Top 10 things to do around the region

1) We Don't Need a Map

Thursday, May 30, 6pm to 8pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Join libraries for a screening of We Don’t Need A Map by one of Australia’s leading film-makers Warwrick Thornton. The film explores the history and meaning of the Southern Cross and is sure to provoke a hearty debate, because it taps into the complex heart of who we are as Australians. https://bit.ly/2HuB54z

2) Boss Drovers Floor Talk

Thursday, May 30, 6pm to 7pm  
Artspace Mackay  
Join Artspace Mackay for a free Curator's Floor Talk for QAGOMA touring exhibition Robert Macpherson: Boss Drovers. Roadtrains have largely made boss drovers a thing of the past, yet 2400 of these seasoned stockmen and women are immortalised in a new exhibition at Artspace Mackay. There’s an interactive component of the exhibition which allows visitors to search the complete collection of 2400 portraits by name. It's a great way to find locals with personal connections and stories who could provide further insight into the lives of these iconic boss drovers! http://bit.ly/2wrUQUi

3) Bus Tour: The Mackay Aussie Farm and Drinks Tour

May 31, June 13, July 13, July 26, August, 13, August 24, September 20
All tours depart from the MECC
Greater Whitsunday Food Network Inc presents Farm & Food Experiences. Your day starts with a visit to Sarina Sugar Shed, Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distillery. This unique, multi-award-winning attraction will take you on an interactive, educational and tasty journey of ‘sugar’ where you can enjoy sample tastings of Rum, Liqueurs and a range of scrumptious gourmet products. A delicious BBQ lunch will await you at Freckle Farm nestled in its own little gorge at the edge of the Pioneer Valley. All the food is produced on the farm and owner Deb McLucas will show you their holistic management of the farm and the way they work with natural systems to achieve positive outcomes for their animals and the environment. After lunch you’ll get the opportunity to have a hands-on brewing experience at Goanna Brewing. Enjoy a masterclass of beer and cheese matching and get to taste, smell and handle the ingredients that go into making beer and cider. http://bit.ly/2KfN2x3

4) Botanic Gardens Day

Saturday, June 1, 9am to 2pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens  
Whether you’re interested in gardening, bird watching, native flora/fauna, local conservation efforts or just looking to get the family out for the day, we’ve got you covered. For the kids there are so many fantastic activities, bug hunts, story time or if they would like to ‘Build an insect hotel’ workshop, please make a booking for this, there are limited places. For bookings please contact 4952 7300 or botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au. Bring your picnic blanket, find a spot and enjoy the entertainment by the Mackay Ukulele Group while you relax and soak up the sunshine, we would love to see you there. https://bit.ly/2HIE3l6

5) The Very Hungry Caterpillar 50th Anniversary

Saturday, June 1, 9am to noon
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Tropical Sun Lawn
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Open Day. http://bit.ly/2MoGNJE

7) Peter Williams Medium Live

Sunday, June 2, 2pm  
Lynette Denny Space, MECC 
After numerous sell out performances across Australia and overseas in 2018, hugely popular psychic-medium Peter Williams returns for another tour in 2019. Peter is known for bringing a modern and refreshing feel to his events. He amazes audiences with his ability to communicate with loved ones passed over, but does so with energy, laughter and a heartfelt respect.

8) Try the 5 – Walking/Running

Until Monday, June 3  
Various locations in the Mackay region
Get active this May and you could win $6000 in fitness prizes! Check out these great events and activities during the FINAL week of Try the 5 – Walking.Running. Don't forget to take a photo/video while getting active and share it on social media with the hashtag #trythe5 or upload to the council website to WIN! http://bit.ly/2Vop7gD To view all our Try the 5 events in May.

9) Council in Community

Wednesday, June 5, 7.30am to 8.30am
Bakers Creek Community Hall, 2 Ivers Street, Bakers Creek
Councillors will be in the Southern Region on Wednesday, June 5. Join us for a community catch-up (breakfast with councillors) to discuss local issues at Bakers Creek Community Hall from 7.30am to 8.30am.

10) Crack the Code

Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 3.30 to 4.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library
All the cool kids are doing it and now you can too! Learn to Code with your grandchild using LEGO BOOST and EV3. Sorry folks, you must come together. So grandparents find that grandchild, and or grandkids grab a grandparent. It’s a hands-on - coding experience to understand and learn some coding skills in a fun and enjoyable environment. http://bit.ly/2YUPVHE

Reminders:

Volunteer Expo

Saturday, June 8, 9am to 1pm
Mackay Senior Citizens Centre & Civic Precinct Lawns
50 volunteer organisations onsite. Plenty of indoor and outdoor roles available, learn new skills and build your resume, meet people and make new friends, get out and get active, help the community, natural environment and all creatures great and small. For more information or to hold a stall contact Elisa Crooks at elisa.crooks@mackay.qld.gov.au  http://bit.ly/2WtZb7W

Sarina’s Queensland Day Festival

Sunday, June 9, 11am to 2.30pm  
Field of Dreams Parklands  
This year, Queensland celebrates its 160th birthday on Thursday, June 6. In celebrating Queensland Day, the community can share a sense of pride in being both Australian and a Queenslander. It is a time to reflect on how lucky we are to be part of such a wonderful, diverse state. There will be live music, food stalls, markets, games, kids activities and plenty more! The Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre is also celebrating it's 1st Birthday! http://bit.ly/2HHInSw

Emergency Services Day

Sunday, June 9, 10am to 2pm  
Harrup Park  
With interactive demonstrations by groups like Volunteer Marine Rescue, State Emergency Services, Queensland Mines Rescue Service, Queensland Police Service and and Rural Fire Service Queensland, as well as the chance to jump in the pilot seat of RACQ CQ Rescue’s Bell 412 helicopter, this is one event you don’t want to miss. http://bit.ly/2X9O3tP