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Through Depression To Contentment

Bob Eden is on a mission to eradicate suicide. The Whitsunday-based fitter-turner turned folk singer and author is set to release his first book ‘The Gift of Depression, My Little Scrap Book’ with one mission in mind: sharing his story to save even just one life. “Every 40 seconds, someone dies because of depression, and they do not have to. I am living proof of that,” Bob said. “I believe that by sharing our stories, we can help to heal each other.” Born in England, Bob had a turbulent childhood with an absent father and a violent mother. It left him with untrue lessons about his life which led him to an eventual battle with depression and anxiety. “In 1984, three o’clock in the morning, I Whitsunday author Bob Eden will release his debut book in late November, which follows his story and lessons from a life lifted from depression had my first panic attack. I went to the doctor and was put into the western medical model and I was in that for 20 years. Different antidepressants, psychiatrists, psychologists,” Bob said. “That was my dance with depression. I could not understand it; but I do now” Far from England and having lived in the Whitsundays for almost two decades, Bob is ready to lay out the lessons of his life in written word, sharing them with the people who need them most. His scrap book is the story of a life that vastly changed direction. From a fitter-turner to a “depression recovery specialist and men’s wellbeing advocate”, managing ships and sailing to authoring books and managing festivals, like Wintermoon – Bob Eden has done it all and come out the other side with the scars to show for it. “It took 20 years for me to realise that I could not think my way out, I had to listen to my body, and I did,” Bob said. “I am master and commander of my life and I take full responsibility for this life that I create. Every event that happens in my life holds a lesson for me, I just must find and learnt it. “My book just tells my story of my journey from trauma and despair to contentment, it describes the tools I found and used to completely recover from depression.” Bob will launch The Gift Of Depression, My Little Scrap Book at Cannonvale Library on November 28 at 10am.

Arts Prize Winners Announced

Cr Jan Clifford stands with the winning piece ‘Nullabor Crossing’ by Justin Telfer

Ahost of talented artist were celebrated as part of the Whitsundays Arts Festival, with their work on public exhibition during the festivities and several of them picked to win lucrative art awards for their contribution. The major prize was won by Justin Telfer from Mullumbimby in New South Wales, for his work ‘Nullabor Crossing.’ Justin was awarded the $5,000 major prize, and his work will be acquired into the Whitsundays Regional Council Art Collection. Winner of the Local Artist Award went to Cannonvale resident Jacqui Henderson for her piece ‘Summer Holiday’. She received $1000 in prize money. Other categories included Young Artist Award which was won by Cameron Letta (Leonay) for ‘Red Gum’ and the 3D Sculpture Award was won by Bowen resident Barry Smith for ‘Security’. The 2D Works on Paper Award went to Tanya Coventry from Bowen for ‘February’ and the R&K Kenyon Award went to Java Small for ‘Meerkat’. Only its second year, the Whitsundays Art Prize is a vibrant visual arts award, incorporating painting and sculpture and this year, the exhibition included 70 works from 63 Australian artists. The event was held at the Elbow Room at Coral Sea Marina Resort from 23-30 September with the winners announced on the opening night. Exhibition Coordinator Glenda Brown said she was honoured to be bringing art to the heart of Airlie Beach. “Supporting these incredible artists and showcasing works from around Australia in our beautiful region, the Whitsundays Arts Festival exists to highlight art and arts practice,” she said. The prize winners were selected by guest judge Tracy Cooper-Lavery, Director, Gallery and Visual Arts at HOTA Home of the Arts Gold Coast.

Winner of the Local Artist Award, Cannonvale resident Jacqui Henderson with ‘Summer Holiday’ Photo credit: VAMPP Photography

GIG

GUIDE

Friday 30th Sept

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm) • Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Sam McCann (from 7pm) • KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Saturday 1st Oct

• The Pub: ‘Half The World Away’ Oasis Tribute (2-5.30pm) • The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm) • Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Sam McCann Band (from 7pm) • KC’s: Jason Bull Trio (8pm-late)

Sunday 2nd Oct

• The Pub: Britpop Resurrection (2-5.30pm) • Horseshoe Bay Café: Sunday Live Music (2-6pm) • Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Chill Out Tunes (from 7pm) • The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, NRL Grand Final (7-10pm) • KC’s: Jason Bull (8pm-late)

Monday 3rd Oct

• KC’s: Jason Bull (8pm-late)

Tuesday 4th Oct

• KC’s: Lloyd Saunders (8pm-late)

Wednesday 5th Oct

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Weeman (710pm) • KC’s: Lloyd Saunders (8pm-late)

Thursday 6th Oct

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Weeman (710pm) • Grandview Hotel, Bowen: David Flower (from 7pm) • KC’s: open mic night (3pm-4pm)

MOVIE REVIEW

Avatar

Cast your mind back to 2009: Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States in January, Kesha’s Tik Tok topped the charts most of the year, Chrysler went bankrupt in May, the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away in June. And a little, independent film (ha ha) called ‘Avatar’ hit cinemas on December 18, changing the cinema landscape, namely the modern blockbuster, forever. The epic adventure famously inspired by Pocahontas is returning to theatres this year to give audiences a nostalgia hit; letting them revisit a film, now in glorious 4k and with impeccable high-dynamic range, that was an absolute world-beater when it arrived in a far different entertainment atmosphere than now (it was pre-Marvel Cinematic Universe, for goodness sake). But it also serves as an opportunity to introduce people who have never seen it before to the world of the Na’vi – a world both beautiful and terrifying - that stretched the limits of computer generation imagery, simulation, and motion capture technology. And it’s perfectly timed to get people ready for the sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, before it hits theatres this December. Looking at Avatar from afar – having been through (and still going through) global warming, a worldwide pandemic, the potential cusp of World War III - it’s hard to understand, or even remember, the pandemonium it caused. I saw Avatar three times in cinemas – and I wasn’t the only one. Still to this day, it’s the highest grossing film of all time (thanks to a re-release in China it reclaimed the top spot). It was an absolute phenomenon in every sense of the word, in part thanks to three factors: its story is simple, its visuals were revolutionary, and it encapsulated the essence of cinema; passion, spectacle, and heart. To see Avatar on the big screen was extraordinary – and now we can do it all over again. Revisit Avatar, or experience it for the first time, at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on September 30. Review by Declan Durrant.

WHAT'S ON

Want to be included in our weekly event guide? Email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com to find out more.

October

1 Airlie Beach parkrun every Saturday 3 King’s Birthday public holiday 4 Back to School

6 Community Music Forum, Proserpine Entertainment Centre 9 St Catherine’s Catholic College Carnival

12 New York New York Charity Cocktail Party Fundraiser 13 Zonta meeting, VMR 6-9pm every 2nd Thurs 14 Double Movie Event at the Forsehore (Nanny McPhee/Man From Snowy River) 19 Proserpine State High School Awards Night 27 Zonta meeting, VMR 6-9pm every 2nd Thurs 28 Halloween Night Of Frights at BIG4 Adventure Whitsundays

November

3-6 Airlie Beach Festival of Music

10 Zonta meeting, VMR 6-9pm every 2nd Thurs 11 Movie on the Foreshore - Shrek

16 Proserpine State High School Senior Formal

18 Year 12 last day (public schools) 25 Year 10 & 11 last day (public schools)

BOWEN S SUMMERGARDEN CINEMAS

MOVIES: ALL SCREENINGS ARE IN 2D UNLESS SPECIFIED. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF 7.1 SURROUND SOUND ON SELECTED MOVIES.

40 Murroona St, Queens Beach, Bowen. Ph: (07) 47851241 Mob: 0422 321 770 See our movie times, reviews & how to find us at www.bowencinemas.com and on Facebook

Please Note: WE ARE NOT OPEN WE ARE NOT OPEN Mon 3rd, Tues 4th, Wed 5th & Thurs 6th Oct Fri SPECIAL LOW PRICE $10 ALL AGES 30th Sept Sat 1st Sun 2nd Oct

AVATAR (2009)” (M) 165mins SPECIAL RE-RELEASE SCREENINGS OF THE ORIGINAL Action/Adventure/Fantasy A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home. Stars: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS (PG) 105mins SIT. STAY. SAVE THE WORLD Animation/Action/Adventure When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto the Super-Dog must convince a rag-tag shelter pack-to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes. Starring the voices of: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK (PG) 98mins UNDERDOG TO TOP DOG Animation/Action/Comedy A down-on-his-luck hound finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend the m from a villain’s evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant trainer, the underdog must assume the role of fearsome samurai and team up with the felines to save the day. Starring the voices of: Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais 12.10pm 6.45pm

10.00am 3.20pm

12.10pm 4.25pm 12.10pm 6.45pm

10.00am 3.20pm

12.10pm 4.25pm

Power And The Passion, Pleasure And Pain At The Pub

The King Of The Mountain is about to become the King Of The Coast when an all-star tribute to some of Australia’s top rock bands arrives at the Airlie Beach Hotel in October. In the “ultimate Saturday Session rock out”, three legendary Aussie bands will star in one epic afternoon show. The Angels, Divinyls, and Midnight Oil Tribute Show will rock out to the sound of Oz anthems of the eighties at The Pub. Three of the most energetic and dynamic rock bands ever to grace the live stage will be mashed together in this free show of hits galore. From ‘Beds are Burning’ to ‘Blue Sky Mine’ and everything else in between, you can expect the Oils’ full repertoire of Australian classics. Then, get ready to ‘Touch Yourself’ and rage with the ‘Boys in Town’ for a little trip into the world of ‘Science Fiction’ with Chrissy and the Divinyls. But there’s no chance to take a break because the day will wrap up with a nonstop trip into Aussie rock history with the incredible Angels. Everything from ‘Take a Long Line’, ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’, and ‘Marseilles’, to ‘Coming Down’, ‘We Gotta Get Outta This Place’ and much, much more. It’ll be like being transported to Blue Sky Mine, or back to when you grew up in the greatest era of Oz Rock. If you’ve wished you could travel back in time to see a band that wanted to knock your head off with great music, this is the show for you. Airlie Beach audiences will be floored by the dynamic and expressive moves of this tribute that recaptures the prime performances of Garrett and the Oils, or the giant slabs of Aussie rock legends that are Doc Neesen and The Angels, and the incredible star power of Chrissy Amphlett fronting the Divinyls. Each will take the bar-top stage in full costume (paired with theatrical performances) at The Pub for a weekend show that’ll have you singing along to the sounds of Australia’s rock roots. It’s three legendary Oz bands for free at The Pub – what’s not to love? Don’t miss The Angels, Divinyls, and Midnight Oil Tribute Show when it rocks and rolls into Airlie Beach on October 15. WHAT: The Angels, Divinyls, and Midnight Oil Tribute Show WHEN: 2.00pm until 5.30pm on Saturday, October 15 WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

The afternoon show will transform The Pub into an Aussie rock theatre on October 15

The Angels, Divinyls, and Midnight Oil Tribute Show is making its way to the Airlie Beach Hotel for a show of epic proportions in mid-October

Recreating the prowess of some of Australia’s best rock bands, this performance is a must for fans and unfamiliar spectators alike

Young Talent Shines In Bowen

Afull house greeted the ambitious youngsters who sung their hearts out at the second heat of Young Whitsundays Got Talent competition which was held at the Grandview Hotel in Bowen on Sunday. A total of 12 contestants and four bands performed in front of over 150 guests who all threw their support behind these young and emerging artists. Event organiser Paula Hovey said it was a fantastic day. “There was phenomenal talent, and it was a full house!” she said. Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) founder, Gavin Butlin (Butto), said that the future of music is in safe hands which is testament to the quality of artist that performed on the day. The event is now in its fourth year and is a gateway for young musicians to perform live on stage and, if selected, progress to the finals which are due to be held at Northerlies on October 23. The winner and runner-up of the competition will be permitted backstage at the upcoming ABFoM for a ‘live’ experience where they can meet some industry legends and discover what it is like to be a superstar. The Bowen heat guest judges included Councillor Jan Clifford, Bonnie Nicole from ABFoM and radio presenter Tony Fossey. Five-piece girl band ‘My Envy’ rocked out to Oasis’ Wonderwall and shot through to the grand final with their rendition of this 90’s classic. Also heading to Northerlies next month is 18-year-old solo performer Tiffany Grace who is a “well-acclaimed young artist with amazing talent” and performed an original song with her guitar on the day. Solo artist Sienna Baxwell also got herself a place in the finals for the second year in a row. This confident young lady with incredible stage presence is hoping to take the top spot this year. While seven-year-old, Echo, did not make it to the finals, she did receive an encouragement award and will be performing on the day. The Grand Finals will see the culmination of the all the talent perform in one event, bringing together winners from both the Proserpine and Bowen heats. Winners from past years will also hit the stage and include Noah Robertson and Ivanna Laggos. WHAT: Young Whitsundays Got Talent Grand Finals WHEN: Sunday, October 23 WHERE: Northerlies

The incredible talent at the Bowen heat of Young Whitsundays Got Talent – front row L-R: Echo, Tiffany, Sienna and My Envy

The curtain closes on another successful Whitsunday Arts Festival today with the finale of the celebration’s Art Prize Exhibition at Coral Sea Resort, finishing at 1.00pm. The 2022 Festival saw its dedicated team of volunteers once again decorate the foreshore with the allusivity of memory, which was this year’s theme. In what is one of the region’s most unique events, it provided tourists and the community an experience celebrating the Whitsundays’ cultural richness. With its regular program of craft workshops and handmade art markets, the festival expanded its offering with additions such as film screenings, a songwriter residency, and concert and conversation dinners. But most importantly, the Festival this year celebrated the life and mourned the passing of its founder: Cathy Knezevic after a long battle with cancer. She, who inspired the entire Whitsunday Arts’ team, shared her joy for life with the region, her love of art, her warmth and empathy, and her sheer brilliance. This year, the Festival continued its ambition of creating an engaging and educational gathering of artists and art, letting them celebrate the tapestry they are part of throughout the Whitsundays Community. The 2022 Whitsundays Arts Festival invited the region on a journey of music, film, performance, sculpture, visual arts, and songwriting – as well as a voyage through memory: smells, sounds, and images. And most importantly, it remembered one woman’s dream of a festival where performance and the arts could bring joy and forge memories of its own. Vale Cathy.