Although most of these activities are for adults, we’ve added kid-friendly, free activities around the region. These are denoted by asterisks beside the title, and ages will be indicated in the listing.
DAILY
AA Meetings
If you or someone you know has developed a drinking problem, you may want to consider contacting Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues or fees for AA membership – the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. There are meetings daily at different times and venues around the region. To find one close to you, call 1300 222 222 or head online to aa.org.au
*First Five Forever Storytime*
Head to your local Library between 9.30-10.30am for an enjoyable session of stories with an emphasis on fun! This is an interactive program for pre-schoolers and is suitable for ages 0-5 years. Different libraries have this fun activity on different weekdays, with Gympie and Rainbow Beach hosting Mondays, Thursdays at Tin Can Bay, Imbil and Kilkivan Libraries, and Goomeri Library on Fridays. Bookings essential on 5481 0859.
FRIDAY 29 August
Last Friday Social Club – Canva
Canva makes designing beautiful, creative assets easy for everyone. From social media images, videos, and gifs to posters, websites, booklets, multimedia presentations, and heaps more. Join us at the Gympie Library from 10am as we walk you through the basics and show you how to get started designing your own personal digital creations. Bookings are essential.
Introduction to Dry Felting
As a welcome to spring, using unspun wool and a dry felting needle, create a beautiful flower with a butterfly or lady beetle at the Tin Can Bay Library from 9.30am. Booking is essential.
Rainbow Beach Art Group
Join us at Rainbow Beach Library at 10am for a fantastic morning of fun and creativity. Each session covers something different, with the aim of exploring different styles of art. Enjoy a morning getting in touch with your inner artist.
The Social Stride
Join the team from the Gympie RSL Veterans’ Centre every Friday from 9-10am for a walk around the town. Bring a friend or find one along the trail. All fitness levels welcome. For more information, call 5483 7707 or email vcadmin@gympiersla.com.au
Goomeri Gardening Group
Join other like-minded individuals at the Goomeri Library at 9am to talk about how to grow plants, swap seeds and cuttings, and exchange gardening tips. New and experienced gardeners are welcome.
Trivia & Live Music
Join in at 7pm for Trivia, then enjoy Live Music from 7.30pm at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club. No bookings are required.
SATURDAY 30 August
So You Want to Write a Murder Mystery?
Join author January Gilchrist at the Gympie Library from 10am as she guides you through the key elements of writing a gripping mystery, including developing intriguing suspects and motives, planting clues and red herrings effectively, and crafting suspenseful scenes that keep readers guessing. This event is perfect for aspiring writers, crime fiction lovers, or anyone curious about how murder mysteries are constructed. January Gilchrist is a Brisbane-based mystery author, single mum, and former performing arts professional. She holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in Literature and Performing Arts, was longlisted for the 2019 Richell Prize, and her debut thriller, The Final Chapter, is inspired by her time at the Varuna Writers’ House. Balancing her time between writing, running a Pilates studio, and raising two sons, January draws on varied life experiences to create authentic, nuanced characters. Fascinated by puzzles, especially the mysteries of human behaviour, January loves exploring the stories we tell, the secrets we keep, and the truths we hide – even from ourselves. Bookings are essential.
Long Flat Dance
The Learner Dance Group will be hosting an old-time/new vogue dance at the hall, starting at 7pm. This is a free dance. Bring your own supper. Music by the band Cascades. Inquiries to Bruce on 0427 967 568 and Janet on 0419 824 317.
Chatsworth Hall Markets
Started as an idea to promote the handicrafts and art of local hall residents, the Chatsworth Hall Markets attract a wealth of unique handmade items, as well as raising money for the maintenance and upkeep of the historic hall. After a brief respite at the beginning of this year, the markets are back, and organisers are keen to attract more stallholders, especially those who might want to set up outdoors. The markets will be held on the last Saturday of the month, and the hall has full disability access, great ventilation, and stalls inside and out. To encourage more stalls outside the hall, a carboot sale will be held in conjunction with this month’s market, with sites available for just $10. Additional parking for the markets is available at Chatsworth State School. For more information, email Belinda at Chatsworthhall@outlook.com.
Liiv Well Pilates
Drop into the Gympie RSL Veterans’ Centre for pilates between 11am and 12pm on Saturdays’ reformer classes and Thursdays’ floor sessions. The cost is $5 per person, and there are only a limited number of spaces, so bookings are essential. For more information, call 5483 7707 or email vcadmin@gympiersla.com.au.
Social Tennis
Queens Park Tennis Club, on the corner of the Bruce Highway and Jane St, has social tennis on Monday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm and Saturday mornings from 6.30am, weather permitting. All ability levels are welcome. For more details, contact Jenny on 0402 775 023.
Amamoor Markets
Every Saturday morning between 8.30 and 11.30am at the Amamoor Village Green, 3 Busby Street, you will find market stalls selling a variety of homemade handicrafts and other items. These markets operate to coincide with the arrival of The Mary Valley Rattler. For more information or to book a stall site, contact Celeste on 0416 117 541.
Three Creeks Farm Stall
Make sure you get along to the corner of Mary’s Creek and Eel Creek Roads, Mary’s Creek, every Saturday from 8-11am to pick up the best and freshest seasonal produce direct from the producer. Depending on the season, you could be tucking into fresh mangoes, ripe avocados, or any manner of local crops, direct from the farmer. For more information, call Sarah on 0421 755 153.
Pomona Country Markets
Every Saturday from 7am to midday, Stan Topper Park in Pomona is the place to stop for the markets. There is plenty on offer, with stall sites available from $20. For more information or to book a site, contact Jeff on 0499 146 857.
Kenilworth Markets
The Kenilworth Town Park, on the corner of Charles and Elizabeth Streets, is the place to be every Saturday, 8am-1.30pm. Experience all the best this fertile region has to offer with fresh produce and hand-crafted goodies. Call Cheryl on 0487 866 948 to ask about booking a stall.
Music Bingo
Join in for Music Bingo at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club at 8pm. No cost to play.
SUNDAY 31 August
Kilkivan Railway Markets
The Community Gardens on Bligh Street come alive on the last Sunday of every month (February to November) for the Railway Markets. Head along between 7am-midday to find a bargain or sample what is on offer. Stall sites start at $10, so why not give Jess a call on 0490 106 919 to book your spot?
Gympie Duck Pond Markets
Head along to the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum on the first, third, and fifth Sundays from 7am-midday. To book a site, call the cafe on 5482 3995.
Jiu Jitsu
Get a discounted membership to a local club and exclusive, free 10am Sunday sessions with a veteran coach at the Gympie RSL Veterans’ Centre. For more information, call 5483 7707 or email vcadmin@gympiersla.com.au.
Imbil Markets
Mark the Imbil Memorial Park on your itinerary this Sunday and head on down to Yabba Rd to find some fantastic Mary Valley produce and more. The markets are on every Sunday, 8am-1pm, and Jeff will book you a site if you want one at 0411 187 157.
MONDAY 1 September
Tin Can Bay Family History Group
Join other family historians at the Tin Can Bay Library on the first Monday of every month from 12.30pm to share tips and hints, as well as work on your projects.
Gympie Spinners, Weavers and Crafters
Join in to spin wool, fleece, fibres, and more, or learn and participate in all kinds of fibre artistry and crafts at the Salvation Army Hall, 42 Stumm Rd, Gympie. Meet at the Hall on Monday from 9am-12pm and Wednesday evening from 7pm-9pm. For more information, contact Sue on 0417 648 535.
Girl Guides
Come and try the first three weeks free! Join the High Schoolers on Monday from 3.30-6pm, or the primary school girls on Wednesdays from 4-5.30pm. The Guides also accept PLAY ON government assistance vouchers. Volunteers are also welcome to help out with activities for girls, and there are also Olaves for 18-30 year olds and Trefoil for adult women of all ages with or without previous Girl Guide experience. Visit guidesqld.org.au for more information or call Leonora on 0425 850 360.
Guitar Lessons
Ever wanted to play a musical instrument? Drop in to the Gympie RSL Centre, and BYO guitar, and learn a brand new skill. These classes are open to any level of experience and run from 5-6pm. For more information, call 5483 7707 or email vcadmin@gympiersla.com.au.
Bingo Monday
Head along to the Gympie Bowls Club, Bowlers Drive Southside, from 8am every Monday (including public holidays) for raffles and lucky door prizes. Eyes down at 9.30am. Friendly and welcoming, with a gold coin donation for morning tea. For more information, contact Belinda on 0401 768 040.
*Tinker Table @ Gympie*
Drop into the Gympie Library between 3.30 and 4.30pm for some fun and educational activities based on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths). No bookings are required, but space is limited. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.
Gympie Library Craft Group
Come and share your current project at 10am with the Gympie Library Craft Group. Bring along a piece you’re working on – be it knitting, sewing, crocheting, or cross-stitching – and share ideas and learn with other craft-minded people. There’s no leader and no pressure; you can work, watch, or simply enjoy a friendly chat.
Kilkivan Nibbles and Giggles
This social get-together at the Kilkivan Library every Monday at 9.30am is to chat over a coffee or tea and allows you to meet people in your local community and borrow a book or DVD from the library. Coffee, tea, and biscuits will be supplied.
TUESDAY 2 September
*Afterschool Board Games*
Come down and join in the fun at Kilkivan Library from 3.15pm, playing your favourite board games with friends. No bookings required, but space is limited. Suitable for ages 5 -12 years.
Senior Citizens Club activities
Head along to the Senior Citizens Centre on Mellor Street to take part in card games and dominoes. Every Tuesday and Friday, there are plenty of players looking for partners between 10am and 2pm. Also, on a Tuesday only, there is indoor bowls from 10am to midday. It costs $4 per session to play (either games or bowls), $1 to join the Senior Citizens’ Club, and $5 per year to join the centre – but why not come and try, with the first two sessions absolutely free? Anyone over the age of 50 is welcome to join. For more information, contact Judy and Mel on 0431 184 978.
Boomerang Bag Sewing Group
This group meets MOST Tuesdays from 2-4pm at the Rainbow Beach Library. This small group sews their hearts out to help reduce the use of plastic bags by providing reusable cloth bags made from recycled, donated fabric. For more information, please phone the Rainbow Beach Library.
*First Five Forever Rhyme Time*
Head along to the Gympie Library between 9.30-10am for Rhyme Time, an interactive and joyful session full of songs, rhymes, and dancing. Suitable for toddlers aged 1-3 years. Bookings essential on 5481 0859.
Goomeri Mahjong Mornings
Pop into the Goomeri Library at 9am for a social get-together to chat over a coffee or tea with the opportunity to play a round or two of Mahjong. Phone 4168 4340 for more information.
Trivia Tuesdays
Come along and make some friends, have fun, and test your knowledge with trivia questions from 10am at the Gympie Library.
Tin Can Bay Art Group
The Tin Can Bay Library is calling all artists, between 10am to join them to share work and ideas, and connect with artists in the community. Bring your work in progress, join in a friendly chat, and exchange ideas. All artists, levels, and mediums are welcome. Phone 5486 4355 for more information.
Tin Can Bay Mahjong
Head along to the Tin Can Bay Library at 1pm for a wonderful afternoon playing Mahjong. Mahjong is an ancient Chinese tile game of strategy, calculation, and skill with a measure of chance. This group is open to everyone, young and old, wanting to learn this ancient Chinese game.
Bingo
Join in at 9am for a 9.30am heads down at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club. No bookings are required.
WEDNESDAY 3 September
Memory Sharing Tea and Talk
For the entire month of September, the Rainbow Beach Library is celebrating all things related to Rainbow Beach History! Join us from 2pm to listen to a talk highlighting the history of Rainbow Beach. Bring your old photos along and reminisce about the good old days. We would love to hear your stories! Bookings are essential.
Amamoor Markets
Every Wednesday morning between 8.30 and 11.30am at the Amamoor Village Green, 3 Busby Street, you will find market stalls selling a variety of homemade handicrafts and other items. These markets operate to coincide with the arrival of The Mary Valley Rattler. For more information or to book a stall site, contact Celeste on 0416 117 541.
*Tinker Table @ Kilkivan and Imbil*
Drop into the Kilkivan or Imbil Libraries between 3.30 and 4.30pm for some fun and educational activities based on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). No bookings are required, but space is limited. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.
Cards with Friends
Love to play cards? Then why not come and play a game or two while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the Goomeri Library? The fun starts at 9am on Wednesdays and Fridays, and all are welcome.
*First Five Forever Baby Bounce*
Between 9.30-10am, Gympie Library is the place to be for Baby Bounce, an interactive session aimed at babies from 0-1 years and their caregivers. Come along and meet other parents and babies for a fun session of nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and songs. Bookings essential on 5481 0859.
Tin Can Bay Papercraft
At the Tin Can Bay Library from 9.30am they make all sorts of greeting cards, so come and join us for a fun morning. Make and take your card creations. Beginners and experienced card-makers are welcome. Join this friendly group and let your creative juices flow.
Just Craftin’ Around
Looking for a welcoming and creative space to indulge in your love for card-making? Look no further! Join our friendly card-making group at the Gympie Library at 10am where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creativity. Bring your own materials and settle in for a delightful crafting session.
THURSDAY 4 September
All about Android Tablets
New to the world of tablets? In this session at the Gympie Library from 1pm, learn how to adjust the security, privacy, and accessibility of your device, how to use the camera to take great photos, and how to manage your notifications. Bookings are essential.
Craft Attack – Card Making
Join our papercraft session at the Gympie Library from 5pm where creativity and connection meet. In these relaxed sessions, you can explore the wonderful world of papercraft. During this session, we will be looking at creating our very own cards to give to family and friends. Bookings are essential.
Trivia
Join in for weekly trivia at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club from 7pm, with no cost to play and prizes including meal vouchers at the club.
*First Five Forever Rhymes, Rhythm and Tales*
Drop into the Gympie Library from 10.30am for an interactive, storytelling adventure with movement, music, rhymes, and play. A fun-filled morning, suitable for 3-5 year olds.
*Thursday Robotics*
Come down to the Gympie Library from 3.30pm to get hands-on in one of our fun, relaxed sessions. No bookings are required, but space is limited. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.
Goomeri Scrabble Thursdays
The Goomeri Library is the place to be from 1pm to test your word knowledge and enjoy a friendly game of Scrabble.
Gardening Group
Pop into the Kilkivan Library on Thursdays at 9.30am to catch up with other like-minded locals to talk about how to grow plants from seeds and exchange gardening tips.
If you have a listing you would like included on our free community noticeboard, send details to newsdesk@gympietoday.com.au or drop into the office at 2 Chapple Street during opening hours, and we’ll include your event.
