The countdown is on as the Airlie Beach Festival of Music unveils its daily main stage lineups, building excitement for one of the region’s most anticipated events.

“We’ve always been about creating a full-sensory experience, and now it’s time for a taste of what each day will bring,” said a spokesperson.

Organisers have also announced new 2-day ticket options to suit every type of festival-goer. Whether you're in for the full weekend (plus pre- and post-party) or just a highlight or two, your ultimate music escape is almost here.

The fun kicks off early on Thursday night with the Welcome Party at Magnums, showcasing an all-female lineup: TRILLA, Lucy Gallant, Piper Butcher, and the high-energy Katie Richards and Viva Band.

Friday features the high-stakes Passport to Airlie finals, followed by performances from Pete Murray, The Screaming Jets, and 2024 Passport to Airlie winner, Tom Neilson.

On Saturday, festivalgoers will enjoy sets from Diesel, Choirboys, Bachelor Girl, and the unforgettable Tex Perkins & Matt Walker.

Sunday brings the energy home with Jessica Mauboy headlining, alongside The Black Sorrows and a stellar lineup of blues and country favourites.

The party continues on Monday with the Afterparty at Northerlies, headlined by blues virtuoso Lloyd Spiegel and more. To make the experience more accessible, flexible ticketing is now available!

   • Friday & Saturday 2-Day Ticket – $240
Includes two full festival days plus Thursday’s Welcome Party.
   • Saturday & Sunday 2-Day Ticket – $260
Wrap up the weekend in style with full access on both days and Monday’s Afterparty.
   • Full 3-Day Ticket – $325
Includes Friday to Sunday, plus entry to both the Welcome and After Parties.

With the daily lineup now revealed and flexible ticket options available, there’s no better time to plan your festival getaway.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club & venues across Airlie Beach
WHEN: 7–9 November

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Multi music award winner Jessica Mauboy will make her first Airlie Beach Festival of Music appearance this November.

The much-loved Australian music legend first gained recognition on Australian Idol, but in an exclusive interview with Whitsunday Life Newspaper, she said performing live is her ultimate joy.

“Being able to play it live is my ultimate favourite. So, it’s an absolute honour and opportunity to be able to do that in Airlie Beach. I'm looking forward to that,” she said.

“I love to get to know the people because that's what really makes it right, the people and obviously the energy and the spirit of the place.

“I'm looking forward to really indulging it, as much as I love performing, I really love getting to know a place.”

Jessica Mauboy is set to bring songs from her entire discography, including her first and second albums, and maybe even some hit songs from the feature film The Sapphires, plus a range of her newer music.

Her newest song ‘While I Got Time’, featured as Irene Roberts' farewell on Home and Away, and Mauboy said the brief she was given by her publisher was inspiring.

“She says to me, I've got dot points that the third party have sent over and they would love you to write a song about your loved ones. What would it be like if you were to venture out and leave? What would you leave behind? What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind? A song about in-depth reflection about life.

“The intentional production was very intimate and just little harmonies here and there, just to kind of hear the guitar play, the emotions of the lyrics and the voice, is what we wanted.

“I've never been a part of a project like that in my life. So this was really unexpected, but such a really warm project and sincere experience I've never been a part of.”

Jessica Mauboy is also fresh off being inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) Hall of Fame.

“I think having grown up in Darwin and the Northern Territory, to receive an award in my hometown that I love so dearly, to be presented that by my own community and my elders and people whom I admire at the NIMA’s, I was really in disbelief,” she said.

“I stand with the award with pride and honour.”

Mauboy is also keen to support local initiatives like Passport to Airlie, which gives emerging musicians the chance to perform at future Airlie Beach Festival of Music events.

“Our local stages are so important, so we need to take care of them, we need to nurture them. As much as the big stages outside are amazing. You always remember the beginning of it, and I still remember my first stage,” she said.
“The one thing I would say is learn from that experience. Learn from the stages. Learn from the people who build the stages from the ground up, and who create the festivals and take care of them.”

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Michael Kimpton turned a five-kilometre parkrun into a passport to the world’s toughest races.

Most retirees who make the move to the Whitsundays choose a relaxed lifestyle, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. But for local Michael Kimpton, retirement was just the warmup lap.

In his 60s, Michael decided he needed a challenge, and that challenge was to complete his first-ever triathlon. Since his debut event in 2017 on Hamilton Island, he has become a local legend, competing in the World Ironman Championships twice, the World Half Ironman Championships three times, and other World Triathlon events. He’s also become President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Event Director of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival.

Michael and his wife Val moved to Airlie Beach from Melbourne in 2016 to escape the chilly, wet winters and trade them for glorious blue skies and stunning scenery.

Desiring a challenge and after chatting with a friend, Michael was introduced to the Airlie Beach Parkrun, a five-kilometre run starting at Coral Sea Marina and along the boardwalk.

Michael recalls saying, “Five kilometres! That will kill me, mate! I’m lucky to run across the road.”

But after six months of training and a few injuries, he tackled the Parkrun.

The event inspired him to start triathlon training. “At my age, running will bust me up,” he said. “I should cross-train with something else.” A former surfer, Michael already had strong swimming skills. He picked up a pushbike, and soon he was training across all three disciplines.

None of this came easily. At 23, Michael was commuting home from his desk job in the city Melbourne when he was involved in a serious motorbike accident. He suffered permanent nerve damage to his left leg (requiring skin grafts) and lost a large portion of his left calf muscle. He also developed kidney failure and spent six weeks on dialysis. Left with broken bones and severe nerve damage, he had to learn to walk again. He spent over six months in hospital and rehabilitation.

In November 2017, the Hamilton Island Triathlon was coming up. Now experienced in swimming, cycling and running, Michael signed up. The course may have been short, but its steep hills made it brutal. From that moment on, he was hooked. The following year, he completed Olympic-distance triathlons in Mackay, Townsville, and Melbourne.

An Olympic distance triathlon includes a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and a 10-kilometre run.

In 2019, his next challenge came calling: his first half Ironman. He completed the 1.9-kilometre swim, 90-kilometre cycle and 21.1-kilometre run, having trained for most of 2017 and all of 2018. Just months later, he competed again in Cairns, this time winning his age group (65-69) and earning a spot at the 2019 World Championships in Nice, France.

In 2021, he stepped up to the ultimate endurance test: the full Ironman, comprising a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre ride and 42.2-kilometre marathon. Over the next few years, he completed six Ironmans, including events in Cairns, South Africa and Kona, Hawaii. His performance in South Africa in 2025 qualified him for the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Nice, France, this September.

Michael Kimpton’s personal achievements are exceptional, but what he’s done for the Airlie Beach community is even more far-reaching.

In 2022, he was appointed President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club. That same year, the future of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival was in doubt, but Michael and Val saved it from dying. Since then, the festival has grown into a thriving Event and one of the most unique and popular triathlons on Australia’s sporting calendar.

Looking ahead to September, Michael is proud and excited to have been invited to the Ironman World Championship in Nice, France.

Best Triathlon Tips

“I concentrate on where I am at that moment.”

“If I'm swimming, I say Mick, just concentrate on your stroke, on the swimming, and on your breathing.”

“Don't think about the end of the day.”

“Just concentrate on what the hell you're doing at that moment, preserve the energy, and conserve your energy as much as you can.”

“Most of it is mindgames, so think positive thoughts!”

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Dane Campbell On The Day Everything Changed

Dane Campbell has never been one to back down from a challenge. A former rugby league player and now the North Queensland Cowboys’ Head of Recruitment, Dane has faced many battles on the field, but none quite like the one he’s tackling now: stage four bowel cancer.

Fit, active and only 42, Dane said the diagnosis came out of nowhere.

“I felt a sudden urge to go to the bathroom and thought I just had an upset stomach,” he recalled.

“But I randomly happened to look down and it was all blood. That was a massive concern – so unusual – especially given I’d had no other symptoms and was feeling otherwise fit and healthy.”

What could have been brushed off as something minor — as his GP initially suspected haemorrhoids — turned out to be far more serious. Fortunately, that same GP chose to err on the side of caution, referring Dane for a colonoscopy that ultimately changed the course of his life.

“I came out of the colonoscopy and was asked to stick around – that’s when I started to realise something was wrong,” Dane said.

“I was told that I had a cancer in my rectum – the news smashed me in the face pretty hard.”

Dane underwent minimally invasive robotic surgery at Mater Private Hospital

Townsville, led by colorectal surgeon Associate Professor Shin Sakata, who performed an ultra-low anterior resection using cutting-edge technology.

“The location of the cancer meant that the entire rectum had to be removed and, traditionally, that would require patients to have a large incision and a temporary stoma bag,” Prof Sakata explained.

“In Dane’s case, I used the DaVinci Xi robot, a great example of the state-of-the-art surgical technology we have at Mater Private Hospital Townsville. The operation was smooth sailing, and I was able to avoid giving Dane a stoma bag.”

However, Dane’s cancer journey didn’t end there. Follow-up scans revealed a suspicious spot on his liver. What followed was a liver lobectomy and six months of chemotherapy. It confirmed the cancer had reached stage four.

“So, that means I have stage four cancer, but we’re having a red-hot crack at eliminating it,” Dane said.

“At the end of the day, I was fortunate I just happened to look down that day. If I hadn’t – or if I had and dismissed it as haemorrhoids or fissures – the outcome could have been incredibly different.”

Prof Sakata emphasised the importance of early detection and integrated care.

“At Mater Private Hospital Townsville, the close collaboration of colorectal surgeons, liver surgeons, gastroenterologists and oncologists produces patient care of the highest standard,” he said.

“At Mater Private Townsville, the needs of our patients always come first.”

His message is timely.

Around 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and more than 5,000 die from the disease, making it the nation’s second-deadliest cancer. Australia also has the highest rate of bowel cancer in the world in people under 50, with one in nine cases now occurring in younger adults.

Prof Sakata is urging the public not to be complacent.

“We are seeing a recent rise in bowel cancer cases among young people like Dane,” he said.

Red flags include a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue and, as in Dane’s case, blood in the stool.

“In hindsight, I probably had some discomfort in my abdomen and what I thought was reflux, which I put down to other sickness at the time, when really, it was the cancer,” Dane admitted.

“So, I’d really advocate for early checks and screening, even if you think it’s not necessary.

“I also hadn’t realised at the time, but after being diagnosed, I did a deep dive into my family history and found we have six or seven generations deep of stomach-related cancers, so it’s worth knowing your family history too.”

Now well into treatment, the former footy player is focusing on optimism and health, and living life with even more purpose.

“I joke about it, but the reality is that all the things you know to be true – like eating well, exercising regularly, mindfulness – I think all of those things I’m doing more habitually and as a result I have a pretty positive outlook on beating this,” Dane said.

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Andrew Willcox MP

In a time when global supply chains wobble and energy debates rage louder than ever, one of Canberra’s rising regional voices is helping shape the blueprint for Australia’s industrial backbone — and he’s doing it with the grounded pragmatism of someone who prefers welders and workshop floors to whiteboards and buzzwords.

From exploring advanced manufacturing hubs in Paget to backing sovereign rocket launches in Bowen, the Federal Member for Dawson is stepping into a national spotlight with two heavyweight roles: Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, and now a key appointment to the Coalition’s Energy Policy Development Group.

Andrew Willcox is using his new portfolio to champion both national resilience and regional industry. And while his appointment was welcomed as a political elevation, the member himself sees it as a practical opportunity to make a tangible difference.

“This isn’t just about policy on paper, it’s about getting out and listening to manufacturers and industry stakeholders across the country,” he said.

“We need to find out what their limiting factors are and develop policy that helps them grow, innovate and employ.”

For Mr Willcox, the brief goes far beyond traditional manufacturing. His portfolio intersects with critical national challenges, from fuel security to agricultural inputs, from aerospace engineering to defence applications.

“One of the most urgent things I want to tackle is fuel security,” he said.

“As a country, we should have at least a three-month supply of fuel onshore. I don’t believe we currently do. That has major implications for everything, transport, emergency response, and food supply.

“If we’re talking about sovereign capability, this has to be top of the list.”

Equally pressing is Australia’s ability to produce key agricultural inputs like fertilisers and crop protection chemicals.

“We rely heavily on overseas sources for these essentials,” he said.

“If international supply chains are disrupted, we’re in serious trouble. I want to see us develop the capacity to manufacture more of these products domestically, and not just at a pilot scale, but at commercial volumes.”

Mr Willcox is also passionate about the potential of space and precision manufacturing. His electorate includes Gilmore Space Technologies in Bowen, which (at the time of print) is preparing to launch Australia's first locally-built orbital rocket.

“Most of the satellite components are already being made here in Australia,” he said.

“If we can manufacture more of the precision parts as well, then we control the process from the factory floor to low Earth orbit. That’s not just great for jobs, it’s essential for national security and data sovereignty.”

The overlap between space technology and defence is another area Mr Willcox intends to explore.

“We’re seeing real crossover between propulsion systems used for rockets and the kind of technology our defence forces need. Supporting these industries is not just smart, it’s strategic.”

But while his eyes are on national outcomes, his feet remain firmly planted in his electorate.

“I’m encouraging manufacturers in Dawson, from Mackay to Townsville, from Paget to Wulguru, to get in touch,” he said.

“If you’ve got an idea, a bottleneck, or a project you think could contribute to our economy or Australia’s sovereign capability, I want to hear from you.”

Mr Willcox’s influence on national policy has grown in parallel with his manufacturing brief, with a recent appointment to the Coalition’s energy policy development group marking another significant step in his federal portfolio.

“This is about developing practical, forward-thinking energy policy that supports economic growth, energy reliability, and environmental responsibility,” he said.

“We need to listen to voices from industry, agriculture, and the scientific community to ensure the path forward is balanced.”

For Mr Willcox, energy and manufacturing are deeply intertwined.

“Without reliable and affordable power, our industries suffer. That’s why I’m committed to shaping policy that strengthens our energy independence and supports sovereign production.”

This dual responsibility, championing both manufacturing and energy, places Willcox at the centre of two of the most pressing policy challenges of the next decade. It’s a role he doesn’t take lightly, but one he’s embracing with characteristic pragmatism.

“It all comes back to self-reliance,” he said.

“That’s what sovereign capability means, and that’s the future I want to help deliver.

“We’re in a complex geopolitical moment,” he added.

“We need to be able to take care of ourselves as a country, to keep the wheels turning even in uncertain times.

“Sovereign capability means being able to make what we need, when we need it, right here at home.”

And while the work is just beginning, the potential, like the rocket about to launch in his electorate, is sky high.

andrewwillcox.com.au/

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With Pastor Andy Wilson From Whitsunday Baptist Church

Are we looking at the right statistics in the right way? For decades, society has rightly fought for women’s rights. But in the process, have some men been left behind? In the 1960s and ’70s, Australia introduced no-fault divorce laws, initially to protect women—especially those abandoned by husbands. These laws allowed women to retain the family home and often full custody of the children. At the time, it was a necessary reform. But five decades on, some are asking: do these laws now unfairly disadvantage men?

Whitsunday Pastor Andy Wilson married his high school sweetheart when he was just 21 years old. The couple went on to have four children together, bought a house in Brisbane and Andy ran his own business while his wife opted to be a stay at home mother. For many years life was idyllic, but then the marriage started to become strained.

Desperate to rekindle the spark Andy tried to woo his wife again, buying her flowers, leaving little notes for her to find and reading ‘Seven Ways To Be A Hero’ about how to win your wife back. He also sold their boat to renovate the kitchen and invested time improving the house so she could be happy.

Sadly, none of his efforts worked and he was asked to move out of the family home.

Andy rented a small room nearby to stay close to the children. Without a suitable home for overnight stays, and while continuing to financially support the family, he found himself paying over $500 per week in child support.

Meanwhile, his wife left for France on a holiday. During this time, Andy had access to the house while he was looking after the children. It was on one of these days that he saw a handwritten letter from France and curiosity got the better of him. The letter confirmed his suspicions: it was a love note to his wife.

Later that same day he looked on the family computer and discovered multiple images of his wife wearing different outfits. On each of them she had a black eye. He recalled her receiving this injury when their son accidentally swung his head into her. But here, it looked like a set-up. He realised, she was using this to try and incriminate him into a domestic violence allegation.

Andy took the hard drive and when his wife returned home she phoned him up rattled, trying to get him to admit to destroying the evidence. Andy recalls feeling like the police were listening in.

Though ultimately Andy wasn’t charged, the experience left him shaken. After speaking with a lawyer friend, Andy was told the legal battle would be lengthy and costly— his wife likely to receive up to 80% of the assets. Rather than fight, he chose to walk away and start over.

Sadly, Andy’s story isn’t uncommon. Many men report losing their homes, finances, and access to their children following divorce. While domestic violence laws are vital for protecting victims, some allege they are misused during custody disputes. Research suggests that separation and family court issues are contributing factors in male suicide. According to Dads In Distress, a national support group, separated men are six times more likely to die by suicide than their married counterparts.

Fortunately, Andy was one of the lucky ones. He may have walked away without any money, but he was able to see his children. He also met and fell in love with a beautiful woman and was able to become a caring stepfather to her two children.

Andy also discovered his true calling which is ministry – to build God’s church right here in the Whitsundays. Since December last year Andy has been the Pastor at Whitsundays Baptist Church, where his candid and uplifting sermons have grown the congregation.

His journey, however, could have ended very differently.

“I honestly believe after losing everything that without my faith in Jesus I would have been another suicide statistic,” shared Andy.

“After what happened I had every reason to hate but hate but hate locks you in a prison of bitterness. The sun will rise again - hang in there and don’t give up, because I am testament to how life does get better.”

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Ren Pedersen never planned to be involved in medicine. He never went to medical school. He never paid too much attention in science class.

But when he tragically lost his nine-year-old daughter Amy to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in 2009, he dove head-first into the medical world—not as a doctor, but as a father with a promise to keep.

"I promised my daughter that I would cure this,” says Ren.

“I just happened to pick the toughest fight in all of medicine.”

DIPG—also known as the deadliest childhood cancer—is an aggressive brain tumour that forms in the brainstem, affecting vital functions like breathing, movement, and heart rate. Most children diagnosed with DIPG survive only months.

No effective treatment exists. In fact, up until Amy’s death 16 years ago, no research into a cure for DIPG had ever been undertaken in Australia.

But where most saw an insurmountable challenge, Ren chose to fight tooth and nail for a cure that could save thousands.

A crane operator by trade and a Burdekin boy at heart, Ren grew up surrounded by small-town values—honesty, hard work, and doing what needed to be done. After losing Amy, those same values fuelled his leap into a world he never imagined stepping into. “I approached this with a blue-collar, crane driver’s mentality,” he says.

With an absence of fundamental DIPG research, it was up to him to get the ball rolling.

“We were really starting from scratch,” says Ren.

“They said, ‘We can’t do any research without autopsy samples.

“So the first thing I did was, with my contacts, I delicately approached the parents, and we consented to getting the children’s tumours debulked when the kids passed away.

“And so, for the first time ever in Australia, scientists had actual tumour samples to analyse.”

Thanks largely to Pedersen’s groundwork, Australia’s first DIPG tumour bank was created in 2011 at the Children’s Cancer Institute, under the leadership of Associate Professor David Ziegler.

Since then, the path has been all but linear, but made entirely possible thanks to Ren’s undying determination.

“I would literally go to the institutions and challenge the leading professors there,” says Ren.

“If the doctors said, ‘we can't do this or this’, I’d say, ‘well, what do you need to get this done?’”

Fast-forward to today, and Australian researchers have led the charge in DIPG research, with recent breakthroughs demonstrating that an accessible cure may be just over the horizon.

Despite promising updates, Ren knows the journey is far from complete.

“The next step is making sure these discoveries actually reach the kids who need them.”

His fundraising endeavour, ‘Ren’s Million Dollar Mission’, was born from this understanding. The charity aims to raise $1 million to support vital DIPG research at the Children’s Cancer Institute, focusing on apoptosis-targeting treatments and tumour microenvironment studies to develop new therapies.

“Once we get this million dollars up, we hope to gain momentum across Australia… and get this drug delivered into the mouths of these children, because helping parents save their children is what this is all about.”

Unfortunately, Ren couldn’t quite save Amy, but the OAM recipient says the journey for a cure has kept him connected to her, helping to fill the devastating void she left behind a decade and a half ago.

“This is like my child now,” says Ren.

“(I’ve watched) it grow and mature. We’ve nursed the baby up till it's about to walk, and now it's walking. We've just got to get the treatments that we've discovered to the bedside and watch the child blossom.”

And that’s the mission. Ren’s mission. Not an obligation, but a decision—to not only uphold his promise to Amy, but to ensure that children with DIPG can grow up to decide their own destiny, too.

You can play your part here: https://www.ccia.org.au/event/rens-million-dollar-mission/home

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Matteo Charles To Headline Enchanted Garden Charity Fundraiser

World-renowned artist Matteo Charles is set to bring his unique brand of “Inspirational Artistry” to the Whitsundays this October, headlining the Life Publishing Charity Event, The Enchanted Garden at Elementa on October 25.

For an event already rich with wonder, Charles’ live performance art promises to be a centrepiece — quite literally — as the Sydney-born creative prepares to paint before a live audience under the stars.

Best known for his explosive stage portraits of A-list celebrities and global figures, Matteo has painted everything from Hollywood royalty to world leaders. But his art is about far more than likeness — it’s about story.

“Each painting I produce has a piece of my heart and soul that leaves with it,” Matteo says.

“I’m connected to each canvas in a different way during creation. It’s like a child leaving home — and at the same time it lights me up knowing that piece will hang proudly in someone’s home or office somewhere in the world.”

This connection — to the canvas, to people, to the moment — is what makes his work so compelling. Diagnosed with a chronic illness at a young age, Matteo turned inward and upward, drawing strength through martial arts and expressing pain through art, music and writing. His performances have since become part theatre, part therapy — deeply moving, undeniably powerful, and joyously unpredictable.

“There’s definitely a system and signature style I’ve created,” he explains of his live painting.

“But I allow the creativity of the moment to flow. You never quite know what will happen. You might just have to purchase a ticket and come see for yourself.”

That spontaneity has made him a favourite with audiences from Sydney to the USA. But despite global travels — including painting at the Monaco F1 and Bruce Lee’s 75th birthday in Hong Kong — the Whitsundays has remained on his bucket list.

“I’ve always wanted to visit,” he says.

“I’m excited to touch down and see what art will reveal itself to me… and also work on my tan.”

As part of the charity event, Charles will also debut a brand-new digital artwork — a specially commissioned piece with limited-edition prints available exclusively at The Enchanted Garden.

“It will be super exclusive, super limited, and raise needed funds for some great causes,” he hints.

“I’m really excited about this.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Matteo performance without at least one curveball. When asked to recall the strangest moment mid-painting, he recalls an A-lister screaming from backstage: “Make sure you make me look skinny!” Unfazed, Matteo finished the piece and had a happy celebrity by the end.

While one of Matteo’s greatest aspirations is to see his portrait of Jesus hanging in the Vatican, showcasing his work in the Whitsundays feels like a heavenly chapter in that journey.

With only one performance planned for the evening, this is a rare chance for guests to witness a master at work, blending movement, music, and raw emotion into a single canvas.

Tickets for The Enchanted Garden are now available, with all proceeds supporting seven charities from Mackay and the Whitsundays to Townsville.

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For The Airlie Beach Festival of Music

Escape the ordinary and dive into your next ultimate music holiday. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music offers more than just world-class performances; it’s a three-day, town-wide celebration.

This November 7th-9th, prepare to immerse in three days of world-class live music across a variety of venues throughout the vibrant seaside town of Airlie Beach, Whitsundays.

Forget massive queues, at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music the music is all around, the buses are free, and the vibes are relaxed.

From the Main Stage on the water at Whitsunday Sailing Club to intimate gigs in cafes and rock ‘n’ roll bands in bars, the entire town becomes one giant stage. This isn’t just about setlists and schedules, it’s about discovering incredible music in intimate settings, enjoying fresh seafood with ocean views, and letting the laid-back atmosphere wash over you.

With a lineup so stacked it should come with a baggage limit, this year’s event brings together iconic Aussie legends including Pete Murray, Jessica Mauboy, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Tex Perkins and Matt Walker, Bachelor Girl and Jayne Denham, and that’s just a taste.

In total over 60 acts covering all genres will play over the weekend with the final lineup to include finalists from the Passport to Airlie national original talent search which is held in nine regions across the country.

This powerful platform offers emerging artists career-defining prizes and the chance to perform at one of the country’s most iconic destination festivals.

Since 2013, over 3,000 acts have entered for their chance to win a spot on the Festival Main Stage. In 2025, 13 previous Passport to Airlie contenders join the line up, proving that winning isn’t the only road to success in this epic original live music showcase!

Due to the festival’s popularity and the demand for accommodation, attendees are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

For tickets and all the festival info go to www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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The Sundays Debuts at Hamilton Island Race Week’s 40th Anniversary

Long lunches, luxury yachts, and legendary chefs—welcome to Race Week reimagined.

For its debut at Hamilton Island Race Week, boutique hotel The Sundays is setting a new standard in seaside sophistication. Inspired by the spirit of a long, lazy Sunday, the hotel made waves when it opened in April 2025, drawing praise for its elevated coastal style and island-cool energy.

This August, The Sundays brings its signature blend of laidback luxury to the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week—a regatta that’s as much a social event as it is a sporting one.

Front and centre of the festivities? A three-day escape designed to indulge the senses, starting with a waterside long lunch at Catseye Pool Club. Curated by acclaimed chef Josh Niland and presented by MECCA COSMETICA, guests will enjoy a multi-course, Champagne-paired menu alongside a sun-drenched skincare moment.

As the sun sets, an exclusive beachfront dinner under the stars—led by chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone and paired with WHIPBIRD Wines—promises storytelling, connection, and culinary magic. The experience wraps with VIP access aboard Impulsive Superyacht, offering front-row views of the on-water action, bubbles in hand.

On the water, Race Week celebrates its competitive edge with the debut of the Palm Beach Motor Yachts Trans-Tasman 49er Series—bringing Olympic-class sailing to the Whitsundays. Elite Australian and New Zealand crews will battle it out in what’s playfully dubbed the Wetisloe Cup, in a thrilling lead-up to Brisbane 2032.

And for thrill-sellers? Wingfoiling debuts at Race Week on Saturday, August 16. Visitors are invited to bring along their foils and show off their speed, agility, and freestyle tricks on the water, with epic views for spectators from Bommie Deck.

Whether you’re a foodie, a sailor, or just here for the vibes, The Sundays at Race Week is where summer lives—no matter the season.

Book a three night Race Week Reimagined package at The Sundays here: https://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/race-week/the-sundays

AUGUST 16-23

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Step aside, ordinary nights out — NOSTALGIA is rewriting the rulebook on entertainment in the Whitsundays.

Launching Friday 1 August at 7pm at Magnums Hotel, this immersive new theatre experience is set to transform Airlie Beach into a portal of pure retro decadence. Part nightclub, part high-end theatre show, NOSTALGIA takes audiences on a glittering journey through the decades — from the Motown magic of the swinging ’60s to the club-bumping anthems of the early 2000s.

But don’t expect sticky floors and thumping bass. The iconic Magnums is undergoing a theatrical glow-up — think velvet vibes, plush seating and a full sensory immersion into music, fashion and freedom. The venue is being reimagined as a pop-up palace of performance, offering a seated, cabaret-style experience unlike anything currently on offer in the region.

The show itself is a kaleidoscope of eras — dripping in disco lights, packed with powerhouse vocals, jaw-dropping acrobatics, high-octane choreography, and costumes that would make Bowie blush. Whether you lived through bell bottoms and boomboxes or discovered the decades via TikTok, NOSTALGIA is your backstage pass to the best of every era.

“We’re reimagining the classic night out — with a theatrical twist,” say creative directors Angela and Emmalene, the powerhouse duo behind the production. “Whether you lived through the disco days or just love the music, NOSTALGIA brings those unforgettable eras to life in a totally new way.”

Adding to the excitement, the cast of NOSTALGIA will also be strutting their stuff beyond the theatre. As part of the Whitsundays Reef Festival on Saturday 2 August, performers will don full costume for the street parade before taking over the main stage in a show-stopping evening set — a free taster for festivalgoers who want a glimpse of the spectacle before booking tickets.

Catch NOSTALGIA weekly from August 1, with performances every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night at 7pm. Whether you're a local craving something new or a holidaymaker chasing unforgettable memories, this is your chance to time-travel in style — cocktail in hand.

Velvet, vocals, vintage glamour — it’s not just a theatre show. It’s a party through time.

Book early. Dress fabulously. Dance responsibly.

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🎶 NOSTALGIA FAST FACTS

Your cheat sheet to the hottest new show in town

📍 Venue: Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach

🎭 Launch Night: Friday 1st August 2025 at 7pm

🗓 Weekly Shows: Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays

🎟 Tickets: Book early for the best seats – velvet vibes await!

🕺 What to Expect:

• Music from the 60s to the 2000s

• Dazzling dance routines

• Aerial acrobatics that defy gravity

• Outrageous comedy and retro fashion

• A full sensory theatre-meets-nightclub experience

💃 Pro Tip: Come dressed for your favourite era – think sequins, flares, leather, legwarmers or luminous clubwear. The more fabulous, the better.

🎉 Bonus Event:

Catch the NOSTALGIA cast in full costume during the Whitsundays Reef Festival parade and their special performance on the main stage, Saturday 2 August.

🪩 Feel the beat. Relive the vibe. Reignite the memories.

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SAVE THE DATE

7^TH-14^TH AUGUST2025

Get ready to set sail! Airlie Beach Race Week is celebrating its 37th year this August, promising an unforgettable experience for sailors and spectators alike. We're expecting 150 yachts and more than 1000+ skippers and crew, alongside thousands of enthusiastic spectators, to descend upon the Whitsundays for the 2025 event.

This lively regatta isn't just about the on-water competition; it's a full-fledged celebration with nightly shoreside entertainment. While sailors vie for top positions in each race, guests on the Whitsunday Sailing Club Lawn can soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Each night, live music will set a festive mood, complemented by a variety of food vans offering a delightful "grazing" experience for social dinners. While Airlie Beach Race Week is a premier event for avid sailors, it's also designed for the entire community to enjoy. Everyone is warmly invited to come down, experience the lively atmosphere, and embrace the vibrant camaraderie that defines this spectacular event.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT

As the sun goes down each night, the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn will transform into a lively hub of entertainment. Local musicians from across the region will take to the stage, filling the air with music and setting the tone for a relaxed, feel-good evening by the water.

When: Every night

Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club

Tickets: Free event for the whole community

FLAVOURS ON THE FIELD

The Sailing Club will come alive with a delightful mix of food stalls and top-notch coffee, proudly served by Fancy Kransky & Ronstan. Guests can also enjoy a charming Italian-themed bar on the sun deck, featuring refreshing drinks by 74 Island Distillery. Picture yourself sipping limoncello in Sorrento right here in the Whitsundays.

LAY DAY AT THE CLUB

Spectators and sailors are invited to take a break from the racing action and head to the club for a full day of Lay Day festivities. There’ll be great deals on fresh seafood and plenty of fun to be had with a lawn games competition. Participants will go in the running to win fantastic prizes.

When: Monday 11th August 2025

Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club

‘CHANGING COURSES’ LUNCH AT ELEMENTA

Festivalgoers and locals alike are invited to indulge in an unforgettable lunch experience at the stunning Elementa, proudly hosted by 74 Islands Distillery. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, this standout event will showcase a mouth-watering coastal menu taking you on a culinary voyage, perfectly paired with handcrafted local spirits. It’s the ultimate way to toast the regatta and savour the relaxed Whitsundays lifestyle. A not-to-be-missed experience for food lovers and festival enthusiasts!

When: Monday 11th August 2025, 12:00pm – 15:00pm

Where: Elementa Whitsundays

Tickets: Tickets coming soon. Check the Airlie Beach Race Week Website for more details.

CLOSING CEREMONY FIREWORK DISPLAY

The final night presentations and closing ceremony is marked by a fantastic firework display which can be best viewed from the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn or upstairs on the balcony. The whole community are invited to come down and enjoy the display which is free for all.

When: 14th August 2025, 8:00 pm

Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club

FAST FACTS

- Up to 1000+ sailors (skippers & crew) will compete on 150 vessles

- Racers come from as far afield as Tasmania, Western Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia

- There are 50 different courses and 18 Divisions.

- Boats travel 25 miles a day on average

- Races kick-off at approx. 10am and finish late afternoon

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One Woman’s Journey To Reclaim Her Body

At 43, I was sliding into middle age with the grace of a woman kicking and screaming, desperately trying to hang on to my once-firm, perkily reliable body, despite the inevitable. But my body was betraying me. My thighs: wobbling with cellulite. My bottom: sagging and and spreading like a comfy old couch. And my one loyal companion — my slim waist — had developed a soft, squishy paunch.

In my 20’s I had been a pert size 8, in my thirties I had been a tight size 10 and now in my 40’s I was finding myself an overly comfortable size 12.

So, what now? Embrace the “mum bod” and continue to bulge in ill-fitting clothes or quietly disappear under and oversized shirts? Or fight back — possibly fail — and risk another spiral of disappointment?

I chose to fight. Again.

For two solid years, I was a regular at my local gym. High-intensity cardio, boxing, weight training, body combat, step class — you name it, I did it. And I loved it! But the results? Nothing. My bottom still drooped. The stubborn saddlebag weight clung on. And my tummy bump? A permanent plus-one.

Then, a friend introduced me to something different: a metabolic diet. This wasn’t some cookie-cutter meal plan or cabbage soup nonsense. This was precision nutrition, based entirely on my body’s unique needs.

At my first consult, I weighed 73kg. My goal? Under 65kg — ideally 62kg. Whitsunday-based Nutritionist Bec Tarver assured me it was absolutely achievable. First step? A blood test sent off to Germany to be scientifically analysed with some top-secret formula that matches your metabolism with your ideal foods.

We locked in a start date for a quieter time in life, and my husband and I jumped in together. The program kicked off in June with Phase 1: a weekend of nothing but veggies. Then came Phase 2, and things got serious. Every ingredient was weighed to the gram. Meals were spaced precisely five hours apart. No snacks. No sugar. No carbs. No joy. Just water. And food cooked without oil, butter, or flavouring.

Let me tell you — the detox hit hard. We were foggy-brained, moody, and exhausted. Food was joy, and now joy had ghosted me. I also discovered how often I used food as a reward. After long workdays, after events, after anything. Without it, life felt flat, my spark was gone.

Two weeks in, I dragged myself back to Bec.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were struggling earlier?” she asked, clearly concerned.

I told her I thought I had to just battle through it. But she listened and we made some game-changing tweaks: milk in my tea, a little fat in my cooking, vitamin B supplements.

And just like that, everything shifted, a new life began. I felt energised, clear-headed, and no longer bloated or gassy. I was still eating small portions and following the five-hour rule, but I was finally thriving.

Four weeks in, and we were both feeling the best we had in years. My husband’s belly had vanished — and he was literally dancing around the house. His snoring? Gone. He felt agile and alive. In total, he’d lost nearly 10kg — 7.5kg of that in just four weeks of the diet.

As for me? I’d dropped 7kg in two months — 5.5kg of that in the most recent four weeks. Clothes that had been suffocating me now fit like a dream. Love handles? Smoothed out. Cellulite? Almost vanished. My thighs? Shapely, not shaky.

But most of all, I felt well. Food really is fuel and I was pumping myself full of premium energy, that set me up for success! I felt like I’d cracked the code!

Now comes the next phase: making this my forever lifestyle. But for now? I'm strutting around like the sassiest version of myself — firm, fit, and full of food-fuelled joy.

Stay tuned for the next update. This mum bod is gone, and she’s not coming back!

For more information contact rebeccatarvernutritionist.com.

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The Chamber That Means Business

It might be called Small Business Month, but in Mackay, there’s nothing small about the impact. The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce is shining a well-deserved spotlight on the vital role local businesses play.

Led by the enthusiastic Geoff O’Connor as Chamber President, the team are championing the cause of local enterprise with heart, humour and a very healthy dose of hustle.

“Small businesses might feel like small fish in a big pond,” Geoff says.

“But with the Chamber, you’re swimming with a school – one that’s growing stronger every day.”

And that collective strength is the secret sauce. Together, Chamber members form a formidable voice that reaches across council chambers, through state parliament, and all the way to the top of federal decision-making. In fact, if you wander into the Chamber’s fortnightly B2B networking coffee catch-ups, you might just bump elbows with a senator, the local member, or the Mayor himself – who once famously said, “If you’re in business and you’re not a member of Chamber, you really need to be asking yourself why.”

That kind of access is no accident.

“All levels of government recognise the value of our Chamber,” says Christina Stagg, memberships manager.

“It’s because we represent a real cross-section of hardworking, passionate businesses that make this region tick.

“Our members are living proof that local matters.”

With thousands of small businesses powering the Mackay economy, the Chamber’s mission is to empower owners to dream bigger, reach further, and feel less alone.

“When you join Chamber, you don’t just get a membership – you get a community,” Christina adds.

“The camaraderie and shared knowledge in our events is what turns challenges into opportunities.”

Members also benefit from marketing muscle. From radio to billboards and print – the Chamber’s reach ensures local businesses are seen and heard, with members receiving access to free promo and discounted advertising packages.

“We back Mackay Region businesses,” says Ellen Madden, who heads up business engagement and communications.

“And we do it loudly.”

To help new members feel right at home, Chamber Cheerleaders – experienced members with a passion for connection – are now on hand at every event to welcome, support and guide.

So whether you're a startup braving your first BAS or a seasoned pro looking for a stronger platform, the Chamber has your back – and your morning coffee.

Small business may be the backbone of our economy, but with Mackay’s Chamber of Commerce, it’s got a voice as big as the region it serves.

www.mackayregionchamber.com.au

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Celebrate RSPCA's Million Paws Walk Fundraising Event For The Final Time

For the past three decades, RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk event has united animal lovers across Australia, raising vital funds to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need. As the beloved event prepares for its final lap in 2025, the community is invited to come together one last time to celebrate its enduring impact and create a brighter future for vulnerable animals.

Among the thousands of animals helped by Million Paws Walk fundraisers is Millie, a tiny puppy who went from injured and alone, to a life transformed.

At just five weeks old, Millie was found wandering the streets of Mackay, injured and in pain. Her eye was severely damaged, and it was obvious beautiful Millie was in need of urgent medical attention when she arrived into the care of RSPCA Mackay. Millie was rushed into surgery, but sadly her injured eye could not be saved.

In the days and weeks following her operation, the dedicated shelter team gave Millie the care, comfort and love she desperately needed. With pain relief and plenty of TLC, she quickly bounced back from her surgery. Millie had a fighting spirit!

Within a month, she had doubled her weight as she started to feel better and grew into a happy pup with a big personality.

Having just one eye didn’t hold Millie back from finding love. Once she was fully recovered, a loving forever family swept Millie off her feet. This is their recent update:

“She is doing great!

“She has settled in really well with her big brother Rocco and loves to annoy him by stealing his toys and making Rocco chase her for them.

“Millie loves people and gets very excited over meeting new faces and she will do anything for a cuddle.

“Millie loves her food and her sleep (as most pups do) and her favourite spot to relax is on her inside bed close to her favourite humans and big brother Rocco.”

Millie's happy tale is just one of the thousands of incredible stories made possible thanks to the generosity of Million Paws Walk participants over the years. The funds raised have helped countless animals like Millie receive lifesaving treatment and find their forever homes.

On Sunday, May 25, the final Million Paws Walk events will take place across the country, including at Queens Park in East Mackay. The RSPCA is hoping for a record-breaking turnout of 550 walkers and their canine companions at the Mackay event. The community is encouraged to sign up and walk to help animals less fortunate than your own.

To be part of the final unforgettable Million Paws Walk chapter, register now via https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/mackay

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