Twelve ripper community events approved by council

Funding ranging from $750 to $1000 will support 12 Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the quality of applications this year was exceptional and made judging difficult.

“There’s some ripper Australia Day events lined up from Sarina to the Mackay City Centre, north to St Helens Beach and west to Kinchant Dam,” Mayor Williamson said.

The events will be held at various times throughout the day and at 12 locations across the region.

“From park barbecues and water slides to beach games and races, the events will be a perfect opportunity to celebrate what makes our region great,” Mayor Williamson said.

One of the grant recipients is the St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Program.

Tania Baldacchino, Community Engagement Facilitator for St Vincent de Paul, said the event would educate the community and reduce social isolation while building valuable social connections.

“After the stressful year we’ve had due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to come together as a community and celebrate Australia Day in a safe and inclusive environment,” Ms Baldacchino said.

“Our event will be a celebration to all Australians and their family and friends who have experienced, or are at risk of, homelessness,” she said.

“The theme of our event, “Come on over, we are home”, is an invitation for people to come and share their stories of successful housing outcomes.

“At the heart of our celebration is the acknowledgement that maintaining and sustaining tenancy is crucial at this time in Mackay.

“The outdoor event will be free to attend and will have heaps of fun games and activities, such as Weet-bix-eating and lamington-eating competitions, thong-throwing competitions, children’s house making activity and trivial pursuit games.

“The event will be held at Iluka Park on Binnington Esplanade and will be free for the public to attend.”

To be eligible for funding, all events had to be held on the Australia Day public holiday (Tuesday, January 26), be free for all to attend and be within the Mackay Regional Council area.

A list of council supported Australia Day 2021 event details are listed below, with more information available on the council website

1. Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club – A day at the beach, 9am to 3pm, Eimeo Beach
2. Habana and Districts Progress Association – Australia Day Habana style, 3pm to 7pm, Habana Community Precinct, 1091 Mackay-Habana Road, Habana
3. Mackay & District Australian South Sea Islander Association – Aussie Family BBQ, 11am to 3pm, Quota Park, Binnington Esplanade (southern end)
4. Mackay Sailing Club – Sail Away on Australia Day, 10am to 3.30pm, Kinchant Dam
5. Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – Australia Day at the beach, 10am to 3pm, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Mackay Harbour
6. North Mackay Saints AFL – Aussie Family Fun Day, 10am to 3pm, Zeolla Park AFL Grounds, North Mackay
7. Sarina Demons Junior AFL – Sarina’s Big Bash Aussie Day, 10.30am to 4pm, Brewer’s Park, Sarina
8. Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club - Australia Day at Sarina Beach, 8th Annual Australia Day celebration, noon to 6pm, Sarina Beach
9. Shed Happens Mackay –Pancakes and Play in the Park plus games and activities, 10am to 2.30pm, Mackay Sugar Bowl, Phillip Street, North Mackay
10. St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc – Australia Day Celebration, 11am to 3pm, Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach
11. St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland – Come on over, we’re home event, 10am to 2pm, Iluka Park, Binnington Esplanade (northern end)
12. The Scout Association of Australia Qld Branch (Banksia Scout Group) – Australia Day Open Day, 10am to 1pm, Jaycee Park, Corner Fernleigh Avenue and Bedford Road, Andergrove