The five Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation were compiled and are practiced by Tibetan Monks to regain health, youth, and vitality. They are specific movements that focus on increasing the speed of the seven energy vortexes in the body. These vortexes slow down as we age and have a degenerating effect on the physical body. Practicing the 5 Tibetan Rites can increase the speed of the vortexes hence benefiting overall health whilst rejuvenating the body.

“The only inner difference between youth and serenity is simply the difference between the rate of speed at which the vortexes are spinning. Normalise the rate of speeds and the old man becomes a new man again.”  From the book; The Eye of Revelation by Peter Kelder.

Reported Benefits of practicing the 5 Tibetan Rites:

• Increased energy

• Better sleep

• Improved strength & flexibility

• Increased mental clarity & Focus

• Improved mood

• Better posture

• Helps with transition of menopause

• Can support weight loss or weight gain (balanced weight)

• Feelings of calmness

• Reduced stress

• Improved digestion & elimination

• Helps with symptoms of menstruation

• Improved libido

• Improved self-discipline and sense of purpose

• Toning of the arms stomach and back muscles

• Increased levels of Qi (prana, lifeforce, energy)

Yoga+5 classes are now available in Airlie Beach by founder and Yoga instructor, Norma Strang.

Yoga+5 is a sequence of breathing exercises, therapeutic hatha yoga asanas, followed by the 5 Tibetan Rites. You can take advantage of the current intro offer where your first class is free.

Reserve your class at www.normastrang.com/booknow

The Christmas period is a time for celebration and merriment, where food is plentiful, alcohol is abundant and fitness regimes often fall to the wayside. Not only, however, does this lead to stacking on the kilos over the festive season, it can also lead to making the revival of a solid fitness and health regime even more challenging in the New Year.

It is almost impossible to deprive yourself of all the sweet treats at Christmas parties and boozy delights at family gatherings, but it is still possible to introduce a little balance in your life by adopting some of these ideas.

1. Maintain A Quick Fitness Routine – Instead of trying to find time for a lengthy workout why not allocate a quick 20-minutes of fitness instead? Alternatively, sign-up to F45 and enjoy a 45-minute burst of fitness to get you motivated for the day.

2. Moderate Your Treats – Every day is a holiday at Christmas, but the over-indulgence can often get too much. Try incorporating at least one or two healthy meals into your diet each day or allow for one sweet treat. Relaxed rules are better than no rules!

3. Remain Dedicated To Health – Something is always better than nothing. If you usually go to the gym three times a week, keep going at least once. If you usually eat healthy meals, keep eating at least one healthy meal per day.

4. Eat Before You Go Out – If you have a healthy snack before you leave the house you are less likely to splurge out on sugary or fatty items when in a festive social setting.

5. Drink More Water – Most of the time when you feel hungry, you are actually dehydrated and drinking some water will in fact sate any hunger cravings. In addition, keeping hydrated in the hot local climate will make you feel more alert, less sleepy and give you more energy overall.

6. Get Socially Active – Instead of arranging to meet up with friends at a café, restaurant or pub, try to meet in an outdoor setting where you will be active and less inclined to snack. Go for a swim, enjoy a bushwalk or bike ride the boardwalk.

7. Play Like A Kid – Whether you have young children or not, there is always time to unleash your inner child. Expend as much energy as you can by playing – enjoy a water fight or a game of cricket, prance along the beach and enjoy life like a child!

8. Don’t Skip Meals – While skipping a meal may lead you to think you are reducing your calorie in-take, in reality you will simply eat more food later. By sticking to a structured, healthy meal plan, you will be much better off.

9. Choose Treats Carefully – Try to pick the healthy option where possible.

10. Enjoy Christmas And Be Happy – When you are content and fulfilled more serotonin will be released into your system and you will feel more satisfied with life and less likely to give into cravings.

Early birds enjoyed free coffee and other perks at the second in a series of morning pop-up events held by Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday last week.

An intimate gathering of business owners, and also attended by local Council representative, Councillor John Collins, the event offered both a casual and informative opportunity for attendees to network and connect.

The pop-up was held at Fresh Fields Shopping Centre and Chamber Liaison, Julia Evans, said it was wonderful to activate this little shopping hub in the heart of Proserpine.

“It was great to engage Proserpine businesses and locals on the role and work of the Chamber at the morning pop-up Chamber event at the Fresh Fields Shopping Centre,” she said.

“Attendees enjoyed free coffee from Little Vintage Café, fresh fruit treats and giveaways from Drakes Supermarkets and Fresh Fields News and Gifts.”

The pop-up Chamber event was sponsored by Hummingbird Refrigeration, Electrical and Air Conditioning who provided practical advice to help prepare for air conditioning season.

This included a special giveaway, a free air conditioning clean to current members and new members who join the Chamber before 31 December 2023.

“Chamber will also be launching its 2024 program of events prior to Christmas,” said Julia.

“So, save the dates!”

‍

L-R: Kim Porter (Hummingbird Refrigeration, Electricaland Air Conditioning), Bernadette Porter (Proserpine State High School),Richard Evans (Chamber Policy Officer), Denise Norder (Tropical Designs), JuliaEvans (Chamber Liaison), Barbara Cochrane (Fresh Fields News & Gifts) andCr John Collins. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Proserpine local and long-time resident Jack Hickmott is back at it, with his annual donation to the Proserpine Hospital.

Year after year, Jack donates electrical goods to the Proserpine Hospital annual Auxiliary Christmas Raffle, to say thank you to the hospital for the dedication and care they show when he and his family receive health care through the hospital.

While Jack does not want any recognition, he does wish to highlight the generosity and help of the IGA Proserpine staff, who helped him organise the donations he brought to the hospital.

The Proserpine Hospital Auxiliary is offering Christmas gift wrapping all through December at the Proserpine Pharmacy, as well as selling raffle tickets, for their annual Christmas Raffle.

‍

Sandra Hobbs, Finance Officer, Jack Hickmott, andChristine Neilson, Executive Support Officer and Auxiliary Raffle Co-Ordinator.Photo supplied

‍

Almost 100 stall holders from across the region are expected to fill the old St Catherine’s School grounds on Sunday for the third annual Proserpine Christmas Markets.

Organiser Tarnia Patton said that “the beauty is in the variety” and that everyone will be swept up in the festive spirit, with plenty of last-minute Christmas presents available to buy from small, locally owned businesses.

A lively and vibrant marketplace, the event focuses on hand-crafted, home-made products such as jewellery, soaps, health products, candles, knitted items, souvenirs and more.

There will also be a selection of home-made sweets and treats for sale, a coffee van parked outside to give attendees that caffeine hit before they enter and even a barber’s haircut or a cheeky massage to add to the experience.

For the children, there are a wide variety of activities to keep them entertained.

Any modest profits from each market are ploughed straight into the next, and Tarnia says that children can receive free balloons from Mr Poppins and an interactive wildlife experience with Whitsunday Wildlife Encounters.

There will also be face-painting available.

In keeping with the festive theme of the markets, our favourite man in red will also make an appearance. Santa will be on-site between 10am to 12pm, handing out treats and entertaining the children.

He will also be available for free photos and will welcome children to come and sit with him while the parents mill around and browse the nearby stalls.

Providing a merry serenade to the festivities will be the Proserpine Citizen’s Band which will create a “really good atmosphere”.

“This will be the perfect place to get all your last-minute Christmas bits and pieces,” said Tarnia.

“So come on down and browse the markets, there are lots of amazing things!”

There will also be opportunities throughout the day to purchase raffle tickets and donate to the charity of choice which is Cannonvale State School P&C.

The Proserpine Community Markets has been operating quarterly for the past four years, with this being the thirteenth operation of the market.

‍

WHAT:Proserpine Christmas Markets

WHEN:Sunday, 10 December

TIME:8.30am – 12.30pm

WHERE:69 Marathon Street Proserpine

(Old StCatherine’s Junior School)

The festive spirit cruised over to Whitehaven Beach on Monday when 28 families, carers and clients from  Endeavour Foundation’s Learning and Lifestyle hub in Cannonvale, were treated to an afternoon out on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

A kind and thoughtful Christmas gesture from Cruise Whitsundays, the trip was provided for free to Endeavour Foundation as an inclusive way for people living with disability to enjoy some quality time with their loved ones.

Jody Flaherty, Site Manager at Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale said it was an amazing experience for all the clients, who came back with big smiles and hearts full.

“We can’t thank Cruise Whitsundays enough!” she said.

“The timing was just perfect and tied in really nicely as we continue to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

“A lot of the people  we support had never had the opportunity to do something like this before.

“One family member who is in her 70’s and has lived here all her life said that she had never swum in the ocean before!

“Cruise Whitsundays went above and beyond, they provided everything we needed, and everyone returned home safely, with smiles, and couldn’t wait to tell us all about it.”

Accommodating for all abilities, Cruise Whitsundays provided a beach wheelchair for the group, they also set-up beach cabanas to make the experience as comfortable as possible and stand-up paddle boards for those adventurous enough to give it a go.

Bringing some festive cheer to the excursion made the guests feel even more special.

Santa made an appearance and handed out little gifts to everyone.

“The whole experience really contributed to our Christmas celebrations,” said Jody.

“It was also wonderful for our clients to spend some time with their family, it was just amazing!”

Sales and Marketing Executive for Cruise Whitsundays, Liza Muller, said the company were thrilled to help create such special memories for such beautiful individuals.

“It’s so important to support local organisations and as it is the Year of Accessibility, we could see how Endeavour Foundation would really enjoy the experience,” she said.

“We’ve been in the region for 20 years and we understand how important it is to give back to the community, we love local give-backs and are thrilled the experience was so well-received by everyone who came along for the afternoon.”

‍

28 clients, family and carers from Endeavour Foundation enjoyed a day out on Whitehaven Beach thanks to Cruise Whitsundays. Photo Credit: Reef Safari

A special beach wheelchair enabled everyone to enjoy every aspect of the experience. Photo Credit: Reef Safari

Santa joined in on the fun. Photo Credit: Reef Safari

Great Barrier Reef Arena Vies For Place in 2032 Olympics

The Great Barrier Reef Arena’s viability as an Olympic Games 2032 venue and training ground is being pushed to the forefront of Brisbane-based decision-makers thanks to the Olympic Games Senate Enquiry Committee which is currently touring regional Queensland.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, met with the committee at the Great Barrier Reef Arena last week and spruiked the merits of regional facilities saying that they could become ‘legacy items’ with the right investment.

Creating An Olympic Legacy

Senator Matt Canavan, Senator Bridget McKenzie, Senator Penny Allman-Payne and Senator Malcolm Roberts took a tour of the Great Barrier Reef Arena with Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young last week.

The group explored the facilities and Mr Willcox was eager for them to take “a stock take on what regional Queensland has to offer” so information could be passed onto decision-makers and funds used to improve local facilities.

“We’ve got facilities like this, that are world-class, we’ve got the capabilities to hold events and we have already held international events here,” he said.

“The premier said these Olympics are for everybody in Queensland, but I haven’t seen a lot of evidence of that so far.”

Mr Willcox added that the government is spending $2.7 billion on renovating the Gabba and other facilities around Brisbane.

He said he would like to see some AFL matches and cricket games come to the Great Barrier Reef Arena while those venues are closed during the works.

He also said that he believes money is better invested in the regions as the facilities will be more meaningful to the smaller communities and become ‘legacy items’ for future generations.

“My argument is – let’s develop areas like this, the Great Barrier Reef Arena – put another grandstand here, some more facilities and they will become legacy items,” he explained.

“They will last a long time and will be used each and every day, they won’t just be mothballed after the Olympics.”

Senator Matt Canavan added that resources from the Mackay region’s key industries of mining and agriculture are being used to fund the Olympics so it is only fair that the region benefits.

“It is costing $7 billion in Olympic infrastructure in Brisbane and much of this is coming from regional Queensland,” he said.

“This is the Brisbane Olympics, but it is really being funded by regional Queensland.

“If we are going to fund the infrastructure in Brisbane, we need to make sure there is a return back to regional Queensland people too.”

It is hoped that the Great Barrier Reef Arena will host several events and the Whitsundays will host some of the sailing competitions.

Mr Willcox also hopes to see some of the training sessions take place locally and pitched venues such as the Magpies Sporting Complex for teams to have the opportunity to acclimatise and prepare for the Games.

“We’ve got a lot of submissions coming in and we are providing the Senators with good information – what current infrastructure we have, the capabilities and what infrastructure we need to hold world-class events,” said Mr Willcox.

“It’s great to have all political persuasions here to visit the facilities and we appreciate them going into bat for us.”

Over 150 countries are expected to be coming to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games and the whole of Queensland is set to benefit from the opportunity.

‍

L-R: Senator Malcolm Roberts, Senator Bridget McKenzie, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Matt Canavan, Senator Penny Allman-Payne and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young are pushing for the Great Barrier Reef Arena to become a 2032 Olympic Games venue. Photo supplied

Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young (far right) took members of the Olympic Games Senate Enquiry Committee on a tour of Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena last week

‍

December’s City Heart Friday will be a Christmas extravaganza with something for everyone to delight in.

City Heart Christmas celebrations will kick off on Friday, December 1, from 4pm to 8pm with free family fun throughout the city centre.

A special feature will be the Fifth Lane Christmas Markets with over 20 stalls to browse, as well as face painting, glitter tattoos, kids’ Christmas craft activities and roving performers.

There will also be late night shopping in city centre stores with plenty of Christmas specials.

The afternoon would not be complete without a visit from Santa.

Children can meet the man in red at Let the Children Play Toyshop, in Macalister Street, at 6.30pm after he’s driven through the city heart with the Holden Club.

This year, there will be The Great Christmas Scavenger Hunt, where participants can follow a list of clues to 12 different mystery shops, finding treasures along the way.

To win extra prizes, simply take a photo of yourself during the scavenger hunt and upload to www.mackay.qld.gov.au/christmashunt to go into a random draw.

You can complete the scavenger hunt in any order from December 1 to 12, during opening hours, and you don’t have to solve all the clues to be in the random draw.

Don’t miss out on all the Christmas fun in your City Heart this Friday! For more City Heart inspiration.

‍

The Salvation Army is once again partnering to deliver The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. The charity organisation is calling for support with gifts or monetary contributions until 24th December.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a program assisting in the delivery of Christmas gifts to those in need, including Aussies experiencing hardship or crisis and communities impacted by the cost of living.

Choose a practical gift that can be useful beyond Christmas time and deliver it to the Express Drop-Off point outside Kmart, or leave it under the Wishing Tree in store.

Suggested gifts include books, school supplies, headphones, everyday essentials such as socks, bed linen and bath towels, and gift cards.

Drop off a new gift under the Wishing Tree at Kmart, which is located inside Mount Pleasant Centre, or alternatively you can donate in-store or online at kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree

In partnership with Good360, BIG W’s Giving Tree is now in its third year of giving back to local families in need, with donations accepted until 23rd December.

Good360 matches all stores across Australia with a local charity, ranging from women’s shelters, services for children and youth at risk, schools, homeless shelters and children in hospital.

To contribute, simply buy an unwrapped, sealed and unopened gift and place it under the Giving Tree in store at Caneland Central.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Mackay to get involved and give families doing it tough a chance to celebrate Christmas. With ongoing support from the local community, Kmart and BIG W are determined to make a difference to the lives of many Australians this festive season.

‍

Give back to families in need this Christmas

Photo credit: The Salvation Army

‍

Ah, December 1st, the day that sprinkles a little extra magic into the air, it’s as though the world collectively flips a switch, and suddenly, it’s officially the holiday season.

It’s incredible how today has this uncanny ability to transform our surroundings, ushering in the spirit of Christmas with an infectious joy that fills every corner. Or is that just my need to over-decorate?

There’s an undeniable warmth in the air, a sparkle in people’s eyes as they eagerly prepare for the festivities ahead. From the first advent calendar door being opened to the twinkling lights adorning homes, the day feels like a symphony of traditions and nostalgia wrapped up in tinsel and bows.

I have noticed this year that many people have been swept up in the festive spirit earlier than normal. I arrived home from an overseas holiday earlier this week and already more than half of the houses along my street have started decorating.

In this edition we wrap up our City Centre feature, with more inspirational ideas on where to shop in the heart of Mackay for unique and sentimental Christmas gifts. Check it out on pages 18-19.

As we step into December, it's also important to realise that not everyone finds this time of year cheerful. For many families, the rising cost of living makes it tough to afford gifts or even food for special meals. Also, some people feel lonelier or stressed during the holidays, which can seriously affect their mental health.

Grapevine Group has launched their annual campaign Be Suicide Alert this Christmas hoping to remind everyone to keep an eye out for colleagues and loved ones who might find the festive season tough. While we enjoy the festive spirit, it's crucial to offer kindness and support to those facing tough times, ensuring we're there for each other.

Whether it’s in the simple act of sharing a smile with a stranger, let’s make this December a month filled with warmth and goodwill, where the true essence of the season shines through in every gesture.

Amanda

‍

Whitsunday Anglican School hosted their World’s Greatest Shave event last Friday, 24th November on their last day of school for 2023.

Students partaking in the shave were passionate to raise funds to help Aussie families beat blood cancer, providing precious relief to those who need it most.

With no screening programs available and no means of prevention through lifestyle changes, blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. Every day, 53 Aussies are diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16 will lose their life.

It requires teamwork to stop blood cancer from wrecking lives, which was Whitsunday Anglican School’s reason to step up and take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, together giving people facing blood cancer the support and information they need, while driving breakthrough research projects.

Year 11 students Rohit Vaidya, Jarif Mazumder and Josiah Pulikkottil took the lead in assisting the organisation of the fundraiser, with a target of $5,000.

Stepping up to the barber clippers were students Rohit Vaidya, Jarif Mazumder, Amelia Wallace, Josiah Pulikkottil, Noah Binney, Jay Gaunekar and Amelia Wallace.

Commitments from staff members to join the students in the shave included Senior School Teacher Mr James Harris at the $1,000 mark, Deputy Principal Mr Jamie Novosel at $2,000 and Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton at $3,000.

All staff members lost their locks, with the fundraiser hitting just over $4,300 at the time of the event.

The shave commenced on the Senior School stage, with students gathered to cheer on the participants. Barbers from Modielox Mackay Barber Shop assisted in giving the students a fresh, new look for an important cause.

The students have smashed their target, so far having raised $5,730 for the World’s Greatest Shave campaign.

‍

Rohit Vaidya and Josiah Pulikkottil commencing the shave with a full head of hair

Moldielox Mackay Barber Shop give the boys a buzzcut for the World’s Greatest Shave

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

‍

Syphilis infections in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions have more than doubled this year with more than fifty cases diagnosed in 2023 to date, a concerning rise from the five-year average of 20 cases up to 2022.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Medical Officer Dr Charles Pain said it was necessary to formally declare an outbreak, as infection has spread among the general population in the region, with risk to the particularly vulnerable.

“Most people with syphilis, which is an infection of intimacy, have no symptoms or mild ones which can often go unnoticed and is thus easily spread to intimate partner,” Dr Pain said.

Syphilis is easily spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex or skin to skin contact.

Mackay Base Hospital is now increasing screening of pregnant women at antenatal appointments and encouraging their partners to also be tested.

People aged 15 to 40 who present to the Mackay Base Hospital emergency department may also be tested for syphilis if they are having blood taken.

People can choose not to be tested, however doctors are strongly encouraging people to be tested as syphilis is easily treated.

Sexual Health Physician Dr Arun Menon said pregnant women and their unborn babies were at the highest risk of syphilis infection as it can be passed from mother to baby. “This is called congenital syphilis which can be a severe, disabling, or life-threatening infection for babies.

“The earlier syphilis is detected and treated during the pregnancy, the lower the risk of the baby becoming infected and unwell from syphilis.

“This is why all pregnant women should have a syphilis test in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy (or at the first antenatal visit) and for people who may be at high-risk additional testing is recommended throughout the pregnancy,” he said.

“The cases of infection are in the whole population, including pregnant women. Sexually active people should have themselves tested regularly to protect themselves and their partners.

“Syphilis in Mackay is increasing, and everyone who is sexually active is at risk and should get tested, particularly pregnant women.

“If you have symptoms, particularly ulcers or rashes go to your GP and ask to be tested.” Dr Donohue said.

Dr Donohue encourages regular sexual health check-ups, particularly urging people to ask for a test for syphilis and other STI’s.

‍

Members from Conservation Councils Queensland, Capricorn, Gladstone, and Mackay convened in Rockhampton and Mackay this week to strategise and develop a plan for a successful implementation of the renewable energy roll out.

The groups and community representatives discussed how ineffective planning laws in Queensland are the root cause of poor project siting and community engagement practices.

“We all support the rapid transition to clean energy to address climate change, which is a major threat to biodiversity and our way of life,” said Senior Renewables Campaigner Stephanie Gray, at the Queensland Conservation Council meeting.

“But we need to make sure that as clean energy is developed we’re not repeating mistakes of the past and letting corporations have free rein to ignore community concerns and develop areas that have a high conservation value.

“We need a well-planned energy transition where renewable energy is built in the right places and First Nations people and regional communities are engaged and see the economic benefits.

“To get this right we need stronger planning laws in Queensland and fast-tracked Renewable Energy Zone planning that incorporates land-use and biodiversity mapping.

“Getting the renewable energy roll out right gives us the best chance at having a future with thriving biodiversity and future-proof regional economies.”

‍

Mackay Conservation Council gathered to foster positive changes for the renewable energy roll out

Photo supplied

‍

Mackay Regional Council approved funding for three community projects through the Activate My Place! (AMP!) Grants at its ordinary meeting last week.

A new mural in the city centre, a series of beachside events on the Grasstree foreshore and family-friendly activities in the Northern Beaches have all received funding to invigorate public spaces and bring the community together.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the AMP! Grant aimed to transform public spaces and bring communities together.

“AMP! is more than just a grants program; it's about turning public spaces into captivating hubs,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Creating strong, vibrant places that bring our community together helps to ignite pride in our region, drive economic development and enrich the lives of everyone around us,” he said.

Mayor Williamson congratulated the three successful applicants.

“These three activations are spread across our region and will be exciting events for all community members to look forward to,” Mayor Williamson said.

“I thank all of the applicants for their efforts to help bring our communities together and I encourage everyone to attend the events when they are up and running,” he said.

The AMP! Grants provide a total of $30,000 in funding to activities that use a collaborative approach to strengthen the connection between the people and places they are activating.

The Mackay City Heart Collective’s “Bee Mindful Mural Project” has received $12,170 to create a mural that will connect Wood Street Park with 7th Lane.

The bee themed mural will commemorate ‘World Bee Day’ in May 2024, with the park a well-known pollination ground for bees.

The Grasstree Beach Progress Association has received $7000 to host Grasstree Grooves.

Grasstree Grooves will be a series of three events on the foreshore of Grasstree Beach which will feature dining, entertainment and a ‘blackboard’ that will provide a platform for community members to showcase their talent.

The Northern Beaches Community Activation will receive $10,829 to deliver a nine-day event that will showcase the diverse local businesses, services and activities available in the rapidly growing Northern Beaches area.

Activities proposed include fitness sessions, children’s activities and a pop-up library, that will then go on to be a community-run initiative.

For more information on the AMP! grants, visit the Discover Mackay website.

‍

The Mackay Base Hospital Indigenous Meeting Place and Healing Garden was a previous AMP! grant recipient

‍

Between 25 November and 10 December, the Zonta Club of Mackay will acknowledge the international campaign Zonta Says NO to Gender Based Violence.

The 16 days of activism campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls around the world, began in 2012 and is marked by public buildings and public spaces being lit orange – the United Nations colour of activism.

Club President Fiona Koutlis said nearly 730 million women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence at least once in their lives. No country is within reach of eradicating intimate partner violence. Despite the scale of the problem and these worrying trends, financial commitments to violence prevention remain limited. Investing in preventing violence against women and girls is crucial to achieving gender equality by 2030.

During the 16 days of activism the Zonta Club of Mackay will have our orange lady silhouettes with more information, they will be on display at Caneland Central, Mount Pleasant Centre, Trudy Crowley Foundation, Queensland Police Service Mackay and Rural View, CQ University Sydney Street Campus, Mackay Hospital Foundation Shop, Mackay Women’s Services and The Neighbourhood Hub, we thank all these organisations for supporting Zonta and 16 Days of Activism.

Zonta clubs across the world combine as one voice to take a stand against gender-based violence.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence,” Fiona said.

Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies advocate for action.

“We want community leaders to stand up and work for a better world for women and girls,” Fiona said.

To learn more about “Zonta Says NO” and join the campaign, visit www.zontasaysno.com or Zonta Club of Mackay Facebook page.

‍