1 [Type the document title]
Community & Client
Services
Monthly Review 7 July- 3 August 2014
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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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
The decrease in transaction numbers in July was the result of the timing of issuing of dog
registration renewals, water and rates notices.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
THREE YEAR COMPARISONS
2014-15 2013-2014 2012-2013
Pe
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es
Ev
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ts
Att
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e
Ex
tern
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ale
s
Pe
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nc
es
Ev
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ts
Att
en
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e
Ex
tern
al
Tic
ke
t S
ale
s
Pe
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nc
es
Ev
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ts
Att
en
da
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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 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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
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Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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)
Page 25
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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.
Hit the 1,000 mark for followers on Twitter with 1013 followers.
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Artspace MECC MackayCity Centre
BotanicGardens
MackayRegionalCouncil
SarinaSugar Shed
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10,779
1,283
46,816
805
Page 26
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
Page 27
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
Page 28
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
Council received 160 media mentions in July
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Media Monitoring Break-Down July 2014 News Clips/Articles
Page 29
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
Page 30
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
Page 31
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
Page 32
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
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Page 33
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
Page 34
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
Page 35
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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
Page 36
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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’
Page 37
Community and Client Services 7 July - 3 August 201414
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.
1312 1444 1279 1168
999 1180 1049
857 827 848 1006
816 1052
Botanic Gardens Website visits
767 772 777 783 795 801 816 819 821 834 847 853
Botanic Gardens eNewsletter subscribers
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