COMING EVENTS MAY 2024

• Unique circus show 'Casting Off' coming to Macleay 

This joyful, witty and poignant circus show is a refreshing and uplifting conversation between three generations. Funny and heartfelt, these powerhouse women win you over within minutes of hitting the stage. 'Casting Off' throws away the textbook on how you view contemporary circus. These three wonderful women have ‘knitted together a truly extraordinary piece of feisty feminist circus that is fabulously funny to boot' (TotalTheatre.org.uk). It's no wonder that they have won awards around the world. Family-friendly show on Macleay Island on 17 May 2024. Tickets and information: https://events.humanitix.com/a-good-catch-casting-off-show-and-dinner 

• BAY ISLANDS COMMUNITY DANCE Featuring Jon Jass and the Rustlers, A social dance has been organised. DATE: 1st June Russell Island Rec Hall. 7pm to 9.30pm. No alcohol, Supper provided. Adults: $7.50; Family: $15 2 Adults and all children under 12; Family: $20 2 Adults and 2 young people over 12 plus everyone under 12. A non alcohol dance event has been organised for the above date. No dance experience is required as all dances will be demonstrated on the night, but you are required to bring a sense of humour and the ability to have fun.  A section of children focused dances will occur as well as many of the old favourite adult dances from years gone by. Supper including tea and coffee will be provided, which is included in the admission price. Soft drinks will be sold on the night.

• BIMSARA TO HOLD MORE EXCITING EVENTS  The Bay Islands Mutli Sports and Recreation Association (BIMSR) has some great events coming up, following its most recent annual general meeting. The  Light Up My Islands (LUMI) festival will return and will be held on the 22nd of June, which is the Winter Solstice.  All island residents are invited  to join in and encourage any ideas and opportunities to make that happen. Including holding lantern making and lantern decorating workshops  etc…. 

• SMBI COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND Our island community band started up in 2023 and is always happy to welcome new players of all ages and levels on woodwind, brass, percussion and other instruments. Rehearsals are held at the Macleay Island Progress Hall every Sunday of school terms from 2.00-3.30pm. If you are interested just come along and join us! All enquiries to Eve Newsome: evenewsome@hotmail.com

• MACLEAY ISLAND ARTS COMPLEX - HOBBY HORSE POSTPONED The Hobby Horse Championship has been postponed until late October when it will be revamped for Nup to the Cup event, so look out for flyers and info in this column for this fun event. GET READY FOR AB FAB The next MIAC fund-raiser will be the Ab Fab Fashion Grab on 13th July with more information to come.

• MACLEAY ISLAND ARTS COMPLEX - HOT TO TROT A Day full of fun! MIAC HOBBY HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS •Grand Parade •Hack •Dressage •Steeplechase •Best Dressed etc Saturday, 27th April 11am Macleay Community Centre Hall Entry Fee $15

• MIAC INTERIM GALLERY TO CLOSE The MIAC Art Gallery is soon to close, This will allow the MIC committee to prepare for the opening of the new MIAC Gallery hopefully later in the year.

• BERNIE'S ARTISAN MARKET & SOCIAL EVERY 3RD Saturday at the Macleay Island Progress Hall and grounds.

• Kiti’s Tai Chi for Health – Beginners and advanced Tai Chi  Text Kiti on 0400 463 443

• RUSSELL ISLAND COMMUNITY ARTS (RICArts) – A community-based organisation offering Art, Sewing, Pottery, Ukulele, Mosaic, Writers Group and Craft sessions from Monday to Friday with gallery open on weekends too.  All welcome! Come along and see what we have to offer you.  While you are there, grab a coffee from Rosie’s, Island Beans Coffee Cart – Recommended by Restaurant Guru for the 4th year in a row! Find us at The Farm, Art House & Gallery, entry via Robert St, Russell Island.  A short walk from the jetty.  More info:  Ph:  0418 445 942. Email - ricartsfarm@gmail.com  website:  www.russellislandarts.com/

• RICArts Members’ Autumn Exhibition runs until 14 May with all items being replaced as they are sold which keeps the exhibition fresh and changing each day.  There is a combination of ceramics and paintings for sale – all at very affordable prices.  Come and visit!  

• RICArts presents Trish Harris’s Mini Murals Exhibition with the Opening Event on Saturday 18th May at 2pm and exhibition running until 4 June – open weekends too.  Inspired by local flora and fauna and Trish’s tours through South Africa and Europe.  Please BYO drinks and a plate of nibbles to share for the opening.  This is quite a different exhibition to our usual ones and very worth a visit @ The Farm, Arthouse & Gallery, Robert Street, Russell Island.

• The RedShed Studio's PilatesYoga and Qigong are in their 8th year of encouraging community fitness with fun laughter and expertise. Contact Marian 0412 22 55 88 or  PilatesYogaFusion@gmail.com

 • GIRLS DAY OUT LUNCHES are being held on the last Thursday of the month. Proceeds from raffle to go to the Animal Welfare league. New and old participants are welcome. PH 0434969790 Sue for  any more information.

• VISTA GROUP Macleay Island - Help to improve Macleay Island and join our group. Meetings the 1st Monday of each month at 1pm at Macleay Island Progress Hall. To find out more email macleayvista@gamail.com or phone Suzanne 0435006365.

• START IN THE PARK: Try some light exercise with Council equipment but also bring your own dumb bells. Held on Macleay @ 8am opposite Community Centre each Thursday. For more info 0400 463 443.

• Macleay Island Ukulele Group - MUGS has been established over 10 Years. Meeting every Friday at The Progress Hall, Russell Terrace, Macleay Island from 12noon - 3pm. Fee $5 casual and includes afternoon tea. First time free. Bring your Uke and join us for some fun or just pop in on a Friday afternoon and say Hi. See our Facebook Group for Updates

• CAN DO Companion Line Do you need help or just want a chat… Maybe stuck at home and sometimes lonely...We can keep in contact with you and check you are ok…run a few errands possibly...listen to what’s on your mind.  Ring Lea on 0422 465 493 Mon—Fri 9am-3pm. 

• JUSTICE OF THE PEACE -  A Justice of the Peace (JP) is now available at Macleay Island Community Library on Fridays from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon.

• BICS COUNSELLOR - Meet Jenny our organisations counsellor. Jenny is a Psychotherapist with vast experience in a broad range of counselling requirements. Fortnightly on a Wed from 11:00am—2:00pm available on Macleay and Russell. For bookings ring 3409 1177. 

• Lamb Island Craft Group - 9am to 12pm Tuesdays. LIRA building near Progress Hall. All welcome for good company and a cuppa.

• MACLEAY ISLAND TOURISM CENTRE - The Tourism Centre office is now open at the Macleay Island Community Hall complex. It is open 5 days a week.

• LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY MARKETS are held at the Macleay Island Community Centre on the first Saturday of each month.

• COME  DANCE  WITH  US - Thursdays 9.30am - 1.00pm at the Bay Islands Community Services, 55 Jackson Road, Russell Island. Girls & Guys Line Dancing  - Dance to a variety of music - Country - Pop - Rock n Roll - Waltz. Been dancing since 2008 Contact:- Joanne 0419 999 540

• TABLE TENNIS - FREE of CHARGE first night. WHERE: Recreational Hall, Alison Cres. 5pm to 7pm every Monday night. Contact Siobhan 0406108882; Alan 0418799765.

Kind Regards and Take Care