Social Life 20

New Graduates Are Prep Ready

Excited Prep-Ready Kids and their families celebrated their graduation last Monday, November 28, having completed the Prep-Ready Kids Program delivered by The Neighbourhood Hub. Prep-Ready Kids Program is for children aged 3.5 to 5 years old and aims to prepare them for primary school. It allows children to learn some of the basic skills they will build on as they enter primary school including numbers, letters, listening, comprehension, cooperation, socialising, experiments, physical literacy, excursions and more. Celebrations on the day included a visit from Santa, celebratory games, and watching a photo compilation of the group’s achievements over the year. Special guest, Kristi Elworthy, Head of Department for Curriculum from Victoria Park State School, gave an inspiring message to the graduating children and their families. The graduating children received their framed certificates and medals from student representatives from Victoria Park State School. Ela Maglente, Program Coordinator has worked with the children throughout 2022 and says the group took a completely different approach in the program this year. “We focused on increasing the children’s independence and focusing more on activities that do not require direct parental engagement,” she said. “We decided to run the sessions as if they were happening in the Prep classrooms at school. “The children have excelled in the new setup. “This new setup also allowed us an opportunity to provide activities which focused on parents such as fitness sessions, information sessions, workshops, and other activities which the parents thoroughly enjoyed and, in the process, found friendship and connections with one another. Ms Maglente said the end of the year event is a special one that families look forward to. “This year is a celebration of the children and parents’ hard work and resilience during this unprecedented time,” she said.

Graduating class of Prep-Ready Kids 2022. BACK ROW L-R Victoria Park State School representatives Kristi Elworthy, Riley Cousen, Katusha Lee, Logan Beale, Courtney Edwards. FRONT ROW L-R Led Francis Contreras, Precious Anderson, Jacob Mateo, Fatima Lopez, Gabriel Zarate, Patrick Buchanan, Isaac Soriano, Aviitausili Howman, Ela Maglente (Program Coordinator)

“It was wonderful to see the families come together and celebrate what has been a challenging yet fruitful year for the multicultural families.” The Prep-Ready Kids Program is taking expressions of interest for their class of 2023 and the Neighbourhood Hub encourages anyone who is interested – either of Australian or multicultural background – to email elam@tnhub.org.au. Prep-Ready Kids is delivered at 43 Shakespeare St, East Mackay every Monday (school term only) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

A separate celebration was held for Andra Novri (son) and Indriani Indriani (mum). Photos supplied

PIPE BAND CELEBRATES CALEDONIAN HERITAGE

The Mackay & District Pipe Band at the unveiling of of the plaque at Jubilee Park on Remembrance Day 2018

Marching along River Street in 1987. Photos supplied

The Mackay & District Pipe Band are one community organisation keeping Mackay’s Scottish heritage alive and are sharing their history in a new book being launched this weekend.

The band are hosting the St Andrews Scottish Music Concert on Saturday, December 10, inviting aged care homes and members of the community to an afternoon of Scottish music.

The book “A Caledonian Heritage: The History of Mackay & District Pipe Band” will be launched at the concert, recounting the band’s 96-year history. The Mackay Caledonian Association was formed shortly after the township of Mackay was established as a municipality in 1839.

In 1911, it was suggested that the Association form a pipe band, with the Daily Mercury reporting of a concert being held on Wednesday, June 14 of that year. The Mackay & District Pipe Band was formed as an independent pipe band in 1926.

The band has marched in every Mackay ANZAC Day since 1928 and played at other historical events including the opening of Mackay Harbour in 1939 and the opening of the Forgan Bridge in 2011. These days, the community band performs at weddings, birthdays and funerals as well as large annual events including ANZAC Day, the Robbie Burns Supper, Bluewater Fling and St Andrews Scottish Music Concert. “Generally, everything’s followed by a ceilidh, which is a Gaelic word for party,” said band member Bryan Dobbie. Mr Dobbie has been a member of the band for five years, with his children also getting involved.

“It’s in my blood, I guess,” he said. “My dad’s played pipes since he was 12 and I didn’t start to learn until I was 40.

“It’s a family thing for us and we enjoy it.” The band were able to compile the book telling the band’s history with the assistance of the Mackay Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund and local editor Paul Vander Loos. The band meets and rehearses every Thursday at St Paul’s Uniting Church and welcomes new members of all ages. Tuition is free and there are pipes and drums available to be borrowed.

The band will be joined by 3RAR Army Band, Kathleen Campbell and Piping MaD this weekend at the St Andrews Scottish Music Concert which will be followed by a ceilidh at Goosies.

WHAT: St Andrews Scottish Music Concert

WHERE: Mackay Christian College Powerhouse Hall on Ambrose Way WHEN: Saturday, December 10 from 1:30pm TICKETS: $5 donation

Santa’s Breakfast Gives Back

Making Christmas Wrap A Snap

Sheryl Cuttriss and Joan Williams were gift wrapping last week at Home Co. The ladies volunteer during

SCOPE fundraisers to help the organisation raise money for local charities in need. Photo: Amanda Wright

The silly season is here, and with around 15 shopping days left until Christmas, gift wrapping can be one of those time-consuming chores left to the last minute.

Why not make life simple this year by taking a break, knowing your contribution will help a local organisation in need? When the volunteers from Mackay’s SCOPE club wrap your gifts for a gold coin donation, the proceeds are donated to local charities. This year, proceeds will go to the Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop and Mackay Animal Rescue Society. Simply take your shopping bags to the SCOPE ladies and they can wrap them on the spot. If you have many to be wrapped, enjoy some quiet time at the nearby café, or continue with your shopping and collect later.

Some helpful tips – try to separate gifts for specific people into separate bags, so once they are wrapped, you know who to label them for. Please be generous and include a gold coin donation for every gift, and larger gifts should be acknowledged with a larger donation. Also if an item is fragile or awkwardly shaped, consider putting it in a box first.

The SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be wrapping gifts at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight, every day until the 24th of December, daily from 9am until 4pm.

The jolly man in red was popular indeed at last weekend’s Breakfast with Santa, held by Mount Pleasant Centre.

Up until Christmas Eve, the centre is set to host a series of events and activities that give back to the local community, making the holiday season that little bit merrier for all.

The Centre welcomed Santa last Saturday when he touched down from the North Pole for the special breakfast event. There was also a festive performance from Dance Express Mackay, and face painting to delight kids of all ages. Proceeds will be donated to the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Mount Pleasant Centre’s Centre Manager, Cathy Sullivan, said, “We know it’s been a tough year for so many, so it was important for us to give back this Christmas. “We’re excited to be able to offer some free Santa photos to bring some extra joy to families, and our Santa’s Breakfast and charity gift wrapping will assist with raising much-needed funds for the Mackay Hospital Foundation – a critical resource for so many in our local community. “Naughty, nice, or a work-in-progress – everybody is welcome to join in the festivities at Mount Pleasant Centre these holidays!”

Bookings are essential to most events, and they’ll book out faster than flying reindeers, so it’s recommended to head to mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/ early to secure your spot.

Back At The MECC

Sports Expo Returns With New Name

Active Zone demonstration by Adrenalin Cheer and Dance at the 2022 Sports Expo

The Mackay region’s annual sports expo is ushering in a new era in 2023.

Restricted to an online event since COVID-19 threw us a curve ball in 2020, 2023 will see this amazing event return to the MECC with a new naming rights sponsor – JET Maintenance Services. Mayor Greg Williamson said the JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on would feature more than 100 interactive sport and recreation booths. “We are also bringing back all the crowd-favourite events – the mascot race, live active zone demonstrations and all the prizes, like ‘nominate your favourite club’ and random draws,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Applications for a free booth at the event are currently open and we encourage local clubs, groups and organisations to get in quick to secure their spot,” he said. “The JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on will run from 9am to 1pm, Sunday, February 12, 2023. In an effort to make this event more inclusive and accessible, we'll also have a low-sensory quiet hour from noon to 1pm.” Booth registrations close midnight, December 11.

JET Group General Manager Shayne Ritchings said they were excited to partner with council to bring this important event to the community. “Jet Group is a very proud local business, with a long history of sponsoring local sporting clubs,” Mr Ritchings said. “Supporting the Sports Expo is a great opportunity for us to broaden our support of grass roots sports in the Mackay region,” he said.

“The benefits of playing sport and belonging to a club or team are extensive – not only is it great for fitness and mental health, but the social benefits and personal-development outcomes are huge. “The JET Maintenance Services team are looking forward to coming along on the day and having a crack at as many different sports as we can.” Other sponsors for the event include returning silver sponsor Harrup Park Country Club and media partners 4MK, Star 101.9 and Channel 7. For more information and to register your club or group for the expo, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/sportexpo

The Parents Of Pioneer

SWIMMING

Pioneer Swim Club is proud to be an all-age inclusive club. The parents of our swimmers are often found in the pool swimming laps whilst the kids train or even in the squad itself.

Recently at the last Club Night for the 2022 year, a number of our Pioneer Parents swam in a 50m freestyle hit out – Kylie Smith, Ben Miles, Trevor Seedwell, Ashlee Berridge, Tahnie Malagueno, Jodie Miles, Donna McIerney and Nadine Bee made their kids proud to see who would have bragging rights for the next 12 months. Ben Miles was crowned King of the Pioneer Pool, closely followed by Kylie Smith. Both Kylie and Ben were Dolphins as kids and are still seen swimming in the squad to this day. We are proud to boast that quite a few of our parents have a history with the club. A parents versus kids relay was also enjoyed by the parents, kids and spectators at our last Club Night – it was a right hoot. The trophy was claimed by Ben Miles, Donna McIerney, Trevor Seedwell and Ashlee Berridge. Another 2 parents’ teams were formed – Tahnie Malagueno, Jade Bounden, Jodie Miles and Kylie Smith being one team and Bianca Baker, Nadine Bee, Sarah Wardlaw and Sonja Smith the third. Many other parents are planning to take on the challenge next season after seeing the fun that transpired. All parents of the Pioneer Swim Club/ Squad are welcome to join a session – Igor will welcome you all. The kids enjoy seeing their parents give it a go - monkey see, monkey do right? Any enquiries about our great club can be made to secretary@pioneerswimclub.com. au.

The parents of Pioneer Swim Club

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

Charity From The Valley Green

Members of the Marian Ladies Bowls Club created and donated 23 bags of essential items to Share the Dignity. Photo supplied

BOWLS

When they’re not gracing the greens, the ladies of the Marian Bowls Club have been busy collecting essential items for women in need. Share the Dignity is a women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. The organisation distributes period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support. The Marian ladies contributed 23 bags, matching the 23 bags they also donated last year.

On The Greens At Goosies

The executive committee for this year is Andrew Coates, Secretary, Eric Galletly President and Games controller, Ken Lane. Absent is vice-president Wayne Trannore

Tony began contributing North Mackay bowls news to newspapers in 2016, and later to Qld Bowler

BOWLS

The men’s and ladies’ bowls AGMs were held on Monday 28th November, resulting in an unchanged men’s executive. Duly elected were President Eric Galletly, Vice-president Wayne Trannore, Secretary Andrew Coates. The Games Director for the coming year is Ken Lane and Selectors are Alex Cameron, Mick Mackenzie and Clive Wales.

Tony Allsop, after serving for several years as the club’s Publicity Officer did not nominate this year. As there were no nominations, Ian Rowan will fill in for a short time. This will be Tony’s last report.

RESULTS

Monday winners were Sheryl Cuttriss and Helen Fleming with Ann Smith and Isla Comelli next. Lucky draw winners were Jean Zamparutti and Michele Stockton. Wednesday ladies’ day comp resulted in a win for Lorraine Silman and Hilary Jones-Rowan. Runners-up were C. Wallman and Ann Smith.

Thursday winners once again were Barry and Francis Lehmann, with Carmel Bell and Greg McLean in second spot. Greens Vouchers went to D. Wootton, Rick Dunn and Andrew Coates.

Friday’s big winners were Wayne Mietzel and Maryann Bartolo who took home $75 each. Winner’s card draw went to Lois Deguara and Robbo Hobbs, with Shirley Bartolo and Eric Galletly taking the loser’s prize. Saturday men’s day was taken out by Eric Galletly and Kevin Dwyer with Ken Martin and Clive Wales runners-up. Shane Trannore and visitor Todd Hansen won the jackpot. Contributed by Tony Allsop

Happy 90th birthday to Nancy Wix

MACKAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB

BRIDGE

Terrence Sheedy and Janelle Conroy were our winners for the B4 Red Points competition played over the last two Mondays. November saw consistent wins to Eric Goodchild, David Ting and Noel Bugeia. Happy Birthday to Nancy Wix, Celebrating her 90th Birthday

RESULTS Monday 28 November 22 6 Table One Winner B4 – Red Points B4 Results Red Points – Two weeks play

1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting 1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana 3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana 4th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 5th Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

Tuesday Evening 29 November 22 3 Table One Winner Green Points Eclectic Winners for Tuesdays November

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Noel Bugeia 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Eric Goodchild 3rd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 3rd Helen Van Den Broek 4th Terrence Sheedy 5th Janet Hansen

Wednesday 30 November 22 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell 1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris 2nd Antonia Tarradas/ Ian Cruickshank 2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown 5th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Wednesday Eclectic Winners for November 2022

1st David Ting 1st Eric Goodchild 3rd Janelle Conroy 3rd Alan Brown 3rd Terrence Sheedy 6th Eric Leivesley 7th Kath Poole

Thursday Evening 1 December 2022 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

Friday 2 December 22 – Nation Wide Pairs 6 Table One Winner Green Points N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Susan Wright / Janet Hansen 3rd Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood 4th Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 4th Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

Saturday 3 December 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoff Taylor / Diane Morgan 1st David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Mick King / Jan Harris 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown 3rd Griffin Bancroft / Anne Lutz 3rd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 4th Faye Wright / Christine Nice 4th Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson 5th Susan Wright / Annie Lynch 5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

Magic Meg Knows How To Hit

Pathway To Success For Outstanding 17-Year-Old All-Rounder McCartney

She started in Mackay & District Cricket Association’s Under 10 Boys competition and by the age of 13 was donning the pads and sharing the new ball for the Mackay/ Whitsunday junior representative teams.

CRICKET

She can mix it with the finest male cricketers in the Mackay region, isn’t phased when facing extreme pace bowling and has even upstaged her father at the batting crease. Meet talented 17-year-old all-rounder Meg McCartney – the Queensland Schoolgirls representative cricket captain with the poise, technique and potential to leave her mark on the women’s sporting scene. Keen cricket judges have tipped a bright future for the teen sensation, who has turned in standout performances this season in both male and female competitions – showing her wares in the junior and senior ranks.

Meg, who has just completed her Higher School Certificate examinations at St Patrick’s College Mackay, recently linked with the Valleys Cricket Club in the Brisbane Women’s Premier League Cricket first grade competition where she will play alongside Australia’s World Cup-winning off spinner Jess Jonassen. A product of the Mackay Brothers Cricket Club, young Meg picked up her first bat and cricket ball at the age of nine while participating in the Master Blaster events at Harrup Park for aspiring junior cricketers.

She started in Mackay & District Cricket Association’s Under 10 Boys competition and by the age of 13 was donning the pads and sharing the new ball for the Mackay/ Whitsunday junior representative teams. A prolific wicket taker with her sharp pace bowling and top order batter, Meg has progressed through to the senior men’s ranks and is now a permanent fixture in the Brothers second grade X1 where she plays alongside her experienced father Dean, a seasoned campaigner and club stalwart who is the current Girls Cricket Co-ordinator.

Both have enjoyed batting togeth er in key moments with quicksilver Meg peeling off some big scores and keeping her dad on his toes while navigating quick singles or twos with her sharp running between the wickets.

Boasting a top score of 88 not out, the gun all-rounder led the Capricornia Schoolgirl representative teams from the age of 13 and last year captained the St Patrick’s/ Mercy College senior women’s team to a Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 State Chal lenge title with superb batting and bowling displays. Meg named Brothers Mackay Cricket Junior Development Co-ordi nator Kim Evetts as being a huge influence on her career along with Club President Bradley Beardmore and school mentors Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn.

Her leadership skills came to the fore this season when she captained the Queensland Schoolgirls cricket team in the annual Challenge series with NSW on the Sunshine Coast – leading the way with her tenacious batting and bulk wickets. Meg will line up for North Queensland against South Queensland in a selection trial for the Queensland Country squad to compete at the National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra and was appointed vice captain of Brisbane Premier Cricket League franchise Western Power for the recent Twenty20 series where she gained valuable experience. An opportunity to learn from international all-rounder Jess Jonassen inspired Meg to join the Valleys club for this summer’s Brisbane Premier Cricket League Women’s first grade competition. It is another giant step towards realising her childhood dream of playing for the Queensland Fire one day in the Women’s National Cricket League limited overs series.

Meg McCartney shows her style at the batting crease

Mackay's rising cricket all-rounder Meg McCartney, 17, captained the Queensland Schoolgirls representative team in 2022. Photos supplied

By Chris Karas

Specialising in:

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