Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Be Connected

Friday, August 13, from 9.30am to 10am, at the Sarina Library
Friday, August 13, from 11.30am to 12.30pm, at the Dudley Denny City Library
Join a guided tour of the Be Connected portal and discover life online. This is a small interactive workshop where questions are welcomed! Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative aiming to empower everyone to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in the digital world. Register for these free events here https://bit.ly/3C3VHep and here https://bit.ly/3fJEvRS.

2) Qigong Tai Chi

Friday, August 13, from 10am to 10.30am
Mirani Library Discover this ancient form of exercise using simple, easy movement, breathing exercises and meditation to assist in restoring energy, reducing stress and anxiety, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. This event is for adults 18+. Book a free session here https://bit.ly/3rPDQD0.

3) Made by You! Recycled Bowls

Friday, August 13, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
Create a recycled paper bowl that will be a stunning piece for your home! Do you have a pile of read/used magazines or newspapers sitting on the coffee table you don’t know what to do with? Explore a new way of repurposing your unwanted magazines and newspapers when you join the Mackay Regional Council Libraries team to create a stunning paper bowl. This event is designed for adults aged 18+. Book your free session here https://bit.ly/3jhcxOf.

4) Free Friday Guided Walks

Friday, August 13, from 10am to 11am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Join a Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens volunteer for a free guided walk. Walks go at a leisurely pace for about an hour, wandering the pathways of the gardens. Every person that attends a guided walk in August goes into the draw to win a voucher from the Botanic Gardens Cafe. To book your spot, please phone the gardens on 4952 7300.

5) Parkrun

Saturday, August 14, starting at 7am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Run, jog or walk with other community members at the weekly Parkrun event. Starting at the playground end of the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, this 5km track encourages participants to get out and get active in a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment. There is no time limit and no one finishes last. Visit parkrun.com.au to register.

6) Finch Hatton Yoga

Saturday, August 14, from 8.30am
Old Train Station, Finch Hatton
Join a Mackay Regional Council Active in the Regions subsidised fitness class for just $5 per session, including yoga with Earth Side Yoga in Finch Hatton. There’s a number of other classes offered throughout the week. For a full list of classes, times and locations, check out https://bit.ly/3rZRx2q.

7) City Centre Art Walk

Monday, August 16, from 9.30am to 10.30am
Starting at the Dudley Denny City Library
Join Artspace Mackay’s director, Tracey Heathwood, as she guides you through the iconic art installations, designed and created by some of Australia’s most talented artists. Whether you are a creator, artist or just enjoy the beauty of art, there is plenty to discover in the Mackay City Centre. Please wear a hat and comfortable shoes and bring along a bottle of water. For ages 18+. Register for your free session here https://bit.ly/3A6XihQ.

8) Made by you! Digital photo albums

Monday, August 16, from 2pm to 3pm
Gordon White Library
Do you love sharing your digital photos? Let the library help you organise them! Join the team as they guide you through creating a digital photo album. Bring along your treasured photos on a USB to start the journey. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. Book your free spot here https://bit.ly/3lLoe2G.

9) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, August 17 from 10am to 2pm
Artspace Mackay
BMA Kidspace is on again, giving adults the perfect opportunity to get creative with their toddlers! There will be free artist-run workshops from 10am to 2pm, as well as live musical entertainment from noon to 1pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of artmaking, singing and dancing. This event is proudly presented by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance and Artspace Mackay.

10)  Picnic in the Gardens

Thursday, August 19, from 9.30am to 11.30am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Fancy a picnic in the garden with your little ones? Come dressed as your favourite book character and enjoy Book Week 2021 at the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, thanks to the Mackay Regional Council Libraries. There will be story time under the trees and baby bounce on the lawn, as well as strolling stories, face painting, puppets, craft activities and heaps more! Bring a picnic rug, water bottle and hat.

Reminders:

Free Native Plant Program Nursery Open Days

Friday, August 20, from 9am to 3pm
Saturday, August 21, from 9am to noon
As part of the Free Native Plant Program, ratepayers can collect four free plants per calendar year. If you can't make it to the open days, you can also click and collect your order. Visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/nursery for more details.

Mackay Disability Expo

Monday, September 6, from 9am
Andergrove Community Centre
The Disability Expo will be a platform for people with a disability to be informed about services, technology, aids and equipment available in the region and will also be an opportunity for service providers and businesses to network and connect with each other. More information here https://bit.ly/3jA9S2m.