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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.”

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

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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.”

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If you are alone or struggling with your finances this festive season, you don’t need to survive by yourself – there are a community of kind people who have organised a free community Christmas and you’re invited.

Stella Life Care and Stella Community understand that although Christmas Day is traditionally a time for celebration, for many it is a time when life’s problems are magnified.

It is estimated that 3.6 million Australians experience food insecurity at some time during the year, 27% of which are children.

You are not alone.

In fact, Faileen James, CEO of Stella Life Care in Bowen says that, from the number of RSVPs to date, it is clear there is a real need for this Christmas generosity.  

Everyone who attends will receive a small gift, and the sit-down lunch will be served by a small, dedicated volunteer and staff team from Stella Life Care.

“The spirit of Christmas is about giving and enjoying a sense of community,” Ms James said.

“No one should be alone or go hungry. We understand it can be a tough time for some, so we will open our doors to provide companionship, laughter and fun, and other support to anyone who comes”

This is one of two free community Christmas Day lunches, the other will be taking place at Whitsunday PCYC.

WHAT: Free community Christmas lunch

WHERE: Bowen, Stella Life Care at 39 Herbert Street from 12pm

RSVP essential: 0435 673 109, email us at: info@stellalife.com.au

WHERE: Whitsunday PCYC

RSVP essential: Register at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Proserpine Community Centre or Whitsunday Housing Company. Or text 0412 721 969.

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Christmas is a time to come together and feel the community love around you

Christmas Gifts – Can You Help?

While families across the Whitsundays come together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company this Christmas, we must remember there are also those who are alone, experiencing homelessness or disadvantage.

For those people in our community, Christmas can be an extremely difficult time of year.

Fortunately, there are ways that we can all help and Stella Life Care and Stella Community are asking for local businesses and members of the community to dig deep and donate to help their worthy cause.

“We’d love to see other local businesses and charities jump on board by providing donated food, goods or even small gifts that will help us put food on the table at our Christmas Day lunch and a smile on someone’s face,” said Bruce Button, Stella Life Care Director.

“It would be even better if community donations allowed us to send home some home-cooked meals and treats for people to enjoy throughout the entire Christmas period.”

If you would like to help provide food or a small gift for someone less fortunate over the Christmas period, you can contact Faileen James, CEO via email: info@stellalife.com.au or call: 0435 673 109.

Do you want to donate? If so, Stella Care in Bowen are ready to receive

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In less than 48 hours’ time it will be Christmas. Yes, the time we welcome Santa to enter through our flyscreen and put smiles on kids’ faces after he eats all the biscuits we’ve left behind.

So between today Friday and tomorrow Saturday, everyone needs to take a chill pill, smile and hurry up and finish their gift shopping, because when the shops shut up tomorrow afternoon, that’s it until Monday.

Do not leave it until the last minute.

That present you’ve been wanting to get has gone from the shelves. The food you were going to take to Mum’s place isn’t there anymore. That drink from the pub that you wanted to put on ice before the mates come over tonight is now gone too.

Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.

Take it from me. I remember back in the 90’s, I went shopping on Xmas Eve for my girlfriend at the time, and boy did I regret it. I had no idea what I was doing walking around Caneland’s like a lost puppy. Thing was, there were heaps of other blokes doing the same because we all didn’t know the rules of Christmas giving.

Can I make a suggestion for 2023 please? Make a list and as Santa always says, he checks it twice and finds out who is naughty or nice. That way you’ll be good to go months ahead of time and you won’t have to rush around like a puppy with worms.

When you’re getting the list together, please for the love of God, put your partner at the top of the page. Not half way down. Not at the bottom. Put them at the top and get the shopping done first before any others.

Once you’ve got them sorted, then you can move down the list.

Again, it’s just a suggestion. Do as you will, but accept the consequences if you don’t follow my advice.

The other thing you’ll want to do in 48 hours’ time is eat too much, drink all the wrong things, plus play games you haven’t tried for 12 months that will give you muscle soreness for days on end. That’s just what happens, especially if you play Finska in the backyard in Glenella.

If there’s any last advice I can give you this Xmas Eve, Eve. Be happy. Talk to your mates and see how they are doing. Listen to them and be involved in their words. Christmas can be a very hard time for many, so the more of us who can reach out, the better.

I can’t wait for my kids to come over on Sunday morning, and then catching up with mates in the arvo. It’s going to be a great day.

I’d like to wish you and your family and loved ones, a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2023!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Whitsunday Regional Council hope to secure $66,000 in funding from a new mental health project to deliver three activities in Bowen and Collinsville in the New Year after Mackay Health identified the region as “priority”.

In Council’s final ordinary meeting of 2022, Councillors voted in favour of seeking funding for The Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected Communities (TRACC) Grants.

It is hoped TRACC will fund three events in Bowen: The Multicultural Festival, a Blue Tree Project, and a Come and Try event for sporting and recreation clubs.

The three activities were chosen during earlier discussions at the Bowen TRACC Grants Workshop on October 24 between Councillors Michelle Wright and Mike Brunker, Director of Community Services Julie Wright as well as local community groups, industry, and health services representatives.

Council’s Economic Development Manager, Gary Warrener said the first project, the Multicultural Festival – costing $31,750 - will “invite our community to celebrate and learn about the cultures within our region.”

“Cultural groups will be invited to share their culture and heritage through music, storytelling, performance-based entertainment and arts during the day,” Mr Warrener said.

“The second TRACC event, The Blue Tree Project, will install a dead tree at the entrance of Denison Park that is painted blue. The project will include a day that will start off with club members participating in the Gratitude, Resilience, Intent and Pride (GRIP) wellbeing program run by the QRL, followed by members painting the tree blue.”

The $2,500 requested funding will assist with the costs of the transport and concrete for the tree, paint, paint accessories and a sign to be installed.

The final event proposed is a sporting and recreation club “Come and Try day” – for which Council will use $31,750 of the funding.

“[It] will invite clubs to showcase at a free community day to encourage greater participation from members of the community that are isolated,” he said.

“The projects were selected because they support mental health awareness and encourage community engagement and participation.”

Each activity is set to take place in the 2023/24 financial year.

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The combined effort of several of Bowen’s non-for-profits, and kind donations from local community, saw more than 400 residents supported with ‘Christmas Hampers’ in early December.

Facilitated by Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre, the annual Bowen Christmas Hamper Appeal assisted over 170 households in the Whitsundays far north this holiday season.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Stephanie Cora said the support from the Bowen community and the collaboration between its non-for-profit groups was vital during Christmas, which “can be a financially difficult time of year for families with and without children”.

“On Christmas morning, most children wake up early rushing to check the Christmas tree for gifts,” Ms Cora said.

“Unfortunately for some families this isn’t the case. What can be the most joyous time of the year for many can also be a financially stressful experience for others.

“The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre, as well as The Salvation Army, Chayim Community Care, and the Bowen QCWA Branch have come together to ensure every child has presents under the tree this year.”

The Appeal – which began seeking donations from the local community in November – delivers hampers of ‘Christmas goodies, biscuits, cordial, sweet treats, tinned food, vouchers, and gifts for children’ to those in need.

Over 200 children and 190 adults applied for hampers this year, with approximately 20 further ‘walk ins’ who missed the application deadline, but still received assistance with hampers because of the “generous donations from local businesses and community members in Bowen.”  

A Christmas Pop-up shop – set up by Bowen’s Salvation Army Citadel for families with children - also provided further gifts, with 80 local families with 203 children selecting toys and other gifts.

Ms Cora said the provision of a further Christmas Hamper Pop-up Shop for community members to access “supports Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s vision to always contribute towards the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of the community we support.”

Another Christmas Pop-up shop was held at the new Bowen Community Centre for singles and couples without dependent children – which 110 adults utilised, being offered vouchers, Christmas treats, toiletries, homemade Christmas cakes and even toys to select from for those with grandchildren.

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Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre’s annual Christmas Hamper Appeal supported close to one thousand residents this holiday season

The Appeal collects donations from locals and businesses before redistributing them as gifts to those in need

One of the region’s longest-running weekly events has changed ownership after its facilitators of more than two decades step aside due to lack of volunteers

The Bowen Lions Club advised Whitsunday Regional Council in late October that the organisation could no longer operate its weekly Bowen Community Sunday Markets from the end of 2022.

Their final bazaar as facilitators was held last Sunday, December 18. Rumours have abounded that the Bowen Lions would be ceasing operations, to which club President Peter Goodman said “was untrue”.

The market is now under the temporary management of a group who assisted Lions in the market’s running for many years and are comprised of the event’s stallholders, the Bowen Community Market Group Inc. non-for-profit, who will take charge until formal management decisions are made by local Council.

Lions had organised the markets weekly for 20 years, on average attracting 30 marketeers and 1,000 to 1,500 locals and visitors each Sunday.

Discussions with Council to find a new non-for-profit to facilitate the Hansen Park event began with the Lions Club reaching out to Whitsunday Regional Councillor Michael Brunker for assistance.

With the Bowen Community Markets longevity and continuous “positive impact for the Bowen community” according to Council, Councillors voted unanimously to advertise on behalf of the group.

Councillors and Mayor Julie Hall extended their profound gratitude to the Lions Club for their exceptional community spirit.

“I would like to thank the Lions for their many years of running the markets in Bowen,” Mayor Hall said.

Bowen Community Market Group Inc. Secretary Leola Adams said the group has applied with Council to become the permanent custodians of the markets.

“We’ve made submission to council to see if we can be given the keys – but if we don’t get it and another group does, it’s still a win-win situation,” Ms Adams said.

“We will support anyone who will run the markets. So long as it continues, we’re happy because it’s a valuable community event.”

The next market will be held on January 8, 2023, by the Bowen Community Market Group Inc. while a permanent facilitator is found.

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The Bowen Lions Club will no longer run the Bowen Community Sunday Markets after 20 years of facilitating the event

Bowen PCYC hosted a trial class for its newest gymnastics program last week aimed at helping seniors improve their mobility, all while having a bit of fun.

The local non-for-profit’s ‘Fitter for Life’ class – a strengthening and balancing curriculum devised by Gymnastics Australia - was a “huge hit”, hosting more than 25 community members.

Led by qualified, nationally accredited coach Tracey Hivon, Fitter for Life classes incorporate light stretching, very light weight training, ball activities, brain training activities, and coordinated sequences of light cardio with the aim to stimulate the mind and body.

Bowen PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Michelle O’Regan said the Gymnastics program is a “fun, fundamental movement program and social opportunity that aims to help seniors improve their mobility, strength, and coordination”.

“We’ve been working towards getting this program up and running for the last 18 months,” Sergeant O’Regan said.

“We’re very lucky to have Tracey, who has 20 plus years of delivering fitness classes, and tailors the classes to the group she’s facilitating to.”

The class is predominantly for those 50 and over, although younger persons may attend.

Ms O’Regan said this was the “full circle” for the PCYC’s gymnastics program.

“It’s just wonderful now to be able to offer this gymnastics curriculum that delivers something from toddlers right through to people who are retired,” she said.

Multiple weekly classes will begin at the PCYC in the New Year, and any interested persons can enquire at (07) 4786 1383.

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Bowen PCYC has launched its newest gymnastics program ‘Fitter for Life’ which is aimed at guiding the older generation through mobility exercises

The class saw its participants take part in various light exercises

Thousands of visitors are expected to call in across the Whitsundays during the holiday season – but nowhere is the Christmas cheer more evident than in the forward bookings at The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre at Bowen in the coming weeks.

The town is expecting strong visitor numbers, and its information centre is always busy at this time of the year.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said more than 1100 visitors called in last year in the five days the centre was open between Christmas and New Year and another 1076 people visited the centre in the first week in January.

“We may be even busier than that this year as there has already been a big increase in the number of international visitors,” she said.

“This time last year, the international borders were closed and we only had 14 overseas travellers in the entire month of December.

“This year, we have already welcomed 160 international tourists in December and the month is not over yet,” she said.

The visitor information centre has a large range of souvenirs and local produce including a lot of mango-themed merchandise which is proving very popular.

“We have everything from mango chutney and sauces to soaps, room fresheners, body trifle and even mango daquiri mix which would be ideal for Christmas.”

Ms Abernathy said there was another draw card for tourists: The Big Mango has recently been painted and the new vibrant colours have created a lot of interest in the past two weeks.

The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day but open on all other days over the festive season.

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Santa tried a mango sorbet – have you?

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