Event guide 1st May

Friday 1^st May

North Queensland Games FREE Community Event  

5pm

The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the 2026 North Queensland Games at Harrup Park on Friday, May 1 from 5pm. The free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, jumping castles, community stalls, the March of Athletes, Holy Spirit College drumming corps, the lighting of the Games torch, live entertainment, fireworks, the Channel 7 100m Sprint Cup and an NQ Games cricket match. Five-time Olympian Nat Cook will also attend.

Harrup Park, Mackay

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Saturday 2^nd May

Mens Breakfast

7.30am

The community is invited to the Iona West Men’s Breakfast at Iona West Uniting Church, 7 Brooks Street, from 7.30am on Saturday, May 2. The $5 breakfast will feature guest speaker Doug Foster from Cairns, who recently retired after many years serving as State Chaplain Coordinator for the Uniting Church and previously as a police chaplain and congregation minister. Married with three children and seven grandchildren, Doug will share stories from his life and ministry. For enquiries or to RSVP, contact Anthony and the team.
Iona West Uniting Church  

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Saturday Story Time  

9.30am

Families are invited to enjoy a fun and engaging morning at Saturday Story Time at Gordon White Library from 9.30am to 10am on May 2. Designed for children aged one to five, the free session features captivating stories, singing and interactive activities that support early language and literacy development while giving parents and little ones a chance to bond and enjoy a relaxed weekend outing together.

Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip St, Mount Pleasant

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Beach Clean Up

3pm  

Community members are invited to help protect the coastline at a beach clean-up at Blacks Beach on May 2 from 3pm–5pm. Volunteers will work together to remove litter while enjoying time in nature and connecting with others who care about ocean health. Participants are encouraged to bring a hat, water bottle, enclosed shoes and sun-smart clothing. The initiative is supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance.

Blacks Beach Mackay  

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Rural View and Rosewood Drive Walk  

4pm

Walkers are invited to meet at 3.50pm in the back car park of Woolworths Northern Beaches (Rosewood Drive side) for a relaxed community stroll past the high school and around the nearby lakes, where swans are often spotted. Participants can also stay for dinner afterwards at Northern Beaches Bowls Club. The casual walk is shared for information by the Women Who Walk group, with participants asked to sign an indemnity form.

Nth Beaches Woolworths back car park (meeting spot)

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Sunday 3^rd May

Community Meditation and Breath Work  

10am

Residents are invited to explore mindful breathing through BMS Pranayam classes held Sundays from 10am–11am at Mind Psyence. Led by experienced yoga teacher Prabha Srinivasan, the free community sessions introduce traditional yoga breath and energy work aimed at reducing stress, improving clarity and supporting wellbeing. Suitable for beginners, the session includes guided breathwork, meditation and a Q&A. Donations are welcome to help cover costs.

Mind Psyence, 358 Slade Point Road, Slade Point

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Writing Sunday  

11am

Writers of all levels are invited to take part in Writing Sunday at Dudley Denny City Library from 11am to 1pm on May 3. The free, volunteer-led program offers a supportive space to finish projects and connect with fellow writers. Using the Pomodoro Technique, sessions are structured into focused writing blocks with short breaks to boost creativity and productivity, encouraging participants to build momentum while refining their craft in a collaborative community setting.

Dudley Denny City Library

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Monday 4^th May

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Come & Try Gateball

1.30pm

Community members are invited to a free “Come & Try Gateball” session at Mackay Croquet Club on Monday, May 4, with arrival from 1.30pm for a 2pm start. Gateball is a fast-paced, social team sport similar to croquet, designed to be easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities, with short 30-minute matches. The event offers a relaxed opportunity to stay active, meet others and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Phone:0413 500 897 for more information.

Mackay Croquet Club, 105 Juliet Street, South Mackay.

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Tuesday 5^th May

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The Mum Hub – Sparkly Brain Society  

10am

Mums are invited to connect and share experiences at a neurodivergent mums support group hosted by The Held Projecteach Tuesday at 10am at The Mum Hub Mackay. Facilitated by founder Amanda, the welcoming group is open to mums on the spectrum or those who feel they don’t fit traditional boxes, with or without a formal diagnosis. Babies and young toddlers are welcome, and tea and coffee will be provided in a relaxed, supportive environment.

10/46 Mulherin Dr, Mackay Harbour

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