Media update > Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Guided tour of Gordon White Library’s native garden

Friday, August 20, from 8am to 9am
Gordon White Library
Discover why Gordon White Library has been developed into an attraction for native bees, butterflies and birds. This event is for adults aged 50 years and older. Join the library for an exciting day where a variety of special activities have been designed for Queensland Seniors Week. Get your free ticket here: https://bit.ly/3iMNTWx

2) Free Native Plant Program open days

Friday, August 20, from 9am to 3pm
Saturday, August 21, from 9am to noon
Mackay Natural Environment Centre, 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay
Come along and browse the plant collection at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre. As part of the Free Native Plant Program, ratepayers can collect four free plants per calendar year. If you can't make it to the open days, you can also click and collect your order. Visit mackay.qld.gov.au/nursery for more details.

3) Phone Photography

Friday, August 20, from 9.30am to 10.30am
Gordon White Library
Learn tips and tricks for using your phone to take outstanding images that will wow your friends. The workshop is aimed at adults 50 years and above and is part of Queensland Seniors Week celebrations at the library. Get your free ticket here: https://bit.ly/3AIVYBL

4) Communication in Relationships

Friday, August 20, from 10am to noon
Mackay Women’s Centre
This free workshop will focus on supporting families to learn strategies for effective communication, negotiation and conflict resolution. Vikki and Namarca from Reconcile Life are passionate about supporting families to enjoy healthy relationships where connection is respectful and meaningful and fosters love, care and growth. Please note that this workshop is part of the Multicultural Women's Club and women from all backgrounds are welcome. To register, email vale@tnhub.org.au or text/call 0400 788 218.

5) Basic Line Drawing

Friday, August 20, from 11am to noon
Gordon White Library
Learn to draw simple flowers to create works of art with Creative Bug. This special activity is part of Queensland Seniors Week at the library and is for adults aged 50 years and older. Get your free ticket here: https://bit.ly/3shUPya

6) Qigong Tai Chi

Friday, August 20, from 1pm to 1.30pm
Gordon White Library
Discover this ancient form of exercise, breathing and meditation to assist in restoring energy and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. This event is for adults aged 50 years and older and celebrates Queensland Seniors Week. Get your free ticket here: https://bit.ly/3CKhlol

7) Conversations with Art

Friday, August 20, from 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Conversations with Art is held in one of the three gallery spaces, or the workshop room at Artspace Mackay. It’s a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff, looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from gallery and museum collections from around the world. Book your seat via artspacemackay.eventbrite.com

8) A Healthier You!

Friday, August 20, from 2pm to 2.45pm
Gordon White Library
Discover how libraries can help you to lead a healthier life in this interesting workshop for adults aged 50 years and older. The library is celebrating Queensland Seniors Week with a range of free activities like this one. Get your ticket here: https://bit.ly/3g5USIJ

9) Free screening: Looby

Monday, August 23, at 5.30pm
Paxton’s Markets
Australian artist Keith Looby is the subject of this documentary that delves into the contemporary Australian art world and captures the art, life and times of the Archibald Prize’s most controversial winner. This free screening is hosted by Film & Arts Mackay (FAM). Tickets available at trybooking.com/BTEMV

10) Book Week celebrations and book launch

Wednesday, August 25, from 9am to noon
The Neighbourhood Hub, Shakespeare Street, East Mackay
Come and celebrate Book Week at the Neighbourhood Hub and be one of the first to read the new book Miss Kim has written for the kids of Mackay! The day will start with the regular Active Squirtz session with Miss Kim and a special visit from Barry Broccoli or Suzie Strawberry. Then children can listen to Miss Kim read her very own children's story "Delicious to eat, but what smelly feet". Enjoy the jumping castle, get your face painted and share some morning tea with other families. The cost is $3 per family. Registrations can be made to clairec@tnhub.org.au for catering purposes.

Reminders:

Great Northern Clean Up – Mackay

Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29 from 8am
The Great Northern Clean Up is happening at a number of sites around the region. Residents who attend this event can  clean up our vulnerable waterways and help make our region look beautiful. Council is hosting events at the following sites: Sandfly Creek Reserve in East Mackay, Blacks Beach, Lamberts Beach, Mackay Quota Park, Illawong Beach, Bakers Creek Park, Grasstree Beach, Half Tide Beach and Woodland Reserve in Andergrove. There will also be heaps of great sustainability gifts and handouts for volunteers. For details and to register your interest, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/gncu

Sarina Sugar Shed 15 year birthday celebration

Sunday, September 12, from 9am to 4pm
Join the Sarina Sugar Shed team for an open day of celebration as they thank the local community for their support over 15 years of operation. There will be continuous tours, free fairy floss, product tastings, giveaways, kids’ activities, and much more! (Note: This open day will be conducted under COVID-safe guidelines, including social distancing and venue capacity limits).