Grants help to make vibrant, safe City Centre

Applications are now open for the City Safety Grant and the Make Your Place Mackay Waterfront Placemaking Grant.

The City Safety Grant aims to deliver safety infrastructure with the Mackay city, and the Make Your Place Grant aims to help people to create inspiring and inclusive projects that encourage people to become more active in the city.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the grants would help to improve the late-night economy as well as community safety.

“We want to see our River Wharves and City Centre precincts come alive and be a safe night-time environment for all patrons,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These grants are a great opportunity for our businesses and community to come together and create a place where people will want to visit,” he said.

A previous Make Your Place Grant recipient was Bonnie McCarthy, who created the Field of Fun at Old Town Hall Park in Sydney Street.

The works consisted of 1100 plastic bottle flowers presented in a field setting, complemented by wrapped trees and seating for an additional vibrant visual element.

Bonnie said the Field of Fun encouraged people to be more active in their community.

Patrice Zarzecki, of the Deli Nook on Macalister Street, said a City Safety Grant enabled them to install lighting along the outside of their building.

“We began to pivot our business to include evening events, but with no lighting on the exterior, our patrons were in the dark after sunset,” Patrice said.

“It’s fantastic our patrons can now enjoy our venue in the evenings,” she said.

If you can see an opportunity to improve the safety of your business, or create a fun activation in the City Centre, then apply for a grant today.

Read the guidelines for eligibility by visiting mackaywaterfront.com.au and apply by August 28.

For further information contact council’s Mackay City and Waterfront team via email at mackaywaterfront@mackay.qld.gov.au or by phone at 4961 9025.

If you’ve got an idea for a placemaking event in the region, council also offers regional placemaking grants. Find out more by visiting mackay.qld.gov.au/discover-mackay/invest/business_support