Top 10 things to do...

1) Annie Seaton – Author visit

Friday, October 11, 1pm to 2pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Monday, October 14, 11am to noon
Gordon White Library
Explore Annie’s newest book Undara, where a betrayal will test the bonds of friendship and family. Annie was recently in Mackay to research her 2020 book Osprey Reef, which is set in Mackay in the 1930s and in contemporary times.

2) Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors 73rd Annual Mackay Eisteddfod

Friday, October 11, 8.30pm
Saturday, October 12, 8.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm and 6.30pm
Sunday, October 13, 8.30am, 10.30am, 1pm
A program overloading with singing, dance, drama and instrumental performances from students around the region. All students are ready and excited to perform and show their exceptional talents at the annual Mackay Eisteddfod. Purchase tickets at the MECC.

3) River Street Twilight Market

Friday, October 11, 4pm to 8pm
Bluewater Quay
A community night market showcasing local food, farmers and artisan makers. The River Street Twilight Markets provides a beautiful riverside experience with live music on the main stage by Nite Johnson from Lightning Nite playing from 4pm to 6pm followed by Jade Fiyen from Jade Fiyen Music from 6pm to 8pm. Bring a blanket and relax under the stars. Chill out to the vibes of local music and enjoy a delicious food experience. For more information visit the Facebook event.

4) Movies in the Meadow

Friday, October 11, 5.30pm to 9.30pm  
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens      Movies in the Meadow is on again! There will be two movies showing:

• 6.30pm - Spider-Man - Into the Spider-Verse (Rated PG)
• 8.15pm - SHAZAM (Rated M)

Popcorn and hot food will be available to purchase on the night from 5.30pm. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars.

5) Nature.Reserved. 'Seascapes' Instameet

Saturday, October 12, 9am to 11.30am
Lamberts Beach
In line with our photo competition Mackay Through The Lens, Mackay Tourism will be hosting a Nature.Reserved. 'Seascapes' Instameet with local resident, celebrity social media photographer Mark Fitzpatrick of Mark Fitz Photography. Mark will be guiding the session at Lamberts Beach, taking full advantage of the leading lines of the water lapping on the sand. Additionally, he will include tips on long exposure and cover some of the composition techniques. Both camera or smartphone are welcome, and for those that a bit more advanced are welcome to bring a tripod and a neutral density filter or polariser filter. We look forward to seeing you there to capture some amazing photos!

6) Camilleri Street Park Community Planting Day

Saturday, October 12, 8.30am to noon
Camilleri Street, Blacks Beach
Council is calling for volunteers who are not afraid to get their hands dirty tree planting at Camilleri Street Park. Residents are asked to register online at http://bit.ly/2mfeAIU prior to the event so that council can determine expected numbers. Participants must check-in on the day at 8.30am, ready for a 9am start.

7) Greenmount Spring Picnic

Sunday, October 13, 9am to 1pm
Greenmount Homestead    
Bring a picnic to this relaxed, family-friendly event and enjoy a morning under the fig trees.
Enjoy old fashions games, face painting, musicians and Devonshire teas. There will also be some food vendors on site, providing coffee, cold drinks, treats and wood-fired pizza. For more details visit their Facebook event.

8) ‘Jeepers Creepers’ by the Botanic Art Interest Group

Until October 27
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens    
The ‘Jeepers Creepers’ botanical art exhibition focuses on colourful, curious and captivating flora which are commonly known as vines, scramblers, climbers, creepers or lianas.
Botanical art combines detail, accuracy and artistry, with many hours needed for each graphite drawing, pastel drawing, watercolour or acrylic painting. Showcases display how the artists take live specimens and create a “living” piece of botanical art via their sketch books, photos and art materials. For more details visit their Facebook event.

9) Mackay Through The Lens photo competition

Until Friday, November 1  
Mackay region      
Capture the Mackay region this October and you could win $3000 in Camera House vouchers! From beautiful sunsets and sunrises to lush rainforest and lookouts, the list of possible photo locations is endless. A $2000 voucher will be awarded to the best judged photo and a $1000 voucher will be awarded to the People’s Choice winner. Visit the council website for more details and the scavenger hunt clues.

10) Anti-Poverty Food Drive

Until November 13
Mackay Regional Council facilities  
Did you know charities in our region have hundreds of requests for food parcels every month? Help us help them by donating non-perishable food items and toiletries. Donations will be given to St Pauls Uniting Church Mackay, Anglicare Mackay Whitsunday Region - Counselling and Support Services and Sarina Inter Church Council to replenish their food pantries and prepare charitable Christmas hampers. Food items must be in-date and undamaged. Drop-off points: Jubilee Community Centre, Council Client Service Centre - 73 Gordon Street, Dudley Denny City Library, Gordon White Library, Paget Council Depot, Mirani Library and Client Service Centre, Walkerston Library and Sarina Neighbourhood Centre.

Reminders:

Beginner print workshop - One colour lino printing

Sunday, October 20, 9am and 1pm  
Artspace Mackay   
Artel Visual Art Coordinator Louise Taylor will deliver a one-colour lino printing workshop for beginners. Participants will learn how to make a single colour relief print by creating a design in silk-cut lino, techniques to ink and print onto paper using hand burnishing tools. This is a three-hour beginner workshop designed for people who wish to gain basic knowledge of relief printing to enable them to begin creating lino prints at home! Participants will need to bring an image to start. Bookings are essential and cost $20 per person. Call Artspace Mackay on 4961 9722 to book your seat.

Playgroup and community music at the Gardens

Friday, October 18, 9am to 11am  
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens      
Join the George Street Neighbourhood Centre for a lovely morning at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on the lawn near the cafe. Ms Tania is a fun outgoing music therapist and will be there from 9am to kick start the morning. It is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Bring a hat, water bottle and a blanket.