As we approach International Women's Day, Resource Industry Network (RIN) is thrilled to be hosting its annual business luncheon to acknowledge women in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.

The global theme for International Women’s Day is "Inspire Inclusion,” reflecting a collective commitment to breaking barriers that may hinder women's presence and involvement in the workplace, and what we can do to bridge the inclusion gap.

The luncheon will feature reputed speaker Dr Catherine Ball, an associate professor, scientific futurist, visioneer, and company director working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education, and environmental needs.

Attendees will be engaged by the thought-provoking panel discussion and enjoy networking opportunities with accomplished professionals.

"We believe that creating an inclusive workforce is not only the right thing to do but is essential for driving innovation in today's business environment. It has also been proven that having women in the workplace increases safety and productivity," says Dean Kirkwood, General Manager at RIN.

"The reason our International Women's Day business lunch is a sell-out event three years in a row is because it invites the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region to come together, recognise the roles of women, and renew our shared dedication to refining more inclusive organisations."

This highly regarded event is for professionals of all genders passionate about advancing women's roles in the workplace. Whether you're a business owner, a team leader or a team player, we are excited to host you as we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women across the region.

Early registration for our 2025 International Women’s Day is strongly encouraged since this year’s luncheon is sold out.

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EVENT DETAILS:

What: 2024 International Women’s Day Business Lunch
When: Wednesday, March 6th, 2024
Where: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Halls 1&2
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

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There’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a favourite mug, and now, you can help to promote Mackay’s natural beauty with a set of collector’s mugs available at the Mackay Visitor Information Centre and kiosk!

In collaboration with local artist Harry Bruce, these caricature mugs are retailing at $22 each and feature famous faces and landscapes of our region.

Oh Deere – We’re One Of A Kind In Australia

Karinda and Dale Anderson are the passionate stewards of their family-owned and operated farm situated on 400 acres in Calen, where a tranquil farm stay, educational farm tour and cane maze has become a sought-after tourist attraction.

The farm tour promises to be both informative and fun. Learn the ins and outs of sugar cane farming from planting to harvesting. Enjoy morning tea just as they did back in the days of cutting cane by hand; don’t miss a tour of the John Deere Love Shack Museum, and a behind-the-scenes peek at the farming equipment used on the farm.

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy said that it’s a fantastic way to showcase the opportunities that farmers have to diversify their income.

The couple have been stocking their dam with Barramundi, so the next planned activity for visitors will be the fun of catch-and-release.

For more information visit Oh Deere Farm Stay on Facebook.

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Summer Sipper - Woo Woo (Or Should We Say, Woo Hoo!)

Get ready to elevate your summer fun with the vibrant and delicious Woo Woo cocktail!

Ingredients:

   • 50ml vodka

   • 25ml peach schnapps

   • 100ml cranberry juice

   • Few drops of fresh lime juice

   • Ice

   • Wedge of lime

Instructions:

   1. Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it with ice.

   2. Pour in the vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and a splash of fresh lime juice.

   3. Shake vigorously until well mixed and chilled.

   4. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with extra ice.

   5. Finish it off with a festive wedge of lime for that extra burst of citrusy goodness!

Now, kick back, relax, and let the tropical vibes of this fruity concoction transport you to your own personal paradise. Cheers to summer!

For those proper island vibes, don’t forget the tiny umbrella.

For a Pina Colada inspired version, swap out the cranberry juice for pineapple juice with a splash of Malibu or coconut cream.

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Located on the picturesque waterfront setting of Mackay Marina, the enviable location combined with high quality facilities and service has positioned Mantra Mackay as Mackay’s premier accommodation, conference and events venue.

At the heart of the Mantra lies Latitude 21 Bar & Restaurant, a culinary restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, from Monday to Sunday, guests are treated to a delightful spread of dishes to kick start their day on a delicious note. Come evening, indulge in an exquisite à la carte dinner experience available Tuesday through Saturday.

Guests have the choice of dining in air-conditioned comfort within the coastal chic interiors of the restaurant or opting for al-fresco dining overlooking the tranquil waters of Mackay Marina. Whether savouring a gourmet meal indoors or enjoying the gentle sea breeze outdoors, every dining experience promises to be a feast for the senses.

Picture yourself lounging by the palm-fringed pool, cocktail in hand, as you soak in breathtaking vistas of Mackay Marina and the Coral Sea.

For those seeking a relaxed atmosphere and refreshing bevvy, Latitude 21 Bar opens its doors from 4pm on Tuesdays through to Saturdays.

Mantra Mackay's commitment to excellence extends beyond its culinary offerings. Whether guests are here for a leisurely getaway, a corporate retreat, or a special event, they can expect nothing short of exceptional hospitality at every turn.

As the sun sets over Mackay Marina, casting a golden hue over the tranquil waters, Mantra Mackay emerges as more than just a place to stay—it's a destination where luxury meets tranquillity, and every moment is infused with memories to cherish. From indulgent dining experiences to breathtaking views, it's a sanctuary where guests can escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.

Due to popularity, bookings are recommended on 1800 386 386.

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Due to the April production, ‘Bob’s Your Auntie’ being postponed to 2025, Director Maureen Coleman has promptly adapted to the minor setback by selecting another entertaining performance, a classical thriller by English playwright and screenwriter, Constance Cox, titled "The Murder Game".

In this performance, a man is financially dependent on his wife but in love with another woman. Will he commit the ‘perfect murder’ to be with the one he loves, and will a decision he makes see him go from the frying pan into the fire?

The show will star talented local performers; Dennis Rozekrans, Asta Ryan, Lani Seaton, and Michael Brennan.

This special production will open at Kucom Theatre on April 11 for a two-week season.

With tickets now available for purchase online, theatre enthusiasts have the opportunity to secure their seats for what is sure to be an unforgettable theatrical event. Don't miss the chance to be captivated by "The Murder Game" and support our local community production at Kucom Theatre this April.

Bookings are now open at https://events.humanitix.com/the-murder-game.

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Caption: "The Murder Game" – a thrilling performance to be held this April

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A female Minx cat arrived at the Mackay Pet rescue Incorporated just weeks ago, on the brink of death, suffering from a severe uterine infection after her alleged owners said she had run away two years ago and could no longer take her back. The helpless cat who was once known as Harmony was withered, bleeding and in immense pain.

Thanks to the action of Mackay’s pet rescue team and the expert care provided by Peta Snell at Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital, Harmony received the life-saving treatment she desperately needed. After undergoing surgery to remove her toxic uterus, she began her journey to recovery, receiving lots of affection during her stay in foster care.

From a frail and suffering cat, she has defied the odds, now fully recovered and happily living her best life. Harmony has now been rehomed and her new family has named her Athena.

The support of the local community has played a crucial role in Athena's journey to healing. Through their generous donations, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc has been able to continue their mission of saving and caring for animals in need, not only in the local area but also in the surrounding districts.

Athena's story is a prime example of the impact that compassion and community support can have on the lives of our local pets in need. As Mackay Pet Rescue Inc continues their vital work, they remain grateful for the ongoing support that enables them to provide care and hope to animals like Athena.

Mackay Pet Rescue Inc commented, “Seeing Harmony/Athena thriving in her forever home is rewarding for our entire team.”

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Caption: Harmony/Athena thriving in her new home with her new family. Photo credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (Facebook)

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Mackay Regional Council will be undertaking an upgrade to the Willetts Road playground in North Mackay.

The playground closed last Friday, (February 23) and is expected to be out of operation for two weeks, weather permitting, while the work is undertaken.

Crews will remove the old carousel and replace it with a new cup spinner and spica spinner. The old swing set will be replaced with a new one, and the soft fall sand will be refurbished.

For public safety, the playground will be full fenced off during these works.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the closure.

The playground is expected to re-open by Saturday March 9, however please check with council for updates.

For enquiries, please contact council on 1300 622 529.

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In today's whirlwind of financial uncertainty, saving money has become trickier than ever with the cost of living continuously on the rise. Women often look after the household finances as well as business finances, and while women can be naturally savvy at number-crunching, we have found some smart tips to help put money aside even during tough times.

Knowing how to start healthy saving habits can be difficult, that’s why the financial experts at The Lazy Trader have put together a list of helpful money-saving tips, guiding you towards financial freedom, stability and peace of mind this year, in 2024!

A spokesman from The Lazy Trader commented: “There are so many benefits to having money stashed away somewhere safe, and it will lift a weight off your shoulders knowing you have something to fall back on.”

Use a digital budget planner

Try utilising a digital budget planner to manage your finances conveniently and efficiently. These apps allow for easy adjustments and customisation to suit your needs, reducing clutter and ensuring you stay within your spending limits.

Use smash piggy banks

Invest in a smash piggy bank to visually track your progress. Even just a dollar a day can add up to a significant amount over time. If you know you have to break into it, you’re less likely to take money out of it!

Invest in life insurance when you’re young

Start investing in life insurance while you're young to secure lower premiums and consistent rates as you age. This proactive approach ensures financial security and affordability in the long run.

Shop smart at the supermarket

When shopping, utilise supermarket loyalty cards, explore reduced sections for discounted items, and buy in bulk to save money and reduce the need for frequent trips.

Pay off your debt

Prioritise paying off your debt to avoid unnecessary fees and charges. Clearing this debt as soon as you can will ease financial stress and prevent additional expenses down the line.

Saving money for a rainy day provides a safety net for future goals and reduces the possibility of financial strain in the future.

By implementing these money-saving hacks, you can build financial resilience and secure your financial future! For more information, visit https://thelazytrader.com

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“Thirty-thousand pigs have drowned in the river near Rocky.”

The announcement was yelled out across the newsroom to me by a reporter at the local Mackay paper about 13 years ago when I was the editor and we were covering a central Queensland flood that had moved south and was about to engulf Rockhampton.

Now, I’m no farmer but my first reaction was that this was a surprising amount of dead pigs.

I said: “Thirty thousand pigs! Are we sure about that?”

The Mackay journalist had spoken to our sister paper, the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, who had uncovered the story about the pigs.

“Yep, the Rocky Bulletin is putting it on their front page. The pigs were from a pig farm near Rocky and the farmer told them about it,” the reporter said.

“Have they got pictures?” I asked.

“No.”

“Well keep asking them and let me know when they come in.”

The photos didn’t come in that day and we were a Mackay paper, not a Rocky paper, so we didn’t put it on the front page but we did place it prominently as the lead story on Page 3 or Page 5, for memory. We had a big headline along the lines of: “30,000 pigs drown in flood”.

The next day the Mackay reporter who told me about the story came sheepishly into my office and said: “We’ve got a bit of a problem with the dead pigs story.”

“Oh yeah, what is it?

“It wasn’t 30 thousand pigs. The farmer got back to the Rocky paper this morning and said he didn’t say 30 thousand pigs, he said 30 sows and pigs.”

Now if someone spoke quickly over the phone to you and you couldn’t see their lips forming the words, you can understand how “30 sows and pigs” could sound like “30 thousand pigs”.

While the death of any pig is sad, and it is definitely upsetting that 30 pigs drowned, it is a bit of a different story to 30,000 pigs drowning, particularly in light of the human heartbreak that was going on in the area at that time.

The printed apology the next day made us look pretty stupid, although I did have a private laugh at the absurdity of the mistake.

The lesson I got from that very public debacle was to always trust my gut feeling. Thirty-thousand didn’t sound right. It was a mind-boggling number of dead and bloated pigs in a river … but I accepted what people were telling me without digging further.

It also reminded me not to make the same innocent mistake as the young reporter … question everything, make sure you got it right, heard it right.

Communication is a two-way street and in business, including real estate, it is important to clearly understand what someone has said, check that you have the facts right. Two ears for listening, one mouth for talking.

Did the seller say there is or isn’t asbestos in the house? What did the seller say about the sewerage line running under the pool? Did the seller say that downstairs bathroom had council approval or didn’t have council approval?

Listen to what people say and question things that don’t sound right because buyers are going to ask for that information and if you negotiate a price and do a deal, you don’t want to find out later that you got your facts wrong.

You don’t want to have, through lack of attention to detail, given false information to a buyer and effectively tried to turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Even a soggy one.

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The World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical movement inspired by the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action.”  We follow the example of Jesus Christ, who prayed with compassion and love for peace in our fractured world. 

The theme is “I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love,” and calls us to patiently support each other with generosity and compassion, despite all difficulties and oppression.  

The Palestinian Christian women who wrote this worship service have invited the world to pray for peace, justice and freedom of religion and freedom of movement. They have called us all to be united in treating everyone with justice, understanding and love.  

Please join us on Friday, March 1 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grendon Street, North Mackay at 10 am to worship and pray together for peace in our troubled world.

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Anne Jennings

Mackay Unit, Australian Church Women

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Featuring Solveig Lobo

Solveig Lobo is a familiar face in the Mackay community, known for her role as an Account Executive at Bishopp, specialising in billboard and airport advertising.

Born and raised in Mackay, Solveig has a deep-rooted passion for her hometown and is actively involved in various community events and initiatives. She sees herself not just as a business professional but as a proud member of the community, always eager to contribute to its growth and vibrancy.

“I am very passionate about the community, and I get involved in every event that I can make.

“This community is my home, and I’ve loved watching the growth,” Solveig said.

When it comes to dancing, Solveig's favourite moves involve grooving to the beat and moving her hips with style. Under the guidance of Dolly at Mackay Fame Talent School, she's been mastering her dance skills, finding the perfect outfits at Dancewear Mackay to complement her moves.

Despite the fast tempo being a slight challenge on the dance floor, Solveig's love for her community extends beyond her professional and dancing endeavours. She admires the work of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, particularly their commitment to giving back to the local community by providing essential healthcare services when needed most.

“I love what they do for our community, and I want to be a bigger part of that. My nerves have turned to excitement, and I can’t wait to learn my dance and get behind this great cause.”

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Featuring Brooke Hargrave

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Proud owner of Mackay’s well known modelling agency, Brooke Lee Modelling, Brooke Hargrave is the visionary behind the modelling and deportment school. She is also training as a contestant for Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Dancing WIth Heart.

Her business endeavours began in May 2011, paying close attention to nurturing confidence while teaching her clients essential skills in training, posture, deportment, and presentation. She aims to extend beyond modelling, catering to juniors, teens, and seniors in Mackay and surrounding areas, growing well-mannered individuals poised for success in any area they set out to achieve.

Brooke is thrilled to collaborate with the senior dancers from Fame Talent School for Dancing With Heart.

“I don't have much background in dancing, but I'm really enjoying myself,” she said.

“However, after rehearsals, I find myself exhausted, with muscles aching for a couple of days afterward – muscles I never even knew I had!

“In a positive light, it’s a great fitness adventure,” she adds.

Brooke’s commitment to community welfare extends far beyond her business pursuits. She deeply values the support offered by organisations like the Mackay Hospital Foundation, acknowledging their tireless efforts in aiding public hospitals and regional communities.

“I love the assistance they offer to our public hospitals and regional communities, as well as our very own local charity making a positive impact on our community.”

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures February 20, 2024:

Division 1:

Lexus (Barry Patterson, Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. Tim d Janice -8, 6, 13, -14, 3.

BMW (Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards, Ian McKay) d Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Tony Bowman, Robbie Richards) 7-4. Tony d Ian -4, 8, 10, -5, 10.

Mercedes (Graeme Walker, Steven Whiting, Graham Brake) d Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Ishan Rana) 6-5. Mick d Steven 7, -16, -7, 3, 5.

Division 2:

Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Hyundai (Noreen Fredericksen, Donna Abbott, Delma Knight) 8-3. Steve d Donna -7, -8, 14, 8, 4.

Nissan (Duncan Treloar, Aarnav Reelh, Will VanDeKaa) d Mazda (Judy Zahn, Mark Sleeman, Niro) 7-4. Will d Mark 7, 8, -6, -7, 11.

Honda (Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson, Jye Callander) d Kia (Matt West, Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson) 8-3, Matt d Jye -8, 7, 8, -6, 7.

Division 3:

Ford (Ollie Hamelink, Misha Palod) d Alfa (Kade Wright, Craig VanDeKaa) 5-4. Kade d Misha 7, 7, -7, -10, 9.

Holden (Anaya Reelh, Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod) d Fiat (Trent Day, Ron Lemin) 8-3. Ron d Anaya -8, 10, -5, 4, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning results February 20, 2024:

Division 1:

Leopards (Charlie Payne, Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) d Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Peter Goodson) 7-5. Charlie d Peter -10, -10, 9, 9, 9.

Tigers (Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) d Pumas (Andrea Nicholson, Don Boettcher, Coral Morgan) 9-3. Delma/John d Andrea/Coral 8, -5, -13, 7, 7.

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Van Austin) d Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) 8-4. Donna d Tony -10, 9, -3, 5, 13.

Division 2:

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Teal (Cheryl Pearson, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) 7-5. Kim d Louise -4, -8, 7, 9, 7.

Aqua (Judi Hicks, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) d Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba) 8-4. Helen d Gloria -9, -4, 5, 8, 13.

Division 3:

Sapphires (Pam Keune, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Charles Hamlett, Trish Zamparuti) 8-4. Madge d Ian -6, 11, 11, -4, 9.

Diamonds (Cheryl Pearson, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Glenda Dutton) 7-5. Allison d Bill -11, 7, 7, -9, 6.

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The Mackay Triathlon community came together to honour the memory of Sonya Brazil in a remarkable display of athleticism and camaraderie at the Sonya Brazil Memorial Women's Only Triathlon.

Since 2000 the race has been named in Ms Brazil's honour after she died unexpectedly in 1999 whilst on her quest to stay fit and active.

The event, held under overcast skies, saw participants from all walks of life take on the challenge, with a special nod to those tackling a triathlon for the very first time.

Race Director Stephanie Allen expressed gratitude to all the participants, emphasising the importance of safety on the wet roads and commending everyone for their diligence in staying safe throughout the event. The absence of recorded incidents spoke volumes about the dedication and responsibility shown by all involved.

A heartfelt thank you was extended to the Brazil family for their continued support and generosity, with Karyn Brazil and her family providing a delightful spread of fruit and sandwiches for athletes, volunteers, and spectators in the recovery area—a gesture that was warmly appreciated by all.

The competition itself was fierce, with impressive performances and personal bests abound. Kelly Chappell claimed the top spot with an impressive time of 29:43, coming within seconds of the course record set in 2016. Isabell Cahill secured second place with a time of 30:19, while Ella Chappell clinched third place, improving upon her previous time from 2023.

Acknowledgement was also extended to the dedicated volunteers who ensured the smooth running of the event, as well as to Deanne Woods, the Permits Officer, whose efforts were instrumental in securing the necessary permits for the race.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for an exciting celebration of the event's 25th anniversary in 2025—a milestone that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

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Caption: Angela, sister of the late Sonya Brazil, presented the winner’s trophy to Kelly Chappell, with Isabell Cahill and Ella Chappel in second and third places respectively. Photo supplied

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Passionate Indigenous owner, Robbie Congoo, is proud to release his self-funded 3.5-minute animated film about the creation of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

For the past year, the project has been underway, and the completed animation is now showing as a ‘Ngaro Dreaming Story’ video on Cruise Whitsundays tours.

Robbie hopes the film not only opens eyes to Indigenous culture and history, but also encourages people to protect the local environment.  

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Caption: Liza Muller, Sales and Marketing Manager for Cruise Whitsundays, Renee Branton-Brown General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays, Robbie Congoo and his wife Tara, Julia and Peter Farrell, Master Reef Guides from Reef Safari standing in front of the animated video. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Raising The Representation

With Beautiful Animation

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A recently released Traditional Owner-created animation video is the brainchild of Robbie Congoo from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, a local entity which organises the performance of traditional smoking ceremonies and ‘Welcome to Country’ events across the region.

For several years, Robbie has been living in Townsville but driving down to the Whitsundays to work with school children, facilitate events and generally spread Indigenous education and awareness.

After many years travelling back and forth, Robbie, his wife Tara and their children decided to move to the Whitsundays and make it their home.

Robbie now works closely alongside many local tourism operators and through regular conversations with them, he realised there was a high demand for more Indigenous education for tourists visiting the area.

“We work with a lot of tourism operators and Master Reef Guides – teach them out culture such as our hunting methods and sacred sites,” explained Robbie.

“During these conversations they were asking about how they could share this knowledge in an appropriate way with their guests – how do we tell them about it?

“I thought this was an opportunity to create something really meaningful that would share our culture but also support businesses in the area.”

Robbie met up with his father and the pair came up with the idea of creating an animation.

From here, Robbie engaged with a Sydney-based animation company and worked closely alongside them to create the film.

“The animation talks about when the floods came through 10,000 years ago, using stories handed down of that event happening,” explained Robbie.

“It talks about how our creator spirit, the Rainbow Serpent, created the islands and the Great Barrier Reef to protect us from the floods.

“It then explains how it is now our obligation to look after and maintain the area.”

The animated film is now showing on the Resort Connection Ferries for Cruise Whitsundays, and Robbie is also in talks with other local operators, hoping the film can be spread more widely.  

Liza Muller, Sales and Marketing Manager from Cruise Whitsundays said they are honoured to share the animation with guests.

“We are so excited to be working with Robbie and helping to open up the Indigenous Tourism space,” she shared.

“This is a wonderful platform for Indigenous Owners to share their stories and educate guests, it’s such a great fit for us and the animation has been well received by everyone.”

Master Reef Guide and owner of Reef Safari, a company that offers scuba diving adventures alongside Cruise Whitsundays, Julia Farrell said the crew are all very excited and embrace the sharing of the new video and cultural story.

“International and domestic visitors are very interested in this knowledge and to have this created by Robbie in such a professional and artistic way and to be able to share it directly to our visitors reassures all the crew that the right story is being told by the right source,” she explained.

“We hope our work as marine tourism operators and Master Reef Guides on monitoring and managing the local reef, through our partnership with GBRMPA, along with the reef education we share with visitors and staff honours our traditional owners promise to protect the reef for future generations.

“We look forward to more collaboration with our local traditional owners to continue this legacy along with the sharing of their very rich and wonderful culture with all our visitors.”

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Caption: Robbie Congoo and his wife Tara standing in front of the recently released animated video. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

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Hi Everyone,

One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting people who are so passionate about their mission in life that their energy is inspiring to be around.

Their story is so engaging and meaningful that you can’t help but feel passionate right there alongside them.

This happened to me earlier this week when I met Robbie Congoo, a proud Indigenous man who has just released an animated short film about local cultural history.

I remember coming to Australia as a backpacker 20 years ago, eager to find out more information about the mysterious yet fascinating Indigenous culture.

But to my surprise, everyone I spoke to seemed reluctant to discuss this unique part of their heritage.

People were either not sure what to say, scared they might say the wrong thing or simply hesitant to answer questions that linked back to a traumatic past.

At the time it saddened me to see how this lack of conversation was pushing such an ancient culture into fringes, especially when I visited New Zealand where their Indigenous people are celebrated.  

Fortunately, over the last 20 years a lot has changed, and it is people like Robbie who are positively helping to shift attitudes within their local communities.

This week, I found out how much non-Indigenous tourism operators are eager to share Indigenous culture but simply need the tools to do so in a respectful and accurate way.

Some feel they do not know how to do this with confidence, and Robbie (largely in his own time, with his own money) is making it his mission to give tourism operators those tools.

By educating and raising awareness of Indigenous culture within the tourism industry, people from all over the world are now witnessing a positive and informed response when they enquire about our fascinating heritage.

Thank you, Robbie.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to learn, to observe, to grow, to love . . . and then we return home.”

(Aboriginal Proverb)

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