Mackay Street Art Named Australia’s Best

A laneway in Mackay’s CBD has been crowned the best in the country by the Australian Street Art Awards.

Fifth Lane, once a dingy laneway in the heart of Mackay, received the Gold Award for the Best Street Art Laneway in Australia.

The Fifth Lane Street Art Mackay, a Mackay Regional Council initiative, also includes numerous murals that come to life with augmented reality interactivity.

The Fifth Lane Street Art Project was conceived by a small group of local artists, coordinated by Jodie Connolly, wanting to brighten one of the major laneways in the heart of the city.

The original idea developed into an engaging creative space full of murals, paste-ups, digital and community art all fused with augmented reality technology.

The artworks were inspired by Mackay’s spectacular nature, wildlife, and iconic local elements or experiences.

The team of 19 local and six visiting artists transformed what was once often referred to as ‘smelly alley’ into a Mackay landmark.

With new art, lighting, and pavement works, it is safer and cleaner for pedestrians taking the shortcut between Wood and Gregory Streets.

Local artist Jodie Connolly coordinated the Fifth Lane Street Art Project and says she was inspired by street art initiatives in capital cities like Melbourne and Brisbane.

“To see that in Mackay, when you see it in so many other places, it’s like we’ve caught up,” she said.

“It was stressful at times, I’m not going to lie, but it just puts us on the map.

“I think it’s a big win for the whole creative community and Mackay in general.”