Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Playgroup and Community Music

Friday, June 7, 9am – 11am
Tropical Sun Lawn – Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Join George Street Neighbourhood Centre for a fun-filled morning at the Botanic Gardens! A special story time led by “Let the Children Play”, bring along your well-read pre-loved books for a book swap along with singing and dancing with Tanya from Community Music. A child health nurse will be there to answer any questions you have about your little one. https://bit.ly/318i0wO

2) Musical Mystery Tour with Danny Elliot and Sharna Le-Grand

Friday, June 7, 11am
MECC Auditorium
Danny Elliott is truly an extra-ordinarily talented musician, singer and all-round entertainer. Together with beautiful singer, Sharna Le-Grand, they present the music of the Beatles in a way not heard before. The MECC are now offering free coffee, tea and biscuits at Morning Melodies! Arrive early and enjoy with us!

3) Volunteer Expo

Saturday, June 8, 9am to 1pm
Mackay Senior Citizens Centre & Civic Precinct Lawns
There will be hundreds of different roles on offer at the Mackay Volunteer Expo this Saturday. Whether you want to be inside or outside and whether you want to help people, animals, the environment or the community, there will be something at the Expo for you. There are also exciting opportunities for young people looking to upskill themselves and build their resumes as well as stay-at-home mums and dads looking for a social activity during school hours. For more information or to hold a stall contact Elisa Crooks at elisa.crooks@mackay.qld.gov.au  http://bit.ly/2WtZb7W

4) The Ten Tenors – Love is in the Air

Saturday, June 8, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
The Ten Tenors are embracing love and will be singing some of the most popular feel-good love songs and wedding first dance songs of all time. They’ll cover many of your favourite romantic tunes, from pop songs with a twist to classic love songs, and even a few of the most famous and touching love arias in existence. For anyone with a soft spot for a tender tune, this is an experience not to be missed.

5) Sarina’s Queensland Day Festival

Sunday, June 9, 11am to 2.30pm  
Field of Dreams Parklands  
This year, Queensland celebrates its 160th birthday on Thursday, June 6. In celebrating Queensland Day, the community can share a sense of pride in being both Australian and a Queenslander. It is a time to reflect on how lucky we are to be part of such a wonderful, diverse state. There will be live music, food stalls, markets, games, kid’s activities and plenty more! The Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre is also celebrating its first birthday! http://bit.ly/2HHInSw

6) Photo Walkabout

Sunday, June 9, 10am - noon
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Come and explore our wonderful Botanic Gardens and take photos with others that are keen to learn about photography. This group workshop is for beginners to advanced amateurs wanting to learn more. The best way to learn is in a practical, active and fun environment. You will need to bring along a camera, can be an iPhone or anything through to a DSLR. Meeting point is at the Botanic Gardens meeting room (opposite café). Children over the age of 12 are welcome. https://bit.ly/2WJBt7Q

7) Emergency Services Day

Sunday, June 9, 10am to 2pm  
Harrup Park  
With interactive demonstrations by groups like Volunteer Marine Rescue, State Emergency Services, Queensland Mines Rescue Service, Queensland Police Service and and Rural Fire Service Queensland, as well as the chance to jump in the pilot seat of RACQ CQ Rescue’s Bell 412 helicopter, this is one event you don’t want to miss. http://bit.ly/2X9O3tP

8) Rural Mind community forum

Tuesday, June 11, 9am – 12.30pm
Jubilee Community Centre
Join us to have a chat about mental health and well-being in rural communities. This workshop is a relaxed way to learn about mental health well-being and resilience for you, your family, friends and community. Specifically designed for rural and remote communities and delivered by people who know what it is like out there. https://bit.ly/2WIzhgR

9) Bruce

Wednesday, June 12, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
From the creator of the award-winning international hits The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer and It’s Dark Outside comes a new lo-fi puppetry spectacular. Get ready for an epic puppet adventure that bends time and melts your heart. Bruce will sweep you away on an epic adventure of love and revenge. He may be just a floating block of yellow foam, but Bruce is out to prove he’s got a heart of pure gold. These exceptionally skilled puppeteers bring Bruce to life as we witness the incredible comedic story of his life as a self-proclaimed hero-cop turned novelist-astronaut.

10) Bus Tour: The Mackay Aussie Farm and Drinks Tour

June 13, July 13, July 26, August 13, August 24, September 20
All tours depart from the MECC
Greater Whitsunday Food Network Inc presents Farm & Food Experiences. Your day starts with a visit to Sarina Sugar Shed, Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distillery. This unique, multi-award-winning attraction will take you on an interactive, educational and tasty journey of ‘sugar’ where you can enjoy sample tastings of Rum, Liqueurs and a range of scrumptious gourmet products. A delicious BBQ lunch will await you at Freckle Farm nestled in its own little gorge at the edge of the Pioneer Valley. All the food is produced on the farm and owner Deb McLucas will show you their holistic management of the farm and the way they work with natural systems to achieve positive outcomes for their animals and the environment. After lunch you’ll get the opportunity to have a hands-on brewing experience at Goanna Brewing. Enjoy a masterclass of beer and cheese matching and get to taste, smell and handle the ingredients that go into making beer and cider. http://bit.ly/2KfN2x3

Reminders:

A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music and Dance Sensation

Thursday, June 13, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Told through Irish music and dance, A Taste of Ireland explores magical tales spanning generations of Irish storytelling and culture.  This world-class show features world, all Ireland and national champion Irish dancers, and musicians from around the globe performing unique music and dance that reflects the story that is, Ireland. Melodic Celtic flute, alongside raw and rhythmic guitar evoke the heart-felt sounds of Ireland.