Saturday April 19, 2025 is a special day for St Catherine’s School as it marks one hundred years of Catholic Education in Proserpine. The original school and Convent were built side by side in Marathon Street by Mr J J Riley. The school was a long, single room of timber with verandahs. Electricity was not connected until the early 1930s. Called Our Lady’s Convent School, the school offered tuition in a large range of subjects.

The official opening began with a large crowd gathering in the church for prayers. A procession then made its way first to the Convent and then to the school; both being blessed. The school opened with a roll call of sixty children under the guidance of four Sisters of Mercy, one being Principal, Sister Mary Mercy.

When the school commenced, there was little or no organised sport. Competitive sport did not commence until the 1930s. Children made their own fun. Marbles was a “little” lunch favourite and “big” lunch hours were spent constructing cubby houses in the very long grass beside the school by tying the grass tops together and making long tunnels. Drop the hankie; oranges and lemons; tip the hand; dog and the bone; Red Rover and hop scotch were favourite activities.

Much has changed since 1925 …

On Sunday, April 9 1961, thirty-six years after the first school was built, a new brick building was opened. It consisted of four classrooms and even had port racks – so much better than the one single room. The old building was moved to the beach where it served as a church until it was destroyed by Cyclone Ada in 1970.

The new school opened with 140 pupils and the first principal was Sister M. Ursula. One of the earliest additions to the new school was the shelter shed built to combat heavy wet seasons. In response to the urgent need for more classrooms, additional infants’ rooms and a library were built in 1969. In 1974, a seventh classroom was added and in the late 1970s, the port racks were turned into the administration area.

The first lay teacher, Mrs Barbara Wright, was appointed in 1962; the first lay principal, George de Jong in 1983. By 1988, the school was staffed entirely by lay teachers – marking the end of an era. For sixty-three years, the Sisters of Mercy provided an outstanding contribution to education through their Christian love and dedication.

The 1980s saw the construction of a covered play area (1986) and the acquisition of a school bus which not only enabled students to attend school excursions and sporting events, it also addressed the rising costs of conveying children.

In 1993, a preschool building was opened as well as an enlarged administration area and staffroom. But with preschool numbers on the increase, this necessitated the construction of two classrooms along the Davy Avenue boundary. A further two years on, a similar building with two classrooms was built adjacent to these.

In 2012, St Catherine’s Catholic College celebrated the official opening of their new school campus on Renwick Road with students moving into the campus for the start of the school year. The new campus had six classrooms, a library, administration building, car park and a sports and recreation hall named in honour of former parish priest, the late Father Tom Gard.

A New Chapter …

The year 2013 marked an exciting new chapter in the school’s history. After eighty years as a primary school, St Catherine’s made the transition to high school. In 2014, the school had three dedicated learning precincts - Mercy Campus (Prep to Year 3) on Marathon Street; Loyola Campus (Years 4 to 6) and Manresa Campus (Years 7 to 12) both on Renwick Road. In 2017, St Cath’s welcomed its first Year 12 cohort and very first kindergarten group offering continuity of education for families.

In 2018, St Catherine’s Mercy Campus in Marathon Street was closed with Prep to Year 3 students making the final move across to the Renwick Road campus.

Official Centenary Celebrations will be held from July 27 – July 30 with a special mass conducted by Bishop Tim Harris on August 1.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Our Lady's Convent School.

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. has successfully released Betty, a sub-adult green sea turtle who was rescued while floating near Coral Sea Marina on Friday, 28 February. After several weeks of rehabilitation at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, Betty has returned to her natural habitat and is now swimming freely through the pristine waters of the Whitsundays.

Her return to the ocean was made even more special with a heartfelt farewell, as she swam off into the sunshine to the sound of an original song composed by Rikki Powell from Billabong Dreaming. The song was written to celebrate Betty’s release and to honour the incredible work of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.

Betty was rescued thanks to the quick thinking and kind heart of the team at Phoenix Fishing Charters, who spotted her in distress and brought her to safety. Suffering from “float syndrome” and bearing an old boat strike wound to her shell, Betty arrived at the Centre underweight and in need of urgent care.

During her rehabilitation, Betty captured the hearts of volunteers with her big personality and even bigger appetite. Eco Barge extend a special thank you to Tassal, who generously donated fresh green prawns from their prawn farm to help meet Betty’s dietary needs. Her love for prawns quickly earned her fan-favourite status among the team.

“This is why we do what we do,” said Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas. “Betty’s story is a reminder of the power of community and the importance of slowing down in sea turtle habitats. Thanks to Phoenix Fishing Charters, our amazing volunteers, and support from Tassal, Betty got her second chance.”

As boating season continues, Eco Barge encourages all vessel operators to GO SLOW in seagrass areas like Pioneer Bay and Airlie Beach. Travelling under 6 knots in these sensitive zones can prevent serious injuries to marine turtles like Betty.

The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre is proudly supported by Cruise Whitsundays, Coca-Cola Australia, and Paradise Outdoor Advertising, whose ongoing commitment makes rescues like Betty’s possible.

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. remains committed to protecting marine life and healthy oceans. Since launching the Rescue Centre, more than 230 turtles have been cared for and released back into the wild.

You can support future turtle rescues and marine conservation work by donating at: www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au

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The Eco Barge Turtle Rescue Team celebrating Betty's release. Photo credit: Joschua Wittorff.
The Eco Barge Turtle Rescue Team getting Betty ready for release
Rikki Powell from Billabong Dreaming debuting his original song
Betty making her way into the ocean.

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As Mayor of the Whitsundays, I see firsthand the vital role local councils play in keeping our communities functioning and thriving, and I also see the mounting pressure we face to deliver more with less.

Put simply, the current Federal funding model for local governments is broken. It hasn’t been properly updated since the mid-1970s, and while the Federal Government’s capacity to fund councils has increased through growing taxation revenue, its share of funding to us has continued to shrink.

In fact, since 1995, that share has decreased as a percentage of Commonwealth revenue and councils like ours are left to carry the load.

Across Queensland, councils — big and small — are increasingly stepping in as the providers of last resort just to maintain the services and infrastructure that support everyday liveability. We’re expected to fill the gaps, but without the proper funding tools to do it.

Our research shows that the cost of this “quiet cost-shifting” onto councils has exploded by a staggering 378% over the past two decades. That burden ultimately falls on our communities and our ratepayers which is simply not fair.

People in the Whitsundays shouldn’t have to miss out because policies, funding models, and legislation from Canberra haven’t kept up with local needs. It’s time for a new approach, one that’s fair, sustainable, and reflective of the real value councils deliver.

As we approach the Federal Election, Queensland councils are calling for:

• A boost to untied federal funding to at least 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue, indexed and reliable.
• A new, permanent funding program to build and maintain essential community infrastructure.
• A tripartite agreement to finally end the cost-shifting from other levels of government.
• Greater direct funding access for councils, including a return to the 80/20 infrastructure funding split.

We need a funding model that works for today and into the future because when councils are properly supported, our communities thrive. It's time for the next Federal Government to back local government and deliver real results for the people we serve.

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Over the last three years the price of everything has gone up. Inflation and interest rates have been high and remained high. People across Dawson have less in their pocket and getting by is harder than ever. Australian’s are experiencing the sharpest decline in living standards in decades, with the current drop in disposable income the worst on record.

As the Federal member for Dawson, I know how tough people right across our region are finding things right now.

After three years, Labor’s record is; Electricity up 32% - not down by $275; Groceries up 30% - and farmers are missing out; Insurance up 35% - North Queensland punished more because of cyclones and floods; Rents up 18% - more in parts of Dawson; and a housing crisis with not one house built under their housing fund.

Labor’s ‘Big Australia’ Green only strategy has been a trainwreck for our economy and only a Coalition government can fix the mess.

The Coalition’s plan to get Australia back on track is a positive one.

Our plan to tackle inflation and higher prices will return Australia to a place where hard work is rewarded, and people can breathe life back into their household budgets. A Dutton/Littleproud government will rein in wasteful spending; reduce the burden of government red and green tapes; give more incentives for small business to thrive though tax deductions; get people moving more with 25 cents a litre off fuel; lower energy prices with a balanced and sustainable energy mix; restrict foreign ownership of our homes; and reduce Labor’s record migration intake so that housing builds can keep up.

Taxpayers earning between $45,000 and $104,000 will get $1,200 back in their tax returns, while partial offsets will be received for people earning up to $140,000. This measure is similar to the previous Coalition government’s tax relief that was scraped by the Albanese government.

The country is in an era of the worst decline in living standards in living memory. To change the country’s trajectory and to reverse the decline we must change the government.

A Coalition government will get our economy moving and get the country back on track.

Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox

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Hi Everyone,

Happy Easter! I don’t know about you, but I’m really looking forward to the long weekend and the chance to relax and catch up with friends.

This past weekend was a special one for me. As some of you will know, I’ve been spending my spare time over the past few months helping care for a sea turtle named Betty. She came into the care of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. after suffering from float syndrome and a boat strike that left a serious wound on her shell.

During her time in our care, I formed a real bond with her. Betty has such a quirky personality and quickly became known for her insatiable appetite — we often joked we could barely keep up with her food demands! One of my favourite things she’d do was pop her head up the moment I walked in, as if to say, “Feed me!” She also loved putting her head under the running water during tank cleans.

Over the weekend, we released Betty back into the ocean at Shute Harbour. It was such a proud and emotional moment. Watching her swim off strong and healthy reminded me how far she’d come. You can read more about her release and see some beautiful photos by my friend Joschua Wittorff on page 6.

In other news, I had the pleasure of writing a feature on Hamilton Island’s stunning new resort, The Sundays (pages 12–17). It’s an absolutely stunning venue and writing about it made me wish I was on holiday!

Lastly, due to space constraints, Ruth 2 Reef is on 'pause' this week, but fear not! An extended version will be published in next week’s edition of Whitsunday Life.

What an amazing week!

Ruth

"If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." - Paulo Coelho

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Who doesn’t love a Soda? This sweet 3-month-old pup was heartbreakingly found dumped at the Bowen tip, but you’d never guess it from his happy, playful nature. Soda is full of love and can’t wait to share it with his forever family.

Soda is a Bull Arab X, medium to large in size, and great with both kids and other dogs. He’s a snuggly soul who adores naps and is doing wonderfully with his toilet training.

While he’s mostly a gentle boy, Soda has a little watchdog spirit—he’ll let you know if someone’s nearby with a quick bark. One of his favourite things? Curling up beside his foster family’s kids’ beds at night, keeping them company as they sleep.

Could Soda be your new best mate?

If you'd like to adopt Soda contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc:
• Phone: 0459 757 455
• Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
• Email: bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com

Rehoming fee: $400
Age: 3 months
Sex: Male
Breed: Bull Arab X
Other dogs: yes
Kids: yes
Fences: 5ft

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Adopt Soda the beautiful 3-month-old puppy!

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This year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball will be taking place at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on the 26th July 2025.

We are proud to announce that the masquerade themed ball will be raising fund for three incredible charities – BMA CQ Rescue, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, and the Bowen Community Centre.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, 21 April 2025 – don’t miss your chance to be part of this important cause!

For more information, head to Council’s website.

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As ANZAC Day approaches, preparations are well underway for a touching local tradition that has quietly grown into a cherished community event.

Now in its tenth year, the annual flag ceremony at Proserpine Cemetery pays tribute to nearly 400 service men and women laid to rest there.

Organised by Lyn Burke, the event sees flags placed beside the graves of veterans, including Boer War veterans, Gallipoli survivors, Rats of Tobruk, Prisoners of War, Commandos & many more men & women who served this country.

It’s a gesture of respect and remembrance that organiser Lynn Burke says began as a labour of love and has become something much larger, with growing support from the community.

Lynn said it’s been great to see the youth come along to the flag ceremonies and they will become the future of this event.

Each row of graves will have a bag containing a flag, maps and brief stories about the service personnel, giving community members an understanding of the lives and sacrifices being honoured and who they are erecting a flag beside.

Guests and volunteers will be spread throughout both the old and new cemetery sections during the morning, placing flags and quietly acknowledging the stories tied to each grave. This year a flag will be placed on World War 2 soldier Arthur Read for the first time.

The flags will remain in place for about two weeks, allowing visitors to wander through the site and pay their respects.

What: 400 Flags For Cemetery
Where: Proserpine Cemetery Old and New
When: Monday 21st April 9am (Easter Monday)

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Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox MP with members of the Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club at the flag laying ceremony at Proserpine Cemetery last year. Photo supplied

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The Whitsundays region recently welcomed the R U OK? Conversation Convoy, with events held in both Airlie Beach and Bowen, bringing locals together in a show of support, connection, and awareness for suicide prevention.

On April 6th, the convoy made its stop at the Coral Sea Marina carpark in Airlie Beach, where the community gathered on the hill to enjoy an afternoon of conversation, learning, and reflection. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, attendees explored the caravan display, participated in games, and accessed free mental health resources. Many shared a chat over a game of checkers or simply watched the sunset together with a sausage in hand from the free BBQ.

Matt Stokes from the WSPN reflected saying, “Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network were honoured to host the R U OK? Conversation Convoy in Airlie and Bowen. Their message aligns with ours, essentially looking out for each other, and asking the question, R U OK?” He also praised the visiting convoy adding, “The R U OK? team were a fantastic group and we had many great conversations with the public.”

The turnout and energy across both locations showed the power of community when it comes to supporting mental health. Whether people came to learn how to support someone else or to seek help for themselves, the convoy provided a safe, inclusive space for hope, help, and healing. Remember, you can ask Are You Ok? Any Day.

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Nicky and Rob from WSPN handing out pamphlets. Photo supplied: Matt Stokes of WSPN.
Bob, Mel, Kezza, Donna, and Nicky from WSPN holding up the R U OK? letters. Photo supplied: Matt Stokes of WSPN.

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Last week, a local mother experienced a heart-warming reminder of the power of kindness at Silly Solly’s. She had gone in for sparklers for a friend's cake, a simple errand that quickly turned into a moment of connection.

While waiting at the counter, she noticed a woman drop a spray bottle. Without a second thought, the mother picked it up for her – just a small, polite gesture.

As she was about to leave, the woman approached her with a gift.

And while it caught her by surprise, the mother politely declined, but the woman insisted, and said, “You deserve to treat yourself.”

This unexpected act of generosity left a lasting impression on the mother. It wasn’t the gift that moved her most, but the kindness and sincerity behind it.

“There are some amazing people out there and you never truly know what someone else is going through,” the mother reflected.

“An act of kindness goes a long way.”

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Welcome to Week One of the school holidays – how’s everyone holding up? Still got snacks in the pantry? Still friends with your children? A moment of silence for the grandparents who thought retirement meant rest, only to be ambushed with an entire fortnight of babysitting duty. You are the true heroes of the holiday hustle.

If you’re a Northern Beaches local, you’ll know school holidays are in full swing by one tell-tale sign: the roads are EMPTY. Suddenly that usual 55-minute crawl into town turns into a breezy 10-minute coast.

Of course, if you’re still working, navigating childcare is like one of those twisted escape room puzzles — except there’s glitter glue involved and someone’s yelling “I’m bored!” every four minutes. Thankfully, we’ve got some solid survival tools. Exhibit A: Cheeky Little Monkeys. Yes, it’s a play centre, but also, it has a creche service where you can drop and go for three blissful hours. Whether you use that time to do groceries, get a coffee, or finally vacuum under the couch cushions without tripping over a scooter, we won’t judge. I personally use it to clean the house. In peace. Sweet, sweet peace.

And if you’re dreaming of a few kid-free hours with your significant other, they even run monthly date nights – in fact, there’s one on tonight. If you're reading this early enough, maybe give them a ring and see if there's still a spot. Freedom may be only a phone call away.

For those looking to make the most of the Easter break, pages 26-27 are packed with family-friendly inspo. Next week’s edition will be out a day early – Thursday 17th – and we’ll have even more Easter goodness for your calendar.

In the meantime, drive safely if you’re heading off for the long weekend. Watch out for caravans, road rage, and rogue chocolate eggs melted into the car seat. And if you're taking a dip — at the lagoon or up in beautiful Eungella — keep an eye on the little ones.

You’ve got this, parents. Sort of.

Amanda

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By Amanda Wright

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A long-held dream to give koalas a dedicated space to heal has officially become a reality, with the opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility near Mount Jukes.

The facility, located on the property of Alison and Chris Pighills, has been purpose-built to support the recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife across Central Queensland, with koalas now set to benefit from a safe and natural rehabilitation space.

The site will include a fully enclosed 40m x 40m bushland area planted with ironbark and Queensland blue gum trees to help koalas relearn how to climb, forage and grow strong before being released.

A treatment room, isolation area and outdoor enclosures have also been established, with Chris Pighills behind the construction of much of the infrastructure.

Mayor Greg Williamson was on hand for the official opening and praised the Pighills and the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays group for their vision and dedication.

“Isn’t this sensational for our region,” Cr Williamson said.

“Looking after our wildlife is part of a whole community.”

“Along with the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays group, Alison’s passion for protecting wildlife is inspirational. It takes a vision and a drive, we’re exceptionally proud of what you have built here.”

“Without the generosity of the community, everyone who has contributed to this wonderful facility for our wildlife, I think you should be very proud. This facility will do a lot of great work for our region, thanks to the wildlife rescue volunteers.”

The sanctuary will operate as a key recovery site for a large catchment area, with animals transported from as far south as Yeppoon, west to Clermont and north to Bowen.

“This facility will take in wildlife from a very large coverage area,” Cr Williamson said.

“With a 24-hour hotline, it takes a lot of passion and a lot of drive to make this work.”

The rehabilitation centre also strengthens local capacity to respond quickly to wildlife emergencies, with enclosures tailored to the specific needs of each species and a peaceful bush setting ideal for rehabilitation and recovery.

Alison, who serves as treasurer and koala coordinator for Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, has been caring for wildlife on her property for almost a decade.

From possums and wallabies to bats and koalas, her efforts have already seen hundreds of animals returned to the wild.

Now the sanctuary marks a new chapter—not just for Alison and Chris, but for every injured koala that will soon be climbing toward a second chance.

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Supporters, volunteers, and community leaders joined Alison Pighills to celebrate the opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility, including Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Yuibera Traditional Owner Philip Kemp, and members of local organisations who helped bring the project to life. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Yuibera Traditional Owner Philip Kemp (right) and Mayor Greg Williamson helped mark the official opening of the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility with a symbolic tree planting

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A 22-year-old Ooralea

man has tragically died

after crashing into a

light pole on Archibald Street,

Paget, last Monday, April 7.

At around 12:40pm, the driver

of a classic XY blue Ford Falcon

lost control of the vehicle and

struck a light pole. The driver,

who was the sole occupant,

was immediately transported to

Mackay Base Hospital. Despite

efforts to save him, the young

man succumbed to his injuries.

The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing

its investigations into

the cause of the crash.

Authorities are urging anyone

with information, or who may

have captured dashcam footage

of the incident, to come forward.

Police are asking the public to

assist in their investigation and

provide any relevant details that

could help determine the circumstances

surrounding this

tragic accident.

Investigations remain ongoing

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A partnership between two local organisations has resulted in countless happy faces among the remote villages of Papua New Guinea.

FMS Group, the major sponsor of Mackay skateboarding event Rumble on the Reef, travelled to PNG last week to hand-deliver skateboards, helmets and safety gear to Skate PNG – a small community group located in Taurama.

The delivery was part of the community engagement program within FMS Group, focused on giving back to the people who reside in mining regions. It was also thanks to a collaboration between The Rumble, FMS Group, TSG and Postal Skateboards to develop a world first Pacifika Cup, held at the 2024 Rumble on the Reef event in Mackay.

The winner of this competition was Josh O’Loughlin who represented PNG and donated his prize to the small skateboarding community – Skate PNG – who deliver development and coaching programs in Port Moresby.

FMS Group PNG Area Manager John Wilshere, who is also the former Captain of Rugby League Team PNG Hunters, said it was a privilege to support the PNG community in this way.

“Working in this country, it is important that we engage with and support the local community and this delivery of skateboarding equipment will have an immense impact on the children here who are learning to skate with limited resources,” Mr Wilshere said.

The Rumble Head of Partnerships Donny Fraser said it was a monumental moment for his team.

“This has put our entire crew on an emotional high,” he said.

“Thanks to FMS Group and their team for supporting the Mackay event for years, it has been a backbone of developing skateboarding in the Pacific, and it’s a privilege to work with them to be able to support PNG and developing skateboarding in our neighbouring countries.”

With operations across Australia and Papua New Guinea, FMS Group provides a wide range of services across all industries including mining, construction, marine and renewables. Their partnership with Rumble on the Reef began in 2023 and has produced remarkable opportunities for the Mackay skateboarding community.

Rumble on the Reef 2025 will be held at the Mackay Sugarbowl Skate Park on September 25 to 27.

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FMS Group PNG Area Manager and former PNG Hunters captain John Wilshere shares a special moment with young locals in Taurama, after delivering skateboards and safety gear to support the growing skateboarding community. Photos supplied

Rainee Shepperson, FMS Group Marketing and Communications Manager, shares a moment with a local child in Taurama

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Applications Closing Soon

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Mackay Community Foundation (MCF) is accepting applications for its 2025 Grant Program, offering not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to access a share of up to $207,000 in funding for impactful community projects. But hurry, applications close next week on 15th April.

MCF is seeking applications for one-off projects that aid, relieve, or support individuals in distress in Mackay and surrounding districts.

While most grants are expected to range between $15,000 and $20,000, larger-scale projects are also considered.

MCF Board Chair Frances Easton highlighted the significance of this funding opportunity.

"MCF is committed to strengthening our local region by supporting projects that make a meaningful difference,” Ms Easton said.

“To date, we have awarded a total of $1,764,830 in community grants, empowering organisations to provide essential services and programs for those in need.

“We encourage local not-for-profits to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to create lasting positive change."

Ms Easton also encouraged those organisations applying to be very thorough in their submission.

"We want to ensure that every grant is allocated where it will have the most impact. To do this, we need applicants to provide as much detail as possible about their organisation and project.

“The more comprehensive your application, the better we can assess its potential to support and sustain our region’s most needy."

Eligible projects must build social capital, capacity, and/or resilience within the Mackay community.

It must also deliver economic benefits to the community, support local suppliers and be completed by June 2026.

The 2023/2024 Grant Program saw a wide range of projects funded, including a social support group for new mums, an inclusive arts program, an increase in beach access for youth and adults with a disability, an education program for children with cancer and the Australian Street Aid Project Medical Clinic.

Interested organisations should visit www.mackaycommunityfoundation.com for an application form – applications close 5pm 15 April 2025.

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The 2024 Mackay Community Foundation grant recipients. Photo supplied

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