Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 08 Nov 2021

See the WBBL in action when Mackay hosts nine free blockbuster cricket matches at Harrup Park, complete with fireworks. National Recycling Week will give residents a chance to see where their recyclables go, and youngsters can discover pollinators in the Botanic Gardens or learn about forensics at Dudley Denny City Library.

1) National Recycling Week – Tour the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

Until Friday, November 12, 1pm to 2pm
Materials Recovery Facility, Paget
During National Recycling Week, Monday, November 8, to Friday, November 12, council is offering a tour of the Materials Recovery Facility, via CCTV cameras, every day between 1pm and 2pm. The recently upgraded facility is where household recyclables from the Mackay region are transported for sorting to after they have been collected kerbside from the yellow-lidded recycling bins. Complete the Expression of Interest form to register. https://bit.ly/39FwYQf

2) Fully Uked Ukulele Group

Thursday, November 11, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Ukulele players of all levels are welcome to come and play along with our monthly ukulele songs. All songs suit beginners to experts alike. If you don’t have your own ukulele, there are a few that can be loaned for each group session. This event is for ages eight and above. https://bit.ly/3wqtc89

3) Pollinator Week Kids Workshop

Friday, November 12, 10am to noon
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Join Kim and Hannah to discover some of the pollinators in the Botanic Gardens. Then get your creative hats on to make insect hotels to take home. Suitable for children aged three to 10 years old. Parental supervision required. Bookings are essential https://bit.ly/3jT9XPG

4) Multicultural Women's Club

Friday, November 12, 10am to noon
Mackay Women's Centre
Women from multicultural backgrounds are invited to join the Multicultural Women’s Club, a free social club for migrant women in Mackay. Their vision is to create a sustainable socially oriented community, where all women can interact, integrate, and empower each other with warmth, consideration, empathy and with no judgement. For more information, please contact Val via email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 0400 788 218.

5) WBBL - Nine free games

Saturday, November 13 to Saturday, November 20
Great Barrier Reef Arena, Harrup Park  
Get ready for two huge weekends of WBBL featuring nine blockbuster matches. There will be fast-paced action on the field and great family entertainment off the field, including a fireworks display. Best of all, entry is FREE! Simply turn up and enjoy, no ticket redemption required. https://www.brisbaneheat.com.au/

6) Inflatable session

Saturday, November 13, noon to 4pm
Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex
Enjoy a free inflatable session as part of the free entry weekends whilst the Bluewater Lagoon is closed. The giant crocodile drop set up will be in the 50 metre pool. Users must be able to safely swim themselves to the side of the pool to exit themselves. Minimum age is six or adequate swimming ability.

7) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, November 16, 10am to 2pm
Artspace Mackay
The ever-popular toddlers program gives children under five years of age a chance to explore and have fun with art. The program includes free artist-run workshops and musical entertainment from noon to 1pm. https://bit.ly/3pQOSsU

8) Forensics: An overview

Tuesday, November 16, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Meet police forensic investigators and find out what really goes on. You’ll learn how to take fingerprints and catalogue a crime scene and find out what it takes to have a career in forensics. For young adults aged 12 to 18 years. https://bit.ly/3EOfPS4

9) Speechie Library Talk (3 - 5 years)

Wednesday, November 17, 10.15am to 11am
Gordon White Library
The Mackay Regional Council Libraries are hosting Speech Pathology Australia for their annual Speechie Library Talks campaign to highlight the role of speech pathologists in children’s language and literacy development. Presenter and speech pathologist Hannah Keogh (Speech Pathologist) will focus on the development of speech, particularly relating to children aged three to five years and will include a reading of the winning title of the Speech Pathology of Australia Book of the Year. Parents, carers and others interested in children’s language and literacy development are invited to attend this free event. https://bit.ly/3wrdCJj

10) Conversations with Art

Friday, November 19, 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
This free, enjoyable discussion is led by Artspace staff and looks at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from gallery and museum collections from around the world. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences. Limited spaces, book your seat via https://bit.ly/3nRlpfE

Reminders:

Teal Heels

Saturday, November 20, from 4.30pm
Hamilton Room, Harrup Park
Tickets $155
Brisbane Heat are bringing their annual Teal Heels fundraising event for Ovarian Cancer Australia to Mackay! Enjoy a fabulous night out at the Women's Big Bash League and help raise funds for a worthy cause. Food and beverages included, great raffle prizes, hear from inspirational guest speakers, cocktail dress code and get premium seating for Heat vs Renegades game from 6.05pm. All funds raised are donated to Ovarian Cancer Australia. Buy your tickets via https://bit.ly/3mtJh8p

2022 Libris Awards opening

Tuesday, November 30
Artspace Mackay
Artspace Mackay’s biennial event, the Libris Awards, brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across the country. The Awards are a chance to celebrate the art form and build on the gallery’s significant artist book collection through the competition’s acquisitive prizes. With four awards, including special categories for locally based artists and art students, the prize offers $14,500 in total prize money. The Awards open on Tuesday, November 30 until January 5. https://bit.ly/306sykw