This Queensland Day, visit Bowen for the Flavours of Bowen Festival and experience the best that the region has to offer.

As part of the region’s 2023 Queensland Government’s Queensland Day celebrations, Bowen’s Flavours of Bowen Festival will be held on Saturday, June 3, and showcase the best local produce, food and drink vendors, workshops, light entertainment, and cultural dancing.

The festival itself is hosted by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association and has support from Bowen Tourism and Business, and the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The festival is set to further community connections and attract visitors to the region, according to Chief Executive Officer of Bowen Gumlu Growers, Ry Collins.

“It will highlight our region’s rich agricultural history, producers and multicultural influences,” Mr Collins said.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to celebrate Queensland Day by highlighting everything that is great about our fresh produce.”

Bowen and Whitsunday farmers employee more than 3,500 skilled and unskilled workers and has an influence of $450 million in economic output.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business Jenn Honnery said, “The people who come here to work, short and long term, obviously want to enjoy the beauty of the region.”

The Flavours of Bowen Festival aligns with the iconic Big Mango’s 21st birthday taking place just nine days afterwards.

“This gives us another chance to promote Bowen as a wonderful holiday destination and offer visitors the opportunity to discover the vibrant horticultural industry that really brings our town to life,” she said.

WHAT: Flavours of Bowen Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 11am to 4pm

WHERE: Bowen Soundshell

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With a massive lineup spanning three and a half days, the 135th Bowen River Rodeo is gearing up to a weekend of fun, excitement, and high energy acts.

“People from all over Australia make the travel to come to this event,” said Kim Whalan, secretary and Treasurer of the Bowen River Committee.

The weekend will begin with the campdraft, scheduled half a day earlier than usual because of high competitor registrations.

Friday will have the special guest competition of Xtreme Broncs and Xtreme Breakaway Roping while on their tour, showcasing the best of the best in horse riding and racing.

Friday night will have headliner Wade Forster, Winton local and rising country and western musician play the night away.

Saturday will mark the start of the full APA rodeo, with three arenas showcasing all the action, with more live entertainment and performances through the evening.

Every member of the family will be covered with entertainment with a wide variety of market stalls and vendors, and tonnes of food and drink vans and face painting for the kids.

The Bowen River Rodeo is celebrating its 135th year, which has the committee excited for the 2023 event.

“It’s pretty good that the rodeo has been going on for so long,” said Kim.

“The Rodeo has kept going, and people still come out, which is great.

“And we’ve put more things in place to keep it going.”

With the 2022 event selling about 3,000 tickets, there are high expectations for the 2023 event.

So grab your Cowboy hats and your leather boots, and bring your friends and family to one of the biggest local events of the year!

WHAT: Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft

WHERE: 41 Mount Wyatt Road, Collinsville

WHEN: Thursday 8 June to Sunday 11 June

TICKETS: Whitsunday Tickets

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Expect high thrills and good energy at the 2023 Bowen River Rodeo

Fun for the whole family, with full APA rodeo

The 135th Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft is not an event to miss

The last weekend of May is turning out to be jampacked, with the Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club holding their annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show.

The day is free for everyone and has something for the entire family, including food and drink vendors, kids’ entertainment and activities, and live music from local musician, Paul Berger throughout the day.

Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea, the Car and Bike Show will showcase the best of the Car Club, with the parade through Airlie Beach to the Coral Sea Marina Gardens from 8am.

Excitingly, there will also be a Kids Show and Shine, so even the youngest car and bike enthusiast can show off their ride to an eager crowd.

With multiple prizes, including the hot ticket item five nights stay at the Coral Sea Marina Resort, on offer, be sure to register your car or bike and not miss out.

Entry is free but anyone who donates $5 or more go into the draw for more fantastic prizes.

And all money raised from the event will be donated to the Queensland Country Women’s Association Proserpine and Whitsundays branch.

This is sure to be a day with fun in the sun, so bring your picnic blanket and take it all in.

WHAT: Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine Car and Bike Show

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 8am to 3pm

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The Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine is the place to be this weekend

Venture to Hydeaway Bay this July and experience the amazing art created by amateur and professional artists, local to Hydeaway Bay, Dingo Beach, and Cape Gloucester.

Taking place only every two years, the Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo is a perfect show for a quiet weekend.

While showcasing the beautiful art of locals, including pottery, textile pieces, quilting, photography, woodworking, and jewellery making, there will also be craft demonstrations and workshops, shopping alley, and kids craft space.

Children can be a part of the Rock Art Creations workshops hosted by Jenny Hock, to learn the hidden talent of rock painting and art.

Be sure to bring a shopping bag because the shopping alley will entice all with a large variety of handmade goods and items available for purchase.

Only open to artists who either live or participate regularly in the Gloucester artist movement, this expo is sure to showcase many projects and design never seen to the public before, that are sure to surprise many.

However, you might recognise a few exhibitions from artists whose pieces are regularly displayed and exhibited in galleries and art spaces around Australia.

Come along in July and be immersed in the hidden talent that is in our region.

WHAT: Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo

WHERE: Gloucester Sport and Recreation Association, 417 Hydeaway Bay Road, Hydeaway Bay

WHEN: Saturday July 1, 9am to 4pm, and Sunday July 2, 10am to 3pm

ENTRY: $5 adult, $2 child (children under five free)

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Gloucester Hidden Talent Art Expo showcases only local artists

Following on from the massive success of the inaugural 2022 event, the Lions Club Charity Golf Day is back this June!

Businesses and members of the community are encouraged to get together a team, no matter the skill level, enthusiasm is the main ingredient needed for a great day on the green.

There will be prizes awarded to players throughout the day and community raffles on offer.

There will also be live music in the afternoon, food and drink vendors and raffles for spectators and players alike.

The 2022 event raised over $10,000 for the Proserpine Hospital.

“We were quite surprised with the amount we raised last year,” said Allan Gravelle of the Whitsunday Lions Club.  

The funds were spilt between the maternity ward, the children’s ward, and the palliative care ward, with $6,000 being used to purchase chairs for patient families.

“One of the major items was chairs that convert into beds worth $6,000, mainly used by parents when their children are being treated in hospital. They are being well received,” said Mr Gravelle.

For the 2023 event, the Lions Club will distribute the funds to local causes and charities throughout the year, with Proserpine Hospital a likely recipient once again.

“We hope for good weather and good involvement, considering what a great turnout we had last year.”

Be sure to register for the event and not miss out!

WHAT: Whitsunday Lions Charity Golf Day

WHERE: Whitsunday Green Golf Club

WHEN: Sunday, June 11

REGISTER: 64.com.au/lionsgolfday

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The 2022 event had unprecedented support, with expectations high for 2023. Photo supplied

Two of the biggest Aussie legends are gracing the Airlie Beach Hotel stage next weekend, in a powerful classic rock grudge match not to miss.

Led by talented front men of the widely popular and energetic tribute acts, this battle of the legends will rock audiences, leaving them thunderstruck and mystified.

On the INXS side of the ring is the Australian INXS Show, led by Dellacoma Rio with his six-piece band bringing the big guns and taking the audience on a journey through the INXS classics and hits that pushed the band into all-time stardom and infamous notoriety.

Dellacoma has been a faithful tribute to Michael Hutchence for over 15 years, with his uncanny resemblance and powerful vocals, and is prepared to represent INXS on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

The classic sounds of the Aussie rock band bring the good times and the Airlie Beach Hotel are ready to ease audiences into the weekend.

“This show will have tonnes of energy,” said INXS front man Dellacoma Rio.

“It will be our first time performing with Adam Spizzo and the show was specifically designed for the Airlie Beach Hotel, and with Adam Spizzo, there will be a lot of energy and so much more audience interaction and surprises.”

On the other side of the ring is Adam Spizzo, from High Voltage – The AC/DC Experience.

Adam does the dirty deed, and he does it well, encompassing the passion of AC/DC and of Angus Young.

His heart-pounding and blood-churning performance blends perfectly with INXS, in the best grudge match of the year.

Adam is no newcomer to Airlie Beach, growing up in Mackay and often trekking to Airlie Beach for a weekend of fun and high energy.

“For the past four months, I have been jumping with excitement,” said Adam Spizzo.

“I am super excited to perform with Dellacoma on the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

“He is an absolute monster on the stage.

“There will be an hour of the best AC/DC, an hour of INXS, and then an hour of classic Australian rock.

“It will be an absolute blast.”

This breathtaking Australian made show of classic Aussie legends is perfect for a cool Autumn afternoon, with intensity and energy sure to erupt on stage and into the audience.

Adam and Dellacoma are renowned for their passion and enigmatic stage presence, dominating crowds with guns in the sky on the highway to hell and this is not a show to miss at the Airlie Beach Hotel, Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4.

“Airlie Beach is like a second home for us, and we’re excited to be coming back,” said Dellacoma.

“All I can say is that Airlie Beach, we’re coming for you!” Adam said.

WHAT: INXS vs AC/DC

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday June 3 and Sunday June 4

TIME: 2pm to 5.30pm both Saturday and Sunday

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INXS with AC/DC are coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel for the grudge match of the year

Adam Spizzo represents AC/DC and his sound is powerful and energetic on stage

Airlie Beach Hotel bringing the biggest Aussie legend tribute bands to the area

In the next instalment of Disney’s live action remakes of childhood classics is The Little Mermaid.

In this remake, Ariel is played by 23-year-old Halle Bailey, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and the voices of Daveed Diggs as crab Sebastian and Jacob Temblay as fish Flounder.

The Little Mermaid follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid who wishes to explore the human world. One day, she saves the human Prince Eric from a shipwreck and falls deeply in love with him.

This furthers her determination to explore the human world, against her father’s wishes, the kingdom Atlantica’s ruler King Triton.

She runs from her father’s disappointment and fear, and becomes entangled with Ursula, a manipulative sea witch, who wishes for the demise of King Triton.

She convinces Ariel to trade her beautiful voice for a pair of human legs, so that Ariel can go onto land and be with Eric.

This is when the trouble begins for Ariel, as she attempts to impress Prince Eric and is encompassed by Ursula’s greed and her father’s worry.

This live action remake is incredibly faithful, professional, and whimsical all at once.

Old fans of the childhood classic, and new fans discovering the character for the first time will fall in love with Ariel and her antics, as she balances her new world, her secret, and the inability to speak with the love of her life.

The CGI is convincing and retains the heart of the original film.

The entire cast are faithful to the tale but give the characters a human touch and human connection that the original film was missing.

Perhaps because it is live action rather than animated?

Who knows, but rest assured audiences will be glued to their seats watching this remake, one of Disney’s best.

The Little Mermaid opens at the Bowen Cinema Friday, May 26.

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The Little Mermaid, great for new and old fans

Our unique and diverse cultures were celebrated at the Multicultural Festival on Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying free activities that offered them the opportunity to learn more about different countries and communities.

From food stalls inspired by cuisine from around the world, indigenous workshops using native flora, handbags crafted using traditional techniques and authentic Ukrainian headdresses – the event gave an insight into the diverse range of cultures in our region.

This was the third event of its kind and the first year that the Whitsunday PCYC collaborated with the Whitsunday Regional Council to host the event.

The addition of a Citizenship Ceremony was a popular choice.

“It was wonderful for new citizens to see we are a multicultural country,” said Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC.

“The event was a great success!”

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With the Million Paws Walk coming up, RSPCA Mackay Shelter Manager Jacqueline Smith is calling on the community to get involved after a three-year hiatus.

On Sunday, May 28, locals and their furry friends will walk and play, with every step and dollar helping to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need just like Ms Smith’s recent adoptee Millie.

Two-year-old ridgeback Millie came into RSPCA Mackay’s care in 2022 with severe injuries to her front and back left legs after running through a barbed wire fence.

Instead of seeking professional treatment, her previous owners plastered her legs themselves.

“We would recommend seeing a vet ASAP. It’s left her with a limp, but as she’s come along, she’s improved a lot more than they thought she would’ve,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith fostered Millie for a couple of nights and “ended up falling love”, ultimately adopting her.

“They thought she’d have to go through all these surgeries, and I made the decision not to and she’s just healed with a lot of love and a lot of care,” she said.

“As she gets older, she will get onset arthritis earlier than most dogs, but right now she’s running like a racehorse with my other dog, so I have no worries.”

With 6,359 dogs turning to RSPCA Queensland last year for a second chance, RSPCA Queensland’s Chief Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester said Million Paws Walk is a wonderful opportunity for locals to support the 47,000 animals who require assistance and intervention from RSPCA annually.

“All funds raised go directly to the RSPCA, which includes helping us rehome over 10,0000 animals in Queensland each year,” Dr Chester said.

“Some of the 6,000 plus dogs that came into our care last year experienced awful mistreatment, abandonment or were bred to turn a profit, so each step you take at Million Paws Walk helps us in our fight to save lives.”

RSPCA Mackay has raised the most funds for 2023 so far out of all shelters in Queensland and Ms Smith sees firsthand where the funds help.

“If any animal comes into our care, at least we know the community’s helping for medicals, food or even a blanket to sleep on,” she said.

For a great dog-friendly day out, while helping to raise vital funds for animals in need, joins RSPCA Mackay at Queens Park on Sunday, May 28.

Registration opens at 8:00am and the walk will kick off at 9:00am, with food vans, market stalls, competitions, games, family entertainment and raffles, all in support of a great cause.

WHAT: Million Paws Walk

WHEN: Sunday, May 28 from 8:00am to 12:00pm

WHERE: Queens Park

REGISTRATION: www.millionpawswalk.com.au/mackay

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Millie the ridgeback was adopted by RSPCA Mackay Shelter Manager Jacqueline Smith with the support of RSPCA. Photo supplied

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Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay is a club that has been promoting rock and roll dancing throughout the community since 1995.

The club meets weekly on a Wednesday evening for a social dance for all ages and all abilities.

“We have a bit of teaching between 7 and 8 and then from 8 to about 9:30 it’s really just a social dance and somewhere for people to practise what they’ve just learnt,” said President Colin McPherson.

“It’s four step rock and roll.

“If someone like me can do it, there’s plenty of other people who can do it, and it’s really just a fun thing to do.

“You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”

The club also holds two social dances a month at Goosies, other dances throughout the year and frequently perform throughout the community including at Global Grooves and Mackay Festival of Arts.

Although it focuses on the promotion of rock and roll dance and music, there is a large social component to the club including weekends away.  

The next of these events will be held at Conway Beach Caravan Park, with the main dance on the evening of Saturday, May 27, attracting dancers and travellers from around the state.

Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay welcomes new members of all ages to their social Wednesday dances for a night of fun, fitness, and music.

“Once you get to learn the steps and go every week, it’s just an enjoyable activity,” Mr McPherson said.

To find out more, find Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Inc on Facebook.

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Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay meet weekly of a Wednesday evening and hold many social events throughout the year. Photo supplied

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It’s less than a month until the fourth annual Mackay Rainbow Pride Event and organisers are hoping for their biggest event yet.

Previous years have seen around 150 people attend the lively event which kicks-off at the Bluewater Quay, with a Pride March over Pioneer River Bridge.

Colourful signs and costumes celebrate the LGBTI community, and everyone is welcome to come along and support this free event.

“The event is to tell people there is a queer community here in Mackay and also for the queer community to know there is help here if you need,” said organiser Gary Thomas.

“Fortunately, these days it is certainly more acceptable to be ‘out’ at work and in public and events like this really help.”

After the march, the parade will return to Blue Water Quay for the festivities.

So far over 15 stalls have registered and they are set to be a mixture of food vans, artists, and local crafts.

Well-known Mackay cover band, The Feels, will be performing and emceeing the event alongside other local artists.

There will also be prizes for the Best Dressed Person, the Best Dressed Pet, and the Best Dressed Vendor.

An event that brings the community together will flare, colour and freedom, the Rainbow Pride Event is sure to be a fun afternoon where everyone can relax and be themselves.

WHAT: Rainbow Pride Event

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, June 17

TIME: 3pm – 7pm

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Starting in Melbourne in 2009, No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) brings people together to dance like no one’s watching.

Rapidly spreading to 74 different countries, the initiative has recently been introduced to Mackay by two women who love to feel the rhythm, move their bodies, and clear their minds.

Anna Kahler first tried NLNL at the Sydney Opera House and recently connected with Lisa Merrett, who was a frequent NLNL participant in Melbourne before recently moving to Mackay, the pair teaming up to start the program just over a month ago.

Originating in Brunswick, NLNL is the product of professional dancers who wanted to reembrace what dancing meant to them.

“They were looking for an opportunity to dance where they didn’t feel like they were being judged and they could just enjoy dancing again,” Ms Kahler said.

It involves an hour of dancing in a safe, non-judgemental, alcohol and drug free environment, low light conditions meaning the people around you are just silhouettes.

“You have freedom to experiment with the sorts of moves you might like to do and really get carried away,” Ms Kahler said.

Ms Merrett first started NLNL for fitness, finding innumerable other benefits along the way.

“I found I carried it into my everyday life, I’d start moving more to music in general,” she said.

“It just brought out that rhythm a bit more.”

Since starting in Mackay, NLNL has amassed a loyal following of dancers, with many describing the experience as a mindful one, with the positive effects of movement and dancing being felt throughout the room.

“It’s the movement, getting embodied again and the mindfulness of the whole thing,” Ms Merrett said.

“You can listen to your body cues and decide what you want to do based on the song in that moment,” Ms Kahler added.

“It’s exercise as a celebration as opposed to a punishment.”

Both women work in the community and mental health spaces and see the need for initiatives like NLNL as a mindful experience.

“Being able to move and be grounded and be in your body is really healthy,” Ms Merrett said.

“People seem to have lost that ability of connecting with their bodies because of technology, so it’s about getting back in to being able to connect with your body.

“When we’re struggling with mental health, we can become disconnected with things, and this is just a super grounding experience.”

The casual dance session happens weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8pm at St Pauls Uniting Church.

More information, FAQs and previous playlists can be found at No Lights No Lycra Mackay on Facebook.

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Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200-word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’.

As the top selling children’s author of all time, the story is as popular now as it was in the 1950’s when Dr. Theodor ‘Seuss’ Geissel wrote the book.

Now both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain and tells the story of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped Hat.

Their outspoken and outraged pet, Fish, is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred.

He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination.

"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how."

Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two, they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear, The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.

So, if you’re looking for ideas for your Thing 1 and 2 this coming school holidays, come and share in the magic and mystery of live theatre at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.

Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!

For more information, please visit www.themecccom.au

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Friday 19 May

Nebo Rodeo

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

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

Nebo Showgrounds

Nebo Hotel Street Party

Friday 19, 4.30pm to 11.45pm

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

Nebo Hotel

Mackay Expo

Friday 19 to Sunday 21

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

Mackay Showgrounds

Saturday 20 May

Legends on the Lawn

Saturday, from 12.30pm

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

Great Barrier Reef Arena

Mother’s Day Make and Take

Saturday, 2pm to 5pm

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

Campwin Beach

Unify Off The Record

Saturday, from 6pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday 21 May

Create Your Own Junk Journal

Sunday, 9am to 1pm

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

Elsie Nash Street, Pinnacle

Laura’s Triathlon

Sunday, from 6am

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

Mackay Harbour Beach

Tuesday 23 May

Rock and Roll with Sarina Crocodile Rockers

Every Tuesday, 6.45pm to 9.30pm

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

Sarina Cultural Hall

Wednesday 24 May

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

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

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

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

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

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 25 May

Chair Yoga in North Mackay

Every Thursday, 2:00pm

Using a chair for support (either sitting or standing) Chair Yoga is a practice of gentle movement, combined with mindful breathing & meditation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to focus on a gentle, nurturing practice. Chair Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, concentration & strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Bookings are essential. Call or text your full name to 0434 940 300 or message the Wellness With Deb Facebook page.

Palmview Village Community Centre, via Oasis Drive / Bradford St.

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

National Simultaneous Storytime with Music and Movement with Cassie

Thursday, 9.15am

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

Studio 53, Gregory Street, Mackay

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

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

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

What drew you to Legends on the Lawn?

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

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

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

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

What can audiences expect from you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any last things you wish to share?

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

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

WHAT: Legends on the Lawn

WHEN: Saturday May 20, 1pm to 9.30pm

WHERE: Great Barrier Reef Arena

TICKETS: legendsonthelawn.com.au

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

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