E-PETITIONS TO COUNCIL NOW AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE

and those who work in it is the spiritual link between our work and doing God’s work to assist those needing a helping hand.”

Regional Operations Manager for the Rockhampton Diocese Gina Dann, saying the work of the shops is vital in raising funds through Special Works Programs such as Housing and Homelessness, Drug and Alcohol, Education and Employment.

“As a Values based organisation, it is very important to provide a respectful workspace for our volunteers and a dignified shopping experience for our customers,” she said.

“What we are aiming to do is provide a great shopping experience that promotes ‘Feel Good Finds’ - that feeling you get when you know that when you purchase from us, that money is going back into your community to support those that need a hand up.”

Petitions to council can now be made via a new e-Petition platform.

The principal petitioner will be able to start the petition on council’s website before promoting its availability to sign in the community.

The topic of the petition should be something within council’s jurisdiction to change and they can remain open from one to four weeks.

The name and suburb of the principal pe-

The statue, which proved difficult to fly back to Australia, was unexpectedly gifted to the Mackay North Rotary Club by the people of the Solomon Islands, who then presented it to MADASSIA on Anzac Day.

“We don’t expect them to donate anything to us,” said International Director for Mackay North Rotary Club Peter Johnson.

“We’re not over there for that.

“It’s just their way of saying thank you.”

MADASSIA President Starrett Vea Vea has visited the Solomon Islands with Mackay North Rotary Club in the past.

“Mackay North Rotary Club do a lot for the villages over there and the connection that we have with the Solomons, obviously, is through our ancestors who were brought over and blackbirded from the Islands to work in Queensland sugar cane,” he said.

“We’re appreciative of them and of the islanders over there.

“They know there’s islanders here, they titioner will be published on the e-Petition website. know that there are families that were taken from there that have never gone back and know that they’re here somewhere.”

Only the initials and suburb of anyone who signs it will be published.

Mayor Greg Williamson said digital and social media petitions had increased in popularity in recent years.

“By creating an e-Petition on our website, it will ensure they meet the conditions for a petition to council,” he said.

Mackay North Rotary Club will return to the Solomon Islands in September to distribute water tanks that have been purchased with raised funds and refurbish nurse’s quarters.

“The use of our portal also means people can’t sign a petition twice.

“The e-Petitions will be an easy and convenient way for people to petition council on matters of interest or concern.”

As part of the review of council’s Petitions Policy, paper-based petitions are still available.

More details, including how to lodge an e-petition can be found at mackay.qld.gov. au/petitions.