Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 08 Aug 2022

If you’re coming off a Festival of Arts high, you can be reassured that there’s still some great events on offer throughout the Mackay region this week. The Disability Expo is back bigger and better than last year, Artspace Mackay is hosting multiple art workshops and talks and the Native Plant Program open days are on again for another chance to grab some native plants. Check out what else is on this week across our region.

1) Multiples Chatterplay

Tuesday, August 9, 9.30am to 11am
Gordon White Library
A session designed for multiple birth families with children from birth to five years of age featuring songs, nursery rhymes, finger plays, stories and play. Bookings are required.

2) Dexter’s Storytime

Tuesday, August 9, 10am to 10.30am
Gordon White Library
Adults aged 18 years and above are invited to explore the magic of reading with Dexter the comfort dog. Carers and parenteral supervision are encouraged and required. Register your interest

3) Bikernomics

Tuesday, August 9, 3.45pm to 4.45pm
Gordon White Library
Learn the essentials to keep your wheels turning! Designed for young adults aged 12 to 18 years, this session will cover bicycle maintenance to extend the life of your two-wheeled best friend. Register your interest

4) Art talk: How to start an ARI

Thursday, August 11, 6pm to 8pm
Artspace Mackay
Hear from Brisbane-based independent curator and writer, Hamish Sawyer, about what makes a successful Artist Run Initiative (ARI). Hamish will provide some relevant case studies, offer practical advice on how to start an ARI, and identify pitfalls to avoid. Hamish will also discuss his involvement with Outer Space, a Brisbane-based contemporary art organisation, its current SUPERCUT initiative and opportunities for Queensland artists. Bookings required.

5) Artist in Residence: Leonie Wood – Made by You!

Friday, August 12, 10am to 12pm
Gordon White Library
If you want to learn to draw, then this beginners’ life drawing session is just for you. Renowned local artist Leonie Wood will help you discover techniques and develop your skills in this supportive learning environment. Art supplies provided for use during class. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. Bookings required.

6) The Mackay Disability Expo 2022

Friday, August 12, 9am to noon
Mackay Showgrounds

Back bigger and better than last year, the expo will offer an opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, aids and equipment. It will also be an opportunity for service providers to build networks with other providers, organisations and agencies in the region. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

7) FREE Native Plant Program Open Days

Friday, August 12, 9am to 3pm
Saturday, August 13, 9am to noon
Mackay Natural Environment Centre (MNEC), 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay
On again for another chance to grab some native plants to add to your garden. Not only are they beautiful, but they thrive in our climate and require less water than other non-native species. As part of the Free Native Plant Program, ratepayers can collect up to four free plants each calendar year with higher allocations available to schools and community groups. Simply bring your latest rates notice along and choose your plants. See their “What we grow” page. Additional plants can be purchased for $2.90 each. Free craft and educational activities for the kids. Find out more.

8) ART TALK: Australian Feminist Art

Saturday, August 13, 3pm to 4pm
Artspace Mackay
Presented by Feminist Art Historian, Louise Mayhew, the lecture charts the history of feminism from when it started rippling throughout Australia as Women’s Art Movements in the mid-1970s to when feminist ethics and aesthetics spread into political screenprinting, community art, cyberfeminism and an emerging generation of intersectional feminist artists. Fascinating artists and projects such as Vivienne Binns, VNS Matrix, The CoUNTess and Barbara Cleveland are explored. Book your FREE ticket.

9) Workshop: Write with Confidence

Sunday, August 14, 10am to 3.30pm
The Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay
If you struggle with writing about your arts practice, then this workshop is for you. Join art historian and creative mentor Dr Louise R Mayhew, to develop your skills in thinking, talking and writing about your work. Using group discussions and solo activities, Louise will guide you through essential strategies for discussing your work and share tips and tricks for enhancing your writing. Together, discuss artist statements, exhibition proposals, grant applications and more. Bring along an example of your art and all your questions about writing. Participants will leave with new knowledge and skills to confidently communicate your ideas. Book your ticket.

10) Reminisce Cafe

Tuesday, August 16, 9am to 10.30am
Gordon White Library
Memories and conversations keep us connected to our loved ones. Every month, the library is having a get together with a cuppa, as they introduce you to the magic of reminiscing. They will access a wonderful selection of resources to encourage friendly conversation, intellectual stimulation and reflection for those living with Dementia, their family and carers. Bookings essential.

Reminders:

Spirit Revolutions Presents Peter Williams Medium Live

Thursday, August 18, 7pm
MECC Lynette Denny Space
After numerous sell out performances across Australia and overseas, hugely popular psychic-medium and author of the book Searching Spirit, Peter Williams, returns to the stage once again. Peter is known for bringing a modern and refreshing feel to his events. He amazes audiences with his ability to communicate with loved ones passed over, but does so with energy, laughter and a heartfelt respect. Peter works very closely with the souls passed over to deliver messages to members of the audience and adds small educational anecdotes throughout to ensure everyone can walk away feeling positive and uplifted. A meet and greet session is available after the show as well as tickets for a Q&A experience. Book tickets.

Unearthed Free Community Event

Sunday, August 21, 9am to 2.30pm
MECC

Enjoy an action-packed program of FREE STEAM inspired entertainment for the whole family. Discover local megafauna and prehistoric sea monsters from real fossils to digital models, live science experiments, music and talks, drones, robotics and virtual realities, meet Queensland Museum Network curators, battle it out in a Minecraft competition and get creative with the art of science and more! Keep up to date with the latest event information at unearthed.qm.qld.gov.au