Our Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard now includes a Cyclone Track Map.

This interactive map has been developed by the BOM and shows weather events in local time to our region.

Furthermore, the app offers weather projections for a 5-day forecast, rather than the typical 3-day forecast offered by the BOM.

Official BOM forecast advice and information can be accessed directly by clicking on the spinning cyclone icon in times of cyclonic weather alerts.

For more information or to test the tracker app out for yourself, head to disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

Whitsunday Regional Council is gearing up the festivities with the annual Christmas Light Competition.

Decorate your home, business and streets with Christmas lights, and you could win the ‘best residence or shopfront’ or the newest category, ‘best street’, and go into the running to win a special street sign proclaiming your street as the most festive street in the Whitsundays.

And don’t forget to add your Christmas light display to the Whitsunday Regional Council Christmas Lights Trail map, sharing your wonderful creation with locals and visitors alike.

Now, what are the prizes?

Best Residence or shop front – a family package for the Sealink Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour, and one night stay in a Glamping tent at Lake Proserpine.

Best Street – a special custom-made street sign to be erected by Council.  

Winners will be officially announced by Council on December 18.

Have you cast your votes yet?

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Check out the Christmas Light Trail Map by visiting Your Say Whitsundays on the Council website.

Vote Now For Your Favourite Christmas Light Display

Voting ClosesDecember 17

This week over 60 presents have been donated to families in need, making sure more children can experience the joy of opening a gift this Christmas.

A partnership between the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and Ray White Real Estate, these 60 children’s gifts have been hand-selected, wrapped and delivered to families across the region, just in time for Christmas.

“We’ve been doing this for years,” explained Sue Griffiths, Operations Manager of Ray White.

“As soon as the Christmas period starts, we start campaigning for staff and local businesses to get involved.”

Merewyn Wright is the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Secretary and is proud of this achievement.

“We want to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer to children and young people in the area,” she said.

“It’s the chance for people who may not normally be able to have something for their children, the ability to give them a nice gift to enjoy Christmas.”

“It’s a wonderful thing,” explained Jan Clifford, Whitsunday Regional Council Councillor and President of the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach.

“I commend the array of gifts that this partnership has been able to accomplish.

“It makes me so happy to be a part of this community.”

Merewyn Wright, Secretary of Rotary Club of AirlieBeach, Clare Nixson of Ray White, Councillor Jan Clifford, and Shantelle Selmanof Ray White. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Christmas in 1896 – Proserpine Notes - “Mackay Standard” January 13, 1897

“Christmas passed off quietly but very pleasantly with us here, as is usual among all small communities. The usual custom of shopping on Christmas Eve was not forgotten and it was surprising the amount and variety of goods Mr Jupp and Mr Campbell, our two storekeepers, were able to display … Mr Jupp, on his recent visit south, had not forgotten that there were a large number of children … and brought with him plenty of toys, whistles etc … the rattle and screeches of the different instruments and the merry laughter of the little folks reminded one of being back in a large city …

Extracts from Memory of a Bush Kid’s Christmas (c1914) by Mary Hallam (1909 - 1996).

“We didn’t hang out stockings, nor did we have a tree. We just put our hats on the big rough timber table and into these our gifts were put. That special gift for each one; a lucky stocking and lollies and nuts and crackers – which gave the greatest joy of all … The stocking held lots of small things, each one a surprise and the fireworks were super special. Sparklers, Bengal matches that burned red or green when struck, rockets, jumping jacks and packets of little crackers ...

(After breakfast) we were sent off to the creek to get greenery to decorate the house ... We came home laden with palm leaves, ferns and a plant called ‘centipede vine’. It bore fruit like tiny pineapples, green when green and red when ripe – just the right colours for Christmas. We loved this decorating. We made the corrugated iron walls look a verdant rainforest.

(Then) it was time for dinner. We were called in and washed and dressed in white. I wore a white muslin frock; the boys wore their white coats. Mum wore a large white starched apron over her dress and Dad wore a white shirt.

The table was set with a big white cloth and hand-made paper flowers. Dad sat at the head of the table to do the carving … The pudding with money in it was great fun …

The afternoon was spent quietly with our toys. After tea when it was dark came the time for the fireworks … We wrote our names in the air with sparklers, watched rockets rise high into the sky and explode and let off little crackers with shrieks of delight.”

Christmas in Proserpine prior to World War Two – Reflections by Zena Price

“… the street would be decorated with palms and the shops open until 9 pm. Crowds gathered in Main Street while the town band played. … Santa Claus made his way through the street … Church services at midnight were well attended and afterwards the bandsmen crowded on a lorry or two … and drove around the back streets playing carols … (Later) the revellers would move off to the railway station and played ‘Silent Night’ to the passengers on the mail train that passed through Proserpine about 3am.

On Christmas Day visitors came and went. Even though it was the height of summer, Christmas dinner was traditional, such as grandparents enjoyed in the “old country” – chook or roast beef, baked vegetables and the Christmas pudding boiled in an unbleached calico cloth weeks before. … (with) threepences and, if lucky, even a sixpence. And charms! Silver charms!  (And) brandy poured over the pudding and lit up.

Story and photo courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum.

William Baron Biggs and son William Biggs pictured wearing Christmas bon bon hats and sharing a tallie at Ernestholme on Christmas Day in the early 1930s. Photo supplied

The Young Widows Support Group are hosting their next catch up and widows of the region are welcome to attend and bond with individuals who understand.

Organised by Ashlea Langston and Lisa Cherie, the pair have established the Youth Widowed Catch Up in order to promote healing and help each other.

The term ‘widow’ covers a broad understanding, and everyone is warmly welcome to attend the catch ups, no matter gender, relationship status.

“Age is no barrier either,” Ashlea explains.

“Your age or background doesn't define your journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way.”

First Light Widowed Association was established in 2016, with three young widows coming together over social media and connecting through common grief and sharing their experiences. Since then, the association has grown, travelled across Australia, and supports thousands of widows through shared connection.

“Let's come together, share stories, and build a supportive community. We can't wait to meet you all and embark on this journey of healing and connection,” Ashlea said.

The upcoming Catch Up is informal, non-structured events where every guests is welcome, safe and supported.

WHAT: Young Widowed Catch Up

WHERE: Airlie Beach

WHEN: Sunday December 17, 12pm to 4pm

Young Widowed Catch Up is a supportive environment to connect with people with similar experiences. Image: Shutterstock

The draw of the year is finally here!

Airlie Beach Hotel are gearing up to draw one of the two 2023 Toyota Corollas next week in a competition more exciting than anything else.

TO ENTER Just spend $25 in The Pub, The Bar, or any ABH Liquor & Tobacco merchants bottle shop and be in our gaming room Wednesday & Thursday between 3pm & 7pm and Friday & Saturday between 4pm & 8pm with your members card inserted correctly for your chance to WIN. Prize draws every 20 minutes.

Entries have been tallied and with massive prizes on offer, it is no wonder that the Airlie Beach Hotel is cheering with the first of two Toyota Corolla Ascent Sports Hatch in Glacier White going to a lucky local winner.

What a prize to call yours just in time for Christmas!

How to claim your prize?

Winner must be at the draw on the night to claim the prize.

Once announced, the winner has two minutes to meet with Airlie Beach Hotel staff and claim their winning, or the car will be redrawn for a new winner.

The fun doesn’t stop there, with the second car being drawn on June 29 2024, with the chance to win doubling.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Hotel Car and Prize Draw

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday, December 23 at 9pm

The Proserpine Community Markets are done and dusted for 2023, with all attendees stocking up for their Christmas celebrations and for the summer break.

With Santa making a special pitstop during the event, the entire family was well entertained, and everyone came home with a special treat or two.

“It was such a wonderful event,” said Tarnia Patton, Proserpine Community Market Coordinator.

“Our Christmas market is always a great market, but I say that this one was our best market yet.”

With close to 90 different stall holders on offer for shoppers, it was safe to say that Christmas shopping was sorted.

“I had quite a few people come up to me and say that they’d saved all their Christmas shopping for the markets, which is what we hoped for.

“The point of the markets is to keep money local, and for small business, and not to those big companies where the money does not stay in our communities.”

Activities on offer included plenty of children’s entertainment, including Wildlife Whitsundays, face painting, and balloon animals.

“And we are excited to announce that our next markets, in April, we will be trialling a new location, which will be completely indoors. I’m excited to offer better security from the weather for our stall holders,” Tarnia explained.

Fun and merriment had at Proserpine Christmas Markets. Photos supplied

A Celebration At Mackay Birth Centre

Birthed from a legacy of nurturing care, families, midwives, and supporters gathered at Mackay Base Hospital for an afternoon soirée celebrating the stork's long-time landing pad, the Mackay Birth Centre.

Amidst memories and baby giggles, they embraced the past while eagerly anticipating the swag of changes ahead in the centre's evolution.

Chief executive Susan Gannon, leading the celebrations, praised the midwives and families for making the centre a cherished part of the community. But with change gestating for next year, plans are underway to ensure its legacy continues beyond its 'due date'!

Marking Memories Before Swaddling Into A New Era

About 50 people enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the grounds of Mackay Base Hospital on Saturday to celebrate the legacy of the Mackay Birth Centre and prepare for the next chapter in its development.

The event was hosted by the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in conjunction with the Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre, and attendees enjoyed afternoon tea and the sharing of memories, as well as face-painting and lawn games.

Mackay HHS chief executive Susan Gannon thanked birth centre midwives and families for their attendance.

“More than 3500 babies have been ushered into the world by our Mackay Birth Centre midwives over the past 29 years and this legacy of providing the women of our region with a safe and nurturing birthing option will continue,” Ms Gannon said.

“I want to congratulate the Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre for their passion and resilience as we work through the process together.”

The current Mackay Birth Centre facility, which has been through three earlier stages of development, will be removed to make way for the development of an additional wing of the hospital. Birth Centre clients will continue to receive care with their midwives in a dedicated space within the Women’s Health Unit, until a new birth centre is constructed off site from the Mackay Base Hospital.

Work on the $250 million expansion will commence early next year.

The Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre will create a book of birth centre experiences and memories ahead of the 30th anniversary of the service next year. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact The Friends via email to friendsmackaybirthcentre@gmail.com

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Attending the Mackay Birth Centre Celebration event last Saturday are, back from left, midwife Marion Fazakerley, Friends of Mackay Birth Centre representatives Nakia Watters and girls and Hayley Wilson, former midwives Rosie Refalo and Robyn Husband, Friends Annemaree Nolan and Karla Ball, midwife Donna Towers. Front from left are midwives Sarah Baker, Jaclyn Comin and Makenzie Falzon and former midwife Sue McPherson. Photo supplied: MHHS

MHH Board Deputy Chair Kerry Maley and MHHS CE Susan Gannon

Midwife Jaclyn Comin with birth centre bub Kian Shenfield

Sally and David Wood with daughters Phoebe and Imogen – born at the birth centre in 2003 and 2005

Community members gathered at Mackay Base Hospital to honour the Mackay Birth Centre's legacy and share cherished memories during a fun celebration

Balancing Child Safety And Freedom In Library Resources

The Mackay Regional Council finds itself at the centre of a heated debate concerning the delicate balance between providing unfettered access to educational resources in libraries and safeguarding children from potentially explicit or inappropriate content.

The recent assertions by the "Worldwide Rally For Freedom Mackay" group, led by Tine McDonald, underscore a growing concern about the presence of what they term as pornographic literature within local libraries. This contentious issue pits the imperative to protect young library users from accessing sensitive material against the principles of information access and freedom, emphasising the need for a delicate equilibrium between these vital aspects.

Key spokesperson Tine McDonald expressed her concerns at a Mackay Regional Council ordinary meeting, standing up in the public gallery saying, "Today I draw attention to the fact that it appears not one member of council is prepared to take on the fight for our children." McDonald further highlighted the lack of concern displayed by the council towards explicit content in libraries, even detailing explicit excerpts from books, leading to a pause in the live feed.

“Not one of you can say you are unaware of the pornographic literature available to our children in the Mackay Regional Libraries, because we have sat here displaying the images, enlarged and in full colour, and each of you have received emails regarding this issue, but you didn’t seem to think these graphics offensive at all,” she said.

Highlighting the Commonwealth Classification Act of 1995, McDonald emphasised the responsibility of publishers, including those making material available to the public, to have potentially offensive content classified. McDonald accused the council of subjecting children to explicit material, a notion she equated with child grooming, stressing the need for zero tolerance towards such exposure.

McDonald questioned, “I know that many of you have children and grandchildren which leads me to wonder about your level of concern. These are your flesh and blood and I can’t believe you are not concerned that they are being exposed to this filth?”

She accused councillors of putting their pay packets before the welfare of local children.

“You get one shot at raising your precious children, don’t waste it for a pay packet. There is life outside of council,” she added.

“It takes a village to raise a child and, in my opinion, this village is doing a damnable job.”

Responding to these issues, Community and Client Services director Janine McKay said the Worldwide Rally for Freedom Mackay group had raised concerns about certain publications in Mackay Libraries and council, including CEO Scott Owen, had responded to them on multiple occasions.

She said council took its obligations to provide library users and staff with a safe environment, free from exposure to unlawful material or unacceptable threats, extremely seriously.

“All items at council’s Libraries are made available in line with recommended age range ratings, and we work diligently to ensure that items made available are compliant with all advice guidelines.

“Council does not have any publications available that contravene Classification Review Board advice.”

Ms McKay said as a condition of Libraries membership, any children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when joining the library.

She said parents or guardians were responsible for items borrowed by those junior members.

“We acknowledge that not all publications will be suitable for, or accepted by, all library members. However, accessing them is a personal choice.

“It is important that libraries provide an unbiased source of knowledge, information, and ideas through a comprehensive and balanced collection.

“Library collections must be as diverse as the community they serve.”

In their response, the council reiterated their dedication to maintaining balanced and diverse library collections, promoting access to knowledge, information, and ideas while underscoring the personal responsibility involved in accessing library resources.

This exchange has spotlighted the balancing act between the right to access information and the responsibility to protect young library users from potentially sensitive or explicit content.

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Tine McDonald holding literature available from local libraries saying the “pornographic” material should not be able to be accessed by children

Hannah Farrar took to Mackay Crime Watch Facebook page on 28th November, but instead of reporting a crime, she reported a heartwarming act of kindness.

A young P-plater driving a Toyota single-cab cruiser hopped out of his vehicle in the pouring rain. The man ran over to an elderly gentleman on a mobility scooter, who was waiting to cross the road at Sydney Street Markets.

The man provided him with an umbrella to shield him, as he was being soaked by the rain.

Hannah commented, “Just to see the kindness that young man showed was a great way to start the day.

“It’s great to see our young people going out of their way to help others, it’s the nice side of our community that we often don’t see or don’t hear much about.

“To that young man, well done for thinking of others and going to their aid, as I could see you went out of your way to try to assist. You should be proud.”

Many locals on the forum also commended the young man’s efforts, sharing their own stories of positivity they themselves have witnessed in the Mackay community.

This goes to show that kindness is alive and well in our beloved region, and that simple gestures can make someone’s day.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, right? Glitter, twinkling lights, and the aroma of Nan’s secret recipe Christmas cake fills the air. But let's get real; sometimes, the festive season isn't all sleigh bells and mistletoe.

Life's unpredictability can throw us a curveball or two.

The festive season is often painted with a brush of joy, but behind the glittering facade, the realities of life's financial strains echo loudly. I've found myself, much like many others, in the tightening grip of these challenges. The cost-of-living crisis is an ever-present weight on the shoulders of many, sometimes forcing unexpected creativity just to get through to the next pay day. A lot of us can relate to the ‘mum hustle’ to make things happen.

Scrolling through local community boards on social media, I see a symphony of pleas. Parents reaching out, struggling to provide food for the table, let alone Christmas presents.

In one way or another I believe we are all starting to feel the pinch as the cost of everything continues to climb around us. It’s like a new kind of ‘me too’ movement, one where we admit we have been finding things hard. There’s no shame in admitting that. You’re certainly not alone.

In an effort to help those who may be struggling this Christmas, on page 10, our team has curated a guide for those seeking support. From places to enjoy Christmas lunch, to being able to put presents under the tree and fill the pantry with staples, there are many organisations extending a helping hand.

For those in a position to donate to those in need, the organisations listed on this page could sure use your help, offering hope during this trying time. Christmas, beyond its material trappings, embodies the resilient spirit that unites us all, reminding us of the enduring power of community, especially in the face of adversity.

Amanda

Seven Mackay businesses have been given a helping hand to breathe new life into their building facades.

The businesses have each received a grant under Mackay Regional Council’s Facade Improvement initiative, which has been in place for nine years and supports quality facade improvement works.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Facade Improvement Grant was a collaborative effort between council and local property owners and business operators.

“By working together, we strive to encourage the revitalisation of commercial facades, infusing new vibrancy into the region's business districts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“By providing a co-contribution towards planned works, it makes it easier for businesses to embark on the enhancement projects they envision,” he said.

Successful applicants were eligible for a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent of the total project costs to a maximum of $5000.

The grant covers a wide range of improvement projects such as painting of facades and exterior walls, restoration of historic buildings, installation of new exterior business signage, renovation of entranceways and installation of external awnings, lighting and street-visible windows.

Successful grant recipient Renee Kitto, of Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium on Nebo Road, said the upgrade of the facade would bring a whole new look to an old building.

“Many people have known and loved this shop as Chatt-A-Ways for many years,” Ms Kitto said.

“We want to bring all new memories to this shop by making it a more elegant and up-market place to visit and relax. We want them to feel totally at home while they are here,” she said.

Ms Kitto said the grant would allow them to paint the exterior of the building, install new external signage and tint the windows, making the shop less glary inside as well as more energy efficient.

Simon Ross, from Ninety-Five, at 95 Victoria Street was also successful in receiving a grant.

“I bought the building a few years ago and have undertaken a major renovation of the interior, which I’m now using as the head office for my business, Minespec Parts,” Mr Ross said.

“The space looks fantastic inside and is great central location for our sales staff to do their work and meet with clients,” he said.

“This grant will enable me to do a full facade makeover, with new signage as well a security alarm system.”

Successful applicants in the 2023/24 round are:

• Whitsunday Design Drafting Pty Ltd, Gregory Street - removal of the damaged shade awning, repair and restoration of the roof overhang, replacement of fascia boards with updated materials, installation of energy-efficient light fixtures, addition of security lighting, refresh the appearance of the marble feature wall, painting of the brick exterior, utilising a graffiti-resistant paint to prevent vandalism and maintain a clean appearance and installation of new building signage.

• Goanna Brewing, Carlyle Street - installation of business signage strategically positioned in front of an illuminated decorative screen.

• Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium, Nebo Road – installation of new branded signage and application of window tinting to front facade windows and painting of the front facade.

• Soulfood, MacAlister Street – installation of new business signage above the window of store fronts, eye catching window wrap on our shopfront windows, as well as replacing a damaged hanging sign above the footpath.

• Flavours of Vietnam, Nelson Street – installation of new fascia signage, the application of new window decals, box signage at the main entryway, and update the exterior door entrance.

• Bings, Victoria Street – installation of illuminated sign lightboxes to prominently display the business's brand and indicate designated customer parking areas.

• ‘Ninety-Five’, Victoria Street - updated exterior flashing, structural board, timber trim and weather shield paint intend to compliment the overarching modern and sleek concept of the recently renovated interior.

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Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium co-owners Renee Kitto, left, and Yasmine Aughton are excited about putting the finishing touches to their business thanks to council’s Facade Improvement Grant

Urban Greening Strategy Takes Root In The Northern Beaches

While many residents are starting to put up their Christmas trees at home, Mackay Regional Council is planting some trees of their own in the Northern Beaches.

Council will be planting 74 street trees along Eimeo and Blacks Beach roads this month.

This is the first major planting project of the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy, with more to come in the future.

The project supports the strategy’s vision of growing cooler, greener and more connected neighbourhoods. Mayor Williamson said the region’s urban vegetation cover was relatively low and declining in some areas.

“One of the primary goals of council’s Mackay Urban Greening Strategy is ensure that more trees are planted than removed each year,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We want to achieve an average of 40 per cent tree canopy coverage over pathways, public parks and council-owned open spaces by 2042,” he said.

“We currently have less than 20 per cent coverage over our pathways, so this is a positive step forward in providing more shade cover for residents in the growing Northern Beaches area.

“It will help in providing pedestrians with a much nicer experience walking to school and accessing any other essential services by footpath.”

There will be no impact to pedestrians or traffic as part of this work.

Ratepayers who want to add more greenery to their own gardens are reminded that they can sign up to council’s Gardens for Wildlife program to collect 10 free native plants for their property.

Visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/gardensforwildlife for more details.

Stay up to date on all the latest urban greening news by subscribing to the Urban Greening eNewsletter at www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening. The eNewsletter will notify you of upcoming native plant giveaways and sales, and tree planting projects, activities and events.

Grapevine Group have launched their annual campaign ‘Be Suicide Alert this Christmas’ hoping to remind everyone to keep an eye on colleagues and loved ones who might find the festive season mentally challenging.

The Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac community can do their bit by downloading the Grapevine Group app which contains the sixteen warning signs of suicide.

Community members can do their part by being aware of these signs and making themselves familiar with the local suicide prevention services.

As part of this campaign, which has been proudly supported by DGH, Grapevine Group, Mackay Regional Council’s Mayor, Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, Resource Industry Network and Queensland Police Service have combined to produce a video to get a life-saving message to the community.

“It’s so important we take the time to check on those around us during the festive season - for anyone that has lost a loved one, experienced a relationship breakdown or going through child custody issues, Christmas can be especially difficult.

“If you know anyone experiencing this, just show them kindness and take a couple of minutes to familiarise yourself with the signs to keep an eye out for,” said Grapevine Group President Debbie Knight.

As he does every year, Mayor Greg Williamson reminds us that Christmas is a time that can be very tough for the most vulnerable in our community.

“If you know somebody who fits into this category, please learn the warning signs by downloading the Grapevine Group app or visiting their website.

“Your assistance might be the greatest gift that you can give this Christmas,” said Mayor Greg Williamson.

Other stressors might also add to the festive season, like bills and the increased cost of living.

“Financial pressures can make many in the community feel it a lot more this Christmas than in past years,” said Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce President Geoff O’Connor.

Resource Industry Network General Manager Dean Kirkwood has already downloaded the Grapevine Group’s app to make sure he is aware of the resources available at his fingertips.

“It couldn’t be easier with the Grapevine Group app - it provides all the information I need to access local help and allows the community and organisations to sign up for free suicide prevention training” said Mr Kirkwood.

The vital local suicide prevention services on the Grapevine Group app can also be found at www.grapevinegroup.org.au

Mental health service providers:

• Lifeline 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | www.kidshelp.com.au

• MensLine 1300 78 99 78 | www.mensline.org.au

Gargett branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association celebrated their 75th anniversary on 20th November, with a luncheon to commemorate the special occasion that comes once-in-a-lifetime.

A cake cutting ceremony was held, alongside a day of reminiscence and nostalgia as members and their families looked back fondly on the seventy-five years of service that local women have dedicated to the branch.

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QCWA Pioneer Division treasurer Sharon Price (right) was at the luncheon with Danni Quast, (centre) and Barbara Plumb (left) from Sarina.

Branch treasurer Maree Head (left) and member Browyn Draheim greeted visitors to Gargett QCWA’s 75th anniversary luncheon

Alice Jensen of Owens Creek (left) and Anne McVicar of Mirani

Former Gargett district residents Marianne Webster (left) and Doyia Webster

Gargett branch members cut the 75th birthday cake

Photos supplied