Remembering a man “who would do anything for anyone”, the family and friends of Gavin Hussey, who tragically passed away in a road accident near Proserpine two weeks ago, celebrated his life at his funeral in Townsville yesterday.

Survived by his soul mate and life partner, Sam Kissier and her two children, Jacinta (22) and Jasper (15), who he loved like his own, Gavin’s passing has left a big and irreplaceable hole in the lives of his loved ones.

“He was a flirter and a true gentleman,” said Sam who had been in a loving eight-year relationship with Gavin.

“There was nothing bad about him, he was such a genuine guy – likeable, sociable – and that laugh! It was very loud!”

“Gavin had been planning to ask me to marry him and I wish that he knew that I would have said yes 100 times – I just want to be hugging him and kissing him – I love him so much and hope I get to see him again one day.”

Gavin was originally from Townsville but had been living in the Whitsundays for over 15 years, many of which he had spent working as a contract truck driver for Whitpro’s postal deliveries.

He is also survived by his parents, Judith and Ronald, his brother Brenden, sister Annika and niece Madison.

His lasting legacies will always be the way he made everyone feel good about themselves, the unique bond he had with each of Sam’s children and the way he made Sam feel special at all the important times like her birthday and Mother’s Day.

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Gavin Hussey and his partner Sam Kissier in happier times. Photo supplied

The couple with Sam’s children. Photo supplied

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The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival has announced Emmy Winner and three-time Grammy nominated American artist Toni Childs to their line-up.

Now in its second year, the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival provides an opportunity for local singer-songwriters to learn from seasoned professionals in an intensive one-day workshop.

Toni Childs is a globally acclaimed singer-songwriter, who is infamous for her powerful vocals, independent spirit, and intimate storytelling.

Her discography includes massive hits ‘Don’t Walk Away’, ‘Stop Your Fussin’, and ‘Many Rivers to Cross’.

Festival co-founders Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence said, “We were blown away when Toni said yes to joining us for the festival. We are both in awe of her talent, success, and career.

“To bring an artist of this international standing and reputation to the festival is a massive coup for local songwriters and the region.”

While in Airlie Beach, Toni will also join the professional faculty of the Emerging Songwriter Workshop, to mentor songwriters with their own music.

She will perform alongside other artists in a Concert and Conversation event at Paradiso Restaurant, culminating the festival with a fantastic display of musical art and powerful vocals.

Whitsundays Arts Festival president, Jess Begun, is also delighted to welcome Toni Childs to the Whitsundays.

“Last year’s songwriter line-up was outstanding, and this year is shaping up to be even more remarkable.

“The success of Karen and Francesca’s concept of a professional song writing residency and one day workshop for local songwriters to learn from artists of such talent and accomplishment is exceptional.”

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Singer and personality Toni Childs is coming to the Whitsundays to coach aspiring singer-songwriters. Photo supplied

Spectators and locals of Airlie Beach are being spoilt for choice, with a fully-fledged program of the Airlie Beach Race Week encompassing all things sailing, salt and sweet vibes.

The lawns of the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be alive each evening, with live music almost every night, showcasing the very best of local and visiting talent, including G-Force, Kieran McCarthy, and Mason Rock Bank.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club lawns, dubbed the Festival Village for the week, will also host a variety of food trucks and cocktail bars for a sailing seaside eat-street, as well as the 20 Degrees South Bar and Restaurant open for bookings for those preferring a sit-down meal.

For those wishing for a front seat to the thrilling action, there are a series of speciality spectator boats.

Each tour is about three hours long, and includes a perfect view of the race, in close and comfortable quarters.

Speak to the team at the Whitsunday Sailing Club for more information regarding the spectator boat.

On Sunday, attendees and locals are welcome to attend the special Long Table Lunch.

Held on the sea view balcony of the Sailing Club, overlooking the Coral Sea, the lunch will host a South American themed five-course degustation menu.

On the final night of the Race Week, be sure to get to Festival Village for the closing ceremony and fantastic firework display, on Thursday August 17.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Race Week

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Thursday 10 August – Thursday 17 August

PRICE: All evening entertainment is free

TICKETS: Long Lunch/Spectator Boat tickets: abrw.com.au

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The daylight action of the Airlie Beach Race Week gives way to music, food, and laughter on the lawns of the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo supplied

Over the weekend, the Whitsundays region welcomed 10 Starlight Children’s Foundation children from across Australia, for a jampacked weekend full of fun, laughter, and non-stop entertainment.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation marked their 13,000th Starlight Wish, banding together with Virgin Australia to create ‘Happiness Island’ on Hamilton Island.

Starlight endeavour to provide a sick child with the chance of happiness, of something fun to look forward to and to create wonderful memories with their loved ones.

The 13,000th wish recipient was 15-year-old Lara from Canberra, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.

This was her first wish, and she wished for a relaxing family holiday at Hamilton Island.

Lara was joined with nine other children, between nine-years-old and 21-years-old, and their families.

“At Starlight we recognise being sick shouldn't mean missing out on the happiness of childhood,” said Starlight CEO Louise Baxter.

“Happiness is one of the strongest determinants to how we perform in education, employment, and long-term healthy life behaviours.

“For 35 years, Starlight has been granting children their life-changing Starlight Wish.

“These adventures create lasting memories and provide a sense of hope when it is needed most,” she said.

While on Happiness Island, the children had a sunny beach barbeque, a chance to head to Whitehaven beach, a bowling and pizza night, and a fantastic fireworks show.

For the remainder of 2023, Starlight will complete over 700 wishes, with 12 set to travel to Hamilton Island.

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The team from Starlight, their 10 special guests and their families landing on ‘Happiness Island’. Photo supplied

The Coral Sea Marina has pledged another three years as platinum sponsor of the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsundays.

Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina explains of the sponsorship agreement, “The work done by this incredible group of volunteers is vital. Their dedicated service ensures that the boating community can explore the Whitsunday waterways safely and with peace of mind.”

“As the largest marina in the region, we are committed to supporting safe boating practices and encouraging both recreational and commercial boat owners to be prepared for the unexpected when they are at sea.”

Over the last few years, VMR Whitsundays has seen an increase of marine emergencies and calls for assistance, with a 116 per cent increase in boat malfunctions from 2022.

The VMR is completely volunteer run, operating seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

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The Coral Sea Marina has signed on to support the VMR for another three years. Photo supplied

Revitalised Chamber of Commerce Tackles Region Wide Issues

A Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Networking Meeting took place in Proserpine last week with over 40 local business representatives attending.

The morning kicked off with engaging speeches and was followed by a focus group brain-storming session where region-wide issues affecting businesses were discussed.

Hot topics included housing, for both current and prospective staff, infrastructure, and services upgrades to meet increasing demand.

The challenges of attracting skilled workers to the region and retaining school leavers to pursue tertiary education through the TAFE, were also brought up.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and Yvette Adams, a Business, Industry, and Regional Outreach Officer from the Australian Department of Home Affairs were the guest speakers at the event.

Ms Camm elaborated on the budget allocation for the region.

“Across our three local council areas, we have about $653 million in capital expenditure planned for the next year,” she said.

“That is the lowest amount of capital investment in the state, behind Outback Queensland.

“I don’t say this to depress people, but because it is a lack of recognition by the government of the priority that our region is when it comes to particular infrastructure.”

Ms Camm also addressed the housing issue and its impacts on labour and staffing.

“There is a $2 billion housing fund that the government has invested in, but not one house has been built yet out of that fund.

“So, we’ve made a commitment that at the next election in particular, that any funding from that $2 billion bucket needs to go towards new housing development, not existing housing, taking it off the private market, because its just competing with the market and we don’t need that right now.”

On the other hand, Yvette Adams from the Department of Home Affairs spoke on skilled foreign labour and demystifying visa requirements.

“Of course, it’s always employ Australians first, but if you can’t fill the vacancies locally with Australians, then one option is to look at overseas skilled workers,” she said.

“We’re looking at how we can attract and retain the most skilled people globally and bring them into Australia.”

The next revitalised Chamber of Commerce event will be a pop-up meeting on the topic of chamber membership, on Wednesday, August 16, 10am – 12pm.

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Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Exciting news that the 2023 Whitsundays Tourism Awards will be held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Friday, 20th October.

The selection of the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) as the venue for the tourism industry’s night of nights was a great decision by Tourism Whitsundays who were keen to deliver a cocktail-style event with two distinct elements to the evening – live music, canapes, and drinks on the lawn followed by the awards ceremony in the auditorium.

The PEC provides our region with a state-of-the-art facility that can seat up to 380 people in the auditorium and has international standard lighting, sound equipment, and professional backstage areas.

There is plenty of top-quality live shows and movies coming up at the PEC over the next few months with blockbuster films like Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (M), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (M) and Barbie (PG).

Live shows include the raunchy Garry Starr Performs Everything on tonight, 21 July at 6.30pm, The Spirit of Leonard Cohen on 28 July and the Grigoryan Brothers – “This is Us” – A Musical Reflection of Australia, on 26 August.

I attended the Wilson Beach/Conway Beach Community Catchup recently and it was great that more than 35 residents turned up to be updated Council activities and provide feedback to us on issues affecting their area.

Residents raised several issues at the Wilsons/Conway Beach catch-up including illegal dumping and closure of cane sidings which may have safety implications for residents.

However, the main talking point was the Wilsons Beach swim enclosure which was badly damaged in Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Council’s Manager Natural Resource Management and Climate Scott Hardy explained at the catch-up that after unsuccessfully going out for tender multiple times to have the Wilson’s Beach Swimming Enclosure demolished and rebuilt, Council have adopted a staged approach to get the works done.

He told the residents that Council engaged a local contractor to remove the damaged sections of the enclosure with a few vertical posts/poles remaining as they are still in reasonable condition.

Council has now sought quotes for the materials and once they arrive the tender process to award the contract for the rebuild will be issued and we hope to finish the project before the summer months.

Council’s next Community Catch-up is planned with for Proserpine on Wednesday August 2 from 9am – 11am at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

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To make sure your dog and others around them are safe, it is important to keep your pet under effective control.

Effective control means holding your dog by a leash when you are in a public place such as parks, foreshores, or residential areas.

It is also essential that you are physically able to control your dog.

On the spot fines of $309 may apply if your dog is not deemed to be under effective control.

Unfortunately, the amount of calls our Local Laws Officers are receiving in response to roaming dogs, dogs off leash and dog attack complaints is rising.

Our Officers have spent over 130 hours in the last two months alone patrolling areas within the region in response to these complaints.

This blitz will continue and unfortunately has a flow on cost to all ratepayers.

If your dog is deemed dangerous as the result of a dog attack, Council may increase your dog registration to $797 per year.

In extreme circumstances, Council also has the ability to issue a dog destruction order.

Please remember, we have ample off-leash dog parks in our region, should you wish to exercise your dog off leash.

Your dog must remain controllable in these areas and not cause harm to any other animal or person.

For more information, visit the pet ownership section of Council’s website.

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With Rick Hamilton, CEO Of Tourism Whitsundays

Central to a successful tourism industry is collaboration between key stakeholders, especially in the closely connected network of the Whitsunday region.

Bringing some of the great tourist-minds of the region together at the quarterly roundtable lunches is an important part of leveraging off local knowledge.

Hosted by Tourism Whitsundays (TW) and held at Coral Sea Marina Resort, this quarterly roundtable lunch was attended by a selection of key members.

“The view was stunning from the Cabanas which inspired over two hours of productive conversations around the table!” said Rick.

A variety of topics were discussed over the luncheon, giving local operators an opportunity to provide a perspective of their business, outline challenges and future opportunities for growth for the region.

Some of the conversation points included the increased number of recreational vessels in the area, the hugely positive regeneration being seen on our fringing and outer reefs and an update from Councillor Clay Bauman on the many Council activities taking place in the region.

“The new financial year has started, and it brings with it a fresh focus on how we’ll deliver for our members,” said Rick.

“With the start of the new financial year, our focus is continuing to drive demand from our key markets of Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne with digital campaigns, supporting new air services such as the Newcastle to Proserpine Bonza route.”

“Tourism Whitsundays continue to host our monthly networking nights, which regularly see attendances of over 120 members.

“This very important event not only connects friends and colleagues but allows TW to provide information around trends, current and future market conditions and our marketing activity that helps generate revenue to our region, not just tourism but through our whole community.”

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Attendees at the Tourism Whitsundays roundtable lunch at Coral Sea Marina Resort. Photo supplied

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Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Coast has been graded, with the release of the 2022 Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac (MWI) waterway health Report Card last week.

Assessing waterway conditions within the region, the report considers freshwater, estuary, and marine environments.

Using data collected from July 2021 till June 2022, the Whitsunday Coast was graded between B (good) and D (poor) rankings.

The Northern Inshore Marine scored C, meaning ‘moderate’, with the Don Basin receiving a B.

The Gregory River Estuary received a B and was the only estuary in the MWI region to receive a ‘Very Good’ grade for nutrients.

In 2021, this estuary received an A ‘Very Good’ grade and was reduced this year due to a minor decrease in water quality indicators.

Proserpine Basin received a B, while the Whitsunday Inshore Marine area, from Gregory River to Cape Conway, received the worst result across the region with a D.

This is due to poor seagrass and coral and moderate water quality.

However, this score has improved from 2021, with the water quality improving over the year timeframe.

Despite this, Chair of the Partnership, Charlie Morgan, said the results highlighted where more information was needed; where achievements could be celebrated; and where more work could be done.

“From rivers to reef – when it comes to waterway health, it is critical that we have regular data and information to make informed decisions and good choices as a community,” Ms Morgan said.

“What this year’s information shows us is that there is an opportunity to fill some key data gaps – for example, by focusing on fish.

“There are currently no monitoring programs for estuarine fish in our region, and we know how much fish mean to those of us living in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions! To have more active monitoring would be valuable to our communities.”

Ms Morgan added that, importantly, the release of the latest Report Card provided a chance to reflect on waterway health and its value.

“The Mackay Whitsunday and Isaac regions are communities rich in natural beauty and reliant on our waterways, so the more we focus on this information to plan for the future, the better,” she said.

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The second stage of the refurbishment to the Airlie Beach Boardwalk has been approved by Whitsunday Regional Council, and now waiting on securing final approval from the Federal Government.

Despite this, the project is expected to begin in late August, set to be completed by the end of November.

Mayor Hall said the boardwalk urgently needed an upgrade to ensure its longevity and to continue its role as a vibrant connectivity hub along the Coral Sea for residents and visitors.

“Stage 1 of the upgrade between Coral Sea Resort and Coral Sea Marina was completed last month with the boardwalk being totally replaced and widened to improve user safety,” she explained.

“The Bicentennial boardwalk is over 630 metres of raised walkway and is a much-loved trail which allows residents and tourists to walk beside the Coral Sea all the way from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach.

“Stage 2 of the project will upgrade the section from Shingley Beach to Whisper Bay boat ramp and replace the old timber boardwalk with a composite fibre material that is environmentally friendly and rust, rot, and corrosion resistant.”

The boardwalk will also be widened by one metre, for easier use of residents and visitors, and to allow joggers, pedestrians, and cyclists to better share the boardwalk.

The upgrade is funded with $1 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant and $950,000 from the 2023-24 Whitsunday Regional Council budget.

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The continued refurbishment of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk is underway with council approval. Photo supplied

Read the feature here

Fergus Builders has solidified its position as a leading name in Mackay's construction industry, renowned for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and forward-thinking. Since its establishment in October 1983 by visionary entrepreneur Garry Fergus, the company has been instrumental in transforming the region's building and construction landscape.

Garry, driven by a passion for innovation, took a bold leap into entrepreneurship alongside his wife Jann. Despite facing personal and economic challenges, their determination led them to establish Fergus Builders. Starting from modest beginnings, the family operated out of a simple shed while fueling their dreams with Garry's unwavering self-belief and relentless dedication.

With an eye for untapped potential, Garry turned ordinary projects into extraordinary achievements.

He saw potential where others saw obstacles, and his unwavering commitment to excellence set the foundation for what would become a legacy.

Tragedy struck in 2006 when Garry passed away unexpectedly. It was a devastating blow, not just for Jann, but for the entire Fergus Builders family. Garry was not just a founder; he was the heart and soul of the company. His loss left a void that seemed impossible to fill.

Ben Hilder is now one of the company’s three directors, but at the time of Garry’s passing, he was still being mentored in project management.

“For Ferg (Garry) to go down to Maroochydore for a Christmas family holiday at the end of 2005 and for him to never set foot back in the office or on any site, the loss was inconceivable,” Ben recalled.

Jann, determined to honour Garry's memory and legacy, stepped up and assumed the role of Managing Director. She was no stranger to the business, having been by Garry's side since its inception. She knew that the company had to carry on, that Garry's vision had to live on.

She was supported by the team members who would help to ensure Fergus’ legacy; from the current directors, Ben, Nathan Borg and Adam Wright, and former director, Shannon Ackerman; to the long-standing members of the crew who have given decades of service.

Shannon started his apprenticeship in 1994 and Ben said that he “was one of those young lads that got on with everyone and fitted into the Fergus family with ease”.

“About a year or so after Ferg passed away, we needed to reinforce the project management team. Shannon left the nail bag in the ute and started his next journey with me in the office. Nathan followed a similar path soon after and the three of us, who started as apprentices in the field, were now developing our skills and leading the charge through project management,” Ben said.

“The opportunity for the three of us to become partners was a dream come true.

“Shannon ended up taking a big step to move to Brisbane, to allow his kids to pursue their swimming passion at a higher level.”

Upon Shannon’s departure in 2016 the team was strengthened by the addition of Adam, who rejoined the team after beginning his career with Fergus as a cadet in construction management.

Ben said “Like any good home or building, longevity starts with the solid foundations.

“It is these foundations and core values that Garry and Jann built this business on and we are proud to carry this legacy forward.

“Our core values are pillars that Garry and Jann lived by and are the fabric that binds us together.                

“INTEGRITY – LOYALTY – FAMILY – COMPASSION”

Adam agreed and said that the true quality of a building lies in what you can't see, and that's what Fergus strives to deliver.

“Even though our systems and processes have changed over the years, how we do business and how the business is run is exactly the same as 40 years ago,” he said.

Nathan, who started with Fergus Builders as an apprentice, said the early principles instilled in him at the start still ring true for the business today.

“We look after each other, deliver a quality job and exceed client expectations,” Nathan said.

The longevity of key team members plus the feeling of belonging to a family is another factor attributed to the success of Fergus Builders.

“The key word for us has always been FAMILY,” Ben said.

“People want security with their place of employment, and we strive to maintain a stable and safe work environment for anyone who what’s to be part of the team.”

Adam added, “At last count our average employee time with Fergus was 11.5 years.

“It’s something we pride ourselves on, being able to have long-term employees. We have multiple staff who have been with us for more than 20 years.”

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Patrick Thaiday's Transformative Workshop

The Arts Development team of Mackay Regional Council provided an opportunity for members of the public from all cultural backgrounds to attend a workshop with renowned contemporary dancer Patrick Thaiday.

The workshop took place on Thursday, July 6, nestled under the welcoming shade of the fig tree near the Jubilee Community Centre.

Participants had the privilege of immersing themselves in Patrick's rich cultural background, engaging in language sharing, and learning traditional drumming techniques. The highlight of the workshop was the contemporary Indigenous dance tutorial, where attendees had the chance to learn and experience the expressive beauty of this art form.

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

Mackay Students Embark On Transformative 'Big Dream, Small Steps' Traineeships

There was an air of excitement and anticipation in the room at Mackay Base Hospital (MBH) last week as 10 students with big dreams took a step towards pursuing careers in the health sector.

The Budyubari Bidyiri Kebi Stapal (Big Dream, Small Steps) program 2023 cohort are beginning twelve-month school-based traineeships across selected departments of MBH which will equip them with a Certificate lll qualification in either Health Services Assistance, Allied Health Assistance or Dental Assistance.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Program Officer Emily Vanderwolf said the Year 11 students came from seven Mackay region high schools.

“We had nine students graduate from the first Big Dream Small Steps program last year and we are excited to have another 10 students who are wanting to take up this opportunity to complete Certificate III qualifications while they are finishing high school,” Ms Vanderwolf said.

“The aim of the program is to build our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better reflect the community we care for.”

There were also some proud family members on hand at Tuesday’s induction day.

Andrea Pinkard, whose daughter Lara graduated from last year’s program, felt it was a good career move for her son Fletcher.

“Fletcher’s older sister really enjoyed the program and she has now been accepted into James Cook University to study pharmacy,” Ms Pinkard said.

“I thought it would be a great program for Fletcher as well.”

Registered Nurse Vanessa Roberts promoted the idea to her daughter.

“I did encourage Bella to look at this because Queensland Health offers a lot of career options,” she said.

Natalie Takai, who was providing family support to Dominic Battersby, said his family were really happy with the traineeship plan.

“We’re so glad that Dom knows what he wants to do,” she said.

“Most kids this age have no idea what they want to do so we are encouraging him to go ahead.”

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The 2023 Big Dream Small Steps trainees are, back from left, Dom Battersby (MCC), Fletcher Pinkard and Bella Roberts (Mirani SHS), Jess Maley (St Patricks College), Yasmin Johnston (Pioneer SHS), and front from left, Martia Gela (Sarina SHS), Macy Rudken (Mackay SHS), Tiani Walker (Mackay North SHS), Ellie Hansen (Mackay SHS) and Brenice’Sha Blanco (Sarina SHS)

NAIDOC Street Parade Delivers A ‘Deadly’ Event

In a riot of colour and joyous celebration, the annual NAIDOC Street Parade took centre stage in Mackay’s CBD last week, showcasing the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The event, held as part of the national NAIDOC Week celebrations, attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd from all cultural backgrounds.

Participants from all walks of life joined the parade, marching with pride to honour the oldest living culture in the world. The streets came alive with music, dancing, and an infectious atmosphere of unity and community pride.

The NAIDOC Street Parade was more than just a spectacle; it was a powerful symbol of recognition and respect for the Indigenous communities that have inhabited and nurtured this land for over 65,000 years. It served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of First Nations people, and the importance of acknowledging their contributions and achievements.

NAIDOC Week celebrations serve as a reminder to Australia to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the First Nations People not just during this special week, but every day. It is an opportunity to strive for equity, social justice, unity, and self-determination. The success of the NAIDOC Street Parade underscores the significance of these values and the collective commitment to embracing Indigenous pride and culture.

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Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council