Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Be Connected – researching family history online

Friday, August 27, from 9.30am to 10.30am - Sarina Library
Friday, August 27, from 11.30am to 12.30pm - Dudley Denny City Library
Come along to these small interactive workshops where questions are welcomed! Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative aiming to empower everyone to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world. Book your spot: https://bit.ly/3y7bF47

2) Multicultural Women’s Club

Friday, August 27, from 10am to noon  
Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street
We invite women from multicultural backgrounds to come and join the Multicultural Women's Club. The 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. This is a free social club for migrant women in Mackay and always welcome new participants. To register, email vale@tnhub.org.au or text/call 0400 788 218.

3) NRL Round 24: NZ Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Friday, August 27, from 6pm
BB Print Stadium
Don’t miss the NRL live in Mackay as the New Zealand Warriors take on the Canberra Raiders. Gates open at 4.30pm with kick off at 6pm. Currently only standing tickets are available and can be purchased from the MECC box office. Visit https://bit.ly/38bhxyB to purchase tickets.

4) Race 2 Rescue

Saturday, August 28 – Sunday, August 29, 8am to 5pm daily
Kinchant Dam
Mackay powerboat club is presenting this inaugural family fun two-day fundraising powerboat event Race 2 Rescue at Kinchant Dam this weekend, from 8am to 5pm daily. Raising awareness and funds for RACQ CQ Rescue chopper and childhood cancer, the weekend will feature high-power 105 mph boats and unlimited capsule boats. High power, high speed, adrenaline-fuelled fun! Keep the kids entertained with face painting and jumping castles and grab a bite to eat from plenty of food vendors. Get your tickets here https://bit.ly/3yaQQoi

5) Let’s Talk Start Ups

Saturday, August 28 from 9.30am to 10.30am
Gordon White Library
Do you have a business idea that you are ready to launch? Do you have an existing product or service you would like to scale into other cities or countries? Join this informative session to learn about the facilities, programs, services and support available for entrepreneurs through Split Spaces, and hear from some innovative companies that are taking on the world from right here in Mackay. This event is for adults aged 18 and above and is delivered in partnership with Split Spaces. Book your free tickets here: https://bit.ly/3za3KEy

6) Photo Walkabout Workshop

Saturday, August 28, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room
The gardens are running an extra Photo Walkabout workshop to focus on photography in the late afternoon. Bring along your smart phone or camera, tripod, flash, macros lens or any other accessories. Bring hat, water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. Children under the age of 16 years are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. To book your free spot, please phone 4952 7300, or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

7) Great Northern Clean Up – Mackay

Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29, starting at various times
The Great Northern Clean Up is happening at various locations around the region. Residents who attend this event can clean up our vulnerable waterways and help make our region look beautiful. There will also be heaps of great sustainability gifts and handouts for volunteers. For a full list of sites, visit https://bit.ly/2WjqGm0

8) NBL1 North Basketball Quarter Finals

Saturday, August 28, from 6pm
McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sports Stadium, Juliet Street
Cheer on the Meteorettes and the Meteors in the quarter finals this weekend. Gates open at 4.30pm. The Mackay Meteorettes vs Sunshine Coast Phoenix play at 6pm, while the Mackay Meteors vs Brisbane Capitals play at 6pm. This is an all-ages event however children must be accompanied by an adult. All tickets need to be purchased online prior. Visit https://bit.ly/Mackay-NBL1-QTR-Finals to book your tickets.

9) Movie screening: Living the Change (PG)

Tuesday, August 31, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Each month, the libraries are highlighting a different United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. This week they will have a movie screening of Living the Change (PG). Living the Change explores solutions to the global crises we face today through the inspiring stories of people pioneering change in their own lives and in their communities in order to live in a sustainable and regenerative way. Book your free movie ticket here: https://bit.ly/3ybzVlH

10) Activate Mackay Region

Zumba - Zumba with Elena, Bluewater Quay
Ninja Warrior and Zuu - The Ninja Hub, Mackay Showgrounds
Yoga - Courtney Gibbons Yoga, Botanic Gardens
Pilates - Pilates Instincts, Blacks Beach Park
Aqua Fitness - Aqua Fitness With Sue, Bluewater Lagoon
The new Activate Mackay Region program offers residents the choice of six different exercise classes for the price of a cup of coffee. Zumba, ninja warrior, zuu, yoga, pilates and aqua fitness are all on offer for just five dollars per session (paid directly to the service providers). https://bit.ly/3kizMb1

Reminders:

Sarina Sugar Shed 15 year birthday celebration

Sunday, September 12, from 9am to 4pm
Join the Sarina Sugar Shed team for an open day of celebration as they thank the local community for their support over 15 years of operation. There will be continuous tours, free fairy floss, product tastings, giveaways, kids’ activities, and much more! (Note: This open day will be conducted under COVID-safe guidelines, including social distancing and venue capacity limits).

Bell Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream - Live at the MECC

Thursday, September 9, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in this breathless production brimming with magic, mirth and mayhem. Purchase your tickets via the MECC:  https://bit.ly/2WecYkG