Storm and cyclone season in Queensland runs from October to the end of April. During this time, flooding is more likely to impact the state.

Sandbagging is a helpful solution to divert water away from your property and preventing floodwater damage.

The State Emergency Service Mackay Regional Unit operates two sandbagging machines. One electric machine at their headquarters and a mobile, trailer-mounted machine that is transported around the local region.

You can buy sandbags from local hardware stores. Alternatives include fertiliser or potting mix bags, old pillowcases, plastic shopping bags and plastic downpipe bags.

Ensure you only fill your sandbags ¾ full, so they are not too heavy to lift and provide a flat layer for stacking. Place a plastic tarp down before you start to provide a barrier.

The SES encourages self-reliance from our community to reduce requests for assistance.

Access to emergency sand stockpiles in Mackay and surrounding areas:

● North Mackay – Norris Road reserve

● South Mackay – BB Print Stadium overflow car park on Leisure Street

● West Mackay – Hume Street and 374 Shakespeare Street

● Sarina – SES Facility – Brewers Road

● Seaforth – Community Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street

● Armstrong Beach – Rural Fire Brigade Shed

● Calen – Church St

● Campwin Beach – SES Facility - 103 Campwin Beach Road

● Finch Hatton – SES Facility, 17 Letchford Street

● Grasstree Beach, 40 Zelma Street

● Koumala – SES Facility, Bull Street

● Midge Point – SES Facility, 1503 Midge Point Road

● Mirani – Corner of Victoria and Augusta streets

You can find out more information through the Mackay Regional Council or SES websites.

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Sandbagging reduces floodwater damage to your property

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Meet The New Mackay Hospital And Health Services Board

The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board came together on Thursday, 5th October to introduce themselves to health service personnel, appointed to set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

The event was kickstarted with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Phillip Kemp, to the sound of the didgeridoo, played by Toasie Cora. Alongside this was a performance by the Tchundal Malar Dance Company.

This was followed by a traditional Torres Strait Islander prayer by Aunty Matilda Christian, asking for support and guidance on behalf of the new team of Board members to provide governance for the health service, in both Merian Mir and English languages.

Members include Board Chair Helen Darch, Deputy Chair Kerry Maley and Members Maud Chapman, Bill Cooper, Dr Luke Lawton and Dr Peter O’Mara.

Board Chair, Helen Darch OAM is an experienced board member in both government and not-for-profit sectors, with over thirteen years in the industry.

When Helen received the opportunity to apply for the Mackay Board, she was excited to come in with a broader experience to a team of exceptional people.

Helen’s aim is, “To try and unpack some of the challenges of regional Queensland and its health, and to advocate for change for our community.

“In this first phase, our key focus is to go and listen to staff, to our community, to our politicians to actually understand what is really not working well, what people really need and how best to step in and work together to fix it.

“The past is the past, we must learn the lessons from that to make sure that we are building a far better future for our community.

“I can’t undo what’s happened, but I am absolutely determined that we are going to change things.”

The six-member Board brings a vast range of experience across the fields of emergency medicine, business, nursing and law. This newly assembled team strives to create positive change for the future of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

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The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon

Tchundal Malar dance group

Smoking ceremony. Photos supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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GetReady Queensland has partnered with Mackay Regional Council, calling on local residents to stock up their emergency kits and get their emergency evacuation plans in place, before a natural disaster strikes.

Know when to go

Keep track of emergency warnings - Tune in to the official emergency broadcaster ABC Tropical North 101.1FM, or opt in for notifications from the Mackay Emergency Dashboard.

Know where to go

Identify which family, friends, or commercial accommodation you would go to. Make sure you let someone know where you have evacuated to and that you arrived safely.

Know how to move

Identify the safest route and consider potential hazards. If you are elderly or have a disability, use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness resource.

Know what to take

Consider what you would pack for a remote camping trip and don’t forget the essentials.

Know your neighbours

Often, neighbours will be your first responders in a disaster event and can assist with preparing your home before disaster strikes.

All eight Woolworths stores across Mackay will have two dedicated aisles featuring key items for household disaster kits, as well as tear-off shopping lists.

To find a more detailed summary of advice and information, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/getreadymackay.

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GetReady stall geared up for the Seniors Expo. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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Women dressed in their most vibrant pink outfits gathered at an exclusive event over the weekend to show their support for breast cancer awareness and fundraising.

Usually held on the 28th October is Pink Ribbon Day, an annual event hosted to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

This past Sunday, October 8th, a group of thirty-five local women eagerly joined the nationwide event ahead of schedule, uniting in their finest pink attire to rally behind the cause.

The event consisted of a morning tea spread, as well as a bidding auction.

A group of small businesses, as well as attendees provided a donation of prizes for the auction, including Debbie’s Seafood, Reef Contracting, Suterbly Crafted and Fancy Pants Ranch.

Collectively, the team managed to raise an impressive sum of $3,482, a remarkable effort from everyone involved.

Main host and organiser, Cheree Ridolfi, commits herself to a different fundraising event each year, dedicated to spreading awareness for various charities.

Last year, Cheree had a close friend who was battling breast cancer. This hit close to home, inspiring her to host the Pink Ribbon Day event.

Cheree commented, “We have some amazing women in our life who we hold close to our hearts and we would hate to lose any of them to breast cancer.”

“It means that one day, when we hopefully find a cure, we can say we helped towards that cure because every little bit helps.”

Cheree’s most memorable moment was the banter between the ladies while holding the auction, stating, “They are a great bunch of ladies and we are lucky to call them our friends.”

Cheree appreciates her supporters braving the strong winds to provide vital support to those battling breast cancer. She aims to raise awareness and promote regular checks.

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A variety of donations supplied for the event

(L-R) Host Cheree Ridolfi, Natalie Fitzgerald, Debra Goodall and Raechel Gribbin

(L-R) Sophie Gribbin, Tiaani Blunt and Sarah McGrath

(L-R) Leonie Goody, Tammy Molloy, Sonya Turner and Jackie Bella. Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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Teams will be revving up for the Spring Shitbox Rally, held from 13th to 21st October 2023. They will be piloting beat-up cars valued under $1500, zooming from Port Douglas to Adelaide over rugged roads for a charitable cause.

This event is considered to be representative of the ‘bumpy ride’ that people diagnosed with cancer might be experiencing, like needing a few adjustments along the way, having faith that you'll make it to the other side and having people along the journey to pick you up when you need a hand.

The Mackay side of the Shitbox Rally teams include ‘Not Lost - Just Looking’, ‘Leketek Mackay’, ‘Whiskey Business’, ‘Hakuna Matata’, ‘Team Ramrod’, ‘The Bozlicks’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’.

Mackay teams look forward to the adventure, where they have a chance to meet new and like-minded people and see the countryside.

In the weeks ahead, we'll provide an update on how the Mackay teams fared tackling the rough terrain.

The Shitbox Rally event raises money for the Cancer Council, to go into numerous research projects, in total raising over $2 million this year so far. Donations can be made via shitboxrally.com.au

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Shitbox Rally cars gearing up for an epic road trip. Photo supplied.

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Queensland is taking a major stride towards training and re-skilling its future workforce for the renewable energy sector with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Queensland Hydro and the Mackay-based Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE). This collaboration aims to address the future skills training needs of the resources sector and support Queensland's transition to renewable energy systems.

Queensland Hydro, a publicly owned entity established by the Queensland Government to develop, operate, and maintain long-duration pumped hydro energy storage assets, is at the forefront of the state's energy transition. The 2GW Borumba project, located near Imbil west of the Sunshine Coast, and the proposed 5GW Pioneer-Burdekin project west of Mackay play pivotal roles in Queensland's renewable energy future.

The RCOE serves as a hub for connecting experts in research, technology, education, and mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) to shape the future of the resources sector. This partnership aligns with the core objectives of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which seeks to create employment and training opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Julieanne Gilbert, Member for Mackay, expressed enthusiasm for the training opportunities, stating, "The collaboration between Mackay's Resources Centre of Excellence and Queensland Hydro is a massive boost for local jobs and will ensure that the workforce for the renewable sector is trained and ready for the challenge of these new projects."

Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack emphasised the importance of the partnership, saying, "We want to support workers looking to transition into roles in the energy sector with the right opportunities for skills and training. This MOU covers a range of goals and project outcomes around the areas of training, innovation, and research and development.

“We want as many workers as possible on our projects at Pioneer-Burdekin and Borumba to come from Queensland and from within the energy sector. For those looking to transition into roles in the energy sector, we want to be able to support them with the right opportunities for skills and training.”

Steven Boxall, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence, expressed excitement about the collaboration's potential, stating, "We have the skills, expertise, and first-class facilities with a training platform to work with Queensland Hydro to ensure their future workforce has access to a range of innovations for traditional jobs and the skills training to prepare them for Queensland Hydro's major projects."

“The team at the Resources Centre of Excellence is very excited to bring this MOU and collaboration to life after many months of discussion. I believe the RCOE is the ideal partner for Queensland Hydro as being based in Mackay, we’re ideally placed to help facilitate the transition from traditional energy sector jobs to the new clean, green energy sector.”

"The Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project is a long-term game-changer for the Mackay region as the largest infrastructure project in Queensland's history, and it's exciting to see that the benefits from the Queensland Hydro project continue to flow to our region," added Mrs Gilbert.

This partnership between Queensland Hydro and RCOE represents a significant step towards building a skilled and prepared workforce for Queensland's renewable energy sector, aligning with the state's ambitious renewable energy goals.

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Signing of the MOU at the Resources Centre of Excellence, L-R: Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence Steven Boxall, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

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Raising Awareness For Childhood Heart Disease

Two Feet & A Heartbeat returns strong again in 2023, an annual four-kilometre walk organised by HeartKids to commemorate the four lives lost to congenital heart disease (CHD) in Australia each week.

This event will take place on 15th October, with the tribute not only to raise awareness, but to bring together families to celebrate the lives of heart kids while remembering children who have tragically lost their fight against CHD.

HeartKids is a national health charity, working with health professionals to provide lifelong support for those with congenital heart disease and their families Australia-wide.

Lesley Jordon, CEO of HeartKids said, “Having dedicated my life to children’s health and welfare, the Two Feet & A Heartbeat event is close to my heart.

“With 3,000 Australians diagnosed with CHD this year, the significance of community and support stands unrivalled.”

This year’s campaign aims to rally 4,500 participants with a fundraising goal of $350,000 across each of the events nationally.

Money raised through the walk goes back into the community through HeartKids, including delivering in-hospital and family support programs, camps for children living with CHD, and vital education days and peer support programs.

HeartKids invites everyone to participate in the Two Feet & A Heartbeat event. Every step you take will make a difference. To register for Two Feet & A Heartbeat, visit: https://www.twofeetheartbeat.org.au/

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Two Feet & a Heartbeat Walk. Photo credit: HeartKids

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This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Mackay Hospital and Health Service encouraging eligible women to be breast-aware and take advantage of the free BreastScreen Queensland Program.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in female patients, with around one-in-seven women diagnosed in their lifetime.

The best way to detect early signs of breast cancer is to have a routine breast screening conducted, which allows treatment to be more effective.

Women aged 50-74 are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years. However, women aged 40-49 and those over 75 are also eligible for screening with BreastScreen Queensland.

‘Freya’ the BreastScreen mobile service will be making stops around our local community throughout October:

● 9 – 13 October | Marian – Marian Town Centre

● 17 – 30 October | Greenfields – Beside Autobarn

● 31 October – 3 November | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service – 9 River Street, Mackay

Swelling, skin thickening or redness, warmth and itching, nipple changes or discharge or breast pain lasting for more than three to four weeks as well as lumps can all be possible symptoms of the early stages.

Whether you are new to BreastScreen or due for your next screen, it's easy to make an appointment by calling 13 20 50 or online via www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.

Appointments are available at the BreastScreen Queensland Mackay Service from Monday to Friday.

This service is a check-up, if you have noticed any breast changes that concern you, you should talk to your doctor before booking a breast screen appointment.

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‘Freya’ the BreastScreen Queensland van. Photo credit: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Sarina’s tight-knit community is a result of committed and passionate locals, focused on the progression of our region and the people who call it home. Mary-Therese Watson is the embodiment of this passion, uplifting and supporting the community through her role as President of the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s (QCWA) Sarina Branch.

Mary-Therese leads the charge when it comes to empowering and inspiring women through friendship, education, connection, and advocacy – a vision that Ruth Fairfax, Founder of the QCWA had at its start, which is still relevant today.

“Over the years, many women have worked hard to continue the work of QCWA - to bring women together to support communities, to celebrate their interests, and to forge friendships in respectful and caring environments,” said Mary-Therese.

Celebrating its centenary this year, the QCWA Sarina Branch is a highly relevant and integral part of the community, with support from its 30 members, locals, and Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

Community Bank Sarina has been a key supporter of QCWA Sarina Branch for many years, and has recently sponsored several centenary celebrations, including a Race Day and High Tea, and soon a visit to a local Kindergarten to celebrate Queensland Senior’s Month.

Mary-Therese said the QCWA Sarina Branch members were grateful for Community Bank Sarina’s support in upskilling, as well to sell tickets online and for providing raffle prizes for events.

“The support Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank provides to groups like ours ensures the local community grows and is appreciated.”

This month offers another opportunity for the community to thank women like Mary-Therese and organisations that support women for their unwavering efforts, with the occurrence of International Day of Rural Women on October 15.

This day serves as a platform to address the unique issues that women in rural areas face across the world and is an opportunity to amplify their voices, something which Mary-Therese and the many volunteers at QCWA assist with closer to home.  

Community Bank Sarina thanks Mary-Therese for her relentless efforts in upholding the values that make the QCWA Sarina Branch the network of support it continues to be.

Keep up to date with Community Bank Sarina’s community initiatives by following them on Facebook – www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina

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QCWA Sarina Branch centenary cake cutting

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Congratulations to Year 8 student from Sarina State High School, Matilda Davies, who competed in the Junior Women’s National Inline Hockey Competition.

Her team placed second in the event, held in Browns Plains over the school holidays.

Such an incredible accomplishment, great work Matilda.

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Matilda Davies alongside National Championships 2023 banner

Matilda Davies in action at the ice-skating rink

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Koumala State School (SS) has celebrated a century of shaping generations of student’s education and the local community this year.

To commemorate this special occasion, the Koumala SS Parents & Citizens Association (P & C) held a centenary event last month, where past students, teachers, staff, and the local community were invited to reminisce and celebrate.

The celebration included activities such as planting a centenary tree, laying a new time capsule, live entertainment, student performances, and memorabilia displays.

The Koumala SS P & C has also compiled a centenary booklet that highlights stories, photos, and accomplishments of the school’s students over its long lifetime.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank sponsored the centenary event and printing the centenary booklet, a unique keepsake that has been well received by the school community.

Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May congratulated the school on this remarkable achievement.

“Koumala State School is a wonderful example of what a school dedicated to students and their families can provide for a small community, and what an incredible legacy this creates over time.

“We are proud to support this school‘s commitment to fostering a bright future for Koumala’s youth over the past century and we know they will continue this for many more years to come.”

Koumala SS Centenary Advisor Committee member, Janine Borg, said it was wonderful to see people catching up with old friends and teachers at the event, and past students were able to see how the school had changed over time.

“The costs for these activities can add up for a small school but the sponsorship from Community Bank Sarina enabled us to make these activities a reality.

“The school has had many families with multiple generations attending, so the booklet is a wonderful memento for them to keep passing on.

“Any income generated from both the event and booklet is invested straight back into the school, meaning the bank's support will go even further to support current students.”

The centenary booklet is now available to purchase via the Koumala State School P & C Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kss100years2023.

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Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May at Koumala State School’s centenary

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To celebrate Mental Health Week and to promote positive mindfulness, students at Sarina State High School spent their lunch break building terrariums to take home and care for.

An excellent initiative to encourage self-care and support Mental Health Week awareness.

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Students from SSHS with their newly built terrariums

Students get busy with their Mental Health Week project

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A mobile health unit with specialised medical equipment is coming to Mackay and Proserpine next month, offering free lung checks to former and retired Queensland mine and quarry workers.

The mobile health unit, known as HEART5, features state-of-the-art medical equipment to provide the required screening examinations.

That includes a lung function test and chest X-ray, and follow-up tests needed to investigate possible abnormalities, such as high-resolution CT scans, if required.

HEART5 is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland, and the Queensland Government.

Since its launch in February 2022, free checks on board HEART5 have helped detect mine dust lung disease in former workers across regional and remote Queensland.

“I really urge all former and retired mine and quarry workers to have their free lung check,” said RSHQ’s Executive Director of Occupational Health Dean Barr.

“Lung disease can sometimes take 10 years or more to develop after a worker finishes in the industry.

“If you are diagnosed early that means you can access treatment as soon as possible, potentially slow the progression of disease, and apply for workers’ compensation entitlements.”

Eligible former Queensland mine and quarry workers are entitled to one free check at least every five years, for life.

Former workers can request a free lung health check at a local authorised doctor or on-board HEART5 by contacting the Mine Dust Health Support Services on 1300 445 715.

Upcoming 'HEART 5' dates and locations:

Proserpine

Whitsunday Gold Coffee, Bruce Highway, Proserpine: 8 November 2023

Mackay

Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget: 9-10 November 2023

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The harvest season brings with it certain risks, not just for farming and harvest crews, but also at times for the community.

In recent weeks, and across the state, we have seen a variety of accidents, on farms, on roads and on the cane rail network.

It is always saddening to see people hurt in the course of their work, or in the course of just getting about their daily business.

October is Safe Work month, so it is timely to think about the highly varied workplaces that we find in agriculture, and particularly during the cane harvest season. Our workplace is out in the paddock, in the shed, out on the road and in the sidings. Often our workplace is also our home.

We are now five months into the crush, and milling performance issues mean that we are well behind where we should be, and that the crush is likely to butt up against Christmas once again. There’s a long haul ahead yet.

So, it’s no time to become complacent about safety.

For growers and harvest crews, who are dealing with the challenges of facing that extended crush season, who might be working in the dark on early or late starts, who might be becoming frustrated if they are supplying to a mill that has stopped and started with delays all crush long. And there’s the older folks in the industry, some in their 70s and 80s – and there are plenty of them - who are grappling with all those factors plus the effects of age. All round, there is tiredness, there is frustration. There is the anxiety that once again, a portion of our crop - our livelihood - will stand unharvested in the paddocks.

But it is vital to keep our minds on the job. There’s no room for shortcuts or lapses in concentration. We want to see that every day, every person working in our industry goes home safely to their loved ones.

On top of the risks on the ground, it is timely to also remember the Look Up and Live message around power lines, whether people are moving harvest gear or irrigation equipment.

There are plenty of resources out there to help people improve their safety practices. Ergon offers a great free app that uses GPS to help pinpoint power line hazards, with a video how-to guide. Just Google it and it will be easily found.

And CANEGROWERS members, don’t forget your membership gives you access to tailored sugarcane growing industry Workplace Health and Safety resources via the local and state website’s members area.

To the community, we ask for your continued patience and vigilance with what can be slow moving large vehicles across the road and loco network. To take care and be vigilant when getting around our harvest vehicles, when crossing tramlines. This year, there is movement almost any time of day around the farms and mills.

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There are many safety issues across harvest - on the road, in the siding and around the railways. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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On World Mental Health Day, Beyond Blue is sharing mental health coaching tips to help people navigate everyday life stresses.

NewAccess Mental Health Coach Gemma Danahay supports people using a low intensity CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue.

“More and more people are coming to me due to financial stress, as cost of living pressures escalate. The other main issues are relationship problems, work stresses, and grief and loss and sudden life changes,” Ms Danahay, who works with Lives Lived Well in Queensland said.

Here are five practical coaching tips to help relieve stresses that can build up.

● Deal with problems one at a time - breakdown problems into bite-size pieces

● Notice common thinking traps – all or nothing thinking, self-blame, repetitive thinking

● Have realistic goals – make it achievable, it doesn’t have to be perfect

● Balance is key - schedule pleasurable activities as well as work/family commitments

● Healthy habits - keep both body and mind healthy

● Beyond Blue’s lead clinician Dr Grant Blashki says there are multiple benefits to using low intensity CBT and problem solving to support our mental health.

“People who are using the skills are often able to reduce their negative thinking patterns, the severity of their symptoms, and find that they develop new coping skills that they can apply to other problems in their lives,” Dr Blashki said.

“A structured approach helps people to stay focused on their goals and people often come away feeling quite empowered that they have some new strategies to manage common stresses in life.

“An added benefit is these are skills that are useful in relationships, in parenting, and even in a workplace context and help people to be able to zoom out and look at thoughts, feelings and actions in day-to-day situations.”

Developed by Beyond Blue in 2013, NewAccess provides support for mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and life stresses, using specially trained and clinically supervised mental health coaches. It’s free and doesn’t require a GP referral.

Phone 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au/getsupport for Beyond Blue Support Services.

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