Top 10 things to do...

1) Bell Shakespeare – Much Ado About Nothing

Thursday, September 12, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

Claudio and Hero are deeply in love. Beatrice and Benedick would rather swap sassy insults than sweet nothings. Much Ado About Nothing is a saucy and razor-sharp battle of wits between the bickering from Beatrice and Benedick, who wield words as weapons, their banter betraying their love for each other. Claudio however is quickly consumed by envy and his idyllic world threatens to come tumbling down as he humiliates Hero. Beatrice and Benedick must join forces to defend true love – even if they can’t recognise it in themselves.

2) Roald Dahl’s the Twits

Friday, September 13, 11am, 1pm and 6pm
MECC Auditorium

Mr and Mrs Twit, the most horrible people ever to live on the stage of the earth will be live at the MECC. They spend their days playing dirty tricks on each other. Mrs Twit puts worms in Mr Twit's spaghetti – yuck! Mr Twit convinces Mrs Twit she has the dreaded shrinks – how mean! But… fate changes for Muggle-Wump with the arrival of Roly-Poly, a glorious bird full of grace and pomposity.

3) River Street Twilight Market

Friday, September 13, 4pm to 8pm
Bluewater Quay

This Friday get ready for some delicious food. Come along with your family and friends for a chilled afternoon on the beautiful riverside. Bring a blanket to relax under the stars surrounded by good vibes of local music. There will be a range of food stalls to choose from  and stallholders showcasing plenty of goodies. For more details visit https://bit.ly/2kbJQI8.

4) Sarina Twilight Market

Friday, September 13, 4pm to 8pm  
Sarina Field of Dreams

The Sarina Arts and Craft Centre’s Twilight Market is on this Friday (September 13). Come along and browse through plenty of gifts made by locals. It will also have stalls with plants, toys, clothes, pots, jewellery, preserves and much more. The craft centre will also be open with locally handcrafted items available for purchase.

5) McEwens Beach Local Coastal Plan community catch-up

Saturday, September 14, 2pm – 4pm
Reg Jones Park, Aura Street. McEwens Beach  

McEwens Beach supports rare and threatened species including migratory shorebirds, marine turtles and a range of woodland, mangrove and salt flat communities. It is also a popular recreational area for locals and visitors to our region. A draft Local Coastal Plan (LCP) has been developed to identify the natural values and issues at McEwens Beach and contains recommended management activities. Residents are invited to learn more about the LCP and have their say at a community catch-up. Residents who can’t attend the catch-up can provide feedback online at Connecting Mackay

6) The Songs of Dolly Parton

Saturday, September 14, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

From rags to riches, Dolly's life story has remained humble and honest in her performance. After 60 years she continues to be America’s sweetheart of country music and this new and uplifting show celebrates the decades-long success of Dolly Parton. Starring Brooke McMullen, at just 23 she is a superstar in the making. After a huge success as June Carter in the hit show “Leaving Jackson”, Brooke is thrilled to now pay tribute to one of the biggest names in music. Book your tickets at https://bit.ly/2lJDlfM.

7) Rock, Paper, Scissors Art and Design Market 2019

Sunday, September 15, 1pm to 4pm  
Mackay Civic Precinct    

Are you ready for the annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Art and Design Market for all things creative! You will find some fancy and fun, locally made goodies, from clothing, jewellery, art, pottery, homewares and delicious food stalls. Bring the family out for some shopping and entertainment with live music and kids’ activities. For more details visit http://bit.ly/2kthQQj.

8) September Photo Walkabout

Tuesday, September 17, 4.30pm to 6pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens    

The Botanic Gardens September Photography Walkabout is ready to take you on an afternoon of sunsets. It will start with a discussion about the settings you will need on your cameras to adjust to the afternoon light. There will be tips on using your phone cameras and how to maximise their ability. The Botanic Gardens sunsets are spectacular! Bring a camera (iPhone to DSLR) and your camera manual if available. To find out more, please contact Botanic Gardens Administration on phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

9) Active in the City - Pilates

Tuesday, September 17, 5.15pm
Bluewater Quay  

Pilates is a form of low impact exercise that focuses on improving your strength and range of movement. It can help with improving mood and reducing your risk of depression. This class can cater to people of all fitness levels, it is important however, that you can comfortably get up and down off the ground. Bring along a yoga mat and water bottle and give it a go! For more details visit https://bit.ly/2krAEzy.

10) Jimmy Barnes – Shutting Down Your Town

Wednesday, September 18, 7pm    
MECC Plenary Halls  

Jimmy Barnes is back with his biggest headlining tour yet! ‘Barnesy’ is the heart and soul of Australian pub rock. Over recent years his bestselling memoirs “Working Class Boy” and “Working Class Man” have struck a deep chord across his homeland. He returns with an electrifying string of hits along with his current radio hit “Shutting Your Town”.

Reminders:

Busby Marou – The Great Divide Central QLD album launch

Friday, September 27, 7pm
MECC Auditorium    

Tom Busby (hailing from Queensland) and Jeremy Marou (from the beautiful Torres Strait Islands) have been playing music together for over a decade since their initial music connection at a pub in Rockhampton. Since then there has been a potent chemistry that drives Busby Marou and the energy they put into touring regional Australia with fans from across the country loving the live experience. Get ready to rock at the MECC.

The Australian Reading Hour

Thursday, September 19, 11.30am to 2pm
Bluewater Quay 

The Australian Reading Hour is on next Thursday (September 19) at the Bluewater Quay. Join other readers for one hour and rediscover or introduce yourself to the benefits of reading. Come along during your lunch break to participate in the Australian Reading Hour by the riverside with your lunch and a great book! For more details visit https://bit.ly/2lNgU9x.