Christmas comes early for local not-for-profit groups

Published: 08 Dec 2023

Council has approved funding for some fair dinkum community events for 2024 Aussie Day celebrations.

Funding ranging from $400 to $1000 will support 12 Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said the wide range of events and locations for 2024 was great to see.

“From barefoot bowls and live music at Seaforth to beach games and races at Sarina Beach, there really is something for the whole family,” Cr May said.

“The Australia Day events are spread around the Mackay region from Armstrong Beach to the Mackay City Centre, north to St Helens Beach and west to Eungella,” she said.

“Held at various times throughout the day and at 12 locations across the region, the events are a perfect opportunity to celebrate what makes our region great.”

Joanne Freegard from the Eungella Community Development Association said the committee was thrilled to receive a grant.

“It’s been a long time since the ECDA committee had applied for an Australia Day event grant from council and we were very excited to be successful,” Ms Freegard said.

“We’ve partnered with a number of local groups to help put on a grassroots community BBQ and twilight market,” she said.

“The event will run from 3pm to 10pm at the Eungella Community Hall and will have something for the whole family.

“Bring the kids and come on down for some backyard cricket, thong throwing competitions, live music, American style barbecue, twilight market and more.

“We just ask that people book in advance if they are planning to attend the dinner at 6pm, via the website at hillbillybakehouse.com.”

To be eligible for funding, all events had to be held on the Australia Day public holiday (Friday, January 26), be free for all to attend and be within the Mackay Regional Council area. Please note some events may have a fee for some rides, activities, food or drinks.

A list of council supported Australia Day 2024 events can be found below, with more information available on the council website at mackay.qld.gov.au/ausdayevents:

  1. Armstrong Beach Progress Association – Australia Day Celebrations 2024, 3pm to 10pm, Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach Road, Armstrong Beach.
  1. Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club – A day at the beach, 3pm – 9pm, Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club, Eimeo Esplanade, Eimeo Beach.
  1. Eungella Community Development Association – Eungella grass roots BBQ and twilight markets, 3pm – 10pm, Eungella Memorial Hall, 5 North Street, Eungella.
  1. Grasstree Beach Progress Association – Grasstree Beach Australia Day Sundowners, 4pm – 8pm, Grasstree Beach foreshore.
  1. Habana and Districts Progress Association – Australia Day the Habana Way, 3pm to 7pm, Habana Community Precinct, 1091 Mackay-Habana Road, Habana.
  1. Mackay Bowling Club – The Aussie tradition of lawn bowls, noon – 4:30pm, Mackay Bowling Club, 27 Nebo Road, Mackay.
  1. Mackay Contract Bridge Club – Contract Bridge Aussie Day come and try, 10am – 3pm, Mackay Contract Bridge Club House, 414 Shakespeare Street, West Mackay.
  1. Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – Australia Day 24, 10:30am to 2:30pm, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, East Point Drive, Mackay Harbour.
  2. Sarina Bowls Club – Social Aussie Day event, 1pm – 3:30pm, Sarina Bowls Club, 1 Patroyce Court, Sarina.
  3. Seaforth Bowls Club – Australia Day on the green 2024, noon till late, Seaforth Bowls Club, Walsh Avenue, Seaforth.
  4. St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc – St Helens Beach Aussie Day Celebrations, 9am to 4pm, Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach.
  5. The Scout Association of Australia Qld Branch (Banksia Scout Group) – Australia Day Open Day, 10am to 1pm, Jaycee Park, Bedford Road, Andergrove.

Mackay Bowls Club

Bruce Bridger celebrating Australia Day at the Mackay Bowls Club 2023 Australia Day event.