Veterans in Bowen have gathered at the Bowen RSL last Thursday, July 27, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War.

Veterans of the Korean War Bill Barty and Garry Kirk attended the service with their family.

Both men are the only two surviving veterans of the Korean War in Bowen and were joined by ex and current military personnel from Townsville.

Mr Barty was a part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, while Mr Kirk served in the Navy.

They were both presented with certificates of thanks for their service.

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Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk presented Bowen RSL with memorabilia of his time on HMAS Bataan in Korea 1950-1952

Veteran of Korean War Bill Barty standing behind his wife and with his family

Immediate Past President John Eyles presents Korean War Veteran Bill Barty with a certificate of thanks

Veteran of Korean War Garry Kirk with his wife Edna and family. Photos supplied

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With the events season well underway and gathering steam, our region comes alive with iconic events and festivals. Congratulations to the Triathlon club for a hugely successful weekend – packed with visitors and contestants.

The Whitsunday running club has also run (no pun intended) its Running Festival in mid July with the trail festival to follow.

With the Great Barrier Reef Festival followed by Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week coming up – the visitation and exposure that these events bring to the region is incalculable. We sincerely thank the organisers and volunteers – the entire region benefits from your efforts.

These regional events depend on local business support and financial contribution. Our local businesses community plays a big role in investing in our community for everyone’s benefit. As a thank you, be sure to support those businesses with purchase, a social media shout out, online review, or refer your friends as they help make these events come to life.

Another way you can support local businesses is by nominating them in this year’s Whitsundays Business Awards. The Chamber, in partnership with Tourism Whitsundays, seeks nominations for the 2023 Whitsundays Business Awards across five award categories.  

The awards are open to members of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce or Tourism Whitsundays, and you can nominate in more than one category. Nominating is easy – all you have to do is provide a 250-word statement on the business and share links to their website and social media accounts. Nominations close Monday 21 August. Visit our website to learn more and good luck with your nomination.

This year, the Chamber has undergone extensive redevelopment and expansion, and we now invite you to be part of it. One of the major outcomes is our new membership model. It aims to provide unmatched opportunities to drive advocacy and connectivity for small business, commerce, and industry in the Whitsunday region. Visit our website and join today!

Our next Chamber event will be held 10am-12pm Wednesday 16 August in Proserpine. Pop Up Chamber – a new initiative – will be an informal gathering of business owners and the Chamber team.

Feel free to pop along at a time that best suits you, learn more about business in the region, get up-to-date on Chamber developments, share your view on regional business priorities, and grab a coffee.

The theme for this Pop Up Chamber is ‘Chamber membership: What’s in it for you?’ This event is free and open to all Chamber members and the broader Whitsundays community. Visit our website more information.

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By Bronte Hodge

Setting up shop in the Whitsundays, Adventure All Stars has taken their cast members on some of the best adventures and offerings that are available in our beautiful part of the country.

Participants are from across Australia, and each raised in excess of $10,000 for charity which was then rewarded with a trip-of-a-lifetime with Adventure All Stars, with all proceeds to go to Australian charities.

For many of the participants, this is a first taste of Airlie Beach, with them getting the chance to try some of the best adventures that are on offer.

“Part of the catch is that everything’s a surprise,” explained one contestant, AJ from Melbourne.

AJ is a teacher back home, and is living with ADHD, acting as an ambassador from ADHD Australia.

“We didn’t know we were coming to Airlie Beach until last Tuesday when we got sent our flight tickets.”

Nissy, another participant, travelled from Sydney and says she has found her time in the Whitsundays refreshing.

“I think everyone in Australia must come here for a holiday,” she said.

“The kids will enjoy it, the friends will enjoy it. It is such a great environment to be in, and it’s all about peace, love and harmony and I am very grateful to be a part of this.”

Nissy was approached to participate due to her own philanthropic endeavours, namely her own charity, Wiping Tears, an organisation supporting those experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, poverty, and limited access to health and medical resources and education.

Meanwhile, fellow cast member, Leanne, has a daughter who was diagnosed with ADHD, and she is now raising funds for ADHD education for schools, teachers, and the public.

“We did a light plane ride, which was absolutely amazing, they did a few tricks that had my stomach, but it was an awesome experience!” she said.

“We also did water biking, which was really peaceful, and a jet boat ride. That was like a mad house on steroids in the water!”

Funds from the Whitsunday episodes will go towards ADHD Australia, Heart Support Australia, Leukaemia Support Queensland, Mindfull Aus and Two Two One Mental Health Charity.

The Whitsunday episodes of Adventure All Stars make up three episodes of the upcoming season, which is set to air in 2024.

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Cast and crew of the newest season of Adventure All Stars filming in the Whitsundays this past week. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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In the age of ample decisions for what to pursue after high school, Whitsunday Christian College is providing all the tools for students to discover their work ready or tertiary options and gain relevant experience before graduating.

Beginning the tertiary and industry education journey while in Year 10 allows students plenty of time to discover their options and discover what they wish to pursue after graduation.

At Whitsunday Christian College students are shown pathways for whatever industry or tertiary education they wish to pursue.

Having partnered with TAFE Queensland, Binnacle and Skills Generation, the College is able to host certificate training for students, as well as sign on for School-Based Apprenticeships with local business for students.

This is compounded with internal onsite certificate facilitators who are able to offer certificates in Workplace Skills, Sport and Recreation and Engineering, which leads into a certificate III in Aviation.

“We can facilitate learning through Distance Education providers, if a student wants to do a specialised subject, as well as partner with Registered Training Organisations to deliver a desired certificate,” explained College Principal Kylie Langshore.

The College also has a good relationship with James Cook University, often hosting representatives of the university from different faculties, and transporting students to university open days and industry workshops.

No matter the pathway that students decide to pursue for tertiary education, Whitsunday Christian College is able to facilitate relevant and valuable certificates or pre-requisite education.

No matter the pathway that students decide to pursue for tertiary or industry education, Whitsunday Christian College is able to facilitate relevant and valuable certificates or pre-requisite education.

The College is deliberate in providing personalised learning that allows for close, nurturing learning opportunities for students, where the teacher is able to closely monitor the education and wellbeing of each of their students within the classroom, providing necessary support.

“What these supportive classrooms offer is a very personalised approach to learning, particularly in our Senior years,” said Mrs Langshore.

The College has a dedicated Senior Pathways Coordinator, Mrs Phoebe Lam, who oversees senior students as they navigate their tertiary and industry options, and shares with them relevant news, opportunities, and industry trends.

This level of dedicated care begins in the early stages of the College, with the specialty, Get Ready for Prep Program that helps prepare the youngest learners for Prep.

“Kindergarten children are invited to join in a two-hour familiarisation session every Thursday with their parents, so by the time they’re ready to start school next year, they’re well-adjusted to the school environment, they know their teachers and other children, and are less anxious about this significant transition,” said Mrs Langshore.

The seamless nature of the Prep to 12 education stages, means that children can move through Foundation, Junior, Middle, and Senior phase with appropriate transition, care and targeted support.  

Encouraging and growing young people of faith and character, who are capable of achieving personal excellence is what Whitsunday Christian College is committed to, and the myriad of exciting and varied pathways on offer support each and every student, promoting their strengths and their passions into an exciting profession following their graduation.  

Whitsunday Christian College invites you to explore what they have on offer and experience true community. Book a tour today!

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Whitsunday Christian College student, Mabel Gudes on sign up day for her Certificate III in Business Traineeship with City Beach Airlie Beach

Senior students at the James Cook University UniX Senior Excursion, sampling university life and courses. Photos supplied

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The school holidays are over but the number of visitors in Bowen has certainly not slowed down.

Winter is traditionally the busiest time of year for the tourism industry in Bowen and the numbers keep getting higher.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said there was a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre in July, compared to last year.

“We had a record month in July last year and then had a record day and record month in June this year,” she said.

“Once the Queensland and NSW school holidays finished, we thought we might see a slight reduction in the number of visitors.

“This has certainly not been the case as we welcomed more than 6500 visitors in July this year. The visitors just keep on coming.”

At the time of going to print, the team at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre were still finalising the July numbers but Ms Abernethy said she expected the increase to be about 15% in July, compared to the same month last year.

“Bowen really is the hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays. We are overwhelmed by the number of people discovering this piece of paradise,” she said.

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre offers an extensive range of merchandise and local produce and is also a booking agency for accommodation in Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region as well as tours to the islands and Whitehaven Beach.

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Trudy Starkey from Bowen Tourism and Business with Kate and Jay Locke from Terrigal, NSW who are among the thousands of visitors making their way to Bowen this winter. Photo supplied

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As Councillors, we deal with a broad range of issues but one of the more rewarding is planning for the needs of young people in our community and advocating to help deliver positive outcomes.

I represent Council on the Bowen and Collinsville Youth Action group (BACYA), which meets quarterly with lead stakeholders, businesses, and educators working in or with the youth of Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds.

We are currently working on a project aiming to have 150 conversations with young people aged 10-20 years and have their answers recorded to give an indication of what our region’s youth are needing in our communities.

These conversations and the feedback we gather from our young people will provide us with the real data that will validate why we are working towards a certain project or why advocacy is needed on different issues.

We can't pretend to know what life is like for our region’s youth so these informal conversations will allow us to better understand youth experiences in our community better.

Also, another project that is currently underway is the ‘Choose Collinsville’ Town Centre Upgrade which has commenced and, weather permitting, should be finished early September.

The works will create new irrigated garden beds, shade trees, disabled car parks, street furniture and include a new line marking, asphalt, and re-seal of the Main Street.

Works completed to date include installing the conduit for garden irrigation, the removal of hedges near Nugent’s Food Store, concreting of the hedge areas that have been removed and installation of new seating and bins.

In the fortnight ahead, Council will commence digging new garden beds. This will involve small work sites taking approximately 3 days per garden bed, moving through the street, minimising impacts on any one business for extended time.

Hopefully the works cause minimal disruptions, and the end result will be a bright streetscape for Collinsville Main Street.

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Illegal dumping and littering are a major problem in our region. This behaviour leads to significant environmental issues which negatively impact our communities, ecosystems, and overall quality of life.

The unsightly waste not only diminishes the natural beauty of our surroundings but also poses significant health hazards and threatens wildlife.

In the past six months alone, Council have received over 61 illegal dumping reports and have removed a whopping 336,477 litres of illegally dumped waste and litter across the region, which has a substantial cost to Council and ratepayers.

It is more important that we all follow safe waste management practices in order to protect our environment for future generations.  If you witness acts of illegal dumping, we ask that you inform Council via email at info@whitsudnayrc.qld.gov.au or phone on 1300 972 753 so that we may stop this behaviour.

For more information about waste management in our region, head to our website www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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With TW Marketing Manager Laura Knipe

This week the second phase of our Bonza Newcastle campaign draws to a close. We launched this two-phase campaign to entice the residents of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to holiday in The Whitsundays with the direct Bonza flights.

There are approximately 1.3 million people living in the Newcastle and Hunter region and we knew that enticing them to visit the Whitsundays would make huge impact to local tourism.

Over the past few months, The Whitsundays has been splashed across billboards at the Newcastle Airport, and Newcastle buses, and information about our region has been sent directly to inboxes and filled social feeds across Newcastle and the Hunter.  

If there’s someone in that region who hasn’t heard about The Whitsundays by now, I’d be surprised! Our partners at Newcastle Airport have surveyed 1000 passengers and awareness of the Newcastle to Whitsundays route doubled during the campaign.  

It’s been great to see our members jump at this campaign with 26 local businesses involved, from accommodation providers, transport, tours and experiences. We’re absolutely thrilled that these businesses see the value in this new market, like we do. 

As part of the campaign, we’ve also put together, with the assistance of many of our members, The Whitsundays Wildcard Weekend – a competition to win one of four long weekends in The Whitsundays.  

Entrants go into the draw to win a long weekend in The Whitsundays focusing on adventure, relaxation and exploring the Great Barrier Reef or enjoying island luxury.  

Each weekend includes return flights from Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast Airport, accommodation, one or two day tour experiences and return airport transfers.  

If you know anyone in the Newcastle/Hunter regions, make sure you tell them to enter via our website: https://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/bonza/whitsundays-wildcard/

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The Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade has welcomed a new piece of equipment into their fleet.

The new ATV and attached trailer will aid the volunteer fire fighting contingent to better fight and manage hard to reach locations, that the regular fire truck would be unable to service.

An official Open Day was held in honour of the new additions and Councillor Michelle Wright spoke to the community about Whitsunday Regional Council’s valued contribution.

“I am proud that Council recognised the need to support the Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade and allocated $20,000 through our special projects funding towards the new ATV,” she said.

“The Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade has been a pillar of strength in our community, tirelessly dedicating their time, courage, and expertise to protect and keep our residents safe.”

On the day, the ATV was officially named, by children from the community.

“A great morning had by all,” said Gavin Maxwell, 1st Officer of the Heronvale RFB.

“Congratulations to the Brigade and welcome Heronvale 35 aka ‘Rainbow Duck Fire Truck’ to the growing fleet of ATVs in the region.”

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Heronvale Rural Fire Brigade welcomes new additions, the ATV and trailer, to combat fires in all terrain. Photo supplied

Councillor Michelle Wright attends the event. Photo supplied

It’s not every day you get an insight into regionally specific economic data from an individual who has a direct line to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

Luckily for local residents, PRD Whitsunday is bringing this level of information to town when they host their second Annual Property Research Night next week.

Featuring special guest speaker Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, familiarly known as ‘Dr Asti’, the event will inform the audience about key topics such as interest rate rises, inflation, and cost of living.

Dr Asti is PRD’s Chief Economist and an RBA Liaison Partner who attends quarterly meetings with the RBA and has a deep knowledge of the inner workings of Australia’s central banking system.

“She has her finger on the pulse and is highly regarded in the industry,” said Chief Executive Officer of PRD Whitsunday, Annette Neil.

“Better still, she delivers economic data with a personality, everything she says is relatable and easy to understand.

“Taking on feedback from last year, we are also making this event less high level, a bit easier to understand if you are not closely following economics.”

This year Whitsunday Regional Council Economic Development Manager, Gary Warrener, will also be speaking at the event and he will be accompanied by Mayor Julie Hall and Council CEO Warren Bunker.

Guests are invited to listen to presentations from both Dr Asti and Mr Warrener, with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.

“The issues they will be discussing effect everyone,” said Ms Neil.

“We are regional and are very passionate about our region, but a lot of information that we see in the media comes from capital cities.

“Having something that is locally relevant, that’s regional and specific to the Whitsundays is vital, so you know that what we are talking about is real information that can make a difference in our community.”

Ms Neil said that providing this type of public service is at the heart of the PRD mentality, where the ‘R’ in PRD stands for ‘research’.

“This event is not about making sales or selling you anything,” she explains.

“It is about informing the community and giving you the opportunity to have more knowledge on topics that matter to you.”

With the aim of making the Property Research Night a firm fixture on the annual event calendar, Ms Neil says that she hopes many people will attend.

“This is a rare opportunity to see someone of this calibre come to the Whitsundays,” she said.

The event is gold coin donation, and all proceeds will go directly to the Tiny Homes Project.

There will be free nibblies provided and a licenced bar on site with the opportunity to network with other community members before and after the event.

WHAT: Annual Property Research Night

WHERE: Reef Gateway Hotel Function Room

WHEN: Wednesday, August 9 from 6pm

COST: Gold coin donation

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Rob Ferguson, PRD Business Consultant, Dr Asti, PRD’s Chief Economist and Annette Neil, Chief Executive Officer of PRD Whitsunday at last year’s event. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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With its origins dating back to well before the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s inception, the iconic Rotary Street Parade is an intrinsic part of Whitsunday culture and a cornerstone of the festival.

Welcoming a new sponsor, Ray White Whitsundays, this year is set to be one of the best ever events, as dozens of colourful floats form a lively procession up the main street of Airlie Beach.

Ex-vice principal, Merewyn Wright, has been a Rotarian for many years and was the Street Parade organiser for six of those years.

“My favourite part of the event was always seeing everyone lined up on the day,” said Merewyn.

“It takes a lot of organisation behind the scenes so seeing it all come together in reality is really gratifying.”

Businesses, schools, community groups and friends are all welcome to join the parade and each entrant is charged with creating a unique float that captures the imagination and theme of the festival.

Previous years have seen up to 50 different floats participate and many children love dressing in colourful home-made ocean-themed outfits.

Lollies are offered to spectators; bubbles are blown into the air and sparkle in the sunlight and music bursts out from vehicles as they glide by at snail’s pace.

This year, Merwyn has hung up her organiser’s cape and instead she is becoming one of the judges.

“It’s nice to have gone full circle and still be part of something I love,” she said.

WHAT: Street Parade

WHERE: Airlie Beach Main Street

WHEN: Saturday, August 5 at 5pm

Did You Know?

The Street Parade started before the Great Barrier Reef Festival

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The Street Parade isa popular event for everyone to enjoy

Merwyn organised the event for six years

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Formerly Superior House Painting Specialists, we have adopted the local name Whitsundays House Painting Specialists as we continue to service our community.

In the current economic climate, we know that money matters.

So, we are excited to offer affordable Painting Packages to add value and protection to your home for years to come.

Having worked as a Painter for 25 years, we know the importance of listening to our customers.

Everyone wants a great deal.

We specialise in creating a competitive package tailored to every budget and need.

We are licensed (Painting, Decorating and Waterproofing), including full insurances with QBCC and public liability.

We don’t take shortcuts and offer a workmanship guarantee on everything we do.

We only use the best Dulux and Trugrip paints and products that deliver a durable finish.

Our total preparation systems are suitable for all surfaces, including an etch primer, undercoat sealer before applying two topcoats (three coat system minimum).

These are some of our basic Painting packages on offer:

• Roofing and guttering.

• Eaves and fascias.

• Walls, windows, and doors.

• Concrete surfaces such as driveways, patios, and paths.

• Decking, pergola, fencing and gates.

Ask us about our previous work and to arrange a free quote.

Call Kathryn on 0466 648 626.

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If you’re passionate about supporting people with disability to live their best life, a career with Endeavour Foundation could be for you.

Whether someone wants to live independently, get a job they love or engage with the community, Endeavour Foundation supports people every step of the way.

They are equally dedicated to empowering their team members to live their best lives, too.

Local Support Worker, Kerry Martin, said that she loves the flexibility, the opportunities and the support but also told us about her favourite part of the work she does for Endeavour Foundation.

“The reward of building rapport with people and seeing them develop over time is the best part of the job,” she said.

“A lot of people may think that they might not suit this type of work, but if you have a passion for working with people and are open to learning – this may be the career for you.

“In my role as a Support Worker, it’s my job to support people to live their life of choice, to empower them in their everyday.”

Like Kerry, Administration Assistant Brandon Cheng has worked in a diverse range of roles with Endeavour Foundation, becoming a role model for others on the path from supported to open employment.

“I love working in the disability sector because it inspires me,” Brandon said.

“It’s just a community for them to connect together because we are all about family.

“I recommend Endeavour Foundation to people with disability, and to people who don’t have disability.”

If you’re interested in a career that creates brighter futures and makes a lasting difference, visit careers.endeavour.com.au to learn more and find the right role for you.

The friendly team from Endeavour Foundation will also be at Mackay Careers Expo to answer all of your questions about making a difference in the lives of people with disability.

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Rebuilding Proserpine Uniting Church

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has welcomed parishioners for almost 125 years and this August, the church is launching its Brick By Brick campaign, to rebuild their fallen church.

Following the devasting results of Cyclone Debbie, the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church was demolished, in order to rebuild the structure in its entirety.

Looking to completely rebuild the church on the corner of Main and Herbert Streets in Proserpine, the Brick By Brick campaign invites locals to help with the rebuild and has five levels of sponsorship, starting at $100 for a brick.

Beginning August 1, the campaign will run for the whole month, with the ultimate goal of reaching $250,000 for the construction costs.

“A new church will not only serve as a focal point for our faith, but also rejuvenate our commitment to our community’s wellbeing and expand the care we provide,” explained Reverend Suzy Sitton.

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has been involved in the local community for its entire history, and often contributes with outreach and support programs, including the annual flower show, the annual harvest thanksgiving and celebration of life service, nursing home services, youth engagement, and Family Food and Fun with Jesus.

St James Church was built in 1899 by local families and was expanded and solidified over the years.

In 1977, the church became the St James Uniting Church, before Cyclone Debbie in 2017 damaged the building beyond repair.

The official grand opening of the resurrected church is expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

To learn more or to donate to the campaign, visit proserpineuniting.church/brick-by-brick.

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The St James Uniting Church was demolished following severe damage from Cyclone Debbie. Photo supplied

Queensland’s Catholic Education Week 2023 (23 – 29 July) will see communities in the kindergartens, primary schools and colleges that comprise Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR), join in statewide celebrations honouring their distinctive mission.

Under the theme Communities of Faith, Hope Love, over 20,000 CEDR students, staff and volunteers in regional, rural and remote centres from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach, will join with their counterparts from around the state to participate in a range of celebrations including liturgies, award presentations, special assemblies and gatherings, fun activities as well as outreach to the wider community.

It's a time to celebrate what is at the heart of a Catholic school, according to Catholic Education’s Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat.

“In Catholic Education Week we focus on our Catholic identity and the unique role of Catholic schools in their local communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We reflect on our beliefs and values and seek to deepen our understanding of what it means to be part of the Ministry of Catholic Education within the Catholic Church, and to share that more widely with our parishes and communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Specifically, we celebrate the religious dimension of a Catholic education where we seek to be true witnesses to Christ’s message of hope and love for the world, to be the face of Jesus to those we meet in our everyday lives,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“It’s an opportunity to be explicit about who we are, what we believe in, what we hold dear and the way we seek to live our lives.

“It calls us to reach out to those in our parishes and wider communities to say thank you for their support and, inspired by Jesus’ example, to look for opportunities to help others in need through our acts of kindness and social justice,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

This year’s Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, to be celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, at midday on Thursday 27 July, will be livestreamed to Catholic school communities across the Diocese.

Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Bishop Michael McCarthy, will preside at the mass which will include a special presentation to this year’s Diocesan Recipient of the statewide Spirit of Catholic Education Award, Deputy Principal: Mission at The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, Claire Stitt.

In congratulating Mrs Stitt, Miss Jeffcoat also acknowledged all 31 award nominees from the Diocese for their outstanding contribution to Catholic Education and for making a real and lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.

“We, in Catholic Education, are abundantly blessed to have such committed and dedicated people in our kindergartens, schools and colleges,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Acts of Kindness are a real feature of the Catholic Education Week with staff and students undertaking creative and meaningful activities in service to others including delivering baked treats to local businesses and community services, connecting with the elderly and those isolated in the community, participation in charity drives such as the Vinnies Winter Appeal and simple acts like delivering written affirmations to staff and classmates.

“This is the most anticipated aspect of Catholic Education Week which is loved by all our communities, the opportunity to do something for someone and the sense of joy and happiness that always follows,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat paid tribute to students, parents, families, teachers, staff members, Board and Parents and Friends members, volunteers, priests and religious, and parish and community members for their great contribution to, and ongoing support for, Catholic education.

“All are important and cherished members of our Catholic Education family for whom we are most grateful,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

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