Grab your boardies and thongs and get ready to celebrate Australia Day at a council supported community event!
The Aussie themed events will take place on Australia Day, 2024 (Friday, January 26) at twelve different locations around the region. From barefoot bowls and live music at Seaforth to beach games and races at Armstrong Beach, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
For more information and event organiser contact details, see the list of events below.
**Please note, these events were current at time of print, adverse weather conditions may change or cancel events, please check with event organisers if you are unsure.
AUSTRALIA DAY CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
Hosted by: Mackay Regional Council
When: 10am, Friday, January 26 (registration opens at 9am)
Where: MECC auditorium
What's happening: Mayor Greg Williamson will welcome more than 90 new citizens at the MECC. Please note this event is invite only.
For more information, call 1300 MACKAY (622 529).
AUSTRALIA DAY AT ARMSTRONG BEACH
Hosted by: Armstrong Beach Area Progress Association
When: 11am - 5pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Llewellyn Hall, 252 Armstrong Beach Rd, Armstrong Beach
What’s happening: Enjoy a true-blue family fun day including free water slide, egg and spoon races, sack races, tug of war, thong throwing, cricket, darts, jumbo water slide, music and BBQ.
For more information, call 0439 716 654 or email armstrongbeach@gmail.com.
AUSSIE DAY AT EIMEO BEACH
Hosted by: Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club
When: 3pm - 9pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Eimeo Beach, near Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club
What’s happening: Activities will include family sand castle competition, vegemite face painting competition, thong throwing, prizes, beach cricket and music.
For more information, call 4969 6680 or email eimeoslsclub@bigpond.com.
AUSSIE DAY MACKAY BEACH PARTY
Hosted by: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club
When: 10:30am - 2:30pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Harbour Beach, Mackay Harbour
What’s happening: Dive into Australia Day and bring the kids to this amazing Aussie themed event with live music, beach volleyball and beach cricket, tug of war, thong throwing competition and more! Food and drinks available to purchase from the Club beach café. Please note - some activities and games will be subject to the weather and sand conditions on the day.
For more information, email functions@mslscsupporters.net.au.
AUSSIE DAY AT GRASSTREE BEACH
Hosted by: Grasstree Beach Progress Association
When: 4pm - 6pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Grasstree Beach foreshore
What’s happening: Get your vitamin sea at this ripper Aussie Day event at Grasstree Beach foreshore. Activities will include thong throwing, egg and spoon, wheelbarrow and sack races, community share table of veges, herbs, plants and crafts, bush music and a free BBQ.
For more information, email gtbprogress@outlook.com.
AUSTRALIA DAY SCOUTS OPEN DAY
Hosted by: Banksia Scout Group
When: 10am - 2pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Banksia Scout Den, Jaycee Park, Corner of Fernleigh Ave and Bedford Rd, Andergrove
What’s happening: Parents bring a chair and enjoy the shade of the trees while the kids have some fun this Australia Day. Activities will include rope bridge, low ropes course, crate stacking, soft archery, damper cooking and more! Sausage sizzle and drinks available for purchase.
For more information, call Katrina 0410 455 615, visit www.facebook.com/BanksiaScoutGroup.or email gl@banksia.scoutsqld.com.au.
AUSTRALIA DAY THE HABANA WAY
Hosted by: Habana and Districts Progress Association
When: 3pm - 7pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Habana Community Precinct, 1091 Mackay-Habana Rd
What’s happening: Community picnic (BYO) and traditional Australia Day activities including sand castle building on our "borrowed" beach, backyard cricket, inflatable water play, lamington eating competition, tug-of-war and thong throwing. Food and drinks will be available for sale. Find out about local groups you can join while at the event including craft, rural fire and Tai Chi. Habana community spirit award announced at the event.
For more information, visit Habana Progress Association's Facebook page or call Palmina on 0403 729 505.
EUNGELLA GRASS ROOTS BBQ
Hosted by: Eungella Community Development Association
When: 3pm - 10pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Eungella Community Hall
What’s happening: This fair dinkum Aussie Day event has something for the whole family. Activities will include face painting, water play area, backyard cricket, thong throwing, twilight markets, American style BBQ and live music.
For more information, email ecda@eungella.com.au.
GO OZ WITH LAWN BOWLS
Hosted by: Mackay Bowling Club
When: noon - 4:30pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Mackay Bowling Club, Nebo Road, Mackay
What’s happening: Join in the fun at this free community event in the CBD. Starting with an Aussie lunch at noon, then for the inexperienced bowler join us for some three bowls triples with cash prizes up for grabs. Afternoon recess will include lamingtons with tea and coffee. To RSVP for any of these events please phone Mackay Bowling Club on 4957 3571.
For more information, email mkybowls@hotmail.com.
MACKAY CONTRACT BRIDGE OPEN DAY
Hosted by: Mackay Contract Bridge
When: 10am - 3pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Mackay Contract Bridge Club House, 414 Shakespeare St, West Mackay
What’s happening: Fun introduction to the game of contract bridge including lessons and demonstration. BBQ lunch will be provided with soft drinks, tea and coffee. Come along and meet the team!
For more information, email mcbc@mackaybridgeclub.org.au.
SARINA BOWLS CLUB SOCIAL AUSSIE DAY EVENT
Hosted by: Sarina Bowls Club
When: 1pm - 3:30pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Sarina Bowls Club, 1 Patroyce Ct, Sarina
What’s happening: Celebrate Australia Day in style at Sarina Bowls Club with a relaxing afternoon of social bowls. The event will include a BBQ, damper, lamingtons and a tea and coffee station. There will also be prizes for best dressed and bowls winners.
For more information, email sarinabowlsclub@outlook.com.
SEAFORTH AUSSIE DAY EVENT
Hosted by: Seaforth Bowls Club
When: noon till late, Friday, January 26
Where: Seaforth Bowls Club, Walsh Avenue, Seaforth
What’s happening: Join in the fun this Australia Day at Seaforth Bowls Club with barefoot bowls, live entertainment, thong throwing competitions and a free afternoon sausage sizzle. There will also be a water slide for the kids from noon to 4pm and the live band will play from 2pm - 5:30pm.
For more information, email admin@seaforthbowlsclubqld.com.au.
ST HELENS BEACH AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATION
Hosted by: St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc.
When: 9am - 4pm, Friday, January 26
Where: Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach
What’s happening: Activities will include live music, face painting, vintage tractor display and competitions including sandcastle building, Aussie trivia, tug of war and cast net throwing. There will also be a sausage sizzle thanks to Calen Butchers.
For more information, Call 0499 013 016 or email boatramp4798@gmail.com.
