Rebuilding Proserpine Uniting Church

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has welcomed parishioners for almost 125 years and this August, the church is launching its Brick By Brick campaign, to rebuild their fallen church.

Following the devasting results of Cyclone Debbie, the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church was demolished, in order to rebuild the structure in its entirety.

Looking to completely rebuild the church on the corner of Main and Herbert Streets in Proserpine, the Brick By Brick campaign invites locals to help with the rebuild and has five levels of sponsorship, starting at $100 for a brick.

Beginning August 1, the campaign will run for the whole month, with the ultimate goal of reaching $250,000 for the construction costs.

“A new church will not only serve as a focal point for our faith, but also rejuvenate our commitment to our community’s wellbeing and expand the care we provide,” explained Reverend Suzy Sitton.

The Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has been involved in the local community for its entire history, and often contributes with outreach and support programs, including the annual flower show, the annual harvest thanksgiving and celebration of life service, nursing home services, youth engagement, and Family Food and Fun with Jesus.

St James Church was built in 1899 by local families and was expanded and solidified over the years.

In 1977, the church became the St James Uniting Church, before Cyclone Debbie in 2017 damaged the building beyond repair.

The official grand opening of the resurrected church is expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

To learn more or to donate to the campaign, visit proserpineuniting.church/brick-by-brick.

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The St James Uniting Church was demolished following severe damage from Cyclone Debbie. Photo supplied

Queensland’s Catholic Education Week 2023 (23 – 29 July) will see communities in the kindergartens, primary schools and colleges that comprise Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR), join in statewide celebrations honouring their distinctive mission.

Under the theme Communities of Faith, Hope Love, over 20,000 CEDR students, staff and volunteers in regional, rural and remote centres from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach, will join with their counterparts from around the state to participate in a range of celebrations including liturgies, award presentations, special assemblies and gatherings, fun activities as well as outreach to the wider community.

It's a time to celebrate what is at the heart of a Catholic school, according to Catholic Education’s Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat.

“In Catholic Education Week we focus on our Catholic identity and the unique role of Catholic schools in their local communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We reflect on our beliefs and values and seek to deepen our understanding of what it means to be part of the Ministry of Catholic Education within the Catholic Church, and to share that more widely with our parishes and communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Specifically, we celebrate the religious dimension of a Catholic education where we seek to be true witnesses to Christ’s message of hope and love for the world, to be the face of Jesus to those we meet in our everyday lives,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“It’s an opportunity to be explicit about who we are, what we believe in, what we hold dear and the way we seek to live our lives.

“It calls us to reach out to those in our parishes and wider communities to say thank you for their support and, inspired by Jesus’ example, to look for opportunities to help others in need through our acts of kindness and social justice,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

This year’s Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, to be celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, at midday on Thursday 27 July, will be livestreamed to Catholic school communities across the Diocese.

Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Bishop Michael McCarthy, will preside at the mass which will include a special presentation to this year’s Diocesan Recipient of the statewide Spirit of Catholic Education Award, Deputy Principal: Mission at The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, Claire Stitt.

In congratulating Mrs Stitt, Miss Jeffcoat also acknowledged all 31 award nominees from the Diocese for their outstanding contribution to Catholic Education and for making a real and lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.

“We, in Catholic Education, are abundantly blessed to have such committed and dedicated people in our kindergartens, schools and colleges,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Acts of Kindness are a real feature of the Catholic Education Week with staff and students undertaking creative and meaningful activities in service to others including delivering baked treats to local businesses and community services, connecting with the elderly and those isolated in the community, participation in charity drives such as the Vinnies Winter Appeal and simple acts like delivering written affirmations to staff and classmates.

“This is the most anticipated aspect of Catholic Education Week which is loved by all our communities, the opportunity to do something for someone and the sense of joy and happiness that always follows,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat paid tribute to students, parents, families, teachers, staff members, Board and Parents and Friends members, volunteers, priests and religious, and parish and community members for their great contribution to, and ongoing support for, Catholic education.

“All are important and cherished members of our Catholic Education family for whom we are most grateful,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

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Protech Mining and Maintenance (formerly Global Product Search) is an industry leading labour and training solutions provider to key clients in civil, mining, maintenance and coal terminal industries throughout Mackay and the QLD Bowen Basin. Protech has grown to be an employer of choice in these key industries through supply of both Professional and Technical staff including New to Industry & Experienced Operators, Tradespersons, Supervisors, Professionals and Administration personnel.

Protech offers a Mining Simulator Program for New to Industry Operators which was tailored to provide candidates with the opportunity to enter the thriving mining industry. The program allows attendees to put all theory into practice by experiencing both electric and mechanical haul truck operation in a life-like simulated environment. Candidates benefit from the introductory course with clients experiencing faster onsite training timeframes for candidates to be familiarised with haul trucks.

As an employer of choice, Protech can provide a variety of benefits including:

● Full time or casual engagements

● Variety of site location and roster options

● Banked hour options

● Weekly pays

● Job share options

● EAP Program

Do you want to start a new career?

Are you seeking a new location?

Are you looking for Quality People? Every Time?

Contact us today to discuss what we can provide to suit your requirements.

P: (07) 4952 5244

E: gps.apply@protech.com.au

W: www.protech.com.au

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CQUniversity will host its annual Open Days across the University’s regional Queensland footprint kicking off in Mackay on Saturday, August 5.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore campus facilities and attend information sessions, with experts including academics on hand to discuss the many qualifications available through CQU.

Current CQUniversity student Lily Moss, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing, attended a CQU Open Day and said she would highly recommended attending.

“It lets you see what CQU is like first-hand, allows you to ask questions about your study choices and participate in activities to see what a course is like,” Lily said.

Open Days campaign lead Karlie Williams said the event was a great way for those interested in tertiary education to discover first-hand what it is like to study at university.

“There will be information sessions that will help you learn more about CQU and the courses offered at CQU Mackay, how we can support you to be what you want to be and walk you through your next steps in getting there,” Ms Williams said.

“For more personal support, attendees can also grab a treat or something to drink at the café and speak to support staff about career goals, how to apply, entry pathways and anything you need to know about studying.”

Those unable to attend a physical event can attend the virtual Open Day on Thursday, August 31.

To register your attendance for a CQU Open Day event or for more information, head to cqu.edu.au/open

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Holy Spirit College is a co-educational Catholic secondary school (Years 7 to 12) in Mackay and proud to be part of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton.

We welcome all types of learners as they are nurtured and given every opportunity to develop their God-given gifts.

Skilled and professional staff offer a quality education and extra-curricular opportunities in the areas of sport, culture, service, STEM and academic development.

Mrs Alison Wales, Principal, said, “The College strives to achieve a sense of positive community for all, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future for students.”

At Holy Spirit College:

• We nurture our students within a safe, positive and supportive school environment.

• We connect our students within the College Community via a broad range of opportunities offered both within the curriculum and through extra-curricular opportunities.

• We excel at developing lifelong learners through their secondary schooling years, as our past outcomes and results confirm.

• We encourage each student to strive to reach his or her personal potential.

• We strive for each learner to understand that effort is not an optional extra to achieving goals but, rather, is an essential ingredient for success.

• We discover by working together, who we are and where each student's talents, interests and abilities lie.

• We create through stimulating cultural and artistic programs.

• We energise through involvement in a wide array of sporting pursuits.

• We serve our community by encouraging students to use their skills and gifts for positive outreach.

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Empowering the next generation is one of Whitson Dawson’s many strengths, the firm’s School Leaver Initiative allowing students to get a head start on their accounting careers.

Whitson Dawson nurtures young accountants by encouraging and supporting them through their study, offering practical training to complement their theory-based learning through flexible part-time work.

Work-life-study balance is imperative to the firm, with paid study leave and other incentives available to those embarking on their accounting journey.

“Sometimes year 12 students don’t quite know what they want to do, so we’re happy to give them that start in their career straight after school so they can work, have that flexibility to study at the same time and earn money,” said Whitson Dawson Office Manager Vanessa Erasmus.

“We do have a lot of long-term employees here already who did go through that same system that are still here after 10 years.”

Graduate Accountant Sam Di Francesco has been with Whitson Dawson for three years, completing his degree in 2021 while working for the firm.

“Whilst I was studying, Whitson Dawson allowed me to work three days a week in order to concentrate on my studies, as well as my personal life,” he said.

“Now that I’m working full time, I work reasonable hours from Monday-Friday, which allows me to pursue my own personal interests.”

Mr Di Francesco said he would recommend Whitson Dawson as a great place to work.

“Especially for those currently studying, you will be supported throughout your degree and be provided a fresh perspective on the topics you are learning at Uni,” he said.

Find out more by visiting Whitson Dawson at the Mackay Careers Expo or emailing business@whitsondawson.com.au.

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Whitson Dawson Graduate Accountant Sam Di Francesco

In exciting news for the region, BlueCare - one of Queensland’s largest aged care providers - has a raft of opportunities locally and throughout the State.

The not-for-profit organisation is recruiting for roles ranging from nurses to personal carers and hospitality staff within residential and or community aged care.

And with the two recently-announced pay increases – both of which BlueCare has pledged to pass onto staff in full - there has never been a better time to join, according to the organisation’s Regional Residential Services Manager, Regional & Remote North Cluster, Jenny Nuss.

“The Fair Work Commission has increased minimum award rates by 5.75 per cent on top of the recently announced 15 per cent minimum wage increase for direct carers,” she explained.

“This uplift not only acknowledges the importance of aged care workers, but will encourage more people into the sector.”

Jenny adds that learning and development for staff remains a priority for BlueCare, too. And, with the recent announcement that The Australian College of Nursing has received more funding to upskill more nurses to work in aged care, “it means the sector is ripe with opportunity,” she adds. “Now the sky is the limit when it comes to growing your aged care career.”

On the cusp of the service reaching its 70th anniversary next month, Nuss reflects on the positive impact of a career in the sector.

“We are committed to ensuring our residents and clients get the kind, empathetic, compassionate care they deserve from our dedicated teams,” she says.

“But our staff also benefit through the beautiful connections they make with the people we serve. It’s life-affirming. Our senior citizens have got so much to offer and teach us.”

Find out more: bluecare.org.au/careers

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Mackay region students can take aim at a career at council at the 2023 Mackay Careers Expo.

Mackay Regional Council will exhibit its career opportunities, as well as programs available for post-school studies, at the expo on Thursday, August 3, at the MECC.

For students not sure of what their future holds, a huge dartboard featuring many of council’s potential careers will be at the exhibit for students to take aim at.

Whatever they hit will open a door to a conversation about that role, with plenty of advice and information on hand.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mackay Careers Expo was an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in seeking future employment advice, whether they knew what they wanted to do or not.

“Council’s exhibit will highlight the many careers available at council, from accounting to events planning and human resources to grave digging – there’s certainly something for everyone,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our expert team, including staff who began their careers at council as trainees, apprentices and new graduates, will be available to answer questions and provide a pathway into whichever job is of interest.

“Mackay is great place to live and work, and a career with council offers fantastic work/life balance so you can enjoy the very best our region has to offer,” he said.

Visitors can find Mackay Regional Council at Exhibit 62.

The expo is being presented by CareersEvent.com and will feature a number of further education, training and employment providers.

To find out more visit careersevent.com/event/mackay-event/

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The many employment opportunities available at council will be showcased at the 2023 Careers Expo, being held at the MECC on August 3

Undertake a transformative education experience in a supportive and nurturing environment. Study nursing at James Cook University (JCU), Mackay campus. The Bachelor of Nursing Science has a strong reputation for producing compassionate and highly skilled caregivers who go on to make significant contributions to healthcare.

Learn to assess clients, communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, plan and implement nursing interventions, and manage and evaluate nursing care in this professionally accredited degree.

You’ll discover that the advantages of studying nursing at JCU Mackay extend beyond the classroom. Small class sizes mean you’ll receive tailored learning opportunities and more one-on-one attention. Benefit from practical exposure that ensures you are well-prepared for clinical placements. Work and learn alongside experienced healthcare professionals, gaining invaluable insights into patient care.

What sets JCU Mackay apart is its strong focus on community engagement. As a regional campus, JCU Mackay provides you with unique opportunities to work closely with diverse populations and examine the healthcare challenges rural communities can face. For many students, their rural placements nurture a sense of empathy and instil a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the communities they work within.

Ignite your career with a Bachelor of Nursing Science at JCU Mackay today. Graduate with confidence, as JCU is rated five stars for median graduate salary and #1 in QLD for employment outcomes*. There’s a place for you at JCU.

jcu.edu.au/nursing

*Good Universities Guide 2023, UG Nursing.

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Mackay’s first annual Careers Expo is being held next week, offering expert advice from a range of employers and educational providers to make the decisions of school leavers and career-changers a little easier.

Careersevent runs career expos throughout Australia and will be holding the Mackay Careers Expo at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on August 3, 2023.

The event is not just open to school students but parents wanting more information to help advise their children, as well as experienced workers considering upskilling for their current or next job, making a career change or wanting to transition into a new industry.

A record number of exhibitors will be featured at the expo, enabling visitors to speak with more than 120 highly qualified representatives from more than 85 organisations providing relevant, up-to-date knowledge in the education, training and employment sectors.

Exhibiting companies include universities from across Australia, student accommodation providers, Head Space, the Department Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural affairs, Mackay Regional Council, Glencore, Community Solutions, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Defence Force Recruiting.

Employers and tertiary education institutions from industries such as information technology, biotechnology, aviation, early childhood education, hotel management, healthcare, hairdressing, creative media, performing arts and business education will all be present.

The community-based event will provide attendees with advice on how to apply for courses, the costs involved, financial support options and qualifications required.

“The current economic climate is forcing the community to be aware of the importance of gaining new skills or upgrading their existing skills,” said Event Organiser Hannah Mann.

In response to these conditions, a large number of exhibitors will provide details on current career and employment options, trainee and apprenticeship programs or options for adults to upskill and retrain in the work place.

The Mackay Careers Expo is the one event you cannot afford to miss if you’re looking to take control of your future.

Admission to the expo is free.

For more information, visit careersevent.com and click on Mackay Careers Expo.

Make The Most Of Your Careers Expo

1. Plan your day in advance: Keep an eye out for a full list of exhibitors and seminars and highlight the one’s that interest you most.

2. Take your time chatting with stallholders: Make sure to visit the exhibitors high on your list and ask any burning questions you have – they’re there to help.

3. Consider something new: This is the perfect opportunity to discover pathways you may never have considered before, so be open to them.

4. Be inspired, learn and have fun!

WHAT: Mackay Careers Expo

WHERE: MECC

WHEN: Thursday, August 3, 2023

COST: Entry is free

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Involving squatting, jumping, planking and push-ups, burpees are an often-dreaded exercise, but a local family is asking Mackay to give them a go for a good cause.

2023 is the third year of Harpertastic, a one-kilometre burpee challenge raising funds for Jeans for Genes.

The event’s inspiration and namesake, Harper Flynn, was diagnosed with multiple rare genetic defects at age two, with her family taking the opportunity to make a difference.

“We’ve named it Harpertastic because Harper is just fantastic,” said Harper’s grandmother Christine Joy.

Fundraising began last week thanks to 4MK and Rob Kidd’s Kilometre of Coins, taking place at Mount Pleasant Centre.

“It all goes towards hopefully finding a cure and treatments,” said Ms Joy.

“They’re not going to be able to cure every genetic disorder or cancer out there, but it’s to make life a little bit more normal.”

Ever since Michelle Flynn’s daughter was diagnosed with multiple rare genetic defects at age two, she and her family have become avid fundraisers for Jeans for Genes, the iconic fundraising campaign of helping to find cures for children's genetic diseases.

Now five years old, Harper can’t walk or talk, but lives a fulfilling life thanks to her family, carers and supporters.

“She doesn’t really let her disability get in the way of what she wants to do every day,” Ms Flynn said.

“She’s pretty active and gets around when she wants to.”

Harper became an ambassador for Jeans for Genes, which is when her family decided on a fundraising challenge to “put her name on the map.”

Now in its third year, Harpertastic challenges teams or individuals to complete one kilometre of travelling burpees, and what better way to begin fundraising than with Rob Kidd’s Kilometre of Coins.

4MK set up in Mount Pleasant Centre last Thursday, accepting donations and laying out coins in a spiral on the floor, with all coins collected and donated to Jeans for Genes.

One gentleman even donated an ice cream bucket full of coins he’d been collecting for four years.

“Mackay is brilliant at supporting community causes and supporting each other,” said Harper’s grandmother, Christine Joy, who owns NRG plus Personal Training.

“People just get behind it; you get a bit speechless at times.”

Taking place on Saturday, August 5 on the lawn in front of the Mackay Regional Council building, the morning kicks off with Grayson's Race for Research, a children’s race in honour of Grayson Little who passed away last year from a similar genetic disorder.

The main event then follows in which individuals or teams of 5-8 complete a kilometre of burpees, plus a surprise challenge to conclude the day, with prizes donated by Base Performance & Recovery and Dispensary.

Mr Kidd was asked to emcee the event three years ago and has been involved ever since.

“We (4MK) just love to help in the community,” he said.

“Being on the microphone and yelling and screaming and geeing everybody up, putting a smile on their face, I like doing that.

“You’re having some fun but you’re doing it for a great cause.”

Ms Flynn admits that while she was always aware of Jeans for Genes, she didn’t understand the work they did until Harper’s diagnosis.

“Before being in that environment, you’re oblivious to what goes on, but once you’re in it and it’s happening to you and your family, you just want people to know that they’re not alone out there,” she said.

Visit NRG plus Personal Training on Facebook for the Eventbrite link to register.

WHAT: Harpertastic 1km of Travel Burpees

WHEN: Saturday, August 5, registration from 7:30pm

WHERE: Mackay Regional Council Lawn

REGISTRATION: Eventbrite

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Back row L-R Mount Pleasant Centre Manager Cathy Sullivan and Michelle Flynn. Front row L-R Rob Kidd, Christine Joy, Madison, Hayley and Harper. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

4MK accepted coin donations at Mount Pleasant Centre for Rob Kidd’s Kilometre of Coins. Photo supplied: 4MK Mackay

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Ah, the age-old topics that ignite spirited conversations among Mackay residents – Aldi's arrival and the elusive Mackay Bucasia Road upgrade! We can't deny the excitement of shopping for quirky garden ornaments while filling our carts with BBQ essentials, that joy is around the corner with construction on Aldi underway. As for the road upgrade, it's been a hot topic for years, and it seems like we're finally seeing some action from the powers that be.

The Queensland Government has announced that they're gearing up for planning to improve the Mackay-Bucasia Road. This 11-kilometer stretch holds a special place in our hearts as it connects the bustling North Mackay to the charming communities of Rural View, Bucasia, Eimeo, Dolphin Heads, Blacks Beach, and Shoal Point.

As a Beaches resident myself, I can't help but rejoice at this development. Sure, the traffic isn't quite as chaotic as the bustling streets of Istanbul or LA's freeways, but it could certainly use some improvement to ease those pinch moments in the morning and afternoon. More importantly, safety is paramount, especially when it comes to potential evacuations. And let's not forget about future-proofing as our beloved region continues to thrive and grow.

What is vital, is that no matter where you stand on the issue, we have an opportunity to be heard. Your opinion matters, and the Queensland Government wants to hear from you. Flip to page 5 to get all the details, and as MP Amanda Camm puts it, "Let's build it for the Beaches!" It's time to shape the future of our community, so let's come together and make a difference.

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One of a child’s most prized possessions is their bike, so when Channy Schmidt accidentally left her son Wyatt’s bike at Moranbah’s Bernborough Park after a party, she was relieved to discover someone had found the bike and had posted the discovery to the Moranbah Community Notice Board Facebook group.

“(I) didn’t realise until a friend PM’d me about an ad on (Moranbah Community Notice Board) about it,” Ms Schmidt posted.

“I’ve raced down to the park now but can’t find it.

“Please help us get it back, my little boy absolutely loves this bike.”

The bike was found by Emma Harrison and her daughters, who came across it at the park and shared photos of it throughout social media hoping to reunite it with its owner.

“A big THANK YOU to Emma Harrison and her daughters for thinking to take my son’s balance bike home with you last night,” Ms Schmidt later commented after connecting with Ms Harrison.

“If you hadn’t, we may not have got it back.

“You’re amazing and we can’t thank you enough.

“Be proud, Mumma, you’re raising some amazing children there.

“Wyatt is so happy to have his bike back.

“And thank you for taking the effort to fix his BMX plate back up.”

Community spirit, paired with the power of social media, prevails.

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Wyatt and his bike. Photo supplied: Channy Kacein Brialee Schmidt

Planning is underway to identify future upgrades to Mackay–Bucasia Road to improve congestion, active transport, safety, and flooding impacts.

The $750,000 planning project is funded by the Queensland Government under the Transport System Planning Program. It will identify, assess, and prioritise key deficiencies along the corridor.  

In addition to extra lanes, future intersection upgrades and improved turning movement opportunities will be considered to improve capacity and safety.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said, "Mackay–Bucasia Road is the primary commuter and freight route between Mackay and the Northern Beaches.

"The 11-kilometre corridor connects the Bruce Highway in North Mackay to Rural View, Bucasia, Eimeo, Dolphin Heads, Blacks Beach and Shoal Point,” he said.

"Growth in Mackay's Northern Beaches has resulted in increased congestion and safety concerns on Mackay-Bucasia Road.

"This planning project will identify the highest priority for future upgrades between North Mackay and the Northern Beaches."

As part of this planning, the Queensland Government is seeking community input regarding road user experience and potential future upgrades to Mackay–Bucasia Road.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said, “the Mackay Bucasia Road upgrades are important for the safety and growth of the Northern Beaches communities.

“It is vital TMR hear from locals who regularly use the road, so future planning meets the needs of the community.”

A business case for the highest priority upgrades on Mackay-Bucasia Road is being developed and is expected to be finalised mid-2024. The TMR website says that submissions will close on August 23, 2023.

For further information and to provide feedback, please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects

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Have Your Say On Mackay-Bucasia Road

Caption: Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jarrod Bleijie are calling on the public to have their say on Mackay-Bucasia Road

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling on Northern Beaches residents frustrated by the congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road to register their support for upgrades and express their main concerns.

Ms Camm said residents should visit nodelays.com.au to complete a short online form.

“Since the 2020 election I have called on the Queensland Government to address the access issues that have arisen due to rapid growth at the Northern Beaches,” she said.

“We are dealing with long travel times in peak periods, congestion at roundabouts and school zones, and, of course, emergency response issues with the one way in, one way out problem.

“Unfortunately, we have seen very little progress which is why I am asking Northern Beaches residents to register their concerns and call for action.”

Ms Camm said the daily traffic delays in getting to and from work, schools and other city services was no longer acceptable.

“In some sections of Mackay-Bucasia Road there is just one lane in and out servicing a population of about 21,000,” she said.

“Growth in that part of our region is not slowing. In fact, the number of Northern Beaches residents is expected to increase by more than 9000 by the mid-2030s.”

Ms Camm said it was well and truly time to “Build it for the Beaches”.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is currently taking submissions as part of a planning process and Ms Camm encouraged Northern Beaches residents to also make a submission directly to TMR.

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MRDA Grants 85-Year-Old's Equestrian Dream

By Amanda Wright

Mackay Riding for Disabled (MRDA) recently received a heartwarming request from Nanyima Aged Care in Mirani. Margaret, an 85-year-old resident, had one cherished wish, to ride a horse again.

Margaret's love affair with horses began in her early days in New Zealand's South Island. At the tender age of four, she fearlessly mounted a half draft horse named Dolly using a clever technique: waiting for Dolly to lower her head to eat, she would nimbly hop onto her neck and gracefully slide down when Dolly lifted her head.

Her passion for horses only grew with time, as she galloped into show jumping and became an active member of the local pony club. In her adult years, Margaret even bred Appaloosas, demonstrating her unwavering love for these majestic creatures.

Before her move to Australia, Margaret worked as a Sales Representative for Butlers, a company selling horse supplies like shoeing gear, halters, stirrups, leads, harnesses, bridles, and ointments. Additionally, she generously shared her knowledge and passion for horses by teaching at the pony club and assisting people with disabilities to experience the joy of horse riding.

Upon receiving the request from Nanyima Aged Care, Coach Jody from MRDA knew they had to make Margaret's wish come true. The MRDA team, together with their treasured volunteers, organised a memorable day for Margaret.

With agility and a sparkle in her eye, Margaret mounted Bo-Jangles, one of MRDA's therapy horses, and the reunion was nothing short of magical.

MRDA felt privileged to have played a part in making Margaret's heartfelt wish a reality. The organisation provides therapeutic horse riding lessons for the disabled community of Mackay and the surrounding district.

As Margaret bid farewell to Bo-Jangles, her smile seemed to light up the entire stable. It was a moment of pure connection, proving that dreams never truly ride off into the sunset.

Here's to more dreams coming true, one hoofbeat at a time, and celebrating the little moments that make life a delightful ride.

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Nanyima Aged Care resident Margaret riding Bo-Jangles courtesy of Mackay Riding for the Disabled