Back yourself and go for it – invest in your success with a scholarship application.

The financial support of any scholarship is certainly the most tangible and immediate benefit of being awarded a scholarship. The dollars ease the financial burden; however, the benefits go far beyond just the dollars. Scholarships open doors and these are five key additional benefits:

   • Recognition and opportunity

If you are successful in receiving a scholarship - it’s recognition of you, your efforts and also your potential. This acknowledgement is a major boost to your confidence, and there’s the prestige associated with a scholarship.

   • It looks good on your résumé

A scholarship is a third-party endorsement of you, your skills and potential. It could just be the one thing that helps you stand out from other students/graduates.

   • Opportunities for connection

Many scholarships require you to ‘engage’ with the donor. As a recipient, this opens doors for you, and you get to meet people through these networks (including current and former recipients) that you otherwise would not. Mentoring also may be included. It’s an opportunity to start developing your professional profile and visibility which is invaluable in gaining work experience, graduate employment and extending your professional networks.

   • Leads to job opportunities

Through the networks you develop, you become aware of a greater range of job opportunities, not only with the scholarship donor, but also throughout the industry. Some donors use scholarships to develop a talent pipeline.

   • Expands your horizons

You are likely to be exposed to a diverse group of people through the scholarship. The interactions you have can expand your horizons and encourage personal growth.

Scholarships come in many shapes, sizes and $ values. All Universities have extensive scholarship listings for first timers as well as existing students– so it’s worth checking out the specific criteria and due dates. Some scholarships may focus on providing work experience / vacation employment in your chosen field rather than a cash payment, and that really does boost your résumé.

It’s not all about Uni; there’s scholarships for those undertaking apprenticeships and TAFE studies. As we progress our careers, there’s other scholarships available.

Scholarships are about opportunity and the money helps. So often I see people self-select out and not apply as they don’t consider themselves worthy. If you see a scholarship opportunity that fits you and your situation, APPLY! It’s about you investing in you and your future success.

Maree Franettovich

CareerForce Australia Director

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A brave little kitten is showing remarkable strength after recovering from a recent accident, suffering serious injuries when a box fell on him. The incident left him with a broken jaw, a fractured foot, as well as internal issues and was shortly after rushed to Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital on Australia Day, the 26th of January.

Despite the challenges of high veterinarian bills and a shortage of staff, the team at Mackay Pet Rescue once again stepped up and provided round-the-clock care. Robyn, a well-known carer within the organisation visits him multiple times a day, bringing warmth with soft blankets and heat packs. Unable to eat on his own, members of the organisation say he finds comfort in the love and attention of his caregivers. The kitten is described as a “real trooper” and is renowned for his tendency to purr and cling on to his foster carers during cuddle time.

Updates reveal the kitten is hanging in there, playing with toys and enjoying cuddles, despite having to be heavily sedated and syringe fed. Caregivers say it’s still in the early days but his strength has shown tremendous improvement throughout his recovery and the community is praying for a full recovery.

Visit The Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated Facebook page to keep up to date with his recovery, donations are also encouraged. These generous contributions play a crucial role in ensuring that our local furry companions find refuge from the streets and secure a place in caring and loving homes.

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Support and cuddles from caregiver Robyn. Photo credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (Facebook)

Injured kitten resting and recovering

Account details for donations

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If US President Joe Biden were, instead, a real estate agent in Mackay he would be a flop. Absolutely hopeless.

Agents like me would regularly receive calls from people who are planning to sell their homes saying: “Hi, it’s Bruce here. Listen, we had old Joe Biden around for an appraisal at our house and it was a complete disaster.

“He kept getting our names mixed up, and I can tell you my wife doesn’t look like a Bruce. He went for a walk to have a look at our garden out back but somehow got lost and spent 10 minutes talking to the neighbours over the back fence. Their daughter found him creepy.

“When we finally found him he seemed to be unsure about why he was even at our house … oh, and he fell over walking back up the stairs. To be honest, we need someone else to do an appraisal because we couldn’t trust Joe with something as important as the sale of our property.”

Yet Joe is the President of the United States and is lining up to have a crack at another term. If it wasn’t so serious it would be funny.

One of the issues Joe is dealing with at the moment is record levels of illegal immigration from Mexico into Texas. The Texas Government, sick of seeing millions of illegal immigrants crossing into the state, put up a barbed wire fence which the federal authorities ordered be removed.

The Texas Government says drug cartels are sending people over the border, so the Governor, along with governors of other states, has ordered National Guards into action to try to stem the flow of migrants.

There is a Mexican stand-off between the Biden Government on the one hand saying immigration is a federal matter and Republican states that say they have a right to protect their borders.

Immigration, the flow of people crossing borders to seek new opportunities, is a major phenomenon around the world at the moment but when it comes to Mackay and our real estate market there are definitely some positives.

I’ve been back at work for a month and have been very busy, with my listings attracting huge numbers of buyers. On my first day of open homes I didn’t have less than 20 groups at any property and I have regularly been getting more than 25 groups at open homes.

One of the key factors here is the number of buyers who are moving, or have recently moved, to Mackay. These people can’t get a rental so many of them are buying, often before they arrive and without having seen the property.

Mackay has also become very attractive to investors from down south.

I am now regularly receiving offers on properties from southern buyers’ agents whose clients have identified Mackay as a great real estate opportunity due to its relatively low house prices, low rental vacancies and strong rental returns.

The mixture of migration from the south, increased investor interest and our strong economy have set us up for a dynamic year for real estate.

Or, as Joe Biden would say: “You know it’s, well we see new people and my father always taught me with the economy it’s,  you know … oh, forget it.”

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The Mackay region’s economy continues to indicate strong growth, with a significant uptick in demand of development applications recorded recently.

According to the latest data from UDIA Queensland Research Foundation, the total number of development applications relating to material change of use and reconfiguration of a lot for the Mackay region was up 51 per cent in the third quarter of 2023, totalling 116 applications.

Over the same period, material change of use and reconfiguring of lot applications increased by 71 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively.

Planning, Growth and Sustainability Director Aletta Nugent said the results were promising for the future growth of the region.

“It’s great to see this positive uptick in demand, which indicates that there is still plenty of confidence in our local economy despite a cost-of-living crisis affecting much of Australia,” Ms Nugent said.

“We’re seeing families upsizing existing homes and new investors come into the market,” she said.

“Council is committed to improving the liveability and livelihood of our region, and attracting more investment into our region is critical to achieving this goal.”

Ms Nugent said council’s Development Planning and Engineering team had done an exceptional job in meeting the increased demand in requests.

“We have multiple job vacancies in this program, yet our assessment timeframes in relation to residential boundary setback relaxation assessments, operational works and material change of use over the last quarter were some of the best in the state," she said.

“The team has recently implemented a range of new processes to improve assessment timeframes, are actively working to simplify their systems, work to resolve issues quickly as they arise, and ultimately are focussed on providing the highest possible level of service to the development industry and community.”

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The latest UDIA Queensland Research Foundation results showed that development applications in Mackay ticked up over the September 2023 quarter

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Flaviu Bocos had a moment of great clarity ahead of the birth of his son Dominic almost 12 years ago.

His wife Crina was about to have a Caesarean section, and he wanted to be by her side.

“When I put the scrubs on … and I looked in the mirror it just came over me and I could see the dream that I had kind of put away many years ago,” Dr Bocos said.

“I only opened up about a year and a half later to my wife.”

Romanian-born Dr Bocos, an intern commencing his first year of medical practice with Mackay HHS, has navigated careers and continents over many years to finally achieve that dream.

“I planned to study medicine when I finished high school,” he said.

“I had a rare genetic condition as a child and was in hospital, but conditions at that time were not good in Romania.

In 1998 Dr Bocos moved to Australia in search of more opportunities and he worked in a range of jobs before meeting his wife Crina.

“For 12 years I was a real estate agent in Melbourne; the last six we had our own agency in Narre Warren,” he said.

Dr Bocos credits his wife Crina for encouraging him to reconsider medicine.

“One day she asked me ‘What is your dream? If nothing was a problem, what would you really love to do?’,” he said.

“When I said I would have been a doctor she said, ‘why don’t you do it?’.”

Thus began a difficult decade for the family which now included five children, as Dr Bocos completed his degree at an English-speaking university in Romania.

“My family joined me in Romania for two years, but the rest of the time I would come home every single holiday, sometimes for 10 days, sometimes for two months.”

COVID also caused delays in completing qualifications.

“Studies stopped and I had to apply to come home on compassionate grounds, to reunite with my family.”

With medical studies in limbo and a need to replenish the family finances, life for the Bocos family took another turn and they moved to Western Australia.

“I accepted a job at the gold mines. I spent nine months as a bus driver and then I was driving 400 tonne dump trucks for over twelve months,” he said.

In 2023 Flaviu took time off work to study and pass his Australian Medical Council exams.

He clearly remembers both the day and the hour that he received a phone call from the Mackay HHS medical recruitment team with an offer of an internship.

“I had returned to Romania, thinking I might need to do my internship there,” he said.

“My wife called me at 2am in the morning on November 16 to tell me I had an offer and I needed to call back within six hours.”

In January Dr Bocos commenced his first rotation in the General Surgical ward at Mackay Base Hospital.

Despite the years of detours and disappointments he is feeling he is where he is meant to be.

“I am feeling very relieved to be here and to achieve this dream, and I want to hit the ground running.”

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By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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By Hannah McNamara

In the realm of music's enchanting notes, Kenneth Martin recently claimed the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). A melody maestro, his life's composition harmonises with this revered accolade, often referred to as the nation’s greatest honour.

In an interview with Mackay Life, he shares his thoughts on the significance of the OAM and reflects on his musical journey.

Amid humility and surprise, Mr Martin selflessly underlined that many others are deserving of this accolade. However, this particular recognition highlights the unique impact of his dedication to the world of art and music, serving as a testament to a lifetime devoted to the pursuit of musical excellence.

“It’s a great honour and I’m quite surprised,” Mr Martin said.

“Many people deserve awards, none the less it’s good to know this one relates in particular to art and music.

Born and raised in London, Mr Martin’s journey into the realm of music began during his school days in England when he joined the choir. Fate had a different path for him as his family migrated to Australia. It was in Mackay where he found himself entwined with the local choir, all thanks to some persuasive encouragement from his partner at the time.

“My then-fiancé – now wife conned me into joining the choir,” he laughed.

Reflecting on the source of unwavering support throughout his musical journey, he looks close to home when it comes to the encouragement he has received throughout the years.

“My wife is my biggest supporter,” he said.

“Now that I’m with the Mackay Choral Society I get great support there as well, I’ve been with them for nearly 50 years,” Mr Martin explains.

During his time as President of the Mackay Choral Society, Mr Martin initiated the construction of a new hall, which has since become a symbol of their great growth and success.

“Rehearsal facilities were in the old butter factory and before that they were held at church halls as we didn’t have our own premises,” he said.

“I became the president and instigated the need for a new hall – and we now have it.

“It’s beautiful, fully air conditioned and overall, a great place.”

When asked about his future plans, he joked that he would have to live a long time to accomplish everything in music and community that he desires.

“I’d say living to 150 years old so I can keep going as long as I can!

“The choir has such a strong organisation and I’m still involved.”

Having served as the president for an impressive 25 years and as vice president for another 13, he highlights the choir's resilience and unity, involving around 80 ongoing members, creating a strong and vibrant community. He continues to perform passionately and skilfully without any signs of slowing down.

Fond memories flood his mind as he reflects on his musical journey. From portraying the major general in the recent rendition of "The Pirates of Penzance" to overseeing the renovation of the choir hall, he cherishes numerous moments of joy and achievement. When asked if he would like to share any special memories, Mr Martin recounted, “well, I’ve got too many to report!

“We did the Pirates of Penzance recently and I played the part of the major general.

“I loved it, and the audience did too. On the administration side of things, we renovated the hall to really make it sparkle and I’m very pleased with it.”

The passion and fulfillment derived from contributing to the community radiates through his stories, encapsulating a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence.

For those wanting to journey into the music industry, Mr Martin offers words of encouragement.

He invites individuals to simply walk in, express interest, and experience the warmth of the choir community. Describing it as a family-like atmosphere, he assures potential members that they will be welcomed and encouraged to sing along. With approximately 40-50 active participants, he emphasises that it is never too late to join and encourages interested individuals to explore more information on the Mackay Choral Society’s Facebook page.

Through his undeniable talent, gratitude and humbleness, OAM awardee Kenneth Martin, provides a glimpse into the profound impact of music on individual lives and communities.

His journey, marked by dedication, leadership, and a sense of belonging, shows the transformative power of artistic expression within Mackay. The Medal of the Order Australia serves as not only a personal honour but also a recognition of the collective efforts that have enriched the life of Mr Martin's musical success.

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Kenneth Martin, OAM award winner in rehearsal, 2016. Photo credit: Mackay Choral Society (Facebook)

Ken Martin playing the Major General in the The Pirates of Penzance, 2023

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The federal and state governments are upping the ante in the fight against the Red Imported Fire Ant, with the delivery of 150 frontline public sector positions to combat the invasive pest.

Public sector status for 150 positions, which previously would have been delivered through contract and labour hire arrangements, will ensure the National Fire Ant Eradication Program continues to retain and attract the best workers in field-based work and increased compliance monitoring.

In mid-2023 the Commonwealth and all State and Territory governments unanimously supported a new fire ant response plan, which aims to eradicate fire ants from Australia. 

As the key jurisdiction in the fire ant fight, the Queensland Government has provided $37.5 million to suppress fire ants in areas awaiting eradication treatment. 

Australia is the only country focused on eradication with the approach informed by a scientific advisory group consisting of international experts in their respective fields. 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of Australia Murray Watt said, “by strengthening the front line of eradication, we can continue the important fight against fire ants. 

“Without the National Fire Ant Eradication Program fire ants would now infest an area from Bowen in the north, west to Longreach and south to Canberra,” he said.

“By uniting to deliver a stronger workforce we can stop this invasive pest once and for all.”

AWU Queensland secretary Stacey Schinnerl added, “nobody knows more about the existential risk of the fire ant threat than frontline workers in the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

“Over the past year, AWU members on the frontline have been campaigning for greater job security in the program.

“This is the kind of announcement that changes lives – quality public sector conditions deliver benefits like access to annual leave, better job security and easier access to bank loans.”

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As a leading force in Mackay’s local sugar industry, Mackay Sugar is proud to announce the successful recruitment of ten new and enthusiastic apprentices into its thriving workforce.

Mackay Sugar is already one of the largest employers in the Mackay region, employing as many as 1,000 people during the crushing season. This year’s apprentice intake marks yet another significant investment by Mackay Sugar to ensure the future of our region and industry, by fostering local talent right here in THE Sugar City.

The2024 apprentice intake highlights Mackay Sugar's commitment to act local, by helping to build a skilled workforce within Mackay that can navigate the challenges of a highly competitive, specialised and transforming sugar industry.

Spread across Mackay Sugar’s Farleigh, Marian, and Racecourse Mill sites, the ten new apprentices span three crucial trades, namely electrical, fabrication, and fitting. These trades enable Mackay Sugar to develop the diverse skill sets it needs for its operations, whilst ensuring the new apprentices still get to enjoy the benefits of going home after every shift.

Mackay Sugar’s Human Resources Manager, Heath Bonney said, "our apprentice program is seen as a critical tool to support the upskilling of our employees and succession planning for the future.

“In fact, many of our previous apprentices are still working within the business today, and some have even progressed to more senior roles throughout their career with us,” said Heath.

“At Mackay Sugar, our apprentices are rotated through different areas and Mills within our business and receive exposure to other disciplines such as Planning and Drafting whilst they’re learning their trade,” Heath explained.

“They also have the opportunity to work on personal development throughout the apprentice program, which is all aimed at assisting their personal growth and preparing them for permanent employment post their trade.”

Mackay Sugar's apprenticeship program is widely recognised as one that goes beyond skill acquisition to build lifelong pathways by developing future leaders in the sugar industry.

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Mackay Sugar’s 2024 apprentices. Back Row: Left to Right – Bailey McAuliffe, Darren Matthews, Kalan Morris, Oscar Warden, Tyrone Bovey, Logan Lawson Front Row: Left to Right – Joel McFarlane, Ashlee Turton, Amy Turner, Aurora Lenord-Selmes. Photo supplied

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The community of Sarina has been left reeling following last week’s announcement by the National Australia Bank (NAB) that it will be closing its Sarina Branch on Tuesday 23 April, claiming this is due to the majority of their customers changing the way they bank.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said while numbers have increased in recent years for people using online banking, there are still many people in the Sarina community who prefer to do their banking face-to-face.

“Regional bank closures have an enormous impact on regional communities. I am disappointed to hear today another major bank will be shutting its doors to the community of Sarina.

“A great majority of the elderly aren’t computer savvy or don’t have family nearby to help them with online banking. Many also have a fear of making a mistake and losing their money or concerned about scams.

“I truly feel for the elderly and those who have no reliable transport who are now relegated to making an hour round trip to do their banking,” Ms Landry said.

In the past six years, more than 1200 bank branches have shut their doors to customers in Australia.

“Only 2 months ago, the NAB reported their profits hit $7.7 billion but are unable to keep a regional branch open for customers who prefer to do their banking in person.

“It is disheartening that NAB chose not to align with other banks by making a commitment to refrain from closing additional branches during the ongoing Senate Inquiry. This decision seems to demonstrate a lack of consideration for our regional communities,” Ms Landry said.

In a generic pamphlet announcing its Sarina branch closure, NAB said, “Closing a branch is always a difficult decision and we understand the change can be a big adjustment for some customers. Before the decision was made, we took a lot into consideration.

The bank shared that in 2023 more than 660 personal and 80 business customers used its branch more than 3 times, and around 140 customers were heavy users in that they visit more than 12 times per year.

There were also more than 3,800 personal cash withdrawals in the year.

The bank said for those customers still wanting to bank face-to-face the nearest branch would be located in Mackay. Many Sarina locals voiced their disappointment on social media, saying they would consider looking at alternative banking options that did still offer personalised service in Sarina.

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Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry and Neil Whiting

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Feeling the financial pinch with higher interest rates and the cost of living?

Putting off your health concerns and seeing your GP because of it?

Many patients’ health, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, depression (that has lasted more than 6 months), have deteriorated after not seeing their GP during COVID.

Not seeing a GP means often ending up in the hospital system which could potentially have been avoided. Most GP practices now must charge an out-of-pocket gap fee to be able to pay their own bills - electricity, staff wages, rents etc. This on top of rising costs is having a greater toll on people's health than we realise.

So, what can you do to maximise your GP appointment and reduce the hit to your back pocket?

   1. Have a long-term GP or Practice – as it works out better in the long run for your health with studies proving you live longer with continuity of care.

   2. Ask your GP if you have a long-term illness if you are eligible for the government funded or subsidised GP Care Plans or annual Health Check (for First Nations and over 75’s) and assessments for adults between 45 to 49 years old or 40 if at risk of diabetes. These GP Care Plans allow you to see your GP team every 3 months, as well as 5 allied health visits too, for no out of pocket or usually very subsidised costs.

   3. If you haven’t been for a while - write down the current or past issues with your health you are worried about - the time it started, any treatments you tried (whether from a pharmacy, another GP, ED or complementary therapist or even your neighbour!) and all the symptoms and if increasing in frequency. 

   4. If you have a lot of issues to go through, your GP might not be able to do them all justice in a short appointment, so it’s often more cost effective to book a longer appointment straight up.

   5. Know how much out of pocket costs a GP consult will be prior to going there - and budget for your and your family’s health.

   6.  If you are having real financial difficulties, ask if the GP Practice has a payment plan which can make things easier to budget for.

Lastly, write to your local Federal member, we are not greedy GP's as some media might portray, there are less and less bulk billing practices due to the Medicare rebate to patients still not matching the costs of running a practice. The Government needs to prioritise primary health, after all, no one, not our admin staff, receptionists, nurses, cleaners, or GP's want to work and only get a third of their wage for their efforts. 

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Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson continues to back his $2M anti-aging lifestyle, known as 'Project Blueprint.', an attempt at reversing the aging process. 

He has made headlines over his controversial and unrelenting attempt to live forever and is referred to as a ‘Biohacker’. 

Fitness experts at SET FOR SET, predict that ‘Do-it-yourself biology’, also commonly referred to as ‘Biohacking’, will be one of the hottest trends for 2024. 

For those inspired by ‘Project Blueprint’, the experts at SET FOR SET have shared five ways you can ‘biohack’ to help contribute to a longer, healthier life.  

1) Ice cold plunge 

It is recommended to complete 11 minutes of cold-water exposure per week, which can be broken into three minutes per session.  

2) Optimise your sleep 

If you are getting around seven to nine hours of sleep a night, you will encourage muscle growth and repair, help keep your brain alert, improve your blood sugar levels, and even enhance your lifespan. 

3) Regular saunas 

Saunas, small rooms heated with hot air or steam, have cardiovascular health benefits. 

4) Breathwork 

With breathwork practice, the body can be trained to automatically control breathing and utilise it as a calming tool during times of stress. 

5) Red Light Therapy (RLT) 

Red light therapy (RLT) is a popular method used to optimize overall skin health. RLT also helps to boost muscle recovery, reduce pain and inflammation, support nervous system health, and generally increase energy levels. 

Always consult a health professional before trying any new form of diet or therapy.

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It’s back to school time and unfortunately for many school children (and their parents) it’s also the return of head lice.

It’s thought generally that between 20-30 per cent of primary school students are likely to get head lice at some stage. A single infested head can successfully infest a whole classroom and when the children return home, they often unwittingly pass the infestation on to the rest of the family.
 
The telltale signs to look out for in your child include if you notice them scratching, especially around the back of the neck and behind their ears.  
 
For treatment and detection look closely at your child’s hair to see if they have small, oval-shaped, white or brown-black nits attached to the root of the hair, near the scalp.
 
If you do see nits, you might also see live head lice. Live head lice move fast so to spot them you might have to part your child’s hair very quickly.
 
Once you have discovered head lice you will need get rid of them as quickly as possible.
 
This is where your local community pharmacy comes in which stocks special combs as well as shampoos and other products to treat head lice infestation.
 
There are chemical-based treatments available as well as a number of treatments which are based on essential oils such as anise, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil. There is also a range of herbal products.
 
Talk to your local pharmacist about what treatment is appropriate for your child and other family members if they are infested.
 
Whatever head lice treatment is chosen, a fine tooth comb is essential to get the nits out.
 
If live lice are found in the combings after treatment, it’s possible that the head lice are resistant to the particular product, and retreatment should begin as soon as possible with a product from a different active-ingredient group.   
 
If the lice are dead, treat again in seven days using the same product. If the treatment has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes.
 
For more advice talk to your local community pharmacist.

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By The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

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Hello Everyone,

Well, our newspaper deadline day certainly got hectic this week with the announcement on Wednesday that Mayor Julie Hall will not be running in the upcoming Council elections.

It will be very sad to see her go as I think she’s done so much for the community, and it would have been exciting to see what she could have done with a full-term.

I do, however, completely understand that health and family come first – in fact, I believe they are the two most important things in life.

I will remember Mayor Julie Hall for her genuine affection, ability to show her vulnerable side and her commitment to being the voice of the people.

When she first started her term in August 2022, she invited me for a coffee and a chat.

We sat for about an hour at a little café in Proserpine and discussed how we could both work together.

One of her questions I will always remember – “how can we deliver more for you?”

And I think that is one of the overarching statements that typifies her tenure; she was always asking how Council could better serve the community, for that is really what Council are there to do.

Often, in this role I’d imagine it could be easy to fall into agenda or self-promotion, so it’s been fabulous to see that she continued the good work of Andrew Willcox in serving the community with integrity.

I hope the next Mayor, whomever he or she may be, serves with the same attitude and is able to really unite Councillors who can appear fractioned at times.

On the next page you will see that we’ve asked each Councillor whether they’ll be running for Mayor.

It’s certainly going to be an interesting few days while we wait to see who comes forward and if there are a couple of wild cards out there who might take us all by surprise!

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Rach

Quote of the Week: “As we look into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others” (Bill Gates)

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At the height of Cyclone Kirrily, with predictions stating it may indeed make landfall near the Whitsundays, Jen Frisby-Young arrived at the Cannonvale SES Site ready to fill and collect some sandbags for her family home.

With her husband away at sea for work, Jen headed to the sandbag location with two of her three young children. Once she figured out how the situation worked, she began filling her first sandbag and moved it to her car, when she experienced a touch of pain.

“I had just given birth two weeks earlier, and I thought I would be okay, but I felt that pain, and that was something I didn’t anticipate,” Jen explained.

Not one to reach out for help, but rather the person who jumps up to help everyone else, Jen was surprised when two other locals filling up sandbags interrupted her and offered their assistance.

“I told them I had just given birth and immediately they were like ‘Don’t you move, do not pick up anything’,” Jen explained.

“I was so overwhelmed, and I just started crying. I am usually the one to help, and to have these people recognise that I needed some help was just amazing.”

Turning to facebook afterwards, Jen shared her thanks and was pleasantly surprised by other locals sharing similar stories of good Samaritans lending a hand.

“A few of the stories featured the very same couple too, who were just helping anyone they could.

“It really is a testament to our community, of the great people we have in our community that just want to help where they can.”

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Inspiring members of the Whitsunday community have been honoured at the 2024 Australia Day Awards held at the Flagstaff Function Centre in Bowen on Saturday.

The touching ceremony, which acknowledged many local individuals, was postponed from January 26 and re-scheduled due to Cyclone Kirrily.

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Citizen of the Year - Christine Hinschen

Christine continues to be a beacon of the community, having managed and owned the Anglican Opportunity Shop, as well as being integral to leading local disaster efforts and helping those abroad.

Christine has aided citizens in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, as well as local organisations like Lifeline Gold Coast and the Women’s Refuge Centre which support financially and materially impacted individuals. Christine’s impact is immeasurable, and she is a true inspiration to the Whitsunday community.  

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Young Citizen of the Year – Sam Rogers

Sam’s continuous impact and influence in the Whitsundays knows no bounds. Having represented the region in the Queensland Youth Parliament, Sam is also exceeding in a range of other fields. He is an international STEM leader and a National Science and Engineering award winner. Sam’s leadership within Proserpine State High School was humble yet far-reaching, his influence positive and genuine, marking him a strong inspiration for Youth Citizen of the Year.

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Mayoral Award – Danzel Lewis

A strong advocate for First Nations peoples and a confident leader at Bowen State High School, Danzel is an inspiring influence in the region. Highlighting the importance of mental health and the impacts of bullying and domestic violence during his leadership addresses, Denzel created a culture of positivity and kindness within the school. Danzel's involvement in both school and community activities is extensive, earning him the school community service award for five consecutive years. He also became the first Indigenous student to complete a certificate III in Business with The Hillery Group.

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Volunteer of the Year – Sheryl Gordon

Serving as Vice President of the Collinsville QCWA, Sheryl has shown dedicated, unwavering support for her community, going above and beyond with everything she does. Sheryl is a common face at community events, generously donating her time and culinary skills to various not-for-profit organisations and delighting all with her delicious, sweet treat creations. As busy lady, Sheryl works full-time maintaining a local business and overseeing her family’s cattle farm, but she still manages to find time for community involvement and is always a pillar of support for others.

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Community Event of the Year Award – Baby Welcoming Ceremony – Bowen Lions Ladies

Celebrating one of the most momentous occasions, the birth of a new child, the Bowen Lions Ladies have created a celebration to welcome local babies to the community.

For over two decades, the Baby Welcoming Ceremony has seen over 500 Bowen babies presented by their parents and the annual event has become a cherished tradition for families in the community.  The Baby Welcoming Ceremony is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the Bowen Lions Ladies, creating a momentous celebration for generations to come.

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Senior Sportsperson Award – Aimee Sulzberger

A regular on the sports track, Aimee’s athletic journey is astounding and inspirational. Having dominated competitions from the Townsville marathon to the Whitsunday Trail Festival, Aimee has been awarded gold for the North QLD Cross Country. What makes Aimee's accomplishments even more astounding is that she is a mother of three, pushing a pram with two inside and one on the front wheel. Aimee Sulzberger is undeniably a force to be reckoned with, exemplifying resilience, dedication, and a passion for excellence in sports.

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Mayor Julie Hall, Citizen of the Year Christine Hinschen and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

Young Citizen of the Year, Sam Rogers.

Sheryl Gordon awarded Volunteer of the Year

Bowen Lions Ladies awarded Community Event of the Year, for the Bowen Baby Welcoming Ceremony

Aimee Sulzberger awarded Senior Sportsperson Award

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