blues, while always paying tribute to their rich Tongan heritage, has earned the respect and admiration of their greatest fans – the renowned Australian artists they’ve performed and recorded with, and whose work their voices have enhanced.

Paul Kelly says, “Their voices combined sound salty-sweet and have that elusive twinned quality you only get when siblings sing together ... They make the air beat in sync.”

Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley, two powerhouse artists, joined forces in 2022 for one of the year's most successful tours.

A truly remarkable partnership, with simplicity proving to be a powerful vessel to tell a story and share a song, will delight audiences at Legends On The Lawn.

The 2023 Legends On The Lawn is guaranteed to sell-out – grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets for Legends on the Lawn go on sale at 9am QLD time on Thursday 1st December through Ticketmaster.

WHAT: Legends On The Lawn 2023

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 2023

TICKETS: On sale now via Ticketmaster

‍

Image: Mackay City and Waterfront acting project manager Stacey Mills accepted the Great Place Award on behalf of Mackay Regional Council at the 2022 Awards for Planning Excellence. Photo supplied

Fifth Lane will come alive tonight for the City Heart Christmas event from 4pm to 7pm

A great place is one that attracts, inspires and motivates people – a place that people are proud of.

And the Mackay region has even more reason to be proud of Fifth Lane, which has won the Great Place category at the 2022 Awards for Planning Excellence.

Mayor Greg Williamson said while Fifth Lane was initially supported by council grants, the collaboration between council, property owners and businesses (including local artists) enabled the project to be a success.

“Fifth Lane is more than a capital project or a piece of public art; it has provided a managed event space that continues to deliver ongoing community benefit,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It has come a long way from an unused laneway space in 2018 to what we look at and enjoy today,” he said

“It is now a lively and attractive event space that complements adjoining commercial uses.”

The Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence program recognises individuals, teams and community groups for their innovation, leadership, excellence and commitment to good planning.

Mayor Williamson said, next week, Fifth Lane would be jam-packed with family fun, including Christmas markets, face painting and live music as part of the Mackay City and Waterfront’s City Heart Christmas event.

“City Heart Christmas is a chance for the local community to eat, drink, shop and embrace the festive season while enjoying late-night trading, roving performers and much more,” he said.

“There’s even a special surprise for the kids, with Santa stopping by.”

To stay up to date on City Heart Christmas and more exciting events planned for the City Centre, follow the Mackay City and Waterfront Facebook page.

City Heart Christmas

Friday, December 2, from 4pm to 7pm.

‍

Image 1: L-R Carter Marsh, Ryan Chatteris, Mr Alex Kertesz, Mr Andrew Wheaton, Mr Jamie Novosel, Mr Alex Barker, Noah Faa and Charlie Jackson

Image 2: Mrs Helle Smith. Photos supplied

mullets: Students and teachers lined up to participate in Mullets for Mental Health

In a true display of ‘school’s out for summer’ energy, four students and four staff members from Whitsunday Anglican School had their hair shaped into a mullet on the last day of school, all for a good cause.

Year 11 students Noah Faa, Charlie Jackson, Carter Marsh and Ryan Chatteris all decided to get mullets for Mullets For Mental Health, a cause raising funds and awareness for mental health research, and challenged the staff to get involved.

“I’m a bit of a barber myself and I was having a bit of banter with (Deputy Principal Jamie Novosel) saying, ‘You should let me give you a mullet,’” said Noah.

“Two terms later, at the end of the year, we’ve created a fundraiser, and unfortunately I’m not giving him a mullet, but at least he’s getting one.”

With the help of Amy and Tiffany from Moldielox Barber Shop, who donated their time and expertise, the four students, as well as Principal Andrew Wheaton, Deputy Principal Jamie Novosel and teachers Alex Kertesz and Alex Barker all started a party at the back, business at the front in front of a vocal crowd.

The boys raised over $7,000, surpassing their goal of $5,000, for a cause close to Noah’s heart.

“It’s something quite close to me and I know it’s probably something that’s skimmed over a lot and it’s something that’s very prominent, more than we can see,” he said.

Principal Andrew Wheaton said the occasion was a perfect opportunity to highlight mental health in a school setting.

“The ability to be able to talk about this and for our boys and girls to express their emotions is an issue we feel very strongly about and it’s great to see that our young men are taking up the baton in this very special cause,” he said.

One in five Australians experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year and roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.

“Mental health is one thing that we’re very well attuned to for our young people who are moving through the pressures of their schooling,” said Mr Wheaton.

The previous week, Senior Mathematics Teacher Mrs Helle Smith shaved her head to raise funds for cancer with the help of her outgoing year 12 maths students.

Ms Smith raised close to $4,000 and said she hoped her fundraising will help many families that are affected by cancer.

Mrs Smith also believes in being a positive role model for her young students and to always be community minded, help wherever you can.

Visit the Whitsunday Anglican School’s Facebook page to donate to the causes.

‍

Image 1: Graduation Dux and Marist Sisters' Award - Jack Thatcher

Image 2: Year 11 Dux – Kaede Smyth

Image 3: Year 10 Dux – Demi Dennis and Lily Paul

Image 4: Year 9 Dux – Rory Franklin

Image 5: Year 8 Dux – Brayden Manttan

Image 6: Year 7 Dux – Sienna McEvoy

Holy Spirit College welcomed many special guests on Tuesday, November 15 as students were awarded for their efforts throughout the year at the College’s Speech Night and Presentation of Awards.

Students’ successes were celebrated and they were encouraged to continue to share their gifts and talents with the College and their local community.

The Graduation Dux is the highest academic honour that one can achieve at the time of Speech Night and is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall Internal Assessment Results for the combination of their best 5 subjects that would qualify for the award of an ATAR.

Confirmed Internal Assessment results are available to the College at the time of Graduation for determination of the awarding of the Graduation Dux.

School Dux’s

• Graduation Dux – Jack Thatcher

• Year 11 Dux – Kaede Smyth

• Year 10 Dux – Demi Dennis and Lily Paul

• Year 9 Dux – Rory Franklin

• Year 8 Dux – Brayden Manttan

• Year 7 Dux – Sienna McEvoy

Other Major Award Winners Of The Night Included:

• Marist Sisters’ Award (Year 12) – Jack Thatcher

• Don Brown Memorial Bursary (Year 12) – Hamish Donnollan

• Mary Moore Memorial Award (Year 10) – Mia Cundell

• Gifts of the Holy Spirit in memory of Bobette Hazell – Natalie Doyle

• Excellence in Studentship Award (Year 12) in memory of Mark Camilleri – Mitchell Penfold

• Vocational Education & Training Award (Year 12) in memory of Mark Cowley – Annica Gibbs

• The James Cook University Rising Star Scholarship – Rorie McKinnon

• Ampol Best All Rounder Award (Year 12) – Patrick Mattes

• Macrossan & Amiet Charitable Foundation Award (Year 11) – Jorja Jurczyluk

• Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Aspire to Teach (Year 11) – Courtney Brooke

• Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Award (Year 10) – Nicholas Doyle

• Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Scholarship for an Indigenous Student (Year 9) –

• Lincoln Heffington

• Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award (Years 10 and 12) – Eleena Joe and Emma White

• Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards(Years 10 and 12) – Hannah Benjamin and Harrison Turner

• The Dawson Medal for Outstanding Community Service – Rory Franklin

Cultural And Sporting Award Winners:

The following awardees were initially presented their awards at the Celebration of the Arts and Celebration of Sports Awards Evenings held recently.

• Excellence in The Arts – Kira Atherton

• Most Promising Junior Arts Student – Rory Franklin and Liam Hyde

• Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Kiara Johnson and Elizabeth Lee

• Junior Sportsman of the Year – Lucas Haack

• Senior Sportswoman of the Year – Taynah McMurtrie and Preetika Vella

• Senior Sportsman of the Year – Cameron Wonnocott

‍

Image: Photos supplied

Holy Spirit College, a Catholic co-educational college for Years 7 to 12 in Mackay, celebrated their Year 12 Graduation on Friday, November 18.

The day commenced with a special Graduation Mass with Parish Priest Fr Stephen Hanly, presiding.

The HSC Community then welcomed all Year 12 Graduates onto the stage as they were applauded by their families, fellow students and College staff.

It was an extraordinary day to commemorate the end of thirteen years of schooling and the College wishes their graduates all the best for their bright and promising futures.

‍

Teen Shed Mackay are holding a school holidays activity making mats for the homeless out of rubbish bags and need your help!

The teens require a lot more bags to make lots of these mats for this great cause.

If you have newly bought rolls of plastic bags, used shopping bags, large black bags, Coles/Woolworths bags, or large coloured rubbish bags, why not contribute?

Teen Shed Mackay will be at the Laneway Markets at City Heart Fridays tonight where you will be able to drop off your bags.

If you can't make it to the markets, message Teen Shed Mackay on Facebook to organise an alternative.

‍

Around 60 port industry and community stakeholders came together to celebrate their collective achievements at North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Stakeholder Function on Tuesday night.

This year the Port of Mackay celebrated a record-breaking 3.6 million tonnes for FY22 and NQBP delivered nearly $12 million in trade supporting infrastructure investments and maintenance works.

NQBP thanks all stakeholders for their support and acknowledges the commitment of NQBP’s people, port partners, customers, and port communities.

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Mackay, Abbot Point, Hay Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.

Images:

NQBP 1 – North Queensland Bulk Ports Board Directors Lynn Smart, Tony Mooney, Monica McKendry, Chair Jane McTaggart and Andrea Ranson

NQBP 2 – NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin shared the port community’s collective achievements at NQBP’s Stakeholder Function on Tuesday night

NQBP 3 – Mackay Regional Council Cr Pauline Townsend, NQBP Board Director Monica McKendry, NQBP Community Reference Group Member Alison Jones, NQBP Board Director Lynn Smart, NQBP Board Chair Jane McTaggart, Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation representative Patricia Corrie and Cr Laurence Bonaventura

NQBP 4 – Regional Harbour Master Captain Jason Britton with Renae Harmsworth from DBCT, Tim Ffrost from Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and Caroline Roche from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

NQBP 5 – NQBP’s Ash Sinha and Darren Brownsey with Les Rodgers from DBCT

NQBP 6 – Auriga’s Jaison Sebastian, with Petra Graham from NQBP, Damian Muscat of Crane Logistics and Chris Bugeja from Wisely Group

NQBP 7 – Evan Milne and Aaron Wood from Smit Lamnalco Towage with NQBP’s Luke Sorensen (centre)

NQBP 8 – NQBP’s Tim Lewis and Hossein Saadai with Danny Wisely from Wisely Group

NQBP 9 – Tim Magoffin representing the Resource Industry Network and Mackay Marina Run with NQBP Board Director Tony Mooney

‍

Image: It has been four years since Mackay last sent a delegation of youth ambassadors to Matsuura (pictured)

Since COVID-19 swept the world, youth ambassador tours to Mackay’s sister city Matsuura have been put on hold, but that’s about to change.

Mackay Regional Council is currently seeking applications from students in years 10, 11 and 12 (in 2023) to travel to Japan on June 23, 2023, returning on July 8, 2023.

The estimated cost of the trip is $3500 (plus spending money), and council will subsidise $1000 for each youth ambassador, directly to the travel agent.

Mayor Greg Williamsons said this was a tremendous opportunity for young people, especially those learning Japanese or with an interest in Japan.

“Being welcomed into the home of a Japanese family and having the chance to learn from, and be guided by, citizens of our sister city Matsuura is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Mayor Williamson said.  

“Add to that an exciting itinerary that includes a bullet train trip, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and daily sightseeing activities, and this will be a trip attendees will remember for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Youth ambassador applications must be submitted to mackaysistercities@mackay.qld.gov.au by Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Council is also seeking chaperones for the tour, whose costs will be covered by council.

Chaperones must be at least 20 years old, fluent in Japanese and English and have a first aid certificate.

Chaperone applications must be submitted to mackaysistercities@mackay.qld.gov.au by Sunday, January 15, 2023.

Students and chaperones need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as per travel requirements, and attend monthly/fortnightly cultural information sessions, which start in March 2023 prior to departure.

All applications are available online at mackay.qld.gov.au/matsuura

‍

Image:  Mercy College Eisteddfod winners Lily Wardrop, Zoe Wardrop and Kayli Vormister with St Patrick’s/Mercy College principal and Mackay Eisteddfod Association President Janelle Agius

Mercy College students achieved a wave of success across all platforms at this year’s 75th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod.

The performing arts students claimed multiple ribbons in the Dance, Music, Speech and Drama categories – earning high praise from experienced judges as well as Mercy/St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius, who is the widely respected President of the Mackay Eisteddfod Association.

Talented 15-year-old dancer and vocalist Sophie Reilly received the Mackay Discount Drug Store $200 Bursary for the Most Promising Performer 18 Years & Under in the Eisteddfod’s Vocal Section.

Sophie capped a memorable Eisteddfod by also winning the 14 Years Girls Vocal Solo as well as the 13- & 14-Years Song and Dance Solo categories.

She was the winner of Miss GTB Entertainment at this year’s Get the Beat Competition in Mackay; attended the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge and was a finalist in the Musical Theatre Scholarships.

At the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition held recently in Brisbane, Sophie was part of the Mercy/St Patrick’s College team that were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also brought home the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy.

Year 10 dancer KAYLI VORMISTER picked up the 13-14yrs Lucy Bishop Encouragement Award after impressive performances in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and duo.

She featured in ten solos,  finished runner up in Jazz and Duo and a Highly Commended in lyrical.

Kayli has performed at local Eisteddfods since 2013 when aged six and is a promising student of Demi Reck at Dance Avenue.

EVA BISHOP won Most Outstanding Jazz Solo in 11yrs and under plus the Jazz Modern Aggregate for 11-12yrs.

She competed in 14 solos in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical and Championship Jazz and won the Ballet and Jazz solos, Waltz Tap, Speed Tap, Dance Improvisations and Demi Character.

Year 7 student Eva has honed her skills at the Leisa Payne School of Dance in Mackay since the age of 4.

Siblings ZOE WARDROP, 14 and LILY WARDROP, 15 turned in classic performances and brought home a swag of awards in Contemporary, jazz, ballet, National and Championship.

Zoe won the Jazz Modern Aggregate Award as well as Contemporary and Jazz sections and impressed in the Teams events.

Lily won the Mary Haughton Memorial Trophy for 15yrs-18yrs Impromptu Story Telling and achieved top two placings in Lyrical, Drama, Characterisation, Mime, Shakespeare,Verse, Verse by Australian and Prose Reading.

She also received the Venebles Trudgion Encouragement Award.

MACKENZIE WOTHERSPOON impressed in solo Dance – tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and won the Modern Championship and collected four top places in jazz solo, lyrical solo, tap and ballet improvisation.

She also gained second place in speed tap and five thirds in Waltz tap, Classic Tap, Ballet solo, tap solo and jazz.

MYAH ROKIC won the Joyce Caldwell Memorial Perpetual Trophy with top performances in the 12-14ys Piano and Forte.

Talented Irish Dancer AVA PEARL continued her superb achievements at competition level with brilliant displays at this year’s Eisteddfod.

Ava – who has danced since she was aged 4 – has joined a new dance school and is currently performing with International Dance Affair.

Despite having to learn all new dances this year and considering she had a six-month restyling ban from competition, Ava has risen to the challenge.

Her team have been super proud of her resilience and placings this year with superb results at the NQ Premierships, IDA Feis and Eisteddfod.

ADYSON BAYLISS shone in the Piano category – finishing second in the 13yrs Modern and third in the 14yrs Modern.

By Chris Karas

‍

Image 1: Artist Emma Pattemore showing exhibition visitors her work. Photo Credit: Crossroad Arts

Image 2: Artist Sue Nami with their work. Photo Credit: Crossroad Arts

Image 3: Cynthia Gregg and Exhibition Visitors. Photo Credit: Alison Richardson

Crossroad Arts has again thrown open their doors to the community with their walls adorned by the art of a number of talented local artists.

Artists including Emma Pattermore, Cynthia Gregg, Hahn Izard, Sue Nami, Bonnie Keam, Jewels Ibby, and Carly Lange are displaying their works at the Street View Gallery which opened on November 21 and will welcome visitors through to December 12.

The exhibit is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm at 55 Wood Street, Mackay.

The Street View Gallery addresses a gap in the Mackay artist community for emerging artists and those living with disability to exhibit their work.

Artists with mental health conditions, neurodivergence and those who identify as First Nations or LGBTIQA+ were also encouraged to apply to the three exhibitions across the year.

Artist Emma Patterson describes what an opportunity like the Street View Gallery means to her as an emerging artist.

“I would say the main thing I have been wanting is to be more involved in the art community and having the experience of exhibiting,” Emma said.

“I have never exhibited my recent work before.”

If people are unable to attend the gallery during business hours, they can enjoy the works projected on the Crossroad Arts Window Gallery each weekday evening.

The front windows of 55 Wood Street come alive at night with projections of the artists’ works from 5pm for the duration of the exhibit.

A special free event will be held to coincide with the City Heart Fridays event program tonight with the exhibit open 4:30 - 7:30pm with wine and nibbles.

WHAT: Street View Gallery City Heart Fridays Event

WHERE: 55 Wood Street, Mackay

WHEN: Friday, December 2 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm

‍

presents

The Power of Dance

Leisa Payne School of Dance features the cream of Mackay dance talent in a non-stop variety of Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Cabaret.

Be entertained by performers ranging from 2 years to pre professional.

For only one show, these spectacular dancers and routines are sure to entertain everyone!

Saturday 3 December, 2pm

MECC

‍

Image: The Bidyiri Woorwaya cultural precinct at CQUniversity Mackay will include an Indigenous mural thanks to the latest round of RADF grant funding

Bidyiri Woorwaya means “to dream big” in the YUWI language.

It’s fitting that this is the name given to the cultural gardens and yarning circle at CQUniversity's Mackay Ooralea Campus.  

To dream big is also set to be the theme of a wall mural at the site thanks to $8000 in funding approved in the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) round one of grants.

RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann said the grant would be used to source and employ a local Indigenous artist to complete the mural, who was also ideally a Traditional Owner.

“The committee was very supportive of the theme of the mural and hoped it would inspire students, staff and the community ‘to dream big’ and achieve their dreams,” Cr Mann said.

“The committee was also very pleased to see the collaboration with YUWI to ensure this site complimented and respected the culture of our region,” she said.

The applicant, Mellisa Taggart, CQUniversity’s Indigenous student wellbeing project officer, said research showed that establishing culturally appropriate spaces and places to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students had wide ranging benefits.

She said it helped them to feel welcome and encouraged them to participate in tertiary education and achieve positive outcomes.

“Our vision is to develop cultural safe spaces at each campus to welcome, engage, support and promote the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous students and staff,” Ms Taggart said.

Also receiving funding to the tune of $3211 was a project by Shelley Engwirda that looks at how the "ordinary", everyday experiences of women are recorded so that their contributions to society can be recognised, valued and not forgotten.

Also funded in this RADF round were:

• Nature Clay and the Things Inbetween by Fiona Flohr - $4320 to allow two interregional artists to investigate and explore ideas for new artworks to be exhibited in June 2023

• Georgina Baira EP Debut - $5500 for the recording of a five track EP, with release and management to streaming services, artist development and a launch event in Mackay

• Mackay Art Society 2023 Workshop Program - $5900 to deliver Artist Development Workshops across a variety of mediums to both society members and artists from the local community.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration, the Queensland Government will provide $2.13 million for RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 local councils, who will contribute a co-investment amount of over $1.9 million

“Established in 1991, RADF is a long-standing success story between the Queensland Government and regional councils, enabling local artists and arts workers to tell their rich and unique stories, boosting regional employment opportunities and other positive economic outcomes,” Minister Enoch said.  

“For 31 years RADF has provided a legacy of creating new art and cultural experiences for Queensland audiences and communities, and a platform for professional development and growth across the regional arts sector,” she said.

‍

Image 1: Emersen Lamb’s evening wear for the Miss Diamond Finals in Brisbane

Image 2: Emersen won Miss Junior Teen Diamond International 2022 and five other awards. Photos supplied

Miss and Mr Diamond is more than just a beauty pageant.

It’s a program for men and women across the world from different walks of life, celebrating inclusivity and diversity and giving contestants the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for any charity of their choice.

Emersen Lamb came across the program last December, entered and, almost 12 months later, was crowned Miss Junior Teen Diamond International 2022.

“Looking back, I’m so glad I did,” Emersen said.

“Miss Diamond has changed my life and opened my eyes to a whole new world.

“I want to empower girls around the world to take action and chase their dreams.

“Confidence is your best accessory.”

Emersen travelled to Brisbane for the Miss Diamond finals held from November 18 to 20, participating in a boot camp, boat party, picnic in the park, photoshoot, gala dinner and the big night on Sunday night where she was crowned Miss Junior Teen Diamond International.

She was also awarded five other awards including Miss Diamond Social Media Queen, Pageant Planet People’s Choice Award Winner, Miss Diamond Runway Queen, Miss Diamond Congeniality and Miss Diamond Charity Queen.

While Emersen’s campaign was a fruitful one, she says the experience and the friendships she made were the ultimate incentive.

“I made so many new friendships that I will forever hold close to my heart,” she said.

“It was just one big family, it felt like you’d known everyone forever because everyone’s just so nice there.

“My experience at Miss Diamond is unforgettable, it has changed my life.”

Throughout Emersen’s campaign, she advocated for her chosen charity Broken Ballerina Inc., raising $2,000 for the charity that assists and supports victims of domestic violence.

“Broken Ballerina is an amazing charity,” said Emersen.

“They give back to people who are going through hard times in their life.

“I’ve met Jules (Thompson, Founder) and I’ve seen how many amazing things she does.

“She goes and supports them in court, she gives them money to buy groceries, she helps out the families, and I’m so happy that I chose to advocate for this charity.”

Emersen will hold the title of Miss Junior Teen Diamond International for the next 12 months before returning next year to crown the new winner.

“While in my reign, I will continuously advocate for my charity,” she said.

“It’s pretty much doing the same thing as you were as a finalist but now, I’m a titleholder so it’s a bit more special.”

‍

Image:

Mercy College student Alyssa Battaia and St Patrick's graduating dancer Lucy Crust will perform in the Centre Stage Dance Concert on December 5-6 at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

St Patrick’s and Mercy College Mackay students feature prominently in Centre Stage Dance Company’s upcoming That's Entertainment 2022 Concert next Monday December 5 and Tuesday December 6 at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) starting at 6pm.      

Eight seniors, who have developed their dancing at Centre Stage under the tutelage of experienced dance teacher Cassie Craig since they were 2-3 years of age, will be graduating this year.

These include current St Patrick’s College Girls Captain Sophie Novosel and students Lucy Crust, Amber Roscher and Ella Newman.

That’s Entertainment 2022 includes young dancers from 2-18 years of age with first half of the concert showcasing a pantomime based on a family favourite, Peter Pan.  

Come fly through Neverland and meet the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians, Pirates and many more characters as Peter shows Wendy what it's like to never grow up!  

Second half features a smorgasbord of dance routines in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Cabaret and Showgirl.

This show is for all ages and is only group routines with no solos.

Tickets $48 adults, $35 concession or $24.50 children under 12. Enquiries (07) 4961 9777.

By Chris Karas

‍