Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Free Friday guided walks

Friday, October 15, from 10am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
October is the last month to join the Gardens for a free Friday guided walk. Come along this week and learn about some of the plants on display. Phone the Gardens on 4952 7300 to book your spot.

2) Conversations with Art

Friday, October 15, from 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Come along to this free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as they look 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. Book your seat via https://bit.ly/3w5o4V3

3) Try the 5 – Team Sports

Until Sunday, October 17
Various locations

This week is the third week of council's Try the 5 get active campaign and our theme for the week is Team Sports. Grab your mates and drop in to one of these free sessions below www.mackay.qld.gov.au/trythe5

> Friday, October 15, from 9:30am to 11:30am
Come and try lawn bowls at Mackay City Bowls Club (please wear flat shoes/sneakers/thongs or socks and bring a water bottle). RSVP preferred by texting 0427 275 492 by October 14 or just turn up.

> Saturday, October 16, from 9:30am to 10:30am
Come and try AFL at Etwell Park, Bakers Creek by Bakers Creek Tigers AFL. No RSVP required.

4) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, October 19, from 10am to 2pm
Artspace Mackay
BMA Kidspace, our ever-popular toddlers' program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run workshops and live musical entertainment for kids from noon to 1pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. https://bit.ly/3DgoRqc

5) Ride2Work breakfast

Wednesday, October 20, various times
Various locations  
Council is celebrating cycling and all forms of active travel by shouting riders, wheelers, runners and walkers a free breakfast at seven different locations across the region. Plus, if you register before close of business on Friday, October 15, council will shout you a free Ride Mackay branded cycling pack, including a bag, bottle and limited edition towel. Visit council’s website to find out where to grab your free breakfast and to register: https://bit.ly/2YzbWRI

6) STEAM Club

Wednesday, October 20, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm  
Gordon White Library
Imagine, invent, discover and create with challenging and entertaining hands-on activities.

Sessions range from LEGO play to coding, science experiments to creative arts and much more. Our STEAM Club offers something for everyone. STEAM club is specifically designed for children in Year 3 to Year 6. Bookings essential https://bit.ly/3oNhZNn

7) Chris Hammer - Meet the Author

Wednesday, October 20, from 6pm to 7pm
Gordon White Library
Through an interactive virtual visit, you will meet Chris Hammer in conversation with Ben Hobson, author of Snake Island. Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist, author of international bestsellers Scrublands and Silver. Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. This event is for adults aged 18 years and older. https://bit.ly/3Dn07Ni

8) Making Your Business Accessible

Thursday, October 21, 11am
Webinar
This webinar will outline the key challenges for people with disability and highlight why it is important for you and the opportunities for you to make your business accessible with resources to put into action immediately. Join this webinar for a 20-minute practical and hands-on webinar to give you the tools to make your business accessible and inclusive. Register here https://bit.ly/3k7JoWi

9) Soul Series Exhibition by Kate Kennedy

Until October 24, 2021
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Soul Series' combines Kate’s bold and expressive strokes of native flora and mountainous landscapes, with the calming and serene seascapes that are reminiscent of childhood memories. After experiencing some personal challenges and creative resistance this year, Kate launched herself into this collection, allowing herself to let go and embrace the overwhelm and emotions. Soul Series encapsulates the freedom of breakthrough and growth. https://bit.ly/2YqWPJB

10) Sarina Art Gallery Exhibition

Until October 29, from 10am to 3pm
Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands
The Sarina Art Gallery will launch its latest exhibition with local artwork on display. The free exhibition features artists Joy Hold, Pam Ellis, Katherin Murray, Jenny Tibbett, Susan Day, Tahra Carniato and Julie Anderson. The three-week exhibition will be open until October 29. www.sarinafieldofdreams.com.au

Reminders:

Global Grooves

Saturday, October 23, from 3pm to 8pm 
Queens Park
Mackay's largest multicultural event lets locals trave lthe world in a single day. Running from 3pm to 8pm at Queens Park, the festival will feature an amazing array of performers, bands and dance groups. Enjoy a range of food vendors with delicacies from across the world and market stalls. Find out more information here: https://bit.ly/3v07tDo