Community and Client Services - Mackay Council · Page 3 Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015 Executive Summary Director Community and Client Services Highlights

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Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015

Community and Client

Services

Monthly Review 16 February to

15 March 2015

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

Review of Operations

Community Lifestyle 5

Mackay Convention and Entertainment Centre and Events 23

Property Services 29

Corporate Communications 34

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Executive Summary

Director Community and Client Services

Highlights

21 current Mackay Creatives Website Project members submitted expressions of interest and have been selected to exhibit artwork in Artspace Mackay exhibition Our Community: Mackay Creatives, in the Orientation Gallery from 26 March to end of July 2015.

Mackay Regional Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan has been endorsed by Council and Reconciliation Australia. Official launch will be held on Thursday 19 February.

Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) organised a Harmony Day morning tea with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community members and staff, Mayor and Councillors, which was held on 18 March.

25 clubs attended the launch of Club Connect, Mackay Regional Council’s Club Development Program on 8 March at Magpies Sporting Club. The forum discussed sport into the future focussing on what clubs need to do to overcome participation, communication issues and how to strengthen clubs into the future.

Two new programs, Book Spines (Young Adult book club) and Zines and other Scenes

(Young adult writers club) were introduced this month. Both programs encourage reading and

writing beyond the classroom, encouraging substantive discussion about things we read and

giving young authors a chance to be heard. A few interested young adults made a promising

beginning to the new programs.

Easter holiday activities will be arranged during the second week of school holidays, courtesy of

Qld Art Gallery & Gallery Modern Art’s kids & families' art activity days. This annual event has

morphed into a week-long celebration of art for children, with a set of activities especially

designed by prominent artist Jemima Wyman, called “Pattern Bandits”. And this year, for the first

time, Artspace Mackay will have a pop-up activity centre at Caneland Central, as well as in the

gallery. We expect huge numbers to take advantage of this great FREE event! Artspace staff

and volunteers will be there from Tuesday 14 April until Saturday/Sunday 18/19 April, from 10am-

12pm & 1pm – 3pm each day.

The Anywhere Festival is jointly being held with Isaac Regional Council, and an expected

outcome is that Manager MECC & Events would up skill colleagues in the Isaac Region in relation

to event delivery. It is pleasing to report good relationships and up skilling has occurred, and

stakeholders in Isaac are pleased with the progress of the Anywhere Festival thus far. At the time

of writing several events in Isaac have sold out, and SBS television will be recording a feature in

Dysart, an unanticipated but highly valued outcome.

The Lanes Easter Carnival 2015 is fully coordinated and ready to deliver. Multiple Mackay City

Centre Traders have been engaged to either host events or be part of the Easter Treasure Hunt

promotion coordinated by the Festivals Team.

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Northern Australia Services fitout completed on time.

Results of the Community Attitude Survey were released publically, providing some positive

media coverage for council. A scheduled advertising-marketing campaign is underway comprising

television, Facebook and a two-page Council Connect feature in the Daily Mercury.

Amanda Camm

Acting Director Community and Client Services

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Community Lifestyle

Management

In a true demonstration of working as one team, staff from client services and community

development responded to a request from the emergency management team to activate an

evacuation centre in Sarina. The response resulted from a request for assistance from Issac

Regional Council with the actions highlighting a region working together.

Client Services

Initiatives

Sarina office provided shelter for residents of the Isaac region during tropical cyclone Marcia.

All staff completed training in waste contractors portal, customer request management system

and MiH2o portal.

Call centre and e-Content are on track to transition into Northern Australia Services on 30 March.

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Community Programs

The Community Programs Team (except Museums) has responded to a combined total of 749

community enquiries (including phone calls, emails, personal interaction, social media enquires)

during this reporting period.

Community Development

2015 International Women’s Day Event – “Make It Happen Expo” was held on 6 March at the Sarina Cultural Hall. Format for event this year included 6 inspirational women speakers and student dancers from a local dancing studio. 23 information tables were provided by a variety of organisations from the Mackay region. The event was attended by 99 community members and 45 community groups. During Cyclone Marcia, Sarina Neighbourhood Centre Officer along with the Sarina Client Services team leader, established and managed the evacuation shelter at the Sarina Cultural Hall for residents from St Lawrence who had to evacuate their homes. The evacuation shelter was operational during the night of the cyclone and until it was deemed safe by authorities for the residents to return to their homes the next morning. Further assistance has been given to residents after the event with food vouchers, support and information. Department of Communities staff requested Sarina Neighbourhood Centre brochures which they took to the residents while community recovery was in action. Emergency Relief food vouchers are available at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on Mondays only. Food voucher enquiries totalled 30 with 15 being allocated. Back to School vouchers are also available for school books and uniforms. 3 school vouchers have been allocated. Meeting held with regulatory services to discuss opportunities of linking together to assist Barlink in moving forward with the Safe Night Out Legislation. Future plans include linking with licensees to arrange a meeting with the Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct Board as an opportunity of sharing and being informed by industry peers. ‘Navigating the Office of Fair Trading’ workshop is scheduled for 24 March 2015 with several registrations received from the community. Community Development has received a good response from the Northern Beaches Community Network membership drive which included a mail out to businesses and notices in the school newsletters. To date 6 long standing businesses and 3 individual community members have expressed interest in joining the network. Working group planning for the Homeless Expo 2015 is underway. The event will take place on 13 May 2015, 10am-1pm at St Pauls Hall. This initiative will include activities and entertainment, donations of clothes and other essentials, food and health checks for the homeless. Planning has begun for the 2015 Seniors Lifestyle Expo with a steering committee formed in early February. The Expo is scheduled for Friday 21 August 2015, 9.00am to 2.00pm at Senior Citizens Centre in Macalister Street. To date 30 exhibitors have registered to attend the event.

Youth Development

Negotiations have been held with Department of Communities around the new youth sector Service Agreement. Information sessions with QCOSS will be held in March and then further training and information with the department will follow in May. Valley District Youth Council commenced development of concepts for the major theatrical production to be held at Pinnacle Playhouse. Performance dates for 2015 are 24 & 25 July and 31 July & 1 August. Youth Development Officer provide ongoing support, counselling, information, referral and mentoring for young people in need in the Pioneer Valley - including young individuals "at risk" as per the State

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Government funded role of Youth at Risk Initiatives. Approximately 34 young people are receiving individual support for a wide range of issues including coping with abuse, mental health, job hunting, coping at school, relationship/family matters, anti-bullying, social isolation, grief, etc. Sarina Youth Centre programs have begun for the year and include Drumbeats, Rock and Water, Girls with a Purpose, and Stand Up. In a new partnership with Sarina State High School, young people are also able to access the Youth Development Officer who visits the Sarina Sate High School on Monday afternoons on alternate weeks from 12-3pm. Auditions for Mackay’s Got Talent were held on 21-22 February at Studio 53. From 52 Mackay

Region talented young people aged between 12 and 18 years old, 14 acts involving 16 young people

were selected to participate in the final of Mackay’s Got Talent. The final will be held on 19 April 2015

at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention centre. Tickets are now available from the box office.

Arts Development

RADF round 3 2014/15 closed on Wednesday 18 February. 15 applications were received. Creative Mackay e-bulletin distributed to over 900 subscribers. Over 1500 Art Is In calendars (Issue 63 March, April and May) printed and distributed. The community launch for Animating Spaces: Mackay Up was held at Paxton’s Creative Space on 27

February and was attended by approx. 50 local artists, community service organisation

representatives, Council Cultural and Economic Development staff and Councillors.

Indigenous

Indigenous Officer assisted with a 2-day Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Workshop at

Gordon White Library. 15 community members attended and due to the interest in the program, a

further series of workshops are being planned.

Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP)

Chinese New Year celebrations were held on 21 February, 4-8pm at the Victoria Street Markets with 3500 people in attendance. LAMP Officer attended planning meetings, provided coordination and logistical support on the day and maintained contact with community stall holders and gathered feedback following the day.

LAMP Officer emceed the International Women Day event at Mackay City Library which featured guest speaker Kathleen O’Dea, author who while living in Mackay, wrote a book about her experiences in Zimbabwe, and performances from World Café members from the Indian Community and Indonesian Women’s Choir.

4 Employment Workshops for Migrant Job Seekers have been completed, averaging 10 participants per workshop. LAMP worker completed resume reviews for 8 migrants and as a result a number of skilled migrants have now been short listed for interviews with local companies.

600 copies of Migrant Voice printed and distributed in the community. Electronic version is available on the council website.

Co-ordinated Advocacy in the Multicultural Sector (CAMS)

CAMS Officer is assisting Frangipani Arts with their ASSI family history e-book project. E-book launch will be held Thursday 19 March 2015. Following the launch event, this resource will be accessible to all online.

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CAMS Officer met with newly appointed ASSI Health Worker on 4 March to gain information about a new health program targeting ASSI. CAMS Officer offered assistance to promote the program to the ASSI community through the next ASSI News Update.

Sister City

The Youth Ambassador Program student recruitment has been finalised. 14 students and 2

chaperones will represent Mackay on the exchange program to Matsuura in September this year. The

first meeting to prepare students for the trip will be held on Wednesday 18 March 2015.

Community Grants Program Round 2 of the community grants program closed on 6 February. A total of 35 applications have been

submitted, requesting a total of $130,814.49. The Committee Assessment Meeting was held on 5

March. The Committee recommended allocating $61,459.83 towards successful applications.

Given the competitive nature of the Community Grants Program, the Committee discussed and

agreed on the importance of giving applicants further information on alternative grants and funding

opportunities. Community Development has compiled a list of funding opportunities that will be mailed

to all applicants.

Sport and Recreation

Nominations for Outstanding Junior, Senior and Disabled athletes were accepted and put forward to NQ Sports Foundation for annual North Queensland Sportstar Awards ceremony held on 28 March in Hughenden.

Museums

Pioneer Valley Museum at Mirani

Reopened on 3 March 2015

Visitor numbers: 1

A new display on the Great War has been installed

Volunteers attended first session of 2015 Standards Review Program

Mackay Museum

Visitor numbers: 11

Volunteers continue to prepare for the installation, into their new shed, of the parts of their

collection still held at Greenmount

The Mackay Museum facebook page is regularly maintained by one volunteer. Extractions

from the “Have you seen the old Mackay” facebook page will feature shortly in an exhibition

within Artspace

Sarina Historical Society and Museum Inc.

Officially reopens on 1 April 2015

Volunteers continue to change the displays within the museum, cleaning and other display

maintenance

Volunteers attended a Character and Heritage Advisory Committee meeting

Greenmount Homestead

Visitor Numbers: 187 (incl. 2 school visits)

Weddings: 1

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Friends of Greenmount attended first session of 2015 Standards Review Program

Special opening on 7 March for 53 Masonic Lodge ladies group

Inkind Assistance

Applicant Request Cost

Headspace Mackay Provision of waiver of Andergrove Community Hall fees in

support of their Trivia Night. $250.00

Jack Badger Memorial

Park Committee

Provision of water for the water tank at the Jack Badger Park in

support of their Basket Picnic. $150.00

Mackay Autism Support

Group

Provision of colouring Civic Precinct fountain blue in support of

Autism Awareness Month. $500.00

Mackay Epilepsy Support

Group

Provision of colouring Civic Precinct fountain Purple in support

of Epilepsy Awareness. $500.00

Mackay Kennel Club

Provision of mowing, rubbish removal, undercover areas

cleaned, 10 general waste bins and 10 recycle bins in support

of their Championship Show.

$238.14

Mackay Recreational

Fishers Alliance Inc

Provision of waiver of park hire fees at Shoal Point in support

of their Family Fishing Day. $79.00

Mackay Regional Council Provision of colouring Civic Precinct fountain Orange in

support of Harmony Day. $560.00

Seaforth Progress &

Sports Association

Provision of 5 general waste bins, 5 recycle bins, 50 witches

hats, 40 star pickets, 400m butting and waiver of park hire fees

at Seaforth Foreshore in support of their Fun Run.

$250.50

Sensory Circus Tribe

Provision of 1 general waste bin, 1 recycle bin and waiver of

park hire fees at John Breen Park in support of World Circus

Day.

$250.50

Thai Community Provision of 4 general waste bins, 4 recycle bins, 40m bunting

and 14 witches’ hats in support of Thai New Year. $171.50

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2015 International Women’s Day Event – “Make It Happen Expo” at the Sarina Cultural

Hall

Chinese New Year celebrations held at

Victoria Street Markets

Mackay’s Got Talent auditions held at

Studio 53

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Libraries

February snapshot

With 24 days of opening in February, Mackay Regional Council Libraries had a busy month delivering 141 programs attended by 3918 people. A total of 31,152 people visited, 513 new members joined and 55,360 items loaned. Programs held contribute to Mackay Regional Council Libraries key strategies and Mackay Regional

Council Corporate Plan for Community and Lifestyle.

Library Lovers Month

Library members were asked to tell us what they loved about the library during Library Lovers’ month

The online comments collected showed that the book is still very popular with 35% of people stating

they loved reading and borrowing from the library.

80% said they appreciated the quality of client service experienced from library staff and enjoyed the

many programs that Mackay Regional Council Libraries offer.

Three people said they valued the libraries and the wealth of knowledge that had been enjoyed by

three family generations.

The winners of the dinner for two are -

1.Catherine Fitzgerald “I’ve always been a lover of books and instilled that on my kids. To have the

Mobile Library come to me with such variety and helpfulness is awesome.”

2.Paula Thomson “Family fun occasions kids have with their librarians over twelve years using this

wonderful public service is remembered. Always a proud local family.”

Sports Expo – Sunday, February 8

Mackay City Library opened its doors for a special Sunday opening in conjunction with the Sports

Expo being held at MECC. 157 visitors attended the library (compared to 67 in 2014) and enjoyed the

‘big games’ – Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, Chess and Connect 4. 2 new members joined the library

(compared to 2 in 2014).

Special Sunday library opening for MECC

Sports Expo

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Young People’s Services

Programs designed to encourage early literacy in children and their families had a total of 2129 in

attendance compared to 2154 in 2014.

The Corner

February was a very exciting month for The Corner project with a new installation, P is for Play,

moving in to the children’s area at the Gordon White Library and an adaptation of the Land, Sea

and Sky installation moving to Mackay City Library.

There has been positive community response to the installations after an initial week or two of

moving, creating the space and training staff.

The Corner “P is for Play” at Gordon White Library attracted 769 under 8’s, 103 children aged 8

years and over and 469 adults (parents/carers) – a total of 1441 during 3 weeks in February.

“Land, Sea and Sky” is the first The Corner installation at Mackay City Library and was very well

received with 242 under 8’s, 35 children aged 8 years and over and 186 adults (parents/carers) –

a total of 463 during the last 2 weeks in February.

State Library of Queensland filming of Mackay Regional Council Libraries Storytime

As part of the new Best Start campaign the State Library of Queensland requested permission to

film a Storytime session at Mackay Regional Council Libraries to produce “best practice” material

for Queensland public libraries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWcGc2CWonI&feature=youtu.be

This video provides supportive information and ideas about how Mackay Regional Council Libraries runs a

Storytime program for 2-5 year old children and their parents and primary caregivers. At Storytime sessions

library staff members use one, or a number of books, in combination with related songs, puppets, actions

and activities, to support children’s oral language and early literacy skills.

Young Adult Services

MakerSpaces has begun again giving young adults aged between 10 and 16 a chance to tinker

and explore. Mackay City Library and Mirani Library were branches visited this month. More than

10 young adults have already enjoyed the opportunity to tinker and make.

P is for Play – The Corner

Gordon White Library Land, Sea and Sky – The Corner

Mackay City Library

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWcGc2CWonI&feature=youtu.be

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Community Outreach

Five enthusiastic readers attended CitySide Book Club’s first meeting for the 2015. Eight avid

readers discussed John Boyne’s A History of Loneliness at Between the Lines Book Club. Five

avid readers attended the Valley Page Turners Book Club at Mirani to discuss “Luminaries” –

unfortunately the size of the book put a few of the ladies off and only two had read the book.

Three keen stitchers worked on Burda Style patterns at Social Sewing Saturday.

Ten interested people attended the inaugural Lifestyle Plus Talks at Gordon White Library.

Fiona Paterson, Environmental Education Officer from MRC’s Waste Services demonstrated the

construction of a worm farm and spoke about the many advantages of utilising a worm farm to

recycle household fruit and vegetable scraps.

1008 items were delivered to 150 Home Library Service Clients by 14 volunteers, travelling

124km

Sarina Library on track with promotions

Sarina Library welcomed commemorative steam train travellers at Sarina to support QR celebrate

150 years of transporting Queenslanders. Branch Coordinator Troy McShannon with Friends of

the Library Cheryl Cook and Carol Edwards showcased programs and services delivered by

Mackay Regional Council Libraries. Troy comments “It was a great opportunity to engage with not

only the local community who came to see the train but also the many passengers on the 3 trips.

This event allowed libraries to promote the great programs like Baby Bounce and Discover IT

classes that are available. To encourage the community to join the library, a Become a Member

competition was held.

Cultural Services

15 adults and 28 children attended the Colours themed Many Cultures Storytime.

Heritage Collection

58 researchers visited the Carmel Daveson Research Room compared to 67 in February 2014.

21 research inquiries actioned compared to 3 in February 2014.

QR Library display in Sarina

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Heritage Collection staff are currently preparing for WW1 – ANZAC centenary commemorative

exhibitions at Mackay City Library and Gordon White Library. The Heritage Collection WW1 original

materials will also be showcased at the Artspace gallery during the month of April.

Heritage collection staff recently visited and toured the State library of QLD and QLD State Archives

facilities in Brisbane as well as attending the QLD Local Studies group meeting. This professional

development opportunity allowed staff to meet and discuss WW1 projects, upcoming content sharing

opportunities as well as review best practice in preservation and conservation processes.

Statistics

Public computers totalled 2914 bookings and 2534 hours of use, and a total of 1193.25 hours Wi-

Fi accessed.

Assistive Technology equipment was used for a total of 40 hours.

19 DiscoverIT classes held with 75 attendees.

8 requests received for Ask the Library enquiries.

Top 3 library website visits for the month of February:

o WebOPAC

o Library Home

o Contact Us

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

Language Online and Literacy Planet totalled 1018.

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Top 5 Reserved Titles in February

American sniper : the autobiography of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history / Chris Kyle ; with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen.

Game of thrones season 4 [DVD]

So fresh The hits of spring 2014 [sound recording]/

Bowling for Columbine [DVD] /

The maze runner/ James Dashner

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Artspace Mackay

Overview

Although February’s visitor numbers appear to be similar compared with the same period last

year, the numbers cover a slightly different period (16 Feb – 15 March). This is a traditionally

quiet period visitor-wise. Staff have been focussed on planning for a host of upcoming

exhibitions, activities and events.

The Artspace Mackay Director is in the process of securing an international photographic

exhibition for the gallery. The exhibition will be a collaborative project between Artspace Mackay

and Rockhampton Art Gallery, and will be split between the two venues. So, if people want to see

the entire show, they will need to travel between the two cities. We see the potential for lots of

tourism packages, and will work with Qld Tourism & Events to make this happen. Both gallery

directors are currently seeking major sponsors for this exhibition. The costs of presenting this

amazing exhibition will be shared between both galleries. All other details are confidential at the

moment.

There has recently been controversy surrounding the use of ‘selfie-sticks’ in art galleries. They

have been banned at large institutions around the country. Bucking the trend, Artspace Mackay

has selfie-sticks available for loan at the reception desk. So anyone, young or old, can take a

selfie with their favourite work of art, and upload it to our Facebook page via our free wi-fi

connection.

Gallery staff are busily planning for upcoming exhibitions from the Qld Art Gallery, the Museum of

Contemporary Art in Sydney, and the National Gallery of Australia. It’s an incredible array of

exhibitions that will be on offer in Mackay over the next few months, so don’t forget to come along

and take advantage of your free, state-of-the-art art gallery. For details of exhibitions, check out

our website: www.artspacemackay.com.au

Visitors

1562 (Including Town Hall)

http://www.artspacemackay.com.au/

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Attendance figures:

Website visits:

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E-Newsletter Subscribers:

New Exhibition(s)

There are no new exhibitions for this period.

Public Programs & Education

18 Feb Art Educators meeting at Artspace, including

artists books viewing from the collection Tate Adams Reading Room 13

21 Feb Kids Art Club – Saturday art classes with

Rosemary Payne Seminar room 12

22 Feb Sunday Filmspace at Artspace Seminar room 15

28 Feb Kids Art Club Seminar room 11

7 & 8

Mar

Scanlines New Media Workshops –

Manipulating time and Stop Animation Orientation Gallery 23

7 Mar Kids art club Seminar room 11

10 Mar

Mackay State High School – School tours x 3

(Yr 10s, 11s and 12s) also see artist book

collection

All galleries and seminar room 53

14 Mar David Lynch Master class – live streaming

event from QAGOMA Orientation Gallery 21

14 Mar Kids Art club with Rosemary Seminar room 10

Total attendees at public programs from 16 Feb to 15 Mar: 169

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Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

and Events

Management

Completed planning to facilitate a trilogy of arts events which have been strategically secured to

boost the local economy, promote Mackay, and which will assist in bringing foot traffic into the

Mackay City Centre. The three events being the Anywhere Festival, Queensland Touring

Showcase and NARPACA (Northern Australia’s Regional Performing Arts Centres Association

Managers Conference). Combined these three events will bring in excess of 300 visitors to

Mackay for a stay of up to four days for some, boosting the local economy by over $200,000. The

Queensland Touring Showcase has never been held outside Brisbane, and Mackay becomes the

first regional location for the Anywhere Festival, and significant attention is being received due to

this. It can also be confirmed that Arts Queensland’s Touring Funding Panel will meet in Mackay

during these events. The Panel has never met outside Brisbane before.

Continued to provide assistance to colleagues in relation to Stage 2 and 3 of City Centre public

art program

Continue to manage Stage 1 of City Centre public art program

Contracted Professional Bull Riding Tournament for Stadium Mackay with agreement from

incoming Board, and continue to provide advice and assistance to incoming operators of Stadium

Mackay.

Continued to refine in house food and beverage operations at Mackay Entertainment &

Convention Centre

Congratulated staff and volunteers for the excellent results obtained in the Community Attitudes

Survey. Not only are residents highly satisfied by the Centre’s services, it is noted residents

believe the Centre’s services are highly important. Many other regional arts centres will envy

these highly flattering results which are not universally shared in other regional areas.

Acted as ex-officio at the Friends of the MECC Annual General Meeting where Ms Elspit Mulherin

OAM stood down from the Committee after 18 years of service. A well-attended meeting

occurred and Committee positions were contested indicating an ongoing healthy interest in this

volunteer association. Mr Barry Poole was elected President, and Mr Brian Hull, Vice President.

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Overview

The Entertainment Centre re-opened in February following the replacement of the Centre’s

original 28 year old air conditioning system. Audiences seem extremely pleased to sit in an “air

controlled environment” where the temperature now sits at 23C. It is hoped that significant

savings will be made on electrical consumption given the new technology employed.

Having taken on food and beverage in house in January, food and beverage operations were

tested with several sold out events and an influx of bookings. On Friday 27 February a series of

four events took place with over 3000 people using the Centre, which makes for a busy

operational day. All food and beverage operations were acquitted without issue, and much good

feedback has been received.

The Centre paid tribute to the Centenary of Anzac Day with the stage play of Gallipoli this

performance was part of the BMC Pathways to Performance Program and students from as far

away as Moranbah and Proserpine attended. Over 400 students in total attended as well as

general public, and great acclaim was elicited.

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In another first, the MECC was chosen as the regional QLD partner for the Sydney Opera

House’s International Women’s Day simulcast. Mackay audiences were the only people in

Queensland to access this simulcast at live time. The panel of Women speakers subsequently

appeared on ABC’s Q&A, making this a highly topical event. Mackay’s Zonta Club held a

luncheon around the simulcast, and a high profile audience including the Mayor, Cr Deirdre

Comerford, and special guest actress Amanda Muggleton (Prisoner, Neighbours) were in

attendance. Over 300 women attended the event and excellent feedback has been received.

Performing arts hirers this month included Suzi Quatro (sold out), Elvis to the Max and the John

Butler Trio. Corporate / Private hirers included Mackay Sugar, Regional Economic Development

Corporation, Hello World Travel, North QLD Babies Market, Zonta Club Mackay, Auscoal, Dept of

Education, Carnage in the Cage and more.

I just wanted to send a quite email to convey my deep gratitude for the opportunity that was

provided to us on Friday night through the BMC Pathways program. In all, we had eight students

attend, and they were absolutely blown away! As it was the first time many of them had been to

theatre, they were absolutely in awe of everything. They absolutely loved the performance and

the Year 10's even started taking notes for their assessment during the interval!

After the show I accidentally accosted the Director of the show (thinking that she worked for the

MECC) about going backstage, and she was kind enough to organise the Producer to take the

students on a tour around the set. The students also then met the Director and all the performers.

They were all very star struck!

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful opportunity you have provided to these students

through the BMC Pathways program. I honestly think it has been an unforgettable experience for

the students, and have really ignited a passion for theatre in many of them.

Mhairi Underwood, Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator St Catherine’s Catholic College Proserpine

Capital Program

Final capital purchasing has been completed. Final invoices are awaited and the 2014/16 capital

works program will be fully acquitted

Some roof works will occur on Convention Centre roof following meetings with the building’s

original design team. These works have been scheduled during down time in March and April.

Entrepreneurial

Healthpoint Chemists are the sponsor of the 2015 Morning Melodies Program, and as part of the

sponsorship Healthpoint Chemists set up a display in the foyer of health related items of interest

to an older audience. Free blood pressure testing was offered at this month’s Morning Melodies

performance, along with a display of health aids, the audience spent some time talking to

Healthpoint staff.

Three entrepreneurial performances were held this month, Pirates of Penzance (Morning

Melodies), Gallipoli, and 360 Allstars. Without exception these three performances received

positive acclaim, however attendances were under estimated and all three performances required

a subsidy.

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The performance of 360 Allstars featured an extensive workshop program, and the Centre worked

successfully with Sarina State High School to stage BMX and skate workshops at the Sarina

Skate Park. Traditionally engagement with Sarina school students has not been easy to achieve,

but the combination of BMX and skateboarding at the Skate Park proved to be a winning formula

with the highest ever enrolments from Sarina achieved along with outstanding feedback.

Performance

Type # of Events Actual Attendance

Cocktail Party 1 47

Concert 2 1915

Entrepreneurial 3 1012

Event 2 350

Meeting 3 759

Seminar 3 667

Trade Fair / Expo 4 14908

Workshop 1 15

TOTAL 19 19673

as at FEB 2015

Non-Financial Indicators TARGET Year to date

Number of Performances fully cost recovered 50% 42%

Minimum number of catered functions 140 82

(excluding performances)

Average attendance at shows Auditorium 550 Auditorium 343

Foyer/space 100 Foyer/space 113

Halls 600 Halls 471

One Hall only 200 One Hall only 234

Number of non-utilised days 90 48

Number of Performances at the MECC 200 205

Yearly occupancy of facility 175,000 127,101

Customer Hire Satisfaction 80% 89%

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3 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 28 17 13,525 843 13 17 9,994 3,225 12 27 12,812 4,390

SEP 18 42 14,403 1,784 15 26 9,286 902 20 27 22,513 4,262

OCT 114 14 36,761 4,575 116 23 42,128 1,202 118 31 36,187 247

NOV 16 33 20,333 754 19 23 22,024 1,700 18 38 22,661 1,163

DEC 7 17 8,124 0 10 43 14,211 760 6 20 9,260 352

JAN 0 5 3,286 1,500 0 121 13,162 0 1 4 1,783 0

FEB 5 14 19,673 7,142 4 19 16,391 0 4 13 15,558 5,437

MAR 17 26 10,825 1,408 7 19 7,507 2,350

APR 12 8 6,154 0 14 18 8,873 4,038

MAY 11 27 9,050 0 15 16 9,729 3,094

JUN 17 12 7,593 256 5 11 2,227 4,902

TOTAL 205 159 127,101 16,903 262 360 170,771 18,682 244 247 158,734 32,007

#NOTE: October is Eisteddfod Month + December 2013-Jan 2014 - Ice City II

Page 27


Stadium

No ticketed events were held at Stadium Mackay during this period

Transitionary arrangements have commenced, and the new operators of Stadium Mackay can

now provide a qualified Chief Fire Warden who can manage the premises meeting compliance in

relation to certain statutory obligations. Manager MECC & Events has now been relieved from

attending out of hours calls at that site.

Nitro Circus sales are very pleasing, and it is anticipated that a capacity audience of 10,000 will

attend. Event logistics and provision of food and beverage services are currently being finalised.

Festivals and Events

A new event for this year is the Bridges Big Breakfast, a ticketed event that will take place during

the Easter Carnival at Bluewater Quay to bridge the gap in Easter activities for adults without

children. The full program of events can be viewed on the MECC website and caters to all

audiences.

Programming for the 2015 Mackay Festival of Arts is complete and marketing plans and event

coordination in development. The program will see a new event added to the program engaging

agricultural producers in the region.

New sponsorship has been confirmed for the Festival of Arts via MLC Advice Centre, along with

the return of many of 2014’s sponsors.

Plans are underway to reinvigorate the Global Grooves layout in 2015 to cater for the growing

audience and community vendor/stall and community group participation.

Page 28


The 360 Allstars team with local school students

International Women’s Day Luncheon - MECC

Page 29


Property Services

Management

Participation in lease discussions pertaining to the Midge Point Community Hall, Sarina Men’s

Shed, Mackay Child Care Centre and MTL such discussions pertained to new lease

arrangements and requests for Council assistance.

Commenced work to facilitate staff relocations associated with the restructuring process,

mainly dealing with renovations to the Gordon Street Administration building.

Facilitated the preparation of the brief for the redevelopment of the Pioneer Pool Complex for

SLPT briefing.

Project Technical Officer

0

50

100

150

200

250

Number of requests

Building Maintenance Requests

Received

Closed

Page 30


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of

requests

Security Access Requests

Received

Closed

02468

10121416

Number of requests

Registered Keys & Padlock Requests

Received

Closed

0

5

10

15

20

Number of requests

Pathway Requests

Received

Closed

Page 31


Property Co-ordinations

Building Asset Data Rectification and Land Asset processes now in place

Participation in the Project Management Survey

Pioneer Pool Master Plan commenced.

Air Conditioning upgrades are being investigation for the Gordon Street Administration Building

and 42 Wellington St buildings

Bluewater Lagoon Trigeneration project investigations

Leases

The program is currently dealing with approx. 33 leases.

Land Dealings

Transfer of new land acquisition cases from Property Services to Legal Counsel occurred on the 5th

February 2015 with agreed cases remaining with Property Services for finalisation.

The Land & Building Officer continues to deal with five Road Realignments and three Easements.

Tenures are being reviewed in line with the following criteria in preparation for on-site inspections,

these inspections are planned to occur once work on the new lease policy is completed and approved

by Council:-

check expirations; and

check monies owning; and

create ascetic spreadsheet for upload;

review; and

update.

Sarina Sugar Shed

This has been a very busy and productive period for the Sarina Sugar Shed. The Sarina Sugar Shed

recently won Bronze for our Rum in the Under-proof Rum – Dark section and Bronze in the Other

Liqueurs for our Rum Liqueur at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in Melbourne.

Sarina Sugar Shed was part of the Agritourism group to showcase Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday

regions food at a promotional event in Canberra. Products displayed were rum and vodka.

Co-ordinator Sarina Sugar Shed attended a leadership program workshop in Bundaberg recently.

The workshop was part of the Mackay tourism and Event Industry Leadership Program created

specifically for developing leadership potential and industry best-practice in the Mackay Region. The

workshop provided an excellent opportunity for the eight participants from the Mackay Region to

benchmark their products against other Queensland tourism products and to learn and network with

other successful tourism operators.

Sarina Sugar Shed has once again nominated for the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards. Nominations

closed on the 2nd March 2015. Judging will take place in the next couple of weeks.

The next batch of rum is due out shortly and we will dedicate to the 100th Anniversary of the Anzacs.

Special labels have been produced for 500ml bottles and 50ml bottles which will be released just prior

to Anzac Day.

Page 32


-

10,000.00

20,000.00

30,000.00

40,000.00

50,000.00

60,000.00

70,000.00

80,000.00

90,000.00

100,000.00

Sarina Sugar Shed Income

2014/2015 Total

2013/2014 Total

Page 33


Aquatic Facilities

Note on attendances:

Bluewater Lagoon

Closed late July and August (attendance in August reflect contractor attendance)

Memorial Pool

Closed May 2014

Pioneer Pool

Closed June, July August

Mirani Pool

Closed May, June, July and August

Sarina Pool

Closed June, July and August, September 2014, December 13 – 26 inclusive (Qld Education

requirement)

Page 34


Corporate Communications and Marketing

Management

The appointment was finalised for the new Social Media-Website Officer position.

Corporate Communications organised the official opening of the Edward Lloyd Park Revitalisation

Project in mid-February, with a good turnout. The threat of Cyclone Marcia prevented Federal

member for Capricornia Michelle Landrey from attending.

#MackayPride continues to gather momentum with Channel Ten and SEAFM agreeing to run the

commercial free of charge to promote the initiative.

Work continues on finalising arrangements for Anzac Day with the RSL and the park opening for the

completed work at Quota Park.

Website

The Community Attitude Survey showed that 67 per cent of residents access council information via

the website. This is up from 35 per cent in 2009.

We again recorded solid visitation numbers for February, compared to 2014 numbers.

Website visits for February

Facebook

Fans: 8006

Page views: 3143

47,000

47,500

48,000

48,500

49,000

49,500

50,000

48,174

49,970

2014 - 48,174 2015 - 49,970

Page 35


Top three posts for reach were:

Cyclone Marcia updates – 10513 reach

Sugar Shed Rum win – 4122 reach

Opening of Edward Lloyd Park – 3590 reach

Twitter

Followers: 1256

YouTube

Video views: 1248

Top three videos were:

Mackay Pride - Share Your Pride > 511 (41%)

Libraries > 113 (9.1%)

Celebrating 150 Years of Queensland Rail > 101 (8.1%)

eNewsletter subscriptions

Steady growth for eNewsletters, with Artspace, Libraries and City Centre Revitalisation posting the

largest increases.

Council now has a total of 10,878 subscribers for 12 eNewsletters

Page 36


About 125 media mentions during the month of February.

General

Delivered about 33 news releases during the monthly reporting period

Good media exposure for the new Waste Trucks and the livery promoting the #MackayPride

message. Designs finalised by council’s Graphic Designer

Positive news on Sarina Sugar Shed’s bronze medal win for the rum

Front page story to promote the Tim Mulherin-Ted Malone testimonial dinner

Usability testing is underway to trial new mobile website format for council website, looking to

launch in early April

Feature story in Daily Mercury on the extensive mowing being carried out by Parks crews

Facebook proved a critical communication tool during Cyclone Marcia with a reach of over

10,000 on the eve of the Cyclone approaching the Central Qld coast

Produced a Regional Showcase recipe book for an event in Canberra

Thank you morning tea held for sponsors of the Sports Expo and Sign On Day with Mayor

and councillors

Provided support to Active Towns coordinator for the annual Ride 2 School Day event

Council’s #MackayPride branding will appear on the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes

playing shorts for 2015 QBL season

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Media Monitoring Break-Down February 2015 News Clips/Articles

Page 37


Central State School students help Mayor

unveil new Waste Trucks livery

Mayor thanks local sponsors for another

successful Sports Expo and Sign On Day

Documents

Community and Client Services - Mackay Council · Page 3 Community and Client Services 16 February - 15 March 2015 Executive Summary Director Community and Client Services Highlights