What’s happening?
James Cook University (JCU) will open the doors of its Mackay Campus this Saturday, 14 June 2025, for the inaugural JCU Mackay Open Day, welcoming prospective students, their families, and the wider community.
From 10am at JCU’s Mater Hospital Campus in Mount Pleasant, visitors will experience a dynamic program featuring interactive healthcare activities and informative presentations.
Activities on offer include preparing Webster Packs, blood pressure checks, otoscope demonstrations, and CPR races — giving attendees a genuine feel for life in health-related fields.
Why it matters
The event aims to showcase Mackay’s role in delivering high-quality tertiary education and healthcare training in regional Queensland.
“Open Day is a chance for future students and their families to experience a taste of life at JCU while providing a valuable insight into how we can help shape future careers,” said JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs.
It also allows JCU to highlight its regional impact and attract more students to its Pharmacy, Nursing and other exciting courses offered locally.
“You will be able to explore our facilities, attend presentations and chat with future student advisers about study opportunities available at JCU Mackay,” said Prof Biggs.
“There will be plenty to see and do at Open Day, and we’ll also have current students there on the day that can answer questions about student life, accommodation, life in North Queensland, and anything else you’d like to know.”
Local Impact
JCU Mackay is a premier healthcare training hub in Central Queensland. Its partnership with Mater Hospital provides hands-on clinical opportunities that directly benefit the Mackay healthcare sector.
Professor Biggs added: “The University is delighted to give the Mackay community a unique look at regional Queensland’s premier tertiary education institution.”
By engaging the local community, JCU fosters connections between current professionals, aspiring healthcare workers, and the university — strengthening the local healthcare pipeline.
By the numbers
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First-ever JCU Mackay Open Day happening this Saturday, 14 June 2025.
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Three JCU Open Days will be held in 2025, with follow-up events in Townsville (19 July) and Cairns (25 July).
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JCU Mackay offers Nursing, Pharmacy and other courses, supported by student advisers and current students present on the day.
Zoom In
Open Day attendees will have the rare opportunity to gain hands-on healthcare experience and receive personal advice about future studies.
The program features interactive activities such as CPR races and otoscope demonstrations — designed to immerse future students in the practical aspects of healthcare education.
Students, parents, and community members can speak directly with future student advisers and current students about course offerings and student life in Mackay and broader North Queensland.
Zoom Out
This Open Day is part of a broader JCU initiative to boost student enrolment and community engagement across its campuses.
JCU’s presence in Mackay supports Queensland’s goal of strengthening regional education access and building the local healthcare workforce.
The upcoming Townsville Bebegu Yumba Campus Open Day on 19 July, and Cairns Nguma-bada Campus Open Day on 25 July, continue this regional engagement.
What To Look For Next?
Locals can attend the Mackay Open Day this Saturday, 14 June. Next, JCU will host Open Days in Townsville on 19 July and Cairns on 25 July, further showcasing its role in shaping Queensland’s future healthcare professionals.
