Community and Client Services - Monthly Review February 2021 - Mackay Regional Council
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Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Community and Client Services
Monthly Review
February 2021
1
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Contents
1. Highlights of the Month ............................................................................................. 3
2. Workplace Health & Safety ...................................................................................... 4
3. Financial Performance - February 2021 ............................................................... 6
4. Community Lifestyle .................................................................................................. 8
5. Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre and Events .............................. 20
6. Corporate Communications and Marketing ........................................................ 24
7. Emergency Management ........................................................................................ 34
8. Health & Regulatory Services ............................................................................... 38
2
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
1. Highlights of the Month
Across the Community and Client Services directorate, highlights for the month of February 2021 include:
• The online Sports Expo was a success, with over 4,000 views on the event webpage throughout
February. 36 content posts to council’s Facebook page during the month achieved a total reach of
160,000 with 12,900 engagements (likes, comments, shares etc). Additionally, there were more than
12,000 views of eight Brisbane Heat and Gold Coast Suns Active Zone videos.
• Our Libraries were the only Queensland Public library service selected to take part in pilot testing of the
new ‘Check in Qld’ app for COVID-19 contract tracing. The app provides a contactless, free, secure,
and convenient way for customers to sign into a Queensland business.
• More than 70 people attended an artist talk hosted by Townsville-based artist Ron McBurnie of his
exceptional ‘In Search of Arcadia’ exhibition at Artspace Mackay, making this the largest stand-alone
artists talk ever hosted by the gallery.
• The MECC hosted four sell-out performances of Bluey, attracting more than 3,600 people to the venue
over 2 days with outstanding positive feedback across all facets of the performance and overall MECC
experience.
• February was a big month for engagement and reach on Council’s Facebook page. During February,
the page reached more than 200,000 people, which was a 47 per cent increase on the previous month.
There were more than 125,000 post engagements, which was a 124 per cent increase on the previous
month.
• Our Emergency Management team launched a Recovery and Resilience Exhibition showcasing works
from creative recovery projects in Eungella and Finch Hatton following the 2018 bushfires. These
works provided creative outlets for people to express their thoughts and emotions about the bushfire
event, sharing their losses as well as celebrating the strength of their communities.
• 97% of food businesses across our region hold a 3-star, or better, Eat Safe rating, with 4 businesses
achieving a 5-star rating during February.
Angela Hays
Director Community & Client Services.
3
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
2. Workplace Health & Safety
Summary
In February 2021:
• Six safety interactions were undertaken.
• Five site safety inspection was undertaken.
• 96% of monthly action plans activities were carried out.
Eight incidents were reported in January, involving MRC employees and members of the public. One lost time
injury was recorded.
Incidents and Injuries
The following injuries to MRC employees were reported during February:
• Library staff were subjected to consistent aggressive abuse from customers during trial of new
COVID-19 check-in app.
• A mild concussion after person bumped their head into a closing door while exiting a room. (Lost time
injury).
The following near miss incident involving an MRC employee was reported during February:
• A tree snake was sighted in library. A snake catcher was called to remove.
The following incidents involving members of the public were reported in February:
• A vehicle driven by a member of the public hit and knocked over a car park bollard.
• A child in the library elevator got their hand caught in the cavity between the elevator door and the
door frame. First aid was provided.
• A child at the library hit their head, causing a small cut on the forehead.
• A child running through the library fell and hit their head on the end of a shelving panel, causing a
small graze on the cheek and bump on head. First aid was provided.
• A MECC customer fell in the driveway causing a graze on the knee and thumb. First aid was
provided.
Each incident is investigated, and appropriate corrective measures implemented to reduce future risks.
4
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Lost Time Injuries & Days Lost
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Days Days Days Days Days
Department LTI Lost LTI Lost LTI Lost LTI Lost LTI Lost
Corporate Communications
Community Lifestyle 1 3
MECC & Events 2 4 1 18 1 1
Emergency Management
Health & Regulatory Services 1 2 1 1
Community & Client Services 3 6 1 1 1 18 1 3 1 1
For the 2020-21 year, one lost time injuries have been recorded:
• In February 2021, a worker suffered a mild concussion after they bumped their head on a closing
door. One day was lost as they recovered.
Glossary
Incident Any unplanned event resulting in, or having a potential for injury or ill health.
Lost Time Injury (LTI) Incidents that resulted in a fatality, permanent disability or time lost from work of one
day / part of a day or more
Total Recordable Injuries (TRI) Incidents that result in a Lost Time Injury (LTI), Suitable Duties Injury (SDI) and
Medical Treatment Injury (MTI)
5
Community and Client Services Monthly Review 1-28 February 2021
3. Financial Performance - February 2021
Financial Performance Report % YTD Variance of YTD Budget
Community & Client Services
Period Covered: 1 July 2020 to 28 February 2021 YTD Variance favourable of budget
YTD Variance unfavourable, between 0% and 5% of YTD Budget
YTD Variance unfavourable, more than 5% of YTD Budget
Revised YTD YTD
Actual Comments
Budget Budget Variance
4.01 - Community & Client Services Management 359,056 223,210 263,799 40,589 Variance due to timing of staff leave
4.03 - Community Lifestyle 8,214,149 5,197,565 5,107,698 (89,867) On track
Ahead of budget but bookings remain varible so care still being
4.04 - MECC & Events 3,531,101 2,303,085 2,138,718 (164,367)
taken on costs side of the business
4.05 - Corporate Communication & Marketing 1,746,123 1,104,558 1,128,927 24,369 On track, variance relates to timing of expenditure
Ahead of budget from increased revenue and reduced operational
4.07 - Health & Regulatory Services 3,544,202 1,865,603 1,622,570 (243,034)
expenditure
4.08 - Emergency Management 88,341 (236,486) (242,845) (6,359) On track
Operating (surplus) / deficit 17,482,972 10,457,535 10,018,866 (438,670)
6
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Financial Performance - 2018
Operating (surplus) / deficit
20,000,000
18,000,000
16,000,000
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
-
July August September October November December January February March April May June
YTD Budget YTD Actual
7
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
4. Community Lifestyle
4.1 Community Programs
Number of Community Enquiries: TOTAL 597
Community Building - 466
Lifelong Learning - 64
Civic Participation - 67
Number of Emergency Relief Assistance Packages provided – 25
Sarina Neighbourhood Centre meeting rooms utilisation – 40 bookings
Occasions of JP Services provided to community – 7
Number of external bookings in Jubilee Community Centre for the month – 80
Total Jubilee Community Centre usage (internal/external) – 359
Community Development
Activity Comments
My Legendary In celebration of the upcoming annual Neighbour Day on March 29,
Neighbour Award Community Programs have initiated the inaugural ‘My Legendary
Neighbour’ Award. After a year that saw our residents rely on their
close contacts like no time before, it is a fitting time to hear about,
celebrate, and award some of the neighbourly actions that are
occurring across our region. The award launched on social media on
Friday, 19 February, reaching over 27.5k people, receiving 366
comments, 28 shares and 132 link clicks to the nominations page.
Nominations close midnight, March 22.
Harmony Day Planning for Harmony Day 2021 is well under way in partnership with
The Neighbourhood Hub. Last year’s postponed ‘Festival of Cultures’
celebration will be held this year on Friday, 19 March in the Civic
Precinct. The community event will occur from 9am-1pm with cultural
stalls, kids’ activities, cultural performances, and live music on offer.
8
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
United Nations Youth Community Programs facilitated a visit from Lucy Stronach, a UN
Representative Visit Youth Australia representative who is on a ‘Listening Tour’ around
Australia. The ‘Listening Tour’ is engaging with young people across
the nation to ask, “What would Australia look like if young people were
the key drivers of decision making?”. Following the wide scale
consultation, the outcomes from engagements will be presented to the
UN Assembly in New York and presented to the Australian
Government to inform policy makers. The outcome report will also be
made available to Local Governments to consider localised solutions
for youth outcomes.
While in town Lucy met with representatives from the Youth Out Loud
1000 (YOL1000) project and with 11 young people from the Pioneer
Valley who participated in a local consultation.
‘Wheel of Wellbeing’ Community Programs team are supporting the delivery of ‘Wheel of
community resilience Wellbeing’ sessions to the Midge Point and Bloomsbury communities.
sessions The sessions, facilitated by the Queensland Health Mental Health
Disaster Recovery Team, aim to improve people’s understanding of
mental health and wellbeing, particularly as it relates to disaster
recovery and community and individual resilience. 24 residents
attended the first session on Thursday, 11 February at the Midge Point
Tavern. A second session is planned for Thursday, 11 March.
Sarina International Preparations are underway for the 2021 Sarina International Women's
Women's Day Awards Day awards event. Rather than the usual dinner, 2021 will see the
awards presented as part of a high tea at the Third Ground Coffee
House on March 13 commencing at 4pm, with the Mary Malone
Perpetual Award being presented to the winner by her daughters. The
event will invitation only and will be filmed and published on the Sarnia
Neighbourhood Centre Facebook page.
9
Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Community Meetings / Events / Interagency Meetings.
129 meetings and events were held or attended; highlights include:
General Interagency The first General Interagency meeting for 2021 occurred on Tuesday,
Meeting 16 February at the Jubilee Community Centre. The interagency
meeting welcomed 23 attendees in person and 2 via Microsoft Teams
representing 20 different community organisations. The meeting
included guest speakers highlighting services available through
MADEC and Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre. Discussions
also focussed on the latest happenings and challenges facing services
across the region.
Mackay Youth The first Mackay Youth Connections Network meeting occurred on
Connections Network Wednesday, 18 February at the Jubilee Community Centre. The
Meeting meeting welcomed 20 attendees representing 19 youth organisations.
The meeting included an update on the YOL1000 project and a round
table discussion on the latest happenings in services.
Sport and Recreation
Activity Comments
Active in the City 6 monthly Program Attendance Statistics:
Online Sports Expo The MRC website launching page received 4,000 views throughout
February, with an average view time of 2 minutes and 10 seconds. A
full wrap of the Sports Expo will be provided in the March Monthly
Review based on community feedback and internal evaluation.
10Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Museums
Museum Comments
Pioneer Valley Museum Museum is currently closed, opening 1 March.
Volunteer hours: 70
• Volunteer collection training, 'Agents of Deterioration' undertaken
• Digitisation, cleaning, and storage of new acquisition 'Autograph
Book' undertaken
Sarina Museum Dates open: Museum currently closed, opening 1 March.
Volunteer hours: N/A
• Ramp and stair replacement underway
Mackay Museum Dates open: Museum currently closed, opening 1 March.
Volunteer hours: 45
Greenmount Dates open: Museum currently closed, opening 1 March.
Homestead
Volunteer hours: 40
• Undertook risk analysis of ceiling cleaning procedure at
Greenmount to inform JSA to enable cleaning work to commence
once asbestos testing has occurred.
• 3D photoshoot of heritage garden undertaken at Greenmount
Homestead to create a 3D garden tour for delivery as part of the
National Trust's Heritage Month
• Training for volunteers and Parks Gardeners in specialised
pruning techniques for the Greenmount grave vine
• Commencement of Phase 2 of the Australian Garden History
Society grant project to reinstate the Greenmount driveway arbour
Ongoing Projects • Undertook volunteer governance and policy review in preparation
for museums reopening
• Created Code of Conduct presentation for all volunteers; to be
rolled out across all museums in March
• Development of Year 3 classroom resources underway. This is in
response to the inability to run school tours under social distancing
rules
InKind Assistance requests
5 in-kind assistance requests were approved for the month of
February, with a total value of $1,079.26.
The Civic Precinct Fountain was coloured
green for Rare Disease Day
11Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
4.2 Libraries
Activity
Comments
‘Check in Qld’ App Mackay Regional Council Libraries were selected as the only Queensland
Pilot Public library service to engage in the pilot beta-testing of the new ‘Check in
Qld’ app for COVID tracing. The app, which was formally rolled out to all
Queensland businesses by the State Government on 28th February, provides a
contactless, free, secure, and convenient way for customers to sign into a
Queensland business.
The app allows for registration of multiple family members which is retained,
enabling check in at participating businesses or venues without the need to
enter customer details each time. Contact tracing is made faster and more
reliable with data stored by Queensland Government and only used should
contact tracing be required.
Young People’s Face-to-Face Programs: 61
Services and First 5
• Baby Bounce: 20 sessions – 296 participants
Forever
• Story time: 20 sessions – 268 participants
• Toddler Time: 16 sessions – 280 participants
• Dad’s and Bubs: 1 session – 18 participants
• STEAM: 4 sessions – 34 participants
Toddler Time and Dads and Bubs reintroduced – both well received and well
attended.
Dads and Bubs sessions
The return of Dad’s and Bubs session has been a
great inclusion for new families in our community. It
was wonderful to see Dads engaging with songs and
rhymes with their baby. Six more sessions have been
scheduled for the rest of the year at the Dudley
Denny City Library.
Community Outreach # of events: 64
Programs # attendance: 2,363
MRC Collaborative Programs: Emergency Management and Community
Programs
Eungella Movie and Exhibition through the month of February was extremely
well received by community members. The movie was shown at the Mirani
Library, Dudley Denny City Library and Gordon White Library with outstanding
attendance at each location. Visitors to the Gordon White Library were
fascinated by the incredible art pieces that were created to capture the
feelings, scenes, and experiences of the Eungella Bushfires in late 2018.
Through collaboration with several libraries across Queensland, we held a
simultaneous online author interview with renowned author Debbie
Rodriguez. This was a new initiative that was booked out and attendees
enjoyed the conversation that was held after the interview.
12Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Digital Literacy & # of events: 21
Young Adult Programs # attendees: 205
Outreach and # events (First 5 Forever): 1
Engagement # attendees: 18
Attendance at ATSICHS playgroup at St Luke’s Church, Sarina to deliver
story/sing time and share F5F messaging, resources and Links to Library
collection and programs.
# events (Community Outreach Team): 3
# attendees: 70
Through community presentations with Rotary International, Department of
Communities and Public Housing, and the Mackay Interagency Meeting, we
provided information about our collection, eResources, programs, events and
workshops that are part of our free memberships.
# events (Digital Literacy and Young Adults): 2
# attendees: 144
Attendance at Mirani State High School with grade 10 and 11 students. These
presentations provided information about research skills, online tutoring and
library resources that are available to them through their free library
membership.
Virtual Programs Virtual Programs: Hanging at Home Digital Book Club, Mackay Reading
Challenge and Debbie Rodriguez streamed author visit.
Total Posts: 16
Total Reach: 9,375
Total Engagement: 163
Total Comments: 6
Total Shares: 14
Heritage Collection • 20 information requests were received from clients with staff conducting 24
hours of research this month
• Weekly research support is also being provided for both the Sarina
Heritage Trail and Cemetery Project coordinated from the Character and
Heritage Advisory Committee.
• Staff have advocated at and participated in both an online QLD Local
Studies network meeting, Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA)
LeAD Professional Development Intensive online and the local MRC
Character and Heritage Advisory Committee (CHAC) meeting this month.
13Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Statistics
New Library Members
900 2018-2019
800
2019-2020
700
2020-2021
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Library Visitors
40,000
35,000 2018-19
30,000 2019-20
25,000 2020-21
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Digital Loans by Month
150000
100000
50000
0
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Print Loans by Month
80000
60000
40000
20000
0
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
14Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Monthly KPI Update
Annual
Service / Activity YTD Status Comments
KPI
Library Loans 1,000,000 681,241 On target
Britannica Online usage increased
by 200% with return to school in
Database Hits 75,000 73,513
February 2021 – this has pushed
usage to 98% of total target.
Social Media Instagram: 1,557
8,000 On target
Followers Facebook: 7,049
eNewsletter
N/A 17,112 Registrations remain steady
subscribers
In-person visitations remain steady,
however are down 27% for the
In Person Visits 350,000 195,790
same period last year. On track to
meet current target.
Web + Catalogue
300,000 366,952 Exceeding target
Visits
% of Scheduled
95% -
Programs 95.6% On track
105%
Delivered
Number of new New initiatives and partnerships
5 17
program initiatives are continuing to be developed.
53 events
Outreach Events N/A Tracking well
3,274 attendees
New Virtual 246,436 reached
Programs * N/A 11,895 engaged Tracking well
Outcomes 1,214 comments
199 new devices were used with
Mackay Libraries 726 devices used the Mackay Libraries app in Feb.
N/A
App 2,333 launches Over 19,314 launches on device
since July 2020.
15Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
4.3 Artspace Mackay
Exhibitions
Activity
Comments
Ron McBurnie: In Ron McBurnie is a leading Townsville-based artist and educator, drawing
Search of Arcadia inspiration from early traditions of British and European printmaking and
painting. In 2019 and 2020 McBurnie completed an extended artist
residency with Artspace Mackay, capturing beloved landscapes and views
26 Feb – 16 May
of this region en plein air. The resulting suite of work on paper is shown
FIELD Engineers
together in a major celebration of the beauty of Mackay and its
Gallery
surroundings, from Cape Hillsborough beaches to cane fields in Eton. The
exhibition officially opened on Friday 26 February (105 people attended)
and will run until Sunday 16 May.
Drawing from historical and contemporary works held in the Mackay
A Changing
Regional Council Art Collection and Mackay Libraries’ Heritage Collection,
Ecology
A Changing Ecology explores representations of Mackay and greater
Queensland’s flora and fauna since colonisation. The exhibition features
19 Feb – 16 May early local photographs and glass plate negatives, historic botanical
Foundation Gallery illustrations and floral still lifes alongside Indigenous voices including Danie
Mellor, Fiona Foley, and Archie Moore, whose works look back on these
past visualisations of Australia and its people.
16Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Dylan Mooney: The The Wall is an artist-in-residence exhibition program that offers Australian
Wall artists the opportunity to create a site-specific artwork directly onto the
gallery’s foyer wall. Now in its sixth iteration, Artspace Mackay hosted
Mackay-raised Dylan Mooney, an emerging Yuwi, Torres Strait Islander,
16 Feb – 12 May and Australian South Sea Islander artist from 2 – 12 February. Mooney’s
Foyer Gallery practice includes prints and drawings inspired by First Nations history,
culture, and personal ancestry. Mooney’s site-specific mural is inspired by
archival research and learning on country about traditional Yuwi shield-
making and other material cultures of this region’s First Peoples.
Tony Druery: Tony Druery (b.1964–d.2016) was an artist and educator in the Mackay
Horizons community, creating images that spoke to his love of the water, the
Australian outback and scenes closer to home. His dynamic fish-eye views
of Mackay’s construction boom in the late 2000’s capture a rapidly changing
4 Feb – 16 May cityscape at an important time in the town’s recent history. Druery’s linocut
Foyer Gallery prints exploit the visual attractions of cranes and scaffolding while also
expressing the disorientation felt by many of Mackay’s local residents at the
time. In recognition of Druery’s untimely death, the exhibition showcases
well-loved works alongside unexhibited pieces to commemorate his legacy
within the local arts community.
Collection
Activity Comments
MRC Art Collection The Visual Arts Advisory Committee approved the acquisition of ten works
at its February meeting. This included three watercolour and ink works by
emerging Yuwi artist Dylan Mooney – the first artwork by a Yuwi artist to
enter the Mackay Regional council art collection – along with seven works
on paper created by Townsville artist Ron McBurnie whilst in residence in
Mackay in 2019-20 depicting Mackay landscapes.
17Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Public Programs
Activity Comments
Guided Tours Artspace hosted two guided tours in February. 12 students from Moranbah
State High School visited the gallery on 4 February. On 12 February we
hosted a home-schooling group of 13 students, aged 3 – 11.
Rick Wood and Hollee Standen, winner of the $1,000 Rick Wood Bursary for school
Artspace Mackay graduates and Lisa Roebig Holmes, winner of the $3,000 Artspace Mackay
Foundation Bursary Foundation Bursary for tertiary students were presented with their awards
presentations at a Councillor morning tea reception on Wednesday 10 February.
Artist’s Talk: Dylan Emerging Yuwi and Mackay-raised artist Dylan Mooney’s practice includes
Mooney prints and drawings inspired by First Nations history, culture, and personal
ancestry. Artspace hosted an Artist’s Talk with Dylan Mooney on 11
February, where he spoke about his artistic practice and his residency
including archival research and learning on country about traditional Yuwi
shield-making and other material cultures of this region’s First Peoples. 18
people attended.
Conversations with For February’s Conversations with Art visitors looked and discussed
Art contemporary Indigenous artworks from the Museum of Contemporary
Art’s collection. Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, Conversations with
Art is a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at
works in the gallery, as well as images of traditional and contemporary
artworks from gallery and museum collections from around the world. 6
visitors attended.
Kids Art Club Term 1, Kids Art Club commenced on
Saturday 20 February, facilitated by
long-term Artspace Mackay tutor and
local artist Rosemary Payne. Kids Art
Club is Artspace Mackay’s ongoing
term-based art program for kids. A
total of 12 children are enrolled for
Term 1.
18Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
BMA Kidspace BMA Kidspace was held on Tuesday 23 February and attracted 38 people
to gallery. Artspace Mackay’s ever-popular toddlers’ program gives
children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of
co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run workshops and
live musical entertainment.
Artist’s Talk: Ron Ron McBurnie facilitated a
McBurnie guided tour and talk about his
exhibition In Search of Arcadia
on Saturday 27 February.
73 people attended the artist’s
talk, making this the largest
stand-alone artist’s talk ever
hosted by the gallery.
Monthly KPI Update
Annual
Service / Activity YTD Status Comments
KPI
Visitors: Artspace 28, 000 11,357 Attendance numbers impacted by
restrictions brought about by COVID-19.
Web Visits 14,000 8,811 Slight increase of web visitations in
month of February. Up by 5 from month
of January.
Total Number of e- 1,800 1,829 Subscriber numbers remained steady
Newsletter for month of February.
Subscribers
Facebook 6,600 7,371 657 new subscribers for the month of
Subscribers February. Combined total for Artspace
and Rock Paper scissors Facebook
pages.
Exhibitions 12 12 Four new exhibitions opened on 26
February 2021 – Tony Druery: Horizons,
Dylan Mooney: The Wall, A Changing
Ecology and Ron McBurnie: In Search
of Arcadia.
Public Program 7,400 1,548 Maximum number of participants still
Participants restricted (COVID-19 requirements).
Public programs 140 77 On target
(Inc. tours, BMA
Kidspace, workshops,
exhibition openings)
Volunteer hours 2,500 1,963 On target
19Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
5. Mackay Entertainment &
Convention Centre and Events
KPI Target YTD Status Comments
Number of Performances fully cost
50% 72% On Track
recovered
Minimum number of catered
120 94 On Track
functions (excluding performances)
Auditorium 260 337 On Track
Average attendance at events
Foyer/space 100 46 Impacted by Covid-19
Halls 300 197 Impacted by Covid-19
One Hall only 100 47 Impacted by Covid-19
Number of non-utilised days 200 72 On Track
Number of Performances at the
180 46 Impacted by Covid-19
MECC
Number of Conferences/Expos 14 4 Impacted by Covid-19
Number of Events with Attendance
from outside Mackay Region LG 30 30 On Track
area (Post Code Data)
#Events at BB Print Stadium 2 6 Impacted by Covid-19
#in Attendance at BB Print Stadium N/A 2813 Impacted by Covid-19
Number of Student Attendances 1,000 999 On Track
Number of workshops > Youth 6 3 On Track
Number of engagement
6 5 On Track
workshops/activities
Yearly occupancy of facility 65,000 28,217 Impacted by Covid-19
Customer Hire Satisfaction 80% 96% On Track
Number of regional events
assisted through either 6 4 On Track
financial or in-kind assistance
Number of regional events ticketed 8 4 On Track
Friends of the MECC Volunteer
N/A 1545 Tracking well
Hours
20Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Overview:
The MECC is continuing to strengthen following the impacts of COVID-19 on the events and tourism
industry, with February proving to be a strong month at the venue with a variety of events attracting
large numbers. The most notable of the month is the four performances of Bluey, attracting more than
3,600 people to the venue over 2 days with outstanding positive feedback across all facets of the
performance and overall MECC experience.
Events hosted this month include:
• Morning Melodies – Dustier Than Ever
• GRIP Student Leadership Conference
• Rockaria The ELO Experience
• Bluey’s Big Play
• Parents and Teachers ADF Careers Night
• Jon Stevens
• Leaving Jackson
• Stadium – Trial 1 Mackay Cutters
• The Killer Queen Experience
• CFMEU Board Meeting
• CFMEU Mining and Energy National Conference (continuing into March)
The venue also came together between performances to ensure the MECC was looking it’s best for
the Virtual Reality 360-degree filming that will deliver a Virtual Reality (VR) Tour of the venue on the
MECC website.
2021 Morning Melodies @ MECC
Mackay community members enjoyed the first Morning Melodies performance in 12 months, a Slim
Dusty Tribute. Those in attendance enjoyed complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits with thanks to the
MECC and the Friends of the MECC.
Team Updates Actions Completed
Catering The Catering team is working on several large upcoming events including
CFMEU Mining and Energy National Convention, RIN Safety Conference, Kids
Theatre Season Shows and a number of live music hires attracting large
audiences. The team catered to 3500+ Bluey fans in February including
bespoke kids’ meal options themed to the event which proved extremely
popular. The team have also released a refreshed Foodspace menu.
In addition, service delivery of public and corporate catering at the stadium has
begun under the operation of the MECC catering team. The first trial game
took place in February to great success with positive feedback and great sales
numbers for the first day of operation.
Operations The Operations team has been kept extremely busy in recent weeks with
overnight turnarounds and large numbers in audiences such Bluey, Rockaria,
Grip Student Leadership, Friends Training and more.
Technical The technical team has continued to smoothly play their role to deliver stage
Services production for a great number of performing arts events in February whilst
finalising capital projects brought forward.
21Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Sales and Pathways to Performance Meeting
Business The Pathways to Performance Committee met for the first time in 2021 to
Development discuss funding applications for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Viral.
The committee approved a spend of more than $9,000 to support students
from 7 schools across our region to attend these 2 shows. This funding is
generously provided by BHP and Glencore.
Mackay Hospital Foundation
The Mackay Hospital Foundation were delivered 2 family passes to see The
Very Hungry Caterpillar. These tickets were initially allocated to Glencore Hail
Creek Mine, who asked to pass the tickets on to the Children’s Ward at
Mackay Base Hospital.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Facebook Competition
The team delivered a competition using Facebook, giving audiences the
opportunity to win an Eric Carle inspired prize pack. The competition received
substantial engagement on the social media platform, with 3240 people
reached. The winner of the competition was selected at random using a
random number generator.
MECC Educator’s Newsletter
The Term 1 Educator’s Newsletter was distributed to all schools in Mackay
and surrounding districts. This newsletter was printed and delivered to each
school staffroom, and also digitally through email.
MECC Youth Ambassador Inductions
MECC Youth Ambassadors met for the first time in February to complete their
volunteer inductions for 2021. The MECC have now inducted 9 Youth
Ambassadors for the year, with one student yet to complete this process.
Youth Ambassador Term 1 Meeting and Tour of the MECC
8 Youth Ambassadors attended the first meeting for 2021 on Wednesday 17
February. During the meeting students discussed upcoming performances,
volunteer opportunities and workshops. The students then enjoyed a behind
the scenes tour of the venue with Head of Staging (Steven Newitt).
22Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Working together – Central State School and the MECC
The MECC Engagement Team contacted Central State School on behalf of
Circa (touring group) seeking crash mats for upcoming workshops involving
circus tricks and acrobats. The school approved the external request for
equipment over the Easter school holidays. As a thank you gesture, the MECC
have offered Central State School’s year 6 students (13 students)
complimentary tickets to see The Midnight Gang in June.
Artist Workshops Confirmed with Lisa Roebig Holmes
The MECC Engagement Team have confirmed Artist Workshops with Lisa
Roebig Holmes. Artist workshops will be free community events and coincide
with performances at the MECC. The following workshops have been
confirmed and will be on sale soon.
Show Proposed Workshop Date
Name Show Date and Time
Shaun the Friday 2 April & Thursday 18 March, 10am to
Sheep Saturday 3 April 11am
The
Thursday 15 April, 10am to
Midnight Tuesday 1 June &
11am (School Holidays)
Gang Wednesday 2 June
Wednesday 4 August Thursday 1 July, 10am to
New Owner & Thursday 5 August 11am (School Holidays)
Pete the Friday 2 July, 10am to 11am
Sheep Tuesday 10 August (School Holidays)
Festival and All Festival & Events related projects are currently being managed by the
Events Assistant Manager MECC & Events while the Festival Coordinator role is
recruited, with the Festival & Events Officer vacancy to be filled soon after.
Mackay Festival of Arts
The final stages of programming, sponsorship and contracts are being
completed for the Mackay Festival of Arts, running from the 9 – 25 July 2021
to capture the Heading North project and Isaiah Spirit performance.
This month, the Festival has confirmed revised sponsorships with G&S
Engineering Services, DBCT, BB Print and Friends of the MECC.
Three major events sit within Category 2 of the QTIC Industry Framework for
COVID Safe Events in Queensland, triggering the need for COVID Safe Event
Plans to be developed for G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day, DBCT
Illuminate and Savour Seaforth. The team is working to ensure these events
can be delivered safely and a great experience for the community and will
continue to liaise with MRC Health & Regulatory Services and Queensland
Health to do so.
Food Vendor, market stallholders and amusement applications are currently
open for G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day, DBCT Illuminate and Savour
Seaforth. Expressions of interest are open for local performers hoping to
perform at the Jack Sturgeon Stage and the DBCT Illuminate event.
The full program will be released on May 7th, 2021 and on sale to the public
May 8th.
23Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
6. Corporate Communications
and Marketing
Inaugural Online Sports Expo and Sign-on event kicks goals
Promotion of the first Online Sports Expo and Sign-on event helped make it a success.
The annual expo has been held at the MECC on a Sunday in February for the past 10 years but
COVID restrictions meant it could not be held this year. So, a virtual expo was held online instead.
Extensive promotion, including TV, radio and print advertising, as well as social media, ensured plenty
of views for the virtual event.
There were more than 4000 views on council’s web page
for the event, which also included a calendar of more
than 30 come-and-try days throughout the region. There
were more than of MECC which included virtual stalls
with information 1600 views of a map on a variety of
sporting and recreation clubs and organisations.
On council’s Facebook page alone there were 36 content
posts with a total reach of 160,000 and 12,900
engagements (likes, comments, shares etc)
There were more than 12,000 views of eight Brisbane
Heat and Gold Coast Suns Active Zone videos. This was a great result as about 8000 people
attended last year’s expo. More than 300 entries were received for a “nominate your favourite club”
competition. There was also a good response to a hashtag photo competition for the come-and-try
days, with more than 60 entries.
The winning photo Sarah Hawkins submitted with the hashtag is pictured above.
Thanks to sponsors Harrup Park County Club’s Great Barrier Reef Arena and Western Suburbs
Leagues Club, as well as media partner Star 101.9FM.
24Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Social media proves engaging on
council’s Facebook page
February was a big month for
engagement and reach on
council’s Facebook page.
One post about the results of water
testing at Platypus Beach reached
more than 96,000 people.
It attracted more than 500
comments and nearly 400 shares.
Another post on council’s My
Legendary Neighbour campaign
reached nearly 30,000 people, with
more than 360 comments and
nearly 30 shares.
A post about yet another fire in a
recycling truck reached nearly
25,000 people, with 110 comments
and 40 shares.
And night-time photos of the
upgraded North Mackay Rotary
Lookout reached more than 23,000
people, with 114 comments and 36
shares.
During February, the page reached
more than 200,000 people, which
was a 47 per cent increase on the
previous month.
There were more than 125,000 post engagements, which was a 124 per cent increase on the
previous month.
Save the date! Mayor’s Charity Ball
promises a prestigious night in May
Planning for the 2021 Mayor’s Charity
Ball at the MECC is coming along
nicely.
The 2020 event had to be postponed
due to COVID-19. It is now being held
in May this year.
The Ball is being planned by a
committee made up of representatives
of council, the MECC and the
community.
A launch for sponsors is planned for
March 19 to mark the start of ticket
sales. The big event is May 15. Pencil
it in your diaries.
25Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Anzac Day planning on track
following State announcement
Planning for Mackay’s Anzac Day
is well under way and has had to
adapt to State Government rules
around the event.
The main Anzac Day activities in
Mackay are organised by a
committee made up of
representatives of the RSL and
council.
The committee, like other parts of
Queensland, was planning to
have no march and a limited,
ticketed main service in Jubilee
Park that would have been
livestreamed to meet the Chief
Health Officer’s COVID restrictions.
However, following an announcement by the Premier in late February, Anzac Day will go ahead like it
did in 2019, with no COVID restrictions. There will be a dawn service, march and main service in
Mackay.
The organising committee has started to contact the region’s schools and other groups about their
participation in the march.
Search is on for legendary neighbours
throughout Mackay region
Corporate Communications and Marketing is
helping promote council’s search for
legendary neighbours.
The My Legendary Neighbour campaign
was promoted by our monthly Council
Connect, including a social media video and
posts, media release and radio interviews.
To celebrate Neighbour Day 2021, Mackay
residents are being asked to nominate a
Legendary Neighbour via council’s website
before March 22, with the winner to be
announced on Friday, March 26.
We’ve got some share platters and
barbecue packs as prizes and all you
have to do to go in the draw is tell us in 200
words or less what’s great about your
neighbour
All nominees will be shortlisted and will each
receive a certificate of recognition.
Close neighbours help create resilient
communities. When there’s a natural
disaster, it’s neighbours who help each other
to prepare and who pick up the pieces in the
recovery process.
26Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
All website visits for February 2021
Trend of MRC website (mackay.qld.gov.au) visits
27Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Facebook facilities February 2021
MRC Social media for February 2021 MRC Facebook followers for February 2021
MRC YouTube views for February 2021
28Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Council Meeting Live Stream YouTube
Facebook
Meeting not livestreamed to Facebook on January 27 due to software not set up in the Council
Chambers. Streamed to Facebook at same time as YouTube from February
eNewsletter subscribers
Artspace: 1836 (Last month: 1829)
Botanic Gardens: 1159 (Last month: 1162)¬
Council Connect: 3400 (Last month: 3424)
Library: 16,880 (Last month: 16,462)
Recreation Services: 1097 (Last month: 1096)
MyMackay: 1178 (Last month 1187)
Connecting Mackay: 3279 (NEW)
29Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Council featured in 224 news stories in February, up from 110 in January
Media Monitoring Break-Down February 2021 News
Clips/Ar�cles
100
93
90
80
70
60
50
43
40 36
30
20 20
20
10 6 5
1
0
Spike in stories due to new newspapers launched in market.
Advertising spend across council
30Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Community Engagement
Sarina Northern Drainage Project
Stage 1 – Duplicating the culverts under Sarina Beach Road for better drainage and to reduce
flooding in the area. The worksite is near the Sarina Beach Shopping Centre and the road will be
reduced to single lane traffic for the duration of the works with manually operated traffic lights to help
manage the traffic flow. Engagement has occurred with the shopping centre, businesses in the
shopping centre, nearby businesses, Bus Fox and Mackay Taxi Service. The project is expected to
start in early March and be completed by June 2021. The project will be publicised on Connecting
Mackay and a media update and Facebook post issued closer to construction.
Connecting Mackay page not yet live.
Fifth Lane Revitalisation Project
Works have started on Fifth Lane. The main water interruption was completed late at night to
minimise impact to businesses. The second water interruption is being finalised outside of businesses
operating hours and notifications will be sent to the businesses backing onto Fifth Lane at least 48
hours prior to the interruption. Phone calls will also be made to the stakeholders to ensure they have
received the notification. Regular email updates will also be sent to the stakeholders to provide them
with progress updates and bin relocation information. Bins are remaining on Fifth Lane for the
duration of the project and moved to a stage that is not being worked on to minimise amenity issues
and odour concerns.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/fifth-lane-revitalisation-project-2
Nell Baker Park Upgrade
Works started in mid-February and are expected to be completed by late-April 2021, weather
permitting. Construction letters were sent to nearby residents and council notices were erected on the
construction fencing to inform the public that the playground is closed for the duration of the works.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/nell-baker-park-upgrade
Seagull Street Boat Ramp project
A letter was sent to Seagull Street residents to inform them that the Seagull Street boat ramp project
will be going ahead. Construction is expected to start in June/July 2021 and be completed this year.
Further correspondence will be issued to nearby residents closer to the construction phase.
Connecting Mackay page to be made live closer to construction phase
Inglewood and Sunset Park community engagement sessions
Community engagement sessions were held with Inglewood Close and Sunset Boulevard residents to
discuss the future of their playgrounds, which have reached the end of their useful life. Minutes have
been circulated to residents and they had until the end of February to provide any further feedback.
No Connecting Mackay page at this stage
Malcomson Street and Charles Hodge Intersection works
Council is repairing the traffic signals at the intersection of Malcomson Street and Charles Hodge
Avenue, Mt Pleasant, in early March. The works are scheduled to take place over a number of days to
reduce impact to motorists. The Mt Pleasant Tavern and Dan Murphy’s were consulted prior to the
works and VMS boards were put up one week before the works started. The works were also
promoted on council’s Facebook page.
No Connecting Mackay page as maintenance works.
Haliday Bay car park upgrade and footpath connection
Council will be upgrading the Headland Drive car park and installing a connecting footpath between
Headland Drive carpark and Haliday Bay Road car park to promote increased tourism and
recreational use of Haliday Bay Beach. Pre-construction works have started, including the removal of
trees on the far end of the Haliday Bay foreshore. Some trees will be reinstated after completion of
the project. Residents were informed about the pre-construction works and further correspondence
will be issued closer to the construction phase, expected to start in late-March.
Connecting Mackay page on yet live
31Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Northern Beaches Community Hub
The inaugural community reference group and agency group meetings were held on February 23.
The groups have already provided valuable feedback. A media release and project update email will
be sent to announce the group members after the meetings’ minutes have been presented to council.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/northern-beaches-community-hub
Mirani Community Precinct
The Mirani Community Precinct Connecting Mackay page has been developed and is expected to be
published in the coming weeks.
Connecting Mackay page not yet live
Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails
A workshop presenting several concept plans for the Finch Hatton Trailhead Masterplan will be held
with the Mountain Bike Alliance on March 11. A flyer promoting two Finch Hatton Trailhead
Masterplan workshops is being developed and is expected to be distributed the first week of March.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/mountain-bike-strategy
Schapers Road from Pioneer to Davey streets upgrade
Road closures for Schapers Road from Pioneer to Davey streets, and Royal Boulevard from
Schapers Road to Vassallo Drive. Were to be in place on March 7 for one day. Residents have
received a notification letter in the mail. The remainder of the project will require Shapers Road to
remain closed from Pioneer Street to Royal Boulevard until mid-April, weather permitting.
www.connectingmackay.com.au/schapers-road-upgrade
Amended local laws consultation
Written submissions are being compiled and reviewed. A Community Engagement report is being
prepared.
www.connectingmackay.com.au/amended-local-laws
Mackay region museums
A Community Engagement report is being prepared.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-region-museums
40 Ocean Avenue encroachment
Communications material and a Connecting Mackay page are being developed and plans are in place
for the consultation to be promoted from the third week of March.
Connecting Mackay page not yet live
Footpath Trading Permit Holders consultation
Meetings with individual businesses and the Community and Client Services director and Mackay City
and Waterfront project manager are being coordinated to gather further feedback. Meetings are to
take place mid to late March.
No Connecting Mackay page required
Munbura Road culvert replacements
Council will be replacing aged culverts on Munbura Road. The culvert site is located at the southern
end of Munbura Road, approximately 2.2km from Sarina Homebush Road. Works will be carried out
under a full road closure, works are expected to take six weeks, weather permitting. Works are
expected to commence on March 1, weather permitting. Letters were sent to residents and VMS
boards were installed prior to works. Media update and social media completed before works
commenced.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/munbura-road-culvert-replacement
32Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Tedfords Road culvert replacements
Council will be replacing aged culverts on Tedfords Road. The culvert site is located on Tedfords
Road, just before the intersection of Victoria Plains Road. Traffic will still be able to access Victoria
Plains Road during works. Works will be carried out under a full road closure, works are expected to
take 10 weeks, weather permitting. Works were expected to commence on March 8, weather
permitting. VMS boards were installed prior to works and a letter drop will be distributed by the crew.
Media update and social media completed before works commenced.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/tedfords-road-culvert-replacement
Cone Street Park improvements
Cone Street Park improvements started in the last week of February. The project is expected to be
finished by late April, weather permitting. Park improvements include new all-abilities pathways, a
new half-court facility, picnic shelter and additional shade tree planting. Works will take place Monday
to Friday, 6.30am to 5pm. A notification flyer was sent to surrounding residents detailing the upcoming
works and expected start and finish dates. Corflute signs are also display around the construction
site. Media update and social media completed before works began.
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/tell-us-how-cone-street-park-can-be-
improved?tool=survey_tool&tool_id=how-can-cone-street-park-be-improved#tool_tab
Eimeo Esplanade park improvements
Eimeo Esplanade Park improvement works are expected to begin on March 1, 2021, weather
permitting. Works are expected to take about three weeks, weather permitting. Works include
relocating picnic shelters to beneath existing trees to take advantage of the park’s natural shade.
Existing barbecues will remain in their current locations and available for use during construction
works. To improve presentation of the park, six bin enclosures will be installed, and any missing
bollards will be replaced.
A notification flyer was sent to surrounding residents detailing the upcoming works and expected start
and finish dates. Media update and social media completed before works began.
No connecting Mackay page for this project.
Milton and Alfred Street traffic signals
A scramble crossing is being constructed to improve pedestrian safety in front of the Mackay
Showgrounds ticketing stand. The project is expected to be completed by the beginning of April 2021.
Residents have received a letterbox dropped flyer and impacted businesses were met with prior to
Christmas. VMS boards were installed to notify traffic users of upcoming changes and any upcoming
changes in traffic. Media update and social media completed before works commenced.
www.connectingmackay.com.au/admin/projects/milton-and-alfred-streets-traffic-signals
Pioneer River North Bank Shared Path – Stage 1
Tender is currently being evaluated and expected to be awarded in a few weeks. Construction is
expected to start late April. Notification flyers, media updates and social media will be used for this
project.
Connecting Mackay page coming soon
Sydney Street Water Main Renewal
Tender closes on March 16. Expected start date is late April, depending on contractor availability.
Construction will be done as night works. Project is expected to take about three to four months,
weather permitting. Community engagement was carried out during the design stage for affected
businesses and more consultation will be carried out prior to works. Notification flyers, media updates
and social media will be used for this project.
Connecting Mackay page coming soon
33Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
7. Emergency Management
Recovery and Resilience Exhibition and Eungella Film Screenings
Mackay Regional Council is pleased to present this exhibition showcasing works from creative
recovery projects in Eungella and Finch Hatton following the 2018 bushfires. The exhibition is on at
Gordon White Library until 2 March and will be displayed again at Jubilee Community Centre from 18
March – 14 April.
This exhibition features works created by professional artists and locals of all ages and abilities as
part of two major community-led arts projects. The benefits of the arts in facilitating recovery from
disaster can include providing creative outlets for people to express their thoughts and emotions
about an event and building connections. Here, they share their loss as well as celebrating the
strength of communities that came together to save their homes, livelihoods, and the environment.
The projects were made possible by the Regional Arts Development Fund and assisted by CQ
Regional Arts Services Network and Mackay Regional Council. We acknowledge the strong support
of Queensland Health’s Disaster Mental Health Recovery Team throughout the community arts
processes.
Community leaders Jolene Robertson (far left) and Mandy Tennant (far right, back), with staff from Mackay
Regional Council and Queensland Health. The three young artists (front) all contributed pieces to the exhibition.
34Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Mayor Williamson addresses the audience at the Mirani Library screening, which included Eungella locals who
appreared in the film. Dudley Denny City Library and Gordon White Library screenings below.
Visit from Associate Professor Michelle Villeneuve in Mackay
We were privileged to have Assoc. Prof. Michelle Villeneuve from the University of Sydney visit
Mackay. Michelle is the driving force behind Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness and a critical
partner in our project to implement P-CEP throughout the region. She was joined by colleagues from
Queenslanders with a Disability Network (QDN), and the Community Recovery unit within the
Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy. We co-hosted two events: the first was a
P-CEP information session for people with disability; and the second was gathering of local P-CEP
champions. Thank you to QDN for bringing Michelle to our region!
Michelle meets with emerging P-CEP champions and Councillors.
35Community & Client Services 1 - 28 February 2021
Flood Classifications Update
The project to classify our new and, reclassify of existing flood monitoring stations has been completed.
The project was designed to provide in detail, the impacts of rising flood waters at minor, moderate and
major flood levels in specific areas as define by the Bureau of Meteorology. The interactive flood levels
are now publicly available on the Bureau’s website and will be made available on the emergency
dashboard. This new data provides the EM team with real time awareness of what the current water
levels are relative to the roads, properties and bridges etc in these areas.
This project was completed through the QLD governments Flexible Funding Grants for disaster
resilience activities.
SES Operations
There have been several operations for Mackay Unit this month, including 2 Missing person and 2
storm damage requests for assistance. Mackay unit members have also attended Australia day
celebrations at St Helens Beach and Sarina with small displays and information on storm
preparedness.
Mackay unit flood boat training in the pioneer river preparing
operators for flood waters with a new range of skills and
training activities.
SES Operational Capability
The Mackay Regional SES Unit has the capability to provide operators in all core SES functions
throughout the Mackay local government area.
Function Members / teams Notes
available
Flood boat 15 teams 1 team = 2 members
Storm damage 115 members Teams usually 2-4 members
Chainsaw 16 teams 1 team = 2 members
Working at heights Roof 24 teams 1 team = 4 members
Working at heights ground 27 teams 1 team = 4 members
Vertical rescue 10 members Team size varies on task parameters.
Operational performance target is 10
members per team
Land search 74 members Team size varies on task parameters
Traffic control 38 members Team size varies on task parameters, but
usually 2-4 members
Incident management 37 members Team size varies on task parameters
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