Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct Activation Plan

Council adopts Sarina Field of Dreams Activation Plan

An activation plan for the Sarina Field of Dreams Precinct has been approved by council.

The precinct brings together attractions, including the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre, Sarina Sugar Shed, Sarina Art Gallery, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and the new Sarina District Historical Centre, formerly Sarina Museum.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the plan, adopted at an ordinary meeting of council today, set a clear direction to transform the precinct into a vibrant community and tourism destination.

“This plan charts the next chapter for the Sarina Field of Dreams,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It is the result of strong collaboration with the Sarina community and key stakeholders,” he said.

"It is focused on how we better activate the precinct and get more life into the space.

“Council engaged specialist urban design and place activation consultants to lead an Enquiry by Design workshop.

“That workshop brought people together to share ideas, challenge assumptions and refine concepts that truly reflect Sarina.

“Those ideas and insights directly shaped the Activation Plan that council has now formally adopted.”

Mayor Williamson said the plan took a different approach to traditional master planning.

“This is not about new buildings,” he said.

“It’s about people, place and experience – creating energy through connection, events and activations.”

“The precinct already has strong infrastructure. This plan shows how we make better use of it.”

Mayor Williamson said the adopted plan provided a shared blueprint for council, community groups and stakeholders.

“It gives everyone a clear framework to work together and bring the Sarina Field of Dreams to life as a dynamic destination for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“The plan underlines the key role that the community groups, including the newly incorporated Sarina and District Historical Society, will play in the ongoing success of the precinct.”

During consultation to develop the plan, the decision was made to hand the Sarina Musuem collection back to the community via the newly incorporated group.

The new Sarina and District Historical Centre will be operated by that group out of the former Sarina Museum via a licence agreement for the building provided by council.

The Sarina Field of Dreams Activation plan identifies three key strategic objectives:

- Attract locals by creating regular reasons to visit that celebrate Sarina’s unique culture and character.
- Increase visitation by improving visibility to tourists, delivering engaging events and attractions and encouraging consistent opening times across the site.
- Strengthen integrated governance by improving access for future volunteers and creating efficiencies through collaboration and shared use.

To view the Activation Plan and for more information visit connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-field-of-dreams

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-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.

Consultation closes on February 15, 2026, at 11.59pm.

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

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

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