Oh Deere Farmstay, a family-run agricultural retreat owned by Dale and Karinda Anderson, stood out at the recent Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) Awards Gala, clinching multiple awards that reflect its popularity and dedication to agri-tourism.

The farmstay took home the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award for Karinda, as well as two People’s Choice Awards for Favourite Accommodation Provider and Favourite Operator or Experience Provider. These wins highlight the deep connection Oh Deere has built with its guests and community.

Oh Deere Farmstay’s awards haul also included gold for Unique Accommodation and silver for Tour & Transport Operators, making it five wins in total at the MIT Tourism Awards.

For Karinda, who has worked tirelessly to share the importance of farming, this recognition feels especially rewarding.

“It’s a huge step forward from last year, where we came away with a silver. To take out a gold and two people’s choice awards is absolutely incredible,” she said.

Set on 400 acres of working cane fields, Oh Deere offers guests a unique blend of rustic charm and agricultural insight. Accommodation options range from grassy sites for tents and caravans to cozy, farm-style amenities like a communal kitchen and fire pit, creating what Karinda calls a “home away from home” for returning guests.

The Sugar Farm Tours are another major draw, offering visitors a real taste of farming life.

“We have endless stories that capture what it means to be cane farmers,” Karinda shared.

“It’s about our highs, our lows, and our life on the land. I love seeing the excitement in a child’s face when they experience the farm.”

The tour includes a visit to “The Love Shack,” a John Deere Museum filled with vintage memorabilia, a nod to the farm's namesake.

As Karinda explains, “Farming isn’t just about farming. It’s about helping others understand where their food comes from and the work that goes into it.”

“My father-in-law used to say, ‘Until we run the cities out of food and water, they’ll never understand what it takes, because farmers will work to feed the nation.’”

With plans to expand community outreach, Karinda hopes to continue bridging the gap between urban and rural life.

“I’d love to work with others in agri-tourism. Our kids don’t know where sugar or milk comes from beyond the supermarket,” she said.

For Oh Deere, this year’s MIT wins celebrate that mission and the farm’s growing impact on the Mackay Isaac tourism landscape.

Oh Deere Farmstay

+61 419 873 909

https://ohdeerefarmstay.com.au

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^{The Oh Deere Farmstay team celebrates their five MIT Tourism Awards wins, including gold for Unique Accommodation and the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Experience Provider. Photo credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism}

^{People of all ages enjoy the farm tour activities and serenity at Oh Deere}

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The Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) team were very proud to win three awards at the 2024 Tourism Whitsundays gala event and be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Visitor Services category.

Chair of BTB, Jenn Honnery said to win Gold for the third year in a row was a very proud moment for the team and the organisation.

“We were also very pleased that our dedicated team of volunteers also took out the silver award in their category,” she said.

In the Business Awards, BTB was named the winner in the Excellence in Customer Service category.

“We pride ourselves on our customer service at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, so this award really capped off a great year for the team,” she said.

“It is testament to their dedication, and we were proud to be recognised.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was an honour to accept the awards on behalf of such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

She thanked the team and also the committee, the members, the Whitsundays Regional Council and Tourism Whitsundays.

BTB welcomed a record number of visitors in the past financial year.

The organisation operates the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango, just 5km south of Bowen and also the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

AWARDS

Hall of Fame – Visitor Information Services category.

Excellence in Customer Service in the Business Awards – Winner.

Visitor Information Services – Gold.

Outstanding contribution by volunteers – Silver.

Come and see us at the Big Mango, have a selfie and then check out our range of merchandise.

We can book accommodation and tours for you.

Bruce Hwy, Bowen

Phone 4786 4222 Email: info@tourismbowen.com.au

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Whitsunday Segway Tours was awarded the Gold title for Eco Tourism on Saturday evening at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, an honour owner Zak Kelly accepted proudly.

“I am super proud to win this award as it had been over five years since the business had won something this important,” shared Zak.

“My wife, Vhari and I work so hard to make the business truly the best it can be in sustainability, service quality and customer service.”

In the past, Whitsunday Segway Tours has been presented with numerous Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Gold Awards, entered the Hall of Fame in 2018 and was awarded the Steve Irwin Award for Eco Tourism in 2019.

“It’s the small things that all add up to make the business as ecofriendly and low carbon as possible – all these impacts are recorded and verified,” explained Zak.

Whitsunday Segway Tours provides a unique and enjoyable experience for a wide range of tourists from various backgrounds and are the sole Segway tour in Australia to operate in a rainforest national park. November will mark a decade since the business was established, with Zak expressing a warm thank you and gratitude to all their customers both past, present and future.

“I most of all thank my prior and future Segway tour guests, my amazing wife Vhari, my business partner, support businesses, Tourism Whitsundays, government departments, local travel agents and the Whitsunday community for their support - I live and breathe Whitsundays and am completely passionate about the area and it’s future.

We can all agree the Whitsundays is an amazing place, and Whitsunday Segway Tours showcases the region in its own unique Eco Tourism sustainable way for locals and visitors alike.”

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^{Zak Kelly from Whitsunday Segway Tours proudly accepting his award for Eco Tourism on Saturday night}

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The Whitsunday Coast Airport has once again won Gold at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, for the third time in a row.

The airport won Gold in the ‘Tourism Retail, Hire and Services’ category and with its third consecutive win in a row, it has now been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Several staff members attended the awards and Director of Commercial Business for Whitsunday Regional Council Craig Turner said it was great to have his team there.

“Sharing the win with several staff Saturday night was a highlight, it’s the whole team that works hard so to be able to share the night with them means a lot,” he said.

“To win gold at any time is exciting but to win three in a row and enter Hall of Fame is the cherry on the cake and a testament to the whole team.”

Craig said that by increasing their level of customer service and everchanging to become more accessible is what got Whitsunday Coast Airport the win on Saturday night.

He said the airport is the funnel to drive the economy for the Whitsundays.

Craig also thanked the Whitsunday Regional Council.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the Councillors and managers of Whitsunday Regional Council who support us in undertaking activities allowing us to grow and reach our full potential,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank the entire airport team including stakeholders and other industry partners that we work closely with throughout the year.”

Whitsunday Coast Airport offer a range of flights and services to destinations all over Australia, flying to, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and the newest addition Adelaide.

They facilitate operations of four commercial airlines - Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Skytrans.

Craig expresses congratulations to all the nominees and winners on the night, and said “together as an industry we can continue to make the Whitsundays shine”.

The Tourism Awards are a great event and Craig also expresses that other businesses should get involved with them if they can.

“It is a valuable process to be able to reflect on the previous year by working on the business as opposed to in it, there is always room for improvement and growth.”

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Heart of Reef Shuttles recently won bronze at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and the whole team is proud to celebrate with the region.

This achievement follows their bronze win at the awards in 2022 and winning the Best of Queensland experience in 2023 and 2024.

They are an extremely popular service which offers door to door transfers, private transfers, transport for wedding groups and recently implemented customised day tours.

Owner and Director Cameron and Michelle Johnstone says the team at Heart of Reef Shuttles pride themselves on their customer service.

“Our staff go above and beyond for our guests – we are the first and last point of contact for their holiday, so we want them to start and end it with a great experience,” she explained.

Michelle said they had three team members present at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and although they didn’t get the gold, they are very happy and grateful for the achievement with a bronze and thank the whole community for their support.

“It means so much to us to have the continuous support of the community,” said Michelle.

“We are so proud of our achievements since we started in 2018 and our team are fabulous, we couldn’t do this without them.”

She also expressed massive thanks to Tourism Whitsundays and the Whitsunday Coast Airport.

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^{Cameron and Michelle with their Bronze award, Photo credit: R Jean Photography}

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“It’s like winning a Grand Final,” shared Paul Tuddenham, manager of Peninsula Airlie Beach, and beyond proud and grateful recipient of the Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation title.

Peninsula Airlie Beach proudly welcomes families and tourists to their 5-star establishment to enjoy a memorable visit to the Whitsundays. Paul, Francine and their dedicated staff have been honourably awarded numerous titles over the past 3 ½ years in recognition of their exceptional levels of customer service and the experience they provide their guests.

This includes; ARAMA Resident Manager of the Year (2022), Tourism Whitsunday Customer Service Award (2022), Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award (2022, 2023 and 2024), the Queensland Tourism 2024 Gold List of Australian Accommodation 5 Star Rating, and now the 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation Award.

“We are really thrilled to win this award, to receive any award is a real achievement,” said Paul.

“All successful service businesses set out to provide excellent customer service,to be the best they can be, and to keep improving to maintain that level of service.

To receive an award is an achievement for all the work that gets done, the time, and money invested in the business, it is a real highlight for us, and something we can proudly display to our owners and guests.”

Paul and Francine believe receiving this award perfectly highlights the work of their staff, explaining they are extremely fortunate to have people like Lex, Dorothy, Martie and her team at Eco Clean, working hard every day to ensure the grounds, administration, and accommodation reflects the highest possible standard.

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Succulent seafood, tantalising pastries, colourful fresh produce and mouth-watering speciality items from across the globe, these were just some of the delights on display at the Whitsunday Foodservice Trade Show held in August. Hundreds gathered to engage with a host of enthusiastic suppliers who were all keen to share the products and inspire future culinary creations across the Whitsundays.

The leading suppliers of food solutions in the region,Whitsunday Foodservice prides itself of providing the broadest range of quality products. From fresh to frozen and pantry items, both locally sourced and imported, Whitsunday Foodservice can source almost any product your heart desires. Filling gourmet restaurant kitchens and countless shop shelves, these wonderful suppliers are a big part of the reason our local foodie scene is so vibrant.

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The Brutal Toll Of Vietnam's Battlefield

"Some of us were only 20," Kenneth (Ken) Higgins OAM recalls, his voice heavy with the weight of memory.

"In those days, you couldn’t vote until you were 21 and you couldn’t drink.

“Yet they would send us to Vietnam to kill people."

“We were sent to a foreign land we hadn’t even heard of before as kids, to kill people we didn’t know or dislike.

“They expected us to go and do these horrors and then come back and forget about it.”

This is part of the turmoil many Vietnam Veterans have had to face throughout the years, many with undiagnosed PTSD battling recurrent nightmares, many with unexplained illnesses through harsh poisonous chemical exposure and many who still to this day are reluctant to talk about the horror of conflict as a conscript.

The sad irony of the Vietnam War, is that although it was the first war to be televised, it’s the war with the most reluctance for its returned soldiers to talk about, due to the harsh labels pinned on these kids when they returned, “baby killers”, “murderers” were yelled at them when they first stepped foot back on ‘home’ soil.

There was no welcome home parade for these men and women.

And then, after the constant anxiety of staying alive for months on end in a jungle with constant attacks and explosions, these brave souls were basically forgotten, left to get on with a life they barely recognised, with little to no support.

This is the story Ken Higgins OAM has agreed to share, not to glorify war, but to acknowledge the sacrifice of those still living with inner turmoil, pay respect to those fallen and ensure the mistakes and sacrifices of the past aren’t white-washed and forgotten.

Forgetting the horrors of war proved impossible for Ken and his fellow conscripts.

"Nearly half of the Australians killed in Vietnam were conscripted soldiers, yet the Australian Government said conscripts were mainly to be utilised to make up the numbers... Yet the reality was that conscripts saw as much action as the full-time soldiers.

“In our platoon at least half of us were conscripts.”

The conflict which forever changed Mr Higgins’ life occurred on December 11, 1969. For the soldiers in Vietnam, it was a very different ‘Summer of ‘69’ than the one sung by Bryan Adams.

Amidst the dense jungle of Vietnam, fate dealt a cruel hand to a band of brothers.

"War correspondents were a relatively rare sight for us... until that day," Ken recounts with the rawness of memory. It was a day etched in blood and sorrow, a day when Lance Corporal Robert Buchan, known affectionately as Jock, met his untimely end.

Jock led his platoon through the treacherous terrain of the Nui May Tau Mountains. With every step, they made their way through the thick jungle canopy and traversed the thin line between life and death.

As they pressed forward, Private Kenneth Higgins, a forward scout, signalled the presence of an enemy bunker just 15 meters ahead. Jock, ever vigilant, halted the platoon's advance, sending a second scout to investigate. But fate, cruel and unyielding, intervened with ruthless efficiency.

The enemy, hidden amidst the canopy, advanced upon the unsuspecting soldiers. In the chaos that ensued, Jock was struck down by a hail of bullets to the chest, his young life extinguished in an instant. Nearby, Private Kenneth Higgins was wounded, his arm and leg torn by the onslaught.

Above the canopy, the rhythmic thud of helicopter blades signalled the arrival of salvation. An American medivac team descended upon the sight of contact, their mission clear: to rescue the wounded and retrieve the fallen.

The aftermath was captured by the war correspondent who was with them that day.

"It’s the only photo of an Australian soldier killed in action taken by a war correspondent in the Vietnam War," Ken reflected.

The photos capture the aftermath of the contact with L/Cpl Buchan’s body in view while an American ‘dust-off’ helicopter (Iroquois) hovered overhead to winch the injured Pte Higgins to safety as well as retrieve the body of the deceased.

“They winched me out of the jungle first as Jock was already dead and if they ran into strife they would have left him and returned later, but they were able to get Jock’s body out. There were no body bags or anything, they just had to tie him on and lift him out.”

The memory of that incursion still haunts Mr Higgins to this day, though his valiant stature rarely shows glimpses of the effect these and other moments in Vietnam left scarred on his soul.

“It was a horrible time but interwoven with the best of times which is hard to comprehend.

“But when faced with the horrors we were, you relied on the person beside you with your life, and that forms bonds which are still strong to this day, more than 50 years later.

“We knew we just had to hold on long enough to get out of there.

“It’s probably scarred us a lot more than we realise in the way we think. My wife recognises it in me, she says when bad things happen I show no emotion. But when you’ve seen the worst, whatever they dish up now is no worse than what we’ve been through.”

Mr Higgins said that a lot of the Vietnam Vets are dying very young, some through suicide and some through illness.

“I’m not saying we’re young now but we shouldn’t die yet, and a lot are dying sooner than they should.

“We’ve had people die in their 40’s and 50’s from a lot of cancer.

“We’re suspicious of the defoliants used during Vietnam and it leaching into the water and all sorts of stuff that stuck to us, all the poisonous agents.”

More than 20 years after returning home, Ken spent three weeks in Greenslopes hospital with a rash from one end of his body to the other.

“They had me in oil baths daily, wrapped me up like a mummy, I had to sleep in wet gear and they never told me what it was.

“We had a reunion back in the nineties, and out of the eight of us that slept in the same room, six of us had rashes.

“We’re seeing a lot of child deformities coming through, out of all of my mates nearly all of us have a child with something not quite right and not just the children but the grandchildren.

“But the Government won’t admit to any of that, we’re just told to ‘get over it’.

By Amanda Wright as originally printed in Mackay Life newspaper

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Managers have a huge impact on business outcomes — they influence at least 70 per cent of your employees’ engagement. The majority of employees state that the quality of their manager is more important that their salary!

Teams with talented managers can realise a 48 per cent increase in profitability, a 22 per cent increase in productivity and a 30 per cent increase in employee engagement scores (Gallup, 2018).

Here are the eight habits of the world’s best managers according to Gallup:

1.      Always communicate the reason WHY – most employees are at least a little unsure about how their work fits into the “big picture”, so when a change is required many employees lack motivation, as they don’t understand the WHY. Communicate the WHY and engage your employees on the journey.

2.      Be open to new ideas from your team – change requires innovation. New managers often feel like they ought to be the ones with all the answers but true leaders are open to new ideas and encourage thinking outside the box.

3.      Admit and accept mistakes – continual improvement can only be achieved through honest conversation; the best managers lead with accountability.

4.      Communicate well and connect frequently – check in regularly with your individual team members and use coaching conversations to motivate your team when they are flat.

5.      Discover what motivates people besides money – do they enjoy meeting new people? Mastering new skills? Working in the background? To motivate your team members, figure out how to reframe projects in a way that is uniquely compelling for them.

6.      Explain why your team matters and celebrate excellence – how many employees show up to work for years and never feel like they matter? The best managers give recognition, feedback and celebrate the wins – even the small ones!

7.      Work Life Balance – realise that you must care about your team’s lives outside of work, as life impacts work performance in a huge way. The best managers know, at an appropriate level, what’s going on in an employee’s life.

8.      Always be on the lookout for new stars to promote – identify and develop new leaders. Bad managers focus on the past and what can’t be changed. Average managers focus on the present – the issue at hand. But the best managers focus on the future – what does future success look like?

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With These Top Tips For A Smooth Purchase

Getting ready to buy your first house? Does the beautiful Whitsundays or Scenic Mackay look like the right place for your next home? Here are all the tips you need to navigate what some people call the most important purchase you will make.

Evaluate your financial situation... are you ready to buy a home?

Ensuring you have the financial means to purchase your first home is crucial in the home-buying process. Start by assessing your budget: review your income, savings, and expenses to determine what you can afford. Additionally, calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to ensure it aligns with lending requirements.

In evaluating your financial situation, don't overlook your credit score. A strong score can provide you with better mortgage rates alongside increased opportunities. Checking your score before starting the home-buying process allows you to take steps to improve it if necessary.

Mortgage Minefield

When looking at mortgage options and advisors, it is always best to shop before you buy. With a variety of loan options available, finding one that best fits your needs is essential.

After selecting your preferred mortgage route, the next step is to get pre-approved. This process not only strengthens your position in a competitive housing market but also provides a clearer picture of your budget.

The fun part...creating a wish list!

After navigating the mortgage maze, it's time for the exciting part – crafting your wish list for your new home!

I'm sure you have pictured or even dreamt about what your first home might look like, but now it is time to make it a reality. What are your must-haves? Consider factors like size, location, and number of bedrooms. Is the property close to a good school? Is it easy commute to work? These are all the questions you should be asking ahead of the big buy!

Find a trusty real estate agent

Finding a good real estate agent allows for a more seamless homebuying experience. The agents can assist with the paperwork, guide you through every step of the transaction and make sure you understand all the tricky terms and conditions.

Trusty real estate agent secured? Let the house hunting begin. Remember to write yourself a comprehensive description of each house and take photos to help them stick in the forefront of your mind when navigating numerous properties.

Dream home found?

You’ve found your dream home—congratulations! What’s next?

It’s now time to make an offer! Don’t go through this process alone; collaborate closely with your real estate agent to enhance your chances of securing the property. Approach your offers with confidence and be ready for any counter-offers that may arise.

Once you have placed your offer, ensure you schedule a professional home inspection, to uncover any issues with the property you might not have considered.

Finalise Finances and Secure your property!

Now it's time to finalise your mortgage and sign the paperwork for your dream first home. The hard work is done, you can now start decorating!

Common pitfalls for first-time buyers to avoid:

1. Letting your emotions rule the roost: buying your first home can be a stressful and lead to impulsive decisions. While buying your first home can be exciting and overwhelming, try to stay calm to avoid making decisions based on aesthetics.

2. Overstretching your budget: While it may be easy to say ‘we can afford a little more,’ it's a slippery slope. Your dream home within your budget is waiting for you!

3. Forgetting the hidden costs: The purchase price is just the beginning. Be sure to factor in additional expenses such as the deposit, transfer fees, mortgage registration fees, loan application fees, ongoing costs, lender's mortgage insurance, and conveyancing legal fees. Make a comprehensive budget to avoid any financial surprises.

Happy buying!

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Stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it leaves visible marks on your skin too. From breakouts to dullness, the toll of stress can be quite evident. But don’t worry—there are effective ways to manage stress and keep your skin looking its best.

When you're stressed, your body can release cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation and increase oil production. This often leads to acne, eczema flare-ups, or premature ageing. So, tackling stress is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Here are five top tips for reducing stress and improving your skin health.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Just a few minutes a day can help lower cortisol levels and reduce stress.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a fantastic stress-buster. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.

Connect with Loved Ones: Social connections are vital for stress relief. Spend time with family and friends, or engage in activities that foster a sense of community. Talking about your stressors with a trusted person can provide emotional support and practical advice.

Prioritise Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for stress management and overall well-being. Establish a regular sleep routine, aiming for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual to help you unwind.

Engage in Hobbies: Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or cooking. Hobbies provide a creative outlet and a mental break from daily stressors.

By incorporating these stress-reducing techniques into your life, you’re not only enhancing your mental well-being but also supporting your skin’s health.

Managing stress effectively is key to a more radiant, resilient you.

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Arj Barker

American-born Australian-favourite Arj Barker is touring Australia to perform ‘The Mind Field’.

In ‘The Mind Field’ Arj will have audiences laughing in their seat whilst also walking away thinking about life differently.

We spoke to Arj ahead of his performance and he said the show was born from the idea that “everything is a giant mind field.”

“There are some people that think consciousness is the source of everything, as opposed to matter. It's a big argument and in established science, most people assume it is matter, and everything springs from matter. However, there are really smart people that consider the possibility that consciousness is fundamental, and matter emerges from consciousness, which sounds kind of crazy.”

In the show Arj explains this concept in a concise and easy to follow way. He understands that someone reading this article may not believe this content has the makings of a great comedy show, but he encourages everyone to come along and be proven wrong.

“I've always made that number one priority; for my shows to be funny, and number two is making people think about some interesting things that I find fascinating. Everything leads to a punchline in my show.”

Arj explained that there are some interesting topics covered in the show and one is that people assume you see with your eyes, but actually we see the world with our brain.

The brain constructs the image of the world that we see. Our eyes measure light waves, they provide the brain with that information and the brain builds the image that we see.

Although Arj discusses serious topics, he said the entire show is not filled with intense material, there are other aspects that include his dogs, his love for coffee, and a whole section dedicated to farts!

Friday 15 November

The Mind Field

Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) at 8pm

Saturday 16 November

The Mind Field

Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) at 8pm

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At The Airlie Beach Festival Of Music

Are you ready for the party of the year? Picture a large stage with fantastic performances from well-known artists against the phenomenal backdrop of the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM)is back for its 12th year and is poised to energize the entire town, offering an exceptional line-up of artists performing on the main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and in local bars and restaurants which transform into lively venues for intimate performances and emerging talent.

The thrilling three-day entertainment frenzy will overflow with live music from both local and international artists and is set to impress this year once again, after a successful 2023 event.

Think rock music, southern vibes and blues, ABFoM has it all, including live music from legends like Sandi Thorn, with her hit single ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker.’ The line-up continues to impress with the addition of Rose Tattoo, Southern Sons and Reece Mastin. They join a stellar array of artists including Sweet (UK), Pseudo Echo, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Ash Grunwald, 19 Twenty, and Bondi Cigars.

The festival is expected to be jampacked with attendees from every corner of the country and stands as a celebratory treat lighting up the live music scene across the nation.

Get ready for the ultimate festival experience at the ABFOM, which has a diverse range of ticket options. Grab yourself a day pass to enjoy the highlights of the festival or immerse yourself in the music with the 3-day pass, which also provides access to all venues throughout the event.

If an elevated experience is what you are looking for, the festival also has VIP tickets, which give you exclusive perks including priority entry, VIP lounge access and opportunities to meet your favourite artists.

Are you worried about getting around? Worry no more, as ABFoM has some fantastic transport options for you. Festival ticket buyers with a wristband can hop on and off any Whitsunday Transit bus during the festival. There will also be an additional shuttle service that will run between the Sailing Club, Airlie Main Street venues and the festival's accommodation partners.

What: Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach.

When: November 8th to 10th 2024.

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Rhythm And The Reef

Start planning your most spectacular festival outfits for an electrifying return of Rhythm And The Reef, set to take place over the picturesque Meadowlands Amphitheatre at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday, October 5!

With its stunning natural setting, this highly anticipated music festival promises to captivate festivalgoers with an outstanding line-up of unforgettable sounds.

Proudly presented by FMS Group and Hit 100.3, Rhythm And The Reef is now in its fourth year and continues to grow as a must-attend event in Queensland’s festival calendar.

Now… for the line-up you’ve been dying to hear…This year’s event will headline Bliss N Eso, one of Australia’s most influential hip-hop groups. With their signature talent and powerful hits like "Addicted" and "Moments," Bliss N Eso are guaranteed to bring the house down!

Another all-time favourite in attendance is Skegss, the beloved garage rock trio known for their unique sound, as well as ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Thelma Plum, who will charm the audience with her soulful voice and earnest lyrics.

The festival also welcomes Sneaky Sound System, the iconic electronic duo whose dance-worthy anthems, including "UFO" and "Pictures," are certain to get the crowd moving. Allday, the genre-blending rapper and singer will deliver his matchless sound and dynamic stage presence, promising a variety of musical essence like no other.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… Rhythm And The Reef also support regional artists such as Giant Palms, Jonte, Pacey and The Wild Sky, who will showcase the standout musical talent of Mackay and beyond.

In a meaningful community partnership, this year’s festival will support a homeless outreach program in collaboration with Aussie Mackay and Chances House. This program is aimed at delivering fundraising activations during the festival to raise money to help the less fortunate in the community. In addition, any leftover food and merchandise will be donated to support those in need.

With a stellar line-up, breathtaking location and a heart for the community, Rhythm And The Reef 2024 is set to be an unforgettable day of music, art and positive vibes.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit www.rhythmandthereef.com.

What: Rhythm And The Reef Music Festival

When: Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Where: Meadowlands Amphitheatre, Botanic Gardens

Tickets: www.rhythmandthereef.com

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival is excited to announce Australian singer-songwriter Conrad Sewell, as headliner of Friday night Fireworks on the Foreshore.

Conrad Sewell is known for his rich, soulful vocals and poignant songwriting that have earned him international acclaim. Bursting onto the scene with his chart-topping single "Start Again," Conrad won the ARIA Award for Song of the Year in 2015, establishing himself as a significant force in the music industry.

Between touring with Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, and The Script, Conrad has earned praise from Entertainment Weekly, Teen Vogue, Vice, NBC, and Nylon who proclaimed him to be “Australia’s next great pop export”. Simultaneously, his voice has carried to nearly every corner of the globe on Kygo’s “Firestone,” reaching RIAA platinum status, generating over 1 billion streams, and entertaining audiences everywhere from Coachella to Madison Square Garden.

Conrad’s first album ‘LIFE’ debuted at number one on the ARIA charts with singles “Come Clean” and “Healing Hands”, reaching multi-platinum status in 2022. Conrad held nothing back in his song writing and lyrical storytelling in his sophomore album “Precious”, which was released on the same day as his son was born. ‘Precious’ demonstrated authentic song writing mixed with a raw, live sound.

Conrad’s latest single, “All Life Long”, showcases his ability to blend heartfelt emotions with memorable melodies makes him a standout artist in the contemporary music landscape.

The festival is set to be a fun weekend of free entertainment on Airlie Beach Foreshore so head on down to see the fantastic Conrad Sewell, and many other great artists play.

WHAT: Conrad Sewell

WHEN: Friday 2nd August

WHERE: Airlie Beach

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