Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Djuki Mala

Thursday, May 23, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

A vibrant celebration of ingenuity and energy. Energetic, hilarious, ground breaking. Direct from North East Arnhem Land, Indigenous dance sensations and landmark dance/theatre company that took the world by storm present their internationally acclaimed smash hit production. http://bit.ly/2Jkmtab

2) Winged Wonders’ Live Butterfly Display

Friday, May 24 to Saturday, June 1
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Come along and discover what flutters in the Botanic Gardens. For a limited time, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre will be transformed into a live butterfly display. Come down to see some of our local treasures up close and personal. All children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Cost by gold coin donation.
Weekdays: 9am to 4pm and weekends:10am to 2pm. http://bit.ly/2WLcqhh

3) Mayor’s Charity Ball

Saturday, May 25  
MECC Plenary Halls  

The Mayor’s Charity Ball, a major initiative of Mackay Sunrise Rotary Club, has raised more than $500,000 to support local charities since its inception 15 years ago. Mackay Regional Council and the MECC are playing a larger role in the organisation of this year’s ball, forming an organising committee with Sunrise Rotary Club. Funds will be directed towards providing extra resources to help Mackay children impacted by family and domestic violence. Tickets include a three-course dinner and drinks. Entertainment by Stylus Crew and speed painter, Gavin Bell. http://bit.ly/2YvGDl3

4) Flood Study Survey

> Rocky Dam: Saturday, May 25, 1pm to 4pm at Koumala Community Hall
> Funnel Creek: Sunday, May 26, 1pm to 4pm at CWA Hall, Sarina Range

Council is preparing a flood study for Sandy Creek and we want to know how flood waters impacted residents in Eton, North Eton, Drapers, Homebush and Oakenden. Your information on the flooding during the Cyclone Debbie event (March 27-29, 2017) is important – please bring rainfall records from and photos of the flood (preferably on USB, however a scanner will be available). Even if you don’t live in this catchment, we still want to hear from you – this information may inform future flood studies. For more information, or to do the online survey, please go to www.connectingmackay.com.au

5) Billionaire Boy

Tuesday, May 28, 10am and 6pm (two performances)
MECC Auditorium

A play by Maryam Master. based on the book by David Walliams. Twelve-year old Joe has everything a boy could ever want, from a golden underwater Ferrari to his very own cinema. Joe and his Dad have more money than you could imagine, but what Joe really needs is a friend. David Walliams’ best-selling books comes to life on stage for 6 -12 years - and their adults! Book your tickets > https://bit.ly/2JyW34C

6) We Don't Need a Map

Thursday, May 30, 6pm – 8pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Join libraries for a screening of We Don’t Need A Map by one of Australia’s leading film-makers Warwrick Thornton. The film explores the history and meaning of the Southern Cross and is sure to provoke a hearty debate, because it taps into the complex heart of who we are as Australians. https://bit.ly/2HuB54z

7) Try the 5 – Gym/Personal Training

May 18 to May 26  
Various locations in the Mackay region

Get active this May and you could win $6000 in fitness prizes! Check out these great events and activities during the fourth week of Try the 5 – gym and personal training. Don't forget to take a photo/video while getting active and share it on social media with the hashtag #trythe5 or upload to the council website to WIN! http://bit.ly/2Vop7gD To view all our Try the 5 events in May, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/trythe5

8) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, May 28, 10am
Artspace Mackay

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. It’s a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s ever popular toddler’s 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 from 10am to 2pm and live musical entertainment for kids from noon to 1pm. https://bit.ly/2VR3Oow

9) Perspective is Everything

Monday, May 27, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Join Rowena from Minds Aligned Mackay for an informal discussion on mindfulness, perspective and navigating towards a healthy future for young adults aged 12 – 18 years old. Access to free events is only one of the benefits of library membership. If you are not already a library member, please join at https://library.mackay.qld.gov.au/Montage/Join.aspx

10) Boss Drovers Floor Talk

Thursday, May 30, 6pm- 7pm
Artspace Mackay

Join us at Artspace for a free Curator's Floor Talk for QAGOMA touring exhibition Robert Macpherson: Boss Drovers. Roadtrains have largely made boss drovers a thing of the past, yet 2400 of these seasoned stockmen and women are immortalised in a new exhibition at Artspace Mackay. https://bit.ly/2X69X12

Reminders:

Botanic Gardens Open Day

Saturday, June 1, 9am – 2pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Whether you’re interested in gardening, bird watching, native flora/fauna, local conservation efforts or just looking to get the family out for the day, we’ve got you covered. For the kids' there are so many fantastic activities, bug hunts, story time or if they would like to ‘Build an insect hotel’ workshop, please make a booking for this, there are limited places. For bookings please contact 4952 7300 or botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au. Bring your picnic blanket, find a spot and enjoy the entertainment by the Mackay Ukulele Group while you relax and soak up the sunshine, we would love to see you there. https://bit.ly/2HIE3l6

Peter Williams Medium Live

Sunday, June 2, 2pm
Lynette Denny Space

After numerous sell out performances across Australia and overseas in 2018, hugely popular psychic-medium Peter Williams returns. 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 is highly popular and is booked out months in advance. He also publishes his online monthly newsletter ‘Insights’ where people who have subscribed can gain understanding of the current energy pattern.