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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Upon hearing of the devastating effects of the flooding in North Queensland, following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, local business owners Jen and Beth Walters of Cartridge Universe Whitsunday, decided to rally the community together to provide necessary supplies to small communities.

“We became aware of the state of Rossville and surrounds when our friend, Dave Charlton, put the call out for any donations to travel up with him on 22nd December 2023,” Beth explained.

In December, Jen and Beth were able to collect donations from Silly Sollys and Whitsundays Pharmacy, which Dave drove to the isolated communities of Rossville, Wujal, Bloomfield and surrounding towns.

From there, the couple turned to social media, to put the callout for their plan to send more donations to the small communities.

“So many kind people and some businesses of the Whitsundays have very kindly donated bedding, towels, clothes, medical supplies, toys, books, furniture, televisions, cleaning products, fishing gear, fold out tables and chairs, and we were blown away with one lovely lady who didn’t want to be named arranged five new bar fridges from Airlie Beach Betta, Furniture, Bedding and Electrical Appliances!”

After being postponed due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, the truck finally left Cartridge World, where the donations had been stored, last Tuesday, February 21.

“We wanted to thank everyone who donated goods or their time and NQ Car & Truck Rentals in Mackay for helping us with the transport, without you all it would not have been possible.”

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The truck, driven by Dave and Drew last week, delivered donations to North Queensland. Photo supplied

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An Independent Inquiry has been launched to investigate the fatal helicopter crash of an Australian Defence Force helicopter, which killed four Defence personnel.

The ADF helicopter, the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter was undertaking training exercises in the Whitsundays as part as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, when it experienced catastrophic failure and crashed into waters near Lindeman Island, in July 2023.

The four Defence personnel onboard, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs perished in the accident.

The four ADF men were of the Sixth Aviation Regiment, based in Sydney, and were not recovered from the water with the wreckage for a number of days following the crash, due to rough water conditions.

The Inquiry is being led by an Assistant Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), former Justice the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, who will be supported by two other Assistant IGADFs, Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi, AM, CSC, (retd) and Colonel Jens Streit.

The Inquiry will investigate the cause of the incident and make recommendations to avoid or limit the risk of such an event occurring again.

The Inquiry will also investigate whether actions or inactions of personnel of the Australian Defence Force or other personnel were contributing factors into the crash.

The first public hearing was held earlier this week on Tuesday.

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1: Wreckage was pulled out of the water in the days following the crash. Photo supplied

2: Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs, the four personnel lost in the crash. Image supplied

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Early voting officially opens on Monday March 4, for voters wishing to escape the hectic polling booths on Saturday March 16.

Here are the locations to vote early in the region:

Cannonvale

Shop 15 of Whitsunday Shopping Centre

Proserpine

Proserpine Whitsunday Freemason Lodge

Collinsville

Collinsville Community Centre

Bowen

Bowen PCYC

All sites are open Monday March 4 to Friday March 15 (excluding weekends) from 9am to 5pm

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The upcoming Country Fest Queensland, a North Queensland country music festival due to be held in Bloomsbury later this month announced this week that headlining act, John Fogerty will no longer be playing at the festival.

Event organisers released a statement saying John Fogerty will “no longer be attending Country Fest QLD.”

“We are working hard on a revised line up and will have more information coming soon,” the official statement on the events Facebook explained.

However, the Credence Clearwater Rival star John Fogerty released an opposing statement.

“I was ready to celebrate with you all for my one and only show this year in Australia, when Country Fest Queensland blindsided me yesterday by cancelling my appearance,” John explained.

“It was posted that I would not be appearing due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Well, I can tell you, my friends, I was not the reason for the ‘unforeseen circumstances’,” John continued.

“I was ready to come down there and excited to celebrate getting my songs back with you all.”

A fan commented on Country Fest’s Facebook page speculating that the event organisers could not afford to have the star attend while others are still committed to the event without John.

“Was going to the event no matter who was playing,” one comment explained.

“Rain, John or shine, I’ll be there!” said another.  

The event still boasts other big names such as The Wolfe Brothers, Morgan Evans and Lee Kernaghan.

Country Fest QLD explains that for ticket holders wishing for a refund due to the non-appearance of John Fogerty, that Oztix will contact all ticket holder via email for refund options.

Country Fest QLD is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31, at Bloomsbury.

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John Fogerty has been removed from the line up of 2024 Country Fest QLD. Photo supplied

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A joint venture between Proserpine State High School and Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care (WFDC) has seen the creation of a new ‘The Whitsundays: Our Home, Your Adventures’ novel.

The idea came from the team of WFDC, as a way to celebrate the region, the community’s identity, and incorporate iconic landmarks in a children’s book.

“Our goal was to capture the unique charm of the region and involve the children in the process,” explained Amanda Brett, Coordinator with Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care.

“Collaborative efforts among Educators, children and students aimed to showcase not just physical landmarks but also the essence of the community. The grant facilitated the production of a high-quality book, serving as a keepsake for families and a source of community pride.”

Spanning over 18 months, from the initial concept to the point of publication and distribution, WFDC are now eager to spread the news of the project.

“The children at Whitsunday Shire Family Day Care are mostly under five and loved the project,” Kylie Smith, Coordinator with WFDC explained.

“They had a wonderful time learning about local animals and doing fun crafts with their Educators. Even though they didn't fully grasp the final product concept, their excitement peaked when they saw the book.

“Finding the animals they created in the book made them really excited. The project went from a learning experience to amazement for the children when they discovered their creations in the colourful pages.”

Year 12 student Alice Attwood worked closely with the students of WFDC.

“I think the book is a great idea and opportunity for the community to collaborate for kids to see different art textures and mediums. It will be great to show the book to our own children one day.”

Don McDermid, Principal of Proserpine State High School, is excited with the project.

“It has been such an incredible opportunity for our school,” he said. 

“Our students showed such excitement and enthusiasm through their work and appreciated the chance to demonstrate their artistic skill, interest in child care and ultimately their love of our Whitsunday Region,” he explained.

“It been an absolute privilege to work with Amanda and Kylie on the book release.”

The books are available for purchase for $20 each from the WFDC office, at 18B Chapman Street, Proserpine.

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Back: Teacher Bhrett Bell, students Isabella Grenci, Sienna Thomson, Amelia Brain, Arthina Straker, Lilly Tarver, Emily Vique, former Teacher Tia Attwood, student Sophie Whish, Whitsunday Shire Family Daycare staff Kylie Smith and Amanda Brett.

Front: Students Alice Attwood, Millie Groom, Lexi Di Benedetto, Ella Williams, and Flynn Squires.

Absent: Students Ellizay Brett, Gabby Beach, Demi Vardanega, Alessa Penglase, Preis Boileau, Courtney Beard, Anaiyah James-Hankin, Jahla Thompson, Belamy Poles, Dominick James-Johnson, Zanthia Brimble-Jacobi, Olivia Whibley, Giselle Tronc, Jordan Welsh, and Natalie Cooper. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Foodbank in Proserpine is welcoming a grant from the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.

The generous grant of $4,500 has already been allocated for the purchase of a new freezer for the not-for-profit venture, to allow community members to access frozen grocery items.

Chairman of the Board for Whitsunday Foodbank, Jeff Boyle, welcomes the gift.

“Our previous freezer has just died, and being able to replace it so quickly is great,” he explained.

“Our previous freezer was a classic chest freezer, which a lot of our customers overlooked.

“The new one is an upright, two-door freezer with glass panels, so that customers can see exactly what is in the freezer without having to rummage through a big chest freezer.

“It means they can see when we have steaks, or a chook, or meatballs in there without too much hassle.”

Expecting the delivery of the new freezer in the next few weeks, Jeff is eager to stock it full for the Foodbank customers.

“We see between 30 to 40 local residents shop at the Foodbank each week, and being able to better our offering is great.”

The items at the Foodbank are at greatly reduced prices, compared to main chain grocery stores, and are available for pension and healthcare card holders.

“And any families in need,” Jeff explained.

“The cost of the items covers the bare essentials of the shop, that being rent and electricity.

“This isn’t about profit but helping the community.”

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The official opening of the Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine, with Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, and Chairman Jeff Boyle. Photo supplied

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Since she was three years old, Roze has passionately pursued her dream of becoming a fashion model and she finally realised this dream when she appeared on a billboard during New York Fashion Week recently.

Answering a callout by former locals Belle Le Chic, Roze’s mum Katrina put Roze forward as a model to showcase Belle Le Chic’s new collection, the Goddess Collection.

In the two-day shoot, Roze was sure that photographer, Alexis Turner, knew her good side, and posed perfectly, the hope of appearing on a New York Times Square Billboard present on her mind.

“We knew that some of the models would appear on the New York Times Square Billboard, and then we were sent the picture, and it was amazing,” explained Katrina.

“Roze squealed, she was so excited.”

Roze’s commitment to her modelling career started when she stumbled across modelling videos, and just a year later, Katrina enrolled her in Brooke Lee Modelling lessons to help her perfect her craft and expand her skills.

“She is obsessed with the entire process. She knows her poses, her angles. Roze loves playing with makeup and practicing her runway walk,” Katrina explained.

Along with the Times Square Billboard, the Belle Le Chic dress she was modelling was named after her, a gorgeous gown which now is proudly displayed in their family home.

“We’re all so proud of Roze. It all comes from her, and we’re happy she is doing something she loves.”

Living on a property, Katrina explained that Roze lives the best of both worlds.

“She does her modelling, with the makeup and the hair, but at home, she’s a bit of a tomboy. She rides her motorbike, catches crabs, and works with her brothers. She loves it all.”

Progressing her modelling career, Roze will make appearances at the Cairns Fashion Week runway, and the Mackay Wedding Expo, sure to model gowns beautifully and with perfect confidence.

  1. Roze modelling the Belle Le Chic Roze Gown. Photographer: Alexis Turner Photography

   2. Roze on the New York Times Square Bill Board. Photo supplied

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