Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Free Friday guided walks

Friday, August 6, from 10am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Join the volunteer guides for a free guided walk in the Botanic Gardens. Walks go at a leisurely pace for about an hour wandering the pathways of the gardens. Bookings are essential. Phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to book a spot.

2) Multicultural Women’s Club

Friday, August 6, from 10am to noon
Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street
Women from multicultural backgrounds are invited to join the Multicultural Women's Club. The club is a sustainable, socially-oriented community, where all women can interact, integrate, and empower each other. New participants are welcome. For more information, please contact Val via email on vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 4957 2626.

3) August Photo Walkabout Workshop

Saturday, August 7, from 10am to noon
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room
The August Photo Walkabout Workshop will focus on taking special photos that showcase the Botanic Gardens. From close-ups of flora and fauna, to landscape images across the lagoons, discover some of the techniques involved in taking these shots. This free event is hosted by the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and supported by the Mackay Camera Club and Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Bring your camera whether it’s a smart phone or DSLR, and any accessories you may have like a tripod, flash and props. Phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to book your spot.

4) Gordon White Library Sunday opening

Sunday, August 8, from 9am to noon
Gordon White Library
The Gordon White Library is open on Sunday because the Troppo Markets are on at Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre. Pop in before or after your market visit, they’d love to see you!

5) Carers’ Information Session

Monday, August 9, from 9.30am to 10am
Dudley Denny City Library
Come along and find out how you can be supported in your caring role. Gain access to valuable free counselling sessions. This event is delivered in partnership with Selectability and is for adults aged 18 and above. Register to attend this free event via https://bit.ly/3BXtYMe

6) Pete the Sheep – DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season

Tuesday, August 10 at 9.30am and 12.30pm
The MECC Auditorium
Pete the Sheep is a lively and mischievous award-winning musical for young audiences and their adults. Shaun isn’t like the other shearers in Shaggy Gully. He’d rather be styling than shearing and instead of ‘sheep-dog’, he has a ‘sheep-sheep’ named Pete. After being rejected by the shearers and their dogs, Shaun and Pete set up their own Shearing Salon in town and before long word is out and they are inundated with woolly clients! Book tickets via themecc.com.au

7) Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets

Wednesday, August 11, from 6.30am to 10.30am
Bluewater Quay, River Street
The farmers’ market showcases local, fresh produce and value-added products from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions. Shop before work or come down for morning tea. Check the Facebook page for weekly specials, stall holders and special events.

8) Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors presents 74^th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod  

Wednesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 22
The MECC and Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM)
The Eisteddfod is back in 2021 after being cancelled last year. It will see talented locals perform across a variety of areas including dance, pianoforte, instrumental, speech and drama, Highland and Irish dancing and choral and vocal. A full program can be found at mackayeisteddfod.com.au/resources

9) Fully Uked Ukelele Group  

Thursday, August 12, from 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, a few can be loaned for each group session. This event is for ages eight and above. Register here https://bit.ly/3rOFkgM

Reminders:

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.

The MECC and Bell Shakespeare present A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Thursday, September 9, from 7.30pm
The MECC
Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in this breathless production brimming with magic, mirth and mayhem. Fast, funny and family-friendly, this show is one not to be missed. Purchase tickets from themecc.com.au