The Mackay City Centre is set to undergo a range of revitalisations with many exciting placemaking projects in the works. From vibrant street art to interactive installations and green spaces, the initiatives aim to inject new life into the heart of the city and create a more engaging and welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.
One of the most eye-catching projects is the creation of a 3D interactive mural, which will allow visitors to become part of the artwork and capture some amazing photos. Meanwhile, new parklets, bike racks, and seating will enhance pedestrian access and encourage more people to explore this vibrant city.
Nine community-driven placemaking projects have been given the green light thanks to council funding.
Mackay Waterfront Make Your Place placemaking grants will inject almost $40,000 to further support the Mackay City Centre and Waterfront in becoming a vibrant, inclusive and engaging place.
The successful projects include:
A one-month public art exhibition focusing on improving mental health. The exhibition will feature more than 75 pieces of original work, which will include paintings and drawings by local artists, to be displayed on the walls at 75 Victoria Street.
The Artist Place will host nine days of artistic activities and workshops at Queens Park’s cricket shed and rotunda to engage the community in arts activities run by established artists. Each weekend the artists will host workshops in a variety of mediums (watercolour, drawing, printmaking, drumming, textile).
Mudskippa will host 20 free community fishing clinics utilising the Pioneer River fishing jetties. Each clinic will be held over a three-hour period for up to 10 people.
The project will bring colour, vitality, excitement and activity to City Centre and Waterfront spaces and businesses through inclusive community workshops. Fifteen workshops will be offered, culminating in a colourful yarn bomb in the City Centre and an exhibition of works produced by participants.
This placemaking project aims to reinvigorate the Old Town Hall parkland space by installing some temporary installations. This project will feature several sections including a "garden" of bright and fun recycled water bottle flowers and a temporary milk crate setting to take advantage of the shade that the beautiful mature trees provide.
Mackay Latin Street Party aims to connect the local community through sharing and celebrating Latin culture and customs through live music, traditional dance performances, audience dance lessons, and speciality food and beverages.
An Easter-themed scavenger hunt for families. Participants will use a scavenger card to direct them to locations around the waterfront. The card is based on events and locations from the timeline of Mackay’s history as detailed on the “Upon the Levee Wall” community arts project.
Red Dog brewery will present the Mackay River Wharves Festival. A free community event showcasing locally brewed craft beer and artisan products, local food and live music by local artists.
The Neighbourhood Hub will deliver a cultural tour for the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community. The tour will utilise public art and local First Nations Yuwi and Australian South-Sea Islander guides to tell the story of their peoples’ challenging history in Mackay.
All projects will be delivered by June 2023. To stay up to date with more information and timing on a specific event/project, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au or follow Mackay City and Waterfront on Facebook.
Coco Cubano and Coffee Club will host another Latin Inspired Street Party this year thanks to a Make Your Place placemaking grant