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Queensland Firebirds Donnell Wallam and Macy Gardner met young fans at Aurizon’s Jilalan depot in Sarina

As part of its three-year partnership with the Queensland Firebirds, Australia’s largest rail freight business, Aurizon, brought two top players to meet excited young players in Sarina.

The youngsters met Donnell Wallam and Macy Gardner at Aurizon’s Jilalan depot in Sarina and were treated to a tour of the wagon overhaul facility.

Aurizon’s Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said Aurizon was delighted to partner with the Queensland Firebirds, enabling them to bring players to regional communities.

“The Firebirds have shown what can be achieved through teamwork, excellence and commitment, and are inspiring young women to participate in netball and aim for the stars.

“Aurizon is committed to building a more inclusive, diverse team across our national operations and having a pipeline of young women leaders to support our future success. We see great alignment with the Firebirds in their championing of success and excellence in sport, with an ever-growing participation of young women in netball.

“With more than 80 per cent of Aurizon’s employees living and working in regional communities, we are also delighted that the Firebirds have a commitment to regional Queensland with community engagement across the state.”

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Applications for $4000 worth of Artspace Mackay bursaries close today (January 13).

The $1000 Rick Wood Bursary is open to students in the Mackay region who completed year 12 in 2022.

While the $3000 Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary is open to university students currently studying/enrolled in a recognised visual arts or creative industries tertiary course in 2023.

The money may be used for tuition fees, textbooks or equipment required as part of the student’s studies.

All young artists interested in applying for the bursary must provide Artspace Mackay with a letter outlining why they should be considered, a resume of artistic achievements and a memory stick containing a maximum of 10 high quality images of your work (digital videos and/or photos accepted).

Visit Artspace Mackay's website for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

The Hands On Bursary pays tribute to one of Mackay’s celebrated artists, the late Rick Wood.

The Foundation Bursary continues the legacy of the Artspace Mackay Foundation, a former independent, non-profit organisation whose mission was to strengthen financial support for Artspace Mackay.

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Image: ARIA award winning children’s artist, Teeny Tiny Stevies are coming to Mackay

ARIA award winning children’s artist, Teeny Tiny Stevies are heading out on the road for their most comprehensive national album tour to date!

Fresh off the back of their brand-new album ‘How to be Creative’ the band are hitting the MECC stage on 20 January 2023. Teeny Tiny Stevies are a music group comprising of sisters Bethany 'Beth' and Sibylla 'Byll' Stephen.

Established in 2015, the much-loved duo offers songs to encourage children to overcome self-doubt, try new things, learn from mistakes, and work with others.

Performing a mix of fan favourites and brand-new material from their new album, the band will be leaving no stone un-unturned. The ‘How to be Creative’ tour is a ten-song masterclass in embracing the creative urge, overcoming self-doubt, trying new things, learning from mistakes, working with others, and the superpower that is perseverance.

Tickets for the Teeny Tiny Stevies: How to be Creative Tour available from the MECC Box Office and online at themecc.com.au with a price of $30.90 per admission. A meet and greet will also take place after the show, where children and families can take photos with Byll and Beth.

Ages: Kids and Families

Duration: 1 hour

What: Teeny Tiny Stevies: How to be Creative Tour

When: Friday 20 January 2023, 10.30am

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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A man of many personas, a voice that transcends the ages and a performance that is guaranteed to rock any stage, Dellacomma Rio is always greeted to a superstar welcome when he comes to Airlie Beach.

Famed for his lifelike renditions of two of the world’s biggest stars – Jon Bon Jovi and Michael Hutchence - Dellacomma gives passionate, high-energy, larger than life performances at his shows that always rock out to packed audiences at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel.

“I’ve performed in towns all over the world and you can never tell where you’re going to take off,” said Dellacoma.

“But Airlie Beach is one of those places for me. This is the only hotel we ever perform at, the rest are convention centres and concert halls, but I love the crowd and the atmosphere which is why we keep coming back.”

Dellacoma was born in the US, (his dad is from Texas and his mum is from Brisbane) but he grew up in Tasmania from the age of two.

During his childhood, Dellacoma spent a lot of time attending an Acappella Church, where there were no instruments, just vocals, and he loved watching both his parents creating magical harmonies with others.

Later on, he attended university and discovered theatre and went on to launch an acting career while living in LA.

Dellacoma spent six years performing live theatre and featuring in some well-known TV shows in America before coming back to Australia and once again reuniting with his musical routes.

Following his return to Australia in 2007 Dellacomma recorded and toured with two Sydney based bands - Innertone and Sunset Riot.

He then launched his solo rock band career in 2014 with his first album, “Dead Will Rise”.

Earlier this year he released another album entitled ‘Blood’.

To most Whitsunday fans, however, Dellacoma Rio is best known as the front man for INXS Revived and the Bon Jovi tribute show.

“My passion is live music,” he said.

“I always give more energy than I have in every show – the crowd can expect high-energy, high-passion – I always say that you can capture moments in live music – during a show you can create something special that can never happen again, share an experience that only happens in that moment.”

Bringing the flare and passion of live theatre to his shows, Dellacoma is renowned for his flamboyant live performances, video screens running along simultaneously to the show and crowd interaction which has everyone in Airlie Beach coming back for more each time he is in town.

“I love coming to Airlie Beach, there are a few towns who have really welcomed me, and Airlie Beach is one of them – it’s next level!” said Dellacoma.

“The Pub and the crowd that come along to my shows each time have a really special place in my heart.”

Favourite song ever: ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith

Favourite song to perform: It’s My Life (Bon Jovi) or Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)

Last song you listened to: ‘Madness’ by Muse

PLAYING AT THE PUB, AIRLIE BEACH HOTEL

WHAT: INXS Revived

WHEN: Thursday, January 26

TIME: From 3pm

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WHAT: Bon Jovi

WHEN: Friday, January 27

TIME: 2pm – 5.30pm

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WHAT: Australian INXS Show

WHEN: Saturday, January 28

TIME: 2pm – 5.30pm

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WHAT: Rock Anthems

WHEN: Sunday, January 29

TIME: 2pm – 5.30pm

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This weekend North Queensland’s skateboarding royalty are coming to Bowen for an action-packed two-day event which is free for the community and open to all ages and abilities.

Rumble is presenting a weekend of fast-paced skatepark fun which will feature Skateboarding Mayor of North Queensland Dexter Brassington who will come down from Townsville specially for the event.

Rumble's head MC and commentator Theo George will also be part of the event, giving attendees a unique opportunity to meet the industry legend.

“You’ve seen him on TV, you’ve heard him commentating some of the country’s best and now you’ll get the chance to meet him in person,” said event organiser Donny Fraser.

“This is a good opportunity to come down and give it a go – Bowen has two awesome skate parks right there and skateboarding is free and accessible to everyone – it is also really good for your mental health.”

Donny is helping selectors for the 2032 Olympics, and he is looking forward to meeting some home-grown local talent.

“There are some great skaters from the Whitsundays, and you should be able to see a lot of local talent on display at this event,” he said.

On Saturday, January 14 the action will kick-off at Bowen Front Beach Skatepark from 9.30am, finishing up at 1pm.

On Sunday, January 15, the Queens Beach Skatepark will be at the centre of the action from 9am to 12pm.

Everyone, from beginners to the more experienced, are invited to come along and learn from the best.

Get free lessons, tips and tricks, watch talented amateurs skate to impress and connect with the broader community, future events and a network of people who share your passion.

The event has been made possible by the PCYC in Bowen, through Australian Drug Foundation funding and the Bowen Local Drug Action Team.

The first event of its kind, PCYC Bowen are hoping to make this a regular feature on their social calendar, along with other similar events supported by the same funding stream.

“We have some of the top skaters in Queensland coming this year,” said PCYC Bowen Community Development Officer, Lynn Butler.

“So, it’s an event not to be missed! There is also a free BBQ provided by the PCYC and skateboards available for use – so bring your mates and come on down this weekend!”

WHAT: Skateboarding Workshop

WHEN: This weekend

WHERE:

Bowen Front Beach Skatepark, Saturday January 14 from 9.30am to 1pm

Queens Beach Skatepark, Sunday January 15 from 9am to 12pm

Cost: Free thanks to PCYC Bowen

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Film lovers are in for a treat this year with an action-packed movie schedule announced for the open-air cinema located at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

Bring your picnic blanket down and enjoy some bare-foot film-viewing while watching the sunset over the bay and the twinkling lights of the night sky appear.

This is the perfect activity for families, and it is completely cost-free with each event provided by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Bring snacks along or treat yourselves to a takeaway dinner from a nearby venue or even one of the food vans that regularly set up on-site.

This Friday night two movies will be showing, providing back-to-back entertainment for the whole family will enjoy.

First-up is Barnyard, The Original Party Animals, which tells the story of Otis the bull (Kevin James) who, like the other animals in the barn, enjoys singing and playing while the farmer is away.

The carefree bovine, however, must soon find the courage to be a leader when, unexpectedly, he finds himself in a position of great responsibility.

Next-up is 101 Dalmatians, the much-loved Disney classic that follows the story two London dalmatians and villainess, Cruella De Vil, who wants to buy all the dalmatian puppies she can find in order to turn them into fur coats.

Open air movies will be held every second Friday of the month throughout the year and a full schedule is available from the Whitsunday Regional Council website.

In the meantime, here is the schedule for the next few months:

February 10 – How To Train Your Dragon

March 10 – Sing

April 14 – Shark Tale and Oddball

May 12 – Babe and The Sapphires

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Crafter Jill Tedman was delighted when she and her husband Paul moved to Sarina last year.

After regularly visiting their children Emily and Andrew from the Sunshine Coast since 2008, they decided to make the move north, and the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre was a big factor in the shift.

Jill spends hours each day embroidering or sewing, which she started as a young girl.

“It’s a wonderful outlet to have here as there are obviously a lot of talented crafters in Sarina,” she said.

“It’s all very good quality and there is a wonderful variety of products – from crocheted tea coseys, table runners, art, wooden signs and toys, jewellery, bags, kitchen crafts, crocheted and patchwork quilts – you name it.

“The best thing is it’s all locally made, no Chinese imports.”

Jill started her interest in crafts at the age of five when her mum and aunt taught her sewing on a family treadle machine.

“I used to make dolls clothes; all my dolls were well dressed.

“As a teen I used to make my own clothes, sewing was one of my best subjects at boarding school in Warwick. I’d get an A for sewing but I wasn’t so good at some of the other subjects.

“Nowdays I try to embroider a few hours a day, I’ve always done it and it’s great for reducing stress.”

Jill has hand towels, applique cushions and handbags at the Craft Centre and says her new year’s resolution is to make an embroidered quilt.

The centre is open 9-1 daily except Sundays.

By Charlie Payne

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Jill Tedman with her applique cushion and Dresden Plate purse at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photo: Charlie Payne

Steve-O (a.k.a. Stephen Glover) was willing to do whatever it took to become famous, even if it meant stapling his ball sack to his leg.

After failing miserably at the University of Miami and couch-surfing with friends, he decided that in order to further his goal of becoming a stuntman he would enrol in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. But, as he describes it, it was his relentless attention whoring that ultimately led to working with Johnny Knoxville on the stunt-based reality show called Jackass.

Since then, he's had continued success, as a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, 'Professional Idiot', as well as establishing himself in the world of stand-up comedy. With fourteen years of sobriety under his belt, Steve-O shows no signs of slowing down.

Steve-O regularly produces content for his YouTube channel which routinely racks up millions of views, and his 'Wild Ride with Steve-O' podcast has proven to be a fan favourite with guests like Post Malone, Demi Lovato, Shaq, Tom Delonge from Blink 182, and more.

He can currently be found selling out theatres across the world on The Bucket List tour, a multimedia stand-up comedy show like no other.

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COMING TO MACKAY – THE BUCKET LIST TOUR

Every idea on Steve-O’s Bucket List was so ill-advised, he never expected to go through with any of them. Until it was time to prepare for this tour. Not only are the stunts more ridiculous than what you already know Steve-O for, he did them all, and made a highly XXX-rated, multimedia comedy show out of them.

Not for kids, or for the faint of heart.

What: Steve-O The Bucket List Tour

When: February 19

Where: The MECC

Tickets: themecc.com.au

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Steve-O, made famous by the stunt-based reality show, Jackass, is bringing his R18 style of comedy to Mackay in February

Council has approved funding for some ripper community events ready for 2023 Australia Day celebrations.

Funding ranging from $400 to $1000 will support 13 true-blue Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said the wide range of events for 2023 was great to see.

“From barefoot bowls and live music at Seaforth to dinghy sailing and a sausage sizzle at Kinchant Dam, there really is something for the whole family,” Cr May said.

“The Australia Day events are spread around the Mackay region from Sarina to the Mackay City Centre, north to St Helens Beach and west to Kinchant Dam,” she said.

“Held at various times throughout the day and at 13 locations across the region, the events are an opportunity to celebrate what makes our region great.”

Steve Campbell, Mackay Junior Motocross Secretary, said the club was really excited to receive a grant.

“It’s the first time our club had applied for an Australia Day event grant and the committee was very excited when we found out we were successful,” Mr Campbell said.

“We would like to invite the community to come down to the riverside motocross track, located on Hume Street in the CBD, for our motocross come and try event,” he said.

“The free event will run from 8:30am to 1pm on Australia Day and will include a jumping castle, slip and slide and sausage sizzle.

“Thanks to the generosity of Bullet Bikes Superstore there will also be some demo motorbikes available for beginner riders to come and try.”

To be eligible for funding, all events had to be held on the Australia Day public holiday (Thursday, January 26), be free for all to attend and be within the Mackay Regional Council area.

A list of council supported Australia Day 2023 events can be found below, with more information available on the council website at mackay.qld.gov.au/ausdayevents:

1. Armstrong Beach Progress Association – Australia Day Celebrations 2023, 2pm to 8pm, Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach Road, Armstrong Beach

2. Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club – A day at the beach, 11am to 2pm, Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club, Eimeo Beach

3. Finch Hatton Progress Association – Finch Hatton Australia Day Celebrations, 10am to 3pm, Finch Hatton Showgrounds, Finch Hatton

4. Habana and Districts Progress Association – Australia Day the Habana Way, 3pm to 7pm, Habana Community Precinct, 1091 Mackay-Habana Road, Habana

5. Mackay Bowling Club – Go Oz with Lawn Bowls, 9am – 4pm, Mackay Bowling Club, Nebo Road, Mackay

6. Mackay Contract Bridge Club – Contract Bridge Aussie Day come and try, 10am – 3pm, Mackay Contract Bridge Club House, 414 Shakespeare St, West Mackay

7. Mackay Junior Motocross – Australia Day come and try, 8:30am to 1pm, Riverside Motocross Track, 2 Hume St, Mackay CBD

8. Mackay Sailing Club – Sail Away on Australia Day, 11am to 3pm, Sailor’s Corner, Kinchant Dam

9. Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – Australia Day Beach Party, 10am to 4pm, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Mackay Harbour

10. Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club – Sarina Beach Australia Day, 1pm to 5pm, Sarina Beach Esplanade

11. Seaforth Bowls Club – Aussie Day at Seaforth, 1:30pm till late, Seaforth Bowls Club, Walsh Avenue, Seaforth

12. St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc – Aussie Day Celebration, 9am to 4pm, Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach

13. The Scout Association of Australia Qld Branch (Banksia Scout Group) – Australia Day Open Day, 10am to 1pm, Jaycee Park, Bedford Road, Andergrove

* Please note that two of the above events were carried over from 2022 due to COVID-19.

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Emily Lovell (left) and Tyson Lovell (right) at the St Helens Beach 2022 Australia Day celebration

Friday 06 January

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm
Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVEMUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Shanksy Live At The SeabreezeHotel

Friday, 8:00pm
Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Listen tothe great tunes by legend, Shanksy, from 8pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Tiffany Grace Live At Souths

Friday, 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Join us on Friday 6thJanuary for live music with Tiffany Grace! She will be performing from6:30pm-10:30pm. Come along for a great night.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Chair Yoga In Habana

Friday, 8:20am
Come & join us at the Habana Community Shed on the corner ofMoohins Rd, every Friday morning. Bookings are essential!

Whatis Chair Yoga? It's a gentle form of Yoga that can be done while sitting orstanding, using a chair for support, and includes mindful breathing & somemeditation. You cansecure your seat by texting your full name to 0434 940 300, or by messaging theWellness With Deb Facebook page.

Habana Community Shed

Saturday 07 January

The Wild Sky Live at Harrup Park

Saturday, 6:30pm
The Wild Sky is a trioband. They are known for their fusion of blues, rock, soul and funk music.

Harrup Park

Dixon Homes T20 Shootout

Saturday, 10:30am to 6:30pm
Don't miss a second of theaction at Harrup Park as the 2022/23 Dixon Homes T20 Shootout begins for yetanother thriller season! See four games on two ovals in an epic day of T20cricket for rounds 3 and 4.

Harrup Park

Michael Scriha Live At Souths

Saturday, 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Michael Scriha will beperforming live in the sports bar at Souths!

Souths Leagues Club

Vision Board Collage Workshop

Saturday, 10:30am
Start off your year feelingcalm and inspired by spending a chill Saturday listening to music, drinkingcoffee, and creatively expressing yourself through collaging. Tickets viaEventbrite.

Bohemian Elyse

Live Music At The Kooyong

Saturday, 2pm
Enjoy good tunes and greatvibes every Saturday at the Kooyong from 2pm.

Kooyong Hotel

Sunday 08 January

The Wild Sky Live at the SeabreezeHotel

Sunday, 2:00pm
Enjoy lunch and live music at the Seabreeze Hotel. TheWild Sky is performing from 2pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Urban Field Close Quarters
Saturday,6:00pm

URBANBATTLEFIELD! Basic games and scenarios. Two session times:

11.30amsign in and briefings, 12.30-3.30pm games.
3.30pm sign in and briefings, 4.30-7.30pm games.

$30ppprepaid or $35pp on the battlefield. Limited glow ready blasters are availablefor hire at $20 per blaster. BOOKING ESSENTIAL!

Mackay North State High School

Monday 09 January

Back-To-School Pop-Up Shop
Monday- Thursday, 8:30am – 2:30pm

TheSchool Savvy pop-up shop is gearing up for the 2023 school year!

Offeringsecond-hand uniforms and essential booklist stationery at extremely low cost,families and children struggling to cope with the rising cost of back-to-schoolare welcome to purchase what they need regardless of their financialcircumstances.

PCYC, 33 Norris Road, North Mackay

Tuesday 10 January

Pop-Up Sunrise Beach Yoga
Tuesday,5am

Intentionsetting with the sun energy, the earth's grounding, the air's support, thewater's flow and the metal element of our intention setting. This will be a45min journey.

Setat low tide we journey out onto the sand bar for a beautiful Hatha yoga class.

Meet at the car park Corner BinningtonEsplanade and Evans Street. Cost is $10. Class begins at 5:15am. Event by FindYour Groove.

Town Beach

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Wake Park Day For Teen Shed
Tuesday,5am

Enjoy a day out at the Wake Park. It's afull day of fun and includes lunch. Come make new friends or bring your friendswith you. Cost is $65pp, including the use of the wake park and lunch. Paymentcan be made on the day, but we do need to know numbers so please email us onteenshedmackay@gmail.com.

Wake House Australia

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From dancing in her living room to choreographing recent performances of EVITA in Malaysia, Central Queensland Conservatorium alumni Emma Goding is enjoying a varied career of entertainment.

Emma has been developing as a performer since the time she started dancing in the living room and has been able to pursue her love of performing professionally, most recently through the upcoming Western Australia Tour of Dale Pengelly’s Lounge Suite and the always entertaining children's parties, having been Cinderella and Emma Wiggle.

Having studied RAD ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, neo-classical and tap, Emma has a wide range of dance experience that spans from performing, teaching and dance captaining.

Though starting out as a dancer, Emma has progressed to become a successful actress and singer by growing up in musical theatre through her studies at the Central Queensland Conservatorium in Mackay. There, Emma had the opportunity to perform the lead role of Ella in Bells are Ringing, perform in Sweet Charity (2018), for which she was dance captain for, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2018), and The Mik-a-d-o (2017/18), both in Australia and Malaysia at Bentley Music Academy, Choices (2018), Catch me if you can (2017), and many more as well as being involved in the theatre community in Mackay.

During December, the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Bentley Music Academy collaborated in one of the all-time great musicals, EVITA by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Directed by Jason Langley and conducted by Kevin Field, this semi-staged concert performance was the third such event between BMA and CQU and featured emerging talent from Malaysia and Australia, side-by-side with the Orkestra Radio Televisyen Malaysia and dancers from Sri Wilayah Ballet Centre.

Emma performed two important duties for this production, as the Choreographer (Main Company) and Dance Captain (CQCM).

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Emma Goding

Theatre, Music and Digital Media students were hard at work preparing for a season of performances of Evita, the Musical in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

There’s no need to get Downhearted this Australia Day, in fact it is time to get Reckless with one of our country’s most iconic bands – Australian Crawl Tribute Show.

Featuring on Saturday, January 21 and then joining forces with INXS Revived for an incredible afternoon of live music on Australia Day, these Melbourne-based musicians have been performing live for over 30 years.

Lead singer Mark Tinni (AKA James Reyne) formed the band five years ago and they have since been playing at large venues across Victoria, developing a huge cult following.

Their success got the attention of Australian Crawl’s Drummer who reached out to Mark Tinni.

“We were contacted by the original drummer and we’ve since become personal friends,” said Mark.

“There are three Australian Crawl Tribute Bands in the country, and we are the only one that has been formally endorsed which has opened a lot of doors for us.”

Mark developed a passion for music when he was nine years old and by the time he was 15 he had become a drummer and a singer for a band in what he calls a “bit of a Phil Collins thing”.

By the time he turned twenty, Mark put down the drumsticks and focused on vocals.

For two years he received musical tuition from Peter Cousens which cemented his singing career and set his future on a new trajectory – bringing music to thousands of people through various cover bands performing across Victoria for the next 30 years.

Despite his musical success paying tribute to a multiple of famous acts, Mark always remembers the moment he first heard Australian Crawl.

“I was at a roller-skating rink when I was 17 when I first heard ‘The Boys Light up’ and I remember saying to my cousin that it was incredible,” said Mark.

“I remember feeling so inspired back then and this hasn’t changed since!”

When Mark got a “new lease on life” five years ago he immediately knew he wanted to start a tribute in their honour and, bringing together a host of other professional musicians, he hasn’t looked back since.

This will be their first time performing in Airlie Beach and Mark says the audience can expect to be transported back to the 80’s.

“We will play a heap of great songs that unfortunately some people may have forgotten about,” he said.

“When we’re finished, people always say that they can’t believe how many good songs they had!”

Australian Crawl are still performing today, and the tribute performance includes songs from the 80’s all the way through to present day.

You can catch Reckless in their debut Airlie Beach performance on Saturday, January 21 for some sweet Aussie summer vibes.

On Australia Day they will be forming again from 12pm and their set list includes all the hits like Errol, The Boys Light Up, Beautiful People, Oh No Not You Again and of course, Reckless.

At 3pm that afternoon the INXS REVIVED Show celebrates and honours both the memory of Michael Hutchence and the band by bringing back to life the halcyon days of INXS.

This show will take the audience all the way from their self-titled debut and onto Elegantly Wasted and faithfully reproduces the live spectacle INXS were famous for.

WHAT: Australian Crawl

WHEN: Saturday January 21 from 2pm – 5.30pm

Thursday January 26 from 12pm

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

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WHAT: INXS REVIVED

WHEN: Thursday January 26 from 3pm

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

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It’s school holidays.

So, what does that mean? – A lot of things, sure. Kids everywhere, tired looking parents, an uptick in coffee consumption. But, I’ll tell you one thing it means for certain: A seemingly endless onslaught of animated features created specifically for children which curmudgeonly movie reviewers are tasked with watching and critiquing. The same gents who could – and certainly would - pick apart Citizen Kane, giving it a passing grade of C-.

Perhaps, like the grinches that they all are, these light-hearted festivals of fun can remind them what it means to be a kid – and their hearts might just grow three sizes that day.

In the case of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, the heart-growing is in full swing.

The feat from director Joel Crawford to accomplish anything with a film that is a sequel to a spin-off of a series 20-years old is exceptional. And that’s undoubtedly helped by the cast at his disposal, the veteran pair of Antonio Banderas (as Puss) and Salma Hayek (Kitty Softpaws).

Discovering that his passion for adventure has taken its toll - burning through eight of his nine lives - Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives. Channelling Indiana Jones, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a whimsical treat.

The world of Shrek has always been replete with humour, particularly in its ability to embrace storytelling tropes, as well as breaking them in hilarious ways. And that’s the strength of writer Tommy Swerdlow’s script – it takes that manic, Grimm’s Fairytale world and turns it up to 11, adding in the spice of a Spaghetti Western.

As well, there’s a surprising elegance to the film’s animation, pushing the envelope of what we expect as an audience accustomed to two decades of Shrek and its spinoffs. Through a new, stylised approach, this film is as fresh and fun as they come.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is showing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema now.

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This Australia Day the Whitsunday Sportspark will be transformed into a giant family-friendly slime fest and the whole community is invited to come together to get wet, messy, and of course slimed!

A series of fun obstacle courses will challenge participants, an inflatable waterslide will excite and lots of happy volunteers armed with spaying slime will add to the exhilaration of the day.

Make sure you wear some clothes you don’t mind getting ‘slimed’ and bring with you some water, a towel and some sunscreen.

Attendees can complete the course as many times as they want and are able to compete with teams or family members.

The cost is $5 per person or $25 for teams or families.

All proceeds go directly back into local projects that directly help disadvantaged youth.

The day begins with registration at 9.30am and the Slime Fest will start around 10am.

Before this, there will be a Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony officiated by the local Indigenous people.

Organiser and Youth Space Coordinator, Renee Buckley, said this was an important part of the day.

“We are all part of the same family, and we share the same story,” she said.

“Australia Day is a time to ‘Respect and Reflect’ and it was important we included everyone in the community.”

There will be a sausage sizzle and lamingtons on the day and refreshments for sale.

Renee is also hoping to confirm some local live entertainment in the coming weeks.

“We are very excited to put this together and do something a little different,” she said.

“The kids love water fights, and they love slime so we thought – what better way to celebrate Australia Day than this!”

The event has been organised by Proserpine Youth Space and was made possible by a grant from the National Australia Day Council.

WHAT: Whitsunday Slimefest

WHEN: Thursday, January 26

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark

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Image: The New Year’s Eve River Party will feature the soulful folk ballads of Matt Tandy

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He spends most of his time in a pineapple under the sea, but Mackay families can catch him on New Year’s Eve at the Bluewater Quay.

SpongeBob SquarePants, along with his pink starfish friend Patrick, will be performing at the New Year’s Eve River Party.

The duo will be putting on two exciting stage shows and will also be available for a meet and greet.

The New Year’s Eve River Party will run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and will also feature the blissful melodies of local songstress Tiffany Grace and the soulful folk ballads of singer Matt Tandy.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May said the River Party is a wonderful family-friendly event offering plenty of kids’ amusements, free face painting, food and market stalls.

“We also have the 9pm Key Solutions Group family fireworks display, which is always popular amongst those with children who like to see the year out with a bang before midnight,” Ms May said.

“This is a really lovely event that combines local musicians, spectacular fireworks, plenty of local food vendors and some family-friendly entertainment.

“The Mackay Festivals team do a lot of work over the holiday period to ensure everyone has a great time and they always go above and beyond.”

Festival and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said the River Party will also feature the traditional midnight fireworks display for those kicking on in the City Centre.

“The Bluewater Quay is a great venue to enjoy the last night of 2022 and Matt and Tiffany will create a really chilled vibe that’s perfect for families,” Ms Porter said.

For more information, including a full list of food vendors, head to themecc.com.au/festivals

WHAT: New Year’s Eve River Party

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, December 31 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

This is a free community event.

Entertainment Schedule

6pm - Welcome to Country

6.05pm - Mayor Welcome

6.15pm - SpongeBob Square Pants (show 1)

6.45pm - Tiffany Grace

7.15pm - SpongeBob Square Pants (meet and greet)

7.40pm - Matt Tandy

8.35pm - SpongeBob Square Pants (show 2)

9pm - Fireworks

12am - Fireworks

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