Jamay’s family has long been intertwined with Reef Catchments, dating back to our days as the Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group. From attending the Reef Catchments Emersion Training Camp at Action Challenge Bloomsbury at the tender age of 8, Jamay has been actively engaged in sharing Traditional Knowledge with fellow Reef Catchments staff.

“I remember on more than one occasion that Mum had to  bring me into the Reef Catchments office because I would pretend to be sick, so I would not have to go to school. I remember thinking that the RCL staff at the time were the coolest people in the world. They would chat, play games and even gave me the odd job to do. From then I always knew I wanted to work at Reef Catchments.”  

Now, more than 10 years later she holds the role of Project Officer for the NRM organisation. Working with Reef Catchments Jamay has a pathway to improve connections and shared knowledge between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac (MWI) region.

Environment & Community

For Jamay and her community, the environment holds profound significance.

“I believe that Mother Earth was created for us to live on and look after, and due to urbanisation of vital areas like wetlands, I feel a profound duty as a proud Koinjmal youth to aid in the restoration of our planet’s health.

Reef Catchments are very good at what they do, and that is to sustain, protect and improve the Natural Resources of our area. The organisation shares the same vision and values as me, and it is so awesome to work with like-minded people.”

Currently, Jamay is collaborating with Yuwibara Traditional Owners to develop a seasonal calendar—a valuable educational resource for schools, NRM organisations, and rangers alike. She eagerly anticipates its unveiling, confident in its ability to both inspire and educate.

“I’m really excited to share the calendars with the community because it gives a bit of an insight on what indicators the Yuwi Tradtional Owners look for when managing land & sea Country.” - Jamay.

Moreover, she recently conducted a drone training session with the Yuwi rangers, aiming to equip them with the skills necessary for surveillance, monitoring, public awareness, and education initiatives.

“The drone training with the Yuwi Rangers went really well. Even though we taught them the very basics on how to operate a drone, it was very fulfilling to help them upskill so they can be the best they can be.”

Healthy Country Plan

In addition to her work with Yuwibara Traditional Owners, Jamay is actively engaged in crafting a Healthy Country Plan alongside her family, the Koinjmal people of Koinmerburra Country.

“The Healthy Country Plan is important because it is not only a plan where our goals and visions are laid out but it is also an opportunity to get all the family in one room to discuss how we can make these visions come to life.”

This plan serves as a blueprint for the future, facilitating discussions on the aspirations for our Traditional Lands and the strategies needed to achieve them.

Through collaborative efforts with Reef Catchments, Ellie Bock, Kevin Blackman from Regional Advisory & Innovation Network, and the Traditional Owners, significant strides have been made, with the completion of the Plan slated for the end of 2024.

Supplied by Reef Catchments.

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1: Jamay (8 y.o) with Reef Catchments Staff member at an RC Emersion Training Camp, Bloomsbury.

2: Jamay delivering an acknowledgement of country at the Healthy Rivers to Reef Stewardship Event, 2023.

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Palliative care nurses at the Mackay Base Hospital’s G2 Ward have unveiled the first stage of their plan to improve the clinical environment for their long stay and palliative patients, with the installation of new wallpaper, decorating the walls of the ward.

Nurse educator Dee Miller said the group had been working on a plan to wallpaper the walls in two rooms with beautiful scenes for those who are confined to bed for long periods of time.

“Room 21 on G2 now features a wallpaper image of Cedar Creek Falls, and Room 22 features a beautiful beach scene,” she said.

“They are five metres by five metres and they look amazing!

“We’ve had quite a few staff coming to take a look and they love it.

Ms Miller said the aim was to provide a less clinical environment to particularly benefit palliative care patients.

“These rooms can be utilised by any of our long-stay patients, but we will prioritise them for palliative patients who are often confined to bed.”

“We also want to thank our Director of Nursing Emma Hess, Mackay Hospital Foundation for the funding, and Blair Signs & Print for the installation,” Ms Miller said.

The team of palliative care nurses call themes the ‘Palliative Passionate Nurses’ and are made up of Dee Miller, Paris Macdonald, Beck Ogilvie, Abby Heazlewood, Vanessa Engstrom, Millie Berardi, and Rosie Proctor, with many ideas left to be brought to life, for the ward.

Following stages of the revitalisation from the Palliative Nurses will be unveiled as they continue their plans.

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Dee Miller and Paris Macdonald with the new mural. Photo supplied

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Everyone is welcome to come down to the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) hall in Calen for a Meet and Greet ‘Bring a Friend’ Open Craft Day.

The morning kicks-off at 9.30am and there will be a host of engaging activities for everyone to enjoy.

The mini workshops will be both stimulating and inspiring and there will also be games for those feeling like a bit more fun.

A raffle will be drawn and there will be some exciting prizes up for grabs.

There will also be a craft display for those wishing to marvel at the impressive work of the local QCWA.

This event is an opportunity to make new friends and connect with the broader QCWA community.

This is a free event and open to everyone.

“Come along and enjoy a cuppa with us,” said Diane Cox, Calen Branch President.

The Country Women’s Association of Calen underpins the fabric of the Calen community.

The members of today and the past have contributed so much to the local rural community and play a vital role in connection, fundraising for community and supporting the efforts of many other community groups.

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WHAT: QCWA Meet and Greet

WHERE: QCWA Hall, Calen

WHEN: Wednesday 28th February from 9.30am

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Amidstthe daily demands of working in a business or community organisation,it’s all too common for us to overlook the importance ofnetworking. However, no matter the industry, most business owners andstaff will admit the power of networking in providing opportunitiesfor mutualsupport, knowledge exchange, and business growth.

Hostedin Sarina, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank and the Mackay RegionChamber of Commerce (MRCOC) extend an invitation to all members ofthe business community in Sarina and the greater Mackay region toattend our Sarina Networking Event. With the scenic backdrop of ThePalms at Sarina Beach, this evening event offers an opportunity forindividuals from all industries to come together and expand theirnetworks.

Scheduledfor Thursday, 29 February from 5.30pm, enjoy a complimentary drink onarrival and canapes, whilst catching up with industry colleagues andfostering new and meaningful collaborations.

CommunityBank Sarina operates under a unique community banking model, whichmeans the locals throughout the greater Sarina region benefitdirectly from local profits through their community investmentprogram.

Asplatinum sponsors of MRCOC since March 2021, supporting the Chamberaligns with the Bank’s mission to feed into community prosperityand empower local businesses, providing them with invaluableconnections, advocacy efforts, and access to professional developmentopportunities.

Becominga member of the Chamber supports local economic growth, bringingtogether businesses of all sizes to exchange ideas, share resources,and address common challenges. Membership is affordable and availableto join now via the Chamber’s website. Thisinvestment not only grants you access to a wealth of growthopportunities but also supports the ongoing initiatives of ourregional business community.

Forthe Sarina Networking Event on 29 February, Chamber members cansecure their tickets for $20, whilst non-members are welcome to joinfor $35.

CommunityBank Sarina directors are also looking forward to revealing anexciting new update at the event, which attendees will be the firstto hear.

Don’tmiss this opportunity to begin cultivating a useful network ofsupport for your business, book your tickets today athttps://bit.ly/sarinaevent290224.

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The construction of the new Sarina Hospital is reaching completion and preparations are now well underway for a move from 1 Hospital Street to the new site in April 2024.

Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said the Sarina project team and others throughout Mackay Hospital and Health Service were working hard to affect a smooth transition.

“This is an exciting time for our Sarina Hospital staff and others across the health service who are busy ensuring all the many aspects of the new operation are in place as we move rapidly towards the transition to our new facility on Brewer’s Road,” Ms Johnson said.

“The construction phase is almost complete, and we then move onto the commissioning phase where we oversee the fit-out of new equipment, finalise fittings and furnishings and undertake staff training in digital technology.

“We look forward to providing an opportunity for members of the Sarina community to take a look at the new hospital before we commence operations at an Open Day to be held at the end of March.”

Sarina Hospital Director of Nursing Pauline Maude is the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) project lead for the redevelopment.

“I find the project build fascinating,” she said.

“There are so many players involved – architects, consultants, the builders, project management in Brisbane and building and IT teams in Mackay.

“As we move into the commissioning stage, we will roster a minimum number of staff for the new hospital, for those few weeks before we move in.

“We want to ensure every single staff member has the opportunity to go into their new workplace before we make the final move. We are also looking forward to showing off our new facility to our community.”

Keep an eye on the Mackay Hospital and Health Service Facebook page and website at www.mackay. health.qld.gov.au for more details on the hospital open day.

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Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson, Director of Nursing Pauline Maude, Mackay Hospital and Health Board Member Dr Maude Chapman and Nurse Unit Manager Tammi O’Shea

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Celebrating the 2023 major production Breathe In, Crossroad Arts have hit the jackpot after receiving five nominations in the Queensland’s prestigious Matilda Awards.

Crossroad Arts is a local Mackay based inclusive arts organisation, recognised as a leading inclusive arts practice in Queensland throughout the duration of 25 memorable years in the region. Those involved in the organisation are at the forefront of current shifts happening nationally in the inclusive arts space.

Breathe In is a disability-led, unique project incorporating poetry, live music and projection to reveal the fine line between both connection and isolation.

Co-creator Brenden Borellini says, “Breathe In is about survival and we hope the audience feel connected by me sharing my story as a Deafblind person and seeing how we can communicate and survive in the unknown world.”

This collaborative poetic piece is portrayed by star performers such as Georgia Cranko, from Melbourne, Victoria and Brenden Borellini, based in Mackay, Queensland. 

Lead performers and co-creators Georgia Cranko and Brenden Borellini give a captivating, yet at times alarming perspective of how people who use alternative communication survive in a world that can be startling, relentless and inaccessible.

Crossroad Arts received a pronounced nomination for Best Main Stage Production.

Co-Creators Brenden Borellini, Georgia Cranko and Alison Richardson received a nomination for the Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work.

Alison Richardson was nominated for Best Direction.

Autumn Skuthorpe and Josh Notting received a nomination for Best Composition and/or Sound Design and Freddy Komp was nominated for Best Video Design.

Autumn Skuthorpe, CEO and Artistic Director shared her thoughts, acknowledging the great efforts those involved in the performance have shown by their underlining dedication, resulting in multiple deserved recognitions.

"Crossroad Arts is incredibly proud of Breathe In and that our work has been nominated for 5 Matildas, especially being a regional based theatre company. We are thrilled to see the stories of Brenden and Georgia celebrated and acknowledged by the wider sector and the recognition of their work is so well deserved."

The Matilda Awards celebrates and promotes the excellence of the Queensland theatre industry. This year the awards will be held on February 26th at Brisbane Powerhouse.

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Caption: Breathe In cast: Josh Notting, Brenden Borellini, Georgia Cranko and Autumn Skuthorpe Photo credit: Leah McLean Photography

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In a touching rescue effort, a group of four tiny kittens, estimated to be around two weeks old, have been discovered seeking refuge under wooden pallets at a local Mackay business. Responding swiftly, the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc made it their priority to provide immediate care, arriving on-site shortly after receiving a phone call about the situation. With much to their surprise, no injuries were found. The four tiny kittens were placed on warm towels and a heating pad. Soon after they were taken into the hands of a foster carer at the pet rescue sanctuary.

Efforts to reunite them with their mother were unsuccessful as the large number of feral cats in the area made it impossible to identify the mama cat. Despite the setback, the kittens were placed under the care of an experienced foster carer, housed in a large area where they will receive round-the-clock care and food every two hours for the next few weeks.

Expressions of interest for adoption will be considered once the kittens reach the age of six weeks, due to their fragile state. Their journey to recovery will be closely monitored, with updates provided on their progress.

Through the selfless actions of the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc and the unwavering support of their foster carer, these kittens have been granted a second chance at life.

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Rescued kittens sleeping on a warm blanket Kittens huddled up together in a box. Photo credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Inc (Facebook)

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When I was a kid my father would often hurl the accusation at me that I was “as slow as a wet week”.

Partly that was because fathers were less patient in those days but it is also true that the description would emerge when I had been asked (let’s be honest, in those days it was an order) to do something I didn’t really want to do.

Typically, that would be a boring chore of some sort.

I can’t remember rain interfering much with my activities, limited as they were to kick a ball and ride a bike whether it was rain, wind or shine, but it is true that a wet week during school holidays did seem to drag on forever and the saying “as slow as a wet week” made sense.

Wind the clock forward and when I returned to work in mid-January this year it was a wet week, but I can tell you it was anything but slow and boring.

I had half a dozen fresh listings ready to go and as soon as they were uploaded to the real estate portals and on the market the activity was intense. Just keeping up with the buyer inquiries was hard enough, let alone arranging inspections.

The inquiries and activity meant the wet week was almost moving too fast for me to get everything done.

On my first Saturday of open homes on the 13th of January, buyers were dashing into my properties drenched but unbowed by the weather.

They ran from their cars shielded by umbrellas or simply with towels over their heads, determined to see the properties. I got more than 20 groups at every open house that day.

I reckon I could have added an obstacle course - with nasty Raiders of the Lost Ark-type challenges involving trap doors, snakes and ladders to get past - and I still would have had good numbers.

My second week back was also wet, and it also whizzed by in a frenetic flash of buyer inquiries and multiple offers on properties.

And, as the year starts to roll on, it is clear we have a strong market at the moment with good buyer demand and their enthusiasm won’t be diminished by a wet season.

There are a mix of buyers - young people getting into the market, people moving to Mackay for work and lifestyle opportunities, older people moving here to be close to kids and grandkids and the usual array of people downsizing or upsizing.

But there is a new breed of beast in the jungle, one that was sighted over the past year or two, but which has now grown bigger, hungrier, and more determined … the southern investor.

Investors from southern states have worked out that Mackay’s relatively high rents and low sale prices offer an excellent yield for investment properties.

They see an opportunity to get a very good, positively geared return on a property that is much cheaper and more accessible than in southern markets. They are often willing to pay more than locals because they see the value even if they pay 10 or 20 grand more to get the property.

The mix of buyers and level of activity is creating opportunities for sellers because there is not much on the market … plenty of buyers but not many properties for sale.

I am getting phone calls from buyers’ agents from down south and investors saying they are ready to buy in Mackay and to let them know as soon as I get new listings.

The rules of demand and supply tell us that there are good opportunities for sellers right now because they don’t have much competition.

Just like a wet week, that will end one day.

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In a world where misleading and damaging influences can have a major impact on our community youth, children and young adults are often left soul-searching for their identity or trying to swim against a tide of stresses and are unsure of how to work through their hardships.

In times of despair, it’s important to be led in a positive direction of faith and encouragement.  

With this in mind, Christian communities are on a mission to help spread the good news that through God and faith, we can find reconnection, salvation and fullness within ourselves as well as the relationships we form with those around us.

Amplify is a Christian based conference program, created to inspire, equip and resource leaders who serve in ministry with children and families, youth and in schools.

The Christian conference sets an example based on the body of Christ as they guide and reconnect children, young people and families.

Last year, 52 leaders joined from 12 different churches and this year the Amplify Christian Conference will be held on Saturday the 2nd of March.

It will be followed by two sessions of electives with four live presenters from Mackay and other excellent pre-recorded electives. 

An opening session will commence with Dr Graham Stanton and keynote speakers will share their knowledge and experiences relating to the theme. Presenters at the event will include Kimberly Smith, specialising in children and family ministry as well as Dr Rowen Lewis, focussing on guiding youth and young adults.

To find out more, visit amplifyconference.com.au for more details. 

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With Swift mania sweeping the country, Blink 182 returning to the country for the first time since 2013, Pearl Jam announcing an Aussie tour and of course P!nk headed to Townsville next month there is truly something for everyone in the gig circuit right now.

Now the growing chorus of people yucking other’s yum is frustrating because when you think about the artist or entertainment that is your favourite, you cannot wrap your head around why others wouldn’t get on the boat with you. Interest is subjective to the individual.

I look at all these artists and while some of them I do love I wouldn’t say I’m a super fan by any means, but it reminded me of freshly 18-year-old Kaley, a student at Holy Spirit College, saved all my money from working at Eagle Boys Walkerston, flew to Brisbane to go to Rihanna’s September 2013 Diamonds World Tour solo. No regrets about that decision and would do it again in a heartbeat. The moment she hit the stage was euphoric, I sung my littles heart out, I cried, she touched my hand, and it will be a concert I’ll never forget.

Honestly, I’m so excited for the millions of people who will be having that with their favourite artists, especially in a post COVID world where there was a time when we thought we may never get the chance to see these people in person ever again.

So whether you’re into Swiftie, Blink, P!nk, Pearl Jam or anything else – I hope you have the best time and create memories that you’ll never forget to the sound tracks of your life. And if you’re a hater… I hope your favourite artists never come here because we have no time for negativity. Let people live their best life.

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Hi Everyone,

Great to hear Bowen Pink Stumps was another huge success over the weekend and congratulations to the organisers, Bowen Cricket Association, whose event was once again able to be included in the top 10 of fundraisers Australia-wide.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Bowen Pink Stumps event was made even more special by the attendance of cricketing legend Glenn McGrath who catapulted our small regional town onto the national playing field once again.  

Our journalist, Bronte, was present on the day and was thrilled to get an exclusive interview with the man himself, commenting that he was indeed, very tall.

Speaking of Bronte, this is probably a good time to let you all know that sadly she is leaving us to return to her home town after a year writing across all four of our publications, and in particular this newspaper.

Since she started, Bronte has been a ray of light, not only in the office, but also with everyone she has met in the community.

I am frequently getting calls or involved in conversation where Bronte’s name is raised and praised far and wide.

She will be fondly remembered for her year in the ‘hot tropics’ – her hilarious phone interviews with good looking local musicians, her pineapple hair styles when it gets too hot and her ability to make every one she spends time with feel great.

For me personally, I will miss the massively important role she played writing often dozens of articles every week, always ready to help, forward-thinking and jumping in to predict what the paper needs next.

Bronte will now be moving closer to family who she has missed greatly over the last year, and we wish her all the luck in the future.

She is not leaving until the second week of March so if you see her around over the next few weeks make sure you wish her well.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end” (Robin Sharma)

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The Year 12 cohort at Whitsunday Christian College spread the Valentine’s Day love last week, gifting students and members of staff with a rose on Wednesday, February 14.

The students were excited to get involved, hand delivering roses to all students, from pre-kindergarten to Year 11, and all members of staff.

“We thought that roses would be a great way to spread love and kindness throughout the school for Valentine’s Day,” the Year 12 students explained.

“Staff, students, and families responded really positively to our idea. The students were especially excited to buy flowers and write notes for family, friends, and even beloved teachers.

“Everyone was really supportive and onboard with our plans whether that was by assisting us in preparing the roses or buying roses. The excitement definitely showed when everyone got their roses on Wednesday morning,” the cohort explained.

“The response from the school as a whole was much bigger than ever expected. We ended up selling about 450 roses.”

Principal of the College, Kylie Langshore said she is proud of the students.

“Our students are leading with purpose and have a heart for service. Student-led initiatives have such impact on the College community I am excited to see the fruit of these.”

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By Paul Gellatly

Bowen’s Chamber of Commerce has raised a jar to the health of Whitsunday region projects ahead of council elections in mid-March.

At its monthly meeting on February 14, the chamber heard addresses from Chris Monsour, agronomist and director of Prospect Agriculture, which operates a 250-hectare agave farm between Bowen and Proserpine; and Sean Brown, director of Bowen Pipeline Company, which is planning to build a 115-kilometre water pipeline from the Burdekin River to Bowen.

Chris Monsour told the audience of about 40 people that Prospect Agriculture's first agave harvest was in December 2023 and the resulting bottled debut has been on a limited release online, with Mr Monsour assuring  thirsty first customers that their purchases were being delivered "about now".

The focus of the first four years of the project has been to determine how best to harvest the plants to yield its heart, or pina, which has a 35 per cent  sugar content, about twice that of sugar cane. There is a range of uses for the processed pina, and one of the first is a trio of alcoholic beverages including whisky, vodka and agave spirit (known in Mexico as tequila).

Mr Monsour said agave had proved an ideal crop for the dry-region farm, although he conceded that "the Mexicans are probably not too happy with what we are doing".

The agave is harvested by a computer-controlled harvesting machine, which will process about 1000 plants a day, or a plant a minute, far faster than the manual harvest of Mexican tequila. The agave hearts are processed on site and according to Mr Monsour, "all the reports from those who know about spirits is that it is a very good spirit."

Mr Monsour said the international agave project was based on a slow-growing succulent crop (planting started in 2020) that was only really starting to get into gear now. New plantings were being added continuously and there are hopes that there will be a million agave under cultivation by 2025, up from about 580,000 now.

"If you laid the rows of agave end-to-end you would go from here to Rockhampton", he said

The farm is following green practices, with weed control being left to three goats, which Mr Monsour said gratefully were not eating the agave plants ... so far.

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1: Bowen Chamber of Commerce chairman Bruce Hedditch (left) with Chris Monsour, Cr Julie Hall and Sean Brown.

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Raising money and awareness for a cause close to their hearts, local couple Jared and Sophie Russell have launched a campaign to encourage more donations to fund much-needed research into brain cancer.

Sophie’s father, Brendan who is in his late 50s, was sadly diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme grade 4 in August 2023, and since then the family have been passionate about raising both money and awareness.

Originally from Armidale NSW, Brendan (Brenno) is a regular visitor to the Whitsundays, enjoying the atmosphere at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

He now has plans to move to the region permanently at the end of the year to be close to his family.

Fortunately, his treatment has been excellent following a referral to a highly skilled Neurosurgeon, who did a fantastic job at resecting 95 per cent of the tumour at the end of August.

He has since undergone six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Tamworth Base Hospital and is now completing more chemotherapy at home.  

“Dad has the best attitude and outlook on life, and we know he will fight this with everything he has!” said Sophie.

To support her dad and raise money for additional research, Sophie has been sponsored to shave her head for charity.

Brenno is flying up to the Whitsundays this week and will personally shave off his daughter’s hair in a special gathering which will include close friends and family.

“My decision to shave my head is to raise much needed funds to help further research advancement for brain cancer,” explained Sophie.

“My goal is to raise $10,000, if you would like to support my fundraising efforts it would be amazing! Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!”

So far, she has raised $6,295 and hopes to reach her goal over the coming weeks.

If you wish to donate, please go to the hostyourown.markhughesfoundation.com.au and select Sophie Russell.

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1: Brenno’s daughter, Sophie, will shave her head for charity this week. Photo supplied

2: Brendan was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme grade 4 in August 2023. Photo supplied

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Married at First Sight Australia Season 11 couple Eden and Jayden checked into Airlie Beach, for their Episode 3 honeymoon.

The Australian branch of the Show, Married at First Sight follows a number of strangers from across Australia who participate in a social experiment and are paired together by ‘love’ experts.

While the participants are not legally married for the television show, the stars complete an unofficial commitment ceremony, enjoy a luxurious honeymoon, live together for a time, and at the end of each week, enter a commitment ceremony to declare if they will stay together or leave the experiment.

First airing in 2015, over 100 couples have been paired together, however only about 10 couples have managed to keep the spark and remain together following the conclusion of their season.  

Season 11 couple, Eden and Jayden join a short list of couples who have honeymooned in the Whitsundays with Married at First Sight, following their unofficial commitment ceremony, staying at Club Wyndham in Airlie Beach.

Eden is a 28-year-old Gold Coast based recruitment manager, who has been single for three years, following her previous partner cheating on her with her best friend. Now deciding to put her trust in the experts, she is looking for a partner who is ambitious, generous, and loyal.

Jayden is a 26-year-old Queensland kickboxer, who is used to keeping people at arm’s length, and is looking for a partner who is fit, ambitious and independent.

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Eden and Jayden, staying at Club Wyndham. Photo supplied

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