Friday 2 June

HeART (beats) - Access is Love exhibition

Friday, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

HeART(beats)- Access is Love Exhibition aims to help build a world where accessibility is understood as an act of love, instead of a burden or an after-thought. Crossroad Arts Inc invited all community members to respond to the theme Access is Love by creating an original artwork using any medium and in any style. Opening Night is Friday June 2 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm as part of Mackay City and Waterfront’s ‘City Heart Fridays.’ No need to book, just come along. Opening Night will be Auslan interpreted and digital image description will be available for each artwork. There will be beats from a local DJ, nibbles and drinks and a chance to admire all the artworks! Most works for sale for $40 each with proceeds going back to Crossroad Arts. Can't make opening night? The exhibition will run Monday - Friday until Friday August 4.

Crossroad Arts Inc

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Keep The Speed Off The Street

Friday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Race your mates in a safe and controlled environment! All cars and bikes welcome. More info on what is required is available on the Palmyra Dragway website.

Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc

Saturday 3 June

Mackay Basketball v Logan Thunder

Saturday, 6:00pm

Mackay Meteorettes and Meteors take on Logan Thunder at the Crater.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

June Film Night: ON THE WATERFRONT

Saturday, 7:30pm

Join Film & Arts Mackay for a once-in-a-lifetime waterfront screening of one of the most iconic films out of Hollywood in Mackay’s very own pop-up cinema at Paxton’s Warehouse on Saturday, 3rd June starting at 7.30pm.

Paxton’s Night Markets

Pizza For A Purpose

Saturday, from 9:30am

Members of the public are encouraged to go down to Laffos on June 3 for a raft of pizza-eating competitions with all food supplied by Laffos. Funds raised will support suicide prevention with the Grapevine Group.

Laffos, Caneland Central

Sunday 4 June

BMA Mackay Marina Run

Sunday, 6:00am

Discover why Mackay Marina Run is regarded as Queensland’s most scenic running event. A flat, fast course set against spectacular sub-tropical scenery – the perfect platform for achieving your next PB. Held annually on the first Sunday in June, the stunning 21.1km race winds through the coastal city showcasing the very best scenery of the region. From a 3km kids dash and 5km fun run to more advanced runs, there are categories and courses to suit all motivations.

Mackay Harbour

Visiting Preacher Returns To Mackay

Sunday, 9:15am

Rev. Dr Solmon Zwana, former general secretary of the Zimbabwean Council of Churches, returns to Mackay for a weekend of activities starting on Friday night at 7pm at St Paul's and culminating with a combined service and shared lunch at 9.15am on Sunday at St Paul's led by members of the Zimbabwean community and a pleasant Sunday afternoon at 2.15pm at Calen Uniting Church. For more information contact the Rev. Dr Julia Pitman 0411 094 185.

St Paul's Uniting Church

Family Fun Day

Sunday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

The annual Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day is back, bigger and better than ever in 2023. With heaps of fun for the whole family, just $5 per person will get you unlimited access to the huge variety of activities and rides, plus browse the market stalls and sample the delights from a variety of delicious food and coffee vendors. Take a seat and enjoy the tasteful tunes of Australian Idol’s Noah Cookson and pass the footy with Broncos, Maroons and Australia rugby league legend Sam Thaiday, all the while raising funds for Mackay Hospital Foundation.

BB Print Stadium

Sunday Live Music – Lucid Wings

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 5 June

Boogie Bounce Mackay Community Walking Group

Monday, 9:30am

Walk with Boogie Bounce Community on the first Monday morning of each month. Meet on the deck at the Botanic Gardens at 9:30am, have a casual walk around the gardens to get your steps up. All welcome.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Wednesday 7 June

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

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

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

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

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

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 8 June

Homeless Expo

Thursday, 10:00am to 1:00pm

Housing providers, medical services, flu vaccinations, community services, haircuts, blankets, tea, coffee and food will be available at the Homeless Expo, facilitated by CASA at the undercover basketball area at CQU Mackay Campus.

CQU Mackay Campus, Sydney Street

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

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‘Song Contest - The Almost Eurovision Experience'

Experience the glitz, the glamour, and the hilarious madness of CQUniversity's Bachelor of Theatre students as they unleash their uproarious new musical parody, Song Contest - the almost Eurovision experience. Get ready for a night of unforgettable performances that will transport you to Eurovision's dazzling world.

The students will present five performances at Mackay’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) from Friday, 16 June.

With eleven countries competing, an array of anxious contestants, and an over-the-top hostess, this comedic and loving tribute to Eurovision is as close to the real thing as you can get.

Competing countries include Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Greece, Italy, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Ukraine, and Norway.

The show also features all original songs, including wind-blown hair power ballads, pretty glitter boy pop, soulful groove, and all manner of patriotic foolishness.

Associate Lecturer in Theatre and Acting, Matt Young has been working with the students over the past few months to prepare them for the performance.

“The show is an exhausting but ultimately an affordable, uplifting top night out, with everything about this mingled comedy and music act sure to delight and make you cringe at the same time,” Mr Young said.

“The songs are top shelf and sound just like something you have heard before on Eurovision, only different and a bit wrong."

Head of Course for the Bachelor of Theatre, Dr Linda Lorenza said the performance will provide an interactive theatrical experience like no other, with the audience getting to participate.

“Just like real the Eurovision, Song Contest audiences will actually vote using an online voting system at each performance!  Every performance will have a different winner, an unpredictable Act 2” she said.

“It is exciting to bring this new kind of interactive theatrical experience to the Mackay community.”

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience this unique theatre experience. This show is recommended for ages 13 and up.

What: Song Contest - the almost Eurovision experience

When: Friday, 16 June 2023 – 10:30 am and 7:30 pm

Saturday, 17 June 2023 – 2 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday, 18 June 2023 – 2 pm

Where: CQCM Theatre, Boundary Road

Tickets: cqu.edu.au

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By Sam Gillespie

Much like the Bee Gees, Luke, Sarah and Ryan Dunn are three siblings following their music dreams.

Unlike the Bee Gees, the Mackay “family band” are impressing local crowds with their fresh take on indie punk music, fusing all their favourite genres to create a unique sound.

Their band, Red Veridian, takes its name from the colours Luke, Sarah and Ryan associate with this sound, with red and viridian sitting almost opposite each other on the colour wheel.

“What the name has actually come to mean is duality and we try to encompass that with genres, lyrical content, everything the music encompasses,” said guitarist Luke.

Luke’s obsession with punk music and guitars started at the age of 13 and, being the oldest sibling, his taste heavily influenced that of Sarah and Ryan.

“That’s how Ryan got forced into starting drums because the parents decided he was going to be a drummer and bought him a drum kit,” Luke said.

“I didn’t even really like drums when I first started playing them,” laughed Ryan.

The boys began jamming together in 2017, ultimately forming another local band, Subservia, while Sarah’s singing background was in musical theatre.

It wasn’t until the outbreak of the pandemic, with Sarah moving home from Sydney, that she started writing music with Luke after he’d recently left Subservia.

“I was out with a vengeance,” Luke laughed.

“I wanted to create something better.

“I think Subservia’s awesome, but that was one of the motivating forces.”

Ryan, who still drums for Subservia and lives with Luke at the time, had already agreed to play music with his siblings once they’d started writing, and so Red Veridian was formed.

The trio agreed that being in a band with siblings brings with it certain perks.

“Siblings don’t mind giving it to each other a bit,” laughed Luke.

“And letting them know that you’ve taken it too far,” added Sarah.

“But then you always cool down and come back and it’s never actually a problem.

“We all have a really good relationship.

“The dynamic is good but just a bit more honest.”

Drawing on those punk influences from their childhood, the Dunns’ listening has varied drastically throughout the years as they aim to incorporate elements of indie, blues, jazz, folk, metal and hardcore.

They’re coming through in a Mackay music scene that they said is now livelier and more diverse than ever before.

“There’s actually a fair few bands in Mackay now which is good to see,” said Ryan.

“When Subservia started up in 2017, there was really only a handful of bands.

“There’s now a few younger bands starting up which is awesome.”

Having played local venues like Empire, Hotel Mackay and Harrup Park, Red Veridian deliver an energetic live show that truly encapsulates their diverse catalogue of influences.

They’re excited to play at Pocket Sessions on Saturday, August 5 with more gig announcements to come.

Red Veridian’s debut single ‘Silver Mantle’, a punchy punk tune released in April, is a perfect introduction to the band and comes before their second single, ‘Glass Houses’, which hits streaming services tomorrow, Saturday June 3.

“Glass Houses goes heavier and softer and everything in between,” said Luke.

The singles come off the band’s debut album, ‘Misconceived Felonies and Rabbits From The Hat’, which they will be releasing to the world in two parts over the next few months.

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Luke, Sarah and Ryan Dunn of Red Veridian. Photo supplied

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Everyone is invited to hear the Rev. Dr Solmon Zwana, National Chaplain to Zimbabwean Methodists in Australia and Oceania, speak at meetings at St Paul’s Uniting Church on 2-4 June and on Sunday 4 June when he will preach at a combined service at 9.15am at St Paul’s Uniting Church and at 2.15pm at Calen Uniting Church. Dr Zwana will also speak at St Paul’s on Friday 2 June at 7pm.

‘The Uniting Church is your church,’ says Solmon to Methodist Zimbabweans looking for the Methodist Church in Australia. At church union in 1977, the Methodist Church of Australasia joined the Uniting Church in Australia, so when migrants come to Australia looking for their church, they can struggle to find it. ‘The Methodist Church continues in the Uniting Church.’ The Uniting Church is also the continuing church of Reformed and Congregational Churches around the world and encourages migrant members of all three churches to join their local Uniting Church and to contribute to its life.

The program includes the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal launch, a day trip to Eungella, a Mackay Churches Together social, a combined service on Sunday led by Zimbabwean church members and the Mackay Zimbabwean community and a pleasant Sunday afternoon at Calen. Everyone is welcome to join us! For more information contact the Rev. Dr Julia Pitman on 0411 094 185.

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By Sam Gillespie

A local artist is getting ready to launch her Pioneer Valley studio and is inviting the Mackay community to get involved.

Charlene Attard has been practising art since taking art lessons with legendary Mackay artist Rosemary Payne at age 12 and has been teaching art throughout Queensland for over 20 years.

In trying to balance teaching and practising art, Ms Attard has established a studio, gallery and workshop space on her property in Netherdale called ‘The Brae’.

“I’ve never forgotten about the drive to be an artist, it’s always still been there, and I think being busy with teaching and raising a young family, I still needed to do something about continuing my work as an artist,” she said.

Ms Attard’s studio is launching as part of the Mackay Art Studio Trail, an event held throughout the Mackay Festival of Arts.

The Brae will host an opening night on Saturday, June 24, inviting artists and community members together to enjoy a night of art, live music, food and drinks.

From Sunday, June 26 to Saturday, July 15, Ms Attard will facilitate art workshops for all age groups using a variety of mediums including watercolour, printmaking, mixed media.

She said the theme of the workshops will be ‘Up Close and Far Away’.

“We’ve got 360-degree mountain views of the Pioneer Valley where we are so I’m going to be encouraging people to think about the landscape not just in a broad term but think about the experience of the landscape up close,” she said.

The gallery will also be open by appointment throughout the Mackay Festival of Arts, displaying the work of Ms Attard and five other local artists.

Ms Attard is looking forward to sharing her gift with the community as she does in her role as an art teacher at Whitsunday Anglican School, saying teaching and practicing art are interrelated.

“I think that my practice informs my teaching, and my teaching informs my practice,” she said.

“Jumping onboard with this trail and moving forward with our plans for the studio is me trying to find a better balance between working as an artist and working as an art teacher.”

For more information, visit charleneattard.com.au or Charlene Attard Artist on Facebook.

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Charlene Attard is launching her studio as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts’ Mackay Art Studio Trail. Photo supplied

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The upcoming Havana Party ‘Let’s Do Latin’ just got even more exciting with the announcement that the evening’s art auction will include a commissioned piece by a local Cannonvale artist, Trudy Hastings.

This respected artist has worked on various major projects overseas and nationally overseeing conceptual design, exterior finishes, and art pieces.

She now shares her creative talent in her latest piece ‘Tiny Homes, Big Heart’, inspired by the fundraiser’s beneficiary – the Tiny House Project - which aims to fund four ‘tiny homes’ in Proserpine for homeless women over 55.

It is this demographic that are particularly susceptible to homelessness.

“Elderly women living amongst us are valued so little that no one will provide them with a safe place to sleep, eat or live,” Fundraiser Fiona Donnellan said.

“A place where they can be surrounded by the memories and possessions they have gathered over a lifetime”.

Fundraising Coordinator for Whitsunday Housing, Sandy Clark, said that it has taken a band of compassionate local women to join forces to make a difference.

“Things will be different now, because women with love and compassion have teamed up as volunteers to bring about change,” she explains.

“The art depicts the love and joy taking place in the very roots of the foundations of the tiny homes.

“The power of love can be seen springing up through the earth and giving birth to new lives in bright happy houses, creating the hope and dignity elderly women deserve.”

Tickets for this event are $125 each available from Airlie Events.   Link:  https://bit.ly/Lets-Do-Latin

WHAT: Havana Party ‘Let’s Do Latin’ – Ting Homes Project Fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, July 8

WHERE: The Whitsunday Sailing Club on the lawns

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This stunning artwork with be on auction at the Tiny Homes Project, Havana Party ‘Let’s Do Latin’

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For over 35 years, The Beatnix has been bringing the best of The Beatles to audiences all around the world, and now it’s Airlie Beach’s turn once again.

Performing the best of the best from The Beatles discography, this intimate and authentic tribute act will run true for any Beatles fan.

The Beatnix has envisioned and embodied the sound of The Beatles and will perform the boldest and the best tracks from all 12 Beatles studio albums at the Airlie Beach Hotel next weekend.

Formed in Perth by front man Tony Dean in 1980, The Beatnix is the world’s longest standing Beatles tribute act, and are often regarded at the best tribute show in Australia.

Formed just eight months prior to John Lennon’s death, The Beatnix speaks to the impressive ingenuity of The Beatles, of their stage presence, of their influence over music and pop culture at the time and continues their legacy across Australia and the world.

Authenticity is at the heart of The Beantnix’s members, with authentic instruments, props, and costuming.

“We try to recreate what it would be like watching The Beatles live, complete with costumes, accents, and everything,” said David Stanley, who plays the iconic role of George Harrison.

David is a guitar superstar in his own right, with his own recording studio and has toured the world on various productions and shows.

“Of course, we play songs like Hey Jude, Come Together, Help, I am a Walrus, I Feel Fine, I saw her Standing There, Here Comes the Sun, and many more.”

Even the ever-iconic Sergeant Peppers attire and costumes will make an appearance, impressing all die-hard fans of the infamous band.

The Beatnix will not let Airlie Beach down, bringing the yellow submarine and all the bells and whistles they can fit on stage.

There is sure to be the cool bass that sways the crowd, amazing vocals, and fantastic on-stage interaction.

“The best part of the show is always the audience interaction.

“We have played this show hundreds of times, but it’s always different due to the audience,” explains David.

“The best part is watching people around you have the best time of their lives while celebrating the music of The Beatles together.”

This sensational show is not one to miss, and with two massive shows over two days, the Airlie Beach Hotel has catered to every schedule and will chase away your winter blues.

“We look froward to coming to Airlie Beach all year,” David said.

“The audience is so full of enthusiasm and loves to have fun.

“The atmosphere is electric with people that have come from all over.”

David added, “It’s also great to leave freezing Sydney.”

“This time, we might make it on a tour of the reef!”

WHAT: The Beatnix Live at Airlie Beach Hotel

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, 2pm – 5.30pm

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Fans of the legendary Beatles will be blown away by this fantastic tribute band

Performing for over 35 years, this show has all the greatest hits and the best of each album

Celebrating The Beatles with exciting accuracy, no fan will be left disappointed. Photos supplied

The fantastic sequel to the 2018 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse hit, this new release has been highly anticipated by excited fans.

In this continuation, Miles Morales is one member of a new cast of other ‘spider-people’ each from their own universe.

One already fan favourite is Pavitr Prabhakar, an Indian spiderman, who finds being spiderman to be easy.

Travelling through numerous universes and meeting countless ‘spider-people’ is a big task, one which the directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K Thompson, and Kemp Powers have executed with perfect precision.

Each universe has its own specific artistic style, differentiating between the worlds with ease.

This is most notable with Miles’ universe, which is more comic-book style, while Gwen’s home is more impressionistic, with directors describing it more like a mood ring of colours.

This is a masterpiece in animation and art techniques, with something for everyone, no matter the artistic direction that people prefer.

The villain of the story is The Spot, also known as Johnathon Ohnn, a lesser-known marvel villain whose backstory encompasses an experiment to mimic another superhero, but something goes wrong, and his body is covered in black spots.

Johnathon then realises that the spots are portals to other universes and begins traveling across the dimensions and causing havoc.

With the infinite possibilities of the story, the plot will take place centrally in six spider-person universes, an Indian-inspired landscape, Nueva York, Miles’ universe, Gwen’s world, Spider-Punk’s new London world, and another final universe which has been tightly hidden away for audiences to be surprised with.

Ultimately, the film discusses superhero-ness and what is means to be a superhero, with Miles pitted against other spider-people in this new civil war across dimensions.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is opening in the Bowen Cinema Friday 2 June.

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Reprising the role, Miles’ Spiderman is set to entertain audiences

The loveable childhood classic, The Wind in the Willows, is coming to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, in an exciting new theatre production set to impress and entertain the whole family.

Produced by RAVA Productions, The Wind in the Willows follows the charismatic cast of four animals - Moley, Ratty, Badger, and Mr Toad.

Mr Toad becomes obsessed with motor vehicles and has a need for speed, which only leads to danger and reckless behaviour.

Moley, Ratty, and Badger work together to show Mr Toad the errors of his new obsession, however, Mr Toad is shocked from motor cars when a series of wild-wooders invade his beautiful home, Toad Hall, and take up residence.

Now, Mr Toad and his friends must go into battle against these invaders and reclaim Toad Hall.

Exploring the theme of friendship, The Wind in the Willows is a touching story of the need for friendships, or people that are always willing to help in a pinch.

This RAVA Production is directed by Alison Vallette and produced by Ruth Atkinson and is set to keep all members of the audience pinned to their seats with excitement.

With powerful original music and imaginative characterisation, costuming and staging, The Wind in the Willows is fun for the whole family.

WHAT: The Wind in the Willows Production

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Friday June 9 and Saturday June 10

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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Mr Toad and his loveable friends bring their antics to Proserpine. Photo supplied

Friday 26 May

Marion Family Carnival

Friday, 5.30pm to Sunday 9pm

Get together and experience the fun at the annual Marion Family Carnival this May! With free entry, tonnes of fun rides and alley games, everyone will be entertained. Don’t forget all the food, including ice cream, fairy floss, and dagwood dogs. For $40, you can get an unlimited ride armband!

Marion Church Grounds

Saturday 27 May

Metal Fest Relaunch

Saturday, from 8.30pm

This Mackay favourite is back for 2023, with two new headliners. Don’t miss Gutterfire, Forest, and Systematic Machine, plus so much more! Tickets at only $17.19, available from Eventbrite, or $20 at the door.

Empire Alternacade and Events

Mayfair 2023

Saturday, 4pm – 8pm

Mackay West State School’s Mayfair is on with a great variety of activities, food stalls, games, live entertainment, including musical performances and the chance to dunk teachers! This afternoon will be fun for the entire family.

Mackay West State School

The Beatles’ Rooftop Concert

Saturday, from 7.30pm

The iconic band is back and ready to recreate their most infamous concert ever! Brought to Mackay by intimate tribute band, The Honey Sliders, this concert is setting up to be one of the best and most respectful and tasteful tribute acts of The Beatles! Tickets are available from themecc.com.au

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Sunday 28 May

Emergency Services Day

Sunday, from 10am

In this family fun day, learn from the local emergency services, with workshops, demonstrations, and activities. Chat with firefighters, paramedics and police officers, and get your photo taken in all the vehicles that will be on show.

Harrup Park

Million Paws Walk

Sunday, 8am – 12pm

Raise funds for RSPCA while walking and socialising your fur baby this weekend! The RSPCA Million Paws Walk is a great opportunity to meet other dog owners, get your exercise in and help a great cause. There will be food vans, live family entertainment, market stalls and raffles afterwards, so it is set to be a great family day.

Queens Park

Mackay Churches Together Pentecost Service – Walk of Witness

Sunday, from 4pm

Join the Mackay Churches Pentecost service, walking through the streets of Mackay with prayers and accompanied with the Mackay and District Pipe Band. The walk will include three city churches and finish at St Paul’s Uniting Church with a rest, pray and listen to Mavis Braithwaite on the organ. Wear red, orange, and yellow for Pentecost, and bring supper, water, hat and sunscreen. For more information, contact Dr Rosemary Dunn, Anglican Church, 0431 562 680.

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street

Tuesday 30 May

Yoga Teacher Training Night

Tuesday, from 6.30pm

Learn the craft of being a yoga instructor through Susan Deakin’s, of Unity Yoga, dedicated classes. This intensive program allows students to become teachers in four weekends. Come along to this introductory night to learn more about the program and how to enrol.

17 Hunter Street, West Mackay

Wednesday 31 May

PainWISE Chronic Pain Movement Class

Wednesday, 10am – 11.30am

This weekly class with welcoming energy helps alleviate pains with gentle exercises given by calm and kind instructors. Aid your pain and enjoy a cup of tea afterwards with other attendees. Your first visit is free, and only $5 after that.

Split Spaces

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

State of Origin Game 1 @ Souths Leagues Club

Wednesday from 8pm

Watch the State of Origin Game 1 on the big screens at the Souths Leagues Sports Club this Wednesday. This is not a game to miss, especially with the club looking after you!

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Thursday 1 June

Spacey Jane

Thursday, from 6pm

Massive headliner and Triple J band, Spacey Jane, are coming to Mackay for the first time ever! These tickets are selling out fast for this one day only show. Tickets are $79.90, and are available from oztix.com.au.

Harrup Park

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

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State of Origin @ Souths Leagues Club

Spacey Jane Live At Harrup Park

The Beatles’ Return at The MECC

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Learn the Art of Yoga with Susan Deakin

2023 Emergency Services Day

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Get behind the control panel of a Bell 412 rescue helicopter and speak with local firefighters at the 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day, set to be a fantastic family fun day.

Open for all the community in the region, there will be every opportunity to slip into the seat of a police car, get behind a rescue helicopter and get up close and personal with marine rescue boats and all-terrain buggies and vehicles.

There will also be tonnes of fun family entertainment, including a jumping castle and face painting, food and drink stalls and vans, and enough educational resources and games to keep everyone busy on the car ride home.

“Here’s your chance to jump aboard the region’s rescue helicopter… without being sick or injured,” said RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee.

The event will include various educational and interactive exhibits, workshops and demonstrations, including getting a cuddle from animals rescued by the local branch of Australian Wildlife Rescue, chatting with volunteers with the State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Marine Rescue.

“The day will also feature displays and demonstrations by incredible organisation who do so much good in our community, including the Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, RSPCA Mackay and Aviation Fire and Rescue Services,” Mr Healee said.

The event is aimed to display the region’s emergency services and organisations which are always helping in time of distress and need and promote effective planning and emergency procedures.

WHAT: 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Sunday, May 28, 10am to 2pm

TICKETS: Gold coin donation

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RACQ CQ Rescue crewman Ben McCauley with the emergency services’ mascots at the previous Emergency Services Day. Photo supplied

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This was an event not to miss, with headliners Mark Seymour, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, and Paul Kelly causing chaos in the audience.

In the massive sold-out show, with 7,700 people attending, it was no surprise that you could feel the beat of the bass through the grass. Revellers could find Mark Seymour dancing with the crowd to Paul Kelly’s set, and had the chance to win signed Missy Higgins merch during her performance.

The turnout included young and old, all enjoying the serenading voices of Vika and Linda Bull, singing along to classic Bernard Fanning, and jumping up for Paul Kelly, as he ended out the night.

Legends on the Lawn acted as the official opening for the Great Barrier Reef Arena, and there was no better way to celebrate the new sporting and entertainment complex than with some of Australia’s biggest music legends and icons.

Be sure to have Legends on the Lawn marked on your calendar for 2024.

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Mackay Churches Together Pentecost Service

At 4pm on Sunday 28 May, in celebration of the Day of Pentecost, Christians from different denominations will walk, pray and sing together.

The spirited walk will follow the footpaths from St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street, to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Gordon Street, to the Salvation Army, Gregory Street, and back again to St Paul’s Uniting Church.

Inspired by the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, the account of the coming of the Holy Spirit on people of all nations, prayers will encourage Christian unity amid world-wide fear, conflict, and deprivation, work for peace, justice and care of God’s creation, and people of all ages to demonstrate God’s love in Mackay.

Walkers may park at or near St Paul’s, drop off a plate of supper in the St Paul’s Church Hall, walk over to Holy Trinity Anglican where the prayers will start and go around three city churches accompanied by members of the Mackay and District Pipe Band.

People not able to walk may sit in St Paul’s Uniting Church, rest, pray, listen to Mavis Braithwaite play the pipe organ, and wait for others to return for final prayers, song and supper. Please wear comfortable shoes, red, orange and yellow colours for Pentecost, and bring supper, water bottle, hat and sunscreen.

Contact: Rev. Dr Rosemary Dunn, Anglican Church, 0431 562 680.

Rev. Dr Julia Pitman, Secretary, Mackay Churches Together

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Artist Margaret O’Neill has turned full circle with her recent return to Sarina.

Margaret, who was one of seven artists displaying their works at the Sarina Art Gallery during May, now lives at Campwin Beach with husband Gary, a place she where spent many happy holidays when she was young.

“I was born at Townsville but christened at Sarina, and I had a lot of family from here,” she said.

“I spent many happy holidays at Campwin and now we can walk the beach each day.”

Margaret was a teacher for 34 years, initially in Victoria but later in the southern Queensland district, teaching senior English and history.

One of her works, an acrylic titled Overboard, has a story to it with an artistic twist.

“Some kids were playing with a beach ball on a ship inbound to Australia and lost a beach ball overboard, never to be seen again,” she said.

“I changed it to a life ring in the painting, and the cliffs are from my memory of Port Campbell National Park and in particular Loch Ard Gorge on the Great Ocean Road on the Victorian south coast.

“Funnily enough it was mentioned on the news last night.

“They have noticed a huge crack near the stairs leading down to it and have blocked users attempting to climb down to the beach.

“Many years ago, I found a gold wedding ring there and threw it back into the sea.”

The cliffs are named after the Loch Ard which ran aground in 1878 with only two survivors.

Others displaying their works were former South African Tia Gabriella, Kerry Williams, Jodie Perna, Jenny Tibbett, Susan Day and Lenore Chapple.

The gallery, near the Sarina Sugar Shed, is open 10am-3pm daily with free admission when a display is under way.

A new exhibition will start next month.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Artist Margaret O’Neill with her painting Overboard, a story of a mishap at sea with an artistic twist

Lenore Chapple’s Look Up Wisteria.

Tia Gabriella’s Gum Trees.

Susan Day’s Humpback Whales. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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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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