Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 10 Apr 2019

Chill out at the River Street Twilight Market this Friday, on Saturday come along to the Kids’ Day at the MECC for a family filled epic day or ‘come and try’ the brand new Mackay ARC for a fun day of activities and entertainment.

1) Retirement Income Streams

Thursday, April 11, 6pm – 7pm
Gordon White Library

Mackay Regional Libraries are hosting free seminars for your financial future delivered by the Department of Human Services. You will hear how income streams work, fund choices and investment options, tax and Centrelink assessment and learn how to transition to retirement. Light refreshments will be provided. Bookings are essential. For information and bookings, phone 13 63 57 or email fis.seminar.bookings@humanservices.gov.au.

2) Mackay Laneways Street Art Project

Thursday, April 11
Tuesday, April 16
Wednesday, April 17
Thursday, April 18
33 Wood Street, Mackay

Calling all budding artists! Come along to a free workshop and get involved in the 5th Lane Street Art Project. During the classes, create your own piece of artwork to be included in the finished 5th Laneway. These activities cater to all ages and artistic levels. Each morning from 10am to noon, children aged six to 11, can join a session and create their very own artwork and every afternoon from 1pm to 3pm youth, aged 12 to 18, can do the same. Bookings essential, limited spaces available. Book online at https://bit.ly/2KnGCgI

3) Victoria Cross Portrait Exhibition

Friday, April 12 until Wednesday, April 17
Jubilee Community Centre

Council and Operation Pilgrim invite you to view the Victoria Cross Portrait Exhibition - "An Exhibition of Heroes". This free exhibition tells the stories of many Australia's Victoria Cross recipients who performed acts of valour in the face of the enemy. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 12 at noon. https://bit.ly/2UHp4Aq

4) River Street Twilight Market by GWFM

Friday, April 12, 4pm – 8pm
Bluewater Quay

The River Street Twilight Markets provides a beautiful riverside experience for families, couples and singles. Bring a blanket and relax this Friday night under the stars and by the river. Tune out to the vibes of local music and enjoy a delicious food experience of local food straight from the farmer. https://bit.ly/2Im8iQF

5) Easter Intensive Holiday Swim Program

Monday, April 8 – 12, 9am – 11.30am  
Mackay ARC

Looking for something to keep yourself and the kids active over the holidays? Intensive programs are a great way for children to gain water confidence and allows for rapid progression of their swimming and survival skills. Five lessons over five consecutive days. Available for ages two and above. Bookings are required. $70 for five lessons ($14 a lesson). Book your spot today on  4847 5400 or marcswim@belgravialeisure.com.au. www.mackayarc.com.au

6) Kids Day at the MECC

Saturday, April 13, 9am and 2pm
MECC Plenary Halls

Take a trip in a giant time machine and travel back to the era of dinosaurs. Sit back and relax, enjoy a snack box and a movie - Rumpelstiltskin filmed live on stage! Let your creativity run wild and make your own marvellous, glowing puppets. Or let Guru Dudu take you on a silent disco tour through the secret corners of the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, and dance like no one is watching. Kids' Day at the MECC is not just one show, it’s hours of fun & adventure! http://bit.ly/2ui8EQ5

7) Come and try

Saturday, April 13, 11am – 2pm  
Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex

Mackay ARC is holding a 'come and try' day at our brand-new Aquatic and Recreation Complex. Join us to experience the newly launched 'Go Swim' learn-to-swim program, or our Splish Splash (aqua playgroup) program. People who register and participate will have free entry and can ‘stay and play’ for the day. Register online at https://www.mackayarc.com.au/event for your free entry! The day will be filled with FUN for the whole family; jumping castles, track and field activities, and much more!

8) Family Fun Fishing Competition

Saturday, April 13, 9am – 11.30am
Mackay Gooseponds  

The Tilapia fishing competition is back on Saturday, April 13. There are prizes to be won, face painting, jumping castle plus much more. Register now to secure your spot http://redhotcouriersgroup.com.au/fishing-comp/

9) Tommy Emmanuel plus very special guest Jerry Douglas

Sunday, April 14, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

Australia’s internationally acclaimed acoustic guitar icon Tommy Emmanuel CGP returns to Australia for Bluesfest in Byron Bay with some rare regional shows. Tommy brings the power and dynamism of a full band to his solo acoustic playing, with incredible charisma, stunning speed and dexterity and unerring command of melody. He also brings a special guest dobro master Jerry Douglas in action, direct from Nashville, a great friend of Tommy’s and winner of 14 Grammy awards. https://bit.ly/2uXB9mq

10) The ABBA Show

Monday, April 15, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

Far from being ‘just another cover band’, The ABBA Show is a full-scale theatrical production featuring more than two hours of live musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and effects and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle. Celebrate the music of ABBA and dance the night away! https://bit.ly/2OVIVWY

Reminders:

Anzac Day

Thursday, April 25

On April 25 each year, Anzac Day honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli during World War I. There are 26 services being held around the region. For more details including times and locations visit https://bit.ly/2UKnbTq

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, April 23 from 10am
Artspace Mackay

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. BMA Kidspace is Artspace Mackay’s ever popular toddler’s program, giving children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run workshops from 10am to 2pm and live musical entertainment for kids from 12pm to 1pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. https://bit.ly/2VR3Oow

Bonsai Workshop

Sunday, April 28, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, meeting room (opposite the Botanic Gardens café)

Mackay Bonsai Society are holding monthly workshops for 2019 at the Botanic Gardens. If you enjoy the fellowship of bonsai and are interested in learning more come along. New members are welcome. For more information please contact Bill Taylor > billandsheritaylor@gmail.com