Top 10 things to do around the region this week...

1) The Lounge Suite with Dale Pengelly

Friday, February 15, 11am
The MECC Plenary Halls

A high energy celebration of dance and song, The Lounge Suite beckons you to peek behind, through its curtains. Swoon and sway to timeless tunes from The Rat Pack and Nat King Cole alongside classics from musical theatre favourites such as Singin' in the Rain, The Boy from Oz, Chicago and Hot Shoe Shuffle. https://bit.ly/2SP2J2I

2) Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates to Pinafore

Saturday, February 16, 2pm
The MECC Auditorium

Promac Productions are proud to announce the national tour of a world first. All 14 Gilbert and Sullivan musicals in one sensationally fast paced, hilarious and beautifully sung production. Hit songs and scene highlights from such wonderful musicals as The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Gondoliers, Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe and Patience to name but a few. https://bit.ly/2MRI6xp

3) Ace Boxing Promotions Presents: The Pride of the North

Saturday, February 16, 6.45pm
The MECC Plenary Halls

An eight-fight boxing promotion featuring some of Mackay's finest world class boxers including world #5 Liam "The Prodigy" Paro, Australian Welterweight champion Tysinn Best and former Australian lightweight champion Gaige Ireland. Doors open at 6pm with the first fight starting at 6.45pm. https://bit.ly/2UVm5AF

4) Chinese New Year 2019

Saturday, February 16, 6pm – 9pm
Wood Street, Mackay City Centre

Join us this Chinese New Year to celebrate the year of the Pig. Wood Street will be transformed into a China Town theme. Restaurants will have Chinese inspired special offerings and there will be roaming Chinese dragon and lion performers to entertain you while you enjoy your meal. https://bit.ly/2DcjrPI

5) Artist’s talk with Gerry Wedd

Saturday, February 16, 10am
Artspace Mackay

JamFactory Icon Gerry Wedd talks about his exhibition, Kitschen Man, it’s free and all welcome to attend. Gerry Wedd enjoys a national reputation in Australia for his hand-built blue and white ceramics that brim with a dry wit oscillating from the humorous to darkly disturbing. From his beginnings at the kitchen table, guided by his mother’s hobby-obsession through to formal training at University of South Australia and his studio tenancy at JamFactory, Wedd draws his craft out of his own inspirations, interest and experiences. https://bit.ly/2tkJVu0

6) Pottery workshop with Gerry Wedd

Saturday, February 16, 10am – 3pm
Artspace Mackay

Learn hand building and decoration techniques from an expert! In conjunction with Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibition, JamFactory Icon Gerry Wedd: Kitschen Man. Gerry will be visiting Mackay to deliver a one-day workshop and artist talks. Suitable for all skill levels, this hands-on workshop will include basic hand building techniques and will also explore decorative skills. This is the final weekend to see this great JamFactory touring exhibition, so don’t miss this great opportunity to see the show one last time. The workshop will begin with Gerry’s artist’s talk at 10am. $15 per person. https://bit.ly/2N1Cyk4

7) Library Lovers' Day

Sunday February 17, 8.30am – 5pm
Dudley Denny City Library

February 14 is Library Lovers Day, and all week staff will be sharing what they love most about their favourite book. Take a visit and check out the book displays at your local library branch and borrow a staff pick. Post on social media how your favourite book makes you feel. Tag us on Facebook @mackaylibraries or Instagram @mackayregionalcouncillibraries and hashtag #MRCLibraries #LibraryLoversDay. Do you love romance books? Check out the Romance BookCloud and enjoy unlimited and unrestricted access to a curated collection of romance Ebooks. Go to mackay.qld.gov.au/ebooks

8) Active in the City – Pilates

Tuesday, February 19, 5.15pm – 6.15pm
Bluewater Quay, River Street

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 caters to people of all fitness levels; however, it is important that you have the ability to comfortably get up and down off the ground. Bring along a yoga mat, water bottle and give it a go! https://bit.ly/2SRJUw4

9) Bluewater Quay Walk and Farmers Markets

Wednesday, February 20, 6.30am
Start at Forgan Bridge on the downstream side

Possibly our best shorter walk, with three options to choose, depending on who turns up and their time restrictions. There is also the option to walk up or downstream along the Bluewater Trail or across the bridge, walk along the river on the northern side then around the Goose Ponds and some hill work up High Street and down Pollack Street. Finish back at the Farmers Markets to browse or share a cuppa. https://bit.ly/2E8qjj0

10) Author visit: Jenn J McLeod

Wednesday, February 20, 6pm- 7pm
Mirani Library

After leaving the corporate world and deciding to travel Australia in a fifth-wheeler caravan, Jenn J McLeod is fulfilling her lifelong ambition to write. Since 2013 she’s had five novels published and is touring the country to champion her Paddock to Print philosophy.
All welcome, no bookings required. https://bit.ly/2UOPz34

Reminders:

Kids Art Club (Term One)

Starting Saturday, February 23, 10am
Artspace Mackay

Have you booked your child’s spot? Kids Art Club is Artspace Mackay’s ongoing term-based Saturday art program for kids. Taught by renowned local artist Rosemary Payne, Rosemary delivers a rich six-week program of creative art for kids in two age groups. Each week they explore and respond to the exhibitions on show at Artspace Mackay through fun-filled art activities. Attendees will learn new techniques and make art with all kinds of exciting creative art materials. The fee is $160 per child for six weeks and includes art materials each week. To book call 4961 9722