Council Invests $80,000 Into City Centre Projects

Council is proud to announce the successful funding of 20 community-led initiatives through the Make Your Place, City Safety and Façade Improvement grant programs.

These grants will inject a total of $80,182 into projects that enhance and activate public spaces, improve public safety and celebrate local creativity.

Projects range from an interactive gnome hunt to local cooking demonstrations and a barbecue, craft beer and music festival on the riverfront.

Successful Façade Improvement projects were eligible for a co-contribution from council of up to 50 per cent of the total project cost.

Grant recipients include:

Make Your Place Grants – $40,500.00

Seven projects will bring colour, culture, and connection to the Mackay Waterfront and surrounding areas:
• Pioneer Potters Mackay Inc – Mackay Gnome Hunt: 500 gnomes will be hidden across parks and trails, each with a QR code linking to a community Facebook group.
• Rhythm Business – Community Jams: 12 interactive music sessions at Bluewater Quay inviting all ages to sing and drum together.
• River of Life Festival Association – River of Life Festival: A one-day celebration with live music, markets, art and food along 500m of the waterfront.
• Red Dog Riverfront – BBQ, Craft Beer and Music Festival: A family-friendly event showcasing local brewers, barbecue masters and musicians.
• Bonnie McCarthy – River Reimagined: A temporary art installation using recycled materials and community stories near the YUWI sign (Subject to Visual Arts Advisory Committee approval).
• Renae Johansen – Riverside Children’s Hub: Inclusive kids’ activities and performances during the River of Life Festival.
• Mackay Farmers’ Market – Local Produce Cooking Demonstrations: Quarterly sessions promoting healthy eating with fresh local produce.

City Safety Grants – $15,878.32

Six projects will enhance public safety and security in the City Centre:
• Health and Hearts Exercise Physiology Clinic: Lighting and roller door installation to deter loitering at 2 Tennyson Street.
• Red Dog Brewery: CCTV upgrades to support crime prevention and community safety.
• Financial Planning Mackay: Security gate installation to prevent unauthorised access and improve staff safety.
• Mastermyne: Roller shutter installation to address safety concerns at 45 River Street.
• Harper Bee: CCTV system to monitor external areas and deter criminal activity.
• Rasmussen Chartered Accountants: CCTV installation to improve visibility and reduce break-ins.

Façade Improvement Grants – $23,804.04

Seven projects will refresh and beautify building exteriors, contributing to a more vibrant streetscape:
• Mackay Customs House: Fence panel replacement at the historic Customs House.
• Harper Bee: Canopy upgrade and new signage to enhance heritage charm.
• Mastermyne: Window and façade painting to modernise a prominent River Street building.
• Skin Transformations: Signage, decals and smart lock system for safety and visibility.
• Man About Menswear: New signage to replace outdated branding.
• Dancewear Mackay: Exterior repairs, painting and signage upgrades.
• Health & Hearts Exercise Physiology Clinic: Artistic window designs and new signage to add colour and character.

For more information about the grants and how to apply for future rounds, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au

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The River of Life Festival, a one-day celebration with live music, markets, art and food along 500m of the waterfront, was once again supported by council’s Make Your Place Grants program. Photo supplied

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