Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan

PROJECT UPDATE: The consultation period has concluded. The draft Precinct Activation Plan is currently under review.
The Sarina Field of Dreams is a community precinct located at the southern entrance to Sarina. The precinct is the gateway to the Mackay region and encompasses an array of local historical buildings which offer visitors and locals a unique and memorable experience.
The precinct includes the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Sugar Shed. It offers an open green space at the centre of the precinct with large shade trees, barbeque facilities and an undercover playground.
Council is exploring the activation and reinvigoration opportunities for the precinct and has engaged experts in urban design and place activation to lead the discussion and explore design ideas with key stakeholders in the community.
Consultants initially met with key stakeholders to learn about potential opportunities and challenges for the precinct. They then facilitated a two-day enquiry by design workshop to develop a draft precinct activation plan.
An enquiry by design workshop is a collaborative and participatory planning process that brings together diverse groups to co-create and test design ideas in real time.
Council will consider the ideas generated by the community at the workshop has developed a draft precinct activation plan, considering resources and feasibility. Complete the draft plan survey below to have your say.
Click here to read over the draft activation plan.
Click here to read the outcomes report..
Click here to read over a factsheet that summarises the workshop.
A drop-in information session will also be held onsite to allow community members to speak directly with the project team and fill out a survey.
Drop‑in community session:
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 4pm to 7pm (drop in at any time)
Location: Sarina Field of Dreams, Mt Pelion Building, 1 Railway Square, Sarina
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Stay updated on this project and receive the summary factsheet and draft plan, when they are released by subscribing to its project update emails. Click the Stay Informed button on this page. You will receive an email afterwards asking you to confirm your subscription.

PROJECT UPDATE: The consultation period has concluded. The draft Precinct Activation Plan is currently under review.
The Sarina Field of Dreams is a community precinct located at the southern entrance to Sarina. The precinct is the gateway to the Mackay region and encompasses an array of local historical buildings which offer visitors and locals a unique and memorable experience.
The precinct includes the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Sugar Shed. It offers an open green space at the centre of the precinct with large shade trees, barbeque facilities and an undercover playground.
Council is exploring the activation and reinvigoration opportunities for the precinct and has engaged experts in urban design and place activation to lead the discussion and explore design ideas with key stakeholders in the community.
Consultants initially met with key stakeholders to learn about potential opportunities and challenges for the precinct. They then facilitated a two-day enquiry by design workshop to develop a draft precinct activation plan.
An enquiry by design workshop is a collaborative and participatory planning process that brings together diverse groups to co-create and test design ideas in real time.
Council will consider the ideas generated by the community at the workshop has developed a draft precinct activation plan, considering resources and feasibility. Complete the draft plan survey below to have your say.
Click here to read over the draft activation plan.
Click here to read the outcomes report..
Click here to read over a factsheet that summarises the workshop.
A drop-in information session will also be held onsite to allow community members to speak directly with the project team and fill out a survey.
Drop‑in community session:
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 4pm to 7pm (drop in at any time)
Location: Sarina Field of Dreams, Mt Pelion Building, 1 Railway Square, Sarina
![]()
Stay updated on this project and receive the summary factsheet and draft plan, when they are released by subscribing to its project update emails. Click the Stay Informed button on this page. You will receive an email afterwards asking you to confirm your subscription.
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Project update: February 5, 2026
Share Project update: February 5, 2026 on Facebook Share Project update: February 5, 2026 on Twitter Share Project update: February 5, 2026 on Linkedin Email Project update: February 5, 2026 linkVenue change - Sarina Field of Dreams Activation Plan Drop-in information session
Council wishes to advise, due to poor weather, the planned drop-in information session for the Sarina Field of Dreams activation plan has been relocated to Bob Wood Cultural Hall.
Drop in and speak directly to council officers about the plan and fill out a survey.
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 4pm to 7pm (drop in at any time)
Location: Bob Wood Cultural Hall, 63 Broad Street, Sarina
An online survey, along with the draft activation plan, outcomes report and a factsheet, is available at www.connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreamsHardcopy surveysContinue reading
Venue change - Sarina Field of Dreams Activation Plan Drop-in information session
Council wishes to advise, due to poor weather, the planned drop-in information session for the Sarina Field of Dreams activation plan has been relocated to Bob Wood Cultural Hall.
Drop in and speak directly to council officers about the plan and fill out a survey.
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 4pm to 7pm (drop in at any time)
Location: Bob Wood Cultural Hall, 63 Broad Street, Sarina
An online survey, along with the draft activation plan, outcomes report and a factsheet, is available at www.connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreamsHardcopy surveys are also available at council's customer service centres and libraries and you can request a copy through council's Community Engagement Team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au.
Consultation closes on February 15, 2026, at 11.59pm.
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Project update: January 28, 2026
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Drop-in information session planned for Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan
Following requests from the public, community consultation for the Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan has been extended to Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Due to the community interest in the project, council wants to ensure stakeholders have as much time as possible to review the draft plan and provide feedback.
Council is inviting residents, visitors and stakeholders to have their say on the future activation and reinvigoration of this iconic precinct.
An online survey, along with the draft activation plan, outcomes report and a factsheet, is availableContinue reading
Drop-in information session planned for Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan
Following requests from the public, community consultation for the Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan has been extended to Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Due to the community interest in the project, council wants to ensure stakeholders have as much time as possible to review the draft plan and provide feedback.
Council is inviting residents, visitors and stakeholders to have their say on the future activation and reinvigoration of this iconic precinct.
An online survey, along with the draft activation plan, outcomes report and a factsheet, is available at connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreams
Hardcopy surveys are also available at council's customer service centres and libraries and you can request a copy through council's Community Engagement Team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au.
Feedback from the community will help shape the final activation plan.
A drop-in information session will also be held onsite to allow community members to speak directly with the project team and fill out a survey.
Drop‑in community session:
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 4pm to 7pm (drop in at any time)
Location: Sarina Field of Dreams, Mt Pelion Building, 1 Railway Square, Sarina -
Project update: November 27, 2025
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Council seeks community feedback on Sarina Field of Dreams draft activation plan
Council is inviting the community to have their say on a draft activation plan for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
The precinct, located at the southern entrance to Sarina, is a gateway to the Mackay region.
It is home to a collection of historical buildings and attractions, including the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Sugar Shed.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the precinct was a fantastic place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy, with its open green spaces, shade trees, barbecue facilities and playground.
“Community input is vital to shaping the future of the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This is a much-loved space that celebrates our history and welcomes visitors to the region. We want to ensure it continues to thrive and reflect the needs and aspirations of our community,” he said.
“Council is exploring opportunities to reinvigorate and activate the precinct to enhance its appeal and functionality.”
The draft activation plan was co-created with key stakeholders and consultants during an Enquiry by Design workshop held in September.
This collaborative process allowed participants to share ideas and test concepts in real time.
The Sarina Museum, which has been closed while a museums collection rationalisation project was undertaken, will re-open in its previous location.
The draft activation plan includes the option of re-opening it and operating it via an incorporated Sarina District Historical Centre.
There is also the option to re-open it as a volunteer-run council museum.
Some other draft activation plan actions include:
- Refreshing branding for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
- Investigating feasibility of improvements to the old convent building (used by the museum).
- Enhancing wayfinding to improve navigation through the precinct.
- Better activation of the arrival building (Visitor Information Centre).
- Encouraging outdoor exhibitions and events.Council has considered resources and feasibility in developing these actions and now seeks feedback from the broader community.
Consultation is open now and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
To view the draft activation plan, read the outcomes report and provide feedback visit connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreams

Council seeks community feedback on Sarina Field of Dreams draft activation plan
Council is inviting the community to have their say on a draft activation plan for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
The precinct, located at the southern entrance to Sarina, is a gateway to the Mackay region.
It is home to a collection of historical buildings and attractions, including the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Sugar Shed.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the precinct was a fantastic place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy, with its open green spaces, shade trees, barbecue facilities and playground.
“Community input is vital to shaping the future of the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This is a much-loved space that celebrates our history and welcomes visitors to the region. We want to ensure it continues to thrive and reflect the needs and aspirations of our community,” he said.
“Council is exploring opportunities to reinvigorate and activate the precinct to enhance its appeal and functionality.”
The draft activation plan was co-created with key stakeholders and consultants during an Enquiry by Design workshop held in September.
This collaborative process allowed participants to share ideas and test concepts in real time.
The Sarina Museum, which has been closed while a museums collection rationalisation project was undertaken, will re-open in its previous location.
The draft activation plan includes the option of re-opening it and operating it via an incorporated Sarina District Historical Centre.
There is also the option to re-open it as a volunteer-run council museum.
Some other draft activation plan actions include:
- Refreshing branding for the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
- Investigating feasibility of improvements to the old convent building (used by the museum).
- Enhancing wayfinding to improve navigation through the precinct.
- Better activation of the arrival building (Visitor Information Centre).
- Encouraging outdoor exhibitions and events.Council has considered resources and feasibility in developing these actions and now seeks feedback from the broader community.
Consultation is open now and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
To view the draft activation plan, read the outcomes report and provide feedback visit connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreams

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Project update: October 24, 2025
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Sarina Field of Dreams draft Activation Plan progresses
Council is continuing its work to activate and reinvigorate the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
A two-day Enquiry by Design workshop was held at Sarina last month, facilitated by experts in urban design and place activation.
Key stakeholders were invited to attend along with council officers to explore the opportunities for the precinct.
Feedback from the workshop identified that young people were an important stakeholder group and so a further consultation session was held with Sarina State High School students to capture their views and aspirations for the precinct.
The outcomes fromContinue reading
Sarina Field of Dreams draft Activation Plan progresses
Council is continuing its work to activate and reinvigorate the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct.
A two-day Enquiry by Design workshop was held at Sarina last month, facilitated by experts in urban design and place activation.
Key stakeholders were invited to attend along with council officers to explore the opportunities for the precinct.
Feedback from the workshop identified that young people were an important stakeholder group and so a further consultation session was held with Sarina State High School students to capture their views and aspirations for the precinct.
The outcomes from both workshops will inform the development of a precinct activation plan, considering resources and feasibility.
This draft plan will be circulated for broader community consultation in late November, 2025.
Further information on this project and a factsheet detailing the Enquiry by Design process can be found here connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreams

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Area: Sarina
Published: September 4, 2025
Status: Current consultation
Key Dates
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10 February 2026
Follow Project
Timeline
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Targeted consultation with key stakeholders
Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan has finished this stageIndividual key stakeholder meetings
In August 2025, consultants and council officers met with key stakeholders to learn about the opportunities and challenges they perceived for the site.Enquiry by design workshop
On September 2 and 3, key stakeholders and council elected representatives and officers underwent the Enquiry by design process at a two-day workshop. -
Summary of workshop outcomes
Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan has finished this stageA factsheet summarising the workshop outcomes and next steps will be available to read on the Connecting Mackay web page.
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Develop a draft precinct action plan
Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan has finished this stageCouncil will consider the ideas generated by the community at the workshop and develop a draft precinct action plan, considering resources and feasibility.
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Community consultation on draft precinct action plan
Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan has finished this stageThe draft precinct action plan will be made available to the broader community for feedback.
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Draft precinct action plan under review
Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan is currently at this stageFeedback provided by the community on the draft precinct action plan is being considered by council.
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Final precinct action plan and summary leaflet released
this is an upcoming stage for Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation PlanThe finalised precinct action plan is available to the public.
Have a question? Contact a council officer.
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Mackay Regional Council
Phone 1300 MACKAY (622 529) Email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au







