Get ready for the Christmas party of the year, with the Tiny Homes Project.

Rock and rolling our way to Christmas will be musician Peter Tilbrook, vocalist and guitarist of Aussie, The Master’s Apprentices.

“One of Australia’s top 60’s bands was Master’s Apprentices and original band vocalist Peter Tilbrook still performs today as great as ever,” Sandy Clark, Fundraising Coordinator for Tiny Homes Project said.

“Peter will perform hits from his original band along with popular hit music from a variety of other rock bands through the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He has been a busy performer all over Australia as well as many cruise ship gigs. He works with a group called The Party Cats and he’s guaranteed to get the Sailing Club up and dancing.”

Also, on the schedule for this Christmas Luncheon will be the tantalizing auction items, including a dinner voucher to Airlie Beach’s newest restaurant Eastwoods, a Penfold’s wine package, and artwork donated by Bridgette Peel Fine Art.

Bridgette also runs art classes at her studio 3 Little Birds, and one of her staff Noemi Martinez has donated her portrait of Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.

Tickets are $110 per person, and include a traditional Christmas turkey roast, with all the best trimmings, Christmas pudding for dessert and a cocktail on arrival.

WHAT: Tiny Homes Project Rock ‘n Roll Christmas Luncheon

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Saturday November 18, 12pm to 3pm

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Rock_Luncheon

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Big Prizes For Tiny Homes Raffle

Tiny Homes Project are holding their next fundraising raffle with amazing prizes on offer.

Starting a $5 a ticket, to $4 a ticket in a lot of 10, all proceeds are going towards the construction of four tiny homes for women over the age of 55 experiencing homelessness in the region.

First Prize: Is a beautiful portrait painted by Lee-anne Burrows, a Central Queensland artist whose contemporary portraits are exclusive and vibrant. The muse is Matty Rogers, Australian singer-songwriter who has performed across the country, but most notably at Falls Festivals, Byron Bay Blues Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and at Airlie Beach Festival of Music. The portrait also includes a Matty Rogers merchandise pack, with four CDs, tote bag, and t-shirt.

Second Prize: Is two 3-day passes to the 2024 Airlie Beach Festival of Music. Be involved in every single artist and every single venue, with this all-encompassing pass for one of the best events of the year.

Get your raffle tickets today!

To Purchase Tickets: https://bit.ly/3LiGIDx

Drawn: Sunday November 12, at 8pm, at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music Main Stage

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Noemi Martinez’s portrait of Stevie Nicks is available at the auction. Photo supplied

Matt Rogers with his portrait, by Lee-ane Burrows. Photo supplied

The Mackay Sugar City Rock and Rollers Club members and participants recently had a Saturday night out to remember, with the old Glenella Dance Hall giving a blast from the past, with dancing and fun surrounded by amazing vintage decor of yesteryear.

The Club offers classes every Wednesday night at 7pm in the Senior Citizens Hall on Macalister Street, with the first night free!  

Club members are looking forward to the Christmas dance on 9th December, with tickets to be pre-purchased by 17th November.

You don’t have to be a member to come along and have a good time!

For further information, call 0408 983 911.

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Anne Duncan and Joseph Sagor showing many colours

Jane and Mario Torrisi always enjoying themselves

Photos supplied

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A fun family afternoon has been prepared as Crediton Provisional School and Crediton Hall Recreation Club celebrates an amazing milestone of 80 years in operation.

The event is on 18th November, starting at 12pm and running until late. CHRC is providing a delicious spread of roast beef or pulled pork and gravy rolls, a celebration cake for dessert, as well as a tea and coffee station.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a plate of nibblies to share, and are reminded that the event is BYO for drinks. Chairs and tables will be provided, as well as free camping (powered and unpowered sites).

The Crediton Hall Recreation Club will have games for the kids, and a firepit for the adults. They are also set to host a Rolling Raffle, where you can purchase a $20 ticket to have a chance in all the raffles held throughout the evening.

Attendees are reminded that this is a cash-only event.

Past and present residents are encouraged to attend, and to give a summary of their past involvement and where they are now.

Please bring along any old photos you may have or forward to the Crediton Hall email address.

For further information, contact Secretary of Crediton Hall Recreation Club, Mandy Tennent on 0400 835 275.

All are welcome to join this event, with RSVP due by 11th November to creditonhall@gmail.com

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A previous Crediton anniversary celebration. Photo supplied

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Mackay Choral Society is proud to present its newest production, A Glorious Christmas taking place 11th and 12th November at 3pm.

The two concerts will comprise of choruses from Handel's Messiah and traditional Christmas Carols, conducted by Kevin Field, a world class conductor currently based at the Bentley Music Academy, Malaysia.

The Society will also bring two professional soloists, Jo Burton and Paul McMahon, to perform beside their own renowned soprano, Nicole Thomson.

The two concerts will be performed at the CQ University Conservatorium of Music, providing a rare occasion for Mackay audiences to enjoy classical music and traditional carols, performed by professional soloists as well as the choir and an orchestra comprising local and overseas musicians.

Mackay Choral Society looks forward to welcoming the music lovers of Mackay to what will be a world class performance.

Tickets are available through trybooking.com or alternatively you can call 0422 264 397. Prices included Adult $35, Concession $30 and Children $20.

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Carmen Bennett is a teacher with twenty-five years of experience as an educator, with a focus to empower others to learn, develop and succeed through her MindSpace Learning classes.

Ms Bennett accepts students of all ages, although is currently offering a free 6 week Mindfulness Program through Term Four, targeted at teens aged 13 to 16 years old with many activities on offer:

Week 1 - Mindfulness for stress and sleep - Breathing, meditation, create an essential oil roller

Week 2 - Mindful movement - River walk, body percussion

Week 3- Mindful creation - Project from recycled objects

Week 4 - Mindful goals and visions - Know your purpose

Week 5 - Mindful friendships - Team-building activities

Week 6 - Mindful confidence - Voice work and public speaking

Each session is designed to assist teen development in self-awareness, direction and insight, unlocking potential and increasing capability; a zone to learn new skill sets and break old habits.

Based on three decades of observation Ms Bennett has committed to, she has discovered how people learn, accomplish projects, and achieve goals. Her observations have fostered a space that is founded in a philosophy of mindful awareness.

Mindfulness, journaling, meditation, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), PERMA model theory and crystal bowl sound therapy are experienced in this sensory environment.

“As a qualified educational leader with extensive experience in mentoring, teaching, and leading teams, sessions integrate coaching and learning to encourage a mind shift.

“Distractibility and procrastination have impacted on our ability to think and live with true purpose, true awareness, and true connection.” Ms Bennett stated.

Classes will also be offered in 2024. Live an intentionally-built future with Mindspace Learning.

To book a consultation or find out more about the various programs and workshops available, visit mindspace-learning.my.canva.site or email mindspaceqld@gmail.com

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Experience sound therapy with Mindspace Learning

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Friday 3 November

Public Art Walk

First Friday of every month from 4:30pm

This city art walk begins at Artspace Mackay and takes you through the city centre. Along the way, participants will learn about Mackay’s iconic public art installations and the local, and internationally-acclaimed artists who created them. | Free entry for all ages.

Artspace Mackay

Friday Night Live Music

Every Friday from 5pm

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

Boomerang Hotel

FILM NIGHT | ‘Driving Madeleine’

Starts at 7:30pm

DRIVING MADELEINE is a heart-warming French drama film, released in 2022 and directed by Christian Carion. The story rediscovers the power of the kindness of strangers, following taxi driver Charles (Dany Boon) who reluctantly takes on an early-morning booking and begins to regret his decision when a cantankerous old woman, Madeleine (Line Renaud) is waiting begrudgingly at the pickup point. Despite his own personal grievances, Charles begins to realise that his problems are nowhere near as hard-pressing as his client’s. | Tickets online at trybook.com/CMLUR

Film and Arts Mackay

Shannan Fitzgerald (Live)

From 6:30pm

Kickstart your weekend, a night filled with awesome music and non-stop dancing. | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 4 November

Mackay Showground Markets

Every Saturday from 6am – 10am

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

Weekly event, held every Saturday. | Free entry.

Mackay Showgrounds

Falun Gong Classes

Every Saturday from 10am

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

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

Family Karaoke Pizza Party

6pm - 1st Saturday of the month

Come out for a fun-filled family-friendly night on the 1st Saturday of every month!

Enjoy FREE activities including karaoke, face painting, and balloon twisting.

Satisfy your hunger with delicious food at Ma’s Parkside Plaza and make lasting memories with loved ones.

Call (07) 4951 2139 to RSVP | Free entry.

Ma's Pizza Kitchen - Parkside Plaza

Karaoke Under The Stars

First Saturday of every month from 8pm – midnight

Start tuning up your vocals & getting your song lists ready so you can Karaoke the night out. | Free entry.

Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Sunday 5 November

Sunday Bingo

Every Sunday from 7pm

Come along and you could win! | Free entry.

South Leagues Club

Monday 6 November

Trivia Night

6:30pm – 9pm - Every Monday

Souths Monday Night Trivia just got a whole lot more serious!

Do you have what it takes to take home the jackpot?

Round up your friends and get your geek on!

Sports Bar, Souths Leagues Club

Trivia Night

7pm – 9pm - Every Monday

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

Registrations from 6.30pm, starts 7pm.

Book your table to avoid disappointment, call (07) 4965 6100.

Centro Restaurant, Magpies Sporting Club

Tuesday 7 November

Fire & Fate Unplugged (Live)

From 4pm

Following the Melbourne Cup, come on down to the Seabreeze to see Fire & Fate – Unplugged! | Free entry.

Seabreeze Hotel

Morning Melodies

First Tuesday of every month from 11am-1pm

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies featuring Anette Worthington performing live once a month. | Free entry.

Souths Leagues Club

Wednesday 8 November

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal and learn from each other. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

Shop fresh, shop local. The Farmers’ market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce. Enjoy a morning beside the Pioneer River and buy direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. $8 for members and $10 for non-members after that. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 9 November

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and dessert.

Bluewater Quay

The Dreggs – Take a Little Time Tour

From 7:30pm

Fresh from their latest hit singles and sold-out shows across the UK and Europe, The Dreggs are back to rock Australia once again. Don’t miss the chance to experience their high-energy performance right here on home turf. | Tickets at oztix.com.au

Seabreeze Hotel

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Mackay Farmers Market

Karaoke Under The Stars

Shannan Fitzgerald (Live)

FILM NIGHT | ‘Driving Madeleine’

Family Karaoke Pizza Party

The Dreggs – Take a Little Time Tour

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The world's most beloved children's entertainment group, The Wiggles, are thrilled to announce their brand new live show, WIGGLY BIG DAY OUT! Tour, proudly presented by Huggies.

This spectacular event will treat families to an enchanting carnival-inspired extravaganza, as The Wiggles perform live to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC).

Promising a festive day filled with music, dancing, and laughter for the whole family, audiences can expect an unforgettable event filled with energetic performances by the Wiggly ‘Great Eight’ - Blue Wiggles Anthony and Lucia, Red Wiggles Simon and Caterina, Yellow Wiggles Tsehay and Evie, and Purple Wiggles Lachy and John.

The show will feature beloved Wiggles songs such as ‘Rock-a-Bye Your Bear’, ‘Hot Potato’ and ‘Fruit Salad’, as well as new hits like ‘Getting Strong’ and ‘Hey Tsehay!’

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said, "We can't wait to hit the road again and bring our biggest and brightest show yet to families all over Australia.

“This tour will be a Wiggly carnival celebration that will create unforgettable memories for everyone. We have some surprises in store, including new songs and a lot of festival fun.”

The Wiggles will also be joined on stage by all their Wiggly friends, including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn.

In  true Wiggles tradition, the annual arena spectacular wouldn't be complete without a special appearance down under from the big man in red, direct from the North Pole.

The WIGGLY BIG DAY OUT! Tour promises to be an extraordinary live show, guaranteed to bring joy to audiences and leave the whole family with smiles from ear to ear. The tour will commence at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on 7th December.

Get your tickets fast, they’ll go like hot potatoes! Available at themecc.com.au

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The Sarina Rugby League Club and the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre are hosting a free “Happy As” barbecue and mini expo to celebrate Men’s Health Awareness Month (Movember).

The event, to be held at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club beer garden this Saturday (November 4), from noon to 2pm, will be a great social event with a positive health and wellbeing theme.

There will be live music, random lucky door prizes, ten cars on show from the Mackay Vintage Car Club and various expo displays from local organisations like the Sarina Men’s Shed, Real Mates Talk and sporting groups.

Mayor Greg Williamson encouraged residents to register for the event as soon as possible, as numbers were limited.

“This will be a great event for men of all ages to come along, grab some information, enjoy a free barbecue lunch and socialise,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Movember is a fantastic month-long campaign that encourages men to engage in activities to raise awareness about men’s health,” he said.

“It aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health issues, spark conversations and promote early detection and intervention.”

To register for the “Happy As” barbecue and mini expo, head to https://fb.me/e/1xeouJX9J or call the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on 4961 9283.

Prior to the lunch event, at 11.30am, council and the Sarina Rugby League Club will be unveiling a new plaque at Buffy the Toad, in Broad Street Park, to immortalise three new local legends of league.

Players Daly Cherry-Evans, Reuben Cotter and Brianna Clark will be represented on the plaque and have been invited, together with Sarina Rugby League lifetime members and players.

This unveiling is open for the community to attend and will be emceed by rugby league great and Mackay region councillor Martin Bella.

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Sarina rugby league legends Martin Bella and Kevin Campion with Buffy in 2016

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If you haven’t already purchased your 3-day pass for the legendary Airlie Beach Festival of Music, here is another incentive for you!

One lucky 3-day ticket holder will win the mammoth chance to meet Frenzal Rhomb, be upgraded to VIP, and be invited on a special Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour, thanks to Sealink Whitsundays.

Festival founder, Gavin Butlin, said this was the “ultimate package”, worth as much in the memories it would create in its financial value.

"Our VIP packages alone cost $1,000 for the three-day event but provides food and drinks for six hours per day in the main tent and the chance to mingle with performing acts in an exclusive waterfront setting,” he said.

"This by itself is a way to experience the festival like a rockstar, but to also have the chance to visit the globally iconic Whitsunday islands and, walk away with memorabilia signed by one of Australia’s top performers is the cherry on top.”

SeaLink Whitsundays General Manager, Rob Mitchell, said it made perfect sense to include the Big Island Day Tour within the prize package to showcase the best of the Whitsundays.

“SeaLink are very proud to partner with the Airlie Beach Festival of Music as Platinum Sponsor for the second year running, and we look forward to continue in strengthening our involvement for years to come,” he said.

The 3-day pass is perfect for those wishing for unlimited access to all the music happening over the massive four days of music.

From the Passport to Airlie showcase on Thursday, November 9, to the official after party at Northerlies on Monday, November 13, and every single venue that is stationed across Airlie Beach, this pass guarantees the very best of music, in a festival that takes over the town.

And don’t worry, if you’ve already purchased your 3-day ticket, you’ve already been put into the draw to win!

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Get the chance to meet Frenzal Rhomb and a majesty Whitehaven Beach trip, thanks to Sealink Whitsundays. Photos supplied

Festival fans are buzzing with excitement as next week’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) reaches fever pitch, with legendary artists from across the country descending on our small holiday town and thousands of music lovers also expected to arrive over the coming week.

Straight off the back of its massive 10-year celebrations, the festival is entering a new era, taking its experience and accomplishments into a second decade where new ideas are on the horizon.

“Last year was huge!” said Gavin “Butto” Butlin.

“Not only was it our 10th year, but we also won Festival of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards.

“This year we are excited to be in our 11th year and we can’t wait to see familiar faces while also welcoming newcomers to the festival.

“It’s like our musical family comes together every year and we are pumped to see everyone enjoy the festival once again.”

Featuring over 50 different musical acts spread out over 15 different venues, Airlie Beach Festival of Music takes over the town for one wild weekend where live music is literally spilling out onto the streets and setting the whole town a-buzz with song, dance, and a party atmosphere.

Organisers encourage everyone to start planning their ABFoM experience now by purchasing a three-day pass which allows festivalgoers entry into any venue.

“The three-day passes are fantastic value for money,” said Butto.

“You can see the Passport To Airlie Grand Final on Thursday night, enjoy live music in 14 different venues over the weekend and also attend the After Party on Monday afternoon.”

“Enjoy five days of live music and the festival atmosphere in one three-day pass!”

There are also a range of other ticket options available, from the single day pass starting at $120 and the special VIP pass which includes your own bar with a six--hour food and alcohol package, separate toilets, tables, and chairs backing onto the ocean.

The main-stage of the festival is located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn inside the enormous, big top-tent which overlooks the turquoise Coral Sea.

“Nowhere in the country, if not the world, can you experience a festival back-drop like this!” said Butto.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club and 14 other venues

WHEN: 9-12 November

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea, there is no other festival venue like it! Photo credit: Bailey Simmons

Crowds loving the live music, the atmosphere is electric under the big top tent. Photo supplied

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For Ross Wilson, he is not shy to voice his true job at next week’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

“I am an entertainer. My job is to entertain. I love to get people out of their seats and dancing,” he explained.

“Fortunately, I have had a few hits in my career, so it’s easy to get people up and moving.”

However, the legendary Ross Wilson might be a tad too humble.

“I like to think of myself as a dance band. I have a really great band, the Peaceniks, with some of the best players. They always make me sound good.”

With a illustrious career spanning over 50 years, Ross is an Aussie household name, covering every single genre and every single beat.

From his early days of Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and his extremely successful solo career, Ross Wilson has not stopped pumping the tracks, tracks that must be laced because damn, they are good.

“The music keeps me going,” Ross said. There must be something in his water too then.

“It’s become an obsession at this stage. When I first walked on to that stage, I was like ‘wow, I could get used to this.”

At the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ross will be exploring his entire discography, including his classics ‘Eagle Rock’, ‘Summer of ‘81’, and ‘Come Said the Boy’ to his newer hits, and some newly released songs from his impending album, which is sure to set us all in a tail spin.

“Get ready, Airlie Beach. I performed at the first Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and now, in 2023, I’m back.”

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Get ready for another group of massive Aussie legends to grace the Airlie Beach Festival of Music stage, celebrating their own 50 years of rock music stardom.

Their announcement in this years’ line-up is only made sweeter by the fact that Dragon was a headliner for the first Airlie Beach Festival of Music, back in 2013, and now 11 years on, they are honoured to be invited once again.

The band embodies rock and roll and rocks out in a ‘gentlemanly-like fashion’, according to Mark Williams, lead vocalist, who joined the band 17 years ago.

Over the years Dragon has transformed into a household family name, particularly in 1987 when the band toured across Europe with powerhouse Tina Turner, under the name ‘Hunter’.  

Since then, Dragon has returned to Australia and made a local name for themselves across Australia and New Zealand.

Making their way to Airlie Beach Festival of Music is high on the band’s agenda.

“We have been wondering when we’d have the chance to come to the festival again. Every year it goes by, and every year we go ‘there it is, and there we aren’t’, but not this year!” said Mark.

“This year we’ll be playing the anthems that everyone knows, so we can play a chord and the audience can sing along.”

The classic timeless tunes of Dragon will not be lost on anyone at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, with every generation, young and old, rocking out to the set list.

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One of Australia’s favourite and most respected musicians, Ian Moss, is calling into Airlie Beach for the unmissable Airlie Beach Festival of Music in just under one weeks’ time.

Delivering smooth vocals and unforgettable tunes, the tenacity, clarity and resonating passion that is Ian Moss will ensure the best times for the Festival, both on stage and off.

Beginning his career on the backstreets of Alice Springs, Ian Moss was quick to head to Adelaide and mix in with the boys that would become Cold Chisel.

He travelled regional Australia with the boys in black, building their reputation and by 1980, Cold Chisel was a family name with their rock blues, resonating sounds and deep lyrics.

Despite the unfortunate closure of Cold Chisel in 1983, Ian was quick to launch his budding solo career, and released the phenomenal ‘Tucker’s Daughter’ in 1989. This immediate hit was well received across Australia and projected Ian into newfound solo stardom.

‘Tucker’s Daughter’, along with ‘Soul on West 53rd’, ‘Telephone Booth’ and many other hits on his album ‘Matchbook’, took Ian on a European Tour in 1990, before he returned home and started work on his second album ‘Worlds Away.’

It is no surprise that Ian Moss has evolved to become an Aussie icon, fuelling the Australian narrative since his Cold Chisel days, as he continues to headline across the globe.

And now 50 years on, Ian Moss continues to be an Aussie favourite, with Airlie Beach Festival of Music being one stop on his legendary celebratory tour.

Along with Ian Moss, both Dragon and Ross Wilson are also celebrating 50 years of rock, culminating in these massive Aussie icons calling Airlie Beach home for a weekend of unstoppable music.

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Aspiring musicians from across the country are coming to Airlie Beach next week to celebrate the best of Aussie original music in the Passport to Airlie Competition that propels small independent acts into national stardom.

Having competed in regional competitions across the nation throughout the year, the Passport to Airlie Showcase Finals will kick off the official Airlie Beach Festival of Music schedule next Thursday night.

Eight massive bands, from across the nation, have been handpicked for the competition final and have been gearing up for the festival opportunity of a lifetime.

Competing in the finals are, Gravy Train from Darwin, Sunshine Coast’s Staremaster, Funk Knuckle from Brisbane, Robert Cini Band from Cairns, Byron Bay’s Venus Fly Trap, Newcastle’s Avalanche, Ally Row from Melbourne and local band, The Wild Sky from Mackay.

And with an headlining act of Perry Street Park, the 2022 Passport to Airlie winners, who have achieved massive success following the competition, it is no surprise that Airlie Beach is excited to witness Australia’s next best on stage.

Open to all age groups, this opening night event is a great introduction for younger festivalgoers and an opportunity for local youth to experience some of the best aspiring musical talent in the country.

WHAT: Passport to Airlie Showcase Finals 2023

WHERE: Festival Main Stage, Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Thursday, November 9, from 6pm

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalosmusic.com.au

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Perry Street Park, the 2022 winners of Passport to Airlie. Photo supplied

Airlie Beach Festival of Music just got better, with the infamous Aussie blues banjo bandits, The Pigs, making the line-up.

About to hit their 20th year anniversary of making the beautiful banjo blues, the boys of The Pigs are ready to take Airlie Beach by storm.

“This will be our first time pigging in Airlie Beach and we’re very excited,” T-Bone Pig, the band’s front man, said.

“We are supercharged hillbilly pop.”

T-Bone Pig is joined with Stretch Pig, Cousin Montz, Cousin Shamus, and Cousin Burt, and there is no stage that The Pigs won’t rock.

Excited to bring it on for the Airlie Beach crowd, The Pigs have been busy preparing themselves.

“We’ve travelled all over Australia and Europe, with five records, been nominated for a Golden Guitar, and we just love making people happy,” said T-Bone.

Now, where did the name come from?

“We’re not too sure either. We’re slightly confused. We’re not sure where we’re from but we’re here now and ready to bring the banjo blues,” T-Bone explained.

“We’re not a message from God, but a message from the South.”

And what can the people of Airlie Beach expect from the electric Pigs?

“It will be a lifechanging experience, with a lot of fun and a massive recharge. You’ll find out what’s important in life and you’ll wake up with a massive headache the next day.”

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The infamous Pigs are taking on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, bringing charm and banjo blues with them. Photo supplied