KC’s Bar and Grill are back with their great line-up of entertainment for Australia Day celebrations.

Crab Races return, with Smally, The crab man Bob and Thomo, taking his hand at the microphone and ready to get the big bucks for these crabby creatures. And the excitement doesn’t stop there, with KC’s Bar and Grill pledging 50 per cent of the winnings from the crab races to be donated to our local Tiny Homes Project. This project fundraises tirelessly to construct tiny homes for homeless women in the Whitsundays over the age of 55.

Celebrations continue inside and outside KC’s, with the newly renovated courtyard out the back of KC’s with it’s new pop-up can bar – only open for Australia Day.

“We are excited to kick off a thong throwing competition with cash prizes, and even more excited to have Shaun Diver playing for us throughout the day” explained Smally, owner and operator of KC’s Bar and Grill.

“And don’t miss the pie eating competition! Best pies in town, proudly bought from Airlie Pies!”

With this and so much more, including a colouring in competition perfect to keep the kids entertained!

Check out KC’s Bar and Grill this Australia Day.

‍

Doors Open At 11.30am, with Live Music till Midnight

WHAT: Rock On Australia Day
WHERE: KC’s Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach Main Stret
WHEN: Friday, January 26, from 11.30am

Caption: Thomo, Smally and The Crab Man Bob, gearing up for an Australia Day like no other. Photo supplied

‍

Click for full size image

‍

Carter Entertainment invites you to a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty at the MECC this February.

Celebrating the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands– from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others. From their album debut in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time.

There's something about Creedence Clearwater’s music that just makes you want to put your arms in the air and sing along. With their rootsy sound and incredible lyrics, CCR has produced some of the most unforgettable songs of all time. Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Fortunate Son and Bad Moon Rising are only a few of their iconic hits.

The Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound. You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this fun, hit-packed live concert.

Join Creedence Clearwater Collective at The MECC on 17 February, a real-life travelling band.

Please note: This is a tribute show.

What: Creedence Clearwater Collective

When: Saturday 17 February 2024, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

‍

No need for Australia Day plans, with the Airlie Beach Hotel booking one of the best parties to celebrate this long weekend.

From 12pm

From midday, get the party started with the Aussie Rock Chicks, featuring none other than Tara Graham and the Captain Thunderbolt Band.

New to the scene, this band bring big beats and even better energy, with all the attitude of the Aussie rock legends that they embody.

Featuring the very best of the Aussie rock, all the legends will be covered, from Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’ and Veronica’s ‘4ever’ and ‘Untouched’, to Tones & I’s ‘Dance Monkey’, no beat will be missed.

Will you be dancing to Natalia Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’ or jumping for Bachelor Girls’ ‘Buses and Trains’?

You can be rest assured that this will be non-stop rock chaos for three unforgettable hours.

From 3pm

Taking over the celebrations from 3pm, three absolute powerhouses of rock legendary, The Angels, Midnight Oil, and The Divinyls, will be gracing the Airlie Beach Hotel stage.

Energy is the bread and butter of these three.

All three perfectly articulated in this amazing and powerful show, where every single classic from these legends will not be missed.

“It’s fully costumed, high energy,” explained drummer Jim Cowling.

“To represent all the amazing characters that embody these acts.”

The show starts with Midnight Oil, with Jim the character of the enigmatic Rob Hurst, and Peter Garret being played by the band’s very own Peter.

“When I was 17, I saw Rob Hurst playing and wanted to play like that, so it took me no time to get into character, and Peter was the same. He was quick to pick up Peter Garret’s dance and his political rants,” Jim explained.

Next up is the Divinyls, with Emily becoming vocal powerhouse Chrissy Amphlett, with all the best tracks.

The finale of the show is The Angels, with Doc Neeson and Rick Brewster making a legendary comeback.

“Our Peter plays Rick Brewster and it’s amazing. Rick has these dark sunnies, and doesn’t move at all in the show. He’s like a statue and its always great to see people trying to get him to smile and move through the show,” Jim said.

“We have so many characters, that often people go ‘Where’d that other drummer go?’ and it’s all the same people!”

Now, what can Airlie Beach expect?

“We play the shows that everyone knows. This is a high energy, hard Aussie rock show. And we finish the show off right, with Chrissy Amphlett coming on stage with the Angels, and send off the night with ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’, and of course the great audience participation with that.”

WHAT: Australia Day Party 2024, featuring Angels, Oils & Divinyls plus Aussie Rock Chicks
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: Friday, January 26, from 12pm

Tickets: Absolutely free! But it’s recommended to reserve a table

Lay back and get ready for an afternoon of relaxation like none before, with the cool tunes of the Beach Boys waving over you.

With cruising vocals and that perfect classic 60s feel, The Beach Boys have never gone out of style, only reimagined with all time fans, with the Australian Beach Boys Tribute paying homage to the nostalgia of our time.

A brainchild of performer Will Siska, the Australian Beach Boys Tribute is a loving recreation of the nostalgic legends that are the Beach Boys.

“We chose to go with the Beach Boys because they have these great harmonies and vocals that just transcend, and have the nostalgic energy that we craved,” explained Will.

Having been touring Australia with their Australian Beach Boys Tribute for over seven years, the team know how to get the crowd going, with amazing vocals, and authentic recreations of the energy and costuming.

Will acts as one of the lead vocalists and on rhythm guitar.

With him is Greg, with lead vocals, Gerry as vocalist and the band's drummers, Michael as vocalist and lead guitar and Ian on bass guitar.

The crew also enlist the powerful presence and vocals of Anita, who is backing vocals and feature vocalist.

“Anita highlights many of the songs, and she’s amazing in her own right,” Will explained.

Altogether, this crew ensures the perfect energy for a performance like no other.

“This is more than just a tribute show,” Will explained.

“We have meticulously recreated the Beach Boys song, look, instruments, and stage presence.”

And now, what is Will’s favourite track that the band performs?

“Hands down ‘Don’t Worry Baby' is my favourite,” he explained.

“That song has always resonated with me. It has this beautiful feel, beautiful harmonies, and beautiful vocals.

“However, Under the Boardwalk and Kokomo are massive crowd favourites. They just put this energy into the audience that is amazing.”

Now, what can Airlie Beach expect?

“Expect the best of the best,” Will laughed.

“This show will be high energy, with amazing harmonies, great costumes, and even better vocals. And don’t miss that nostalgic feel!”

Click image for full size

January is shaping up to be a super busy month for Kucom.

AUDITIONS

On Sunday 14 January there will be auditions for the April production, a comedy by Thomas Amo titled Bob’s Your Auntie. Director Maureen Coleman is looking for a cast of nine actors to entertain audiences in this deliciously politically incorrect farce.

Audition packs are available online at https://bit.ly/471B68P.

Season dates will be 11, 12 ,13, 14, 18, 19, 20 April.

ONE-ACT PLAYS

Auditions were held in November for Odd Couples, a season of one-act plays opening on 1 February, and cast members are returning to rehearsals after their Christmas break for an intensive four weeks of preparation.

The season comprises three plays:

The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish, by David Tristram (dir. Hayley Long), featuring Geoff Stewart-McLean and Bronwyn Grannall

Call Centre Call, by Bruce Olive (dir. James Hunter), featuring Michael Brennan, Jaki Pianta and Rebecca Williamson

What’s for Pudding? by David Tristram (dir. Bronwyn Grannall), featuring Pia Larsen, James Hunter, Tessa King, John Irvine and Andrew Deguara

Book online at https://bit.ly/3QTZJ2a and be among the first to enjoy the comfort of Kucom’s new retractable raked seating.

Season dates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 February.

For updates on these and other forthcoming Kucom events, please visit the Kucom website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter:

Phone 0439 684 548

Email admin@kucom.org.au

Website www.kucom.org.au

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kucomtheatre/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kucom.theatre/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/kucomtheatre

1 Thomsett family. Photo: Photos by Nell

2 McCallum family, taken at the RSPCA Santa paws fund raising event. Photo: Coffee and Hops

3 Rootes family. Photo: Mad for Media

4 Parter family. Photo: Whitsunday Shopping Centre

5 Sullivan family. Photo: Photos by Nell

6 Smith family. Photo: Mad for Media

7 Fields Family with mum dressed as the Grinch. Photo: Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre

8 Walton family. Photo: Bee Me Photography

9 Batley family. Photo: Mad for Media

10 Vickery family. Photo: Mad for Media

11 Wright family. Photo: Caneland Central

12 Dougan family. The Grove, Los Angeles

Rubble & Crew toys bring the new series to life

Still scratching your head for those last-minute Christmas gifts?

Don't panic! We’ve found some of the season's hottest toys that'll save your holiday shopping in the nick of time!

After nearly 10 years of success, top-rated preschool hit series PAW Patrol has just launched a spin-off series titled Rubble & Crew, streaming on Paramount+.

As a proud member of the PAW Patrol, Rubble has stolen the hearts of preschoolers around the world with his loyal, optimistic nature and penchant for treats. The new series expands Rubble's world with storytelling that digs into amazing construction projects and the importance of family, combined with high-stakes action, fun adventures and messy demolition that preschoolers will love.

Set in the community of Builder Cove, a neighbouring town to PAW Patrol 's Adventure Bay, Rubble & Crew centres on Rubble, the funny and optimistic leader of the construction crew.

In the small, quickly growing town, lots of things are still needed for the community to come together, including a bigger airport, train station, bridges, tunnels, schools, fire stations, parks and more. Rubble and his construction pup family - his pup cousins Mix, Wheeler and Charger - must work together to tackle and build all the projects the town needs.

The new series follows Rubble & Crew as they go on high-stakes adventures.  To coincide with the new series and bring the excitement of the PAW Patrol world to life, PAW Patrol has released four new Rubble & Crew toys with life-like construction toys and pup figures; Wheeler’s Dump Truck, Charger’s Crane Grabber Truck, Mix’s Cement Mixer Truck and Rubble’s Bulldozer.

Kids can join Rubble & Crew on their big adventures, recreating their favourite building projects from the show, with their own true-to-life construction vehicles that feature real working wheels, and true to life construction features like movable scoops, rotating mixing drums and extendable crane arms – all the things that kids love.

Sure to be a pre-school favourite, Rubble & Crew’s all new construction vehicles encourage kids to develop construction adventures and ideas of their own, and let children engage in a story that’s grounded in family and community values.

Rubble & Crew Construction Vehicles are $24.99 each and available exclusively at Kmart.

INTO THE NEW YEAR THANKS TO SPECIAL BLUE DUO

The Bluewater Quay is set to get even bluer thanks to a pair of special visitors this New Year’s Eve.

Smurfette and Papa Smurf will be taking the stage at the Mackay Regional Council New Years Eve River Party.

Families can expect to sing and dance along to a rock’n’roll party from the duo – as long as Papa Smurf can overcome his stage fright.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Smurfs would be just two of the performers at the expanded River Party.

“This year’s event will be spread across both the Bluewater Quay and River Wharves,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There will be live music and entertainment at both locations – Smurfs, Jonte and Matt Tandy at Bluewater Quay and Kate Lockyer at River Wharves,” he said.

“As always, entry to this family friendly event is free and there will be something for everyone – markets, food vendors, facepainting, amusement rides, fireworks and families can even meet and grab a photo with the Smurfs.”

Festival and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said the amazing team at Muscle Garden had supported the two fireworks displays this year as naming rights sponsor.

“The Muscle Garden Fireworks will be at 9pm and midnight and will be a great spectacle to welcome in 2024,” Ms Porter said.

“We hope everyone has a fantastic night enjoying some great local music and family entertainment,” she said.

Ms Porter said there would be some very talented local musicians on stage.

“Jonte is known for his unique covers from a range of eras, and his growing collection of really catchy, thoughtful originals.

“Matt Tandy is a blues and roots musician whose songs tell stories and really draw you in with foot-stomping goodness and a dash of humour.

“And Kate Lockyer has an amazing chilled, acoustic vibe that is perfect for kicking back to while you enjoy the selections from the food vendors.

“There will be a lot of fun on offer, so hopefully the only ones feeling blue seeing in 2024 will be the Smurfs.”

Schedule of entertainment

Bluewater Quay:

● 6pm – Mayor’s welcome

● 6.05pm - Welcome to Country

● 6.15pm – Kids’ Smurf Show #1

● 6.45pm – Jonte

● 7.15pm – Meet & Greet

● 7.45pm – Matt Tandy

● 8.40pm – Kids’ Smurf Show #2

● 9pm – Muscle Garden Fireworks

● Midnight – Muscle Garden Fireworks

River Wharves:

● 6pm to 9pm – Kids’ face painting

● 6.30pm to 9pm – Kate Lockyer

● ZIFFY'S Ice Cream Truck

‍

‍

Local singers, Jonte and Matt Tandy, will be performing at the Bluewater Quay on New Years Eve, with the Smurfs set to delight children with a special show

Friday 22 December

Friday 5K Run

5:30pm

Join Emmie-Lee Fitness, Rise & Mind Mackay and Mackay Surf Lifesaving Clubbies on a social fun run, jog or walk along the Breakwater and Marina paths.

Meeting beach side of the Surf Club ready to go every Friday arvo @5:30pm.

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club

The EMO Night Before Xmas

9pm – 3am

Emo / Pop-Punk and Metal playing all night.

Arcadia Bar

Saturday 23 December

Habana Carols Under the Stars

7pm

One of the best outdoor carols in all of Mackay. Bring your chair, blanket, snacks, mozzie repellent, singing voices and friends to have some fun and get into the festive mood.

Santa is sure to make an appearance.

This is a FREE FAMILY EVENT (wheelchair accessible) organised by the Habana & Districts Progress Association. Supported by Mackay Regional Council’s Christmas Grants. Please note, this is a 100% free night, there are no food or market stall vendors onsite.

1091 Mackay Habana Road

Live Music

6pm-10pm

Enjoy live music by local artists in the Garden Bar!

Tonight’s artist is VIVA.

Harrup Park

Xmas Dance Fit Class

Every Saturday from 10am

Inviting everyone as Mad Fitness Mackay hosts a special Christmas DanceFit class which will also be our last class for the year! 8am start!

Wear something Christmas-y and Sheena says she promises there won’t be any Mariah Carey Christmas songs.

For info call Erin at +61 419 357 120

Slade Point Community Hall, Wren St

Disc Golf Xmas Social Round

8:30am

Fun Social Day - 18 Holes

9 Basket Holes

9 Target Holes

2x Lucky Door Prizes will be drawn on the day.

New players welcome - Discs available for hire on the day.

John Breen Park

CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday 24 December

Sarina’s Emergency Services Lolly Drop

5:30pm

We are kicking off the parade at 5.30pm on Christmas Eve!

Listen out for the sirens and music!

As much as we would love to go down every single street, it is not possible for us with all the vehicles. Please visit Sarina Fire Station on Facebook for the route maps.

Sarina

Christmas Eve Family Fun Day

12pm

Come on down to The Seabreeze for the ultimate Christmas Eve Party. Live music by The Feels.

Seabreeze Hotel

CHRISTMAS DAY Monday 25 December

The Last Quarter

Annual No One Eats Alone Christmas Lunch

11am – 1pm

Christmas Day join us for a free lunch with all the trimmings ham, prawns, rolls, salad and dessert and some of your favourite Indian delicacies will be on the menu. We will have a small gift for all who attend!

This year we encourage anyone who would like to donate to either purchase a gift voucher from Cole’s or Woolies so we can make sure those who are struggling can have more than just one meal during the holiday season.

Roshni Indian Restaurant

Thursday 28 December

Free Pop Up Barre Class

9:30am and 4:30pm

Ashley is almost finished her Barre Teacher Training!

As Ash has not quite completed her training she is offering some free classes.

Dec 28 - 9:30-10:10am

Dec 28 - 4:30-5:10pm

Space is limited please do book online through the app.

Tranquil Yoga Mackay, Boddington Street

CASA Christmas Cheer BBQ

10am-12pm

Come down for a snag and a yarn

CASA, 54 Gregory Street

Friday 29 December

Birdlife Monthly Survey

6am-8am

Join Birdlife Mackay with their monthly bird count in the Botanic Gardens. If you are a keen bird watcher or just love birds and keen to find out more, we would love your help!

Meet at the Viewing Deck next to the Café, off Lagoon Street. Bring a hat, water bottle, camera and binoculars (if you have them).

Bird counts are held on the last Friday of each month.

For more information head to: https://birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-mackay/

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Saturday 30 December

Live Music

6pm-10pm

Enjoy live music by local artists in the Garden Bar!

Tonight’s artist is Significant Other.

Harrup Park

NEW YEAR’S EVE Sunday 31 December

NYE at Harrup Park

6pm

Come and celebrate the New Year with us at Harrup Park in the Garden Bar!

Our theme this year is Glitz and Glam!

FREE EVENT! Enjoy live music by Mango Junction from 8pm-12am.  Capture memorable moments with our photobooth and enjoy food from our in-house smoker. A Guaranteed $3,000 in cash to be given away.

Harrup Park

NYE River Party

6pm – 9pm

Say goodbye to 2023 and kick off the new year with a bang on Sunday, 31 December!

The ever-popular NYE River Party brought to you by the Mackay Regional Council is back from 6pm - 9pm.

There will be non-stop entertainment for the whole family featuring amusement rides, face painting, food vendors, local musicians, as well as two exciting kids performances from special guests!

The NYE River Party will be topped off with the 9pm Muscle Garden fireworks display! Don't forget to head back to Bluewater Quay and River Wharves for the midnight fireworks as we celebrate the start of 2024!

Bluewater Quay and River Wharves

NYE Beach Party

8pm – 5am

Enter the new year with a bang at McGuires Hotel as we host the biggest outdoor NYE party in town.

We're hosting a 'Beach Party' with first 200 people getting lei'd on arrival + a $300 Twerk Comp so bring your cheering squad.

Entry $20 before 10pm

McGuires Hotel

‍

NYE River Party

Habana Carols Under the Stars

Pop Up Barre Class

Birdlife Monthly Survey

Dance Fit Class

Sarina Emergency Services Lolly Drop

As the region counts down to 2024, get ready for a celebration like no other.

Here’s the line up of celebratory fireworks occurring across the region.

Airlie Beach

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: 8.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: 12am

Bowen

WHERE: Bowen Foreshore

WHEN: 8.30pm

Collinsville

WHERE: Collinsville Showground

WHEN: 9pm

The space between Christmas and New Years Eve just got sweeter, with Dancing in the Shadows of Motown checking in to the Airlie Beach Hotel for two days of unbelievable music, non-stop dancing, and an all round good time.

Cruise through this break with some of the absolute best hits imaginable, who each faithfully and accurately recreating the beats, vocals, and impact of some of the greatest musicians around, including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Fontella Bass, The Jackson Five, and Junior Walker, plus so much more.

This nine-piece production leaves no note left behind, headlining across the world, and selling out shows everywhere in between.

Selling out shows across the world, including the massive Sydney Opera House, this is not a show to miss. Airlie is lucky to get a show of this calibre free of charge.

Classy, confident, and poised does not begin to describe the energy and attitude that is Dancing in the Shadows of Motown, who tirelessly endeavour to ensure their performance leaves the audience just wanting more.

Now, who is on the line up?

The likes of Franchesca Appolis, Kimi Tupaea and Annie Ameida are just a handful of the powerhouse vocals that call Motown their tracks.

With them is Matt Roberts, Jason Bruer, Greg Carger, Christopher Soulos, Wesley Harder and Andy Brynes with the instrumental and backing vocals.

All of which create a performance like no other, on a stage that is set to blow Airlie Beach apart.

Where will you be in the crowd?

WHAT: Dancing in the Shadows of Motown

WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Wednesday December 27 and Thursday December 28, from 2pm to 5.30pm

TICKETS: Absolutely free, but bookings essential!

‍

Dancing in the Shadows of Motown knows how to bring the energy

With every Motown classic under their belt, this band knows how to make you dance

Tying us over from Christmas to New Years Eve

This is not the party to miss

Dancing in the Shadows of Motown graces the Airlie Beach Hotel stage once again. Photos supplied

First up is cult classic Chicken Run.

Following the chaotic lives of a flock of chickens in Yorkshire, England, Chicken Run tells the tale of the adventurous Rocky. Rocky crash lands into the flock, and helps the chicken plot and then escape their enclosure, and live the rest of their lives in freedom.

The second of the double is Night at the Museum.

This live action film follows Larry, as he signs on for a new job with the Museum of Natural History, as the night guardsman. However, on his first night on shift, Larry discovers something amazing, that every single exhibit in the museum comes to life when the sunsets.

Things only get more confusing for Larry, when he discovers a plot to destroy the museum and the inhabitants inside.

This won’t be the only fun on the night, with an abundance of yummy food trucks, ensuring the very best for guests dinner, feel free to bring along a picnic blanket and cuddle up for a good night at the cinema.

WHAT: Double Movie Special

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday, January 12, from 5pm

‍

Check out the first Whitsunday Regional Council double movie night special for 2024, with massive blockbusters on the line up.

Ensure the kids are kept entertained these school holidays, with a host of fun and exciting activities across the region.

> ARTSPACE MACKAY

Artspace Mackay will be closed Monday, December 4, to early May, 2024 for critical facility maintenance works. Dudley Denny City Library will host Artspace Mackay pop-up during this time. Due to the closure, no school holiday activities will be held.

> LIBRARIES

LIBRARY KIDS CLUB (FIVE TO 12 YEARS)

Until Wednesday, January 31

Sign up for Library Kids Club and keep the kids' reading and entertained over the summer school holidays. The club is suitable for children aged five to 12 years. The club features a reading challenge with prizes up for grabs and events and activities to fill your social calendars.

Register for Library Kids Club and join in the free fun at your local library: http://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/librarykidsclub

Bookings are required for all Library Kids Club activities via Eventbrite.

LIBRARY KIDS CLUB - MOVIE MATINEE

Friday, December 15, 2pm to 4pm, Gordon White Library

Thursday, January 11, 2pm to 4pm, Gordon White Library

Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. This event is for children aged five to 12 years old. Want to know what we are watching? Follow us on Facebook to find out. The movie will be announced prior to screening. Bookings required.

LIBRARY KIDS CLUB - CHRISTMAS PUPPETS AND PYJAMAS

Thursday, December 21, 5pm to 6pm

Gordon White Library

Join Ros from Wild Puppets for an evening of family fun. Suitable for children aged two to ten years of age and their families. Limited spots available. Bookings required.

DROP-IN DAYS

Until  December 22, 8.30am to 5pm

Mirani, Sarina and Walkerston libraries

Imagine, connect, construct, create, build and design. Children aged five to 12 years are invited to drop in during library open hours to explore and discover our educational construction resources. Follow on Facebook events. No bookings required, drop-in activities.

More school holiday activities to come for January!

Watch this space…

> MACKAY CITY AND WATERFRONT

ACTIVE SQUIRTZ MACKAY

Wednesday, December 20, at 9am

Wednesday, January 10, at 9am

Wednesday, January 17, at 9am

River Wharves, River Street

Join in Active Squirtz’s awesome adventures for two- to five-year-olds. The 40-minute sessions are free to attend. Register via their Facebook events.

> MACKAY REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

TIBBLES HUNT

Until December 20, 9am to 4pm

Tropical Shade Garden

Tibbles the friendly garden gnome is adventuring through the Tropical Shade Garden during the holidays. Pick up an activity sheet from the Visitor Information Centre and find all the hidden gnomes to discover the secret festive message. A free activity suitable for kids aged five to 12 years.

Additional self-guided activity resources can be found here: mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au

BOARD GAMES AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Wednesday, December 20, 11am to noon – Bookings required

Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Bring the whole family or a couple of friends and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere as you challenge each other to win. Try a classic like Scrabble, Cluedo and Checkers or take the challenge with Stardew Valley, Sushi Go and Bananagrams to name just a few. FREE family friendly activity.

CHRISTMAS CARD CREATIONS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, December 19, 10am to 11am

Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

FREE drop-in activity, suitable for all ages. Create a festive card using found materials and a splash of Christmas colour.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS KIDS’ WORKSHOP

Wednesday, December 20, 10am to noon

Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

FREE drop-in activity, suitable for ages five to 12 years. Create a Christmas decoration inspired by the botanic gardens. All materials provided.

FAMILY PICNIC PHOTO COMPETITION

Open all school holidays. Drawn January 19.

What is your favourite family picnic spot in the gardens? Send a photo of your family enjoying a picnic in the gardens to botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au for a chance to win a picnic basket set!

BOCCE WITH A BUDDY

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, except during Christmas closure period

Malta Garden Bocce Court

Cost: $5 to hire a bocce set

Enjoy a game of bocce with a friend on our sand bocce court. Bocce sets are available to hire from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre or bring your own to play. Please note bocce hire not available from Thursday, December 21, 2023 to Sunday, January 14, 2024.

> MECC

DBCT KIDS’ THEATRE SEASON – THE BEANIES

Saturday, January 20, 10am and 12.30pm

MECC North Foyer

Join us for this delightful picnic-style performance on comfortable pillows and mats in the North Foyer. The Beanies are sincerely silly. In fact, they’re full-time silliness professionals! But beneath the comedy lies a heartfelt mission to be every child’s BFF and champion their right to be gloriously and unapologetically themselves. Find out more and book!

> SARINA SUGAR SHED

SPECIAL KIDS TOUR OF THE SARINA SUGAR SHED

10.30am every day of the school holidays, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Field of Dreams Parklands, Railway Square, Sarina

Cost: Adult entry at the children’s price of $14,

Bookings are essential: www.sarinasugarshed.com.au

This fun, interactive session focuses on the kids, with the added bonus of adults being welcome at kids' prices! During the 45-minute tour, the kids will discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane and complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch. They’ll enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, and sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill, 'Bill the Mill Junior’.

Special stickers help the kids to understand how the machines work to transform sugar cane juice into sugar – they can touch and feel the different stages of the production from the bagasse to the sugar, to tasting the molasses! They’ll also receive a free information sheet at the end, which is great for school projects, and the quick, fun quiz will help to keep the young ones engaged. They are guaranteed to learn something!

> SARINA YOUTH CENTRE

All events run 10am to 2pm

The Sarina Youth Centre will host a range of school holiday drop-in activities for young people aged 10 to 21 years. There are limited spots, so please register to attend by calling 4961 9278 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au

Monday, December 18: Gingerbread making

Tuesday, December 19: First Aid Course (free)

Wednesday, December 20: Christmas community party, Rugby League grounds 11am to 3pm

Thursday, December 21: Christmas lunch

Friday, December 22: CLOSED