11 ripper Aussie Day community events revealed

Published on 19 January 2026

Council has approved funding for some fair dinkum community events to celebrate Australia Day 2026.

Funding ranging from $500 to $1000 will support 11 Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there was a wide range of events and locations on offer.

“From backyard cricket and a tug-of-war at Armstrong Beach to live music and beach games at Harbour Beach, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Australia Day events are being held across the Mackay region from Armstrong Beach to the Mackay City Centre, and north to St Helens Beach,” he said.

“Held at various times throughout the day and at 11 locations across the region, the events are a perfect opportunity to celebrate what makes our region great.”

To be eligible for funding, all events had to be held on the Australia Day public holiday (Monday, January 26), be free for all to attend and be within the Mackay Regional Council area.

Please note some events may have a fee for some rides, activities, food or drinks.

A list of council supported Australia Day events can be found below, with more information available on the council website at mackay.qld.gov.au/ausdayevents:

Armstrong Beach Area Progress Association Inc
11am – 4pm
Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach

Journey House Limited
1pm – 5pm
4 Dawson Street, Sarina

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Supporters Club Inc10am - 2pm
Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Harbour Beach, Mackay Harbour

Grasstree Beach Progress Association
3pm - 6pm
Grasstree Beach Foreshore (near playground)

Slade Point Progress Association Inc
10am - 1pm
Ram Chandra Park, Slade Point

St Helens Beach Progress Association Inc
11am – 2pm
Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Inc
8am – 11am
Eimeo Surf LifeSaving Club, Eimeo Beach Eimeo

Mackay and District Hack and Pony Club Inc
10am - 5pm
Langford Park, Eton Recreation Grounds home of Mackay and District Hack and Pony Club Inc

Banksia Scout Group
10am – 2pm
Banksia Scout Den, Jaycee Park, 52 Fernleigh Ave, Andergrove

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Inc.
10am – 3pm
Mackay Bridge Club clubhouse, 414 Shakespeare Street, West Mackay (Next to the Army Barracks)

Sarina Bowls Club Inc
1pm – 3:30pm
Sarina Bowls Club, 1 Patroyce Ct, Sarina

Image: Community members celebrating Australia Day in 2025.