“Wildlife” … An exhibition by Catherine Dowden

1 September - 3 October
Lagoon’s Gallery and Café

Catherine’s exhibition reveals her interpretation of some native animals. ”I try to capture the animal’s presence, the beauty of its being. I believe all animals have souls and that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

I am passionate about animal welfare and the environment so I hope that, as an artist, I am able to make a difference by donating 10% of my art sales to Australian Animals Care &Education INC.”

The Lagoons Gallery and Cafe is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm.
Cost Free 

One of a variety of regular activities the Friends of the Gardens group participate in.

This is a great opportunity to come along and learn more about the types of plants from our bioregion that will be planted in the Botanic Gardens.  Planting bees also offers all budding green thumbs a chance to get their hands dirty and help the Gardens extend their plant collection.

All planting bees commence at 9am sharp; with a “planting induction” and participants are asked to remember to slip, slop, slap and wear closed in footwear, long sleeved shirts, hats and sunscreen.

Please RSVP to Robin: phone 4952 2299 or email robinmcw@a1.com.au or Maya: phone 4952 7300 or email maya.harrison@mackay.qld.gov.au if you intend to join us for any of our planting bees...

Saturday September 11 ... 9.00am -Tropical Shade Garden.

Please meet at the front office for a 9am start. Slip, slop, slap, usual dressconditions apply, morning tea will be provided.

Saturday Oct 9: 9.00 am –Monsoon Garden.

Meet at the blue gazebo for a 9am start. Slip slop, slap, usual dress conditionsapply, morning tea will be provided.

Sunday in the Park… Third Sunday of every month... 2 - 4pm

 September 19th, October 17th, November 21st.        Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Tropical Sun Lawn, adjacent to the main entrance, 9 Lagoon Street,

Third Sunday of every month…Bring a chair or a picnic blanket, then settle back, and enjoy the sounds of local musicians at this free concert.

Phone 49424477 or contact Botanic Gardens 49527300. botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Landcare Day in the Gardens… August 29th  9am – 2pm... Tropical Sun Lawn
‘Kids… Make a Difference… in Your Backyard’

Landcare Day in the Gardens is to provide opportunities for everyone to showcase different ways individuals, young and old can conserve, protect and enhance our environment / world.

This year’s theme is to engage children (of all ages!) in fun, interesting activities on sustainability practises and environmental themes, and to showcase the amazing contributions school children already make to our environment. We hope these ideas will then be used by children and their families in their own backyards.

We would love to have you and your organisation join us at Landcare Day in the Gardens.

We are asking organizations and individuals involved in the Day, to develop a display that showcases their own activities, and in addition provide activities/displays suited for engaging and inspiring children and their families to learn new ways of looking after the planet by making changes in their own homes and backyards...  For example… Create an interactive or tactile display, run games or activities that children will enjoy being involved in that will have an environmental message.

Some activities already planned include… Water weed identification, Bird watching surveys, No dig gardening, Weaving cubbies, Sustainable Fishing game, The Water drop game, Backyard pets on show (puppies, kids and chickens), Composting workshops,  Mini-beasts, Recycled Art and a MIni Movie Theatre showcasing Environmental DVDs.

Please confirm your participation or for more information...

Contact Maya Harrison at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens  49527300 or 0409750453 by August 13th

Email maya.harrison@mackay.qld.gov.au    Fax: 07 4952 7333

The Society for Growing of Australian Plants (SGAP) hold their annual plant sale at Landcare Day in the Gardens and plants sell fast. Come early to buy your selection.

Dinosaurs roam in the Botanic Gardens… Friday September 10th … 3.30pm – 4.30pm… in the Coal Garden

Meet Earths Awesome Prehistoric Creatures, from cute baby dinosaurs to teeth-gnashing giants.

Ancient life-like dinosaurs are alive and most friendly as they give away prizes to children who have completed the Botanic Gardens Dinosaur Quiz in the Coal Garden.

Follow the dinosaur footprints to find where the Coal Garden is and the dinosaurs are lurking…

School Holiday Activities... 

September... The Best Beak in the Botanic Lagoons…

The 2-hour session will include walking in the Gardens, where children will be introduced to Bird Watching.

In the meeting room, the story of “The Best Beak in Boonaroo Bay” will be read, introducing children to the variety of beaks that birds have.

There will also be opportunity for creative activities, including making a bird mask with a variety of beaks to choose from

When? School holidays… September 21, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 10am – 12 noon and 2pm -- 4pm

Where? Meet in the Gardens’ Meeting Room

Who? School aged children, 5 and older

Cost? $5… Limited to groups of 10…

Bring binoculars if you have them.

Bookings and payment before September 14 are ESSENTIAL

Please contact The Botanic Gardens 49527300 to register your interest and your child’s name.