IT HAS been 30 years since Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke Petersen opened the Proserpine Cultural Hall and since that time, the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, as it's now known, has hosted many great acts and events.

Whitsunday residents are invited to celebrate the centre's 30th birthday on Saturday, May 31, at a special gala event, to be run in conjunction with the 'Walk for Women's Cancer'.

Local resident Renee Dwyer is one of three women behind the charity aspect of the night.

Last year, Ms Dwyer was diagnosed with cervical cancer and sent to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital for treatment. As a public patient, Ms Dwyer was so impressed with her level of care, she decided to give something back.

"Since I have felt better I have had a passion for raising awareness of women's cancers [and] more importantly gynaecological [cancers] as they are often not spoken about," she said.

Ms Dwyer found an opportunity to raise money for the hospital by registering for the weekend to end all women's cancers - a 60 kilometre walk around Brisbane from October 25-26. Together with her friends, Ms Dwyer has formed a team called the Fantastic Flossies, who need to raise a minimum of $2000 each to take part in the walk.

The 30th anniversary of the Proserpine Entertainment Centre will be the group's major fundraiser and they are inviting as many people as possible to come along.

The evening will start with wine and cheese under the portico and the sounds of country singer Bec Hance.

The doors for the auditorium will open at 7.15pm for a gala stage show by well-known performer Mark Andrew, who will delight audiences with his renditions of Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Austin Powers, Jim Morrison and Tom Jones. He will also be accompanied by special guests from the UK, Pete Storm and David Gouldson as Johnny Cash.

Tickets are $45 per person, which includes a glass of bubbly on arrival and a selection from cheese and fruit platters provided by the Whitsunday Friends of the Theatre.

For more information, or to book, phone the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on 4945 2312.

ANNIVERSARY EVENT

What: Gala 30th birthday event

Featuring: Mark Andrew's Legends Show

Fundraising for: Walk for Women's Cancer

When: Saturday, May 31

Doors open: 6pm

Cost: $45

To book: 4945 2312