Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Cr Ash-Lee Johnson
In July, the Mackay Festival of Arts brings a little extra colour and energy to our region. While it's easy to think of it as a month of entertainment, the festival has grown into something much bigger. It celebrates our community and shines a light on what makes this region a great place to live.
Now in its 39th year, the festival features more than 30 events across the region. Popular favourites such as the Wisely Wine and Food Day, Daly Bay Illuminate and the Jazz Brunch encourage locals to get out and enjoy their city, while also attracting visitors to the region.
Festivals like this are a nice extra for our community, but they also give something back. They create moments for families and friends to spend time together and provide local artists, performers and community groups with the chance to share their talents. They also help build a sense of pride in our region and remind us that Mackay offers much more than its strong industrial and agricultural roots.
The benefits are felt well beyond the festival itself. Visitors who travel to the region book accommodation, dine at local cafés and restaurants, and spend money with local retailers. That extra activity supports small businesses and helps keep money circulating through the regional economy. During the cooler winter months, events like these provide a welcome boost for tourism and hospitality operators.
The Wisely Wine and Food Day is a great example. It showcases some of our local producers, highlights the quality of our hospitality industry and gives visitors another reason to experience this wonderful place. Many leave with a new appreciation and often return to explore more later.
At its heart, the Mackay Festival of Arts is about bringing people together. It fills our parks, streets and venues with life, supports local businesses and celebrates the creative spirit of our community.
Whether you're a local enjoying what's on offer or a visitor discovering our region for the first time, the festival is a win for our region. It brings people together, supports local businesses and showcases what we have.
Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region. The next session will be held at Mirani Community Hall on August 4 at 5pm. Further details can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.
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