Drop In Lounge A Success

Chances Op Shop recently announced changes that will see a greater focus on Australian Street Aid Project’s homelessness support services.

The op shop’s floor space has been minimised, allowing space for a drop in lounge for those in need.

“We realised that there really is nowhere for these people to go through the day, and they needed access to amenities and charging facilities and somewhere safe to be,” said Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster.

“It’s worked really well and it’s very well utilised; we’ve had great feedback from people using the space.”

The drop in lounge provides users with amenities, charging facilities, books, desks, couches and a television to be used throughout the day.

Australian Street Aid Project has also employed a part-time Case Worker to assist with accessing drug, alcohol, mental health and legal support services.

“We’re seeing really positive outcomes for some of our service users not necessarily just around homelessness but around other factors that create barriers to housing,” said Ms Brewster.

“People just really like to have a place to be where they’re not asked to leave and where they’re out of the elements; somewhere they can relax, find support, have conversations with people.

“It’s helped us to develop better and more therapeutic relationships with people, spending a little bit more one on one time with them.”

Ms Brewster said Australian Street Aid Project has seen a dramatic increase in service users, with the number of meals dispersed into the community spiking from around 350 meals a week two months ago to over 500 meals a week.

To accommodate the increase in demand, Chances Op Shop will now be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, closing from Sunday to Tuesday.

“We’re hoping it will help to increase our revenue which goes directly into the homelessness services so we can create a more sustainable environment and continue providing all those services,” Ms Brewster said.

The op shop is celebrating Super Saturday this Saturday, August 12 to mark the first Saturday opening, with all clothing half price and all other items discounted by 15%.

Australian Street Aid Project has also launched it’s Pay It Forward Meal campaign, asking locals to donate as little as $7.50 to pay forward a meal for their many clients who come in for homelessness assistance.

Visit www.austreetaid.org for more information.

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Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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For Homelessness Week

A monthly barbecue this morning, Friday, August 11, has brought Homelessness Week to a close for 2023.

The annual event is an effort by Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) to draw attention to the issue of homelessness in Mackay while providing information and resources to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“It’s about everyone who is homeless, and that can be rough sleepers, people who are couch surfing, people who live in overcrowded conditions, people who don’t have a secure tenure,” said CASA Manager Lorraine Wirth.

“For people on a low income, people who don't have a rental history, people who might be on a single income or benefit, it’s extremely difficult to get any accommodation.”

Homelessness Week offered the opportunity for the community to come together and share information and resources, including financial and budgeting tips, information sessions, meet and greets, and “homeless hacks”.

In the last financial year, CASA distributed over $470,000 and over 1,000 food vouchers to those in need.

From January 2023 to July 2023, 1,567 nights of accommodation to different people in need.

Ms Wirth said CASA’s services provide outreach, crisis housing, homestay and food services, but more needs to be done for a permanent solution.

“I would like to see more properties, more tenure, more bricks and mortar,” she said.

“Whether it’s social housing, community housing, more affordable housing full stop, anything as long as there are more options available for people.”

Visit www.casamackay.org.au to find out more.

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CASA Manager Lorraine Wirth. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Kalyan Youth Service has been providing services to the youth of the region for 38 years, celebrating their birthday at the end of July 2023.

Established in 1985, Kalyan Youth Service offers crisis accommodation, transitional housing, case management and support to those aged 16 to 25 and is the only youth shelter between Rockhampton and Townsville.

The not-for-profit organisation has crisis accommodation for six young people as well as medium-term accommodation units, providing young people with a home environment teaching life skills, cooking, cleaning and work seeking skills.

“The first criteria we look at when making an assessment for young people is their level of homelessness,” said Housing Services Manager Louise O'Brien.

“They could be literally homeless and have no accommodation or they’re at risk of homelessness, they may be residing in an unsafe environment or couch surfing.”

The friendly team of youth workers works with young people on a case management plan, assisting with securing employment, sourcing benefits and addressing their mental health needs to work through any barriers.

“Our role is to work with them to assist with whatever their needs are,” said Ms O’Brien.

“We do try to reunify young people with their families if at all possible.”

In the 2022-23 financial year, Kalyan Youth Service assisted 64 clients, however, were unable to assist 229 young people for a variety of reasons, highlighting the importance of their work in our community.

Monetary donations can be made to the organisation at www.givenow.com.au/youthhomelessness and non-perishable food items are accepted at 4 Goldsmith Street, East Mackay.

If there is any other assistance you think you may be able to provide, contact Ms O'Brien on 07 4951 4352.

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The Mackay Disability Expo was held at the Mackay Showgrounds last weekend and featured a range of both local and out-of-town specialist exhibitors, providing a one-stop-shop for everyone with an interest in disability services.

Crossroad Arts entertained attendees by hosting their ROAR program at the expo, which was about “exploring untapped imaginings through movement, sound and theatre making”.

Groove Movers also put on a beautiful display of movement and dance for people of all abilities and Margie Ross hosted a singing workshop attracting groups of onlookers.

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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Chrissy Cahill – A1 Sleep Mackay

Sleep is a vital function that allows the brain and the body to recover and recharge, so when you’re not getting a good night’s rest, many facets of your day-to-day life can be affected.

If you have daytime sleepiness, snore, raised blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, have had a stroke or heart attack, or urinate throughout the night, a sleep test can be the key to unlocking a full night of rest; ask your Doctor for a Sleep Referral form to A1 Sleep Mackay.

Chrissy Cahill of A1 Sleep Mackay is passionate about ensuring restful sleep, with over 18 years’ experience in the industry.

Working in healthcare all her life, she was managing a healthcare business in Townsville when she approached a colleague about incorporating sleep into their services. From there, moved to Mackay 10 years ago and continued working in the Sleep industry.

Chrissy started her business in November 2021, rebranding to A1 Sleep Mackay in March 2023.

Operating seven days a week, A1 Sleep Mackay caters for those who are unable to commit to an appointment during the working week and saves the patient time on the travel involved – this is why she added this unique service of “GOING TO THE PATIENT” for the initial Sleep Test, but conditions apply.

A1 Sleep Mackay also offers sleep apnea machine and accessory sales as well as cleaning and servicing of machines and masks.

Her sleep tests are bulk-billed with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient providing they meet the Medicare criteria and she provides all of the above in a friendly, caring, and utterly genuine manner.

Chrissy says the satisfaction she feels when patients feel more rested and energised is why she does what she does.

“Once they go onto the machines, people come back and ask me what I’ve done to them because they feel so alive,” she said.

Chrissy has even brought Victorian sleep lab National Sleep Diagnostics on board who will analyse sleep tests for her, ensuring the people of Mackay get the best treatment possible.

Chrissy operates out of her home at 51 Stroppianas Road, Devereux Creek, not far from Marian in the Pioneer Valley.

Open seven days, you can contact her any time on 0406 996 722 or find A1 Sleep Mackay on Facebook.

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Stepping into the Art of Acupuncture clinic, clients start a journey of healing and growth at the stable and steady hands of renowned acupuncturist Dr Bob Wong.

The initial consult allows Dr Wong to complete a thorough health history and diagnostic exam, so that he may know what areas of the body are a concern and come up with a treatment plan.

The pulse is believed to be closely connected to the meridians and organ system of the body, allowing Dr Wong to have a glimpse into the internal situation of a patient.

He will also conduct Postural Analysis, thermal scan and muscle testing.

He will dissect his client’s posture and alignment, at rest and at movement, to see how their muscles and joints are working together.

Believing strongly in preventive measures, Dr Wong will often recommend lifestyle changes, on top of his recommendations of clinic procedures, including acupuncture, which aids the body in naturally combatting issues.

Treating everything from migraines, chronic pain, Bell’s Palsy, and Pregnancy Care, Dr Wong is uniquely qualified in Chinese Medicines, and has worked across China, America, and Australia.

While not always diagnosing acupuncture as a necessary remedy for all patients, most patients do return to the clinic for Dr Wong and his acupuncture sessions.

Getting to the root of the issue, Dr Wong will ensure to take his clients through the journey of regaining their health.

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Recently we were talking on the breakfast show about friends, best friends …your best mate.

Well, I don’t have one. And it doesn’t bother me. It must be part of my introvertedness (if that’s even a word).

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve moved around a bit and never really stayed in close contact with some people from previous towns, or something in my psychological make up. I guess it has to be the latter mainly, because living alone never bothered me, going to concerts or sport alone doesn’t bother me either.

Some people thought it was really strange and were virtually asking me if I’m ok or needed to talk to someone. I don’t. I actually think it’s quite healthy. If you can be happy and unbothered then that’s a good thing. If however you’re like me and don’t have a mate and it does bother you, and you don’t feel great, definitely go and talk to someone.

I’ve got a lot of friends from different things I do, like work, playing cricket, beer brewing, astronomy, even back to high school and primary school days.

We catch up all the time at things like work and cricket, but rarely outside of, in true social life.

I guess it means my home beer brewing is really more for me than anyone else.

At my wedding my best man was my brother, because I just didn’t have anyone else that I thought was my best mate. The result of that was a lopsided wedding party from my side and my wife’s, but I was comfortable with that.

I reckon if I lay on a psychologist's couch, before too long we’d swap places as they had a lie down to try and work me out. I’m a shocker for not asking people how their weekend was and engage in that general small talk stuff in general. It sounds like hard work, maybe I’m just lazy. No wonder my wife says I don’t listen much, or ask her how her day was.

I’m going to blame it all on me being an introvert.

Scotty

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Anyone who wants reassurance about Mackay real estate need only look at the state of play in our local business community.

There are several crucial things you need to be across if you want to run a successful business in Mackay, or anywhere else for that matter.

Identifying a service or product that is in demand is an important start. Got the skills to provide that service or product? Yep. Well that’s a big tick.

A site to base your operations? Done! Another tick.

Now it’s just a matter of having the right staff. Um, well … we do have problems there.

Getting staff is a major issue for Mackay businesses and many are forced to look outside the usual solutions, such as putting an ad on Seek, to solve the problem.

I bumped into a successful Mackay businessman the other day who is bringing a group of skilled workers from Latin America to Mackay to provide the manpower (now there’s a word you probably can’t use any more but “people power” has a completely different meaning and “person power” sounds ridiculous) that he needs for his expanding business.

There are plenty of other businesses in the mining, mechanical, restaurant and service industries that are looking overseas to find skilled staff.

And this is where real estate comes into it. If our market were overflowing with empty investment properties, our migrant workers would be waltzing into whatever affordable, quality accommodation they wanted.

But it’s not as simple as that. It’s great to bring staff in to meet demand but they have to live somewhere and that’s where local businesses are getting creative.

Quite a few businesses are now buying property to accommodate their workers. Several have bought motels or other properties to accommodate staff coming from overseas and down south.

There is certainly a need for a separate conversation about the “housing crisis” that is an issue here and elsewhere in Australia and it is something governments need to address.

However, the point of this column is that the issues facing businesses do provide reassurance for people buying and owning real estate in this town.

Firstly, most businesses seem to be flat out and struggling to meet demand. So the economy is going well, which means business owners are making a buck and local people have jobs. That’s good for the real estate market.

Secondly, what does it tell us about the real estate market if rental accommodation is so tight that business people are buying property to accommodate staff? It comes back to economics … supply and demand.  

There is a pretty good reason to be confident about buying into a market when supply is tight and demand is strong, particularly when there appears to be no sign on the horizon of that changing any time soon. But that’s just my opinion.

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Opinion Piece

On July 26, council adopted the Mackay Region Recreational Vehicle Strategy, and I am unapologetic in how exciting this was for me personally.

In 2016, I and other councillors started advocating for this strategy based on feedback from people in our community who travel throughout Australia in their own RVs. We received clear messages that people who own RVs want different camping options in the locations they travel to, and that we, as a region, needed to ensure that travellers didn’t keep bypassing us on their way to other destinations.

In October 2022, Council engaged Otium Planning Group to assist in the preparation of the Mackay Region RV Strategy. Some of the objectives of the strategy were to have actions that would attract a greater share of the RV market, provide economic benefit to the region and to have an action plan that clarifies council’s role. There was significant desktop research conducted as well as consultation sessions so all relevant stakeholders could be heard before releasing the draft strategy document for public consultation.

The caravan and camping market was already growing before Covid-19 and since 2019 has been expanding rapidly with high demand for caravans and RVs. Caravans are getting longer and are increasingly self-contained. Some key statistics from the strategy is that total registrations of RVs in 2022 was 772,598, that Queensland continues to have the most RV registrations and the 30-to-54-year market makes up 47 per cent of all trips, followed by the 55+ market with 29 per cent.  

Mackay

Part of the message from council in the strategy is that it represents council’s vision to transform the Mackay region into a chosen destination for RV adventurers, with the goal to facilitate an array of RV stay options and strategic promotion of our key destinations, all aimed at capturing an even larger portion of the RV market.

With the first stage of the mountain bike park already underway, I believe the strategy will be an important step in the success of this unique adventure tourism offering and I can’t wait to welcome many more travellers and RVs to our region.  

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

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Local Yachties Ready To Win

A sail full of strong ambition and a hull lot of healthy competition is at the heart Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) where old rivals come together to test their mettle.

Throughout the week, marina berths have filled with white yachts and laughter as crews are reunited and anticipation builds for another exciting event.

One of these crews is from Treasure Vlll, a 36-foot yacht which has competed in ABRW for the past 16 years, eight of which with current owner and skipper, Rob Davis.

Comprising largely of old friends, the crew are a spirited and jovial bunch who have managed to achieve second and third place over the years, but are of course hoping for a first place medal this year.

“We’ve got the best crew this year and really hoping for a win,” said Davis.

“Airlie Beach Race Week is the pinnacle of sailing for us each year and we are excited to get out there and compete.”

Treasure Vlll is made by the prestigious Reichel/Pugh design company, which is famous for its fast designs, and was made in Dubai by the English boat makers, Seaquest Yachts.

Davis has been sailing for over 30 years and bought the vessel in 2015 when his wife finally permitted him to spend the money on his dream boat.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back, competing regularly in the Magnetic Island Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week, and regattas in Bowen.

Gathering comrades for this week’s competition, the crew are made up of locals and a couple of new recruits.

Sue Neales was part of an all-women team that won their division in the Magnetic Island Race week last year and she will be on the Treasure Vlll’s crew along with “secret weapon”, Japanese recruit Yusuke Takahashi, who has flown over specifically for the event.

Treasure Vlll is competing in the Performance Handicap Cruising Division this week so if you are out there too, make sure you say hello.

“We love Race Week, it’s like a big catch up for us all!” said Davis.

“It’s a big family – but of course we are friends on shore and enemies on the water!”

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The crew of Treasure Vlll are welcomed by Whitsunday Sailing Club Manager, Robin Ross. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

Robin Ross greets owner of Treasure Vlll, Rob Davis, with a welcoming handshake. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Community spirit is high at this time of year!

With the Great Barrier Reef Festival last week and Airlie Beach Race Week setting sail today, I feel like we are sandwiched between two of the most exciting events of the year and the whole town is the tastiest filling, buzzing with life!

Symbolising our quintessential seaside lifestyle, both festivals offer a unique take on what makes us ‘us’ here in the Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach Race Week lives true to the local saying – “a drinking town with a sailing problem” - with the nightlife just as good as the on-water fun.

I can’t wait to head down to the Festival Village myself this weekend to enjoy the contagious camaraderie of the event.

While Race week celebrates sailing, the Great Barrier Reef Festival showcases local culture in a different way – it’s a festival where the arts, the environment and families all come together to celebrate our wonderful way of life.

Last Friday, for the first time in my life, instead of watching the Lantern Parade weave past as a spectator, I actually took part in the event.

I loved the buzz of excitement as we all found our lanterns and the night revealed their special glow, the start of the procession as twinkling lights framed the horizon and the smiles on faces from those who cheered as we slowly strolled by.

It was a truly special experience.

After a busy week at the newspaper, I found the Parade a great reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment and absorb the good times.

Moving at a snail’s pace, my partner and I were able to take it all in and appreciate our special little family unit.

We watched the three children hold their lanterns, say hi to friends and enjoy being part of the performance.

A huge congratulations to the organisers for putting on another spectacular event.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “I hope that while so many people are out there smelling the flowers, someone is taking the time to plant some” (Herbert Rappaport)

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Fate looked destined to scupper plans for Mrs Norman’s 92nd-birthday cake in Collinsville last week when her family were unable to order a slab cake from nearby Bowen.

Unfortunately, one of the ovens was not working at the bakery and cakes were off the menu.

A friend of the family, Cheryl Hankinson, stepped in to help and asked at the local Collinsville Bakery but was told that they’d had a power outage overnight and without being able to get any baked goods ready, they’d decided to shut that day.

It was looking like Mrs Norman would not have a birthday cake this year.

Fortunately, Collinsville is a small town where most people know each other well, so it wasn’t long before Cheryl had spoken with owners of the bakery, Michelle and Tony Dawson, and they’d agreed to take on the job as a special request.

“It was marvellous!” said Cheryl.

“I told them we needed it by Tuesday, and they whipped it up overnight – it was such a relief because we were all so worried we wouldn’t be able to get one in time for her birthday.

“We were very pleased – there are so many small businesses in Collinsville that do a great job and they deserve credit!”

Mrs Norman’s 92nd birthday took place at the Bowen Hotel last Tuesday evening and over 30 friends and family enjoyed the beautifully made slab cake together.

“She was very excited and when she saw the cake, she had tears in her eyes!” said Cheryl.

If you know of a good deed, however big or small, please feel free to call 0417 267 373 or email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Short-term accommodation applications are once again on the chopping block, but this time Councillors are voicing concerns that rate payers are forking out the costs for frequent court appeals, making each refusal a pointless cost.

At Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Whitsunday Regional Council decided to refuse yet another Short-Term Accommodation application for a dual occupancy home in Wambiri Street, Cannonvale.

The property is deemed low density residential zoning under the Planning Scheme and the decision to refuse this application, despite other similar properties being approved in the past, is due to Council waiting for a new local law to be created.

This local law aims to regulate the amount of short-term accommodation permitted in the area, following exponential growth in the sector which, many believe, has reduced the availability of local rental properties.

While they are waiting for the details of the new local law to be confirmed, many Councillors have decided to vote to refuse any more short term accommodation applications in residential suburbs outside of the Airlie Beach centre.

“Nine per cent of residences are short term accommodation in the 4802 postcode,” said Councillor Clay Bauman.

“I appreciate people coming here for holidays, but I cannot support this particular application.”

At Wednesday’s Council meeting, much of the discussion revolved around a review that was completed by the Honourable Dr Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

In the review, the State Government found that most Short Term Accommodation is located along the coastal areas of Queensland.

“It is no surprise that the review revealed short-term rentals are most prevalent in high tourism coastal areas like Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, Douglas, Whitsunday, Cairns, Moreton Bay, and Townsville,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

According to Councillor Bauman, 4.6 percent of all of Queensland Short Term Accommodation properties are within the Whitsunday region, while only having 0.7 per cent of Queensland population.

“Individuals staying in Short Term Accommodation do not care where they park, or how much noise they make, or whether or not they are upsetting residents,” said Mr Bauman.

“They are a demographic looking for a good time, in a circumstance where they are not staying for a long time.”

Councillor Jan Clifford said she will continue to vote against Short Term Accommodation in residential suburbs.

“The Airlie bowl is a different situation; it’s where you expect people to have a good time,” she said.

“Two years ago, I asked for a local law, and I know it’s sitting on some bureaucrats desk.”

At the moment, there are four appeals in court, to revisit the Councils refusal of Short-Term Accommodation applications.

“In my professional view, there is a reduced limited likelihood of success,” said Director Neil McGaffin, when asked about the chances of winning these court cases.

“How can we keep sustaining the costs of these court cases, when we’ve got to stay within what the directors recommend,” said Councillor John Collins.

“We need to look at the big picture, not personal opinion.”

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Vinnies Airlie Beach has re-opened and is boasting it’s upgraded and beautifully renovated shopfront.

Having been closed to the public for over six weeks, after having a flooding event earlier this year which fast tracked the much needed renovations, the Vinnies shopfront underwent extensive renovations and upgrades, with fantastic new paint, displays, wall art, and cash register area.

The official re-opening saw all hands-on deck, with two volunteers each manning the four tills, volunteers greeting and handing out baskets at the door, others restocking shelves and racks with more clothing and household goods, and volunteers preparing the free sausage sizzle in the carpark.

Still with the bargain pricing, Vinnies Airlie Beach has distinct areas for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, extensive home goods, including Manchester, home décor and furnishings, and a wide range of books, movies, and board games.

During the length of the renovation, Vinnies had relocated to a small shopfront in the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, with only a small selection of clothing and home goods, leaving the community excited for the re-opening.

It is clear that the community missed this gem of a charity shop, with visitors being steady throughout its first week back to regular operation.

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With many volunteers on the floor and behind the tills, the reception of the grand re-opening of Vinnies Airlie Beach was well received

A free sausage sizzle welcomed patrons to the re-opening celebrations. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Two-Vehicle Crash

One patient with a neck injury and one patient with an arm injury were transported in a stable condition, to Proserpine Hospital following a two-vehicle crash on Kingfisher Terrace, in Jubilee Pocket at 2.28am Saturday, August 5.

Random Breath Testing

On August 2, at 1.25am, police intercepted a 22-year-old Jubilee Pocket woman on Shute Harbour Road, with a 0.145 per cent alcohol reading. Her licence was suspended, and she will appear in court.

On August 3 at 11pm, police pulled over a 37-year-old Strathdickie man on Stewart Drive in Cannonvale, who recorded a positive RBT result. His licence was suspended, and he will appear in court.

Possession

A 28-year-old Mackay man was arrested for contravening his police banning notice on August 4 at 7.40am, after police received notice of him acting suspiciously near the Whitsunday Police Station.

After a police search, it is alleged he was carrying one gram of leafy material, believed to be cannabis, a water pipe, and a large kitchen knife. He will appear before the courts for possession of dangerous drugs, possessing a drug utensil, possessing a knife in a public place, and contravening a police banning notice.

Altercation

Police attended an altercation on August 1 at 10.25pm, when the security of a licensed premise asked a group of six to eight people to leave the venue.

The group were escorted to the front of the premise where an altercation broke out.

Security staff were punched by persons in the group, and one security staff member was bitten on the arm by a female of the group.

Following the altercation, police were able to locate a man who matched a description of one of the group members, provided by the security staff.

The man and his wife’s details were recorded, and the investigation is ongoing.

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