P Comino 90 years 18

Aunique scent fills the nostrils when you walk into P Comino & Sons. It’s the scent of fine leather and quality clothing but also the scent of almost a century of history emanating from the walls.

P Comino & Sons has stood the test of time, celebrating its 90th year this year, and they’ve done so without compromising on their integrity, image or values.

“Nothing much changes here,” said Vassie, a third-generation business owner who operates the store with confidence in her brand and her approach to business. “We’re happy with the pace we’re at.”

Stepping into the store is like stepping into a time machine and Vassie says this is a deliberate choice, maintaining the history that got them where they are today. “A lot of people like the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s different.”

Driving along Sydney Street towards the Forgan Bridge, the green, yellow and burgundy sign is unmissable, a clear indication of a business that values its heritage. The building dates back to 1890 and hasn’t changed a lot over the years, although one change came in 2000 when the Comino’s installed air conditioning. “We got a heritage architect up from Brisbane to tell us how to do it properly in keeping with the age of the building,” said Vassie.

Vassie suggested to the architect that they repolish countertops and repaint shelves while work was being completed. “He said to me, ‘Don’t you dare touch anything. Just leave it how it is,’” she laughed. “It’s all part of the historical aspect of the building and the business.” It’s a simple and old-fashioned approach to business and one that has seen P Comino & Sons establish a reputation and dependability and consistency throughout the community. “We’ve got a lot of longstanding, loyal customers who come because they know this is where they can get exactly what they want,” said Vassie. “We don’t change things at a whim.” P Comino & Sons have long-stocked brands that customers know and love including King Gee, Dunlop, Bonds, Blundstone, R. M. Williams and Akubra. “I think people like the consistency,” said Vassie. “A lot of people do know what they want or have a favourite brand that they wear and want to buy the same thing again.” While their stock is consistent, their range is unusual in its variety. “Some shops specialise in workwear only, others specialise in western gear only,” said Vassie. “We’ve got an assortment.”

And with such a wide variety of stock, it takes knowledgeable staff to help customers find what they want. Sharon, Jenny and Salina have all worked with P Comino & Sons for over ten years and continue a tradition of long-serving and loyal staff members. P Comino & Sons is a family business, and everyone is a part of the family. “I think they all have a nice attachment to the shop,” said Vassie. “So do a lot of our customers. A lot of them say, ‘Don’t ever close.’ It’s nice to know that we’re still here and well supported,” Customers can expect genuine advice and utmost professionalism when they walk through the doors of P Comino & Sons – good old-fashioned customer service.

“The personal service is a big part of it,” said Vassie. “Plus, we handwrite our invoices, isn’t that a dying art?” she laughed. P Comino & Sons is one of a few businesses that has seen and survived countless changes throughout the Mackay community. Their consistent approach to business allows them to traverse and withstand any tribulation that comes their way. “Mackay had a lot of local big businesses … you thought they’d be here forever and they’re all history now,” said Vassie. “I can’t imagine my grandfather ever would’ve thought the business would still be going, or even my father.” Vassie says that, while the future is unknown, she looks forward to celebrating the centenary in ten years’ time. “It’s like, in a way, looking after a family heirloom but it’s also a challenge, running a business,” she said. “We’re grateful to our customers who continue to support us.”

Vassie, Sharon, Jenny and Salina standing at the historic counter in modern times

BABBA Halloween Scavenger Hunt

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER

Guided walks in the gardens Friday, 10:00am

Discover the gardens with a volunteer guide on this free guided walk around the botanic gardens. Find out what's flowering, local wildlife and the history of the gardens. Group bookings are welcome. To book your spot and find out more, phone the gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Ladies in Black Friday, 10:30am and 7:30pm, Saturday, 2:00pm and 7:30pm, Sunday, 2:00pm

Based on the 2018 film, Ladies in Black is a comingof-age story encouraging you to follow your dreams without ignoring the opportunities in life that appear in front of you. A studious young woman with dreams of attending university takes on a summer job in a sophisticated department store. Full of colourful characters and spectacular fashion, the ladies of the store open her eyes to the world and encourage her to believe in herself and her future. This laugh-out-loud story includes songs by award-winning composer Tim Finn. This comedy is one not to be missed. Tickets available at the door or at https://cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Conversations with Art Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Join a casual conversation about art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with your own personal experiences. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, you are invited to attend this free, interesting, thought provoking and extremely enjoyable discussion.

Artspace Mackay Friday SUN.sets Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and live music..

Wake House Australia

A-List Entertainment presents Multicultural Comedy Gala Friday, 7:30pm

Join Australia’s favourite and emerging comedic talent as they touch on cultural identity in a concoction of comedy that pokes fun at what makes us all different but very much the same. The starstudded line-up includes Dilruk Jayasinha, Akmal, Steph Tisdell, Urvi Majumdar, Ting Lim and Simon Taylor in a hilarious celebration of Australia’s multicultural diversity.

MECC

SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER

Jumble Sale at the Marian Bowls Club Saturday, 7:00am to 1:00pm

Lots of bargains plus plants, cake and craft stalls and a sausage sizzle. Also, morning tea available. All welcome. All proceeds to the Bowling Club.

Marian Bowls Club, Reg Smith Street, Marian

Global Grooves 2022 Saturday, 3:00pm to 8:00pm

Travel the world in a single afternoon and celebrate our diverse cultural communities that together make up our proud Mackay region. The annual community event will feature an array of performances from multicultural artists, local community groups, and a range of talented musicians. Get your groove on or take part in the many activities and workshops on offer. Browse the market stalls or tantalise your tastebuds with a range of both local and exotic foodie delights. This event is not to be missed! Find out more, visit Mackay Festivals Facebook page.

Queens Park

Lonely Looking For Companionship?

Feel like it’s too late to find your partner? Whether you’re divorced, widowed, separated or simply have never met the right person! We help lonely people in finding their soul mate & romantic partners the old fashioned way. All ages, city & country areas are welcome. No computer required. For a free compatibility match, please call

Pocket Sessions - Spring 2022 Saturday, 4:00pm to 11:00pm

Join in for the second live, original music event set in the lush rainforest of Cameron's Pocket. Featuring The Basecoats, Weathered, David Flower Band, Gypsy Rambler, Woodbridge Music and Aaron Preston with a special guest appearance by Tattyfaez Ablaze!

Tickets on sale now! Camerons Pocket Rd, Calen

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER

Food Forest Fest Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Mackay Community Gardens presents Food Forest Fest. Join us in the celebration of the life of spring. This gathering is centred around the region's diversity, permaculture, music, healing, food, and local handcrafted and homegrown market stalls. This is a family event with lots of education, creating, and play.

Mackay Community Gardens Pioneer Bonsai Mackay Workshops Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Pioneer Bonsai Mackay hold their monthly bonsai workshops at the Botanic Gardens Meeting Room. If you enjoy the fellowship of bonsai or are interested in learning more, please come along. New members are welcome. For more information, please contact Michael Watt via email mackaybonsai@bigpond.com.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Sunday Live Music Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

BABBA – An International ABBA Spectacular Sunday, 5:00pm

For 26 years BABBA have been thrilling audiences worldwide with their superb recreation of 70s super group ABBA and the legacy of hits they gave us. Bring your dancing shoes, dust off your flares and join the party as we celebrate all the iconic hits of ABBA.

MECC

This year’s United Nations Day theme is "Resilience of Older Persons in a changing world". People all around the world will come together and celebrate the day with ceremony and show in various cities in different countries and the Neighbourhood Hub will be doing exactly that with national costumes, flags, food, dance, culture and sharing stories. Wear your national costume/ dress/attire and bring along a national artifact to share with the group. Come and celebrate - RSVP to elam@tnhub.org.au for catering purposes.

The Neighbourhood Hub

WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER

Mackay Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce 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. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER

Halloween Scavenger Hunt Thursday, 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Join for a self-guided Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt around the Centre this Halloween. Bring the kids along and hunt treats at your own pace, simply choose a time slot that suits your family. Bookings are essential and we will provide you with a Halloween map of participating stores and goodie bag for each person booked. Parents are not required to book a spot for themselves! Limited spaces available, booking is essential, book your spot now. For any enquiries, please contact our Customer Desk on 07 4944 7111.

Caneland Central

THE SOUNDS OF THE SURF

Just Bead It

Louise Carter has been creating art with beads for over 14 years. Photos supplied

Using over 100,000 beads, local artist Louise Carter has created a wide variety of artworks for her new exhibition Seed Beads.

Seed Beads opens today, October 21, at the Jubilee Community Centre on what happens to be Louise’s birthday and runs until November 1.

The exhibition features a variety of sculptures made entirely from beads and thread. “Almost all of my sculptures are self-supporting and are contemporary geometric forms, so there’s a lot of 3D shapes,” Louise said.

The exhibition will feature her shape series in which she attempts to create as many different shapes as possible. There will also be an interactive element to the exhibition, with Louise creating a ‘stargazer’ out of silver and gold beads creating the effect of the night sky when looked into.

There will also be small geometric shapes that move similar to fidget spinners called kaleidocycles that Louise has created as well as miniature dresses.

Louise has always been creative but discovered beading in her late teens through workshops at Spotlight, later discovering a 3D bead ball on the internet and deciding to give it a go. “It was a bit of a challenge, but it was really cool trying to figure it out, so that’s how I got started,” she said. Louise has used the last 14 years or so to hone her craft and diversify her skillset. “I really like figuring out the form and experimenting and exploring where things will go,” she said. “A lot of people work out a pattern beforehand and I just have an idea and go from there and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.”

Louise is involved in an international group called the Beadworker’s Guild and is the Guild’s youngest guest ambassador to date.

She is running an international art project through the Guild which involves over 100 participants. “Everyone’s making 2D pentagons which I’ll then make into a big, large shape so I will actually have some of the pentagons on display at the exhibition,” she said. It will be a taste of what people can expect when Louise displays the final product of the art project in her second exhibition in June next year. WHAT: ‘Seed Beads’ Art Exhibition

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The inaugural Beach Sounds Music Festival saw Hawaiian shirts and pluggers flock to the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club to enjoy a beautiful day of live music.

The festival brought musicians from all over Australia including Dallas Crane, The Double Happiness and Mackay’s Bella Mackenzie.

The event raised funds for the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club and is hoped to be the first of many.

WORLD CULTURES ON SHOW

Combining and showcasing the cultures of more than a dozen proud local multicultural communities, Global Grooves is an amazing and insightful family festival. Coming to Queens Park this Saturday, October 22, Global Grooves will feature a full stage line-up of musicians, bands, dance groups and cultural performances. There will also be a workshop teepee and more than a dozen food vendors with exotic food options, coffee and dessert. Filipino community leader Vivien Hanrahan said Global Grooves presents a unique opportunity for residents. “Mackay has many passionate multicultural communities, and they all have their festivities during the year to celebrate and showcase their cultures, but Global Grooves is special because it brings them all together and gives people a taste of a variety of cultures,” Ms Hanrahan said. “We (the Filipino community) will be doing a lechon (rotisserie pig), which is a dish we cook at home when we have a celebration.

“When people come and try our lechon they are connecting with our culture and joining us in this celebration.” Ms Hanrahan said not only is Global Grooves an amazing showcase of multiculturalism, but it’s also a great networking opportunity for different communities to share ideas, experiences and stories. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Global Grooves gave residents the opportunity to experience a variety of multicultural home cooking styles not available anywhere else. “It’s also a very colourful event – the costumes are sensational, and the dances and music come from across the globe,” Mr Williamson said.

“Where else will you find bagpipes and Irish dancing sharing the stage with traditional dances from the Philippines, Napal, China and Thailand?

“And the workshops on offer are equally diverse – there’s everything from ochre crushing and kokadama making to henna painting and Fijian dancing. “Entry is free and Queens Park is a tremendous venue with plenty of space and shade. “It’s going to be an amazing day and we look forward to seeing a big turnout.” Global Grooves is an alcohol-free event.

Global Grooves gives festival goers the chance to experience a variety of multicultural home cooking styles, like lechon (rotisserie pig) WHAT: Global Grooves WHERE: Queens Park WHEN: Saturday, October 22 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm

This is a free community event.

Global Grooves Main Stage

• 3pm - Mayor’s welcome • 3.15pm - Yuwi Corporation • 3.45pm - Piping Mad • 4.10pm - Mackay Filipino-Australian

Community • 4.30pm - Nepalese Australian Association of Mackay • 4.45pm - Tchundal Malar Aboriginal

Dance Troupe • 5.10pm - Sugar City Rock and Rollers

Mackay • 5.25pm - Mackay and District Pipe

Band • 5.50pm - Mackay Chinese Association • 6.05pm - Claddagh School of Irish

Dance • 6.30pm - Mackay Chinese Association • 6.45pm - Thai Aussie Community

Mackay • 7.10pm - Mackay Chinese Association • 7.20pm - Will Blume

Workshop Teepee

• 3pm to 6pm – Face painters by Let’s

Face It • 3.30pm to 4.30pm - Henna workshop by Mackay Regional Council Libraries • 3pm to 4.45pm - Ochre crushing workshop by Melanie Kemp • 5pm to 5.45pm - Succulent Kokadama workshop by Melanie Kemp • 6pm to 7pm - Dance workshop by the

Fiji Association

For a full list of market stalls and food vendors, visit the Mackay Festivals Facebook page at facebook.com/mackayfestivals

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Acelebration of pride, diversity and community will take place as the Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day takes over Queens Park next weekend. Meeting at the Iconic Shelter at Queens Park, attendees will celebrate Mackay Pride in a safe environment with a parade around the park followed by music, entertainment, games, stalls, food and coffee vendors, local support organisations and a whole lot of colourful fun.

Mackay Rainbow Pride volunteer Hannah Lewis said the mission of the event is to support and increase awareness and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mackay and show that there is support available. “The aim is to create a safe space for people and for them to know that they are valid in how they feel and with their sexuality,” Hannah said.

“It’s nice to have a group of people. “I remember the first year, I was like, ‘Finally, there is something for queer people in Mackay to be a part of.’ “It’s about creating a space and making friends.” Abby Chester, Beth Cooper and Tracy Connors, with the support of Anna Kahler. “They saw that there was a gap and they said, ‘We need to fill this,’” said Mackay Rainbow Pride President Garry Thomas. The event is now in its third year after Garry attended last year and wanted to get involved straight away, becoming president after Abby had to relinquish her duties earlier this year. “It looked very much like we weren’t going to have an event at all,” said Garry. “From where I stand, we need something, whether it’s big or little. “I found some time and put my hand up for president, so we’ll do this event, another AGM and see what happens for next year.” Mackay Rainbow Pride will also facilitate a Parkrun and a panel discussion in the leadup to the event. This Saturday, October 22, Mackay Rainbow Pride, On The Run Mackay and Mackay Parkrun are joining forces in a celebration of the diversity of the people that live in the region, inviting runners to wear bright colours as they complete the 5km course through Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Then, on Friday, Mackay Rainbow Pride are hosting a panel discussion focussing on the experience of growing up queer in the regions, featuring panelists from Mackay, Moranbah and regional New South Wales. The Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day is sponsored by NBN Co and facilitated in partnership with Brisbane Pride Incorporated, and will feature stalls from Tropical Coast Greens, Woolworths, Feros Care, Mind Australia, headspace and Share the Dignity. The event is free and all ages are welcome. “There’s something there for everyone,” said Hannah.

For more information on Mackay Rainbow Pride and all of their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. WHAT: Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day WHERE: Iconic Shelter, Queens Park WHEN: Saturday, October 28 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm

This is a free community event.

Founding member Abby Chester at the first Mackay Pride event in 2020 Approximately 190 people attended the event in 2021. Photos supplied: Mackay Rainbow Pride

In a flurry of colourful costumes, epic demonstrations and insightful discussions, the first-ever Mack PopCon has come and gone. The unique pop culture event brought celebrities, special guests, unique collectables and exciting photo opportunities to the Mackay Showgrounds last Saturday and pop culture fans turned out in force to immerse themselves in other worlds.

Celebrity guests, including The Matrix and Star Wars actor Matt Doran and graphic novelist Shaun Keenan, took to the stage to discuss all things pop culture while Sons of Obi-Wan and Mercenaries of Western Europe put on demonstrations and lessons throughout the day.

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Showcases Best Of Local Tourism

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox with his wife Raylene Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler and new Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy

Continued from page 1

Glasses were clinking, speeches brought cheers and the atmosphere was vibrant as tourism businesses from across the region celebrated a renewed positivity that an industry massively impacted by the pandemic was bouncing back to a new normal.

Last Friday’s Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards was an opportunity for everyone to unite, connect and pay homage to all the dedication and hard work from businesses, groups and individuals working in tourism. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the awards help to acknowledge those who have been constantly raising the bar in our tourism industry. “Each of the businesses nominated are a shining example of the exceptional tourism experiences offered in our region,” Mayor Williamson said. “It is these businesses that drive investment into our communities, supporting sustainability and job creation and building upon the liveability of the region.” Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the tourism awards creates a point of difference and helps to boost the profile of our tourism operators. “These tourism awards not only shine a light on the region’s outstanding tourism offerings driving visitation, they also promote the destination with tourism leaders across the nation,” she said.

Congratulating each of the winners was Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler.

“It is the dedication of businesses and individuals we have recognised tonight,” she said. “Those that have enabled tourism to firmly establish itself as a key economic pillar to the Mackay Isaac Region’s economy, contributing millions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of jobs.”

MACKAY ISAAC TOURISM AWARD WINNERS 2022 Best Tourist Attraction

Winner: Clermont Historical Centre

Best Business and Event Venue

Winner: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Award For Best Retail and Hire Service

Winner: Caneland Central Shopping Centre

Award For Best Restaurant or Catering Service

Winner: The Seabreeze Hotel

Award For Excellence in Food Tourism

Winner: Sarina Sugar Shed

Award For Best Caravan, Holiday Park or Hosted Accommodation

Winner: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

Award For Best 3-3.5 Star Accommodation

Winner: Comfort Resort Blue Pacific

Award For Best 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

Winner: Alara Motor Inn

Award For Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Flackyard

Award For Most Outstanding New Business

Winner: Wildcat Mackay

Award For Most Outstanding Regional Event

Winner: St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend

Award For Most Outstanding Volunteer Individual

Winner: Michael Pugh

Award For Most Outstanding Volunteer Group

Winner: Sarina Sugar Shed

Award For Most Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Ben and Renae Atherton

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Wildcat Mackay wins Most Outstanding New Business at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards

It’s not every day that a multi-national award-winning tourism operator decides to launch a new business in a in December 2021, offering full-day island tours, school group immersive learning experiences, private charters and sunset cruisneighbouring region, but when they do, they do it with style. Taking home the award for Most Outstanding New Business, Wildcat Mackay is the latest offering from adventure tourism company Red Cat Adventures and they are proud to have established a solid reputation in Mackay after nearly a year of operation. Owned by Asher and Julie Telford, who currently operate four charter boats, two land-based tours and manage Lake Proserpine Campground in the Whitsundays, their new business Wildcat Mackay started es from Mackay Marina. The purpose-built all-weather catamaran can carry up to 50 people and caters to all types of customers, from unique Christmas parties to remote island adventures. Asher Telford said they were thrilled to win their first award for Wildcat Mackay and that it was a pleasure to bring along their eight invaluable staff to the tourism awards, many who had been involved in the planning and implementation of the tour from inception. “Starting a new business in the middle of Covid definitely put us through a stress-test, but the end result was well-worth it,” said Asher.

“We are now really proud of what we created. This would not have been possible without assistance from the Queensland Government Growing Tourism Infrastructure grant. We are very grateful.”

“We are also proud to showcase Mackay as we are the only charter day boat operating locally and it’s great to help put Mackay on the map, encouraging people to stop-off when they travel up and down the coast,” added Julie. Wildcat has become a local’s favourite, with 90 per cent of all passengers coming from the region. “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us so far,” said Julie. “We have so many local return customers who love the tour because every day is different and we visit different locations.”

Heading to some of the most untouched and remote islands off the coast of Mackay, the Wildcat tour includes snorkelling, paddle boarding and plenty of beach time. Everything is included on this tour – from stinger suits to a delicious locally catered lunch. There is also a licensed bar onboard.

The sunset cruise departs on the weekends from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and takes a scenic tour around the marina with stunning views across the bay as the sun fades beyond the horizon.

Their business in the Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures, has won gold over three consecutive years at the Australian Tourism Awards and entered the prestigious Hall of Fame twice for the best Major Tour and Transport Operator and Adventure Tourism business at the 2021 Queensland awards.

Still riding the waves of this success, they have chosen not to re-enter this year and focus on raising the profile of their new business Wildcat Mackay instead. “Ash and I would just like to thank all our hardworking staff for everything they do, the Mackay tourism industry for welcoming us and all the locals who have supported us from the beginning.” said Julie.

Owners Julie and Asher Telford accept the award