Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 23 Aug 2022

Some of Australia’s most legendary musicians are performing in Mackay this week, including Amy Shark at the MECC on Thursday, followed by a superb line-up of artists at Legends on the Lawn this weekend. The biggest event on the social calendar for under 5s is being held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on Thursday – dress up and enjoy the free activities for families!

1) Book Week - Picnic in the Gardens

Thursday, August 25, 9.30am to 11.30am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Dress up as your favourite book character and join in for a picnic at the Botanic Gardens, Story Time under the trees and Baby Bounce on the lawn. Join the Mackay Regional Council Libraries team for face painting, puppets, craft activities and heaps more for children up to five years old. Baby Bounce will begin at 10am and Story Time will begin at 10:30am. This is a free event. Follow the event on Facebook.

2) Speed Date the Collection

Thursday, August 25, 5.30pm to 7pm
Artspace Mackay
Come along for a close-up look at works from the 2022 Libris Awards collection. The presenters have chosen some interesting artworks for you to view and discuss. This is an informal and enjoyable way for participants to become familiar with artists’ books held in the collection in a social and interactive context. Register for this free event via www.artspacemackay.eventbrite.com.au

3) Amy Shark – See U Somewhere Australia Tour

Thursday, August 25, 7.30pm to 9.45pm
MECC Auditorium
Amy Shark is embarking on her biggest tour ever! The “I Said Hi” and “Adore” singer scored nine nominations at the 2018 ARIA Awards and four wins, including Album Of The Year, Best Female Artist and Best Pop Release. Amy has toured internationally and performed on several major US television shows including The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and collaborated with renowned musicians in many genres such as Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, and Keith Urban. Don’t miss seeing Amy Shark in Mackay!  Book tickets

4) Age Care Fees and Charges Seminar

Friday, August 26, 11am to 12.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library
A free seminar by Services Australia discussing aged care needs, options for the former home, fees and charges, and pension and tax implications. Bookings required.

5) Bass Jamming

Friday, August 26, 3.40pm to 4.40pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Play bass guitar with other music enthusiasts. This session now includes percussion and synth bass as well. The event is for those aged 12 years and older. Bookings required.

6) Silver Screen Surprise – McLintock 1963 (PG)

Friday, August 26, 9.30am to 11.30am
Gordon White Library
Are you tired of seeing the same movies? Discover a hidden movie gem at our Silver Screen Surprise showing of an American Western comedy film starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, called McLintock. Bookings required.

7) Legends on the Lawn

Saturday, August 27, gates open at noon
Harrup Park
See some of Australia’s most legendary musicians all in one day! Bring a camp chair, picnic rug, small esky, hat and sunscreen to enjoy incredible artists like Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi and more! Licenced bar available on site. The full line-up, and details are available via legendsonthelawn.com.au

8) Clean Up the Mackay Region

Saturday, August 27, 9am to 11am – Plane Creek revegetation site
Saturday, August 27, 3pm to 5pm – Grasstree Beach
Sunday, August 28, 8am to 10am – Riverside Drive, Cremorne
Sunday, August 28, 9am to 11am – Hodges Road, Shoal Point
Are you sick of seeing litter in Mackay region’s beautiful natural areas? It’s not too late to lend a hand during ‘Clean Up the Mackay Region’ in the month of August. Join a clean-up near you and help intercept the Mackay region’s litter before it reaches the ocean. Check out the list of events being held in August and register at www.cleanup.org.au/mackay

9) Workshop: Practical Bookbinding

Sunday, August 28, 10am to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
A resurgence of the bookbinding craft has seen many visual artists and photographers explore captivating ideas through the use of a book medium. In this workshop, Louis Lim will discuss the various possibilities in artist book making followed by a hands-on session learning several book-binding techniques. $15 per person. Book tickets

10) Robertson Brothers 1960’s TV Variety Show

Sunday, August 28, 2pm
MECC Auditorium
Do you dream of reliving the good old days? Well don't miss the Robertson Brothers 1960s TV Variety Show with special guest Simon Brook McLachlan - from the original cast of the hit musical Jersey Boys. Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers! Book tickets.

Reminders:

Mackay Musical Comedy Players Presents “Chicago”

Friday, September 2, 8pm
Saturday, September 3, 2pm and 8pm
MECC Auditorium
Mackay Musical Comedy Players, who brought you the smash hit Mamma Mia and Shrek The Musical earlier this year, in association with Ma’s Pizza Kitchen, present Chicago. Featuring hits from the roaring twenties, such as Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz, this show is sure to dazzle audiences. Book tickets