Travelling Film Festival will bring an enthralling program of Australian and International cinema to Mackay this weekend from November 18-20 at BCC Cinemas Mackay Mount Pleasant.

The carefully curated line-up showcases some of the early contenders for the 2023 Academy Awards Best International Feature Film, including Cannes 2022 Grand Prix winner and winner of the Sydney Film Prize ‘Close’ and Kore-eda Hirokazu’s newest masterpiece ‘Broker’.  

“We are excited to come back to Mackay with a fresh, exciting, fun program this November for everyone to enjoy,” said Travelling Film Festival Manager Sanam Rodrigues.

“The program includes the Kiwi comedy Millie Lies Low starring the newly talented actress Ana Scotney as well as The Good Boss, featuring a riveting lead performance from Javier Bardem.

“Don’t miss out!”

Opening the Festival on Friday is ‘Broker’, directed by Japanese auteur Kore-eda Hirokazu, set in Korea where a laundry shop owner pairs up with an employee to go on a delightful and heartbreaking journey to find a good home for an abandoned child.

The festival will close on Sunday with Kiwi comedy ‘Millie Lies Low’ from director Michelle Savill, a cringe-inducing yet thoughtful exploration of imposter syndrome.

Other highlights of the program include the wildly funny and unnerving Spanish dramedy ‘The Good Boss’, where an invasive and controlling factory CEO pursues a prestigious industry award by any means necessary; Slovenian-Australian filmmaker Sara Kern’s debut feature ‘Moja Vesna’, with a magnificent young cast, alongside Australian legend Claudia Karvan, delivering a beautiful story about hope and the importance of family in the midst of overwhelming tragedy; and an inspiring Irish documentary, ‘Young Plato’, where a Northern Ireland primary school teacher changes the lives of his pupils through classical philosophy such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle.

International festival favourites in the program include ‘Close’, a beautiful examination of an intense teen friendship torn asunder, with tremendous lead performances, stunning cinematography, and a pure cinematic tendency to convey emotion without dialogue; and The Passengers Of The Night, a warm family drama set in 1980s Paris where Elisabeth’s life turns upside down until she meets the free-spirit Talulah who’s inspiring confidence has a lasting impact on each of the family members.

Tickets to Travelling Film Festival Mackay are now on sale, with a Flexipass and Full Subscription allowing patrons to watch the whole program and save up to 30%.

For more information and bookings, please visit: https://www.sff.org.au/tff/program/mackay
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‘Broker’ will open the Travelling Film Festival in Mackay tonight

Eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones have won the educational trip of a lifetime, awarded the Premier’s 2023 ANZAC Prize, with one of the gifted students coming from Emerald State High School.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was delighted to announce the winners will visit some of Australia’s most important and historical war sites in Europe.

“This year’s announcement is special,” the Premier said.

“It will be the first group to travel overseas since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.

“It’s wonderful to see the travel component return and for our students to visit sites in London, Prance, and Belgium.

“It will allow the group to see and hear first-hand the ANZAC tradition and become Ambassadors for the ANZAC legacy when they return.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the winners were chosen from 40 high-quality applicants.

“The students will be in years 9 to 12 when they travel in April,” Ms Grace said.

“This really is a life-changing experience.

“It’s an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of our ANZAC history, and to experience the world, and share those experiences with their friends and fellow students.”

Anastasia Maher said she was inspired by her own family’s history.

“My great grandfather, Edward Harold Waters, had also served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front, and a close family friend, Roy Savage, had served with distinction in Vietnam,” Anastasia said.

“These experiences and family ties meant I’ve had a strong connection to the ANZACs my whole life, which in turn motivated me to apply for this exciting opportunity.”

She said she is amazed at how the ANZACs stayed optimistic in horrific circumstances.

“My great grandfather’s involvement in World War I is a part of the ANZAC story that resonates with me. Reading his diary in particular was very moving, knowing that someone so close to me had to endure such hardships,” Anastasia said.

“On this trip, I am looking forward to learning more about the ANZACS with other young Queenslanders who share my same passion.

“I can’t wait to build lifelong friendships and everlasting memories through this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I am also very eager to visit the places that my great grandfather has written about in his diary over a hundred years ago.”

The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Prize is presented in partnership with RSL Queensland, a platinum sponsor for the next three years.

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Anastasia Maher, Emerald State High School

From Finch Hatton to Sarina, Dows Creek to Calen, there are a plethora of performances and events to awaken the Christmas spirit.

Mackay Regional Council has kicked in $7,750 to boost festive celebrations in regional areas like Eungella and Habana.

From carols to community barbecues, movie nights to festive markets and everything in between – the Mackay region will be buzzing with festive fun.

As well as 10 exciting events, Mackay City Band received a $750 grant to perform at a number of community carols and Christmas events like the Rotary Christmas Fair, Habana carols and various retirement village performances.

To qualify for the grants, applicants needed to be not-for-profit organisations and the celebrations had to be open and welcoming to everyone.  

Events supported include:

• Mackay Baptist Church's free community Christmas carols event at Mackay Central State School on Sunday, November 27.

• Finch Hatton Progress Association's community Christmas gathering barbecue including Christmas craft for kids, festive light displays and tree on Wednesday, December 7, at Finch Hatton Park from 4pm to 8pm.

• The Neighbourhood Hub Christmas movie night at either the MECC precinct or Jubilee Park grounds on Saturday, December 17, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

• Mackay Riverside Market with live music, Santa and a Christmas cookie decoration workshop at the Bluewater Quay on Thursday, December 15, from 3pm to 7pm.

• Eungella Community Development Association’s Christmas party for members and families at the Eungella Community Hall on Saturday, December 10.

• Habana and Districts Progress Association’s Carols under the Stars on Saturday, December 17, starting at 7pm. They will also have Christmas tree decorations and crib set-up on Sunday, November 27, from 7.30am.

• Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch will host a Community Christmas Party with barbecue, music (ukulele group) and visit from Santa at Shoal Point Park on Friday, December 9, at 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Calen District War Memorial Hall Association is running a Christmas party with Santa, a bar, barbecue, mini cent sale, free face painting and live music at the Calen District State College on Saturday, December 3, from 6pm to 9pm.

• Dows Creek Hall Committee Inc will have a community Christmas fun afternoon with Christmas Carols Under the Stars with local children in the choir. There will also be children and adult games, water slides, barbecue, snacks and sweets, movie night and a ham wheel. To be held at Dows Creek Hall on Sunday, December 11, from 2pm to 9pm.

• The Mackay Presbyterian Church will run an event including Christmas craft stations, a petting zoo, a sausage sizzle and non-alcoholic drinks, followed by a Christmas concert at the Sarina Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 5pm, with the concert to run from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens along with Star 101.9 will also be hosting Carols in the Gardens on Saturday, December 3, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre.

This year’s event is a combination of Carols in the City and Christmas in the Gardens.

There will be an amusement area and a variety of food stalls to enjoy. Residents are welcome to bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

As the event is being held in the Botanic Gardens, this is an alcohol-free event.

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Carols in the Gardens will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre

You might’ve noticed the logo of your favourite footy club in the milk fridge of the supermarket lately.

The recent collaboration between the North Queensland Cowboys and Kenilworth Dairies has shaken up dairy cabinets in Coles stores throughout north Queensland from Mackay to Cairns.

Cowboys Milk debuted late last month as the National Rugby League’s first officially licenced milk, available from over 20 Coles and Coles Express stores in North Queensland.

Cowboys Chief Executive Jeff Reibel said the first-of-a-kind deal would see the club’s iconic logo appear on two litre Cowboys Milk products, with a percentage of profits donated to the Cowboys Community Foundation.

“The cornerstone of this deal is Kenilworth Dairies commitment to support our Cowboys Community Foundation’s work to improve education, health, employment and social outcomes for disadvantaged young people,” Mr Reibel said.

“A percentage of sales from Cowboys Milk will go directly to our youth programs such as supporting more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who access quality secondary education at our NRL Cowboys House boarding facility.

“The cream on top is that Cowboys Milk will see our brand take pride of place on family dining tables throughout the North.”

Kenilworth Dairies’ Managing Director John Cochrane said the development of Cowboys Milk in collaboration with North Queensland’s football club “just made sense”.

“For over four generations, our family has passionately focused on creating high quality dairy products from milk supplied by family-owned farms in our regional community,” he said.

“This commitment to quality, dependability and community values are qualities we believe Kenilworth Dairies shares with the Cowboys, so it means the world to me to release this product to support the club and the amazing work of its Cowboys Community Foundation.”

“There’s not many things in life that have grown with me from being a young boy to a proud grandfather, but during this time I’ve consumed milk and footy in equal measure which makes our brands a perfect partnership.”

Whip down to selected North Queensland Coles stores to tackle a two litre bottle of full cream or lite Cowboys Milk today.

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Cowboys milk is available across north Queensland. Photo supplied

Three students from Holy Spirit College (HSC) are gearing up to compete in the REA Formula 1 (F1) in Schools National Competition in Penrith in March 2023 following success in the recent State Finals.

F1 in Schools mimics the world of a Formula One team with groups of students following a pathway of engineering manufacturing disciplines to develop the world’s fastest miniature F1 car.

From Monday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 2, two teams from Holy Spirit College competed in the REA F1 in Schools State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.

Team Syphons, comprising of year 10 students Lucas Clelland, Luke Eldridge and Tyler Smith, placed first in the Professional Class – Secondary Senior and qualified for Nationals next year.

Syphons Team Manager Luke Eldridge said F1 has opened up plenty of opportunities for him and his teammates.

“What I really enjoy about the competition is the fact that you can meet people with the same interests in the same area,” he said.

“It’s exciting but there’s definitely a lot of hard work that’s going in.

“We’re hoping to get the most out of what we’ve learnt this year and previous years and really put that all together to get the best experience possible at Nationals.”

Syphons teammate Lucan Clelland said the opportunity has given the team a set of highly desirable and transferable skills.

“Although it is a very educational experience, it is also a highly rewarding and a positive chance to get a glimpse into other schools across the state and the nation, building friendships and having a great time whilst competing.,” he said.

Year 8 students Riley Barretta, Hayden Blines and Henry Lawrence competed for the first time as Team Speed of Light (SOL), finishing fourth and achieving the Chair of Judges Recognition of Achievement for Development Class – Secondary.

Team SOL Chief Marketing Manager Hayden Blines said they learnt a lot from the experience and have high hopes for the future.

“Next year we’re aiming for nationals just like the older boys,” he said.

“We did really well at states, but we’ve just got to improve a few things.

“(Team Syphons) have really shown us the way to do things, especially with sponsors and marketing.

“Most of our team members are aspiring engineers and the STEM field is amazing, there’s plenty of opportunities.”

Peter Mallet, HSC Design & Technologies Teacher, said the school is proud of both teams.

“There is so much more to F1 in Schools than just designing and racing a miniature car and these students have worked so hard to achieve this success,” he said.

“We wish Syphons all the best as they progress to the National Finals.”

Holy Spirit College has been competing in the F1 in Schools Challenge since 2016 and students have now progressed through to National Finals two years in a row.

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Team Syphons L-R Tyler Smith, Luke Eldridge and Lucas Clelland with their F1 car

First time competitors Team SOL L-R Hayden Blines, Henry Lawrence and Riley Barretta. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

After suffering for decades through the hands and words of others, Broken Ballerina Inc. Founder, Jules Thompson, said the lowest point in her life was having her children taken away from her.

“When I finally fled domestic violence in 2012 and had my two little boys with me, it was a turning point,” Jules said.

“But a few months later through dealing with the trauma I had a breakdown, I was institutionalised and thrown in a psych ward in a mental health unit.

“My children were taken away from me and my rights as a parent taken away,” Jules said.

“I was mislabelled, misjudged, drugged, and my children were handed back to our abuser to be re-abused.

“That was my lowest point, losing my children and having nothing left in this world.”

Her book, Broken Ballerina, covers her history of abuse through domestic violence and how she fought her way out of the lowest point of her life. Jules celebrated her book launch last weekend at the Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre and says it does have a happy ending.

“My book is full of lessons learned and I hope it empowers people,” Jules said.

“I want to show people that whether they struggle with drugs or alcohol, if they are being abused or dealing with another traumatic situation, there is hope and there is help.

“I’m proof that you can turn your life around and become whatever you choose to be.”

Jules wrote most of the book in 2016 and then recently added to it before it was published.

“I came up with the title in a Kenworth truck that Pete was driving as we travelled through the middle of Australia. The name Broken Ballerina, it just came to me in a moment.”

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Jules Thompson launched her book, Broken Ballerina, last weekend at Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre. Photo: Amanda Wright

Mackay’s Broken Ballerina is able to dance another day thanks to a generous grant from CommBank.

The local Mackay not-for-profit which supports victims of domestic violence was one of 200 community organisations set to receive a $10,000 donation from CommBank as part of the CommBank Staff Foundation’s Community Grants program.

The $10,000 grant will allow Broken Ballerina to continue offering this vital local service and assisting those who are re-starting their lives after getting out of an abusive relationship.

The multi-million-dollar pool is made up of regular contributions by CommBank staff which are matched by the bank, and this year’s program builds on CommBank’s 100+ year history of supporting the community.

Through its Staff Foundation, CommBank employees nominate the charities they’re most passionate about to receive funding.

Liz Geisler, Branch Manager at Commonwealth Bank in Caneland Shopping Centre said, “We’re incredibly thankful to these inspiring organisations that are creating a brighter future in communities across Australia.

“The CommBank Staff Foundation is proud to support them to continue the amazing work they are doing and driving positive change.”

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Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina celebrated a $10,000 donation from CommBank with Liz Geisler (Branch Manager) and her team from CommBank Caneland Branch

The 2022 Annual Area 14 Toastmasters Conference and Speech Contests were hosted by Calen Canefields Club and held at Calen District State College Library on Saturday November 12, 2022.

Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the speech contests with the theme of the conference being “Stepping Up”.

There were four speech contests: Table Topics and Evaluation that are not prepared speeches, and International and Humorous are 5-to-7-minute speeches.

Content is your own choice but must be original.

Lynne O’Neill won the Evaluation Speech Contest representing Eyeopener Club and the International Speech Contest representing Calen Canefields Club.

Bert Pulman representing Pioneer Club won the Table Topics Speech Contest and Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest representing Mackay Regional Council Club.

All speeches were closely contested and were of a high standard with varied content and were a delight and entertaining to listen to.

Trophies were presented to Lynne O’Neill representing Calen Canefields Club as winner of the International Speech Contest, Pioneer Toastmaster Club as the overall winner of points and Mackay Regional Council Club as winner of the travel trophy.

The winners from Area 14 will now compete at the Northern Division Conference which will be held in Mackay on April 1, 2023.

Contributed by Gary Minter

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Lynne O’Neill accepting the International Speech Contest Ken and Norma Stewart Trophy from Area Director Gary Minter

Second from the left Bert Pulman won the Table Topics Contest

Middle Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest

Members from Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the contests. Photos supplied

Mackay locals are set to unwrap a special Christmas celebration at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this year.

Christmas is only just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s acceptable to play Love Actually on repeat.

But this year, The MECC is offering a twist on the classic film, wrapped up into a must-see live experience.

On Saturday 3 December, The MECC will be home to “Christmas Actually”, a live concert experience delivering hits from the 2003 British Christmas-themed romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’.

Featuring an all-star cast led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, the performance includes smash hit songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a band of Australia’s top musicians and superstar vocalists.

“We’re so excited to bring a celebration of an iconic Christmas classic to Mackay,” said acting Manager of MECC and Events, Jemma Carey.

Described by Limelight Magazine as “a sure-fire hit that has kept audiences coming, and returning for years”, the show has high-energy performances that will fill your soul with warmth and Christmas cheer.

“We wanted to create a unique Christmas celebration for friends and work colleagues to wrap up the year,” Miss Carey said.

“Airlie Beach band, Flying Double Front Kick will provide the post show entertainment that will have you dancing the night away”, added Miss Carey.

Along with individual tickets, tables of four, eight and ten are available with the option to purchase catering selections during the show.

For a little extra fun, a Christmas package is available where patrons receive a glass of champagne and an array of festive food selections with their tickets.

What: Christmas Actually

When: Saturday 3 December 2022, 7pm

Where: MECC Plenary Halls Civic Precinct Alfred Street  

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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A dazzling premiere at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. Photo Credit John McRae

Local creatives are rejoicing after the official opening of a new gallery in Airlie Beach which hopes to become a home for the Whitsundays’ artists and their artworks.

The 3 Little Birds Espresso & Creative Hub conducted its first open weekend starting from Friday, November 4, and ending on Sunday, November 6, inviting the Whitsunday community in to view nine artists’ works across the mediums of paint and sculpture.

The local artists displaying their pieces included Brigette Peel, Courtenay Vivian, Angela Vivian, Agnes Durbet, Bernard Avantin, Pam Harrison, Leah Warren, and Nelida Avila.

Another of the artists, Joan Hunter of JHunter Creations, curated and opened the gallery alongside her two sisters as an extension of their business, 3 Little Birds Espresso, which is situated next door.

“When we opened up our café, we started meeting local artists who wanted a space to display their artwork,” Ms Hunter said.

“When we were given the opportunity to take over this space next door, we thought: This is how we can support the creatives in our local community.

“We want to be a voice of people at all levels of artistic capability.”

The official gallery opening on Friday was named ‘A Day With an Artist in Airlie Art Exhibition’ and introduced locals to the space and the artworks, as well as hosting live music by Whitsunday musician Lucy Sherrington.

“A Day With an Artist In Airlie is a concept we came up with thinking that, even if it’s not local, if they’re international, national, we can host them,” she said.

“It doesn’t need to be a visual art either, we have the space for sculptures and even movement; we’re limited only by our imagination.”

Ms Hunter said the gallery is “an organic space” where malleability is key, with it already being utilised to host Central Queensland University creative workshops.

“If we need to, we can adapt it; add false walls, chop and change it, host workshops” she said.

“It’s not a clinical environment, it’s a creative space where people’s creativity can flow.”

The 3 Little Birds Espresso and Creative Hub plan to continue hosting exhibitions, as well as Paint & Sip sessions, workshops, and more, including potential collaborations with Whitsunday Arts Festival.

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Locals turned out in droves for the official opening night of the 3 Little Birds Creative Hub in Airlie Beach, a new home for Whitsunday artists

Image: Hannah Hannon-Worthington

There’s an early Christmas present for the Whitsundays’ live music fans with Allday heading up the coast on a festive tour.

The Adelaide born hip-hop artist – a three time Top 10 Aria charter with over 80 million streams under his belt – is on the road, arriving in Airlie Beach at Magnums, November 24.

The young artist has a palette of influences he’s drawn from for inspiration: "I grew up listening to different kinds of Hip Hop from MF Doom and Wu Tang to Kanye and Drake,” Allday said.

“I am also influenced by folk, country & old rock. I think the goal of my music is to combine it all.”

Aussie audiences know him from his hits like ‘Girl in the Sun’, ‘You Always Know the DJ’, and countless covers alongside The Veronicas.

With a monster new single under his belt, ‘Runtrack’, Allday is heading across the country to bring all the hits from his acclaimed four albums to the stage, as well as some new stuff.

There'll be fresh new tunes to go along with the swag of platinum and gold record hits, the favourites from countless Triple J Hottest 100 appearances, and the sing-along monsters that have been shutting down huge festivals for years – like Groovin’ The Moo, Beyond The Valley, Falls Festival, Field Day and more.

Don't miss Allday live for his ‘Early Christmas Present Tour’ at the local venue in two weeks’ time.

WHAT: Allday Early Christmas Present Tour

WHEN: Thursday, November 24 from 8.00pm

WHERE: Magnums Airlie Beach

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Adelaide-born artist Allday will bring his acclaimed Oz hip-hop to Airlie Beach in a few weeks

This weekend marks the start of the seven-day Schoolies celebration, with hundreds of students from around the country inundating the local holiday town of Airlie Beach to mark the moment their formal education finishes and life as young adults begins.

Last year 1500 school leavers chose to celebrate Schoolies in Airlie Beach and organiser Margie Murphy said that this years’ event will be another opportunity for a brand-new cohort to enjoy festival vibes, local tours, and nightly parties.

Located in Fairy Tree Park, the main festivities will begin at 8pm each evening and finish at 12am.

Popular local DJs such as Isaiah and Karma will be performing, and they will be joined by special guests DJ B and Nina Sinclair.

For the first time, there will also be a Schoolies DJ competition where attendees from around the state will battle it out on the main stage.

Each evening will also have a theme: Saturday is ‘Back to School’, Sunday ‘Tight & Bright’, Monday there will be a Pink Party, Tuesday is ‘Tropical’, Wednesday ‘Festival Fits’, Thursday night is a ‘Neon Disco’, and Friday features a classic ‘White Party’.

A special bus service will be running nightly from in front of the Heart Hotel between 10pm and 1am to get Schoolies safely to their accommodation.

The event is supported by the Queensland Government Safer Schoolies Program, Whitsunday Regional Council, Queensland Police Service, and Queensland Ambulance Service.

On ground support is given by the kind volunteers at Red Frogs and WYAM (Whitsunday Youth with a Mission).

This is strictly open to Year 12 students, with school ID required upon entry.

A fully fenced perimeter will ensure ticketed entries only and it is an alcohol-free event.

“Last year we had such a great bunch of kids come and enjoy the event who were really well behaved,” said Margie Murphy.

“These are Airlie’s future tourists, so making them feel welcome and safe benefits everyone in the long run as they are sure to keep returning”

WHAT: Schoolies Week

WHEN: Saturday, November 19 to Friday, November 25

WHERE: Fairy Tree Park

TICKETS: airlieevents.com.au or at the gate

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Last year 1500 youngsters attended Schoolies in Airlie Beach

Crowds at The Pub are going to be singing loud and proud: “I Need You Tonight”, when Dellacoma Rio and five enigmatic, energetic, and effervescent musicians take on the role of one of Australia’s biggest bands.

The Australian INXS Show is ‘What You Need’, and it’s making its way to The Airlie Beach Hotel, not just once, but three times, beginning with their performance on Saturday, November 26.

The country’s number one touring INXS tribute band are bringing their Oz music-inspired magic to locals’ favourite local alongside The Down Under Show where they’ll run the gamut of Australian Classic Anthems.

‘Listen Like Thieves’ as playboy Dellacoma Rio celebrates and honours both the memory of Michael Hutchence and his exceptional band by bringing back to life the halcyon days of INXS, all the way from their self-titled debut to Elegantly Wasted – it will bring you to ‘Bitter Tears’.

The Australian INXS Show is Australia’s definitive tribute to the Sydney-side band, faithfully reproducing their live spectacle, their sound, and their feeling.

There’s a reason these boys have sold out venues worldwide with incredible high energy live shows, including headline concerts in Dubai, India, China, and New Zealand, and exclusive headline theatre shows on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Although it’s almost impossible to capture the essence of the late Michael Hutchence, Dellacoma Rio – an experienced, explosive lead vocalist with a relentless work ethic – comes as close as you can get.

He’s shared the microphone across the globe with a slew of major acts like Def Leppard and Skid Row, as well as graced main stages at major festivals. He brings the natural charisma of Michael Hutchinson to the stage in a performance that needs to be seen to be believed.

Dellacomo is backed by Rob Moody, a 21-year guitar veteran of the Melbourne gig scene; Tim Phillips, a bass guitar legend of the Victorian capital; the consummate professional drummer Noel Tenny; and Tim Saxon, another Melbourne muso-alumni.

Since 2012, when INXS closed the book on their storied career as a band, thanked their fans, and paid tribute to their fallen front man Michael Hutchence, there have been few that have encapsulated the spirit of one of Australia’s biggest acts.

With The Australian INXS Show, audiences can come within touching distance of the band that entertained the world for 35 years and who sold over 30 million albums.

Don’t miss your chance to see them live and loud at The Pub in late November, on Australia Day, and back again for a third outing on January 28.

WHAT: The Australian INXS Show, Australia Day Two Up INXS & Aussie Crawl, and INXS Revived

WHEN: 2.30pm to 5.00pm on Saturday, November 26, Saturday, January 28, and from 3.00pm on Thursday, January 26.

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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Never Tear Us Apart! The Australian INXS Show is heading to The Airlie Beach Hotel in November

For the first of three shows within three months, the Dellacoma Rio led, six-piece band will take to the bar-top stage

Don’t miss them in a few weeks’ time, as well as live and loud for Australia Day

Last week, a former Federal Member of Parliament and now Whitsunday resident announced the release of his seventh crime novel.

Richard Evans launched his new thriller, ‘The Mallee’, which focuses on the issues surrounding water in a fictional world close to our own. Political power and criminal leverage are used to achieve economic and social goals while following a female politician fighting for her community.

“Through The Mallee I aim to keep alive the critical issue of water rights in public debate, as well as exposing the political dark arts, the ruthless nature of the politics we never see,” Richard Evans said.

“The Mallee, and my other books, are a form of creative advocacy on contemporary issues. I use political fiction to pose different perspectives on issues important to the community.”

Evans’s novel highlights the socio-economic challenges of water allocation, the impact and responsibility of water rights’ license holders, and the role of politics and politicians in addressing these and other community issues.    

The once Federal Member of Parliament during the 1990s Keating-Howard era, Evans said he brings “authentic insider knowledge to his writing.” and an “understanding of how the political system operates beyond the headlines.”

The novel is part of his ‘Referendum Series’, where each title explores modern issues “confounding the Australian public which are sent to referendum to amend the Australian Constitution.”

Evans’ books have explored parliamentary integrity, equity and inclusion, Aboriginal sovereignty, euthanasia, capital punishment, and the manipulation of election campaigns.  

It is the first novel Evans has published since becoming a Whitsunday resident in September of this year.

In the future Evans has plans to complete a novel set in the region.

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Author Richard Evans, a new Whitsunday resident and once Federal Member of Parliament, released his seventh crime novel in November

Anthony Fabian’s Mrs Harris Goes To Paris – based on Paul Gallico’s beloved 1958 novel – is a saccharine story in the best of senses. As maudlin (and occasionally pernicious) as it may be at times – especially in its assertions of capitalism’s ability to provide the poorer classes with happiness - audiences can’t help being drawn in on the whimsical journey.

In 1950’s London, Mrs Harris (played with exceptional facility and lovability by Lesley Manville), a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress. After working to raise the funds to pursue her consumerist dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will “change not only her own outlook -- but the very future of the House of Dior.”

Fairy-tale escapism is the order of the day in the adapted film – which has potential sequel opportunity, considering its origins as part one of a four book series of the titular Ada Harris’s adventures. And there’s a chance for it: Lesley Mansville gives a luminous performance, one which audiences can’t help but smile at. In the hands of a lesser actor, the script could easily become sentimental drivel. But instead, Manville has us cheering along for her blue-collar performance, letting us in on how small dreams can sometimes mean an entire world.

A few unfortunate events are led by the frosty Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert), who acts as a gatekeeper of taste who does her best to keep Mrs Harris at arm’s length from the posh upper crust.

Manville’s Cockney, chirpy cliché mounts challenge after challenge, undeterred by anything in her wake in this sugary film that is just what the doctor prescribes in a world of hardships.

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris is showing now at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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Lesley Manville is a delight in Mrs Harris Goes To Paris