Top 10 things to do in the region

Published: 14 Jun 2021

There’s plenty of things happening across Mackay this week to keep you busy! Begin your watercolour journey with a workshop at the Gordon White Library, enjoy Australia’s hottest tap dance sensation when the Tap Pack comes to the MECC and learn how to set realistic financial goals thanks to a Neighbourhood Hub initiative.

1) Still life with watercolour

Friday, June 18, 10am to 11am  
Gordon White Library

This beginner’s workshop will introduce you to watercolour techniques in a relaxed environment. Create a piece of artwork to take home. Art supplies are provided for use during class. This event is for adults aged 50 and above. To book a free spot, visit https://bit.ly/3xh35Qi.

2) Conversations with Art

Friday, June 18, 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Join Artspace Mackay as they look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from
gallery and museum collections from around the world. 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. Bookings are essential, for your free ticket, visit https://bit.ly/3gbY5p6.

3) The Tap Pack

Saturday, June 19, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

Direct from sold out houses and rave reviews in London, Berlin and Beijing, Australia’s newest and hottest tap dance sensation, The Tap Pack is coming to the MECC. Picking up where The Rat Pack left off, The Tap Pack conjures up a modern twist to the crooners and artists from the 50s through to the noughties! It features songs from Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr to Sheeran, Buble’ and Beyonce. To book, visit https://bit.ly/3cb2x6A.

4) Made by you – sewing basics

Monday, June 21, 1pm to 2pm  
Gordon White Library  

Learn basic sewing machine skills and safety. This workshop will inspire you to build lifelong skills, all while having fun at the same time. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. To book a free spot, visit https://bit.ly/2SpRDTQ.

5) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, June 22, 10am to 2pm
Artspace Mackay

BMA Kidspace, the ever-popular toddlers' 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 and live musical entertainment for kids from noon to 1pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of artmaking, singing and dancing. Drop-ins welcome, no bookings required.

6) Movie screening - The Merger (M)

Tuesday, June 22, 3pm to 5pm  
Dudley Denny City Library

Bodgy Creek is a struggling town where jobs are scarce after the mill was shut down, and the footy team looks like it will fold. Living a hermit-like existence on the town’s fringe, former football star Troy Carrington is coaxed into rescuing the team and strikes up an unlikely friendship with young Neil who has lost his father. Neil’s mum Angie, who runs a refugee support centre, offers support and together they recruit new arrivals to save the team and change the future of the community. To book a free spot, visit https://bit.ly/2SpSZho.

7) Preparing for a practical driving test

Wednesday, June 23, 10am to noon  
The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street

Free information session sharing tips about how to prepare for a practical driving exam. The presentation will be delivered as part of the Road Safety Driving Course for Migrants and will be open for program participants and general public. Morning tea will be provided. Registrations are necessary via email to admin@tnhub.org.au or call 4957 2626.

8) Setting financial goals and bills, bills, bills

Thursday, June 24, 10.30am to 12pm  
Gordon White Library  

Create a financial foundation for success by learning to control your money for today and tomorrow. This event is for adults aged 18 and above and delivered in partnership with The Neighbourhood Hub and Deadly Digital Communities. To book a free spot, visit https://bit.ly/2Sv2I5X.

9) Botanica 2021 ‘Fauna in the Flora’  

On display now until Sunday, June 27
Lagoons Gallery within Botanic Gardens Café
The artists of Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group present some of their encounters with ‘fauna in the flora’ in diverse artworks. For more information, contact the Botanic Gardens 4952 7300. Visit www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au to find out more.

10) Artspace Mackay exhibitions

Leigh Schoenheimer: Iterate | Elaborate
Donna Maree Robinson & David Pyke: Continuum
Tension(s) 2020: Tamworth Textile Triennial
Open now until Sunday, July 25
Artspace Mackay

Iterate | Elaborate by Brisbane-based Leigh Schoenheimer combines image and object-making to create works that speak to each other and to key moments in art history.

Continuum: Mackay-based artist Donna Maree Robinson teams up with Mackay composer David Pyke to create an immersive, multimedia exploration of music and science. Inspired by David’s experiences in vast desert landscapes, the work is the result of Donna’s experimentations with cymatics, or the visual representation of sound vibrations.

Held every three years, the Tamworth Textile Triennial showcases the best of textile art from across the country. Curator Vic McEwan creates a record of the changing nature and progress of textile practice from a national perspective. For more information on these exhibitions visit www.artspacemackay.com.au/whats_on/exhibitions

Reminders:

Robertson Brothers 1960’s Variety TV Show

Sunday, June 20, 3pm
MECC Auditorium
Do you dream of reliving the good old days? Don't miss The Robertson Brothers 1960’s Variety Show with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys. To book your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2RkVqRM.

Margaret Fulton the Musical

Saturday, July 3, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
A musical biography of a true Aussie legend based on her bestselling autobiography. Margaret Fulton reigned supreme on our country’s cooking scene, awarded an OAM in 1983 and later identified as a National Living Treasure. The Margaret Fulton Cookbook encouraged Australian housewives to experiment with more interesting ingredients, straying from the old tradition of meat and three veg. This delightful musical romp follows her journey from humble beginnings to super-stardom. To book your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2SyMMzF.