Mackay City and Waterfront

09/09/2026

🚗💬 We need to talk about parking.

Not in a scary "we need to talk" way.

In a "tell us what works, what doesn't and what could be better" way.

Council is looking for feedback on our council-branded parking app (Mackay Parking), that is used to pay for parking at council's four off-street parking areas in the Mackay City Centre, and our paid parking machines on Gordon and Wood streets.

Give us your feedback on this paid parking system and everyone who completes the short survey will go into the draw to WIN one of three double passes to see comedian Dane Simpson at the MECC.

Five minutes of your time. A chance to influence future improvements. And maybe a free night of laughs.

👉 Have your say via Connecting Mackay before September 23.
connectingmackay.com.au/paid-parking-user-survey

05/09/2026

Moonlight Cinema under the Stars is on tonight 🎥✨

Join us to find a spot from 5.30pm, and ‘The Croods’ will kick off at 6.30pm.

There are great food options available for takeaway from Red Dog Riverfront or from The GypsyVan and Sub Zero Treats.

See you there 😍

04/09/2026

Time to plan your family Christmas holidays!
Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic will be presented at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre from 4 December 2026 to 4 May 2027, bringing immersive galleries and archival artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives to regional Queensland. © Disney

🎫Tickets selling now at https://bit.ly/DisneyOnSale



Disney100: The Exhibition
Walt Disney Archives
Visit Mackay Isaac, Queensland, Australia
Visit Mackay Isaac, Queensland, Australia
Woollam
Caneland Central
Mackay Airport

03/09/2026

Its shaping up to be a beautiful weekend by the River! 😍

Thursday 3rd September from 3pm - 7pm ease into the end of the week with the Mackay Riverside Market. Food Vendors, entertainment, free facepainting and a great range of stalls to browse! 🍓

Saturday 5th September from 7am- River Wharves Breakfast Collective. Grab some breakfast, find a spot by the river and enjoy a beautiful spring Saturday morning. ☀️🧘🥖

Saturday 5th September from 5.30pm - Moonlight Cinema under the Stars. Bring Dad and enjoy a family movie night under the stars to celebrate Father's Day. Takeaway food available from Red Dog Riverfront, The GypsyVan and Sub-Zero Treats. 🎥

02/09/2026

✨ The magic is already spreading across Mackay! ✨

From gyms and cafes to jet boats, homewares and clothing stores, local businesses are getting into the spirit as we count down to Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic at the MECC. 🎉🐭

We're inviting businesses of all shapes and sizes to become Magic Makers and help turn Mackay into the Most Magical Place in Australia from December 2026 to May 2027.

Whether it's a special offer, themed experience, family-friendly activity or a little extra magic for visitors, now's the time to get involved.

Ready to make some magic? ✨
Register today: https://bit.ly/MagicMakersMackay

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4yjEdag

02/09/2026

In August the Light Box Exhibition was reimagined by artist Simone Eisler 🦋

'How Does Your Garden Grow?' brings together contemporary art and old photographs from Mackay’s heritage collection, creating a beautiful connection between our past and present.
The exhibition features a series of three works — Forest, Sea and Sky — each offering a different perspective on our local history and landscape. 📸🌊🌿

Visit the Dudley Denny City Library to admire the works.

🚨 New Public Art Alert! 🚨

Have you dropped into Dudley Denny City Library yet to see Simone Eisler’s 'How Does Your Garden Grow?'

This amazing Light Box Exhibition brings together contemporary art and old photographs from Mackay’s heritage collection, creating a beautiful connection between our past and present.

The exhibition features a series of three works — Forest, Sea and Sky — each offering a different perspective on our local history and landscape. 📸🌊🌿

For more information about the exhibition and the stories behind the works, be sure to read the didactic at the top of the escalator.

Image: Installation view, How Does Your Garden Grow? 2026 by Simone EISLER. Photography by Wilde Collective.

28/08/2026

🎉 More time to apply! We've extended the Make Your Place Grant deadline.

Have an idea that could bring people together, activate a public space or create a unique experience in Mackay's City Centre or Waterfront?

There's still time to turn your idea into a reality.
✨ Community events
🎨 Creative installations and projection art
🍽️ Long table lunches and community dinners
🧘 Wellness and fitness activations
🎭 Arts, culture and local storytelling

The Make Your Place Grant supports projects that create vibrant, welcoming places and strengthen community connections.

📅 Applications now close Friday, 11 September 2026

If you've been thinking about applying, now is the time to get your idea off the drawing board and into action.

🔗 Find out more and apply: https://www.mackaywaterfront.com.au/Initiatives/Grants/Make-Your-Place-Grant

27/08/2026

🌙🎬 Moonlight Cinema under the Stars returns!

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Father's Day weekend? Gather the family, bring your picnic blanket and settle in under the stars for a magical night at the movies.

Spend quality time together, enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, and create memories with Dad before Father's Day on Sunday.

📍 Bluewater Quay
⏰ Find a spot from 5.30pm - Movie starts at 6.30pm
🎥 The Croods

Enjoy takeaway dinner options from Red Dog Riverfront or visit The GypsyVan and Sub Zero Treats food vans to satisfy your cravings.

To help applicants achieve the best possible outcomes, the Mackay City and Waterfront team will be hosting a day of community briefings, including both group information sessions and one-on-one support

27/08/2026

🚨 LAST CALL: CITY SAFETY & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS🚨

Time is running out to secure funding for your next business or property improvement project.

Applications for the City Safety Grant and Façade Improvement Grant close tomorrow, Friday 28 August at 11.59pm.

🌃 City Safety Grant Funding available to support projects that improve safety, security and amenity within Mackay's City Centre, including lighting, CCTV and other eligible safety infrastructure.

🏢 Façade Improvement Grant Funding available to help property owners and business operators across the whole Mackay Region to
enhance the appearance of their buildings and shopfronts through exterior improvements, signage, painting and restoration works.

If you've started an application, now is the time to review, finalise and submit your proposal before the deadline.

Don't miss this opportunity!

📅 Applications close: 11.59pm, Friday 28 August 2026
🔗 Apply now: https://www.mackaywaterfront.com.au/Initiatives/Grants