Roller discos and coffee raves coming to City Centre and Waterfront
Published on 10 November 2026
A council investment of more than $81,000 will help bring new events, attractions and community experiences to Mackay's City Centre and Waterfront.
A range of 18 innovative projects receiving funding through the Mackay City and Waterfront grants program.
Grants were spread across Make Your Place Grants ($49,125), Façade Improvement Grants ($22,115) and City Safety Grants ($10,075)
Among the successful projects is the River Wharves Roller Dance Weekenders.
This will be a series of roller dance workshops and community discos activating Bluewater Quay and River Wharves through recreation, music and family-friendly entertainment.
Another lively project will be The River Rave, a monthly community activation featuring rotating 5km social run and walk routes connecting key city and waterfront destinations, culminating in an alcohol-free “coffee rave” with local DJs.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the latest funding round demonstrated council's commitment to supporting initiatives that boosted visitation in the City Centre and Waterfront, while also improving facades and public safety.
"Council has invested more than $81,000 through these grants to support projects that will help activate our City Centre and Waterfront, create unique experiences and encourage people to spend more time in our City Centre," Mayor Williamson said.
"These projects complement our vision of a vibrant and welcoming City Centre where residents and visitors can connect, explore and enjoy everything Mackay has to offer,” he said.
"From roller discos and live music to community storytelling projects and public art installations, these initiatives will create new, exciting reasons for people to visit the City Centre and support local businesses."
“And it’s not just about activations; the Façade Improvement Grants provide up to $5000, in co-funding, to help property owners beautify and upgrade the exterior of their premises.
“This grant is council’s way of helping to improve the overall aesthetics of shopfronts across the region.
“The City Safety Grant is aimed at improving the late-night economy by enhancing public safety with infrastructure like CCTV upgrades and security lighting.”
The following projects received funding:
Make Your Place Grant recipients:
• Her Story Lives Here: Stories. Joy. Connection on Wood Street – The Just Saying Project ($7500)
• Women's Voices, Rhythm and Connection – Rhythm Business ($7408)
• Magic Grows Here – Donna Maree Robinson ($6000)
• The River Rave - Mackay's Sunday Morning Run and Coffee Rave – NE Food Café Pty Ltd ($7500)
• High Tide Smoked BBQ, Beer and Music Festival – Red Dog Riverfront ($7500)
• Bollard Beautification – Bottletops & Brushes ($5717)
• River Wharves Roller Dance Weekenders – The Best Intentions Tent Co. ($7500)
Successful Façade Improvement Grant recipients:
• The Room Edit, Philip Street ($3893)
• Kitten Vintage, Harbour Road ($4175)
• The Just Saying Project, Wood Street ($807)
• Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre, Victoria Street ($2355)
• Let the Children Play, Victoria Street ($5000)
• Mackay City Property, Wood Street ($4799)
• My Chiropractor, Victoria Street ($1085)
Successful City Safety Grant recipients:
• Deck a Dice ($1726)
• Bayleaf SMSF Pty Ltd ($3000)
• Mackay City Property ($2774)
• Flavours of Vietnam ($2575)