Stepping onto the vibrant canvas of Mackay's cultural landscape, MP Leeanne Enoch, the Minister for Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities, and the Arts, embarked on an artistic expedition last week. Accompanied by the Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, the Minister's visit was a brushstroke of exploration, highlighting the city's artistry and fostering a deep connection with the community.
During her visit, Enoch and Gilbert immersed themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Mackay. A stop on their itinerary was Crossroad Arts, an organisation dedicated to inclusive arts programs and practices. The Minister was visibly impressed as she toured the performance venue and marvelled at the ongoing exhibition called HeART(Beats). This thought-provoking exhibition aimed to raise awareness about accessibility and emphasized the importance of incorporating access into everyday practices. Minister Enoch encouraged visitors to experience the exhibition firsthand, which will be open until August 4th.
Continuing their cultural expedition, the MP’s visited backstage of the groundbreaking performance titled 'Breathe In' at Crossroad Arts, meeting lead performer Brenden Borellini, who also serves as an artist in residence and ambassador, along with second lead performer Georgia Cranko.
'Breathe In' showcased the organisation's commitment to accessibility, with each performance accompanied by captions, Auslan interpretation, and audio description. The Minister commended Crossroad Arts for their dedication to fostering creative expression and inclusivity among artists with and without disabilities.
The MP’s also had the pleasure of participating in Lunchbox Yarns, an initiative held in collaboration with the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities, and the Arts, and Mackay Regional Council. Led by gifted musician Namarca Corowa, this engaging program featured ukulele lessons and celebrated the artistic talents of First Nations artists. The Minister expressed her appreciation for the initiative, which was made possible through the Regional Arts Development Fund.
Lastly, the Minister paid a visit to the Neighbourhood Hub, a vital community centre connecting residents with external services and providing programs and food relief. Acknowledging the centre’s significant role in supporting those in need, Minister Enoch commended the Mackay Neighbourhood Hub and its dedicated team for their invaluable contributions to the local community.
1 MP’s Leeanne Enoch and Julieanne Gilbert visited the Neighbourhood Hub, Crossroad Arts and Lunchbox Yarns during Minister Enoch’s cultural visit to Mackay last week. Photos supplied