Woodturning is an age-old craft that has been around for centuries. It involves shaping wood into various shapes and sizes using a lathe and other hand tools. From bowls and platters to pens and kitchen utensils, woodturning can create beautiful and functional items that can last a lifetime.

One of the greatest benefits of woodturning is the ability to create unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. These handmade items carry a special sentimental value and can be cherished for years to come. Unlike mass-produced items, each piece of woodturning is unique, with its own character and flaws, adding to its charm and beauty.

Not only do wooden gifts make great sentimental gifts, but they also offer a number of practical benefits. Wood is a renewable resource and can be sustainably sourced, making it an eco-friendly choice. It is also durable and long-lasting, making it a practical choice for items such as cutting boards, utensils, and bowls. Wooden items can also be treated with natural oils and waxes, making them safe for food use and easy to maintain.

Whether you are looking for a thoughtful and sentimental gift or a practical item for your own home, woodturning is a great choice. Check out the range of wooden items for sale and see woodturning in action at the Mackay Woodturners Association’s Easter event. Admission is free of charge.

What: Mackay Woodturners Assn Easter Event

When: 18 and 19 March, 9am-3pm daily

Where: Snow Wright Court

Cost: Free admission

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A magnificent wooden truck by Dave would delight any child and will be at the Mackay Woodturners Assn Easter Show

A red gum bowl created by Ray

One of Australia's most beloved electronic music duos will arrive in Airlie Beach at the end of March, hitting the road on tour for the first time since late 2018.

Peking Duk – the “most bonkers” electro-house titans – will play across North Queensland in a massive Australian headline tour, including Magnums Airlie Beach on March 24.

With over a decade of consecutive “bangers” in their repertoire, the ARIA Award-winning pair of Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles are headed regional for the first time, hitting spots they’ve never played before.

Since they garnered attention in 2012 with the release of a Passion Pit bootleg mix, Peking Duk have been experts at getting the party started for close to a decade – and now they’ll be dropping into the Whitsundays.

From their four-times platinum single ‘High’, to the triple-platinum witching hour anthem ‘Stranger’, the duo have racked up over 530 million streams and played to fans worldwide.

With their solo projects behind them, Peking Duk have reunited and released their new hit ‘Spend It’ featuring Circa Waves – a release which urged them on tour, to the benefit of fans, for the first time since their 2019 ‘Biggest Tour Ever.’

Through March and April, they’re guaranteeing that Peking Duk not only tastes good but also sounds even better.

Don’t miss them when they arrive in Airlie Beach with a whole new set of tunes.

WHAT: Peking Duk 2023 Australia Tour

WHEN: Friday, March 24, from 8.00 PM

WHERE: Magnums Airlie Beach

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Electro-house duo Peking Duk’s regional tour will ride into Magnums Airlie Beach on March 24

‘Hey Bartender,’ have you heard the news? The Blues – and some pop - are coming to ‘The Old Landmark’ in Airlie Beach this month for a “Movie Marathon Weekend” of two shows.

For the first-time ever, The Soul Men Blues Brothers Show will present their brand-new tribute to another cult-classic film. They’ll introduce Airlie audiences to their ‘Tribute To The Commitments Show’ on Saturday, March 18.

Performing music from the movie, complete with horn section, trio of female backing singers, and powerhouse front man, the Soul Men will cover the rock, the soul and the pop classics from the 1991 musical-comedy. Listen in for Mustang Sally, I Can’t Stand the Rain, A Little Tenderness, and more.

Then on Sunday they’re back in their regular Blues Brother outfits to play The Pub on March 19, continuing the legendary legacy of the hit 1980s musical-comedy featuring the not-quite-real and not-quite-pretend musical duo of Jake and Elwood Blues.

Greg Mulvhill, a lifelong Blues Brothers fan who’s donned the shoes, sunglasses, and trilby of Jake Blues for more than two decades, and Brent Moetara, a vocal powerhouse as his brother Elwood, are returning by popular demand to the Airlie Beach Hotel.

The pair will croon onto the Bar Top Stage at locals’ favourite local for a free show afternoon taking audiences through the repertoire of the film’s soundtrack, capturing the infectious humour and rampant, rollicking spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one else while they do it.

The Soul Men have a more-than-reverence for the red-hot soul, rhythm, and blues that they embody as the Brothers -- they’ve taken their band all around Australia on a ‘Machine from God’ to share the pleasure that comes with the Blues Brothers' exuberant music and love for life.

Speaking of music, there’s plenty to look forward to: Both shows will comprise the Airlie Beach Hotel's biggest-ever band, a 12-piece, miniature orchestra with phenomenal rhythm and horn sections producing a more-than-energetic performance. And there’ll be the smooth voice of Mulvhill and the harmonica wizardry of Moetara to listen out for too.

It’s like a “time machine to an era when dropping the bass meant dropping your bass guitar and they shouldn’t be missed,” said Mulvhill.

“Every member of The Soul Men knows their music and what it takes to bring the house down - in the best possible way,” he said.

Don’t miss the songs from Soul Man to Rubber Biscuit, Sweet Home Chicago to Gimme Some Lovin’, Rawhide, and more. It’ll be a night of laughter and foot-stompin’ fun that will have Airlie Beach going crazy.

The Soul Men will combine the comedy, music, and mayhem of both The Commitments and the original Blues Brothers on March 18 and 19 in two free shows at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

WHAT: The Commitments Tribute Show and The Soul Men Blues Brothers Show

WHEN: Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19 from 2.30 PM to 5.00 PM

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Soul Men Blues Brothers Tribute Show is back at the Airlie Beach Hotel in mid-March

Greg Mulvhill and Brent Moetara will lead two shows at locals’ favourite local, with the first a brand-new tribute to 1991 film The Commitments

Don't miss them when they arrive at The Pub for a free "Movie-Marathon" performance

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Perfectly timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, the powerful orchestral masterpiece composed by local musician, Karen Jacobsen, was released on Wednesday to great acclaim.

The Misogyny Opus full album aims to address issues of equality by using the famous misogyny speech given by Prime Minister Julia Gillard ten years ago.

Jacobsen has taken these words and transformed them into an engaging and enchanting song, the music video featuring many well-known faces who have since come out in support.

“10 years have passed since the iconic speech by the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and as predicted by those attending parliament that day, history was made,” said Karen.

“Julia Gillard’s justifiable anger at the shocking misogyny she had experienced during her leadership, exploded into a speech which has survived the test of time.”

With the world premiere taking place at the MECC in Mackay in April, it is also anticipated that the musical rendition will create positive impacts for generations to come.

This ground-breaking work, which is part of Australian history and Australian women’s history, will be performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra which is a huge coup for our region.

“Let’s get behind this momentous occasion, and share the message of the importance of equality, while experiencing an exceptional original musical work in concert,” said Karen.

There will be buses available to transport Whitsunday audiences down to Mackay for the premiere and all locals are invited to this share this opportunity to support a fair and equal world.

WHAT: World Premier of The Misogyny Opus

WHO: Composer Karen Jacobsen with The Queensland Orchestra

WHEN: 28-29 April

WHERE: The MECC, Mackay

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

The Whale director Darren Aronofsky has somewhat perfected the harrowing character study.  Sometimes, he’s done so through magical realism, as in Black Swan with its expertly tantalising verisimilitude, blurring the real and unreal. Other times – and this is where The Whale tends, like the lilt of a dead flower – he has done so through a torturous, unfettered, rending realism, exemplified in the agonising watch that is Requiem for a Dream.

And the secret to that reifying of life's most painful abstractions is Aronofsky's ability to elevate his performers. Somehow, he has continued to lift the bar, as it were. How is it that someone with the credentials of Brendan Fraser – relegated to roles as an action hero or a himbo – can put to screen such a heart-wrenching performance as he gives in The Whale? Part of that may be the years of pent-up frustration on Fraser’s part after being blacklisted by Hollywood in an alleged sexual-assault scandal (Fraser the victim, it must be noted), but that, for this film, is neither here nor there. For Fraser, this isn't a return to form – he's never shown this dramatic range before - it's a pioneering foray into this new acting territory.

As the reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher Charlie, Fraser attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, played by girl-of-the-moment Sadie Sink of Stranger Things fame. Here, Fraser the performance of not only a lifetime but of any actor anywhere in the last ten years. It's no going out on a limb to say that he'll be duly rewarded with Best Actor at this year's Academy Awards.

Watching The Whale, one is stunned by his deeply touching embodiment of the role, which lifts everything around it, including Aronofsky’s film – an at times melodramatic and ordinary picture. Brendan Fraser makes The Whale worth watching.

The Whale will arrive at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Saturday, March 25.

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Brendan Fraser gives the performance of a lifetime in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale

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The community are invited to “be enchanted by the talents of St Catherine’s Catholic College students” as they take to the stage for their upcoming College musical Beauty and The Beast.

Students have been busy in rehearsals learning lines, dance routines, singing, and perfecting the musical score for the upcoming production set to hit the stage in April.

The College invites the community to come and sing along to their production of the 1991 Disney romantic fantasy film.

More than 25 students ranging from Year 7 to Year 12 make up the ensemble playing instruments, being cast in the dance troupe, or shining in a lead role.

College Cultural Middle Leader P-12 and Musical Director Mrs Betsy Atkinson praised the work of the many students and staff involved in putting together the production.

"The cast and crew are so excited to present 'Beauty and The Beast' at the PEC," she said.

"We have had an absolute blast putting it together and would love for our community to come "be our guest" and enjoy the show."

College Principal Mr Luke Thomson said events such as college musicals were important as it is another way the College aims to provide every student with the opportunity to shine.

"The opportunity for our students to perform at such a professional venue is one that our students will treasure and look back on with great pride for years to come,” he said.

Tickets are now on sale and are selling fast so be sure to book now via the Proserpine Entertainment Centre website or by phoning them on 4945 0405.

WHAT: Beauty and the Beast, Presented by St Catherine’s Catholic College

WHEN: Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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The two leads, William Smith and Brianna Ninnes who play 'Beast' and 'Belle'. Photo supplied

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Friday 3 March

Free Public Art Walk

Friday, 4:30pm

Hosted by Artspace Mackay Public Art Officer Jennifer Dalton-Smith, this free city art walk for all ages begins at Artspace Mackay and takes you through the city centre. Along the way, participants will learn about Mackay’s iconic public art installations, and the local, and internationally-acclaimed artists who created them. Whether you’re an artist, art lover, local or visitor to our lovely riverside city, you’ll find this late afternoon public art walk a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Bring friends, family members, or come by yourself - wear a hat, comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and arrive promptly to Artspace Mackay as the group will depart on time.

Artspace Mackay

Mackay Airport Twilight City Run

Friday, arrive from 5:15pm, run at 6:00pm

Join the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run 5km FUN run. Walk, stroll, push a pram, jog, run. A Fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation

Blue Water Quay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Latin Street Party

Friday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Viva La Vida! Join Mackay's Latin Street Party. There will be dancing, music and fun for all. Book at table at Coco Cubano Mackay and enjoy their full range of Classic Cuban Cocktails!

Coco Cubano Mackay

Robertson Brothers 60's Variety TV Show

Friday, 7:30pm

Following their sold-out national tour in 2022, Australia's new 'Kings of Variety Television' are back in 2023 with a brand-new show! The Robertson Brothers are thrilled to be returning with their new heart-warming and uplifting 1960’s Variety TV Show!

MECC

FLiCKERFEST 2023 Tour

Friday, 7:30pm

Celebrating its 32nd year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® Award and BAFTA qualifying short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of shorts from Australia and the world, selected from 3,200 entries; ensuring the presentation of A-list short film programmes recognised amongst the best in the world.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Saturday 4 March

Drag Bingo

Sunday, 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Hold onto your hats Mackay: Miss Lady Saint Diva returns this March, bringing her wild drag show to you, with all the calls you can't say at other shows. Along for the ride is Brisbane Queen, Gayleen Tuckwood. Get ready for a night you will never forget. Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm. Ticket includes entry, drag performances, comedy and free bingo. Tickets are limited.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Sunday 5 March

Mackay Cars & Culture

Sunday, 8:00am to 11:00am

Welcome back to another edition of Cars & Culture Mackay at PCYC Mackay. The day will be fun-filled and packed with excitement. Diverse line up of cars and bikes (Super Cars, Custom Cars, JDM's, Classics, 4x4's), all are welcome, Wrap Wise - Wrap Reveal, food and coffee vendors, merch and promotional giveaways. As always, this is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome, including the cute and furry pet friends.

PCYC Mackay

Sunday Live Music – Blues By The Beach

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxed vibes and good bluesy tunes by the beach with The Wild Sky Band and Eales Road.

Seabreeze Hotel

All Fired Up! An 80s Mixed Tape Musical

Sunday, 7:30pm

Meet Tammy Tooth who’s on the brink of a most epic existential midlife crisis. An unexpected quirk of fate sends her back in time to come face to face with her 15 year old self in her teenage bedroom. This gives her the chance to ask the big questions, remind her what made her tick and reclaim her passion for life. Join Tammy in the front seat of the Delorean, crank up the radio and take on a few life lessons from your favourite radio presenter, DJ Neon. Dig out your Choose Life shirt, your double cassette player and press record on the banging live band rocking the soundtrack of our youth. Solve the problems of your world; one 80's song at a time.

MECC

Wednesday 8 March

Better Together Housing Get Together

Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Whether you are renting, or you own your own home, Better Together Housing is about exploring shared housing in a safe way, at your own pace and without expectations. Not sure sharing is for you? That's ok. Better Together Housing is just as much about connecting women as it is about housing options. Get together over a cuppa for a chat and to connect with other women. Please contact Lauren before heading along so that you can hear more about the project. 0419 179 495 or mackay@bettertogetherhousing.com.au. Visit the website here: www.bettertogetherhousing.com.au.

Dudley Denny Library

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 9 March

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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Mackay Musical Comedy Players Inc. presents The Addams Family, live in Mackay in May.

MMCP, who brought you the smash hits Mamma Mia, Shrek and Chicago – presents the original story of The Addams Family, and it's every father's nightmare.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. If that weren't upsetting enough, Wednesday begs her father not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before -- keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

Everything will change on the fateful night the family hosts a dinner for Wednesday's 'normal' boyfriend and his parents.

What will the Addams family do?

What: MMCP Presents the Addams Family

When: Friday 19 May & Saturday 20 May (3 performances)

Where: The MECC

Tickets https://bit.ly/3IjJRlk

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Celebrating 32 years in 2023, Flickerfest continues to present short film programmes jam-packed with films hand-picked from the festival’s record 3,200 entries.

Australia’s largest Short Film Festival returns to the Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music tonight on its National Tour, showcasing the Best of Australian Shorts programme highlights from the recent Bondi festival competition.

The Best of Australian Shorts programme, screening on Friday, March 3, shines a spotlight on the incredible short film talent that exists in our emerging Australian industry, with a host of Australian stories honouring our unique identity and culture.

Don't miss the delightful, quirky comedy ‘The Fritz’, where a confused man, Trevor Jamieson (Storm Boy) is forced to confront his big family at an overwhelming birthday event after being hit by a meteor; or the colourful and insightful Torres Strait cultural drama ‘Katele’ (Mudskipper), about a woman longing for home, awarded Best Australian Short Film at Flickerfest 2023.

Also featuring is ‘Lean’ a contemporary father/son drama starring Nicholas Hope (Bad Boy Bubby, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Scooby Doo, The Drover's Wife) and Harry Greenwood (The Nightingale, Hacksaw Ridge, Wakefield, Gallipoli), who’s relationship becomes undone after the father’s political corruption threatens to drag them both under.

Plus, there’ll be laughs-a-plenty as ‘Married at First Fleet’ follows a modern-day 18th century couple in the Australian colony who are matched according to common interests, attractiveness and lack of diseases.

Other highlights include the delightful comedy from Brisbane director Lachlan Pendragon ‘An Ostrich Told Me The World Is Fake And I Think I Believe It’, recently nominated for Best Short Animation at the Academy Awards.

Flickerfest celebrates Australian stories and talent on the big screen and introduces these incredible new storytellers to regional audiences, so come along and enjoy a festive atmosphere with friends and family.

WHAT: Flickerfest 2023 - Best of Australian Shorts

WHERE: Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

WHEN: Friday, March 3, doors from 6:30pm

TICKETS: $15 / $10 for members from www.flickerfest.com.au/tour/mackay

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What better way to spend a drizzly Tuesday than in the art gallery, creating art, singing and dancing?

That’s what dozens of children and their parents did last week, as Artspace Mackay hosted their first BMA Kidspace program of 2023.

The ever-popular toddlers’ program gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of cooperative learning.

The day consists of two free artist-run sessions and live musical entertainment for kids, last week provided by the talented and engaging Kathleen Campbell.

BMA Kidspace will return to Artspace Mackay on Tuesday, March 21 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Queensland Ballet is set to return to the MECC for the first time in four years, treating Mackay locals to Liam Scarlett’s whimsical interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

After it charmed Brisbane audiences in 2016, the company will bring this timeless classic to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, presenting a one-night-only performance on 11 March.

Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said the company’s regional touring program is often a highlight of the year.

“We are incredibly grateful to tour across Queensland annually and to have the opportunity to share world-class productions on the smaller stages across the state,” Mr Li said.

"There is an amazing appreciation for our artform in the regions and we are always welcomed with open arms when visiting communities such as Mackay.”

A Midsummer Night's Dream has captured the hearts of many, young and old, in the centuries since it was written. Brimming with mischief and mayhem, Shakespeare's fantastical masterpiece interweaves the magical realm of fairies and woodland creatures with the mortal world of unrequited lovers.

“Scarlett’s rendition of Shakespeare’s fantastical masterpiece is beautifully choreographed and visually stunning, interweaving the magical and mortal realms with sublime sets, costumes, and music,” Mr Li said.

As part of the Regional Tour program, the public will also get to take ballet for a spin. Dancers from two years of age through to active seniors are invited to participate in Queensland Ballet’s Community Classes, In-School Workshops and Teacher PD Sessions where participants will be mentored by Queensland Ballet’s highly skilled teaching artists.

“For budding dancers or those new to ballet, these classes are a fantastic opportunity to experience the spellbinding magic of ballet. We hope all participants experience something special from working with our community team and hopefully the classes will inspire a new generation of dancers. Enabled by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Queensland Ballet tours annually, delivering an acclaimed repertoire of work on-stage.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Arts Queensland, whose unwavering support enables us to continue our regional touring initiatives.”

What: Queensland Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When: Saturday 11 March 2023, 7.30pm

Where: Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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The Mackay Regional Council has announced the completion of the coastal walk milestone in the Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment project. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the project's progress, bringing new footpaths, boardwalks, and beach accesses to the esplanade. The public can now enjoy strolling, running, or cycling along the newly constructed pathway.

The redevelopment project aims to revamp the Seaforth Esplanade and make it a more attractive and enjoyable destination for locals and tourists alike. The construction of a splash pad is next in line, followed by the installation of sun lounges, barbecues, and new play equipment.

According to the Council's project timeline, the entire redevelopment project is set to be completed by September 2023, weather permitting. Once completed, the public can look forward to enjoying all the new amenities and attractions that the esplanade has to offer.

Residents and visitors interested in staying up-to-date with the project's latest news and updates can subscribe to project update emails at www.connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade.

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FOODSPACE HAS A NEW BLUEPRINT FOR UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS

Lovers of coffee and delicious food have yet another reason to visit Foodspace Café.

A new public art exhibition program, titled Blueprint, is launching at the café to showcase young and emerging talent from our region.

Artspace Mackay director Tracey Heathwood said not only would the exhibition provide the young artists with excellent exposure in a high foot traffic area, there was also a sizeable exhibition payment on offer.

“The selected artists will be paid $1000 to allow us to exhibit five of their works for a three-month period,” Ms Heathwood said.

“Every quarter we will feature a new artist, with artists chosen based on their response to the criteria and theme,” she said.

“We are looking for original and creative responses to the theme “blueprint” that take inspiration from something original, based in science or just inspired by the colour blue.

A blueprint refers to something original or a prototype.

Works can be created through any medium but must be uploaded digitally. Applications for the next three-month exhibition period close March 23, 2023.

Submissions must include five A1-sized digital prints of original work by the artist that were completed in the 24 months prior to the entry closing date.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Artspace Mackay team was doing some amazing work fostering emerging artistic talent in our region.

“Blueprint is another tremendous initiative that will promote and showcase a diverse range of young and emerging visual artists from the Mackay region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Through this and various other Artspace Mackay programs and bursaries, artists have a lot of exciting opportunities to boost their careers on a local level,” he said.

The full application criteria and an online submission form can be found at artspacemackay.com.au/blueprint

On show now: Menagerie of the Criminally Insane by Muddy Grimes (Matthew Izard)

Muddy Grimes is a tattoo artist who moved to Mackay in 2012. He started his creative journey plastering paste-ups in the Gold Coast. Menagerie of the Criminally Insane feature Grimes’ fantastical and vibrant animal characters, which can also be seen in in Mackay’s award-winning 5th Lane, Mackay City Centre.

In the exhibition, Grimes showcases a small part of the original sketch he used to build upon while also showing the end results. The sketch being the “blueprint”. Each piece is torn to give a peek at what the original intention was while showcasing the final product.

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St Patrick’s College Mackay Years 7 to 12 recently celebrated its inaugural Opening Mass as a combined college and investiture of the 2023 College Leaders at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.

Fifteen hundred people attended the special Mass which included students from the school’s Senior Campus and Junior Mercy Campus along with staff members, parents and local dignitaries.

Diocesan Director Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM gave her first address to the new combined College and was joined by Kellie Jenkinson, Assistant Director: Mission; Michael McCusker, Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region); Sister of Mercy Marise Casey; Member for Mackay Julie-Anne Gilbert MP; Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew MP; Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP as well as St Patrick’s College board members and local Catholic School principals.

The celebration was led by Parish Priest Southern Cluster Father Matthias Ogwo and Parish Priest Northern Cluster Father Stephen Hanly.

St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius and College board members received their respective certificates and pledge during the Commissioning ceremony before the blessing of the new College banners, badges and candles.

Miss Jeffcoat presented Primrose Sands with the St Patrick’s Medal – the Bishop Bernard Wallace Award for Dux of the College.

Primrose was also the recipient of a Joan McGarry bursary and will study for a Bachelor of International Relations and Languages.

During the ceremony Miss Jeffcoat and Mrs Agius presented the 2023 Student Leaders with their College badge.

These included College Captains Richard Baskara, Meghan Connolly, George Mann and Olivia Price.

Others to receive badges were the Senior Student Representative Council: Matilda Ralph (Cultural Committee Chairperson); Nataya Perry (Indigenous Committee Chairperson); Joshua Williamson (Social Justice Committee Chairperson); Trinity Grigg (Sport Committee Chairperson); Mason Davies (Senior House Captain Argos); Paityne Johns (Senior House Captain Badila); Hannah Meakins (Senior House Captain Midas); Brayden Oliver (Senior House Captain Oraya); Haylee Holdsworth (Senior House Captain Pindar); Lillian Newland (Senior House Captain Triton) and Nicola Chimes and Anna Zhang (College Board Student Representatives).

Badge recipients for the Junior Student Representative Council were: Shaylee Noy and Jaxon Anderson (Junior Cultural Committee Chairpersons); Kingston Grigg (Junior Indigenous Committee Chairperson); Elena Mathew (Junior Social Justice Committee Chairperson); Shaylah Pershouse (Junior Sport Committee Chairperson); Declan Grady and Lars Gall (Junior House Captains Argos); Maya Quattromani and Ryan John (Junior House Captains Badila); Francesca Vella and Mikayla Green (Junior House Captains Midas); Cooper Cavell and Keeley Logan( Junior House Captains Oraya); Lance Allan and Elisha Holdsworth (Junior House Captains Pindar) and Tenille Cotter and Gracie Bell (Junior House Captains Triton).            

Badges were also presented to the Junior Homeroom Captains:

ARGOS – Parker Porter; Bethany Collis; Tahlia Davey; Taylah Blaney; John Trifelly-Jones and Madalyn Finch.

BADILA – Mia Spreadborough; Samuel Anderson; Chloe Zammit; Braithan Vickers; Mya Jamieson and Riley Sellentin.

MIDAS – Charlize West; Connor Germanotta; Georgia Price; Noah Williams; Billy Cruden and Francis Prado.

ORAYA – Lucy McKendry; Estelle Appo; Sophie Greaves; Zanthia Noon; Alice Camilleri and Trinity Sturdy.

PINDAR – Sophie Harp; Sophie Brown; Jake Battaia; Charlotte Stevenson; Sophie Hodder and Reagan Tame.

TRITON – Will Schmidtke; Addyson Moohin; Sophie Searle; Briannon Kaddatz; Amelia Crouch and Sophie Durelli.

Other recipients of McGarry bursaries included Grace Brown (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Olivia Coppin (Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies); Annaliese Craig (Bachelor of Biomedical Science); Grace Druery (Bachelor of Advanced Humanities - Honours); Natan Gooch (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours); Brodie Hocking (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Aaron Lange (Bachelor of Medical Imaging); Mandy Li (Bachelor of Laws/Arts); Jann Carlo Macatangay (Bachelor of Design – Architecture/Bachelor of Engineering – Civil- Honours); Jason Mauchline (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours); Ryan McSherry (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy); Laura Morris (Bachelor of Advanced Humanities – Honours); Jemma Rasmussen (Bachelor of International Relations/Arts); Hayley Symons (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Logan Watt (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours); Henry Williamson (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours/Master of Engineering); Paige Zeller (Bachelor of Veterinary Science – Honours) and Jackson Ziekenheiner (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science – Honours).

Gemma Martin (Bachelor of Nursing Science) received the Joan McGarry Nursing Bursary while Sophie Novosel (Advanced Diploma Musical Theatre) accepted the Cultural Bursary.  

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College 2023 Student Leaders Senior Campus at the Opening Mass at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

Parish Priest Southern Cluster Father Matthias Ogwo (left) and Parish Priest Northern Cluster Father Stephen Hanly led the celebrations at the St Patrick’s College Opening Mass held at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

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Mackay’s rapidly growing music festival is making a comeback to Harrup Park with its most diverse and impressive line-up to date.

Proudly presented by LiSTNR, BE Social Fest will once again provide an unforgettable day and night of music, community and social freedom.

Building on the success of the 2022 event, BE Social will expand its footprint to welcome an all-ages licensed offering with the aim of attracting thousands of new punters to experience some of the most influential artists Australia has to offer.

2023’s festival will bring rock royalty Grinspoon to Mackay for the first time in 10 years.

Grinspoon has been in the industry for almost 30 years and is considered a national treasure amongst audiences.

Joining them is perennial Australian pop sweetheart Vera Blue, whose thoughtful, cathartic, and sometimes melancholic sound has fuelled her touring calendar in recent years, with this being her first time back in Mackay since 2018.

West Australian indie rockers San Cisco, who have been a constant delight since their breakout year in 2011, are also set to perform.

When waxing poetic on the contributors to Australia's vibrant and fast-growing hip hop scene, few names hold as much significance as 360.

Having been to the top, sat firmly on the throne and lived as the king, the Victorian rapper was largely part of the eventual crossover of the genre to wider Australian audiences.

With plenty of notable acts populating this year's line-up, BE Social’s commitment to supporting emerging and developing Australian artists is evident with LISI, RedHook, Coterie and Mackay’s Wild Sky also on the bill.

BE Social returns in its largest capacity yet, in full formation and in the complete vision of the event’s founder, with even more music, more fun and more opportunities to connect with friends and music lovers alike.

“The growth in not only this event, but in the team of believers around the festival has been very significant,” said owner and director Michael Delaney.

“Without them, along with the support of major partners and sponsors we would not be able to pull off an outstanding event that is now proving to turn a lot of heads in the industry and regionally.

“We can’t wait for the 2023 event to see the punters enjoying themselves and coming together as we aim to grow this event to be an iconic event for the NQ region.”

WHAT: SE Social Fest 2023

WHEN: Saturday, June 24

WHERE: Harrup Park

TICKETS: besocialfest.com.au

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