Originally from New Zealand, Brigitte developed a passion for art when she was just six years old, but it wasn’t until she went to high school that she started to refine her talent.

Her future, however, would take her travelling around the world and she lived in London for five years before returning to Australia.

It was starting a family that really allowed Brigitte to reconnect with her art and she used any spare time she had to develop her skills and take on commission requests.

Drawn to realism, Brigitte loves working with images and transforming them into a piece of art that is an almost exact replica of that image, only very skilfully hand-drawn instead.

This type of art takes great talent to perfect, and Brigitte says that the precision involved in completing the end product is very rewarding.

She loves nature and her pieces include a school of Clown Fish swimming and a Majestic Sea Turtle gliding through dark waters.

She has also recently completed a piece called ‘Hands of Time’ which is a more abstract artform and she loves experimenting with different mediums.

Brigitte can create art in charcoal, acrylic paint, coloured pencils, pastels and watercolour.

She is also a Project Artist for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Having just taken up an ‘Artist in Residence’ spot at the 3 Little Birds Espresso and Creative Hub, which has just launched an art space called Airlie Create and Connect, Brigitte is looking forward to welcoming students to her new art lessons soon.

“I love working with kids and seeing them feel proud of themselves when they complete a piece of art,” said Brigitte.

If you are an artist or would like to enrol your child in art lessons head down to Airlie Create and Connect to speak with Brigitte who will be there most days.

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Local artist Brigitte Peel with her piece ‘Hands of Time’

Caption: Teen Shed Mackay members enjoyed a day at Wake House Australia. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

Offering a safe space for all teens to socialise, Teen Shed Mackay is proving that you can get teenagers outdoors and teach them new tricks.

Their latest excursion was to Wake Park Australia in Andergrove, where teens from roughly 12 to 18 could meet new friends and challenge themselves to the skill of wakeboarding.

Teen Shed Founder Lisa Versaci said Teen Shed’s mission is to help teenagers lead healthy, happy and safe lives.

“We want to create a space where we can empower and nurture teenagers, support and guide them, listen to and enjoy them,” Lisa said.

“Our goal is to reach as many local teenagers as possible, to inspire them to reach their full potential through peer-inspired environments, social inclusion and relationships.

“The reason why we do what we do is I got tired of hearing teenagers complain about living in Mackay saying there’s nothing to do, when there is so much to challenge them. They just need that guidance and inspiration, so our activities are age-appropriate and provide the fun and challenge they are craving.”

TEEN SHED MACKAY
Inspiring The Next Generation To Do More

Caption: Teen Shed Mackay enjoyed a day of friendships and challenges at Wake House Australia as part of the group’s regular outings. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

Teen Shed Mackay is an inclusive space for all teenagers to meet and mingle, with no prerequisites on who can and can’t join in on the group’s activities.

Lisa Versaci said it’s simply a place where teenagers can have a voice, grow through self-discovery and lead enriching lives through a number of community-inspired activities.

“We want to work with our local community to provide personal development skills for our teenagers to survive and thrive throughout the teenage years,” she said.

“To raise awareness around teen issues and format strategies which can be applied to improve their development, life skills, health and wellbeing.

“Also to increase the positive representation teens have within the community by participating in fundraising, volunteer and community activities.”

Recently members of Teen Shed Mackay have been making sleeping mats for homeless people by recycling plastic bags. The group also regularly cook breakfast at Orange Sky for the homeless, they volunteer at Run 4 Mi Life by handing out water bottles throughout the event and volunteer at Rumble on the Reef.

“The kids really want to be an important part of the community and volunteer more, so any event or organisation is welcome to reach out,” Lisa said.

As well as volunteering opportunities, Teen Shed members enjoy a varied range of activities, from outdoor adventure to art and craft, catering for all teen personality types.

“Activities are constantly changing but will include discos, movie and karaoke nights, reading groups and craft sessions, cooking sessions and training skills. We are hoping to make the Wake House day a regular outing as well as the Ninja Hub,” Lisa said.

There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to support our local teenagers, keep an eye on the Teen Shed Mackay Facebook page for more information, or email Lisa at teenshedmackay@gmail.com.

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A generous donation to the Neighbourhood Hub was more than enough for Brent Stephenson to be nominated for this week’s Good Deed Feed, but this generous local with a passion for fishing went one step further just before Christmas.

Through his fishing apparel brand, Mudskippa, members of Mackay’s fishing community donated their second-hand fishing gear as part of Mudskippa’s ‘Combos4Kids Mackay’ initiative.

A range of gear was donated to the Neighbourhood Hub to give less fortunate children the opportunity to go fishing.

On top of this initiative, Brent donated a fishing charter and Tackle World gift vouchers to those in need.

He had been donated a full-day fishing charter for two people, which he wanted to gift as a Christmas present to someone who was genuinely struggling. He also purchased four Tackle World gift cards to give to four more people who may need a Christmas gift for their child.

His generosity was posted on the Mackay Noticeboard on Facebook on Christmas Eve, a kind gesture which no doubt made Christmas a little brighter for in-need Mackay families.

If you’re passionate about fishing, Mudskippa is more than a brand, it’s a community. Check it out at mudskippa.com.au.

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Seeing the list of nominees in this year’s Australia Day Awards was a jaw-dropping moment.

As I scrolled through the pages and pages of names, I saw many people I recognised, and many people who were nominated more than once or in multiple categories. But it was the sheer number of overall nominees that left me with a feeling of awe and respect for our community.

Most of these people go about their day with little pomp or praise. They do what they do because they have a genuine passion for what they do, and go out of their way to help others.

I read a negative comment online with a resident asking why council didn’t concentrate on ‘more important things’, and I thought to myself, what could be more important than recognising the people who go above and beyond in our community? They are the very people who promote change, they speak up for others, they push for improvement, they help people in need, they represent our town on international stages. They are the pieces of fabric that come together to make a diverse tapestry of culture and care for the region.

We have a full list of the 2023 Australia Day award nominees on page 11 of this edition.

I don’t know about you, but if it means I have to put up with a pothole or two in order for these people to be thanked, I’ll take the bumpy road any day.

Amanda

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Happy New Year!  

I hope everyone has had a fantastic time over the festive season and if you are lucky enough to still be on holiday, please stay safe and enjoy your well-earned break.

2022 was a big year.

The start of the year saw our borders reopen and families reuniting at long last. It was the year that we farewelled our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and welcomed our new King Charles III to the throne. In 2022 our mighty NQ Cowboys came so close to the premiership. Fingers crossed that the silverware falls into the right hands in 2023.  

Of course, it was also the year our nation’s political leadership changed. I respect peoples’ choice to elect a Labor Government under Albanese, however I have significant concerns about the direction that Labor is leading us.

The Dawson region punches well above its weight in terms of tourism, agriculture and mining. Our resources sector, made up of our hardworking men and women, contributes in droves to the wealth and prosperity of our nation, keeping our lights on and our businesses running.

In the last days of 2022, Federal Labor introduced price caps to our coal and gas supply. History has shown that this jeopardises supply, jobs and businesses, and discourages investment. It’s not good news. This issue is squarely in my sights, and I will continue to hold the Government to account on their promise of cheaper (and reliable) energy for all Australians.

In 2022, the previous Liberal National Government committed to key projects being delivered locally including $5 million set aside for veterans’ wellness, including a new RSL for Mackay.

It was disappointing when Labor revealed they were canning projects from across our region. But it’s not game over. I will continue to put pressure on the Government to fund these much-needed services across Dawson.

Speaking of pressure, when Labor turned their back on the north through the abolishment of the Northern Australia Committee, along with my Coalition colleagues, I made a racket of this disgraceful decision. Within a week, it was reinstated. I am proud to be on this committee, which works to ensure the north gets a fairer share of government spending.

Another win for our region includes the Coalition’s Ag Visa agreement with Vietnam being honoured. This shows even in opposition we can achieve for our regions.

I’m 100 per cent committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson. There is a lot of hard work ahead but none I will shy away from.

As your Federal Member for Dawson, I want to hear from you about your ideas and insights for our region. I’m here to take your voice to Canberra and fight for our great region.  

Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox

Andrew Willcox’s office is at Level 2/45 Victoria Street, Mackay. His office is contactable on 4944 0662 or via email at andrew.willcox.mp@aph.gov.au

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HOME BREAK IN AND CAR THEFT, MARIAN

Between 11pm on January 9 and 6:30am January 10 a home on Treloar Place in Marian has been broken into leading to the theft of a car.

Entry was gained into the home after damage was sustained to the two front doors.

Once inside the intruder has located and stolen a set of car keys. These keys were used to steal a car which was parked in the home driveway.

The stolen car is a gold/brown coloured 2018 model Nissan Navara dual cab, registration number 519 FX4 (nil image available to share)

Two large tyres are fitted to the rear of the stolen car.

Anyone who might have information about the current location of the Nissan Navara or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Refer to police report number QP2300052109.

Police again urge vehicle owners to consider storing their car keys in secure and out of sight locations within the home as thieves continue to show interest in seeking them out.

BREAK IN, NEBO

The secured door of a workshop on Braeside Road in Nebo has been forced open with an implement, resulting in damage to the locking mechanisms.

This happened between 4pm on January 7 and 4:30pm on January 8.

The intruder has stolen several Milwaukee commercial tools and batteries from a shelf inside the workshop.

Anyone who may have information about either the current location of the stolen items or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Police report number QP2300045622 refers.

HIGH SPEED INCIDENT, MIDDLEMOUNT

A 37-year-old resident of Sarina has been stopped by police for an alleged speeding incident in a Toyota landcruiser at about 10:25am January 5 on Fitzroy Developmental Road in Middlemount.

The alleged speed was 142 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone (42 kilometres above the posted speed limit).

Police have issued the driver with an on the spot fine of $1,653 and the loss of 8 demerit points.

Police will continue to perform speed enforcement patrols across the Mackay police district and are encouraging all drivers to work towards keeping roads as safe as possible in 2023.

HOME BREAK IN AND VANDALISM, MORANBAH

Someone has gained entry into a home on Leslie Drive, Moranbah via an unlocked door.

Once inside, the intruder has spray painted a wall and a bench. Some contents were disturbed and thrown onto the floor also. Nothing has been confirmed as stolen at this time.

Entry was gained between 12am on January 3 and 10am on January 4.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Please refer to police report number QP2300019906

HIGH SPEED INCIDENT, KOUMALA

A 38-year-old male who resides in Cairns city has been stopped by police for an alleged speeding incident at about 2:51pm on January 9 on the Bruce Highway at Koumala.

It's alleged police were performing speed enforcement patrols by way of mobile radar when the speed of a Jaguar sedan was checked as being 145 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone (45 kilometres an hour above the speed limit).

After police spoke with the 38-year-old driver, he was issued with an on the spot fine of $1,653 and suffered the loss of 8 demerit points.

"There is often only a small chance of a positive outcome while travelling at very high speeds on our roads here in the Mackay police district," Sergeant Nigel Dalton from the Crime prevention unit said.

"The risk to yourself and other road users is undeniable. Speeding will not be tolerated, it's that simple," he added.

BUSINESS BREAK IN, MACKAY CITY

A business situated on Macalister Street in the Mackay city area has been broken into and vandalism has taken place inside.

Entry was gained after an implement was used to force a locked door. This happened between 11pm on January 8 and 10am on January 9.

Once inside, tea pots and multiple bottles of spirits have been thrown onto the floor as was a cell phone.

It does not appear that anything has been stolen.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. QP2300047501.

CAR THEFT, NORTH ETON

A car has been stolen from an open farm shed at a property on Kinchant Dam Road in North Eton between 9:00am on January 6 and 3:30 pm on January 8.

The stolen car is a silver coloured 2004 model Honda accord sedan, registration number 978 CJ5.

The victim became aware of the theft when he was advised the car had been sighted driving erratically - a check of the farm shed at that time revealed the car was stolen. The keys for the stolen car were stored within the shed.

Anyone who might have information about either the current location of the stolen car or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Refer to police report number QP2300043754.

DRIVER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF LIQUOR, NORTH MACKAY

A 28-year-old resident of Kuttabul has been arrested and charged for an alleged drink driving offence.

At about 4:38am on January 8 it's alleged that police stopped a Nissan utility on Sams Road when they observed its headlights were turned off and it was swerving within its lane.

It's further alleged that the driver was subjected to a roadside breath test which returned a positive reading. The driver was detained and taken to the Mackay police station for a further test.

It's alleged the 28-year-old's breath alcohol concentration was determined as being .206% (more than four times the legal limit).

The driver was charged with being under the influence of liquor and will appear at the Mackay Magistrates Court to have the matter heard on January 24.

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Image: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Holts Road and Pioneer Street intersection in Richmond

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox has slammed the Federal Government for stripping $69 million from the Black Spot Program.

The road safety scheme provides funding towards lifesaving works on identified crash zones which drastically decreases road incidents in hazardous areas.

Mr Willcox said the decision was a demonstration of poor governance and Labor’s disregard for Regional Australia.

“Last year Australia’s road toll reached over 1,190. People are dying on our roads every day, and if these incidents can be prevented, they should be. Bringing down the national road toll must be a top priority for all sides of politics, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for the Albanese Government,” Mr Willcox said.

“In rural and regional Australia, the Black Spot Program has had an enormous impact.

“Dangerous intersections in Dawson like Richmond and Holts Road in Glenella will miss out as a result of the Labor Government’s cuts. The previous Coalition Government allocated $1.8 million to this section in April 2022 to improve the safety.

“Regional councils have thousands of kilometres of road to maintain, and this federal funding makes a monumental difference to deliver safer roads and intersections.

“I’m calling on the government to reinstate this funding at the upcoming Budget in March.”

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A Mackay woman is ready to make a huge dent into her home mortgage after scoring $150,000 on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket she received from her husband for Christmas.

The top prize-winning $10 Unwrap The Cash Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Nextra Caneland News & Gift, Shop 2066, Caneland Central, 2 Mangrove Road, Mackay.

“My husband bought it for me for Christmas. I got him some Instant Scratch-Its tickets and he got me some,” the winning woman explained.

“But I didn’t end up scratching them until Boxing Day.

“When I saw the prize, I couldn’t believe it.

“I thought, ‘that can’t be right – I must be seeing things’.

“I had to get other people to confirm and to check it for me. It was just too good to be true. It’s incredible.

“We’ve still got a bit on the mortgage, but this will make a big dent.

“It’s a great way to start 2023.”

In FY22, there were 139 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $14.51 million in top prizes.

During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 28.7 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $261 million. This equates to almost three-quarters of a million dollars won on Instant Scratch-Its every day.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.6 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

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Images: RACQ CQ Rescue flew eight missions last weekend including retrieving patients from Keswick Island, Cape Hillsborough, Carmila and Olive Downs, bringing the total number of tasks already completed for 2023 to 18. Images supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

While it’s revered around the world as a lucky number, eight ended up being an exhausting figure for our region’s rescue helicopter service.

It’s the number of missions flown last weekend alone by RACQ CQ Rescue, with rescue crews stretched across the length and breadth of our expansive Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region.

The incredible tally of rescue operations meant the helicopter service flew more than 2,300km in just two days. The busy weekend brings the total number of missions completed in the first nine days of the New Year to 18.

Two patients suffered life-threatening lacerations and blood loss in two serious accidents involving an angle grinder and a filleting knife last Sunday.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to meet Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics on the oval at Carmila, about 80km south of Mackay, after a 68-year-old man suffered serious gashes to his hand and jaw while working with an angle grinder.

It was an incredibly lucky escape from what could have been a potentially life-threatening injury as the patient reported he was using a circular saw blade on an angle grinder to cut wood.

The tool ‘kicked back’ slicing both his hand and jaw, narrowly missing his neck.

He was treated, administered pain relief and transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Then at 10pm Sunday, the rescue chopper was tasked to Hamilton Island, about 90km north of Mackay, to airlift a 60-year-old man who had lacerated his left thumb while filleting fish.

He sliced a chunk of flesh from the webbing of his hand between the thumb and forefinger and told the medical team had no feeling in his hand.

He was flown to Mackay arriving in a stable condition at midnight.

Earlier on Sunday, the Mackay-based chopper flew 270km to the new Pembroke mine site Olive Downs, 40km south-east of Moranbah, to airlift a 51-year-old Sunshine Coast man. The contractor suffered a cardiac issue and required urgent hospital treatment in Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue also flew more than 1100km on Saturday on four missions across the region, including two primary tasks on Saturday’s day shift which started with two back-to-back missions to treat and transfer two teenagers injured at popular local holiday spots.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked just after 9.30am by Queensland Health to assist a 16-year-old girl who had dislocated her knee at the bottom of a walking track at Cape Hillsborough.

The teen, from Rural View, was stranded on the beach with the tide coming in quickly. Walking back up the track or along the rocky shoreline was impossible.

After a 000 call, the Mackay-based chopper was dispatched with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board to fly 45km north to the popular national park and camping area. The chopper orbited the shoreline near Wedge Island several times before the decision was made to winch down a paramedic and rescue crewman onto the beach to secure the patient into a rescue harness. The teenager was then winched up into the helicopter and flown directly to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Directly upon return to base about 11am, the helicopter crew was again tasked, this time offshore to Keswick Island, 30km east of Mackay, after reports a swimmer had suffered a suspected Irukandji jellyfish sting. The helicopter landed in the rain at the island airfield, near Basil Bay, and the 13-year-old, believed to be on holiday from Biggera Waters, was treated with pain relief and flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition. The teen was accompanied by a parent.

About 1.45pm Saturday, the helicopter flew to Collinsville to airlift a man with a serious cardiac condition and also later transported a patient from Clermont to Mackay Base Hospital who suffered injury from a fall from height while he was removing Christmas decorations at his home.

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Image: Caneland Central was named as the third worst car park in Australia for car park collisions according to data released by insurance company AAMI

Suncorp Group's AAMI brand has conducted an analysis of more than 21,000 AAMI car park insurance claims across Australia to reveal the most dangerous car park destinations.

Mackay’s Caneland Central came third in Australia and Mackay topped the list of Queensland suburbs for car park collisions.

AAMI’s data revealed that in Mackay, Thursday afternoon was the most likely time a car crash collision occurred, not surprising with late night shopping extending hours on that day.

Interestingly, when it comes to car park etiquette, the majority of Australians (59 per cent) say they would leave a note – regardless of how bad the damage was if they accidentally hit someone’s car in a car park and no one saw.

AAMI’s Top Tips for a prang-free parking experience:

o Take your time when parking or reversing out of a car space.

o Take particular care to watch out for children, especially when reversing.

o Watch out for stationary objects including pillars and trolleys.

o Obey the car park signage on speed limits and directional arrows.

o Don’t let impatience get the better of you and make sure you keep a safe distance between you and the car in front or reversing.

o Resist the urge to park quickly, particularly in shopping centre car parks where turning circles are a lot tighter.

o Avoid peak-times for shopping to avoid the crowds and increase your chances of finding a car park quickly.

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Do you have books you no longer need?

Or other items that could benefit remote indigenous communities?

The Hunters Initiative is a Mackay group inspired to help indigenous communities in remote parts of Queensland.

Local school groups and individuals have come on board, with generous donations of books, footwear and clothing to be distributed to those in need.

As well as collecting helpful items for remote communities, the Aboriginal Dance Group Tchundal Malar regularly visit local schools and childcare facilities to teach the younger generation about indigenous culture, educating people about different vibrations from the didgeridoo and stories to accompany traditional dance.

St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Sarina is still accepting donations of books this month, which will be delivered to the Hunters Initiative in Mackay.

Images:

1 - St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Sarina donated books to the Hunters Initiative

2 – Mercy College Mackay donated 10 cartons of books to be distributed to remote indigenous communities

3 – Marvin Pace donated brand new shirts, polos, hats and football jerseys

4 – Wonder Kids Early Learning Centre donated rugby boots

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Photo 1: Jason Bradford accepting his Reef Conservation Champion Award at the 2022 Queensland Farmers Federation Awards

Photo 2: A fishway under construction on the Bradford property, south of Mackay

Working to improve wetlands within his grazing and sugar cane property has earned local landholder Jason Bradford recognition as a Reef Champion at the 2022 Queensland Farmers Federation Awards.

Mr Bradford, who owns a mixed enterprise property near Sandringham Creek, has been working with Reef Catchments over the years with funding from the Australian Government’s Reef Trust VII Coastal Priorities Project, which has allowed him to remove invasive weeds and construct fishways to improve connectivity between the freshwater and marine environment.

He said that in addition to these works, changes as simple as fencing and off-stream watering points can have dramatic results.

“Wire and water - those two things have allowed me to radically change how I manage the place and have resulted in benefits to the landscape and my operations.

“With the right infrastructure and the right management you can have a financially viable enterprise and also look after the environment. In fact, the two can go hand-in-hand - when it’s managed correctly, the natural landscape enhances the financial outcomes.

“My advice to other landholders is to look at your operations, and ask yourself if you’re doing everything you can to get the best of both worlds.”

Growing up on the property he now owns and manages, Mr Bradford’s connection to the land is what drives him to look after the natural environment while ensuring his farm continues to be successful.

“I spent many hours down here exploring and I guess I fell in love with it. It’s in my blood. I spent a lot of time in the marine environment here, in the creek fishing and exploring. It was really a great childhood,” he said.

“Because the property is on the highway and it’s pretty visible, people see the work happening and they ask me all the time, what are you doing here, and why are you doing it. For me, it’s about the ability to bring a vision to life.

“We’ve got an asset here that’s pretty special, and I think if it was in the best condition it could possibly be in, in terms of biodiversity and function, what would that look like? That’s what I’m aiming for.”

Reef Catchments’ Project Officer Carlos Bueno said he nominated Jason for the award as he was a great advocate for improved practice and a great example for fellow landholders.

“From the outset of this project, Jason has been fundamental in exchanging knowledge, learnings and experiences,” he said.

“Jason’s presence and active participation has influenced the engagement of his neighbours and greater network. He has been very vocal in sharing his knowledge and vision to other landholders and stakeholders, allowing for a greater understanding of this sub-catchment area.”

The Reef Champion Awards is an initiative of the Queensland Farmers Federation with support from the Australian and Queensland governments. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements and efforts of outstanding individuals and organisations who have taken action to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef.

Read more about this project at www.reefcatchments.com.au/projects/coastal-priorities-project/.

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Images:

1 – Award winners from the 2022 JSP Women’s Awards with JSP Founder Fallon Drewett central

2 – JSP Founder Fallon Drewett. Image credit: Coffee & Hops

It’s time to give a shout-out to the ladies in your life who make a difference.

Off the back of a highly successful launch in 2022, the Just Saying Project (JSP) is calling for nominations for its JSP Women’s Awards – and nominations close this Sunday.

JSP Founder Fallon Drewett said it is a chance to recognise the women who fly under the radar, that go about their work and projects often unnoticed.

“These awards are for every woman and their big and small wins. It is a way to showcase the role women play in our lives and a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day.”

It’s not necessarily about grand gestures or milestones, these awards are curated to recognise the women who keep showing up, for themselves and others, every day.

Award categories are designed to champion women from an array of lifestyles.

The Resilient Rebel

A woman who has been through adversity and has spun her pain into something beautiful. This is a woman who is a rebel at heart and has decided to live her life differently, and march to the beat of her own drum. This award is for the woman in your life who has stood her ground and inspired others around her to be resilient; to learn from life’s challenges and keep moving forward.

The Visionary

A woman who leads by example and demonstrates exemplary leadership. This woman has made significant contributions to her work and community. She is not afraid to make waves; is respected and leads the way for inclusion and diversity in the Greater Whitsunday region. This woman is helping change the landscape for women across industry, career or business.  She is a change maker, respected in her fields, friendships and community. She is a mentor and is an advocate for women's rights.

Magic Maker

A woman who has a passion for and contributed to the arts, through performing, visual arts, fashion, photography, broadcasting and literary community. Their talent, whether emerging or well-known, is used to make an impact in the lives of others through their creativity. This woman has the ability to create magic and inspire others to be the best version of themselves through the power of art and the skill to make people rediscover hope.

Health And Wellbeing Warrior

A woman who has a purpose and a passion for health and wellbeing. A woman inspires through her work in health, medical or fitness careers. Perhaps they are a woman who leads by example through sport or advocacy work with mental health and/or charity.

The Modern Muse

In the era of social media, this is a woman who is a muse for other women. This woman inspires other women through her dedication to positive body image, fosters self-esteem in others, and encourages other women to be who they are. This woman is a truth teller, a woman who doesn’t need filters or reel highlights, someone who uses her voice for the greater good for women, their rights and creating a space for them to love who they are. Her voice and words are helping to create lasting change.

The Mother Of All Mothers

This category is to recognise a Mum in the Greater Whitsunday region, who is a formidable role model as a mother and a woman. A woman who volunteers her time, and gives back to her community. A woman who leads by example, who shows what it means to be a modern Mum. Maybe she is a mother who has worked hard despite adversity or hardship. A woman who might be a single mother, a foster or adoptive mother, a woman who is a female figure we can all learn from.

The Rising Star

This is for a young woman who is the face of #thefutureisfemale. A young woman who is making an impact in their community inspiring other young women and girls to follow their dreams, take action and stand up for what they believe in. This award is for a disrupter, performer, athlete, volunteer or trailblazer. This award is for young women aged 15 to 25 years old.

Remind you of anyone? If so, get your nomination in by visiting thejustsayingproject.com.

Nominations close 11:30pm Sunday, January 15, 2022.

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Australia Day Awards Attracts Overwhelming Nominations

An impressive list of Mackay residents has been revealed for the 2023 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards, hosted by Mackay Regional Council.

From encouraging others to building resilience, volunteering, excelling in sport or being a voice for others, the list of nominees showcases their dedication to the community.

This year, the most highly contested categories include the Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award, the Citizen of the Year Award and the Community Group Award.

The list of nominees across all categories displays undeniable talent and heart, people who have proven throughout 2022 that despite facing adversity, there are opportunities to rise above.

All award winners and nominees will be recognised at a special awards ceremony at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Wednesday, January 25.

2023 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Nominees

Citizen of the Year

Lauren Costello

Dr Kerry Summerscales

Djordje (George) Banic

Fallon Drewett

Geoffrey Baguley

Dr Judith Wake

Earl Neilsen

Murray Gibbs

Luke Mathews

Penny McMahon

Edie Weiss

Frances Eiteneuer

Col Benson

Krysten Butcher

John Mansfield

Tegan Philpott

Kathryn Andrews

Stephen Oberg

Eunice Armstrong

Jody Burrows

Katrina Hoare

George Newton

Raj Sharma - Roshni Restaurant

Nicole Pasquale

Tracey Hackfoorte

Kay Thrupp

Gary Minter

Robert Kidd

Narelle Klazema

Doug Petersen

Jay Shipston

Leslie Kemp

Allison Blines

Justin Rule

Linda Nugent - Coach of the Stingers, Mackay Dragon Boat Club

Brenda Windsor

Nigel Dalton

Young Citizen of the Year

Adam Lamb

Keira Brown

Matthew Vella

Dominic de Moura McCarthy

Tayla Hunt

Sana Syed

Clancy Morgan

Sara Marie Herringe

Rosie Cook

Benjamin Penning

Tiffany Vella aka Tiffany Grace Music

Clancy Morgan

Arts and Culture Award

Tiffany Vella aka Tiffany Grace Music

Clancy Morgan

Max Kingsbury

Clancy Morgan

Sara Marie Herringe

Rosie Cook

Zoe McLellan

Alison Richardson from Crossroad Arts

Glenda Hobdell

Tiffany Vella

Geoffrey Baguley

Community Group Award

Happy Paws Happy Hearts

Special Olympics Mackay Fire

By Your Side: Chronically Ill Ladies

Mackay Riding for the Disabled

The Scout Association of Australia, Queensland Branch, Hibiscus Coast District

Australian Street Aid Project Ltd

Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch

Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated

Australian Navy Cadets

Project Booyah Mackay

Pioneer Valley Machinery Preservationists Inc

Orange Sky Laundry Mackay

St Anne's P&F aka FOCUS Group

Queensland Multicultural Lions Club

Rotary Club of Mackay North Inc.

Just Saying Project

Special Olympics Mackay Fire

SNAGS Special Needs and Group Support

North Mackay Saints AFC

St Paul's Uniting Church, Mackay, Queensland, Uniting Church in Australia

Save Our Northwall

Sana Syed

SNAGS Special Needs and Group Support

Habana Carols Under the Stars subcommittee of HADPA

Environmental Achievement Award

Dr Judith Wake

Earl Neilsen

Earl Neilsen

Robert Gregg

Murray Gibbs

Suzanne McCormack

Luke Mathews

Penny McMahon

Edie Weiss

Frances Eiteneuer

Save Our Northwall

Irene Champion

Robert Gregg

Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award

Col Benson

Krysten Butcher

John Mansfield

Tegan Philpott

Kathryn Andrews

Stephen Oberg

Eunice Armstrong

Jody Burrows

Katrina Hoare

George Newton

Raj Sharma - Roshni Restaurant

Kelvin Richard Clulee

John Edwards

Wendy Baynton

Carmelo Pasquale

Kimberly Doyle, Special Olympics Mackay

Brenda Windsor

Nicole Pasquale

Tayla Hunt

Kathryn Andrews

Tracey Hackfoorte

Kay Thrupp

Gary Minter

Neil Wallace

Dominic de Moura McCarthy

Lisa Jamison

Karen Turner

Robert Gregg

Robert Kidd

Narelle Klazema

Damien Watts

TJ Straw

Matthew Vella

Doug Petersen

Jay Shipston

Leslie Kemp

Jeanne Ronald - Bakers Creek AFC

Les-Lee Reid

Allison Blines

Keira Brown

Peter Bonaventura

Denise Scarpelli

Robert Gregg

Senior Sports Award

Luke Van Den Heuvel

Hamish Wright

Kelvin Richard Clulee

Justin Rule

Janine Wood

Linda Nugent

Brenda Windsor

Tara Smyth

TJ Straw

Nigel Dalton

Jeanne Ronald

Les-Lee Reid

Young Sports Award

Cooper Whitestyles

Jaxon Maluga

Rosie Cook

Harper Shields

Adam Lamb

Luke Reedman

Connor Parish

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An ATV was upended in a failed escape attempt at the Magpies Sporting Club in Glenella last Sunday night

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Brazen thieves have broken into the shed of a popular Mackay sporting club earlier this week, but the escape seemingly didn’t go to plan.

Jock Hansen, Facilities Manager at Magpies Sporting Club said thousands of dollars’ worth of damage had been caused to club facilities and a new ATV.

It’s believed the thieves broke into an equipment shed on the Magpies Sporting Club grounds and attempted to use the club’s ATV, which was locked in the shed, to escape with petrol and power tools.

With damage sustained to a padlocked gate, it’s thought the thieves tried to use the ATV to ram the gates open. When unsuccessful, they then turned their attention to a fence, however were unsuccessful at breaking through, with the ATV getting caught in mesh wiring and upending into a vertical position.

It is thought the unknown assailants then escaped on foot with petrol and power tools, which are missing from the equipment shed. The ATV was a new vehicle and was the club’s first aid transportation.

Police are calling on the public to share any information they may have, or to submit dashcam footage from last Sunday evening (January 8) if they drove past the sporting club in Glenella.

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