Top 10 things to do around the region - August 30

1) NRL Round 25: Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters

Thursday, September 2, gates open 5.30pm
BB Print Stadium
Don’t miss an epic 2019 grand final re-match as the Canberra Raiders take on the Sydney Roosters live in Mackay. Gates open at 5.30pm with kick off at 7.50pm. Visit https://bit.ly/3mFas1X to purchase tickets.

2) Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce

Saturday, September 4, from 10am to 10.30am
Dudley Denny City Library
The popular Baby Bounce program promotes early language development in babies from birth to walking. The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and action songs, and is a great opportunity for dads to do something special and beneficial with their little ones. To book tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3ktnyww

3) Free Father’s Day tour at Sarina Sugar Shed

Sunday, September 5, 9.30am, 10.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm
Sarina Sugar Shed
Kids will have the opportunity to shout their dad to a tour this Father’s Day as part of a special promotion for all local dads. To receive the special offer, children need to buy at least one child’s ticket within a family and dad gets free entry. This offer can only be booked directly with the Sarina Sugar Shed by calling 4943 2801 (9am to 4pm) or by emailing info@sarinasugarshed.com.au

4) Mackay Disability Expo 2021

Monday, September 6, from 9am to 1pm
Andergrove Community Centre
The Disability Expo is a platform for people with a disability to be informed about services, technology, aids and equipment available in the region and will also be an opportunity for service providers and businesses to network and connect with each other. There will be more than 30 exhibitors present on the day. Entry is free and there will be lucky door prizes, food and refreshments available. More information via https://bit.ly/3DtSVj9

5) Early Childhood Development Workshop for ages 4 - 6

Tuesday, September 7, from 9.30am to 11.30am
The Neighbourhood Hub, 43 Shakespeare Street
The Mackay Regional Council, The Neighbourhood Hub and Move and Play Paediatric Therapy is partnering again to deliver a series of workshops for parents of children in early childhood. The final workshop is entitled Ready, Set, School and is for parents of children aged 4-6 years, focusing on key areas of childhood development required for a successful start at school, including self-care skills, building friendships, developing resilience, managing behaviour, following instructions and routines, fine motor skills, and early learning. Children are welcome to attend with parents. Email Clairec@tnhub.org.au to book your spot.

6) Made by You! Seed Cards

Tuesday, September 7, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Gordon White Library
This workshop will help participants to create two eco-friendly seed cards that will grow when planted. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. Secure your free ticket to attend via https://bit.ly/3Bn3pPr

7) Melbourne Writers Festival

Tuesday, September 7 to Saturday, September 11
Various library locations and times
Mackay Regional Council Libraries is pleased to be offering exclusive access to the digital program for Melbourne Writers Festival. Writers, thinkers, illustrators and performers of all age groups are welcome to participate and celebrate this event. Hear more from leading authors including Rumaan Alam, Rachel Cusk, Sigrid Nunez, Jhumpa Lahiri, Akala, Viet Thanh Nguyen and AC Grayling as they explore the themes in their new books. Full list of events and tickets available via https://bit.ly/3Dt56wx

8) Coffee and Chat

Thursday, September 9, from 10.30am to 12.30pm
The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street
Enjoy a networking event with The Neighbourhood Hub for RU OK? Day, a national day of action to promote communication with others and encourage everyone to make a moment meaningful and ask others how they’re really going. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/38ncjzZ

9) Bell Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

Thursday, September 9, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
The MECC
Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in this breathless production brimming with magic, mirth and mayhem. Purchase your tickets via the MECC website https://bit.ly/2WecYkG

10) Lagoons Gallery Exhibition ‘Alchemy’ by Felicity Chapman

On display until Sunday, September 26
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Cafe
The latest exhibition is now on show at the Lagoons Gallery within the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Café. Take a look at ‘Alchemy’ by Felicity Chapman of Deadly Weavers and other beautiful artwork on display at the Gallery. Enjoy food and drink overlooking the gardens while there. The Café is open Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, phone the gardens on 49527300.

Reminders:

Orchid Extravaganza  

Sunday, September 12, from 8am to 4pm
Orchid House, Queens Park
The Orchid Extravaganza is back again this year with local orchid workshops, demonstrations and plants for sale. There will be orchid experts on hand who can give professional advice to ensure your orchids thrive in our climate. Free entry.

Sarina Sugar Shed’s 15 year birthday celebration

Sunday, September 12, from 9am to 4pm
The Sarina Sugar Shed
Join the Sarina Sugar Shed team for an open day of celebration as they thank the local community for their support over 15 years of operation. There will be continuous tours, free fairy floss, product tastings, giveaways, kids’ activities, and much more! (Note: This open day will be conducted under COVID-safe guidelines, including social distancing and venue capacity limits).