There’s plenty of things to do these school holidays

> Artspace Mackay

Weaving Stars: Free Christmas craft for all ages

The Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay
Tuesday, December 15, to Friday, December 18, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20, 10am – 3pm
Tuesday, December 22, and Wednesday, December 23, 10am – 5pm
Thursday, December 24, 10am – 3pm

Drop-in to Artspace Mackay anytime during school holidays and participate in our free Weaving Stars activity! Using sticks of willow and balls of yarn, you can make stars of different sizes and weaving variations and take them with you to decorate your home for Christmas! Parental supervision is essential, and parental assistance is required for younger children who will need extra hands for this activity. Seats are limited for COVID-19 reasons and social distancing applies. For more details, visit www.artspacemackay.com.au.

Island Fashion on Tour: Art activities for everyone!

The Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay
Tuesday, January 5, to Sunday, January 17
Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday (closed Mondays), 10am - 3pm

Drop-in to Artspace Mackay anytime during January school holidays and participate in Island Fashion on Tour: Art activities for everyone! Inspired by QAGOMA’s Island Fashion exhibition. Parental supervision is essential. Seats are limited for COVID-19 reasons and social distancing applies. For more details, visit www.artspacemackay.com.au.

> Bluewater Lagoon

Open 7 days, 9am – 5.45pm (excluding Christmas Day)
River Street, Mackay

Cool down and splash around with the whole family at the free, three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon. Overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of the Mackay City Centre, the facilities provide the ideal stinger-free environment for kids and adults alike. Kids will love the waterfall, drop-bucket and wading pool! Pop into Pancake Bliss for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
For more details, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/bluewaterlagoon

> Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Clay Decorations

Meeting room
Wednesday, December 9, 10am – 11.30am
Friday, December 18, 10am – 11.30am
Age: 5-12 years
Cost: $5 (parent supervision required)
Bookings essential, call 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Body Scrub Making

Meeting room
Friday, December 11, 10am – 11.30am
Wednesday, December 16, 10am – 11.30am
Age: 5-12 years
Cost: $8 per child (parent supervision required)
Bookings essential, call 4952 7300 to book your spot

Kids Christmas Craft

Tropical Sun Lawn, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Monday, December 7, 9am – 11am
Thursday, December 10, 10am – 11.30am
Thursday, December 17, 10am – 11.30am

Gardens Café Deck, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Monday, December 14, 10am – 11.30am  
Free drop in activity

First 5 Forever Storytime

Tropical Sun Lawn, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Monday, December 7,9am and 10am sessions
Free, please call 4952 7300 to book your spot

Christmas Lantern Making

Meeting room
Tuesday, December 15, 10am – 11.30am
Age: 5-12 years
Cost: $5 per child (parent supervision required)
Bookings essential, please call 4952 7300 to book your spot

Kids self-guided activities

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

• I-spy
• Tibbles
• Scavenger Hunt
• Birdwatching

> Mackay Regional Council Libraries

Recycled Books for Christmas Gifts

Dudley Denny City Library
Tuesday, December 15, 10am – noon

Make a Christmas gift to remember

Recycle old books and turn them into items like jewellery, furniture and more!

This program is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years.
Book online

Disaster resilience building

Essential skill-building sessions designed specifically for school-aged children and young people aged 11 to 16 years.

Developed and presented by Sue Buddery and Lina Nolan, Mental Health clinicians working for Queensland Health Disaster Recovery.

Zombie Apocalypse

How would you survive a zombie outbreak?

Work together with your friends through a disaster exercise and learn how your strengths and teamwork can help you to be more prepared for emergencies.

Gordon White Library
Thursday, January 14, 2pm – 3.30pm
Book online

Dudley Denny City Library
Thursday, January 21, 2pm – 3.30pm
Book online

Anime – Manga Club

Come on out Anime and Manga fans!

A place to share your favourites or most despised story ideas, drawings and all things Japanese. This program is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years.

Gordon White library
Thursday, January 21, 5.30pm – 7pm
Book online

Video Content Creator

Learn the core skills necessary for producing video content for social media in this workshop.

Each participant will get the opportunity to shoot their own video or collaborate with others for a group effort if they choose. The type of video made is entirely up to you. This workshop is held over a four-week period. This program is for young adults aged 15 to 18 years.

Dudley Denny City Library
Saturdays - January 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10am – 12.30pm
Book online

Fight the Fake!

Media Literacy is an annual global initiative to combat the spread of spin, misinformation and “fake news” around the world.

Join us for a virtual tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy, a challenging activity and discussion with the assistance of local journalists and Dr Tanya Notley of Western Sydney University. This program is for adults and young adults aged 12 and over.

Dudley Denny City Library
Wednesday, January 13, 9.30am – noon
Book online

Mood Boards

Create your own mood board to inspire you in 2021.

Young adults aged 12 to 18 years, 2021 is a new year with new goals and new focus! Join us and create a mood board with us for inspiration.

Gordon White Library
Tuesday, January 12, 10am – 11.30am
Book online

Wildlife Rescue

Knowing what to do if you encounter injured wildlife can not only help our native fauna but could also keep you safe.

Local wildlife carers will share the most important things to look for and what to look out for. Warning! Exposure to furry cuteness may occur.

Dudley Denny City Library
Tuesday, January 19, 9.30am – 11am
For young adults aged 12 – 18 years
Book online

Tales of Wonder

The Summer Reading Club is on again!
Monday, December 7 until Friday, January 22\

Young people and families are invited to explore myths, legends and fairy tales by joining in the Summer Reading Club challenge. The club encourages summer-long reading, plus engagement with your local library. Participation in the Summer Reading Club is free so register online at www.summerreadingclub.org.au/theclub/registration or ask for assistance at any one of our library branches.

Christmas Craft Packs

Hey kids, get into the spirit of Christmas at your local library!
Thursday, December 10 until Thursday, December 24 or until Christmas craft packs run out.

Pick up a free Christmas craft pack from any of our library branches and create a beautiful festive masterpiece.  We would love to see your child’s creations so bring them in for a photo or send them to us on our Facebook page. Packs are appropriate for children aged five to 12 years.

Movie Matinees

Join us for movie matinees these school holidays.

Abominable (PG)

Gordon White Library
Friday, December 18, 2pm – 4pm
Book online

When mischievous friends Yi, Jin, and Peng discover a young yeti on their roof , they name him Everest and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. These sessions are for children aged five to 12 years.

Mulan (PG)

Gordon White Library
Friday, January 15, 2pm – 4pm
Book online

A young Chinese maiden disguise herself as a male warrior in order to save her father. These sessions are for children aged five to 12 years.

Spies in Disguise (PG)

Gordon White Library
Friday, January 22, 2pm – 4pmBook online

Super spy Lance Sterling and scientist Walter Beckett are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave, and debonair. Walter is not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo is forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise, transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril. These sessions are for children aged five to 12 years.

Holiday STEAM

Explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Imagine, invent, discover and create with challenging and entertaining hands-on activities.

Mirani Library  
Monday, December 14, 9.30am – 10.15am      
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Monday, December 14, 11am – 11.45am          
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Walkerston Library
Tuesday, December 15, 9.30am – 10.15am      
5 –7 years old
Book online

Tuesday, December 15, 11am – 11.45am        
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Gordon White Library              
Wednesday, December 16, 9.30am – 10.15am
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Wednesday, December 16, 11am – 11.45am    
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Dudley Denny City Library      
Thursday, December 17, 10.30am – 11.15am
5–7 years old
Book online

Thursday, December 17, 11.30am – 12.15pm  
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Sarina Library                          
Friday, December 18, 9.30am – 10.15am          
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Friday, December 18, 11am – 11.45am            
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Mirani Library
Monday, January 18, 9.30am – 10.15am          
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Monday, January 18, 11am – 11.45am            
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Walkerston Library
Tuesday, January 19, 9.30am – 10.15am          
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Tuesday, January 19, 11am – 11.45am            
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Gordon White Library
Wednesday, January 20, 9.30am – 10.15am    
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Wednesday, January 20, 11am – 11.45am      
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Dudley Denny City Library      
Thursday, January 21, 10.30am – 11.15am      
5 - 7 years old
Book online

Thursday, January 21, 11.30am – 12.15pm      
8-12 year olds
Book online

Sarina Library
Friday, January 22, 9.30am – 10.15am
5 – 7 years old
Book online

Friday, January 22, 11am – 11.45am    
8 – 12 years old
Book online

Bedtime Stories

A fun evening for all children aged 0 – 8 years and their families.

The session features nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don't forget to wear your pyjamas!

Gordon White Library
Book online
Thursday, January 14, 5pm – 6pm

Dudley Denny City Library
Book online
Thursday, January 21, 5pm – 6pm

Birdie’s Tree

Welcome to Birdie’s Tree!
Read the stories of how Birdie navigates big events like storms, cyclones, floods, or bushfires. Help her make a safe place to work through “big feelings” with a fun craft activity. These sessions are designed specifically for children aged five to seven years and promote Disaster Resilience Building. Essential skill building developed and presented by Sue Buddery and Lina Nolan, Mental Health clinicians, Queensland Health Disaster Recovery

Gordon White Library
Book online
Wednesday, January 13, 9.30am – 10.15am

Dudley Denny City Library
Book online
Wednesday, January 20, 9.30am – 10.15am

Power Up!

Follow the journey of Lily, Charlie and their pet dog Benji during a big storm through a fun workbook. What are your superhero strengths, and can they help you in challenging situations and managing difficult emotions? These sessions are designed specifically for children aged eight to 10 years.

Gordon White Library
Book online
Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 11am – noon

Dudley Denny City Library
Book online
Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 11am – noon

> Sarina Sugar Shed

Open 7 days a week, 9am – 4pm, closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day.
Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina

One-hour guided tours will run every day over the summer holidays (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) at 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Additional tours will be added according to demand – call 4943 2801 to check on tour availability or follow us on Facebook (@sarinasugarshed) for daily updates. Demand is very strong over the summer holidays so advance bookings are highly recommended to ensure your preferred date and time.

Special tasting sessions (without the full tour) are also available as well as the Distiller’s Sensory Tour focusing on the production of our rum and rum liqueurs – check the website, email or phone for current availability. Online bookings can be made via www.sarinasugarshed.com.au, via email at tours@sarinasugarshed.com.au or phone 4943 2801 during opening hours.

> Sarina Youth Centre

Monday, December 14 until Thursday, January 21
Sarina Youth Centre

Activities run daily from 10am until 2pm for youth aged 10-18 years old. For more information contact the Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au.

• Monday, December 14 - Pool competition
• Tuesday, December 15 - Christmas decorations, Girls day out (Six people only)
• Wednesday, December 16 - Let’s cook! Pizza day
• Thursday, December 17 - Christmas break up party
• Friday, December 18 - Bath salts
• Monday, December 21 - 14+ Horror movie and popcorn
• Tuesday, December 22 - Tie dye shirts and pillowslips
• Wednesday, December 23 - Let’s cook! Sausage sizzle and tie dye shirts and pillowslips
• Thursday, December 24 - Day at the pool
• Monday, January 4 - Board games
• Tuesday January 5 - Weaving with beads
• Wednesday, January 6 - Let’s cook! Roast pork and gravy rolls
• Thursday, January 7 - Day at the pool
• Monday, January 11 - Colour in mandalas
• Tuesday, January 12 - Blindfold 3 colour painting challenge
• Wednesday, January 13 Let’s cook! Crispy fried chicken and rice… Eating with chopsticks only!
• Thursday, January 14 - Day at the pool
• Friday, January 15 - Flower head crowns
• Monday, January 18 - 14+ movie day
• Tuesday, January 19 - Cupcake baking day
• Wednesday, January 20 - Let’s cook! Homemade pasta
• Thursday, January 21 - Day at the pool