Our venue

Mackay’s first theatre – the Theatre Royal was built in 1912 next to Taylor’s Hotel in Alfred Street. The theatre was remodelled in 1936 as local interest in theatre productions grew.

In 1982, a group of citizens lead by Jack Sturgeon, approached the Pioneer Shire and Mackay City councils to consider a larger entertainment centre for the growing community, leading to the 1983 decision to build a new purpose-built entertainment centre.

The citizens of the Mackay region were asked to raise one million dollars towards the cost of the building, with a State Government subsidy of 20% and the balance jointly funded by councils.

Substantial contributions came from local family founders – the Porter, Wright, Manning, Cook, Shepherd, Rasmussen, North Jacklin and Denny families – along with the Mackay Musical Comedy Players and Mackay Choral Society.

In February 1988, Queensland Governor Sir Walter Campbell officially opened the Mackay Entertainment Centre in Alfred Street.

A later feasibility study in 2004 identified a demand for a convention centre, and after reviewing various options, construction of the expanded Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre began in February 2008 on the existing Alfred Street site.

Memberships

Queensland Tourism Industry Council

Current Member

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the peak industry body for tourism in Queensland, acting as “The Voice of Tourism”. We’re a not-for-profit, private sector, membership-based organisation representing the interests of Queensland’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Membership 2025-2026

Current member

Mackay Tourism Ltd.

Current member

Australian Tourism Accreditation

Accredited Tourism Business

The Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) certifies tourism businesses that meet specific quality assurance criteria ensuring they are committed to exceeding consumer expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice. All ATAP accredited businesses undertake regular onsite audits to ensure compliance.

Quality Tourism/Sustainable Tourism Accreditation

Accredited Business

Quality Tourism Accreditation means we have met specific criteria to ensure we are committed to exceeding expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice. We are also an accredited Sustainable Tourism business, creating experiences that not just meet but exceed customer expectations and demonstrate sound sustainability practices.

Australian Business Events Association

Silver Member

The Australian Business Events Association Ltd is the leading industry body responsible for representing and supporting the prosperity of the organisations and people that work in, or benefit from the Australian Business Events Sector.

PCOA - Professional Conference Organisers Association

Business Partner 2025

Australian Tourism Accreditation Standard for a Tourism Business

Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business - a stamp of recognition that shows the businesses commitment to high-quality standards, essential business practices, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Awards

2025 The Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards

Gold winner - Business Event Venues Category

2023 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Gold Winner - Business Event Venues Category

2022 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Gold Winner - Business Event Venues Category

2022 Queensland Tourism Awards

Silver Winner - Business Event Venues Category

2021 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Gold Winner - Business Event Venues Category

2019 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Gold Winner - Business Event Venues Category

2018 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Gold Winner - Business Event Venues Category

2018 Local Government Managers Australia (Qld) Annual Awards for Excellence

Excellence in Teamwork Award (for central co-ordination, catering and local management of Elton John’s ‘Once in a Lifetime Concert’ in Mackay in Sept 2017)

2018 Wotif Australian Town of the Year Award

"With the Great Barrier Reef at its door, wallabies and kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough National Park and platypuses in the Eungella National Park, there’s no beauty more rich or rare than at Queensland’s Mackay!"

2017 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Silver Winner - Festivals and Events Category - Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts

2016 Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Gold Winner - Business Event Venues Category

MECC is committed to a sustainable future and reducing our environmental impact. In partnership with EarthCheck, we are strengthening our sustainability and energy efficiency practices and continuing our long-term journey toward responsible operations. Find out more(PDF, 176KB)