The Salvation Army is once again partnering to deliver The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. The charity organisation is calling for support with gifts or monetary contributions until 24th December.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a program assisting in the delivery of Christmas gifts to those in need, including Aussies experiencing hardship or crisis and communities impacted by the cost of living.

Choose a practical gift that can be useful beyond Christmas time and deliver it to the Express Drop-Off point outside Kmart, or leave it under the Wishing Tree in store.

Suggested gifts include books, school supplies, headphones, everyday essentials such as socks, bed linen and bath towels, and gift cards.

Drop off a new gift under the Wishing Tree at Kmart, which is located inside Mount Pleasant Centre, or alternatively you can donate in-store or online at kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree

In partnership with Good360, BIG W’s Giving Tree is now in its third year of giving back to local families in need, with donations accepted until 23rd December.

Good360 matches all stores across Australia with a local charity, ranging from women’s shelters, services for children and youth at risk, schools, homeless shelters and children in hospital.

To contribute, simply buy an unwrapped, sealed and unopened gift and place it under the Giving Tree in store at Caneland Central.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Mackay to get involved and give families doing it tough a chance to celebrate Christmas. With ongoing support from the local community, Kmart and BIG W are determined to make a difference to the lives of many Australians this festive season.

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Give back to families in need this Christmas

Photo credit: The Salvation Army

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Ah, December 1st, the day that sprinkles a little extra magic into the air, it’s as though the world collectively flips a switch, and suddenly, it’s officially the holiday season.

It’s incredible how today has this uncanny ability to transform our surroundings, ushering in the spirit of Christmas with an infectious joy that fills every corner. Or is that just my need to over-decorate?

There’s an undeniable warmth in the air, a sparkle in people’s eyes as they eagerly prepare for the festivities ahead. From the first advent calendar door being opened to the twinkling lights adorning homes, the day feels like a symphony of traditions and nostalgia wrapped up in tinsel and bows.

I have noticed this year that many people have been swept up in the festive spirit earlier than normal. I arrived home from an overseas holiday earlier this week and already more than half of the houses along my street have started decorating.

In this edition we wrap up our City Centre feature, with more inspirational ideas on where to shop in the heart of Mackay for unique and sentimental Christmas gifts. Check it out on pages 18-19.

As we step into December, it's also important to realise that not everyone finds this time of year cheerful. For many families, the rising cost of living makes it tough to afford gifts or even food for special meals. Also, some people feel lonelier or stressed during the holidays, which can seriously affect their mental health.

Grapevine Group has launched their annual campaign Be Suicide Alert this Christmas hoping to remind everyone to keep an eye out for colleagues and loved ones who might find the festive season tough. While we enjoy the festive spirit, it's crucial to offer kindness and support to those facing tough times, ensuring we're there for each other.

Whether it’s in the simple act of sharing a smile with a stranger, let’s make this December a month filled with warmth and goodwill, where the true essence of the season shines through in every gesture.

Amanda

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Whitsunday Anglican School hosted their World’s Greatest Shave event last Friday, 24th November on their last day of school for 2023.

Students partaking in the shave were passionate to raise funds to help Aussie families beat blood cancer, providing precious relief to those who need it most.

With no screening programs available and no means of prevention through lifestyle changes, blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. Every day, 53 Aussies are diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16 will lose their life.

It requires teamwork to stop blood cancer from wrecking lives, which was Whitsunday Anglican School’s reason to step up and take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, together giving people facing blood cancer the support and information they need, while driving breakthrough research projects.

Year 11 students Rohit Vaidya, Jarif Mazumder and Josiah Pulikkottil took the lead in assisting the organisation of the fundraiser, with a target of $5,000.

Stepping up to the barber clippers were students Rohit Vaidya, Jarif Mazumder, Amelia Wallace, Josiah Pulikkottil, Noah Binney, Jay Gaunekar and Amelia Wallace.

Commitments from staff members to join the students in the shave included Senior School Teacher Mr James Harris at the $1,000 mark, Deputy Principal Mr Jamie Novosel at $2,000 and Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton at $3,000.

All staff members lost their locks, with the fundraiser hitting just over $4,300 at the time of the event.

The shave commenced on the Senior School stage, with students gathered to cheer on the participants. Barbers from Modielox Mackay Barber Shop assisted in giving the students a fresh, new look for an important cause.

The students have smashed their target, so far having raised $5,730 for the World’s Greatest Shave campaign.

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Rohit Vaidya and Josiah Pulikkottil commencing the shave with a full head of hair

Moldielox Mackay Barber Shop give the boys a buzzcut for the World’s Greatest Shave

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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Syphilis infections in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions have more than doubled this year with more than fifty cases diagnosed in 2023 to date, a concerning rise from the five-year average of 20 cases up to 2022.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Medical Officer Dr Charles Pain said it was necessary to formally declare an outbreak, as infection has spread among the general population in the region, with risk to the particularly vulnerable.

“Most people with syphilis, which is an infection of intimacy, have no symptoms or mild ones which can often go unnoticed and is thus easily spread to intimate partner,” Dr Pain said.

Syphilis is easily spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex or skin to skin contact.

Mackay Base Hospital is now increasing screening of pregnant women at antenatal appointments and encouraging their partners to also be tested.

People aged 15 to 40 who present to the Mackay Base Hospital emergency department may also be tested for syphilis if they are having blood taken.

People can choose not to be tested, however doctors are strongly encouraging people to be tested as syphilis is easily treated.

Sexual Health Physician Dr Arun Menon said pregnant women and their unborn babies were at the highest risk of syphilis infection as it can be passed from mother to baby. “This is called congenital syphilis which can be a severe, disabling, or life-threatening infection for babies.

“The earlier syphilis is detected and treated during the pregnancy, the lower the risk of the baby becoming infected and unwell from syphilis.

“This is why all pregnant women should have a syphilis test in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy (or at the first antenatal visit) and for people who may be at high-risk additional testing is recommended throughout the pregnancy,” he said.

“The cases of infection are in the whole population, including pregnant women. Sexually active people should have themselves tested regularly to protect themselves and their partners.

“Syphilis in Mackay is increasing, and everyone who is sexually active is at risk and should get tested, particularly pregnant women.

“If you have symptoms, particularly ulcers or rashes go to your GP and ask to be tested.” Dr Donohue said.

Dr Donohue encourages regular sexual health check-ups, particularly urging people to ask for a test for syphilis and other STI’s.

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Members from Conservation Councils Queensland, Capricorn, Gladstone, and Mackay convened in Rockhampton and Mackay this week to strategise and develop a plan for a successful implementation of the renewable energy roll out.

The groups and community representatives discussed how ineffective planning laws in Queensland are the root cause of poor project siting and community engagement practices.

“We all support the rapid transition to clean energy to address climate change, which is a major threat to biodiversity and our way of life,” said Senior Renewables Campaigner Stephanie Gray, at the Queensland Conservation Council meeting.

“But we need to make sure that as clean energy is developed we’re not repeating mistakes of the past and letting corporations have free rein to ignore community concerns and develop areas that have a high conservation value.

“We need a well-planned energy transition where renewable energy is built in the right places and First Nations people and regional communities are engaged and see the economic benefits.

“To get this right we need stronger planning laws in Queensland and fast-tracked Renewable Energy Zone planning that incorporates land-use and biodiversity mapping.

“Getting the renewable energy roll out right gives us the best chance at having a future with thriving biodiversity and future-proof regional economies.”

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Mackay Conservation Council gathered to foster positive changes for the renewable energy roll out

Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council approved funding for three community projects through the Activate My Place! (AMP!) Grants at its ordinary meeting last week.

A new mural in the city centre, a series of beachside events on the Grasstree foreshore and family-friendly activities in the Northern Beaches have all received funding to invigorate public spaces and bring the community together.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the AMP! Grant aimed to transform public spaces and bring communities together.

“AMP! is more than just a grants program; it's about turning public spaces into captivating hubs,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Creating strong, vibrant places that bring our community together helps to ignite pride in our region, drive economic development and enrich the lives of everyone around us,” he said.

Mayor Williamson congratulated the three successful applicants.

“These three activations are spread across our region and will be exciting events for all community members to look forward to,” Mayor Williamson said.

“I thank all of the applicants for their efforts to help bring our communities together and I encourage everyone to attend the events when they are up and running,” he said.

The AMP! Grants provide a total of $30,000 in funding to activities that use a collaborative approach to strengthen the connection between the people and places they are activating.

The Mackay City Heart Collective’s “Bee Mindful Mural Project” has received $12,170 to create a mural that will connect Wood Street Park with 7th Lane.

The bee themed mural will commemorate ‘World Bee Day’ in May 2024, with the park a well-known pollination ground for bees.

The Grasstree Beach Progress Association has received $7000 to host Grasstree Grooves.

Grasstree Grooves will be a series of three events on the foreshore of Grasstree Beach which will feature dining, entertainment and a ‘blackboard’ that will provide a platform for community members to showcase their talent.

The Northern Beaches Community Activation will receive $10,829 to deliver a nine-day event that will showcase the diverse local businesses, services and activities available in the rapidly growing Northern Beaches area.

Activities proposed include fitness sessions, children’s activities and a pop-up library, that will then go on to be a community-run initiative.

For more information on the AMP! grants, visit the Discover Mackay website.

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The Mackay Base Hospital Indigenous Meeting Place and Healing Garden was a previous AMP! grant recipient

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Between 25 November and 10 December, the Zonta Club of Mackay will acknowledge the international campaign Zonta Says NO to Gender Based Violence.

The 16 days of activism campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls around the world, began in 2012 and is marked by public buildings and public spaces being lit orange – the United Nations colour of activism.

Club President Fiona Koutlis said nearly 730 million women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence at least once in their lives. No country is within reach of eradicating intimate partner violence. Despite the scale of the problem and these worrying trends, financial commitments to violence prevention remain limited. Investing in preventing violence against women and girls is crucial to achieving gender equality by 2030.

During the 16 days of activism the Zonta Club of Mackay will have our orange lady silhouettes with more information, they will be on display at Caneland Central, Mount Pleasant Centre, Trudy Crowley Foundation, Queensland Police Service Mackay and Rural View, CQ University Sydney Street Campus, Mackay Hospital Foundation Shop, Mackay Women’s Services and The Neighbourhood Hub, we thank all these organisations for supporting Zonta and 16 Days of Activism.

Zonta clubs across the world combine as one voice to take a stand against gender-based violence.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence,” Fiona said.

Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies advocate for action.

“We want community leaders to stand up and work for a better world for women and girls,” Fiona said.

To learn more about “Zonta Says NO” and join the campaign, visit www.zontasaysno.com or Zonta Club of Mackay Facebook page.

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Kevin Casey is a community-service superhero in the Mackay community, with his priorities solely based around giving back to the region.

Kevin has an expansive array of community-based accolades, serving for twenty-two years with Mackay West Rotary Club including a stint between 2018 and 2019 as Club President. The club hosts events such as fundraisers, swap meets, fairs and charity nights to raise funds for local organisations.

Kevin commented on his role as Club President, “I’ve always worked for the community. You step up and do the job, everyone’s got to have a turn.”

He continued, “We raise funds, and put those funds back into the community. You can do many things and you take pride in doing it.”

Kevin also had sixteen years serving the Mackay Regional Council, four of which he spent as Deputy Mayor.

Kevin is a Life Member of both Mackay Hockey and Mackay Surf Club. He was President of Mackay Hockey for twelve years, even putting down the astroturf for the first time at the club. He also committed himself to the renovations of the old lifesaving club building.  

He is also a member of many sporting clubs, including ruby league, soccer, golf, water polo and cricket.

Kevin’s time has also gone into various organisations, including school P&C and P&F boards, the Road Accident Action Group, the St Vincent De Paul Housing Committee and the Pioneer River Improvement Trust.

Kevin has a longstanding assistance in the St Mary's community, particularly with his involvement in spinning the Ham Weel annually for the St Mary’s Christmas Fair. Kevin’s grandfather started the Ham Wheel tradition back in 1937, and the rewarding task has been passed down to his father, and now to Kevin.

Kevin predicts in his forty-odd years of spinning the wheel, that he has given away close to 3000 hams for families to enjoy on Christmas Day. Part of his pleasure is to see the delighted faces of the lucky winners when they come up to receive their prize.

This year was Kevin’s last spin of the Ham Wheel, now focusing his time into his role as Program Manager for the Mackay West Rotary Club. His primary focus is organising weekly meetings and workshops for members to attend, consistently keeping him on his toes.

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Kevin Casey in 2016 for Mackay Regional Council

Photo credit: Courier Mail

Kevin spins the Ham Wheel for the last time this year

Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council’s 2022-2023 annual report, ratified during last week’s ordinary council meeting, highlights substantial strides toward the region's goal of becoming Australia's premier hub for liveability and economic viability. This report, an amalgamation of key achievements and major projects, seamlessly aligns with the Council's new Corporate Plan (2022-2027) and strategic vision.

Mayor Greg Williamson, emphasising the year's noteworthy milestones, accentuated the significance of these achievements, particularly in the context of the landmark projects that marked progress.

“The Waterfront PDA and Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails are standouts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It was tremendous to unveil the new River Wharves public realm and turn the sod on stage one of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails,” he said. “The mountain bike project will be transformative for our valley and for the region’s tourism industry.”

Mayor Williamson said the appointment of CEO Scott Owen in November 2022 had also helped to focus council’s strategic vision around the key pillars of the Corporate Plan.

“Invest and work, live and visit, community and environment, financial strength and operational excellence are the areas we are committed to driving forward to achieve our vision and this report tells the story of the progress we have made in those areas,” he said.

CEO Scott Owen said the annual report was an excellent snapshot of how council was working to deliver the best possible service to our clients.

“The 1113 council staff have delivered outstanding service to our community and our region over the last financial year,” Mr Owen said.

“The sheer scope of services provided by this team is detailed in this report and makes you realise the business of council is so much more than just roads, rates and rubbish,” he said.

Mr Owen said some of the services provided would undoubtedly surprise residents.

“For example, our Vector Control team treated 3903 hectares for mosquitoes; our Mackay Natural Environment Centre team grew 45,776 native plants to help green our region; our Community Programs team facilitated more than $564,000 in community grants to support not-for-profit groups; and our Libraries team delivered 1880 programs and 152 outreach events across the region,” he said.

All this information and more can be found in the 2022-2023 annual report on council’s website.

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Loose Ends opens today and will be a night to remember, where the community comes together to embrace difference and celebrate diversity.

Join the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre for a fun night of entertainment, giveaways, fundraising, socialising and more as they heighten awareness for International Day of People with Disability.

Loose Ends is set to be an eclectic evening of art, music and performances by local artists and performers. Acts include Groove Movers, With One Voice, Choir of Unheard Voices, Strictly Wheelchair Dancers, Maddison Hunt, Crossroad Arts Performers, Live Painters, and more.

What: LOOSE ENDS

When: 1st December 2023 - 7pm to 9:30pm

Where: North Foyer, Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre (MECC)

Tickets: Standard ticket for $25 - visit www.crossroadarts.com.au to book

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North Queensland Bulk Ports have announced the nine community organisations set to receive a share of $60,000 in funding, supporting local community with initiatives expected to deliver strong benefits.

Of the nine recipients, six are in the Mackay and Hay Point port communities, and were selected on the principles of diversity, inclusion and the recognition of First Nations Peoples.

Mackay’s Reef Catchments was one of the six and Reef Catchments CEO Katrina Dent said her team is excited to extend a successful marine debris removal program conducted in conjunction with Wildcat Mackay earlier this year.

“The program proved highly popular with the community. Volunteers shared that their highlights were being able to meaningfully help the environment while getting to see a different side of Mackay,” Katrina said.

“Thanks to NBQP’s generous support, we are able to repeat this experience, engage more members of our community and help keep our islands free from marine debris, thereby reducing the impact of one threatening process affecting our marine turtles.”

Reef Catchments will use their portion of the $60,00 for the survey of marine turtle nesting beaches and marine debris clean ups across 14 islands off the coast of Mackay.

The other five organisations include Mackay Central State School P&C for the purchase of new books and resources for their Reading Project, Mackay and District Turtle Watch, for the conservation and monitoring at Penrith Island, Sarina State High School for their 2024 Inclusive Learning Centre Camp, Safe Sleep Mackay, for the Sleepbus Initiative, and the 122 Army Cadet Unit, for first aid training for cadets.

Within other port communities, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, Girudala Community Co-Operative, and Weipa Running Festival were also successful in securing funding.

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Reef Catchments Katrina Den and Rachel Taylor. Photo supplied

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In a statement from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), it has been reported that more people than ever before in the Greater Mackay region are working in jobs supported by the mining and energy sector, rising by five per cent during the past financial year.

The region, including Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays is now home to more people directly employed in the resources sector than any other region in Queensland, pushing Brisbane out of the top spot.

The QRC’s latest Economic Contribution report shows the sector now supports around 85,000 jobs in the area, representing almost 80 per cent of total employment.

Speaking from Mackay earlier this week, QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the region was a modern-day workhorse for the resources sector and for Queensland.

“The resources sector contributed $18.4 billion to the Mackay region last financial year, representing 91 per cent of Gross Regional Product,” he said.

“This demonstrates how important the industry is to the region’s economy, and likewise how important the Mackay region is to Queensland.

“It’s why we need to continue to attract new investment in new, greenfield resources projects to support continued growth in our sector.

Mr Macfarlane said the State Government’s sudden decision last year to impose the world’s highest coal royalty taxes without consultation had increased the risk profile of investing in Queensland compared to other mining jurisdictions in Australia and around the world.

“There are mine projects literally across the border in New South Wales which are paying much lower royalty taxes than Queensland.

“That’s the reality of being an industry driven by private sector investment, the majority of which comes from overseas.” He said.

Ian MacFarlane said the industry will continue to call on the State Government to reconsider its decision.

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Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane

Photo supplied

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Local disability support agency, Feros Care, invited the local community to dream and connect at the Mackay Riverside Market this week with a day of celebration to mark the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD).

At the heart of the Feros Care celebrations was an innovative 'Dream Wall', an interactive display featuring stars and clouds, adorned with dreams and aspirations written by attendees.

The Dream Wall is designed not just as an art installation, but also as a source of inspiration, encouraging visitors to envisage a future filled with possibilities.

Prompts such as work, making new friends, or community engagement are there to spur thoughts about life's potential and encourage everyone to dream big!

Feros Care's dedicated team were on-hand at the market stall to chat to people with disability about their dreams, ideas, and potential community connections.

Their aim is to collect valuable insights and use this data to develop activities and programs that truly resonate with the disability community's needs and desires.

Participants were encouraged to take a photo of their contribution to the Dream Wall, a tangible reminder of their aspirations and the journey towards achieving them.

Feros Care is a partner in the community for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and works towards helping people with disability live healthy, fulfilling and connected lives.

They work with clients to understand what is important to them and connect them to tailored support services to meet their life goals and improve overall wellbeing.

Established by the United Nations in 1992, IDPWD is globally recognised to foster awareness and acceptance of people with disability.

Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for the IDPWD event. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of barriers for people with disability. This has been occurring since 1992, when the General Assembly announced 3rd December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

This year's focus is on collaborative efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for a fairer world inclusive of people with disabilities by 2030.

Feros Care were excited to host a day of connection and celebration, fostering inclusivity and understanding in our community.

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Celebrate with Feros Care at Bluewater Quay

Photo supplied

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131 ACU Sarina Celebrates 52 Years with Distinction

131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina (131ACU) held their Annual Ceremonial Parade at Sarina State High School last month.

This is the 52nd year that 131ACU has been operating in the Sarina community and this year, 30 Cadets participated in the ceremonial parade. The cadets put on an amazing display of their skills, dress and bearing to over 90 members of the Australian Defence Force Cadets, special guests and the members of the community.

Congratulations to all of the cadets on completing their years’ training and well done to those who received awards:

Drill and Bearing trophy - CDTCPL Sarah Bradford.

Dress and Presentation trophy - CDT Laila Box.

Best Male Recruit CDT Odin Olesen.

Best Female Recruit CDT Baylee Smith.

Best Junior NCO CDTCPL Rolly Lisle.

Best Senior NCO CDTWO2 Olivia Bradford.

Best Male Cadet CDTCPL Rolly Lisle.

Best Female Cadet CDTCPL Sarah Bradford.

Efficiency trophy - CDTWO2 Olivia Bradford.

John Ratter Shield for Excellence in Command - CUO Luke Wakefield.

Regina Gorton Fieldcraft trophy - CDTSGT Maddi Boucher.

Male Fieldcraft trophy - CDT CPL Caleb Harper.

Best Recruit Shot - CDT Gabriel Hjelte

Best Shot trophy - CDTLCPL Logan Gauci.

The cadets celebrated the end of their training year with an Annual Formal Dinner hosted by the Sarina Sporting and Services Club. Special guests in attendance included the RSM North Queensland AAC Brigade WO2 Andrew Dyer and his wife Sharon, Maree Franettovich and Bob North, and representatives of other ADF Cadet units from 122ACU Mackay, 105SQN Mackay and 80 Battalion.

What’s been happening at 131ACU Sarina in 2023? Participating in the local schools’ and community Anzac Day Services, four field bivouacs, Annual Field Exercise at Lavarack Barracks, and five cadets from 131ACU were selected to represent the North Queensland Brigade at national activities this year.

CDTCPL Caleb Harper represented NQLD Brigade at the National Adventure Training Awards held at Tasmania in April, receiving the coveted Golden Boomerang. Also in July, CDT Patrick Blanch, CDTCPL Sarah Bradford, CDTCPL Rolly Lisle and CDTCPL Jazmen Harmon represented NQLD Brigade at Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge at Canungra. All of our cadets represented themselves and their Brigade very well and made lifelong memories and friendships to look back on. The cadets pushed themselves and overcame many obstacles mentally and physically! These types of courses really cement the cadets’ training and skills. They show themselves what they are capable of, and build their versatility, resilience and mateship.

Final training to be conducted this year will be leadership training. Cadets who will attend the Brigade Leadership Courses at Lavarack Barracks in December will be preparing for their upcoming courses, and cadets who are seeking to become Lance Corporal in 2024 will complete their course at the Unit.

Australian Army Cadets is a leading national youth organisation, focused on supporting the cadets to become responsible, compassionate and driven members of the community. The training provided gives the cadets the confidence to be their best selves and to adapt to whatever situation they may find themselves in. The organisational structure gives the cadets opportunities and training in leadership roles and teamwork. The values that guide us are based on the Australian Defence Force Values of respect, integrity, excellent, service and courage.

The Officer Commanding Captain (AAC) Amy Bradford would like to invite potential new recruits to an information session and open day at the unit on Friday 2nd February 2024, at the Ted Malone Rural Skills Centre, Breen Street Sarina from 1530-1830. Parents are required to attend from 1730hrs. On Saturday 3rd February from 0800-1200 the cadets will hold a sausage sizzle fundraiser next to Goode’s Butchery Sarina. Come along and have a chat to current cadets and staff and join 131 ACU in 2024! To join cadets in 2024 you must be turning 13 years old and no older than 16. We train overnight on Fridays fortnightly throughout the school terms. There is no joining fee.

If you’re ready to sign up now, email oc.131acu@armycadets.gov.au and sign up online https://www.armycadets.gov.au/find-a-unit/unit?ua=131ACU

Contributed by LT (AAC) Sam Trapp Training Officer 131 ACU Sarina

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2023 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina

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The holidays are almost here! End-of-year festivities can be costly, especially considering our cost-of-living increases. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimise your expenses. Here are 9 tips to save you money this holiday season.

1. Ask everyone to provide a wish list

Yes, even the adults! Asking for gifts you want can sometimes be seen as greedy or entitled – but being clear with what you want or need saves money and waste for everyone.

2. Get creative with gift giving

Getting creative with different ways of gifting can ease the load and make it more fun – such as:

• Set a challenge to each make a gift at home, for example jams, chutneys, cocktail mixes, salts, spices, etc.

• Try Secret Santa or Bad Santa so each person buys one gift at a set price limit, rather than buying for everyone.

• Instead of individual gifts, agree on a group experience or activity to do together as a festive celebration.

3. Shop preloved

Preloved doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. When looking for gifts, do a sweep of Facebook Marketplace, eBay and local op shops to see if you can snag something secondhand. Particularly when it comes to household goods and appliances, you might be able to find someone selling a brand new or like new product much cheaper than a retailer.

4. Ditch expensive gift wrap

Gift wrap can be wasteful and expensive – and close to Christmas, it can be pretty hard to find too. Instead, get creative with alternative wrapping solutions. Think cloths, tea towels, fabric offcuts, and even newspapers. Plus, it makes your present pile look artisanal and rustic!

5. Open the communication with friends and family

This year’s cost of living crisis is unprecedented, and almost everyone is feeling the pinch in some way. One of the most powerful things you can do at times like this is open the dialogue with friends and family. Take away expectations, create a safe space for people to say ‘sorry, I can’t afford that this year’, and come to an agreement that makes everyone feel like they’re being heard.

If you are looking to maximise your savings now and into the future, come in to see the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Branch team at 37 Broad Street or call us on 4943 2634 to talk about how we can help.

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