Welcome to FY 2024. It’s full steam ahead in the Whitsundays with visitors flocking to the region over school holiday. And the weather has generally cooperated with a spectacular Whitsunday winter!

Full steam ahead as Chamber advocacy over the last few weeks includes preparing members for new industrial relations changes that have come into effect, skilled workforce shortages and visa pathways, the regions housing crisis, and local precinct infrastructure -- particularly trying to mitigate negative publicity on Airlie Beach's main street.

Our support for the establishment of a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) continues and we are delighted to have Marny Bowman from the Department of Home Affairs appearing at our next event to provide information for employers.

Additionally, coinciding with the Chamber's involvement in a couple of consultations on the region's housing crisis, we have released our policy paper which sets out a number of recommendations that urge all levels of government to take prompt action to foster a thriving business environment while addressing the critical housing needs of the community

A key purpose of the Chamber is to advocate on critical issues on behalf of our members and the Whitsunday business community more broadly. Our advocacy work ensures we deal, negotiate, and participate in any forum that gets our message across on behalf of our members. Please visit the Advocacy page on the Chamber's website for updates on our advocacy priorities.

In May we launched our Vision for the Whitsundays research and advocacy project. Later this month, we will be releasing news of how you can have your say on what the future could look like and what we need to do now to future proof tomorrow. You will be able to participate by either making a formal submission to the project, completing a short online survey, or registering to attend an interactive roundtable discussion. Make sure you are registered via our website to receive Chamber news and updates.

Soon we will be revealing the Chamber's new 5-year strategy, an ambitious plan to drive sustainable business growth and connectivity throughout the Whitsunday region. Please join us at our Thursday 13 July event in Proserpine to hear of these plans, initiatives, and the launch of our new membership offerings that aim to support local business growth and success. Our July event is open to all and you can register today on our website or by contacting the Chamber team on admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au

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Neoh Phoenix Photography

Step into the vibrant world of Neoh Phoenix Photography, where Mackay-based photographer Maree Rowles weaves her magic through the lens. With a deep love for freezing cherished memories, Maree's journey into photography began as a mother capturing her own family's milestones. Now, she invites you to join her on an unforgettable photographic adventure.

"I needed photography in my life to know that this was my record of my children growing up," Maree reflects. As a busy mum of four, Maree understands the fleeting nature of these precious moments and the desire to preserve them. With her camera always at the ready, she ensures that no memory goes uncelebrated.

With a reputation for capturing plenty of memories for family and friends during special occasions, Maree’s first camera was a gift from her husband, Nathan, who understood her desire to preserve these memorable moments.

The name Neoh Phoenix Photography itself holds a heartfelt significance as it is inspired by her youngest son, Neoh. Combining the meaning of "New Precious Gift" with the symbolism of the phoenix rising from the ashes, the name represents the profound joy and new beginnings that come with every captured moment.

While Maree offers a range of photography genres, her glamour shoot is becoming a popular booking option. Embracing vibrant colours and eye-catching compositions, she adds a touch of pizzazz to every frame. "Glam is something that makes a lot of people happy," she explains. "To add a tad of colour here and there can do so much!"

Maree's glamour photography is all about making you feel like a Hollywood icon by showcasing your beauty and confidence. Clients can choose from studio or on-location backdrops and the pampering experience includes refreshments and nibbles as well as full hair and makeup styling.

When it comes to maternity shoots, Maree captures the raw emotion and anticipation surrounding the arrival of a new family member. Whether it's a first-time parent or a growing family welcoming a sibling, she snaps those precious moments before the baby's arrival.

What sets Maree apart is not just her technical skills, but her commitment to her craft and client satisfaction. With nearly a decade of experience and an extensive portfolio, she blends dedication, precision, and charisma into every session.

Step into the world of vibrant colours, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable memories. Get ready to say "cheese" and let Maree work her magic!

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Maree Rowles is the owner of Neoh Phoenix Photography

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Council adopted their 2023-24 Budget last Friday and our priority as Councillors was to maintain essential services with minimal rate rises for our residents.

Against the backdrop of these rising costs and inflation sitting above six per cent, we have been able to keep the rate rise to a minimum, with an average increase in general rates for residential owner occupiers of two per cent.

Council will also continue to provide one of the most generous pensioner rates concessions in Queensland.

Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship may seek assistance under Council’s Rate Relief due to Hardship Policy.

Highlights of Council’s 2023/24 capital works program include commencing construction on a new $3.5 million waste cell at Kelsey Creek, $2.4 million towards upgrading infrastructure at our regional airports including our award-winning Whitsunday Coast Airport, $11.4 million on stormwater drainage, roads and footpath infrastructure which includes, Stage 2 of the Bicentennial Walkway and gravel road re-sheeting on our unsealed network.

Council plays a key role in assisting local community and sporting groups across the region and at last week’s Ordinary Council meeting in Bowen, financial support was approved for a range of community events and Sport & Recreation Grants were approved for seven local sporting clubs.

We approved $1,500 to the Collinsville Lions Club to host a weekly Community BBQ for the third year in a row to welcome travellers at the Collinsville RV Park during the peak tourism season.

Sponsorship of $2,500 was approved to assist the Springlands Campdraft Association with their annual campdraft event on July 21-23.

The popular Collinsville Bacon Busters was awarded sponsorship of $2,500 to assist the Collinsville State High School P&C with their annual event on Saturday 19 August 2023.

Sport & Recreation Club Grants were approved for the following recipients: Cannonvale Kyokushin Karate Club Inc. $5,500; Proserpine Rugby League Football Club Inc. $3,000; Bowen Football Association $3,000; Proserpine Bowls Club Inc. $1,500; Collinsville Golf Club Inc. $1,500; Whitsunday Regional Endurance Riders Association Inc. $1,000.

Funding of $20,000 under Council’s Sport & Recreation Facility Management Grant was awarded to Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex Association.

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Dear phenomenal women in business,

Today, we embark on a heartfelt journey into the realm of personal branding, where authenticity reigns supreme. Picture this: a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a candid conversation about unveiling your true self to the world. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the depths of vulnerability.

In a world that often expects us to put on a brave face, it can be daunting to reveal our authentic selves. But here's a little secret: your vulnerability can be your superpower. It's what sets you apart, allowing others to connect with you on a profound level. Embrace your fears, quirks, and imperfections, for they are the very essence of your personal brand.

When it comes to social media, it's all about striking a delicate balance between professionalism and genuine expression. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram provide us with a digital canvas to paint our stories. Share your triumphs, your failures, and the lessons you've learned along the way. Allow your audience to witness your journey, inspiring them to embrace their own authenticity.

LinkedIn, the virtual tapestry of professionals, offers a space to showcase your expertise and establish meaningful connections. Share industry insights, write thought-provoking articles, and engage in conversations that ignite passion within you. Let your voice resonate, echoing through the digital corridors and captivating the hearts of your professional network.

Facebook Groups, ah, what a captivating corner of the digital world they are! These virtual spaces are teeming with emotions, where like-minded souls gather to share their passions, seek understanding, and form connections that transcend the boundaries of time and distance. Craft compelling posts that reflect your unique perspective, share valuable resources, and engage with your tribe.

Instagram, the captivating visual wonderland, allows you to showcase the vibrant tapestry of your life. Paint a picture that transcends the boardroom, revealing the passions and interests that shape you as a multifaceted individual. Whether it's travel, fashion, or culinary delights, let your authentic self shine through captivating visuals and captivating captions.

But amidst the digital frenzy, never lose sight of your core values and purpose. Personal branding isn't about creating a polished façade; it's about embracing the beauty of your true self and sharing it with the world. Your authenticity is magnetic, drawing in a tribe of like-minded individuals who resonate with your story and vision.

So, dear women in business, let vulnerability be your guiding light. Unleash the power of your authentic personal brand, and watch as it weaves connections, empowers others, and paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate professional world.

With heartfelt sincerity,

Shirlz x

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From the end of July 2023, aviation fuel/AVGAS will be available at the Bowen Aerodrome!

This welcome addition to the aerodrome will allow general aviators, aeroclub members and aircraft providing ag spraying to conveniently refuel on-site.

Whitsunday Regional Council owns and manages Whitsunday Coast Airport, as well as three smaller aerodromes (Bowen, Collinsville, and Mount Coolon). This initiative to offer aviation fuel at the Bowen Aerodrome marks the start of an increased commercial focus on our smaller regional airports, adding value to these assets whilst also developing regional access and providing extra value to our community.

Check out the Whitsunday Coast Airport Facebook page and Instagram for all the latest news on our airports and aerodromes.

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The Whitsundays region has seen unprecedented visitor growth, when compared with 2019 statistics.

Results gathered from the National Visitor Survey (NVS) for the year ending March 2023 showed massive growth and expenditure of visitors to the area.

Most impressive, the area has seen an increase of 41.4 per cent increase over three years, from 2019, and a visitor expenditure of $1.6 billion from 2022 till March this year.

According to the NVS, 59.6 per cent were interstate visitors, with 46 per cent being from New South Wales.

Big numbers brings big spending, with each visitor spending an average of $1,842 each while here, up 24 per cent, and staying on average for five and a half nights, compared to the previous four and a half nights from the year before.

This means people are staying in the region longer and spending more money on services, attractions, and activities.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton is thrilled with the results.

"These remarkable records in visitor expenditure and interstate visitation underscore The Whitsundays' status as an unmatched holiday destination,” he said.

“Further to the records, for the first time since 2020, we have international visitor numbers.

“The region has welcomed 36,000 visitors, mostly from the UK and Europe, in the first quarter of 2023.

“These numbers show us that the international demand for The Whitsundays is strong, and we expect that demand to continue to grow in coming months.”

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2022-23 has seen unprecedented growth in visitors to the area. Photo supplied

Living on the family farm was always on the cards for Glenn Clarke, a born and bred Proserpine local.

Now four generations on the Glen Isla, just west of Proserpine township, Glenn has been growing and harvesting sugar cane for coming on 40 years now, since taking over operations from his father.

“The family moved here around 1921, from Conway way,” he explained.

Since then, the family has acquired 130 hectares of cane farming land, with Glenn usually harvesting between nine and 10 tons of sugar cane each year.

“This year is shaping to be a good crop too,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say a bumper crop but definitely a good one. The rain we’re getting at the moment is welcome, but we can’t get too much.”

Over the years, Glenn’s farm has faced increased hardships, including being almost completely flattened during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

Nurturing the crop back to good health, he has seen much harvest success in coming years, and fosters a nature to help other cane farmers in the region.

Acting as the Chairman for the Proserpine branch of CANEGROWERS Board of Directors, Glenn often communicates with local sugar mills, including Wilmar and ensures the best for CANEGROWERS members.

He initially took on the Chairman position 10 years ago and has been a member of CANEGROWERS for 23 years now, and he isn’t slowing down any time soon.

“We look out for our members. We’re elected on to the board by our members, so we have to look out for them, and make sure everything is pointing in the right direction.”

Glenn is joined with his wife, who is a real estate agent for Ray White Real Estate.

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Proserpine local sugar cane farmer, Glenn Clarke, has been in the business for 40 years now. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

On July 22, Proserpine Historical Museum is launching a new display, Women of the Whitsundays.

This display acknowledges women, past and present, who have made significant contributions to the community and the celebration fittingly coincides with the centenary of the local Country Women’s Association.

Our early pioneering women were quite remarkable, yet it is a sad reality that the significant contribution they made to the community was often underestimated and certainly undervalued.

• They married young, had large families, and often died in their forties.

• They lived in slab huts with dirt floors and cooked on an outside open fire.

• They often contended with epidemics of measles, whooping cough and infantile paralysis when doctors were few and far between.

• They milked, churned butter and baked bread; they raised chickens and grew vegetables; they preserved fruit – to reduce bills.

• They were good managers, combining home duties with various social activities such as church groups, the hospital sewing group, Red Cross, and the Ambulance Association.

• Many were active and essential members of the business community.

• And they also worked beside the men in the fields cutting and planting cane.

One such early female settler was Mary Adelaide Atkinson.

This incredibly tough and resilient pioneer was born in 1862 in the small village of Millom in Cumberland, England.

In her early twenties, she travelled to Australia on her own on the immigrant boat “Shannon”.

As she suffered ill health, it was thought that Australia’s climate would be suitable for her.

But that was not where her journey ended.

In 1888, she married Robert Atkinson in Roma, Queensland.

They lived and worked in the Adavale area for some years before hearing of the opening up of sugarcane lands in Northern Queensland.

The pull of opportunities for a better life were strong so they decided to chance their fortunes in this emerging industry.

In about 1900, Robert, Mary and six children began the long journey north.

Two horse-drawn drays and some extra horses carried the family’s possessions.

Chickens were slung in cages under the drays.

Five or six goats that provided milk were driven along by the children.

It was an arduous journey along bush tracks.

Robert’s short-term jobs on stations along the route replenished the coffers and the children were able to attend school or join station children in lessons.

Otherwise, Mary taught them what she could manage.

The hardships encountered are best illustrated by the fact that Mary was pregnant during most of the journey of about three years and lost three babies along the way.

Such sadness, a lack of medical assistance and related support as well as the isolation suffered particularly by Mary was typical of this era and the women pioneers.

Mary’s strength was also demonstrated in that she rarely rode on the drays throughout the entire journey – pregnant or not.

Upon their eventual arrival, in Strathdickie, the hardship continued.

A slab hut was built, and the land had to be totally cleared, cultivated, and planted.

With few tools and no machinery these tasks were hard physical work and Mary helped whenever she could.

When their sons enlisted and went to war, the farm was sold.

Mary moved to Chapman Street opposite where the Whitsunday Doctors’ Service operates today.

During her life, she was an active and well-respected midwife in the district.

She opened her home as a nursing home to attend to mothers in confinement.

In all, Mary herself had borne eleven children.

Mary was a true pioneer; a caring woman with a strong spirit; determined, resourceful and resilient.

She died in Proserpine on 29th April 1944 and is buried in the Proserpine cemetery.

We salute you Mary Adelaide Atkinson.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Mary Atkinson

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Local marine operators have been working alongside Traditional Owners on the latest Tourism Reef Protection Initiative funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

The Reefsearch Team at Red Cat have been surveying 12 sites around the Whitsundays in collaboration with Traditional Owners and Descendants of the Ngaro, Gia, and Juru people of the Whitsundays Region.

“Being able to bring them to the sites and reconnect with their land has been nothing but incredible,” said a Red Cat team member.

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Statistically, your home is more likely to be broken into in the warmer months, so winter is the perfect time to consider investing in crime-busting measures to protect house and home.

Stay alert with sensor lights

Sensor and motion detection lights are a fantastic way of having security without spending the big bucks.

Often, having a motion light will deter would-be thieves, by thinking that someone is awake in the home, therefore increasing the risk.

Protect with a screen door

This one is too simple.

Having that one extra layer of a screen door on the front door just means no one can barge into the home when you answer the door.

Be safe with a deadbolt protector

Having a deadbolt is already one sure deterrent for thieves but having a deadbolt protector is a simple measure that stops anyone who attempts to pick the lock into your home.

Sliding over the deadlock, the protector stops the lock from turning, simple yet extremely effective.

Here are some other no fuss tips to protect your home:

- Don’t advertise your holiday plans

- Make sure to lock up the garage, shed and side gates

- Keep temptation away, by moving your valuables away from view through windows

And if considering an extensive home security system, reach out to Lightning Comms, who look after all things security, monitoring and cameras.

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Council is investing $128 million into its capital assets as part of the 2023-2024 capital budget, with a strong focus on roads, drainage and improving drinking water quality in regional areas.

That figure will include $58 million on renewing existing assets, $20 million on upgrades and $50 million on new assets.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council managed a diverse range of infrastructure assets valued at $3.7 billion and was responsible for the construction, upgrade and renewal of these assets.

“One of the largest capital outlays for the coming budget will be $21.5 million in drainage works, including the South Mackay Levee, Pioneer Levee (Rivers Edge to Heaths Rd) and Sarina northern trunk drainage upgrade,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These vital works will ensure we are prepared for extreme weather events,” he said.

“We are also investing a significant $6.5 million to improve drinking water quality in regional areas.

“This will include the $2.5 million Bloomsbury Water Supply Scheme and water quality improvement projects at Eton, Calen and Sarina.”

Chief Executive Officer Scott Owen said council’s 2023-2024 budget aims to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

“This year’s capital works program is one of the largest to date and focuses on improving the region’s infrastructure and amenities,” Mr Owen said.

“We have allocated funds to continue with the planning and implementation of sustainability and urban greening initiatives that will offer long-term savings to council,” he said.

“Including $220,000 to start an electric vehicle trail for our passenger fleet and investigate the transition to LED street lighting with Ergon.”

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REVEALING COUNCIL’S
BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY

- Mackay Regional Council Unveils $420 Million Budget

- ORGANISATIONAL REALIGNMENT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE

- Council Balances Ambitious Projects With Long-Term Financial Sustainability

- COUNCIL APPROVES RATES RISE IN FINELY TUNED BUDGET

- CAPITAL BUDGET INVESTS HEAVILY IN DRAINAGE AND REGIONAL WATER QUALITY

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Mackay Base Hospital's Future Funding Relief

By Amanda Wright

Navigating the labyrinthine car parks of Mackay Base Hospital has been a nightmarish ordeal for patients, visitors, and staff alike. But the days of this hellish game of hunting are now numbered, with the State Government announcing last week that its vision for a revitalised health haven for Mackay has been backed by more than $600M from its budget announcements, which includes plans for a multi-storey car parking building.

The drawback to easier parking access is that it will come at a cost to users, with the facility being government owned and operated. The cost per day isn’t yet confirmed, however Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick indicated it would be more than $10 per day.

“In our most recent public hospitals it’s been a maximum of $13 per day,” the Treasurer said.

Preliminary work and analysis have already begun to ensure that future car parking demand and access needs for staff, patients and visitors to the health facility is met. Treasurer Dick said the first step will be community consultation and the planning will take approximately one year, then once construction begins it will take around two years to complete.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she had first hand experience navigating Mackay Base Hospital’s car park in search of a space and welcomed the Treasurer’s commitment to easing the issue for staff, patients and visitors of the public health facility.

“There are people who are frail who can’t park down the road like I had to today, they need access to closer parking spaces,” she said.

“I have been advocating for this for many years so it’s exciting to see it happening in health across our district.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Susan Gannon said that the hospital’s staff, patients and visitors will be incredibly happy to know there is an end in sight to the facility’s car parking challenges.

“We know on some days it can be hard to find a park, particularly when we have big specialist outpatient clinics, and that this is frustrating for everyone,” she said.

The car park will boast over 1,000 spaces, with a provision of $75 million allocated in this year's budget for its construction costs.

The eagerly anticipated project seeks to significantly augment the existing capacity and fortify the $256.1 million expansion and enhancement plans for the Mackay Hospital site. With completion scheduled for 2026, the expansion aims to accommodate the growing demand for healthcare services by incorporating 128 new patient beds across specialised paediatric, medical, and surgical wards.

Treasurer Dick said that car parking is the last thing patients and visitors to hospitals should be worried about.

“A new multi-storey car park at the Mackay Base Hospital will make life easier for the local community, while supporting jobs during construction,” he said.

Ms Gilbert added that it’s great to see another investment in the Mackay Base Hospital.

“We have already announced the $256.1 million expansion and improvement to the hospital site, and the new car park will make it easier for the community to use this facility,” she said.

Ms Gannon added that the demand for car parking has steadily increased as the hospital brought on new services, which in turn means they are employing more doctors, nurses and support staff.

“As we provide an increasing amount of care for our community and build an additional 128 beds, this demand will only grow,” she said.

“I acknowledge that construction will create additional parking pressures so the health service will now start to consider mitigation strategies such as off-site parking to minimise this disruption.”

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State Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, MP Charis Mullen and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert announced funding for a multi-storey car park for Mackay Base Hospital

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Chances Op Shop have turned to Facebook to thank some recent donors, including Councillor Martin Bella who orchestrated the donation of a whole beast.

“Cr. Marty Bella came to us a few weeks ago with an idea,” the Facebook post read.

“He wanted to purchase a beast for us through generous donations from people he knew, most of whom were farmers or in the agriculture industry.”

“We are so grateful to all of the people involved in making this possible.

“Meat is one of our largest costs and this donation will go a long, long way.”

Chances Op Shop have also recently shared their gratitude to Country Women's Association Mackay for their donation of $200, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert who donated 15 pizzas for a State of Origin night, and the ladies at Scope Mackay for their donation of lightweight swags.

The op shop serves as a fundraising initiative of Australian Street Aid Project, utilising the funding from the op shop to provide essential homelessness services.

Offering a daily breakfast and lunch service, homelessness healthcare, a drop-in lounge, essential items and more, Australian Street Aid Project aims to promote dignity and positive social interactions in an inclusive and welcoming environment which enables people to exit the cycle of homelessness and increases their chances of leading a fulfilling life following their homelessness experience.

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Councillor Martin Bella organised the donation of a beast to Chances Op Shop. Photo supplied

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When Tanell Thomsett noticed her nine-year-old daughter, Millie, was feeling unwell one Friday night, she initially thought it was just a common virus. However, by Sunday, it became clear that Millie's condition was more serious. She was quickly rushed to Mackay Base Hospital via ambulance for urgent medical attention.

“Being a typical mum of three children I just thought she had a tummy bug or something,” Ms Thomsett said.

“We had gone out of town for the weekend, but once we got back to Mackay I realised she was really sick,” she said.

After thorough testing, doctors determined that Millie was likely suffering from a kidney infection, which required her to stay at Mackay Base Hospital for five nights. Reflecting on that challenging week, Ms Thomsett shared, "Lots of antibiotics, sleepless nights, and high temperatures."

Ms Thomsett stayed by Millie’s side for two nights in hospital before discovering the Ronald McDonald House Family Room.

“It was so comforting to know you had people here to help you out,” Ms Thomsett said.

Amidst the difficulties, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital played a pivotal role in alleviating the burden for Ms Thomsett, Millie, and their entire family.

Ms Thomsett expressed her gratitude, saying, "It was just amazing. My husband would bring the kids up at night after they had finished work and sport. We were able to eat as a family and spend time together. I was able to see our other two kids, and they were able to see their sister."

The volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room made a significant impact on the family's experience.

Ms Thomsett praised their dedication, saying, "They were amazing. They washed my clothes for me. I walked in with a bag of clothes, and they said, 'here, we'll do that, sit on the couch, have a nap'."

One volunteer, Ruby, stood out in particular for helping distract Millie from her medical ordeal. Ms Thomsett recalled, "It was so beautiful to see young Ruby in there when we went over one afternoon just to get a break from being in the hospital. She sat there and played Minecraft with Millie, and I was very grateful for that because I don't understand video games at all!"

Fortunately, Millie has made a full recovery and no longer requires antibiotics. Ms Thomsett expressed her relief, stating, "We're finally off antibiotics, which we're very happy about. Hopefully, we don't have to use the amazing service again, but we're so grateful it's there if we do."

After experiencing the invaluable support of the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Ms Thomsett is now urging the community to consider donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia this tax time. She exclaimed, "If you ever wonder where to make a donation, it's definitely to this amazing charity!"

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Millie Thomsett at Mackay Base Hospital

Millie and brother Eli (12 years old) playing video games in the Ronald McDonald House Family Room

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