There’s a reason why rural towns, like Sarina, have a certain charm that make you feel right at home – it’s the sense of community.

One of Sarina’s longest standing organisations, the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), is celebrating its centenary this year. QCWA Sarina has been bringing women together and fostering friendships through regular catch ups such as its craft meetings, often donating the creations to people in need, including patients at Sarina Hospital.

The community spirit doesn’t stop there, QCWA Sarina is hosting many events for its centenary year, including High Tea - 29 July, Scone Day - 11 August, Race Day - 5 September and a Crafts Expo in October.

The centenary and its celebrations are sponsored by Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank acknowledging QCWA Sarina’s 100 years of community service.

Alongside the sponsorship, Community Bank Sarina has provided QCWA Sarina with a marquee – to help with sun safety at its events. Other organisations who have received a marquee and signage package from Community Bank Sarina included:

• Friends of St Helens Beach Environment

• Grasstree Beach Progress Association

• Kalyan Youth Service

• Koumala Bushman’s Carnival

• Orange Sky

• Safe Sleep Mackay

• Sarina & District BMX Club

• Sarina 131 Army Cadet Unit

• Sarina Bird Club

• Sarina C&K Kindy

• Sarina Poultry Club

• Selectability Sarina

Without the support of local businesses and active volunteers, community organisations wouldn’t be able to do what they do best – bring a community together. Community Bank Sarina is proud to support local organisations and enable them to continue fostering connections in the community. If you’re interested in attending QCWA’s upcoming events, stay up to date by following them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QCWASarinaBranch.

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A national honey bee genetic improvement program will continue until at least April 2024, with Plan Bee announcing it has been extended for another year.

Delivered as part of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Rural R&D for Profit Program, the program will continue its mission of establishing a national honey bee genetic database to improve the productivity and profitability of Australia’s agriculture sector.

The program, which began in 2020, has made significant progress in furthering the adoption of modern genetic selection practices in Australia.

Plan Bee Program Lead Paul Blackshaw said the extension allows the program to launch a series of planned initiatives that could have immeasurable long-term impact to the quality of Australia’s honey bee stocks.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the vital work of Plan Bee,” he said.

“We’re currently preparing to launch version two of the Plan Bee Breeding Manual, a vital resource which is already helping beekeepers and breeders to unlock the potential of modern science to improve the quality of our honey bees.

“This resource helps breeders select from desired traits, including pest and disease resistance, future-proofing the industry from threats like varroa.”

Beekeepers are encouraged to participate in the program, with the project team continuing to seek input from the beekeeping industry.

“We are always looking to work closely with breeders across the country to build our national genetic database,” Mr Blackshaw said.

“With each contributing bee breeder, our data set improves, allowing us to make better choices when selecting for traits.”

The benefits of a successful national genetic improvement program transcend the honey bee industry, with around 65% of agricultural production in Australia depends on pollination from honey bees according to the 2010 report Pollination Aware, The Real Value of Pollination in Australia.

“Whether it be pollination productivity, resistance to disease, or ability to stay active for longer, genetic selection helps bee breeders, beekeepers and growers to become more productive and sustainable,” Mr Blackshaw said.

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Plan Bee Researcher, Nadine Chapman examining a colony of bees

Access to healthcare is an issue all too familiar with the rural communities of the Mackay region.

Whether it’s a lack of appropriate services, time or a laissez-faire attitude, farmers often face many barriers when it comes to seeking health care, with researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) saying chronic pain is an often-ignored ailment for farmers.

Untreated, chronic pain can cause serious distress and diminished productivity but a team of UniSA experts are looking to improve the way chronic pain management strategies are delivered in rural communities by exploring what it means to Australian farmers.

Rural health expert, UniSA’s Associate Professor Kate Gunn, said the study will address a serious gap in pain management among farmers.

“Agriculture is a great industry to work in, but one of the down sides is the physical injuries that can result, which can have long term consequences on farmers’ ability to work, and their wellbeing” she said.

“Musculoskeletal disorders are very common in this group and due to the unrelenting nature of farm work, farmers often return to work without accessing best-practice treatments, and without being aware of what this means for their long-term health and wellbeing.

“This new study is all about giving farmers a voice so that we can gain insight into how they perceive chronic pain, how it impacts upon their work and life, and importantly, how they would like to be assisted to manage it, in a way that fits with their preferences and lifestyles,” Ms Gunn said.

“This is important because there are practical things people can do for themselves and with health professional input, that research has shown really do help.”

The research team, which includes PhD student Indika Koralegedera and Dr Gemma Skaczkowski, is now looking to connect with farmers who have experienced chronic pain and will talk in confidentiality about its impact on their life and work.

For further information, please email Assoc Prof Kate Gunn kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au or PhD student Indika Koralegedera indika.koralegedera@mymail.unisa.edu.au.

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PhD student Indika Koralegedera (right) pictured with co-supervisor Dr Gemma Skaczkowski. Photo supplied

The Sarina Equestrian Vaulting team made an impressive debut at the Queensland State Vaulting Championships held over the weekend of July 1-2. Demonstrating their exceptional skills and artistry, the team showcased the captivating sport of horse vaulting, which combines the grace of gymnastics with the finesse of horsemanship.

Vaulting, often referred to as gymnastics on horseback, provides a unique platform for both individual and team participation in the world of equestrian sport. It encompasses a harmonious blend of gymnastic manoeuvres and equestrian finesse, honing a rider's seat, balance, rhythm, coordination, and confidence on horseback.

The Sarina Equestrian Vaulting team travelled to Beaudesert for the championships, marking their first-ever participation in a competition featuring renowned vaulting teams from across the region.

Day one of the championships kicked off with the Preliminary Individual category, where the Sarina team immediately made their mark. Sienna displayed exceptional talent, securing an impressive 3rd place. Holly followed closely in 5th place, while Sophie showcased her skills to earn a commendable 7th place.

Building on their success, the team embraced the challenges of Day two, which featured the Individual Barrel Preliminary/Pre-Novice events. In Group one, Sophie once again impressed with her skill, securing an admirable 8th place. In Group two, Sienna continued to shine, claiming 7th place, while Holly demonstrated her artistry and dedication, earning the 11th spot.

The camaraderie and sportsmanship on display were truly inspiring, with Aceline Equestrian even providing a horse for the Sarina team to use. The judges, recognising the team's enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, invited them to sit at the judges' table, gaining invaluable insights into the judging process and pencil work.

To see equestrian vaulting performed here in the Mackay region, the vaulting team will be demonstrating the sport at the upcoming Sarina Show.

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The Sarina Equestrian Vaulting team. L-r: Amy (coach), Holly (vaulter), Sophie (Vaulter), Sienna (Vaulter), Nicole (coach/lunger). Photos supplied

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Australia's first raw sugar shipment to the United Kingdom in 50 years commenced on Monday, (July 10), opening a crucial market for Queensland's sugar industry. Under the recently implemented Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), tariff-free raw sugar exports to the UK have resumed, gradually increasing until tariffs are fully eliminated in 2031.

Industry-owned sugar marketer, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), made the first Australian raw sugar sale under the agreement. The milestone shipment, produced in the Burdekin region, will be sent to Tate & Lyle Sugars' refinery on the Thames in London.

QSL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Greg Beashel said the sale was underpinned by a united industry approach, with other Australian quota holders to the UK making their new UK quota allocation available to QSL for the milestone shipment which reinvigorates a market effectively lost when the UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) common market back in 1973.

“Up until that point nearly a third of Australia’s sugar exports had gone to Britain, but this came to an end when the European Union (EU) restricted our market access through relatively high tariffs, and we pivoted towards alternative markets in Asia and North America,” Mr Beashel said.

“We’re optimistic that this sale is the first step towards reopening what is essentially a whole new market for Australian sugar producers, with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) data showing the first full tariff-free quota year in 2024 could see the value of Australian raw sugar exports to the UK reach $74 million, up from effectively nothing during the past five years.”

The shipment is scheduled to arrive at Tate & Lyle Sugars’ Thames refinery in London on 10 September.

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Opinion Piece

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I’ve been a member of Rotary for more than 10 years, first with the Rotary Club of Mackay Sunrise, and more recently, Rotary Mackay Corporate Club. Rotary members are part of a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.

During this time, I’ve participated in some great projects, including the Mayor’s Charity Ball, which has now raised more than $1million for community organisations in our region, and the RAWCS Hands-On Project, where a team of Rotarians travelled around Cambodia for two weeks, fitting prosthetic arms to people who had lost limbs in landmine and other accidents.

The latest initiative being undertaken by our Corporate Club is the “Lift the Lid Walk”. The original “Walk for Mental Health” was the brainchild of passionate mental health advocate Vicki Stewart, Past President, and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Mooloolaba.

After three successful years holding the event and raising much needed funds for Australian Rotary Health, we are delighted to share the “Lift the Lid Walk” for Mental Health with the Mackay community in 2023.

The walk and talk format is deliberately not a race, but an opportunity to get locals together to raise awareness of the serious mental health issues we face in all areas of our communities, schools, homes and workplaces.

Now more than ever, we need to break down the stigma that continues to plague our society so that people are more comfortable to discuss and seek help for their mental health issues.

So, please join us on Sunday, August 6, commencing at 9am, at Bluewater Quay. We’ll have a coffee van, sausage sizzle and stalls with information and support for mental health. It will be a relaxed morning to enjoy the company of friends and other walkers. Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health will get you walking and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health.

Register at: liftthelidwalk.com.au/mackay.

And if you’re interested in becoming a Rotarian, please get in touch. We’d love to have you as a member.

Cr Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council

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A family’s on-water home erupted into flames on Monday morning, with four adults and three children fleeing onto a neighbouring boat.

Named ‘Priority’, the 47-foot boat caught fire two nautical miles off the coast of Daydream Islands.

The occupants on board were rescued from the burning vessel by a civilian 62-foot boat, named ‘Gamechanger’ who happened to be in the area and noticed the fire.

The skipper of ‘Gamechanger’ was able to help all seven occupants off ‘Priority’, before a rescue crew from Airlie Beach, including Maritime Rescue, Police Rescue and Queensland Firefighters were at the scene.

According to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the fire is suspected to have started in the rear of the vessel, close to the twin diesel engine.

The seven occupants were checked over by paramedics and were uninjured during the emergency.

The vessel acted as the occupant’s home and contained 3000 litres of diesel to fuel the engine.

By mid-morning, the vessel had sunk.

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The vessel erupted into flames, with all seven occupants fleeing onto a neighbouring boat. Photo credit: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

A 50-year-old Townsville man died in a collision between a fully loaded coal train and the Toyota Landcruiser he was travelling in on Tuesday evening in the Bowen area.

Queensland Ambulance Services say the incident took place on Peter Delemothe Road, near Bogie, shortly after 9pm and four patients were assessed at the scene.

A man in his 40s was transported by ambulance to Bowen Hospital then airlifted by rescue helicopter to Mackay Hospital in a serious condition.

A man in his 50s was assessed in a critical condition but sadly died on scene.

Two further patients, the drivers of the train, were uninjured.

Forensic crash units are investigating and Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam vision from the surrounding area to come forward.

Queensland Police Services say that allegedly the driver of the Toyota Landcruiser went round the boom gates and the level crossing and warn motorists to never take a risk.

The public are reminded that warning lights and boom gates are there for a reason and that it is impossible for a train to stop suddenly if something is obstructing the track.

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A 50-year-old Townsville man died when the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a fully-loaded coal train. Photo: stock image

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Hi Everyone,

Sadly, this edition of the paper reports about some tragic events that have unfolded in our region over the past week.

Our hearts are with everyone effected, especially the family of Proserpine local, Gavin Hussey, who lost his life in a road accident on Tuesday.

Also, our sympathies go out to the family of the 50-year-old Townsville man who died in Bowen on Tuesday evening when a train hit the vehicle he was travelling in.

There were two other incidents, both involving boats - one where a family was lucky enough to escape their burning vessel and a second where five French tourists were rescued from a capsized boat.

Fortunately, everyone survived.

This week, our hearts also go out to the six children who had been suffering abuse at the hands of sex offenders in the Whitsunday and Mackay area.

Thankfully seven people have been arrested and the children are now safe.

This newspaper is known for its positive and engaging stories that bring us all together, but I think it is also important that we all come together to share at times of sadness and injustice as well.

We aim to report these tragic news stories in an informative and accurate way that is also sensitive and respectful to the individuals and family members involved.

I hope we’ve achieved this.

By sharing this news, we hope that everyone can spare a thought for those suffering right now for I believe it is with empathy and compassion that we become a stronger community both locally and globally.

These tragic events have also reminded us all how lucky we are to wake up every morning, how precious and fleeting life can be, and also to hold our loved ones close.

Take a moment this evening to stop and reflect at how lucky you are to be alive.

Rach.

Quote of the Week: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” (Mahatma Gandhi)

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Being able to help in an emergency takes quick thinking, the ability to perceive danger and the knowledge on how to act quickly to control the situation.

The crew of Sundowner Cruises experienced this firsthand earlier this week when they spotted an upturned boat in the water.

It was Sunday evening when Chris Reinbott, skipper of Sundowner, noticed a group of five men standing on the overturned hull of their sailing boat.

“It was just off Mandalay Point, we noticed the guys waving and standing on the hull of their boat,” Chris explained.

“We cleared away our cruise guests and got close to the boat, before we threw them a rope and got them on board.”

Fortunately, all the rescued passengers were unharmed during the incident, aside from catching a chill and being wet.

According to Chris, the five French tourists were more shocked that the incident happened and extremely grateful that another vessel was close-by and had spotted them so quickly.

“They were like ‘holy sh*t, what just happened?’” Chris said.

“They were very shaken, cold and wet, but thankfully all uninjured.”

Chris and his crew took the men to Coral Sea Marina, where they met with authorities.

It is still unclear how the vessel became capsized, but it does illustrate how quickly emergency situations unfold.

Big applause for Sundowner in retrieving these capsized sailors!

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The community is mourning the loss of one of its own this week with the tragic news that Proserpine local, 47-year-old Gavin Hussey, passed away following a traffic accident on Shute Harbour Road on Tuesday morning at 7am.

The incident took place when Mr Hussey’s Mitsubishi Lancer collided with a concrete truck travelling in the opposite direction.

Emergency services were called to the incident on Shute Harbour Road and Tyree Road at 7.17am on Tuesday morning.

Mr Hussey died at the scene while the truck driver was transported to Proserpine Hospital as a precaution.

Police appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam vision to come forward.

Mr Hussey’s partner, Sammy Kissier, took to social media to express her absolute devastation.

“7.17am changed his life and mine forever in a split second,” she said.

“This time will haunt me forever.

“Why does this hurt so much? I just want to scream! My first last true love, thank you for loving me and my children”

Following these posts Ms Kissier was inundated with support from friends and family.

“My heart is broken for you Sammy, sending all my love to you and the family,” said one post.

“Along with everyone else my heart is breaking for you, the love you and Gav had was apparent, it was so special,” read another.

On Wednesday, Ms Kissier asked for privacy so that she could spend time with her family.

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Gavin Hussey with his partner Sammy Kissier. Photo: Facebook

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By Rachael Smith

Residents of the Whitsundays will now be able to access free transportation down to Mackay Base Hospital for outpatient medical appointments thanks to the new Whitsunday Patient Transfer Service.

Kicking off earlier this week, the new medical bus has the capacity for eight patients and will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Departing Cannonvale at 6am and returning on the same day at 5pm, the bus collects patients from Proserpine Hospital and Bloomsbury BP Service Station before arriving at Mackay Base Hospital around 9am.

Return trips depart Mackay Base Hospital at 2.30pm on the same days, with the identical stops during the trek home.

Passengers are required to have an outpatient appointment at Mackay Base Hospital on these days between 9am and 1pm, and reservations are essential.

The service is made possible by a team of volunteer drivers.

Peter Mitchelson is a retired taxi driver who decided to volunteer as a driver alongside Dave Robinson who was also looking for volunteer work.

“It’s a good way to keep my brain going!” said Dave.

“I really want to help sick people and I am retired now so just wanted to give back.”

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate said she is thrilled to see the service start operating and appreciates everyone’s patience in waiting for it to get up and running.

“The bus had been funded and purchased quite some time ago, but it’s been a massive project during the past year to put arrangements in place before the service could begin,” she said.

“From securing volunteer drivers to organising policies and procedures, liaising with hospitals in Mackay and the Whitsundays, ensuring volunteers are adequately trained drivers and hold First Aid certificates, having all our paperwork in order, it has taken much longer than anticipated to ensure we’ve ticked all the boxes before starting the service.”

Whitsunday Regional Council has co-funded the purchase of the bus, along with Mackay Hospital Foundation while Macrossan and Amiet Charitable Foundation is contributing towards the operational costs.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said the new service will be invaluable for patients needing to travel long distances for medical care.

“Council contributed $20,000 to the Mackay Hospital Foundation several years ago so for it now to be transporting patients from Proserpine and Airlie Beach to Mackay Hospital and the Icon Cancer Centre for medical appointments is a great outcome for our community,” she said.

“I have been a strong advocate for this patient transfer service as no one should have to choose between their health and their ability to access medical care.

“I’d like to thank the Mackay Hospital Foundation for their efforts to work through the red tape of running a community medical bus and Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm who has been a strong advocate for the service.”

At this stage, the Whitsunday Patient Transfer Service bus route does not include a Bowen or Collinsville pick-up point, but Whitsunday Regional Council say they are looking into possible options to provide Bowen residents with a free medical bus service as well.

Mayor Hall said she was very aware that there is a need for a similar patient transfer service to operate and service Bowen and Collinsville.

“Our Economic Development team is keen to work with the Federal and State governments, private operators, and community groups to explore options for a community medical bus service for the Bowen/Collinsville region.”

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Volunteer drivers, Peter Mitchelson and Dave Robinson, donate their time to operate the service. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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A 29-year-old Jubilee Pocket woman has been charged for indecent treatment of a child and being involved in making and distributing child exploitation material.

She is one of seven individuals charged with 44 child sex offences, as part of a police investigation, codenamed Operation Uniform Amigua.

Thanks to arrests, six children under the age of 10 are now safe from further danger.

Also charged was a 27-year-old Aspley man with 17 charges, including grooming a parent or a carer of a child, indecent treatment of a child, and using a carriage service to access child abuse material.

A 44-year-old Hendra woman was charged with multiple drug offences, including supplying and possessing dangerous drugs, and a 26-year-old North Lakes woman was charged with indecent treatment of a child and being involved in making and distributing child exploitation material.

Operation Uniform Amigua was a joint taskforce, utilising officers from the Gateway Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) and the Whitsunday Criminal Investigation Branch (WIB), who executed six search warrants across Queensland and other jurisdictions from December last year.

Gateway Crime Group Detective Inspector John Mison said the successful operation was largely due to the fantastic collaboration with interstate counterparts.

“An organised network of child sexual abusers has been dismantled through a series of complex investigative strategies which has resulted in six children being rescued,” Detective Inspector Mison said.

“This extensive investigation relied on assistance from other investigative units within Queensland and throughout the country with the network stretching from Central Queensland to the southern states.

“We will continue to work on identifying these types of networks, rescuing children at risk of this offending and taking action against criminals involved in committing these types of heinous offences.”

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By Rachael Smith

History has been preserved for future generations thanks to the newly restored mural on the wall of the Bowen Hotel.

The mural depicts the two original Denison Hotels of the 1940s and was painted in 1996.

Since then, it had faded significantly but thanks to the Bowen Mural Society and local artist Martin Jegou, new life has been breathed into the painting and its colours are vibrant once again.

It has taken Martin the past four weeks to complete the mural and after 85 hours, he finally took a satisfied step back and knew he’d finished the job.

“I had to copy a lot of it from an old postcard so I could get the colours correct,” said Martin.

“It took a lot of patience as it was very faded and had lost most of its vibrant colour, so it was pretty dull.

“It has been very rewarding bringing it back to life and it has been good to keep the heritage alive.”

The previous mural was painted by brush, but Martin’s technique is spray paint.

“I’ve tried to make it as good as it was, but in my own style,” he explains.

“It’s a different style but I’ve managed to keep the same finish.”

This is not the first mural that Martin has worked on in Bowen, he has personally created murals on the walls of the VMR that depicts the Lighthouse and a history of vessels.

He has also painted a mixture of local birdlife and orchids on the Showground walls and a local view of farmland and produce on the lunch area wall at Queens Beach School.

“Martin has done a fantastic job,” said Heather Skinner, from the Bowen Mural Society, when asked about the Bowen Hotel mural.

“It looks absolutely fabulous.”

There are over 30 murals in Bowen and the town has often been referred to as ‘The Mural Town Of Australia”.

Heather says they have plans to create two new murals – one of the very early churches on the St Vinnie’s wall and a second of Herbert Street in the late 1800s which will be on the wall next to the information centre on Front Beach.

The Bowen Hotel mural restoration was funded by a Regional Arts Development Fund through the Whitsunday Regional Council.

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Local artist Martin Jegou putting the finishing touches on the Bowen Hotel mural earlier this week. Photo supplied.

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This past week, NAIDOC Week celebrations were held across the region, with schools and community centres acknowledging and recognising First Nations cultures, histories, and traditions.

The theme of the 2023 celebration is ‘For Our Elders’, highlighting the importance of generational knowledge and traditions.

The Whitsunday Regional Council held a series of events to mark the occasion, including a morning tea and a special showing of Episode 1 of Black Snow.

In addition, they hosted a Sea of Fish Challenge for families in the region’s libraries, and a Welcome to Whales Community Art display, created with Casey McAvoy and the wider Whitsunday community.

St Catherine’s Catholic College begun their NAIDOC Week celebrations with a special smoking ceremony with Elder Uncle Robert Congoo, with the entire school in attendance.

Students from across the college took part in a range of activities throughout the day, including decorating classroom doors, rock painting, Yorribaya cultural workshops, and art creations.

The college also welcomed elders, families, friends, and distinguished guests to a morning tea as part of the celebrations.

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Photos supplied by St Catherine’s Catholic College

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