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Page 1
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Community and Client
Services
Monthly Review 16 February to
15 March 2015
Page 2
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
Review of Operations
Community Lifestyle 5
Mackay Convention and Entertainment Centre and Events 23
Property Services 29
Corporate Communications 34
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Executive Summary
Director Community and Client Services
Highlights
21 current Mackay Creatives Website Project members submitted expressions of interest and have been selected to exhibit artwork in Artspace Mackay exhibition Our Community: Mackay Creatives, in the Orientation Gallery from 26 March to end of July 2015.
Mackay Regional Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan has been endorsed by Council and Reconciliation Australia. Official launch will be held on Thursday 19 February.
Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) organised a Harmony Day morning tea with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community members and staff, Mayor and Councillors, which was held on 18 March.
25 clubs attended the launch of Club Connect, Mackay Regional Council’s Club Development Program on 8 March at Magpies Sporting Club. The forum discussed sport into the future focussing on what clubs need to do to overcome participation, communication issues and how to strengthen clubs into the future.
Two new programs, Book Spines (Young Adult book club) and Zines and other Scenes
(Young adult writers club) were introduced this month. Both programs encourage reading and
writing beyond the classroom, encouraging substantive discussion about things we read and
giving young authors a chance to be heard. A few interested young adults made a promising
beginning to the new programs.
Easter holiday activities will be arranged during the second week of school holidays, courtesy of
Qld Art Gallery & Gallery Modern Art’s kids & families' art activity days. This annual event has
morphed into a week-long celebration of art for children, with a set of activities especially
designed by prominent artist Jemima Wyman, called “Pattern Bandits”. And this year, for the first
time, Artspace Mackay will have a pop-up activity centre at Caneland Central, as well as in the
gallery. We expect huge numbers to take advantage of this great FREE event! Artspace staff
and volunteers will be there from Tuesday 14 April until Saturday/Sunday 18/19 April, from 10am-
12pm & 1pm – 3pm each day.
The Anywhere Festival is jointly being held with Isaac Regional Council, and an expected
outcome is that Manager MECC & Events would up skill colleagues in the Isaac Region in relation
to event delivery. It is pleasing to report good relationships and up skilling has occurred, and
stakeholders in Isaac are pleased with the progress of the Anywhere Festival thus far. At the time
of writing several events in Isaac have sold out, and SBS television will be recording a feature in
Dysart, an unanticipated but highly valued outcome.
The Lanes Easter Carnival 2015 is fully coordinated and ready to deliver. Multiple Mackay City
Centre Traders have been engaged to either host events or be part of the Easter Treasure Hunt
promotion coordinated by the Festivals Team.
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Northern Australia Services fitout completed on time.
Results of the Community Attitude Survey were released publically, providing some positive
media coverage for council. A scheduled advertising-marketing campaign is underway comprising
television, Facebook and a two-page Council Connect feature in the Daily Mercury.
Amanda Camm
Acting Director Community and Client Services
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Community Lifestyle
Management
In a true demonstration of working as one team, staff from client services and community
development responded to a request from the emergency management team to activate an
evacuation centre in Sarina. The response resulted from a request for assistance from Issac
Regional Council with the actions highlighting a region working together.
Client Services
Initiatives
Sarina office provided shelter for residents of the Isaac region during tropical cyclone Marcia.
All staff completed training in waste contractors portal, customer request management system
and MiH2o portal.
Call centre and e-Content are on track to transition into Northern Australia Services on 30 March.
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Community Programs
The Community Programs Team (except Museums) has responded to a combined total of 749
community enquiries (including phone calls, emails, personal interaction, social media enquires)
during this reporting period.
Community Development
2015 International Women’s Day Event – “Make It Happen Expo” was held on 6 March at the Sarina Cultural Hall. Format for event this year included 6 inspirational women speakers and student dancers from a local dancing studio. 23 information tables were provided by a variety of organisations from the Mackay region. The event was attended by 99 community members and 45 community groups. During Cyclone Marcia, Sarina Neighbourhood Centre Officer along with the Sarina Client Services team leader, established and managed the evacuation shelter at the Sarina Cultural Hall for residents from St Lawrence who had to evacuate their homes. The evacuation shelter was operational during the night of the cyclone and until it was deemed safe by authorities for the residents to return to their homes the next morning. Further assistance has been given to residents after the event with food vouchers, support and information. Department of Communities staff requested Sarina Neighbourhood Centre brochures which they took to the residents while community recovery was in action. Emergency Relief food vouchers are available at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on Mondays only. Food voucher enquiries totalled 30 with 15 being allocated. Back to School vouchers are also available for school books and uniforms. 3 school vouchers have been allocated. Meeting held with regulatory services to discuss opportunities of linking together to assist Barlink in moving forward with the Safe Night Out Legislation. Future plans include linking with licensees to arrange a meeting with the Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct Board as an opportunity of sharing and being informed by industry peers. ‘Navigating the Office of Fair Trading’ workshop is scheduled for 24 March 2015 with several registrations received from the community. Community Development has received a good response from the Northern Beaches Community Network membership drive which included a mail out to businesses and notices in the school newsletters. To date 6 long standing businesses and 3 individual community members have expressed interest in joining the network. Working group planning for the Homeless Expo 2015 is underway. The event will take place on 13 May 2015, 10am-1pm at St Pauls Hall. This initiative will include activities and entertainment, donations of clothes and other essentials, food and health checks for the homeless. Planning has begun for the 2015 Seniors Lifestyle Expo with a steering committee formed in early February. The Expo is scheduled for Friday 21 August 2015, 9.00am to 2.00pm at Senior Citizens Centre in Macalister Street. To date 30 exhibitors have registered to attend the event.
Youth Development
Negotiations have been held with Department of Communities around the new youth sector Service Agreement. Information sessions with QCOSS will be held in March and then further training and information with the department will follow in May. Valley District Youth Council commenced development of concepts for the major theatrical production to be held at Pinnacle Playhouse. Performance dates for 2015 are 24 & 25 July and 31 July & 1 August. Youth Development Officer provide ongoing support, counselling, information, referral and mentoring for young people in need in the Pioneer Valley - including young individuals "at risk" as per the State
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Government funded role of Youth at Risk Initiatives. Approximately 34 young people are receiving individual support for a wide range of issues including coping with abuse, mental health, job hunting, coping at school, relationship/family matters, anti-bullying, social isolation, grief, etc. Sarina Youth Centre programs have begun for the year and include Drumbeats, Rock and Water, Girls with a Purpose, and Stand Up. In a new partnership with Sarina State High School, young people are also able to access the Youth Development Officer who visits the Sarina Sate High School on Monday afternoons on alternate weeks from 12-3pm. Auditions for Mackay’s Got Talent were held on 21-22 February at Studio 53. From 52 Mackay
Region talented young people aged between 12 and 18 years old, 14 acts involving 16 young people
were selected to participate in the final of Mackay’s Got Talent. The final will be held on 19 April 2015
at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention centre. Tickets are now available from the box office.
Arts Development
RADF round 3 2014/15 closed on Wednesday 18 February. 15 applications were received. Creative Mackay e-bulletin distributed to over 900 subscribers. Over 1500 Art Is In calendars (Issue 63 March, April and May) printed and distributed. The community launch for Animating Spaces: Mackay Up was held at Paxton’s Creative Space on 27
February and was attended by approx. 50 local artists, community service organisation
representatives, Council Cultural and Economic Development staff and Councillors.
Indigenous
Indigenous Officer assisted with a 2-day Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Workshop at
Gordon White Library. 15 community members attended and due to the interest in the program, a
further series of workshops are being planned.
Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP)
Chinese New Year celebrations were held on 21 February, 4-8pm at the Victoria Street Markets with 3500 people in attendance. LAMP Officer attended planning meetings, provided coordination and logistical support on the day and maintained contact with community stall holders and gathered feedback following the day.
LAMP Officer emceed the International Women Day event at Mackay City Library which featured guest speaker Kathleen O’Dea, author who while living in Mackay, wrote a book about her experiences in Zimbabwe, and performances from World Café members from the Indian Community and Indonesian Women’s Choir.
4 Employment Workshops for Migrant Job Seekers have been completed, averaging 10 participants per workshop. LAMP worker completed resume reviews for 8 migrants and as a result a number of skilled migrants have now been short listed for interviews with local companies.
600 copies of Migrant Voice printed and distributed in the community. Electronic version is available on the council website.
Co-ordinated Advocacy in the Multicultural Sector (CAMS)
CAMS Officer is assisting Frangipani Arts with their ASSI family history e-book project. E-book launch will be held Thursday 19 March 2015. Following the launch event, this resource will be accessible to all online.
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
CAMS Officer met with newly appointed ASSI Health Worker on 4 March to gain information about a new health program targeting ASSI. CAMS Officer offered assistance to promote the program to the ASSI community through the next ASSI News Update.
Sister City
The Youth Ambassador Program student recruitment has been finalised. 14 students and 2
chaperones will represent Mackay on the exchange program to Matsuura in September this year. The
first meeting to prepare students for the trip will be held on Wednesday 18 March 2015.
Community Grants Program Round 2 of the community grants program closed on 6 February. A total of 35 applications have been
submitted, requesting a total of $130,814.49. The Committee Assessment Meeting was held on 5
March. The Committee recommended allocating $61,459.83 towards successful applications.
Given the competitive nature of the Community Grants Program, the Committee discussed and
agreed on the importance of giving applicants further information on alternative grants and funding
opportunities. Community Development has compiled a list of funding opportunities that will be mailed
to all applicants.
Sport and Recreation
Nominations for Outstanding Junior, Senior and Disabled athletes were accepted and put forward to NQ Sports Foundation for annual North Queensland Sportstar Awards ceremony held on 28 March in Hughenden.
Museums
Pioneer Valley Museum at Mirani
Reopened on 3 March 2015
Visitor numbers: 1
A new display on the Great War has been installed
Volunteers attended first session of 2015 Standards Review Program
Mackay Museum
Visitor numbers: 11
Volunteers continue to prepare for the installation, into their new shed, of the parts of their
collection still held at Greenmount
The Mackay Museum facebook page is regularly maintained by one volunteer. Extractions
from the “Have you seen the old Mackay” facebook page will feature shortly in an exhibition
within Artspace
Sarina Historical Society and Museum Inc.
Officially reopens on 1 April 2015
Volunteers continue to change the displays within the museum, cleaning and other display
maintenance
Volunteers attended a Character and Heritage Advisory Committee meeting
Greenmount Homestead
Visitor Numbers: 187 (incl. 2 school visits)
Weddings: 1
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Friends of Greenmount attended first session of 2015 Standards Review Program
Special opening on 7 March for 53 Masonic Lodge ladies group
Inkind Assistance
Applicant Request Cost
Headspace Mackay Provision of waiver of Andergrove Community Hall fees in
support of their Trivia Night. $250.00
Jack Badger Memorial
Park Committee
Provision of water for the water tank at the Jack Badger Park in
support of their Basket Picnic. $150.00
Mackay Autism Support
Group
Provision of colouring Civic Precinct fountain blue in support of
Autism Awareness Month. $500.00
Mackay Epilepsy Support
Group
Provision of colouring Civic Precinct fountain Purple in support
of Epilepsy Awareness. $500.00
Mackay Kennel Club
Provision of mowing, rubbish removal, undercover areas
cleaned, 10 general waste bins and 10 recycle bins in support
of their Championship Show.
$238.14
Mackay Recreational
Fishers Alliance Inc
Provision of waiver of park hire fees at Shoal Point in support
of their Family Fishing Day. $79.00
Mackay Regional Council Provision of colouring Civic Precinct fountain Orange in
support of Harmony Day. $560.00
Seaforth Progress &
Sports Association
Provision of 5 general waste bins, 5 recycle bins, 50 witches
hats, 40 star pickets, 400m butting and waiver of park hire fees
at Seaforth Foreshore in support of their Fun Run.
$250.50
Sensory Circus Tribe
Provision of 1 general waste bin, 1 recycle bin and waiver of
park hire fees at John Breen Park in support of World Circus
Day.
$250.50
Thai Community Provision of 4 general waste bins, 4 recycle bins, 40m bunting
and 14 witches’ hats in support of Thai New Year. $171.50
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
2015 International Women’s Day Event – “Make It Happen Expo” at the Sarina Cultural
Hall
Chinese New Year celebrations held at
Victoria Street Markets
Mackay’s Got Talent auditions held at
Studio 53
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Libraries
February snapshot
With 24 days of opening in February, Mackay Regional Council Libraries had a busy month delivering 141 programs attended by 3918 people. A total of 31,152 people visited, 513 new members joined and 55,360 items loaned. Programs held contribute to Mackay Regional Council Libraries key strategies and Mackay Regional
Council Corporate Plan for Community and Lifestyle.
Library Lovers Month
Library members were asked to tell us what they loved about the library during Library Lovers’ month
The online comments collected showed that the book is still very popular with 35% of people stating
they loved reading and borrowing from the library.
80% said they appreciated the quality of client service experienced from library staff and enjoyed the
many programs that Mackay Regional Council Libraries offer.
Three people said they valued the libraries and the wealth of knowledge that had been enjoyed by
three family generations.
The winners of the dinner for two are -
1.Catherine Fitzgerald “I’ve always been a lover of books and instilled that on my kids. To have the
Mobile Library come to me with such variety and helpfulness is awesome.”
2.Paula Thomson “Family fun occasions kids have with their librarians over twelve years using this
wonderful public service is remembered. Always a proud local family.”
Sports Expo – Sunday, February 8
Mackay City Library opened its doors for a special Sunday opening in conjunction with the Sports
Expo being held at MECC. 157 visitors attended the library (compared to 67 in 2014) and enjoyed the
‘big games’ – Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, Chess and Connect 4. 2 new members joined the library
(compared to 2 in 2014).
Special Sunday library opening for MECC
Sports Expo
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Young People’s Services
Programs designed to encourage early literacy in children and their families had a total of 2129 in
attendance compared to 2154 in 2014.
The Corner
February was a very exciting month for The Corner project with a new installation, P is for Play,
moving in to the children’s area at the Gordon White Library and an adaptation of the Land, Sea
and Sky installation moving to Mackay City Library.
There has been positive community response to the installations after an initial week or two of
moving, creating the space and training staff.
The Corner “P is for Play” at Gordon White Library attracted 769 under 8’s, 103 children aged 8
years and over and 469 adults (parents/carers) – a total of 1441 during 3 weeks in February.
“Land, Sea and Sky” is the first The Corner installation at Mackay City Library and was very well
received with 242 under 8’s, 35 children aged 8 years and over and 186 adults (parents/carers) –
a total of 463 during the last 2 weeks in February.
State Library of Queensland filming of Mackay Regional Council Libraries Storytime
As part of the new Best Start campaign the State Library of Queensland requested permission to
film a Storytime session at Mackay Regional Council Libraries to produce “best practice” material
for Queensland public libraries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWcGc2CWonI&feature=youtu.be
This video provides supportive information and ideas about how Mackay Regional Council Libraries runs a
Storytime program for 2-5 year old children and their parents and primary caregivers. At Storytime sessions
library staff members use one, or a number of books, in combination with related songs, puppets, actions
and activities, to support children’s oral language and early literacy skills.
Young Adult Services
MakerSpaces has begun again giving young adults aged between 10 and 16 a chance to tinker
and explore. Mackay City Library and Mirani Library were branches visited this month. More than
10 young adults have already enjoyed the opportunity to tinker and make.
P is for Play – The Corner
Gordon White Library Land, Sea and Sky – The Corner
Mackay City Library
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Community Outreach
Five enthusiastic readers attended CitySide Book Club’s first meeting for the 2015. Eight avid
readers discussed John Boyne’s A History of Loneliness at Between the Lines Book Club. Five
avid readers attended the Valley Page Turners Book Club at Mirani to discuss “Luminaries” –
unfortunately the size of the book put a few of the ladies off and only two had read the book.
Three keen stitchers worked on Burda Style patterns at Social Sewing Saturday.
Ten interested people attended the inaugural Lifestyle Plus Talks at Gordon White Library.
Fiona Paterson, Environmental Education Officer from MRC’s Waste Services demonstrated the
construction of a worm farm and spoke about the many advantages of utilising a worm farm to
recycle household fruit and vegetable scraps.
1008 items were delivered to 150 Home Library Service Clients by 14 volunteers, travelling
124km
Sarina Library on track with promotions
Sarina Library welcomed commemorative steam train travellers at Sarina to support QR celebrate
150 years of transporting Queenslanders. Branch Coordinator Troy McShannon with Friends of
the Library Cheryl Cook and Carol Edwards showcased programs and services delivered by
Mackay Regional Council Libraries. Troy comments “It was a great opportunity to engage with not
only the local community who came to see the train but also the many passengers on the 3 trips.
This event allowed libraries to promote the great programs like Baby Bounce and Discover IT
classes that are available. To encourage the community to join the library, a Become a Member
competition was held.
Cultural Services
15 adults and 28 children attended the Colours themed Many Cultures Storytime.
Heritage Collection
58 researchers visited the Carmel Daveson Research Room compared to 67 in February 2014.
21 research inquiries actioned compared to 3 in February 2014.
QR Library display in Sarina
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Heritage Collection staff are currently preparing for WW1 – ANZAC centenary commemorative
exhibitions at Mackay City Library and Gordon White Library. The Heritage Collection WW1 original
materials will also be showcased at the Artspace gallery during the month of April.
Heritage collection staff recently visited and toured the State library of QLD and QLD State Archives
facilities in Brisbane as well as attending the QLD Local Studies group meeting. This professional
development opportunity allowed staff to meet and discuss WW1 projects, upcoming content sharing
opportunities as well as review best practice in preservation and conservation processes.
Statistics
Public computers totalled 2914 bookings and 2534 hours of use, and a total of 1193.25 hours Wi-
Fi accessed.
Assistive Technology equipment was used for a total of 40 hours.
19 DiscoverIT classes held with 75 attendees.
8 requests received for Ask the Library enquiries.
Top 3 library website visits for the month of February:
o WebOPAC
o Library Home
o Contact Us
Database hits including The Computer School, Who Else Writes Like, Who Next, Transparent
Language Online and Literacy Planet totalled 1018.
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Top 5 Reserved Titles in February
American sniper : the autobiography of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history / Chris Kyle ; with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen.
Game of thrones season 4 [DVD]
So fresh The hits of spring 2014 [sound recording]/
Bowling for Columbine [DVD] /
The maze runner/ James Dashner
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Artspace Mackay
Overview
Although February’s visitor numbers appear to be similar compared with the same period last
year, the numbers cover a slightly different period (16 Feb – 15 March). This is a traditionally
quiet period visitor-wise. Staff have been focussed on planning for a host of upcoming
exhibitions, activities and events.
The Artspace Mackay Director is in the process of securing an international photographic
exhibition for the gallery. The exhibition will be a collaborative project between Artspace Mackay
and Rockhampton Art Gallery, and will be split between the two venues. So, if people want to see
the entire show, they will need to travel between the two cities. We see the potential for lots of
tourism packages, and will work with Qld Tourism & Events to make this happen. Both gallery
directors are currently seeking major sponsors for this exhibition. The costs of presenting this
amazing exhibition will be shared between both galleries. All other details are confidential at the
moment.
There has recently been controversy surrounding the use of ‘selfie-sticks’ in art galleries. They
have been banned at large institutions around the country. Bucking the trend, Artspace Mackay
has selfie-sticks available for loan at the reception desk. So anyone, young or old, can take a
selfie with their favourite work of art, and upload it to our Facebook page via our free wi-fi
connection.
Gallery staff are busily planning for upcoming exhibitions from the Qld Art Gallery, the Museum of
Contemporary Art in Sydney, and the National Gallery of Australia. It’s an incredible array of
exhibitions that will be on offer in Mackay over the next few months, so don’t forget to come along
and take advantage of your free, state-of-the-art art gallery. For details of exhibitions, check out
our website: www.artspacemackay.com.au
Visitors
1562 (Including Town Hall)
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Attendance figures:
Website visits:
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
E-Newsletter Subscribers:
New Exhibition(s)
There are no new exhibitions for this period.
Public Programs & Education
18 Feb Art Educators meeting at Artspace, including
artists books viewing from the collection Tate Adams Reading Room 13
21 Feb Kids Art Club – Saturday art classes with
Rosemary Payne Seminar room 12
22 Feb Sunday Filmspace at Artspace Seminar room 15
28 Feb Kids Art Club Seminar room 11
7 & 8
Mar
Scanlines New Media Workshops –
Manipulating time and Stop Animation Orientation Gallery 23
7 Mar Kids art club Seminar room 11
10 Mar
Mackay State High School – School tours x 3
(Yr 10s, 11s and 12s) also see artist book
collection
All galleries and seminar room 53
14 Mar David Lynch Master class – live streaming
event from QAGOMA Orientation Gallery 21
14 Mar Kids Art club with Rosemary Seminar room 10
Total attendees at public programs from 16 Feb to 15 Mar: 169
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
and Events
Management
Completed planning to facilitate a trilogy of arts events which have been strategically secured to
boost the local economy, promote Mackay, and which will assist in bringing foot traffic into the
Mackay City Centre. The three events being the Anywhere Festival, Queensland Touring
Showcase and NARPACA (Northern Australia’s Regional Performing Arts Centres Association
Managers Conference). Combined these three events will bring in excess of 300 visitors to
Mackay for a stay of up to four days for some, boosting the local economy by over $200,000. The
Queensland Touring Showcase has never been held outside Brisbane, and Mackay becomes the
first regional location for the Anywhere Festival, and significant attention is being received due to
this. It can also be confirmed that Arts Queensland’s Touring Funding Panel will meet in Mackay
during these events. The Panel has never met outside Brisbane before.
Continued to provide assistance to colleagues in relation to Stage 2 and 3 of City Centre public
art program
Continue to manage Stage 1 of City Centre public art program
Contracted Professional Bull Riding Tournament for Stadium Mackay with agreement from
incoming Board, and continue to provide advice and assistance to incoming operators of Stadium
Mackay.
Continued to refine in house food and beverage operations at Mackay Entertainment &
Convention Centre
Congratulated staff and volunteers for the excellent results obtained in the Community Attitudes
Survey. Not only are residents highly satisfied by the Centre’s services, it is noted residents
believe the Centre’s services are highly important. Many other regional arts centres will envy
these highly flattering results which are not universally shared in other regional areas.
Acted as ex-officio at the Friends of the MECC Annual General Meeting where Ms Elspit Mulherin
OAM stood down from the Committee after 18 years of service. A well-attended meeting
occurred and Committee positions were contested indicating an ongoing healthy interest in this
volunteer association. Mr Barry Poole was elected President, and Mr Brian Hull, Vice President.
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
Overview
The Entertainment Centre re-opened in February following the replacement of the Centre’s
original 28 year old air conditioning system. Audiences seem extremely pleased to sit in an “air
controlled environment” where the temperature now sits at 23C. It is hoped that significant
savings will be made on electrical consumption given the new technology employed.
Having taken on food and beverage in house in January, food and beverage operations were
tested with several sold out events and an influx of bookings. On Friday 27 February a series of
four events took place with over 3000 people using the Centre, which makes for a busy
operational day. All food and beverage operations were acquitted without issue, and much good
feedback has been received.
The Centre paid tribute to the Centenary of Anzac Day with the stage play of Gallipoli this
performance was part of the BMC Pathways to Performance Program and students from as far
away as Moranbah and Proserpine attended. Over 400 students in total attended as well as
general public, and great acclaim was elicited.
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
In another first, the MECC was chosen as the regional QLD partner for the Sydney Opera
House’s International Women’s Day simulcast. Mackay audiences were the only people in
Queensland to access this simulcast at live time. The panel of Women speakers subsequently
appeared on ABC’s Q&A, making this a highly topical event. Mackay’s Zonta Club held a
luncheon around the simulcast, and a high profile audience including the Mayor, Cr Deirdre
Comerford, and special guest actress Amanda Muggleton (Prisoner, Neighbours) were in
attendance. Over 300 women attended the event and excellent feedback has been received.
Performing arts hirers this month included Suzi Quatro (sold out), Elvis to the Max and the John
Butler Trio. Corporate / Private hirers included Mackay Sugar, Regional Economic Development
Corporation, Hello World Travel, North QLD Babies Market, Zonta Club Mackay, Auscoal, Dept of
Education, Carnage in the Cage and more.
I just wanted to send a quite email to convey my deep gratitude for the opportunity that was
provided to us on Friday night through the BMC Pathways program. In all, we had eight students
attend, and they were absolutely blown away! As it was the first time many of them had been to
theatre, they were absolutely in awe of everything. They absolutely loved the performance and
the Year 10's even started taking notes for their assessment during the interval!
After the show I accidentally accosted the Director of the show (thinking that she worked for the
MECC) about going backstage, and she was kind enough to organise the Producer to take the
students on a tour around the set. The students also then met the Director and all the performers.
They were all very star struck!
I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful opportunity you have provided to these students
through the BMC Pathways program. I honestly think it has been an unforgettable experience for
the students, and have really ignited a passion for theatre in many of them.
Mhairi Underwood, Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator St Catherine’s Catholic College Proserpine
Capital Program
Final capital purchasing has been completed. Final invoices are awaited and the 2014/16 capital
works program will be fully acquitted
Some roof works will occur on Convention Centre roof following meetings with the building’s
original design team. These works have been scheduled during down time in March and April.
Entrepreneurial
Healthpoint Chemists are the sponsor of the 2015 Morning Melodies Program, and as part of the
sponsorship Healthpoint Chemists set up a display in the foyer of health related items of interest
to an older audience. Free blood pressure testing was offered at this month’s Morning Melodies
performance, along with a display of health aids, the audience spent some time talking to
Healthpoint staff.
Three entrepreneurial performances were held this month, Pirates of Penzance (Morning
Melodies), Gallipoli, and 360 Allstars. Without exception these three performances received
positive acclaim, however attendances were under estimated and all three performances required
a subsidy.
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
The performance of 360 Allstars featured an extensive workshop program, and the Centre worked
successfully with Sarina State High School to stage BMX and skate workshops at the Sarina
Skate Park. Traditionally engagement with Sarina school students has not been easy to achieve,
but the combination of BMX and skateboarding at the Skate Park proved to be a winning formula
with the highest ever enrolments from Sarina achieved along with outstanding feedback.
Performance
Type # of Events Actual Attendance
Cocktail Party 1 47
Concert 2 1915
Entrepreneurial 3 1012
Event 2 350
Meeting 3 759
Seminar 3 667
Trade Fair / Expo 4 14908
Workshop 1 15
TOTAL 19 19673
as at FEB 2015
Non-Financial Indicators TARGET Year to date
Number of Performances fully cost recovered 50% 42%
Minimum number of catered functions 140 82
(excluding performances)
Average attendance at shows Auditorium 550 Auditorium 343
Foyer/space 100 Foyer/space 113
Halls 600 Halls 471
One Hall only 200 One Hall only 234
Number of non-utilised days 90 48
Number of Performances at the MECC 200 205
Yearly occupancy of facility 175,000 127,101
Customer Hire Satisfaction 80% 89%
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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
3 Year Comparisons
2014-15 2013-2014 2012-2013
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Pe
rfo
rma
nc
es
Ev
en
ts
Att
en
da
nc
e
Ex
tern
al
Tic
ke
t S
ale
s
JUL 17 17 10,996 305 28 15 9,953 9,229 24 23 9,624 1,772
AUG 28 17 13,525 843 13 17 9,994 3,225 12 27 12,812 4,390
SEP 18 42 14,403 1,784 15 26 9,286 902 20 27 22,513 4,262
OCT 114 14 36,761 4,575 116 23 42,128 1,202 118 31 36,187 247
NOV 16 33 20,333 754 19 23 22,024 1,700 18 38 22,661 1,163
DEC 7 17 8,124 0 10 43 14,211 760 6 20 9,260 352
JAN 0 5 3,286 1,500 0 121 13,162 0 1 4 1,783 0
FEB 5 14 19,673 7,142 4 19 16,391 0 4 13 15,558 5,437
MAR 17 26 10,825 1,408 7 19 7,507 2,350
APR 12 8 6,154 0 14 18 8,873 4,038
MAY 11 27 9,050 0 15 16 9,729 3,094
JUN 17 12 7,593 256 5 11 2,227 4,902
TOTAL 205 159 127,101 16,903 262 360 170,771 18,682 244 247 158,734 32,007
#NOTE: October is Eisteddfod Month + December 2013-Jan 2014 - Ice City II
Page 27
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Stadium
No ticketed events were held at Stadium Mackay during this period
Transitionary arrangements have commenced, and the new operators of Stadium Mackay can
now provide a qualified Chief Fire Warden who can manage the premises meeting compliance in
relation to certain statutory obligations. Manager MECC & Events has now been relieved from
attending out of hours calls at that site.
Nitro Circus sales are very pleasing, and it is anticipated that a capacity audience of 10,000 will
attend. Event logistics and provision of food and beverage services are currently being finalised.
Festivals and Events
A new event for this year is the Bridges Big Breakfast, a ticketed event that will take place during
the Easter Carnival at Bluewater Quay to bridge the gap in Easter activities for adults without
children. The full program of events can be viewed on the MECC website and caters to all
audiences.
Programming for the 2015 Mackay Festival of Arts is complete and marketing plans and event
coordination in development. The program will see a new event added to the program engaging
agricultural producers in the region.
New sponsorship has been confirmed for the Festival of Arts via MLC Advice Centre, along with
the return of many of 2014’s sponsors.
Plans are underway to reinvigorate the Global Grooves layout in 2015 to cater for the growing
audience and community vendor/stall and community group participation.
Page 28
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
The 360 Allstars team with local school students
International Women’s Day Luncheon - MECC
Page 29
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Property Services
Management
Participation in lease discussions pertaining to the Midge Point Community Hall, Sarina Men’s
Shed, Mackay Child Care Centre and MTL such discussions pertained to new lease
arrangements and requests for Council assistance.
Commenced work to facilitate staff relocations associated with the restructuring process,
mainly dealing with renovations to the Gordon Street Administration building.
Facilitated the preparation of the brief for the redevelopment of the Pioneer Pool Complex for
SLPT briefing.
Project Technical Officer
0
50
100
150
200
250
Number of requests
Building Maintenance Requests
Received
Closed
Page 30
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Number of
requests
Security Access Requests
Received
Closed
02468
10121416
Number of requests
Registered Keys & Padlock Requests
Received
Closed
0
5
10
15
20
Number of requests
Pathway Requests
Received
Closed
Page 31
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Property Co-ordinations
Building Asset Data Rectification and Land Asset processes now in place
Participation in the Project Management Survey
Pioneer Pool Master Plan commenced.
Air Conditioning upgrades are being investigation for the Gordon Street Administration Building
and 42 Wellington St buildings
Bluewater Lagoon Trigeneration project investigations
Leases
The program is currently dealing with approx. 33 leases.
Land Dealings
Transfer of new land acquisition cases from Property Services to Legal Counsel occurred on the 5th
February 2015 with agreed cases remaining with Property Services for finalisation.
The Land & Building Officer continues to deal with five Road Realignments and three Easements.
Tenures are being reviewed in line with the following criteria in preparation for on-site inspections,
these inspections are planned to occur once work on the new lease policy is completed and approved
by Council:-
check expirations; and
check monies owning; and
create ascetic spreadsheet for upload;
review; and
update.
Sarina Sugar Shed
This has been a very busy and productive period for the Sarina Sugar Shed. The Sarina Sugar Shed
recently won Bronze for our Rum in the Under-proof Rum – Dark section and Bronze in the Other
Liqueurs for our Rum Liqueur at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in Melbourne.
Sarina Sugar Shed was part of the Agritourism group to showcase Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday
regions food at a promotional event in Canberra. Products displayed were rum and vodka.
Co-ordinator Sarina Sugar Shed attended a leadership program workshop in Bundaberg recently.
The workshop was part of the Mackay tourism and Event Industry Leadership Program created
specifically for developing leadership potential and industry best-practice in the Mackay Region. The
workshop provided an excellent opportunity for the eight participants from the Mackay Region to
benchmark their products against other Queensland tourism products and to learn and network with
other successful tourism operators.
Sarina Sugar Shed has once again nominated for the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards. Nominations
closed on the 2nd March 2015. Judging will take place in the next couple of weeks.
The next batch of rum is due out shortly and we will dedicate to the 100th Anniversary of the Anzacs.
Special labels have been produced for 500ml bottles and 50ml bottles which will be released just prior
to Anzac Day.
Page 32
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
-
10,000.00
20,000.00
30,000.00
40,000.00
50,000.00
60,000.00
70,000.00
80,000.00
90,000.00
100,000.00
Sarina Sugar Shed Income
2014/2015 Total
2013/2014 Total
Page 33
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Aquatic Facilities
Note on attendances:
Bluewater Lagoon
Closed late July and August (attendance in August reflect contractor attendance)
Memorial Pool
Closed May 2014
Pioneer Pool
Closed June, July August
Mirani Pool
Closed May, June, July and August
Sarina Pool
Closed June, July and August, September 2014, December 13 – 26 inclusive (Qld Education
requirement)
Page 34
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Corporate Communications and Marketing
Management
The appointment was finalised for the new Social Media-Website Officer position.
Corporate Communications organised the official opening of the Edward Lloyd Park Revitalisation
Project in mid-February, with a good turnout. The threat of Cyclone Marcia prevented Federal
member for Capricornia Michelle Landrey from attending.
#MackayPride continues to gather momentum with Channel Ten and SEAFM agreeing to run the
commercial free of charge to promote the initiative.
Work continues on finalising arrangements for Anzac Day with the RSL and the park opening for the
completed work at Quota Park.
Website
The Community Attitude Survey showed that 67 per cent of residents access council information via
the website. This is up from 35 per cent in 2009.
We again recorded solid visitation numbers for February, compared to 2014 numbers.
Website visits for February
Fans: 8006
Page views: 3143
47,000
47,500
48,000
48,500
49,000
49,500
50,000
48,174
49,970
2014 - 48,174 2015 - 49,970
Page 35
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Top three posts for reach were:
Cyclone Marcia updates – 10513 reach
Sugar Shed Rum win – 4122 reach
Opening of Edward Lloyd Park – 3590 reach
Followers: 1256
YouTube
Video views: 1248
Top three videos were:
Mackay Pride - Share Your Pride > 511 (41%)
Libraries > 113 (9.1%)
Celebrating 150 Years of Queensland Rail > 101 (8.1%)
eNewsletter subscriptions
Steady growth for eNewsletters, with Artspace, Libraries and City Centre Revitalisation posting the
largest increases.
Council now has a total of 10,878 subscribers for 12 eNewsletters
Page 36
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
About 125 media mentions during the month of February.
General
Delivered about 33 news releases during the monthly reporting period
Good media exposure for the new Waste Trucks and the livery promoting the #MackayPride
message. Designs finalised by council’s Graphic Designer
Positive news on Sarina Sugar Shed’s bronze medal win for the rum
Front page story to promote the Tim Mulherin-Ted Malone testimonial dinner
Usability testing is underway to trial new mobile website format for council website, looking to
launch in early April
Feature story in Daily Mercury on the extensive mowing being carried out by Parks crews
Facebook proved a critical communication tool during Cyclone Marcia with a reach of over
10,000 on the eve of the Cyclone approaching the Central Qld coast
Produced a Regional Showcase recipe book for an event in Canberra
Thank you morning tea held for sponsors of the Sports Expo and Sign On Day with Mayor
and councillors
Provided support to Active Towns coordinator for the annual Ride 2 School Day event
Council’s #MackayPride branding will appear on the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes
playing shorts for 2015 QBL season
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Media Monitoring Break-Down February 2015 News Clips/Articles
Page 37
Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015
Central State School students help Mayor
unveil new Waste Trucks livery
Mayor thanks local sponsors for another
successful Sports Expo and Sign On Day
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