Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Free Friday guided walks  

Friday, May 7, from 10am to 11am
Mackay Regional Botanic GardensJoin 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.

2) Two Of Us – The Songs of Lennon and McCartney

Friday, May 7, at 7.30pm
The MECC
Two of Australia’s most applauded performers, Damien Leith and Darren Coggan, come together to celebrate the songbook of the most inspiring songwriters of all time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Performing immortal songs from The Beatles treasure trove of pop history, along with the richness and diversity of Lennon and McCartney’s solo careers, Damien and Darren transport the audience back in time, back to the well of inspiration. Hear the timeless songs of Lennon and McCartney as they would have sounded when they were freshly penned, just a guitar, a piano and two voices. Book via www.themecc.com.au.

3) Kids Art Club – Term 2

Saturday, May 8, from 10am to 12pm
Artspace Mackay
$160 per child over six weeks (includes all materials)
If you’re eight to 12 years old and love making art, this ongoing term-based art program is for you! In Term 2, local artist Lisa Roebig-Holmes will deliver a six-week program of creative art for kids. Each week our young participants explore and respond to the exhibitions on show at Artspace Mackay through fun-filled art activities. They learn new techniques and make art with all kinds of exciting creative art materials. The program runs from May 8 to June 12. More information at https://bit.ly/3xNsmmq.

4) Sarina Art Gallery exhibition

Saturday, May 8, to Friday, May 28
Exhibition opening hours 10am to 3pm
Sarina Field of Dreams Parkland
The Sarina Art Gallery will open its next exhibition, featuring artists Ailsa Hall, Monika Ciesielski, Brigitte Zimmerman, Julie Anderson, Ed Rigby, Cheryl Zunker and Robyn Gray. The three-week exhibition will feature a range of artwork from talented artists of all kinds. For more information, contact Jodie Perna on 0437 564 727.

5) Sunday opening at Gordon White Library

Sunday, May 9, from 9am to noon
Gordon White Library
The Gordon White Library is open every second Sunday of the month to coincide with the Troppo Markets from 9am until noon. Call in before or after your market visit, we'd love to see you!

6) Move Makers  

Tuesday, May 11, at 9.30am to 10.45am, 11.15am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 2.45pm (Various skill levels)
St Paul’s Uniting Church, 21 MacAlister Street
Julie Chenery and Gail Hewton of GOLD Moves Australia are facilitating a series of dance sessions for older people, 55+ with and without mobility issues in the Mackay and Isaac regions. As well as dance or allied health professionals interested in leading dance sessions for older people. Being fun, social and beneficial for physical health, brain stimulation and overall wellbeing, the classes are about possibilities not limitations with options to dance seated, standing, holding on to something, behind a chair or using a walker. Classes include a variety of dance styles to great music. More information at https://bit.ly/3bhAySj.

7) Dexter’s Storytime  

Tuesday, May 11, at 10am
Gordon White Library
Explore the magic of reading with Dexter the dog. 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. More information at https://bit.ly/3vwoGDw.

8) Neighbourhood House Week

Wednesday, May 12, from 10am to noon, at 4 George Street, Mackay
Thursday, May 13, from 1pm to 3pm, at 43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay
Come along to meet the team and get to know your local neighbourhood hub. Morning and afternoon tea is provided and there will be tours of each centre, live music, fun activities, and a free coffee van. More information at https://bit.ly/3eUGKQU.

9) Exhibition tips and techniques talk

Thursday, May 13, from 4pm – 5pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Are you a local artist, arts collective or craft group wishing to showcase your work through an exhibition or display? Do you have questions about where to start? Join the Artspace Mackay curatorial team for an informative session exploring framing and presentation considerations, exhibition display tips and techniques, how to work with exhibition venues, tips on how to pitch your exhibition concept. More information at https://bit.ly/3uiNBKn.

10) Mayor’s Charity Ball 2021

Saturday, May 15, at 6pm – Ticket sales cut off noon, Friday, May 7
The MECC
The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball will be proudly staged by a community committee in conjunction with Mackay Regional Council and the MECC. There will be some amazing auction items and prizes up for grabs once again, with funds raised going to the Domestic Violence Resource Centre and HeartKids. We're celebrating this year with a touch of Moulin Rouge, decadent decor and an indulgent French-inspired three course menu and cocktails available. Price of ticket includes a delicious three-course meal, wine, beer, basic spirits, soft drink, water. Book at www.themecc.com.au.

Reminders:

Mackay Volunteer Expo 2021

Sunday, May 16, from 10am to 2pm
The Big Shed Pavillion Mackay Showgrounds
The Mackay Volunteer Expo is an event designed to promote local volunteering opportunities; provide community groups with promotion, exposure, and an opportunity to recruit new volunteers and acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contribution volunteers make to our community. Whether you’re interested in volunteering as a firefighter, dog walker, historian, lifesaver or environmentalist, there will be more than 50 organisations offering something for everyone at the Volunteer Expo.

MAD Mountain Bike Classic

Friday, May 28, to Sunday, May 30
Rowallan Park
The MAD Mountain Bike Classic will be held at Rowallan Park where competitors can ride the rock gardens, dodge the bush turkeys, and enjoy the lush rainforest. Race participants will come from all over Australia to attend this exciting event. Registrations are still open, visit www.madmtbclassic.com