Top 10 things to do around the region
Mackay will be party central this weekend as the BE Social Fest returns bigger and better at Harrup Park and the kids will not want to miss immersing themselves in a Roald Dahl experience at the MECC during the week. If looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of activities on offer across our libraries and exhibitions on display at our galleries, even catering for those seeking some mother/daughter time together.
1) Healthy Feels Good!
Wednesday, August 3, 1pm to 2pm
Gordon White Library
Learn new ways to improve your diet and feel great from one of our dietitians! This session will motivate you to create positive habits for the new year, provide some nutritious cooking tips and give you information on healthy food for strong bones. There will be plenty of time for questions, so bring your questions along to the session and ask our nutrition expert. The event is for adults 18 and over. Bookings are required.
2) DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 – Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers
Wednesday, August 3, 6pm
Thursday, August 4, 9.30am and 12.30pm
MECC Auditorium
A mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families supported by the Roald Dahl Story Company. All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the ancient guild of Taletenders can save the stories - and they need your help! Join in an unforgettable interactive theatrical experience. Especially made for ages six and up, the show is an immersive and interactive performance, involving games and imaginative play, while exploring Roald Dahlʼs extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way. Book tickets.
3) Ukulele and Guitar Rescue
Thursday, August 4, 10.30am to 11.30am
Gordon White Library
Do you have a ukulele or guitar that does not stay in tune or is missing a string? No matter what the problem with your stringed buddy, bring it to the library for the Ukulele and Guitar Rescue program.
We will tune, tweak, repair or provide assessment as appropriate, all free of charge. Register your interest
4) Mother and Daughter Henna Feet
Thursday, August 4, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Gordon White Library
Discover the art of henna! Join us in a special mother and daughter experience stepping into the world of henna. Henna dye is a pigment that is applied to the skin that gives you beautiful colour depending on your body heat. Beginners will leave with an understanding of henna design through various techniques. Art materials will be supplied. Bring your own feet! This event is for mothers and their daughters 12 years or older. Book today.
5) Family History Online
Thursday, August 4, 5.30pm to 7pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Discover a wealth of online family history resources at your local library. This workshop will broaden your research through free resources available including Ancestry.com (Library Edition). Register your interest.
6) Artist’s Talk – Nationally acclaimed artist printmaker, Deanna Hitti
Thursday, August 4, 6pm to 7.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Deanna Hitti is an Australian artist based in Melbourne with Lebanese heritage, whose artist book “Towla” was purchased by the MRC Art Collection during the 2018 Libris Awards and won the Fremantle Art Centre Print Award in the same year. As a child of Lebanese parents who migrated to Australia, Deanna grew up living in two cultures and developed a strong interest in comprehending the diverse cultural traditions among the varied population in this country. This began her visual exploration of Australian identity. Register your interest
7) Calligraphy Two Part Workshop
Saturday, August 6, 9.30am to 11.30am
Saturday, August 13, 9.30am to 11.30am
Gordon White Library
Enhance your writing by adding artistic design that will elevate your decorative style of visual communication. This workshop will draw you into the world of calligraphy! You will be guided through a collaborative design and introduce calligraphy lettering techniques over two workshops. Beginners will leave with an understanding of calligraphy design through various mediums and techniques. Art materials will be supplied. Register your interest
8) Falun Gong Class
Saturday, August 6, 9am to 11am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation, inner peace and health through movement. Come along and experience a free session in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens. Meet under the Mango Tree on the Tropical Sun Lawn near the café, bringing a yoga mat, water bottle and wearing comfortable clothing. For more information, contact Catherine Campbell on 0417 193 309 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. View the event on Facebook.
9) BE Social Fest 2022
Saturday, August 6, from noon
Harrup Park
The BE Social Festival presented by Triple J is returning bigger and better to Mackay with two stages stacked with Aussie acts like Hermitude, Middle Kids, Peach PRC, Thundamentals and Masd N Kutcher just to mention a few. Supported by Queensland Tourism, Mackay Tourism, and council, Be Social is a one-day festival designed to celebrate community and freedom. An 18+ event, tickets are available at www.besocialfest.com.au.
10) Shelley Engwirda: We Rise exhibition
Until Sunday, August 21
Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay
Mackay artist Shelley Engwirda examines the success and failures of the Women’s Movement in We Rise. Drawing on her experience as a new grandmother, Engwirda explores the way female artists have been regarded historically through her multidisciplinary practice. The artist’s large scale patchwork quilts alongside glass work respond to what she considers major moments in the Women’s Movement from the 1970s-present. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and weekends, 10am to 3pm. View exhibitions currently on display.
Reminders:
The Mackay Disability Expo 2022
Friday, August 12, 9am to noon
Mackay Showgrounds
Back bigger and better than last year, the Expo will offer an opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, aids and equipment. It will also be an opportunity for service providers to build networks with other providers, organisations and agencies in the region, to bring together everyone in the Mackay disability sector, all with the aim of enhancing the lives of people with disability. For more information, visit the Facebook event.
Mingle Event - Blooms & Brunch
Sunday, August 14, 11am to 2pm
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Dress up in a floral number, gather the gals, and prepare for the spring racing season by creating your own one-of-a-kind headpiece, whilst sipping mimosas and indulging in a scrumptious high tea brunch. The workshop will be hosted by talented Lynn Treis from Creative Crowns Co and includes all materials as well as exclusive access to pre-made headpieces. Protein & Pink will also be present with a beauty station to touch up your makeup for the day. An event not to be missed! Book tickets.