Sirens blaring, lights blazing and fire fighters with lollies in bared hands – the annual ‘lolly drop’ returned to Collinsville and Scottville last week after an 11-year hiatus and everyone in the community was thrilled to see it back.

Organised and funded by the Fire Station Social Club and with kind donations from Mamma Varity sweet shop, the annual event received the support it needed to reinstate this much-loved Christmas tradition.

Lieutenant Ashley Murphy and two other Auxiliary fire fighters were joined by members of the local ambulance and police services, all volunteering their time last Saturday to throw handfuls of lollies out to excited children who lined the street.

Lieutenant Murphy said the idea began when the fire station posted a picture of their fire truck dressed in tinsel on social media and they were overwhelmed with the response.

“So many people reminisced about the old days,” he explained.

“The lolly drop used to mean a lot to the local community, so we were pleased to bring it back.”

Watching the children’s faces as they drove down the street was a highlight for all the volunteer emergency service workers.

“The kids were so excited because they could hear the lights and the sirens coming their way,” said Lieutenant Murphy.

“Throwing the lollies on the footpaths and seeing the smiles on all the faces was a definite highlight for us all.”

The ‘lolly drop’ team: Fire Fighter Billy Bilson, Anthony Sehl from Queensland Ambulance Services, Ross Petersen from Queensland Police, Lieutenant Ashley Murphy and Fire Fighter Lizzy Hill. Photo supplied

Santa hats on and ready to go!

‍

Car Spins Out Of Control On Wet Road

A local family are thankful this week having escaped without harm following an incident where the vehicle they were travelling in suddenly span out of control when they tried to navigate a roundabout shortly after a downpour of rain.

Driving at less than 40 kilometres an hour, the accident occurred when Ruth Russell, her husband, their daughter and two young granddaughters were heading towards Airlie Beach and attempted to traverse the roundabout near Bunnings in Cannonvale.

“The police later said that a touch of rain makes the road very slippery after a long dry spell due to the accumulation of oil that builds up, so extra caution is needed especially on a roundabout or corner,” said Ruth.

In this case, when the vehicle suddenly started skidding, it began heading towards the central reservation and oncoming traffic.

Ruth’s daughter, who was driving at the time, overcorrected but the steering wheel locked, leaving them helpless and spinning out of control.

“It all felt like it was going in slow motion,” said Ruth.

“There was no gripping, just skidding and we careened straight off the road.”

The vehicle passed through the crash barrier and plummeted two metres into the grassland below.

“I’m very grateful that the railing gave way,” said Ruth.

“It slowed us down but didn’t stop us, otherwise it might have been a different outcome.

“My son was travelling in the car behind us, and he said it was terrifying to watch – we nose-dived off the edge!

“We are grateful to God the car didn’t turn over after crashing through the barrier.”

Once the vehicle came to a halt, staff from Bunnings and someone travelling behind them immediately raced over to check on their welfare.

Miraculously everyone was unharmed, although Ruth reported minor whiplash the following day.

The ambulance, police and fire brigade attended the scene and took charge.

Meanwhile, the Bunnings staff brought out ice blocks for the children, a box of teddy bears and some craft items.

“The loving response from many people who stopped to help was so touching,” said Ruth.

“We felt very looked after.”

The following week Ruth heard that this was not the first time there had been an accident at that location.

“The tow truck operator told us there had been a lot of accidents there because of the camber of the roundabout being really faulty,” she explained.

“Hopefully something can be done before anything worse happens.”

The Russell family are very grateful to everyone who helped on the day and decided to share their story hoping to raise awareness for other road users to take great care when driving at this time of year, especially after the rain.

‍

The family’s vehicle plummeted over two metres off the edge of the road

People are advised to be extra vigilant driving after rain as oil on the road makes it very slippery

‍

Image: CANEGROWERS Mackay recently held its AGM, an important event in the membership calendar. Pictures: Contributed

‍

“Whatever decisions may be arrived at, it is well to keep that important principle in view – that the interests of the whole are always greater than the interests of the unit, and what is of benefit to all must be of benefit to the individual.”                                    

Queensland Agriculture Minister William Forgan Smith (Member for Mackay 1915-42; Premier of Queensland 1932-42) speaking at the first meeting of the Queensland Cane Growers Association, Mackay, 21 January, 1926.

CANEGROWERS has a long and rich history of grower representation, going back almost 100 years, and with its origins here in Mackay. Did you know the first ever meeting of the Queensland Cane Growers Association was held here in Mackay on January 21, 1926?

That coming together signalled something important: that growers needed to unify as a collective. There’s nothing new about collective representation, and the principles of collective representation are sound: when we stand together we can speak out with a common voice.

And that is what the organisation does, representing grower member families from the negotiation of cane supply agreements with mills, to ensuring a place at the table in regional economic development, to getting good support from governments, to maintaining global market access.

Our grass roots representation starts with the farmgate, to branch meetings and the district office, providing advocacy at a local, state, national and international level. We negotiate at the local level and enforce at the State level, supported by CANEGROWERS Queensland, which includes elected representatives from our own Mackay and Plane Creek milling districts.  

We ensure growers have marketing choice nationally and take other countries to task if they break the trade agreements to keep our export industry strong and ensure growers get paid on their cane supply agreement. A great example of this is what CANEGROWERS was able to achieve through lobbying, with the Australian Sugar Milling Council, to achieve a positive decision from the World Trade Organisation when Australia disputed India’s dumping of subsidised sugar onto the market several years ago.

By having a strong grower representative body, backed by high grower membership, we can work with other peak organisations in the sugar industry and government to keep our industry strong. It is evident that when CANEGROWERS speaks, government listens

Across 2022, CANEGROWERS Mackay elected members and staff have worked hard for the 740 grower member families across this region. We have met with State and Federal Government ministers and departments discussing important and topical matters, such as energy, transport, land use and management, cost of production, biofutures, environment and climate. We have engaged and collaborated with businesses and organisations across the sugar industry supply chain.

We were able to offer free crop insurance for crop areas listed under membership from June 2022 to June 2023.

We have enabled the running of courses that help our members run their business effectively, such as the excellent Business Essentials course, chemical accreditations, pilot driving, and heavily championed Smartcane BMP delivery.

We have facilitated access to CANEGROWERS’ top-level professionals, such as solicitor Chris Cooper, who represents and advises members in a range of areas, including Government land resumptions, disputes and other legal proceedings.

The levy that our members pay truly is an investment in the future of their business.

There is a huge amount of value in CANEGROWERS membership, but the greatest value is the strength in numbers of our membership. As growers, we are stronger together!

‍

Councillor Clay Bauman was officially sworn into his new role as Councillor for Division 2 on Tuesday morning with a special ceremony held in his honour at the Proserpine Council Offices.

Attended by council staff, other Councillors, Mayor Julie Hall and Cr Bauman’s close friends and family, the formalities took place in the main meeting room where Cr Bauman signed the official documents and was welcomed in by the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer.

Mayor Hall gave her advice for starting the new role and said she was pleased to finally have a full team together.

“You’re on the inside now Clay so it’s both an honour and a privilege to be voted in to represent your division and the greater Whitsunday community,” she said.

“Through your position in the organisation, I am sure you’ll enjoy the journey of working in the local government.

“My advice is work hard, be open to learning and listen – and you can’t go wrong”

“I am happy we now once again have a full team of Councillors, and we can move into 2023 with less election disruption so we can focus on the job of working with our community.”

Local government in the Whitsundays has seen much uncertainty in 2022, with the previous Mayor Andrew Willcox leaving the position when he was elected as the Federal Member for Dawson in May.

His position was filled in July by the newly elected Mayor Julie Hall but shortly afterwards the previous Councillor for Division 2, Al Grundy, resigned from his role, leaving another vacancy at the table.

Cr Bauman’s appointment as Councillor for Division 2 marks the first time since May that Whitsunday Regional Council have had a full team onboard.

In officially accepting his role on Tuesday, Cr Bauman said that he was excited to get started.

“I am very happy to be the newest member of the team and I look forward to working with all of you for the better of the Whitsundays region,” he said.

‍

Mayor Julie Hall, Cr Clay Bauman and Chief Executive Officer Rod Ferguson

The position is accepted with a handshake

‍

A Bowen family are celebrating this week following the announcement that they won the Whitsunday Regional Council’s ‘Our Whitsunday Way’ Christmas Lights Competition.

The Carnes family moved to Bowen from the Gold Coast 18 months ago and live on a one-acre property on Mount Nutt Road which has 50-metres of main road frontage and is decorated with bright lights and festive cheer.

Danielle and Daniel Carnes have two children, who are now 12 and 11 years old, and started decorating their front lawn with Christmas lights six years ago.

“It’s been wonderful while the kids have been young,” said Danielle.

“And we just love seeing the smiles on their faces.”

A huge inflatable gingerbread family take centre stage and a brightly lit gingerbread house is Danielle’s favourite new addition.

Glittering reindeer, marching nutcrackers and an enormous glowing Christmas tree with a bright star atop encourages families to stop and marvel at the entrancing display every evening in the run-up to Christmas.

With all these magical features, it is easy to see how the Mount Nutt Road house was picked from the 26 other entries across the region.

Despite this, Danielle says she was shocked to hear they had won.

“We were very surprised considering it was out of the whole region,” she said.

“We are super-stoked, and we can’t wait to go to Daydream Island and out to the Reef!”

The competition was judged by the following criteria – effort, creativity and theming - and as a prize, the Carnes’ family received a night on Daydream Island for two adults and two children with a $500 island credit, plus a trip on Cruise Whitsunday’s ReefWorld.

The family are planning on redeeming their prize over the Christmas holidays and Danielle said that she and her husband love designing the display each year and are already planning a few new additions next year.

“Thanks everyone for your support,” she said.

“We love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

‍

Winners of the Christmas Lights Competition, Danielle and Daniel Carnes with Mayor Julie Hall. Photo: provided

The glittering lights and impressive display at Mount Nutt Road in Bowen

‍

Image: MP Di Farmer announcing the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative at the Hendra Pony Club

The Queensland Government has committed more than $150,000 from its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist 60 people from Mackay.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said this was part of more than $31 million committed to assist 5,247 people across the state.

“More than 46,600 people in the state have found jobs thanks to Skilling Queenslanders for Work and it’s great to see how these projects will help even more people,” Minister Farmer said.

"We know this initiative is life changing because 76 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

“The initiative funds community-based organisations who tailor their programs to suit local conditions, understand where opportunities and local employer needs are.

“Tailored, local community-based support is offered to young people, mature-age job seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women re-entering the workforce, Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans, recently released prisoners; and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

Minister Farmer said projects to be funded include:

• Community Solutions Group’s Community Careers project in Mackay, which will assist 45 people thanks to $137,900.

• Selectability Ltd’s Workforce Ready in Mackay, which will assist 15 people thanks to $61,800.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she was delighted to see funding for local projects in her electorate for the latest round.

“I am excited that 60 residents will have the opportunity to take further steps into the community services industry, or the chance to change their career.”

Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.  

Minister Farmer said the initiative is another way of giving people the jobs, training and skills they need while helping them stay in their communities.

“The initiative supports many focus areas from the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, which aims to attract, connect and educate a thriving workforce to set our state up for success now and into the future.”

For further information visit www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935.

‍

Earlier this month the approaches to the brand new $4.5 million Ted Cunningham Bridge were washed away by flood waters and since then residents have been forced to use the old bridge which has “reached end of useful life” and is now restricted to a maximum of a ten-tonne load.

“Investigations have determined that some of the footings are not as good as we thought,” said Darren Raeck, Manager of Roads and Drainage for Whitsunday Regional Council.

“Its structural integrity is a bit unknown which is why we have a load limit of ten tonne so that school buses, fuel trucks, cars and utes can get through but no heavy vehicles.”

Council have reinforced the previously disused bridge with a gravel road base, mixed with cement to make it more durable but residents are concerned it will be washed away with the next rainfall.

Mr Raeck reassures residents that Council will “continue to monitor the location and will continue to react and respond and reinstate access as quickly as possible” if this does occur.

It is estimated that it could be upwards of three months before the new bridge is restored, with an estimated two month consultation period to discover the fault.

“We’re just working through with the contractor on why the approaches failed and once we’ve determined that, we’ll work out the best solution,” said Mr Raeck.

“If it’s a matter of replacing it like-for-like it won’t take too long and could be fixed in a matter of weeks but if we decide we need to do more extensive works and extend the bridge that will take a lot more time.”

The bridge was built with principal project requirements and budget established prior to the tender that the contractor follows and that the best and most cost effective design is chosen for the best long-term outcome.

The Ted Cunningham Bridge approach collapsed earlier this month

‍

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s recent AGM included announcements that have set the bar for creating impact in our community.

During the 2021/22 financial year, our community continued to support Community Bank Sarina with customer numbers up 6.1% - enabling the local branch to provide significant investments back into community groups and organisations.

The results also provided for a fully franked dividend of 10c per share to the company’s local shareholders.

Last financial year, the branch team focused on connecting with and supporting customers, assisting them on the path to their financial goals, including first home loans, first car or next home, among others.

In a bid to enhance liveability within the region, Community Bank Sarina ramped up its support to a range of community organisations – many of which are volunteer run – to focus on connection, diversity and inclusion.

“We have supported our community directly with a record amount of $424,036 through community grants, sponsorships and activations, including signage and charitable donations, during the past 12 months,” said Community Bank Sarina board chair, Karen May.

“Since opening the branch in 2005, building on last year’s investment we have now injected a total of $3.4 million back into the community - supporting organisations and groups with a range of projects and initiatives to enhance liveability and increase capacity in our region.

“This year we were pleased to support health and wellbeing in our community through the Mackay Hospital Foundation with a $17,800 community grant to purchase blanket warmers and treatment chairs – to ensure Sarina Hospital patients are comfortable during their stay and treatments.

“Supporting the Hospital Foundation has been a focus this year, with a second community grant of $4,893 being awarded for the purchase of vital signs monitors.

“Recognising the importance of sun safety, a number of organisations, including P&Cs, benefited from our Marquee Sponsorship Program which provides a dual branded marquee for shade and sun protection, and feather banners to use at events.

“We would like to thank our customers for choosing to bank with Community Bank Sarina, as without you, we wouldn’t be able to provide the level of community investment and positively impact our community.”

To find out more Community Bank Sarina announcements and the Community Engagement Program, follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SarinaCommunityBankBranch.

Photo caption:

QCWA Sarina Branch President Mary-Therese Watson presented the support they have received from Community Bank Sarina over the years

‍

It’s a busy time of year for our local charities and in particular the local Zontarians who have contributed in multiple ways throughout our community over the past few months.

Pamper Packs have been lovingly created and sent to the Women’s Refuge through Whitsunday Counselling and Support.

“We do this every year,” said Marlene Reiffel from the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays.

“Zonta has assembled many gorgeous items that people would love to receive so they can be a little bit spoilt over the Christmas period.”

In addition, the large group of local Zontarians each brought a special present for a child to their annual Christmas lunch earlier this month.

They are distributed to children in the Whitsundays and Marlene says she hopes “the tradition of giving to children may also be picked up by other clubs in the area”.

Zonta also assembled three hampers that have been given to Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s ‘Adopt A Family’ appeal.

Not only is it important to give to those less fortunate at Christmas, Zonta believe it is also important to use this opportunity to raise awareness for their ‘NO to violence” campaign.

This is part of a worldwide initiative to stop violence and forms part of 16 days of activism to raise awareness of the issue.

Constantly engaging with the community and doing good wherever they can, the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays are tireless in their efforts.

‍

Images

1: L-R Anthony Heintze and Craig Singleton of Diverse Asset Maintenance Services, Daniel Grech of BMA and Kristi Algate of Mackay Hospital Foundation

2: Catherine Clark Dowden worked for three weeks to complete her artwork. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

Outside and inside the Children and Adolescent Unit (CAU) at Mackay Base Hospital has been transformed into a space for patients and their families to escape their challenges.

Two local organisations have chosen to support the projects with BMA providing funding to Mackay Hospital Foundation for the implementation of a Therapeutic Play Space outside of the Unit where young patients, their families and siblings can forget about treatment for a short time and enjoy their surroundings in a ‘happy space’ away from a clinical environment.

The inside project is the implementation of an Australiana-themed wall mural which has been funded by Autocorner Mackay.

“Seeing these projects come to fruition has been absolutely amazing,” General Manager at Mackay Hospital Foundation Kristi Algate.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of patients who have been able to spend time in both indoor and outdoor areas is heart-warming.

“The funding from our local businesses has been overwhelming.

“They love to support the local community.”

BMA Production Manager Daniel Grech said BMA was proud to fund and support the construction of the Therapeutic Play Space.

“Mackay Hospital foundation provides facilities for the entire Mackay and Isaac regions so we’re really happy to support them in any way we can to give back to the community,” he said.

“The new facilities will basically mean that the kids will get to come here and enjoy that time at the hospital and not be so clinical.

“It just gives them somewhere to play and be natural and enjoy the facilities.”

Artwork inside the Unit and throughout the Play Space was completed by Mackay artist Catherine Clark Dowden who has a history of volunteering her artistic talents to the hospital.

Her artwork is intended to inspire and distract patients and families.

“I tried to get every Australian animal that I could that would interest kids, so that there was a conversation that they could have with their parents or the nurses,” Ms Clark Dowden said.

“I’d like to be able to take their mind off it, take them on a journey, so the more they look, the more they see on those walls, so they feel like they’re more a part of what’s happening on the wall rather than in the hospital.

“It’s been an amazing experience and I’m very thankful to have been given the opportunity to do it.”

The mural was funded by Autocorner Mackay who announced Mackay Hospital Foundation as their Charity of Choice in 2021 which continues in 2022.

A second contribution made by Autocorner Mackay in September this year will also be utilized in the Children and Adolescent Unit at the hospital to provide upgrades for mental health in that Unit.

‍

Whitsunday Regional Council have announced the awarding of the contract for the first part of major upgrades to Airlie Beach’s Bicentennial Boardwalk, with the total project closing in on $3.5 million.

The design for upgrades to each of the Boardwalk’s three sections will be delivered by local business Plants Whitsunday – who worked on recent comparable Council projects such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon deck installation.

Council’s Coordinator Capital Project Delivery Michael Downing said the total “renewal” will eventually encompass the entirety of the boardwalk and its three sections from VMR to Shingley, Sorrento to Coral Sea Resort, and the Broadwater Avenue section.

He said these initial upgrades were for “Separable Portion 2” and will cost over $902 thousand dollars.

“We will be replacing the full structure on the Sorrento to Coral Sea Resort, starting hopefully around April [2023],” Mr Downing said.

“In those months before, [Plants Whitsunday] will be designing the whole renewal of the boardwalk.”

Council have provided Plants Whitsunday with a provisional $2.5 million for Separable Portion 1 and 3 of the Boardwalk, subject to funding and future budgetary approvals for 2023-25

The boardwalk’s entire structure will be replaced as part of the upgrades – save for the footing, which is embedded into the rock and will “remain suitable for reuse”.

“The rest of the structure, mainly the timber, will be replaced because of the maintenance it takes,” Mr Downing said.

“Anyone using the boardwalk will notice there are people down there almost every day replacing boards, and it’s a significant cost. We’ve used some external funding to do this first stage and hopefully in the next few years the other stages.”

Mr Downing also said that, as part of the new design, the width of the boardwalk will be expanded, bringing it to roughly 3.5-metres wide.

“This is mainly because of the number of users; so, while we do it, why not upgrade it and get better width?” he said.

During the Portion 2 upgrades, the Boardwalk will be inaccessible to residents and a concrete timeline for the works has yet to be announced by Council.

‍

Airlie Beach’s Bicentennial Boardwalk is receiving a $3.5 million upgrade. Photo contributed

The Festive Season is here, and it’s got a familiar rhythm.  That frenzy of activity as we try to get work and family organized in the lead up, and then the beautiful relax as we kick back for a well-deserved break with family and friends.

With most having at least a week off and starting to slow down over Xmas, our thoughts often turn to reflecting on the last 12 months as we come to the big reset that is New Year’s Eve.  It’s a good time to look backwards and reflect but also to look forwards and plan, when our mind has had Xmas to wind down from the daily grind and we can think clearly.

The trick with those New Years resolutions is to actually follow them through.  We go back to work and progressively get wound back up and all those resolutions get steamrolled by ‘life’.  The key is to do something small and quick before it’s too late.

They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.  The smaller that first step the better.  If you want to get fitter, call the Personal Trainer or gym and book that first trial session.  If you want to play sport, drop down to that first training session.  Just starting creates momentum as you meet people, and that connection helps build on your internal commitment to coming back.

If you want to change something financially, book that first meeting with your financial planner, accountant, or mortgage broker.  If you plan on doing some research prior to the meeting, book the appointment first.  Once you’ve made that first appointment you’re committed.  You will still have time before that appointment to read through their website and do your research.

Plan your retirement, review your protection strategy on your super pension, minimize your tax, reduce your loan interest, get fitter, build your social network.  We all know we should do these sorts of things.  

One of the many things Covid has taught us is not to take for granted what we have.  You never know when it could be taken away or severely affected by global factors out of your control.  

Make 2023 the year you make that move.

If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.

‍

There is no doubt 2022 has been another tough year – we’re still battling with Covid, the cost of living is out of control, with skyrocketing fuel prices, rising interest rates and the basic necessities constantly going up.

While Christmas is all about family togetherness, sadly this is not the reality for many people. So, if you’re feeling homesick or left out of the sense of closeness and comfort that Christmas tends to promote, here are some ways to combat loneliness at Christmas:

• Invite other people who are at a loose end around for a meal. Particularly look out for elderly neighbours

• Spend the day volunteering

• Find community, religious or other social events that you can join – a chance to make new friends

• Embrace the solitude. If you are facing the day alone, turn it into an opportunity to really treat yourself. Plan a special day to nurture yourself. For example, having a movie marathon, eating your favourite foods, or taking a walk to a favourite spot in nature.

Thankfully, there are some wonderful businesses and organisations in our community that are offering a chance for people to connect over Christmas.

Raj, Jess and Lily Sharma from Roshni Indian Restaurant are once again offering free Christmas lunch to anyone who would like to join them. Just drop into their restaurant at 164 Victoria Street, Mackay between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Christmas Day for a delicious lunch of ham, prawns, rolls, salad, dessert and Indian delicacies.

On December 28, the Community Accommodation and Support Agency (CASA) will be holding a free community sausage sizzle at their premises – 4/54 Gregory Street, from 10am to noon.

And staff from the Australian Street Aid Project, Chances Café and Op Shop, will be assisting their clients during the Christmas break (except the public holidays) with breakfast and a packed lunch. If you aren’t in need, they would also appreciate donations of non-perishable food items or you can pay forward a meal, a night of accommodation or other items online.

During this festive season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

Have a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year. See you in 2023.

“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” – Helen Steiner Rice

“If we all stick together, come together, work together – we’ll all come out the other side together.”

Cr Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council

‍

A series of the Whitsundays’ sporting clubs and junior athletes have received some early Christmas presents courtesy of Whitsunday Regional Council.

Council approved Sports and Recreation grants for five of the region’s sports groups in an end-of-year cash splash, with a total of $14,000 distributed amongst the clubs.

Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League received the largest grant ($5,500), with Bowen Netball Association and Whitsunday Weightlifting Association receiving $3,000 each, as well as Proserpine BMX Club receiving $1,500, and Tennis Whitsunday Club $1,000.

As well, Council allocated Financial Support to some of the Whitsundays’ Junior Elite Athletes in the same meeting: Sophie Fletcher, Kayla Vella, and Catherine Maund.

Sophie Fletcher – who received support of $250 dollars through the Council led program – will represent North Queensland at the State Level for both running and swimming in the 11- and 12-years category of the Hervey Bay Aquathlon Championships in February next year.

Kayla Vella, a Queensland representative for touch football, has already competed in her U15s Girls Touch Championships in Wagga Wagga – for which she received $1,000 support from Council.

As well, young athlete Catherine Maund received $1,000 to represent the state in Horseball Team Championships in Equitana, Melbourne back in November.

The Whitsundays has, in the past and even recently, produced some of the country’s exceptional Horseball players – a sport that combines the elements of horseback riding with polo, rugby, netball, and basketball. Most notably with Ms Maund herself, who travelled as part of the Horseball Australia team to France earlier this year alongside fellow Whitsundays rider Charlotte Adams.

That Financial Support comes after a major set of donations in November to Horseball athletes Ruby Cran, Amy Gray, Lachlan Gray, Charlotte Adams, Charlotte Lee, and Brooke Mizzi – each of whom received $1,000 to head to the Horseball Championships.

Alongside them were Junior Elite Athletes Corey Stroud – who will head to an International Futsal competition, representing his country and receiving $2,000, as well as Jacob Godden, who already completed in the National Futsal Championships and was granted $2,000

A Whitsunday Regional Council spokesperson said it was “incredible to see our junior athletes competing at such a high level.”

‍

Image: Baby Markiel starred alongside his siblings in Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s annual nativity play

‍

Mater Private Hospital Mackay staged its annual nativity play last Wednesday, December 7 starring the children of Mater staff, with the most recently born baby cast as the infant Jesus.

This year the part was played by one month old Markiel Ysaac Reyes, the son of Mater Private Hospital Mackay Midwife Maria Reyes.

Maria said it was the second year she was involved in the nativity play, after her elder son and daughter performed in 2021.

“I started at Mater in February 2021 and my other two children were shepherds in the nativity play last year,” Ms Reyes said.

“Markiel is one month old so was chosen to be Jesus as the youngest baby of a Mater staff member this year.

Ms Reyes’ other son was cast in the role of Joseph, keeping Markiel calm throughout the performance.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Mission Integration Manager and nativity play producer Magdala Thorne said the performance had become a highlight on Mater’s annual calendar.

“Our nativity plays started more than 30 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy and they have become a great tradition for staff,” Ms Thorne said.

“Pre-pandemic, the performance would move from department to department, but now it is all staged in one area so staff can pause to watch their children perform.

“This year we have a very eclectic cast, with not only the children of staff, but also grandchildren involved.

“It’s exciting that we are able to welcome multiple members of the same family too.

“Our Mater People embody our vision to empower people to live better lives – and in Mackay we are very proud to put these values into action and provide opportunities for our staff and their families to feel supported.”

‍