Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 24 Apr 2019

1) Anzac Day Services

Thursday, April 25
Mackay region

There are 25 Anzac Day services being held around the region. For a full list, including times and locations, please visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/anzacday. Council is offering a free bus service for veterans and students participating in the Mackay Anzac Day march. Those wanting to use this limited service are encouraged to park their vehicles at Caneland Central and catch a bus from the rear Caneland Central bus stop to the assembly area, behind The Dome. There will also be a return service from Alfred Street, between Macalister and Gregory streets, following the 9.30am Anzac service. This service is made possible thanks to PCYC Mackay who have loaned their buses and volunteer bus drivers

2) World Tai Chi Day

Saturday, April 27, 9.30am - 10.30am
Bluewater Quay

For over two decades, a subtle phenomenon has grown across the planet. Each year in hundreds of cities in over 80 nations, people come together to breathe together. Mackay City Centre is once again joining the phenomenon and holding our very own World Tai Chi Day event in conjunction with Balance Minder by Leanne Simpson. Come along to the Bluewater Quay to encourage calmness, peace and well-being. Join us from 9.30am - 10.30am (with registration from 9.15am) for a morning of free family fun. Register online before the day and receive a gift. Use the link below to register: https://mackaycitycentre.com.au/event/world-tai-chi-day/

3) Children's Day Celebration

Saturday, April 27, 10am – noon
Artspace Mackay

Free activities from 10am - noon. Come along to make a Mother's Day card, have your name written in Japanese calligraphy, dress up for a photo, or try your hand at Japanese craft activities.

4) Bonsai Workshop

Sunday, April 28, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, meeting room (opposite the Botanic Gardens café)

Mackay Bonsai Society are holding monthly workshops for 2019 at the Botanic Gardens. If you enjoy the fellowship of bonsai and are interested in learning more come along. New members are welcome. For more information please contact Bill Taylor > billandsheritaylor@gmail.com

5) Try the 5 – Bike Week

May 1 – June 3, 2019

Get active this May and win over $6000 in fitness prizes! Council and Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation are helping to get the Mackay region moving again with a get active campaign. Held in May, Try the 5 includes five weeks of FREE activities for you to try in biking, adrenaline sports, water sports, gym/personal training and walking/running! This week is Bike Week, check the scheduled events for this week. www.mackay.qld.gov.au/trythe5

6) ANZAC Day Exhibition

April 24 – May 31
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, Community Hub

In the lead up to ANZAC Day, there will be a pop-up exhibition illustrating history from the First World War, and its legacy in Mackay. It will take you on a journey into the past through a series of historical photos from the Mackay Regional Council Heritage Collection, and learn about the history of Mackay war stories, the ANZAC's and our local soldiers. Open during centre trading hours. https://bit.ly/2Gyoqw1

7) Art Exhibition 'Birds of the Botanic Gardens' by Birdlife Mackay

Opening May 1 until May 26
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Lagoons Gallery

Birdlife Mackay came to life after Birds Australia and the Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA) amalgamated in 2012. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is fast becoming one of the best birding locations in the area. As the plants develop steadily over time and improve the habitat for wildlife, so too will the bird list grow. Ten of our keenest photographers were sought and asked if they’d supply two photos of birds that they’ve seen and photographed at the gardens. https://bit.ly/2Zvymiv

8) Playgroup & Smarty's Fit Food Fun

Wednesday, May 1, 9.30am – 11.30am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Join George Street Neighbourhood Centre and Smarty’s Fit Food & Fun on the Tropical Sun Lawn (opposite the Botanic Gardens Café) for a morning of super fun physical activities for the kids and to meet new friends. Everyone is welcome and is best suitable for children aged 0 - 5 years. Light refreshments provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen and water bottle.

9) Discover IT – Digital Demise

Wednesday, May 1, 10am – 11.30am  
Dudley Denny City Library    

What happens to your online presence when you die? It’s important to be prepared, especially for your family’s sake. We’ll go through the requirements of various online platforms. Note: Participants needs basic Internet skills and an email account to attend this class.

Discover IT – eBay

Wednesday, May 1, 2pm – 3.30pm  
Sarina Library    

There are many items produced all over the world that are only available for purchase via the Internet. eBay is just one of many online purchasing sites. This class will introduce you to the online purchasing and auction process and discuss online purchasing security.  Note: Participants needs basic Internet skills and an email account to attend this class.

10) Council in the Community

Wednesday, May 1, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Railway Hotel Marian, 41 Daly Street Marian

Join Cr Paton and Cr Walker in Marian for a community catch-up to discuss local issues.

Reminders:

Cinema Under the Stars

Friday, May 3, 5.30pm – 9pm
Mackay Base Hospital

Revisit the tradition of outdoor cinema on the lawns of Mackay Base Hospital with a free movie screening of a classic family favourite - Mrs Doubtfire. In partnership with Mackay Regional Council and Activate My Place the lawns of the Mackay Base Hospital will be transformed into a twinkling outdoor cinema. Gather family and friends, roll out a picnic blanket and enjoy the sunset across the Pioneer River before the film. Popcorn, BBQ and glow products will be available to purchase. https://bit.ly/2ZqyTCl

LEGO Hogwarts Build Workshop (four-week workshop)

Thursday, May 2, 3.30pm
Gordon White Library

Develop your engineering skills and build a Hogwarts Castle with your grandchild. Applicants must be 50+ and your grandchild needs to be 8+ years of age. Limited spaces are available for the LEGO Hogwarts Build cross-generational workshop and attendees must commit to four weeks of consecutive bookings. May 2, 9, 16 and 23. https://bit.ly/2Po8vV1
> Access to free events is only one of the benefits of library membership. If you are not already a library member, please join at https://library.mackay.qld.gov.au/Montage/Join.aspx