Community & Client Services - Mackay Council · 2014-09-04 · Mackay Host Lions Provision of a...

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Community & Client

Services

Monthly Review 7 July- 3 August 2014

Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

Review of Operations

Community Lifestyle 5

Mackay Convention and Entertainment Centre and Events 17

Property Services 23

Corporate Communications 25

Parks and Environment 29


Executive Summary

Director Community and Client Services

The July/August period has been a productive month for the Community and Client Services Directorate with a

number of successful programs and projects being undertaken. Some specific highlights for the month include:

LAMP: An “Eye for Difference – Cultural Diversity in Action” photo competition has been launched in the lead

up to Cultural Diversity Week. Community members are invited to take photos highlighting cultural diversity in

action in order to showcase the cultural diversity of Mackay. The competition will be judged by Cr Alison

Jones, photographer Jim Cullen and Laura Heggarty from ABC Tropical North, with the winner to be

announced on 3 September. The photos will be displayed on Mackay Regional Council’s website and in

Mackay City Library, 9-15 September.

Arts Development: The Arts Development Officer has arranged for artist Jill Chism to present a professional

development seminar entitled “An artist’s engagement with Public Art.” The free seminar will take place on

Saturday 23 August and is intended to provide local artists and artworkers with advice and support to submit

quality submissions to undertake public art projects.

Artspace Mackay recorded healthy visitor numbers in July, with over 8,000 visitors, as a result of the Rock

Paper Scissors art and design market. The key to the market’s success was having more stallholders, free

kids art activities, live music, access to Foodspace café, and linking in with Festival of Arts, following on from

the Jazz Brunch in the MECC. The stallholders reported good sales, and feedback indicates visitors were

very happy with the market. Artspace intends to hold the market again during the Festival of Arts in 2015.

MECC and Events: Finalised Stage 1 Public Art for Mackay City Centre receiving the endorsement of

Council to install Cane Fire by Niche Arts at the Victoria and Wood Street roundabout. Contract has now

been let and installation due November 2014.

The MECC's successful bid for the Tourism & Events QLD Annual Conference was announced by Acting

Tourism Minister Tracy Davis MP, and widely reported in QLD media. This conference will see approximately

200 intrastate delegates meet in Mackay in November this year

Property Services: Inspection undertaken on the Sarina Railway Station as part of the initial decision making

process to decide if leasing of the building from the railway should proceed, such building if leased would be

incorporated into the Field of Dreams and be sub-leased to a community group that would value add to the

complex.

Natural Environment: Staff are working with Reef Catchments, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and

Forestry and Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance on informative signage about the introduced fish species

Tilapia at the Gooseponds.

Received notification of approval of four applications for Green Army teams to assist with waterways projects

over two years


Departmental Exceptions

MECC and Events: The Centre continues to be hampered by staff illness, with both the Centre’s Technical Services

Coordinator and Operations Coordinator now having had several months off each. Backfilling these specialised

positions has been difficult, and the Centre has remained short staffed. Annual leave has had to be restricted given

the Centre’s business and lack of suitably qualified staff. Contingency plans are being made as it appears at least one

of these staff members may be off for some time yet.

Gerard Carlyon

Director Community and Client Services


Community Lifestyle Management

Facilitation of a working group to progress an Application for an Animating Spaces grant and subsequent

community engagement process

Review of Sports Marketing Australia’s event attraction program

Provision of support for the delivery of the Matsuura Citizens’ visit and NAIDOC Week celebrations, participation

in a subsequent debrief and planning for the Matsuura students’ visit and program of events

Review and enhancement of event management procedures in consultation with Manager Corporate

Communications and Marketing

Acknowledgement of the appointment of culture coaches in the Community Lifestyle program

Finalising a Service Level Agreement to enable the Central Queensland Museums Development Officer to be

based in Mackay

Supporting the development of the EOIs for Phases 2 and 3 of the public art component of the City Centre

Revitalisation project

Supporting the adoption of the Museums and Galleries Services Queensland Standards Review program across

the Community Lifestyle program

Collaboration with Strategic Planning on a project to secure the future of the Pine Islet Lighthouse

Discussions with the Australian Centre of Local Government Excellence regarding the Community Well-Being

Indicators project and the potential to consider the indicators in council

Client Services

Initiatives

Client Service Coordinator conducted site visits to Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane Councils to further

relationships and gather information and ideas for the continued improvement of the Client Services area.

Regional offices are trialling MRC-Remote (a terminal server linking computer systems) – identified issues are

being worked through.


The decrease in transaction numbers in July was the result of the timing of issuing of dog

registration renewals, water and rates notices.


Community Development

Community Development is supporting the Ooralea Community Network with the planning and organisation for its

inaugural Ooralea Community & CQUni Fair / Car Boot Sale to be held on Saturday 6 September. The event will be

held at CQUni, 8am-12noon. This family event will include market and cultural stalls, and aims to showcase local

businesses and charities, to the Ooralea community.

Support is being provided to a sub-committee of the Northern Beaches Community Network to plan and deliver its

seventh Northern Beaches Community Day to be held on Sunday 7 September, 11am-2pm at Seaview Park, Bucasia

Esplanade. This family event is a celebration of the Northern Beaches, an opportunity to showcase local community

organisations while encouraging community connectedness.

Mackay Sleepout – a local public fundraising event where people from the broader community sleep rough for one night in order to better understand the issues facing homeless people – was held on Friday night 8 August at the Blue Water Quay. 28 people participated in the event raising approximately $1,000. A “No Bake Dessert Workshop” was held in the Bob Wood Cultural Hall on 31

July. The workshop presented by

kitchen coach, Di Skelly Heron, was the final event in Sarina as part of the Rural Healthy Communities Program.

A Sketching Group now meet regularly at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre. Local artist Elizabeth Craig, is providing

free instruction for anyone who would like to learn to sketch.

A “Good Times and More” Morning Tea is being held at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall, Sarina on 21 August. Funding

has been received from the Council of the Ageing Queensland to support this Seniors' Week initiative.

The Torres Strait Islander Interpretive Signage project – as part of the development of the Mackay Regional Botanic

Gardens – was officially unveiled by Mayor Deirdre Comerford. The launch was attended by Elders and members of

the Torres Strait Islander community. The launch was followed by a Traditional Torres Strait Islander lunch.

LAMP LAMP Officer met with representatives from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to canvas ways to engage

members of the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community to discuss the importance of the data collected

through the census. The ABS team and the LAMP Officer will arrange information sessions with CALD community

leaders to discuss the importance of completing the census and determine ways to improve the response rate and full

completion of the census either online or in hard copy.

The LAMP Officer is working with the Filipino and Indian Associations to raise their profile and to engage more broadly

within the community. The associations have been connected with 4CRM and it is hoped that with training and support

both associations will have a one hour segment each week on 4CRM radio to promote their culture.

LAMP Officers have been advised by the Queensland State Government’s Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander and Multicultural Affairs that the LAMP program is currently under review. As a result funding arrangements

and focus of the program is likely to change when the current funding agreement expires on 30 June 2015.

Arts Development

The Arts Development Officer along with other Council team members met with Arts Queensland Partnership

Managers Avril Quail and Katie Edmiston during July to discuss Arts Queensland’s proposed renewal of the RADF

program. The renewal will see fewer categories and a simpler application process and will allow local governments to

set local priorities for their RADF programs.

Sister City

Mackay hosted 14 Matsuura citizens between 7 and 11 July as part of the 25th anniversary of the Mackay Matsuura

Sister City program. The group participated in a range of activities including a trip to the reef and a day at Cape

Hillsborough. The group also participated in a tree planting ceremony to mark 25 years of friendship and a formal

dinner held at Artspace Mackay.


Inkind Assistance

Applicant Request Cost

Homebush State School Provision of 22 general waste bins and 10 recycling bins in support of the schools 125 year celebrations to be held 24-25 October 2014.

$419.89

Sarina Surf life Saving 6 general waste and 6 recycle bins for the market days to be held 5 July, 9 August, 13 September, 19 October, 14 November, 19 December, 14 and 23 January.

$1,472.66

Koumala and District Bushman's Carnival

Supply of barrier mesh to assist with hosting a Gymkhana.

$0.00 – loaned from Stores.

Unwheeled Events 10 general waste and 10 recycling bins for the MTB ride event.

$227.57

Reed Mining Events Provision of temporary pedestrian area and a taxi/bus drop off zone in Milton Street for the Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo.

$2,000.00

Mackay Animal Rescue Waiver of fees for the hire of Andergrove Community Hall for a fundraiser event.

$309.00

Calen Community Market Day Provision of 6 general waste and 6 recycle bins for community market day held 27 July.

$170.01

Mackay Veterans Support Group

Waiver of fees for use of Jubilee Park for group activity.

$79.00

Sarina Bowls Club Provision of 5 general waste and 5 recycling bins for the Invitational Fours Carnival

$144.38

Cootharinga NQ Colouring of Fountain to promote Walk with Me event.

$500.00

Mackay Host Lions Provision of a 3x3m skip, 20 general and 20 recycling bins for Rock Pop Mine held 27 July.

$572.28

Breast Screening Mackay Upgrade of power at Slade Point Community Centre to accommodate the Breast Screen Van

$1,300.00

Mackillop Catholic Primary School

Provision of 600m of barrier mesh and star pickets in support of community day.

$0.00 loaned from Stores.

Sport and Recreation

The Sport & Recreation team has submitted an application for the Get Out, Get Active funding opportunity

initiated by the State Government. If successful, the $20,000 will be used to provide physical activity

opportunities to women and girls living in the urban areas of Mackay including Northern beaches, Sarina and

the Pioneer Valley. Successful applicants will be announced on the 1 September 2014.


The Special Olympics Forum was held in Mackay to engage other sporting and community groups in the

region to integrate children and adults with intellectual disabilities into regular sport. There are currently two

sports taking part in Mackay, being basketball and gymnastics. The Special Olympics team is willing to

educate clubs and coaches on how to run sport for intellectually disabled participants in a safe environment. A

working group of volunteers has been established to continue recruiting clubs.

Recruitment for the Sport & Recreation Coordinator position has been completed, with two officers sharing the

duties on a job share basis.

The motocross relocation project has progressed with the community consultation process well underway.

The Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination met with Mackay to commence planning for the Gold

Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The meeting provided updates on the Embracing our Games Legacy

(Queensland’s legacy for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games) and the establishment of the

‘Embracing 2018 Advisory Committee’. This is an Action Plan that will be revised annually to the lead up to

the games. The meeting focused on topics including pre-event training and opportunities following the

Glasgow Games, the arts and culture strategy for Gold Coast 2018 and what it means for our community,

volunteering and sustainable event management. A working group will be formed for the Mackay, Isaac and

Whitsunday regions to move planning forward.

The Sports Expo & Sign-on Committee has met to begin planning for next year’s event. The event will be held

on Sunday 8 February 2015.

Libraries

Young People’s Services

Programs designed to encourage early literacy in children and their families had a total of 1,520 in attendance.

Programs designed to encourage library membership and to promote the library as an entertaining and

informative place for children and their families totalled 310 in attendance.

Young Adult Services

The annual LitVids (book trailer) competition attracted 67 entries. The shortlist is available via the Vimeo Channel

http://vimeo.com/litvids . The workshops attracted 250 high school students and partnering with Isaac Regional

Council increased entries. LitVid winners were announced on the opening night of Whitsunday Voices.

Poetry Slam attracted 55 audience members watching 10 Slammers. Two supporting event workshops delivered

by David ‘Ghostboy’ Stavenger attracted 16 participants. The workshops and main competition were presented in

partnership with the State Library. The two winners from the Mackay heat will compete in the State Finals in

Brisbane.

Poetry Slam winner Wayne Freemantle and runner up

Dakota Lamont.

Young Adult Librarian Jaala Beauchamp with author

Morris Gleitzman - Whitsunday Voices opening night.

http://vimeo.com/litvids


Community Services

Mirani Library Book Club - 9 attendees cooked a recipe from books in the libraries to share at the meeting.

Cultural Services

NAIDOC activities attracted 177 attendees. Our Dreaming: Animating Country exhibition has relocated to Gordon

White Library (until August 29) from Mackay City Library.

Heritage Collection

54 researchers visited the Carmel Daveson Research Room, and 19 research inquiries were actioned.

Statistics

Public computers totalled 3,805 bookings and 2,361 hours of use, and a total of 1,162 hours of Wi-Fi

accessed. Assistive Technology equipment was used for a total of 24 hours.

16 DiscoverIT classes were held with 54 attendees.

5 requests received for “ask a librarian” enquiries.

Top 3 library website visits for the month of June:

o Official Stuff/Contact Us 660

o eLibrary/eBooks 283

o Official Stuff/Joining and Borrowing 263

Database hits including The Computer School, Who Else Writes Like, Who Next, Transparent Language

Online and Literacy Planet totalled 1,022.

Mirani Library Book Club


Top 5 Reserved Titles in July

When day breaks / Maya Banks

Family Secrets / Liz Byrski

Captivated by you / Sylvia Day

The heist : a novel / Daniel Silva

Red sand sunrise / Fiona McArthur

Artspace Mackay

Overview

Three new exhibitions were officially opened on Friday 11 July, including two separate exhibitions by local artists

Donna Maree Robinson and Roy Huff. This demonstrates council’s commitment to supporting the local arts

community.

Artspace staff are planning for ACO Virtual: Play with the band, a fully immersive and interactive experience

where the viewer is surrounded by large screens and sound depicting members of the Australian Chamber

Orchestra playing their instruments. Via a touchscreen, the viewer will be able to highlight a particular instrument

or group of instruments, or create their own combinations. The gallery will have wifi installed so that the public

can download the free app to see more information about the music and musicians. This project is touring

nationally, and Artspace has been included on the touring program.

Visitors

8,441 people visited Artspace Mackay during July 2014 (including Town Hall) compared with 2,658 in July 2013, with

over 5,500 people attending the art market on Sunday 13 July 2014)

Attendances

New Exhibition(s)

McAleese Gallery 11 July – current The Three O’s: Orban, Olsen and Ogburn

Foyer Gallery 11 July – current Roy Huff: Old dog, new tricks

DBCT Foyer Display Cabinet 11 July – current Artists books from the MRC Collection


The Three O’s: Orban, Olsen and Ogburn

(McAleese Gallery)

This touring exhibition explores the legacy of Desiderius Orban and that of two of his students, John Ogburn and John

Olsen. The arrival of European refugees such as Orban (Hungary) assisted in changing perceptions of modern art

within Australia. Orban’s mantra was “art equals creativity”. He celebrated the idea of the artist as innovator. These

ideas were influential in the development of his many students, most notably Olsen and Ogburn who each went on to

have very different, yet notable careers.

Roy Huff: Old dog, new tricks

(Foyer Gallery)

Local artist Roy Huff didn’t begin painting until he was in his late 60s. He’s now a practising member of Mackay Art

Society and a prolific painter who has held many solo and group exhibitions throughout the region. Roy taught himself

to use a computer and digital camera, and uses Facebook and other social media platforms to promote his work

throughout the world, proving that an old dog really can master new tricks.

Other exhibition related items

Local artist, Donna Maree Robinson was featured in this month’s Virgin Australia’s inflight magazine and Donna’s

work will feature in this month’s Sunshine Coast Art Prize at Caloundra Regional Art Gallery. The work that Donna has

entered in the competition is currently on show in the Orientation Gallery at Artspace as a part of her solo exhibition

Far Away Here.

Collection matters

This month, a Mackay resident Phoebe Clarke has been working with Exhibitions and Collection staff on a review of

storage of the MRC art collection. Ms Clarke has gained specialised skills working as a Preservation Technician at the

State Library of Victoria, where she was employed to make custom storage boxes for books and artworks. Ms Clarke

is passing this knowledge on to Artspace staff who will be working to rehouse and reorganise our collection over time.

Artworks from the MRC Art Collection by Karl Langer are currently on show in Brisbane at the State Library of

Queensland. The works were loaned for inclusion in the exhibition Hot Modernism: building Queensland’s modern

lifestyle 1945-75 which runs until 12 October. This exhibition tells the story of Queensland’s post-war architecture and

its impact on people. See image below.

Public Programs & Education

3-8 June Public art maquettes on display Seminar room and foyer 150

6 June Public art presentation Artspace seminar room 23

9 June Kids Art Club with Rosemary Payne Artspace Seminar Room 12

11 July The Three O’s Opening night Foyer and gallery 189

12 July Floor Talk with Ross Coady McAleese Gallery 35

13 July Rock Paper Scissors Art & Design market Civic Centre Lawns 5,500

15 July Mackenzie State School McAleese Gallery and foyer Gallery 10

27 July Sunday Cinema Seminar Room 22

29 July BMA Kidspace Seminar Room 35

Totals participations for public programs for June 5,791


Local artist Donna Robinson’s artwork

features in this month’s Virgin inflight

magazine. The work is currently on

show at Artspace

Artwork by Karl Langer is on loan from

Artspace to the State Library of Queensland

until 12 October for the exhibition Hot

Modernism: building Queensland’s modern

lifestyle 1945-75.


Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre and

Events

Management

Attended Australasian Performing Arts Centres’ Association (APACA) Annual Conference and presented a paper

on community engagement “Me & My Community” to 100 delegates comprising arts & cultural workers, State &

Federal Government Officers and Australia Council Officers. The paper was well received and has been recorded

for the APACA website www.apaca.org.au

Coordinated the annual Friends of MECC Xmas in July which saw MECC staff volunteer to provide a BBQ lunch

for the MECC volunteers. Approximately 150 volunteers and staff attended, and Cr Kevin Casey Deputy Mayor

and Festivals, Events and the Arts portfolio councillor, Cr Chris Bonanno thanked the MECC volunteers for their

tireless efforts

Oversaw the 2014 Mackay Festival of Arts which received tremendous accolades. It is pleasing to note that the

Festival met all goals of being a highly topical festival that brings the community together with a focus on service

to residents that provides tourism opportunities also

Launched the Mackay Isaac Anywhere Festival, a joint initiative of Mackay & Isaac Regional Councils and the

Anywhere Festival (Brisbane). This Festival will occur in March 2015, and will see activities in Mackay and Isaac

in non traditional performance spaces

Completed Arts QLD Project Funding application to assist in the facilitation of Anywhere Festival

Showcased Festival of Arts programs to Officers from Rockhampton Regional Council as Rockhampton will be

undertaking a River Festival in 2015 which is unashamedly based on the Mackay Festival of Arts

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Overview

The Centre and staff were kept fully occupied in July with events every day, and multiple events on many days. A

fine blend of community and corporate hires was achieved. The ten day Mackay Festival of Arts saw the Centre

host many events which were well received and topical with many events selling out. Excellent media coverage

from all Mackay media ensured the Festival was well communicated to the community, and several lead stories in

the Daily Mercury were generated.

Performing Arts hires this month included Wizard of Oz (two performances), Circque Mother Africa which wowed

an 800 strong audience, Take Me Home (a John Denver tribute show), and two performances of Fractured Fairie

Tales by local Circus group Sensory Circus.

Corporate hires included Haven Game Traders Expo, McCullough’s Construction Law workshop, 2014 Australia

Water Association Conference, Bowen Basin Mining Club and QLD Contractor Awards Dinner, several events

related to the QLD Mining Exhibition, North QLD Babies Market, Hello World Travel (previously Harvey World

Travel) and Council with its Citizenship Ceremony.

Feedback:

Best night ever ..thanks guys for a great night at the supper club .....great food great music great fun ..awesome 80's night !

Danced our butts off ..Well done to you ! Thank you

Facebook Feedback

I am contacting you all to provide a sincere thank you to all involved in yesterday’s Annual Jazz Brunch at the MECC.

As always it was an absolute pleasure to perform at this event, and the friendliness and professionalism of all of the staff are a

major contributor to ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible. As always nothing is ever a problem.

http://www.apaca.org.au/


Once again thank you and for all of the assistance, it is all sincerely appreciated.

Malcolm Hull, KAVIARR

As for the show…what a lovely night!!! Being ushered to our seat was quite special for starters but being able to sit at a table,

have a drink and something to eat all while enjoying such beautiful music was such an enjoyable experience for my friend and

I, we have never been to a live music show like that before and now I feel like no others will compare! The service was great

and the food was fantastic! Such a great menu for a night like that! Well done on providing Mackay with such a lovely live

music experience Mark, you and your team did a great job!

Louise Corry

Capital Program

Two long awaited items purchased as part of 2013/14 capital program arrived this month. The new carpet tiles for

the Plenary Halls have arrived, as has the new coffee machines required by the Local Government Association of

QLD for their conference later this year. Both items will be installed in August. The tender for the Entertainment

Centres new air conditioning will be advertised in August.

Entrepreneurial

Two entrepreneurial shows were offered this month (excluding Festival of Arts offerings). An Evening with

Groucho played to a small audience and was overtaken by the better promoted Festival of Arts shows. A subsidy

was required for this performance. Steve-O from Jack Ass and Wild Boyz premiered his Australian tour at the

MECC. Around 500 attended this performance and the Centre received many first time attendees to this

performance which young people raved about. This performance returned a surplus.


Performance

Type Number of

Events Actual

Attendance

Performing Arts

1 296

Awards Evening

1 300

Concert 7 4367

Conference 2 494

Entrepreneurial 3 909

Event 3 1631

Festival 5 1722

Gala Supper 1 484

Meeting 2 35

Performing Arts

6 589

Workshop 3 169

TOTAL 34 10996

as at July 2014

Non-Financial Indicators TARGET Year to date

Number of Performances fully cost recovered 50% 50%

Minimum number of catered functions 140 9

(excluding performances)

Average attendance at shows Auditorium 550 Auditorium 533

Foyer/space 100 Foyer/space 117

Halls 600 Halls 320

One Hall only 200 One Hall only 160

Number of non-utilised days 90 0

Number of Performances at the MECC 200 17

Yearly occupancy of facility 175,000 10,996

Customer Hire Satisfaction 80% 97%

Absolutely 80’s at G&S Engineering Wine &

BURLESQUE BALL AT MECC

Showcasing new LED lighting special effects


THREE YEAR COMPARISONS

2014-15 2013-2014 2012-2013

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JUL 17 17 10,996 305 28 15 9,953 9,229 24 23 9,624 1,772

AUG 13 17 9,994 3,225 12 27 12,812 4,390

SEP 15 26 9,286 902 20 27 22,513 4,262

OCT 116 23 42,128 1,202 118 31 36,187 247

NOV 19 23 22,024 1,700 18 38 22,661 1,163

DEC 10 43 14,211 760 6 20 9,260 352

JAN 0 121 13,162 0 1 4 1,783 0

FEB 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 17 17 10,996 305 262 360 170,771 18,682 244 247 158,734 32,007


Stadium

Two QLD Super In Trust matches were played at Stadium Mackay in July. Cutters v Burleigh Bears, and Cutters

v Logan Magpies.

Mackay Referees Association trained weekly under lights.

A major event for April 2015 has been entrepreneured for Stadium Mackay. Due to commercial confidence this

event cannot be named yet, however all is in train to release details and put the event on sale in September. The

MECC has secured both exclusive catering and ticketing rights for this event.

The manual irrigator at the Stadium has broken and repairs are to be effected.

Festivals and Events

The Mackay Festival of Arts was held and heralded as a great success, with 9 out of 13 ticketed events selling

out. The Daily Mercury’s headline “Wine & Food Day an Outstanding Success” delighted organisers, attendees,

and all who were involved and planning is already occurring for next year.

Free events were well attended with a record crowd of up to 30,000 at the G&S Engineering Wine & Food Day

The festival included performances from over 740 local performers this year, and hosted over 50 professional /

interstate performers

2014 saw the beginning of new initiatives such as the Best Bites Competition and busking spots at Wine & Food

Day, both of which were a great success.

Note theatre sales targets at MECC were based on the theatre capacity of 1090 pax which has skewed figures

0.0%

50.0%

100.0%

150.0%

200.0%

250.0%

Mackay Festival of Arts Tickets Sales 2014

% Target Sales Figure Reached


Global Grooves planning is coming together well with many applications for performers, food vendors and

stallholders already submitted.

Planning for NYE is also well underway with great acts being confirmed for the concert, this year to be held at

Bluewater Quay, weather permitting.

The Anywhere Festival was launched on 29th July, with applications now open for performers and business

owners to register their interest. MECC will continue to consult with organisers and traders & Isaac Regional

Council to see that the joint initiative is successful come March 2015.

Crowds along the market trail at

G&S Engineering Wine & Food Day Absolutely 80’s at G&S Engineering Wine &

Food Day - Daily Mercury Main Stage


Property Services

Management.

Meeting held to progress the Facility Enhancement Project in the Pioneer Valley, in particular stakeholder

engagement.

Meetings held to review Council requirements for new lease options proposed at the Mercury Building with

representatives from relevant internal programs and the building manager. The new lease area will accommodate

the existing Engineering & Commercial Infrastructure staff from the top floor of the Mercury Building, Business

Services Program and Enterprise Risk & Strategic Review Program.

Meeting held with Foodspace and Bluewater Lagoon Lessees to discuss lease conditions.

Meetings held with Culture Coach and staff to further the Corporate Culture Project within the program.

Project Technical Officer

Final schedule of work required on both the old and new SES Buildings confirmed and process commenced to

complete associated works.

Mackay Administration Building refurbishment plans – Roof, external balconies and concrete stabilisation works

defined with works to commence in August.

Bob Wood Hall, Sarina - entry refurbishment work has been scheduled.

Property Co-ordinations

Tenders for Operations at Blue Water Lagoon and Sarina Pool advertised

Discussions held regarding the future use of the Pioneer Shire Building.

Artspace Air Conditioning system replacement project completed.

New Calen Depot/SES joint training room completed and operational.

Leases

Mackay Netball Request from Netball to extend their lease area to allow for more

courts.

The program is currently dealing with 38 leases.

Land Dealings

Shepherd Rd Eimeo Negotiations commenced for road realignment

Middle Creek Road Application made to Department of Natural Resources & Mines to

dedicate State Land as road

Slade Point Road Shed encroaching on Reserve for Park – Property owner notified of

requirement for the shed to be removed.

The Property Co-ordinations officer is currently dealing with 12 Road Realignments, 4 Land Acquisitions and 12

Easements.


Sarina Sugar Shed

The final figures for the 2013/14 financial year are showing an increase in sales from previous years, this is mainly

due to the introduction of the Sugar Shed rum in September 2013. The recent purchase and delivery of a copper pot

still will further enhance sales through the ability to produce Premium rum.

To ensure rum production for the next 12 months staff and volunteers are collecting three 1.5 tonne loads of cane per

week for crushing and associated syrup production required for the rum making process.

Work undertaken by the Sugar Shed Coordinator has resulted in bus tour companies including the Sugar Shed in their

tours resulting in an additional 63 visitors in July.

Aquatic Facilities

Note on attendances:

Bluewater Lagoon closed late July and August (attendance in August reflect contractor attendance)

Memorial Pool closed May 2014 (late April and May 2013)

Pioneer Pool closed June, July August

Mirani Pool closed May, June, July and August

Sarina Pool closed June, July and August 2014 (May, June, July and August 2013)


Corporate Communications and Marketing

Management

Interviews and appointment made for Website-PR Administration

Interviews conducted for Communications Coordinator position

Assisted with finalising QME council stand and marketing collateral

Initial work commenced on Annual Report 2013-2014

Website

Visit’s to Council’s Websites – July – August 7 2014

Facebook

Likes at 6,748 – up 110 from previous month and we also recorded good reach on a number of posts during July:

5.1K – photo of Cape Hillsborough posted by Visit Queensland

4.5K – promotion of new café at Botanic Gardens ( 169 likes, shares)

2.8K – Mayor Deirdre Comerford presents 21st birthday cake to QME organisers (103 likes, shares etc)

Staff are continuing to be very active with Facebook posts and looking at ways to increase reach.

Twitter

Hit the 1,000 mark for followers on Twitter with 1013 followers.

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

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Artspace MECC MackayCity Centre

BotanicGardens

MackayRegionalCouncil

SarinaSugar Shed

1,339

28,160

10,779

1,283

46,816

805


Top five eNewsletter Subscribers

Library – 1530

Artspace – 1246

Mackay Region Planning Scheme – 1058

Creative Mackay eBulletin – 920

Council Connect eNews – 916

General

A number of key media events in July

> Local contractor awarded City Centre Revitalisation Project

> Significant promotion for Festival of Arts – Wine and Food Day and other events

> Diversify Mackay Leadership Alliance announced

Invest Mackay banner designed in house and produced for QME with tagline Mackay – the only place that

measures up! The Deputy Premier inspected council booth at QME

Vic Vassallo is congratulated by Mayor Deirdre

Comerford on the City Centre tender


Produced Invest Mackay Development book. Good feedback on its quality and information presented. Launched

as part of QME 2014.

Produced 25-year Staff commemorative booklet for 10 new inductees into 25 year club.

Citizenship Ceremony conducted in July.

Active Towns TVC produced to coincide with Glasgow Commonwealth Games coverage to promote new

pathways and encouraging people to get active. Recorded over 200 views of this commercial on Council’s

Youtube channel.

Southern Entry Mackay statement ready for installation.

Finalised revised edition of Emergency Action Guide. The guide will be distributed in the next few months to all

residents as part of Get Ready month.

Lookout sign for Jilalan development finalised and at signwriters for production.

Mayor Deirdre Comerford presents Deputy

Premier with QME pack


Council received 160 media mentions in July

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Media Monitoring Break-Down July 2014 News Clips/Articles


Parks and Environment Management

Facilitated information sharing meetings between Parks & Environment and Civil Operations management and

coordinators to jointly work towards resolution of matters affecting both programs, for example maintenance of

pathways deemed to be on road and the use of root barriers for street tree plantings.

Participated in meetings of the City Centre Revitalisation Project Delivery Group, Fleet review Working Group and

Asset Management Leaders Forum.

Participated in monthly discussions between Development Services & Community & Client Services, process

commenced to review and refine procedures between Council and developers to achieve efficiencies for all

concerned parties.

Attended on-site meetings with Edward Lloyd Park contractor regarding progress in achieving project timelines.

Parks Building Services Activities

Electrical Operations

Items dealt with during July reporting period, by the Parks Electrical Team include the following:

Five maintenance runs on traffic lights were completed during the month with sixteen lamp replacements

completed as part of this work. There were also three emergency responses and one pole lowering completed.

Detector loop installation at the Milton/ Shakespeare St intersection has commenced with only two lanes on one

side of the intersection yet to be completed.

Electrical repairs to park infrastructure included five amenity buildings repairs, six repairs to parks lighting and

barbeques and one site hut disconnection.

Statutory testing of MRC electrical tools and equipment was completed in four work areas.

Public Amenities

Vandalism repairs completed at Edward Lloyd Park Marian included replacement of fibro wall and cubicle door,

replacement of indicator bolts and painting of completed works.

Damaged skylight at Shoal Point amenities was repaired, both inner and outer diffuser replaced.

Indicator bolts were repaired or replaced at John Breen, Quota Park and again at Edward Lloyd Park amenities.

Graffitied walls were repainted at Iluka Park, John Breen Park, Blue Water Quay and Lamberts Beach.

Following failure of both sewage pumps in the well at Blacks Beach amenities repairs were completed to one and

a new replacement pump has been ordered for the other.

Park Furniture

Brackets manufactured and sign mounted on shade structure at Acacia Av. Seaforth in preparation for dedication

of playground and structure to Maralyn Ross for her years of service to the Seaforth community.

Six sections of exposed aggregate path around the Civic centre were cut out and replaced to remove trip hazards.

Damaged and missing tiles were replaced on the Civic Centre Fountain.

Replacement of refurbished shade sails has commenced with the first park, Bucasia Esplanade, sails returning

from repairer and remounted. Alsatia Park, Leap View and Mackay Tourist Information Centre sails have been

repaired and will be the next three to go back up.

There were seven repairs to park log fencing and gates completed.


Other work Completed - City Heart, Bluewater Quay and Bluewater Trail

14,000Sqm of concrete and path cleaned with blower

12,000Sqm of concrete and path cleaned with high pressure water cleaner

City centre team has started assisting with maintenance of the Blue Water Lagoon while it is closed for

maintenance

Capital Works - In progress

Shade Sail Restoration – Repairs and refurbishment of shade sails and associated hardware and fittings at

nineteen playgrounds throughout the region.

Shelter Roof Replacement - The large picnic shelter adjacent to the amenity block at Lamberts beach is in the

process of being fitted with non-corrosive PVC roof sheeting. This is the last shelter at this location to be

completed as three others were upgraded previously.

Dog Off Leash Park – All construction works are complete and final turf establishment currently in process.

Edward Lloyd Park Upgrade – Construction of play equipment, shade and picnic facilities is in progress.

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Inspections and Repairs

Mandatory Operational Inspections Visual Inspections

Play Equipment Repairs – Substantial Play Equipment Repairs - Minor

Play Equipment Inspection and Maintenance


Capital Works Projects Completed

Jubilee Park Rotunda Ceiling Replacement

Cemeteries

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Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14

Burials/Ashes in Mackay Region

Burials Ashes

The project involved removing and replacing plaster ceilings including decorative cornice and bandings. Old electrical

circuitry was replaced and the rotunda was repainted in

original heritage colours.


Administration – Parks Bookings

Grass Maintenance Activities

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Park Bookings

Park Bookings Bot. Gardens

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Parks Maintenance Activities

Grass Mow Snipping Litter Collection Herbicide Poison

Ho

urs


Horticulture

Plants Grown in the Nursery and Planted out by Horticulture Staff:

140mm Plants – 574

Larger Plants – 52

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Orchid House Visitors


Natural Environment and Marine Beach Activities

Coastcare Volunteer Activities – Delivered in Partnership with Reef Catchments

Volunteers removed Mother of Millions weed from the salt marsh community at Ball Bay on Saturday 12th July

Approximately 20 local residents controlled Guinea Grass and other weeds and planted 20 Casuarinas at Bucasia

School Activities

Beaconsfield State School had a field trip to Wetland Walkabout to learn about wetland ecosystems

Several schools took part in National Tree Day activities including Swaynesville School, Goodstart Early Learning

Centre Andergrove, Eimeo Road State School and Andergrove Family and Child Centre.

Natural Environment Plan Implementation

Coastal Priority Projects

Development of contracts for coastal project delivery

Receive final reports for contractors for completion of weed control work at Blacks Beach Spit

Waterways Priority Projects

Fishways monitoring projects – quotes received

Factsheet on Sandringham Lagoon project published and distributed to neighbouring landholders

Plains and Ranges Priority Projects

Received a draft management plan for DeMoleyns Lagoon for review

Field Team Activities – (Sarina and Mackay Beach Teams and Habitat Restoration Team)

Weed control activities were conducted at Louisa Creek, Campwin Beach, Salonika Beach, Slade Point Reserve,

Blacks Beach, Weeping Cabbage Palm Reserve, Bucasia Beach, Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve and Far

Beach

Revegetation maintenance activities were conducted at Hay Point, Salonika Beach, Grendon Park, Grasstree

Beach, Bucasia Beach, Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve, Far Beach and Blacks Beach

Fences and access tracks were maintained and repaired at Half Tide, Grasstree and Armstrong Beach’s.

Revegetation was undertaken at Armstrong's Beach, with Palm fronds and green waste removed.

Environmental Ranger Activities

Illegal dumping – six investigations underway and letters of demand/warning notices issued

Illegal clearing – three sites currently under investigation including Waverley St Bucasia, Buoro St Ball Bay and

Miran Khan Drive Armstrong's Beach

Protruding vegetation – compliance letters issued to 12 properties

Other Projects

Installation of beach access signage and removal of vinegar bottles

Staff attended meetings about WSUD assets with staff visiting from Townsville City Council

Director and Cr Theresa Morgan attended a tour of the Mackay Natural Environment Centre

Staff are liaising with the Midge Point Progress Association about supplying coastal plants for a coastal

revegetation project

Tender documentation prepared for the provision of Bush Regeneration services

Staff participated in the Sustainability Working Group


Staff organised for the burial of a dead whale that washed up on Blacks Beach

Conducted interviews for the Nursery Supervisor position

Staff attended a meeting with the Armstrong's Beach Progress Association

Council briefing on the Mackay Whitsunday NRM plan

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Horticultural and Site Works

A large Pink Showers Tree Cassia javanica below Lagoons café was removed due to poor health. A small portion

was felled into the lagoon as habitat.

Matsuura sister city delegation planted 2 advanced stock Hoop Pines Araucaria cunninghamii as part of the

development of the timber tree collection.

Torres Strait garden was prepared for an official opening by the Mackay Torres Strait Community.

Painting to repair graffiti and damaged infrastructure throughout the site was undertaken by contractors

Interpretative signage and seating was installed by contractors in the Torres Strait Islands Garden

Volunteers hard at work maintaining the

revegetation at Bucasia

Handweeding at Ball Bay


Community Engagement

July 8-10 - School Holidays Week 2 had the theme ‘Planting for Bees and Birds’. This activity was at the

Meadowlands Amphitheatre where children and their parents planted a variety of plants to attract wildlife including

Eungella Bottlebrush Melaleuca sp., White Tamarind Elattostachys bidwillii, Blush Satinash Acmena hemilampra

subsp. hemilampra, Creek Cherry Syzygium australe, Flintwood Scolopia braunii and Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Lomandra longifolia.

July 10 – delegates from Matsuura Sister City joined botanic garden staff, Councillors and Mayor Deirdre

Comerford planting a row of commemorative Hoop Pines in the new Matsuura Avenue in the Timber Trees

Arboretum. Celebrating 25 years of the Mackay sister city relationship, Matsuura donated funds towards 25 trees

in the new arboretum.

July 12 – The official launch of new signage in the Torres Strait Islands Garden saw 40 members from the Mackay

Torres Strait Islands community join Councillors and Mayor Deirdre Comerford to unveil the interpretative panels

that tell the story of the Islands, the connection to Mackay and the significance of many plants found naturally on

or grown culturally for food.

Garden Friends Timber Tree

planting bee. Small Explorers

School holiday activities – ‘Planting for Bees and Birds’


July 15 - Small explorers from Slade Point Kindergarten observed lots of creatures in the meeting room on display

for each group of 14 over two days.

July 21 and 25 - Two groups of 22 children from Beaconsfield Kindergarten were enthralled with their Botanic

Gardens visit.

July 16 to August 10 – the first exhibition on show in the relaunched Lagoon Gallery was ‘A Few of My Favourite

Things’, an Exhibition by Catherine Clark Dowden.

Top 3 pages visited at www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au :

1. /home/news/lagoons_cafe_and_gallery_has_new_opening_times > 204 (5.57%)

2. /functionsbookings/weddings > 176 (4.81%)

3. /photo_gallery > 129 (3.52%)

Comments

Visits to the website have increased, mainly due to the Lagoons Café and Gallery reopening.

Comments

The eNewsletter saw an increase in subscribers.

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816 1052

Botanic Gardens Website visits

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Botanic Gardens eNewsletter subscribers

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