MONDAY, June 20: Diversity of subject matter, variety of technique and the and many individual modes of creative expression.

They were the hallmarks of the 2016 Woolam Constructions Art on Show Awards, announced at Mackay Showgrounds 500 Pavilion last night.

The event was officially opened by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and attracted 250 works from throughout the country – with a strong representation from the local Mackay region.

Judged by nationally-renowned Melbourne-based artist, Rona Green, the winners of the 2016 event are:

$3000 Overall Winner – Woollam Constructions Art on Show Award: Jan Ward,  A Flurry of Moths
Section 1 – Mastertec Easel Painting Award: Commended: David Conway, Nightime Overlooking Tibet; Highly Commended: Carol Bell, Gang Gang One; 1st Place: Merv Nairn, Abandoned.
Section 2 – Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Works on Paper Award: Commended: Marilyn Bliss, Drought, Fire, Floods 2; Highly Commended: Jet James, View from Farnborough Beach; 1st Place: Jenni Hanna, Entwined.
Section 3 – Seven Mackay Local News Miniature Award: Commended: Pam Slattery, Fig Bird; Highly Commended: Tina Spira, Elements of Japan; 1st Place: Eleanor Torr, Primary Light.
Section 4 – North Jacklin Emergent Artist Award: Commended: Autumn O Skuthorpe, Hardline; Highly Commended: Amber Moore, Lasting Impressions; 1st Place: Francesca Dator, Distorted Urbanisation.
Section 4 – Emergent Artists Arts Practice Award: Francesca Dator, Distorted Urbanisation.
Section 5 – The Artspace Mackay Artist Book Award: Commended: May-Britt Mosshammer, Set in Stone; Highly Commended: Nadia Narelle Kliendanze, Annaghmakerrig; 1st Place: Mandy Gunn, Inside the Curiosity Shop.
The TJ Picture Framing People’s Choice Award and K & J Weir Plumbing, People’s Choice Award will be announced following the event.
Ms Green commended the artists on entering the show and putting the work on public display.

“It’s a very brave thing to do,” she said.

“I want to thank the artists for sharing their work … the number of poeple here tonight shows there is a ready audience, so never feel shy about putting your work out there, because if you like it there is bound to be someone else who does as well.”

All works on display in the exhibition, whcih is being staged on the first floor of the 500 Pavilion for the duration of the show, are for sale. Workshops and demonstrations will take place during the three-day show event.

SUNDAY, June 19, 2016: IF you want to know exactly what’s happening and when, then make sure you are part of the conversation on social media at Mackay Show.

Follow us @Mackay Show on Facebook and @mackayshow on Instagram and share your wonderful pictures using #mackayshow!

It’s the place you can find all the quickest and easiest information about the show – as well as updates on events and direct links back to our website to take the fuss out of finding what you’re looking for!

So, hop to it! Thanks to Kaitlin and Cassie for the great pic too!

THURSDAY, June 16, 2016: THERE are the fast rides, the fairy floss, the woodchop and the equestrian, the showbags and the pig races.

But at the heart of every regional show is a community; a community which pours its heart and soul into the pavilions and arts and crafts displays.

Whether it be the preppies baking section, the primary school handwriting, amateur photography, best homegrown veges, your grandmother’s bread recipe, a most extraordinary orchid or the plumpest ploomiest chook – there is something quite wonderful about our pavilions and the displays therein.

This is where community meets the nostalgia and tradition of our local event. It’s where the moistness of a chocolate cake is marvelled over. It’s where the daintiest of cross stiches and the vigour and colour of a child’s work of art can be really appreciated and pegged up against healthy competition.

Mackay Show’s pavilion displays will be showcased as follows:

– P1 Pavilion: Rod and Custom Display | Poultry Display | Dogs (Thursday only)

– P2 Pavilion: Mackay Regional Council Display | Horticulture Display

– P3 Pavilion: Arts and Crafts Display including Photography, Cooking and Children’s Craft

– P4 Pavilion: Sugar Cane Display

– 500 Pavilion: Upper Level: Art on Show Exhibition and Demonstrations | Ground Level: Fashion on Show Parades, Demonstrations and Entertainment

Everyone needs a little help at times, and there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a piece of artwork come to life.

Thanks to Mackay Show’s Artists on the Path, Local and traveling artists will have the chance to do what they love, and show off their talent,  all while helping a good cause.

During the three days of the Show (June 21-23), funds will be raised for Aussie Helpers – an organisation which takes good care of our farmers and their amilies who are in need. All money raised is then used locally.
Last year,  we had severial Artists donate their time and talent to paint murals onto coriated panels. These murals will be displayed once again this year, as a thank you to those creative donors.
Donation tins will be located at each site, so as you are passing by marvelling at the creations, please dig deep.

Take the time to walk through the Mackay show cattle precinct. Ten percent of Queensland’s cattle graze the rich pastures of the Mackay region which includes Isaac, Mackay and Whitsunday regional council areas. The annual display of beef cattle has a history of promoting new ideas, market and other information to support this important regional industry.

Show Patron Don Wall MBE hosted the first Mackay Show carcase competition at his butcher shop in 1961. The interest generated helped to convince the State Government at that time to construct the Bakers Creek abattoir in 1965. Local cattle supplies could not provide an economic throughput so in 1967 the abattoir was sold to Borthwicks, a company who could transport in additional livestock. The abattoir has changed ownership several times since (including for a short time by Mackay Sugar Co Operative) but has always traded under the Borthwicks name. It is currently owned by NH Foods.

The competition was relocated to Borthwicks in 1965. Each year since then Borthwicks has provided a display of Show cattle. Under the watchful eye of the judge stewards and their helpers measure carcases to objectively determine class winners and champions. The opportunity to develop cattle assessment skills and to understand market specifications and other industry requirements is available to all by visiting this display on the Thursday morning of show week. If anyone is extra keen stewards can always include a small number of willing learners on their panel

On the show grounds a yarding of cattle from properties between Homehill and Rockhampton and west to Clermont is assembled for judging on the Tuesday morning, followed by an auction in the afternoon. These cattle have their weight painted on their back and have a coloured ear tag to indicate their approximate age. Many of the classes have specific market specifications including weight ranges and dentition, again offering opportunity for both exhibitors and spectators to hone their cattle assessment skills. Cattle breed, conformation, composition and presentation has changed significantly during the past 50 years.

The beef cattle sub committee recently renovated the oldest building on the showgrounds. Constructed in 1921 this grand old building with period architecture is fitted with portable yards for the show each year. This allows use of the building for other functions throughout the year. The portable yards connect to the outside cattle yards which are midway through reconstruction.

This building (Pavilion 8) is also utilised on Thursday morning for the Junior Judging competition while a landscaped lawn and garden area provides an excellent area for the led steer judging which takes place midday – early afternoon Tuesday. These events are well supported by Mackay and Rockhampton high schools.

Wednesday is stud cattle judging day with judging taking place in the south west section of the main arena.  Stud cattle and led steers are housed in two buildings close to the cattle yards and Pavilion 8, creating a cattle precinct. This has provided an additional area for a horse precinct on the south east corner of the Show grounds.

The beef display is supported by 56 individual sponsorship packages ranging from over $3000 to $200 each and a committee whose members are prepared to roll up their sleeves and contribute to working bees. The restructure has been funded by the Mackay Show Association although the beef committee is proud of its fund raising achievements. $95,550 was raised in 1hr and 10 minutes in 2015 by auctioneering silky oak timber for the successful bidder to brand with their cattle brand. A similar exercise in 1987 raised $54,000. The new board should be hanging in the beef Pavilion (P8) by show time.

The busy week concludes with the annual beef dinner on the Thursday night. Due to generous sponsorship a lucky door prize of $1000 is on offer. The Tuesday morning tea for sponsors, spectators, judges and yardmen is also a social highlight.

The Des Barnes Memorial smoko for yardmen and volunteers on the Monday morning when cattle are being scheduled is a time to reflect on the contribution of past members and volunteers.

Redevelopment of the cattle precinct remains a work in progress. Please take the time to walk through the precinct to enjoy and reflect on the significance of this industry to our region. The auction on Tuesday afternoon is always exciting – just remember to keep your hands in your pockets!

For further information contact the Mackay Show Office.