Chances House, the latest initiative by Chances Op Shop and the Australian Street Aid Project, marks a significant milestone in addressing homelessness in Mackay.

Positioned adjacent to Chances Op Shop, this newly established facility serves as a sanctuary for individuals grappling with homelessness, providing essential resources, amenities, and support services aimed at fostering dignity, privacy, and holistic well-being. With its mission centered on offering refuge and empowerment, Chances House endeavours to uplift and restore the lives of those in need, offering vital support in challenging times.

The new building also provides the opportunity for individuals to access support and to connect with local organisations.

The new welcoming building includes lockers for individuals to securely store their valuables, allowing the building to be a daytime support hub for individuals in the region with no fixed abode.

Chances will continue to provide the same services, with meals, case management, healthcare assistance and providing essential items being offered to individuals.

“Alongside a safe and welcoming space to simply 'be' whilst charging phones, having a chat and a cuppa, and finding community,” the Chances team explained on a Facebook post.

While a few services are still needed, including bringing in comfortable seating, a computer, a hot water urn and showers, the fit out is now open to the public.

The Chances team wish to extend their thanks to Mackay Rotary, DGH Engineering, and Macrossan and Amiet Charitable Foundation, for the lockers.

Donations from Get It Done Training, The Lottery Office, The Commbank Mackay Team, Jayden Enterprises, Strategic Media Partners, Finlinx Wealth, Mackay Regional Real Estate, Run for MI Life, and the various individuals and businesses that wished to remain anonymous were accepted by the charity with thanks.

“To our community, and to every single person who donates money, their skills, or their time, we say thank you!” the Chances team added.

“You help us make a real difference in so many lives. We will soon hold an open event where you can come and take a tour.”

Chances Op Shop remains at 7 Victoria Street in Mackay, with Chances House at 2 Endeavour Street.

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   1. The various individuals assisting the fit out of Chances House

   2. The brand new spaces of Chances House. Photos supplied

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The Mortuary Garden at Mackay Base Hospital is a place, if given a choice, where no-one wants to be.

For many years, the space allocated as the Mortuary Garden was a desolate, unkempt area that, even in times of extreme sorrow, wasn’t an acceptable place where final goodbyes and respects to loved ones could be spent.

In 2021, in consultation with Mackay Hospital Foundation, the Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary Committee made it their mission to fundraise in an effort to revitalise this space into a hospitable, sanctuary where family and friends can gather to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed.

A large Queensland bottle tree which is estimated to be more than 10-years-old takes pride of place in the garden which has now had cracked concrete replaced in addition to newly planted grass and raised garden beds installed.

There’s a pergola for shade, as well as a table and seating to host a gathering. The peaceful haven is an ideal space for group gatherings, including those for culturally-related ceremonies.

The project took almost three years and over $38,000 to complete. It was coordinated by Mackay Hospital Foundation and the refurbishment carried out by WSR Constructions.

Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary President, Allen McFadzen said, “It’s a pleasure to see the final result of the project. Now that it’s complete, we expect it will be well-utilised.

“We couldn’t have reached this point without many organisations and members of the community who have supported our fundraising efforts. We’re extremely grateful to those people and very proud of the Mortuary Garden.”

During his presentation at the event, Sohan de Livera, Laboratory Manager Pathology Queensland said, “the Mortuary Garden has clearly been designed with care and consideration.

“The space symbolizes compassion and is a place that is likely forever going to be remembered by those grieving and starting their journey of healing.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Deputy Chair, Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, and Mackay Hospital Foundation board member, Kerry Maley, provided the Acknowledgement to Country, and spoke on behalf of Mackay Hospital Foundation.

The plaque was unveiled by Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary President, Allen McFadzen and Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate.

Ms Algate commented, “Grief is a very personal sentiment but we believe this garden will play a role in helping to comfort those who are going through a very difficult time in their life”.

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Photo 1: Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate and Allen McFadzen, President Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary unveil the Mortuary Garden plaque

Photo 2: The plaque which was unveiled

Photo 3: Acknowledgement of Country by Kerry Maley, Mackay Hospital and Health Service Deputy Chair; Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health; and Mackay Hospital Foundation board member. Photos supplied

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More than 1000 Greater Whitsunday businesses and community groups have registered for the Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder in the past 18 months.

The Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder is a partnership between, Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Regional Councils and Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) to empower our regional business and community members with greater access to funding opportunities.

Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder is powered by Grant Guru a grant-finding software company and helps business and community groups to search for government and non-government grant opportunities in one place.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said GW3 has been delivering the Grant and Funding program funded by the Local Buying Foundation since August 2021. Ms Porter said that short time has strengthened the region’s capabilities to successfully access grants and funding.

“In two short years, the Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder has grown its membership from just over 200 to more than 1000 active registered users. These users are now accessing grant and funding information on a regular basis,” she said.

“The more successful Greater Whitsunday businesses and community groups are in accessing grants, the greater the economic and social outcomes for our region.

“As Greater Whitsunday businesses and community groups, expand their grants and funding knowledge, our region is also building more financial investments now and into the future.”

Ms Porter said one of the biggest barriers for the region was business and community not knowing where and how to access grants relevant to them and their funding needs.

A recent survey of registered Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder local businesses showed: •85% registered to receive direct grant alerts weekly relevant to their business needs.

•78% have found potential grants suitable to their business needs.

•55% have successfully applied for funding within the past 2 years.

Mind Australia Service Manager Ms Gayle Clifford said being sent grants that are applicable to the areas of the interest and relevance of the organisation has been great to apply for grant funds that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.

“We applied and were successful for a grant with the Queensland Mental Health Commission and this has enabled us to hold our fourth annual art exhibition, on a much greater scale,” she said.

Ms Porter said along with making grants easier to find, the Grants and Funding Service regularly facilitates training workshops on how to use the system.

“The grant and tender writing workshops have resulted in a significant increase in investment to the region.

“To support this growth, the GW3 has trained nine registered grant and tender service businesses who have formed a practitioner network and are collaborating to meet the needs of business and community throughout the region to have the best chance of success,” Ms Porter said.

For more information visit: www.grantguru.com/au/greaterwhitsunday or www.greaterwhitsundayalliance.com.au/grants-and-funding-service

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Last week marked the official opening of Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park, introducing a cutting-edge childcare centre to Mackay. This state-of-the-art facility aims to alleviate the longstanding waitlists that have challenged parents seeking daycare and kindergarten options in the area, with two more centres planned for Mackay.

Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park houses an all-inclusive environment and is the second of its kind following in the footsteps of the facility adjacent to Heritage Bank Stadium at Carrara which was opened early in 2023.

The unique and inclusive centre, the first of three planned for the region, revolutionises childcare in Mackay with purpose specific learning environments such as an Art Studio, STEM Room, Library, Lego Room, Zen Garden and natural play spaces available for up to 94 children accommodated at the centre per day.

Gold Coast SUNS number one ticket holder and Kool Beanz owner Bruce Coulson says it’s a rewarding experience to provide such an important community asset to the Mackay region.

“The wait has been long, but the joy is immeasurable as we open Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park to the Mackay community,” Coulson said.

“It's remarkable to witness the high demand for spaces at Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park even before our official opening. This demonstrates the pressing need for reliable and inclusive childcare services in Mackay, and we are committed to meeting this demand with open arms.

“Opening Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park isn't just business; it's a commitment to Mackay's families, addressing the crucial need for quality childcare with a focus on all-inclusive development.”

GC SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans says it’s an exciting day to see the Kool Beanz SUNS venture expand into the Mackay region.

“This relationship between Kool Beanz and the Gold Coast SUNS really is one-of-a-kind. We want to have a lasting impact on the community beyond football, not only on the Gold Coast but across Queensland,” Evans said.

Mackay Regional Council Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability Aletta Nugent says it is exciting to be celebrating the official opening of this wonderful facility.

“We’ve had a partnership with the SUNS since 2019 and through that we helped introduce Kool Beanz owner Bruce Coulson to the Mackay region and the business opportunities it presented,” Nugent said.

“Our Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region Policy also provided development incentives for this project.”

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Caption: L-R: GC SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans, Mackay Regional Council Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability Aletta Nugent and Kool Beanz owner Bruce Coulson, try out the adventure play area at Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park

The LEGO room and Science room are two of the unique spaces at Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park

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The opportunities available for Mackay’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) and commercial businesses at Queensland Mining Expo (QME) 2024 were highlighted at a business morning tea last week.

The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce’s February B2B Coffee Morning, sponsored by Mackay Regional Council, was held at the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) at Paget.

QME Exhibition Director Samantha Martin attended the morning to provide an overview of the QME’s 30th anniversary event.

Joining Ms Martin was Resource Industry Network General Manager Dean Kirkwood, RCOE General Manager Steve Boxall, Chamber President Geoff O’Conner and council’s Director of Planning, Growth and Sustainability Aletta Nugent.

Ms Nugent said council was pleased to provide ongoing support to QME.

“Excitement is building for QME 2024, which is on track to be the largest QMEs in more than a decade to be held in Mackay,” Ms Nugent said.

“Council is committed to supporting RX Global to bring QME here to showcase Mackay’s METS sector to a national and international audience,” she said.

“The METS and mining sector is a huge contributor to our local economy, and we want to continue to shine a light on our region as the hub of mining and METS in Queensland.

“QME 2024 will bring big ideas, the latest technological innovations and an exciting buzz for the whole community,” she said.

Ms Martin also presented Ms Nugent, on behalf of Mackay Regional Council, with the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia Best Overall Event trophy, which QME 2022 won in December of 2022.

Ms Martin handed the trophy to Mackay in recognition of the region’s role as the host of Queensland’s largest and longest-running mining exhibition.

QME 2024 will be on July 23-25 at the Mackay Showgrounds.

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Times are changing, and in 2024, interior decorating trends are breaking away from the safe confines of minimalism and embracing bold and expressive styles that celebrate individuality.

While minimalism has its place, offering a clean and neutral canvas for stylists selling homes, those looking to make a statement and truly personalise their living spaces are turning to big and bold trends that command attention and reflect their unique personalities.

Maximalism: Gone are the days of playing it safe with subdued colours and minimalist decor.

Maximalism is all about embracing colour, pattern, and texture to create visually rich and expressive interiors. To achieve maximalist style in your home, layer bold colours and mix patterns fearlessly. Incorporate statement pieces of furniture and accessories that reflect your personality and passions. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and eras, as maximalism encourages eclecticism and individuality.

Tech Innovation: Innovations in technology are revolutionising the way we interact with our living spaces. From smart home devices to integrated home automation systems, tech-savvy homeowners are embracing the latest innovations to enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency in their homes. Consider installing smart lighting systems, voice-controlled assistants, and automated climate control.

Vintage and Retro: Nostalgia reigns supreme in interior decorating trends for 2024, with vintage and retro elements making a comeback in a big way. Embrace the charm and character of bygone eras by incorporating vintage furniture, retro-inspired decor, and nostalgic accessories into your home. Look for unique vintage finds at op shops and online marketplaces to add character and charm to your home.

Biophilic Design: This trend is gaining momentum as homeowners seek to reconnect with nature and create healthier and more harmonious living environments. Incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural materials, and ample natural light into your home can help reduce stress, improve air quality, and promote overall well-being. To embrace biophilic design, bring the outdoors in with lush indoor plants, organic materials like wood and stone, and large windows that frame natural views.

This year is shaping up to be bold and adventurous, embracing trends that celebrate individuality and self-expression.

It's time to break free from the constraints of minimalism and let your home truly be your unique sanctuary.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

We are a month out from the next local government election, to be held 16 March.

Councils and their mayors can play an important role in outcomes for farming businesses across the regions. Between the Isaac and Mackay region cane farming sector alone, that is upwards of ONE THOUSAND family farming businesses, supporting 8.3 per cent of the Mackay-Plane Creek workforce and a raft of service businesses, millers, and beyond across the regional economy.

Local government can play an important part in speaking up for the value of the sugar industry in the regional economy, and certainly both current Isaac and Mackay Mayors have been strong advocates for the potential of our industry. But this election we’d ask the mayoral and councillor candidates to think about how they could support farmers and rural communities across the Mackay and Isaac local government areas. We form an integral part of the regional identity, and are the mindful managers of a substantial portion of the land.

Roads: If you take a drive about the countryside, you’ll find road conditions good, bad and ugly: from decent carriageways to narrow, uneven bitumen to dirt roads in need of decent maintenance. These are the roads that lead to our homes. They are the roads some of us need to use to haul out along to sidings. Some roads are so bad, they damage our vehicles just in the course of getting around. No-one would put up with it in town, why do we have to put up with it in rural communities? Yes, regional road networks account for many kilometres, but all ratepayers equally deserve a reasonable road quality and safety standard.

Rates: In Mackay region cane farms, which are both small businesses and family homes pay a cents-in-the-dollar rate that is virtually the same as a Paget engineering business. Whilst an adjustment to that did result in a decrease in the actual rates paid by some growers, increases to land valuations – for some growers by up to 60% - meant that many farmers had a real and substantial increase to the rates paid, into the thousands per rates bill. These cases need to be rectified. The cents-in-the-dollar rate is double that of other rural landholders. Cane-farmers operating in the Isaac region are treated far more equitably.

Rural dumping: This is an issue for landholders of all types – including council. Farmers – particularly ones living closer to town often find other residents are using their land as a dump, rather than paying to dump at proper facilities. Farmers can be left with substantial waste removal bills when illegal dumping occurs, and more support from council is needed to manage this.

Biosecurity: Feral animal and weed control are important issues. Pigs, particularly, continue to be a major problem in farming systems, doing substantial economic damage to crops and environmental damage to creek-lines. Weeds can be spread along road networks and waterways. There is some great work done by pest teams in council, and by natural resource management groups like Landcare and Reef Catchments. It would be fantastic to see more funding for this, and more boots on the ground. Weed and pest management is a whole of community issue, impacting farms, natural environments and recreational spaces.

Land under cane: We’ve seen a lot of quality agricultural land disappear over the past few decades as Mackay’s population has grown- it’s disappeared for roads, for housing, for other industry’s footprints. Retaining quality agricultural land under cane is an important issue for the longevity of the industry, and incentives that support this would be welcomed.

If sugarcane is worth decorating the city gates with, it’s worth making sure that it retains its place as a keystone in the economy, and the great rural communities that grow around it have quality municipal services and support.

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CAPTION: Mackay’s large farming and rural vote is worth a thought for candidates in the upcoming local government election. Pictures: Kirili Lamb

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“Oh, my dear lady we couldn’t possibly approve you for a home loan unless you were married and you were buying a property with your husband … of course, if you know a man who could go guarantor on the loan for you that is something we might look at. But, no, we have pretty clear rules about not giving loans to the fairer sex.”

This would have been the response from an Australian bank manager right up until the 1970s if a woman had had the temerity to apply for a home loan.

However, times were changing and some women in the 1960s dared to believe that maybe, just maybe, they had the intellectual capacity to understand the responsibilities of a home loan and, since they had jobs and an education, the means to repay a loan. Radical stuff.

In early 1971, the Bank of NSW (now Westpac) decided that since women could vote, work, graduate from university and stand on their own two feet without the support of a male, it made sense that they should be entitled to take out home loans. Other banks soon followed suit.

It seems unbelievable now that women were ever discriminated against in this way, but the change is one of many that have taken place over the past 50 years for women, and their rights, in Australian society.

I imagine that around the time that my imaginary bank manager delivered his condescending spiel to the audacious female loan applicant, many male real estate agents would have been equally as dismissive of women.

No doubt a male agent might have made eye contact with the woman when pointing out the features of the kitchen and the laundry but that would have been the only significant change of focus away from the “man of the house”.

Like a dinosaur, that type of agent would not survive today. Women are central to the sales process and are, at least, equals when it comes to the big decisions.

Of course, often a woman is buying a property by herself and there is no one else to take into account. Sometimes it’s two women buying together and there is, again, no bloke on the scene.

But when it comes to a male and female couple buying a property, it is often the woman taking the lead, asking a lot of the questions.

I sold a property to a couple last year and the woman had been the contact point for me. She had all the questions, she rang me with the offer and did the negotiating. All of which is absolutely fine.

The only problem was that when the husband rang me with a question during the time leading up to settlement, I didn’t have his number saved in my phone. He just gave me his name and didn’t mention the address of the house he was buying so I initially didn’t know who I was talking to.

After asking a couple of vague questions I worked out who I was talking to but it taught me a lesson about making sure I get to know all parties in the sale.

It’s worth remembering for all of us in business that when you are dealing with a couple, just because one person does most of the talking and seems to be more actively involved, it doesn’t mean the other person has less of a role.

It might be that one person in the couple doesn’t like dealing with sales people but, behind closed doors, that person could be the one raising objections, highlighting the positives, driving or preventing the deal.

Of course if there’s a husband and wife, and the woman doesn’t like the house, your chances of selling it to them are similar to the possibility of seeing winged porcine beasts soaring through the skies above.

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By Amanda Wright

In response to the rapidly accelerating homelessness crisis, the Queensland Government has launched a new housing plan: Homes for Queenslanders, revealing it will dramatically increase funding for homelessness responses across the state.

Premier Steven Miles made the announcement last week, saying “everyone deserves a place to call home, a place they feel safe and warm.”

Organisations who help Queenslanders experiencing homelessness will receive a 20 per cent increase for the next 18 months to meet demand for frontline and specialist homelessness services as part of an almost $390 million increase in funding for homelessness support.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said that it’s heartbreaking to know some Queenslanders are forced to sleep rough, or are facing the threat of homelessness.

“Queenslanders don’t just walk by when people need help, which is why our government is stepping up when more assistance is required.”

In addition to a boost in funding, an independent review will also take place of the whole homelessness service system.

The Review will assess the effectiveness of Queensland’s current response to homelessness and opportunities for improvement, including for people living in urban, rural, regional and remote Queensland.

The independent reviewer will be Ms Rachel Hunter PSM.

Ms Hunter has been selected for her extensive experience in senior government roles and passion in the homelessness service space.

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, spent time delivering the news to organisations in Mackay who deliver emergency assistance to those facing homelessness.

“William Stafford Manager of CASA Services in Mackay was delighted to hear of the latest funding which will enable CASA to continue their ongoing short term supported accommodation, emergency and other homelessness relief work,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“I also caught up with Louise O’Brien at Kalyan Youth Services, a not-for-profit community organisation who have been supporting young people in Mackay region since 1985, providing crisis accommodation and support to young people 16 – 25 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“They can provide the shelter and support you need to live comfortably, move into housing, and move on with your life.”

Mrs Gilbert also visited Lowanna House.

“They were excited to be able to continue providing supported emergency accommodation for single women at the single women's shelter and also a family house for women with accompanying children, they said it was very timely as there is an ever-increasing demand for homelessness services, to an increasingly complex cohort,” she said.

“This funding will provide a huge relief for Lowanna House in a time of significantly increased living costs and to provide greater support to homeless clients.”

Premier Miles added, “this funding will go directly to the organisations and the tireless workers at the coalface, who already know the sector and have developed programs and services to target needs.

“For those who fall through the cracks - we need to support our homelessness organisations so they can deliver better services and get people who are sleeping rough into crisis accommodation, and eventually into permanent places to call home.”

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L – R: Kathy Cave, Lowanna House Manager, Julieanne Gilbert Member for Mackay, Deb Rae, Lowanna House Chairperson

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and William Stafford CASA Manager Mackay

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Kalyan Youth Services Manager Louise O’Brien

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By Hannah McNamara

In the spotlight for his role as the schoolyard bully, 16-year-old actor Jordy Campbell shares his journey from 'bad guy' to screen sensation.

In a Mackay Life interview, Jordy shared his interests and insights about his recent role portraying Bobby Linyette in the popular Netflix series ‘Boy Swallows Universe’. Originally born on the Gold Coast, the young star now lives in Mackay with his family. Jordy says when he’s not acting in Brisbane, he loves fishing, watching sport and spending time at family gatherings.

When asked what his dream job used to be, he replies, “My dream job was to be a footy player to be honest, and then it sort of went into acting and now I’m living the realistic dream.”

The seven-part Netflix series based on the bestselling book ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ is about a young boy who must navigate the 1980s Brisbane criminal world. The heartbreaking yet also heart-warming series portrays a life of chaos and realism within depth visuals of a young boy and his big brother growing up in a broken family, where his mother and step-father get caught up in drugs and deals, in search of a better life.

Jordy portrays the character of Bobby Linyette who is the school bully, where he picks on the main character Eli Bell, played by Felix Cameron. Jordy portrays his character in such a realistic way that he claims he received a lot of hate comments on social media after the series, however, he now sees it as a compliment in regards to his great acting skills.

When asked if he dislikes his character he responds with, “Yeah, he’s a terrible guy.

“Playing the bully was pretty fun, it’s not something you usually do but you see it happen so it’s good to portray it in a funny way.”

Despite receiving negative comments after his position in ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ he says he had a lot of fun playing the character and explains it was good to spread awareness that scenes like that do happen in real life. He acknowledges the bad behaviour of Bobby’s personality but reassures his fans that his character does face repercussions towards the end of the series.

The young rising star looks up to famous actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Pacino. With no signs of slowing down Jordy says he’d like to continue his acting career, with the dream of becoming the main character of a movie or show and hopes to be able to star in a Mackay based set.

“The main goal is to be a star in a movie, or play in more tv show casts.

“I’ll for sure continue on and hopefully there’ll be something in Mackay eventually as well,” he says.

Throughout the series, Jordy made good friendships with his co-stars including Felix Cameron played Eli Bell, as well as Zachary Wan who played Vietnamese gang member Darren Dang.

While he shares his personal experiences throughout his growing career, he underlines that being accepted into certain roles can be quite hard. Jordy’s mother Lauren explains there’s a lot of physical rejection involved in the process of auditioning which makes it difficult at times to be approved for specific roles.

“You’ve got to have thick skin, often people are rejected for something as simple as having the wrong eye colour or being too short or too tall,” she says.

Lauren emphasises the hard work her son has put into the roles he played, explaining the long hours as well as the professionalism and dedication it took for Jordy to produce such a great representation of his character. With young actors and actresses involved, Lauren points out the competence and eagerness of the young stars as they showcased their skill sets within the series.

“The kids were just so professional and they knew what they had to do,” Lauren explains.

Jordy added, “it was the best experience I’ve had so far.”

He hopes to be an inspiration to many young locals, fans or anybody out there that has a passion for acting. Assuredly, he is nothing like his character, Bobby Linyette. He is a very respectable, kind young man who has the potential to go very far in his acting career.

The team from Mackay Life wished Jordy the very best for his future.  

Caption 1: Mackay local, Jordy Campbell back in his home town of Mackay after a big year of shooting ‘Boy Swallows Universe’. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

2: Jordy (playing Bobby) in the sound studio with the other actors. Photos supplied: Lauren Campbell

3: Bobby and Darren (Jordy and Zach) on the school set while filming Boy Swallows Universe

4: Jordy with Director Bharat Nalluri

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The MECC now has a plan of action for works and timeframes required to allow the re-opening of its auditorium, North Foyer, and Lynette Denny Space.

Those areas have been closed following significant water damage over the Christmas period during heavy storms.

The southern wing of the MECC, including the Convention Centre, is open.

Council’s Community Services Director Janine McKay said the MECC had been awaiting a final report on the damage and remediation works required.

She said that report had now been received and advised it could take eight weeks to complete the necessary works once a contractor was engaged.

“With that information, the MECC is now contacting clients with bookings for those areas in March to work with them on what arrangements can be made.

“During February, some events that had been scheduled for those northern areas of the MECC were moved to the Convention Centre, where possible.

“Anyone with tickets for events in those affected areas during March will be contacted with updates.”

Ms McKay said the good news from the report was the damage was not as bad as first thought.

“However, the logistics of the remediation works, especially the high ceilings in the auditorium and technical equipment, means an extension of the current closure is required,’’ she said.

Council is in discussions with insurers about the damage and the remediation plan. There is no estimate of the costs of the works at this stage.

Foodspace Mackay, which had temporarily relocated to the MECC North Foyer while works are being undertaken at Artspace Mackay, remains closed.

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After a heart-stopping escape from his cage, Henry the brave and exploratory bird has made a triumphant return to the loving arms of his rightful owner after venturing into a world with no barriers for two days.

Last week, Henry's unexpected flight sent his owner Kim into a whirlwind of distress. With each passing moment, the chances of Henry's safe return seemed slimmer. Kim McLoughlin states she has had the fifteen-month-old Hahns Marcour since early this year. The day Henry made his great escape had been the same day Kim had plans to move into a new house.

After putting Henry's cage against the removalist truck as she quickly went inside to grab a drink, she had come back to see the cage at the end of her driveway with Henry nowhere to be seen.

Kim's despair turned to desperate hope, as she longed for her beloved feathered friend to come home. She decided to stay at her old house one more night in an attempt to call out to Henry during the night, as she prayed for his return.

“I was up and down the street at 8 o’clock at night going ‘Henry, Cuddles’, just hoping he’d hear me,” Kim explains.

It is believed that he had flown over to the opposite side of the racecourse track houses across from Kim’s Ooralea home and landed on a woman’s shoulder. Kim explains the odd coincidence that the woman who found the bird called her daughter, which led to Henry ending up in a house at Andergrove.

Shortly after, Kim’s sister-in-law’s son happened to have been going to school with the son of the woman who had Henry in her care. The boys got to talking about birds only to realise that they were both talking about Henry.

After two days of despair and heartache for Kim, she received a miracle call to say,

“I think I’ve got your bird.”

Kim was overwhelmed with joy and was extremely grateful for the return of her Henry.

“I couldn’t stop crying, I thought I would never see him again, but thank God there’s some honest people out there,” she says.

After two eventful days of exploring the mysterious world, Henry is now back in the warmth and security of his own home, reunited with his rightful owner and settling into his new area that Kim has dedicated for him.

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Caption: Adventurous Henry: Home safe at last. Photo supplied by Kim McLoughlin

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Contractors will be carrying out maintenance work at two popular playgrounds in Mackay later this month.

The skywalk towers at Queens Park will be closed for three days from February 20 to 23, so that the entry sections of two tube slides can be replaced along with the anti-climb mesh ladder.

The work site will be fenced off so the rest of the playground can remain open during this work.

The playground at Iluka Park will be closed from February 22 until March 19, weather permitting.

The work will include replacing the climbing unit, installing a new children’s playground Spica spinner, installing new sections of concrete footpath and softfall edging and the replacement of rubber softfall below selected play units with artificial turf.

To find an alternative playground in your area during this work, please visit knowyourburb.com.au.

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This could happen to you this Sunday, but I’m hoping it really doesn’t, just for safety’s sake.

The reason I’ve thrown this wild idea into your mind, is because Sunday my mates at the Mackay Dragon Boat Club are doing a big charity paddle-a-thon at the Mackay Marina and they want your help.

They are all paddling around the marina doing at least 40 laps, and the money they raise will go straight to Chances Op Shop and their fantastic community work, helping so many people in Mackay at this very stressful time.

They are also putting the call out there for people to come along and have a paddle as well. Get wet if you like, have a few laughs, and maybe get the ‘guns out’ all in the name of charity.

Their president Darrin was telling me the other day that they are all set to go after being delayed by that cyclone a few weeks ago. I won’t mention her name, because it’s like a swear word in my household. It’s just best not to say anything.

If you’d like to join us, yes, I’ll come down and say hi early, they’ll all be there from 6am, so let’s have some fun on the water!

This weekend is very busy for so many people, even after the action last week at the Sports Expo! That was massive. Tonight, the annual J-League hockey comp starts up at Harney Street. This will be fun. The next lot of teenagers playing fast paced hockey over the next 6 weeks on a Friday night. Come down and check it out. Maybe you want to play hockey, or get your kids into it? Come and have a chat with us. I’ll be there so come and say hi.

Also, before I go, if you’re up in Airlie Beach tomorrow, and you see a bloke with sunglasses on, having a swim in the lagoon, it may be me. I decided I need a day in the Whitsundays, so I’ll be cruising up the goat track, for some relaxing time right beside the Great Barrier Reef. Just magic!

I might be on a yacht, I may just be swimming, or I might even be strolling around Magnums listening to the tunes with a local ginger beer in hand. Who knows. I just hope the weather is fine enough to have some fun.

I’ll see you down the road. Have fun.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Council is offering two great programs for young people to explore their love of art.

Artspace Mackay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) are bringing free art and music to community centres as part of the BMA Kidspace program.

BMA Kidspace is the gallery’s popular children’s program that gives children up to five years old the opportunity to explore and have fun with art and music with the guidance of skilled local artists and musicians.

Artspace Director Tracey Heathwood said, with Artspace Mackay being closed for renovations, it was a great opportunity for the program to head out into the community.

“Over the coming months we are excited to bring BMA Kidspace to Bucasia, Slade Point, Sarina and Andergrove,” Ms Heathwood said.

“We encourage families from all over the region to drop-in any time with their children and enjoy the free activities with live music entertainment.”

Linda Murry, General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA was proud of its 15 years of support of the BMA Kidspace program.

“While the gallery is closed it’s a great opportunity for BMA Kidspace to pop up in other parts of the region so toddlers can even more easily access this fun and interactive experience,” Ms Murry said.

BMA Kidspace will be held from 10am to 2pm on a Tuesday each month at the following venues:

   • Bucasia – February 20, Northern Beaches Community Hall, 24 Wallace St.

   • Slade Point – March 19, Slade Point Community Hall, 4 Wren St.

   • Sarina – April 23, Bob Wood Cultural Hall, 65 Broad St.

   • Andergrove – May 21, Andergrove Community Centre, 80 Celeber Dr.

For more information go to artspacemackay.com.au.

Artspace Mackay will also host Kids Art Club during term one for kids aged eight to 12 years.

Well-known and award-winning artist Rosemary Payne will tutor young artists during this six-week creative arts program.

Ms Heathwood said the participants will explore and respond to the natural surroundings of Queens Park through experimental and fun-filled activities.

“They will learn new techniques and make art with all kinds of exciting creative art materials,” Ms Heathwood said.

Kids Art Club will run for six Saturdays from February 17 to March 13 from 10am – 12pm. Cost is $180 each child, which includes all materials.

It will be held at the Cricket Shed, Queens Park (access via Goldsmith Street).

Numbers are limited so register now at https://bit.ly/3ND3oyK

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