MACKAY REGION WINS ANOTHER AWARD ALONG WITH ACCOLADES

It is the fifth time that the MECC has taken out this award, having previously won in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

The award category recognises a venue’s excellence, based on the ‘Best of Queensland Experiences Program’, which includes consistent delivery of an exceptional experience based upon positive customer reviews. The MECC had achieved ‘Best of Queensland’ status which qualified it for a nomination into the Tourism Awards.

Fittingly, the 2022 awards ceremony was staged at the MECC and was attended by key stakeholders from throughout the region, along with local dignitaries.

Gold Award winners in other categories of specific relevance to the business events sector included the iconic multi award-winning Sarina Sugar Shed and new cruise and tour operator, Wild Cat Mackay.

Jemma Carey, Acting Manager for MECC & Events spoke about the Centre’s win and impressive track record.

“Despite the challenges of recent years, we’ve managed to deliver a record number of events in our state-of-the art venue,” she said. “The MECC offers exceptional standards of catering, equipment and technology in a regional destination and it’s backed up by a passionate team who seek to not only meet but also exceed our clients’ expectations. We’re all thrilled to have our hard work recognised through this award.”

Located in the scenic city of Mackay on the Queensland coast, the convention centre is strategically positioned half-way between Brisbane and Cairns and with a 1090 seat auditorium and two plenary halls which can seat over 1450 delegates theatre-style, it is the largest convention venue between the two cities.

Several prestigious national conferences recently staged at the MECC have showcased why it continues to win awards, enhanced by an inspiring destination that offers an array of offsite locations and activities for conference social program events.

The 8^thDeveloping Northern Australia (DNA) Conference and the Provincial Surgeons of Australia 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting were both staged at the MECC in July and August respectively. The two conferences took advantage of Mackay’s unique business and industry strengths, selecting interesting offsite locations for their technical touring and social programs.

Highlighting the Mackay Region’s mining industry credentials, the Developing Northern Australia Conference Welcome Function, hosted by Mackay Regional Council, was staged at a unique venue, the underground mine simulator at the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE), located only a short drive from the Mackay CBD.

In excess of 400 delegates attended the conference, with the RCOE also being the location for one of the Conference Study Tours. Other tours focussed on Mackay’s cultural, heritage and architectural features, as well as its sugar cane industry which also encompasses biofuel production. A ‘must-include’ on the program was the opportunity to enjoy a ‘Beach Sunrise with Wallabies & Kangaroos’, one of Australia’s iconic wildlife experiences which takes place at Cape Hillsborough every morning.

Emma Brooks, Conference Manager for the Developing Northern Australia Conference was effusive in her commendation of the MECC and its team.

“We found the MECC wonderfully helpful throughout the whole event planning process to execution, with all of our event stakeholders impressed and singing the praises of the MECC”.

The Provincial Surgeons Association (PSA) Conference, which also received support from Mackay Regional Council, incorporated several of Mackay’s charming offsite venues into their program.  The Conference Welcome Function and a PSA Dinner were staged at the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, enjoying its extensive balconies and function space overlooking the sparkling blue waters of Harbour Beach.

The PSA Conference Gala Dinner was held at a rural property operated by the Note Park Grazing Company, just 30 kilometres west of Mackay. In addition to being an award-winning grass-fed beef producer, the property offers panoramic views from the covered al-fresco dining and entertainment area, which has capacity for up to 200 guests.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Kristy Rushe

Acting Assistant Manager,

Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (A Business Unit of Mackay Regional Council)

Phone: + 61 7 4961 9749

Email: kristy.rushe@mackay.qld.gov.au

Website: https://www.themecc.com.au