Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 14 Aug 2019

There is plenty to do around the region this week… Calling all science lovers! Come along to Unearthed! for drones, robotics, megafauna, fossils, virtual reality and more, Mackay Seniors Expo is on at the Showgrounds and a brand new comedy-drama looking at a dysfunctional Australian family, Spencer, is live at the MECC.

1) Conversations with Art

Friday, August 16, 1pm – 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay

A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as you look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from Gallery and Museum Collections from around the world. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art and deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, we’d love you to join us! It’s interesting, thought provoking and extremely enjoyable, so send us an email to let us know you’re coming billiejo.ogilvie@mackay.qld.gov.au or wanda.bennett@mackay.qld.gov.au - https://bit.ly/2ZZw6jp

2) Unearthed!

Saturday, August 17, 10am – 5pm  
MECC  

Celebrate the wonders of science and technology with Queensland Museum and BHP as they return with a new and exciting format for National Science Week. This free community day is spread across indoor and outdoor zones of fun where inquisitive minds will unearth drones, robotics, megafauna, fossils, virtual reality and more. Delve into an exciting array of interactive demonstrations, hands-on workshops, exhibition and expert talks. This is a great day of exploration for the whole family

3) Photo Walkabout

Sunday, August 18, 10am – noon  
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens  

The August Photo walkabout will be themed around photographing birds. The walk will be lead by a member of Birdlife who specialises in bird photography and also loves the Botanic Gardens. Learn tips on which settings you need and getting as close as possible to birds.  Hosted by the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. To find out more, please phone (07) 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au - https://bit.ly/2OPKSI3

4) Lamberts Beach SplashFest 2019

Sunday, August 18, noon – 6pm  
Lamberts Beach

A whale festival celebrating the departure of our majestic humpback whales as they head back down south on their long migration journey to Antartica. Plenty of fun for the whole family including live music, market stalls, sensory circus, giant sandcastle sculptures, plus much more! https://bit.ly/2Z6ssGU

5) Mackay Seniors Expo

Tuesday, August 20, 9am – 1pm  
Mackay Showgrounds  

Whether you want to get your blood pressure or hearing checked, or if you want to check out a new hobby or the latest-release mobility scooters or aids, the expo will have something for you. There will be plentiful and easy parking close to the venue and a drop-off and pick-up zone for those with mobility issues. https://bit.ly/2YLRbjQ

6) Active in the City – Pilates

Tuesday, August 20, 5.15pm  
Bluewater Quay  

Pilates is a form of low impact exercise that focuses on improving your strength and range of movement. Not dissimilar to other forms of exercise, it can also 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 have the ability to comfortably get up and down off the ground. Bring along a yoga mat and water bottle. Come along and give it a go! https://bit.ly/2YtNOJZ

7) Book Week

August 19 - 21
Mackay Regional Council Libraries  

Come along to Toddler Time, Baby Bounce, Story Time at your local library this week dressed as your favourite book character to celebrate book week.

8) Spencer

Wednesday, August 21, 7.30pm  
MECC Auditorium

There’s no such thing as fun for the whole family…A brand new comedy-drama looking at a gloriously dysfunctional Australian family, this is modern story-telling at its best! Told over the course of one weekend in a suburban Australian home, Spencer is the story of tight-knit family led by single-mum matriarch Marilyn and her three adult children – wayward daughter Jules, mouthy coulda-been Ben and AFL golden boy Scott.

9) Sunday Painters

Until August 25
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Lagoons Gallery Art Exhibition  

Sunday Painters is a collection of paintings by two talented artists, Uta Wild and Mary Brown. The ladies meet every Sunday in Sarina to share their love of painting the beauty that surrounds them. https://bit.ly/2yZRzg9

10) STEAM Club

Every Wednesday until September 18, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Gordon White Library

Children in years three to six are invited to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Imagine, invent, discover and create with fun and challenging hands-on activities. Sessions range from Lego play to coding challenges, science experiments, creative arts to mini Makerspaces. Our STEAM Club offers something for everyone. https://bit.ly/2JMiSR9


Reminders:

Picnic in the Park

Thursday, August 22, 10am – noon  
Civic Precinct  

Dress up as your favourite book character and join us for a picnic in the park, Story Time under the trees and Baby Bounce on the lawn. There will be loads of fun for the kids with face painting, puppets, craft activities plus heaps more! Bring a picnic, rug, water bottle and hat.

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, August 27, 10am – 2pm
Artspace Mackay

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s ever popular toddler’s program, gives 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