Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 03 Jul 2019

1) Pets are part of our community too!

Thursday, July 4, 11.30am – noon
Gordon White Library

This workshop is designed to build an understanding of how to interact safely with pets and the importance of responsible pet ownership in your home, in your community and our environment.

2) Peering into pictures

Friday, July 5, 1pm – 2.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Take a closer look at photographs from the collection. Join us for a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at photographic images from Mackay Regional Council Heritage Collection. It’s not a theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about selected historical photographs, deconstructing them by considering what we see, recognise, what we’re reminded of, and even concoct possible stories to accompany the picture.

3) Queensland Ballet presents Dangerous Liaisons

Saturday, July 6, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

Based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ time honoured novel, Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Associate and world-renowned choreographer Liam Scarlett breathes life into this sultry tale of seduction and betrayal. With a story that has captivated audiences around the world for over 200 years, Dangerous Liaisons is a hedonistic tale of love, virtue and humanity, re-imagined into a dramatic new ballet for mature audiences. 4) Naidoc Flag Raising Ceremony

Monday, July 8,  10am – 1pm
Mackay Civic Precinct

Join us for the NAIDOC Flag Raising ceremony and morning tea event. It will feature guest speakers, cultural performances, Artspace Mackay will have a range of activities. All are welcome no RSVP required.

5) Indigenous language stamping drop-in activity

Monday, July 8 - Sunday, July 14 (10am – 5pm weekdays and 10am – 3pm weekends)
Artspace Mackay

Drop into the gallery during the July holidays because the team are celebrating the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages by Drawing with Language. Bring your family and friends to join the fun with art making activities inspired by Yuwibara language of the Mackay region. There’ll be rubber stamping, artists’ book making and drawing activities for all ages. Parental supervision is required, and you can stay for a few minutes or a few hours and visit as many times as you’d like. It’s free and no bookings are required.

6) Mackay City Centre

> Maggie Moo Music (newborn – 5 years)
Monday, July 8, 9.30am – 10.10am
Bluewater Quay

> Zumba Kids by Elena’s Fitness Fusion (4 – 12 years)
Tuesday, July 9, 10.30am – 11.30am
Bluewater Quay

> Smarty’s ACTIVE Squirtz by Smarty’s Fit Food and Fun (2 – 5 years)
Thursday, July 4 and Thursday, July 11, 9.30am – 10.15am
Bluewater Quay

> Time out Tai Chi by Balance Minder (5 – 12 years)
Friday, July 5, 10am – 11am
Bluewater Quay

> Scratch Art Workshop by Margaret Burgess
Wednesday, July 10, 8am - noon
Bluewater Quay

> Face-painting and Balloon Twisting by Fascinating Faces & Mr Poppa’s Balloons
Friday, July 12, 10am - noon
Sydney Street Markets

* Please note all the above activities are free to participate and don't require bookings. For more information visit: www.mackaycitycentre.com.au

7) DBCT Illuminate Lantern Making workshops

July 10, 11, 13 and 14 from 10am – 3pm daily
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Free lantern making workshops for all the family! Let your imagination roam and create a lantern to then be showcased at this year’s DBCT Illuminate event showing from 6pm - 9pm daily from July 22 - 26. No bookings are required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call Wanda Bennett on 0407 171 371 or Tracey Johnson on 0418 221 078.

8) NAIDOC Week

Until July 12
Mackay Regional Council Libraries

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Join us for a range of activities that support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

> Very Hungry Caterpillar Story in Traditional Yuwibara language
Tuesday, July 9 - Gordon White Library at 10am and Dudley Denny City Library from 1pm.
A traditional custodian will present this famous story in Yuwibara language
> Weaving Workshop and Bark Art Workshop (bookings required)
Wednesday, July 10 - Dudley Denny City Library from 9am to 11am and 12pm to 2pm.
> Palm Frond Weaving (Booking required)
Wednesday, July 10 - Dudley Denny City Library from 9am to 11am.
> NAIDOC Street Parade and Family Day, Friday, July 12
March assembles at Macalister Street from 9am for a 10am start.
Family Day begins in Queens Park on arrival of Street Parade (about 11am) and runs until around 4pm. All welcome.

9) Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 7am to 11am
Bluewater Quay

Join the Fresh Local Produce Revolution and support our farmers by buying seasonal local produce straight from the farmer.

10) 'Traditional Indigenous Weaving Exhibition’ by Deadly Weavers

Until Sunday, July 26
Lagoons Gallery located inside the Botanic Gardens Cafe

Three proud and passionate artists, Leanne Odd, Felicity Chapman and Fiona Thorogood form Deadly Weavers. These ladies all share a passion for weaving which is easily highlighted throughout their works in this exhibition. The ladies welcome everyone to their exhibition over the next month and hope to inspire others to learn and enjoy the art of weaving.

Reminders:

BUS TOUR: The Mackay Aussie Farm and Drinks Tour

Saturday, July 13, 8am – 4.30pm
Departing from the MECC

A choice of fully guided whole day tours to enjoy the highlights of our region! The tour includes lunch, snacks and drinks. Please arrive 15 mins prior to departure. Our farmers and producers on these tours have a passionate desire to foster the development of a vibrant regional food culture where locals and visitors alike can access and enjoy the wonderful produce and value-added goods that are grown, raised, caught and made in our region. The tours will take visitors to family owned farms in-season as well as other food-related businesses who use local produce. Check the full itinerary and to book visit: www.sarinasugarshed.com.au/farm-food-flavours-tour/

River Street Twilight Market

Friday, July 12, 4pm   
River Street  

A community night market showcasing local food, farmers and artisan makers. The River Street Twilight Markets provides a beautiful riverside experience for families, couples and singles.  Bring a blanket and relax on your Friday night under the stars and by the river. Tune out to the vibes of local music and enjoy a delicious food experience.