Top 10 things to do around the region

1) STEAM Club – Progressive Engineering

Wednesday, May 11, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
Get set for an afternoon of construction with Lego, Bamboo and Magformers with loads of challenges. Explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. STEAM club is designed for children in year three to six. Register through Eventbrite.

2) Speed Date the Collection  

Thursday, May 12, 5.30pm to 7pm
Artspace Mackay
Join Artspace Mackay for a special edition of Speed Date the Collection for a closer look at the winning works of the 2022 Libris Awards. Six artists’ books, six volunteers and 10 minutes to experience an initial spark of interest, attraction and connection to an artwork. Following standard speed dating rules participants rotate to ‘meet’ each artists’ book. Participants have one-on-one interactions with the help of a trained presenter, then move on to the next artists’ book.  Register through Eventbrite.

3) Homemade beauty products from your pantry!

Thursday, May 12, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Gordon White Library
Do you spend money on products to keep your skin looking beautiful? Learn how to make beauty products like whipped orange mint sugar scrub and honey mask, from ingredients you have in your fridge and pantry! Register through Eventbrite.

4) Free Friday Guided Walks

Friday, May 13, 10am to 11am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Discover the gardens with a volunteer guide on a free guided walk in the gardens. Find out what's flowering, local wildlife and the history of the gardens. Booking are essential as places are limited. 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

5) Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball 2022

Saturday, May 14, 6.30pm
MECC Plenary Halls
Saturday night fever will take over the MECC as the prestigious Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball returns. Amazing auction items and prizes are up for grabs, with funds raised going to the Ronald McDonald Charity House North Australia and HeartKids. Dust off the dancing shoes and dance away to the Redtie Band performing all your disco favourites from the 70’s. Time to get your group together and follow the disco ball to the MECC for a blockbuster night to remember.

6) Mackay Volunteer Expo 2022  

Sunday, May 15, 10am to 1pm
The Big Shed Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds
From firefighting and emergency service roles to organising library books and walking the beach looking for turtle tracks – there’s a role to suit everyone at the Mackay Volunteer Expo. The Expo will provide an opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to showcase the amazing work they do for our community and allows residents to discover what a volunteer role can bring to their lives. Free of charge, food and drink available for purchase. Visit Mackay Volunteer Expo 2022 for more details.

7) Mackay Musical Comedy Players present ‘Shrek The Musical’

Thursday, May 19, 8pm  
Friday, May 20, 8pm 
Saturday, May 21, 2pm and 8pm
MECC Auditorium
Based on the oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that brings all the beloved characters you know to life onstage. Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek – an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess. Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre and sends the message to value individuality. Don’t miss this hugely popular local performance by the Mackay Musical Comedy Players. Book your tickets online at the MECC.

8) Conversations with Art   

Friday, May 20, 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from the gallery and museum. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner or expert, come along and enjoy this free, interesting, thought-provoking discussion. Book through Eventbrite.

9) Exhibition – ‘Blooming Flowers and Cheeky Animals’ by Pamela Finger

Until Sunday, May 22
Open Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, and weekends from 8am to 4pm
Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Cafe
Discover the amazing works of local artist, Pamela Finger, as she highlights her passion for native wildflowers and iconic animals using the bright medium of pastels. Drawing on her experience from photography, gardening and strong interest in botanical art and native plants with local groups, Pamela has created many of the paintings from images captured in the Botanic Gardens. To find out more, visit the Botanic Gardens Facebook event or on their website.

10) 2022 Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize

Until June 19, 2022
Artspace Mackay
Artspace Mackay’s biennial event, the Libris Awards, brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across Australia. Come along and see which artwork has been selected to showcase in the gallery. If you cannot make it to the physical exhibition, why not take a virtual tour by visiting the Artspace Mackay website.

Reminders:

The MECC and Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents Classical Favourites

Wednesday, May 25, 11am and 7.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Connect ensemble presents a concert packed with classical favourites from Prokofiev ‘the king of Russian ballet’ to Grieg’s tip-toeing masterpiece, “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” Thirteen talented musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcase their talent and artistry performing much-loved favourites. Book tickets via the MECC.

Massive Native Plant Sale

Saturday, May 28, 9am to 1pm
Botanic Gardens Nursery, off Crowleys Road, West Mackay
Join NPQ-SGAP Mackay for a massive May native plant sale at the Botanic Gardens Nursery. Come and find pollinator-friendly plants, plants suitable for pots and hanging baskets, plants that will make a great screen or hedge and more! For more information, contact the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Information on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au