Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 11 Dec 2019

There is plenty to do around the region this week…Come along to the Botanic Gardens’ Meadowlands Amphitheatre for Christmas in the Gardens, dedicate some time to count and sort lids at Gordon White Library as part of the Lids 4 Kids program and keep the kids busy these school holidays with a variety of fantastic activities occurring across the region.

1) Gift wrapping

Thursday, December 12, 5pm to 6pm  
Dudley Denny City Library  

Are you wondering how to make your gift-wrapping pop this holiday season? Reuse, recycle and revamp your everyday items such as newspapers, brown paper and cloth. Your creativity has no limit. More details at https://bit.ly/2LJlUq5

2) Family History Workshops

Thursday, December 12, 6pm to 8pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Mackay Family History Society and libraries present family history workshops to showcase genealogy resources, Ancestry.com (Library Edition) and other online family history resources available at your local, state and national libraries. Book online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson

3) Kids Christmas Craft

December 13 – 20, 10am to 11.30am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens 

Join the Botanic Gardens to create nature inspired Christmas decorations. Suitable for children aged six to 12 years old. Parental supervision required.  Bookings are essential as places are limited. For more information or to book a spot, please call 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au. Cost: $5 per child.

4) Christmas in the Gardens

Friday, December 13, 5.30pm to 8.30pm  
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens  

The Botanic Gardens' Meadowlands Amphitheatre will come alive with Christmas cheer on Friday, December 13. From 6pm, enjoy performances by Kathleen Campbell, joined by Brendan Smith and Sarah Rozekrans, Theatre Arts Mackay, Dance Excellence and Anette Worthington. Bring a picnic or purchase something from one of the food vans available on the night. This is an alcohol-free event. Parking is available at the Meadowlands car park, off Alexandra Street. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2LHxGkJ

5) Lids 4 Kids community sorting morning

Tuesday, December 17, 9am to noon  
Gordon White Library  

Can you spare some time to help sort, count and pack our clean lids? We are looking for some keen Lids 4 Kids Mackay volunteers to come along to our community sorting morning and get Mackay's lids ready to be sent off. All ages and abilities welcome. Find out more at https://bit.ly/2PvGoDP

6) North QLD Bulk Ports summer holiday art activities

December 17 – January 25  
Artspace Mackay  

Free art making for all ages at the gallery! This free drop-in art activity program is for families and people of all ages to experiment, create and have fun. Use shiny aluminum embossing shim, simple manual embossing tools and a variety of colourful craft materials to make your own mobile, wall decoration or small metallic masterpiece to take home. Bring your family and friends (children under 13 years-old must be supervised by an adult), drop-in anytime and stay for a few minutes or a few hours. The activities will run from 10am - 5pm on Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday (closed Mondays). For more information phone 4961 9722. www.artspacemackay.com.au

7) A roomful of zzzz’s

> Wednesday, December 18, 5pm to 6pm  
Mirani Library
> Thursday, December 19, 5pm to 6pm
Gordon White Library    

A fun evening out for all children and their families. The session features stories, songs and a craft activity. Don’t forget to wear your pj’s! For children aged up to eight years old and their families.

8) Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market

Wednesday, December 18, 7am to 11am
Bluewater Quay  

Join the Fresh Local Produce Revolution and support our farmers by buying seasonal local produce straight from the farmer. Grab your fruit, vegetables, seafood, honey and coffee under one roof. Find out more at https://bit.ly/37PQnMC

9) Summer Reading Club

Until Friday, January 24, 2020
Mackay Regional Council Libraries

The Summer Reading Club is on again! Participation in the Summer Reading Club is free and is a great way to keep the kids busy and reading over the school holidays. There are online competitions to participate in, reading logs to complete and submit into prize draws, a 40-day reading challenge plus competitions and activities at your library. Register online at http://bit.ly/2OLHhZx or ask for assistance at any one of our library branches.

10) A Sense of Place by Margaret Worthington

Until Sunday, January 26, 2020  
Lagoons Gallery – Botanic Gardens Cafe

Tree kangaroos have always fascinated Margaret. During her visit to far north Queensland, she stayed with a tree kangaroo carer. Margaret also spent time exploring the Crater Lakes National Park, watching birds and studying plants. Margaret wanted to capture how special tree kangaroos and other inhabitants are in the ecosystem of the Tablelands Wet Rainforest. This exhibition consists of Dobby the Young Tree Kangaroo book and the watercolour paintings used in the book. There are also a series of contemporary aluminium sculptures fabricated by Margaret Worthington and Clive Rouse. Find out more at http://bit.ly/2DIPnff


Reminders:

Farm to City Christmas Twilight Market

Friday, December 20, 4pm to 8pm
Bluewater Quay

Come along for a night of fun, shopping and farm to plate food! Mackay City Centre’s Main Stage will be alive with music with many local performers taking the stage. Back by popular demand are the Jarravale Alpacas! Take a photo in front of the big Christmas tree and spend some time with these cuddly creatures. Be ready for the 5pm Watermelon Eating Competition! Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for more updates at https://bit.ly/2LIGWFd

Australia Day Awards

Applications close January 5, 2020
Mackay Regional Council

Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Awards pay tribute to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to their local community and/or achieved exceptional results in sporting or cultural endeavors. Now is the time to nominate someone in our community who deserves to be recognised for their selfless contributions.