Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Who Do You Think She Is?

Tuesdays, April 26 to June 14, 10am to noon (Eight week program)
Dudley Denny City Library
Self-discovery through the lives of the women in our history. Examine the life story of one of your own female ancestors in detail. With the assistance of author and researcher Jennifer Perry, delve deep into a female ancestor’s life and produce a piece of media to reflect what you have learned. This program includes recording a weekly video diary of your journey. Participants must be able to commit to the eight weekly workshops to book. Bookings through Eventbrite.

2) School Assignment Help for Students

Tuesday, April 26, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
We can show you how to save time by searching more effectively. Don’t just google it, try these tips and tricks to help you make the most of your research time and leave you more time to do your own thing. This event is specifically for students aged 12 years or older. Bookings through Eventbrite.

3) Be Connected One-to-One  

Wednesday, April 27, 10am to 10.30am
Wednesday, April 27, 11am to 11.30am
Gordon White Library
These 30-minute private sessions aim to improve your confidence, skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world. Bookings through Eventbrite.

4) Basic Knitting – Keep Warm Project

Thursday, April 28, 5.30pm to 7pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Learn basic knitting skills and contribute to our Keep Warm Project. This workshop will inspire you to build life-long skills, all while having fun at the same time. Bookings through Eventbrite.

5) Breathing and Meditation  

Friday, April 29, 1pm to 2pm
Gordon White Library
Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what's in front of you? By quietening the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring your own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session. Bookings through Eventbrite.

6) STEAM Club – Lego Construction  

Wednesday, April 27, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
Lego Olympics - a team-based challenge, using creativity and engineering skills. Explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. STEAM club is specifically designed for children in year three to year six. Bookings through Eventbrite are essential for all attendees.

7) April Photo Walkabout Workshop at the Botanic Gardens

Friday, April 29, 6.30am to 8.30am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Start the day off right with a walk which focusses on our feathered friends, the birds in the Botanic Gardens. We will be joining Birdlife Mackay’s monthly bird walk and learning the best places to find birds and what birds occupy the gardens. Mackay Camera Group will also be present to assist with the best camera settings for bird photography. Open to all photographers from beginners to advanced, it is a free activity for anyone to join. Bring your camera or device, telephoto or zoom lens recommended and meet at the Botanic Gardens Viewing Deck (opposite the Café). To book your spot, phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au. Visit their Facebook event for more information.

8) Free Guided Walks in the Gardens

Friday, April 29, 10am to 11am
Meet at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information
Join our knowledgeable guides for a leisurely walk in the gardens and learn about what’s flowering, local wildlife and the history of the gardens. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 to book your spot. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit their Facebook event to find out more.

9) 2022 Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize Exhibition

Until Sunday, June 19, 10am to 5pm weekdays, 10am to 3pm weekends
Artspace Mackay
Artspace Mackay’s biennial event, the Libris Awards, brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across the country. The Awards are a chance to celebrate the art form and build on the gallery’s significant artist book collection through the competition’s acquisitive prizes that totalled $14,500 this year. Come see the amazing works on display of the award winners and 57 finalists. If you can’t make it in person, take a 3D virtual tour online at www.artspacemackay.com.au

10) Graeme Connors ‘Back After A Short Break’

Friday, April 29, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Join Graeme Connors and his band, ‘In Concert’, with classic hits, favourites and new songs from the pen of Australia’s finest singer songwriter. Book via www.themecc.com.au.

Reminders:

Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball 2022

Saturday, May 14, 6.30pm
MECC Plenary Halls
Saturday night fever will take over the MECC as the prestigious Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball returns. Amazing auction items and prizes up for grabs, with funds raised going to the Ronald McDonald Charity House North Australia and HeartKids.  Dust off the dancing shoes and dance away to the Redtie Band performing all your disco faves from the 70’s. Time to get your group together and follow the disco ball to the MECC for a blockbuster night to remember. Tickets for this black-tie event close Friday, May 6 and include a delicious 3 course meal, wine, beer, basic spirits, soft drink and water. Tickets available at www.themecc.com.au.

Kids Art Club - Term 2

Saturdays, May 7 to June 11, 10am to 12pm (6 week program)
Artspace Mackay
If you are eight to 12 years old and love making art, Kids Art Club is just for you! This term will be delivered by local artist, Traci Lietzke. Each week the young participants explore and respond to the exhibitions on show at Artspace Mackay through fun-filled art activities. They learn new techniques and make art with all kinds of exciting creative art materials. This is a six-week program at a cost of $160 per child which includes materials. Spaces are limited. Book through www.artspacemackay.eventbrite.com.