Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 06 Feb 2019

There is plenty to do around the region this week. Come along to Jenn J McLeod’s author visit telling the story of how she is fulfilling her lifelong ambition to write and the 2019 Sports Expo & Sign-on Day is here this Sunday for locals to get involved with a sport, club or recreational pursuit

1) Event Bootcamp

Wednesday, February 6, 9am to 4.30pm & Thursday, February 7, 9am to 1pm
Magpies Sporting Club

Join Mackay Tourism for this one and half day boot camp focusing on developing a business plan and marketing plan for your event to boost attendance and ensure successful planning of your event for the years ahead. Krista Haurtiz - Event Extraordinaire - has worked on a number of successful events and is here to help you boost the profile of your event. Mackay Tourism is offering this event free of charge. Register > https://bit.ly/2UcFCw5
All enquiries  contact Terri on 4837 1277 or development@mackayregion.com

2) Author visit – Jenn J McLeod

Thursday, February 7, 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library

After leaving the corporate world and deciding to travel Australia in a fifth-wheeler caravan, Jenn J McLeod is fulfilling her lifelong ambition to write. Since 2013 she’s had five novels published and is touring the country to champion her Paddock to Print philosophy. Jenn will be talking at the Dudley Denny City Library on Thursday,  February 7 from 5:30pm – 6:30 pm and at the Mirani Library on Wednesday, February 20, at 6pm – 7pm. All welcome, no bookings required. https://bit.ly/2Gdlpn3

3) Tech Talks

Thursday, February 7, 10am - Dudley Denny City Library
Tuesday, February 12, 10am – Gordon White Library

Need assistance using your device? Bring your device to find out how to access your information needs and investigate your areas of interest. https://bit.ly/2HVa6l4

4) Family History Workshops

Thursday, February 7, 6pm – 8pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Mackay Family History Society and Mackay Regional Council Libraries present workshops to showcase genealogy resources plus Ancestry.com (Library Edition). https://bit.ly/2SwLWBw

5) Sports Expo & Sign-on Day

Sunday, February 10, 9am – 1pm
MECC

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal presents this one-stop-shop for locals looking to get active and involved with a sport, club or recreational pursuit. There will be over 100 sport and recreation clubs under one roof and residents will have the chance to meet some of their local sporting heroes and grab an autograph. This free event allows residents, both new to sport and experienced, to see what’s on offer in order to make an educated decision when picking a new sport or recreational activity. Due to popular demand there will be two active zones this year including live demonstrations in kendo, boxing, dance, Sporting Wheelies, Rugby Tots, gymnastics and more. For more information, head to www.mackay.qld.gov.au/sportsday

6) Active in the City - Zumba

Sunday, February 10, 9am
Bluewater Quay, River Street

Zumba® Fitness is a Latin-inspired cardio-dance workout that uses music and choreographed steps to form a fitness party atmosphere! Take the opportunity - come and join us! Wear: Comfortable clothing that is moveable, breathable and will wick sweat away. Also, wear a pair of supportive fitness shoes that allow you to pivot your feet easily. Bring: A towel and water bottle because you'll need them! All are welcome! https://bit.ly/2D8wfGR

7) Library Lovers’ Day

Monday, February 11 - Sunday, February 17
Mackay Regional Council Libraries

February 14 is Library Lovers Day, and all week staff will share what they love about their most favourite book. Check out the book displays at your local library branch and borrow a staff pick. Post on social media how your favourite book makes you feel.  Tag us on Facebook @mackaylibraries or Instagram @mackayregionalcouncillibraries and use #MRCLibraries #LibraryLoversDay. https://bit.ly/2UKZHtQ

8) Websites and selling online for small business

Jubilee Community Centre
Wednesday, February 13, 11.30am – 2.30pm

Starting an online store might seem overwhelming, but it’s quite simple these days. Instead of being hesitant about this growing trend, you should capitalise on the opportunity to invest in e-commerce solutions and learn how to start an online store. Attending this workshop you will learn and understand the transition to an online store and website integration. https://bit.ly/2TA32eP

9) GERRY WEDD Kitschen Man

Until February 17
FIELD Engineers Gallery, Artspace Mackay

Gerry Wedd enjoys a national reputation in Australia for his hand-built blue and white ceramics that brim with a dry wit oscillating from the humorous to darkly disturbing. From his beginnings at the kitchen table, guided by his mother’s hobby-obsession through to formal training at University of South Australia and his studio tenancy at JamFactory, Wedd draws his craft out of his own inspirations, interest and experiences.  Kitschen Man will also feature works from an ever-changing personal collection of inspirations, work made by family, friends, colleagues and mentors such as Jo Crawford, Peter Johnson, Philip Hart, Lesa Farrant, Lincoln Kirby Bell, Chris Headley, Toni Warburton and Stephen Benwell.

10) THE WALL: David Ray

Until March 17, 2019
Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay

David Ray is a ceramic artist based in the Yarra Valley whose work often provides wry commentary on contemporary consumerism and the less celebrated aspects of Australian cultural life. His work often explores the complex relationship between beauty and ugliness, and defies conventional making techniques. This new show titled I come in peace, take me to your leader will explore the notion of peace, and what that means to us as individuals in a regional community. David will run ‘Peace talks’ workshops with community members, then incorporate the ideas generated in these discussions, and his signature ceramic pieces into a wall mural which will be created on-site in the Foyer Gallery at Artspace.


Reminders:

Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates to Pinafore

Saturday, February 16, 2pm  
MECC Auditorium  

Promac Productions are proud to announce the national tour of a world first. All 14 Gilbert and Sullivan musicals in one sensationally fast paced, hilarious and beautifully sung production. Hit songs and scene highlights from such wonderful musicals as The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Gondoliers, Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe and Patience to name but a few. Join this stellar cast for a production of true hilarity and beautiful singing, in a world first. https://bit.ly/2MRI6xp

Chinese New Year

Saturday, February 16, 6pm – 9pm
Wood Street

Join Mackay City Centre this Chinese New Year to celebrate the year of the Pig. Wood Street will be transformed into China Town theme. Restaurants will have Chinese inspired special offerings and there will be roaming Chinese Dragon and Lion performers to entertain you while you enjoy your meal. https://bit.ly/2DcjrPI