Currently we are fundraising for the all-important RACQ CQ Rescue chopper.
A couple of weeks ago we received a call form a listener who told us of an amazing story how the CQ Rescue chopper saved her sons life after he contracted a disease.
The time in which it took the chopper to transport the family from Proserpine to Mackay was the difference between life and death.
It was a huge reminder as to how important it is to have the rescue chopper helping save lives in our region.
This is where the idea to put a calendar together to fundraise for the chopper was born.
Currently we are looking for businesses to donate an amount above $300 to feature in a month of the calendar.
The response we have had so far has been overwhelming with so many local businesses putting their hands up to take part and donate.
Our current donation tally is up to just over $7000 already.
Big shout out to BMS Strata Systems, Reef Marine, Daly Bay Coal Terminal, Mackay Mazda, Acubis Technologies, Mount Pleasant Post Office, Harvey Norman Bedding, McCarthy Panel Works, Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services, MADD Mechanical, and Nick Wynne-Jones Painting for coming on board with donations so far.
Once the calendars are complete they will be up for purchase with all proceeds going directly to RACQ CQ Rescue chopper, stay tuned.

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The 2024 sugar production season will be delayed after a meeting with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, May 28 was unable to resolve an ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees and union representatives.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson confirmed the company is in the process of notifying growers of revised start dates, which, across Wilmar’s four regions, represent total delays ranging from two to nine days.
“Industrial action has already impacted our 2024 sugar production season, with work stoppages over the past two weeks forcing us to further delay the start of production at a number of our factories,” the spokesperson said.
Both Proserpine and Plane Creek Mills have been given a revised start date of June 20, with a total delay of nine days so far.
“These start dates may push back even further if planned industrial action proceeds,” the spokesperson said.
Following Tuesday’s meeting, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables informed the Fair Work Commission that it would put a fresh proposal directly to employees covered by the enterprise agreement in a ballot planned for Monday, June 10.
Wilmar outlined a new EA package that included a $1,500 sign-on bonus (inclusive of superannuation), permanent jobs offers to 50 fixed-term and seasonal employees, and a $20 a week allowance for employees utilising an electrical licence.
The Commission is expected to report back on the outcome of the ballot and any other developments on Friday, June 21.
A similar offer was taken to ballot in December last year, which was comprehensively rejected by workers, with Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson calling the new offer “a slap in the face to every worker”.
The ballot comes after what Mr Wilson described as an attempt to find a middle ground with Wilmar as workers put forward an ask of an 18% pay rise over three years – a 7% reduction from workers’ original ask of 25%.
“We did that in an attempt to get this resolved and not cause delays to the crush, but Wilmar weren’t interested, they’re just putting out the same agreement,” Mr Wilson said.
“We are not asking for the world in terms of a pay rise, we just want our members to be compensated fairly for the work they do at a time where Wilmar is making record profits.”
Mr Wilson confirmed that industrial action will continue as of yesterday, Wednesday May 29 in the form of rolling stoppages and work bans across all mills.
“We have written to employees confirming that they will not be paid for periods when they are on strike, or where partial work bans mean they do not perform their full work duties,” the Wilmar spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to employees who continue to work on completion of essential works ahead of the start of production.”

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Growers have been informed of delays to the sugar production season

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Volunteers are vital for not-for-profit charities, including the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), where 100 volunteers serve eight hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regions.

Securing a sponsor, like Community Bank Sarina from Bendigo Bank, is crucial to supporting their efforts and maintaining their invaluable services.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said their sponsorship of the MHF volunteers aligned with the Bank’s “profit for purpose” business model.

“Supporting community health and wellbeing is one of our primary objectives, with the view to creating stronger, more resilient communities,” Ms May said.

MHF General Manager Kristi Algate welcomed Community Bank Sarina as their volunteer sponsor and said “we’re very proud to feature their logo on our Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteer uniforms.”

Volunteering involves many responsibilities, such as running the hospital gift shop, staffing the information desk at the hospital entrance, organising activities and offering support in the Children and Adolescent Unit for patients, parents, and siblings.

Additionally, volunteers drive the patient transfer bus, facilitate library and convenience trolleys throughout the hospital, aid in diverse tasks in the Specialist Outpatient Department, operate the patient transfer buggy from the carpark to the hospital, engage in a companionship program and provide assistance for patient comfort in oncology and beyond.

We spoke with one of Mackay’s very own volunteers from the children’s unit to get her perspective on the role. Linda passionately said “I just love making the kids happy and getting out the lego blocks and things like that.

“I’ve been working at the base for a few years now and I thoroughly enjoy the activity packs and just overall making the children happy.”

Co-ordinator of the Volunteers, LaVerne White has been involved for just over thirty-five years and says she “loves helping people” and that “there are always positions available for more volunteers.”

Community Bank Sarina Manager Charmaine Matsen will be one of the banking team available for volunteers, hospital staff and visitors alike, with regular hospital visits to discuss lifestyle goals and banking needs.

“With any sponsorship we agree to, the financial investment is just the beginning, for us; it’s about building relationships and working together for mutual benefit,” Ms Matsen said.

“We believe that supporting something worthwhile involves us being on the ground – which is why we’ll be in regular attendance at the various hospital locations for personalised service and advice.”

Next time you visit any of the eight public hospitals within the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, look for one of the cheerful volunteers to help you find your way, serve you in the gift shop or offer you a cup of tea in the wards. You’ll recognise them in their Community Bank Sarina-branded polo shirts. Anyone wishing to become a Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteer should contact Jackie Meldrum on 4885 5915.

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Volunteers were recognised for their unwavering effort put into health care over the years and were gifted a bag of goodies by councillor Karen May. Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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Two young explorers have been acknowledged for their dedication and resilience after earning a reputable Grey Wolf Award for Banksia Scout Group.

The Grey Wolf Award is a great achievement and requires a cub (aged 8-11 years old) to participate in 60 cub scouting experiences, assist with 9 activities, lead 7 activities, complete 5 nights of camping, learn to tie 3 knots, complete a 6-hour hike and attend 2 additional hikes.

As well as learning scouting skills, there is also a requirement to complete 6 personal goals and attend a leadership course and an adventurous journey.

Grey Wolf recipients Addison Mortimore and Keira Bibbs have achieved these goals. Both youth members are very active in their section and participated in many District activities like bushwalks, open days, ScoutFest and external interests.

Addison, who has achieved her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, challenged herself to do a triathlon of a 50m swim, 3.2km bike and 1km run and attended a five-night camp called Cuboree.  This was a great accomplishment for Addison, which she is proud to gain confidence from.

In her spare time Addison is very passionate about raising money for RACQ Rescue and, a highlight this year, was the tour of their facility with the Banksia Cub Scouts.  It was enjoyable learning about RACQ Rescue services and going on the helicopter.

Keira also has many interests and shared them with the unit through her Special Interest Accomplishments.  Keira played cricket with the Heat Girls cricket team, planted trees on National Tree day, did the tree top challenge on the Sunshine Coast, enjoys singing in the school choir and learning STEM from the STEM library club.

Near the end of her journey in cubs, Keira led a 4-hour hike on the Crediton Creek Track up at Eungella.  During the bushwalk, the cubs enjoyed the wildlife and lovely views of the river and sharing the experience with each other.

Both youth members have transitioned to the Scout Section where they are looking forward to continuing their scouting journey and are excited by the challenges ahead.

By Katrina Hoare
Leader in Charge, Banksia Scout Group

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Addison Mortimore and Keira Bibbs proudly display their Grey Wolf Awards, showcasing their dedication to scouting and personal achievement. Image supplied.

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Mackay’s Dudley Denny City Library is opening its doors next Saturday, July 1st to give you the opportunity to sharpen your writing skills in a free educational workshop.

In this workshop, Whitsundays local 852 Press Director, Dr Julia Evans and former Federal Political and author of nine books, Richard Evans will combine their wealth of knowledge to help you discover new ways of writing in an uplifting, interactive manner.

Kick-start your memoir writing journey and uncover the magic of storytelling as they guide you through crucial pen-points such as understanding memoir as a genre, where and how to start, the role of research and memory gaps, the art of storytelling and characters, ethical consideration and challenges, as well as tips on developing your memoir project. 

 These powerhouse writers believe that ‘Every life is a story waiting to be told. Your experiences and memories are priceless treasures that deserve to be immortalised.’

Julia and Richard Evans are also the convenors of the renewed 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival and are available to discuss this upcoming event, including a preview of confirmed programs and speakers. 

The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a premier literary event dedicated to fostering creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word. Bringing together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers, the Festival celebrates the diverse tapestry of storytelling while showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.

The Festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024, will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards. The Heart Awards provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design.
 
Meanwhile, the upcoming Mackay workshop is a place to feel inspired and learn more about writing your memoir.

It is tailored for adults who may not have extensive writing experience but are eager to share their unique stories.

‘You don’t need to be a seasoned writer; all you need is a willingness to explore.
Don’t miss this opportunity to preserve your legacy through the art of memoir writing.’

To ensure your spot at this event, bookings are essential via Eventbrite.com.au or you can find more information at 852Press.com.au 

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WHAT: Writing Memoir and Personal Stories Workshop 
WHERE: Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay 
WHEN: Saturday 1 June 2024, 10am - 12:00pm
TICKETS: FREE, tickets available from Eventbrite.com

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Whitsundays local 852 Press Director, Dr Julia Evans and former Federal Polititian
and author of nine books, Richard Evans Image Supplied

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Food Forest Fest, a cherished local grassroots festival, is orchestrated by the dedicated volunteers of the Mackay community gardens. It seamlessly blends elements of permaculture, entertainment and education, offering attendees a multifaceted experience that celebrates sustainable living and community connection.

The festival's diverse attractions include children's activities, educational workshops, bustling local markets, and performances by talented musicians, all set against the backdrop of Mackay's abundant tropical flora.

This year, the festival organisers are excited to announce the planting of additional edible native plants at the outset of the event, enriching the back village green and ensuring a diverse experience for attendees of all ages.

From its humble beginnings, Food Forest Fest has evolved into a beloved tradition, deeply cherished by both the Mackay community and its visitors. Attendees marvel at the tranquil atmosphere, where children frolic amidst the gardens, entranced by the beauty of nature and the playful dance of butterflies and dragonflies.

At its core, Food Forest Fest is guided by principles of inclusivity and compassion. Embracing the permaculture motto of "earth care, people care, and fair share," the festival warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

In the weeks leading up to the festival, volunteers pour their hearts into preparations, with a particular focus on artistic endeavours such as the completion of a mosaic-adorned pizza oven.

As the festival approaches, organisers extend an open invitation for others to contribute their creativity and passion, emphasising the importance of connection and purpose in enriching the community.

Food Forest Fest aims to create a day filled with boundless joy for all who participate.

With a successful outcome in recent years, the 2024 Food Forest Fest is set to be the best one yet. Photo Credit: Sam Gillespie

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Assisting an individual who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can be challenging without the correct knowledge and skills, that’s why Grapevine Group are holding a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session to equip you with the tools to potentially save a life.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th, at 9:30 am and register for the Dudley Denny City Library's session in Mackay, for this invaluable opportunity that is completely free of charge.
During this session, participants will gain essential knowledge, learn how to recognise individuals who may be at risk of suicide, practice engaging in conversations with those experiencing suicidal thoughts and effectively guide them towards the necessary resources and support systems.
SafeTALK isn’t just for professionals, it's designed for anyone aged 15 and above, empowering individuals with the skills to intervene and potentially save lives.
Grapevine Group has proudly trained over 6,800 individuals throughout the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays regions and are determined to continue to fulfill their mission of breaking the stigma, spreading the word and speaking out about suicide prevention.
To extend this life-saving knowledge further, you can host a private group safeTALK session or a Suicide Mythbusters toolbox talk at your workplace, sports organisation or within your community group. Reach out to training@grapevinegroup.org.au to explore these possibilities.
Don't miss out on this chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who need your support.
To book your spot, simply download the Grapevine Group app or visit www.grapevinegroup.org.au/bookings/

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What: FREE SafeTALK suicide prevention training
When: June 8th, at 9:30 am
Where: Dudley Denny City Library
Tickets: www.grapevinegroup.org.au/bookings/

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In a heart-warming coincidence, a malnourished kitten on the brink of death, was discovered by two backpackers in Clermont late last week.
Weak and fragile, the kitten was taken in by the compassionate couple who took care of her to the best of their ability. After a week of dedicated attention, they soon realised that they couldn't provide her with the ongoing care she needed, thus, they reached out to Mackay Pet rescue Inc and ultimately surrendered her.
Late Saturday afternoon, ‘Little Lou’ arrived at the rescue shelter, with a hope for new life thanks to the kindness of the backpackers. Despite her rough start, the carers at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc have witnessed the sweetness and joy that has come from Lou since she has been given a second chance at life.
As they work to provide her with the necessary veterinary care, the team have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the caring individuals who stepped up to help her in a time of need.
As Lou prepares for her vet work and awaits her forever home, the team is hopeful that there's a family out there ready to embrace her boundless affection and playful spirit.
If you're able to open your heart and home to Lou, please reach out to Zanika at 0431 433 928. Or if you're unable to adopt but would like to contribute to Lou's care, your donation would be greatly appreciated via Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated online.
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A malnourished kitten, now named Lou, was found abandoned in Clermont by two kind backpackers. Lou is now on the search for a fur-ever home. Photo Credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Inc (Facebook)

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Fans across Australia can now watch the Mackay Century Cricket Competition thanks to the renewed broadcast partnership with Kayo Sports.

Kayo Sports, Australia's premier sports streaming service, will stream matches at Great Barrier Reef Arena which includes three games on Friday and Saturday, plus the two finals on Sunday, live and free on Kayo Freebies.

“This is our third year working with Kayo Sports to broadcast our senior competition, and we’re thrilled to partner with them again as we head up to Mackay. Kayo Sports has proven to be an excellent channel to showcase some of the incredible talent participating in the league and brings new audiences to the competition,” said Century Cricket Group Chair Stuart Giles.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says the Kayo Sports deal is a big win for the players participating and puts Mackay on the map.

“These tournaments will draw a big crowd, and we’re excited to showcase the Great Barrier Reef Arena as a first-class facility for players and spectators,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Kayo Sports deal will expand that audience to a national and even international level, opening up our region to potential visitors during the three years that Mackay will host the Century Cricket Competition, and beyond,” he said.

The Mackay Century Cricket Competition kicks off on Friday 2 August with a carnival style atmosphere as the eight teams play for a share in $80,000.

Kayo Sports confirmed as broadcast partner for upcoming Century Cricket Competition Mackay. The Kayo Sports partnership caps off a big few weeks for the Century Cricket Group as nominations to play will soon draw to a close. Seniors still have time to register via the Century Cricket Competitions website but by 5pm on Wednesday 5 June.

Cricket lovers can view matches by simply downloading the Kayo Sports app or visiting kayosports.com.au and registering for a Freebies account.

Century Cricket Group is a privately owned cricket company co-founded by
successful healthcare businessman Stuart Giles, Australian cricket great Ian Healy AO and world-renowned commentator Mark Nicholas, alongside cricket entrepreneurs and founders of the Australian Cricket Institute Nick Fitzpatrick and Joel Hamilton. The Group is creating a full ecosystem of cricket opportunities across competitions, coaching clinics and training centres.

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Century 21 Coast to Coalfields is thrilled to announce the opening of its new office in Moranbah, QLD, marking a significant expansion of its services. This growth is further enhanced by a strategic merger with esteemed real estate agent Vikki Oldfield, who brings 24 years of industry experience to the team. Under the joint leadership of Luke Curtis and Vikki Oldfield, the new Moranbah office is set to deliver exceptional real estate services to the community.
Luke expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion and merger, stating, "We are incredibly excited to extend our services to Moranbah and to join forces with Vikki. Our combined expertise and the strength of the Century 21 brand will allow us to transform the local property market by offering unparalleled service and expertise. We are ready to set new standards in the real estate industry."
James Bell, CEO of Century 21 Australasia, also shared his excitement about this new development. "The expansion into Moranbah and the merger with Vikki Oldfield represent a new era of excellence in real estate and property management for the region. We are proud to see such a talented and dynamic team take the lead in this venture, and we look forward to their continued success."
The new Moranbah office is located at 61 Town Square Ave, right in the heart of Moranbah. With an established team of sales agents and property management professionals, Century 21 Coast to Coalfields will ensure comprehensive representation and service across both Mackay and Moranbah.
Century 21 Coast to Coalfields' expansion into Moranbah underscores its commitment to growth and excellence. The new office will focus on personalized attention and comprehensive solutions, ensuring that each client's needs are met with professionalism and efficiency. The team is dedicated to making the real estate experience seamless and stress-free for every client.
As Century 21 Coast to Coalfields brings its services to Moranbah, the community can look forward to a new level of expertise and dedication in the local real estate market. Whether you are buying, selling, or managing property, the new office is equipped to offer exceptional service tailored to your needs.
Visit the new Century 21 Coast to Coalfields office at 61 Town Square Ave, Moranbah, to experience the future of real estate in the region and to receive expert assistance from a team that is eager to go above and beyond for you.

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The team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper are beyond thrilled to announce the news they have just taken out three top gongs at the annual Queensland Country Press Awards which were held in the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.

The accolades include Best One-off Commercial Feature, Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign and the most significant award of the night, Best Free Newspaper.

Back row: Cadet Journalist Daniel Heggie, Sales and Social Media Representative Ruby Gorlick, Graphic Designer Taylor Trewartha. Front row: Junior Graphic Designer Lara Moss, Editor in Chief Rachael Smith and Production Manager Crissy Bottrell. Photo credit: Norina Jane.

Big Awards For Small Passionate Team

Representatives from Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper headed down to the Sunshine Coast last weekend to attend the annual Queensland Country Press Awards.

This was the third year in a row the team attended the awards, returning last year with one gold, a silver and two bronze accolades.

This year, they were elated to discover they had won the top gong, bringing home the award for Best Free Newspaper, along with Best One-off Commercial Feature for Mackay Life’s Fergus Builders Feature and Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign for Burdekin Life’s My Pets Rural advert.

Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, commented that representing the team at last weekend’s awards was one of the best moments of her life.

“Best Free Newspaper in Queensland is the award I was always hoping we’d get but I honestly thought it would take us another couple of years to get there,” she explained.

“We are a newspaper that is very much ‘out of the box’ and I didn’t think judges really knew how to take us! But hearing that they loved our newspaper as much as we do, and our community does, is real validation for what we’ve been doing over the past four years.

“The judges commented that our passion for community really shone through, and that is something I am most proud of.”

There are 60 Queensland newspapers which are registered members of Queensland Country Press and the award for Best Free Newspaper was judged by industry experts who viewed six consecutive issues of the newspaper.

“What I love about the judging process is that every aspect of the newspaper was commended, from the designs to the page layouts, the editorial content to the advertising sales – our whole team earned this award and everyone contributed!”

Owner and Publisher of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, Rebecca Douthwaite, has been the driving force behind the publication since its inception and the creator of the now-infamous flip-book format.

She said she was extremely proud of the whole team and thrilled with the awards.

A real highlight for her was to be sat in a room full of newspaper professionals, some of whom had been publishing news for over 100 years, and to be recognised among such revered experts in their field.

“To get the nod from the Queensland Country Press Association at such a high level was very exciting for such a small regional newspaper that started on the back of News Corp shutting down all local newspapers and us feeling the need to bring the community back a free voice in print,” she expressed.

“When you look at a big corporate organisation, compared to the small passionate team we have, it’s very different and vast in what’s available – we’re just so lucky to have such great human beings, real human beings serving our community every day.”

Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper was launched in July 2020 by Core Life Publishing, a company which produces Core Life Magazine and Tripping Magazine.

Bringing together their passion for photography, eye for vibrant graphic design and aptitude for compassionate storytelling, the weekly newspaper was launched.

With no formal training in newspaper production, the team created their own rules and delivered weekly news on their own terms, carving out a unique formula which focused on heart-felt 100% local stories.

They are now thrilled to call this an award-winning formula that is not only proving popular with the local community but also leading to state-wide accolades and commendation from print industry leaders.

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“we’re just so lucky to have such great human beings, real human beings serving our community every day.” Rebecca Douthwaite

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The Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper representatives standing with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli at the Queensland Country Press Awards last Friday night. Sam Gillespie from Burdekin Life Newspaper, Rebecca Douthwaite Founder and Owner of Life Publishing Group, David Crisafulli Leader of the Opposition and Rachael Smith Editor in Chief of Life Publishing Group. Photo credit: Samantha Wantling

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Proserpine Community Centre hosted their Biggest Morning Tea event last Friday.

The theme for the event was ‘Come to the Cook Islands’ and bright colours and traditional Cook Island ‘ei katu or flower crowns were all in sight.

Every guest was greeted with a handmade flower crown, the room was filled with them, and Tivaevae quilts adorned the walls, coconuts and flowers decorated the tables, all items bringing together a vibrant tropical theme.

During the morning, there was of course morning tea as well as a fashion show, music and more.

All this was organised and hosted by 15 local ladies, calling themselves The Tivaevae Mamas, and they were thrilled with the success with over 60 people attending the lively event.

This morning tea, however, wasn’t just a nice afternoon full of fun and laughs, it was a charity event which raised $2,700 for Cancer Research, an outstanding amount of money that will go to a great cause.

The morning concluded with a give-away, spreading more joy to the Proserpine community.

A raffle for the Tivaevae quilt decoration, flowers, a set of cushions and Lucky Door prizes all went to a new home to be enjoyed.

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Colourful handmade flower crowns were the theme of the day. Photos supplied

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Stories of a family with a newborn baby living in a tent in Bowen have compelled Member for Burdekin Dale Last to call for urgent assistance to the current housing crisis that is sweeping the nation.

Mr Last is asking for the issue to be addressed immediately, demanding a response to a recent Question on Notice from the Housing Minister which, he believes, proved the people of Bowen had been left with broken promises in their hour of need.

“We have waited for this response from the Minister in the hope of having a clear indication of what help is actually out there for people seeking crisis accommodation in Bowen,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the response from the Minister confirmed our fears that there is no crisis accommodation available in Bowen.”

“This is the same town in my electorate that I spoke about in Parliament where, sadly, a local family with a newborn baby were living in a tent.

“You would think their tragic story alone would trigger the Minister to pull whatever strings are needed to fund crisis accommodation in the Bowen area.”

Mr Last stated that the housing crisis is having knock-on effects, contributing to staff shortages with workers unable to find accommodation locally.

“We are already seeing detrimental impacts of this housing crisis in other areas of our electorate with potential new teachers turning down jobs in Bowen due to a lack of housing,” he states.

Do you have a story about how the housing crisis is impacting your family – let’s spread the word and create action – email rachael@lifepublishinggroup.com.

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Stock image, illustration only

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The latest victim of severe staff shortages in the medical industry is the Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre which announced this week that it will close its doors at the end of June.

Over 200 GP clinics in Australia have closed down in the past year, many of them citing the same reason – they simply cannot get enough GPs.

Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre is operated by the Girudala Community Cooperative Society, which is a non-for-profit organisation which predominantly overseas the welfare of Indigenous and South Sea Islander community members.

Since 2010, Girudala has been operating the Medical Centre and they welcome all patients, with more than 2,000 people registered on their books.

When they close their doors on June 30, there will only be two other medical centres in Bowen, servicing a population of over 10,000 people.

Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre was also the last service to offer Bulkbilling to all patients.

The other Bowen GP clinics offer Bulkbilling to pensioners and children under 16, but there was a huge demand to fill the gap for vulnerable people that did not fit that age-bracket.

Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre filled that gap.

The closure of this much-needed medical Centre will put immense pressure not only on the other GP clinics but also Bowen Hospital.

A spokesperson for Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre, Jean Andersen, said they are appealing for help.

“It’s been a really hard decision to close the doors and we’ve been trying to reach out to the government for some kind of support,” she explained.

“We’ve gone through everything we can think of and now we’ve made the decision, our primary focus is to refer our patients onto other health services.

“I’m sure every rural and remote community is crying out for GPs as well; we are asking the government to help us in any way they can – is there any funding to attract doctors here?
“We need a resolution soon and I really hope we can find one.”

For several years, the Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre has been surviving with locum GPs who work at the clinic for short periods.

A few years ago, they had two permanent doctors, but there are now no regular GPs to fill the huge demand and the service simply cannot cope anymore.

“This is a national crisis and governments are failing remote communities like Bowen, who simply cannot afford to pay for doctors,” stated Ms Andersen.

“The closure of Herbert Street will place extreme pressure on health services in the area and we’re calling on local governments, namely local, state and commonwealth to work together with us and with the community to develop a sustainable long-term and viable medical health solution.”

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Local events to mark Reconciliation Week took place across the Whitsundays this week, beginning with a special ceremony hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council and held in Proserpine on Monday.

Mayor Ry Collins was in attendance and said he was honoured to participate in the ceremony held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, which marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. 
 
"The ceremony was a poignant reminder of our shared history and the importance of reconciliation," he said.
 
"During this week, it is important we all take time to educate ourselves, to listen, and to engage in meaningful conversations about reconciliation. 
 
“I would like to thank all those involved in the ceremony, including Yooribaya Cultural Experiences and representatives from our local schools, who came together to share their messages celebrating Indigenous culture and promoting understanding on the journey of reconciliation.”

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) provides an opportunity for every Australian to delve into our collective pasts, cultures, and successes, while contemplating our individual roles in fostering reconciliation across the nation.

Make sure to visit the Airlie Beach Foreshore tonight, Friday 31 May, from 5pm onwards for a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Traditional dance, songs and workshops with Yooribaya Cultural Experiences.

The night ends with a showing of ‘The Last Daughter’ a documentary film about Aboriginal woman Brenda, that remembers growing up with her loving white foster parents before suddenly being taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family.

Along the way she uncovers long-buried secrets, government lies, and the possibility for deeper connections to family and culture. 

Watch Brenda’s journey to unearth the truth about her past, and to reconcile the two sides of her family.

In Bowen, Reconciliation Week continues with The Reconciliation Week Twilight Markets starting at 4pm, Friday 31 May at Hansen Park. This event will showcase traditional cultural arts and customs such as a Welcome to Country, smoking Ceremony and traditional dance.

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Mayor Ry Collins at the PEC giving a speech to mark the beginning of Reconciliation Week
Uncle Robert Congoo conducting the Smoking Ceremony

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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