Queens Park became a sea of picnic blankets on Saturday for the highly anticipated Wisely Wine and Food Day.

Punters enjoyed a wide selection of wine, food and entertainment, with sporadic rain only heightening the energy in the park.

Musicians, bands and dance groups, both local and visiting, shared the stages providing a perfect soundtrack for a day in the park.

Wisely Wine and Food Day is one of the biggest events on the Mackay Festival of Arts calendar, with plenty more to come before the festival wraps up in August.

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Rain did little to dampen spirits at Saturday’s Wisely Wine and Food Day at Queens Park. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Doug Petersen is a man passionate about preserving history.

The Bucasia-based historian and author has taken the next step in sharing Mackay’s local history with the younger generation by donating two of his books to Mackay State High School (SHS).

The first was a copy of ‘St Joseph’s Orphanage Merera’, which sheds light on the history of a Bucasia orphanage between 1869 and 1886.

Published in 2019, the book is the product of three years of research, telling the tales of the children who lived and passed away at the orphanage.

With many of the children’s burial sites still unknown, Mr Petersen also fought for a monument to be erected at Bucasia to honour the children.

The second is his most recent publication, ‘Salt Air & Sweet Soil: A Colloquial History of The Mackay Northern Beaches’, which was launched last year.

Mr Petersen began researching the book in 2015 and tells the history of North Mackay and the Northern Beaches over 800 pages of tales and recollections from people who live in the region.

“Thank you so much for your generosity, Doug,” Mackay SHS shared on social media.

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Mackay State High School Head of Humanities Mrs Aprile with historian and author Doug Petersen. Photo supplied: Mackay SHS

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Brace yourselves readers, because my story this week involves sweat, shaky hands, and a blast from my past that I thought might not resurface. Yes, I'm talking about the glorious game of table tennis.

Now, let me take you back a bit. In my homeland of New Zealand, table tennis was a sport I loved. As a teenager I enjoyed nothing more than to slice and dice my way through the competition. I was never a prodigy, but at one point I ranked in the top eight in New Zealand for my age. I struggled with some of the finer mechanics of the sport, but my hand-eye coordination allowed me to be competitive.

When I migrated to Australia, my trusty table tennis bat found itself tucked away in a dusty box, collecting cobwebs for over a decade. Excuses piled up like laundry in my hamper. The heat of Mackay being my greatest excuse. It was like a wall of fiery despair, making me question my ability to handle a paddle without melting into a puddle.

Over the years, as the editor of this publication, I found myself crossing paths with the vibrant table tennis community. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their gentle nudges started to pry open that box of memories buried deep within my soul. So, with a dash of courage and a smidgen of curiosity, I finally picked up my bat and ventured into the hallowed halls of the table tennis world on Bridge Road earlier this week.

Now, let's address the elephant on the table: rust. Oh boy, was I rusty! My serves wobbled like a newborn giraffe learning to walk, and my smashes sailed off the end of the table. But you know what? It didn't matter. Because in that moment, I rediscovered my passion for the game itself.

Sure, stepping out of my comfort zone was a tad daunting. But I can't help but wonder, what's life without a little fear and adventure? I’m now committed to regular practice and have put my name down to be a reserve player.

My point to all of this is, if there's a long-lost passion or hobby that you've been hesitating to revisit, take it from me—take that leap of faith! Embrace the fear, dust off the cobwebs, and dive headfirst into the wonderful world of what you love.

Fear is just another invitation to feel alive.

Amanda

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Bonza Scraps Mackay – Cairns Route

Bonza, Australia’s newest airline, has stunned customers with its decision to scrap the Mackay to Cairns route just a couple of months into providing the service. While the airline says it has had to step back on some routes to make its service more reliable, the surprising move has left travellers questioning the airline's strategy and its commitment to establishing a strong presence in the region.

In an open letter addressed to customers, Carly Povey, the Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, announced the removal of the Mackay to Cairns route along with four other routes from the airline's initial route map, including Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour, Sunshine Coast to Port Macquarie, Sunshine Coast to Tamworth, and Toowoomba Wellcamp to Whitsunday Coast

Povey explained that the decision to discontinue the Mackay to Cairns service was based on the lack of sustainable demand at present.

“We’ve been compelled to take out five routes where there isn’t sustainable demand at present.

“Twenty two routes remain and where there is very strong demand, we’re also starting to add in additional flights which is very positive this early on in Bonza’s journey,” said Povey.

While Bonza's open letter emphasised the airline's commitment to earning the trust and respect of Australian travellers, the removal of a route so soon after its launch may erode some of that confidence, with those booked on future flights now having to make alternative arrangements and seek refunds.

Customers booked on routes impacted (from 1st August to 28th October) will be contacted by the airline via SMS and will automatically receive a full refund or alternate flights with Bonza, depending on their scenario.

“To those customers who have or will face a cancelled flight - we apologise.

“These changes allow us to maintain the many great aspects of the Bonza experience whilst also doubling down on consistently delivering reliability,” she said.

“In order for us to earn your trust, as we know that we’re at the start of that journey, we have decided to take a step back to allow our services to become more reliable.

“You could say, we’re taking a step back to allow us to take a leap forward,” she added.

By stabilising reliability, Povey says the airline will then move forward with growth plans which includes going on sale with flights from late October 2023 to April 2024 (including Christmas and Easter peak periods), establishing a third base which will mean additional job opportunities, new routes to existing and new destinations enabled by the introduction of additional aircraft.

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Mackay locals will no longer be able to fly directly to Cairns after Bonza announced it was removing the service as of August 1

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In Dawson’s Biggest Survey

Andrew Willcox prides himself on listening to his constituents and being the voice of his electorate, so over a year into his tenure, the Federal Member for Dawson is conducting Dawson’s Biggest Survey.

Mr Willcox said the survey is another way to get to know the needs of the Dawson community.

“It’s a pleasure to work with people, community groups and local businesses to get outcomes for our community,” he said.

“And I know that I’m most effective when I have a clear understanding of what’s important to Dawson residents.

“Even though I’m always out and about, whether it's at markets, shows, mobile offices, or community events, Dawson’s Biggest Survey is reaching people digitally.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Dawson residents to have their voice heard … with just a click.”

Covering a wide range of topics, the survey quizzes participants on everything from national security to the cost of living.

All Dawson residents who complete the survey will be put into a draw to win one of five $100 grocery gift cards.

“For the lucky winners, I know it’ll be a much-needed hand-up in the worsening cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Willcox said.

The survey is live right now at AndrewWillcox.com.au/biggest-survey.

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Moranbah residents now have local access to a range of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services as not-for-profit charity, selectability, opened the doors to a dedicated facility.

The initiative, made possible through funding from the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Community Resilience Project, provides a central location for those across the region to access support and information and connect to a range of early intervention programs.

selectability regional coordinator Keri Webster said the opening of the new facility will provide locals access to services that previously have been unavailable.

“When we were in the early stages of planning the service we carried out extensive community consultation,” said Keri

“A part of this was a survey of locals and 89 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a dedicated facility and programs locally.

“In addition, 78 per cent said they knew someone who would have benefited from our services in the past 12 months.

“A key focus of the three-year program is creating a Mental Health Hub and working to build community resilience, promote mental health awareness and improve help seeking behaviour across the region,” said Keri.

BMA Head of Health Safety and Environment Adam Webb said BMA was delighted to work with selectability to deliver an initiative vital to the communities they operate in.

“We are committed to working with the communities where we operate to ensure they are supported with appropriate, sustainable and accessible services that meet the individuals living and working locally,” he said.

“We understand that there is a need for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services across regional Queensland and BMA is pleased to be partnering with selectability in addressing this gap.

“Through this three-year program selectability aims to create a sustainable community peer support network to support the ongoing resilience of this diverse region.”

The Mental Health Hub, on Apppleton St, Moranbah, has an open-door policy for anyone seeking support for their mental health or experiencing isolation or loneliness.

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A mental health hub by selectability was opened in Moranbah last week. L-R: Life Coach Kayla Sutton and selectability Regional Coordinator Keri Webster. Photo Supplied: selectability

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redhotblue Claims Top Honours As Creative Agency Of The Year

redhotblue, a creative agency with more than 25 years of industry experience, has been honoured as the Creative Agency of the Year 2023 by the Australian Enterprise Awards.

The local agency's expertise in strategic digital marketing and creative content development has consistently delivered tangible results, empowering local businesses and fuelling community growth.

With a trailblazing spirit and an insatiable hunger for innovation, redhotblue has captivated audiences and transformed brands, solidifying their position as a champion of the creative realm.

Sofi Bajor, Senior Editor of the Australian Enterprise Awards said, “Not only is redhotblue championing in the realm of marketing, advertising, and branding, but it is holding the torch for future generations to come.”

To be recognised as the Creative Agency of the Year, consolidates that by cultivating intelligent creativity, redhotblue creates original and bespoke work that stands in a league of its own.

With an emphasis on fostering authentic relationships and creating without limits, redhotblue has pioneered innovative creative strategies that engage and inspire the local community. Their approach goes beyond traditional marketing tactics, incorporating grassroots initiatives, personal connection, regional content, and industry knowledge to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

“We’re always our client’s biggest advocates,” said Founder and Director, Jody Lee Euler.

“Marketing is not only about getting deep into the psychology and habits of a client’s audience, but also fostering the integrity of a brand and ensuring its true authenticity shines through.

“That is always our number one priority.”

A standout recent campaign created by redhotblue was a community awareness campaign with the Queensland Police that focuses on and encourages behavioural change around domestic violence.

redhotblue has also had their campaigns featured on global advertising platform ‘Ads of The World’, alongside brands like Adidas, Heinz, and McDonalds.

Through strategic digital marketing, creative content development, and targeted local outreach, the agency consistently raises awareness, enhances brand recognition, and gains tangible results for their clients.

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redhotblue Founder and Director, Jody Lee Euler, featured on the cover of APAC Insider after redhotblue was named Creative Agency of the Year 2023 by the Australian Enterprise Awards

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Mackay School Named In Choral Fanfare State Final

Choral Fanfare is back on stage in 2023 with a Mackay school being amongst the five primary and five secondary school choirs being selected for this year’s state final.

Almost 10,000 students from 213 choirs took part in a series of regional festivals held across Queensland, with the final ten choirs set to perform in Brisbane next month.

The biennial Choral Fanfare program began in 2001 and gives students an amazing opportunity for performance experience, development of teamwork skills and well-deserved recognition.

Education Minister Grace Grace said she is delighted to see Choral Fanfare return to the stage this year.

“After watching it online in 2021, it is wonderful to see these amazingly talented young people back in the spotlight where they belong,” she said.

“To be given an opportunity to perform as one of 10 choirs at the state final is quite an achievement and I commend all 213 choirs who performed at regional festivals this year.

“Queensland state schools’ reputation in the field of music is outstanding and it is extremely exciting to see the level of interest in school-based choral music programs.”

Choirs of all levels take part in regional festivals to gain valuable experience as well as receive feedback from professional adjudicators and watch other choirs perform.

Fitzgerald State School Principal Tracey Adams said the school is very honoured to receive this award.

“Our choir, conductor and accompanist have applied themselves with great enthusiasm throughout the first semester to put this performance together. Everyone really enjoyed performing for the adjudicators, parents and fellow students and sharing their love of singing,” Ms Adams said.

“The Senior Choir performed this year at the Kodaly Mackay Choral Festival as part of a multi-school massed choir and the Regional Fanfare Finals in Mackay.

“Students are also looking forward to performing in the school cultural evening and the Mackay Eisteddfod this term. This is the second time that a Fitzgerald Senior Choir has been invited to perform at the Creative Generation Choral Fanfare State Final, the previous time being in 2019."

The state finalists will now perform for adjudicators at the primary and secondary state final concerts at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University on Tuesday 22 August 2023.

This year’s performance has added significance, with the state final set to be held live for the first time since 2019.

Tickets to the Fanfare 2023 primary and secondary state final concert are now on sale and can be purchased online through QTIX.

Primary school state finalists

Brookfield State School (Brisbane) Senior Choir

Fitzgerald State School (Mackay) Senior Choir

Kurwongbah State School (Moreton Bay) Kurwongbah Senior Singers

The Gap State School (Brisbane) Senior Choir

Wilston State School (Brisbane) Wilston Wonders Senior Choir

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Fitzgerald State School has been selected for the 2023 Choral Fanfare state final

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The culmination of a fantastic Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival saw over 500 people walk into a magical wonderland Literary Dinner last Friday evening, one that was decorated with fluffy white clouds and bright white star lanterns.

Keynote speaker, political commentator, and comedian Annabel Crabb, enthralled the audience with her personal and deeply moving life story, creating a worthy end to an exceptional event.

This was the 19th annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and over 16,000 tickets were sold from the 65 schools that participated in the two-day immersive, interactive, and educational literary festival.

More than 5,000 students attended, including 500 children from remote and regional schools who were kindly sponsored by the Winchester Foundation.

This is the 10th year in a row that the foundation has sponsored rural students and during that time over 4000 have attended.

Of course, one of the most important components to the festival is the guest speakers.

During the event 13 authors, poets, illustrators, and performers wowed our region’s youth, with over 80 program sessions and workshops and over 1000 books signed.

There were also over 70 parents who kindly volunteered their time.

A highlight of the festival for many students was the opportunity to meet their favourite authors in person.

Students queued after presentations to meet presenters, and to get their books signed.

This proved to be a Festival ‘must do’, with The Book Nook a packed space of excited and chatty youngsters each day.

A favourite with the students was Marc McBride, an incredibly talented artist that is most famous for his work in the international best seller series, Deltora Quest, now a TV series that has sold over 18 million copies around the world.

Marc’s presentations took students on a journey into how he brings a story to life, how his love of dragons and monsters are influenced by nature, and he inspired students to pick up a pencil and bring their own ideas to life.

Festival Manager, Mrs Tracey Gurdler, said she and the Voices team were “incredibly proud” of the results of the festival and the ability to start the journeys of the region’s youth in writing and literature.

“Every year, the festival brings a different buzz amongst the attendees. To see children engaged and inspired in the fun of literature, reading, writing, and sharing stories with each other is a joy to witness. This is what Whitsunday Voices Literary Festival is all about,” she said.

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival relies on major sponsors and supporters in the local community, who value its goal to contribute to the literacy, cultural legacy, and social fabric of the future generations.

They would like to thank Major Festival Partner Daly Bay, Literary Dinner Partner Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and other key partners BHP/BMA, Whitsunday Anglican School and Whitsunday Anglican School Foundation, and to the more than 50 local business partners, without whose support the Festival could not operate.

SAVE THE DATE

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival 2024 has been scheduled for 10-12 July 2024 with tickets on sale in April 2024.

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Mrs Tracey Gurdler, Festival Manager, Mr Andrew Wheaton Whitsunday Anglican School Principal and Mrs Liz Russell Festival Coordinator with students. Photo supplied

Marc McBride inspiring students at the 19th annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival. Photo supplied

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Fun and engaging challenges were the order of the day for schools in the Mackay region when the 2023 Festival of STEM opened in style at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.

More than 300 students from twenty-five schools participated in the annual Whitsunday STEM Challenge, competing across three competitions.

Students had the opportunity to test their skills in the Junior Robocup, Drones and F1 in Schools challenges, showcasing months of hard work and dedication.

St Patrick’s College had a total of 15 students across the three competitions, placing first and second in the Junior Drone division.

The Dynamite Drones comprising Matt Keune, Darcy Edgerton and Rexjan Melocotones won the Junior Drone section with the team of Calvin Poelstra, Alijah Cain and Henry Tully finishing runners up.

Hunter McGeary and Aaron Greenwood (Paddy’s Pacers) placed second in the Robocup.

The ‘A Team’, made up of Amelia Coburn and Apuurva Ayyagari, won the Spirit Award for the Robotics Challenge as they demonstrated the core values of the competition – sportsmanship, teamwork, sharing and organisational skills.

Other St Patrick’s College competitors included Kyan Woods and Maddox Takken (Robot Masters), Grace O’Neill and Lucy Shaw (Gun Rescuers) in Robotics competition while Caleb Hocking, Anthony Leonard, Simbarashe Meende, Lincoln Poole, Cayden Smulders, Kevin Varghese and Clayton Woodrow competed in a quality F1 in Schools category.

Three St Patrick’s College teams have qualified for the State Finals to be staged at CQUniversity in October.

Now in its fifth year, the Whitsunday Festival of STEM tests school students in STEM subjects like science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design.

The Challenges took place alongside a mini careers expo showcasing STEM career opportunities available in the region.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay students Amelia Coburn and Apuurva Ayyagari received the Spirit Award for the Robotics Challenge at the recent Whitsunday Festival of STEM. They are pictured with Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson and St Patrick’s teacher Sandra Bayliss, Head of Teaching & Learning - Visual Art/Robotics

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Whether you are a Christian or non-Christian, looking to strengthen your faith or simply curious and looking for a new direction, Christ Embassy welcomes you.

The worldwide Christian ministry was founded in Nigeria in 1987 by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and has been active in Mackay since December 2022, meeting every Sunday for worship.

Pastor Chris has since established himself as a Christian faith leader, preacher, author, philanthropist, and televangelist and will lead the upcoming largest Global Healing Crusade, happening at the end of this month.

“Our president and man of God Pastor Chris has been blessed and graced with the Healing Ministry so he will be teaching the word of God and inspiring faith to many before ministering healing to all the sick and afflicted,” said local Christ Embassy Pastor Tendayi Mhike.

The live healing services will be simulcast around the world on many platforms, including television and radio stations with opportunities to participate virtually and physically at different centres around the world.

For those in and around Mackay, an opportunity to meet physically at a viewing centre is available at the Northern Beaches Community Hall.

Open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths, the services have countless miraculous testimonies of healing, salvation, and total transformation.

Pastor Tendayi said the Healing Streams can be particularly beneficial to those suffering from diverse illness, no matter the condition, and to those looking to strengthen their faith.

“There are some people out there who have lost all hope, maybe they’ve tried medical science and things are not working or they’ve been in bondage with sickness and different conditions, we want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to partake in the healing power of God, and experience restoration and the goodness of God” she said.

The services will include live testifiers who have been healed in the programs before who will share their practical stories on how they were sick, how they were healed, and how it has helped their Christian walk.

There will also be moments of worship and praise, listening to the word of God, and live ministration of healing to the sick.

The ministry meets in Mackay every Sunday at the Northern Beaches Community Hall from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, with the Global Healing Streams happening on both Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the community hall.

Visit christembassy.org and healing streams.tv to learn more.

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

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If you are an artistic teenager looking to extend your creative skills, then Mackay Regional Council’s new Art and Design Club is for you.

The new term-based art program gives people aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to be inspired, explore and respond to Australian contemporary art within the gallery environment.

Participants will work with a practising local artist to experiment with art tools and materials, techniques and ideas to make their own art.

The club will be held each Sunday, from July 23 to August 27, at Artspace Mackay over a six-week period.

Cost is $180 per person, and this includes all materials.

Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/637848420797

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Mackay detectives are investigating an alleged armed robbery which occurred around 6pm on Thursday, July 13. The incident occurred on the Bluewater Trail near River Street and the Bluewater Lagoon in Mackay city.

A 40-year-old adult male was walking in this area when he was allegedly approached by two people whose faces were concealed, one of them was holding a knife.

Mackay police reported that the walker handed over a backpack containing a laptop, tablet, watch and iPhone, following a demand to do so.

The two people have then quickly run away from the area with the backpack and its contents.

Senior Constable Steve Smith said no injuries were sustained during the alleged incident.

Anyone who may have information linked to this matter is encouraged to contact the Mackay police station as soon as possible on 0749 683 444. Police report number QP2301150608.

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“Keep oil containers out of your kerbside bins, unless they are completely empty”, that’s the message from Mackay Regional Council following a recent oil spill incident.

It was the neighbouring properties and rubbish truck that were affected when a local resident threw an oil container into their kerbside bin.

The oil spilled all over the JJ Richards truck and nearby driveways as the bin was emptied, leaving behind a very sticky mess.

Mayor Greg Williamson said placing motor oil in recycling or general waste bins was prohibited by council as a spill had many flow-on effects for the waste collection process.

“There are obvious environmental impacts, but also safety concerns for our staff, and lost time for JJ Richards as they need to clean the truck before continuing the collection service,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Incorrect disposal of oil into a recycling bin can also be hazardous at our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), as many items are manually sorted by staff,” he said.

“If oil spills through a recycling load that is taken to the MRF, it can easily contaminate the whole load and all of those valuable recyclables, which otherwise would have been sold to market, will be sent to landfill instead.”

Up to 20 litres of motor oil can be disposed of free-of-charge at any of council’s Rural Transfer Stations, as well as the Paget Waste Management Centre.

Each of these locations has an oil bay especially for the disposal of motor oil.

For locations and opening times of facilities visit mackay.qld.gov.au/wasteopeningtimes

For the full guide on how to dispose of an extensive range of household items head to www.mackay.qld.gov.au/wastedisposal

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An incorrectly disposed oil container caused a huge mess for a waste truck after it spilled on the truck and the road

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Australian sign language plays an important role in the hearing-impaired community.

For students at St Patrick’s College Mackay, the establishment of an AUSLAN club has enabled them to communicate with the hearing impaired and learn about the club’s history and culture.

Long serving St Patrick’s teacher and AUSLAN Co-ordinator Brett Comerford revealed that the Club was “going strong” with 43 members at present.

This Saturday July 22 the St Patrick’s College AUSLAN Club will travel to Townsville to perform the Australian national anthem for the North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels NRL fixture at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“We have Kylie Denning (Educational Interpreter), Jenny Magnussen and Erin Greentree (community representative) join us each week to give guidance to the students,” said Mr Comerford.

“Our AUSLAN Club also signed the national anthem for the first hearing impaired State of Origin clash between Queensland and NSW ever held outside of a capital city” he said.

“This year we have signed the Australian and New Zealand national anthems on ANZAC Day at the main Mackay ceremony and we also presented a display at the College’s annual Open Night’ Mr Comerford added.

In recent years the Club have signed the national anthem for the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) at BB Print Stadium; Australian Football League (AFL) for the Gold Coast Suns at the Harrup Park Country Club and the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) at Mackay’s Multisport Stadium.

“Each year we join the National Simultaneous Story time which is an annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books,” Mr Comerford explained.

This event takes place each year at the same time Australia wide. Through the efforts of the College’s library staff the St Patrick’s  College AUSLAN Club has the benefit of viewing the National reading in Australian Sign Language.

The Club celebrates World Hearing Day each year on 3 March to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

“We’ve also started to introduce the AUSLAN culture at our   college assemblies by inviting everyone to stand, sing and sign the national anthem all together to introduce the deaf culture into our college” Mr Comerford concluded.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College AUSLAN Club members sign the national anthem at a previous North Queensland Cowboys NRL fixture in Townsville

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