Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibition Tom Moore: Natural Oddity received huge acclaim from visitors this week.

As the exhibition drew to a close, competition winners were announced for the Natural Oddity drawing competition and winning designs were transformed into one-of-a-kind sculptures.

The work on display was that of Tom Moore, a glass artist who creates characters that blur the boundaries between lifeforms; fairytale, abstract, colourful figures designed to “defy gravity and to melt the coldest heart”.

Working in collaboration with photographers, animators, and his wife Rosie, Tom creates elaborate scenes akin to dreamscape dioramas, presenting playful and unsettling reflections on nature and technology.  

The exhibition challenged attendees to partake in a drawing competition, with winning drawings set to be turned into glass sculptures themselves, for the participants to keep and treasure. With junior, senior and open divisions, the competition attracted thousands of entries from across the region.

“It is truly one of the most impressive exhibitions I’ve seen,” said Mayor Greg Williamson.

“Congratulations to Ivy, who was announced as the Junior Division winner. It’s fantastic to see young creative talent in our region being recognised and celebrated.”


1 – Mayor Greg Williamson with winner of the Junior drawing competition, Ivy Wong and her family. Photo supplied

2 – Tom Moore turned Ivy’s design into a wonderful sculpture for her to cherish. Photo supplied

The vibrant spirit of live entertainment is set to shine once again across the Whitsundays, as the high-energy “SOS” tribute show brings the unforgettable music of ABBA to both locals and visitors this April. With two performances scheduled across the weekend, this event is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of community, nostalgia, and the region’s growing cultural scene.

For a destination like Whitsundays and the ever-popular Airlie Beach, events like this play a vital role in keeping the local economy and social calendar thriving. Tourism may be the backbone of the region, but it’s experiences like live music shows that give visitors a reason to stay longer, spend more, and connect with the area on a deeper level.

“SOS” delivers a dazzling tribute to one of the world’s most beloved pop groups, combining iconic hits with the glitter and groove of 70s disco. With elaborate costumes, spot-on vocals, and infectious energy, the show offers a chance for audiences to relive the magic of a golden era in music. More importantly, it creates a shared experience—bringing together residents, hospitality workers, and tourists alike on the dance floor.

Community events like this also highlight the Whitsundays as more than just a scenic getaway. They position the region as a lively cultural hub capable of hosting quality entertainment, helping to attract future acts and build a stronger arts presence. For local businesses—from restaurants to accommodation providers—the ripple effect is significant, with increased foot traffic and a boost in weekend trade.

As the region continues to grow and evolve, embracing events like the “SOS” ABBA tribute ensures that the Whitsundays remain not only a beautiful place to visit, but an exciting place to be. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply looking for a fun afternoon or evening out, this is one event that promises to have the whole community saying, “Thank you for the music.”

WHAT: The Australian ABBA Tribute Show: SOS

WHEN: Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12, 2pm-5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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Photo source: Facebook

Elise Dunckis is this weeks winner, on the theme of Planet Earth. She took this wonderful photo of an incoming storm at  Byerwen Coal Mine, Suttor near Glenden.

Next week’s theme is “Street Life”, and budding photographers can enter on the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook Page.

Photo contributed with thanks to the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Group.

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Flower Delight featured as the March exhibition at Sarina Arts Council’s Sarina Gallery, highlighting a wonderful selection of floral-inspired artworks. Visitors can look forward to new works arriving this April.

Photo source: Sarina Arts Council, Sarina Gallery

Friday 3^rd April

The Way Of The Cross

From 5pm

The community is warmly invited to gather at Bluewater Quay on 3 April at 5pm for The Way of the Cross, a reflective Good Friday event exploring the story behind one of Christianity’s most significant days. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and settle in for an evening of familiar songs and shared reflection. The free event will feature nothing for sale, keeping the focus on the message of the day and the meaning behind the question, “Why is Good Friday good?” Everyone is welcome to come along and be part of the experience.

Bluewater Quay

Saturday 4^th April

Easter Carnival

From 9:30am

Families are invited to hop into the Easter spirit at the Easter Fun Hub this Easter Saturday, with a morning of free activities set to bring smiles to children and adults alike. Running from 9:30am to 1:30pm outside R.M. Williams, the event promises a festive atmosphere with Easter bonnet craft, face painting, balloon twisting and a fun Easter egg hunt. Children will also have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny. With no bookings required and plenty of family friendly entertainment on offer, the community is warmly encouraged to come along and join in the celebrations.

Caneland Central

Hop & Hunt Easter Festival Extravaganza

From 3pm

Families are invited to enjoy a festive afternoon by the water when Harbour Moon Markets joins forces with the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club for a community Easter celebration on Saturday, 4 April at 67 East Point Drive. From 3pm to 6pm, visitors can enjoy free children’s activities including jumping castles, face painting, balloon fun, an Easter egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny, while live music from Soul Vibes and more than 30 market stalls create a lively atmosphere. Food trucks, coffee, freshly made pizzas and pies will be available, with a free sausage sizzle for the first 200 people. Adult entry is $2, supporting the club’s Nippers program.

The Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club

Sunday 5^th April

Resurrection Sunday Dawn Service

5.15am

The community is warmly invited to gather for a Resurrection Sunday Dawn Service at Bluewater Quay at 5:15am on Easter Sunday, 5 April. The outdoor service will mark the Easter morning message of hope and renewal, reflecting the theme of turning darkness into glorious day. All are welcome to attend this early morning gathering by the river, offering a peaceful and meaningful way to begin Easter Sunday.

Bluewater Quay

Wednesday 8^th April

School Holiday Activities At The Botanical Gardens

From 9am

Families are invited to explore the beauty of Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens these school holidays with a fun self guided activity designed to get children discovering the plants and wildlife of the gardens. Activity sheets can be collected from the Visitor Information Centre between 9am and 3pm from Wednesday to Friday, 8 to 10 April. Young explorers can take part in an “I Spy” challenge featuring the garden mural and a leaf hunt that encourages a closer look at the fascinating shapes and textures found throughout the gardens.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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What began as a simple idea to brighten a rail underpass in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens has blossomed into a vibrant, educational landmark. The ‘Connecting Gardens Through Art’ project has transformed the tunnel along Nebo Road into a stunning showcase of the region’s native plants and wildlife, offering visitors both beauty and insight as they pass through.

The mural was made possible by the Mackay Branch of Native Plants Queensland – Society for Growing Australian Plants, which secured funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund. Local mural and botanic artist Kate Brunner brought the concept to life, supported by volunteer artists from Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group.

Plant species depicted in the mural include the Mount Blackwood Holly, Koumala Range Actephila, Mackay Cedar, and Leichhardt Tree. Local native wildlife also features prominently, including the Ulysses butterfly, platypus, bandicoots, Barking Owl, and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos.

Maya Harrison, chairperson of the Botanical Art Interest Group, played a pivotal role in the project.

She worked on finer details, including insects and spiders, and contributed to the background painting, such as the mountains and rivers.

Mrs Harrison highlighted the importance of representing Mackay’s unique flora.

“It’s really important because the Botanic Gardens is showcasing our regional plants. The mural connects two sections of the gardens and celebrates the forest and its native life,” she said.

The project began in August last year, with extensive preparation including cleaning the walls and applying an undercoat to ensure the paint would adhere properly.

“We thought it would take a couple of months, but once we got into the details, it just kept stretching out. We were here four out of seven days most weeks,” Mrs Harrison explained.

The mural has quickly become an interactive experience for visitors, with many stopping to admire the artwork and ask questions.

The initiative was a collaborative effort from the outset, led by Pamela Finger, who secured the grant and coordinated the participating groups.

“It’s fantastic to see the project from the application stage to fruition. Connecting the gardens through art has really brought the space together,” Mrs Finger said.

Today, the mural provides a colourful and educational pathway through the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s natural beauty while enjoying an immersive artistic experience. It stands as a celebration of local flora, fauna, and community creativity, inviting everyone to stop, look, and learn.

For more information on the mural, visit Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens – Connecting Gardens Through Art.

Mayor Greg Williamson with volunteer artists Barbra, Maya, Kate, Julie and Pamela, who have transformed the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens tunnel into a vibrant showcase of local flora and fauna. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Weather is no longer a barrier at Sarina Art Gallery, where they officially opened its upgraded outdoor space featuring a new roof, made possible by a community grant of over $29,000 from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

The opening allowed guests to view the gallery’s latest exhibition and experience the new covered space, which now provides a comfortable, protected environment for visitors.

The extension creates an all weather, sun smart area that allows the gallery to host workshops, exhibitions and performances year round, while also offering a welcoming place for the community to gather and connect.

“By supporting local arts and culture, we’re helping to build community capacity and enhancing Sarina as a place to live and to visit,” said Community Bank Sarina Board Chair, Karen May.

“This outdoor extension cover gives the gallery the opportunity to grow its programs and create more opportunities for people to come together and engage with the arts.”

Mary Ann Slater, President of the Sarina Art Gallery, said the new space has already made a significant difference.

“This project has transformed our outdoor area into a versatile, all-weather space,” Ms Slater said.

“We can now confidently plan workshops and events without worrying about the weather, creating more opportunities for people to come together, learn and be part of the gallery.”

The project was installed by a locally approved builder using eco friendly materials where possible, with ongoing maintenance scheduled in collaboration with Council to ensure long term durability.

Sarina Art Gallery is open seven days a week at Railway Square (Sarina Field of Dreams), near the Sarina Sugar Shed. To find out more about upcoming events, search ‘Sarina Arts Council, Sarina Gallery’ on Facebook.

0258 – (L-R) Kristina Douglas, Community Bank Sarina (CBS) staff member Josie Dahtler, CBS Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich, Sarina Art Gallery President Mary-Ann Slater, CBS Board Chair Karen May, and CBS staff members Di Owens and Kylie Schulze at the Sarina Art Gallery opening celebration.

0090 - Sarina Art Gallery’s new all-weather outdoor area, made possible by a community grant of over $29,000 from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank. Photos supplied

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This week’s poem is from Kaye Cronan. Kaye said that it is for all those people who have moved to a regional area following Covid and have realised they don’t need return to a crowded and noisy city.

THE TREE CHANGE

Let’s get away from the stress of city life,

Buy a block and leave the traffic and strife.

We’ll implement a long dreamt of plan

Being self-sufficient on our bit of land.

There’ll be livestock and chooks all around

Vegies in the garden and crops in the ground

A place with water to make everything grow

If we work really hard, we’ll make it all go.

There’ll be sacrifices; we will live in the shed,

A bit rough and rustic but there’s a comfy bed.

Who needs a McMansion out here in the scrub?

There’s no stress now, away from the city hub.

Out here in the sticks there’s no one to care

When you garden topless and let the boobs air

Life is much slower and that’s just fine

We have time to enjoy a sun downer wine

Just plodding along at our own peaceful pace

It’s good to be away from the city rat race.

We’re not young anymore or so we’ve been told

We’ll just make it all happen before we get old!

Kaye Cronan

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March

27 FOGs Regional Tours Bowen Gala Dinner, Queens Beach Hotel, 6pm-9pm

27 Sydney Drag Queen presents WICKED Drag Bingo, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7pm-10pm

27 Speed Networking, Lumos Café 7:30-8:30am

31 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

April

1 Social Seniors, Cannonvale Library, 9.30am

3-11 Sail Airlie Regatta

7 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

11 & 12: SOS ABBA Tribute, Airlie Beach Hotel, 2pm-5:30pm

14 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

16 Morning Melodies – The Beggers sing the Seekers, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 11am-12:30pm

21 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

23 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

24 Speed Networking, Lumos Café 7:30-8:30am

25 Australian Rock, ANZAC DAY, Airlie Beach Hotel, 12pm-6pm

28 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

May

1 SPOT, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 12pm-12:50pm

5 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

6 Social Seniors, Cannonvale Library, 9.30am

12 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

13 Luke Kidgell – Good Intentions, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm

16 & 17 Whitsunday Equestrian Group T-Shirt Competition, Cannonvalley Pony Club, 8am-4pm

18 Placing of the flags, Proserpine Cemetery, 9am

19 Sailability Whitsunday, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 9am

21 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Proserpine Show Ball, Proserpine Showgrounds, 6pm

26 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

29 Speed Networking, Lumos Café, 7:30-8:30am

June

3 Social Seniors, Cannonvale, 9.30am

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Songwriting Summit, 9.30am-4pm

6 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Concert & Conversation, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6pm - 8pm

9 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

18 Social Seniors, Bowen Library, 10am

23 Social Seniors, Proserpine Library, 9am

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Christine Anu is set to join the lineup for the 2026 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival!

Christine Anu’s acclaimed career spans more than 27 years and includes 17 ARIA nominations, as well as the platinum-selling album Stylin’ Up. She is best known for her signature song My Island Home, originally written by Warumpi Band, which she performed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Beyond music, Anu’s career spans film, television, and theatre. Her screen credits include appearances in Moulin Rouge! and The Matrix Reloaded, while on stage she has performed in acclaimed productions of Rent and Little Shop of Horrors. Her television roles include appearances in The Alice and Outland.

Her involvement in the 2026 festival is particularly meaningful, as her daughter, songwriter Zipporah, participated in the 2025 festival, performing alongside The Voice winner Chris Sebastian and Golden Guitarist Brad Butcher.

This year, Christine Anu joins an outstanding lineup of award-winning songwriters, instrumentalists and composers, including Mark Sholtez, Francesca de Valence and Karen Jacobsen, with more to be announced.

Supported by the Whitsundays Arts Festival, the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival has been a cultural drawcard for the region since launching in 2022 and was nominated this year in the Queensland Music Awards for Festival of the Year (People’s Choice Award).

Each year, leading Australian songwriters travel to the Whitsundays to take part in a diverse range of workshops and activities designed to nurture talent across the region.

The Songwriting Summit invites local and interstate writers to be mentored by resident artists through immersive masterclasses, skill-building workshops, and a Summit showcase where participants share their work.

The festival culminates in the intimate Concert & Conversation on Saturday, 6 June at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, where resident songwriters perform and share the stories behind the songs created during the residency.

The festival was co-founded by Queensland songwriters Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence to provide regional songwriters with professional development opportunities often only available in major cities.

Since its inception, the festival has hosted an impressive roster of artists including Wendy Matthews, Toni Childs, Vika and Linda, and Graeme Connors.

The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival creative residency runs from 3–7 June 2026, with the Songwriting Summit and Concert & Conversation taking place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on 6 June. Tickets are available via Humanitix.

The 2026 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival is made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia. The festival is presented in partnership with I Heart Songwriting Club and the Whitsundays Arts Festival.

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Photo supplied

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Friday 27 March

Eat Street and Live Music

6pm

Enjoy a vibrant day out at the upcoming Eat Street event, featuring live music, great food and family-friendly fun. Attendees can relax to the sounds of Jamesley while savouring a variety of food and drink options on offer. There will also be plenty to keep the kids entertained, including free activities and a gymnastics airtrack to burn off some energy. With something for all ages, the event promises a lively atmosphere and great night out!

Blue Water Quay, Mackay

City Heart Easter Fun

12pm

Families are invited to celebrate Easter with a fun-filled afternoon in the Mackay City Heart, hosted by Harper Bee and Mackay City and Waterfront. Running from 12pm to 5.30pm, the free event features an Easter egg hunt through local businesses, starting at Harper Bee with a clue-filled stamp card. Children can collect eggs before heading to the corner of Wood and Victoria Streets to meet the Easter Bunny. The afternoon also includes games, a colouring competition, Easter craft activities and a relaxing space for families to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

City Heart - 79 Victoria Street, Mackay

Saturday 28 March

Family Fun Day Colour Fun Run

2.30pm

Families are invited to Andergrove for a vibrant day of colour, fun and community spirit at the Family Fun Day Colour Fun Run. Hosted by Monty the Monstar, the event marks the launch of 2026 fundraising efforts for a new playground and upgraded play spaces across the school grounds. With plenty of laughter, colour and family-friendly activities, the day promises an energetic and enjoyable experience for all ages while supporting an exciting cause for the local school community.

DV Fundraiser – Broken Ballerina Inc

9am

Broken Ballerina Inc will be hosting a community fundraiser at Mount Pleasant Centre near Jamaica Blue, raising vital funds to support those impacted by domestic violence. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by and show their support, with Pete’s Caramel Slice, Jules’s Cupcakes and BBI merchandise all available for purchase. The event offers a meaningful way for the community to come together, enjoy some sweet treats and contribute to an important local cause.

Mount Pleasant Centre near Jamaica Blue

Monday 31 March

Seniors Chair Yoga

10.45am

Seniors aged 55 and over are invited to take part in the Northern Beaches Seniors Chair Yoga program, offering a gentle and accessible way to stay active, improve wellbeing and connect with others. Held on Mondays at Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia, the sessions focus on mindful movement, stretching and relaxation, all from the comfort of a chair. With a welcoming atmosphere, morning tea provided and a pay-as-you-go cost of $10, the program is ideal for those seeking a safe and social approach to fitness.

Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia

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Huge crowds turned out for the hotly anticipated Dancing with Heart 2026 last weekend, and they were not disappointed.

Loved ones, colleagues and sponsors watched on proudly as participants showed off their hard work, and sparked joy across the audience, dancing routines inspired by iconic performances, from Flashdance to Burlesque.

The amateur dancers became stars of the stage as they represented companies across Mackay, with contributors raising over $90,000 for the My Hospital Foundation, a local organisation dedicated to supporting patients tackling difficult health journeys at Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

1. Charity dancers braved the stage and raised life-changing funds

Whopping $90,000 Raised at Dancing with Heart

On Friday 20^th March, audiences at the MECC were wowed by Dancing with Heart’s fundraising showcase, where local businesspeople laced up their dancing shoes and gave the performance of a lifetime.

The dancers stepped and shimmied out of their comfort zones, hitting the stage to vie for the winning spot with routines developed with choreographer Dolly Louw and the talented dancers from Fame Talent School.

The event raised over $90,000 for the My Hospital Foundation, an amazing achievement made possible by the dancers, sponsors and attendees.

James Bailey from Wallace & Wallace took home the title of overall winner with an energetic routine set to Huey Lewis & The News’ Hip to Be Square. He also swept the award for highest fundraiser, raising a whopping $20,000 just on his own.

The people’s choice winner was Michael Kerr from Haymans Electrical, with an inspiring routine to Believe by Cher. All performances were exceptional, with the event cementing itself as a highlight of the Mackay community calendar.

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1 - Michael Kerr representing Hayman Electrical.
2- The seasoned pros backing the amateur dancers.

3 – Michea Kerr, Dirk Nuegebauer & James Bailey.

4 – Dancers from Mackay Fame Talent School provided amazing support.

5 –Chelsea Byrne, Tégan McGovern, Dolly Louw,  Sharon Johnston, Janine Jacobson.

6 - Janine Jacobson from Channel 7.

7 - Sharon Johnston from DBCT.

8- Winner James Bailey surrounded by supporters

9 – Dirk Nuegebauer cheered on by the crowd.

10 – James Bailey’s winning performance. Photo source: Facebook

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Friday 20 March

Dancing With Heart

6:30pm

A night of entertainment with a purpose, Dancing With Heart returns on Friday 20 March, bringing local personalities to the stage for a fun-filled dance competition. Guided by professional choreographers, participants will perform to raise funds for the My Hospital Foundation. Guests can enjoy dinner, vote for the People’s Choice Award and help support better outcomes for local patients and families.

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Saturday 21 March

New Moon Ultra “Off the Beaten Track” Trial Run Series

6am

Test your endurance at this unique overnight trail running event held under the March new moon. Athletes can choose from 6km, 36km or 72km distances, with races starting every hour from 6pm through to 6am. Prize money is up for grabs, and participants will take on exclusive trails only open for this event — making it a one-of-a-kind challenge for runners of all levels.

Rowallan Park

Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce

10am

Dads are invited to bond with their little ones at this fun and interactive Baby Bounce session. Featuring nursery rhymes, songs and playful activities, the session supports early language development from birth to walking age. It’s a great way to connect, create special memories and support your child’s growth. This is a free event, but bookings are essential.

Dudley Denny City Library

Autumn Orchid Show

Saturday 8am – 4pm & Sunday 9am – 2pm

The Mackay & District Orchid Society will host its annual Autumn Orchid Show on March 21–22 at the Senior Citizens Centre on Macalister Street, featuring a stunning display of flowering orchids alongside plants and gardening supplies for sale, including pots, potting medium, tags and hangers, with raffles and refreshments also available; the event runs from 8am to 4pm Saturday and 9am to 2pm Sunday, with a $2 coin entry, and further information is available by contacting President Noel Acton on 0409 637 384.

Senior Citizens Centre, Macalister Street

Rotary Charity Wine Dinner

5:30pm

Enjoy an elegant evening of fine food and wine at the Rotary Charity Wine Dinner on Saturday 21 March. Featuring a five-course degustation with wine pairings, the night also includes a wine auction, raffle and lucky door prizes. Proceeds support charities assisting women and children impacted by domestic violence. Guests can expect a memorable night of dining, giving and community spirit.

Harrup Park Country Club

Sunday 22 March

Cuppa With Your Neighbour – Northern Beaches

9am

Connect with your community at this free “Cuppa with Your Neighbour” event on Saturday 22 March at the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Enjoy a complimentary coffee while meeting locals and making new connections in a relaxed, friendly setting. Proudly supported by the Mackay Regional Council, this welcoming event is open to everyone — whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident.

Northern Beaches Community Hub

Tuesday 24 March

Walk and Talk Book Club

8am

Combine a love of reading with the outdoors at this unique walking book club set in the Botanic Gardens. Meet fortnightly for relaxed walks, chats and book discussions, with a new title to explore each month. Stay after for a social coffee and connect with fellow book lovers. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, sun protection and water for this enjoyable, wellbeing-focused community activity.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Wednesday 25 March

Mackay Blues Club Blues Jam

6pm

Enjoy a night of live music and laid-back vibes at the Mackay Blues Club Blues Jam on Wednesday 25 March at the Seabreeze Hotel. Featuring acclaimed pianist Andrew Farrell, the evening kicks off with a performance before opening the stage for a community jam session. Free entry, with dinner bookings recommended.

72 Pacific Esplanade, Mackay

Thursday 26 March

Wine Society March Event

6:30pm

Wine lovers are invited to the first Wine Society event of 2026 at The Dispensary Mackay on Thursday 26 March. Guests will enjoy an evening of exceptional wine tastings paired with a specially designed menu, hosted by Graeme Connors. Open to both new and returning guests, this relaxed event promises great wine, food and company.

The Dispensary Mackay

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The PCYC’s Awakening Spirits 2026 moved audiences on Wednesday 11 March with touching stories told through dance.

An audience of more than 1000 was drawn to watch 200 performers in a sold-out session at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Awakening Spirits is an annual performance that brings together young people from 13 schools across Mackay, who take part in PCYC's Cultural Arts in Dance program. Since beginning in 2022, the audience has rocketed from just 175 people to a sold-out audience at the convention centre this year.

The piece performed was ‘The Waterhole’, a concept and story developed by PCYC Queensland’s First Nations Coordinator and the man behind Cultural Arts In Dance, Patrick Thaiday. It is inspired by the magical stories of The Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait, a book written by the late Margaret Lawrie.

The story begins with Tilly, a white sulphur-crested cockatoo, who watches as a plume of smoke rises from the canopy of the Australian outback bush lands. Indigenous warriors and hunters from communities conduct a cultural burn – a land management practice refined over thousands of years. From her vantage point, Tilly observes the hunters moving alongside the fire’s perimeter, tracking animals displaced by its flames.

As the story goes on, the waterhole, long a point of convergence for countless species, begins to change. Tilly notices a dark, viscous substance appearing beneath the surface. Drawn by concern she descends to investigate. As her feet touch the water, the substance adheres to her feathers releasing harsh toxic fumes that engulf her feet. She takes flight only to be flipped over by the weight of her wings. Her bright plumage darkens rapidly, and her beak blackens under the spreading poison. When Tilly rises again, she is no longer the white cockatoo she once was. Transformed by the dark waters, she takes form of a willy wagtail – a creature associated with omens, messages, and transitions. This metamorphosis positions her within a larger conflict, linking her fate to forces that extend far beyond the waterholes edge.

Now known as Willy the Wagtail, she becomes a bearer of warnings and stories, navigating a world where ancient myth and emerging threats collide.

When the story of ‘The Waterhole’ ends, all performers returned to perform a choreographed dance to The Seekers song, I am Australian.

We are one, but we are many

And from all the lands on earth we come

We'll share a dream and sing with one voice

"I am, you are, we are Australian"

The bright smiles, excitement, and emotion from the performers did not leave many dry eyes in the auditorium; the room filling with a feeling: this is what we want our Australia to be.

Contributed with thanks to PCYC Queensland’s First Nations State Partnerships Manager Michael Cedar

1-4 - Spirits were high as Mackay’s young dancing stars took to the stage. Photos supplied.

Follow the Sun’ to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music

Xavier Rudd, Mental as Anything, The Whitlams and more on first lineup announcement for November 2026

The call is out for fans of Xavier Rudd to ‘Follow the Sun’ to the 2026 Airlie Beach Festival of Music from November 6-8.

Set to arrive straight from a European festival tour, the popular Australian singer-songwriter says in addition to his much-loved catalogue of hits, a few surprises are in store for the Whitsunday audience, hinting: “There will be some new music at this show, which will be played for the first time in Australia”.

Having visited Airlie Beach briefly on previous Australian tours, Rudd is already familiar with the region’s scenic beauty, but this will be his first time playing its signature event, dubbed a ‘party in paradise’ and the ‘ultimate music holiday’.

“From the photos I’ve seen, the festival setting is amazing,” he said.

“My music is definitely a celebration of our natural world, so a place like Airlie feels especially aligned with songs like ‘Follow the Sun’.

“These are the kinds of shows I love, and hopefully, weather permitting, we can actually pull down the tent and play under the stars!”

Equally as famous for his unwavering commitment to social and environmental activism as he is for his extraordinary gifts as a musician, the significance of playing at a destination known as the ‘Heart of the Great Barrier Reef’ isn’t lost on Rudd.

“I’ve been lucky to witness some of the good work that people are doing in the world of reef regeneration and that’s inspiring,” he said.

“Hopefully we can continue down that path.”

Also urging festivalgoers to ‘Live it Up’ in Airlie Beach is beloved Australian band Mental As Anything, whose performance will form part of a historic 50^th anniversary tour, comprising a limited number of exclusive festival appearances and select metropolitan headline shows.

Original member and iconic pop artist, Reg Mombassa, is promising fans a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the band’s timeless hits live once more, and celebrate their unique blend of songwriting, artistry, and performance flair.

“We’re known for being a party band, so the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a perfect fit,” he said.

In total agreeance that there’s ‘No Aphrodisiac’ quite like it are The Whitlams, whose frontman Tim Freedman says the band is thrilled to be one of the festival’s headliners for 2026.

“I’ve been wanting to return to the Whitsundays for decades and now we have the chance,” he said, adding: “it’s a great line-up, music lifts the soul, and we rock!”

Other additions to the first line-up release include The Radiators, Adam Harvey, 19-Twenty, Skinny Living (UK), Little Quirks, The Mason Rack Band, The Wayward Suns, Loonaloop, Salt & Steel and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 2025 Passport to Airlie competition winners Monroe.

Tickets are on sale now at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au costing $325 for a three-day pass, or $1100 for a VIP package, both including entry to the opening and after parties that bookend the main event.

Ends

Media Enquiries: media@airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au / 0402 126 461

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