The Greater Whitsunday region is advancing agricultural adoption and innovation with the launch of two pivotal initiatives: the AgTech Mastermind Workshop and the AgTech Activators, which are set to shape the future of agriculture in the region. The AgTech Mastermind Workshop on August 7, 2025, will bring together producers, agtech suppliers, service providers, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to take agtech adoption forward. The workshop will foster collaborative discussions aroun
Read the full storyMackay Regional Council has unveiled its draft Economic Development Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a bold vision to drive sustainable growth and investment over the next five years. Developed through extensive consultation with industry, government and community stakeholders, the strategy outlines four key pillars: advocacy and leadership, an enabled economic environment, workforce development, and precincts and property. Mayor Greg Williamson said the plan was shaped in collaboration w
Read the full storyConstruction is officially under way on Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, following a sod turning ceremony held last Friday (July 25). Mayor Greg Williamson and councillors Heath Paton, Ash-Lee Johnson and Nathenea MacRae were at the construction site to mark this symbolic milestone, ushering in a new era of community infrastructure. “This is the beginning of something truly transformative for the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Williamson said. “This sod turning signifies the be
Read the full storyFinalists Announced For 2025 RIN Awards Celebrating the resource sector’s quiet giants and bold trailblazers. In a region defined by grit, ingenuity and a relentless drive to evolve, the Resource Industry Network (RIN) has announced the finalists for its prestigious 2025 RIN Awards — and the lineup is nothing short of inspiring. From shop floors to boardrooms, from safety wins to market breakthroughs, these awards highlight the powerhouse that is the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday METS and reso
Read the full storyMost people are about to receive their annual super statement to 30th June 2025. The annual returns have been around the long-term average, between 6% and 10% depending on which portfolio you are in and how much risk or volatility you’re comfortable with.
This year’s returns are around average, but they do fluctuate from year to year. For the previous three years they were typically 2% to 4% higher and the 2021 Financial Year was boomer at around 20% to 30%. These returns sound great but don’t forget that there was very little return in 2019 and 2020 on the back of the COVid pandemic. When you sit down with a Financial Planner and get some advice about your super and finances, you learn that there are more than just default Industry Super Funds. Other types of more sophisticated super accounts include Retail Funds and Self-Managed Super Funds.
Retail Super Funds are where you decide to purchase a fund from a product provider, usually with guidance from a Financial Planner. Modern retail Super Wrap offerings have thousands of investment choices. Care and guidance need to be taken to ensure your portfolio of investments is well structured with such a huge choice. This choice enables your portfolio to be customized to say protect against market downturns if you are drawing a pension or to screen out investments with questionable ethical or environmental credentials if that’s your preference. These may suit people with higher balances or who are making larger contributions and want more control and flexibility around investment options and the potential tax savings on transferring to pension phase after age 60.
Self-Managed Super Funds are where you set up your own super fund, usually with up to 3 other family members so you can pool your funds to invest. SMSF’s offer the most investment choices and flexibility, including direct property, but they are expensive. The ATO suggests the minimum balance to justify the set up and ongoing costs with a SMSF is $500,000. Purchasing a direct property in a SMSF comes with even more costs so it is generally only for those with very large balances or used for business premises. There are significant compliance requirements and most SMSF’s are paying administrators, tax agents, auditors and financial planners each year.
The key with super is to ensure you have a fund that matches where you are in your financial journey and not something that you fell into or suited where you were years ago.
For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Planning at Cannonvale on 49467359 today, email whitsunday@eclipsefp.com.au or visit www.eclipsefp.com.au
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It’s not just about who gets the air fryer. A good will ensures your wishes are followed and makes things easier for the people you leave behind. Without one things can get messy, fast. And not the fun kind of messy.
At Whitsunday Law, we walk you through the process step by step. Whether it’s your first will or time for an update, we’ll make it straightforward and stress-free.
Because your estate shouldn’t be left to chance (or to a dodgy online form).
Whitsunday Law – Planning ahead so your kids don’t fight later.
Bowen State High School came alive with colour, culture, and community spirit on Friday, the 18th of July, as students, staff, families and community partners gathered to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony, led by Juru Elder Uncle Jimmy Gaston and accompanied by traditional Aboriginal dancers. Student representatives proudly raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in a special flag-raising ceremony.
To commemorate 50 Years of NAIDOC, the school also introduced its inaugural academic and citizenship awards, named in honour of the late Aunty Cecelia Upkett and Mr Darryl Paul — two cherished figures who played significant cultural roles within the school community.
Principal Robert Harris welcomed all attendees, acknowledging the strength of community partnerships and the school’s ongoing support for First Nations students.
“Bowen State High School is about empowering students to realise their full potential, including nurturing the next generation to flourish and thrive and to be the Elders of tomorrow,” Mr Harris said.
“We do this by providing high quality teaching and learning, a culturally safe, respectful and responsible environment and leaning into our vision to strengthening relationships with First Nations students, families and communities.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins attended the event and praised the school’s leadership.
“Congratulations to Mr Harris and the Bowen SHS team for putting on such a meaningful event and continuing to champion reconciliation and equity in our community,” he said.
The celebration featured hands-on cultural activities, including palm frond weaving, traditional games, Indigenous arts and crafts, and a traditional Kup Muri feast, complete with meats, vegetables, damper, and a specially made NAIDOC cake.
The celebration holds a special place on the school calendar, with the entire day dedicated to reflection, celebration, and unity.
“The celebration is an important event on the school calendar. Bowen High dedicates an entire school day for celebration, reflection and an opportunity to come together as one to honour the enduring strength and spirit of First Nations culture,” Mr Harris said.
The 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations were made possible through support from the National Indigenous Australian Agency, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, Pacific National, AURIZON, Bowen Meat Supplies, and members of the Juru Elders and First Nations families.
Staff and students of Bowen State High School enjoyed a wonderful NAIDOC celebration last week (Photo Supplied)
It was all smiles at the Bowen RSL earlier this month when a team of hardworking volunteers from Abbot Point Operations stepped in to help with a task that was as heavy as it was heartfelt.
As part of a recent community grant allocation, Abbot Point Operations donated a full set of brand-new chairs to the Bowen RSL and went one step further by personally delivering and moving both the new and old furniture on site.
Bowen RSL’s Rhonda Nilsson couldn’t have been more thankful for the effort.
“A big thanks to Abbot Point crew for helping Bowen RSL with the heavy lifting this week,” Rhonda shared.
“Not only did Abbot Point Operations provide our chairs with a community grant but they provided strong young arms to help us shift the old chairs and they also helped with some other heavy lifting that was needing to be done!”
The support didn’t stop there. In the true spirit of community, the RSL’s outgoing chairs were passed on to several local clubs where veterans are members, including the Bowen Men’s Shed, SSAA Gun Club, and Bowen Pistol Club.
The generous gesture greatly eased the load for the Bowen RSL, and Rhonda, along with the rest of the staff members, cannot thank the four volunteers from Abbot Point Operations enough.
4 crew members from Abbot Point Operations volunteered to do some heavy lifting at the Bowen RSL earlier this month (Photos Supplied)
Just days after the state budget, Bowen was the site for the first of many projects making up an historic investment into safety on the Bruce Highway.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said it was only fitting that priority works included a notorious section of the highway just north of Bowen and that the state government was ‘getting on with delivering on our commitments’.
“For too long words are all that have been delivered when it comes to addressing safety on the Bruce
Highway,” Mr Last said. “We are serious about making the highway safer and, just 10 days after the budget, we had workers on site and targeted projects underway, including here in Bowen.”
“Bringing the Bruce Highway up to standard is no small task thanks to years of neglect, especially in
regional Queensland. Queenslanders overwhelmingly voted for a government that would get to work and
that is exactly what we are doing.”
“There are 16 safety projects north of Gympie that will see shovels in the ground in the very near future, if not already. These are projects where the design work had been completed but were left in limbo due to no funding, despite them offering major safety improvements.”
“The focus is clearly on the regional sections of the Bruce Highway because that’s the area where the most work is needed from a safety perspective.”
Mr Last said the key to achieving the best outcomes over the longer term was actively managing the
project as a whole with a focus on ensuring that projects were ready to go when funding and equipment
was available.
“In addition to the 16 priority construction projects, there are a further 5 projects where the design and planning phase has been prioritised,” he said. “By doing that we ensure that, as a project is completed, construction of another project can get underway without long delays.”
“We have established a Program Management Office to ensure the project is efficient and 150 new staff have been appointed to help deliver the program. That office and the additional staff prove that we are 100% committed to delivering a better Bruce Highway for visitors and Queenslanders alike.”
“As we move forward there will be more projects added to the program, ranging from improving
intersections and widening existing lanes. There will also be areas where more substantial works are
needed to improve safety and other factors.”
“The most common type of fatal crashes on the Bruce Highway are head-on crashes and incidents where vehicles run off the road. Sadly, we have seen those types of incidents take lives in our area and both the Premier and the Minister for Transport know how important addressing those areas is to me and to the people using the Highway.”
“We’ve taken a new approach to improving safety on the Bruce Highway and we are committed to delivering that for all Queenslanders.”
Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP
Sites along the Bruce Highway have been identified. Photo supplied
Effy is a 4-month-old kitten who came into care through a recent surrender. A little shy to begin with, she quickly blossoms into a loving and affectionate companion once she feels safe. With a gentle soul and playful nature, Effy is the perfect blend of zoomies and snuggle time.
She loves darting after feather wands and chasing plastic balls at lightning speed, but she's just as happy curling up in your lap for cuddles. If you're after a kitten with personality, charm, and a whole lot of love to give, Effy could be your perfect match.
Her $195 adoption fee includes microchipping, flea/tick/worm treatment, first vaccination (with the next two covered), and desexing when she's old enough.
To meet Effy, message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue on Facebook with your contact number and email
Effy is a beautiful little girl looking to find the loving home she deserves!
The Flametree Gathering is set to return in 2025 with a new location, an expanded program, and the same vibrant community spirit that has made it a much-loved event in the Whitsundays. For the first time, the festival will be held at the picturesque Lake Proserpine, offering three days of music, art, wellness, and family-friendly fun from August 29-31.
Festival organiser Bronwyn Garland said the move to Lake Proserpine brings a fresh energy to the event.
“It’s quite exciting that we’re moving to Lake Proserpine. It’s such a beautiful natural spot, and there are really good facilities like piping hot showers, flushing toilets, a kiosk and people can bring their kayaks and do whatever they like as well as enjoy the festival,” she said.
Headlining the music program once again is festival co- organiser David Flower, whose vibrant energy and all inclusive jam sessions have become a Flametree favourite. He’ll be joined by returning acts including blues-soul artist Karl S Williams & Sally Wiggins. Mackay band, Tropical State of Mind, will also perform, fresh from recording an EP in Byron Bay. While veteran musician John Malcolm, who inspired Flower to take up music, returns to the stage, much to the delight of long-time locals.
The festival will also feature a rich visual arts program with immersive installations from La Lune Croker Art - the Wonderoom and Donna Maree Robinson’s nature-inspired art projections, which allow visitors to interact with art.
New to this year’s lineup is Circus with Purpose, an interactive circus experience that includes hula hoop and poi workshops for all ages, as well as a fire performance on Saturday night.
Wellness is an important part of Flametree Gathering, and this year they will have yoga, soul practice meditation and other wellness-related activities.
A Welcome to Country and cultural experience from the Yooribaya Cultural Experience will open the festival on Friday night, followed by performances from local artists Zed Charles and Rebelquinn plus many more talented original singer songwriters.
Flametree continues to support local environmental efforts, raising funds for Clean Seas Eco Barge’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre through raffles, auctions and food stall. If you would like to donate a prize please contact Bronwyn. This year also marks the beginning of the festival’s Zero Waste Management program, encouraging attendees to bring reusable cups and plates and take recyclables and rubbish home.
“All of our market stalls will be sustainable and eco-conscious,” said Bronwyn. “We want people to enjoy themselves while also looking after this beautiful place.”
Tickets are $180 for the full weekend, with children 17 and under admitted free. Day passes are also available at the gate: $50 for Friday, $90 for Saturday, and $60 for Sunday. Camping at Lake Proserpine can be booked separately for just $15 per night. Tickets are available through Airlie Events under "Flametree."
With music, art, culture, and community in a breathtaking lakeside setting, the 2025 Flametree Festival promises to be one of the region’s most memorable weekends.
WHAT: Flametree Gathering
WHERE: Lake Proserpine
WHEN: 29 – 31 August
The perfect weather conditions on Tuesday brought several players out of the woodwork for a well-contested stableford competition, and the course certainly didn’t disappoint.
Elspeth Scotford came agonisingly close to a hole-in-one, striking the pin before sinking a short one-foot putt for birdie — a heart-stopping near miss that drew plenty of attention.
Jacqui Wall had a fantastic round to take out the ladies’ competition with 36 points, while Gary Scotford delivered the performance of the day, blitzing the field with a stunning 41 points to win the men’s division.
Let’s hope Gary hasn’t peaked too early with the Club Championships just around the corner!
Results:
Ladies:
Winner: Jacqui Wall – 36 points
Runner-up: Heather Luvis – 35
Rundown: Lyn Muller 35, Elspeth Scotford 34, Jan Shuwalow 33, Leanne Alexander and Tiina Randmae both with 30, Tessa Aitken 27
Men:
Winner: Gary Scotford – 41 points
Runner-up: John Strelec – 38
Rundown: Wilf Herweg 37, David Woods and Vic Feldman both 36, Harry Milne 34, Larry Muller 32, Trevor Paroz 31, Ken Granger and Nick Apruzzese both with 30
Pin Shots:
Ladies
A Grade: Lyn Muller (x2), Elspeth Scotford (in the hole)
B Grade: Jacqui Wall (in the hole), Anna Winterbourn (x2)
Men
A Grade: Ken Granger (in the hole), Vic Feldman (in the hole), Gary Scotford
B Grade: Harry Milne, Louis Neethling, Wilf Herweg
Chip-ins: Anna Winterbourn (x2), Trevor Paroz, Vic Feldman, Gary Scotford (x2)
To cap off a fantastic day, John Strelec claimed the $100 Membership Jackpot — proof it really does pay to be in the room!
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Gary Scotford. Photo supplied
It’s been a huge week for the club, both at home and away.
Club pairs champions Denise Wallace and Penny Warren travelled to Townsville for the District Club Champion of Champion event, where they won three tight matches to claim the title. They’ll return in August to play the Far North Queensland winners for a spot in the State Finals.
Later in the week, Denise, Penny and Tiarna Rogers represented North Queensland in the Northern Women’s Challenge. After nine games over three days, North Queensland secured the title with a convincing win over Mackay in the final match.
Back at the club, social bowls rolled on. Monday’s triples winners were Mark McKanza and Kennedy, with Trish Webb, Bob Lindsay and Leon Fox as runners-up. The jackpot didn’t go off.
On Tuesday, the large jackpot was finally won by Jocelyn Defranciscis, Shirley Smith and Jim C. Rink 8 produced the day’s winners — Elaine White, Lyn Madden and Bruce Thompson — while runners-up were Natalie Hands, Jill Hopper and Bob Dykstra.
Friday’s Fun Bowls and barefoot session was well attended, and Saturday’s annual Wangaratta vs All States match saw All States take the win, with Dave Madden accepting the trophy. Thanks to Tarn and Denise for manning the BBQ.
Good luck to our Premier Cup ladies heading to Thuringowa this weekend!
Contributed wiht thanks to Penny Warren
NQ District Club Champion of Champion Pairs 2025. Photo supplied
In the wake of one of Mackay’s darkest weeks — with eight lives tragically lost in traffic crashes in Central Queensland — the community has turned its collective heart toward those who stand on the frontlines, offering comfort, care, and courage in the face of unimaginable grief.
From paramedics and police to nurses, doctors, and emergency staff, these everyday heroes hold steady for us amid chaos. As tributes flow in for the victims of last weekend’s tragedies, many residents are also pausing to honour the resilience of those called to respond.
“I just wanted to put up a post for all the emergency services that have had the roughest weekend here in Mackay,” one local wrote.
“Having to tell multiple families the devastation that has happened... I reach out to all the families affected and surround them with my deepest condolences.”
The sentiment rippled through the community.
“Thank you to all the first responders, service people, and hospital staff,” wrote another.
One retired paramedic, who served more than 20 years on the front line, simply said: “That’s beautiful… you’re probably the first person to say that.”
But the appreciation goes beyond tragedy.
One family, whose 80-year-old father recently survived a life-threatening illness, offered heartfelt thanks to Mackay Base Hospital: “Thanks to these unsung heroes, we got a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle back.
“We are eternally grateful.”
In honour of our frontline workers, whether during tragedy or in the quiet moments of everyday care, we thank you.
There are moments in a newsroom that stop us in our tracks. This past weekend was one of them.
In just three devastating days, eight lives were lost on our Central Queensland roads — four of them right here in Mackay, on highways and intersections many of us drive every single day. The ripple of grief has been swift and profound, touching classrooms, workplaces, sports fields, and quiet family kitchens across our region.
Three teenagers — full of promise and spirit — were taken in an instant. A devoted father and his young children, vibrant and adored, gone too soon. A local motorcyclist whose ride never made it home. The pain is unthinkable.
There are no perfect words for a tragedy like this. But we want to say this: To every parent, sibling, friend, and loved one now navigating life in the aftermath of such immense loss — we are holding you in our hearts.
As journalists, we are tasked with telling the story. But we are also part of this community. We feel the ache of these events just like you do. And while we may never truly know your grief, we walk beside you in it.
In the coming weeks, there will be investigations, memorials, and hard conversations about road safety. But right now, there is mourning — and there must also be kindness.
If someone close to you is struggling, reach out. If you’re struggling yourself, please speak to someone. And as we move through the heartbreak together, let us show one another the same generosity and compassion we’ve seen pouring in from every corner of our community.
From all of us at Mackay Life, we send our deepest sympathies to those who have lost someone they love. You are not alone.
Amanda
By Hannah McNamara
What can only be described as a chain of unimaginable tragedy has unfolded across our region, with eight people, including two children and three teenagers, losing their lives in just three days on our Central Queensland roads.
Last Friday night, thick fog settled over Mackay as three 19-year-olds — two males and one female — travelled south around 10.40pm on the Mackay Ring Road near Glenella. Initial investigations suggest the green Mazda 2 they were travelling in attempted to overtake a semi-trailer before colliding with a Great Wall utility coming from the opposite direction. A fourth vehicle, an Isuzu D-Max, veered off the road to avoid the crash.
All three teenagers — T-Jay Petrass, Liam Doumergue, and Ellie Cunington — described as 'the best of friends', died at the scene.
The 29-year-old driver of the Great Wall, a man from Blacks Beach, was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition. The 68-year-old Kelso man behind the wheel of the semi-trailer was uninjured.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving families and communities reeling.
Ms Rebecca Doumergue, grieving the loss of her son Liam, said, “They say words can’t ease the heartbreak – and maybe they can’t – but I’ve found real comfort in the kind, personal words being shared.
“The generosity and compassion from friends and even strangers has brought a small flicker of hope in a time of deep sadness.”
At the crash site, a family member of one of the victims recalled the moment her world shifted.
“My little brother Liam… he was in the passenger seat, with his best mate [T-Jay] next to him driving, and his ex-girlfriend in the back...They were all friends.”
She recalled the moment her mother called with the devastating news.
“I couldn’t process it… I’m still trying to process it.”
“They grew up in Seaforth… even graduated together. Things like this just shouldn’t happen.”
Support continues to flow from the community.
The Seaforth Bowls Club extended their deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in Friday night’s tragic accident.
“We are here for you – as a club, as neighbours, and as a community – to offer support, strength, and compassion as you navigate your grief.”
A local resident wrote online: “To the parents that lost their babies last night… I’m sending you so much love and strength… I’m happy to make meals etc… I’m so sorry.”
A spokesperson from Keen2Kill Pest Control paid tribute to Liam Doumergue.
“Liam wasn't just a colleague, he was a valued part of our work family, known for his kindness, gentleness, good humour, and hard work. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.”
Less than 12 hours later, on Saturday morning, July 19, a 45-year-old North Mackay man, (unidentified at the time of print), was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Bruce Highway at Mount Pleasant.
Around 10:15am, police responded to reports of a motorcycle that had collided with a trailer being towed by a utility near the Mackay Bucasia Road intersection. It’s believed the rider crossed a verge before striking the stationary trailer at a red light.
He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
No one else was injured, and the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.
Superintendent Dean Cavanagh addressed the rising toll on Queensland roads, urging motorists to stay alert, manage fatigue, and drive with care – especially on long regional journeys. Police, he said, have stepped up roadside enforcement and fatigue checks.
Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards, urged caution amid current conditions.
“There is a lot of fog around, so we’re urging motorists to drive to the conditions.”
The weekend’s devastation continued.
On Sunday, July 20, a catastrophic two-vehicle crash on the Capricorn Highway between Comet and Blackwater claimed four more lives, including a six-year-old boy, a seven-year-old girl, a 28-year-old man, and a 32-year-old man.
Two others were seriously injured. A 28-year-old man remains in hospital in serious but stable condition. A 27-year-old man was flown to Brisbane for life-saving treatment.
Initial investigations suggest a Holden Commodore travelling toward Blackwater collided with a Toyota utility heading in the opposite direction.
Inspector Ben Wiltshire called it, “A heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.”
“These lives were cut short, far too soon… a split second can have lifelong consequences.”
A GoFundMe launched in the aftermath read: “Shaun, Baylee, and Chandler were cherished and loved by many… Baylee, aged 7, had a cheeky smile, bubbly personality, and a love for horses.
“Chandler, aged 6, was a sweet and kind-hearted little boy, full of life and loved the outdoors.
“Shaun was a dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner.”
The fundraiser aims to support Shaun’s fiancée, Renee, and their surviving two-year-old daughter, Saphora.
Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, described the string of tragedies as “extremely tragic,” asking the community to show empathy and patience during this time.
“Every single death that occurs on the roads is something which hits everybody hard,” he said.
“I just appeal to the public to support those families as much as possible. Let them grieve, and leave them to start trying to rebuild their lives.”
As the region grieves, calls grow louder for caution, compassion, and care on our local roads.
Mackay Life extends its deepest condolences to every family affected by these heartbreaking events. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to honour the lives of three inseparable friends killed in a head-on crash has surged past $10,000 in less than 12 hours, helping heartbroken families shoulder the burden of farewell. Photo source: gofundme.
A memorial stands where three 19-year-olds tragically lost their lives last Friday night in a four-vehicle collision. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
The scene after a 45-year-old man died, when his motorcycle collided with a stationary trailer on the Bruce Highway at Mount Pleasant last Saturday. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Baylee (7), Chandler (6), and their father, Shaun (28), tragically passed away in a horror head-on crash in Queensland's Central Highlands last Sunday. Photo Source: gofundme
Laffos Bar and Pizzeria has once again served up generosity, raising an impressive $12,730 through its annual Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser in support of local suicide prevention organisation, The Grapevine Group.
Owners Nicole and Mark Laffin presented the cheque to Grapevine President Deb Knight yesterday, marking the fourth consecutive year the family-run business has backed the organisation’s vital mental health education and support initiatives across the Mackay region.
Held each June, Pizza for a Purpose is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a call to action, encouraging the community to come together over a slice of pizza while shining a light on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support we receive from the local community during Pizza for a Purpose,” said Mr Laffin.
“There’s a huge influx of patrons and takeaway sales throughout the month of June, and this year we were especially impressed by the number of local businesses who held pizza parties at their workplaces to back the cause.”
The initiative continues to grow in momentum, turning delicious food into meaningful impact.
“Bringing people together through pizza is the heart of this campaign,” Mr Laffin said.
“The fundraising is a wonderful outcome, but it’s the sense of connection and community that truly matters. We feel grateful to be part of such a generous and caring region.”
Grapevine President Deb Knight said the organisation is thrilled to have the ongoing support of Laffos and thanked them for their efforts towards helping to prevent suicide in the community.
"The funds raised will make a great difference to helping us provide safeTALK suicide prevention training and toolbox talks," Ms Knight said.
"It will also help us build vital awareness through Grapevine’s annual Be Suicide Alert this Christmas campaign.
"We would also like to thank Bright Light Marketing and Caneland Central for their valued support and all the businesses that jumped onboard and held pizza parties for their staff."
The Grapevine Group provides free suicide prevention training and mental health education across Mackay and surrounds. Community contributions like this play a vital role in helping the group expand its reach and provide life-saving support where it’s needed most.
For more information about The Grapevine Group, visit www.grapevinegroup.org.au.
Karen from Bright Light Marketing, Nicole and Mark from Laffos, and Deb Knight from The Grapevine Group at the cheque presentation, with Nicole and Mark handing over the $12,730 donation raised through this year’s Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser. Photos supplied
Just some of the many who got behind Pizza for a Purpose – Glenella Care Centre, Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, Revolution Electrical and Jumbos Business Supplies all showed their support by dining at Laffo’s or hosting their own pizza parties