What's on

The lazy runners club

Learn to run 5km in preperation for the Mackay Marina Run. The lazy runners club is a free community event. Over the next 10 weeks we will teach you how to run. Starts with 90 second run then walk. Repeating for 5kms. Meet lots of new people with similar interest.

When: 31st Mar 2012 at 5:45am - 3rd Jun 2012 at 8:05am

Where: Metro Cafe, River Street, Mackay

More information contact: Dawn Mansfield on 0417 747 712

Moments in Time: Celebrating 150 Years of Mackay

A photographic exhibition celebrating the famous and not-so famous events in Mackay's history.

When: 2nd May 2012 at - 24th Jun 2012 at

Where: Gordon White Library

More information contact: Artspace Mackay - 4961 9775

DV Prevention Month

Launch of DV Prevention Month followed by Candle Lighting Ceremony. Wednesday 2nd May starting at 5pm. Other events throughout the month of May.

When: 2nd May 2012 at 5pm - 31st May 2012 at 12am

Where: 418 Shakespeare St Mackay

More information contact: Jenny

New Friends Coffee Morning

Morning Tea for people who are new to Mackay or just not feeling connected. From February 10 we will be meeting every Friday from 9.30am to 11.00am in the Gordon White Library till the end of the year. As you enter library we are immediately on your left. We look forward to meeting you!

When: 10th Feb 2012 at 9:30am
Every week on Friday, until 21st Dec 2012

Where: Gordon White Library, Phillip Street, Mt Pleasant

More information contact: Toni Woolcock on 0403 499 454

Free weekly bike rides

Each Saturday morning from 6.30am - 8am we hold social rides for all abilities/ages/bike types spanning from a 15km ride entirely on the bike paths (Blue Water Trail etc) right through to a speedy 30km road cycling group.

Each week we get between 30 and 60 cyclists and everyone usually sticks around and has a social coffee/breakfast after.

We ask for donations to support local charities each week as part of a 'Fun Rides to Fund Raise' initatitve.

It's a brilliant way for so many people to start their weekends and get out for some exercise.

When: 14th May 2011 at 6:30am
Every week on Saturday, until further notice

Where: Mackay

More information contact: Rock N Road Cycles - 07 4957 4484

Pieter Smith & MD Greyling Afrikaans Show

Show with Afrikaans artists and Afrikaans music. The first ever Afrikaans artists to have a show in Mackay.

When: 23rd May 2012 at 7pm - 23rd May 2012 at 11pm

Where: North Mackay Bowls Club

More information contact: Amanda Grobbelaar 07 4957 1900

BSES Field Day

The BSES field days have gained a wide audience and give growers, hobby farmers and visitors the opportunity to network and look at the different displays and new technology offerings. The field day was first held in Mackay almost 100years ago. This event gives service and product providers the opportunity to showcase their wares to the sugarcane industry. This year we have over 90 exhibitors, many who are regulars displaying their products at the field days. The event attracts up to 2000 people across the central district and beyond. The event allows industry and non-industry people to view the latest in the sugarcane industry research and development operations, machinery demonstrations, farm safety and lifestyle eg boating displays to name a few. A tour through the many exhibits gives visitors the opportunity to examine new practices and gain information and advice on what’s new in the Australian sugarcane industry.

When: 24th May 2012 at 9am - 25th May 2012 at 3:30pm

Where: 26135 Peak Downs Highway, Tekowai, Mackay, 4740

More information contact: Annette Corcoran on 0419 027 026

Professional Theatre & Music Season 2012 - Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

$38 Adult | $30 Friend of MECC $35 Concession | $30 Group 6+ $25 Student U18 | $28 Subscriber $45 Dinner $38 Subscriber Dinner conditions apply
All meals must be pre-ordered. The retail cafe is only able to supply snacks for those patrons who have not pre-ordered meals.

Stuffing one of the world’s largest comedy festivals into the one show is no easy feat, but the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has done just that with Roadshow 2012. Offering a selection of Australian, international and special guest comedians, the Roadshow is literally all the best bits of the Comedy Festival condensed into the one ‘all killer, no filler’ travelling event. Last year, comedians taking part in Roadshow performed to enthusiastic crowds in 60 regional centres and capital cities across Australia – not to forget a highly successful stint in Singapore and a sold-out debut season in Hong Kong. Given such popularity, this year’s Roadshow plans to connect with even more comedy fans and share the kind of humour that’s had Melbourne weeping with laughter. More than 300 shows contained in one – you can’t get better value than that. Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow – coming to a town near you!

When: 24th May 2012 at 7:30pm - at

Where: MECC | Auditorium | Civic Precinct | Alfred Street

More information contact: Purchase tickets online at www.mackaytix.com.au or dial ‘n’ charge (07) 49619777

PRECISE FREESTYLE MOTOX PRO OPEN

FREESTYLE MOTOX PRECISE PRO OPEN - 2012 Australian & Underground FMX Championship Round ONE

Gates open at 9am, Main event from 11am. Fully Catered Licensed Bar (ID required). No BYO, No ESKIES. Courtesy Bus back to Town.

For up to date information please go to the PRECISE CORPORATION Facebook Page

Adults $20, Kids $10 Family passes (2ad,2ch) $50 No tickets. No entry.

When: 26th May 2012 at - at

Where: PRECISE FMX compound, Mt Jukes Mackay

More information contact: Tickets ONLY available at Hot FM Mackay 4953 5353

Professional Theatre & Music Season 2012 - Namatjira

$40 Adult | $30 Friend of MECC $36 Concession | $30 Group 6+ $25 Student U18 | $30 Subscriber $45 Dinner $38 Subscriber Dinner conditions apply
All meals must be pre-ordered. The retail cafe is only able to supply snacks for those patrons who have not pre-ordered meals.

A Big hART production Created with the Namatjira Family Written and directed by Scott Rankin At turns hilarious, compelling and mesmerising: Namatjira is the story of Australia’s most iconic Indigenous artist. The rich watercolours of Namatjira’s story are transformed into a momentous theatrical event, capturing the intense beauty, depth, opportunism, mateship and injustice that has shaped our country. Namatjira is more than a night at the theatre; it is an experience of art, live on stage. Before our eyes, the grandchildren of Albert Namatjira - third generation watercolour artists - assist with the re-telling of his life, filling the stage with a huge landscape drawing of their desert country. Featuring Trevor Jamieson and Derik Lynch. Joined by Grandchildren and descendents of Albert Namatjira, and various portrait artists and musicians.
Warning: Contains live flame | Contains minimal mildly strong language.

When: 26th May 2012 at 2pm - 26th May 2012 at 4pm

Where: MECC | Auditorium | Civic Precinct | Alfred Street

More information contact: Purchase tickets online at www.mackaytix.com.au or dial ‘n’ charge (07) 49619777

MAYFAIR - Mackay West State School Annual Fair

Mayfair Mackay West State School is again holding our Annual School Fair Saturday 26th May from 4pm – 8pm Senior Campus in Pinder Street. There is sure to be something for everyone with Amusement rides, Show bags, Face painting, Student Art Auction, Wild Wild West stall, Dart the teacher and a host of other stalls and games. Try your luck on the Grocery Wheel, Pluck-a-Duck, Cent Sale, Silent Auction and Cane Toad Race, or just sit back and savour a good coffee and home baked goodies. Have a guess at how many Smarties are in the jar??? Of course there can’t be a Mayfair without the Maypole. Watch our beautiful Grade 2 students performing the Maypole. We have live performances provided by the school bands and FAME Talent school. And what’s a Fete without lots of yummy food - Hot Donuts, Hot Chips, Hot Dogs, Burgers, Pizza’s and Westside Ice Creamery. Come along and join the fun!

When: 26th May 2012 at 4pm - 26th May 2012 at 8pm

Where: Pinder Street West Mackay

More information contact: 49515111

Professional Theatre & Music Season 2012 - Namatjira

$40 Adult | $30 Friend of MECC $36 Concession | $30 Group 6+ $25 Student U18 | $30 Subscriber $45 Dinner $38 Subscriber Dinner conditions apply
All meals must be pre-ordered. The retail cafe is only able to supply snacks for those patrons who have not pre-ordered meals.

a Big hART production Created with the Namatjira Family Written and directed by Scott Rankin At turns hilarious, compelling and mesmerising: Namatjira is the story of Australia’s most iconic Indigenous artist. The rich watercolours of Namatjira’s story are transformed into a momentous theatrical event, capturing the intense beauty, depth, opportunism, mateship and injustice that has shaped our country. Namatjira is more than a night at the theatre; it is an experience of art, live on stage. Before our eyes, the grandchildren of Albert Namatjira - third generation watercolour artists - assist with the re-telling of his life, filling the stage with a huge landscape drawing of their desert country. Featuring Trevor Jamieson and Derik Lynch. Joined by Grandchildren and descendents of Albert Namatjira, and various portrait artists and musicians.
Warning: Contains live flame | Contains minimal mildly strong language.

When: 26th May 2012 at 7:30pm - at

Where: MECC | Auditorium | Civic Precinct | Alfred Street

More information contact: Purchase tickets online at www.mackaytix.com.au or dial ‘n’ charge (07) 49619777

Greenmount Homestead Heritage Fair

All day entertainment

Food, markets, talent and good old fashioned fun will kep the whole family entertained this year, so bring along a picnic blanket and spend the day.

Australia’s Living History show
Working blacksmith
Working dogs demonstrations
History and Heritage displays
Unique crafts and emerging artists
See John Mackay’s original homesite
Launch of M150 time capsule and site

When: 27th May 2012 at - at

Where: Greenmount Road, just past Walkerston

More information contact: Brian Osborn (07) 4959 2250

Monster Cent Sale

Annual Monster Cent Sale. Over $5000 worth of FANASTIC PRIZES. Tickets on Sale from 11.30. Draw Starting at 1pm Food and Drinks available from 11.30 Spot Raffles will also be running thoughout the day. Prizes include a Hooded BBQ, Ipod Nano,Holidays, dinner vouchers and heaps more. All funds raised go back into the school for much needed improvements

When: 27th May 2012 at 1pm - at

Where: Victoria Park State School Hall - Entrance Via Shakespeare st, Mackay

More information contact: For further information please contact Hope White on 0419796702

Professional Theatre & Music Season 2012 - Biddies

$40 Adult | $30 Friend of MECC $36 Concession | $30 Group 6+ $25 Student U18 | $30 Subscriber $45 Dinner $38 Subscriber Dinner conditions apply
All meals must be pre-ordered. The retail cafe is only able to supply snacks for those patrons who have not pre-ordered meals.

Written by Don Reid Directed by Wayne Harrison Five ordinarily marvellous women find themselves back in their school classroom plying their needles in a good old-fashioned session of “stitch and bitch”. Their confessions are frank, their rivalries intense and their jokes outrageous. Accidentally locked in the classroom, with nothing but ingenuity, Adora cream wafers and a bucket to get them through the crisis, unknown reserves come to the fore. Released from their own constraints, they rediscover their capacity to love, forgive - and take control. If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em! You’ll laugh till you cry as some of Australia's most beloved actresses bring this delightful new comedy to the stage.Vulnerable, feisty and in full bloom, these gals are everything - except old! Cast includes: Maggie Blinco | Annie Byron | Julie Hudspeth | Donna Lee | Linden Wilkinson

When: 29th May 2012 at 7:30pm - at

Where: MECC | Auditorium | Civic Precinct | Alfred Street

More information contact: Purchase tickets online at www.mackaytix.com.au or dial ‘n’ charge (07) 49619777

Resilience - A Marathon Effort!

Building resilience and creating behavioural change in an organisation is a marathon effort. And just like training for a marathon, it requires a firm commitment, a plan of attack, dealing with obstacles and riding it out when you just want to stop.

Increasing an organisation's health, happiness and productivity is not a speed race or a quick fix. Organisations need to be patient with individuals in the process of creating 'new normals' in their lives for lasting change to occur.

At a very special AIM event including continental breakfast and keynote presentation, accredited resilience practitioner Michelle Cooper AFAIM will take participants on an inspirational journey through her own personal challenge to train and complete her first marathon, the iconic New York City Marathon. In doing so she will show how the principles of strength, determination and celebrating key milestones are essential to building resilience in both long-distance running and creating long-lasting change.

Michelle will guide participants through an implementation process to change, sharing personal anecdotes and examples. She explores the tools needed to get started, stay motivated and make changes that can improve your overall effectiveness both in and out of the workplace.

Join Michelle on the epic journey from total beginner to a member of the elite '1% club' (only 1% of the world's population will ever complete a marathon) and discover the steps to making your organisation each employee's 'personal best' workplace.

When: 30th May 2012 at 7:15am - 30th May 2012 at 9am

Where: Ocean International, 1 Bridge Road, Mackay

More information contact: Mary-Jane Morrisby on 07 3227 4807

FOGS Indigenous Employment and Career Expo

The Queensland Former Origin Greats (FOGS) Indigenous Employment and Careers Expo aims to showcase a selection of Queensland’s most prominent employment, education and training providers in one place for one day! In partnership with the Australian Government and proudly sponsored by Construction Skills Queensland, the FOGS expos provide an opportunity for Indigenous job seekers and school leavers to explore options for ones future.

When: 30th May 2012 at 9am - 30th May 2012 at 2pm

Where: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

More information contact: Lucy Cooper on (07) 3331 5062

Mackay Women's Group

Connect and learn with others

When: 30th May 2012 at 9:30am - 30th May 2012 at 11:30am

Where: 418 Shakespear St. Mackay

More information contact: Margie, 4944 2300

2012 Skills Training Mackay Cutters Season Membership

Please note:
Ticket will not be available until the draw has been finalised.
Please contact the Box Office on 4961 9777 for all membership enquiries.
$5 Membership – Maroon
$30 Membership – Sky Blue
$50 Membership – Give Me Three
$100 Membership – Bronze
$150 Membership – Silver
$220 Membership – Gold
$300 Membership - Family

When: 31st Jan 2012 at
Every month on the last day of the month, until 1st Jul 2012

Where: Virgin Australia Stadium

More information contact: Purchase tickets online at www.mackaytix.com.au or dial ‘n’ charge (07) 49619777