Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Mackay's Premier 33rd Annual Bridal Fair

Sunday, February 3 from 10am
MECC, Alfred Street

Mackay's longest running bridal fair with everything for a couple's journey from engagement to wedding to honeymoon and beyond. There will be over 50 exhibitors from Mackay and the surrounding region, special offers, fashion parades and demonstrations. Brides-to-be, register at the door for a chance to win great prizes. For more information visit www.mackayweddings.com

2) Bocce with a buddy

Weekdays from 9am to 5pm

Cost - $5 for hire of bocce set ($50 cash only refundable deposit)Malta GardenEnjoy a game of bocce or croquet with a friend on our sand bocce court. Bocce sets are available for hire from Gardens Administration.

3) GERRY WEDD Kitschen Man

Until February 17
FIELD Engineers Gallery, Artspace Mackay

Gerry Wedd enjoys a national reputation in Australia for his hand-built blue and white ceramics that brim with a dry wit oscillating from the humorous to darkly disturbing. From his beginnings at the kitchen table, guided by his mother’s hobby-obsession through to formal training at University of South Australia and his studio tenancy at JamFactory, Wedd draws his craft out of his own inspirations, interest and experiences.  Kitschen Manwill also feature works from an ever-changing personal collection of inspirations, work made by family, friends, colleagues and mentors such as Jo Crawford, Peter Johnson, Philip Hart, Lesa Farrant, Lincoln Kirby Bell, Chris Headley, Toni Warburton and Stephen Benwell.

4) Focus on the Collection: Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison

Until February 3  
Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay

The focus for this exhibition of works drawn from the Mackay Regional Council collection are Melbourne artists Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison who have been making artists’ books collaboratively since 1999. Regular finalists in Artspace Mackay's biennial exhibition Libris Awards: The Australian Artists' Book Prize, Haby and Jennison say they love the challenge artists’ books, the possibilities and history they hold, and the intimacy they can awaken in the reader.

5) THE WALL: David Ray

Until March 17
Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay

David Ray is a ceramic artist based in the Yarra Valley whose work often provides wry commentary on contemporary consumerism and the less celebrated aspects of Australian cultural life. His work often explores the complex relationship between beauty and ugliness, and defies conventional making techniques. This new show titled I come in peace, take me to your leader will explore the notion of peace, and what that means to us as individuals in a regional community. David will run ‘Peace talks’ workshops with community members, then incorporate the ideas generated in these discussions, and his signature ceramic pieces into a wall mural which will be created on-site in the Foyer Gallery at Artspace.

6) Tech Talks

Monday, February 4 from 10am to 11am
Dudley Denny City Library
Gordon White Library

Dilemma with your device? Is there just one or two things confusing you about your phone, tablet or other device? Come to a Tech Talk and we’ll figure it out together.

7) Family History

Dudley Denny City Library
Monday, February 4 from 6pm to 8pm
Mackay Family History Society and libraries present workshops to showcase Genealogy resources plus Ancestry.com (Library Edition).Receive an overview of online family history resources available at your local, state and national libraries. Book online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson or just turn up!

8) MakerSpaces Mackay 17+

Tuesday, February 5 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library
If you are 17 years or older come along for a look at our gadgets, cool tools and gizmos, and see what inspires you. If you have skill, or an interest in a skill, come along to an open night. You might be surprised who else in our community shares your interest. No bookings required.

9) Greater Whitsunday Farmers Markets

Wednesday, February 6 from 7am to 11am
Bluewater Quay, River Street

The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market is the showcase of local, fresh produce and value-added products from within Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Region. Every Wednesday morning from 7am to 11am in Mackay's vibrant city heart on the beautiful Bluewater Quay. Join families and restaurateurs in buying local produce that does not come any fresher. All stall holders are guaranteed local to the region and are selling guaranteed local goods that either are grown and caught locally or are made with local ingredients. Once a month, learn how to cook meals with local produce with The Family Table Mackay who host a cooking demonstration! Get to meet your local farmer and ask them directly all about the produce you will be taking home to feed your family. Where was it grown? When was is picked? Do you use sprays on this? How best to store the produce? Will this be in season long? And so many more questions!

10) River Street Twilight Market

Friday, February 8 from 4pm to 8pm
Bluewater Quay, River Street

The night market is a showcase of local food and business in sustainable living, health and wellbeing, fair food movement and their community services. Farmers' market - artisan market stalls - community stalls - health and wellbeing stalls - sustainable stalls - recycled product stalls - home and garden stalls - food stalls - music - entertainment - River Street Eats area - river beats entertainment area. A community market for all to meet local producers, value adders, creators and bakers along with many artisan makers and local business operators from their Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region. The River Street Twilight Market is held the second Friday of each month (except January) providing a wonderful experience for families, couples, singles and young ones to enjoy a beautiful community night by the river and under the stars - bring a picnic rug and relax on your Friday night. Take a walk through our curated River Street Twilight Market highlighting local produce and value adders along with local artisan creators, bakers and makers. Their River Street Eats sections allows you to taste and experience food grown in their region.

Reminders:

2019 Sports Expo & Sign-on Day
Sunday, February 10 from 9am to 1pm  
MECC Plenary Halls
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal presents this one-stop-shop for locals looking to get active and involved with a sport, club or recreational pursuit. There will be over 100 sport and recreation clubs under one roof and residents will have the chance to meet some of their local sporting heroes and grab an autograph. This free event allows residents, both new to sport and experienced, to see what’s on offer to make an educated decision when picking a new sport or recreational activity.