Mackay Regional Council will provide $65,000 for community and not-for-profit groups to stage 150th anniversary celebrations with the theme ‘our people, our places and our stories’.
Mayor Col Meng announced the one-off M150 community grants round, saying: “This is a significant milestone for our region and something we all need to be part of, particularly the younger generation.
“Council has a strong desire to see the funding used by local groups to foster memorable celebrations during our sesquicentennial year.”
The year of celebrations was officially launched by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AC. It commemorates the establishment of Captain John Mackay’s camp at Greenmount in January 1862.
Her Excellency said Mackay had good reason to celebrate such a momentous occasion because of its extraordinary pioneering spirit and vibrancy.
“To have Her Excellency visit Mackay for the second time in four months reaffirms the importance of our region to the state of Queensland.” Mackay Mayor Col Meng said.
“We have produced great sportspeople, musicians, politicians and the region’s businesses have contributed significantly to the Queensland and Australian economy.”
