Movement Month 16

mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

RISE AND SHINE AND CLEAR YOUR MIND THE PARKRUN PHENOMENON

Rise and Mind meets at Harbour Beach every Wednesday morning, providing a space to relax and meet new people. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

For those with new year’s resolutions of being present, grateful and connecting with their community, look no further. Rise and Mind Mackay are a group of young locals who meet at Harbour Beach every Wednesday morning, inviting anyone and everyone to rise early, meet new people and connect with their community. The initiative was started by Brianna Underhill in January 2022, taking inspiration from a similar group on the Gold Coast. “They did this Wednesday's program; sunrise, swim and sip, and it was just really simple, really community-minded, something to uplift people,” Brianna said. “I saw it and thought, ‘That would be so awesome to do, I’d love to be a part of something like that.’” The simple concept involves meeting at Harbour Beach every Wednesday at 6:00am, swimming in the crystal-clear north Queensland waters (should you choose to) before heading to nearby café The Avenue for a coffee and breakfast. Whether attendees are new to Mackay, passing through or just eager to meet new people, Rise and Mind has fostered new friendships that often grow outside of the weekly gathering. “It’s something that’s really good for young adults, to get out and meet people in a different environment,” said Brianna. That’s exactly what happened when Brianna met Brenna Young. Brenna came across Rise and Mind on Instagram, went along one morning and hasn’t looked back.

“It is literally the best part of my week,” said Brenna. “People that I’ve met on Wednesdays are my closest friends now and literally changed my whole outlook on life, just coming and being grateful and being present and connecting.” The Wednesday morning ritual provides attendees a fun, safe and friendly start to their Wednesdays, outside the norms of the working week. “Being on a Wednesday, it’s right in the middle of the week and when you hit that hump day slump, it’s so nice to come down and start the day doing something that isn’t in that repetitive cycle,” said Brenna. “That’s what we want,” added Brianna. “We want good mental health, we want people to enjoy their whole week, not just the weekends.

“We want you to enjoy something else in Mackay. “Everyone always says there’s nothing to do, but it’s also what we make of it.” Brianna urged anyone looking to meet new people or try something new to come along. “There is a discipline in coming at 6:00am, obviously, but once you’re here, you don’t even realise, especially in summer,” she said. “Just take the leap, come out, connect, if you like it, you can come back the next week. “You’ll actually see a difference in your week.” Follow Rise and Mind on Instagram for more information. Mackay’s New Year’s Eve parkrun. Photo credit: Mackay parkrun Facebook

In Bushy Park, Teddington, an affluent suburb near London, a group of 13 mates decided to go for a run at their local park. The distance chosen was 5km, challenging enough but short enough for most to be able to achieve. That was in 2004. Fast-forward to 2018, and the fifth million parkrunner signed up, with places across the globe providing places for the phenomenon to occur. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of parkrun, and locally in Mackay, parkruns happen weekly on a Saturday morning at the Botanic Gardens. It’s a place where serious runners will challenge each other to better their personal bests, but the popularity of the event sees elderly walkers, mums and dads pushing prams and a variety of age, size and ethnicity turn up to get their weekly sweat on. Milestones such as 50 and 100 parkruns are recognised and results are available online for people to track their progress. In Mackay, 249 runners took part in a New Year’s Eve run, complete with a refreshing shower of rain and a refreshing Zooper Dooper at the finish. It’s a great way to get moving, so why not challenge yourself to a parkrun this Movement Month?

A Crafty Move To Sarina

Jill Tedman with her applique cushion and Dresden Plate purse at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photo: Charlie Payne

Crafter Jill Tedman was delighted when she and her husband Paul moved to Sarina last year. After regularly visiting their children Emily and Andrew from the Sunshine Coast since 2008, they decided to make the move north, and the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre was a big factor in the shift. Jill spends hours each day embroidering or sewing, which she started as a young girl. “It’s a wonderful outlet to have here as there are obviously a lot of talented crafters in Sarina,” she said. “It’s all very good quality and there is a wonderful variety of products – from crocheted tea coseys, table runners, art, wooden signs and toys, jewellery, bags, kitchen crafts, crocheted and patchwork quilts – you name it. “The best thing is it’s all locally made, no Chinese imports.” Jill started her interest in crafts at the age of five when her mum and aunt taught her sewing on a family treadle machine. “I used to make dolls clothes; all my dolls were well dressed.

“As a teen I used to make my own clothes, sewing was one of my best subjects at boarding school in Warwick. I’d get an A for sewing but I wasn’t so good at some of the other subjects. “Nowdays I try to embroider a few hours a day, I’ve always done it and it’s great for reducing stress.” Jill has hand towels, applique cushions and handbags at the Craft Centre and says her new year’s resolution is to make an embroidered quilt. The centre is open 9-1 daily except Sundays. By Charlie Payne

WHAT DO YOU DO ON HOLIDAY?

If you’re reading this on the back deck of your apartment overlooking the Great Barrier Reef at Airlie Beach, you know exactly what to do. If you’re reading this in front of your computer at work, well, we need to talk.

January 6 is a huge day! It’s a day that marks pretty much two weeks until all the kids head back to school. It also marks less than 2 months until the start of the NRL and local footy with our mighty Cutters going at it again. Oh and don’t forget about the basketball with the Meteors and Meteorettes at Candlestick Park. I’m excited for the fun.

You know what else is happening? Today is officially the day when we take down the Christmas tree from last year. Yes, there’s a day for that. Just so we are aware, there seems to be a day for everything. Birthday. Anniversary. A day that you need to change the battery on your smoke detector. A day when you need to visit the doctor once a year. Today is the day when we need to pack away the old Christmas tree and leave it alone for the next 10 months until we do it all again. I’m guessing you’ve got a tree that came in a box from the other side of the world, and you just put it together, threw some decorations and tinsel on it, and then it was done. I wouldn’t think it would take a long time to put it all away, but if it does, take your time. Make it count.

Then you have to look at packing away all those lights, and extra bits and pieces of things that glow in the night sky. Make sure you roll the lights up in a way, so that when November rolls around, you aren’t taking hours to unroll and put up. Just a word of advice.

I remember a few weeks ago someone stole my light-up reindeer from my front yard in South Mackay. Yes, someone jumped the fence and helped themselves to it, but hey that’s what we’ve come to lately, but anyway, it is what it is. What I meant to say is, if you are packing everything away around your place, and you notice a white reindeer sitting in the corner, and you don’t know where it’s come from, I reckon it’s mine. Oh and by the way, January 6 is also a day when you can head off to the Bluewater Lagoon and get some rays without anyone else there. You’ll have the place to yourself. Enjoy!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

NEW BEGINNINGS

Every year brings highs and lows but as we move forward into 2023 all we can do is our very best. I’d like to share a couple of thoughts for the new year with you. Please give a thought to the people that are homeless and that are living in tents around our town. If you can assist with accommodation or know of anyone that can, please call CASA, St Vincent De Paul or Lifeline-Uniting Care. While housing is not a council issue, I will be working proactively with the state and agencies to help reduce this ongoing crisis for our region in 2023. One of the committees I am on is the Environmental Disaster subcommittee. This sits under the Local Disaster Management Group, which will be on alert at this time of year getting ready for any disasters that may come our way. You can help by getting ready for storm season; prepare an emergency kit, clean up around the yard and use your dump vouchers to dispose of any items that could potentially become flying debris. Now is the ideal time to clean your gutters and think about your elderly neighbor that may also need a helping hand. It’s also a timely reminder to support local businesses into the new year. These are the people that employ our local residents and keep our local economy going. Finally, enjoy your time over the holidays and look forward to the new year. It’s a time for new beginnings. Spend it with family just before we all go back to work and school. Why not take a look, walk, or picnic at our greatest asset in the city, the Pioneer River? Head down to the new river precinct which is now open to the public – this is the section from Paxton’s to the fish markets. In the new year minor

Cr Alison Jones Mackay Regional Council

works will be occurring, so watch this space.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you and I am looking forward to continuing my advocacy in the community into 2023.

WHAT’S SHOWING AT ARTSPACE?

Steve-O’s Bucket-List Tour IS COMING TO MACKAY

The Asia Pacific Contemporary: Three Decades of APT exhibition. Photo Credit: Jim Cullen Photographer

Three Decades Of ATP

Artspace Mackay is excited to present the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art’s touring exhibition, ‘Asia Pacific Contemporary: Three Decades of APT’, which profiles key moments from the gallery’s flagship exhibition series looking at contemporary art in the Asia Pacific Region. Featuring works that have appeared in the Triennial since its debut in the 1990s, and across media from painting and sculpture to video, performance and works on paper, ‘Asia Pacific Contemporary’ showcases art from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Works of art commissioned or collected from APT1 (1993) through to APT9 (2018-19) display APT’s embrace of contemporary art in all its forms.

This touring exhibition will be at Artspace Mackay until February 5.

‘Formed’ is on display in the Foyer Gallery. Photo Credit: Jim Cullen Photographer

Underground Spandex by Ryan Vella is showing until February 5

Formed

A selection of artworks from the Mackay Regional Council Collection are on display in Artspace’s Foyer Gallery for a new exhibition, ‘Formed’.

This small but striking collection of works feature visual responses to colour theory, shape and space by three artists: Garry Bish, Jessica Dorizac and Robert Jacks, explored through ceramics, artists’ books and printmaking. On now until February 5.

Ryan Vella Underground Spandex

Also showing in the Foyer Gallery is Underground Spandex, a colourful collection by Ryan Vella. The exhibition features more than 20 pages of comic-style art, selected by Artspace Mackay from Ryan’s past two years of work. Showing until February 5.

Steve-O, made famous by the stunt-based reality show, Jackass, is bringing his R18 style of comedy to Mackay in February

Steve-O (a.k.a. Stephen Glover) was willing to do whatever it took to Steve-O’ podcast has proven to be a fan favourite with guests like Post Malone, become famous, even if it meant stapling his ball sack to his leg. After failing miserably at the University of Miami and couch-surfing with friends, he decided that in order to further his goal of becoming a stuntman he would enrol in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. But, as he describes it, it was his relentless attention whoring that ultimately led to working with Johnny Knoxville on the stuntbased reality show called Jackass. Since then, he’s had continued success, as a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, ‘Professional Idiot’, as well as establishing himself in the world of standup comedy. With fourteen years of sobriety under his belt, Steve-O shows no signs of slowing down. Steve-O regularly produces content for his YouTube channel which routinely racks up millions of views, and his ‘Wild Ride with Demi Lovato, Shaq, Tom Delonge from Blink 182, and more.

He can currently be found selling out theatres across the world on The Bucket List tour, a multimedia stand-up comedy show like no other.

COMING TO MACKAY – THE BUCKET LIST TOUR

Every idea on Steve-O’s Bucket List was so ill-advised, he never expected to go through with any of them. Until it was time to prepare for this tour. Not only are the stunts more ridiculous than what you already know Steve-O for, he did them all, and made a highly XXX-rated, multimedia comedy show out of them.

Not for kids, or for the faint of heart. WHAT: Steve-O The Bucket List Tour

WHEN: February 19 WHERE: The MECC

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

BMA

2023

at Artspace Mackay

Join local artists one Tuesday each month for creative art activities and live music designed especially for toddlers & their adults.

21 Feb 20 Jun 10 Oct 21 Mar 18 Jul 7 Nov 18 Apr 22 Aug 5 Dec 23 May 12 Sep

T20 Shootout The Wild Sky Tiffany Grace

Michael Scriha Sunrise Beach Yoga Chair Yoga In Habana

Wake Park Day For Teen Shed

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 06 JANUARY

Friday SUN.sets Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Shanksy Live At The Seabreeze Hotel Friday, 8:00pm

Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Listen to the great tunes by legend, Shanksy, from 8pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Tiffany Grace Live At Souths Friday, 6:30pm – 10:30pm

Join us on Friday 6th January for live music with Tiffany Grace! She will be performing from 6:30pm-10:30pm. Come along for a great night.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Chair Yoga In Habana Friday, 8:20am

Come & join us at the Habana Community Shed on the corner of Moohins Rd, every Friday morning. Bookings are essential! What is Chair Yoga? It's a gentle form of Yoga that can be done while sitting or standing, using a chair for support, and includes mindful breathing & some meditation. You can secure your seat by texting your full name to 0434 940 300, or by messaging the Wellness With Deb Facebook page.

Habana Community Shed

SATURDAY 07 JANUARY

The Wild Sky Live at Harrup Park Saturday, 6:30pm

The Wild Sky is a trio band. They are known for their fusion of blues, rock, soul and funk music.

Harrup Park

Dixon Homes T20 Shootout Saturday, 10:30am to 6:30pm

Don't miss a second of the action at Harrup Park as the 2022/23 Dixon Homes T20 Shootout begins for yet another thriller season! See four games on two ovals in an epic day of T20 cricket for rounds 3 and 4.

Harrup Park

Michael Scriha Live At Souths Saturday, 6:30pm – 10:30pm

Michael Scriha will be performing live in the sports bar at Souths!

Souths Leagues Club Vision Board Collage Workshop Saturday, 10:30am

Start off your year feeling calm and inspired by spending a chill Saturday listening to music, drinking coffee, and creatively expressing yourself through collaging. Tickets via Eventbrite.

Bohemian Elyse Live Music At The Kooyong Saturday, 2pm

Enjoy good tunes and great vibes every Saturday at the Kooyong from 2pm.

Kooyong Hotel

SUNDAY 08 JANUARY

The Wild Sky Live at the Seabreeze Hotel Sunday, 2:00pm

Enjoy lunch and live music at the Seabreeze Hotel. The Wild Sky is performing from 2pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Urban Field Close Quarters Saturday, 6:00pm

URBAN BATTLEFIELD! Basic games and scenarios. Two session times: 11.30am sign in and briefings, 12.30-3.30pm games. 3.30pm sign in and briefings, 4.30-7.30pm games. $30pp prepaid or $35pp on the battlefield. Limited glow ready blasters are available for hire at $20 per blaster. BOOKING ESSENTIAL!

Mackay North State High School

MONDAY 09 JANUARY

Back-To-School Pop-Up Shop Monday - Thursday, 8:30am – 2:30pm

The School Savvy pop-up shop is gearing up for the 2023 school year! Offering second-hand uniforms and essential booklist stationery at extremely low cost, families and children struggling to cope with the rising cost of back-to-school are welcome to purchase what they need regardless of their financial circumstances.

PCYC, 33 Norris Road, North Mackay

TUESDAY 10 JANUARY

Pop-Up Sunrise Beach Yoga Tuesday, 5am

Intention setting with the sun energy, the earth's grounding, the air's support, the water's flow and the metal element of our intention setting. This will be a 45min journey. Set at low tide we journey out onto the sand bar for a beautiful Hatha yoga class. Meet at the car park Corner Binnington Esplanade and Evans Street. Cost is $10. Class begins at 5:15am. Event by Find Your Groove.

Town Beach

Wake Park Day For Teen Shed Tuesday, 5am

Enjoy a day out at the Wake Park. It's a full day of fun and includes lunch. Come make new friends or bring your friends with you. Cost is $65pp, including the use of the wake park and lunch. Payment can be made on the day, but we do need to know numbers so please email us on teenshedmackay@gmail. com.

Wake House Australia