Mackay Life

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Last Thursday marked a momentous milestone for Mackay and district families, the Official Opening Ceremony for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital.

It’s only the second Ronald McDonald Family Room to be opened in North Australia, with the other located in Townsville.

“Families are stronger together.

North Australia

Paul Rissman said the family room supports families with seriously ill children and is designed to support local families through their child’s medical journey.

“We know children recover quicker when their families are close by, we know families cope better when they are in a warm and friendly environment,” Mr Rissman said.

“Whether it’s a break from the clinical environment in the hospital, a good night’s rest or nap, a sense of normalcy to sit with a coffee or to freshen up with a shower. Families can do this mere steps away from their child’s bedside at no cost to them.” Continued on page 6…

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital was officially opened on Thursday 8 December, with McDonalds Franchise Owner Niki Ramsay cutting the ribbon.

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

board member

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The tragic events which unfolded west of Toowoomba earlier this week, where two police officers and a good samaritan local were slain by gunmen on a remote property, provided a chilling reminder that nothing on Earth is ever promised, especially time.

Tara Police officers Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, died upholding their oath to protect and serve. It breaks my heart that two young adults who put their lives on the line to protect the community, had their futures ripped away in the blink of an eye.

I can’t imagine the pain their devastated family members are going through right now, which is why it’s important to say the words you’ve been meaning to say, because those unsaid words or actions will mean nothing once your loved ones are gone.

It’s also a reminder that Christmas isn’t always the happiest time of the year for everyone. For those who experience the death of a friend or family member over the holiday season, seeing a tree trimmed with tinsel could be horribly triggering for someone who received life-changing news during a time that’s meant to be merry.

It puts into perspective what’s really important at this time of year. The people you love and the time you have with them. Gifts are meaningless when there’s no one there to share them with. The true gift of Christmas is taking time to be with those you care for.

Call those who reside afar, send a card to make someone smile and use the good glasses to toast to health and happiness.

Kindness At Christmas Lunch

Mackay Life recently received an anonymous email from a group of ladies who were absolutely blown away with the kindness and Christmas spirit of an unknown individual.

The four ladies were enjoying a pre-Christmas catch-up at Harrup Park earlier in the month.

After selecting their lunch and going up to order and pay, they were informed that a very kind gentleman had anonymously paid for their meals.

“I must let you know we were not four good looking young chicks, the emphasis being on the ‘young', so that was not his ulterior motive,” the email read.

“To say we were flabbergasted was an understatement.

“Of course, the club was very busy, especially at this time

of the year, but we looked around to see if we recognized any gentlemen or those that might look like they were the likely donors, but we came up with zilch.”

The ladies enjoyed their meals in a haze of astonishment and hope that the generous gentleman is a reader of Mackay Life Newspaper.

If he is, they would like to extend their sincerest thank yous.

“Nothing like this had ever happened to any of us and we were thrilled to bits although sorry that we were not able to thank the very generous person.

“Let people see that in this busy world with all its challenges, we still do not forget to show kindness to someone.”

Amanda

Mackay locals said ‘NO’ to draft port expansion plans released by the state government, saying the expansion would put fragile environmental sites including multiple turtle nesting sites at severe risk.

A local Facebook page, ‘Save our North Wall Turtles’ set out to inform the public of the draft plans, which quickly garnered more than 1,700 followers within a month. Many passionate locals sent submissions to the state government citing the devastation the expansion plan in its current form might have to the beach, not only eradicating areas where turtles nest, but also destroying a large portion of beach used regularly by local families.

The state government listened, and has extended the public consultation period after what they say has been of social and environmental significance in the area.

“The draft master plan and draft port overlay for the priority Port of Hay Point Mackay consultation process has identified social and environmental significance of the area,” the Queensland government statement said.

Priority port master planning sets out the

sustainable development of the port until 2050, while protecting social, cultural, and environmental values, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she advocated to have local turtle information verified with the Department of Environment and Science.

“I heard what local groups, including the Mackay and District Turtle Watch, had to say on the importance of the North Wall Beach area and pushed for their valuable data to be supplied to the Department of Environment and Science,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This data has now been verified, which means the turtle nesting and tracking information provided will be front and centre in this ongoing planning.

“I’m pleased to also announce that public consultation will be extended until mid-January to allow more time for community groups to have their say.”

“It’s only with the community's help that we can truly understand the significance of our local areas, and deliver the best outcome for everyone.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey thanked Ms Gilbert for her work.

“I want to thank Julieanne for meeting with local groups, and understanding how we can best incorporate the significance of the North Wall Beach into our planning process,” Minister Bailey said.

“The draft master plan and the draft port overlay will be updated to reflect all new

information supplied by the public after the submission period closes.

“What I want to see is our final plans being well-informed and back by local residents as the users of these areas.”

“I encourage those interested to continue to make submissions online, and directly to the project team.”

The final master plan will take into account submissions and will set out the vision for the area until 2050.

The state government encourages community members to get in touch with the TMR project team via mail, online or at this email address: HayPointMackayPortMasterPlan@tmr.qld.gov.au

The beach at North Wall

popular

surfers. Photo credit: Martinez Helene Sylvia

Turtle tracks have been spotted at North Wall this month during nesting season. Photo credit: Shane Jackson

WIN A NEW CAR

New Guide Shows Businesses How To Be More Accessible Regional Listening Tour Comes To Mackay

Mayor Greg Williamson visited Caneland Central last week to launch an exciting new guide aimed at helping businesses to grow their customer bases.

The Good Access Equals Good Business guide was created by council and the Access and Inclusion Reference Group, which is made up of local stakeholders from the disability community.

“This guide is all about helping business owners and service providers to identify areas where a small change, with minimal or no expense, can make a big difference to their customers, especially those with disability,” Mayor Williamson said.

“By making your business more accessible, you can drastically increase your customer base and create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive,” he said.

“In Australia, one in six people are estimated to be living with disability and more than half of those aged over 55 have difficulties with mobility, sight and hearing.

“So that’s a considerable chunk of a businesses’ customer base, and then you factor in those who benefit from better access like parents with prams and even those pushing trolleys, and it’s easy to see why a guide like this can be tremendously help-

ful.”

Artist David Conway, from the Access and Inclusion Reference Group, said good access went one step further than just bringing in more customers.

“Excluding people with disability is actually against the law,” Mr Conway said.

“If a person with disability can’t access your business or service, then it is within their right to make a complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act,” he said.

“This guide has a comprehensive list of actions businesses and service providers can undertake to make them more accessible and welcoming.

“Mostly, they are really simple things like keeping the pathway into your business clear of obstacles, making isles at least 1.2 metres wide, ensuring staff know the location of the nearest accessible toilet and ensuring signage is easily readable.

“This guide also has some excellent tips for helping staff to better serve those who have communication difficulties.”

The Good Access Equals Good Business guide and checklist is available online.

A limited number of hard copy guides are also available from council’s Customer Service Centres.

The Nationals Regional Listening Tour kicked off in Queensland last week, starting in Dawson, with leaders and MPs of the National Party meeting with locals across the region, to hear about the issues affecting them.

The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox hosted the listening tour in Ayr, Bowen and Mackay, welcoming Leader of the Nationals the Hon David Littleproud, Deputy Leader Senator Perin Davey, Member for Capricornia the Hon Michelle Landry and Senator for Queensland Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan.

Mr Willcox said the purpose of the tour is to highlight to our leadership the views of people in Dawson, focusing particularly on the issues affecting women across the district.

“I’m not interested in bringing the news from Canberra to Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.

“My focus is to take Dawson’s concerns to Canberra. That’s the way it should be.

“I’m out and about talking to the people

each and every day and that is why I am delighted to be joined by the Leader and Deputy Leader of my party in our great region,” Mr Willcox said.

“In the Nationals, we’re about finding practical solutions that are made to order for the people in the regions. We’re particularly focussing on solutions for issues like affordability and more importantly availability of child care for our working mums and dads.

“Regional and rural Australia does so much for our country. This is where our food and fibre come from. It’s where our energy is produced. When regions like Dawson are strong, all of Australia is strong. That’s why I’ve spent the last couple of days touring with the Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, and Deputy Leader, Senator Perin Davey, to hear the concerns firsthand.”

The tour builds on community consultation throughout Victoria and New South Wales, and will continue into broader Central Queensland.

Merry Christmas Dawson

Willcox

Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and safe festive season. Andrew

Federal Member for Dawson

Dawson’s Listening Tour finished in Mackay at the Dispensary Café with a women’s networking event. Photos: Office of Andrew Willcox MP

At the launch of the Good Access Equals Good Business Guide launch were (from left) Maree Sturdy, Ellen Madden and Geoff O’Connor, Tracey Robb, Tania Leeson, Karen Bonham, Mayor Greg Williamson and (front row) David Conway.

A ForSanctuary The Families Of Unwell Children

Continued from page 1…

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tamara South, is deeply grateful to the local community for their support.

“The local Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities are incredibly generous. Thanks to the community, and our partners, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) and Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), we have been able to bring this much-needed practical care program to the Mackay region,” Ms South explained.

For local parents like Amy Forrester, the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is set to make a real difference. Juliet, Ms Forrester’s daughter, was born with a rare genetic condition.

“I’m mum to Kool Kid Juliet, Kool Kid is a nickname given to children born with Koolen-de Vries syndrome,” explained Ms Forrester.

“It occurs when there is a deletion in chromosome 17 and the KANSL1 gene is missing or mutated. For Juliet, this meant she was born with severe hip dysplasia, resulting in multiple hip surgeries before she was two.

“She was born with three heart defects, global developmental delay, feeding and breathing difficulties, scoliosis, brittle bones and epilepsy.

“As a family we have spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals and Juliet has spent

quite a bit of time at the Mackay Base Hospital. Without the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I do not know how we would have coped. The Ronald McDonald Family room in Townsville has been a saviour very recently.

“When Juliet was flown to Townsville with severe pneumonia, it can be very hard and very depressing to spend weeks or months in a hospital room. A family room provides a place to escape so the family can share a meal, or even get washing done without having to be very far from your sick child.”

“Having the Family Room at Mackay will make a massive difference for families,” Ms Forrester said.

Paula Foley, MHHS’ interim Chief Executive, is thrilled that the Official Opening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay has arrived.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will make a great difference to so many families who are being supported by Mackay Base Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit and Special Care Nursery,” Ms Foley said.

“For our youngest patients and their fami-

lies, who often come from our regional and rural communities, travelling to Mackay Base Hospital for a range of appointments, tests and treatment can be exhausting.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide a space where these families, who are going through a very tough time, can relax away from hospital wards and spend time together as a family. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will be a refuge that will make their stay a little less daunting and a little more comfortable,” Ms Foley said.

“Mackay HHS is also very grateful for the great support this project has received from Flagon & Dragon, Mackay Hospital Foundation and of course RMHC North Australia. We extend a heartfelt thank you for coordinating the community fundraising campaign and making this project possible.

“The Mackay community has advocated and have continuously engaged with this project and without the support from the community this would not have been achievable. As a nurse and a psychologist myself, it means the world to see that families have the best care possible and to have the care in a home type environment.”

Peter Tait, Chair at MHF, is proud to see this vital facility for local families finally available.

“The RMHC North Australia board and staff have worked tirelessly over many years planning, fundraising, constructing, and now delivering the Family Room to Mackay,” Mr Tait explained.

“This Family Room will provide an excellent new service in Mackay comforting and supporting families with children admitted to the hospital, especially for those travelling from regional areas.

“It’s a stressful time when your child’s not well. This facility will be great so the parents and siblings can relax and have a break here at the family room so that stress is lessened in the presence of the child who is unwell.”

“I also acknowledge the contribution of MHHS, especially their staff in supporting the development of this new service at the hospital and local company, and Fergus Builders, for their support constructing the Family Room.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is now operational

Amy Forrester and daughter Juliet. Photo credit: Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia

Housing Summit Report Released

State Government Invites Developers To Help Address Housing Crisis

AHousing Roundtable was conducted in Mackay last week to identify potential solutions to the region’s housing stress following the release of the Queensland Housing Summit Outcomes Report.

The Summit, held in Brisbane in October, brought together all levels of government alongside the construction industry and the real-estate industry along with planners, developers, community services organisations, homelessness advocates and community housing providers.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert delivered the report to last week’s Roundtable.

“There is a whole range of different housing needs but what we do need is to make sure we have that range, and we can encourage investors to come into our region and make sure that we have got the rentals and the opportunities for families to be able to buy a home if that’s what they want,” Ms Gilbert said.

The Queensland Government has pledged $56 million in new funding for critical housing supply and housing support initiatives arising from the Summit on top of a $1 billion boost to the Housing Investment Fund, bringing the Fund to $2 billion.

Ms Gilbert said this brings about the opportunity for investors and developers to collaborate with the Government.

“Where we do have people who are interested in being part of the housing solution, we’re encouraging them to come forward and to work with the state government to be able to have a look at how we can assist them get into the market to build that sustainable housing,” she said.

“There’s lots of different outcomes for lo-

cals to get involved, so there’s not just one level of government that holds the key to housing, so it’s working to make sure that we’ve got the land, that the red tape is cut.

“We also have lots of programs where people who are getting squeezed out of the rental market, where we’re giving them support to keep them in their homes.

“State government can’t supply everybody with a home, then that takes those houses out of the way of developers.

“We need developers to be able to make money, we need families in homes.”

“If we’ve got people in safe housing, then their health is better, they have a better opportunity of being able to participate in work, which is what every community needs.”

Ms Gilbert has invited those interested to contact her office or the Department of Housing.

“I’m happy to get people in touch with the Department, so that we can sit down and work out what it is that they would like to do and we can show them the programs that are available,” Ms Gilbert said.

LOOKING FOR RELIEF FROM

ANXIETY?

The CONTROL System is a unique, powerful method of creating rapid and positive change in the way you think, feel and behave.

The system utilises the way your mind works best, enabling you to get control of your subconscious patterns of thought, giving you the power to remove any blockages and limiting beliefs that hold you back.

By communicating directly with the most powerful and creative part of your mind the CONTROL system puts you back in charge of your own thoughts and responses.

Frontier Hypnotherapy’s David Lornie is Australia’s only fully qualified, certified CONTROL Practitioner. He studied through the CONTROL Academy under the system’s British founder, Mind Coach and Remedial Hypnotist Tim Box.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie.

ON THE MOVE

Unprecedented Growth Leads To New Gardian Business Hubs

It’s no secret that Queensland is the place to be, and that locally, Mackay has experienced unprecedented population growth. In fact, Aussies are flocking to Queensland at the fastest pace in 20 years and in the five years to 2021, more people moved interstate to Queensland than any other state or territory.

Ensuring its service keeps up with demand, Gardian has a big move planned over the festive season, consolidating its entire real estate team on Victoria Street while the finance, financial planning and insurance teams create an all-in-one hub on Wood Street.

General Manager Gillian Smith said that Gardian had experienced substantial growth in recent years.

“With the rapid growth in Mackay, partly due to the migration of southern buyers, Gardian Real Estate is committed to offering the most convenient service possible all in one location,” Ms Smith said.

“Gardian Real Estate Sales, Property Management and Commercial Sales and Leasing will all be together assisting buyers, sellers, tenants and investors from 88 and 94 Victoria Street.

“Gardian Finance, Insurance and Financial Planning will be located in the Gard-

ian building at 73 Wood Street.”

With the addition of a commercial real estate sales offering to match its commercial insurance service, Gardian can now offer a holistic approach to commercial clients.

Luke Phillips, Director of Gardian Insurance said the creation of the hubs would create an all-in-one location to make it easier for clients to talk about all things finance.

“It just makes sense to have real estate together and financial services together,” he said.

Ben Phillips, Director of Gardian Finance agreed, saying the consolidation of the location for insurance and finance would make it simpler on the business as a whole.

“Having the offices co-located will certainly help those clients looking for a complete finance solution, from saving them money on insurance or finance to helping them to take those important steps towards financial freedom,” Mr Phillips said.

Ben Kerrisk, Director and Sales Agent for Gardian Real Estate said with the addition of Gardian’s commercial sales division, the move to consolidate all real estate services on Victoria Street was a necessary step for the business’ growth.

“We often see investors selling or buying both retail and commercial property, or new residential purchasers interested in investing, so there are mutual clients across residential sales, commercial sales and property management,” Mr Kerrisk said.

“The growth seen in our real estate division has paved an exciting pathway for Gardian and we have some exciting new developments coming in 2023, including the addition of an experienced commercial salesperson.”

Founding Director Peter Phillips said, “it just makes sense to have all of real estate together in one location.”

“The five-year plan will be to move into a bigger premises that can hold the entire

Gardian family, this is a step in that direction,” Mr Phillips said.

“Our staff have been very supportive of the move.”

The Gardian businesses will be open in their new locations after the Christmas holidays on Tuesday 3rd January.

Gardian is on the move, with commercial and residential real estate moving to Victoria Street and insurance and finance co-locating on Wood Street. L-R: Gardian Directors Ben Phillips, Ben Kerrisk, Peter Phillips, Denise Phillips, Luke Phillips.

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT CUMMINS

including children,” Ms Thompson said. To date, Broken Ballerina Inc. has donated more than 100 hours of free counselling to its clients.

“We would like to give a special thank you to Heather McCurry for putting us forward for the grant and for supporting what we do in the community,” Ms Thompson added.

Mackay Branch Manager of Cummins South Pacific, Glen Jones, said the business is delighted to support Broken Ballerina with a grant and hampers to support survivors of domestic and family violence. “Cummins globally has a long-standing strategy to support the communities in which we operate,” Mr Jones said.

“This is typically through donating employee hours back to local not-for-profit organisations, something we encourage all our employees to do each year.

“In this instance, Broken Ballerina stood out for the outstanding work they were doing in the Mackay community, and we were able to secure a grant from the Cummins Foundation,” Mr Jones added.

“Our local Cummins CIT (Community Involvement Team) couldn’t have been prouder to be handing over the goods this week.

“We’d like to again thank Jules and all those involved for their outstanding support to this critically important cause.”

PAVING PATHS FOR INVESTORS

A LOCAL ADVICE FIRM IS BRINGING WORLD-CLASS INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS TO MACKAY

Domestic violence doesn’t take a break for the holidays, in fact, it often gets worse.

Being able to support vulnerable women and children in need year-round is the aim of Broken Ballerina Inc. who were the recipients of 10 hampers and a $5,000USD grant from Cummins earlier this week.

Broken Ballerina Inc. Founder Jules

Thompson said they are so grateful to have received these donations from the team at Cummins as it will enable them to help many people.

“As we don't receive government funding, the majority of the money received will be going to Rebecca Snell, Managing Director of Breakthrough Counselling and Support Services, to enable us to continue to provide free counselling to those in need,

Local independent firm, Alman Partners True Wealth, has been named the best Professional Financial Planning Practice in Australia, taking out the 2022 Financial Planning Association (FPA) Awards – Professional Practice of the Year.

Senior Financial Advisers & Partners of the firm, Stephen Lowry & Teneale Laister were present in Sydney at the FPA Congress in late November to accept the award.

“It certainly has been a journey,” Managing Partner Stephen Lowry said.

“Our firm started from humble beginnings with Mackay local Scott Alman in 1985. We now have 2 offices, opening our Brisbane location in 2020, and a team of 30, including some of the highest qualified Financial Advisers in the profession.

“Providing our clients with world-class advice and a 5-star experience has always been a focus for us, and we feel truly humbled by this acknowledgement for the work we do each and every day,” says Mr Lowry.

One of Alman Partners’ goals is to make financial advice universally accessible, and in early 2022 launched its self-directed investment platform, AP Direct Invest. Utilising Nobel-prize-winning academic research as a foundation, 6 portfolios have

been developed taking in 37 years of operating in the profession to create a lowcost entry-level investment option. Due to legislation and upheaval in the financial services industry in recent years, seeking full-service financial advice has become cost prohibitive to some investors, especially those starting out. Alman Partners holds a high belief that through continual education and a starting platform, these young investors over time will benefit from holistic advice.

As a founding member of a now global association of like-minded firms, Alman Partners is heavily involved with the Global Association of Independent Advisors (GAIA). This Association aims to share best practices in the profession whilst supporting the next generation of Financial Advisers. A 2nd generation Association has now formed with the focus of nurturing these emerging financial leaders, 2 of Alman Partners’ Advisers sit on this committee.

With a mission to Lead, Educate and Inspire, Alman Partners hosts a radio segment each month on ABC Tropical North Radio and has a scholarship programme for those studying financial planning through CQ University.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring worldclass investment solutions to regional Queensland,” says Teneale Laister.

Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina Inc. received 10 hampers and a cash grant from Cummins, with the Community Involvement Team from Cummins sourcing goods for the hampers. Photos supplied

Local Firefighters Join NSW Flood Rescue NEW CROSSING NEAR CANELANDS

or a property to determine if it is habitable, how much water has gone through the house, do they have power, running water, sewerage,” said Mr Jackson.

Service, Volunteer Rescue Association and SES.

Parts of NSW have been in a flood crisis for almost three months with emergency services from across the country rallying to assist.

Carl Jackson and Patrick McGuire of Mackay Fire and Rescue joined two firefighters from Gladstone and four from Airlie Beach, travelling to the NSW town of Deniliquin for seven days in late November.

The teams were tasked with conducting rapid damage assessments, spending most of their time in Moulamein, west of Deniliquin.

“It’s just a quick assessment of a house

“They call it rapid because it’s a brief snapshot of a particular area.

“That information then gets sent into the command centre to then allow our senior officers to coordinate the response and recovery and to allocate resources to specific areas.

“We were also part of a swift water crew, so if any persons were stuck in floodwater, we would then be the response crew to rescue them from the floodwater.”

The team also transported sandbags from Deniliquin to Moulamein, working alongside teams from Urban Search and Rescue, Marine Rescue, Rural Fire

“It was pretty cool … everyone wearing a different shirt but all working towards the same goal,” said Mr Jackson.

“Even though we’re from different agencies, we’ve got different procedures and policies, in the event of an emergency, we all just come together and we work in well together.”

Mr Jackson said while the town was experiencing an emergency, the people of Moulamein banded together.

“The first day we got there, there was a family of six with kids aged from seven up to 14 and they were helping to fill sandbags,” he said.

“That was just awesome to see, it’s just a good country town.”

Mangrove Road’s new signalised pedestrian crossing

Anew signalised pedestrian crossing has been installed on Mangrove Road to improve pedestrian connectivity and safety in the Mackay City Centre.

The signalised intersection is now operational. It replaces the old zebra crossing and features traffic lights, pedestrian signal displays and line marking.

Motorists are asked to please adhere to all traffic instructions.

These works are part of the Caneland Station Bus Interchange project.

To learn more about the project, visit council’s Connecting Mackay website.

The Caneland Station Bus Interchange project is funded by the Queensland Government, through Translink, and is managed by Mackay Regional Council.

Emergency services from across Australia joined forces to assist in the NSW flood response

Two Mackay firefighters were recently deployed to southern New South Wales to assist in the response to the state’s ongoing flood event.

Urban Greening Strategy Adopted

Mackay Regional Council has a plan to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected.

It’s all part of council’s new Mackay Urban Greening Strategy, which was adopted at last week’s ordinary council meeting.

Urban greening is the process of strategically identifying ways to protect, plan and plant vegetation across urban areas, including streets, parks, reserves, car parks and waterways.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the strategy would put a plan in place to increase vegetation coverage across the region over the next 20 years.

“Mackay’s urban vegetation cover is relatively low, and it is also declining in some areas,” he said.

“The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy was developed with community input, and it provides a vision, target, and actions to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected into the future.

“It will include actions, such as more planting projects, tree management, policy reviews and community engagement.

“Urban greening is a priority for us as a council as it not only provides shade from the hot sun, but it also improves air quality, reduces stormwater run-off and contributes to the amenity of Mackay’s urban character and sense of place.”

The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy highlights four key objectives including:

• growing greener and cooler neighbourhoods

• protecting and nurturing our valued green assets

• building community stewardship and partnerships

• adapting and learning.

For more information on the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening.

License To Chill

WHAT’S TRENDING IN LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN FOR 2023

Spending more time at home over the last few years means the search for style inspiration for outdoor living has never been greater. Making spaces work harder for longer seasonal use is the current garden trend.

The garden now needs to be multipurpose, with a space for entertaining and relaxing and it must look good too. In 2023 we will see a surge in less lawns and more actual gardens. It’s all about materials that can be natural, artisan and practical at the same time.

The planting spotlight is on successional designs that provide colour and interest all year round.

Water wise, sustainable plants and landscape materials will be a continuing trend, this can be achieved by using materials like volcanic stone, reclaimed timber or composite timber that require little to no maintenance.

A carefully thought-out irrigation system will ensure you spend more time enjoying the garden, plus it’s peace of mind if you want to go away.

Allocate a sheltered shady spot amongst the garden where you can bring all your indoor plants out, so they get looked after whilst everything else gets watered whilst you're away from home.

Traditionally the swimming pool has always been a focal point surrounded by lots of concrete. We are now moving into creating swimming pools with more narrow coping in cooler touch ceramics, textured travertine and even sunken edging transitioning to smooth rocks and surrounded by lush gardens. Utilizing multipurpose spaces, we are seeing tiered garden beds with alcoves in the newly revived rustic render effect for intimate seating and dining zones. Purpose built seating, arbours, fire pits and pizza ovens are creating the perfect place to enjoy around the pool area. Top it off with carefully placed lighting throughout the garden and don’t just keep it down at ground level, add strings of festoon lighting up high on walls, fences & trees to create a wonderful ambiance.

At Style Central Home we would be delighted to assist you in creating your very own outdoor sanctuary whether it be big or small. Whatever you are doing over the Christmas break, may you all have a happy, relaxing time with your

ones and we hope that 2023 is a positive and healthy year ahead.

Grant and Nicole Trone and their daughter Xanthe enjoy a walk under the tree canopy at Queens Park

Tracey Fincham

Style Central Home Email: tracey@stylecentralhome.com.au

loved

Refresh Your Home

Sometimes we feel our home gets cluttered and needs a refresh, however, the budget doesn’t have wiggle room for a full home-renovation makeover. There are many simple and cost-effective improvements you can do yourself that can make your home feel brand new – which don’t have to cost a fortune. Simple changes like freshening up your home décor, updating tapware or repainting a wall can make all the difference. See some of the smaller items you can do to your home to give it a new and refreshed feeling.

Out with the old and in with the new If you don’t love it or haven’t used it in the past 12 months, it’s a sign you may be able to let it go. Decluttering can be a good opportunity to sell items you no longer want or need to make money to buy the new piece of furniture or paint that’s on your wish list.

Introduce a new colour palette

Colour affects our emotions and moods so a fresh coat of paint or switching the colours in a room can dramatically make a difference to the way we feel in a space. Even consider painting your trimwork with an updated colour – this defines your home’s features, while creating a highend look. Freshening up a space with a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective but impactful change that can make a space feel brand new.

Switch up your tapware

Tapware can play a massive role in the way a bathroom or laundry space can make you feel. Simply switching up your tapware, and adding some cute new storage for supplies can make you feel like you’ve had a complete renovation.

Style your entry

The first impression of the home is the entryway. If your entryway feels like a

dumping ground, give it a quick refresh that will make your guests say ‘wow’. Adding a bowl or tray to put smaller items in (like keys) will help to tidy the area and keep those smaller things contained. To make the area feel bigger than it is, without knocking down a wall, add a mirror to one wall.

A home refresh doesn’t need to be a massive overhaul and doesn’t need to break the bank. Visit the helpful staff at Porters Mitre 10 stores for ideas and expert advice on how to refresh your home.

NQBP Announces Community Fund Recipients

Science and technology education, conservation and sailing skills are among nine community initiatives to be supported under North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 202223 Community Fund.

The Community Fund recipients will share $60,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver tangible benefits across NQBP’s port communities.

NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny congratulated the Community Fund recipients and said each initiative demonstrated an ability to make a real difference in their respective communities.

“We had a great response to our 2022-23 Community Fund, the inaugural year of the Fund, with 56 applications received,” Ms Kenny said.

“We’re proud to support a broad range of initiatives within each of our port communities via this year’s Community Fund.

“All the initiatives supported have a strong alignment with NQBP’s values of Excellence, Unity, Respect, and Integrity.”

From science kits for Sarina State School, sailing classes for people with disabilities in Mackay, mental health training for Bowen Flexi Care staff and the Bowen community, and Christmas hampers for Weipa foster children and carers, NQBP is playing an active role in the communities in which it operates.

Ms Kenny said the selected initiatives also promote the principles of diversity and inclusion, and recognition of First Nations Peoples.

“I would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this year’s Community Fund and wish those not selected for this year’s Fund the very best with their respective community initiatives,” she said.

“We look forward to working with our 2022-23 Community Fund partners to support their valuable initiatives over the coming year, and fostering stronger community connections.”

Sailability Mackay President, Nanetta McKeiver said the NQBP Community Fund sponsorship will assist the volunteer organisation in bringing joy to people with disability through the experience of sailing.

“We are extremely grateful for the support provided by NQBP,” Mrs McKeiver said.

“Through our sailing experience sessions, we aim to provide people with disability the opportunity to participate in the sport of sailing in a safe and supportive envi-

ronment and it’s only with the support of organisations like NQBP that we can continue to provide this opportunity to the Mackay community.”

The NQBP Community Fund is an annual sponsorship program open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities.

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.

The 2023-24 NQBP Community Fund will be open for applications in April/May 2023. A full list of the 2022-23 Community Fund recipients is below:

Recipient Initiative

Sarina State School (Hay Point)Funding will support the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and literacy program (purchase of STEAM kits)

Phoenix Place Inc (Mackay)

Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society (Mackay)

We are proud to announce the grant recipients of our $60,000 NQBP

Community Fund

Port of Mackay

Phoenix Place Inc

Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society

Sailability Mackay Inc

Whitsunday STEM Challenge

Port of Hay Point

Sarina State School

We look forward to working with our 2022-23 Community Fund partners to support their valuable initiatives over the coming year.

Port of Abbot Point

Bowen Flexi Care Community Solutions

Port of Weipa Weipa Community Care Weipa Running Festival

Sailability Mackay Inc

Whitsunday STEM Challenge (Mackay)

Bowen Flexi Care

Funding will go towards a Barista course for people with disability

Funding will support the development of a Conservation Management Plan for Pine Islet Lighthouse (located at the Mackay Marina)

Funding will support the purchase of new equipment for sailing experience sessions for people with disability

Funding will enable the purchase of a Human Powered Vehicle challenge for the Whitsunday STEM Challenge

Funding will go towards mental health First Aid training for staff and members of the Bowen community

Community Solutions (Bowen)Funding will support training courses for people with disability within the community

Weipa Community Care

Funding will support the creation of Christmas hampers for foster children and carers

To find out more visit nqbp.com.au

Weipa Running Festival

Funding will support the 2024 Weipa Running Festival

Sailability Mackay’s sailing experience sessions for people with disability (pictured) is one of nine community initiatives to be supported under NQBP’s 2022-23 Community Fund

A Sweet Partnership With The Sugarcane Industry

perity and sustainability of the sugarcane industry,” Mr Furner said.

“This grant will see a further $14.25M committed to strategic RD&E investments that will increase our understanding of industry problems, enable the uptake of advanced technology, and implement innovative management practices to strengthen the industry.

“Our research support for agriculture, together with investment from our research partners, is key to helping farmers to solve production problems so they get on with what they do best, growing the world’s best food and fibre.”

Mr Furner said cane growers could also benefit significantly under the government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

“The plan recognises growers, graziers and bioenergy generators are key partners in our clean energy transition,” he said.

dustry to grow and adapt to future challenges.

“Sugarcane is a vital industry to Queensland’s economy and for building regional prosperity,” Ms Baker said.

“SRA is focused on boosting our industry to deliver immediate value through our industry services and also long-term sustainability and growth. Investment

in RD&E is critical, and I welcome the Queensland Government’s commitment to sugarcane RD&E through this grant.”

The overall contribution from the sugarcane industry to Queensland’s gross value of production for 2020-2021 is estimated to be $1.15 billion, a 12.7 per cent increase from the previous year, when production was affected by drier seasons.

Did you know that in the 2020-2021 financial year, Queensland produced 96 per cent of Australia’s sugarcane?

In a partnership that goes back to the 1900s, the Queensland Government is continuing its support for Queensland’s sugarcane industry with a 5-year $14.25 million funding grant to Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) for research, development and extension (RD&E) activities.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Government had been working with and supporting this iconic industry for 122 years.

“The Queensland Government has a long-standing history of supporting RD&E activities that improve the pros-

As part of the 2022-23 State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government announced a new Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund (the fund) which will invest $10 million over two years, to boost the resilience of regional and remote communities.

The Department of Energy and Public Works is currently developing guidelines and eligibility requirements for the fund, with the guidelines expected to be released by the end of 2022. Canegrowers, or sugar mills, are welcome to apply if eligibility requirements are met.

SRA recently completed its new 5-year Strategic Plan, identifying 5 strategic pillars to help grow and shape the prosperity of the Australian sugarcane industry and regional communities.

SRA Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the funding commitment from the Queensland Government was extremely welcome and would greatly assist the in-

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner

The Allan Cameron Park in Walkerston is now open after recent upgrades.

Allan Cameron Rotary Park was originally a Walkerston Rotary Club project in partnership with Mackay Regional Councilway back in the year 2000.

As the Allan Cameron Rotary Park was established in 2000 and all of the children's playground equipment would need replacing as it was quite old and dilapidated and no longer up to standard requirements - the proposal to upgrade the park to an 'Adult Exercise Playground' came about.

A survey had been conducted with the findings that the park was hardly used, except by students waiting for the school bus which stops there.

The fact that a bigger and better equipped playground had been built in the same area, just down the street on the corner of Stevic Street - and has high visitation numbers, was also taken into account.

The Adult Exercise Playground was suggested as it was noted that many 'walkers' cut through the park on their daily exercise route, therefore the suggestion of exercise equipment.

The Walkerston Rotary Club was consulted and kept informed every step of the upgrade which was greatly appreciated.

Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary Club.

Allan Cameron Park upgrades are complete. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

Allan Cameron Rotary Park at the very beginning - with Mr Cameron at the official opening. Image supplied

Academic Awards For Walkerston Students

Congratulations to St John’s Catholic School’s Harrison Freiberg and Nathan Salter and Walkerston State School’s Sophie Vassallo who were recently presented academic awards by the Walkerston Rotary Club.

At the end of every school year, the Rotary Club of Walkerston has the great pleasure of presenting School Dux Awards at Walkerston’s

two local primary schoolsWalkerston State School and St John's Catholic School.

The Club Congratulates our three recipients of this award for 2022, and wishes them every success as they continue their education at secondary level.

To Sophie, Nathan and Harrison, our sincere congratulations.

Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary Club.

Sophie Vassallo with Rotarian Bente McDonald

Harrison Freiberg and Nathan Salter with Rotarian Ray Borg

Junior Coaches Award Chloe Knight. Senior Coaches Award Jackson Kay

Thank you and Farewell gifts for the Mustapha family and former Treasurer Brooke McKeowen

2022 Q Plate recognition shirts

Rider of the Year Connor ParishClub Person of the Year Terry Bonehill 2021 A plate recognition shirts. Photo credit: MAD BMX Club

ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH

MACALISTER STREET

Christmas service times for the UNITING CHURCHES IN THE MACKAY REGION ‘Christ is born!’

Services

ST PAUL’S, Macalister Street, Mackay

Sunday 18 December 9.15am Nine Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve 6pm Rev. Dr Julia Pitman and puppets

Christmas Eve 8pm Rev. Dr Julia Pitman

Christmas Day 8am Rev. Dr Julia Pitman

Christmas Day 7am Radio Church Rev. Dr Julia Pitman

Christmas Day 8am Kid’s Radio Church 105.9FM Mackay

95.9FM Sarina, 88FM Proserpine and the Whitsundays http://my105fm.com.au/listen-live/

CALEN, 42 McIntyre Street

Friday 23 December 5.30pm Carol singing, story time and Christmas fancy dress

NORTHSIDE, cnr Bedford Rd and Fleurs Way, Andergrove

Christmas Eve 6pm Rev. Wayne McHugh

Christmas Day 8am Rev. Wayne McHugh

IONA WEST, 7 Brooks Street, West Mackay

Christmas Eve 5pm Christmas Day 7am

PIONEER VALLEY, Walkerston and Mirani

Christmas Eve 7pm St Andrew’s, Walkerston

Sunday 18 December 7pm Carols The Valley, Mirani

Christmas Day 8am The Valley, Mirani

SARINA, Range Road

Christmas Day 7am Ps Jeff Grant

CARMILA, St Bartholomew’s

Christmas Eve 5pm Ps Jeff Grant

No Room In The Inn MAKE ROOM FOR CHRIST AND OTHERS THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas how can you make room in your life for the Christchild, the Saviour of the world?

Christmas is a time for awe, wonder and response. The angels sing glory to God. The shepherds proclaim the birth of the king of the world. Mary rejoices that God chose her to carry the Saviour. The wise men follow a star, are over whelmed with joy, and kneel down and worship the babe of Bethlehem.

This Christmas experience anew the awe and wonder of the birth of Christ by finding your local church, attending a Christmas service, and contributing to a Christmas appeal. More than just family, presents and food, Christmas is a time to be confronted by the awe-inspiring reality of the birth of God into the world: Emmanuel, God is with us. The God who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) identifies with us in life’s challenges.

This Christmas how can you make room in your life for people seeking accommoda-

IT MAKES GOOD CENTS

Imagine if for minimal or no expense, your business can make changes that will allow you to increase your customer base and your bottom line? Interested…?

When we think of people with a disability, typically a person in a wheelchair comes to mind. However over 90% of disabilities are invisible and more than half of these people are aged over 55. One in six people in our community have sight, hearing, social and mobility barriers that can result in a poor customer service experience – that’s 20% of potential customers your business could be missing out on!

There is a myth that making your business more accessible is costly. One of the simplest solutions is to educate your staff how to communicate well with people experiencing communication barriers which could include cerebral palsy, stroke or come

from a non-English speaking background. Good communication equals good customer service.

The Good Access Equals Good Business Guide was created by Mackay Regional Council and the Access and Inclusion Reference Group. It is a brilliant resource for local businesses to identify their accessibility issues with a simple checklist.

Armed with this knowledge, business owners can then use the guide to make small changes that can make a big difference; attracting new customers and repeat business. It can also help businesses meet their legal responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).

The Queensland Government has declared 2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland. $12 million in funding has

been announced to support small and medium businesses to develop or enhance accessibility.

The Mackay region is striving to enhance our reputation as an inclusive and accessible destination; the Seaforth Esplanade and Woodlands Parkland upgrades are a testament to our commitment to create amazing spaces for our whole community and visitors to enjoy.

We can shine as an Accessible Tourism Destination, and it starts with empowering our local businesses by dispelling the myths around access and inclusion and making the small changes that will take their business to the next level.

tion in the Mackay region?

The Roman Emperor called Mary and Joseph to their home town of Bethlehem for registration, but there were so many people present that they could not find a place to stay. ‘And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). Mary found room in the animals’ quarters to give birth and to lay the baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough. From their treasure chests, the wise men offered lavish gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

This year, people seeking work in the Mackay region are looking for accommodation. Can you spare a room or a granny-flat out the back for people to come to Mackay to work? Can you advertise to take in a boarder? Like the innkeeper and the wise men, let us be adaptable and generous in helping to solve the shortage of housing in Mackay.

REV. DR JULIA PITMAN

Everyone in our community deserves to feel welcome, included and experience great customer service wherever they go.

ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH

Cr. Michelle Green Mackay Regional Council

Vandals Ruin Popular Play Area For Christmas

Aclimbing unit and hammock swing located in Iluka Park playground in East Mackay will be temporarily closed while council waits for replacement equipment to arrive.

Mayor Greg Williamson said vandals had recently targeted the play equipment, which was due for renewal.

“The team had modified the climbing unit to allow it to remain in service until the replacement equipment could be installed, however for reasons that totally baffle us, vandals have attacked the equipment with an angle grinder,” he said.

“Regrettably, crews now have no option but to remove the climbing unit and swing.

“This destructive behaviour is unacceptable, and it means that this play equipment is now out of action for the Christmas school holidays.

“The climbing unit has been cordoned off for public safety and is being removed.

“The good news is that most of the other

play equipment in the park was not touched and remains available for use.”

If anyone has any information regarding the vandalism in Iluka Park, or at any of our other parks or playgrounds across the region, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Light And Hope This Christmas

The image of the man, wom an and baby in the darkened stable has had a powerful hold on people’s imaginations over millennia.

What makes it so powerful? Maybe it’s because so many can identify with the man or the woman, huddled in darkness, turned away from the inn, apart from family.

How many people now feel displaced, not ‘at home’ in their surroundings? How many suffer the darkness of loneliness, betrayal and rejection? How many dwell in the shadow of illness and grief?

Mary and Joseph are first time parentshow many live with the anxiety of uncertainty about their actions, about the future for themselves and the family? The materi-

al world is not always a hospitable place.

But look closer! There is the baby, a universal symbol of hope and love. But there’s more: a light glowing through, and out from, the baby, and the light casts out the darkness, and the darkness has no power against the light.

The light is the sign of God in a human life, re-creating lives. In a world of uncertainty, the God of creation, life and love is still at work. I have seen many lives transformed by God’s presence.

At Christmas, those who have found the glory of this joy gather to give thanks for, and share, this most wonderful inner peace. Come and join us and, wherever you are, may you know God’s blessings of joy.

Mackay Anglican Community

2022 ANGLICAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Sunday, 18th December

3.00pm St Margaret’s, Nebo

5.00pm Holy Trinity, Mackay - Blue Christmas Service

Wednesday, 21st December

And just like that another year draws to a close. As we wrap up 2022, I’ve been very reflective. I don’t know why I do it but every year I look back on what was. It’s bittersweet because I must turn another year older, but it feels good to see the back of this one. Finally, we have gotten on top of the COVID pandemic, life is going back to a real normal around the world and I am honestly so excited for 2023. My pro tip to start the year off in the right way is to not wait until January to start your new year resolutions. I signed back up to the gym a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been enjoying picking up some weights and feeling good about going into the holiday break as my most healthy and motivated self. That’s my resolution but whatever yours may be, start it sooner rather than later.

They say it only takes on average 66 days to develop a habit, so if you start right now, you’ll be in the swing of things by February and will have set up the new year to be your best yet. As I write this, I know I only have a few more days until I switch off for the year and take some much-needed time to enjoy time with my family and a lot of sleep-ins ahead of taking over the brekkie show with Scotty in the new year.

I hope you can join us for your mornings in 2023, I cannot wait to see what we can do on the show and with you next year.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone in Mackay and the Whitsundays. Stay safe and see you on the flip side!

Kaley

10.30am St Ambrose, North Mackay

Friday, 23rd December 9.30am St Charles, West Mackay

Christmas Eve - Saturday, 24th December

5.30pm St Ambrose, North Mackay - Family Service

5.30pm The Good Shepherd, Mirani

6.30pm All Saints, Koumala

7.00pm St Paul’s, Proserpine - Lessons & Carols

7.30pm St Charles, West Mackay

7.30pm St Mary Magdalene, Walkerston

11.00pm Holy Trinity, Mackay - Carols & Eucharist Christmas Day - Sunday, 25th December

8.00am Holy Trinity, Mackay

8.00am St Luke’s, Sarina 8.00am St Mary Magdalene, Walkerston 8.00am St Paul’s, Proserpine

Reflection from Ven Dr Rosemary Dunn Archdeacon of Mackay

EVENTGUIDE

Christmas Wrapping

9:00am to 4:00pm daily

SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be Christmas Wrapping at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight starting November 26 until Christmas Eve daily 9am to 4pm. Gold coin plus extra for over-sized gifts. All proceeds go to local charities including Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop (Australian Street Aid Project) and Mackay Animal Rescue Society.

Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight

Gift Wrapping For A Great Cause

From December 8 to 24

Get your Christmas gift wrapping sorted and help make a difference through a small donation to the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Our gift-wrapping elves will be located in front of the food court travelators, helping to make Christmas that little bit easier for all. Bookings not required.

Mount Pleasant Centre

Santa Photos

Daily until December 24

Santa Claus is coming to Mount Pleasant Centre.

Mount Pleasant Centre

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER

Cookie Decorating Workshops

Friday, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm

The only thing sweeter than being on the nice list is a ticket to Mount Pleasant’s Christmas cookie decorating workshops. This is a chance to get creative with your festive decorating skills and create a delicious treat to take home (or eat on the spot!)

Mount Pleasant Centre

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks. Held on the 3rd Friday of each month,

Conversations with Art is held in one of the three gallery spaces, or in the Artspace Workshop Room. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, everyone is welcome.

Artspace Mackay Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

Mackay Cricket Dixon Homes Div

1 T20 Shootout Round 2

Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm

Don't miss a second of the action at Harrup Park as the 2022/23 Dixon Homes T20 Shootout continues for yet another thriller season! 10:00AM Souths Sharks v NorthsHP 5. 2:00PM Walkerston v Brothers - HP 5. Harrup Park

Latin Dance Christmas Party Saturday, 6:30pm

KelSi Latin Dance Christmas Party, the last social dance of 2022. Share the Christmas spirit and the Love of Dance at this free event. Everyone is welcome.

Burrito Bar

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER

Eimeo Beachside Market Sunday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

The final Eimeo Beachside Market for 2022 is happening on Sunday with great stall holders lined up including psychic readings, massage, clothing, barista coffee, food and much more. From 10:00am the bar will be open so come

on down and get your Mimosa. Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Sunday Live Music – Mango Junction Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and icecold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Santa Paws Pet Photos Sunday, 2:30pm and 5:30pm

Everyone gets their time with Santa this season, including our furry friends! Your pet will get the su-paw-star treatment having their pic taken with Santa, making precious family memories for years to come. Bookings essential. To secure your spot, head to: https://mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whatson/.

Mount Pleasant Centre

MONDAY 19 DECEMBER

Santa visits Harrup Park Monday, 5:00pm to 7:00pm Come and see Santa as he visits Harrup Park in preparation for Christmas Day for FREE family photos. Santa will be in the Lancaster Rooms from 5pm-7pm.

Harrup Park

WEDNESDAY 21

DECEMBER

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer. Bluewater Quay

Mexican Fiesta Wednesday, 6:30pm

Join The Dispensary for a night full of celebration and Tequila! Hosted by Brown

Forman, this is one event you don't want to miss! Package includes 5 x Herradura Tequila Cocktails, street food and a bottle of Herradura Plata. Come in your best Mexican attire as there will be a prize for best dressed. The Dispensary

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER

Blacks Beach Clean-Up and Christmas Afternoon Tea

Thursday, 2:00pm

Tackle one of the world's most solvable environmental challenges - ocean litter. Join the clean up on Blacks Beach and improve the health of the oceans. What to bring: hat, water bottle, and sun safe clothing. Afternoon tea provided. To find out more visit cva.org.au.

Blacks Beach Park

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

Santa Photos

Mango Junction

Mexican Fiesta

Blacks Beach Clean-Up

Christmas School Holiday Event Guide

LIBRARIES

Summer Reading Club

The Summer Reading Club is on again! Young people and families are invited to join the Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages summer-long reading, plus engagement with your local library. The challenge runs from Thursday, December 1 until Tuesday, January 31. Sign up for eNewsletters for more information.

Christmas For Kids

Friday, December 16, from 10am to 11amSarina Library

Hey kids, get into the spirit of Christmas at your local library! Children aged five to 12 years of age are invited to join us for some Christmas craft and some festive carols.

Movie Matinee – A Boy Called Christmas (PG)

Friday, December 16, 2:00pm to 4:00pmGordon White Library

An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical, comic and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible. Adapted from the best-selling book by Matt Haig.

Hogwarts Mega Lego Drop-in Project

From Monday, December 19 to Friday, January 20 - Sarina Library and Mirani Library

Hogwarts and Lego – does it get any better? Drop into Sarina and Mirani Libraries over the holidays to contribute to this mega Lego structure!

Lego Drop-in Days

Tuesday, December 20 to Thursday, December 22 - Sarina Library Tuesday, January 10 to Thursday, January 12 - Mirani Library

Tuesday, January 17 to Thursday January 19 - Walkerston Library

Imagine. Connect. Construct. Lego encourages children to explore, design, create and play. No bookings required.

Magformers Drop-in Days

Tuesday, December 20 to Thursday, December 22 - Walkerston Library Tuesday, January 10 to Thursday, January 12 - Sarina Library Tuesday, January 17 to Thursday January 19 - Mirani Library

Click. Connect. Create. Magformers are educational construction toys for children of all ages that allow you to build your own magnetic 3D structures. A world of exploration and discovery, limited only to your imagination. No bookings required.

Bamboo Construction Drop-in Days

Tuesday, December 20 to Thursday, December 22 - Mirani Library Tuesday, January 10 to Thursday, January 12 - Walkerston Library Tuesday, January 17 to Thursday January 19 - Sarina Library

Engineer. Design. Build. Children are encouraged to explore, investigate, develop ideas and find new ways of thinking, creating and building. No bookings required.

Bedtime Stories

Thursday, January 19, 5:00pm to 6:00pmGordon White Library and Dudley Denny City Library

A fun evening for children from birth to eight years of age and their families. This session features nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas!

Movie Matinee – Lightyear

Friday, January 20, 2:00pm to 4:00pmGordon White Library

Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo, Darby, and his robot companion, Sox.

Puppeteering Workshop

Thursday, January 12, and Friday, January 13, 10:00am to 2:00pm - Gordon White Library

Two whole days of puppeteering! Learn the secrets to bringing your puppets to life (and maybe cause a little mayhem). For young adults aged 12 to 18 years. Please note: Participants should be able to commit to both days.

Anime Manga Club

Thursday, January 19, 5:30pm to 7:00pmGordon White Library

Come on out anime and manga fans! Share your favourite story ideas, drawings and all things Japanese. Suitable for young adults aged 12 to 18 years.

ARTSPACE MACKAY

Garlands from the Garden Saturday, December 10, to Friday, December 23 Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay Bring your friends and family to Artspace Mackay during the December school holidays and learn to use different kinds of leaves to make beautiful, natural garlands for a wonderful sustainable Christmas! You can say no to plastic decorations this year - simply snip, fold, stitch and tie mango, eucalypt and coconut leaves together to create special handmade garlands to decorate your room. The possibilities are endless! This is a drop-in style activity with instructions and signage to guide you, parental supervision for children is essential. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, no bookings necessary. Artspace Mackay opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm (closed Mondays).

SARINA SUGAR SHED

Special kids tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed

Every day of the school holidays, 10:30am. Please note, no school holiday tours from

December 27, 2022 to January 2, 2023. This fun, interactive session focuses on the kids, with the added bonus of adults being welcome at kids' prices!

MACKAY REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Tibbles Word Search

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Tibbles the friendly garden gnome is adventuring through the Tropical Shade Garden during the holidays. Find all the hidden gnomes to discover the secret code. Suitable for kids aged five to 12 years.

Nature Crafts

Tuesday, December 20 and Wednesday, December 21, 9:00am to 10:00am

Create holiday-themed crafts, perfect for gifts or ornaments. Open to all ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Holiday Card Creation

Tuesday, December 20 and Wednesday, December 21, 10:30am to 3:00pm

Add a personal touch to gift giving this year with a handmade holiday card. Decorate a native fauna themed card and write a kind message inside. Open to all ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Pot Plant Decorating

Thursday, December 22, 10am to 11.30am

Decorate a small pot and take home a plant from the Mackay Natural Environment Centre. Bookings required and spaces limited, phone 4952 7300 to book your spot. Cost: $5.

Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

SARINA YOUTH CENTRE

The Sarina Youth Centre will host a range of school holiday drop-in activities for young people aged 10 to 21 years. There is a limit of spots, so please register to attend by calling 4961 9278 or email sarinayouthcentre@ mackay.qld.gov.au.

Summer Reading Club

Garlands from the Garden

Sarina Sugar Shed

Nature Craft

SPECIAL CAT FINDS SPECIAL HOME

Three-year-old Ron has become the first cat in Mackay to be rehomed by RSPCA Queensland’s Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) rehoming program.

Ron will spend his Christmas in the care of his new loving family after being adopted earlier this week.

When the charming and friendly Domestic Short Hair Mix came into the care of RSPCA Mackay through the Mackay Animal Management Centre, not a lot was known about his life story or his history with FIV.

"A lot of the time, FIV cats are usually tom cats that live outside, but he's obviously been someone's pet at some point because he's so friendly,” said Animal Attendant

Nerida Sadler.

FIV is a virus that causes a gradually progressive decline in immune function, estimated to be present in approximately 14-29 per cent of Australia’s cat population.

Symptoms include weight loss, anaemia and dental problems but, despite this, many FIV-positive cats are expected to have a normal life expectancy and similar quality of life to uninfected cats.

"We just realised that there was a need to find these animals homes because there wasn't any reason they couldn't live a normal life," said Ms Sadler.

“(Ron) deserves a chance and that's what this program's been really good for, is giving those cats a chance when, in the past, they

might not have been.”

RSPCA Queensland’s FIV rehoming program has been running state-wide for 18 months, with Ron being the most recent of over 30 cats to be rehomed through the program.

FESTIVAL BRINGS WORLD-CLASS MUSOS TO EUNGELLA

World class musos brought locals together at the Eungella Community Hall over the weekend, as part of the Festival of Small Halls Summer 2022 Tour.

Festival of Small Halls features folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham from northern New South Wales and young traditional-folk trio Inn Echo from Canada, while they tour small communities up the east coast of Queensland.

Community Bank Sarina sponsored the tour performance in Eungella with Board Chair Karen May being the emcee for the evening.

“Post-pandemic, we have been focusing on sponsorships for community organi-

sations and groups to hold events and we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to help bring a large event to our valley community,” said Ms May.

“In the past, we have partnered with the Eungella State School P&C Association who organised and catered the Festival of Small Halls Eungella performance.

“We sponsored the P&C again to assist in the costs associated with organising this year’s event, including covering the booking fees for the venue, so more profits could go back to the students.”

Eungella State School P&C Association member Mandy Tennent is grateful for the sponsorship and “looks forward to continuing and building our relationship

A NEW FLAG FOR AN INDEPENDENT NATION

AMackay resident has designed and created a potential alternative to the current Australian flag that she says encompasses all current flags.

Valerie Christiansen says she got her creative genes from her father who designed, planned and built houses.

“He was very good at designing plans, he sat in his office forever designing plans and building houses,” she said.

“I think I got the talent from him to design.”

When the discussion of a new Australian flag was raised, Valerie decided to put her skills to the test.

“I knew I had the talent to do it,” she said.

“To me it’s been like a duty to do it.

“An idea came to my head just to do the horizontal lines and all the colours.”

The flag features the red, black and yellow of the Aboriginal flag, the green, blue and white of the Torres Strait Islander flag, the red, white and blue of the current Australian flag and the iconic Australian green and gold.

The Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star remain in Valerie’s design while the Union Jack has been omitted.

“I feel it’s really good because it encompasses all the colours,” she said.

“I think we’re reaching independence soon … we need a flag that’s uniting all of the flags.

with Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank in future years”.

“This sponsorship has helped more profits to go back to our P&C, and therefore flow onto our remote rural students, in support of their education.”

“Bringing world-class musos to our local hall for a night of magic and entertainment in the Valley means our community doesn’t have to travel far to experience

something they would in the city.”

Visit the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page to keep up to date with all future sponsorships and events.

“I knew at the end it was right, you know when something’s right.”

Valerie took advice on the design from her friends, with a friend also assisting with the sewing.

“It was a team effort, the way it’s ended up,” she said.

She said now that she’s happy with the final product, she’s eager to see what the community thinks of her design.

“It’s not an easy thing to do because you’ve got to make something that everybody’s going to like,” she said.

“It’s just a proposed one and if it’s popular it's popular and if it isn’t it isn’t.”

Inn Echo Trio from Canada MC Karen May

Valerie Christiansen has designed a potential alternative to the Australian flag

Valerie’s flag

FAMILY FUN AT PARKSIDE

School holidays kicked off with a bang at Parkside Plaza last Saturday. Visitors of all ages were treated to face painting, a petting zoo, games and prizes, with HitFM broadcasting live from the plaza and businesses like Baskin Robbins and Active Blends getting on board with activities and specials.

LOCAL ARTIST AMONG BEST IN QUEENSLAND

Abudding Mackay artist is one of thirty Year 12 students across Queensland to have been crowned winners of the 2022 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art.

Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) student Alexandra Clifford was recognised for her Collagraph Triptych piece titled ‘Disguised in the Dark’ which was inspired by an excursion to Cape Hillsborough National Park.

“The negative treatment of the environment is a repetitive human trait and through this piece the continual loss of ink through the three images demonstrates humanity as a parasite on nature,” Alexandra said in her artist statement.

“Within each print, the ink becomes lighter and lighter, showing the way in which humans are destroying nature and we can’t instantly see the damage but if compared over time, it is very easy to see.

“Through my personal connection with Cape Hillsborough National Park, a place I’ve visited many times, this beautiful landscape is marred as I continue to see human impact remaining unnoticed.”

The graduated year 12 student resides on a cattle farm in Clermont and says she has an acute understanding of land management and how we can have a positive effect on the landscape through respect for the environment.

Education Minister Grace Grace congratulated the winners on their outstanding achievement.

“The Excellence Awards recognise the incredible talent and dedication shown by Queensland art students,” Ms Grace said.

“Congratulations to all students who entered, I hope you are encouraged to continue creating and exploring visual art in life after school.”

Fellow WAS students Lachlan Nelson, Mikayla Parrotta and Hailey Rodger also entered pieces, with Hailey receiving a 2022 Regional Encouragement Award for her large scale etching and screen-print work titled ‘Drained in Nature’.

The winners of the 2022 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art will have their art exhibited at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane from 22 April 2023.

Alexandra Clifford and her piece ‘Disguised in the Dark’

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE RUGBY LEAGUE

Under the guidance of newly appointed coaches Ian Schifilliti (Boys) and Jake Harney (Girls), the College will field powerful and exciting squads that should prove a force to be reckoned with in 2023

Our current group is brimming with talent - we have the nucleus of this year’s champion squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor and Bailey Caruana. - Ian Schifilliti

When the St Patrick’s College Mackay boys and girls rugby league teams saddle up for their respective campaigns in 2023 they’ll both be motivated by a common desire.

Acquiring silverware has become second nature to this proud school with a rich sporting history, and after three runners up achievements this season the rugby league cohort will be athletes on a mission.

Bringing home the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophies, NRL Schoolgirls and Schoolboys Cups plus the Aaron Payne Cup are top priorities for the College that has spawned Kangaroos internationals in Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Under the guidance of newly appointed coaches Ian Schifilliti (Boys) and Jake Harney (Girls), the College will field powerful and exciting squads that should prove a force to be reckoned with in 2023.

Harney, a talented half back who had stints with Wynnum Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Hostplus Cup, has assembled a very strong girls combination – with eight members back

on deck next season.

Outstanding hooker Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative players returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power running props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.

They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trinity Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field and Mercy College graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney.

The inspirational Johns is a product of the Norths Devils club and rated one of the best number nines on the Queensland schools and Junior League scene.

A wily hooker with silky passing skills, warrior Paityne has turned in consistent performances in recent seasons with her ability to read a game, no-nonsense defence and spring-heeled runs from dummy half.

Johns and her teammates are determined to lift the second annual Girls Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy at the 2023 Carnival in Brisbane.

It is all systems go for the mighty Mackay

maidens who have next year’s Confraternity Games and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 trophies on the top of their wish lists.

St Patrick’s College impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s inaugural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.

Marymount College from Burleigh Waters defeated a courageous St Patrick’s side 1810 in the Shield decider.

It is that taste of big match experience that will spur this impressive and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.

The girls are reaping the benefits of a tough pre-season campaign and remain in tip-top shape following extensive strength and conditioning and skills sessions.

Nucleus of the St Patrick’s team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.

An appreciative Harney will be assisted by one of the region’s best young coaches in Wanderers JRLFC mentor Imogen Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.

The respected Healy guided the club to this

year’s Mackay & District Junior League Under 16s Girls Grand Final where they were beaten 10-6 by Moranbah Miners.

St Patrick’s College top grade rugby league coach Ian Schifilliti says he is “honoured and excited” to be taking over the reins from Michael Comerford, the newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach, in 2023.

“It is a privilege to step into the shoes of Michael who has shaped the St Patrick’s Rugby League Academy into a real force,” said Ian.

“Our current group is brimming with talent - we have the nucleus of this year’s champion squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor and Bailey Caruana.

“Add promising Mercy colts like Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, Kooper Shears, Cohen Jackson, Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy to the mix and you have the ingredients for a competitive outfit in 2023,” he declared.

By Chris Karas

St Patrick’s College Mackay’s Rugby League Class of 2023 are hungry for success next season

MARATHON MAN

BREAKING THE STIGMA OFMUSCLES IN ENDURANCE

Kay’s beaming smile after completing the New York Marathon, wearing a top featuring his three children for inspiration

Kay proving muscles can move long distances at the GC50 event earlier this month. Images supplied

“If I can inspire someone to get out of the door and run, then that’s pretty special.”

His goal was to run one marathon, but fate had a different set of plans for Kay Nyenuh. This December, Kay completed his sixth marathon in six months, including the world’s largest marathon in New York City a month prior.

It all started with a desire to run the Gold Coast Marathon, but COVID-19 restrictions put a spanner in the works.

“My goal was only ever the one marathon, but one week before the event in 2021, it was cancelled because of COVID,” Kay said.

Not deterred, Kay ran the marathon anyway here in Mackay, but he hadn’t lost the hunger to pound the pavement on the Gold Coast. Setting the plan in motion for a re-do in 2022, he tackled the Hamilton Island Hilly Half in May and the Mackay Marina Run in June, to prepare for the big show.

“Just before the Gold Coast Marathon, I ran the Mackay Road Runners 30km championships and ran my best ever time over 30km. That gave me so much confidence heading towards the Gold Coast,” Kay said.

With more than 1,400km of training behind him, Kay entered the Gold Coast Marathon in the best running shape of his life. He ran his best-ever marathon time of 3:15:50, despite experiencing cramps during the race for the first time.

In the best shape of his life for long-distance running, Kay didn’t want to stop after the Gold Coast. Having experienced Christmas in New York with family the year before, Kay entered 2022 with a new perspective on life.

“Coming home at the start of the year it

was a very dif ferent time in my life as my marriage had broken up,” Kay said.

“For the first time I had to deal with not having my kids there when I woke up every morn ing, not having them there every night. It was a challenging time. I’d come home from work and on the weeks that I didn’t have the kids, it was like, ‘what do I do now’?

“Running is one of those things that helped.

“After I completed the GC Marathon, I walked out of my counsellor’s office and he said, ‘this is your life now, you need to decide what you want to do’.

“And I thought, ‘this is my life, what do I want to do’?

“So, I decided I wanted to travel the world and run marathons. I set the goal to do a marathon every month. I did Townsville in August, then September was the Sydney Marathon, and in October I ran the Melbourne Marathon.”

Kay had his eye on an even bigger challenge.

“I made the decision to do the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which are the six most renowned marathons in the world; Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons,” he said.

“New York wasn’t meant to be first up, it’s nearly impossible to get in. I didn’t have the qualifying time needed to enter, the charity options were full, and the marathon tour groups were all booked.

“However, I received an email that a spot opened up with one of the tour groups, so New York was suddenly on the list for Novem-

Kay said that experiencing the New York Marathon was almost impossible to put into words.

“It’s you and 50,000 other people. It’s the biggest marathon in the world, it’s like nothing else.

“I also had family cheering for me which made it really special.”

Kay ended a phenomenal year back on the Gold Coast in December to run the 50km event, 8km longer than a normal marathon.

“The Gold Coast Marathon is my favourite in Australia,” Kay said.

“It’s along the coast, with people cheering the entire way along the course. When you’re running you spend a lot of time in your head, so when you have people cheering to take your mind off the run, it’s beautiful.”

Kay plans to continue to conquer the Abbott Majors.

“Next year (2023) I’m aiming to run the London Marathon in April, and then Berlin later in the year.

“Berlin is the fastest marathon course in the world so it will be special to do that. London will be cold, but the colder the better.”

He is also hoping to run the Gold Coast

Marathon again, which in 2023 falls on his birthday.

Kay says that running has helped him through a difficult year and is hoping to break the stigma that you need to be a certain body shape to run.

“Because I’m in the fitness industry I come into contact with people who say ‘I’m not a runner’, and I think nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

“My mantra is nobody was born a runner. When I do these events and people look at me like, wow, the big guy is running a marathon. It’s about changing people's perspective on what’s possible.”

“If you say, ‘I can’t do that’, if you accept it, then that’s true, but if you say you can, it can be done.

“People have said ‘what are you running away from’ but running this year has represented freedom. I’m in this unique state of my life that I haven’t been in for a very long time, so it’s an expression of freedom.

“Make it a year you do something that’s crazy. Step outside your comfort zone and move yourself forward.”

Kay has recently announced that a fourth gym under his Muscle Garden brand will be opened in 2023 in the Northern Beaches.

“As well as those three marathons, my challenge in 2023 will be the growth of my business and raising my children so they know they are loved. It’s a new world for me as a single dad, that will be a challenge in itself.”

Kay’s best ever marathon time at the Gold Coast Marathon earlier this year in July

WAS Claim Volleyball Gold Oztag Refs Recognised

WAS year 12 girls have walked away from the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup with gold medals

WAS year 12 girls finished the tournament in fifth place.

VOLLEYBALL

The year 12 Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) girls volleyball team have claimed division 3 gold after a week of competition at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast last week.

Touted as the largest school-based sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere, the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup is the marquee junior participation event in the national events portfolio, bringing together hundreds of secondary school teams from across Australia and New Zealand.

Led by coaches Nigel McDuff and Nikki Palmer, the WAS girls finished the group stage in second place after four wins and two losses.

The girls came up against third placed Merici College from Canberra and competition leaders St Scholastica's College from Sydney in the semi-finals, defeating both teams 2-1.

The undefeated semi-finals run saw them face old foes Merici College in the gold medal match, defeating the southerners 2-1 in the final on Saturday.

The WAS year 12 boys also made Mackay proud, falling agonisingly short of finals in their division 3 campaign.

The boys, led by coaches Kade Palmer and Jamie Novosel, finished the tournament with five wins and four losses to place fifth overall.

As the 2022 Oztag season came to a close last Wednesday, two of Mackay’s stalwarts were recognised for their contributions to the game by Oztag Queensland.

Referee Courtney Gordon was awarded 2022 Female Referee Of The Year and Head Referee Damien Horwell was nominated for his service to the game.

Courtney found out she’d won Female Referee Of The Year as she was making the announcement of Damien’s nomination at the end of season presentation.

“It’s a bit of a shock coming from a smaller venue against a lot of the bigger ones,” she said.

“For little old Mackay to be recognised, it’s pretty special.”

Courtney has been refereeing since she was 15 and has worked in both Queensland and New South Wales programs, saying she’s proud of the culture at Mackay Oztag.

“We have a pretty awesome gang; we’ve got plenty of good vibes happening through the venue at the moment and heaps of support,” she said.

“The game’s growing slowly but it’s definitely growing and we’re actually starting to become a little bit more competitive with the higher grades at the representative tournaments.”

Damien has been refereeing in Mackay for 18 months and said he was surprised to be nominated.

“I feel great for it, but a bit shocked,” he said.

Damien said he enjoys controlling the game and the respect from players.

“As I ref, I teach the people how to play, especially those that don’t know how to play the game, and that’s the part that I really enjoy,” he said.

“What we have here is very special.

“I really enjoy it and look forward to every Wednesday night.”

The Oztag season will start again in January.

Follow Mackay Oztag on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to get involved.

QRL REMEMBERS RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND

RUGBY LEAGUE

Tributes have flown following the passing of Mackay rugby league legend Mick ‘Wombat’ Aprile last month.

A tough second row forward who always made 50 tackles a game, Mick played first grade for Mackay Brothers from 1963 until he retired as a player in 1971, winning premierships with the club in 1967 and 1970.

“Mick was a Mackay Brothers man through and through,” said rugby league author and historian Tony Price.

“He might even have been a Leprechaun in another life.”

On the representative front, Mick played Foley Shield for Mackay from 1963 until 1966 and said his fondest memory was playing against the mighty St George club from Sydney in 1964 and 1966 which featured future icons of the game including John Raper and Norm Proven.

Coaching was a natural progression for Mick, taking charge of many junior, school and first grade rugby league teams and as well as serving as a selector, referee and administrator.

When approached by St Patrick’s College to coach their First XIII, he jumped at the challenge, leading the school to five straight Confraternity Shields from 1988 to 1992.

“Mick simply loved ‘Confro’,” said Mr Price.

“He felt his St Patrick’s players lifted as soon as they pulled on the jersey and his natural good humour and tactical mind would turn average players into superstars.

“The young players simply loved the guy.”

Along the way, Mick coached and mentored talented young players including Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Wendell Sailor, who all went on to play representative football for Queensland and Australia.

After over 50 years involved in the game, Mick was presented with Life Membership of the QRL Northern Division in 2017 and was also recognised as a Life Member of Brothers Junior Rugby League, Brothers Senior Rugby League and Mackay & District Rugby League.

He was awarded Rotary Awards for his services to junior and school sport.

Mick passed away on November 29, 2022 and will be remembered as a legend of the game.

Mick Aprile (third from left) was presented with Life Membership of the QRL Northern Division in 2017

Courtney Gordon, Maddison Reeves and Damien Horwell of Mackay Oztag

Photos supplied

Camilleri Scoops Leading Player Award

Robyn said.

The crew that makes Tuesday morning table tennis such a success was thanked for their efforts at the fixture’s annual presentation lunch at Harrup Park.

Iris Grasso, Pam Joyce and Donna Abbott run the fixtures, while Tony Bowman is in the background collating results, organizing the annual car raffle and helping run the annual championships.

Players Robyn Bushell and Gerry Synnott thanked the group on behalf of the players.

“As many of you would be aware, a lot of time, phone calls and stress goes into the many tasks they carry out to ensure our fixtures run smoothly,”

“It’s a thankless task and we really appreciate the work that you do.”

Iris announced winners of the final season of fixtures completed last week.

Division 1: George Camilleri, Doug Dungavell, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson. Leading player George Camilleri.

Division 2: Iris Grasso, Don Boettcher, Judi Hicks, Kim Challender. Don Boettcher leading player.

Division 3: Sharon Muller, Pam Keune, Allison Day. Kim Daffy leading player.

By Charlie Payne

WORLD CUP STAR RE-SIGNS WITH THE CUTTERS

Mackay Cutters Hooker Kyle Schneider has re-signed with the club following a terrific 2022 season that led to his representative debut for Scotland in the Rugby League World Cup.

Eligible through the Scottish heritage of his grandparents, Kyle donned the dark blue jersey for the first time in October, making three appearances throughout the tournament and finishing the World Cup with an 80-minute performance against Fiji.

“It let me play my style of footy with myself generally being an 80-minute hooker and will definitely be something I can bring back to the Hostplus Cup this season and build on,” Kyle said.

Kyle said the highlight of the tournament came when Scotland came up against Australia.

“You grow up watching a few of these play-

ers for a number of years, but to be out there playing against them tops it for me,” he said.

The opportunity to play for his country allowed Kyle to grow on a professional and personal level.

“On a trip like this you tend to learn quite a bit about yourself, whether it’s how to make sure you can put your best foot forward in a different setting each week or what you need to do to continue to build and better yourself as a player,” he said.

“It’s quite tough initially coming into a new setting with boys from all over, but all the players were open and inviting which made it easy for us all to be quite close off the field.

“The results didn’t pan out how we wanted them but for us to pull together and put in

a solid effort against Fiji in the last game I think reflects that.

“We had a good bunch of blokes around camp, and it was an honour to be able to represent my heritage and my family on a world stage.”

Kyle is one on many players the Mackay

RUGBY LEAGUE

TABLE TENNIS

Cutters have retained for the 2023 season including Ross Bella, Sean Mullany, Blake Paskins, Kyle Krasinski-Kennedy, Flynn Camilleri, Brandon Finnegan, Matthew Vessey, Henri Stocks, Jake Riley, Jack Hoffman and Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano with the club also announcing new recruits Logen Dillon and Jacob Schill.

Cutters Hooker Kyle Schneider debuted for Scotland at the Rugby League World Cup in October

Pam Joyce, Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso and Tony Bowman are thanked for running Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures by players Robyn Bushell, left, and Gerry Synnott, right

Division 1 winners Doug Dungavell, Peter Goodson, Steve Mathieson and George Camilleri with fixture organizer Iris Grasso

Iris Grasso with division 3 leading player Kim Daffy and winners Sharon Muller and Pam Keune, who won with Allison Day

Iris Grasso, Judi Hicks and Don Boettcher won division 2 with Kim Challender

Kim Daffy, Sharon Muller and Robyn Bushell with medals from the annual championships

On The Greens At Goosies SUMMER SERIES AT THE GROVE

BOWLS

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Bill. McCurry and Peter Rintoul. Second draw winners were Paul Goldston and Doug. Dungavell and third draw winners were Lyn Maguire and Peter Crawford.

Wednesday - Ladies section Christmas Breakup social bowls (no winners or losers!) Great lunch supplied by Goosies and all enjoyed the day.

Thursday - mixed pairs first draw winners were Ian McDonald and Lance Edwards. Second draw winners were Jan Little and Paul Goldston. Third draw winners were Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots!

Friday - Winners were Phyllis and Bevan Cooper. Lucky draw winners were Lorna Bowers and Ken McLean. Runners up lucky draw winners were Ask. Helenius and Wayne Mietzel.

Saturday - Mens’ Pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Andrew Coates.

There are two more weeks of club bowling days finishing on Saturday 24 December for the holiday period. Visitors from other bowls clubs are very welcome to play in any bowling day.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

RUNNING

Mackay Road Runners off-season informal 5km and 10km training events are held every Sunday afternoon at 5:30pm from a varying location around the city.

The northside is currently the go, where nearly thirty runners tested themselves for a single 5km loop or two loops for 10 kilometres on Sunday.

The course started from the very popular watering hole, The Grove on Andergrove Road with Race Director, Andrew Short in charge of the course description in lieu of the usual race director, Jim Ford.

With two weeks out from the big day, runners were still fully committed to their training regimes although sensibly reducing their distances and speeds to suit the dramatically and dangerously high temperatures at this time of year.

Speedsters Rodney Elworthy and Paul Mackenzie ran a leisurely 10km compared to their usual top pace efforts with Angus

Jacobs, Mick Scholer and Joe Grech also taking a welcome reduction in pace to accommodate their current racing schedules.

Carolyn Mapes sizzled in the 5km, relaxing easily into the festive season holiday mode as did Julie Whibley and Mel Esau.

Jo Skinner, Carmel Mahon, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, David Isbister, Derek Woods, Andrew Short and Andrew Wallace also held great form to complete their respective events whilst Andrew Whibley cruised along with his best friend.

This Sunday’s last run before Christmas commences at the Mackay North High School end of Valley Street, North Mackay at 5:30pm.

Participants are welcome to add a touch of tinsel or sparkle to their usual running attire as there will be a Christmas photo, however, this is optional.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Immediate Past President of the MDLBA, Hilary Jones Rowan at the Xmas Breakup

John Kennell delivering a cracking shot at Saturday bowls

Jo Skinner very excited about completing the 5km in the very tropical conditions

Natasha is enjoying her new found love for running

Emma Johnson and Martin Lambert co-ordinated their outfits

Mick Scholer and Joe Grech pair up in the 10km event.

Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

Lew Trott at the Men’s Saturday bowls

Relaxed Beachside Living

The calming affect this entire property will have on your life, let alone those around you, can’t be understated. A place where you can escape it all, take in the idyllic surroundings and unwind on the front deck with a direct view to the stunning Bucasia Beach and out to the ocean and islands. Feel the summer seabreezes fill your home, get a real sense of living beachside and appreciate that these properties rarely come up in this location.

The residence offers a good sized and well laid out four bedroom home where the master has its own walk in robe and ensuite, there are two separate living areas and the ease of which the home flows from front to back is superb. A true queenslander feel, with timber floors and tongue & groove walls throughout, this lowset home is very light, bright and airy and is perfect for the family or simply those who want a beach house to getaway on weekends or a home where you can reside now and forever.

Luscious established gardens, green grass and a real emotive pull to this property are the first things you notice & feel on entry and as you walk around the back via the electric gates you see the most amazing shed, just ideal for everything else this home might need like a caravan or perhaps a boat for fishing in the creek just down the road.

The beauty with this property is, you’re not only buying a beautiful home, but you’re buying a real lifestyle change and one in which you’ll get used to sand between your toes each morning and night, the sound of waves every high tide and the feel of a fresh seabreeze in your face every time you step outside. Embrace the change and enjoy your future!

WIN A NEW CAR

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Designed for Comfortable Modern Living

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The well thought out home has been designed for the whole family in mind. Internally, the home includes an open plan living area and 3 generously sized bedrooms.

The smartly designed kitchen boasts a classy finish, with quality benchtops, tiled splash back, gas stove and attractive cabinetry on display.

The home is ideally located in the ever-popular suburb of Andergrove . The estate is located only a few minutes from everything – shops, schools, and beaches. Get in quick to secure this modern home today!

By Negotiation