Get into the festive spirit with the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church and their annual Carols service.

A well-loved community event, the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church annual Carols service brings the community together and ignites the Christmas celebrations in the region.

“It is always a popular event,” Jane Bettridge, Fundraising Chair of the Uniting Church said.

“Our church musos will play, and we have a few members with lovely voices, but we welcome the community to get involved and sing as well. The whole idea is that everyone gets involved.”

The combined event of the Christmas markets and the carols is a new update for 2023.

“Last year, we had the markets during the day, and the carols at night, and for this year, we thought to combine them into one big event,” Jane said.

The night begins at 5pm, with the market stalls, with the Minister beginning the Christmas Story at 6pm, and the carols afterwards, with fantastic live music and traditional carols.

“The Christmas story is always lovely. Putting the Christ back into Christmas, and we will be sharing the child-friendly version of the Christmas story,” Jane explained.

So, bring your picnic rug or a camp chair, set yourself up in the midst of all the action.

Jane recommends that all attendees bring plenty of cash, as there is limited EFTPOS available.

WHAT: Christmas Stalls and Carols

WHERE: Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Grounds, Corner Herbert and Main Street, Proserpine

WHEN: Friday, December 1, from 5pm, with Carols beginning at 6pm

‍

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church annual Christmas Carols and Markets. Photo supplied

Passport to Airlie for 2023 is done and dusted with a spectacular battle of the bands grand final last Thursday evening.

With eight bands from across the country culminating to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music main stage for one night, tensions were high and the music was electric.

Against the seven other regional winners, the Newcastle regional winners, Avalanche, won out top accolades on the night, with their head banging, heart thumping beats.

A four-piece band, comprised of Arthur Divas on rhythm guitar, Ryan Roma on drums, Steve Campbell as lead vocalist and bass, and Veronica Campbell on lead guitar, Avalanche bring the heavy rock.

Since their early days in the confines of an old steel factory in 2018, Avalanche have grown to create their own movement, supporting the likes of Buckcherry, Fozzy, The Iron Maidens, Dead City Ruins, and have been invited to tour with Rose Tattoo in 2024.

The Passport to Airlie Grand Final marked the beginning of an action-packed three day Airlie Beach Festival of Music, with Festival Founder, Gavin ‘Butto’ Butlin saying it was one of the best yet.

“We are thrilled with the success of the 2023 Airlie Beach Festival of Music,” he said.

“We had over 7,000 people over the weekend, amazing performances from our artists, and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event. The support from our sponsors, partners, and the Airlie Beach community is greatly appreciated, and we are looking forward to next year’s festival already,”

2023 Passport to Airlie Winners, Avalanche from Newcastle. Photo supplied

It’s that time of year again, with Schoolies celebrations prepped and ready for November 18.

Spanning one week of mammoth parties, excitement and fun, the Year 12 graduates across the state are saying goodbye to high school and cheering on the rest of their lives.  

Local year 12 graduates can get in on the fun here in the Whitsundays with Local Tickets available for all.

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

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

Supported by Safer Schoolies Program, Whitsunday Regional Council, Queensland Police and Ambulance Services, with the Red Frogs and Whitsunday Youth with a Mission on the ground, the event is expected to see 1500 school leavers flow into Airlie Beach.

This years’ themes:

Saturday November 18 – Uniforms

Sunday November 19 – Pink

Monday November 20 – Thrift Finds

Tuesday November 21 – White Party

Wednesday November 22 – Festival Fits

Thursday November 23 – Rodeo

Friday November 24 – Tropical Vibes

‍

WHAT: Airlie Beach Schoolies

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Fairy Tree Park

WHEN: Saturday November 18 to Friday November 24

TICKETS: Locals Only Tickets, $150 each, for 7-nights available through airlieevents.com.au

Gargett branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association will mark its 75th anniversary on 20th November, with a special luncheon reminiscent of times gone by.

This month, the children and grandchildren of those women will be at the centre of the branch’s anniversary celebrations, joining past and present QCWA members and people with links to the branch at a birthday luncheon at Gargett Hall.

A morning tea, as well as a display of photos through the ages will be a part of the itinerary, to assist in celebrating the milestone for the QCWA community.

The branch had its first beginnings on November 17, 1948, at a meeting held in Gargett’s Coronation Hall. One of the earliest photos, taken in the early 1950s, shows a group of women on the hall stage, which doubled as the town’s picture theatre.

The was the early meeting place for members before Gargett CWA opened its own hall in 1957.

Construction of the hall in 1957 remains one of the branch’s major achievements. Members held miniature deb balls, fashion parades, dances, fancy dress balls, concerts and more in the 1960s.

For 10 years during the 1960s and early 1970s, an annual Tourist Festival Ball was held at Gargett Hall, a highlight was the crowning of the Tourist Festival Queen.

Today, service to the community is a major focus, with members meeting monthly to work on numerous fundraising projects to keep the hall open and maintained, as well as boosting the CWA’s State Crisis Fund and financing local community support initiatives.

The 75th Anniversary Lunch starts at 10:30am. The cost is $20 to attend and RSVP is essential by 10th November to Secretary Loris on 0400 559 557 or lorisvwall@gmail.com.au.

This will be a joyous occasion for local women to celebrate the achievements of their beloved organisation and share in the spirit of community, as they do best.

‍

Original members of the Gargett branch QCWA in early 1950s (L-R) Edie Omand, Ethel Bradshaw, Madge Bradshaw, Violet Kohler (later Martin), Thelma Cameron, Doris Voss (later Luscombe), Nell Webster, Elizabeth Henderson, May Millard, Ina Childs, Jess Launder and Elsie Nash

Celebrations for the opening of the new Mirani Bridge in 1959. CWA had a float in the procession

Tourist Festival Queen 1971. (L-R) Lola Dwyer, President Silvia Bourke, Winner Marie Louise Howie Secretary Glady Dillon, Treasurer Shirley Venton and Vice President Irma Forzatti

Photos supplied

A brilliant line-up of highly awarded new films from around the globe will light up the big screen in Mackay at BCC Mount Pleasant, from 17th to 19th November, bringing exciting world-class cinema to sunny Queensland.

The Travelling Film Festival brings international and Australian film programs to venues and locations that would not ordinarily get to see the range of films on offer in a cinema setting.

Featuring six award-winning and nominated feature-length films and three award-winning Australian short films, the festival program promises absorbing stories from masterful filmmakers.

Filmgoers can enjoy an Opening Night welcome drink before the film starts, hosted by Film & Arts Mackay from 6:15pm on 17th November.

This year’s Opening Night film is Sundance Audience Award-winner ‘Shayda’, a stirring and inspiring drama about an Iranian migrant battling the legal system to protect her 6-year-old daughter in Australia.

The Travelling Film Festival will also feature showings of award-winning films such as ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, a tense psychological drama featuring an author accused of murdering her husband.

‘Riceboy Sleeps’, a warm and endearing shot-on-16mm treasure about a Korean mother and son’s migrant experience in Canada.

‘Fallen Leaves’ is an off-beat and quirky romance of a lonely supermarket worker and an even lonelier metalworker.

‘Perfect Days’ Tokyo-set, including classic rock tunes from the likes of Van Morrison and Prince.

‘Blackberry’ puts the invention of the first smartphone and the rise of “tech bros” under a savagely funny microscope.

‘Chum’ is an Australian short dark comedy of a blind woman who bonds with a stranger; but all is not as it seems.

‘Katele’ is set across a Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Island backdrop, spoken in English and Kala Kawa Ya.

‘Teacups’ is a poignant animation based on the true story of Don Ritchie, who’s calm and comforting intervention saved many lives near his cliff-top home.

MACKAY LIFE READERS CAN ENJOY A DISCOUNT ON TICKETS BY USING CODE TFFFRIEND

Tickets to The Travelling Film Festival Mackay are now on sale. For more information and bookings, please visit www.sff.org.au/tff/program/mackay

‍

The Travelling Film Festival Returns with an Award-Winning Lineup fromAround the Globe

Friday 10 November

Keep the Speed off the Streets! (Test & Tune)

Gates open 3pm

Scrutineering opens at 4.00pm to 6.00pm Racing from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. $20 Spectator tickets available at the gate.

Palmyra Dragway

Paxtons Night Markets

4pm to 8pm

Mackay’s original and truly local handmade Night market. A unique shopping experience with quality stalls, live music, food and the best location on the river. | Free entry.

10 River Street

Friday Night Live Music

Every Friday from 5pm

Join us on Friday’s from 5pm for live music from our local favourites, good food and great company. | Free entry.

Boomerang Hotel

Friday Kirtan Meditation

2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 6:30pm to 8pm

Kirtan sessions weave live music with sacred yoga chants in a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere where you can easily experience spiritual connection. | Free entry.

CWA Hall

Annette Worthington (Live)

From 6:30pm

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with awesome music and non-stop dancing! | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 11 November

2023 PDRC Champs

Gates open 8am

Scrutineering shed open from 9:00am to 11:00am. Qualifying from 12:00pm. Racing from 4:00pm. Finals approx. 8:00pm. $20 Spectator tickets available at the gate.

Palmyra Dragway

WBBL: Heat vs Strikers

First Ball from 6:10pm

The Heat WBBL team are returning to their second home in Mackay for the highly anticipated match against the Adelaide Strikers!

Grab a bite to eat at the ground as you cheer on your favourite team.

Tickets available at brisbaneheat.com.au/wbbl-mackay

Great Barrier Reef Arena

Mackay Showground Markets

Every Saturday from 6am – 10am

Local Produce, Natural products, Seafood, Plants and much more.

Weekly event, held every Saturday. | Free entry.

Mackay Showgrounds

Falun Gong Classes

Every Saturday from 10am

Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation, inner peace and health through movement.

You’re invited to come along and experience a session in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens.

Live Music Saturdays

Every Saturday from 2pm – 5pm

Enjoy good tunes and great vibes every Saturday from 2pm. | Free entry.

The Kooyong Hotel

Mackay Choral Society presents ‘A Glorious Christmas’

3pm and Sunday 3pm

Welcoming the music lovers of Mackay to what will be a world class performance, with choruses from Handel's Messiah and traditional Christmas Carols, filling the theatre with beautiful singing and orchestral music for over two hours (including a 20 minute interval).

Adults $35, Concession $30 and Children $20 | Tickets available at trybooking.com

CQCM Theatre - 151 Boundary Road, Ooralea

Mackay Nth Qld Babies & Kids Mega Christmas Market

From 4pm – 8:30pm and Sunday 12th November from 8am to 12pm

Over 50 Local businesses on display with all things babies & kids, as well as mum’s to be & new mum products.

Lucky door prizes, Jumping Castles, Face Painting, Free Bounty Bags.

$2 Adult Entry - Kids 17 years and under free. Tickets available at the door

Mackay Showgrounds

Significant Other (Live)

From 6pm – 10pm

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of live entertainment at the Garden Bar. | Free entry.

Harrup Park

Sunday 12 November

Troppo Markets

2nd Sunday of every month from 7:30am to 11:30am

This event will keep you coming back with a never-ending variety of items for sale and plenty of entertainment and amusements too. | Free entry.

Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Significant Other (Live)

From 2pm

A live music performance that you won’t want to miss - come along for a great afternoon! | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday Bingo

Every Sunday from 7pm

Come along and you could win! | Free entry.

South Leagues Club

Monday 13 November

Trivia Night

6:30pm to 8:30pm

Trivia night on Mondays at Centro Restaurant.  There’s no excuse not to stretch the grey matter as it’s free to play so come along with your mates or we can put you in a team, each team can have 2-7 players.

Magpies Sporting Club

Tuesday 14 November

B2B Brews (sponsored by Travel Associates Mackay)

8am to 9am

This week’s brews are sponsored by Travel Associates Mackay. Enjoy your morning bevvie while hearing all about Travel Associates Mackay upcoming Travel Trivia Night on the 23rd of November. With amazing prizes to be won including a 12-night Norwegian Cruise for 2, this is a night not to be missed!

So come on down, grab your coffee and start fine tuning your travel knowledge!

Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium

Chatty Cafe

Every second Tuesday of the month from 9:30am to 10:30am

Chatty Café is a global movement that aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation, connecting people over a cuppa to help improve health and mental wellbeing.

Chatty Café invites you to come along to connect, converse, and share ideas. Second Tuesday of the Month.

Access to free events is only one of the benefits of library membership. If you are not already a library member, please join at library.mackay.qld.gov.au/Montage/Join.aspx

Gordon White Library

EQUIP: POWER EDITION

9am to 3:30pm

An event in Mackay to INSPIRE + EQUIP women on their political journey.

The Women for Election EQUIP: Power Edition Program is a highly practical non-partisan workshop that provides women with the key knowledge of how to campaign at all levels of government.  You'll learn about the tools and techniques to enable you to run for office, be the best candidate you can be, or assist another woman with her political campaign.

Free event | Tickets at humanitix.com

Jubilee Community Centre

Wednesday 15 November

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 and learn from each other. 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

Shop fresh, shop local. The Farmers’ market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce. Enjoy a morning beside the Pioneer River and buy 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. $8 for members and $10 for non-members after that. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 16 November

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 dessert.

Bluewater Quay

West End Readers Book Club

5pm to 6pm

Come along to the monthly book club and connect with people who enjoy reading and discover new authors. This event is for adults aged 18 years and older. | Free entry.

Access to free events is only one of the benefits of library membership. If you are not already a library member, please join at library.mackay.qld.gov.au/Montage/Join.aspx

Walkerston Library

Dance Express Mackay is thrilled to hit the stage on 19th November in a dance extravaganza like no other - No need to toss up which concerts to see in 2023, the concert of the year is right here!

The Dance Express kids will have you grooving in your seat from their larger-than-life Ready Set Dancers making a stage debut, to their Graduating Seniors taking their final bow.

A spectacle for the whole family, Dance Express concerts are known for their high energy and entertainment factor.

“After putting on my fair share of concerts over the years, what was once groundbreaking just doesn’t cut it anymore,” said Director of Dance Express, Karen Bishop.

“It is vital to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries to keep the audience engaged! Rather than the passive clap and awkward cough, we want a real party atmosphere.

“Our audience members are each given a glow stick to wave and dance within their seats. Seeing a sea of colour really gives the kids a boost and adds to the energy of the performance!” Ms Bishop exclaimed.

Gone are the days of long concerts with endless solos to slow the pace, Dance Express’ award-winning routines matched with the electric MECC atmosphere combine to create a show that is fast paced, exciting and fun!

A little bit of tap, a splash of jazz, a sprinkling of ballet, a drizzle of hip hop, stir in their cheer routines, top it off with some contemporary music, and you have the perfect ‘Concert Recipe’!

So, bring the whole family, lace up those dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate with Dance Express.

It is a dream for the performers to dance for a sold-out auditorium, and tickets are selling fast so grab yours today!

Visit themecc.com.au for tickets and more information

‍

Watch the Dance Express kids light up the stage live at the MECC

Photo supplied

Local businesses have the opportunity to learn essential digital marketing skills in face-to-face workshops this November.

Run by digital marketing agency Rebel Nation, the small group workshops allow participants to upgrade their marketing knowledge, learn new tools and ask questions specific to their business.

Rebel Nation head trainer Jade McAuley said the final 2023 workshops were two of her “favourite” topics because of “the massive impact they can have on your business, and anyone can use them!”.

“Our first is on Meta Ads – which I’d stake is probably the most cost-effective advertising platform available to businesses today,” Ms McAuley said.

“Learn how to use this platform and you can turn a $50 ad spend into 1000s of eyeballs on your business.

“I get that it can seem daunting – the idea of creating a digital ad – but that’s what these workshops are for. It’s a capped group so you can ask all your questions, get ideas and insights specific to your business and also learn from other business peeps.”

The Meta Ads workshops will run on November 16 and 17, and the second workshop on ChatGPT will run on November 21 and 22.

“ChatGPT is a free tool that makes writing social media copy, blogs, taglines, basically any kind of marketing copy so much easier, faster and better – when you know how to use it correctly.

“I know so many businesses who don’t have the time to do their marketing – ChatGPT is seriously a gamechanger here, the time it saves is immense.”

Spots are limited and bookings are $70 per person.

Bookings can be made at www.rebelnation.com.au/workshops-november.

Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day event grants are now open and local community groups are encouraged to apply.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to offer the Australia Day event grant funding once again for 2024.

“Our 2023 Aussie Day community events had a record attendance of more than 2900 people, so we are looking forward to another exciting Aussie Day event line up,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to $1000 to support their Australia Day event and celebrate what they love about our beautiful region,” he said.

“From beach games and park barbecues to awards ceremonies and morning teas, the events are a great way to highlight our community spirit.

“The events are held at various times throughout the day and are a celebration of the amazing region we live in.”

To be eligible for funding, events need to be held on Australia Day 2024 (Friday, January 26), be free for all to attend and held within the Mackay Regional Council area.

Organisers also need to be a registered not-for-profit group or have a letter of support from a registered group.

Applications are now open via the council website and will close midnight Monday, November 20.

Australia Day event grant application forms and guidelines can be found on the council website.

Mackay Regional Council is on the hunt for unsung heroes, community volunteers, inspirational sportspeople and local legends of all ages.

Now is the time to nominate residents for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Nominations are now open for the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental Achievement, Lori Burgess Community Volunteer, Community Group, Senior Sports and Young Sports Award.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there had been so many tremendous nominations last year and our region was extremely lucky to have so many amazing groups and individuals that stepped up for our community.

“Police District Crime Prevention Coordinator Nigel Dalton is our 2023 Citizen of the Year and is a great example of a community member who goes above and beyond,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Nigel not only works hard to educate and keep our young people safe, he’s also a very active community volunteer who has worked with disadvantaged youth and men’s groups like Shed Happens,” he said.

Nigel was awarded the Queensland Police Liaison Officer Award in 2017.

His Police District activities are outstanding, particularly Choices and Safety Circus safety talks across various age groups.

“The judges were also blown away by our Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award winner Jody Burrows,” Mayor Williamson added.

“Jody has volunteered with Mackay Riding for the Disabled for about 30 years.

“She has changed people’s lives.

“There are many amazing stories of rider progress, from nonverbal autistic children talking when on a horse to riders being able to develop enough strength in their back or core to support life changing surgeries.”

The 2023 Young Citizen of the Year was Keira Brown.

Keira is the current coordinator of the Valley District Youth Council. She has been instrumental in working towards the group’s main goals of giving a voice to Pioneer Valley youth, developing leadership and building a regional youth community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said nominating someone for an Australia Day Award took just minutes and was as simple as filling out a nomination form on council’s website or grabbing a hard copy at council’s customer service centres.

“Each year, the nominees always say just how much it means to be nominated and recognised for the work they do,” he said.

“If there’s someone you know who goes above and beyond for our community, then please recognise them today with a nomination.”

Nominations close January 4, 2024.

Online nominations can be found at mackay.qld.gov.au/australiaday

All award winners and nominees will be recognised at a special awards ceremony at the MECC on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

‍

2022 Citizen of the Year Frank Cowell, 2023 Citizen of the Year Nigel Dalton, Mayor Greg Williamson and Vassie Comino of P.Comino and Sons at the 2023 Australia Day Awards Gala

It’s a good time to be alive, with Sarah McLeod and the enigmatic The Superjesus checking in for Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and ensuring great music, and fantastic vibe.

Sarah, lead singer of The Superjesus, says she is more than excited to return to the festival this year.

“We’re busy working, sleeping and drinking water, because once we’re in Airlie Beach, we won’t have any time for that; it’ll be non-stop music and checking out the scenes,” said Sarah.

Sarah, herself, has a busy job, being the official ambassador for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, as well as on the judge’s panel for the 2023 Passport to Airlie competition.

“I was the unofficial ambassador for years; I just got really into it, and created my own role, but now this will be my third year as official ambassador,” Sarah explained.

As Ambassador, Sarah is busy ensuring the best experience for festival attendees.

“It’s a fantastic job and it’s pretty unique, just telling people about the best things that are happening in Airlie Beach.”

For Sarah, who will be busy across the weekend, performing as part of The Superjesus as well as a soloist, there is no better place than the Airlie Beach Festival of Music to reflect on 2023 and share her great musicality.

“And it’s not just the bands on the Main Stage, but the venues across the main strip. Everyone gets involved, and it’s just amazing. It’s non-stop music. From when you wake up to when you go to sleep, music.”

In particular for 2023, Sarah has just returned home following a massive tour with The Superjesus and their supporter, Perry Street Park, as well as releasing a sweep of new music.

“Perry Street Park are a great vibe, and they bring so much energy and joy. It’s one thing to just stand on stage and perform, and another to get involved and bring the vibes. And the boys of Perry Street, they bring the vibes.”

For The Superjesus set, there will be a bit of everything.

“Our classics with a handful of our best, and our happy new material.”

For Sarah’s solo performances, “It’ll be whatever I’m feeling, and how the crowd is looking. You never know what you’re gonna get with me.”

Branching out as a soloist was a big move for Sarah.

“I find joy in going solo. I’m an eclectic person, and I want to write what I want to write. With Superjesus, we have this specific sound that we can’t really deviate from, but I have a short attention span, and want to do everything.”

With the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, we get the best of Sarah, with The Superjesus and as the phenomenal soloist that she is.

“And there is nothing like the Airlie Beach Festival of Music elsewhere. You’ve got this amazing rock music, alongside the beautiful Whitsundays. You’ve got to experience it at least once.”

At The 2023 Airlie Beach Festival Of Music

Town is pumped and the atmosphere is buzzing ahead of the 11th annual Airlie Beach Festival of Music which is kicking off as you read this!

Featuring more than 50 acts spread out across 15 different venues, live music will be emanating from pubs, clubs, restaurants, and cafes all weekend.

The main stage, located in the big top tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, will be a hive of activity with up to 4000 people expected to gather for four nights of entertainment.

Iconic music legends from across the country are headlining, bringing 150 years of Australian rock to Airlie Beach.

Leading the charge are outstanding performers such as Ian Moss, Ross Wilson, and Dragon.

On receiving the call “Wanna go play at Airlie Beach?” rock legend, Ross Wilson replied, “You betcha, vibe plus. Like, who wouldn’t?”

“I’m bringing my hot shot band The Peaceniks with me and we’re really looking forward to rocking out at The Whitsunday’s biggest, bestest music event the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. What are we gonna play? A bit of Daddy Cool, some Mondo Rock, and some newies too - it’s a festival!!”

While the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is renowned for bringing in the big acts, it also champions the smaller aspiring artists, giving them a chance to shine and play alongside some of their heroes.

Thursday night on the main stage was the Passport To Airlie Competition Grand Final which saw eight talented acts selected from heats across the country perform under the big top tent.

The winner received the opportunity to play on the main stage at next years’ festival.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club and 14 other venues

WHEN: 9-12 November

Bourbon-soaked rock is next on the lineup for these bourbon boys, gracing the stage of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music for a mammoth weekend of unstoppable Australian rock.

“And we just love it,” Bourbon Street guitarist, Horace Bevan said.

“We play hard, and we sweat harder. You can’t put us in a corner!”

After 37 years of rock, the boys of Bourbon Street say they are feeling more alive than ever.

“It takes a lot of physicality, a lot of attitude, but we’re grateful that we can still play in our prime years,” Horace explained.

“It’s endearing how powerful music is, sharing music with people. It’s an honour and a privilege to be on stage. It’s abundant joy, an emotive high, without even having to use drugs!

“It’s a powerful bond and it proves that the band is no more important than the audience. When people get up and dance, express themselves through dance – not to sound like a hippy – but it’s a powerful thing.”

Over the years, Bourbon Street have evolved, covering the best tracks of the 60s and 70s, to writing and producing original music.

“We are an old school rock band,” Horace explained.

While Horace’s passion is palpable, the lasting impact of Bourbon Street in unimaginable, with the band deciding to produce a documentary, to celebrate their illustrious career.

“We have this young filmmaker on board. He’s organised and ready. He gets us to show up and be on out A-Game, even when I’m like ‘Ah man, I just want a joint and a cup of tea’.

“But this is a great opportunity to present our story through the years. We have this massive body of history and have yet to share it.

“We’ve done all these amazing things; we toured Australia and America, and we got into the Golden Circle. We didn’t quite get the commercial success we were after, but we got really close.”

For Horace and Bourbon Street, they are thankful to Gavin “Butto” Butlin, the Festival Organiser.

“In 2013, Butto was instrumental in us getting back together, and being in the same room again. He’s what kicked us off again.

“That’s the thing about the Airlie Beach Festival of Music: it has integrity. The entire festival is all about the music, about bringing people together and coming together as one. It’s something that we admire.

“There is this raw essence in music, a companionship through music that you cannot deny.”

And now celebrating 37 years in the industry, Bourbon Street is feeling fully alive.

“Music keeps us present, conscious, and it wants us to do our best. It’s just really f**** cool.”

And as Horace says: What happens on the road, stays on the road.

The name Perry Street Park is very familiar to Airlie Beach locals, as well as most of the Queensland music scene, having seen massive success following their 2022 win at the Passport to Airlie original music competition.

Propelling the four boys into a new stratosphere last year, they are now excited to check back into Airlie Beach, where all their success began.

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is such a unique opportunity,” Benny Nelson, lead singer of Perry Street Park, said.

“We’re playing every day over the four-day festival, and as a musician, this is great! We want to play as much as we can. It’s about building an audience and a following, and we want people to go ‘ah that band was good, who are they again?’.”

Taking out the Passport to Airlie win in 2022 set Perry Street Park onto a new trajectory.

“It really gave us the momentum to run into 2023. We’ve been releasing so much new music, playing a lot of festivals, and have even just finished up this massive tour with Sarah McLeod and the Superjesus.

“These are the opportunities that Airlie Beach Festival of Music gave us.”

And Perry Street Park have big plans for their set list in Airlie Beach this weekend.

“We’re gonna chuck a few new songs on the set list, some of our older stuff and a few covers. We pride ourselves on giving covers justice.”

On stage, the boys bring high energy and create a vibrant atmosphere.

“We like to have fun on stage. We reckon that’s part of what got us the win at Passport to Airlie, the fact that we have fun on the stage, that we be ourselves. We don’t act differently or anything like that. We also interact with each other and the crowd and bring a lot of energy.

“That’s one thing that we’re thankful for, that Airlie Beach let us become comfortable on festival stages. Festivals are big productions, with big lights and massive crowds. Imposter syndrome was something we tackled with, but being on the big stage at festivals is where we belong.”

These returning champions have worked hard to turn an opportunity into a career and have overcome every obstacle.

“2023 was a big year for us, performing at so many festivals and shows, so we’re excited for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music to be a little holiday for us. There’s really no better place to holiday than in Airlie.”

In fact, “The Airlie Beach Festival of Music will be a bit of a send off of 2023 for us, before we start to get into Christmas and have some down time.”

Bowen made and locally loved youth band Gleezus have been busy building a name for themselves, entrenching their sound and dynamic presence into the very thread of music in the Whitsundays.

Evolving from a simple music class assessment to the competition winning band that is Gleezus, their success was unprecedented, but the team have been taking every opportunity to grow as musicians and develop their sound.

Jack Homewood is the guitarist for Gleezus and started the band initially.

“I just fell in love with it,” Jack explained.

“From there, we just started practicing outside of school, and eventually we just got better equipment, and started playing house parties and private shows, and then we played our first big competition at the Townsville Folk Festival,” he said.

Ashton Shepheard is Gleezus’ bassist and says that the whirlwind of the success has been amazing.

“It’s gonna be so awesome,” Ashton explained.

The final mixture of this youth phenomenon is Brock Medhurst on drums, and newcomer Kameron Stoneham, a powerhouse on vocals and a star with music.

“Kameron can just belt out Metallica, it’s great. We all just clicked with her. We can think of a song we’d like to play, and she’ll just rip through it,” Jack explained.

“The other day we were jamming together, trying to come up with lyrics, and she went outside for 15 minutes, comes back in and is like ‘done’ [handing over some lyrics], and that’s what we used to win Young Whitsundays got Talent.”

Still spinning from their recent success at the top where they won the Young Whitsundays Got Talent in October, the band will soon be performing at Airlie Beach Festival of Music, where they will also receive the ‘rock star’ treatment - full access back-stage passes with headlining act, The Superjesus.

“The festival is massive, with like 15 different bands playing at once at 15 different venues. It’ll be so good to meet some other musicians too, who are into our sort of music,” Ashton said.

Describing their sound as “rock, grunge, all the good old school stuff”, the band are keen to get on stage and perform to the people of Airlie.

Their set list prepped and ready, with a mixture of covers and originals, Gleezus has over two hours’ worth of music, with a 40-minute time slot.

With dreams of hitting it big professionally, Gleezus are certainly making a great foundation for stardom, with meetings with massive industry professionals in the schedule.

If you haven’t heard Gleezus recently, you haven’t heard Gleezus at all.

And if you miss them at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, hit up the T8T Fest, held in Bowen on November 18th, which helps raise awareness for Australia Melanoma Research.