“Through My Eyes”... An Exhibition by Susan Riley Gee

5 May – June 20
Lagoon’s Gallery and Café
"There's a spot that makes you stop! Make a sketch, take a photo, or pencil it in your brain; brush or knife; paper or canvas, and pallet of paint, let the artworks begin" Susan Riley Gee

Susan Riley Gee's exhibition features prints, paintings on canvas and brand new postcards created for the Botanic Gardens.

The Lagoons Gallery and Cafe is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm.

Cost: Free

Postcards are available for purchase at ‘The Garden’s Shop’ in the Administration building.

Contact  Maya Harrison 49527300    botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

“Sense of Place” - Chris Neely

June 23 – August 2
Lagoon’s Gallery and Café
Chris Neely’s exhibition explores through painting, her personal connection to the Mackay/Habana region, her sense of place and belonging. Chris recently completed her Master of Contemporary Arts (visual arts) in late 2009 on the topic of Connection to Place, in the painting style of Abstract Expressionism. This exhibition shows a diverse display of Chris’s artwork.

The Lagoons Gallery and Cafe is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm.

Cost: Free

Friends Planting Bee

Saturday June 19
Just slipping another planting bee into the Calendar to keep those green thumbs busy... We will be planting more plants into the Heritage and Coal Gardens, so...Meet at the Heritage Garden Gazebo for a 9am start. Slip, slop, slap, usual dress conditions apply, morning tea will be provided.

Please RSVP to Robin: phone 4952 2299 or email robinmcw@a1.com.au or Maya: phone 4952 7300 or email maya.harrison@mackay.qld.gov.au if you intend to join us.

Friends AGM

Tuesday June 22 - 7.30 pm
The annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd June in the Meeting Room of the Botanic Gardens. Nominations are needed for president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and three committee members. The work is not onerous and a variety of skills and tasks can be utilized or even developed, so please put your hand up if you are willing to be a part of the executive.

Following the formal part of the meeting, Sue McCormack from the Orchid House in Queens Park will talk about the significance of this structure, as well as telling us about some of the beautiful orchids and how to grow them. This should be a fascinating talk.

The financial year for Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association runs from May 2009 to April 2010, which means that annual memberships are now due. You do not need to renew your membership if you joined after November last year.

Please RSVP to Robin: Phone 4952 2299 or email  robinmcw@a1.com.au  or Maya: Phone 4952 7300 or email maya.harrison@mackay.qld.gov.au if you intend to join us... or if you would like to be part of the committee for the next year.

Garden Friends Guided Walk: Slade Point Reserve

Saturday June 26
Discover the hidden and diverse world of plants which grow in this reserve and learn why this neck of the woods is so special. Slip, slop, slap, usual dress conditions apply, bring along a plate of salad or a dessert. The walk will be hosted by Irene Champion.

Please RSVP on 49527300 and find out our mystery meeting point for a 10am start.

Free Guided Walks

Every Friday at 9.30am
Free Guided Walks are now available at the picturesque Botanic Gardens. The scenic lagoons and glorious foliage make perfect backdrops during your informative stroll (approx an hour in duration). Join us 9.30 am Fridays (April – October) at the Administration Building

Needing refreshments later? Try the menu at the Lagoons Café and view the ever changing art exhibitions in the Lagoons Gallery.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens > ph 4952 7300
Lagoons Café opening hours Wed-Fri 10am – 3pm> Sat-Sun 9am - 4pm ph 4952 4966

Sunday in the Park

Third Sunday of every month - 2pm to 4pm June 20th
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Tropical Sun Lawn, adjacent to the main entrance, 9 Lagoon Street,

Bring a chair or a picnic blanket, then settle back, and enjoy the sounds of local musicians at this free concert.

Phone 49424477 or contact Botanic Gardens 49527300. botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Plant a Seed and Grow a Mind

June – July
In a 2-hour session of discovery, children will have the opportunity to…

• Explore different seeds, both on display and in the Gardens.
• Carry out sorting and matching activities, to discover how seeds are dispersed, by wind, water and wildlife.
• Learn how a seed begins to sprout and grow\
• Make an imaginary creature from different seeds
• Plant their own seed and take it home…what will it grow into???

There will be two sessions each day 10am – 12 noon or 2am – 4pm on Tuesday June 29th, Wednesday June 30th,Thursday July 1st and the following week Tuesday July 6th, Wednesday July 7th, Thursday July 8th

Each session is limited to 10 children aged 5 and older.

Cost is $5.00

Bookings and payment before June 22nd are ESSENTIAL

Please contact The Botanic Gardens 49527300 to register your interest and your child’s name.