Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Movie showing: Food Chains

Gordon White Library
Thursday, August 1, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
There is more interest in food these days than ever. Yet, farm workers who form the foundation of our fresh food industry are routinely robbed of wages. Food Chains exposes the human cost in our food supply of farm workers in poverty and living in poor conditions, and the complicity of the supermarket industry.https://bit.ly/2YbWeut

2) Yamato - The Drummers of Japan

Thursday, August 1, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Their acclaimed performances of Japanese Taiko drumming and music have captivated audiences of over seven million people in 54 countries across the globe. In their brand-new show "Passion", the drummers challenge and push themselves to their absolute limits. Yamato will leave audiences exhilarated by this visually spectacular, high-energy and explosive show.

3) A one-day workshop in VTS teaching strategies

Saturday, August 3, 10am – 12.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a powerful student-centred teaching methodology that has been proven to strengthen students’ oral communications, literacy and creative and analytical skills among students of all ages. In this one-day workshop, participants will look carefully at selected artworks, talk about what they observe and be encouraged to support their interpretation with visual evidence. Cost is $15 and bookings are essential, please call Artspace Mackay on 4961 9722.

4) Competitions – Book Week

Mackay Regional Council Libraries
August 5 – August 18
Enter a Book Week competition for your chance to win a prize. Come into one of the library branches and pick-up and submit your entry as detailed below:
> Book hunt - all library branches
> Picture hunt - all library branches
> Colouring-in - Walkerston Library (closes Wednesday, August 21)
> Best costume - Walkerston Book Parade (winners will be chosen and announced at the parade on Friday, August 23).

5) Active in the City – Pilates

Tuesday, August 6, 5.15pm
Bluewater Quay
Pilates is a form of low impact exercise that focuses on improving your strength and range of movement. Not dissimilar to other forms of exercise, it can also help with improving mood and reducing your risk of depression. This class can cater to people of all fitness levels, it is important however, you are able to comfortably get up and down off the ground. Bring along a yoga mat and water bottle. Come along and give it a go! Cost is free. https://bit.ly/2YtNOJZ\

6) Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market

Wednesday, August 7, 7am – 11am
Bluewater Quay
Join the fresh local produce revolution and support our farmers by buying seasonal local produce straight from the farmer. The market is always full of lovely fresh locallly grown, raised and caught food and goodies. Grab some breakfast and a coffee on your visit. https://bit.ly/2m9POFi

7) Council in the Community

Wednesday, August 7, 1.45pm – 2.30pm
The Midge Point Tavern
Join Cr Ross Gee and Cr Laurence Bonaventura for the next Council in the Community. They will be at the will be at the Midge Point Tavern discussing local issues for the North Coast and Beaches locality. https://bit.ly/2ynqKlG

8) Breathing and Meditation (STEAMin' Seniors 50+)

Gordon White Library
Thursday, August 8, 11am – noon
Breathing and Meditation are tools that can strengthen the body’s biggest and most powerful muscle: The mind. Seniors aged 50+ join us in welcoming Neighbourhood Yoga into the library community. By quietening the monkey mind that aimlessly jumps from thought to thought, you will learn techniques that can help you become present and strengthen your thinking skills. Bring own towel or cushion to sit on. A chair can be provided. https://bit.ly/2SSzGZA

9) Sunday Painters – Lagoons Gallery Art Exhibition

Botanic Gardens – Lagoons Gallery
Daily until August 25
Sunday Painters is a collection of paintings by two talented artists, Uta Wild and Mary Brown. The ladies meet every Sunday in Sarina to share their love of painting the beauty that surrounds them. All artworks are for sale. Please contact Uta via email for further information: utawild1@gmail.com This exhibition is on display in the Lagoons Gallery in the Botanic Gardens Café, it is open Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm and Weekends, 8am to 4pm.

10) STEAM Club

Every Wednesday until September 18, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
Children in years three to six are invited to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Imagine, invent, discover and create with fun and challenging hands-on activities. Sessions range from Lego play to coding challenges, science experiments, creative arts to mini Makerspaces. Our STEAM Club offers something for everyone. https://bit.ly/2JMiSR9

Reminders:

River Street Twilight Market and Star 101.9’s Fire in the Sky

Friday, August 9, 4pm – 8pm
Bluewater Quay
Our community night market showcasing local food, farmers and artisan makers joins with Star101.9's Fire in The Sky for a wonderful night in our River City. 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 by the river. Chill-out out to the vibes of local music and enjoy a delicious food experience. This special night is different to the monthly Twilight Markets as we have joined with Star 101.9 Mackay, Mackay Regional Council and Mackay City Centre for a night of nights. Get a vision of what the river front precinct under the new PDA will be like by visiting the Mackay Regional Council river front development showcase tent. https://bit.ly/2MacXXB