Australia Day 2025: What’s on around Mackay, free events guide
From welcoming new citizens and honouring longtime locals to thong throwing and damper cooking, here’s a list of free Australia Day events across the Mackay region.
Mackay
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More than 100 of the Mackay region’s residents and groups have been nominated for this year’s annual Australia Day Awards ceremony as the city also prepares to welcome 90 new citizens.
Mayor Greg Williamson will recognise the winners on Saturday January 25 at the MECC, introducing a new Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award named after long-time resident and winner of Mackay’s 2021 Arts and Culture award.
“This award honours individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to remove barriers, implement innovative solutions and advocate for the rights and needs of those with disability and/or mobility and access concerns,” Mayor Williamson said in a media statement.
More than 115 submissions were received by 96 people meaning some people made several nominations.
Among the recipients is the Eungella Community Development Association, a social hub located an hour west of Mackay.
They received three nominations including the Community Group Award.
The social hub’s Save Eungella was nominated in this category and the Environmental Achievement Award category.
The Mackay Regional Council has also given the green light to fund several “fair dinkum” family fun events over the public holiday with free BBQs, beach games and live music across twelve different locations.
Funding ranges from $500 to $1000 and will span across Mackay, to Armstrong Beach and west to Habana.
Banksia Scout Group will receive funds to help run their 10th consecutive open day on January 26 at Jaycee Park in Andergrove which will include bouldering, damper cooking and a sausage sizzle.
“This year we have an archery attack where students get to shoot their parents and parents get to shoot their students. It’s great,” Leader in Charge, Katrina Hoarse said.
The Mackay Triathlon Club will be hosting Australia Day themed free run and swim races followed by a community BBQ at the Pioneer Swim Centre from 7.30am. Registrations open at 6am.
Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club may just take the cake for the most Aussie themed party with vegemite face painting plus sandcastle and thong throwing competitions.
The event will include music and takes place at Eimeo beach on January 26 from 3pm to 9pm.
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