Kicking off on 2nd December, the Bob Wood Cultural Hall Park is set to host a community Christmas fair celebration in the leadup to the festive season, alongside a music festival and a special, artist-created light show.

The Christmas fair will take place in the park outside the Bob Wood Cultural Hall from 2pm to 5pm, with eventgoers set to be delighted with jumping castles, face painting, balloon twisting, disco and kids karaoke, as well as a visit from Santa. These activities will be coupled by Christmas gift markets featuring local wares.

Deputy Mayor Karen May stated that the fair would have a huge range of family activities.

“Everything is free, and we even have prizes for the best Christmas dress ups, so make sure you wear your colourful festive outfits,” she said.

Following the Christmas celebration, the Festival of Small Halls will kick off in the Bob Wood Cultural Hall from 5.30pm.

Taking the stage until 8pm are internationally-acclaimed Scottish trio Assynt, as well as Queensland’s Jackie Marshall and local singer/songwriter Jezzie.

Cr May said it was great to have the Scottish trio in Sarina. “The audience can expect a rousing performance with award-winning musicians bringing highland music to life in a contemporary way,” she said.

The Sarina Lions club will be running a non-profit bar and catering at the event, including tea/coffee, soft drinks, water and beer.

Sarina Neighbourhood Centre has engaged artists Donna Maree Robinson and Lalune Croker to deliver a magical Christmas light show on display from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, using the big tree on the corner of Anzac and Broad Streets as a canvas.

Bob Wood Cultural Hall has accessible entry with a ramp access and bathrooms. Tickets are available at Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and are only $10 for adults. Children under 18, pensioners and concession card holders are free.

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The creative talents of Donna Maree Robinson and Lalune Croker will deliver a magical Christmas light show

Photo supplied

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The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) is excited to host the first Morning Melodies performance in six months, featuring Christmas with Karen Knowles starting at 11am this morning, Friday 1st December.

Morning Melodies is known locally as an affordable day of entertainment, with tickets including a small morning tea and the opportunity to share in over twenty lucky door prize giveaways.

Proudly sponsored by The Friends of the MECC, their President Kerry Bonaventura said the final Morning Melodies performance for the year would be one to remember.

“We have some market stalls for everyone to do a little bit of Christmas shopping, and the Friends of the MECC have organised Lion’s Christmas Cakes for everyone to enjoy with their cuppa” she said.

Attendees will be treated to entertainment by Young Talent Time’s, Karen Knowles, who will be performing a range of Christmas carols alongside a wonderful selection of hit music.

Commencing her performance career on Young Talent Time, Karen Knowles’ career spans over 40 years. In 1980 she became the first Australian schoolgirl to receive a gold record with her single ‘Why Won’t You Explain’.

Guests who are interested in completing their Christmas shopping while at the event will be glad to hear Let the Children Play Toyshop and Whitsunday Biscuit Factory will be in the market stall line-up.

With tickets starting at just $15 each, the Friends of the MECC’s Morning Melodies is an affordable festive celebration for Mackay locals.

Tickets are selling fast! Find yours at themecc.com.au

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Teagan Smith and Kelsey Hughes gear up for Morning Melodies

Photo supplied

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Festival of Small Halls

The folk event of summer is arriving in to town, checking into Sarina for one night of mammoth music, that will leave the soul replenished and recharged.

The Summer rendition of the Festival of Small Halls is back and featuring headlining acts Assynt and Jackie Marshall, with the evening expected to be music for the soul.

Jackie Marshall is a folk singer-songwriter, with her inspirations stemming from 60s and 70s and western folk and country, jazz, and improvisation. Full of energy and warmth, the audience will be swept away with her fantastic stage presence and gentle atmosphere.

“It's a huge pleasure to be heading out on the road for Small Halls,” said Jackie. “I love being in motion, soaking up the colours of this beautiful country, meeting new people with fascinating stories, and experiencing the joy of performing to intimate audiences in venues rich with the feeling of personal connection. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved.”

Assynt are Scotland’s own award-winning instrumental folk band, passionately known for their tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing combination.

Itching to present their tunes to audiences across Australia, Assynt noted "We have been looking forward to touring Australia as part of the Small Halls tour for over four years now! A little later than planned due to the pandemic, we are excited to showcase our Scottish music for the Australian audiences and experience the culture in Queensland and Victoria!"

The Festival is proudly supporting the Sarina Lions, who will host a selection of meals, with tea and coffee, softs and light beer for attendees.

WHAT: Festival of Small Halls

WHERE: Bob Wood Cultural Hall

WHEN: Saturday December 2, from 5pm

TICKETS: festivalofsmallhalls.com starting from $10

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Festival of Small Halls is the event of the summer. Image supplied

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The Seaforth Markets are a community-based event that occur every Sunday from 8am to 12:30pm, supplying organic and gourmet produce, fresh fruit and vegetables and an array of quality products from local artisans.

The Markets are run by the Seaforth Progress Association, with funds also recycling back into the community, by allowing stalls from organisations such as RACQ CQ Rescue, Country Women’s Association, local schools and sporting clubs to participate.

The Seaforth Progress Association have been in operation since 1956. President of the Seaforth Market Association Lyn Prince wakes up at 5am to prepare the markets every Sunday for business as usual, with a growing list of stalls operating each week.

Lyn stated, “On the actual day before the markets, I will go over and sit underneath the trees, making sure I've got some spaces because each market we're getting at least another ten stores.”

The market hosts a book stall for locals and tourists to enjoy updated reading materials, as well as a line of food trucks overlooking the esplanade to cater the event.

On 10th December, Christmas will come alive at the Seaforth Markets! A visit from Santa’s elves, a Ham Wheel and raffles will be on the agenda, with stallholders and storefronts dressed in their finest festive attire.

Travellers come from all over, including locals from Yeppoon, Townsville and Bowen to be a part of the Seaforth Markets, to experience a flourishing community event with a tight-knit camaraderie.

Lyn is passionate about the familial atmosphere that has been created for marketgoers and stallholders alike, as well as the growth of Seaforth itself, without seeing it become urbanised.

She stated, “There's nowhere I've travelled, where you can do what we can do here.

“I just love the fact that we've grown and that people, especially [during] Covid, found something that they were passionate about and continued on with it.

“We have a place where they can come and feel comfortable and sell what they make, and that is a therapy, you can't buy that.”

Interested volunteers, businesses and organisations who would like to be involved with the Seaforth Markets can contact Seaforth Progress Assoc. on Facebook, or call Lyn Prince directly on 0437 533 007 for more information.

WHAT: Seaforth Christmas Markets

WHERE: Seaforth Esplanade

WHEN: Sunday, 10 December

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Inspire your green thumb every Sunday

Enjoy a selection of local spreads and baked goods

Organisations such as State Emergency Services (SES) often join the Seaforth Markets

Photos supplied

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To celebrate the release of the brand-new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, there will be special pre-movie activities at Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

On Thursday 14 December from 5pm, the Wonka Party will begin and families from around the region are invited.

This is your opportunity to not only be one of the first people in Australia to watch the new Wonka movie, it is also time to get together and enjoy a pre-Christmas party.

There will be roving entertainment, music, special treats and more!

Plus every movie ticket purchased goes into the draw to win an amazing Whitsunday Jetski Tour for two, and more exciting prizes!

After the Wonka Party, the screening of the movie will begin.

Based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Wonka" tells the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

It also features well-known actor, Hugh Grant, who plays the hilarious and heartfelt Oompa-Loompa.

Discover how the chocolate factory was first created, find out where Willy Wonka got his inspiration from and delight in the magical world of delicious chocolate!

WHAT: The Wonka Party and Movie

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Thursday, 14 December, from 5pm

TICKETS: proserpineentertainment.com.au

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The illustrious and enchanting Tusk, the Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, is coming to Airlie Beach, and they are bringing with them charm, character, and class.

Making the line up we have Penni Jones, as Stevie Nicks, who is hauntingly authentic and beautifully poignant, with near perfect renditions of the unforgettable tracks.

With her is Dalys Timpanaro as Christine, James Towers as Lindsay, Rob Brens as Mick Fleetwood and Grant Canterbury as John McVie, a powerful team that ensures this production is perfectly reminiscent of the original act.

“Collectively we share decades of experience from various cover bands in the 90s, 00s and now,” Penni explained.

“We have had tours of Australia and the world doing backing vocals for the country's greatest artists, cruise ship shows and European tours in various original acts.”

Tusk begun with Penni in 2015, wanting to create a more interactive show than the traditional tribute show.

Perfecting the performance to be accurate and beautiful, the audience can’t help but be transported back in time to when Fleetwood Mac shined.

Taking on the Airlie Beach Hotel, Tusk will be entertaining the patrons and creating a lively party atmosphere for a weekend of unstoppable music.

“The Airlie Beach Hotel is our favourite part of Airlie Beach, of course. What an amazing venue! Bringing the countries best shows to a place that has such a beautiful and warm vibe. Everyone is on Airlie Beach time and is always happy, welcoming, and relaxed,” Penni said.

The show is unforgettable and unstoppable, one of the best dance parties.

“When the band plays, it becomes a dance party, including a drum solo!” Penni said.

“We can't wait to get up there and share our show with the community and The Pub!

“I personally look forward to getting out in the crowd again and having a Fleetwood Mac dance floor like our last show.”

And what is Penni’s favourite track of Fleetwood Mac?

“Edge of 17 and The Chain, simply for their incredible intensity and high emotional content,” Penni said.

WHAT: Tusk: The Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, from 2pm to 5.30pm

TICKETS: Absolutely free

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The unstoppable Tusk is coming to Airlie Beach Hotel

Penni Jones and her Tusk crew are unbelievable with their authentic production

This is a stunning performance and a dance party in one

Penni Jones is hauntingly accurate with her vocals

Tusk, the Storybook Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, a performance not to miss. Photos supplied

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The Cannonvale Petstock is giving the gift of happiness and support this Christmas, vowing to raise $800,000 for the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project.

The project, beginning October 31 until December 24, will support seven children-focussed charities, with the Queensland specific charity being Smart Pups.

Smart Pups is an organisation dedicated with training and homing assistance dogs with children with a range of abilities, including autism, epilepsy, diabetes, blindness, and mobility conditions.

Helene Christensen, Corporate Specialist Fundraiser for Smart Pups, says, “The contributions to Smart Pups will be a lifeline for our puppy program, touching the hearts of countless families as we continue to train the next generation of medical assistance dogs. These devoted companions will bring hope and support to children with special needs, like those battling epilepsy, diabetes, mobility challenges, and autism.”

Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager, Jessica Curtis says, “This Christmas, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is empowering children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and animals. Thousands of children each year experience hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability through no fault of their own.”

To get involved, purchase a Christmas bauble from a Petstock store with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards Smart Pups.

Manager of the Cannonvale Petstock Location, Annmarie Beech said that “The community we have here is so generous, rounding up their purchases and donating to the cause. And it goes to such a good cause.”

Petstock Cannonvale will also be holding a Children’s Weekend in December, which will including activities such as colouring competition, live animals and staff embracing Christmas costumes.

WHAT: Children’s Weekend

WHERE: Cannonvale Petstock, Whitsunday Plaza

WHEN: Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10

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Affectionally known as the ‘Can’t Decide Platter’, Anchor Bar is ensuring that every member of your group discovers a little of everything to satisfy their taste buds.

Evolving from an observation by wait staff, where patrons were unable to decide between this and that on the fantastic and delicious menu, the ‘Can’t Decide Platter’ soon became a permanent part of the menu.

“The Can’t Decide Platter came about from having several favourite dishes on the menu, so often we would get ‘I can’t decide between this or that’ so we created a share board that covered as many of those local favourites as possible,” explained Leah McMillan, co-owner of Anchor Bar.

Designed to be heartier than the traditional Tapas style dining experience, the ‘Can’t Decide’ satisfies a big hunger with delicious plates.

Leah continued, “The Can’t Decide Platter was designed to not just be nibbles we wanted it to be hearty enough to feed at least four people as a main meal and remain a good deal for locals.”

So, what does Leah love about the platter?

“The Arancini is definitely a favourite with basil pesto and paprika aioli. The Southern Style Fried Chicken and house made pickles is one to return for; It’s a little bit addictive. And if you haven’t tried the loaded fries, you’re missing out!” Leah explained.

“I’m hooked on the Chicken Wings with the spicy plum sauce or hot sauce add a side of beef and bacon loaded fries topped with melted cheese tomato and onion salsa, aioli and smokey BBQ sauce and a schooner or three!”

And Leah and the Anchor team recommend always taking a look at the specials board, where the creative thinking of the chefs is always on display.

“They really do like to outshine each other with their specials which makes it great for us diners!”

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Can’t decide what to have at Anchor Bar, don’t worry, they have you covered with the Can’t Decide platter! Photo supplied

The calibre and uniqueness that is Japanese Sake is not lost on Kirsty and Jack Mason, owners and operators of Eastwoods Dining, one of the newest restaurants to grace the Airlie Beach Esplanade.

Japanese Sake is defined by its special process of rice fermentation. With the first rice-based drink dating back to the 5th Century BC, Sake was first recorded in written history in a 3rd Century historical Chinese document, and first domestically in the 8th Century.

However, the most historical evidence of Sake is recorded from the 8th Century, where only the privileged in Japanese society, primarily members of the Imperial Court and religious leaders were able to enjoy it.

It wasn’t util the 13th Century, where more commercial Sake brewers’ techniques were established, and general Japanese society began to consume Sake more regularly.

This incredibly deep history emanates through the menu at Eastwoods, offering a unique experience to guests.

“This is different,” Kirsty explained.

“This is cool, and we wanted to offer something different in the area.”

On their dedicated Sake menu, Eastwoods is offering three distinct varieties of Japanese wines.

The Sake, with three options vary from a light kiwifruit flavour to a sweet honeysuckle and musk, to red fruits, white chocolate, and jasmine rice flavours.

The second variety is Umeshu, which is described as a plum wine, and made from steeping ume plumes in liquor and sugar. Tending to be the sweeter variety, they are light, sweet, and tart.

The last variety is Shochu, which is earthy, refreshing and slightly sweet, distilled using rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, or brown sugar, which makes for a unique and delectable flavour.

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For close to two years, Troy Fuller has been at the helm of KC’s Bar and Grill, leading with a keen attitude and excellent service.

It was an easy decision for Troy to join the KC’s team, having been an avid fan of the Restaurant when he initially moved to the area, over eight years ago.

“This is actually my third time living in Airlie Beach,” Troy explained.

“But my favourite part has always been KC’s. It’s been my favourite bar since I first came to Airlie Beach.”

Specialising in chargrilled meats, from sirloin to Picanha, and even kangaroo loin and charred crocodile skewers, KC’s menu is a variety fest for the guest, unique and different.

Troy brings with him a love for cooking Greek food, which is evident in the decadent menu items of truffle and porcini arancini starter and the cous cous salad, with rich flavours and great taste.

“It’s simple, fresh and delicious,” Troy explained.

His favourite part of being with KC’s is the environment that they have established.

“The environment we have created in the kitchen is great. We all work hard and efficiently, so we actually get a work life balance,” he explained.

The next time you’re in Airlie Beach, make sure you taste the KC’s difference.

What’s your favourite dish to make?

Charred white cabbage, with sriracha aioli and crispy shallots.

What’s your favourite dish to eat?

Australian Game Platter at Kc’s Bar & Grill.

What’s the last thing you ate?

Big brekkie Buffet at Whisper Bar & Restaurant

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For La Marina Restaurant and Bar, the difference is in the flavour, steeped in tradition and handcrafted with classic and timeless techniques.

For La Marina, the difference is in Angelo Panuccio.

Since the early days of La Marina, Angelo has been instrumental in creating the beautiful and tasty Italian meals that satisfy the soul.

Father to Joe Panuccio, the owner and operator of La Marina, Angelo has been serving as key pasta and gnocchi creator and meatball connoisseur since the beginning.

“The best thing is that my dad is still here,” Joe explained.

“Yes, he’s still making the pasta by hand, and he’s still making his famous meatballs by hand.”

Using classic and traditional Italian techniques and recipes, which are tightly kept hidden by Angelo, you can trust that only the very best Italian is being served at La Marina.

“We started with the traditional cooking, going back to our roots. We still do things the old school way; nothing’s really changed. Everything is made from scratch, handmade with the very best locally sourced ingredients,” Joe explained.

Almost every day, Angelo handcrafts the pasta and gnocchi, and with a completely open kitchen, patrons can watch as the chefs use the beautifully handcrafted pasta in their dishes.

With an extensive menu, Joe recommends the meatballs, a dish with a secret recipe that leaves patrons wanting more, and any pasta dish with the fettuccine, as the flavours creates a divine experience for guests.

And watch out for Ange’s Weekly Specials, that will begin very soon, with traditional southern Italian dishes, created in Angelo’s homeland, which will entice and excite patrons.

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Angelo Panuccio dedicatedly making his pasta fresh. Photo supplied

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CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD PAVOLVA

INGREDIENTS

6 Large Eggs

1 1/2 Cups of caster sugar

1/2 Teaspoon All Spice

1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

2 Teaspoons Ginger

1 Tablespoon Corn Flour

1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar

300ml Thickened Cream

1 Cup berries of your choice

1 Ginger bread man

METHOD

Set oven to 150 degrees Celsius (A little lower if fan forced)

Line a baking tray with baking paper

Mix all your dry ingredients together in a bowl

In a separate bowl, add the egg whites (only)

Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then slowly add in your dry ingredients, one tablespoon at a time while still whisking (this will take a bit of whisking)

The sugar needs to be completely dissolved, so keep whisking.

Then add vinegar until whisked through

Spoon meringue onto your baking tray to make a circle around 25cm wide, leaving a hole in the centre

Bake for 50 minutes, then turn oven off and leave over night with the door slightly open (Place a tea towel in the door to keep it ajar)

The following day, you can store your pavlova in an airtight container, and it will keep for a couple of days.

Just before serving, whip your thickened cream, adding a couple of tablespoons of sugar.

Spoon cream on top of pavlova, place your cherries (and other berries) on top and crumble your ginger bread man over the top.

Dust with icing sugar and serve!

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BOWEN LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am - 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

10am - 11am Upcycled CD Ornaments

2pm - 3pm Santa Mail Project

Wednesday 13th December

10am - 11am Elf on the Shelf: Coding Activity

Thursday 14th December

10am - 11am Wooden Picture Frame Present

2pm - 3pm Christmas Lego Challenge

PROSERPINE LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am to 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

2pm to 3pm Sensory Play

Thursday 14th December

10am to 11am Wooden Nutcrackers

2pm to 3pm Christmas Decorations

CANNONVALE LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am - 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

10am to 11am Mosaic Christmas Baubles

2pm to 3pm Velvet Art Trinket Boxes

Wednesday 13th December

10am to 11am 12 Days of Christmas Storytime

3pm to 4pm Chess

Thursday 14th December

10am to 11am Christmas Craft: Wooden Nutcracker

2pm to 3pm Velvet Art Trinket Boxes

COLLINSVILLE LIBRARY

Monday 11th December

10am - 4pm Library Kid’s Club Challenge Launch

Tuesday 12th December

10am - 11am Upcycled CD Ornaments

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The Bowen community gathered together and celebrated the upcoming Christmas celebrations in style, with their Community Christmas Carols last weekend.

Seeing a great turnout, on par with pre-covid numbers, the Rotary Club of Bowen were excited to see people flicking to join in the festive spirit.

“It seemed like the whole town was there,” said Mark Steen, Bowen Rotarian who was instrumental in organising the annual event.

“The Rotary Club of Bowen has been putting on the carols for years, and it’s always great to see all our hard work pay off.”

With performances from groups such as Bowen Flexi Care, Kidz at the Beach, Good Start Early Learning Centre, Bowen State School, St Mary’s Catholic School, and Queens Beach State School, the night culminated in great singing and festive excitement.

“It was quite beautiful,” Mark explained.

“And of course Santa made a visit, which is always a great time for the children. Really everyone who got involved in the evening had a great time, and that’s all we ask for.”

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Carols By The Beach

The Whitsunday Regional Council are gearing up for their Christmas celebrations, with the annual Carols by the Beach returning for another mammoth event.

Beginning at 4.30pm with a performance by the Proserpine Citizens Band, with the Cannonvale State School Choir kicking off celebrations at 5pm.

From 5.30pm, Christmas Carols begins with the highly anticipated arrival of Santa.

The outdoor cinema showing of Home Alone begins at 6.30pm.

The food hub will service any diet and any flavour, with Airlie Beach Rotary and Whitsundays Zonta hosting a BBQ, Prossy Kebabs, Sn 2 Go, RILO, Dirty Southern BBQ, Simply Yum, Whats Poppin Whitsundays, Lynne’s Lemonade, Bauies Smokin Hot Meats, and Yummy Dum Dum Dumplings.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Carols By The Beach

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Sunday, December 3, from 4.30pm

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Collinsville Christmas Carols

Experience the majesty that is the Collinsville community Christmas Carols, organised and led by the Collinsville Lions Club.

Kicking off celebrations from 6pm, be enchanted by Carols by Candlelight displayed by the Collinsville Christian Fellowship, with the Bowen Outreach Band.

WHAT: Collinsville Christmas Carols

WHERE: Collinsville Lions Park, Conway Street

WHEN: Sunday December 3, from 6pm

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Carols In The Park

The Whitsunday Regional Council are at it again, with the Proserpine Carols In Park and Christmas Party.

This event will be spectacular, with Carol performances by Proserpine State School, Proserpine Citizens Bands, Mommas and Poppas and Sweet Alibis. The Christmas Fun will be encompassed with a fantastic visit from Santa, a Sky High Circus, an electric dance performance, and the Rotary Club of Proserpine Ham Wheel.

And don’t miss the free face painting, kids activities, eat street and market stalls, ensuring that this evening is fun for the whole family.

WHAT: Proserpine Carols In The Park

WHERE: Ken MacPherson Park, Proserpine

WHEN: Friday, December 8, from 4.30pm

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