A local third-year apprentice boilermaker from Mackay Sugar’s Marian Mill is one of the faces of a new digital campaign launched by the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) to highlight the training and apprenticeship opportunities available throughout regional Queensland and the sugar milling industry’s significant economic and social contributions to the state.    

Maddy McConaghy is one of eight apprentices from Queensland sugar mills to feature in the campaign, which coincides with the start of the annual sugarcane crushing season in Queensland. Ms McConaghy said the apprenticeship was providing her with the opportunity to learn new skills and maintain her work-life balance.

“I learn lots of new skills and I get to be home every night,” she said.

“Each day brings new tasks. Lots of mill repairs, fabricating new pipes, and getting to use a big range of welding equipment.

“Everybody works really well together and it's a great work-life balance.”

ASMC Chief Executive Officer Rachele Sheard said the sugar industry is the lifeblood of many regional communities along the Queensland coastline, supporting over 19,000 jobs and injecting close to $3.8 billion directly and indirectly into the state economy.

“The sugar manufacturing sector is part of the economic fabric of regional Queensland communities and offers attractive and skilled career pathways,” Ms Sheard said.

“This campaign puts a face to our apprentices and highlights the important role the factories play in providing training and career opportunities, financial security and a great lifestyle in regional Queensland.

The Sugar Milling Apprentice campaign will be promoted through social media, industry events and partnerships, and also profiles apprentices from Tully Sugar, Wilmar Sugar’s Victoria Mill (Ingham) and Pioneer Mill (Brandon), Mackay Sugar, and Isis Central Sugar (Bundaberg Region).

Ms Sheard said she hopes the campaign will help raise awareness of the important role the sugar industry plays in Queensland’s economy and inspire more young people to pursue apprenticeships in the industry.

“Having diversified sources of employment and investment has never been more important for our regional communities, who without the agriculture sector, would have been severely impacted during the pandemic.

“Not only do our sugar factories offer rewarding career pathways and financial security to regional Queenslanders and their communities locally, but we are a progressive, future-focused sector that will make a significant contribution to our state’s renewable energy agenda over the next decade.”

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, endorsed the Sugar Milling Apprenticeship campaign, highlighting the importance of securing the next generation of skilled workers.

“The sugar industry is so important for Australia, and we need the next generation of skilled workers to support it into the future,” he said.

“An apprenticeship in the sugar sector can lead to a rewarding, secure and well-paid job in a vital Australian industry.”

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Maddy McConaghy

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The Plane Creek milling area covers a lot of country- the coastal strip from around Alligator Creek all the way down to Flaggy Rock and on to Clairview, and that country takes in a lot of productive cane growing land, along with many very good farmers.

Just over a week ago, the cane-growing community came together to celebrate the Plane Creek Productivity Services Productivity Awards, celebrating the achievements of growers in the 2022 harvest.

The top performer and winner of the Arthur Gardner Shield for Best Producer for the Season, Koumala grower Mark Sant, pulled in a very high 18.75 tonnes of sugar per hectare. That’s a massive 33% above the average for the Koumala zone.

Productivity is one of the most important parts of farming- it drives profitability, but celebrating the growers who can really produce a great crop is important. The Productivity Awards Highlight those top achievers, for the benefit of their fellow growers. For sure, no-one gets into growing cane to win awards, but there is a lot to learn from growers with high productivity achieved within sustainable systems.

It makes you think, as a farmer: what can I learn and do better myself? How can I achieve results like that also? As an industry, we are trying to produce more but with less inputs. If someone is achieving good results sustainably, then there is something to learn there, it gives us something to take note of, and aspire to. It’s the start of a conversation between growers about how we can improve productivity.

The PCPSL Productivity Awards are an important event for the milling area’s growers- it’s always a great family night, with a strong community spirit, and this year’s event was no exception. This year, the Awards were held in Carmila, giving Carmila State School P&C a fundraising opportunity in providing a BBQ dinner for around 150 people who attend.

Every year, the event is held, in turn, in Koumala, Carmila or Sarina, with the state schools of each town benefitting through that fundraising activity. CANEGROWERS Mackay joins other sponsors in supporting the awards, and congratulates all award recipients. We also congratulate the PCPSL team, who wade through productivity records to determine the district's top producers.

If the Mackay Regional community is keen to see some great cane- don’t forget to take a look at the Show Cane competition displays as we come into Ag Show season- and we encourage all our growers to think about entering some samples of their best cane at the Pioneer Valley, Mackay and Sarina Shows this year.

2022 Season Plane Creek Productivity Award Winners

ZONE AWARDS

Plane Creek: Paul McDougall (12.24 TSH)

Dawlish: Manuel Muscat (15.82 TSH)

Main Line: Alan McFadzen (13.74 TSH)

Cliftonville: Jake Galea (13.97 TSH)

Yukan: Phillip Borg (15.46 TSH)

Koumala: Mark Sant (18.75 TSH)

Bolingbroke: Trevor Sleeman (13.79 TSH)

Turnors Paddock: John, Anne and Rob Hand (15.18 TSH)

Mt Christian: Fred and Janelle Axiak (16.60 TSH)

Ilbilbie: Joe Quattromani (15.21 TSH)

West Hill: Rodney Hindle (12.78 TSH)

Carmila West: Rodney Hindle (13.93 TSH)

Carmila: Russell and Chris Thompson (12.11 TSH)

SPECIAL AWARDS

Arthur Gardner Shield - Best Producer of the Season:  Mark Sant (18.75 TSH)

Best Producer over Five Years: Phillip Borg (15.46 TSH)

Cane Growing Excellence Award: Mark Sant (18.75 TSH)

Highest Average Rel. CCS by Farm: George Sammut (13.9CCS)

Next Generation Grower: Sam and Nick Axiak

Best Harvesting Group: Troy Steindl

Jim Pedersen Sustainable Management Award: Colin Bourke

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CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg and PCPSL Chair Mal Langdon present the Cane Growing Excellence Award to Mark Sant and daughter Selena

From left, Wilmar Sugar Marketing Angus McKerrow Mal Langdon present Best Producer over Five Years, Phillip Borg with grandsons Ben Jack and Chris

From left NQ Farmshed's  Wayne Berginey PCPSL Chairman Mal Langdon congratulate Main Line zone winner Alan McFadzen

Kevin Borg presents the CANEGROWERS Mackay Next Generation Grower award, won by Sam (and Nick, absent) Axiak

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Hundreds of families enjoyed a Sunday filled with family fun last weekend, with all proceeds donated to Mackay Hospital Foundation and local hospitals.

Presented by sponsors Gardian, Daly Bay, BMA, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre and S.H. Tait & Co.

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Sarina Ladies showcased their skills and determination in the finals of the Open singles and B Singles, delivering an exhilarating display of bowling prowess. In a tightly contested battle, Bertha Archer emerged victorious in the Open category, overcoming Sudi Blinco with a nail-biting score of 25-22. Meanwhile, Robyn Large claimed the title in the B Singles, triumphing over Ros Way with an impressive score of 25-9.

With these individual victories under their belts, the spotlight now shifts to the upcoming rinks games, where the ladies will compete as teams, vying for the ultimate triumph. As the tournament progresses in the following weeks, anticipation runs high to witness which team will emerge as the ultimate champion.

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Ros Way and Robyn Large

Sudi Blinco and Bertha Archer

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It's not every day that you come across individuals who go above and beyond to help others. Today, we shine the spotlight on Kylie Schulze, a remarkable individual who has been a vital team member of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank for the past eight years.

In her role as a Customer Relationship Officer, Kylie's primary focus is personal lending, including personal loans and credit cards. What sets her apart is her genuine passion for assisting clients to achieve their goals, whether it's purchasing a car, and especially young people purchasing their first car, taking a well-deserved holiday, or undertaking home renovations.

“I understand that these moments are significant milestones in people's lives, and I take great pride in being able to help those dreams become reality.”

With over 20 years in banking, Kylie provides valuable insights, ensuring clients make informed financial decisions that align with their goals and aspirations. She cherishes the opportunity to get to know her clients and to be a part of their financial journey. For Kylie, it's about people, not just about transactions and numbers.

“I enjoy forming meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those around me.”

Outside of work, Kylie values her weekends as a time to unwind and spend quality time with her family. She also enjoys getting to know the Sarina community and supporting different local organisations.

“The Sarina Men’s Shed has been a favourite community group of mine for many years. They provide a safe and supportive environment for men to come together, share skills, and foster friendships. It’s a true asset to the community.”

We extend our gratitude to Kylie for her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and heartfelt commitment to helping her clients achieve their dreams. We are very fortunate to have her as a part of our team at Community Bank Sarina.

Contact Kylie at our branch on (07) 4943 2634 for a genuine approach to personal lending.

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is proud to support the local community. L-R: Ted Malone, Charmaine Matsen, Sheryl Brown, Karen May, Ann Fordyce, Kylie Schulze and Josie Dahtler

Kylie Schulze

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Hi Everyone,

The housing crisis is something we have been covering fairly regularly for the past few years and a subject I feel passionate about including in the paper.

It seems like we have all either directly experienced or know someone who has been directly impacted by the issue.

This week I met a young 17-year-old couple who have a seven-month-old baby daughter.

Despite having a child so young, these two individuals are determined to create a good life for their little family.

And while some youth get a bad rap for doing nothing to help themselves, simply waiting for a hand-out instead, these two are the opposite.

They are willing to do the hard work, they have savings, they just needed someone to give them the opportunity.

Incredibly, one local family did, and you can read the full story on page 10.

There are many reasons for the current housing crisis – a sudden increase in population creating a stock shortage, investors choosing to sell instead of rent, rental prices rising due to demand – but one of the main issues, in my opinion, is the amount of short-term accommodation we have in the area.

As Councillor Clive Bauman stated in Wednesday’s Council meeting – “there are no three-bedroom houses for rent in Cannonvale but there are 116 short term rentals with three bedrooms”.

It seems like housing for our community has been gradually replaced by holiday accommodation and while families are looking for homes, others are sitting vacant until the next holiday booking comes along.

One in three people in the Whitsundays work in tourism and, if we do not have homes for our workers, we may soon have no hospitality staff to serve our visitors.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Be realistic: Plan for a miracle” (Osho)

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Porters Mitre 10 Mackay proudly emerged as the triumphant victor of the hardware realm, crowned as 'Store of the Year' at the prestigious National Timber & Hardware Awards. This monumental accomplishment, awarded to the Mackay City Store in the Retail Store over 2500 sqm category, pays homage to their unwavering commitment to store standards and operational excellence.

Nestled at the heart of Mackay's thriving CBD, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay stands tall as the flagship store of the Porters Group. With an impressive array of offerings, including a bustling café, an expansive garden centre, and the distinction of being Mackay's sole Weber Specialist Dealer, Porters reigns supreme as the local community's go-to destination for all things hardware.

Hayden Cargill, CEO of the Porters Group, expressed heartfelt gratitude for this momentous feat and acknowledged the unwavering support of the local community. Cargill stated, "Taking out Hardware Store of the Year at the recent National Timber & Hardware Awards means a lot to our team and the Porters Family. Without the continuous support for our local community, we wouldn't be able to achieve such high recognition at a national level."

"I am incredibly proud of our entire team; it is a true testament to their hard work and dedication. It is an honour to be recognized as one of the best hardware businesses in the country."

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L-R: David Little (National Timber and Hardware Association CEO), Hayden Cargill (Porters Group CEO) and Casey Blyton (Porters Group Retail Manager)

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When a grandmother took to social media to ask the local community if there was someone willing to teach her grandson to fish while they were on holiday, she was overwhelmed by the kind response from people willing to help.

Last week, while visiting Arlie Beach on a cruise ship, her 12-year-old grandson met with Brent Stephenson who took the time to teach him to fish, tie knots and other valuable lessons.

Brent runs weekly free fishing clinics for kids of any age and any background, giving some that may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the skill, access to the sport.

This all began when he moved to the area with his partner, and she encouraged him to donate his fishing gear to Proserpine Youth Space.

When he attended the centre, he realised that his calling was more than donating a few rods, it was to help kids learn to fish.

Since then, Brent has started running regular clinics, passing on knowledge and skills to the younger generation.

“Fishing has helped me a lot in life, it is my happy place,” said Brent.

“I hope that by helping kids learn to fish it will help them whenever they feel lost in life.”

If you are interested in attending one of the fishing clinics, simply come to New Beach in Airlie Beach at 3.30pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Go to Mudskippa’s Whitsunday Fishing Clinics on Facebook to check the time as often days rotate.

Brent also runs a fishing apparel business called Mudskippa and donates 5 per cent from each sale back into the free fishing clinics.

Brent Stephenson runs weekly free fishing clinics at New Beach. Photo supplied

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The upcoming Australian Defence Force (ADF) visit has become more exciting, with the Bowen Aerodrome being taken over for training exercises.

The main runway of the aerodrome with remain open for pilots, except for when a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) alert bulletin has been released to pilots.

Military personnel and activities will be conducted 100 metres west of the main runway as well.

The second runway will be closed for all fixed-wing aircraft, to allow the Australian Defence Force to complete military activities from June 14 to August 20.

Lighting will not be used during this time as well.

This closure will see some take offs and landings delayed, as the second runway is usually used when there is a strong crosswind which is dangerous on the main runway.

In the case of strong winds, pilots may have to use a different runway or will be forced to wait for the strong winds to ease and use the main runway.

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Over two years ago, the Proserpine Golf Club was granted $145,000 from the federal government to construct an irrigation circuit, keeping the green perfect and lush all year round for locals and visitors alike.

The grant, gifted through the now abolished Building Better Regions Fund was designed to fund regional infrastructure, projects, and community development activities.

Proserpine Golf Course was granted $145,000 for the new irrigation system and was able to match the amount dollar for dollar, making the total investment almost $300,000 for the works.

“This is great for local golfers, local tourism, and the local economy,” said Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

The new system keeps the green lush through winter, when previously it would often dry out and become dusty, ruining the top soil for the summer season.

The golf course now meets open standards, meaning Proserpine could host the North Queensland Open, attracting players from across the state, as well as domestically across Australia.

“Irrigated fairways have been the most significant improvement made to Proserpine Gold Course in the time of my membership,” said Roger Vandenberg, PGA Golf Professional, who spoke at the official opening.

The new system allows more comprehensive opportunities for lessons, more allowance for use of the green in winter, and more consistent competitions for the club.

The official opening of the new irrigation system happened on Monday, June 5, with Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, Mayor Julie Hall, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, and Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsunday, in attendance, along with the Proserpine Golf Club board and team.

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Andrew Willcox MP, Roger Vandenberg, Mayor Julie Hall, Phil Batty, Amanda Camm MP, Rod Wecker, Ann Gardel, Rick Hamilton, John Grosskreutz and Peter Lewis. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

A Mackay gastroenterologist has been recognised on the world stage for his significant research in the field of coeliac disease.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Interim Chief Executive Dr Charles Pain congratulated Dr Robert Anderson receiving the 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize from the Coeliac Disease Foundation.

“It is indeed a high honour for Dr Anderson to win the international $25,000 Prize for Excellence in Coeliac Disease Research,” Dr Pain said.

“This recognises ‘an investigator whose research has made a significant impact on clinical, translational, or transformative research in coeliac disease’.

“The work that Dr Anderson has been undertaking over a number of years is changing the way that coeliac disease is diagnosed and treated, and it is a significant achievement for an Australian to receive this honour.

“Mackay HHS and the entire region is extremely fortunate to have a gastroenterologist of Dr Anderson’s calibre providing treatment here through our Specialists Outpatients Department.”

Dr Anderson collected his prize in person at an event in Chicago on May 9 ahead of International Coeliac Day which is celebrated on May 16 each year.

“The award I have received for excellence in coeliac disease research reflects how much Australians can contribute to global research when their programs are well resourced and focus on patient needs and good science,” Dr Anderson said.

“I have been very fortunate as a clinician scientist and later in drug development to have my research supported by public and commercial backers.

“Patients are my inspiration for discovery, and I can see great potential for Mackay Base Hospital to stimulate impactful patient-based research.”

Dr Anderson worked with a team of researchers based at Oxford University in the UK to determine the fragment, or T cells, that trigger coeliac disease.

As a co-director of Novoviah Pharmaceuticals in Brisbane, Dr Anderson is also working on the development of a simple blood test to support diagnosis of coeliac disease without the need for invasive intestinal biopsies.

If he can develop a very targeted response to coeliac disease, it will assist in treatment strategies for other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Dr Anderson is also the current president of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease, and the first Australian to hold the position.

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Dr Robert Anderson received the 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize in Chicago last month. Photo supplied

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A recent report by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has found that “coral bleaching was mild last summer”, a positive outcome for our region that has been plagued by several bleaching events in the past few years.

Last year saw a mass coral bleaching event occur, largely due to above average water temperatures, but this year there were none.

In addition, there were no cyclones during the summer months, leaving the reef time to replenish and rejuvenate.

The report detailed, however, that this summer is expected to be an El Nino year, with hotter than usual temperatures and the possibility of a bleaching event.

The GBRMPA Summer Snapshot report was released by GBRMPA last month and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP took to social media to vent his frustration that the findings were not publicised by the government.

“Very interesting we haven’t heard anything from the Government celebrating this incredible news?” he said.

“It’s time they stop demonising our miners and farmers, or does this not suit their agenda?”

His post on social media garnered hundreds of responses largely supporting his statement.

“They are trying to scare everyone, and we all have to go Green and go broke doing it - that’s why they don’t say anything about how well the Great Barrier Reef’s going,” read one post.

“We live in the area and the Reef hasn’t changed its natural cycle at all. The regeneration naturally happens as old coral is promptly replaced by new. What do the greenies do, take a picture of one of the old pieces probably way older than they are and state that the whole reef is dying, which is rubbish,” read another.

A recent Summer Snapshot of the Great Barrier Reef says “coral bleaching was mild last summer”

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Did you notice a sprinkling of colour throughout the city centre over the last week?

Locals spotted dozens of knitted and crocheted pieces throughout town last week, leaving many in awe of the talented artists who installed them, and many more scratching their heads wondering who these talented artists were.

It was the work of Artists Connect Inc and YarnBomb Mackay, who installed the pieces overnight on Thursday, June 1 ahead of City Heart Fridays last Friday.

The result of two months of work and 57km of yarn, the installations included yarn bombing around the Canefire sculpture at the intersection of Wood and Victoria streets – “turning concrete into crochet” – as well as crochet on many surrounding light posts, bicycles and seven crocheted mannequins scattered throughout town.

“Some great memories (and lots of knitting and crocheting) were made at our get togethers over the past couple of months,” YarnBomb Mackay posted on Facebook.

“Anyone keen to contribute to another yarnbomb is welcome to join us every second and fourth Monday each month starting June 26th.”

Visit YarnBomb Mackay on Facebook for more information.

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Mackay’s city centre was yarn bombed for City Heart Fridays last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The 2023 sugar crushing season at the Proserpine Mill is expected to begin on Tuesday with high optimism around this year’s sugar production due to the strong global sugar prices.

While the crop size is similar to last year, at an estimated 1.8 million tonnes, the sugar prices are currently around $800 a tonne.

The 2022 season finished much later than usual largely due to weather conditions, but El Nino is forecast this year which is set to make harvesting smoother.

The late finish to last year’s season meant that $25 million in capital and maintenance at Proserpine Mill was conducted over the last few months.

“Our people have worked closely with external contractors to deliver a large capital and maintenance program in a compressed timeframe due to the late finish to the 2022 season,” said Proserpine Operations Manager Sebastian Foti.

“I’d like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of everybody involved in this maintenance program. It’s been a huge effort by all.”

The biggest capital project for 2023 is a new Pan 3 and condenser to replace a vessel that had reached end of life.

The project is valued at $6.6 million and incorporates three new vacuum pumps aimed at improving sugar production rates.

Other major capital projects include the construction of 50 new cane bins, a major upgrade to the motor control centres (MCCs) for the pan and fugal stations, a new high-grade fugal and new shredder rotor.

The public are warned that cane trains are now active across the cane rail network and to approach all level crossings with caution.

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Counting down to the start of the 2023 season at Wilmar’s Proserpine Mill are, from left, Acting Assistant Production Superintendent Tom Badger, Acting Production Superintendent Jamie Bell and Cane Supply Manager Jed Page. Photo supplied

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By Bronte Hodge

Students at Whitsunday Christian College have gone above and beyond, collection over 4,400 pieces of food and grocery items for the Whitsunday Impact Church Community Food Pantry.

This student-led initiative, primarily run and organised by the Senior student leaders, encouraged all students to bring in non-perishable food and grocery items, with all the gathered food to be donated to the Whitsunday Community Food Pantry, operated through the Whitsunday Impact Church.

The Pantry started in 2022 when a parishioner noticed a woman upset at a grocery store and offered to purchase groceries for her.

Since then, between 15 and 20 families access the pantry every week, and approximately 600 bags of groceries were given out last year.

Student leaders ran the drive throughout May and donated the goods to the Whitsunday Community Food Pantry at a special chapel service last Friday.

College Principal Kylie Langshore informed the Pantry that the school had approximately 2,500 pieces of food and grocery items, however, in the last week of May, students were able to almost double the count.

The items, which included canned goods, cereal, toilet paper and sanitary pads and tampons, were taken to the Pantry and will be on offer for families to take.

The Whitsunday Impact Church Community Food Pantry is open every Tuesday, from 9am to 12pm, and open for any member of the community, no questions asked.

There is also complimentary tea, coffee, and cake available, with members of the church always happy for a chat.

The Community Pantry is operated through Global Care, and accepts donations of non-perishable food and grocery items, as well as financial donations, with any donations over $2 tax deductible.

Whitsunday Christian Church student leaders, Misaki Palmer, Lachlan Whincop and Rowan Kangru with massive donation for Community Food Pantry.

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