Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 05 Sep 2019

There is plenty to do around the region this week… Come along to the free community event Kidz Arvo Out for a fun family afternoon for Child Protection Week, Mackay Musical Comedy Players presents A Taste of Things to Come live at the MECC and get ready for fast paced racing and a day of fun at the annual Motorcycle Beach Races this Sunday.

1) Free Native Plant Program

September 6 – 7, 9am to noon
Mackay Natural Environment Centre, 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay

Council’s Free Native Plant Program is running this Friday (September 6) and Saturday (September 7) from 9am to noon at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre (MNEC). If you are a ratepayer and have not yet collected your four free plants for the year, now is your chance! Simply bring your latest rate notice along and choose four plants from our range. Local native plants are not only beautiful, but they thrive in our climate and require less water than other non-native species.

2) Kidz Arvo Out – Child Protection Week 2019

Friday, September 6, 3.30pm – 6pm
Shark Park, Milton Street    

Council supports the annual Kidz Arvo Out free community event for Child Protection Week 2019, hosted by Mackay Child Friendly Community Action Group. The event aims to build connections with families and their community because 'Protecting Children is Everybody's Business'. Come along and enjoy a family friendly afternoon on the South Sharks Rugby League grounds with educational stalls, fun activities and entertainment to enjoy. http://bit.ly/2kpXirT

3) A Taste of Things to Come

Friday, September 6, 8pm    
Saturday, September 7, 2pm & 8pm    
MECC North Foyer    

Mackay Musical Comedy Players Inc presents ‘A Taste of Things to Come’ performed in a cabaret style setting in the MECC foyer. Six bite-sized bits from six big Broadway productions - Three shows only!

4) Motorcycle Beach Races

Sunday, September 8, 10am – 5pm
Grasstree Beach Esplanade 

Get ready for fast paced racing, tropical weather and a day of family fun at the annual Motorcycle Beach Races. There’s plenty to do with markets, jumping castles and face painting! With over 90 years of rich history, the Grasstree Beach Races are one of a kind and the only competitive modern beach motorcycle race of its kind in Australia. The day will conclude with its famous “King of the Beach” race. http://bit.ly/2lYdbGt

5) Navigating the Digital World of Employment

Monday, September 9, 11am – noon
Dudley Denny City Library  

A series of free skill, careers and employment workshops for older adults 50+. Come along for a series of workshops focused on job-seeking skills with a digital edge. This workshop will look at employment and professional websites. Register your attendance at http://bit.ly/2lZ5Rul.

6) Flying Scientists Sustainable Environments Community Event

Tuesday, September 10, 6pm – 8pm
Mackay Christian College  

How can we use microorganisms to remediate mine sites? How can we be more sustainable? Come along to the Flying Scientist event with Dr Emma Gagen and find out! Come along to Mackay Christian College for a free "Sustainable Environments" STEM event featuring a guest presentation from geologist and microbiologist Dr Emma Gagen. Please register your attendance here > https://flying-scientist-mackay.eventbrite.com.au

7) Software! Mackay businesses’ advantage in the digital economy

Wednesday, September 11, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Jubilee Community Centre    

Getting all your software to work for you as a small business owner is imperative in the day-to-day functionality of your enterprise. Ask yourself: "Do I have the right software in place to efficiently run my business?” If not, then this is the workshop for you.  http://bit.ly/2lxTtB5

8) Trees in Transition

Until September 29, 2019  
Lagoons Gallery, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Mackay Woodturners see “Trees in Transition” every time they step up to their lathe, scroll saw, sander or burner. Enhancing the natural beauty from within the tree is always priority. The club takes pride in its environmental awareness, community spirit, ability to make beautiful things from discarded materials and above all, their skilled craftsmanship. http://bit.ly/2jX8agz

9) Violent Salt

Until November 24, 2019
FIELD Engineers Gallery, Artspace Mackay  

Violent Salt brings together contemporary artists from across Australia representing diverse cultural heritage. Co-curated by Yhonnie Scarce and Claire Watson, the exhibition reflects on the experiences of the marginalised, the underrepresented and the silenced. The exhibition discusses issues surrounding racism and discrimination against First Nations peoples and minority groups as well as the lack of respect for, and desecration of culture and the natural environment. Violent Salt invites artists to speak their truths about these experiences and offers an opportunity for understanding and connection, whilst seeking to celebrate and honour Australia’s unique multiculturalism and landscape. http://bit.ly/2luP0zg

10) Greater Whitsundays Farmers’ Markets

Every Wednesday, 7am – 11am  
Bluewater Quay  

Join the fresh local produce revolution and support our farmers by buying seasonal local produce straight from the farmer. http://bit.ly/2lBUBU9

Reminders:

Rock, Paper, Scissors Art and Design Markets 2019

Sunday, September 15, 1pm – 4pm  
Mackay Civic Precinct    

Fancy a fun, crafty afternoon out with the family? Check out Artspace Mackay’s annual art and design market! Featuring indie design, art and craft stalls, food stalls, live music and kids’ activities. http://bit.ly/2kthQQj

Jimmy Barnes – Shutting Down Your Town

Wednesday, September 18, 7pm    
MECC Plenary Halls   

Jimmy Barnes is back with his biggest headlining tour of this century! ‘Barnesy’ is the heart and soul of Australian rock’n’roll. Over recent years his bestselling memoirs “Working Class Boy” and “Working Class Man” have struck a deep chord across his homeland.