Community and Client Services
Page 1
Community and Client Services
Monthly Review
14 September to 18 October 2015
Page 2
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
Review of Operations
Community Lifestyle 5
Mackay Convention and Entertainment Centre and Events 19
Corporate Communications 25
Community Engagement 30
Northern Australia Services 32
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Executive Summary
Director Community and Client Services
The City is looking beautiful with the City Centre Revitalisation almost complete. The public artwork
is in place and looking very attractive. All the hard work of those involved is acknowledged and the
Mackay City Centre Official Opening will take place on 27 November, celebrating the City Centre
Revitalisation Project.
The Community and Client Services staff continue to work hard with many popular community events
and engagement happening around our region during this period.
Highlights
Disability Action Week: An Interactive Morning Tea was organised in the Civic Precinct, in
partnership with Disability Services Qld. This focussed on inclusion and provided an
opportunity for people with a disability, their families and carers to participate in a range of
activities including choirs, Latin dancing, art display and bocce. Over 150 people attended the
event with very high levels of engagement.
Assisted the Fiji Association Mackay Region with their Fiji Day celebrations. The event
was held on 10 October at Queens Park to mark the anniversary of Fiji Independence Day. A
kava ceremony, traditional food cooked in an underground earth oven, dance performances,
basket weaving, coconut husking and cultural shows were on offer for people to enjoy and
experience the ‘Bula’ smile and spirit. Mayor Deirdre Comerford was invited and took part in
the event as chief guest.
Mackay City Centre Public Art Stage 3 – Community Art Project: Local fabricators are
close to completing the three sculptural mangrove forms that make up the public artwork
(community art project) Meeting Place and the work is soon to be installed.
CAMS Program Officer (Community Action for a Multicultural Society) provided support and
participated in the Brown Sugar Festival held on 27 September starting with a street parade
from Wood Street to the Mackay Showground, with approximately 700 people attending and
positive feedback received.
Artspace Mackay hosted the highly successful ‘Up Late with Myf Warhurst’ fundraising
event on Friday 2 October. The event was organised by Artspace Mackay Foundation, and
was their major fundraising event for this year. 120 people purchased tickets to attend this
very special show in the main McAleese Gallery, presented by ABC and TripleJ star Myf
Warhurst. The event included live music with locals Tia and Jack performing in the Foyer
Gallery. Positive feedback has been received from the event.
MECC: September attendance at the centre is up on this time last year.
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour: The Festivals team successfully delivered the Emirates
Melbourne Cup Tour events in Mackay. Events included the Charity Breakfast which hosted
80 guests, the Community Fun day which saw over 300 locals listen to racing legend Larry
Olsen, have their photo taken with the cup and children took full advantage of the free pony
rides and face painting. The team also organised a visit with the cup to the Sacred Heart
Ward at the Mater Hospital which was extremely well received.
It was a hectic few weeks for the Corporate Communications team in early October as
the team arranged three significant events in the space of a fortnight. The NRL Premiers
Cowboys Street Parade, DMLA 2nd
Annual Report luncheon and Mackay’s Day of Action
against Domestic Violence.
Corporate Communications named a finalist in the 2015 Queensland Multi-Media
Awards for Best Brochure for the Mackay Festival of Arts and #MackayPride is a finalist in
the major award for Best Advertising across all media.
Dudley Denny City Library: Public consultation on the concept drawings were held with 9 public displays around the city so that residents could view the drawings, ask questions, provide feedback and share ideas. A survey, feedback form and question tool on a Connecting Mackay page www.connectingmackay.com.au/dudley-denny-library has proved popular with 1,000 visits and the concept drawings had over 3,000 views.
Bridget Mather
Director Community and Client Services
Page 5
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Community Lifestyle
Community Programs
The Community Programs Team (except Museums) has responded to a combined total of 992
community enquiries (including phone calls, emails, personal interaction, social media, etc.) during
this reporting period.
Community Development
Participated in the inaugural Mental Health & Wellbeing Fair on Saturday 10 October at the
Mackay Showgrounds. The event was attended by over 600 people and Community
Development took this opportunity to engage with community through a “Wellbeing Game” in
order to showcase what Council has on offer to enhance community wellbeing.
Celebrated Odd Socks Day, a mental health awareness initiative, with a display of odd socks
and information at the Mackay City Library from 28 September to 2 October. The display
helped raise awareness and promote conversation around mental health and wellbeing.
Recognised Anti-Poverty Week (11-17 October) with three school art displays at the Mackay
City Library, Sarina Library and Sarina Neighbourhood Centre. Students from Eimeo Road
State School, Sarina State School and St Anne’s Primary School contributed the artwork
through which they expressed their interpretation of what poverty is and how the community
can help. In addition, Community Development organised a Council food/toiletries drive with a
number of collection points where staff donated non-perishable items. The collection will be
handed to St Pauls Uniting Church and Anglicare to add to their hampers.
Delivered Cross Cultural Training at six face-to-face sessions with Council outdoor staff with
approximately 200 workers in attendance. The total number of staff who have now completed
the training is 911 – 85% of MRC staff.
Hosted the Seniors Interagency meeting with 17 people attending from a range of services
including Carers QLD, Mackay Stroke Recovery Group, the Older Women’s Network, Road
Accident Action Group, Bowel Cancer Screening, MRC Libraries, MRC Arts Development,
Alpha Nursing Services, Alzheimer’s Australia, George Street Neighbourhood Centre.
Emergency Relief food vouchers are available at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on
Mondays only. Food voucher enquiries totalled 29 with 10 being allocated.
Youth Development
Over 20 young people participated in Dance Workshops at Studio 53 during the school holidays. The
workshops were facilitated by Samson Smith of Justice Crew. New Zealand-born Samson is well
known for his powerful breakdancing style, he is considered the “head-spin king” of the group. During
the hour and a half workshops, participants developed skills and learned a new breakdancing routine.
The Sarina Youth Centre Term 3 School Holiday Program saw approximately 100 young people in a
range of activities. These activities included cooking classes, art expressions, progressive pool
competition, indoor and outdoor games, team bonding activities and a costume day.
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Ongoing support, counselling, information, referral and mentoring is provided to young people in need
in the Pioneer Valley - including young individuals "at risk" as per the State Government funded role
service agreement. Approximately 18 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 and suicide prevention.
The Valley District Youth Council annual theatrical production will be held on 13-14 November at the
Pinnacle Playhouse. This year’s production is titled “The Circus of Life”. Workshops were held at the
Mirani Hall during and after the September school holidays with an average of 18 young people
attending each day in order to prepare. Further workshops are will be held at the Mirani Hall and the
Pinnacle Playhouse in preparation for the performance.
The Youth Art Competition entitled “Teenage Dreams in a Teenage Life Circus” will be held in the
foyer of the Pinnacle Playhouse in conjunction with the theatrical production. This competition
provides young artists of the Pioneer Valley the opportunity to express youth issues and views
through a variety of art mediums. Prizes are being donated through the Youth Council and other
sponsors.
Valley District Youth Council member Raoul Mackenzie has successfully participated in the
Queensland Youth Parliament, under the sponsorship of the Valley District Youth Council and under
the mentorship of State MLA for Mirani, Jim Pearce. Raoul has held numerous discussion sessions
with the Youth Council in this positive venture.
Arts Development
A total of 9 applications have been received in Round One of the RADF Program for the 2015/16
financial year. The RADF committee recommended that 6 of the 9 applications received be approved
totalling $15,697. An amount of $19,303 will be carried over for Round 2 applications. Promotion of
Round Two of the RADF Program has now commenced and the Arts Development Officers have
already met with a number of potential applicants.
Reporting Documentation for the RADF 2014/15 financial year was successfully submitted to Arts
Queensland on 30 September 2015. Included in this report, the RADF Survey received a 25% return
rate with 37 responses received.
Creative Mackay e-bulletin distributed to over 900 subscribers. Over 1500 Art Is In calendars (Issue
65 September, October and November) have been distributed.
Page 7
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Indigenous
Community Development Officer - Indigenous Issues is developing and updating an Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Business Directory in order to increase supplier diversity within Mackay
Regional Council. Community Development Officer - Indigenous Issues is also collaborating with
Corporate Communications to scope, develop and implement a plan to increase the presence of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content on Mackay Regional Council’s website.
Community Development Officer - Indigenous Issues assisted Organisational Development with the
selection and recruitment process for Indigenous identified traineeships.
Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) Program
Five vehicles and approximately 50 people took part in the street parade and approximately 700
people attended the event at the Showgrounds from 3-6pm. There were 15 stalls (hot food, make and
bake, clothing, etc.) including local ASSI groups/families and stallholders from Rockhampton, the
Gold Coast and Halifax. Entertainment was provided by local groups. Feedback received by the
planning committee has been very positive with most people saying they enjoyed the chance to catch
up but wanted the event to run for a longer period of time in the future.
In light of the recent suicides within the ASSI community (as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander), CAMS Officer organised a SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training session for the ASSI
community, which was held at the Lagoons Meeting House on 13 October from 6-9pm. 19 people
participated in this very valuable training. Feedback from participants included feeling more
comfortable in knowing how to ask a friend or family member if they are having suicidal thoughts and
what further actions to take in order to seek help for the person.
Sister City
Youth Ambassador Program 2015 participants flew out to Japan on 19 September and returned to
Mackay on 2 October. A debrief meeting will be held with the young people and the chaperones on 21
October to obtain feedback on all aspects of the exchanged program.
Applications for Chaperones of the 2016 Youth Ambassador Program have been received with Jodie
Jackson and Ai Wakasugi being selected to accompany the 2016 Youth Ambassadors.
Grant Programs
Junior Sporting Grants – 6 applications have been received and approved.
Community Arts and Culture Grants – 5 applications have been received and approved.
Page 8
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Sport and Recreation
The first 5-week block of Get Out, Get Active physical activities targeting inactive women and girls
attracted over 500 participants across 5 locations – Calen, Ooralea, Northern Beaches, Sarina and
Pioneer Valley. Positive feedback has been received from both providers and participants. The
feedback surveys identified that 93% of participants were ‘Likely’ or ‘Very Likely’ to continue to
participate in physical activity of any type after being involved in the program. 89% indicated that they
were ‘Satisfied’ or ‘Very Satisfied’ with the activity that they took part in.
The second 5-week program of Get Out, Get Active physical activities commenced on 12 October.
Sessions are planned across the five locations with 14 providers targeting inactive women and girls.
With the warmer weather aqua aerobics and aqua Zumba have been added to the program. 151
expressions of interest were received in the week prior to the commencement of activities.
To complement the Get Out, Get Active exercise sessions, nutrition workshops commenced on 14
September in Calen, Northern Beaches, Ooralea, Pioneer Valley and Sarina. Two workshops were
held in each location over a two week period focusing on ‘What is Healthy Eating?’ and
‘Understanding Food Labels’. 36 people attended the workshops, which was less than expected given
the popularity of the exercise sessions.
Following the first organising committee meeting on 15 September, planning is underway for the 2016
Sports Expo and Sign-On Day scheduled for Sunday 14 February 2016 at the Mackay Entertainment
and Convention Centre. The event is aimed at increasing participation in sporting, active recreation
and active leisure pursuits. The theme for next year’s event is “It’s an Olympic Year, Love Sport”. Sporting clubs, recreation and leisure groups have been encouraged to register.
Museums
Pioneer Valley Museum at Mirani
Visitor numbers: 21 (1 concessions, 20 adults)
Successful in receiving funding to purchase a laptop computer
Volunteer attended the Skill Development Workshop in Volunteer Recruitment and
Management organised by Museums & Galleries Qld
Mackay Historical Society and Museum Inc.
Visitor numbers: 118 (16 concessions, 17 adults, 85 children)
Volunteers accompanied 2 groups of school children from Alligator Creek School in a tour of
the museum and a tour of the city centre
Volunteer attended the Skill Development Workshop in Volunteer Recruitment and
Management organised by Museums & Galleries Qld
Sarina District Historical Centre Inc.
Visitor Numbers: 186 (49 concession, 53 adults, 84 children)
2 volunteers have begun the process of checking, cataloguing and photographing all items in
the museum’s collection
2 volunteers attended the Skill Development Workshop in Volunteer Recruitment and
Management organised by Museums & Galleries Qld
Greenmount Homestead
Visitor Numbers: 136
Weddings: 3
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Friends of Greenmount (FOG) agreed on a constitution for the group’s forthcoming
incorporation which will enable FOG to apply for grants/funding.
Volunteer attended the Skill Development Workshop in Volunteer Recruitment and
Management organised by Museums & Galleries Qld
Inkind Assistance
Applicant Request Cost
Dogs Qld Grounds
Committee
Provision of 10 general waste bins and 2 recycle bins in support of
their Championship Dog Shows.
$167.58
Mackay Triathlon
Club
Provision of 5 general waste bins, 5 recycle bins in support of the
Queensland Country Health Fund Corporate Teams Triathlon.
$171.50
Mackay Hospital and
Health Service
Provision of 2 general waste bins and 2 recycle bins in support of
the Deadly Choices Community Day.
$117.60
Rotary & Mackay
Regional Mental
Health Network
Provision of 10 general waste bins, 10 recycle bins, 100m bunting,
10 star pickets and 1x 15m skip bin in support of the Mental Health
and Wellbeing Fair.
$338.14
Mackay Surf
Lifesaving Club Inc.
Provision of 15 general waste bins, 5 recycle bins and 1x 15m skip in support of the North Australian Championships 2015.
$429.28
Mackay Rowing
Club Inc.
Provision of 5 general waste bins and 5 recycle bins in support of the
North Queensland Premiership Regatta.
$171.50
Sarina Kennel Club Provision of 5 general waste bins and 2 recycle bins in support of their Championship Show.
$142.10
Startup Mackay Provision of 2 general waste bins and 2 recycle bins in support of the
Pitch and Public Speaking Event.
$117.60
LGBTI Working
Group
Waivers of park hire fee at Civic Precinct area, 2 general waste bins
and colour Civic Precinct Fountain Pink from 7 to 14 December in
support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex
Community Awareness Day.
$688.00
Mackay West Rotary
Club
Waiver of park hire fee at Col Story Park, 10 general waste bins, 2
recycle bins, power and meter box in support of their Christmas
Fair.
$367.58
Total value of Inkind Assistance Request for the report period $2,710.88
Page 10
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Disability Action Week Interactive Morning Tea School Holidays Dance Workshop with
Samson Smith of Justice Crew
Mental Health & Wellbeing Fair
Brown Sugar Festival Anti-Poverty Week Display at Sarina Library
Page 11
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Libraries
Young People’s Services
Programs designed to encourage early literacy in children and their families had a total of
1653 in attendance compared to 1774 from 2014.
Programs designed to encourage library membership and to promote the library as an
entertaining and informative place for children and their families totalled 178 in attendance
compared to 70 from 2014 (includes school tours).
The Corner - “Where the Wild Things Play” at Gordon White Library attracted 796 under 8’s,
293 children aged 8 years and over and 603 adults (parents/carers) – a total of 1692 during
September.
“P is for Play” at Mackay City Library attracted 625 under 8’s, 370 children aged 8 years and
over and 605 adults (parents/carers) – a total of 1600 during September.
Tony Bones Entertainment, Mackay Regional Council Libraries, together with the Friends of
Mackay Libraries Inc, hosted Tony Bones Entertainment on Monday, September 7 at the
Gordon White Library. They delivered a children’s theatre production called “The Stone Lion”
based on one of the Children’s Book Week shortlisted titles. Over 300 students from 5
schools attended the two performances.
Mackay Regional Council Libraries attended the Baby Welcoming Ceremony at the Mackay
Regional Botanic Gardens on Sunday, September 13.
Community Outreach
Seven book-loving clients met on Thursday, September 3 for Cityside Book Club to discuss
Sofie Laguna’s The Eye of the Sheep.
Eight enthusiastic readers discussed Joan London’s novel The Golden Age, which was short-
listed for 2015 Miles Franklin Literary Award, at the meeting of Between the Lines Book
Club at Gordon White Library on Thursday, September 24.
Three social sewers stitched, socialised and unpicked at Social Sewing Saturday.
152 Home Library Service clients had 1 063 items delivered by 15 volunteers who travelled
163 kilometres.
Five members of the Valley Page Turners met to discuss the novel “The Girl Who Couldn’t
Read” – another good read.
Sophie Howard enjoying being read to by
her Daddy.
Mackay West State School, Homebush State
School and Northview State School.
Page 12
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Mirani Board Games. On Wednesday, September 9 three enthusiastic members attended
the board games night. Thursday, September 24 attracted four adults and four children.
The Digital Literacy Librarian and Community Outreach Librarian attended the Combined
Mackay Probus Group at the North Mackay Bowls Club to speak about Mackay Regional
Council Library Services to 60 members.
The launch of local author Deb Rae’s book Getting There: Grief to Peace for Young Widows
attracted over 100 enthusiastic supporters.
Heritage Collection
56 researchers visited the Carmel Daveson Research Room compared to 45 in 2014.
26 research inquiries actioned compared to 6 in 2014.
Statistics
Public computers totalled 1887 bookings and 1689 hours of use, and a total of 542 hours Wi-
Fi accessed.
Assistive Technology equipment was used for a total of 27 hours.
16 DiscoverIT classes held with 24 attendees.
6 requests received for ask a librarian enquiries.
Top 3 library website visits for the month of September:
o WebOPAC
o Library Home
o School Holiday Activities
Database hits including Atomic Training, Who Else Writes Like, Who Next, Transparent
Language Online and Literacy Planet totalled 330
0
5000
10000
15000
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40000
45000
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Library Visitors
2014-2015
2015-2016
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Top 5 Reserved Titles in September
Close your eyes / Michael Robotham.
The Saddler boys / Fiona Palmer.
The Patterson girls / Rachael Johns.
Pitch perfect 2 [DVD]/
Make me / Lee Child.
0
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300
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JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
New Library Members
2014-2015
2015-2016
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June
Library Loans
2014-2015
2015-2016
Page 14
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Artspace Mackay
Overview
Artspace Mackay is participating in a Standards Review program facilitated by Museums &
Galleries Queensland. This annual program is conducted in a new regional centre each year,
and this year four local museum/gallery organisations are taking part: Artspace Mackay,
Greenmount Homestead, Pioneer Valley Museum and the Heritage Collection from City
Library. The program so far has required a large commitment of time and effort, and staff
have been involved with completing a self-assessment survey (100+ pages), meeting with
expert reviewers and participating in workshops. The program is designed to ascertain how a
museum/gallery’s operating structures and programs compare to the National Standards.
Artspace Mackay’s expert reviewers presented their findings, to date, to a group of
approximately 40 gallery stakeholders. The program will culminate in December with a full
report back session and presentation of certificates.
Bimblebox: Art + Science + Nature is appearing in the McAleese Gallery, and Offshoots: A
Florilegium from Cairns Botanic Gardens will appear in the Foyer Gallery AND in the Lagoons
Gallery at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens in a collaborative approach to enhance
visitation at both facilities.
In another Artspace Mackay / Mackay Region Botanic Gardens collaboration, staff of the two
facilities are working together on an artist-in-residence program with photographer Man
Cheung. Man, who is based partly in Brisbane and partly in Singapore, takes exquisite
photos of flowers and will photograph flowers from key local native species at Mackay’s
Botanic Gardens. A series of prints will be exhibited at Artspace Mackay and may be
acquired for the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. The Botanic Gardens will also seek
permission to reproduce some images so that the Friends of Mackay Region Botanic Gardens
may produce and sell postcards in order to raise funds. Man’s work can be viewed at:
http://www.mancheung.com/p-botanical.html
The public programs team is preparing for two upcoming workshops. An ‘en plein air’
workshop will see Brisbane artist Nick Leavey teach students skills and techniques relating to
painting tonal landscapes. Supporting the collaboration between the gallery and botanic
gardens, Julie McEnerny (the artist featured in Offshoots appearing in both venues) will
conduct two workshops around botanic art. In the first, Sketching from nature, students will
work directly from life using a variety of media (eg pastels, charcoal and water-soluble
graphite pencils) and the second is a mixed media workshop which will allow students to
experiment using mixed media.
To stay up to date with everything that’s happening at the gallery, sign up to our e-Newsletter
or visit us on the web (www.artspacemackay.com.au) or on Facebook.
Visitors
Visitor numbers for September 2015, including Town Hall, were 2,012
Visitor numbers for September 2014, including Town Hall, were 2,199
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Visitor numbers from September 2014 – September 2015
Website visits:
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
2014 - 2015
2,012 2,199
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
2014 - 2015
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
E-newsletter subscribers:
Facebook followers (includes Rock Paper Scissors Facebook page):
1200
1250
1300
1350
1400
1450
2014 - 2015
2200
2250
2300
2350
2400
2450
2500
2550
2015
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Public Programs & Education
Date Program Location Attendees
16 September Guided exhibition tour for school group
McAleese Gallery 24
23 September School Holiday workshop: Relief Prints with Rosemary Payne
Seminar Room 10
24 September School Holiday workshop: Relief Prints with Rosemary Payne
Seminar Room 13
27 September Sunday Cinema: Dead Letter Office
Seminar Room 15
2 October Workshop for disabled kids: Life Without Barriers
Seminar Room 10
2 October Up Late with Myf: ASM Foundation fundraiser
McAleese Gallery 124
6 October Guided exhibition tour for school group
McAleese Gallery 18
13 October BMA Kidspace: toddler program
Seminar Room 90
14 October M&GQLD Standards Review: Stakeholder Presentation
Foyer 37
18 October Kids Art Club: Term 4 Seminar Room 24
18 October Printbank Mackay meeting Town Hall 12
Total = 377 Participants
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Total = 377
Up Late with Myf
Friday 2nd Oct
Myf Warhurst (centre) with ASM staff &
volunteers
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
and Events
Management
Acting Manager MECC and Events has been involved with ongoing planning and
implementation of the City Centre phase 1 artwork “Cane Fire”
MECC management was also involved in assisting the Mackay Stadium Management deliver
PBR professional Bull Riding which was very well received from the community at large.
MECC management also assisted with five funding applications to state and federal funding
bodies for touring works in 2016-2017
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
Overview
September attendance at the centre is up on this time last year but still down 21% year to
date. This is due to many factors from the general economic climate to the fact that promoters
are sending less product to tour though the state compared to last year. The centre is still
preforming well these circumstances.
Corporate and private hires included, Yamaha Motors conference, Mackay Comedy player
“Legally Blond”, Carnage in the Cage, JCU presentation, comedian Dave Hughes, Sydney
Comedy festival, The Frank Sinatra Centennial year show, The Russian Ballet “Swan Lake”
and the very popular National Australia Orchid Society Conference with had a wonderful
attendance during the public viewing days and had a incredible social media following.
Numerous rehearsal sessions for the 69th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod.
Capital Program
The renewal of the city Christmas decorations is well underway and all orders have been
placed. There has been a small overrun in that budget but it will be covered off in savings in
other projects.
Planning for furniture replacement and Catering equipment is also complete and ready to be
rolled out in the January period.
Development/Other Issues
The MECC in-house catering is going from strength to strength; some challenges are
occurring around processing and receipting the extra transactions that this is creating but this
is being addressed.
Entrepreneurial
Coin Banks: This project was not cost recovered but was a successful youth program. A
panel of 12 young people attended approximately 5 onsite meetings and participated via
social media/poster distribution/email exchange. The project was driven by Kate Turvey, a
casual Box Office Attendant. Kate was MRC Runner up Apprentice of the Year 2014. This
project was the first entire project handled by Kate, and guided by senior staff. Final
attendance to the performance was less than expected, however, in all a very good learning
experience for the youth panel and for Kate. The work of this youth panel in Mackay recently
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
received national recognition at the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association
conference at the Sydney Opera House.
Head full of love: While this event was not cost recovered it was one of the most successful
engagement programs delivered in the last five years. While the engagement was reported
last month the final workshop was attended by 20 participants on the day of the performance.
Hamlet: The performance was 59% cost recovered and audience feedback was outstanding.
Blood Sweat and tears: This was not cost recovered but was received well by the public.
Performance
as at SEP 2015
Non-Financial Indicators KPI Year to date
Number of Performances fully cost recovered 50% 50%
Minimum number of catered functions (excluding performances)
140 31
Average attendance at events Auditorium 550 Auditorium 405
Foyer/space 100 Foyer/space 132
Halls 600 Halls 546
One Hall only 200 One Hall only 272
Number of non-utilised days 90 11
Number of Performances at the MECC 200 39
Number of Conferences/Expos 20 8
Number of Events with Attendance from outside Mackay Region LG area (Post Code Data)
40 15
Number of Student Attendances 2000 2279
Number of workshops > Youth 6 3
Number of engagement workshops/activities 8 5
Yearly occupancy of facility 175,000 30,826
Customer Hire Satisfaction 80% 93%
Community and Client Services
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2013-2014 2014-15 2015-16
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JUL 28 15 9,953 9,229 17 17 10,996 305 16 12 5,464 1,116
AUG 13 17 9,994 3,225 28 17 13,525 843 10 15 10,829 517
SEP 15 26 9,286 902 18 42 14,403 1,784 13 34 14,533 4,086
OCT 116 23 42,128 1,202 114 14 36,761 4,575
NOV 19 23 22,024 1,700 16 33 20,333 754
DEC 10 43 14,211 760 7 17 8,124 0
JAN 0 121 13,162 0 0 5 3,286 1,500
FEB 4 19 16,391 0 5 14 19,673 7,142
MAR 17 26 10,825 1,408 11 24 9,128 38
APR 12 8 6,154 0 4 9 3,570 1,593
MAY 11 27 9,050 0 12 19 9,796 0
JUN 17 12 7,593 256 15 15 8,337 0
TOTAL 262 360 170,771 18,682 247 226 157,932 18,534 39 61 30,826 5,719
#NOTE: October is Eisteddfod Month + December 2013-Jan 2014 - Ice City II
Community and Client Services
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Community and Client Services
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Festivals and Events
.
Global Grooves
Final preparations are underway for the delivery of Global Grooves on Saturday 24 October.
The event will host 16 different cultural groups via stage performances, global village
workshops and food stalls.
New Year’s Eve
Planning for the New Year’s Eve River Party is well underway with the headline act – Jon
English and band secured.
Brisbane Street carpark and the river end of Brisbane Street will be closed this year to make
way for the abundance of food and market stalls and larger amusements. This will allow for
more space for people to enjoy the main stage entertainment as the area was overly
congested in 2014 due to the size of the crowds.
Bridges Bar and Restaurant have been consulted and will extend their licenced area
temporarily for the night to cater for guests staying on after the family entertainment
concludes at 9pm who wish to consume alcohol and view the main stage entertainment.
The Lanes Easter Carnival
Plans for proposed events during the Easter long weekend are being developed, including the
move of the family carnival back to the City Centre.
Local vintage car club has confirmed sixty-plus vehicles for display as they have a ‘meet’ on
that weekend in Mackay and meetings are taking place to arrange special dining and
accommodation packages for the car owners coming from outside the region.
The team is also currently consulting with Mackay Grande Suites about the possibility of
moving the Battle of the Bands / Youth Style concert back onto the rooftop of Mackay Grande
Suites as a ticketed event on the Saturday evening.
Emirate
Emirates Melbourne Cup Charity Breakfast Emirate Melbourne Cup Community Fun Day
Paint a Horse Workshop
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Emirate Melbourne Cup Community Fun Day
History of the Cup Session
Community and Client Services
Page 25
Corporate Communications and Marketing
Management
Sponsorship finalised for Australia Day awards ceremony with P Comino and Sons returning for the
fifth year and Daily Mercury and SEAFM remaining involved
Management finalised details of sponsors for the 2016 Sports Expo with all corporate partners
returning for the event.
Liaison with consultant KPMG into the internal audit of council’s Social Media to identify processes
and opportunities to make more effective use of social media. Draft report is being finalised.
Website
Visits for September 2015
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
Artspace MECC MackayCity
Centre
BotanicGardens
MackayRegionalCouncil
SarinaSugarShed
1,265
18,304 13,327
1,743
51,684
901
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Continue to show steady growth in number of likes to the council page. The NQ Cowboys
event on October 18 saw a reach of 27,029 people via Facebook, including 1,123 likes,
comments and shares.
The short video uploaded of the Graeme Connors song has already had 10,000 views in just
four days.
Fans: 9445
Followers: 1534
YouTube
Video views: 851
Estimated minutes watched: 1115
Top 3 videos for September
1. Mackay Pride - Share Your Pride > 304 (36%) 2. Bowen Basin Bypass > 92 (11%) 3. Message from the Mayor: Help shape our new Dudley Denny City Library > 78
(9.2%)
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
A total of 177 media mentions during September.
General
Organised logistics for Street Parade and Public Welcome for premiership winning North
Queensland Cowboys players
Assisted in organising and promoting the DMLA Report back luncheon
Organised the Mackay Day of Action on Domestic Violence
Preparation work conducted on new marketing campaign to launch in November. The Share
your Pride campaign will encourage locals to tell us what makes them proud. Major prizes
donated by two local businesses Oaks and Helloworld.
Over 44 news releases issued during this period, ranging from new CEO appointment, to the
spawn of Stinky the Orchid.
Significant exposure was also generated for the announcement of successful projects from
the Invest Mackay Events attraction
A number of advertising campaigns organised including DMLA Luncheon, Global Grooves,
Christmas Grants and Cyclone Saturday.
Campaign finalised and will be launched in November for the Australia Day Awards and
Australia Day Community Grants
Designed and ordered two additional Bluewater Trail signs for the newly completed Cross
City Link section
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Media Monitoring Break-Down September 2015 News Clips/Articles
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Good progress being made on 2014-2015 Annual Report, due to be adopted in late
November
Graeme Connors delights the Cowboys players with his
theme song.
Thousands turn out to celebrate Cowboys visit
Page 29
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Participants at the Mackay Day of Action against Domestic Violence
Guest presenters at the DMLA Report back luncheon.
Page 30
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Consultation vs Notification
Notification
Consultation
Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Officer presented to ten community groups – Senior Citizens, Older
Women’s Network, Youth Information and Referral Services, Headspace Youth Reference Group, All
Cultures Storytime, World Café, Cultural Diversity Interagency Group, Low Vision Group, Healthy
Ageing Reference Group and Friends of the Library.
In addition to this, every school in the Mackay region and both universities were emailed and
Community Development staff also distributed a flyer to all of their networks.
We also ran a drawing competition for children so that they could draw their ideas and received 22
entries (winners yet to be drawn).
Other consultations
Consultation on the potential sale of freehold land closed on September 30.
Consultation on the rehabilitation of Lagoons Creek closed on September 25.
Number of Projects involving community engagement Officers worked on 19 separate projects between September 14 and October 18. Which council programs worked with the Community Engagement team?
Levels of Engagement Officers worked on 4 projects requiring notification and 15 projects requiring consultation:
012345678
Projects
Page 31
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Members of the community have their say about the concept drawings of the new library at a public display held at Bluewater
Lagoon
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Northern Australia Services
Service Successes
o Implemented a reporting solution that allows monitoring of resolution timeframes of
service requests, which will drive improved customer experience. o New improved process for fast and easy payment schedule application, these can
now be set up by one simple phone call to Council. o In time for the wet season, flood mapping information is now available in PDF form on
the Council website. o Continued uptake of MyH2o with the current registrations at 5651. This system
enables residents to monitor water consumption, including the early identification of possible leaks and can automatically alert customers as it happens preventing bill shock.
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Client Services
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Page 37
Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
IS Requests completed by category July 2015
Number of Requests completed by the I.S. Team
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Total Number of IT Projects Completed
Completed Projects Breakdown by IS Team
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Community and Client Services 14 September - 18 October 2015
Completed Projects Breakdown by MRC Priority Alignment
Safety and Risk
Legislative
MRC Operational Plan
ICT Strategic Plan
Business Improvement