Say g’day to 12 community events this Australia Day

Published: 06 Dec 2021

Council has approved funding for a swag of community events for Australia Day 2022.

Funding ranging from $500 to $1000 will support 12 true-blue Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the wide geographical spread of events was great to see.

“There’s some tremendous Australia Day events lined up from Sarina to the Mackay City Centre, north to St Helens Beach and west to Kinchant Dam,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The events will be held at various times throughout the day and at 12 locations across the region,” he said.

“From park barbecues and award ceremonies to beach games and beach races, the events will be a perfect opportunity to celebrate what makes our region great.”

One of the grant recipients is Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association (MADASSIA).

Starrett Vea Vea, chairperson for MADASSIA, said they were excited to be awarded funding to support their event.

“We would like to invite the community to come along to our Aussie Day celebration at Quota Park from 11am to 3pm,” Mr Vea Vea said.

“There will be a free barbecue at the event, as well as some healthy eating options, and heaps of games for the kids such as three-legged races, thong throwing and beach flag races,” he said.

“Our goal for the event is to celebrate the amazing multiculturalism of the Mackay region and to make everyone feel part of the community.

To be eligible for funding, all events had to be held on the Australia Day public holiday (Wednesday, January 26), be free for all to attend and be within the Mackay Regional Council area.

A list of council supported Australia Day 2022 event details are listed below, with more information available on the council website.

  1. Armstrong Beach Progress Association – Australia Day at Armstrong Beach, 2pm to 8pm, Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach Road, Armstrong Beach
  2. Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club – A day at the beach, 9am to 3pm, Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club, Eimeo Beach
  3. Habana and Districts Progress Association – Australia Day the Habana Way, 3pm to 7pm, Habana Community Precinct, 1091 Mackay-Habana Road, Habana
  4. International Men’s Day Mackay –Pancakes and Play in the Park, 8:30am to noon, Mackay Sugar Bowl, Scriha Street, North Mackay
  5. Mackay & District Australian South Sea Islander Association – Aussie BBQ at the Beach, 11am to 3pm, Quota Park, Binnington Esplanade (southern end)
  6. Mackay Sailing Club – Sail Away on Australia Day, 10am to 2.30pm, Kinchant Dam
  7. Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – Australia Day Beach Party, 10am to 4pm, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Mackay Harbour
  8. North Mackay Saints AFL – Aussie Family Fun Day, 10am to 3pm, Zeolla Park AFL Grounds, North Mackay
  9. Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association – Pioneer Valley Aussie Day Awards and Celebration, 8:30am to 1pm, Mirani State High School, Augusta St, Mirani
  10. Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club - Australia Day at Sarina Beach, 12:30pm to 5pm, Sarina Beach Esplanade
  11. St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc – Australia Day Celebration, 10am to 3:30pm, Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach
  12. The Scout Association of Australia Qld Branch (Banksia Scout Group) – Australia Day Open Day, 10am to 1pm, Jaycee Park, Bedford Road, Andergrove