Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 05 Jul 2021

There’s some great events happening around the region in the coming week. See a brilliant show full of local talent with Heading North, grab some cool sporting goods at the final Know Your Burb park activation in Glenella, or enjoy story time with a four-legged friend at the Gordon White Library.

1) Heading North 

Friday, July 9, 7.30pm
Saturday, July 10, 2pm and 7.30pm
Sunday, July 11, 2pm

The MECC, Lynette Denny Space
Heading North is the story of two families that share a passion for life, love and the sea. Set amongst the palm trees, Graeme Connors’ most iconic hits will take you to the tropical north where friendships are formed, and memories are created. Created by Joel Bow, with an original script by S. K. Munt and music and lyrics by Graeme Connors, Heading North will make its world premiere in 2021 at the Mackay Festival of Arts with a one-hour taster performance. VIP tickets are available. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/2Taqy7e

2) Mackay Heritage Walk 

Friday, July 9, from 9am to 11am
Paxton’s Markets carpark
Join a guided Heritage Walk around Mackay with a volunteer from Mackay Tourism. Please arrive at 8.50am for a 9am start. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes as we'll be walking a lot. Don't forget your water. Depending on the weather a hat or an umbrella might be useful to have too. To register, please email Val at vale@tnhub.org.au or call 4957 2626.

3) Free Friday guided walk 

Friday, July 9, from 10am
Meet at Administration building

Join our volunteer guides for a free guided walk in the Botanic Gardens. Walks go at a leisurely pace for about an hour wandering the pathways of the gardens. Bookings are essential. Phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to book a spot.

4) Multicultural Women’s Club 

Friday, July 9, from 10am to noon
Mackay Women’s Centre

The Neighbourhood Hub invites women from multicultural backgrounds to come and join the Multicultural Women's Club. Our vision is to create a sustainable socially oriented community, where all women can interact, integrate, and empower each other with warmth, consideration, empathy and with no judgement. For more information, please contact Val on email vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 4957 2626.

5) The Platypus Paddle stand-up paddleboard (SUP) challenge 

Saturday, July 10, from 7am to 3pm  
Breakwater Bar and Restaurant, Mackay Harbour

Come along to watch Mackay's first annual SUP recreational and competitive races including 200m Sprint, 2km Short Course, Youth, Open and Masters age groups. Male and female race categories are available as well as vendor tents, equipment demonstrations and shaded viewing areas.

6) Know Your Burb park activation

Saturday, July 10, at 9am
Northview Park, Glenella  

Come along to Mackay Regional Council’s final park activation to learn more about the newest online resource www.knowyourburb.com.au. Stop in at the council tent to grab some fantastic free Know Your Burb merchandise including frisbees and water bottles. You could go into the draw to win an Ultimate Adventure Pack valued at $500! Visit the website or search the event on Facebook for more details.

7) Isaiah Spirit 

Saturday, July 10, 7.30pm 
The MECC Plenary Halls

Isaiah Firebrace has an incredible story. He attended high school on the banks of the Murray River and went without food in order to fund the six hours of travel that was required to get to his singing lessons each Saturday. In the past three and a half years, the talented teen has transformed from a small-town singer to the most streamed First Nations pop artist in the world. Along the way he’s won The X Factor, represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest (finishing in the top 10) and is signed to Sony Music Australia. See him live in concert at The MECC, a show aimed at high school-aged students and above. Book via https://bit.ly/2T6KOGL

8) Sunday library opening 

Sunday, July 11, from 9am to noon
Gordon White Library

The Gordon White Library is open the second Sundays of the month to coincide with the Troppo markets. Call in before or after your market visit.

9) Drawing Still Life: Free holiday activities for everyone! 

Weekdays 10am to 5pm, weekends 10am to 3pm – finishing Sunday, July 11
Artspace Mackay, Workshop room

Drop-in to Artspace Mackay anytime during school holidays and participate in our free activity, Drawing Still Life. Explore the art of drawing objects inspired by Brisbane artist Leigh Schoenheimer’s exhibition Iterate|Elaborate featuring sculptures and paintings currently on show in the Foyer Gallery. Parental supervision is required, and parental assistance is required for younger children who will need extra hands for this activity.

10) Dexter’s Storytime

Tuesday, July 13, 10am to 10.30am
Gordon White Library

Explore the magic of reading with Dexter. He will be alongside one of our fabulous team members who will take you on wonderful journeys of imagination. This new program offers a welcoming, low-sensory and non-judgemental space for all family members. Parental and carer’s supervision is required. Dexter's Storytime is designed for people of all ages and is delivered in partnership with KIDS Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature.

Reminders:

City Silent Disco Tours

Friday, July 16, to Sunday, July 18, at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm 
Mackay City Centre 

Sing like no one is listening! Dance like nobody’s watching! Starting at the MECC, make your way through the busy streets of the Mackay CBD serenading diners and spreading happiness with the flamboyant and funny team from Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours, coming to the Mackay Festival of Arts for the first time. Featuring spontaneous flash mobs, interpretive dance and group singing, there are sure to be lots of fun interactions with onlookers. Slip on your supplied headphones and tune in to the hilarious guided tour through a select playlist of dance favourites from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s.

G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day

Saturday, July 17, from 10.30am to 5.30pm 
Queens Park, Mackay 

Visit Queens Park for delicious food, drinks, live music and entertainment, all on a beautiful winter’s day at G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day. Celebrating 20 years of partnership with G&S Engineering Services, Wine and Food Day returns and will showcase the talent of the Mackay region to locals and visitors. The community bars, together with an array of restaurants, cafes and festival food trucks, will be showcasing a handpicked collection of sought-after wines, beer and foodie delights. To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/3x23eHG