How Mackay got behind a plan to build entertainment precinct
MECC celebrates 30 years
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HAVING hosted more than 6500 performances and seen more than 2.7 million patrons through its doors the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre is celebrating it's 30th anniversary.
In 1983, in desperate need of new facilities, but facing a depressed economy due to a downturn in sugar prices, local council put a challenge to the local community to raise $1 million.
A group of local business people including Barry Porter were up to the challenge.
"The economy was very depressed, all the pundits said you won't raise half a million,” Mr Porter recalls.
In two years they raised $1.5 million.
"Amazingly we had $300,000 or $400,000 left at the end,” Mr Porter said.
The extra money was used to build the forecourt and fountain and have it ready in time for the grand opening.
"Mackay had a passion, they wanted a theatre and they got behind it,” Mr Porter said.
Many local business owners such as North Jacklin put up their own money to get the project off the ground.
"The people of Mackay supported us and we thanked the people of Mackay by putting in $50,000,” Mr Jacklin said.
Another $70,000 was raised by the community via a telethon on a Saturday night in 1984.
The State Government contributed $1.2 million with the remainder contributed by local council.
"What a great statement for this community 30 years ago to raise $1.5 million of a $7 million build,” said Mayor Cr Greg Williamson.
"In the midst of Keating's recession we had to have, many said it would never happen.”
Designed by Sanders Architects the MECC is now the largest convention facility between Brisbane and Cairns and has undergone several renovations to ensure it remains state-of-the-art.
In terms of the facilities "there is not much better in regional Australia,” Cr Williamson boasted.
"We've had all of the acts from around Australia and indeed international acts come here and we would never had had them in this community if we didn't have this theatre,” he said.
The Entertainment Centre opened it's doors on February 5, 1988.
To celebrate the MECC is holding a black-tie 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday February 3 from 6:45pm.
There will be performances by Brooke Schubert, The Voice Australia alumni the Koi Boys as well as the Choral Society.
Cr Williamson said he hoped residents would come along to the Gala to help recognise those community members who worked so hard to create and subsequently run this great theatre.
"Not only will the Gala be a great night, but our MECC team have organised a tremendous journey down memory lane,” Cr Williamson said.
"The Mackay Entertainment Centre opening was a tremendous tribute to a community which made an outstanding commitment to the arts for current and future generations.”
The future indeed looks strong with a host of popular acts scheduled to perform this year.
Originally published as How Mackay got behind a plan to build entertainment precinct
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