Local Urban Fantasy author, A. L. Tippett, officially launched her third book on Sunday, September 18 at the Badila Art Gallery in Pinnacle.

‘A Dragon’s Soul’ is the highly anticipated conclusion to her debut trilogy, ‘The MINATH Chronicles’.

‘The MINATH Chronicles’ is a tale of magical realism and contemporary fantasy with all manner of mythical creatures.

Book one, ‘A Dragon’s Mind’, was released in 2020 followed by book two, ‘A Dragon’s Body’, in 2021.

Attendees enjoyed free coffee from Whistlestop Coffee Cart, free cupcakes and an impressive book cake from Sam’s Cakes and Crafts.

Ms Tippett began writing her first fantasy novel when she was twelve but abandoned it after deciding that being an author wasn’t a “real” job and therefore not worth pursuing.

After completing her secondary schooling at Mirani State High School, her parents encouraged her to experience the real world before committing to a university degree.

After working in hospitality, she landed a job as an insurance broker, where she worked for seven years before leaving to start a family.

She and her husband live on a farm near Eungella and have now welcomed two children into their lives.

Tippett feels very fortunate to be able to stay at home and care for them whilst her husband works away.

“It’s challenging finding the time to write with two kids but, as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said.

‘The MINATH Chronicles’ trilogy is available to purchase from altippett.com.

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The Sugar Bowl was a hive of activity last week as Rumble on the Reef took over the skate park for a week of world-class skating.

After a massive action-packed series of events, the Championships all came down to the Bowl Finals on Friday night and the Street finals Saturday, with incredibly talented skaters of all ages showing what they’re made of

There was something for everyone at Rhythm and the Reef on Saturday, with the diverse line-up filling the dancefloor no matter who was on stage. The day kicked off with local indie rockers Nortica, Uruguay native Felipe Baldomir and soulful surf folk courtesy of Jack Botts, setting the vibe of the afternoon perfectly.

Rapper Ivan Ooze then started the party as the sun dipped behind the clouds, before Touch Sensitive, Running Touch, Godlands, Shockone and Moss all filled the dance floor into the night with a selection of house, rap, drum and bass, and everything in between.

The new location on the riverfront at Bluewater Quay provided a convenient, central venue for punters and perfectly utilised what the Mackay CBD has to offer. Only in its second year, it’s exciting to think of how Rhythm and The Reef will grow in the future.

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Click here to view the Gallery

1992 is remembered for the following events:

• Bill Clinton was elected as the 42nd US President;

• The 25th Olympic Games opened in Barcelona; and

• The Cold War was officially declared to be over.

While it may not be as widely known, a very important event also took place in Mackay on Monday, 6 July 1992. The Zonta Club of Mackay was Chartered with 22 Charter Members. The Area Newsletter described the event:

… A very stylish affair with pre-dinner champagne cocktails and canapés, and a clever dramatic presentation of the history of Zonta devised and performed by 2 members. The club is keen to start raising funds in imaginative ways and to make its mark on the community.

We can hardly believe that it has been 30 years since Zonta began supporting the Mackay community. Incredibly, two of our original Charter members, Vassie Comino and Judy Spannagle, are still members of our club in 2022.

To mark this very special occasion, we are thrilled to invite you to our birthday celebration dinner! The ticket price of $75 includes a drink on arrival, a buffet dinner and of course, delicious birthday cake.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 1 October

• Time: From 6:00pm

• Location: Ocean International, Mackay

Tickets are currently on sale via Mackay Tickets. For further information, please visit our Facebook page.

We also have the following events coming up in the month of October, and would love for you to be involved.

Zonta Monthly Dinner Meeting

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 18 October (Third Tuesday of each month)

• Time: From 5:30pm

• Location: Ocean International, Mackay

We welcome guests at our meetings – if you are interested in attending, please contact us as soon as possible for catering purposes.

Reclaim the Night March

Each year, the Mackay Reclaim the Night March takes place on the last Friday in October. This is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, which poses a reminder to every Queenslander that we all have a role to play in ending sexual violence.

Reclaim the Night marches began in the 1970s, focusing on a woman’s right to walk at night, without fear of violence or harm. Today, we march as a show of resistance, strength and unity, because we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and to BE safe.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, 28 October

• Time: 5:30pm start

• Location: Bluewater Quay, Mackay

Zonta, along with several other organisations, supports this event each year. Further updates will be shared closer to the event via our Facebook page.

For further information about any of these events, please send a message via Facebook or email zontamackay@gmail.com. I look forward to sharing more about Zonta and our events with you!

Karlee Box

Zonta Club Board Member

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Mackay Regional Council Libraries

Sensational Spring Sand Art Friday, 9:30am to 10:30am Create colourful sand art designs inspired by spring, the season of colour, joy and growth. Suits children aged five to 12 years. Sarina Library

Movie Matinee – Turning Red Friday, 2:00am to 4:00pm Mei Lee is a 13yo girl who is torn between being her mother's obedient daughter and the chaos of her youth. As if that were not enough, when she gets too excited, she turns into a big red panda. Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. Suits children aged five to 12yo.  Gordon White Library

Magformers Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Click. Connect. Create. Magformers are educational construction toys for children of all ages that allow you to build your own magnetic 3D structures. No bookings required. Suitschildren aged five to 12 years of age. Sarina Library

Bamboo Construction Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Engineer. Design. Build. No bookings required. Suits children aged five to 12 years of age. Walkerston Library

Lego Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Imagine. Connect. Construct. No bookings required. Suits children aged five to 12 years of age. Mirani Library

MECC

Pixar Putt until Sunday, Oct 9, various times

This open-air mini golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc. 'Pixar Putt After Dark' sessions available for adults 18+ on Thurs to Sat nights from 7pm, with licenced bar. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/3BfOZ6K  Mackay Civic Lawn, between Artspace Mackay and the MECC

Artspace Mackay  

Lyre Bird ‘LOOKBOOKS’ – free until Sunday, Oct 2 during hours

Drop-in to Artspace during the September school holidays and create a special lookbook of lyre birds! Parental supervision essential. No bookings necessary. Inspired by ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, in the Main Gallery, until Nov 20. Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay

Sarina Sugar Shed

Special kids tour until Tues, Oct 4. Normal tours run 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm

Discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane, complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch. Enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill - 'Bill the Mill Junior". Taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, and freshly spun fairy floss for big and little kids! Cost: Adults at children’s prices $13.60 (bookings essential).

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens  

Free Friday Guided Walks Every Friday Apr and Oct, 10am - 11am

Find what’s flowering, some of our rare and special plants and perhaps some wildlife spotting! Phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 as places are limited. Group bookings welcome upon request. Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre

Mackay Park Run Every Sat, 7am - 8am

A 5km run/jog/walk put on by the community for the community every Saturday morning for all ages. Register at www.parkrun.com.au. Meet at Tamarind Carpark (near playground)

September Photo Walkabout – Macrophotography Sun, 9am - 11am

Get up close with macrophotography and make the smallest things in nature visible. If you have a macro lens and DSLR or a mobile phone with a clip-on lens, this is a workshop for you. Phone to book 4952 7300. Botanic Gardens Meeting Rooms

Bocce in the Gardens Mon to Fri, 9am - 4pm (except public holidays)

One of the most popular and oldest games throughout European countries Test your skills at our bocce court in the Malta Garden. Hire sets for hire $5/set from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information. Bookings not required. Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

Greenmount Homestead

Entry fees waived for kids during school holidays Open Mon to Wed and 25th Sep, from 9am to 1pm; Tours at 9am, 10am, 11am and noon

Take a step back in time at a 1915 Queenslander homestead which houses a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/greenmount.

Caneland Central

Ice Skating until Sunday, Oct 3, 1hr sessions start at 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm plus Thurs & Sat 6:30pm

Tickets available to purchase online or at the venue. Bookings recommended. $20pp or $70 family pass (4 people).  Spectators are free.  BYO socks or available for purchase. Timezone carpark, Caneland Central

LEGO® at Caneland Central until Friday, Sept 30

Free school holiday fun! Come down to Caneland Central to join in at our LEGO® Rebuild the World play zone! Centre Court, Caneland Central

Mount Pleasant Centre

Creation Station until Friday, Sept 30, 10am – 2pm daily

Kids will get the chance to make a miniature unicorn or dinosaur garden to take home and watch it grow. Recommended age 3+. Limited availability. Minimum $2 donation to the Mackay Hospital Foundation on the day. Outside Stellarossa, Mount Pleasant Centre

Bluewater Lagoon 7 days, 9am to 5.45pm

Cool down and splash around with the whole family at the free, three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon. For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/bluewaterlagoon

Sarina Youth Centre

A variety of school holiday activities are on offer for youth aged ten to 21 years. Bookings are required for each program. Contact Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Monday, September 26: Healthy Lifestyle: Activities, cooking, information

Tuesday, September 27: Game on! Pool competition, Centre bingo with prizes

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Image: Brisbane-based vocalist Melissa Western pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt

Mackay locals are set for a morning of live performance in honour of a magnificent era in music, with British-born, Brisbane-based vocalist Melissa Western paying tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt.

Each year Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) delivers the feel-good Morning Melodies Season. A stellar line-up of daytime performances programmed to bring a thrill to audiences of all ages.

October’s Morning Melodies performance will be dedicated to an inspiring trio of singers, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt. Although they vary in their styles of music, the three icons tore down a multitude of barriers, paving the way for all future artists who continue to walk in their footsteps to this day.

With a performance history including two consecutive years at the Edinburgh Festival, British born singer-actor-writer Melissa Western is no stranger to the stage. The vocalist seamlessly weaves song, story, and dance, taking viewers on a sensational journey they will want to share and cherish and is often seen performing at Brisbane Jazz Club. Western thrives while paying tribute to a magnificent era in music through her superb vocal range and compelling stage presence.

“Western is a force of nature…Great storyteller, feisty, highly enjoyable; … Warm, witty and supremely talented … captivating …fantastic instrumentalists” - Broadway Baby

“Western is absolutely brilliant… her aptitude for music is vast and versatile” - ThreeWeeks magazine  

Audience members are in for a treat with a chance to win a lucky door prize and indulge in a complimentary morning tea – with volunteer group Friends of the MECC supplying tea, coffee, and biscuits before the show.

Mackay locals are encouraged to transport themselves back to 1954 and partake in a sizzling morning of powerful soul and cheeky kitsch featuring the captivating Melissa Western and her band. Rewind time and witness the MECC stage revert to the 50’s with Ella, Etta & Eartha.

WHAT: Morning Melodies 2022 1954: Ella, Etta & Eartha

WHEN: Friday 7 October 2022, 11.00am

WHERE: MECC Plenary Halls

TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

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Do you feel nervous presenting in front of colleagues or speaking in public?

Mackay Toastmasters Club is hosting a Presentation Mastery Class next month to help participants improve their public speaking and communication skills.

The in-person masterclass will teach the best ways to prepare for a presentation, how to structure a presentation and how to deliver it while controlling your nerves.

Mackay Toastmasters Club member Megan Dillon says the masterclass is as much of a learning opportunity for members as it will be for attendees.

“Our experienced Toastmasters are putting together this masterclass,” she said.

“They’ll cover what goes into giving a presentation, from the first time you sit down to plan it to the moment you step out in front of your audience.”

The masterclass is suitable for anyone who would like to be able to present more confidently in front of an audience, whether that be at an industry conference or in front of a small group of colleagues.

Ms Dillon said Mackay Toastmasters Club regularly fields enquiries from people wanting to improve their public speaking and presentation skills, however, people aren’t always confident enough to take the next step and walk through the door.

“Personally, Toastmasters has done wonders for my confidence and it’s why I keep coming back,” she said.

“We recognise though that getting up in front of a group of people and giving a speech can be a daunting prospect.

“We were all new members once too!

“We hope this event will encourage anyone who has been curious to come along and experience the supportive learning environment Toastmasters offers.”

Tickets for the masterclass are $60, which includes a light meal, refreshments and education materials.

Mackay Toastmasters Club is part of the worldwide network of clubs that make up the not-for-profit educational organisation, Toastmasters International.

Whether you feel okay about presenting or dread the thought, this masterclass will have something for you.

WHAT: Presentation Mastery Class

WHERE: Jubilee Community Centre

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

TICKETS: $60 including a light meal, refreshments and education materials. Available from StickyTickets.

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Movie lovers from across the region are invited to the newly built Proserpine Entertainment Centre to view a weekend of exciting cinema.

The event kicks-off with Celeste on Saturday at 7.30pm, a movie that is filmed entirely at Paronella Park and features the story of a once-celebrated opera diva who prepares for her final performance.

This is followed by Parallel Mothers starring Penelope Cruz on the Sunday at 1.30pm.

This movie shows the story of two single women who form a strong bond with one another as they both confront motherhood.

The critically acclaimed Spanish drama is directed by award-winning Pedro Almodovar and is a beautifully constructed story full of twists and turns, some predictable, others not.

With outstanding cinematography, musical score and costume design, audiences are in for an unmissable experience.

This cinematic masterpiece is hosted by Film and Arts Mackay in collaboration with the Whitsunday Arts Festival.

On the Sunday, there will be a return coach transfer to the viewing of Parallel Mothers, departing from Gordon Street, outside Art Space, at 10.30am.

The cultural experience includes the movie followed by lunch at Whitsunday Gold Coffee.

Tickets are between $15 and $20 for the cinema only and the coach transfers, cinema and lunch dining package are between $75 and $80 depending on your Film Arts Membership status.

This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.

Image: Head to Proserpine Entertainment Centre this Sunday to see Parallel Mothers

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Image: Rhythm and the Reef has adopted a community model to get the community involved. Photo supplied

The landscape of the events industry has changed drastically since the pandemic brought social gatherings to a screaming halt.

Slowly but surely, the industry is finding its feet but is having to adapt to post-pandemic changes, finding new ways to thrive.

Rhythm and the Reef returns to Mackay tomorrow and Event Director James Slade has enlisted the help of the local community, hoping for a win-win for all involved.

“A lot of these big businesses are starting to take a keen interest in getting involved with us, especially the local grassroots music and arts festivals,” he said.

“There’s a benefit to the community model because it gets all of the Mackay region involved.”

As more and more events rise from the ashes of an event-less pandemic, consumers are finding themselves spoilt for choice, meaning events are competing against more than ever before.

Equally, cost-of-living pressures are seeing festivals and experiences drop down the priority list for consumers.

Mr Slade says the community model helps events navigate these concerns.

“(Businesses) partner up with the event and provide different parts of it, whether it’s the green arts segment of Rhythm or part of the production or putting up a second stage,” he said.

“They all sort of chip in in different ways.

“It doesn’t necessarily always mean money; it just means we’re trying to add so that the community can be thoroughly involved.”

As well as big business, local retail, tourism and hospitality businesses are also given the chance to get involved with food vendors, market stalls and auxiliary events supporting Rhythm and the Reef.

“These businesses also see that it’s important that the community creates a culture of excitement and, by doing so, it encourages young people to move to the area,” Mr Slade said.

“We’ve got all these jobs available, but we have all these young people moving away so it’s about trying to encourage these people to stay in the northern regions.

“There is a lot of good things happening in the region.

“Even though we’re in these hard times, people are still showing support for these events.”

Now in its second year, Rhythm and the Reef aims to perfect the foundations that were built in its inaugural year by bringing on businesses and supporters like FMS Group, Daly Bay, Ambassador Hotel, MQ Licensed Events, NQ Productions, Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Isaac Tourism.

The event will feature installation art pieces, sustainable sculptures, a live visual artist, a bigger line-up of headline and local artists as well as local food and market vendors.

“It’s this huge collaboration of everything now so it’s a big step up and it’s in a great location,” Mr Slade said.

WHAT: Rhythm and the Reef 2022

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, September 24 from 1:00pm

TICKETS: Oztix

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Friday 23 September

Souths Junior Cricket Come & Try Day

Friday, 4:00pm

Souths Cricket Club is holding a come and try day for boys and girls aged 6 - 11 on Friday 23rd September from 4:00pm till 6:00pm at Abbott Park. There'll be heaps of fun cricket activities throughout the afternoon followed by a sausage sizzle. Members of the committee will also be on hand to answer any questions along with taking registrations for the upcoming season. For more info contact Brad at southscricketmackay@gmail.com or 0407 592 988.

Abbott Park

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and Live music.

Wake House Australia

Ninja Hub Teen Shed Event

Friday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Ninja Hub Mackay is teaming up with Teen Shed Mackay by creating a session just for our Teens. All teens are welcome to join in the two-hour session learning the skills and having fun on the Ninja course. With their friends or making new ones. This event is for all teens aged between 12 and 16 years of age. Includes two hours fun, pizza and drink. Please wear shoes and bring a water bottle. Bookings are required as spots are limited. Head to The Ninja Hub webpage, look for the Teen Shed event and book from there.

The Ninja Hub

Saturday 24 September

Rhythm & The Reef 2022

Saturday, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Rhythm is back to spice up your 2022 spring season with a bigger line-up, better bar, more shade, and a fresh waterfront location. Featuring Running Touch, Touch Sensitive, ShockOne, Godlands, Jack Botts, Ivan Ooze, Moss, Felipe Baldomir and more. Artworks by David Day, Louis Gervais, Mathew Currie and Muddy Grimes. Proudly partnered with FMS Group, Rumble on the Reef, Daly Bay, The Ambassador Hotel, Moss On Wood and Mackay Regional Council.

Bluewater Quay

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Come browse the many local small business market stalls then have a seat, listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. Not just another market, it’s a great night out. Market stalls, mini eat street, jumping castles (free) and face painting.

Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday 25 September

Sunday Live Music – Jax Morton

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 26 September

Meditation and Sound Experience

Monday, 6:30pm

Sound and Meditation. Go into a deeper experience, powerful and beautiful.

$20 cash only for the session. Please wear loose comfortable clothes allowing for light movement. A yoga mat or something to lay on, pillow blankets or anything to make you comfortable and warm. This is an indoor event. Please select the going button on the Facebook event to confirm your booking.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Tuesday 27 September

Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel

Every Tuesday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo. Every Tuesday, join Seabreeze in the bar from 7pm where you can show off your musical knowledge in Musical Bingo. Prizes will be on offer for winners each and every week so make sure you’re on the ball as they drop the beats. Oh, and entry is free! Registration opens from 6pm, with all the action kicking off from 7pm. So, music buff or not, make sure you clear your schedule each Tuesday evening for Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 28 September

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 29 September

FMS Rumble on the Reef ~ WAKE COMP 2022

Thursday to Saturday

Rumble on the Reef Wakeboarding will take place in Mackay at Wake House Australia from 28 September to 01 October 2022. Lots of action on the lake and live music every night at the Lakeside Cafe & Sunset Bar. All welcome to attend. This is a free event at the end of the September school holidays. See some of Australia's best pro wakeboarders battle it out for a share in over $10,000 cash, with equal prize money for pro women and men. Spectators can make a day of it with action on the lake, crowd giveaways daily and live music into the evening. BYO picnic rugs and tents.

Wake House Australia

Leadership Unplugged with Mandy Johnson

Thursday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

In this thought-provoking masterclass, leaders take time out to assess their own performance and look at strategies to improve their results. The session uses corporate anecdotes, fun activities and videos, and evidence-based research to change the way participants view their own leadership, and also arms them with techniques that they can immediately apply to transform their own success. Meet Mandy Johnson, best-selling author with ‘in-the-trenches’ experience as a start-up founder and ex-director of global travel retailer Flight Centre’s UK operation, opening a store a month. She has worked with a wide range of companies including Virgin Australia, Teys Beef, the Australian Stockbroker's Association, Dairy Australia, Ray White Commercial, the Queensland State Library, Michael Hill Jewellery, and 99Bikes to name just a few. A great afternoon for business owners, their managers and anyone who is displaying potential to step up within the business. Tickets via Eventbrite.

Ocean International

ARTIST’S TALK with artist in residence D. Harding

Thursday, 5:30pm

A descendant of the Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal communities of Central Queensland, D Harding works in a wide variety of media to explore the visual and social languages of their communities as cultural continuum. During their residency at Artspace Mackay, Harding created a site-specific artwork, drawing from the ways of knowing—passed on through their matrilineal family Elders of the Kemp family here in Mackay—and from their learnings in formal art training, including international art histories and techniques from books, art school and travels. Harding is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Artspace Mackay

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One of Mackay’s favourite family friendly ocean-front bar and bistros is giving its lucky customers the opportunity to win a tinny valued at $11,000.

The Seabreeze Hotel, located in the quiet residential area of Lamberts Beach, is now offering anyone who spends more than $20 at their drive-thru bottle-shop free entry into the prize draw.

So, grab your mates and head on down to Seabreeze bottle-shop before your backyard BBQ or footy match and make sure you fill in an entry form for your chance to win.

Purchase a 30 pack of either XXXX Gold, XXXX Dry or Hahn 3.5 and Byron Bay cartons to receive bonus entries.

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a boat, now’s your chance to win this impressive XXXX Quintrex 400 Trigger Boat.

This nippy and versatile Trigger makes boating easy and boasts a great amount of space for fishing.

The live draw will be on Sunday, October 2 from 5pm at the Seabreeze Hotel and will be followed by the NRL Grand Final on the big screen.

Offering delicious meals, tasty beverages, comfortable accommodation, live entertainment, a games room and kids’ playground, there is something for everyone at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment at a favourite destination for locals, visitors, families and pets alike.

Seabreeze also cater for functions and events, with a range of private function spaces to suit all types from small intimate dinners to large celebratory gatherings.

For more information about participating in the tinny competition head to ttps://seabreezemackay.com.au/drive-thru-and-win/. Terms and conditions apply.

Image: For your chance to win this $11,000 tinny, enter the competition at the Seabreeze Hotel Drive-Thru Bottle Shop today!

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Mackay’s music scene is one that’s growing at a rapid rate led by bands such as the prolific and dedicated Nortica.

“It’s been really good recently just with everyone kicking back into action,” said Nortica lead singer and rhythm guitarist Tate Obst.

“There’s been heaps of gigs and heaps of youngsters, as well, playing music,”

“For a while there, there wasn’t much going on.

“There’s always been a really good metal scene in town, which is cool, but you’re starting to see some other bands popping out.

Nortica have become a Mackay staple, headlining their own shows and becoming the go-to support for touring bands making their way to the region.

With Tate up the front, Tate’s brother Jasper on drums and backup vocals, Connor McKinney-Moss on lead guitar and Jarell Corowa on Bass Guitar, the boys are starting to live their music dreams.

The band releases their sophomore single ‘Means Well’ today, with plenty more to come, Tate says.

“We’re really excited for that one because this first EP is a real shift in our sound, being a three-piece band, then a four-piece band, this is all old stuff now,” he said.

“We’re sort of playing different music now, so it’ll be really cool to see what’s coming even after this stuff.”

Brothers Tate and Jasper started playing music at an early age, with Tate receiving a violin and Jasper a drum kit for their birthdays.

Tate picked up the guitar in grade 10 and started to play gigs around town with good mate Connor, with Wakehouse Australia always being willing to give them a gig.

Tate, Jasper, Connor and Jarell ultimately formed to become Nortica in August last year when the boys entered Passport to Airlie and have been kicking goals ever since.

With influences including alternative, surf rock, funk, grunge and metal, Tate says writing music as a band almost always starts as a jam.

“We all start freestyling and playing music and if we like something that we’re playing we generally record it on voice memos,” he said.

“We just revisit it and keep things that we like.”

Not only is there plenty more new music coming, but the boys also have some massive gigs booked including Rhythm and the Reef tomorrow, the Rumble on the Reef Wake Comp the week after and some support slots for some of Australia’s biggest bands.

Tate says they’re most excited to be supporting Hockey Dad at the Seabreeze Hotel next month.

“It’s insane,” he said.

“I remember getting on the phone to the boys, I got the email, and I lost my crap calling Jasper.

“I can’t really explain how excited we are.”

In a tightknit community like Mackay, with a burgeoning music scene, Tate says there is a real community aspect that has helped them get to where they are today.

The band received a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund to assist in recording their EP earlier this year.

“There’s a lot of cool stuff available through the Council that we’re lucky enough to utilise and be able to do the stuff that we want to do, especially with recording because it costs some serious coin,” Tate said.

On top of the grant, Tate says Nortica have collaborated with people, venues and businesses throughout the community including Kadence Group, Red Lotus Company and Gina’s Flags.

“There’s a lot of people in town that can help out and stick out a hand for you when you’d do the same for them,” he said.

“It’s really cool.

“The networking that goes on in this town, it’s crazy that there isn’t a bigger scene.”

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Promising big crowds, excellent vibes and world-class skating, FMS Group Rumble on the Reef is just around the corner bringing some of skateboarding’s best talent to the region.

Last year’s Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Champion, Tommy Fynn, is making his way to the competition for the third time and is excited to bring his energy to the people of Mackay.

“I feel like the people in Mackay are super supportive of skateboarding and that happening up there brings everybody out to watch,” he said.

“It’s always good energy, good vibe.”

Growing up in South Africa and New Zealand, Tommy started skateboarding when he was 12 years old, borrowing his cousin’s board until his parents bought him his own.

Tommy continued to skate and has gone on to kick goal after goal, currently skating on the Plan B Skateboards team, competing in competitions all over the world and vying for a spot on the Olympic team.

“I’m pretty close already, they had an Olympic qualifying event for Paris two months ago in Italy,” he said.

“I was up there in the top 25 in the world, so I’m planning on going to Paris.”

He said he never expected skateboarding to grow to an Olympic-level sport, but it only means good things for the industry.

“More kids are going to get into it and skating’s going to get more structure from a high-performance level, which is great for skateboarders in general,” he said.

“You get fitter, you have more support, there’s more opportunities to make money and a solid career that you can live off.”

The Brisbane-based skateboarder is involved firsthand in developing the next generation in preparation for Brisbane 2032.

“I do a bit of coaching as well, coaching our next generation, and seeing these 12- to 16-year-old kids doing crazy, crazy tricks at such a young age, it’s awesome,” he said.

“I kind of give everything I’ve learnt and share my expertise where I can and help these kids with their careers heading towards the Olympics, it just feels cool to be a part of that.

Not only do regional competitions like Rumble on the Reef bring world-class skaters like Tommy, Dennis Durant, Canada’s Matt Berger and Aidan Campbell from the US to smaller centres, they also shine a light on the talent in the region.

“It’s a way of finding and nurturing talent,” Tommy said.

“These kids skate against each other, they skate against other skateboarders from around the country who might be better than them so they can push themselves.

“I love how they do Rumble and these national events because it means all these skaters from all over the country can compete and get inspired and go harder.”

Rumble on the Reef is happening from September 20-24 at the Sugar Bowl Skatepark.

“That skatepark is actually up there as one of the best skateparks, so it makes the event super fun,” Tommy said.

“Going up there and competing is always fun because you get good obstacles, you get a good skate park and you can progress there.”

WHAT: FMS Group Rumble Skateboarding Championships 2022

WHERE: Sugar Bowl Skatepark Mackay

WHEN: September 20-24, 2022

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Last year’s Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Champion, Tommy Fynn, is making his way back to Mackay and hopes to inspire the next generation of skateboarders. Photos supplied: Rumble on the Reef

Australia’s much-loved pop-up mini-golf phenomenon, Pixar Putt, will arrive in Mackay in time for the school holidays when it opens at Civic Lawn Art Space MECC from 16 September through to 9 October 2022.

This open air, pop-up mini-golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Turning Red, Soul, The Incredibles, Onward, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Inside Out, Luca and more. This premiere Mackay season also features a hole from Disney and Pixar’s latest movie Lightyear, now streaming on Disney+.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Pixar Putt

WHERE: Civic Lawn Art Space MECC

WHEN: Friday 16 September 2022 – Sunday 9 October 2022

HOURS: Opens Friday 16 September, 3:00pm – 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm)

Season Opening Times Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00am - 8:00pm (last entry 6.45pm) Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm)

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The elves have been busy collecting the goodies for this Sunday’s mega cent sale in Sarina on September 18.

More than 200 prizes, a major raffle of a wheelbarrow of goodies and other prizes, and 40 multi-draw prizes are among the day’s offerings.

The sale is a joint undertaking of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre, which operates Sarina’s Craft Centre at the Field of Dreams parkland, and the children’s charity the Variety Club.

Arts and Crafts Centre manager Jenny Costello said it was the third joint cent sale by the two organisations, and she expects it to be the biggest.

“We’ll have doors open at 10am, and the sale starts at noon at the Bob Wood Hall, Sarina.”

Food and drinks are available.

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Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre “elves”, Di Proctor, Jenny Price, Rosemary Rowles, Marg Hinrichs, Jenny Costello and Margaret Schwarzrock with some of the prizes for this Sunday’s mega cent sale. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

In less than 48 hours (about 2 days) I may not be here.

That sounds a little dramatic but it's real life.

On Sunday I will be running the Sydney Marathon with thousands of other people who want to push their bodies to the limit. This may go well, or it may go pear shaped. We will have to wait and see.

For those who do not know, a marathon length is 42.195km long. That's equivalent in distance to running to Homebush and running home again. That is just dumb as there are plenty of taxi's around that do that same job.

It's also the same distance of running to Bucasia, turning around, and running home, then running back out there again and falling over exhausted. Simple right? Nope. Not by a long shot.

Why is that I hear you say? Well to put it in an uncomplicated way, I am lazy.

I refuse to do the arduous work for the four months leading into the event so I can do a suitable time and not feel like 'death warmed up' so I expect what I get at the end. My own fault really.

This will not be my first rodeo though. This will be my 5th run in my 54 years on this earth and each time I have done one, I say I will never do another, and here I am. Ready to go.

I've run two Gold Coast marathons, one Melbourne and one virtual here in Mackay two years ago when COVID put the hand brakes on, so this will be number five and a special one too as I'll be running it with my sister Katriona.

She was the one who I can blame for this run. I made the comment years ago that ‘wouldn't it be fun if we ran the Sydney Marathon together’ as she has never done one, all in the hope that she would never say yes. Well guess what? She did say yes, so I had to follow through with the event with her.

I'll be running the whole 42km with her so we can push each other along.

Come 10am Sunday I'll know if I have failed or mastered the run. I'll let you know on the socials.

To everyone else from Mackay who is running, I will see you there. I wish you all well.

Now, where did I put that tube of Voltaren again?

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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A Mackay local’s dilemma.

Susan from Rural View has written in asking Style Central Home;

“We have been in our existing home for 10 years now, it’s in a street surrounded by high quality newer homes and ours looks tired and dated. We have seen another beautiful home online which is much more expensive, it ticks boxes although not all of them and we are confused what to do?”

At Style Central Home we treat your situation as individual as you. This is your hard-earned money, and we want you to get the best value with it. An unbiased professional opinion can be a game changer as there are many things to take into consideration.

If you love the area you live in there are many benefits in staying in your existing home. Some questions you need to think about are why do you want to move? Have you outgrown the space and feel restricted? When you walk in the door do you feel relaxed and calm or stressed and disorganised? What renovations could be done that will not only increase its value but to make it more liveable.? If you do decide to renovate, should you renovate to stay or sell?

If you decide to stay in your existing home, consider what areas are looking tired and what costs would be involved to make a substantial difference. Consider a budget you are prepared to spend whether it be from savings, home equity or pay as you go. An in-home consultation with an interior designer could not only give you great ideas and inspiration, it could also save you a lot of money because we are looking at it from an unbiased professional and practical perspective.  

Style Central Home will provide you with advice on the home and land with suggestions from the street appeal all the way through to the backyard. You will not have to remember everything as we will put it all in a follow up email report with everything that was discussed with links to all suggestions and inspiration. There will also be a strategy on the priorities to work in with your lifestyle and budget then it’s up to you how you proceed, we are there right beside you. We have additional services available to take the stress out of any transitions, including assistance in getting trades quotes, conveying your ideas and involving you in the discussion and decisions with the upmost respect and transparency. We also provide full project management if you’re too busy or live away from the property, to selling unwanted goods on various platforms to put the money back into other areas. Sourcing items from reputable businesses and liaising with them on your behalf to negotiate better pricing which helps with delivery costs which as we know are more expensive to regional areas.

Other benefits of doing home improvements are that once completed you may love it so much you will want to stay, or you will get an updated real estate appraisal and see the property has increased significantly to a point where you many decide to sell. If doing this though keep in mind the out-of-pocket costs involved like stamp duty, legal and agent fees, removals costs and the stress of moving.

If you decide to take the plunge and move, we are also able to do an inspection on your behalf, with you in person or virtually to give you and idea of what things would need to be done so you would be happy with it and to the costs and effort involved so you can make an informed decision. If you then want to get your existing property ready for sale, we have services and solutions unique to Style Central home to suit all budgets where we work with what you currently have so whilst selling you can have some familiarity around you. This is a more cost-effective way to present your home where certain items can be removed, stored, other items stay and can even be used in other areas you would not have considered. Additional cost-effective items can then be added to enhance your property so the potential client will find it irresistible. When the property sells you can either take them with you or resell them.

Contact Tracey at Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your situation and how we could assist you.

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“Where happiness is homemade and coffee is always a good idea.” Meet the café where a smile is a side delivered with every order. Along Walkerston’s rustic main street is the Siding Café, where owner Sharna Crawford and her team Brooke, Sue and Mel, bring joy to locals and passers-by through coffee and conversation.

“The idea behind owning a café was to be able to make a difference to somebody’s day,” Sharna said.  

“For some, their daily cup of coffee is more than the beverage itself. For some, it’s their chance to get out of the house, an opportunity for a conversation or connection with another person or simply a break from the daily grind.”

The Crawford family purchased the café just over 6 months ago. It’s been a favourite in Walkerston for about 7 years. The family grew up within the region and decided to move to Walkerston with their two young children, aged 4 and 2.

Sharna says that the food can be summed up as hearty and humble.

“Our regulars love that they can grab-and-go when they need to, other times they’ll stay and enjoy a chat.”

The regulars who frequent The Siding agree that a drawcard is the daily freshly made sandwiches with the dedicated crew up at 3:30am to ensure fresh fare is available from 4:30am when they open.

The early open time coincides with the civil construction crews and Bowen Basin miners who are passing through on their way to shifts. The breakfast wrap is a crowd favourite and Sharna says it’s the café’s most popular item.

“It’s one of the items we changed when we bought the business. It’s jam-packed full of wholesome goodness, but don’t take our word for it, come and try it yourself!”

It’s not just the fact that the sandwiches are made daily, but also that the filling is plentiful. The thick sangas feature favourite fillings like home-cooked corned beef, chicken and salad, egg and lettuce, ham and other specialties.

Passers-by love the convenience of grabbing fresh food on the go to enjoy on the road or to have for a hearty lunch later. Most regulars are known by name by the Siding girls.  

“With some of them being from the South-East, the connections they form with us is knowing they will see a smiling face and enjoy some good banter through conversation. Being away from their families for two weeks at a time, sometimes they need that feeling of familiarity to feel more at home,” Sharna said.

“That’s always been a point of difference with our café, we get to know our regulars and know most of them by name.

“It’s like creating an extended family, it’s not just about knowing their coffee order, in many cases we’ve watched their young family grow, consoled them during a time of grief or chatted about daily life.”

In the café you’ll find this local business supporting other local businesses, with a selection of homemade sauces and preserves, peanut butter, jerky, almond bread and even sets of handmade earrings for sale from small business throughout the region.

Platters can be made featuring the famous sandwiches as well as assorted sweets. They are popular for business morning tea and lunch shouts.

The next time you’re passing through Walkerston, stop at the Siding Café and see what all the fuss is about. Sip on great Merlo coffee, treat yourself to something sweet or savour a big sandwich for later. If you have time to dine in, try a delicious burger.

And a tip from the Editor, grab the banana bread. You’ll go bananas for it.

(left to right) Brooke, Sue, Sharna & Mel

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When Mackay opened its regional gallery in 2002, artist and master printer Tate Adams AM made a donation that helped establish the gallery as the artists’ book powerhouse it is today.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Adams’ donation to commemorate the opening of Artspace Mackay is an important archive of Lyre Bird Press, of which he was a founder.

“For more than two decades, from 1977, Lyre Bird Press produced more than 50 artists’ books,” Mayor Williamson said. “Those works ranged from luxury publications to experimental book forms, involving creators of all kinds.”

Some of those works, as well as bookplates and ephemera, will form an exciting major exhibition opening this week at Artspace Mackay.

The exhibition, Tales of the Lyre Bird, opened in the Main Gallery last Friday, September 2, along with D. Harding: The Wall (Foyer Gallery) and Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – the Eloquence of Trees (Foundation Gallery).

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said Tales of the Lyre Bird would follow the important output of the press from its Melbourne conception by Tate Adams AM to its reinvigoration in North Queensland in the early 90s.

“This exhibition is curated by Ron McBurnie and Helen Cole and highlights the collaborative works that were conceived via the press, including collaborations with artists such as Tate Adams AM, George Baldessin, Anneke Silver, Ray Crooke and Juli Haas,” Ms Heathwood said.

Ms Heathwood said Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – the Eloquence of Trees was also an exciting exhibition.

“It’s a multidisciplinary exhibition that features photography, sound, drawing and installation and offers a window into what she sees as fractured landscapes, focusing on the different growth stages of trees,” she said.

All exhibitions run until November 20, 2022.

Juli Haas from Palmetum 2001, drypoint, edition 2/40. Townsville: Lyre Bird Press. Mackay Regional Council Art Collection, purchased 2002

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A significant historical recognition was made in the country town of Nebo last month, with the unveiling of the John and Margaret Shannon memorial.

The memorial coincided with the 150-year anniversary of Salt Bush Park, which was purchased by John in 1872 for £600.

A HISTORY OF SALTBUSH

John married Margaret and the couple had 11 children. The Youngest, Alan, took over the management of Saltbush before acquiring the aggregation. Alan and his wife Irene had three children, their son Alan Jnr took over Saltbush in 1946. Ian Shannon took over the management in 1955 when Alan took over ‘Cardowan’ and he eventually purchased the property from the family. Ian and his wife Margaret have four children, their second son Stuart and his wife Leigh took over ownership of Saltbush Park.

John Shannon’s living depended on horse teams. He had draught horses and over the years Saltbush Park’s horses achieved a great reputation amongst the cane farmers, which encouraged John to run a herd of 40 brood mares.

When Alan Snr took over, he had a keen eye to breeding quality livestock, he purchased several Clydesdale Stallions to upgrade the stock. Auction sales were held in Mackay each year, and some enterprising local farmers used the Clydesdales for use in the cane fields.  They were used for cultivating the fields and planting the cane and carting the cane to the mills.

Johns cattle herd was mixed when he arrived on Saltbush, predominantly Shorthorns, over the next few years he purchased heifers to build up the herd.  He eventually purchased some quality Devon Bulls to improve the herd further.  Later the herd was infused with quality Hereford bloodlines.  

Alan continued this practice. The Saltbush herd was noted for its quality Hereford cattle. However, the arrival of the cattle tick meant they had to be dipped frequently.

When son Ian took over in 1955, he was aware of the increasing benefits of cross-breeding with Bos Indicus bloodlines, and in 1965 he bought a Brahman Bull and it became apparent that the crossbreds were much more thrifty and able to forage and ticks were not as much of a problem.

As a focal point for the early settlers, picnic race meetings were held in several sites through the Broadsound and Nebo Districts. One of these (Normanby) was on “Saltbush” and was an extremely popular gathering each Spring.  

The locals would sometimes travel for days in their sulkies and buggies and set up elaborate camps for the race period.  There were even formal balls in the evenings, and the ladies reveled in dressing for the occasion: Ruby Shannon composed several pieces for the balls, and one, the Normanby Waltz, proved very popular for many years.

To celebrate the centenary of John Shannon taking over Saltbush in 1872, the family arranged some significant activities around the weekend on 26th August 1972.  The most significant event was a five event Picnic Race Meeting, which was staged to invite the local community to join the family to celebrate the survival and prospering of the family through the first 100 years.

A great day and evening were had by all and as a result, a new ambulance was presented to the Sarina Q.A.T.B.  The races were held for another 10 years, however the decimation of the local community through the migration to the coal mines meant that there were eventually insufficient volunteer workers and local attendees, and the meetings closed.

This year marks the 150th year of the Shannon Family and Saltbush Park with the unveiling of a bronze Plinth in Centennial Park along with other celebrations held in Nebo and surrounding districts.

Last weekend saw two days of celebrations in Nebo and on the property, with more than 230 friends and family registering for the celebrations, some coming from as far away as Perth.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker was in attendance and said the day was “absolutely beautiful”.

“Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful project,” she said.

Thanks to Angie Caldwell, manager of the Nebo Museum for the history of Saltbush Park

Historical images courtesy of CQUniversity Australia Library Capricornia CQ Collection - Image of Saltbush Park station and John and Margaret Shannon

A bronze Plinth in Centennial Park was unveiled last weekend marking 150 years of the Shannon family in Nebo. Image: Mayor Anne Baker

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The final performance for DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 will take place at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) this Friday and Saturday.

Serving as a gateway to every dinosaur lover’s dream, Erth’s Prehistoric World Tour showcases some of the most incredibly detailed (and at times large!) dinosaur puppets ever to take the MECC stage.

Erth has worked over the years with leading paleontologists, museums, and zoos to ensure that the content of the shows is accurate, up to date and a catalyst to inspire young minds.

When asked what audiences could expect of the performance, Kristy Rushe, Acting Assistant Manager of MECC Events said; “Last time Erth’s visited the MECC, a giant Plesiosaurus magically floated over the audience. It was mesmerizing. This time – expect more lifelike dinosaur puppets, including a Velociraptor that will keep children on the edge of their seats”.

Dinosaurs are a gateway to learning, inspiring children to consider an array of subjects from science to literature, geology to bio engineering, and natural history to mathematics.

Dinosaurs have become a curious link between child and parent, grandparent, guardian and educator. “If you have a young dinosaur lover at home, bring them along. This will be a fun weekend activity” Mrs Rushe continued.

Focusing on Australian prehistoric life, with the majority of the creatures in the show having an Australian lineage – the show includes a host who acts as a zoologist, respectfully handing the wild animals to educate young minds.

WHAT: Erth’s Prehistoric World Tour

WHEN: Friday 9 September 2022, 6pm Saturday 10 September 2022, 9.30am & 12.30pm

WHERE: MECC Auditorium

TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

Age Recommendation: Age 5+

Content Warning: Fog/smoke effects, loud noise, dinosaurs

Show Duration: 55 mins, no interval

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Friday 9 September

Lifeline Mackay $2 Clothing & Book Sale

Friday, 9:00am to Saturday, 2:00pm

Lose yourself in the tables upon tables of pre-loved books, DVDs and clothes, all for just $2 apiece. With men’s, women’s and children’s clothes on offer, you can refresh the whole family’s wardrobe and maybe start your Christmas shopping early. Plus, it’s all for a great cause – funds raised go towards the 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support Line. By purchasing books and clothes you are helping to save lives.

23 Creek St, North Mackay

Friday Jazz @ the Con

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @the Con featuring singer and multi-instrumentalist Aaron West alongside music staff Dr David Reaston (Guitar), Dr Peter McKenzie (Saxophone) & Jason Smyth-Tomkins (Drums). Tickets available at the door or at https://cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales.

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 presents ERTH'S Prehistoric World Tour

Friday, 6:00pm and Saturday, 9:30am and 12:30pm

Bringing ancient creatures from land and sea together in one show, Erth’s Prehistoric World is the perfect combination of theatrical magic and charm. It takes the audience to the bottom of the ocean to discover ancient bio-luminescent creatures and incredible marine reptiles, and then back to dry land to witness some of the most amazing dinosaurs to have ever walked this Earth.

MECC

Nathan "Whippy" Griggs

Friday, 7:00pm

Aussie banter whip cracking show from a Guinness world record holder. Free entry, all welcome, fun atmosphere, merchandise available, bar, food and Nathan passes his hat for a crust.

Melaleuca Golf Course

Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole - 'The Great Country Songbook Volume III' Tour

Friday, 7:00pm

Adam and Beccy have taken their favourite list of country duets to the studio and fans across the country are set to benefit when they hit the road this year with ‘The Great Country Song Book Volume III Tour.’ Together they have brought back some of the most famous country combinations of all time; classic duets recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lyn and Kenny Rogers and his many duet partners…including Dolly Parton of course! Australia’s most entertaining duo will be onstage for two unforgettable hours as they bring you their versions of the greats, delivered with high energy and a few laughs in true Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole style…You won’t want to miss this, tickets are on sale now!

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Mackay Riding For Disabled Race Nite

Friday, 7:00pm

Mackay Riding for the Disabled is holding a Race Night to raise valuable funds for their horse-riding program. The night promises plenty of high-paced action, with five mock horse races and one mock pig race to be projected on the big screen throughout the night. Tickets are $50 and that will get you entry into the races, finger food, entry in the door prize and $7000 of funny money to bet with, with more funny money available for purchase.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Saturday 10 September

Pancakes And Play In The Park

Saturday, 10:00am to 2:30pm

Shed Happens in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch Northern Beaches will conduct a family games day and serve pancakes, jam and cream for free. This was originally an Australia Day event, but weather conditions made it impossible to conduct. There will be traditional family games including a sack race, three-legged race and egg and spoon race. Mega Jenga will also be offered for families to challenge each other. Prizes will be awarded, courtesy of DGH Engineering Pty Ltd. 'Shed interviews' with prominent men in Mackay will also be conducted.

Mackay Sugar Bowl Skate Park

PASIFIKA 2022

Sunday, 12:00pm to 4:30pm

The Queensland Multicultural Lions Club proudly presents Pasifika 2022. Pasifika celebrates the Pacific Island culture through crafts, food, awareness, religion, song, and performing arts. The event aims to represent our local pacific communities - Samoa, NZ, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Tokelau, Niue, Tuvalu, and Kiribati. Invitations are also extended to the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Island communities. Gather your family and friends and come along for a great afternoon showcasing the best of Pacific Culture.

Meadowlands Amphitheatre

WSPD2022 Light up the Lake for Suicide Prevention

Sunday, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Real Mates Talk, MAD Cow Coffee Mackay and WakeHouse Australia are teaming up for World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday to light up the lake with lanterns to remember those we have lost, support the survivors and honour those whose stories continue. Lanterns are free to anyone attending and can be decorated on the night or collected prior and decorated privately with family or friends. There will be local live music and the cafe will be open.

Wake House Australia

Sunday 11 September

Rock Paper Scissors Art and Design Markets

Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Artspace Mackay's ever-popular Art & Design Market returns in 2022 in the beautiful outdoor space of the Civic Precinct. Join in for a free curated market featuring a fabulous selection of stalls highlighting the talented artists, designers, makers and foodies of our region!

Artspace Mackay

Jazz in the Park

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Staff and students from the Bachelor of Music course present "Jazz in the Park" on Sunday 11th September from 2pm to 5pm at the historic Queens Park. This event will feature special guest Aaron West (singer and multi-instrumentalist). Come and relax in the beautiful surrounds of Mackay and listen to some of Mackay’s finest up-and-coming musicians studying at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Joining in on the fun will be Mackay’s very own Blue Water Big Band. Free event. Bring a picnic. BYO chairs.

Queens Park

Sunday Live Music – One For The Road

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Afternoon Rock n Roll

Sunday, 3:00pm

Join Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay hosting an afternoon of fun and rock n roll under the trees on the deck of The Old Station Teahouse. Everyone welcome. Inquiries: Anne 0419 790 589.

The Old Station Teahouse

Tuesday 13 September

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run craft activities in two sessions, Sess1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Sess2: Anytime from 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 14 September

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

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Is there any better way to spend a belated Father’s Day than enjoying pancakes and play in the park?

The men’s group, International Men's Day Mackay Incorporated, incorporating Shed Happens Mackay, is celebrating Father’s Day in partnership with Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch this Saturday, September 10 with a day of pancakes and family games, sponsored by DGH Engineering.

Neighbourhood Watch will be offering pancakes, jam and cream for free on the day while Shed Happens will conduct the day’s games, all designed for the whole family to participate.

Shed Happens is an organisation that treasures and celebrates the role men play in our society.

It meets on the third Wednesday of every month and is a non-threatening, non-judgmental place where men can share their stories; the good, the bad, happy and sad.

It is a place where men are encouraged to live a wholesome life.

Neighbourhood Watch is a volunteer organisation that is integral to the effective policing of our city.

The more people who sign up to the blog and register their email addresses with Neighbourhood Watch, the more they contribute to reducing crime in Mackay.

The morning commences at 10:30am and finishes at 2:30pm, happening at the Mackay Sugar Bowl Skate Park in North Mackay.

More information can be found on Shed Happens Mackay and Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch Facebook pages.

This event is only possible with the financial support of Mackay Regional Council.

WHAT: Pancakes & Play In The Park

WHERE: Mackay Sugar Bowl Skate Park, Scriha St, North Mackay

WHEN: Saturday, September 10 from 10:30am to 2:30pm

This is a free community event

International Men's Day Mackay Incorporated and Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch will bring the community together on Saturday for a day of Pancakes & Play In The Park. Photos supplied: Shed Happens Mackay

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Plaid pants and Hawaiian shirts were the outfits of choice at The Mackay Golf Club last Friday for the 7th Annual Key Solutions Group and M&P Services Charity Golf Day.

144 Players in 36 Teams partook in the event, all of varying golfing abilities.

Cloudy and breezy weather provided perfect conditions throughout the morning before the heavens opened up in the afternoon, with many keen teams braving the wet to finish the course.

Key Solutions Group and M&P Services Charity Golf Day

Caption: Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Continued from page 1…

The 18-hole course at the Mackay Golf Club consisted of novelty holes and different challenges including longest drive, accuracy drive, a hole-in-one challenge and the Happy Gilmore-inspired Gilmore Shooter Drive.

The event raised funds for five beneficiaries including Mackay Surf Club, Mackay Cutters – Change the Game, CQ RACQ Rescue, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Broken Ballerina Foundation, with good times and a quality day of golf a bonus.

Over $16,000 worth of raffle prizes were donated to the cause and over $35,000 had already been raised at the start of the day, with more to be tallied this week.

The success of the event was thanks to the many sponsors that supported the day including Key Solutions Group, Penske, GB Industries, DGH Engineering, Rimex, Roy Powell Security and MM Electrical.

144 keen golfers enjoyed a day on the green last Friday, raising money for the Key Solutions Group and M&P Services Charity Golf Day. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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With fairy lights strewn above, live music pumping and drinks pouring, CiteCon celebrated its business launch last Friday among family, friends, clients, sub-contractors and suppliers.

The newly established construction company entered the market in 2019 from the home office of Brad and Bec Gardner.

They’ve since relocated to their purpose-designed premises in Paget, where the launch was held, and taken on massive projects for very satisfied clients.

CiteCon has already made waves and, more importantly, valuable relationships throughout the industry.

The atmosphere on Friday night proved just how appreciative they are of these relationships and vice versa.

Photo credit: Photos By Nell

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Old time and new vogue sequence dancing is held on the ground floor of the Masonic Building in Wood Street every Wednesday morning from 9:00am to 12:00pm and every Friday night from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.

Sequence dancing involved all dancers performing the same steps at the same time around the dance floor.

There are hundreds of dances done throughout Australia with the Mackay group doing around 60 of those.

President Alex Dawson has been dancing for nearly 30 years and emcees the program twice weekly.

“(Attendees) get a chance to socialise, and they all enjoy dancing so they get to do the dancing,” he said.

“The age group is getting fairly high, and you can see how dancing is good for you because we’ve got some nearly 90-year-olds here and everyone’s getting up and dancing.”

Mr Dawson says the number of attendees is dropping.

“Everyone’s just getting older and young people aren’t coming through,” he said.

On Wednesday mornings, the music is provided by a four-piece band including drums, piano and tenor and alto saxophones.

Pianist Olive Leet has been playing piano at dances since she was eight years old.

“It keeps me off the streets,” she laughed.

“I love it.”

Dancer Anne Kelly says dancing is a lot of fun and Masonic Dancing provides a friendly atmosphere to learn.

“It’s a great hobby to keep you fit, improve your memory, balance and coordination,” she said.

A six-week lesson block was recently held to introduce newcomers to the dancing scene and the group is looking to hold another one block of lessons if there is sufficient interest.

To register your interest in learning to dance, contact Kevin on 0417 326 634.

All dancers are looking forward to the chance to dress up for the Spring Ball, held tonight, Friday, September 2 at the Masonic Hall from 7:00pm.

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The Shed Happens International Men’s Day Art Show was officially opened last month with all entries displayed at the Mackay Art Society and finalists announced.

The theme for the show and subject for the artists was the first pillar of International Men’s Day, ‘Celebrating Positive Male Role Models’.

The Art Show was officially opened by Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May who says it’s a fantastic initiative.

“I think to express what a positive male role model looks like through art is just fantastic,” she said.

“I’ve had the privilege of going to Shed Happens meetings and I see the number of gentlemen that go there and the comradeship that is formed within that organisation, it can do nothing but good for our community.”

Shed Happens Convenor Frank Cowell says the idea for an art show came to him in the middle of the night.

“I was woken up at 2 o’clock and a voice said to me, ‘art show’,” he said.

“I woke up, heard it again, got up and went to the computer, tapped out an outline for about an hour and went back to bed.”

Mr Cowell says he got in touch with the Mackay Art Society and the idea grew from there.

“The community involvement’s been fantastic; the council, the art section of council, has been fantastic, the RADF (Regional Arts Development Fund) committee have been fantastic.”

Entries were received across three categories with finalists from each category to be displayed in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Lagoons Café.

The works were judged by Mr Cowell, Councillor Fran Mann and Director of Artspace Mackay Tracey Heathwood.

“I was really interested in work that said something that we might not expect about what it means to be a man in our society and what it means to be a good man, so they were the kind of things I was looking for,” said Ms Heathwood.

“It’s so important to support these kinds of events and to support our local artists because they are reflecting back to you your world and what is happening in our world and they’re communicating things that are sometimes difficult to say or difficult to write.”

Art Show winners will share in $3000 prize money, with the piece voted most popular artwork to be donated to Shed Happens to auction.

Finalist works will be displayed at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Lagoons Café from Wednesday, August 31 to Sunday, October 2 with awards to be announced on Friday, September 16.

Mr Cowell says he hopes the Art Show will raise awareness for Shed Happens, International Men’s Day and the Mackay Man of the Year Award, urging people to nominate the men in their community.

“If you don’t win, what happens? You get encouraged,” he said.

“No one goes backwards with encouragement and that’s my job, every day, is to encourage every bloke I come in touch with, and I do it as best I can.”

Nominations for the 2022 Mackay Man of the Year Award are open until September 1 and can be made through the Shed Happens Facebook page.

International Men’s Day Art Show Finalists

Section 1: Rebetzke Homes Award (Art on Canvas)

Hayley Patterson – Treasure

Ben Ranson – Someone To Look Up To

Janet Ambrose – Peter

Roberto Catelli – Wide Bowled, Well Played, Well Umpired

Section 2: Shed Happens Mackay Award (Art on Paper)

Brigette Zimmerman – Still Good

Catherine Clark Dowden – I’ve Got You

Sharon Drew – Writing Home

Stephanie Allen – Helping Hands

Section 3: 2iT Technology Award (Emerging Artist Age <25)

Juliet Sorbello – Time is Passing

Charlie Attard – Her Day

L-R Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood, Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May, Shed Happens Convenor Frank Cowell, Mackay Art Society’s Ben Ranson and Councillor Laurence Bonaventura

L-R Ms May, Mr Ranson and State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Photos supplied: Mackay Art Society

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While the entire music industry was re-emerging from a difficult few years, Beccy Cole was suffering one of the worst years of her life personally. Good mate Adam Harvey suggested that cutting an album with an old friend could be the best medicine, and The Great Country Songbook Volume 3 was born, along with a national tour to match. Released on Friday, September 9, The album is about two best friends getting together again to record some of their favourite classic country songs. The pair are playing at the Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club and Sam had a chat with them ahead of their tour.

Sam: Can you tell me the origins of your relationship and how it got where it is today?

Adam: I think we first met in Tamworth, Bec, at the festival. I think you were pregnant with Ricky at the time, your son. How old’s Ricky now, Bec?

Beccy: Ricky’s 23, so there you go, that’s how long ago that was.

Adam: Yeah, wow. Then I think the first tour we ever did, you’d just had Ricky and he was in the pram, and I remember I’d stand backstage and rock the pram backwards and forward while you were on doing your thing, Bec, and I’d rock him to sleep. I still remember that.

Sam: Beccy, you clearly don’t shy away from sharing your personal life when performing. Can you tell me how Adam’s friendship has helped you through your ups and downs and how it birthed this album and tour?

Beccy: I was going through a fair trauma in the first part of this year. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to make it through, to be honest…Then Adam did that thing that mates do, you know. R U OK? Day is coming up and that’s when we’re encouraged to ask our mates and our friends, are you alright? Adam did that quite constantly throughout that time and he said, “is there anything I can do?” and I said “yeah, you can tour with me,” because they’re some of my favourite times and he said, “mate, I’ll tour with you until the wheels fall off.” I knew if I got through it, that he’d take me on the road. Divorces cost a lot of money, I’m realising now how much, so obviously there’s that aspect of it but also to bring my smile back on my face. My favourite place to be is on stage and I can’t think of anyone else that I love being on stage with as much as with Adam. He took it one further than the tour and suggested the album as well and orchestrated the whole thing, changed his year around for me, and pretty much orchestrated the whole thing so I owe him a lot for that.

Sam: Adam, what were you seeing at the time?

Adam: It was pretty scary, to be honest…I honestly didn’t think that she’d be here today, and I just kept annoying her and annoying and annoying and checking on her and talking to her. Then, to see her now…she’s got her spark back, and she’s just full of this positive energy again and smiling, it’s just so good to see.

Sam: Mackay gets the release day show which is exciting. What do you have planned for the Northern Beaches Bowls Club and for the rest of the tour?

Adam: What is it, Bec…“You make them laugh, make them cry, scare the hell out of them and send them home,” isn’t that your motto?

Beccy: Yep, that’s it. These days I’ve thrown in “and send an invoice,”…We’ve got the band coming, a really lovely bunch of people that played on the record as well. We’re doing songs from the first album that we put out together as well and a couple of our individual hits but mainly we spend the night on stage together which is what people have come to see…There’s no two shows that we do that are the same, that’s what I love about Adam and I. You never know what you’re going to get, we never know what we’re going to do, it’s not really planned…Adam’s always made me a better performer because he makes me rise to the occasion and we raise the bar on each other each night and I think it's good fun. We’re on the edge.

Adam: Which can be dangerous at times. I always say that Bec’s the best entertainer I’ve ever seen and when you’re on stage with her it’s amazing but it’s also scary because you never know what she’s going to do next or what she’s going to say next. It’s kind of like a rollercoaster, you just hang on and roll with the punches.

Sam: And will you be peppering the Adam and Beccy story throughout?

Beccy: Always. We’ve got too much dirt on each other not to uncover some of it, at least. This will be our 13th national tour together in 20 odd years. It’s a great friendship story and supporting each other through all sorts…we’ve gone through births, deaths, marriages, divorces, you name it, it’s happened. It's as cheesy as it sounds but we’re mates that enjoy making music together.

WHAT: Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole 'The Great Country Songbook Volume III' Tour

WHEN: Friday, September 9 from 7:00pm

WHERE: Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole are performing at the Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club on Friday, September 9. Photos supplied

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Friday 2 September

Breathing and Meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what’s in front of you? By quietening the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session.

Gordon White Library

Opening night - four exhibitions at Artspace Mackay

Friday, 6:00pm

Join in the opening night of four exhibitions, to be officially opened by Mayor Greg Williamson. ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, curated by Helen Cole and Ron McBurnie brings together more than two decades of work produced by the Lyre Bird Press, on show in the Main Gallery. In the Foyer Gallery, ‘Figuratively Speaking’ takes an interesting look at figurative works from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. ‘D Harding: The Wall’ features work from Harding’s Artspace residency. Opening in the Foundation Gallery, ‘Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – The Eloquence of Trees’ encourages visitors to contemplate human impacts on the environment. Bookings are required to attend.

Artspace Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Film & Arts Mackay Friday Film Night: Delicious

Friday, 7:30pm

Writer/director Éric Besnard’s mouth-watering historical comedy Delicious indelibly pairs Grégory Gadebois and Isabelle Carré as a gifted chef and his unlikely protégé, who must find the resolve to free themselves from servitude.

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Mexican Night

Friday, 7:30pm

Get your wardrobe ready and come celebrate Latin Roots Mexican Night at The Gallery Lounge and Bar.

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Mackay Musical Comedy Players Presents ‘Chicago’

Friday, 8:00pm and Saturday, 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Mackay Musical Comedy Players, who brought you the smash hit Mamma Mia and Shrek The Musical earlier this year, in association with Ma’s Pizza Kitchen, present Chicago. Featuring hits from the roaring twenties, such as Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz, this show is sure to dazzle audiences.

MECC

Saturday 3 September

BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival

Saturday and Sunday

Whether you’re a beginner, cycling fanatic or simply want to have fun with the kids, the River 2 Reef Ride Festival provides all that plus raises funds for two important and local charities, CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association. Saturday gives kids the chance to ride along the Botanic Gardens while being covered in colour, while Sunday is for cyclists to complete 30,60 or 100km trails, starting and finishing at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre. Find all details via the website.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Curators’ talk – Tales of the Lyre Bird

Saturday, 10:30am to 2:30pm

Join curators Helen Cole, former Coordinator of the Australian Library of Art at State Library of Queensland, and Ron McBurnie, Townsville based artist and educator, as they provide a closer look at artworks and themes in Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibition, Tales of the Lyre Bird.

Artspace Mackay

Sunday 4 September

Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

2022 Australian Poetry Slam Central Queensland Heat

Sunday, 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Think you've got what it takes to become Australia's next poetry slam champion? All you need is an original poem and two minutes on the mic. The winner goes on to the state finals, with the chance for a shot at the nationals. Everyone is welcome to compete. Both competitors and spectators need a ticket - so grab yours today!

The Grove

Tuesday 6 September

RSPCA Queensland Community Morning Tea

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:00pm

Hear from your local RSPCA Inspector as they talk about their inspiring work in rescuing and rehoming animals in the Mackay region. There will also be a presentation on the Home Ever After program that provides care for much loved pets in emergency situations, a Q&A session about the RSPCA and much more. Join the RSPCA and other animal lovers at this free community event. RSVPs are essential, please call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au.

Botanic Gardens Café

Minibeasts – Entomology

Tuesday, 3:45pm to 5:15pm

Are you interested in learning how to pin and preserve the insects you find? This class will teach you how to do just that! Learn how to pin, label and preserve your insects for years to come. This event is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years.

Dudley Denny City Library

Wednesday 7 September

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

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

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 8 September

Kids Take Over Caneland

Thursday, 10:00am to 7:00pm

As part of Child Protection Week the Mackay Family Support Alliance is hosting Kids Take Over Caneland. Come along and enjoy free children's activities during the day and youth activities in the evening. Over 20 service providers will be sharing information throughout the day.

Caneland Central

Andy B's Elvis Tribute Show

Thursday, 6:30pm

Andy B will be performing his Elvis tribute show on the "Reflections of the King tour". It's a colourful, exciting tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, Elvis Presley.

Seabreeze Hotel

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A book is always worth a look. It’s where our imagination takes hold and leads our mind on adventures only known to us. Despite rapidly evolving technology, most of us agree, the tactile emotion of flicking pages, even that ‘new book smell’, can’t be replaced by a screen.

Every year since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia through Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend a fun week celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators.

Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.

2022’s book week was held August 20-26 and the theme was ‘Dreaming with eyes open’.

Dinosaurs and bears, princesses and explorers, butterflies and bugs; you could find them and many other colourful and creative book characters at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens last week for the annual Book Week event, Picnic in the Gardens. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

Book Week

Pioneer Valley children will soon have the opportunity to learn a traditional handicraft thanks to a $1946 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to support the Crafty Hands Holiday Workshops to be held in the next school holidays.

This two-day event will be held at the Gargett CWA Hall in the September school vacation.  The program will be open to interested students (aged 10 years or older) from Gargett SS, Pinnacle SS, Eungella SS, Finch Hatton SS, Mirani SS and Mirani SHS.  

Children will learn the basics of one handicraft - knitting, crochet, raffia/eco-weaving or Japanese sashiko stitching. Thanks to the RADF and local sponsor, Richglen Maintenance Group, equipment and materials will be provided and children will work towards producing items to keep that are fun and useful.

Valley Spinners and Crafts president, Margaret Borg said, “Many of our members learnt to knit or crochet as children under the helpful eye of their mothers, grandmothers or aunts but this is not so common today.

“There’s a wealth of crafting knowledge amongst our members and we are very excited to share this with younger ones in our community.  We hope that these workshops might begin a lifelong love of craft for some of them.”

“I believe this is a wonderful initiative… that will definitely create some remarkable changes in students,” said Gargett State School principal, Fiona Tass.

Bookings are limited and can be made via http://craftyhandsworkshops.eventbrite.com .  

For further information:  valleyspinnersandcraft@outlook.com

Valley Spinners and Crafts Group member and September workshops tutor, Connie Muscat, shares crochet tips with her granddaughter, Mattie Muscat

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Friday 26 August

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and does a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Silver Screen Surprise – McLintock 1963 (PG)

Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am

Are you tired of seeing the same movies? Discover a hidden movie gem at our Silver Screen Surprise showing of an American Western comedy film starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, called McLintock. Bookings required.

Gordon White Library

Age Care Fees and Charges Seminar

Friday, 11:00am to 12:30pm

A free seminar by Services Australia discussing aged care needs, options for the former home, fees and charges, and pension and tax implications. Bookings required.

Dudley Denny City Library

Bass Jamming

Friday, 3:40pm to 4:40pm

Play bass guitar with other music enthusiasts. This session now includes percussion and synth bass as well. The event is for those aged 12 years and older. Bookings required.

Dudley Denny City Library

Friday SUN.sets – Jack Oliveira

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 27 August

Clean Up the Mackay Region

Saturday, August 27, 9am to 11am – Plane Creek revegetation site

Saturday, August 27, 3pm to 5pm – Grasstree Beach

Sunday, August 28, 8am to 10am – Riverside Drive, Cremorne

Sunday, August 28, 9am to 11am – Hodges Road, Shoal Point

Are you sick of seeing litter in the Mackay region’s beautiful natural areas? It’s not too late to lend a hand during ‘Clean Up the Mackay Region’ in the month of August. Join a clean-up near you and help intercept the Mackay region’s litter before it reaches the ocean. Check out the list of events being held in August and register at www.cleanup.org.au/mackay.

Various locations

Legends On The Lawn

Saturday, 12:00pm

Legends on the Lawn is coming to Harrup Park! Bringing some of the biggest names to North Queensland, it’s time to get your mates together for one massive day of live music. Headlined by Jimmy Barnes, along with The Living End, Jon Stevens, Vika & Linda, Vanessa Amorosi, Busby Marou and Christine Anu, Legends on the Lawn is put together by the organisers who are responsible for the ever-popular Red Hot Summer Tour.

Harrup Park

Sugar City Rock 'n' Rollers Mackay Club Hop

Saturday, 6:30pm to 11:00pm

Our next Hop is at St Patrick’s Hall on Saturday with The Two Maoris providing the music from 7pm to 11pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

St Patrick’s Hall, River Street, Mackay

Sunday 28 August

Workshop: Practical Bookbinding

Sunday, 10:00am to 2:30pm

A resurgence of the bookbinding craft has seen many visual artists and photographers explore captivating ideas through the use of a book medium. In this workshop, Louis Lim will discuss the various possibilities in artist book making followed by a hands-on session learning several book-binding techniques. $15 per person.

Artspace Mackay

Robertson Brothers 1960’s TV Variety Show

Sunday, 2:00pm

Do you dream of reliving the good old days? Well, don't miss the Robertson Brothers 1960s TV Variety Show with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys. Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers!

MECC

Pets at the Pub

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon with your best friend browsing the pet market stalls and enjoying the live entertainment. RSPCA Mackay will be onsite with some adorable adoptions. Plus there will be live music by Jax Morton.

Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday 30 August

World Café

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:30pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

ECDP Superhero Trivia Night

Tuesday, 6:30pm

Come on down to Superhero Themed Trivia night. All money raised on the night will be going to assist children needing mobility aids to participate in an educational setting. $5 per person and gold coin donation for kids under 12. Prize for best dressed. Winning team and lucky door prize. Come and help support your local community. Book now online or call (07) 4942 1711.

Mount Pleasant Tavern

Wednesday 31 August

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 1 September

In Hearts Wake – Green Is The New Black Tour

Thursday, 7:30pm

Australian heavy music act In Hearts Wake are stoked to announce a massive national tour in celebration of their new feature-length documentary, Green Is The New Black, which has recently finished screening across the country and internationally alongside Earth Week 2022. The huge 27 date tour will be hitting Mackay and will also feature some of the most exciting heavy acts in the country with support from RedHook, Pridelands and Banks Arcade.

Seabreeze Hotel

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Byron Bay metalcore act In Hearts Wake kicked off a massive 27-date Australian tour in Western Australia last week and will be making their way to Mackay next Thursday, September 1. The tour celebrates their new feature-length documentary, Green Is The New Black, an examination of the music industry’s relationship to the environment and an account of the making of their 100% carbon offset 2020 album Kaliyuga. We chatted to In Hearts Wake lead singer Jake Taylor ahead of the tour.

What was the initial motivation to record Kaliyuga in a carbon-neutral manner and then to document it?

We’ve been on this environmental journey for at least the last decade. It’s always been a part of who we are growing up in such a nature-rich place so that’s been instilled in us since our inception. We’re always making steps and we just didn’t quite know to what deep end of the ocean we’d be diving in. It got to that point where doing record signing weeks at that point didn’t make sense so how can we celebrate it? Let’s do these marine debris clean-ups with our fans where we actually pick a spot, have a meet-up and celebrate release day like that. As we were doing that, we were picking up pool toys and discarded t-shirts in waterways and things like that. And then you get back on stage later that week where we’ve got the pool toys and we’re selling the t-shirts and it was that next step to go ‘wow, we have to look at what we produce and what we create on a whole new level,’ and once you go down that rabbit hole…the next big necessary dive into the ocean was to look at how to reduce emissions and offset an album.

So, here we are today, and I realised there’s no point doing this if you’re not able to share your challenges and triumphs along the way because that ripple effect is far greater than just doing it yourself and keeping it hidden or a secret. I think we often keep things hidden or a secret because we’re afraid of getting it wrong. So, this journey is our journey, what we got wrong and potentially what we got right. We’re really opening ourselves up to be that case study.

Do you have any examples of what you did learn throughout the process?

Yeah, well, the film really dives into everything thoroughly and to give you a blanket few points, it was merchandising, what can we switch to to get off regular cotton and polyester, making those eco choices; it was stage production, getting rid of pool toys and CO2, looking at alternatives that benefit our show and minimise our impact on the environment; then there was renewable solutions to touring itself, like reducing emissions; and how to produce a record that isn’t on something that’s super harmful to the environment, something that is eco-friendly, recycled, those sorts of avenues. It's looking at these solutions holistically to realise there’s no one single one but there are many. To really dive into it is to watch the film but those are the areas we looked into.

What do you have planned for the tour?

We’re putting on the biggest and best show that we can in this new way, with all the new ways we’ve learnt with this doco. That’s the cool thing, testing out these new ways.

How important is it for you guys to visit the regions like Mackay and do you notice any difference in the crowds and the vibes compared to metro places?

Yeah, I do notice. To me, it’s more important. We enjoy it more than metro places because, not only is there easy parking, better hospitality, but there’s a realness…it feels more like a real, more pure taste of a place, and in that the people aren’t spoilt for like, ‘which show do I go to this week?’ but rather like, ‘wow, there’s a show here and I’m grateful that you came.’ So, people are much more present and that equals a higher vibe and people are really in the joy, they tend to be more joyous… In north Queensland, there’s a rowdiness in a good way… Truly, out of all the states, north Queensland is the state we often look forward to for some of the craziest shows. There’s like a party, tropical vibe, too. There’s a loose, joyousness that happens up there.

WHAT: In Hearts Wake

WHEN: Thursday, September 1 at 7:30pm

WHERE: Seabreeze Tavern

TICKETS: Moshtix

In Hearts Wake are touring Australia to celebrate the release of their documentary Green Is The New Black

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Crossroad Arts are coming together with Townsville’s Dancenorth and Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre to produce their annual national meet-up incorporating three exciting days of workshops in contemporary movement, performance and theatre-making to nurture a new crop of fresh and crushingly sweet talent.

There are fantastic opportunities on offer for regional Australian artists with disability to apply for scholarships of up to $2,000 to assist with travel and accommodation to attend the annual C.R.U.S.H theatre-making intensive.

C.R.U.S.H is suitable for all bodies, minds and levels of artistic experience from raw beginners to highly accomplished performers and/or dancers of 15 years and older.

The fabulous weekend will see artists with and without disability from all over Australia converge on Mackay to participate.

“C.R.U.S.H is an opportunity for artists across Australia to undertake skills development in contemporary performance making in an inclusive and fun environment,” said Crossroad Arts Artistic Director Alison Richardson.

“It’s an opportunity to make new friends and build your confidence in a collaborative setting.”

Dancenorth Community Experience Manager Alice Lee Holland has been involved as facilitator with C.R.U.S.H since its inception in 2019.

“It’s a highlight on our community calendar each year,” Ms Holland said.

“It’s a special project, in that it offers the rare opportunity for regionally-based artists to gather and share skills and ideas – it’s such a thrill to be immersed in such a joyful, passionate and inspired space and we encourage everyone with an interest in creative arts to get involved.

“We love being part of C.R.U.S.H.”

La Boite Theatre is Australia’s longest continuously running theatre company and their Youth and Education Producer Ari Palani attended as a C.R.U.S.H facilitator in 2021.

“C.R.U.S.H is about exploring all of the skills it takes to share your own story your way and what it takes to craft your story to share with an audience,” Ms Palani said.

“Performances are led by the heart and the artists sharing how their stories connect and weave together.”

Applications for scholarships close today and application forms can be found at crossroadarts.com.au or call 4953 5122, admin@crossroadarts.com.au or text (for those that are Deaf) 0400 832 626.

Interviews can also be arranged if more accessible.

Crossroad Arts performers pose by a canefield for C.R.U.S.H. Photo credit: Jim Cullen Photography

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Three local artists have exhibited their artworks at the Jubilee Community Centre in a new exhibition entitled ‘Art Transports Us’.

Joy Rogers skilfully paints traditional watercolour scenes of coastal Australian towns, Josephine Iacovelli’s work is bright scenes from Europe in acrylics and Linda Danvers’ work is gentle and calming nature scenes in watercolour and acrylic.

All three artists have exhibited their artworks around town previously, with Ms Danvers initiating this exhibition.

“I knew that Josephine and Joy were both painting and had artworks they’d like to put in an exhibition so we chatted about and they all said, ‘yeah, let’s do it,’” she said.

Ms Danvers has been painting since 2015 and says her inspiration comes from the ocean, islands, foliage and whatever inspires her in the moment.

“When I’m walking, I take a lot of photos, so my aerobic walks don’t get too aerobic because I stop a lot,” she laughs.

“One day, you just know it’s the day, you pick up the paints, and you just do it.

The exhibition is open for all to enjoy a few moments of calm amongst the artworks, from 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays until next Tuesday, August 30 at the Jubilee Community Centre.

All works are available for purchase.

Joy Rogers

Linda Danvers

Josephine Iacovelli. Photos supplied: Linda Danvers

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There is great news for Mackay country music lovers with the sugar city being included on the busy touring schedule of the Butler Showband.

The group features the legendary master of country guitar, Lindsay Butler OAM, Queensland’s own well known country singer / songwriter Shaza Leigh, ably supported by bush balladeer Ashley Cook and musician Penny Gilchrist.

Their show at the Mackay Senior Citizens Centre on Friday September 2 will be a treat with these multi-award-winning country music artists coming on a rare trip north from their Tamworth base to take their National Touring Road Show to country towns and regional cities.

Mackay is a favourite stop for this band and the many country music fans in this city with multiple country music clubs are eagerly awaiting their show.

Lindsay Butler is an inspiring country guitarist who has featured on thousands of recordings as well as over 30 of his own career albums. Among his numerous country awards are multiple Golden Guitars in a career that also saw him honing his skills touring with Slim Dusty for 17 years. His Order of Australia Medal for services to Australian Country Music is richly deserved and his visit to Mackay will be enjoyed by many long-term fans.

The Mackay show is a special one to welcome Shaza Leigh home to the region. Locals had the pleasure of watching a young local girl Sharon Waddington pursue her love of country music with a passion while she was growing up here. She honed her vocal and guitar skills with the support and teaching of some fine Mackay musicians, including John Killcullen and the Country Conspiracy Band before spreading her wings as Shaza Leigh.

She first travelled with the Brian Young Show and then formed an iconic country music partnership with husband Lindsay Butler. From her debut album in 1990 she has recorded 15 career albums and three DVDs and won countless awards.

Ashley Cook brings another interesting style to the Butler Road Show’s visit to Mackay. He is recognised Australia wide as a bush balladeer who continues the Australian Bush Ballad tradition, having won numerous national bush ballad awards. His recordings in this tradition keep the music alive of the pioneers of bush music

Penny Gilchrist is an accomplished country musician, with piano and strings being her forte. Her instrumental albums have earned her many awards and she is a highly sought after session musician.

What: The Butler Showband

Where: The Mackay Senior Citizens Centre, 58 Macalister Street

When: Friday September 2, commencing at 1.30pm

For details and bookings: Contact Charlie Symons 0408 776564

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With their toes a-tappin’, their Akubra’s atop their heads and their hands in the air, country music fans of all ages enjoyed three days of country music at the 2022 NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival over the weekend.

Over 40 of Australia and New Zealand’s best country musicians took to the stage at the Mackay Showgrounds for the third installment of the festival.

Icons of the genre Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Fanny Lumsden all delivered show-stopping sets to the passionate crowd, as well as local legends Graeme Connors, Luke Geiger and Bella Mackenzie.

Also featured throughout the weekend was line dancing, karaoke, Q&As and more.

NQ’s Rock’n Country is a supporter of Variety, raising over $40,000 for the children’s charity at this year’s festival.

The Mackay Showgrounds was transformed into a country music haven last weekend at the NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Book Week is a time to celebrate creativity, imagination and cute characters, and Picnic in the Gardens is the perfect opportunity.

The picnic, hosted by Mackay Regional Council Libraries, will feature 18 stallholders, roving puppets, face painting, a Baby Bounce and a Story Time session.

It will be held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens next Thursday, August 25, from 9.30am to 11.30am.  

Mayor Greg Williamson said the event was aimed at families with children up to five years of age.

“If you’ve got young children, this is a tremendous morning out that’s both enjoyable and educational,” Mr Williamson said.

“There will be 16 different providers of family services at the picnic as well as face painting and Ros with her Wild Puppets.

“This is the biggest event on the calendar for our Library’s First Five Forever team and the atmosphere is amazing.

“There are hundreds of fairy tale and book characters, as well as a good spread of superheroes, Disney princesses and the occasional Wiggle.

“There’s plenty of games being played and usually multiple bubble machines running non-stop.  

“It’s a sensational way for the team to spread the message of just how important early literacy is.

“Research shows that reading, singing and playing with children for the first five years of their lives has a big impact on their future development.  

“Simple things like joining a Story Time or a Baby Bounce at your local library, or at an event like Picnic in the Park, can teach parents great tips for stimulating their child’s literacy development.”  

This year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week theme is “Dreaming with eyes open”.

The theme encourages readers to explore their own stories, to listen to Country as the first storyteller and to learn from friends that help them along the way.  

WHAT: Picnic in the Gardens

WHEN: Thursday, August 25, from 9.30am to 11.30am.  

WHERE: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Isla and Sienna Gibbs with Ros Campbell and “Winnie the Australovenator” of Wild Puppets at last year’s Picnic in the Gardens. Photo supplied

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Mega will be back when the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre and the Variety Club join forces for a fundraising cent sale on September 18.

The sale at Sarina’s Bob Wood Community Hall on Sunday, September 18 will be the third that the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre has held with Variety, which each year helps hundreds of children throughout Australia.

The Arts and Crafts Centre’s Jenny Costello and Sandi Power of the Variety Club have put together a huge collection of great prizes.

“I think we’ll have more than 200 quality prizes,” Sandi said.

The mega cent sales originated when Jenny Miotto of the Variety Club and Jenny Costello got together to plan their first three years ago.

“Jenny was known as the Queen of the Cent Sales but she has retired, so I’ve taken it on,” Sandi said.

Doors open at 10am on September 18 for a noon start at the Bob Wood Community Hall. Food and drinks are available.

Some of the prizes for the mega cent sale on September 18

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It’s a Konvoy!

The region’s favourite annual road trip from Sarina to Mackay was held last weekend, with 154 trucks and vehicles rolling into the Mackay Showgrounds in the name of raising money for charity.

Konvoy 4 Kids is about giving all children the same opportunities in life, no matter their ability.

“Our mission is to empower Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, to live, laugh and learn. Our vision is for all Aussie kids to attain their full potential regardless of ability or background,” the Konvoy 4 Kids website reads.

This year was a raging success, with funds raised supporting Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Check out the smiling faces who attended the family fun day, thanks to Mackay Seen, a photography sponsor of Konvoy 4 Kids.

Photo credit: Mackay Seen

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Every day, 9 people die by suicide in Australia.

It’s a shattering statistic, one which local suicide prevention organisations are desperate to reduce.

A special movie screening and Australian Premiere is being hosted in Mackay next month, to give hope to people struggling with suicidal thoughts and to encourage conversation around the issue.

My Ascension chronicles the story of 16-year-old Dutchtown High School varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit, who was paralysed by a suicide attempt, which propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive.

My Ascension is a feature length documentary that highlights Emma's inspiring journey, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also shares the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

The screening will be followed by an engaging discussion on youth suicide prevention and mental wellness with local identities, leaders, youth workers, youth mental health professionals, lived experience representatives and frontline first responders. There will also be resource tables sharing important information on mental health and suicide prevention.

These include Run for MI Life, Grapevine Group, TUFMINDS Life Rescue, Real Mates Talk, Headspace, YIRS, Project Booyah Mackay, Standby- Support after Suicide.

“Emma's story captures the severity of the mental health and suicidality pandemic amongst the adolescent population in the United States. It is a serious yet uplifting story that provides hope, clarity and support to its audience from a personal perspective.” Saro Altinoglu, PSY.D, ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Center.

This screening is a collaboration between MAD Cow Coffee, Run for MI Life and Barb Hill Coaching and Mentoring. Each of these organisations work passionately within our community to raise awareness, provide support and ongoing education within our community and share the belief that working together we can reduce the stigma that prevents young people from speaking up and reduce the statistics within our region.

What: My Ascension Documentary Screening Event

When: 7 September 2022

Where: Birch Carrol and Coyle Cinemas Mt Pleasant

Emma Benoit was paralysed by a suicide attempt. My Ascension is a documentary featuring her journey

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Members of the Mackay and District Orchid Society enjoyed a social evening with a dinner at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club recently.

The Society is passionate about beautiful blooms, but also takes the opportunity to share the like minded passion of growing orchids with regular social occasions to form friendships.

The Society meets at 7.30 pm the third Thursday of the month at the Sporting Wheelies Hall, 78 Bridge Road, Mackay.

They invite you to come along and learn about growing orchids, everyone is welcome.

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Major businesses are jumping onboard local festival Rhythm & The Reef ahead of its second event in September.

Field Mining Services Group has partnered with the festival, helping to put on an event that has quickly become an icon of culture and community in North Queensland.

Mackay Regional Council, Daly Bay and the Ambassador Hotel have also joined forces in support of bringing big city entertainment to regional Queensland.

Event Director James Slade says the support of these businesses helps events bring bigger and better artists to Mackay, ultimately putting on a better festival in a turbulent time for the industry.

“These businesses see the importance of creating a culture of excitement throughout the region, and by doing so encouraging more young people to move north and fill crucial roles of employment,” he said.

Rhythm & The Reef is expected to attract punters from Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and southeast Queensland, providing a major boost to the economy.

In 2021, the Rumble on The Reef events collectively brought over 5000 people from all over Australia to the region across a two-week period.

This year’s line-up includes Running Touch, Touch Sensitive, ShockOne, Jack Botts, Ivan Ooze, Godlands, Felipe Baldomir, Moss and heaps of local favourites.

The event will also feature life-size marine sculptures made from beach debris, live art displays and heaps more.

This year’s event will be held on the riverfront at Bluewater Quay.

Tickets are selling fast and are available online now.

WHAT: Rhythm & The Reef 2022

WHEN: Friday, September 24

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

TICKETS: Oztix

Rhythm & The Reef is back for 2022 thanks to local business. Photo supplied: Rhythm & The Reef

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A local artist has won the Woollam Art on Show Award for 2022.

Mackay’s Emily Jayne Carroll won the award with her work entitled ‘Fredrick’ which was entered in the Easel Painting category, topping numerous entries received from all over the country.

“I’ve always been drawn to the old masters, so like the renaissance era of art,” Emily said.

Emily says she became obsessed with art in her senior year of high school, studying with a private art teacher, entering competitions and working as a commissioned artist after graduating.

She eventually embarked on a hairdressing career, seeking career and income stability, and opened her own salon.

“I actually hadn’t painted at all for ten or 11 years and ‘Frederick’ was my first finished piece in ten years,” Emily said.

“It was incredible, winning, it just gave me a lot of validation that this is actually what I’m supposed to be doing with my life and I’m on the right path, so I shut down my hairdressing salon and I’m putting all my focus into this now.

“I really do think that, right now, the world desperately needs art.

“I think with everything happening in the world, it’s so important, it provides an alternate glimpse into a different world for people and pulls people away from the negativity and the state of the world currently.

“I think these competitions are just so important.”

Melbourne-based artist Deanna Hitti was the guest judge at this year’s Art on Show Awards and says she can see unique subject matter reflected in works coming out of the Mackay area.

“I go to quite a few towns within the states of Australia and they’re all so different,” she said.

“All the voices are different, the medias are different, there’ll be one media popular over another, the approach to the media will be different, the themes will be different and this is quite an eclectic mix here which is quite lovely to see.

“There’s so much talent here.

“(The works are) very, very personal.

“You very much get a sense of place here…I felt as though there was quite a connection between the artist and their subject matter.”

Deanna attributes Mackay to beginning her art career after she won the Libris Award in 2008.

“Conceptually, I started to know why I wanted to bring printing and books together, and then I won that award and then two years later - back then there was a symposium for artists' books as well so I exhibited in that and it was massive exposure and it started right here, which is amazing.”

*breakout box*

Woollam Art on Show Awards 2022

$3000 Overall Winner – Woollam Art on Show Award 2022

Artist: Emily Jayne Carroll                    

Title of Work: Fredrick

Section 1 – Easel Painting Award 1st Prize

Artist: Sharon Ruhle

Title of Work: Waiting

Section 2 – Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Works on Paper Award 1st Prize

Artist: Desma Munro

Title of Work: Abandoned

Section 3 – 7 Mackay Local News Miniature Award 1st Prize

Artist: It Hao Pheh

Title of Work: Pumpkins

Section 4 – North Jacklin Emergent Artist Award 1st Prize

Artist: Georgia Farlow

Title of Work: Endemic

Included in Section 4 – Keith’s Mean Machine Excavations Emergent Artists Arts Practice Award

Artist: Georgia Farlow

Title of Work: Endemic

Section 5 – Artists’ Book Award 1st Prize

Artist: Avril Makula

Title of Work: Bibliolater

Art on Show Guest Judge Deanna Hitti and Award Winner Emily Jayne Carroll with Emily’s piece ‘Frederick’. Photo supplied: Melissa Broadhurst

Mackay’s Rosemary Payne won the MineMech Services People’s Choice Awards for 2022 with her work ‘There Lies a Tale’. Photo supplied: Art on Show

Mikayla Parrotta won second in the People’s Choice Awards with her work titled ‘Moments Before Disaster’. Photo supplied: Art on Show

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Friday 19 August

MackHack 2022

Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21

MackHack is back! A ‘hackathon’ long weekend where teams work on genuine industry challenges with the objective of driving the commercial acceleration of METS and mining, mining equipment, technology or services locally and across the state. This cross sector event will feature guest speakers, case studies and workshops in AI, Robotics, XR (VR, AR, MR) technology. It will bring together thinkers, makers, doers, creatives, innovators and entrepreneurs, designers, engineers and programmers to solve internal business challenges, or bigger industry challenges. There will be major cash and prizes up for grabs. To find out more and book your tickets, visit www.mackhack.com.au

Split Spaces

Accommodation Options in Retirement

Friday, 11:00am to 12:30pm

Free seminars for your financial future delivered by Services Australia discussing accommodation options in retirement. Comparison of accommodation types, financial advantages and disadvantages, Centrelink assessment, and aged care fees and charges will be discussed. Bookings required.

Dudley Denny City Library

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as they look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks. Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, Conversations with Art is held in one of the three gallery spaces, or in the Artspace Workshop Room. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, everyone’s welcome!

Artspace Mackay

QCCS presents NQ's Rock'n Country 2022

Friday, 8:00am to Sunday, 11:00pm

QCCS presents NQ's Rock'n Country is back, bigger and better! If you thought the 2021 festival was impressive, wait until you see what is planned for 2022! Bring your camp chairs and picnic blankets and settle in for a massive three days, with over 40 of the best national and local country music artists playing across four stages.

Mackay Showgrounds

Mal Meninga Luncheon

Friday, 12:00pm

When you buy tickets to the Mal Meninga luncheon, you’re helping raise money to help Mackay’s rugby league juniors, plus you get to listen to a rugby league immortal while having a delightful lunch with beverages included at the beautiful Ocean International. Every cent raised (plus more), thanks to the support of our major sponsor Queensland Country Bank and media sponsor, StarFM and the Sunrise Rotary Club Perpetual Fund, goes back to our Juniors.

Ocean International Hotel

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 20 August

Soroptimist International Mackay High Tea

Saturday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Soroptimist International Mackay invites you to a High Tea Event. Tickets are $65 per person. Funds raised go to the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Buy tickets from https://www.trybooking.com/CADXW.

The Ocean International

Discovery - Winterlogic Tour

Saturday, 8:00pm to 2:00am

A part of Discovery's "Winterlogic Tour", McGuires welcomes you all to come and get funky with the Happenings Co. crew bringing you the best Daft punk show in northern Queensland.

McGuires Hotel

Sunday 21 August

Unearthed Free Community Event

Saturday, 9:00am

Enjoy an action-packed program of free STEAM-inspired entertainment for the whole family. Discover local megafauna and prehistoric sea monsters from real fossils to digital models, live science experiments, music and talks, drones, robotics and virtual realities, meet Queensland Museum Network curators, battle it out in our Minecraft competition, get creative with the art of science and more!

MECC

Sunday Live Music – Lucid Wings

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Rock n Roll Dance

Sunday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Rock n Roll dance at Glenella Hall this Sunday. BYO Drinks. Members: $5. Non-Members: $8.

Glenella Hall

Monday 22 August

My Choir

Monday, 11:30am to 12pm

My Choir is aimed at those in the community affected by dementia and memory loss, their families, friends and carers. Singer or not, just come along and experience the joy of singing. Bookings required.

Gordon White Library

Wednesday 24 August

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 25 August

Book Week - Picnic in the Gardens

Thursday, 9:30am to 11:30am

Dress up as your favourite book character and join in for a picnic at the Botanic Gardens, Story Time under the trees and Baby Bounce on the lawn. Join the Libraries team for face painting, puppets, craft activities and heaps more for children up to five years old. Baby Bounce will begin at 10am and Story Time will begin at 10:30am. This is a free event.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Amy Shark – See U Somewhere Tour

Thursday, 7:30pm to 9:45pm

Fresh off her Cry Forever arena tour, adored pop singer-songwriter Amy Shark will be hitting the road for a mammoth 42-date regional tour of Australia presented by triple j, Handsome Tours and Select Music. Support Act Cult Romance: 7.30pm - 8pm. Amy Shark: 8.30pm - 9.45pm. Tickets on sale now!

MECC

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It was the year 1922 when the Sarina branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) was formed and, 100 years later, the branch is hosting a wide range of centenary celebrations.

Next Tuesday, August 23, QCWA Sarina are proudly hosting a Race Day at the Mackay Turf Club.

While Race Day Luncheon tickets are sold out, general admission to the racetrack is free and all are welcome.

Moreover, a major raffle will be drawn on the day with heaps of amazing prizes including a bottle of Sarina Sugar Shed Anzac Commemorative Rum, vouchers and a bottle of port.

Traditionally renowned for their culinary skills, the scones and cakes made by QCWA members have saved lives — raising millions of dollars for those struck by natural disasters and drought, women and children's health, rural education, mental health, and disease.

Members of the Association around Queensland are celebrating the colossal impact of rural Australia's largest advocacy group.

President of QCWA Sarina Mary-Therese Watson said the group have been “planning and excitedly looking forward to the centennial celebration for a while now”.

“The Race Day is about having fun, to not only celebrate but also to raise funds that support the Sarina Branch and its work to assist women and their families,” Ms Watson said.

“We thank Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank for their sponsorship towards our Association, as well as sponsoring the major raffle and the second prize for Race Day.”

Tickets can be purchased by direct deposit, in person at the QCWA hall or at the race day.

You will also find a commemorative centenary display at Community Bank Sarina brimming with history – make sure to stop in and check it out.

Community Bank Sarina Branch Manager Charmaine Matsen said the purpose of the sponsorship for QCWA Sarina Branch was to “provide support to women in our community who are trying to improve the lives of others”.

“It’s important to invest back into organisations that positively impact our greater Sarina region, in a way that inspires action and makes a practical difference in our communities,” Ms Matsen said.

Find QCWA Sarina Branch on Facebook for more information on all their celebrations.

Check out the QCWA Sarina Centenary Display next time you’re in Sarina Community Bank. Photo supplied: QCWA Sarina

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Fresh off her Cry Forever arena tour, ARIA award winner and alt-pop singer songwriter, Amy Shark is hitting the road for a mammoth 42 date regional tour of Australia, presented by triple j, Handsome Tours, Select Music and Rage More.

Amy Shark will bring her critically acclaimed Cry Forever and Love Monster albums to regional fans right across Australia.

Amy has been touring Australia since May, and finally the show comes to her home state of Queensland this month.

“I’m the happiest when I’m on stage performing and I can’t wait to travel further into Australia where I’ve never been before, to explore some of these towns and meet everyone, it’s going to be a fun one,” Amy said.

After bursting onto the global music scene in 2016, Amy Shark’s 6 x Platinum single Adore put her on the map as one of Australia’s most formidable emerging songwriters.

This was followed by APRA award winning (Song of The Year) 6 x Platinum and number one Australian airplay chart hit, I Said Hi and the 2019 3 x platinum single Mess Her Up.

Shark’s debut/breakthrough #1 ARIA album and Platinum-certified LOVE MONSTER was recognised in 2018 with four ARIA awards (Album of the Year, Best Female Artist, Best Pop Release, Best Producer [Dann Hume]) and was nominated for another five.

LOVE MONSTER went on to become the highest selling album by an Australian artist for 2018. Not one to slow down, even in a global pandemic, 2020 saw Amy release her ARIA award winning, 2 x Platinum accredited single, Everybody Rise, which is nearing 37 million streams globally and spent 12 weeks in the top 10 Australian airplay chart.

Amy’s latest album, CRY FOREVER was her second #1 ARIA debut holding the top spot for two weeks consecutively. Shark teamed up with blink 182’s Travis Barker on Gold accredited single C’MON and global superstar Ed Sheeran to co-write platinum single Love Song’s Ain’t for Us featuring Grammy award winning artist Keith Urban.

Today Amy has amassed 798 million combined global streams.

Thrilled to be performing such an epic run of shows around Australia and showing her endless gratitude for the huge love from her regional fans, Amy enthuses, “I don't know when I'll get the chance to do a huge Australian run like this again so if I'm coming to your town, you are mine that night!

“No excuses.”

What: Amy Shark - See U Somewhere Australia Tour

When: Thursday 25 August 2022, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: For tickets and further information, head to https://www.amyshark.com, or www.themecc.com.au

ARIA Award winner Amy Shark is performing at the MECC next Thursday evening

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Friday 12 August

The Mackay Disability Expo 2022

Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Back bigger and better than last year, the expo will offer an opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, aids and equipment. It will also be an opportunity for service providers to build networks with other providers, organisations and agencies in the region. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds

Artist in Residence: Leonie Wood – Made by You!

Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

If you want to learn to draw, then this beginners’ life drawing session is just for you. Renowned local artist Leonie Wood will help you discover techniques and develop your skills in this supportive learning environment. Art supplies provided for use during class. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. Bookings required.

Gordon White Library

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 13 August

Picnic In The Park

Saturday, 10:30am to 1:00pm

A social event for deaf and hard of hearing children of all ages, their parents, siblings, grandparents and caregivers. BYO picnic and blanket. Activities include playground, beach, soccer, French cricket, handball, Auslan bingo and scavenger hunt. Parents or caregivers must stay with children, this is not a supervised event.

Iluka Park, Binnington Esplanade, Mackay

ART TALK: Australian Feminist Art

Saturday, 3:00pm

Presented by Feminist Art Historian, Louise Mayhew, the lecture charts the history of feminism from when it started rippling throughout Australia as Women’s Art Movements in the mid-1970s to when feminist ethics and aesthetics spread into political screenprinting, community art, cyberfeminism and an emerging generation of intersectional feminist artists. Fascinating artists and projects such as Vivienne Binns, VNS Matrix, The CoUNTess and Barbara Cleveland are explored.

Artspace Mackay

Underwater Hockey Come and Try Day

Saturday, 11:00am to 3:00pm

Come and try underwater hockey. Members of the Townsville Underwater Hockey Club are coming down to show everyone the ropes and run some games.

Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex

Sunday 14 August

Hostplus Cup Women In League Round – Mackay Cutters v Burleigh Bears

Sunday, 10:15am

Join the Cutters on Sunday August 14 for Women in League Round, celebrating all women in sport! Come down to BB Print Stadium to witness all the Mackay talent! Hastings Deering Colts kick off: 10:45AM. Hostplus Cup kick off: 1:00PM.

BB Print Stadium

Konvoy 4 Kids Mackay 2022

Sunday, 10:30am to 3:00pm

Join in on the 2022 Konvoy 4 Kids Mackay and help fundraise much needed funds for QLD children and families in need. All funds raised go to Variety QLD, the children's charity. Check out the website for ways you can get involved: https://k4kmackay.wixsite.com/konvoy. Join the family fun day at Mackay Showgrounds!

Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday Live Music – The Feels

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday 16 August

Reminisce Cafe

Tuesday, 9:00am to 10:30am

Memories and conversations keep us connected to our loved ones. Every month, the library is having a get together with a cuppa, as they introduce you to the magic of reminiscing. They will access a wonderful selection of resources to encourage friendly conversation, intellectual stimulation and reflection for those living with Dementia, their family and carers. Bookings essential.

Gordon White Library

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. Drop-in anytime between 10am and 2pm (live children's music from 11.30am to 12.15pm). BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run craft activities in two sessions, Sess1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Sess2: Anytime from 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. Space is limited, and all participants should be seated during their stay. If there are no seats available in the room when you arrive, simply try again later.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 17 August

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

World Café

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:30pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Sugar City Rock 'n' Rollers 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 18 August

Artist's Talk: In conversation with Shelley Engwirda

Thursday, 6:00pm

Join Mackay artist Shelley Engwirda as she talks about her exhibition ‘We Rise’ on show in the Foyer Gallery at Artspace Mackay. Inspired by her experience as a new grandmother, Engwirda explores the way female artists have been regarded historically. For this exhibition she examines the success and failures of the women’s movement through her multidisciplinary practice. The artist’s large scale patchwork quilts alongside glass work respond to what she considers major moments in the women’s movement from the 1970s to present.

Artspace Mackay

Peter Williams Medium Live

Thursday, 7:00pm

After numerous sell out performances in Australia, hugely popular psychic-medium Peter Williams is returning to Mackay. On the night, Peter Williams will demonstrate his amazing ability as he contacts and communicates with loved ones on the other side. He will be delivering their messages to the audience live on the day. Please ensure you arrive around 6:45pm for a 7pm start. Peter Williams is internationally known for his heartfelt and accurate insights and continues to amaze audiences with his ability to communicate with loved ones in the Spirit world. Peter has been reading for clients in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan for over 10 years. During a live event Peter uses his special ability to connect with souls that have passed over and help bring closure to those in need.

MECC

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Young and old flooded through the gates of Mackay Christian College (MCC) last Saturday, for the feast of entertainment on offer through the day and night.

It’s become one of the Mackay Region’s favourite family days to attend, and the 2022 Open Day did not disappoint.

While the open day is an opportunity for MCC to showcase its school to the Mackay and greater regions, families enjoy the displays and stalls and entertainment which makes it both fun and informative.

Marketing and Communications Officer Mrs Tish Scholtz said they couldn’t have asked for better weather.

“It was a beautifully sunny day, a spectacular evening and a great crowd to help us celebrate our open day,” Mrs Scholtz said.

“There was entertainment on stage throughout the event delivered by MCC’s Creative Academy. We had a great outcome from MCC students competing in the Lego and Baking competition, look out for future Master Chef and Lego Masters winners from MCC,” she said.

“Our house family mascots were interacting with the crowd, sharing chocolates and getting into mischief.”

With a variety of food, drinks and sweets on offer and the excitement of the amusement rides, young and old had a lovely day. The night concluded with a fantastic firework display.

The open day would not be a success without the hard work from the MCC staff, community support, and local Mackay business sponsorship.

Keep an eye on MCC’s Facebook page for the date of its Open Day in 2023.

Mackay Christian College

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Last Saturday exemplified what north Queensland winters are all about and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day for the return of BE Social Fest, bringing some of Australian music’s biggest names to Mackay.

The festival was the chat of the town and excitement was high; it had been a while since Mackay’s last opportunity to dust off their best festival ‘fits and check out some live music.

The festival’s objective is to bring together a fun bunch of festival goers to enjoy each other's energy and just BE, and when paired with an epic line-up and Mackay’s tropical winter climate, it was looking to be one hell of a night.

It’s no secret that Mackay isn’t on every musician’s touring radar but, with the support of Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Tourism and triple j, BE Social delivered a line-up and an event that organisers hope will put Mackay on the Australian music map.

BE SOCIAL

It was the locals who delighted the eager early afternoon crowds first, with Mackay’s Ruby Sue and Rockhampton’s The Stone Apes kicking off proceedings in style.

The Stone Apes’ lead singer Jye Kennedy has a swagger that has been likened to that of Gang of Youths’ Dave Le'aupepe, and the band’s catchy indie rock and captivating stage presence suited the Mackay winter afternoon perfectly.

LO'99 graced the decks next, mixing original heaters with songs from friends like Dom Dolla and more.

A deep house remix of Pink Floyd’s The Wall echoed between the Main Stage and the rave-tailored Social Stage with punters who were looking for a boogie spoilt for choice.

There was a noticeable abundance of pink scattered throughout the hair and outfits of punters and Peach PRC joined the pink party when she took the stage next.

Possibly the most TikTok famous person to visit Mackay, the rising pop star had the crowd in her hand the whole set, singing along to her viral hits God Is A Freak, Josh and a cover of Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag.

Middle Kids have been providing heartfelt, energetic and catchy indie rock for years and their 2021 album Today We’re the Greatest was no exception.

No strangers to Mackay, they delivered a set of youth-defining hits spanning both albums with the crowd singing and bopping along to songs like R U 4 Me?, Never Start and Edge of Town.

It’s always a treat when electronic and hip-hop acts perform with live percussion and Thundamentals provided the goods.

Their set of Aussie hip-hop anthems brought the crowd’s hands to the air, traversing through classics like Sally, Smiles Don’t Lie and their cover of Matt Corby’s Brother.

As the sun set in the west, the crowd grew, gearing up for an evening of epic electronic music and endless boogieing.

KLP was next behind the decks on the Main Stage with local producer Clovr closing out the Social Stage at the same time so there was plenty of dancing to be done between the two stages.

Hermitude were next to the Main Stage and played a career spanning set that indulged fans old and new.

The duo’s style has varied over the years, but the quality of heaters has remained consistently high.

There were many shoutouts to their early fans as they played classics like HyperParadise, Speak of the Devil and Through the Roof.

Hermitude once again proved why they’re considered icons and pioneers of the industry with a huge set that definitely had the crowd feeling “The Buzz”.

Mashd N Kutcher closed out the excellent day with a DJ set brimming with bangers that, of course, included their Dan Andrews-featuring viral hit Get on the Beers.

Punters dispersed, making their way to either of two official after parties organised by the BE Social crew, bringing an end to a day that proved Mackay is hungrier than ever for live music and good times.

Middle Kids brought the energy to BE Social Fest on Saturday afternoon. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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On May 8, 2021, 33-year-old Holland resident Tom Boerman departed his home country, embarking on a journey of incredible proportions.

Mr Boerman is on a trek across all continents on foot – a 25-thousand-mile-long walk through seven continents including Antarctica.

Last week, on day 435 of his journey, Tom made his way into Mackay, posting on a local Facebook group looking for a place to stay.

“I travel for the experiences, and I walk for the talks,” Mr Boerman said.

“For example, I posted something in the Facebook group in Mackay and a few people replied.

“I stayed with my host, and he said that he had an airplane, so he took me flying – this is how it goes.

“He said, ‘if you take a day off, I will take you flying,’ so I’m not going to say no to that.”

Mr Boerman says he wasn’t happy with the life he was living in Holland and needed to do something about it.

“I was depressed, suicidal and addicted; it was time for a change,” he said.

“I sold everything and started travelling.

“Nowadays I’m just walking around the world meeting people; it’s an awesome experience.”

Mr Boerman’s travels have taken him from Holland through Europe and into Asia where he got stuck in Iran with border closures.

He made his way through the Middle East and America and eventually flew to Cairns, now making his way down the coast and into Adelaide.

He says he was pleasantly surprised with what Mackay has to offer.

“Mackay’s actually a really nice city,” he said.

“Everyone who lives below the equator is more laidback and chill.”

As Mr Boerman walks across the world, he relies on the generosity of strangers for things like water and space to set up his tent.

He loves meeting strangers all over the world and getting their perspectives on life and politics.

With this unique insight into humankind, Mr Boerman says humanity still exists.

“It doesn’t matter where it is … people are keen to help,” he said.

“If you show vulnerability, they will answer that with vulnerability.

“It’s not a fairy tale – it’s the worst way to have the best time of your life, that’s what I always say.”

Having made such a drastic change to his circumstances, Mr Boerman’s advice to people is to avoid getting stuck in a rut.

“Make sure you don’t become the prisoner of your own life,” he said.

“I always say ‘never sacrifice happiness for achievement’, and I see people in the western world striving for whatever, they just try to reach goals and achievements and I see people running and I look at their faces and I’m like, ‘why are you running? To me, it doesn’t look like you’re enjoying it.’

“I would say to people if you had only 90 days, what would you do?”

While Mr Boermn is driven by the challenge and experience, he is also walking for a cause.

“Now that I am 35 years old, I simply cannot travel for pleasure only,” he said.

“I want to give back.”

He is raising money for the Bungamati Foundation, a Nepalese social organisation assisting marginalized, poor children, women and people and strengthening the capacity of schools and communities.

“I do think we all have the right to dream, but in order to dream one needs access to education,” he said.

To find out more about Tom Boerman’s journey and to donate to his cause, visit www.iwalkaroundtheworld.com.

Tom Boerman is walking across the globe. Photo: supplied

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You may know her as the beloved author of children's books starring Berky the Bush Turkey, but Pamela Gargett has recently finished penning her second book for adults drawn from inspiration from the Pioneer Valley.

Based in regional Queensland, titled The Quilted Valley, Ms Gargett’s novel is the second in The Cane Suite trilogy.

The Quilted Valley begins in Longreach with the return of a World War I soldier, and ends up in the Pioneer Valley – the namesake of the book.

A Mackay resident, Pamela has travelled extensively throughout Queensland – with the people and places she has come across helping to fuel her books.

“I’ve always thought of the Pioneer Valley as a patchwork with the spread of farms – all the interconnecting properties and the people who live there – forming a beautiful vista,” Pamela said.

“It was this view of the Valley, and how those people live alongside each other – all connected yet separate – that set the foundation for the interlocking stories in the book.”

While the third book is in the making, Pamela describes The Cane Suite trilogy as a set that can also be read as standalone books.

“The Quilted Valley has some totally new characters – with many strong, independent females leading the story threads.

“In this book, we watch those characters evolve from that post-WWI time through to the 2000s – with the third book then bringing those characters to the present day.”

Pamela is a former lecturer, teacher, and mentor to aspiring educators and has also authored two children’s books with the well-loved character Berky the Turkey – Birds Don’t Have Birthdays (2019) and How the Brush Turkey Lost His Egg (2017).

The Quilted Valley can be purchased at bit.ly/thequiltedvalley or on Amazon.

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Friday 5 August

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Mackay IFF 2022 Opening Night Event: Official Competition

Friday, 7:00pm

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Mackay International Film Festival, Film & Arts Mackay warmly invites you to this special Opening Night event.

BCC Cinemas Mackay

Latin Roots Night

Friday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Get your ticket and join in Latin Roots Night with the best Latin music, enjoy a complimentary drink and enter for the chance to win a Latin Roots t-shirt!

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Saturday 6 August

Big Boys Toys Expo 2022

Saturday, 8:30am to Sunday, 3:00pm

The Ultimate Adventure Expo showcasing boating, fishing, camping plus a huge range of caravans, campervans, 4x4s, classic cars, performance cars, clothing, spas, DIY, mowers, excavators, sheds, tools, BBQs – you name it. And as always, stunt riders and fun for the whole family.

Mackay Showgrounds

BE Social Fest 2022

Saturday, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

BE Social Fest is back for its second year and is bringing some big names to the sugar city. Catch Hermitude, Middle Kids, Thundamentals, Peach PRC, The Stone Apes and more.

Harrup Park

Mackay IFF 2022

Saturday, 2:00pm to 8:00pm

2:00pm – Blind Ambition

4:00pm – Hive

6:00pm – Drive My Car

BCC Cinemas Mackay

Artists' Books on Show: Director's Choice from the MRC Collection

Saturday, 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Meet Artspace Gallery Director Tracey Heathwood at ART ON SHOW and see her present a selection of her favourite artists’ books from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. The Art Collection holds over 600 artists’ books and every two years Artspace Mackay hosts a national artists’ book prize, the Libris Awards. Tracey has a long association with the gallery and its collection of artists’ books and is herself a practicing printmaker. She will share personal insights into some of her favourite artists and artists’ books.

500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds

Mackay Christian College Open Day 2022

Saturday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Every year, MCC has amusement rides, a variety of food and beverage stalls, displays, and activities, and not to forget our fantastic fireworks show to conclude the night. Tickets can be purchased through the Senior Campus front office or the Junior Campus reception, by cash or EFTPOS.

Mackay Christian College

Sunday 7 August

2022 Mackay Weddings & Events Expo

Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm

The annual Mackay Weddings & Events Expo is happening again in 2022! Fashion parade from 1:00pm. Food, coffee and beverages available. Prizes to be won on the day. Gold coin donation at the door for Headspace Mackay. There will be a wonderful choice of local vendors from our Mackay region ready to help you plan your special wedding or event!

St Pat's Hall Mackay

Sunday Live Music – One for the Road

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Mackay IFF 2022

Sunday, 2:00pm to 8:00pm

2:00pm – Hit the Road

4:00pm – Compartment No 6

6:15pm – A Stasi Comedy

BCC Cinemas Mackay

Tuesday 9 August

Mackay Plumbing & Gas Trade Expo 2022

Tuesday, 4:00pm to 7:00pm

MPAQ invites you to attend your local Plumbing & Gas Trade Expo. Set out exhibition style, the event is FREE to attend and you'll have the opportunity to view trade displays and grab some delicious food and drinks, all while networking with industry representatives. A new addition in 2022 will be the interactive learning hub, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about industry-related products and/or services in short, engaging presentations run in conjunction with the Expo. Registration and Expo Start Time: 4:00pm | Expo Concludes: 7:00pm. Complimentary canapes and drinks provided.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Wednesday 10 August

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

Thursday 11 August

Art talk: How to start an ARI

Thursday, 6:00pm

Artist Run Initiatives & practical advice with Hamish Sawyer. Hear from Brisbane-based independent curator and writer Hamish Sawyer about what makes a successful Artist Run Initiative (ARI). Hamish will provide some relevant case studies, offer practical advice on how to start an ARI, and identify pitfalls to avoid. Hamish will also discuss his involvement with Outer Space, a Brisbane-based contemporary art organisation, its current SUPERCUT initiative and opportunities for Queensland artists.

Artspace Mackay

Envoy: Shark Cull Screening

Thursday, 7:00pm

Community screening of the ground-breaking documentary Envoy: Shark Cull – exposing the truth about shark culling programs on Australia’s East Coast. Join Humane Society International for the screening with a brief Q and A to follow.

Red Dog Brewery

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Celebrating its 10th year of hosting the Mackay International Film Festival, Film & Arts Mackay has curated another exhilarating program of award-winning film titles from across the globe which will screen this weekend at BCC Cinemas in Mt Pleasant.

Starting at 7pm tonight, the Opening Night film event is the bitingly funny comedy from Spain Official Competition about a mismatched collective of artists and investors making a film for all the wrong reasons. The film boasts a wicked dialogue and stellar acting from Spanish greats Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas. After the screening, the audience are invited to enjoy some delicious Tapas and drinks in the cinema foyer. Tickets are $22 and are available online through www.eventcinemas.com.au or at the box office.

One of the films on offer at this year's festival is the multi award-winning drama from Japan, Drive My Car, playing on Saturday, 6th August. Drive My Car is a beautifully haunting and absorbing recreation of a short story collection by the renowned Japanese writer Murakami which focuses on exploring emotions like regret and sorrow. The film won multiple awards including the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2022 as well as a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award.

Other award-winning titles on offer are the Iranian drama Hit the Road playing on Sunday, 7th August.  This striking feature debut is a sincere and moving comic drama that follows a family of four as they drive across the Iranian countryside. In addition, screening on Saturday 6th August is the Australian-made documentary Blind Ambition, a true story of an unlikely team of Zimbabwean refugees turned sommeliers who shake up the international wine establishment when they compete in the World Wine Tasting Championships.

The closing film on Sunday, A Stasi Comedy, is a hilarious and brilliantly acted comedy from Germany which follows a man’s double life as an underground poet and a Stasi agent in East Berlin in the 1980s which comes back to haunt him 30 years later. Also in the program are films from Albania (Hive) and Finland/Russia (Compartment No 6).

In addition, and as a result of generous funding from the Queensland Government (Flying Arts Alliance and Regional Arts Australia), there will also be films shown in Sarina on August 13 and Proserpine on September 25 as part of the program.

Film & Arts Mackay President and film programmer Sally Marsden says it is evident that people are not staying away from the cinema, but rather grabbing opportunities like the film festival and the monthly film screenings to watch quality, independent cinema on the big screen.  

The full program and ticket details can be found on FAM’s website filmartsmackay.weebly.com or on their Facebook page and programs are available at the cinema box office.

Blind Ambition

Drive My Car

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Do you dream of reliving the good old days?

Well do not miss THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 1960's TV VARIETY SHOW with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys.

The boys are back with a brand-new show! Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from: The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers! The Robertson Brothers grew up in a home that appreciated the Variety TV Show.

When designing this new live touring show they decided to reinvent the magic and diversity of the old school 1960's Variety TV shows. With an amazing multimedia presentation, expect to be entertained by many of the classic hits from the 60's.

Through the prism of the Variety TV show format, you will travel back in time to embrace and celebrate all the hits of these 60's Music Legends. You'll be singing, dancing, laughing and crying to Georgy Girl, Morningtown Ride, I’ll Never Find Another You, Oh Carol, Calendar Girl, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Spicks and Specks, To Love Somebody, Massachusetts, I Started A Joke, Got To Get A Message To You, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Let’s Hang On, Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Cathy’s Clown, Bus Stop, plus so many more in this celebration of your favourite 60’s Superstars!

“It’s the best show I’ve seen in years!” - Ray Hadley, 2GB

What: The Robertson Brothers 1960’s Variety Tv Show

When: Sunday 28 August 2022, 2pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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A clash of forces occurred last month when five Units of the Australian Defence Force Cadets come together for the Mackay Region’s annual Tri Service Challenge.

With last year’s event being such a success, the Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets went all out to win the Champions Trophy for their Unit in 2022.

Competitions included Drill routines, First Aid Skills, Relays and Tug-of-War which were all hotly contested.

Co-ordinating Officer for this year’s event, Major AAC John Zimmermann OAM, says the Cadets enjoy the opportunity to come together to contest in events to continue the friendly rivalry between each of the Units.

“The Jubilee Year Games continues the spirit of teamwork from formal events such as ANZAC Day to enable the Cadets to compete together in rivalry while participating in a variety of fun activities,” he said.

Mayor of Mackay Region, Councillor Greg Williamson visited the Cadets during the day together with the Brigade Commander and Regimental Sergeant Major of the North Queensland Australian Army Cadet Brigade.

The Challenge took place at Queens Park where families and Support Groups cheered on their teams. After scoring all of the individual events, the 122 Army Cadet Unit (Mackay) won the Champion Unit Shield for 2022.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is comprised of the Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets and Australian Air Force Cadets for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years.

Photo credit: Mackay Seen

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Over 400 photo entries were received from budding photographers in the Mackay and Isaac region for the 2022 Mackay Isaac Tourism #visitmackay and #ourisaac photo competition.

The panel of judges for the competition comprised of Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler, all given the mammoth task of choosing from the huge array of entrants.

Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea says since the pandemic, travellers and locals have changed their travel habits and are looking to explore holiday destinations closer to home.

“The beauty and variety of our region has been captured spectacularly by the marvellous photographs entered in this photo competition – from coastal pandanus to rugged caves to sweeping vistas – it is all here and more,” Ms Vea Vea said.

"By sharing the photos captured as part of this competition on social media and in print in magazines hopefully we can capture the hearts of our locals and travellers.”

Throughout the month-long competition, Mackay Isaac Tourism’s social channels were flooded with stunning photos of hidden gems and stunning landscapes of the Mackay Isaac region.

With many amazing photos sent in this year, the judges had a hard time trying to pick out the finalists.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says he was not surprised by the amount of talent that was out there.

“Our residents prove time and again that they have a real eye for what is beautiful about our region,” Mr Williamson said.

“I think the (photos) that have been chosen by the panel really do represent the area.

“It’s been an absolutely sensational outcome this year around, with the 400 entries, hard to choose from, but it was all a celebration of our district.

“It makes you proud.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim CEO Tash Wheeler says this year’s photo competition was all about inspiring locals to be proud of our region and showcasing it to friends and family, encouraging them to visit.

“Stimulating growth in the region’s tourism industry post-pandemic is particularly important as many people have now gone months without seeing their loved ones,” Ms Wheeler said.

“It’s fantastic to see the passion and creativity from everyone who got behind the #visitmackay and #ourisaac photo competition.

“In a region which is as expansive and diverse as ours, each picture perfectly represents not just what makes the Mackay Isaac region a great place to live, but also the perfect place to visit,” she said.

The prizes for the best pictures included drones, GoPros and Polaroid cameras and photos will be used in future marketing collateral by Mackay Isaac Tourism.

Mayor Greg Williamson was a judge alongside Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The winning photo for Mackay was St Bees Island by Benjamin Rennie

Sugar Mill Night shot by Ben Ashmore, second place for Mackay

Ring Road by Gus Sacco came third for Mackay

Sunrise at Clairview by Courtney Snook placed first for Isaac

Train Carriages Clermont by Damian Freiberg, second place for Isaac

Sunflowers by Emma Turnbull came third for Isaac

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As Goosies filled with tinsel, Santa hats, baubles and over a hundred smiling faces, it could only mean one thing: the Mackay 50’s & Better Christmas In July Luncheon.

108 gathered at Goosies last Friday for the annual Christmas in July luncheon, with many dressing up to take part in the fashion parade.

Attendees also enjoyed Australia-themed trivia, live music from Annette Worthington and, of course, a meal fit for kings and queens.

“It went very well,” said Margaret Edwards.

“We’re getting rave reviews from all our members that were there.

“We had a very good meal, of course - they do a good spread.”

“The food was absolutely tremendous,” added Garry Edwards, who emceed the event.

“(Annette Worthington) provided us with great entertainment and jokes as well.”

The next Mackay 50’s & Better outing will be a Mag and Meal luncheon on August 31, again at Goosies, featuring a guest speaker from Queensland Rail.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased from Margaret at upcoming 50s and Better events at Goosies on August 10 and 17.

For more information, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779.

108 social seniors enjoyed live music, trivia, a fashion parade and a hearty meal at the Mackay 50’s & Better Christmas In July Luncheon last Friday. Photo credit: Photos By Nell

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Entries have now closed for Mackay`s prestigious national art prize, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2022. This year is the 16th celebration and has joined the Mackay Festival of Arts as a new Fringe Event.

200 talented Australian artists have entered, and have a chance to win a share in over $11,000 non-acquisitive prize pool, and be part of a four-day exhibition with an opportunity to sell their works.

This stand-alone annual event will this year enjoy new additions to further highlight and celebrate art and culture in our region.

The Mackay Show Associations initiative behind establishing The Art on Show Awards was to take the arts to a higher level of professionalism within the context of a public/community art competition in the show “arena”.

Art on Show Coordinator, Melissa Broadhurst, said, “Our continuing aim is to seek a very significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nation-wide, provide a high standard of presentation, play an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future, as a high-profile arts event, and provide an educational role, raising awareness and promoting the arts to patrons who attend the Art on Show event and the Mackay Regional Show, annually.

“We aim to highlight the wealth of diverse local artistic talent in our region and attract a high standard of interstate works.”

The Art on Show Awards have 5 sections of entry, the major prize the Woollam Art on Show Award $3000, and the total prize purse is $11,000. The People’s Choice Award judged by the event patrons is published post event.

A high-profile judge has been secured for the 2022 awards with Ms Deanna Hitti, nationally acclaimed Australian artist, and recipient of the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award, judging this year’s competition.

Ms Hitti, a previous winner of our very own Artspace Mackay Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize, is also looking forward to reconnecting with Mackay`s art community.

She will also be presenting a special artist talk at Artspace Mackay and a Masterclass artist workshop at the Mackay Showgrounds during her visit.

You can show your support for art and culture, in your community, by purchasing work from our local artists, during the public exhibition.

OFFICIAL OPENING EVENING and AWARDS PRESENTATION: Friday 5 August 2022, Commencing 6.30pm.

ART EXHIBITION: Friday 5 – Monday 8 August 2022.

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES: Friday 5 August 6.30pm – 9pm Official Opening - ticketed event.

Tickets available online at artonshow@mackayshow.com.au July 2022

Saturday 6 August 10am – 5pm Sunday 7August 10am – 5pm Monday 8 August 10am – 5pm

ARTISTS DEANNA HITTI MASTERCLASS WORKSHOP DATES: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August

ALL WORKS FOR SALE. Over 200 works exhibited in the exhibition. In the 500 Pavilion (Upper level).

Previous Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award 2021 Artist Greg Cannon with his work entitled Driftwood Retreat

Guests Letitia Anderson and Taya Anderson admiring works in the 2021 exhibition

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What we sometimes take for granted, girls and women in many parts of the world consider a luxury.

When it’s life and death just to feed your children, many families living in poverty can’t afford sanitary items for their girls. Without the means to manage a menstrual period, many of these girls end up missing school or missing work, losing out on opportunities because they have no way of protecting themselves from period stigma.

Days for Girls Mackay is a team of dedicated volunteers who produce washable reusable sanitary packs for women in developing countries.

These kits allow young girls to attend school, and women to go about their daily lives. The kits empower - and are a great stigma eraser - for women who would otherwise be isolated while menstruating.

Days for Girls' aim is to afford all women the dignity, health and opportunity they deserve.

Fundraiser

Days for Girls is holding a cent sale on Saturday, July 30 at Goosies Sports Club, from 12 midday. There are more than 200 items, an auction, raffle and lucky door prize. Proceeds raised will ensure this group of volunteers can continue their work to provide

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It’s a show about sex, taboos, female pleasure, speaking out and the sharing of women’s stories.

BARE, a live cabaret show by The Just Saying Project, is coming to the MECC North Foyer on Saturday, July 30, at 7.30am and on Sunday, July 31, at 2.30pm.

According to The Just Saying Project founder Fallon Drewett, the show, which explores the female body in all its pleasure and pain, is in its second iteration.

“Now, more than ever, women are making noise and they have found their power in not staying quiet,” Ms Drewett said.

“Revamping BARE’s storyline for its second season has been a thrilling process – this event truly is a show that both women and men will enjoy,” she said.

"BARE is a show that celebrates women's stories but also shares the pleasure and pain of being a woman.

"Part of this season of BARE is about encouraging the men in women's lives to join them for this cabaret. The delivery of this message is performed in a fun, entertaining and engaging way that will make your belly hurt from laughter.”

Deputy Mayor Karen May said BARE was a triumph of local talent and was a fitting finale for the core program of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

“The Just Saying Project have done some wonderful projects to date that are all about recognising and celebrating our local women,” Cr May said.

“This show is no exception and is 100 per cent local, featuring local writers, actors and more than 30 women who will take part in a Body Love Runway and a dance for the finale,” she said.

“They will be led by two fantastic local providers, Boutique Burlesque by Bailey and RNB Dance Fitness. The show script was also co-written by Fallon Drewett and Mackay performer Sammie Mitchell.

“Make sure you grab your tickets as soon as possible, because this will be a great night out.”

Tickets are available from the MECC Box Office or online at themecc.com.au/festivals  

BARE is an 18+ event.

BARE writers Sammie Mitchell (left) and Fallon Drewett

BARE is a show about sex, taboos, female pleasure and speaking out

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All things ‘queing and brewing is returning to Harrup Park this November, with the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival.

Mark Saturday November 12 on the calendar to experience some of the most succulent meat you’ve ever experienced, matched with superb sauces and accompanied by bubbles and beer. It’s low and slow cooking by some of the best pit masters in the region, where you get to sample the best in the business.

Enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great food and drinking your choice of over 50 Australian and international beers.

In 2021 the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival worked with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance to bring an official round of the Australian Barbecue Championships to Mackay. The competition was named ‘The BBQ Battle’ and saw 20 teams travel to Mackay to compete in the lucrative Barbecue Championship Round with $9,500 in prize money.

This year they’re doing it again, looking to bring back all the big names! Registrations are now open.

Come along and watch as local legends battle it out to win Mackay’s Best Beard & Mullet Competitions. Entry is free to anyone on the day and there is still plenty of time left to grow a winning mullet or beard.  

It wouldn’t be the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival without the famous Chilli Eating Contest. Can you handle the heat? Registrations are now open – find applications on the event’s website.  

The event will feature live entertainment from Kyle LIONHART, French Press, Nortica and more throughout the day.

Harrup Park General Manager, Adrian Young said, “We’re extremely excited to be doing this amazing event again in 2022!

“It was a great experience to have a sanctioned ABA event in Mackay with teams traveling across Queensland to compete on our grounds.

“This year we’re also making an effort to get more independent breweries on board to help showcase their beers.”

What: De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

When: Saturday November 12, 12pm – 8pm

Where: Harrup Park

Tickets: $15 + Booking fee - mackaybbqandbeerfestival.com.au

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You might remember Tom Barry.

Mackay Life published a story about Tom in our May 6 edition earlier this year, speaking to him about his incredible life story and his telling of it in his memoir ‘The Prodigious Leap’.

Tom raises his bat next Monday, August 1, celebrating his 100th birthday with a book launch this weekend.

Tom has already received birthday cards from some high-profile friends including member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia David Hurley and his wife Linda and, of course, the Queen.

“She wrote ‘Dear Tommy,’” Tom jested with a cheeky grin.

“No, she did not, don’t tell lies,” Ann laughed.

Tom says turning 100 is an exciting occasion, but it all starts again come August 2.

“I have no worries, nor should I have,” he said.

“When the second of August comes, you make new plans.

“There’s always something new to look forward to.”

Friends and family will help Tom celebrate, with guests travelling from as far as Adelaide, Brisbane, and Victoria, some of which he hasn’t seen for years.

Tom and his wife Ann say Tom’s book wouldn’t have been published as quickly and successfully as it has without the support of Bolton Clarke’s At Home Support team, the Regional Arts Development Fund Grant and the generosity of their family and friends including Jo Penola and Jo and Doug Blackhurst.

“You can’t even begin to say the amount of time and effort and money and all sorts of stuff that they’ve done, and they do it without thinking, they do it because they want to,” said Ann.

“They’re just beautiful people.”

Tom is the recipient of a package provided by Bolton Clarke which brought now close friend Jo Penola into his and Ann’s lives.

“I still think it’s an amazing thing that a homecare package for an aged person can help them with things like that because one of the things it’s meant to do is help a person with the package reach their goals,” said Jo.

“When you’ve lived a hundred years, obviously you’ve seen a hundred years’ worth of stuff happen, so that’s just so amazing, and (Tom’s) got such fabulous recall of that hundred years.”

“Well, that’s because it was so interesting,” responded Tom.

‘A Prodigious Leap’ will be available for purchase and signing by author Tom Barry at Magpies Sporting Club tomorrow, Saturday, July 30 between 1 and 5pm.

The book can also be purchased on Amazon.

Tom and Ann Barry

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Friday 29 July

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and hosts a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Friday SUN.sets – Nortica

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Friday Sun.set session at WakeHouse with Nortica. Hear songs from their upcoming EP ~ this is a live music gig you don't want to miss. Free event as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

Wake House Australia

Friday Jazz @ the Con

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @ the Con featuring Australian trumpet royalty, Dave Newdick, alongside music staff David Reaston (Guitar), Peter McKenzie (Saxophone) & Jason Smyth-Tomkins (Drums). Tickets $15.

CQUniversity's Conservatorium of Music, Ooralea Campus

Saturday 30 July

Mackay Brick Event

Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am to 3:00pm

The Mackay Brick Event will showcase the amazing LEGO creations of the Brick Events team, with special guest Andrew from LEGO Masters season 2.

Why not join in the fun of building at our play tables and ever popular build walls, or join one of our special Mega Cities with Andrew sessions for the ultimate experience.

Mackay Showgrounds

2022 Rally Against Veteran Suicide

Saturday, 11:00am

Raising funds for local Mackay Veteran support services. This year’s Rally starts at Mackay Cenotaph in Jubilee Park and finishes at the Finch Hatton RSL. Bike games, car and bike Show and Shine, live music and camping.

Alfred St, Mackay

BARE

Saturday, 7:30pm and Sunday, 2:30pm

Join The Just Saying Project for a live cabaret show, as they explore the female body in all its pleasure and pain. This show will feature singing and dancing from Mackay performers, burlesque, comedic and dramatic stories, along with a Body Love Runway and BARE community project.

MECC North Foyer

The VANNS

Saturday, 8:00pm

After launching 2022 with a run of huge sell-out shows, The VANNS are getting back on the road and hitting some of the country’s favourite regional centres. In their biggest headline run to date, the NSW South Coast four-piece are touring top to bottom, east to west and back again before heading back into the studio to deliver new music before the year is out.

Seabreeze Hotel

Days for Girls Cent Sale

Saturday, from 12pm

There are more than 200 items, an auction, raffle and lucky door prize. Proceeds raised will ensure this group of volunteers can continue their work to provide opportunities to disadvantaged women across the world.

Goosies Sports Club

Sunday 31 July

National Tree Day in Mackay

Sunday, 8:30am to 12:30pm

As part of National Tree Day, Mackay Regional Council is holding a tree planting event at Woodlands Reserve in Andergrove. This site has strong community interest and the tree planting event will help to enhance the natural areas of the reserve and will complement the upcoming Woodlands District Park project.

Ficus Cres, Andergrove QLD 4740, Australia

Sunday Live Music – Matt Tandy

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 1 August

Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) Homelessness Week 2022

Monday to Thursday

CASA is holding a number of events and information sessions for Homelessness Week 2022. Visit CASA’s Facebook page for more information.

Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA), Cnr Gregory and Alfred Streets, Mackay

Estate Planning for Older People

Monday, 9:30am to 11:00am

A free seminar for your financial future delivered by Services Australia discussing estate planning for older people. Including an estate plan within your financial plan, guardianship and enduring power of attorney, intestacy and wills, and the role of insurance. Bookings are required.

Gordon White Library

Tuesday 2 August

Morning Melodies

Tuesday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies at the Leagues Club with Anette Worthington performing live once a month. The cafe will be open from 10:00am and the bistro from 12:00pm.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Wednesday 3 August

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 presents Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

Wednesday, 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday 9:30am to 10:30 am and 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Brought to you by Get Lost & Found, Puffin, and the Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd in association with Interactive Theatre International. Inspired by the World’s No.1 Storyteller, Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families supported by the Roald Dahl Story Company. All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the ancient guild of Taletenders can save the stories - and they need your help. Roald Dahl and the Imagination seekers is an unforgettable interactive theatrical experience. Especially made for ages 6 and up, the show is an immersive and interactive performance, involving games and imaginative play, while exploring Roald Dahlʼs extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way. Age Recommendation: Ages 6 – 10. Show duration: 55 mins, no interval.

MECC

Thursday 4 August

Artist’s Talk with nationally acclaimed artist printmaker Deanna Hitti

Thursday, 6:00pm

Brought to you by Artspace Mackay and the Woollam Art on Show Awards, Deanna Hitti is an Australian artist based in Melbourne with Lebanese heritage. Her artist’s book Towla was purchased for the MRC Art Collection during 2018 Libris Awards and won the Fremantle Art Centre Print Award in the same year. Reserve your free ticket online.

Artspace Mackay

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Wests Tigers have announced a huge line-up of footy greats for the Craig Menkins Sportsman's Dinner in August.

The event is a fundraiser for Wests Tigers A Grade Coach Craig Menkins who is battling brain cancer.

The night will be headlined by special guest and Fox Sports Legend Matty Johns who has previously played rugby league alongside Craig.

Also in attendance will be Tony Butterfield, Stephen Crowe (emcee), Brad Godden, Peter Jones, Martin Locke, Steven Holmes, Dallas Hannay, Michael Hogue and Glen Murphy.

All proceeds from the night will go to Craig and the Special Olympics Mackay Fire.

WHAT: The Craig Menkins Sportsman's Dinner

WHEN: Friday, August 19

WHERE: West's Leagues Club, Walkerston

TICKETS: $250, phone 4959 2480 to book

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Friday 22 July

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and do a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Free Come and Try Lawn Bowls

Friday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Would you like a fun morning learning to play bowls? Mackay City Bowls Club, 305 Shakespeare Street on Fridays for four weeks, 10:00am – 11:30am. Bowls provided. Wear flat-soled footwear and comfortable clothing. All welcome. Bookings on 0427 275 492 or by emailing mackaycitylbc@gmail.com.

Mackay City Bowls Club

Breathing and meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Explore calmness and mindfulness. Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what’s in front of us? By quieting the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring your own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session.

Gordon White Library

City Heart Fridays

Friday, 2:00pm to 10:00pm

Come and unwind after work on Friday in the Mackay City Centre. Enjoy M’Lady’s Shoes 40-year celebration, sidewalk markets, Latin dancing, paint and sip, and the Fifth Lane Zappar experience. Check out the Mackay City and Waterfront Facebook page for more details.

Mackay City Centre

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Mackay Chambers Music Festival

Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24

The fourth Mackay Chamber Music Festival is back, offering a weekend of inspiring concerts, masterclasses and workshops, featuring some of the finest classical musicians from around the world.

Queensland Conservatorium of Music, CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus

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Saturday 23 July

Mackay Cup Race Day

Saturday, gates open at 11:00am

It’s one of the biggest days on the racing calendar, with a function room, lounge bar, general admission and drink package deals available. The day will include Fashions on the Field with great prizes, local live horse racing, free photobooth, live music and free buses to MOJOs afterwards.

Mackay Turf Club

Indie/Punk Night

Saturday, 6:30pm

Nortica, Yellow Slip and Inside Lane live show on the 23rd of July at Hotel Mackay. This is a free event showcasing the young bands in Mackay, their original music and covers

Hotel Mackay
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Sunday 24 July

Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch

Sunday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

The Bluewater Big Band will take the stage once again in 2022 for the Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch. The band is a collaboration of local musicians who share a passion for jazz and big band playing. Led by band ‘instigator’ Kate Agioritis, the ensemble thrives on the sheer joy its members experience through making music. Performing a wide variety of jazz music and led by a vocal duo, this talented big band will have toes tapping with their loud and proud sounds. Tickets include a mouth-watering buffet lunch and non-alcoholic punch.

MECC North Foyer

Rockabilly Sunday Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Put on your dancing shoes and head down to the Seabreeze Hotel next Sunday 24th July for our Rockabilly Sunday. Joshy J & the Ricochets will be hitting it off with your all-time rock & roll favourites from 2pm. Dress in your 50s rock & roll best and enjoy an afternoon of live music, jumping castle, milkshakes, banana splits, classic cars and more. Competitions include Best Dressed, Best Dancer/s, Best Hair. It's going to be a ball!

Seabreeze Hotel

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Tuesday 26 July

Roll Back the Clock Exercise classes

Tuesday, 10:00am to 11:00am

Start feeling young and healthy again - every Tuesday, starting July 26, 10:00am – 11:00am for eight weeks. Each session involves light exercise with rubber balls and resistance bands, wellness topics and social education which is fun, interactive and adapted for each individual's needs. It is an opportunity for physical health benefits and to meet new friends. There is a charge. For further information, please contact 0427 275 492 or email mackaycitylbc@gmail.com.

Mackay City Bowls Club

World Café

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:30pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay
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Wednesday 27 July

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

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Free Come and Try LawnBowls

Mackay Cup

Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch

Rockabilly Sunday

Roll Back the Clock Exercise classes

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Adding to an impressive lineup of music gigs in Mackay, a new beachside music festival has received a funding boost to bring people back to the beach.

Mackay Regional Council has approved more than $47,000 in grants towards 11 projects as part of the latest Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) round, with the beachside music festival, the Keswick Island Artwork Trail and a photographic exhibition featuring water sport culture all among the winners.

RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann said a celebration of coastal living was a real theme in the applications for this round of funding.

“The committee was pleased to see so many projects that celebrate our beaches, islands and the way of life that makes our region so appealing,” Cr Mann said.

“The Beach Sounds music festival is a new event, hosted by Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, that’s all about ‘bringing people back to the beach’ and giving local artists the opportunity to perform,” she said.

“The club hopes that Beach Sounds will become an annual fundraising event which will not only create much needed funds for them, but also create an environment of great food, wine and music at beautiful Harbour Beach.”

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club received a $7500 grant towards Beach Sounds.

Cr Mann said Mackay Adventure Lodge had also been successful, with a $4000 grant towards the Living Room project.

“This is a photographic account of Mackay's outdoor water-sporting lifestyle through the lens of two emerging photographers, Jacob Vinall and Brent Coles,” she said.

Applicant Amanda Pelagalli said the aim of the exhibition was to get a group of likeminded people together to talk about water sports, the art of photography and help get new people into both.

“We believe that by staying active and connected, we stay healthy and on the straight and narrow,” Ms Pelagalli said.

Cr Mann said $9457 had been approved to develop the Keswick Island Art Trail under the Green Arts category.

The project received a previous RADF grant of $5656 for concept development.

“Nine quality artworks are being installed in key locations for a two-month ephemeral art trail on Keswick Island that is a fringe event in the 2022 Mackay Festival of Arts,” she said.

According to the applicant Eva Browne-Paterson, Wildcat Mackay will bring visitors out to the island to experience the trail.

“There will be minimum impact from the installation of the artworks, and it will take little time to dismantle the art trail and put the locations back to their natural state,” Ms Browne-Paterson said.

“Although the art trail will be ephemeral, we are intending to store the artworks and reuse/repurpose them for use in alternate locations in future art trails,” she said.

Also funded under this round to the value of $8976 is an exciting project by Janet Ambrose which will lead to an exhibition and book of high-quality visual artworks and stories showcasing elders from the diverse cultures of Mackay.

“Mackay is hugely diverse with over 80 different cultural groups,” Ms Ambrose said.

“This project will showcase our community elders, chosen through liaison with partners and paid cultural advisors,” she said. “In some cases, younger members of families will conduct the interviews with their grandparents.”

Also funded under this round were:

$6815 towards Louder (Youth-Led Forum Theatre Project) by Zahrah Andrews

$1946 towards Crafty Hands, a Holiday Workshops for Pioneer Valley Kids led by the Valley Spinners and Crafts Group Inc

$1382 towards a Printmaking Collage Workshop with Laura Castell to be hosted by Printbank Mackay Inc

$1950 towards Fiona Flohr attending Life-In-Style-Melbourne with Shelley Pisani for professional development

$3588 towards developing “OUR Artist Trail”, an Artist trail in the Isaac, Mackay and Whitsunday regions, by Margaret Burgess

$1700 towards the 2022 International Men's Day Art Show by Shed Happens Mackay

$7050 towards the Whitsundays Songwriters Residency - Emerging Artists’ Workshop where 12 emerging local songwriters will be mentored by professional songwriters

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the State Government is investing $2.08 million through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2021-22, matched with a contribution of approximately $2.3 million from 59 councils across the state.

“RADF is a great example of working together to deliver our COVID-19 economic recovery plan, supporting employment opportunities and creating new arts and cultural experiences in local and regional communities,” Minister Enoch said.

“RADF in 2021–2022 will provide valuable social, health and economic outcomes for regional Queenslanders, and support our government’s 10-year arts roadmap priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, and drive social change across the state.

“Our investment complements the Palaszczuk Government’s wider commitment to regional arts, including continued support of $6 million over four years for the Regional Arts Services Network.”

Keswick Island residents and artists setting up artworks for the Keswick Island Art Trail

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An inaugural gala to support women and children affected by domestic violence took centre stage last weekend, in a female-only event format, a first for Mackay.

The initiative came from local entrepreneur Jo Sainsbury, founder of Kickass Women, to provide an opportunity to celebrate women and the strength they bring to the lives of so many, but also a time to bring about awareness and raise much needed funds for domestic violence.

Funds raised on the evening will be donated to the Mackay Women’s Centre, and thanks to the generosity of the event’s gold sponsors, 12 Hope Bags were also donated to the Women’s Centre. The Hope Bags are filled with the essentials that a woman and her children need to survive and seek help in the 24 – 48 hours after fleeing a domestic, family or sexual violence situation.

In addition to raising money and awareness, the conversations to flow during and after the event is immeasurable.

Photo credit: Alyce Holzy Photography

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Awarded the Best Circus and Physical Theatre Show of the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2021, tonight audiences are in for a treat, as Barbaroi will have locals gasping in their seats.

Inspired by a world of shadows where anything goes, and the gritty underbelly of society, Barbaroi is a blend of high-octane circus, cabaret and physical theatre, and it’s on at the MECC tonight.

Complemented by finely tuned lighting and special effects, the show will leave audiences of all ages spellbound and wondering about the limits of human abilities.

Acting manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said Barbaroi was the Greek word for barbarian or outsider.

“There’s no doubt these performers are outsiders – they are outside of anything you’ve seen from a circus before,” Ms Carey said.

“It’s got an industrial, dystopian, cyberpunk feel, and everything has a gritty element of danger and suspense – it’s a really cool show,” she said.

Dubbed “street gladiators of the night” the Barbaroi performers feature six crew members with diverse skillsets:

● Stan Ricketsoons is an elite gymnast and acrobat

● Amy Nightingale-Olsen is a professional flyer (she gets tossed in the air by people and lands on them again for a living)

● Ryan Darwin uses a combination of juggling, rola bola (balance board), aerial ropes, headstands and handstands to present circus at a human level

● Karina Schiller is an elite gymnast who specialises in the Chinese poles and various acrobatics

● Jon Allingham specialising in partner acrobatics, hoop diving and Russian bar

● Byron Hutton has dedicated his life to juggling and stage craft

Tickets to Barbaroi are selling fast.  Grab yours today from the Box Office or themecc.com.au

Barbaroi has an industrial, dystopian, cyberpunk feel, and everything has a gritty element of danger and suspense

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With their first headline tour under their belt and a year of touring and recording ahead, Sydney indie pop duo Egoism are making the trip up to Mackay for the first time to play the Wisely Wine and Food Day tomorrow.

Scout Eastment and Olive Rush will headline the Grassroots Stage and douse Queens Park in dreamy, blissful melodies.

On the back of releasing two new singles in 2022, For Ages and 2016-2018, the duo hit the east coast, headlining venues in Melbourne, Brisbane, Wollongong, Newcastle and Sydney throughout May and June.

“We were pretty excited for it and excited for the good and the bad because it was our first headline tour, we just really weren’t sure what to expect and who was going to be there,” said Olive.

“We’ve spent a lot of time playing to other people’s crowds and the idea of playing to our own crowd was a little scary, but it ended up being really good, kind of overwhelming in a way, like ‘this is not real, you guys aren’t here to see us.’”

When Mackay Festival of Arts reached out, Olive says they jumped at the chance to play in the sugar city for the first time.

“I’ve never been to Mackay before,” they said.

“It’s hard to get to a lot of smaller cities and towns because the smaller you get, the less people have heard of you and listen to you and will come to the shows.

“It’s good, when a festival like this reaches out to you, it’s the perfect opportunity to actually get to a smaller place like Mackay.”

While Egoism know their way around a club or festival stage, Olive says they haven’t played many park gigs like Wisely Wine and Food Day.

“This is a pretty novel experience, we’re used to playing more concerts,” they said.

“I think when you’re playing in a smaller place, it seems more like, ‘well, it’s here, let’s go.’

“Which I really respect because it kind of reminds me of how I would approach any kind of event when I was a teenager.

“Expect a good time.

“I’m expecting to play to a completely mixed crowd, a lot of people that have never heard of us before, I’m assuming.”

Olive says Egoism has a big year ahead, with a tour alongside Eliza & the Delusionals starting next month and plenty of recording in between.

“It seems like every weekend we’re somewhere playing a show so it’s going to be nice to actually organise our time properly and get some music finished,” Olive said.

WHAT: Egoism at the Wisely Wine and Food Day

WHEN: Saturday, July 16

WHERE: Queens Park, Goldsmith Street, Mackay

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Scout Eastment and Olive Rush of Egoism will play in Mackay for the first time when they headline the Grassroots Stage at Wisely Wine and Food Day tomorrow. Photo credit: Billy Zammit

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Following the resounding success of its 2018 Vicar of Dibley season, Kucom Theatre has opened its Mackay Festival Fringe production of The Vicar of Dibley 2!

This year’s stage adaptation is based on three popular episodes: Love and Marriage, featuring the wedding of Alice Tinker and Hugo Horton; Autumn, and the Vicar’s scandalous fling with David Horton’s younger brother; and Winter, culminating in the Dibley Nativity Play.

The cast includes an array of well-known local performers including Pia Larsen, Geoff Stewart-McLean, Zachary Trounson, Chanelle Redgwell, John Irvine, Paul Vander Loos, Andrew Deguara and Richard Calligan, with Vicky Bobeldyk in a guest cameo role.

Geoff Stewart-McLean, reprising his role from the 2018 production, once again decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and have his head shaved to play the role of Councillor David Horton (played by the follically challenged Gary Waldhorn in the TV series).

More than 400 tickets have been sold – don’t leave it too late to see one of the hilarious performances.

“We owe a special debt of gratitude to Rev Dr Julia Pitman, Rev Prof James Haire, and the Church Council of St Paul’s Uniting Church, Mackay, for letting us film inside their beautiful church, and for generously sharing their resources (and their congregation) with us in joint celebration of our respective landmark anniversaries, St Paul’s 150th and Kucom’s 75th.”

What: The Vicar of Dibley 2

Where: Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

When: 15, 16 July (matinee and evening) and 21, 22 and 23 July.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/BVNWP.

REVIEW

Samantha Munt went to a dress-rehearsal of the Vicar of Dibley 2, here’s what she had to say.

“If that was Kucom’s idea of a dress rehearsal then the rest of us need to pull our socks up, because that was tighter than most productions I’ve ever seen on closing night. The set was beautiful, the audio and video cues were spot on, the costumes were perfectly suited to every character, right down to the bobby socks with loafers (which seriously- only Chanelle Redgewell can pull off) and there wasn’t a single flubbed line unless it was Andrew intentionally flubbing it in character.

“Each play is short and sweet and hilarious, and no, you do not need to be a fan of the actual show to follow along because each stands beautifully on their own, with their own little sub-plots.

“Kucom theatre is celebrating their 75th birthday this week, and that is definitely something that the people of Mackay ought to get behind celebrating.

“If you’re as ready for a good laugh as I know I was, then grab your tickets for the Vicar of Dibley 2 quickly before they sell out.”

A display of Mackay Community Theatre, Kudos, Kucom Theatre memorabilia was opened at the Gordon White Library on Monday 4 July and will run until Friday 5 August

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Tourism Research Australia released the National Visitor Survey (NVS) 2022 results last week, revealing the Mackay Isaac region has seen an increase in intrastate and intraregional visitation.

This welcoming news is a positive sign for the local tourism economy as more domestic travellers are looking to explore and discover their own backyard.

1.1 million intrastate visitors and 38,200 intraregional visitors explored our beautiful backyard for the year 2021/2022.

These figures represent a three-year trend growth of 6.3 per cent for intrastate visitation, and a 21.7 per cent for intraregional travel – a record for the Mackay Isaac region.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler detailed the considerable growth of local tourism as demonstrated in the NVS results as something that the community and region should be proud of.

“It is amazing to see that the Mackay Isaac region is becoming an increasingly sought-after tourism destination for our very own locals and domestic travellers,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We are also seeing a steady upwards trend in business travel.

“An incredible 62,400 visitors came to the region for business purposes during the year 2022, a new record and a three-year trend increase of 6.4 per cent.”

With several major events, conferences and projects due for completion over the next few years, the Mackay Isaac Region’s tourism economy is looking to have a positive tourism boost in the upcoming years ahead.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said that he is confident that the year 2022/2023 will see tourism continue to grow as a key economic pillar for Mackay Isaac Region’s economy.

“With plans in place for major upgrades to the Barrier Reef Arena and a masterplan in development for BB Print Stadium, as well as the development of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail, our tourism economy can only continue to grow,” Mr Williamson said.

“These world-class facilities will ensure that we can continue to attract major events to the region that are a drawcard for visitors from all around the country.”

The Mackay and Isaac Regional councils are both committed to growing tourism in the region, driving investment into our communities, supporting sustainability, job creation and building upon the liveability of the region.

The survey’s results came as no surprise to Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker who said the increased visitor numbers were a testament to the collaboration between both Councils and Mackay Isaac regions.

"The years of developing tourism offerings has paid off with visitors confirming we are on the right track," Ms Baker said.

"From our multi-award-winning St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend to unique experiences along the road less travelled, we are in a strong position to grow domestic visitation.

"Growing visitor numbers grows the local economy and that is why we have increased our partnership with Mackay Isaac Tourism and focusing on tourism development projects."

Full results of the NVS and IVS are available from Tourism Research Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Experiences such as Eungella National Park are bringing more visitors to the region

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Friday 15 July

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and does a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Barbaroi

Friday, 7:30pm to 10:00pm

Barbaroi is a blend of high octane contemporary circus and exciting physical theatre. It combines daring acrobatics, aerials & phenomenal circus acts set against a pumping soundtrack complimented by finely tuned lighting and special effects. The Barbaroi will leave audiences young and old holding their breath and on the edge of their seat. Welcome to the five star award winning cyberpunk circus showdown that is Barbaroi!

MECC

Saturday 16 July

Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce

Saturday, 10:00am to 10:45am

The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and action songs and is a great opportunity for dads to do something special and beneficial with their little one. Please bring a small blanket to lay your child on.

Dudley Denny City Library

Wisely Wine & Food Day

Saturday, 10:00am to 5:30pm

Set in the beautiful North Queensland winter, enjoy a relaxing day filled with wine, food and amazing music. Together with an array of restaurants, cafes, and festival food trucks, the community bars will be showcasing a handpicked collection of sought-after wines, beer and foodie delights.

Queens Park

Hostplus Cup Indigenous Round – Mackay Cutters v Ipswich Jets

Saturday, 3:15pm

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as the squad clashes with the Ipswich Jets for Indigenous Round on Saturday 16th July. Gates open at 3:15pm, Hastings Deering Colts kick off at 3:45pm and Hostplus Cup at 6:00pm.

BB Print Stadium

Sunday 17 July

Beachside Boutique Pre-Loved Clothing Market

Sunday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Beachside Boutique Market is back on Sunday! Coffee, good vibes, mimosas and Sunday morning shopping, Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club has you sorted! There's no entry charge for customers.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Sunday Live Music – TJ Maber

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Passport To Airlie Mackay 2022 – Round 2

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Passport to Airlie is one of the most exciting moments around Airlie Beach Festival of Music, giving the audience not only a taste of the music we all love and know but displaying the talents of some incredible up-and-coming Australian artists. Mackay will have three heats and a final before deciding which artist will be announced as the winner. All regional winners will be awarded with accommodation and VIP tickets to the festival in November. On the Thursday night of the festival, all regional representatives will perform at the Passport Showcase event in front of celebrity and industry judges with this year's panel including Sarah McLeod and Bill Chambers.

Harrup Park

Tuesday 19 July

Queensland Mining And Engineering Expo 2022

Tuesday, July 19 to Thursday, July 21, 9:00am to 5:00pm

For over 29 years the Queensland Mining & Engineering Expo (QME) has been at the heart of the mining sector in Mackay. QME will provide the ultimate showcase of supplier innovation and excellence and will illustrate the world-class capabilities of Mackay and the broader Central Queensland region. For more information, visit the Queensland Mining Expo website.

Mackay Showgrounds

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run craft activities in two sessions, Sess1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Sess2: Anytime from 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

Artspace Mackay

World Café

Tuesday, 3:00pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Wednesday 20 July

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

Thursday 21 July

Community Climate Connection

Thursday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

How do you feel when you hear about "climate change"? Do you want to learn more to understand what it means? Does it make you want to join with others to take action to protect our way of life, now and in the future? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this is the event for you.

Mackay Conservation Group

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Following the hugely popular Mackay Brick Event in 2017, a bigger and better LEGO® extravaganza is coming back to Mackay this July.

The Mackay Brick Event will be held Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at the Mackay Showgrounds and is set to showcase the LEGO® creations of many talented brick builders who will be exhibiting creations built entirely from LEGO®.

Also appearing at the Mackay Brick Event and to conduct some Special Masters Builders sessions will be Andrew from LEGO MASTERS.

The Mackay Brick Event is the biggest event of its kind held in Mackay and will feature over 30 different exhibits all made from LEGO® bricks. Themes on display encompass Space and Star Wars, City (with working trains), Ships, Robotics, Dinosaurs, operating Technic vehicles and will also feature Donna and her most impressive Harry Potter Display.

The build and play tables along with the creation walls will be extremely popular with children and adults of all ages, along with retail outlets offering fans all the latest in LEGO® kits, minifigs and assortment of LEGO® parts for sale.

The creativity of LEGO® and how it connects has so many people around Australia enthused about the brick. If you’re feeling creative, the MASTER BUILDERS session with Andrew is a must. Let your imagination run wild on the Master Builders Tables as Andrew guides you through the things he had to build on LEGO MASTERS. If you don’t have somebody to build with don’t worry, event organisers will pair you up. The Challenge is to build a MEGA city!

More detailed works will feature in excess of 30,000 pieces each, and no, none of it is glued (that would be sacrilege). The total brick count would be in excess of 1 million pieces! All of this from the private collections and imaginations of dedicated individuals or in LEGO® speak – Master Builders.

Displays are constantly evolving and expanding, the time spent on creating these works make them incalculable. Set up of the individual displays at the Mackay Showgrounds will be a meticulous process. Creators will spend hours delicately unpacking already assembled sectioned pieces before industriously joining them to create final masterpieces.

Opening hours for entry to the Mackay Brick Event will be two general admission sessions on Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 11am and 11am to 1pm.

Master Builders sessions with Andrew will be on Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

What: Mackay Brick Event

Where: Mackay Showgrounds

When: July 30-31

Tickets: www.iwannaticket.com.au

Images from the recent Inverell Brick Event

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Youngsters, and the young at heart, who love to get lost in the literary wonder of Roald Dahl’s storytelling won’t want to miss a magical theatrical experience coming to the MECC in August.

Inspired by the World’s No.1 Storyteller, Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families. It’s the latest show in the MECC’s DBCT’s Kids’ Theatre Season.

This show is an unforgettable interactive and immersive theatrical experience. Especially made for ages 6 and up, involving games and imaginative play, while exploring Roald Dahlʼs extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way.

The two cast members are Madi Savage and Josh Burton. Madi Savage is an actor and writer based in Melbourne. Madi is one-third of the comedy trio Big Big Big, the team behind scripted podcast series The Candyman (Australian Podcast Awards, NPR, CBC Radio One, ABC), and Catching Jack (MICF, Adelaide Fringe).

Josh Burton is an actor, writer, comedian and singer with over a decade of professional performance experience. He has played a recurring character on Neighbours and had supporting roles on Australian films including Holding the Man and Son of a Gun.

This production is the only interactive show licensed by the Roald Dahl literary estate to tour. So come, grab your tickets, and get swept up in a story-telling experience that is sure to be unforgettable!

What: Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

When: Wednesday 3 August 2022, 6.00pm Thursday 4 August 2022, 9.30am & 12.30pm Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

Inspired by the World’s No.1 Storyteller, Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families

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More than 30 food vendors have registered to cater for what is shaping up to be a massive Wisely Wine and Food Day.

Combine that with three huge bars, a mass of market stalls, children’s amusements and a packed stage line up and Queens Park is set to go off this Saturday (July 16).  

Mayor Greg Williamson said Wisely Wine and Food Day would be the biggest day of the Mackay social calendar.

“Wisely Wine and Food Day has cemented itself as a free event with an amazing atmosphere that appeals to a huge variety of people,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Some people like to get up and dance, others just sprawl on a blanket and soak up the music,” he said.

“Some people simply want a pizza and a cold beer and others are excited to sample international wine and cheese pairings.

“It doesn’t matter what your idea of a great day is, there’s something to suit everyone – including children’s amusements, markets and tremendous music.”    

Acting manager MECC and events Jemma Carey said the biggest changes this year were the VIP experiences and increased food and beverage options to cater for the great crowds.

“The Oasis, which is catered by the MECC and has a private bar, has been hugely popular and has sold out, but we still have some spots left for both the Plattered Up Wine and Cheese Masterclasses and the Paint and Sip sessions,” Ms Carey said.

“The Masterclasses are a really nice way to make your Wisely Wine and Food experience a little more gourmet,” she said.

“There’s New Zealand and Barossa wines paired with Tasmanian Brie, Italian Parmagiano Reggiano and French Mimolette – plus assorted gourmet accompaniments.

“The Paint and Sip sessions by Bottletops and Brushes are also a really fun idea, especially if you like the idea of relaxing with live music in the shade of a gazebo, with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other.”

Festivals and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said it was awesome to have 30 food vendors booked in for the day.

“It should give people plenty of options and help to keep wait times down,” Ms Porter said.

“Festival goers are also welcome to bring a picnic – we understand that when you have children it can be a lot easier to have food on hand.

“Just please no BYO alcohol – the festival is fenced and fully licensed.”

Ms Porter said ATMs would be available at the event and most vendors would also offer EFTPOS, including the bars.

Of course, the biggest drawcard for the Wisely Wine and Food Day is the amazing music line-up of national and local acts across two stages.  This year’s line-up includes:

Main stage:

10.30am            Simon Briley Music

11.30am            Leyon Milner & Zoe Mills Duo

12.30pm            G-Force

13.30pm            The Stone Apes

14.30pm            The Base Coats

15.30pm            Red Tie Band

16.30pm            Choirboys

Grassroots stage:

11.15am            Jonte Tupea

12.15pm            Noah Davis Music

13.15pm            Matt Tandy

14.15pm            Weathered

15.15pm            Nortica Band

16.15pm            EGOISM

Dance stage:

11.20                Claddagh School of Irish Dance

12.20                 Dance Express

13.20                 Revolution Cheer & Dance

14.20                 FAME Talent School

15.20                 Sugar City Rock n Rollers

Tickets are also still available to the following VIP experiences:

Bottle Tops and Brushes Session Times:

Session One - 11am to 12pm

Session Two - 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Session Three - 2pm to 3pm

Session Four - 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Plattered Up Wine & Cheese Masterclass Session Times:

● 11.30am to 12.15am

● 12.30pm to 1.15pm

● 1.30pm to 2.15pm

● 2.30pm to 3.15pm

Food vendors include:

● Mr Whipsunday

● Aus & Asian

● Bigbite Foodtruck

● Bistro Bites

● Eat Street No.8

● Just India

● Mr SKIPPY

● Plattered Up

● Dumpling Hut Mackay

● Marshall's Catering

● Mount Jukes Family Farm

● Crave Coffee Co

● Annie's Kitchen

● Bohemian Elyse

● Fudge-Tastic by Michelle

● Lexi Floss (Bounce Now Pty Ltd)

● Let'z Waffle

● Ma's Pizza Kitchen

● MAD Cow Coffee

● Mr Whippy Vans Australia

● R Donald

● Twisted Tatas

● Industry specific management Group pty ltd

● Masala Indian cuisine

● Shorefresh Seafoods

● Sprinkles & Love Cake Emporium

● Ziffy's

● Woodfire 600

● SPICY'N'SAUCY

● Fat Jim’s

For more information, including a full list of frequently asked questions, head to themecc.com.au/festivals

Wisely Wine & Food Day map

Main Stage headliners Choirboys (pictured) will hit the stage at 4.30pm

Let’z Waffle are one of 30 food vendors

Take a picnic blanket and enjoy the live music

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For the past 11 years, riders in the Mackay and Whitsundays have been getting on their bike to give back to two local charities that do so much for the people in the community.

The BMA River to Reef Ride Festival is an annual charity bike ride that brings friends and families together raising monies for RACQ CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association.

“BMA River 2 Reef ride started as just a little idea back in 2011 to give the Mackay region an opportunity to give back to charities that do so much for our community,” says Director Evan Corry.

“It’s also a way of uniting businesses, friends and family in a healthy, engaging way.”

The event is a Festival held over two exciting days, kicking off with the Golding Kids Colour Ride on September 3.

“Cycling is not just about adults, learning the skills to ride starts with our kids,” says Evan

“If we can engage our kids early, teach them how to look after their bikes and how to ride safely we are in turn making their bodies stronger and giving them life-long skills.”

BMA’s Linda Martin said, “BMA employs so many people in the region, we have a lot of team members who are keen cyclists who have young families.

“Being the naming rights sponsor for this important event enables our BMA staff to feel connected to their community that is both physically and mentally rewarding.”

Since its inception, River 2 Reef Ride has attracted so many local businesses as sponsors.

“The cycling community in Mackay is larger than the general person realizes,” Evan said.

“We have never struggled to find sponsors for River 2 Reef Ride, businesses want to be involved because of the non-competitive team nature of the event.”

On the second day of the festival, registrants choose one of three cycling distances: a 30km Queensland Country Bank, the Health 60km City Fitness and the 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo rides.

This year the ride will start and finish at Mackay Botanic Gardens.  The entire Mackay community is invited to join in or spectate.  

Registrations for this year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival are now open, visit river2reefride.com.au

Mayor Greg Williamson, Linda Martin (BMA) and River 2 Reef Director Evan Corry launch the 2022 River 2 Reef Festival

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Kim says she’s looking forward to making the most of being nominated but it’s not why she does what she does.

“I think I just love waking up and putting on the outrageous dresses that I wear,” she laughed.

“But all of that – my dresses, my fruit and veggie shoes, my big earrings, it all adds to the engagement and the start of a conversation, so there’s method to my madness.

“I’m so passionate about it, I just love it. I just feel like I can make a difference and I am making a difference.”

Active Squirtz mainly run programs through community centres, kindergartens and early learning centres throughout the region.

To find out more about Active Squirtz and where you can find Kim, visit www.activesquirtz.com.au.

To vote for Kim and Active Squirtz, visit www.whatson4kids.com.au/awards/awards-voting.

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Friday 8 July

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

The Festival Hub

Friday, 6pm to 9pm

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licenced bar – take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. This is a free ticketed event for all ages.

Bluewater Quay, Brisbane Street Mackay

Read the Room

Friday, 7.30pm

A quiz panel show where the audience answer curly questions live through their phones while guest contestants try to work out which way the room will swing. It’s fun, cheeky, clever and hilarious. From ‘would you rather’, moral dilemmas, comparing the audience to national averages… it could get messy, but we promise it will be hilarious! Each night has a new panel of contestants, so come and support your favourite team and see if they can Read the Room!

$35 admission

Lush Room, Ambassador Hotel

Saturday 9 July

The Platypus Paddle 2022

Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10

Mackay's annual two-day SUP/OCEAN SKI/OUTRIGGER competitive races including the technical surf battle, flat-water sprints, free community clinic, short (5km) and Long (10km) courses. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club

PDRC Champs 2022 and Rotary Feature

Saturday, 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Palmyra Drag Racing club are proud to be bringing ROTARY POWER to Mackay again in 2022 along with a full field of our 2022 Championship brackets! PRO ROTARY - With some big HP engines in small light weight cars these guys now how to put on a show! STREET ROTARY - Street registered Rotary powered machines, some hitting the 1/4 mile for the first time! Spectators: $20 at the gate, cash or card. Gates open at 8:00am, racing from 12:00pm until approx 8:00pm.

Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc

Bluewater Fling 2022

Saturday, 1:30pm to 5:00pm

Gather your clan and celebrate Scottish culture at the Bluewater Fling in Mackay Saturday 9th of July! See bagpipes, drums, scottish rock, celtic folk, heilan dancing and much mair.

Jings, crivens, help ma boab!! You won't want to miss this FREE, fun day out for all ages!

Bluewater Quay

Sunset Launch Party

Saturday, 5:00pm

BE Social and Rhythm & The Reef are teaming up for a big one at The Ambassador Hotel! Join two of Mackay's favourite events as they celebrate the return of Festivals throughout Australia! Sunset Launch Party featuring Yolanda Be Cool with Support From Benny Frank (RCK), AVNU (TSV), Clovr, Cherry, Pacey, Shieldsy (TSV), Caleb Pace.

The Ambassador Hotel

1950-60s Las Vegas Casino Ball

Saturday, 6:30pm to late

Pioneer Valley Classic Car Club Presents 1950-60's Las Vegas Charity Ball. Proceeds to Dragons Abreast Mackay. Tickets $60pp, bevy on arrival, canape's throughout the night. $5000 of casino chips, silent Auction and live music with The Two Maoris. Dress code strictly 1950-60’s formal.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Sunday 10 July

Bullet Bikes Superstore presents Motorcycle Beach Races

Sunday, 9:30am

It's On Again! Who will be King of the Beach? Join the Motorcycle Beach Races for a fun family community event held in the Mackay region for over 90 years. Methanol fuelled action under tropical skies. Gates open for competitors at 6am with racing starting from 10am. Mini Eat Street, Jumping Castles, Trade Displays and more. Tickets online now. Check out www.motorcyclebeachraces.com.au for more information

Grasstree Beach

Sunday Live Music – The Feels

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Passport To Airlie Mackay 2022 – Round 1

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Passport to Airlie is one of the most exciting moments around Airlie Beach Festival of Music, giving the audience not only a taste of the music we all love and know but displaying the talents of some incredible up-and-coming Australian artists. Mackay will have three heats and a final before deciding which artist will be announced as the winner. All regional winners will be awarded with accommodation and VIP tickets to the festival in November.

Harrup Park

Monday 11 July

‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ self-guided quiz

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm during school holidays

Calling all dinosaur lovers! Have you ever wondered about the type of plants dinosaurs ate? Grab a ‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ quiz sheet from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information (Administration) and find out as you venture along the Coal Garden pathways, exploring dinosaur footprints, petrified wood and plants like those from ancient times.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Pick up your activity sheet and wander the pathways to find Tibbles and decode the latest message he has for you!

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Bocce in the Gardens

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Did you know we have a sand bocce court in the Malta Garden? Bring your own set and play or hire a set of bocce balls from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information for just $5 a set. Hire is available weekdays 9am to 4pm or play at your leisure with your own set at any time.

Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

Wednesday 13 July

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

Thursday 14 July

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 presents Alphabet of Awesome Science

Thursday, 1:00pm and 6:00pm

Debuting to rave reviews as part of the 2019 Adelaide Fringe, The Alphabet of Awesome Science uses BIG words to inspire BIG science – with a performance that’s equal parts explosive, messy, spectacular, hilarious, fascinating and gross. Professor Lexi Con has curated a collection of her absolutely favourite words – one for every letter of the alphabet. Each word provides Professor Noel Edge with an inspirational jumping off point for 26 quirky, (sometimes ‘explody’!) scientific demonstrations.

MECC

Artist's Talk: In Conversation with Shelley Engwirda

Thursday, 6:00pm

Join Mackay artist Shelley Engwirda as she talks about her exhibition We Rise on show in the Foyer Gallery at Artspace Mackay. Inspired by her experience as a new grandmother, Engwirda explores the way female artists have been regarded historically. For this exhibition she examines the success and failures of the women’s movement through her multidisciplinary practice. The artist’s large scale patchwork quilts alongside glass work respond to what she considers major moments in the women’s movement from the 1970s to present.

Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay

Luke Kidgell

Thursday, 6:45pm and 9:00pm

Australia's most loved comedian* Luke Kidgell, is back on tour with his brand-new show 'Cheers to that!' (*not a fact, just a personal opinion of Luke's). After a big year in 2021 dodging lockdowns and attending almost every pub in the country, Luke has some tales to tell.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

The Vicar of Dibley 2

Thursday, 7:30pm to 10:00pm

The sequel to Kucom Theatre's highly successful 2018 season, "The Vicar of Dibley 2" will feature the wedding of Alice and Hugo, Geraldine’s romance with David Horton's younger brother, and the Dibley Nativity play. "The Vicar of Dibley 2" is a Mackay Festival Fringe event, opening Thursday, July 14 and running until Saturday, July 23.

Kucom Theatre

Wonder Rooms

Thursday, July 7, to Sunday, July 10

Thursday, July 14, to Sunday, July 17

Thursday, July 21, to Sunday, July 24

Shipping containers converted into vibrant selfie museums, Wonder Rooms will awe visitors with their creative and unique backdrops. Get your camera ready for a day of exploration, with the Wonder Rooms set up across the region, from the Bluewater Quay to Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Melba House to Sarina Field of Dreams and Slade Point’s Ram Chandra Park – all with different themes! Travel the region, take a selfie and tag @mackay_festivals

5 locations to explore

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Artspace Mackay is usually a quiet place to study works of art, but that changed with the opening of a new exhibition last Friday.

“Material Sound” will have gallery visitors immersed in a cacophony of sound created by a myriad of materials.

It features newly commissioned work by artists Vicky Browne, Pia van Gelder, Caitlin Franzmann, Peter Blamey, Vincent and Vaughan Wozniak-O’Connor and Ross Manning.

Each of these artists’ work investigates sound and materials within art and performance.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the show would really appeal to families.

“All six works make their own sounds – many are interactive, and they are kinetic works based on movement that encourages audience participation,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Together they will make their own blend of sounds that will have a real impact when you walk into the Main Gallery,” he said.

Material Sound curator Caleb Kelley said this show differed from many shows in that it was an exhibition in an art gallery that was primarily focused on sound.

“There is plenty to look at – there’s installation, there’s movement, there’s interaction – but what we are doing in this show is listening to the exhibition,” Mr Kelley said.  

“The artists are all working with sound; they’re all working with ways of thinking about materials through sound,” he said.

“And, by listening, we learn something that we can’t by just looking.”

Also on show, in the Foyer Gallery, is the exciting exhibition We Rise by prominent local artist Shelley Engwirda.

Artspace Mackay director Tracey Heathwood said Shelley explored feminism and looked at the success and failures of the women’s movement in We Rise.

“She has these beautiful large scale patchwork quilts alongside glass work,” Ms Heathwood said.

“With these works she responds to what she considers major moments in the women’s movement from the 1970s to the present,” she said.

Ms Heathwood said the final new exhibition which opened last Friday was Nathalie Hartog-Gautier: Looking for Paradise, a show that brings refugee experiences to the fore via artists’ books and digital animation.

“Hartog-Gautier highlights Australia’s responsibility as a first signatory of the United Nations Human Rights Charter and examines the treatment of asylum seekers in Australia,” she said.

Shelley Engwirda will deliver an artist’s talk at 6pm on Thursday, July 14.

Tickets are free and available at www.artspacemackay.eventbrite.com

Material Sound is a Murray Art Museum Albury exhibition, curated by Caleb Kelly and presented nationally by Museums & Galleries of NSW. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Ross Manning, Pixel Points (detail) 2018, Material Sound, installation view, Murray Art Museum Albury, 2018. (Photo: Tyler Grace)

On show in the Foyer Gallery is the exciting exhibition We Rise by prominent local artist Shelley Engwirda

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The festival of STEM concluded with the next generation of STEM practitioners competing in F1 in Schools, Drones and Robotics at the MECC on Wednesday, June 15.

F1 in Schools involves activities based on Formula 1 racing and tests students on project management, interviewing and racing.

The winners of F1 in Schools will now be off to the State Finals in Brisbane in October.

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Last month, ATSICHS Mackay and The Pioneer Murri Court Elders hosted the 3rd annual Mr and Miss NAIDOC pageant. Anjelina Hankin-Bero was crowned Miss NAIDOC while Mr NAIDOC was awarded to Kynan Nicholls. NAIDOC Week continues this weekend, the 2022 theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! It is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a chance to acknowledge our history, culture and achievements.

The Mr and Miss NAIDOC pageant was held on June 22 at the Ocean International. Photo credit: SarahHearts Photography

WINNERS

MISS NAIDOC 2022 - Anjelina Hankin-Bero

MR NAIDOC 2022- Kynan Nicholls

Cultural knowledge (boy)

Runner up — Naseili Tamwoy

Winner — Kynan Nicholls

Cultural knowledge (girl)

Runner up — Cody Mann

Winner — Anjelina Hankin-Bero

Get up! Stand up! Show up! NAIDOC 2022 theme meaning (boy)

Runner up — Kynan Nicholls

Winner — Andrew Malayta

Get up! Stand up! Show up! NAIDOC 2022 Theme meaning (girl)

Runner up — Janeile Seden

Winner — Theresa Malayta

Best dressed (boy)

Runner up — Jalias Campbell

Winner — Kailu Phineasa

Best dressed (girl)

Runner up — Anita Daniel

Winner — Sophie Cruikshank

2022 Mr & Miss NAIDOC

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Friday 1 July

Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG)

Friday, 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. This event is for children aged five to 12 years. When Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound in her small New York City apartment.

Gordon White Library

Festival Hub

Friday, July 1 - Sunday July 3, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licenced bar, take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Park your car in Brisbane Street and enter the Bluewater Quay, grab a bite to eat, a drink and relax in front of the stage for a night of free entertainment.

Bluewater Quay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Bliss n Eso

Friday, 7:00pm to 10:30pm

Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to announce a 30-date metro and regional Australian tour for one of the country’s finest hip hop acts, Bliss n Eso. In what is a truly national tour, the three-time ARIA-award winning group will take their electric energy and unmatchable flow to audiences in every Australian state and territory in 2022.

Harrup Park

Goanna

Friday, 7:30pm

Forty years on, and with their messages of positive engagement in Indigenous rights and environmental protection more relevant than ever, Australian icons Goanna return to celebrate their multi-platinum, game-changing debut album ‘Spirit of Place’. In 2022, Shane Howard, Rose Bygrave, Marcia Howard and Graham Davidge, together with special guests, embark on a new journey, paying homage to their classic songs and reigniting the Goanna spirit once more.

MECC

Flickerfest 2022 Tour – Mackay

Friday, 7:30pm

A Kaleidoscopic Carnival of Short Films! Celebrating 31 years, Flickerfest is Australia’s only Academy Qualifying and BAFTA Qualifying Short Film Festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screening the best of shorts from Australia and around the world, hand-picked from over 3,200 entries. Flickerfest is excited to be bringing its National Tour back to the Central QLD Conservatorium of Music in Mackay showcasing the Best Of Australian Shorts programme.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Latin Night

Friday, 7:30pm

Latin Roots presents Social Latin Night with special guests. It's a mixed event for all styles. Visit the website for details, updates and future dates: https://latinrootsnights.com/ plus invite your friends who would love a night like this.

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Saturday 2 July

Curator's Talk with Material Sound curator Caleb Kelly, and Performance with artist Ross Manning

Saturday, 10:30am to 11:45am

Join exhibition curator Caleb Kelly and Brisbane performance artist Ross Manning for a Curator’s Talk and Sound Performance to celebrate the opening of their touring exhibition Material Sound. This multi-form exhibition draws together six art practitioners and collaborative groups, each creating an experience of sound within installations constructed from everyday materials. Handmade instruments and electronics, recycled components, outmoded technologies, fake technologies, imagined sounds, and silences are brought together to challenge the way we think about materiality in a cumulative sound experience.

Artspace Mackay

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Mackay Twilight Market, Mackay Showgrounds at the big shed. $2 adult entry, kids 17 and under free. Market stalls, Mini Eat Street, local musicians, jumping castles and face painting. Come browse the many local small business market stalls then have a seat and listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customer convenience. Come enjoy a night out with your family. Not just another market, it’s a great family night out.

Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday 3 July

Warrior Mackay Multisport Festival

Sunday, 6:30am to 11:00am

The Multisport Festival is Mackay Triathlon Club’s Major event on the calendar and the only event in which they hold a standard (Olympic) distance race. The event expanded in 2021 to include Duathlon, Aquathlon & Aquabike events across all 3 distances to allow those not so keen on a particular discipline to race solo rather than in a team. There are four different multiport events. Participants can choose between Triathlon (Swim / Bike / Run), Duathlon (Run / Bike / Run), Aquabike (Swim / Bike) or Aquathlon (Swim / Run).

Mackay Harbour

Seabreeze Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 4 July

‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ self-guided quiz

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm during school holidays

Calling all dinosaur lovers! Have you ever wondered about the type of plants dinosaurs ate? Grab a ‘Dinosaurs Ruled’ quiz sheet from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information (Administration) and find out as you venture along the Coal Garden pathways, exploring dinosaur footprints, petrified wood and plants like those from ancient times.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm during school holidays

Pick up your activity sheet and wander the pathways to find Tibbles and decode the latest message he has for you!

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Bocce in the Gardens

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Did you know we have a sand bocce court in the Malta Garden? Bring your own set and play or hire a set of bocce balls from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information for just $5 a set. Hire is available weekdays 9am to 4pm or play at your leisure with your own set at any time.

Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

Wednesday 6 July

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

Thursday 7 July

Ukulele for kids

Thursday, 3:40pm to 4:40pm

This program is the perfect opportunity for children and their parents to come along and have a go at playing the ukulele and learn some basic musical skills in a fun environment. Specifically designed for children aged eight to 12 years and their parent/guardian. This program will run on the first Thursday of the month at Gordon White Library.

Gordon White Library

Festival Hub Continued

Thursday, July 7 to Friday, July 8, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays.

Bluewater Quay

Story Party Mackay | True Dating Stories

Thursday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

At Story Party you will hear true dating stories that will make you feel better because, let’s be honest, it could be worse. Story Party has played to sold out audiences in over 65 countries because the dating struggle is real worldwide! You'll hear stories from our professional storytellers and some brave audience members.

Haunt Mackay

Read The Room

Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8, 7:30pm to 9:00pm

A quiz panel show where the audience answer curly questions live through their phones while guest contestants try to work out which way The Room will swing. It’s fun, cheeky, clever and hilarious!

Ambassador Hotel

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Ballistic Beer Co are heading to the Bluewater Quay for a special Mackay Festival of Arts event.

The team will be bringing their exciting Reef Range of North Queensland inspired brews to the Festival Hub from June 30 to July 3 and again on July 7 and 8.

Ballistic Whitsundays head brewer Liam Paget said the team would be bringing the Ballistic mobile bar with the Reef Lager, Reef Pale, Reef Red Ale and Reef Mid Lager.

“The Reef Range is crisp, refreshing and easy-drinking to suit our tropical climate,” Mr Paget said.

“The Red Ale is a little more malty – it’s English inspired – and tends to be a hit with more mature drinkers who often comment that it reminds them of beers they’ve drank decades ago that you can’t find any more in Australia,” he said.

“For those that like the bigger, hoppier beers, we will have a selection of Ballistic favourites available in tins.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Ballistic Whitsundays team were brewing some great beers that were also supporting our local environment.

“Ballistic Whitsundays is a big supporter of Libby Edge’s Eco Barge Clean Seas project,” he said.

“Every Reef Beer sold contributes 10c to Eco Barge Clean Seas, which cleans up litter and pollutants from our offshore islands, including Blacksmith Island, Goldsmith Island, Keyser Island, Linne Island, Thomas Island and Tinsmith Island.

“Funds are also used to support the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.”

Acting manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said while trying new brews was obviously a drawcard, the Festival Hub was a family friendly event.  

“The aim of the Festival Hub is to provide the ultimate space to get together before or after a number of Festival events where you can enjoy live music, roving entertainment, great food and drinks and talk about what you’ve seen and plan what to attend next,” Ms Carey said.

“The event is completely free, but due to the event being licensed, we have had to cap numbers at 500 per night,” she said.

“So, to avoid disappointment, we are encouraging Hub-goers to head to our website (themecc.com.au/festivals) and book their free tickets straight away.”

If for some reason you can’t make it to the Festival Hub, don’t panic, because there’s a chance we will be seeing more of the Ballistic team in our region in the future.

Liam Paget said Ballistic was very interested in having a more permanent presence in the Mackay region.

“It’s no secret that we have been looking at locations in Mackay, and this will be a great trial run for our beers on tap in the local market,” he said.

“We love Mackay and have been in town recently working with the guys at Red Dog Brewery on a collaboration beer that I hope will show up on taps in the Mackay and Whitsundays in the not-so-distant future, so keep an eye out for that.”

The full line-up of performers at the Festival Hub are:

•Friday, July 1, 6pm – 9pm – Bella Mackenzie

•Saturday, July 2, 6pm – 9pm – Jonte

•Sunday, July 3, 6pm – 9pm – Tiffany Grace

•Thursday, July 7, 6pm – 9pm – Red Dirt Blues Band

•Friday, July 8, 6pm – 9pm – G Force

Sensory Circus Tribe will be onsite at the Festival Hub performing at the following times:

•Friday, July 1, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling

•Saturday, July 2, 7pm to 7.45pm - fire twirling

•Sunday, July 3, 6pm to 7pm – street theatre

•Thursday, July 7, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling

•Friday, July 8, 7pm to 7.45pm – fire twirling

Ballistic Beer Co will bring their exciting Reef Range of North Queensland inspired brews to the Festival Hub as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts

Sensory Circus will be onsite at the Festival Hub performing street theatre and fire twirling

Bella Mackenzie will be playing at the Festival Hub this evening

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One of the most exciting events on the Mackay calendar, Rumble on the Reef, is back for 2022 and is bringing some of skateboarding’s best talent to the region.

The FMS Group Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Championships has cemented itself as one of the premier skateboarding competitions in Australia and was a regular stop for the world’s biggest pro skaters Prior to the pandemic.

Now in its fifth year, the event will bring a new fleet of internationals as well as some returning icons to take on the Sugar Bowl in September.

The 2022 competition will see the return of international pros Matt Berger from Canada and Aidan Campbell from the US.

Berger competed in skateboarding’s Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 and the two of them will be looking to bring a few mates along for the ride.

They will be one of the main highlights of the week performing live demos before the finals broadcast.

Two of Australia’s best, Tommy Fynn and Dennis Durrant, will be back in town as well.

The two of them have continually brought the energy to Rumble on the Reef throughout border closures, with Fynn winning the Championship twice.

Rumble on the Reef has also been developing throughout the pacific region and will feature representation from Fiji for the first time, as well as New Zealand.

Event Manager Donny Fraser says Rumble on the Reef brings people from all over the country to Mackay while also delighting local audiences.

“It’s one of the biggest platforms in Australia for skateboarding, kiteboarding and wakeboarding where people can see it live and free in their hometown,” he said.

“It’s something quite special and unique to the town.”

Mr Fraser says the event strives to deliver skateboarding’s biggest names and gives the next generation more opportunities.

“It’s been really important to make sure skaters around Australia have opportunities to make a living,” he said.

Rumble on the Reef will run from September 19 to October 1 and feature skateboarding, wakeboarding and hydrofoil competitions as well as music festival Rhythm on the Reef.

September will see national and international pro skaters, as well as up and coming superstars, take on the Sugar Bowl. Photos supplied: Rumble On The Reef

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Ten former Mackay State High School classmates reunited at the Austral Hotel on Thursday, June 9, some seeing each other for the first time in 60 years.

The women formed part of the Mackay State High School Commercial Studies Class of 1962, completing most of their studies at the Alfred Street campus.

With plenty to catch up on, many lengthy conversations ensued, stories were exchanged and photographs were explored.

The commercial studies subject incorporated bookkeeping, typing and shorthand, putting students in good stead for later life.

It was a subject offered to students alongside English, geography, history, mathematics and a language other than English.

A particular highlight came one year when Commercial Studies students took centre stage during a school concert at the Theatre Royal to perform on typewriters to the music of the William Tell Overture.

The first reunion was held in 1987 and the group has big plans for future reunions.

In 2023, the organisers are planning a major reunion and are seeking suggestions from former students.

To get in touch and make a suggestion, please contact Marion Brown on mshs1962reunion@hotmail.com.

L-R Lynn Whitmore (Wallace), Raye Atkinson (Walsh), Christine Taylor (Lancaster), Carol Boxall (Goldston), Merle Edmonds (Zillfleish), Marion Brown (Matheison), Kaaren Sephton (Lester), Beth Gordon (Ferris), Marlene Lanigan (White) and Barbara Blackford (Tennant)

The first Commercial Girls Reunion took place in 1987. Photos supplied: Marion Brown

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Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mackay International Film Festival is back for 2022 and delivers a stellar line-up of thought-provoking Arthouse and Independent cinema.

The festival will showcase a diverse range of stories from around the world, to be screened over six days at four venues.

A pre-festival screening of UK drama film Belfast (2021) will kick off proceedings at Pinnacle Playhouse on Saturday, July 30 at 7:00PM.

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh, and starring an acclaimed ensemble cast, Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory, set in late 1960s Northern Ireland.

Based on Branagh’s own childhood, at the centre of the film is 9-year-old Buddy whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance.

Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the Troubles will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.

The festival will then continue at BCC Cinemas Mackay with an Opening Night Screening of Spanish comedy Official Competition (2021) on Friday, August 5 at 7:00PM.

BCC Cinemas Mackay is the place to be for the rest of the weekend with a wide array of films to be screened before the festival heads to Sarina and Proserpine.

Visit Film & Arts Mackay on Facebook for all the details.

Mackay International Film Festival Dates

Saturday, July 30 – Pre-festival screening of Belfast (2021) at Pinnacle Playhouse

Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 7 – Mackay International Film Festival at BCC Cinemas Mackay

Saturday, August 13 – Reels to Reef Project film in Sarina

Sunday, September 25 – Reels to Reef Project film in Proserpine

Mackay International Film Festival will kick off its 10th year with a screening of Belfast at Pinnacle Playhouse

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Friday 24 June

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and does a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Morning Melodies 2022 – Paul Ettore Tabone sings Golden Days

Friday, 11:00am

Aussie West End Star, direct from Her Majesty's Theatre in London's glittering West End, Queensland singer, Tenor Paul Ettore Tabone returns home for a regional Queensland tour in Golden Days - Songs from the Movies & Musicals. Golden Days is a musical journey of the best songs from movies to musicals throughout the decades. You can expect a variety of songs from the ‘Golden Age’ of music, incorporating singers such as Mario Lanza and Perry Como and songs from Disney all the way to Enio Morricone. This show has it all and will certainly be a wonderful trip down memory lane.

MECC

Friday SUN.sets – Noah Cookson

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 25 June

Clothes Swap

Saturday, 9:00am to 1:30pm

Drop five clean adult clothing items off between 11am and 5.30pm on Friday, June 24 and receive up to five swap tokens in return. Make a booking and bring your tokens Saturday, June 25, to browse the racks and leave with something new to spice up your closet. This event supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and Production.

Gordon White Library

Collage, Stamp and Draw

Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10, Tuesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm

A free school holiday activity is starting this weekend involving the art of mixed media. Inspired by the art and exhibition ‘Looking for Paradise’ by New South Wales artist, Nathalie Hartog-Gautier, this activity gives visitors of all ages and abilities an opportunity to combine collage, drawing and letter stamping techniques by adding to a wonderful collaborative paper wall in our Artspace workshop room. Parental supervision for children is essential. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, no bookings necessary.

Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay

June Photo Walkabout - Photography in the afternoon light

Saturday, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens’ June Photography Walkabout will start with a discussion about what settings you will need on your cameras to adjust with afternoon light that will disappear as the sun sets and some help to set your camera up. The Botanic Gardens can have some spectacular sunsets. Phone 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

HOLLYWOOD

Saturday, 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Mackay Choral Society Inc. performs a selection of iconic songs from the Hollywood stage and screen. Get your tickets here: trybooking.com/BXUAW or call 0422 264 397.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Steel/Sky presents Systematic Machine @ Hotel Mackay with Friends

Saturday, 7:30pm

Get down to Hotel Mackay on June 25th for yet another night of the best in local heavy, grungy, punk sounds. Featuring Systematic Machine, Vipersnatch, Subservia and Viper Syndicate. FREE entry at the door. Music starts at 8pm, doors close @ midnight.

Hotel Mackay

Sunday 26 June

Sunday Live Music – Michael Scriha

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 27 June

Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden

Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1, Monday, July 4 to Friday, July 8, 9:30am to 4:30pm daily

Come and find Tibbles and decode his latest message! This is a free self-guided activity, suitable for kids aged 3-12 years. Pick up an activity sheet from the activities table on the deck in the Tropical Shade Garden.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tuesday 28 June

World Café

Tuesday, 3:00pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Wednesday 29 June

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

Thursday 30 June

Festival Hub

Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2, Thursday, July 7 to Friday, July 8, 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily

Festival Hub, located on our picturesque Pioneer River, will feature live entertainment and family fun for all ages on select dates during the July school holidays. With live musicians, roving street performers, food options and a licensed bar, take a seat, relax, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Park your car in Brisbane Street and enter the Bluewater Quay, grab a bite to eat, a drink and relax in front of the stage for a night of free entertainment.

Bluewater Quay

Gin Appreciation Evening

Thursday, 6:30pm

If gin is your drink of choice this is one event you don't want to miss! The evening will feature 5 gin tastings with a 3-course menu designed by The Dispensary head chef, Alex.

The Dispensary Mackay

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Mercy College celebrated NAIDOC Week early last week, with celebrations commemorating the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week celebrations began on Monday with Mercy College staff enjoying a NAIDOC High Tea.

Year 10 students who prepared and served traditional inspired foods and tea to the staff.

On Tuesday, Mercy College continued celebrations with staff and students tasting traditional food such as crocodile and kangaroo.

Wednesday saw staff and students take the oval and face off in a game of touch football.

Mercy Indigenous students took on staff in what was a close and exciting game.

The score was 4-4 at full time with the students claiming the win having scored the first try.

Mercy College celebrated NAIDOC Week with traditional food and a game of touch football last week. Photos supplied

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There’s plenty happening at the Senior Citizens Centre weekly, with the Mackay & District Senior Citizens’ Association hosting bowls, cards and dancing every week.

Bowls and cards are held every Tuesday and Thursday.

Doors open at 8.30a.m for a 9.00am start and finishes at 11am. Morning Tea is served during the morning.

Cards are also played the third Saturday of the month. Doors open at 12.30pm for 1.00p.m start till 4.00 pm.

For enquiries, please phone Betty Phillips 0749563266 (after 6pm).

Every Saturday there is old time/new vogue dancing from 7.30pm – 11pm. Live band, lucky door, lucky spot, raffle, Monte Carlo and light supper are features of this fun evening.

For enquiries, please phone Val Cross 0408075877.

The Senior Citizens Centre is located at 58 Macalister Street, Mackay.

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One of Mackay’s favourite musicians, Tia Gostelow, announced her first hometown festival Sugardrop Festival earlier in the year, aiming to bring a new bevy of musicians to our town.

The crowd gathered at the Harrup Park Garden Bar, with Brisbane-based band Mt. Nadir taking the stage as the Hawks and Swans Senior Women’s AFL sides faced off on Great Barrier Arena to the left.

The setting afternoon sun shone across the stage as the band, featuring two members originating from Mackay, embarked on their debut set in the sugar city.

As a newly formed band with an unreleased repertoire, Mt. Nadir enlightened audiences with a unique sound dipping its toes in punk, emo and indie rock.

Closing with an anthemic rendition of The Killers’ When We Were Young, Mt. Nadir well and truly announced themselves to Mackay and Tia’s first festival was off to a cracking start.

Next to the stage was Amber Farnan hailing from far north Queensland.

This was also Amber’s Mackay debut and she brought a whole band along for the show, resulting in an immersive set of folk-tinged indie pop.

She received recognition from the Queensland Music Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards over the last couple of years and it wasn’t hard to see why.

On the back of releasing two singles this year, Amber’s endearing set was the perfect soundtrack to a setting sun, launching the crowd into their night of entertainment.

As the only interstate band on the line-up, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers took to the stage to a growing and enthusiastic crowd.

The Canberra band had fans on their feet and singing along throughout a set of gritty grunge tunes, featuring a perfectly suited cover of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend.

Giving Mackay a taste of what the rest of Australia will experience on their national tour later this year, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers closed with their huge 2021 hit AHHH!, inciting a huge singalong from the crowd.

Bucking the trend of debuts, Beddy Rays brought their raucousness to Mackay for the third time this year.

It’s no wonder they keep coming back, as Mackay seems to always turn out in force to see their powerful punk riffs live.

There was plenty of energy and headbanging from the crowd and the band alike, particularly when Tia was welcomed to the stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak which is always a highlight.

Closing with their ode to drinking beer with mates in the Queensland sun, Sobercoaster, the Brisbane band once again proved why they’re a Mackay favourite.

Speaking of Mackay favourites, the person behind the whole show was next to the stage to finish it off in style.

This was Tia Gostelow’s first hometown performance in three years and audiences were clearly eager to experience some of their favourites live again.

Her career-spanning set had everyone keen for a boogie and featured favourites Strangers, Two Lovers, Always and a cover of Dua Lipa’s viral earworm Levitating.

Tia would frequently pause and appreciate, assuring the crowd of how much the whole day meant to her.

Tia’s goal of bringing bands to a stage and crowd that they wouldn’t normally get to perform in front of was clear in the lead-up to Sugardrop Festival and she undoubtedly achieved it.

With a unique setting and a diverse line-up teeming with talent, let’s hope Sugardrop Festival returns and becomes a mainstay on the Mackay music calendar.

Tia Gostelow had crowds enthralled at her first festival Sugardrop

Tia joined Beddy Rays on stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought the crowd to their feet

Amber Farnan provided the perfect soundtrack to a classic Mackay sunset

Mt. Nadir kicked things off in the late afternoon sun. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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More than 920 students from 16 high schools travelled from as far afield as Moranbah and Bowen to get a taste of the glitz and glam of Mackay’s Mocktail Dance. It’s a chance for Year 12 students from a variety of schools to mix and mingle, dressed in their best, while raising money for youth services across the region.

With an estimated 1,400 Year 12 students at schools across the Mackay district, that means more than half make the effort to attend the event hosted by The Seniors Club Inc in what has become known as the Year 12 dance of the year. It’s so big, it needs two Plenary Halls at the MECC to host it.

The 2022 event marked Mocktail’s 30th anniversary, and Russell French, Mocktail’s founder, attended to celebrate with the students.

Event Manager Michael McGrath said there were now children of original Mocktailers attending the annual event.

“With 30 years behind us, there are now second generation Mocktailers, the children of past students who attended the Mocktail over the last 30 years.”

L-R: Sinead Kennedy, Lainey Wilson and Ella Tancred made the most of their Mocktail experience with a pre-event photo shoot in the Mackay CBD. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

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One of Mackay’s favourite musicians, Tia Gostelow, announced her first hometown festival Sugardrop Festival earlier in the year, aiming to bring a new bevy of musicians to our town.

The crowd gathered at the Harrup Park Garden Bar, with Brisbane-based band Mt. Nadir taking the stage as the Hawks and Swans Senior Women’s AFL sides faced off on Great Barrier Arena to the left.

The setting afternoon sun shone across the stage as the band, featuring two members originating from Mackay, embarked on their debut set in the sugar city.

As a newly formed band with an unreleased repertoire, Mt. Nadir enlightened audiences with a unique sound dipping its toes in punk, emo and indie rock.

Closing with an anthemic rendition of The Killers’ When We Were Young, Mt. Nadir well and truly announced themselves to Mackay and Tia’s first festival was off to a cracking start.

Next to the stage was Amber Farnan hailing from far north Queensland.

This was also Amber’s Mackay debut and she brought a whole band along for the show, resulting in an immersive set of folk-tinged indie pop.

She received recognition from the Queensland Music Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards over the last couple of years and it wasn’t hard to see why.

On the back of releasing two singles this year, Amber’s endearing set was the perfect soundtrack to a setting sun, launching the crowd into their night of entertainment.

As the only interstate band on the line-up, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers took to the stage to a growing and enthusiastic crowd.

The Canberra band had fans on their feet and singing along throughout a set of gritty grunge tunes, featuring a perfectly suited cover of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend.

Giving Mackay a taste of what the rest of Australia will experience on their national tour later this year, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers closed with their huge 2021 hit AHHH!, inciting a huge singalong from the crowd.

Bucking the trend of debuts, Beddy Rays brought their raucousness to Mackay for the third time this year.

It’s no wonder they keep coming back, as Mackay seems to always turn out in force to see their powerful punk riffs live.

There was plenty of energy and headbanging from the crowd and the band alike, particularly when Tia was welcomed to the stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak which is always a highlight.

Closing with their ode to drinking beer with mates in the Queensland sun, Sobercoaster, the Brisbane band once again proved why they’re a Mackay favourite.

Speaking of Mackay favourites, the person behind the whole show was next to the stage to finish it off in style.

This was Tia Gostelow’s first hometown performance in three years and audiences were clearly eager to experience some of their favourites live again.

Her career-spanning set had everyone keen for a boogie and featured favourites Strangers, Two Lovers, Always and a cover of Dua Lipa’s viral earworm Levitating.

Tia would frequently pause and appreciate, assuring the crowd of how much the whole day meant to her.

Tia’s goal of bringing bands to a stage and crowd that they wouldn’t normally get to perform in front of was clear in the lead-up to Sugardrop Festival and she undoubtedly achieved it.

With a unique setting and a diverse line-up teeming with talent, let’s hope Sugardrop Festival returns and becomes a mainstay on the Mackay music calendar.

Tia Gostelow had crowds enthralled at her first festival Sugardrop

Tia joined Beddy Rays on stage for a cover of Thelma Plum’s Better in Blak

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought the crowd to their feet

Amber Farnan provided the perfect soundtrack to a classic Mackay sunset

Mt. Nadir kicked things off in the late afternoon sun. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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Stripped back, speaking out, baring it all.

Taking place in the Wonderland Spiegeltent, the Just Saying Project (JSP) and Mackay Regional Council are partnering up to bring BARE to the Mackay Festival of Arts during the last weekend of July.

Topics including sex, body image, pleasure, pain, and female power will all be seen on stage, for two shows – 7.30pm Saturday, July 30 and 2.30pm Sunday, July 31.

This isn’t the first time BARE has hit the stage – the cabaret show debuted in August 2021 with two sold-out shows.

The creatives at the Just Saying Project have since revamped and redesigned the performance to relay the important message to the community, that women don’t have to be quiet.

Founder of the Just Saying Project, Fallon Drewett said that now more than ever, “women are making noise and they have found their power in not staying quiet”.

“BARE brings women together to share their stories – empower, entertain and educate on matters that have left a scar,” said Ms Drewett.

“Revamping BARE’s storyline for its second season has been a thrilling process – this event truly is a show that both women and men enjoy.”

BARE’s co-writer Sammie Mitchell said, “The delivery of this message is performed in a fun, entertaining and engaging way that will make your belly hurt from laughter.”

“We are bringing men and women together to show what the female body can really achieve, by having local performers baring it all on stage - baring their hearts that is,” said Ms Mitchell.

BARE is an 18+ event – tickets are available now at themecc.com.au.

For more information on the Just Saying Project, visit www.thejustsayingproject.com.

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There’s no need to “run to paradise” because Queens Park will be as close as you can get on Saturday, July 16.

One of the most iconic pub rock bands in Australian history will hit the stage in front of more than 20,000 people at the Wisely Wine and Food Day.  

Choirboys are an essential part of our culture having penned one of Australia's unofficial pub rock anthems 'Run To Paradise'.

Choirboys’ frontman Mark Gable said Wisely Wine and Food Day audiences could expect a mix of old and not-so-old songs.

He said the band had been having a lot of fun live streaming sets during Covid times, but nothing beat a festival crowd.

“Being in front of crowds is how it all started, and nothing beats having an ‘artist’ and an audience being as one and that is what we are hoping for at the Wine and Food Day,” he said.

The Choirboys are no strangers to our region, having previously played at the old Paradise Nights nightclub during their chart-topping days.

“We have been to Mackay many times; I think the best time was when Run To Paradise was top of the charts and we did, possibly, our first show after it was a hit in Mackay,” Gable said.

Gable joked that the recently viral Covid-lockdown-inspired cover “Stuck in Paradise” he created with his partner, country music songstress Melinda Schneider, would likely not make an appearance.

“Stuck In Paradise won’t be in the set list, as it really needs Melinda to make it happen, but who knows,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Choirboys with their massive rock anthems – Run To Paradise, Boys Will Be Boys and Never Gonna Die – are the perfect headliners to cap off a stellar Wisely Wine and Food Day line-up.

“The Choirboys are renowned for putting on a great live show and it’s not just the music, it’s the atmosphere and the humorous banter they bring,” Mayor Williamson said.

“And we’ve got some other sensational acts this year that will help to build the atmosphere from ‘chilled and funky’ to ‘high energy rock and roll’ as the sun settles into the afternoon,” he said.

“Bands like Tropical State of Mind and Redtie Band will have the crowd well and truly warmed up for when the Choirboys hit the stage.”

MECC and Events acting manager Jemma Carey encouraged diehard Choirboys fans to make sure they reserved the best seats in the park.

“For the first year we are offering The Oasis, a red-hot ticket to a stress-free tent, complete with private bar and amenities, and a great view of the main stage,” Ms Carey said.

“There will even be delicious food delivered straight to your table, so you can forget lining up for food or leaving someone to hold a space on the grass,” she said.

For those looking for some culture before they rock and roll, Ms Carey said there were Wine and Cheese Masterclasses with the team from Plattered Up and Mini Paint and Sip sessions with art operators Bottletops and Brushes.

Festivals coordinator Sarah Porter said she was really excited by the line-up on the Grassroots Stage this year.

“Grassroots Stage headliners Egoism are an indie pop duo from Sydney’s inner west that are really taking off at the moment,” Ms Porter said.

“And they’ll join a string of folk, indie, soulful and chilled musicians and bands that will appeal to those keen to kick back and relax.

“Wisely Food and Wine Day will have a bit of everything for everyone this year and will certainly be a great day out for the whole family.”

Entry to the Wisely Food and Wine Day is completely free, however, the ticketed areas and classes are selling fast.

To book your spot in The Oasis, at a Plattered Up Wine and Cheese Masterclass or in a Paint and Sip session, head to themecc.com.au/festivals

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Australia’s six-foot something songstress, Prada Clutch will pay tribute to the world’s greatest divas in the show of a lifetime when her sweet show comes to the Sugar City.

Les Divas: An All-Male Revue will storm the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with an all-star drag cast on June 18.

Leading lady Cher - aka Prada Clutch – will take audiences from Mackay on a trip to the Las Vegas strip, along with some of her most famous diva friends.

Showgoers will celebrate alongside acts like Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Diana Ross.

“You can expect nine of the world’s greatest divas being impersonated by three drag queens on the one stage,” Prada said.

“You can’t travel overseas so we’re bringing Las Vegas to you, darlings!”

The all-male revue is a trip down memory lane, with greatest hits including If I Could Turn Back Time, Get the Party Started, Proud Mary, I Will Always Love You, and I’m Coming Out.

“I’ve brought my best girlfriends along for the show: Barbara Streisand, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion & Diana Ross,” Prada said.

“We get to perform our greatest hits with four very sexy male dancers.”

That trip down memory lane for the “old girls” has been spiced up with inclusions of the likes of Beyoncé “for the young folk.”

Les Divas cast of seven perform their choreographed show courtesy of Stephen Clarke’s exceptional handiwork.

Clarke has worked with renowned divas including Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Cyndi Lauper and Diana Ross to name a few.

There’s talent across the production, with creative direction by Monique Kelly, an original cast member of the Les Girls of Kings Cross from 1973 to 1997.

Having headlined stage shows across the country for the past nine years, Prada is one of Australia’s most in-demand live-singing drag queens and Australia’s self-proclaimed number one live-singing Cher impersonator.

“I’m looking forward most to the crowd’s reaction when I first come out on stage as our touring shows have been far and few between since the pandemic first reached our shores,” Prada said.

“I really miss the buzz of a live audience – they are the reason I do what I do.”

In Les Divas, Prada and her ‘girls’ will dazzle audiences with wonderful wigs, colourful costumes dripping in diamantes, cheeky humour and diva impersonations like you’ve never seen before. Don’t miss it at the MECC.

Les Divas: An All-Male Revue is arriving at the MECC in June

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Sugar Drop Festival is happening tomorrow at Harrup Park and is bringing local musicians to the Mackay stage for the first time.

Newly formed Brisbane band Mt. Nadir will be opening proceedings tomorrow afternoon, with drummer Conor Harris and bassist Jake Mallet both hailing from Mackay.

The pair put a callout in a Brisbane Music Scene Facebook group where they met singer Francis Rosbrook and guitarist Jaina Sacranie, forming Mt. Nadir.

“I honestly feel like we just got incredibly lucky, the first two people that had come in to jam with us from our ad clicked so well, both personally and musically,” said Conor.

“The initial feeling of us all getting together was just super organic and the songs just began to flow through us with almost every single jam we had,” added Jake.

Mt. Nadir played their first gig earlier this year and tomorrow will be their hometown debut.

“Playing for my friends and family at a festival headlined by such talented bands still feels so surreal,” said Conor.

“Our two biggest supporters Deborah Mallet (my mum) and Margeret Heggie (Conor’s mum) are yet to see us play so we can’t wait to get out there and show them and the rest of Mackay what we’ve been working on,” added Jake.

“Expect a high ride of emotions and a very warming energy made by four friends who all adore each other and love playing with each other.”

Amber Farnan will be taking the stage after Mt. Nadir, her fusion of indie, pop and folk sure to delight Mackay crowds as the sun sets over Harrup Park.

Amber grew up in Cooktown where she says the music scene was non-existent.

“I feel this pushed me further to pursue music and drove me to want to expose myself and others to the industry,” Amber said.

Inspired by Crowded House and fellow North Queensland musician Greta Stanley, Amber moved to Cairns to pursue her music dreams.

“I find it so refreshing and exciting to see music festivals like Sugar Drop popping up in regional areas, exposing and showcasing the local and national talent that Australia has to offer,” Amber said.

“I will be playing with a full band and have heaps of new songs on my setlist which I can’t wait to play live for the first time, and of course the plan is to have fun!”

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Beddy Rays and Tia Gostelow will also take the stage at Sugar Drop tomorrow.

The festival is now 15+ and tickets are still available.

WHAT: Sugar Drop Festival

WHEN: Saturday, June 18 from 4:00pm

WHERE: Harrup Park, Mackay

TICKETS: Oztix

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Friday 17 June

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and do a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Conversations with Art  

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

This free and enjoyable discussion is led by Artspace staff, looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from Gallery and Museum. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions – Mat Surha

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Ross Noble - On The Go

Friday, 7:30pm

Science has proved laughter can induce a zen-like state similar to meditation, but can contemplation, reflection and self-discovery be achieved by thinking every and all the thoughts at once? Ross Noble is always on the go and will be smashing ideas together in the pursuit of fun. Come see ‘one of comedy’s greatest marvels’ (The Daily Telegraph). Book your tickets at the MECC.

MECC

Saturday 18 June

Sugardrop Festival 2022

Saturday, 4:00pm

After what seems like a lifetime, Tia Gostelow is finally coming home to play a live show and bringing along some mates. Kicking off her first annual hometown event Sugardrop Festival featuring Beddy Rays, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Amber Farnan and Mt. Nadir.

Harrup Park

Les Divas: An All-Male Revue

Saturday, 8:00pm

Witness the greatest divas being impersonated like never before as they tour Australia. From the producers of Prada Clutch’s: All-Drag Revue comes Les Divas: An All-Male Revue. Australia’s six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch plays Cher in her new show set on the Las Vegas Strip featuring an all-star line-up of her most famous friends.

MECC

Sunday 19 June

2022 Libris Awards Exhibition: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize

Sunday

It’s the final week to catch the 2022 Libris Awards exhibition at Artspace Mackay. The Libris Awards brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across Australia. The Awards are a chance to celebrate the art form and build on the gallery’s significant artist book collection through the competition’s acquisitive prizes. The exhibition is available during Artspace Mackay opening hours, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 3pm.

Artspace Mackay

Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Canecutter Statue Unveiling

Sunday, 3:00pm

The new ‘Joe the Canecutter’ statue will be unveiled after being replaced. Community members are all invited to attend.

Albert Lloyd Park, Marian

Monday 20 June

Ukulele Workshop with Paul Jonson

Monday, 7:00pm to 9:30pm

A 2-hour workshop available for all levels of players. Learn a couple of new songs and techniques, learn to show off your personality with your uke with Paul Jonson from NZ.

Contact Julie on 0413316973 to confirm place.

Kucom Theatre

Tuesday 21 June

World Café

Sunday, 3:00pm

World Café is a free culture-sharing group that meets every Tuesday (between February and November) from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions and local excursions. For more information please phone (07) 4957 7222

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Tropical Paint & Sip with Hand Drawn Designs by Michelle

Wednesday, 6:30pm

Mackay, come celebrate with the ultimate party experience! Paint & Sip parties are fun group painting sessions that provide the opportunity to gather your friends and wine while you design, regardless of your artistic ability or skill. Your expert teacher guides you step-by-step. It's that easy! This is NOT an art workshop, so put on your drinking boots and let's have some fun! Adults only event. Book your tickets here! https://bit.ly/3MXavA7

Seabreeze Hotel

Wednesday 22 June

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

Biggest Morning Tea

Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30am

The team at Magpies Sporting Club are holding a fantastic fundraising Morning Tea to help make a valuable difference in the lives of so many impacted by cancer. Enjoy a decadent morning tea, barista tea & coffee, juice and an inspirational guest speaker for $20 per person. Raffle tickets available now at reception or at the morning tea, drawn on the day, winners don’t need to be present. All ticket and raffle sales will go directly to the Cancer Council.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Thursday 23 June

Playgroup with Maria

Thursday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Story time, movement, music, games and FUN! $3 per family. Email tomin@tnhub.org.au.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay

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Following the resounding success of its 2018 Vicar of Dibley season, Kucom Theatre is proud to present The Vicar of Dibley 2, adapted from original TV scripts by Richard Curtis.

This year’s stage adaptation is based on three popular episodes: Love and Marriage – featuring the wedding of Alice Tinker and Hugo Horton; Autumn, and the Vicar’s scandalous fling with David Horton’s younger brother; and Winter, culminating in the Dibley Nativity Play.

Kucom Theatre President Bronwyn Grannall said the cast includes an array of well-known local performers.

“Our range of local performers includes Pia Larsen, Geoff Stewart-McLean, Zachary Trounson, Chanelle Redgwell, John Irvine, Paul Vander Loos, Andrew Deguara and Richard Calligan, with Vicky Bobeldyk in a guest cameo role,” Ms Grannall said.

“Geoff Stewart-McLean, reprising the role he played in our 2018 production, once again decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and have his head shaved to play the role of Councillor David Horton, played by the follically challenged Gary Waldhorn in the TV series.

“He had his head shaved on 27 May, we were tremendously impressed by Geoff’s generous offer, and by the excellent result achieved by Tanya Russell at Gina-T Hair and Beauty.”

Season dates for the Vicar of Dibley 2: Thu 14th, Fri 15th, Sat 16th, Thu 21st, Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd July.

Tanya Russell (GinaT Hair & Beauty), Geoff Stewart-McLean and Kucom President Bronwyn Grannall

Tanya Russell from GinaT Hair & Beauty gets to work in balding Geoff Stewart-McLean for the role of David Horton in the upcoming show The Vicar of Dibley 2

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Fascinators, Frocks and Fillies

The weather couldn’t have been much better for the return of the Mackay Beach Horse Races on the weekend, one of the most anticipated events on the Mackay calendar.

Mackay Harbour Beach was packed to the brim with bright, eye-catching outfits as punters dressed to the conditions of the coastal location and casual atmosphere of regional Queensland’s cheeky answer to the Melbourne Cup.

With six races on the card, Fashions on the Sand, the Air Jockey Competition and plenty more to delight the huge crowd, the Mackay Beach Horse Races is cementing itself as the race that stops Mackay.

A Day At The Races Done Different

The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and the shoes were filling with sand.

The Mackay Beach Horse Races thrilled a huge crowd with an action-packed day of racing and entertainment for the whole family last Saturday.

Sand flew as retired thoroughbreds, stock horses, quarter horses and mixed breeds galloped from the Mackay Surf Club starting line to the Dispensary VIP Deck finish line, passing cheering fans as they sped down the beach.

Six races were run throughout the day with Terminate, ridden by Josh Manzelmann, winning the ultimate Mick Pope Memorial Race, named in honour of the Beach Horse Races founder.

Mackay’s most fashionable stepped up for Fashions on the Sands where everything from pluggers and Hawaiian shirts to incredibly elegant suits, gowns and headwear took to the runway.

Four winners were crowned with Sheri Sampson winning Best Contemporary, Breanna Godfrey winning Best Classic, Julie-Anne Coombs winning Best Headwear and Dean Williams named the Best Man in the Sand.

The Air Jockey Competition also took centre stage, with competitors doing their best jockey impressions and battling it out for some great prizes.

A selection of DJs played bangers throughout the festival space all day, keeping the vibes high between races and inevitably packing out the dancefloor.

As the sun set, the crowd congregated at the main stage to boogie the night away.

After such a successful event from the Mackay Beach Horse Races and Mackay Isaac Tourism, it’s exciting to see what the team have in store for next year.

L-R Fashions on the Sand winners Dean Williams, Breanna Godfrey, Sheri Sampson and Julie-Anne Coombs.

Mackay Beach Horse Race Winners

Race 1: The Harvey Norman Quarter Horse 400m

1st Clover Lily ridden by Jen Kavanagh

2nd Cool Dream N Hollywood ridden by Les Croydon

3rd Damage ridden by Jarrod Robinson

Race 2: Uniform Solutions Off the Track Thoroughbreds 400m

1st Mutomba ridden by Jarrod Robinson

2nd Almah Rocket ridden by Trinity Nash

3rd Authentic Swing ridden by Shanay Weston

Race 3: The Cruise Whitsundays Off The Track Thoroughbreds 500m

1st Ambassadors Jet ridden by Jarrod Robinson

2nd Damage ridden by Trinity Nash

3rd Pirates Jessie Jane ridden by Melissa  Milton

Race 4: The Fullhammer Lady Riders Only Race 500m

1st Arnie ridden by Lisa Manzelmann

2nd Big Bubba ridden by Rachael Smith

3rd Rixon’s Funny Face ridden by Rike Buenhing

Race 5: The Wildcat Mackay All Breeds Race 450m

1st Big Bubba ridden by Rachael Smith

2nd Rixon’s Funny Face ridden by Rike Buenhing

3rd Maverick ridden by Vicki Beasy

Race 6: The Mick Hope Memorial 450m thanks to Mackay Airport

1st Terminate ridden by Josh Manzelmann

2nd Mutomba ridden by Jarrod Robinson

3rd Clover Lily ridden by Jen Kavanagh

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