Narlyn is a beautiful rescue dog who has found safety in foster care and is now learning what it means to be loved. Affectionate and gentle, she’s waiting for the right family to discover just how special she is.

About Narlyn:

• Sweet-natured and friendly with people
• Dog-friendly and enjoys the company of other dogs
• Affectionate and loves being close to her humans
• Medium energy – enjoys walks and playtime
• Thriving in foster care with routine and care

Narlyn has proven just how resilient and loving she can be. With her gentle personality, she will make a loyal and caring companion for the right family.

To meet Narlyn and see if she’s the perfect addition to your home, email bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.

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Every skin has a story, and The Beauty Room Airlie Beach takes the time to understand it. Blending clinical expertise with a serene, welcoming environment, the focus is on delivering real results for every skin type.

“The Beauty Room has been part of the Airlie Beach community for almost 14 years, and being the longest-running beauty salon here is something we’re incredibly proud of.” Current owner Charlotte purchased the business several years ago and has continued to evolve the brand, "the focus for us has really been on growing with our clients and listening to what they have been asking for."

That client demand led to the launch of The Beauty Room Skin Clinic, a dedicated space focused on advanced skin treatments. “Opening The Beauty Room Skin Clinic was a natural next step, we wanted a dedicated space that could focus purely on advanced skin treatments.” she added.

The clinic has recently introduced a suite of new services using advanced IPL and RF technology. “IPL hair removal is something our clients had been asking for years, so finally being able to offer it has been really exciting.” The custom-built device allows multiple treatments in one platform. “Using one advanced machine, we’re able to effectively treat hair removal, skin tightening, pigmentation, vascular concerns, acne, and photo rejuvenation," Charlotted explained.

RF skin tightening has become a standout treatment, "delivering visible results after just one session," Charlotte said.

Extensive training underpins the clinic’s high standards. “We spent months working behind the scenes, training staff, refining protocols and making sure everyone was trained to the highest standard.”

“Ongoing education is really important to us; we have industry representatives coming up every few months to keep our team up-skilled.”

The clinic also ensures that “Every treatment is personalised." Thorough consultations and advanced skin analysis ensure tailored care. The Beauty Room's "advanced skin analysis lets us look beneath the surface, not just what you can see in the mirror.”

With a strong commitment to community and sustainability through the use of reusable products where possible, The Beauty Room continues to set a high standard for professional skin care in the Whitsundays.

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By Sharon Ashman

Family gatherings can bring warmth, laughter and stress. The holiday period often stirs up old dynamics, differing expectations, and emotional triggers, particularly for families managing mental health challenges. Be aware that alcohol can intensify emotional moments so be mindful of your intake. Adding ice to wine makes it go further for longer.  Swapping out light beer for full-strength beer reduces your alcohol intake.

Maintaining open communication and healthy boundaries is key. It’s okay to say no, take breaks, or step outside for fresh air if emotions run high. Encouraging empathy and understanding within the family can reduce tension and foster genuine connection.

Creating a balanced schedule with time for rest as well as togetherness can supports everyone’s wellbeing. Small gestures, like checking in on how each person is feeling or planning low-stress activities, can go a long way.

If conflict or distress arises, remember it’s normal and temporary. Focusing on shared values rather than past disagreements can help shift the mood. Ultimately, holidays are an opportunity to practise compassion, patience, and acceptance for others and for ourselves.

Turn your life into living by being your own best friend and enjoy your break.

“If you’d like more support, visit my website  https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give me a call 0418708214.”

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Scientists have long understood that thriving fish communities are essential for healthy coral reefs. Now, new research has revealed just how important fish are in protecting the Great Barrier Reef from one of its most destructive natural threats: the crown-of-thorns starfish.

A major study by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has found that one of the nation’s largest-ever marine conservation efforts has significantly reduced the likelihood of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks across the Reef.

A Natural Predator with Plague Potential

Crown-of-thorns starfish are native to the Great Barrier Reef and form part of its natural ecosystem. But under certain conditions, their numbers can explode into plague proportions. When that happens, they become one of the leading causes of coral loss, devouring living coral tissues at a rate that reefs cannot keep up with.

For decades, scientists have debated what drives these outbreaks. While many questions remain, evidence is mounting that human activities over the past 40 years have made outbreaks more frequent or more severe.

Two leading causes stand out:

·         Nutrient runoff from land, which boosts phytoplankton levels in the Reef’s lagoon. This provides extra food for larval COTS, improving their survival and resulting in more starfish reaching adulthood.

·         Overfishing of key predators, such as fish and invertebrates that eat juvenile starfish. Fewer predators mean young COTS have a much greater chance of surviving and growing into adults.

Fewer Predators, More Starfish

Predatory fish like emperors and groupers are known to feed on crown-of-thorns starfish, playing an important role in controlling their numbers. Recognising this, reef managers acted early. In 2004, major protective measures were introduced to rebuild predatory fish populations. These included increasing no-take zones to 33 per cent of the Reef and tightening fishing regulations.

The new study shows just how critical those decisions were. Without them, grouper and emperor numbers would have continued to decline under fishing pressure, creating ideal conditions for increasingly frequent — and potentially continuous — starfish outbreaks.

Instead, the protections helped stabilise and rebuild predator populations, restoring an important natural check on COTS.

Avoiding a Tipping Point

Researchers believe these conservation efforts may have prevented a catastrophic ecological tipping point. Without enough large predatory fish, the Reef could have entered a cycle of ongoing COTS outbreaks, leaving far less living coral and undermining the resilience of the entire ecosystem.

Long-term monitoring now confirms the benefits: crown-of-thorns outbreaks occur far less often in protected zones where fish populations are healthier.

Science + Management = Results

The findings offer powerful evidence that reef protections are working. They also highlight the importance of long-term monitoring programs, which provide the data needed to understand how the Reef is changing and what actions are making a difference.

For this, we can thank the ongoing work of CSIRO and AIMS scientists — decades of research that continue to guide reef management today.

The Next Big Challenge

Protecting fish populations is only part of the solution. To fully safeguard the Great Barrier Reef, we must also improve water quality by reducing nutrient runoff from the land. Cleaner water means fewer phytoplankton blooms — and fewer opportunities for crown-of-thorns starfish to thrive.

Healthy fish, healthy water, healthy coral: all three are needed to give the Reef the best chance of survival in a changing world.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Hello everyone,

I hope you have all got your christmas shopping ready and are excited for the christmas period!

In this week's Ruth2Reef, we explore why a healthy fish population is essential for a thriving reef and reveal the answer to the question: where do whales go after leaving the Whitsundays?

As always, happy reading, and I would also like to send my thoughts to everyone affected by the events in Bondi over the weekend.

Ruth

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Spouts of water shooting up in the distance, big water slaps and dramatic breaches, are a common sight when travelling through the clear whitsunday waters during Winter. Whales grace the whitsundays every year, but after the season ends, where do these elegant mammals go?

While whales are not known for their speed due to their large rotund body's and huge bobbly pectoral fins, their distance is impressive, with them travelling a 10,000 km roundtrip from cold and frigid Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm, welcoming whitsunday waters for breeding and calving.

Their journey after the Whitsundays, however, is not an easy one, with struggles involving depleting energy reserves, threats from human activities like ship strikes and fishing gear, alongside protecting their calves from predators such as Orca's and sharks.

Sadly, these aren't the only issues the whales have to avoid, as the growing impacts of climate change are affecting their food source, krill. Whales do not feed during their time in the Whitsundays, so they rely on stored fat for the three to four month period that they are completing their journey, therefore, with changes to their food web, alongside the dangers from human shipping and nets they risk starvation.

Why do whales risk travelling so far? The Great Barrier Reef foundation states that. "As winter approaches in the Southern Hemisphere, the Antarctic krill population diminishes due to sunlight reduction and sea ice formation."

"Whales are highly attuned to environmental cues. This seasonal change and decline in food availability prompts whales to instinctively embark on their journey north," the foundation added.

Having experienced many whale encounters in the Whitsundays it is very upsetting to find out that some of the whales won't make the journey after visiting here. To reduce your impact on our marine friends try to avoid single-use plastics where possible and volunteer or donate to an organisation focusing on protecting our marine life, such as Whales of Whitsundays.

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Humpback whales, I was lucky enough to swim with in WA. Photo credit: Laura Gourgas.

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This year has flown by! December is here, Christmas is just around the corner, and we’ve been lucky enough to tell Santa that all our bowlers have been good. The standard of bowls at our club has steadily improved throughout the year.

Tuesday afternoon’s Social Bowls saw Tony “Take the Money” Whitehorn, with his wonderful wife Betty, our club’s Bowler of the Year for 2025, take home the prize with an outstanding victory.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls featured 16 bowlers competing for first prize. Stand-in skipper Mark Mawson led his team to a fantastic 15-point win, with an outstanding performance from lead Rick Brunell and second, new bowler Rene, who was faultless in a great team effort. Well done, boys!

Wednesday night hosted the final of Business House Bowls, a fantastic night of competition. The winning team was CES Electrical. Second place went to Blue Science, and third place to Rock Plumbing. Business House Bowls will resume on Wednesday, 28th January, and all are welcome.

Saturday morning saw the last games of Scroungers for the year, resuming in January. First-round winners were Margo Stanley, Dennis Donadelli, Greg Fennell, and new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, who has amazed everyone with her controlled performances in such a short time. Margo Stanley won the A Division, while Tony Whitehorn won the B Division.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw 20 bowlers competing for the prize. The winning team was led by skipper Andy McDougall, with lead Sandra Argo and second Mark Mawson.

Details of the presentation will be published next week.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Bowls Club

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Winners of Corporate Bowls from left to right - Gary Rusell , Des Ballance, Eric Barnard, Maureen Barnard, Sue Dakin, Cathy Russell. Photo supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

Last Friday, a quiet laneway in Mackay transformed into a vivid display of colour, emotion, and life as Artspace Mackay revealed local photographer Marty Strecker’s newest collection. The Flow and Form of Energy invites viewers to step into a world where movement, light, and unseen forces are captured in striking portraits that pulse with feeling.

Among the collection, Marty says each image carries its own quiet power, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. From portraits that shimmer with unseen energy to landscapes infused with emotion, the artworks speak of connection, resilience, and the fleeting beauty of life, offering glimpses of stories that unfold slowly, drawing the audience into a world of feeling and interpretation.

Marty’s intimate artwork, combined with the laneway’s unexpected setting, creates an experience that encourages exploration, reflection, and discovery.

Through The Lens
Mackay Laneway Transforms Into A Canvas Of Life And Creativity

They say a picture tells a thousand words, and local photographer Marty Strecker proves it to be true.

Last Friday, Mackay’s Gregory Street laneway came alive with colour and creativity as Artspace Mackay unveiled Marty’s striking new collection of portraits at the Second Lane Blueprint Gallery.

The exhibition invites the community to experience the unseen energy that flows through life, captured beautifully through his lens.

Titled The Flow and Form of Energy, the collection has been described as “a profound meditation on aging, impermanence, and the cyclical nature of life.”

Marty described his work as capturing the energy that surrounds us.

“I think it's unwise to think that we're independent from nature, all the energy that circulates us. Each one of these images has a different story of how that energy may manifest,” he explained.

“It's particularly relevant to the people in the image.”

While the exhibition features multiple compelling works, one image holds a special place in Marty’s heart.

He captured a mother and daughter duo who had been growing their hair long to donate to a local cancer foundation. Marty blended the portrait of the young girl with a sunset landscape to reflect her energy and spirit.

“It was intentional… it was like it was flowing out of her, you could say, with the sunset… It all just depends on how you interpret it.”

The young girl attended the exhibition on the morning of the launch, adding a meaningful touch.

Marty explained that the collection came together over about a month.

“I've just had images for a while, sometimes I made new images straight after that. They're all my own images; no AI in that. I just found the feeling and blended them with what I thought worked for that person.”

Reflecting on the exhibition’s setting, Marty noted, “This isn’t really a conventional art gallery… it’s a little bit out of the way. That could be part of the appeal. You’ve gotta look for it, you gotta find it. I’m hoping people do that.”

He also highlighted the supportive local art community.

“Leanne is one of the other artists, a local watercolourist… there’s lots of people in town doing fabulous stuff, and I’m just lucky to be here at the moment to do this.”

For aspiring creatives, Marty advice is to “Just keep doing it.”

“There’s no perfection. There’s no wrong. It’s just how you feel. If it means something to you, that’s the most important part.”

Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood described Marty’s series as a meditation on impermanence, beauty, and resilience.

“Marty’s photographic series is a profound meditation on aging, impermanence and the cyclical nature of life,” Ms Heathwood said.

“His portraits challenge society’s binary perception of beauty and decay, offering instead an inclusive vision – one that honours every stage of life as meaningful and beautiful,” she added.

“Through works such as Hair Today (2024), Marty invites viewers into a dialogue about resilience, identity and the quiet elegance found in nature’s rhythms.”

The exhibition is part of Artspace Mackay’s Blueprint Galleries program, which gives emerging artists a public platform to showcase their work.

Mackay Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Co-chair Cr Namarca Corowa said, “By showcasing work in highly visible, outdoor locations, Blueprint helps artists build confidence, connect with audiences and transform early ideas into fully realised creative expressions.”

Mackay Regional Councillor Belinda Hassan attended on the morning and praised the program for its positive effects.

“This is another part of Council’s Blueprint series, giving local artists a very public platform to display their amazing work. Marty Strecker’s talent really highlights what we have in our community. Our City and Waterfront team have worked hard to activate our laneways as part of Council’s place strategy.

“It’s about encouraging people to look around and discover these beautiful public artworks. We want people to get out, explore the city, and enjoy the artworks while walking around our laneways.”

Marty Strecker’s exhibition opened on December 5, offering the Mackay community the chance to witness stories that are both personal and universally moving.

For more information on the Blueprint Galleries visit www.artspacemackay.com.au

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As part of Mackay Regional Council’s Blueprint Galleries program, a quiet laneway came alive last Friday as local photographer Marty Strecker unveiled The Flow and Form of Energy, a series of emotive portraits capturing the unseen forces, stories, and resilience that flow through everyday life. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Hi lovely readers!

As I write this, I’m in Airlie Beach, typing away in the Whitsunday Life office.

It’s great to change up the scenery every now and then, and it’s always fun to catch up with work mates you normally don’t get to see.

Last week I celebrated my dad’s 45th birthday! So I’d like to say a public belated Happy Birthday to my dad, who also delivers this very paper you’re holding in your hands.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the veggie garden I’m growing, and not long after that my dad built me a wooden garden bed to place them in – which is something I’m so grateful for.

The plants are thriving by the way! I reckon I’ll see a tomato very soon!

Last Saturday afternoon I attended the Carols in the Gardens, hosted by our fabulous local radio stations 4km and Star 101.9. It was amazing to see so many hues of red and green – we’re really starting to get into the Christmas spirit now!

Only a couple of weeks left until we all take a well-deserved break, and what a privilege it is to spend the holiday season with the loved ones around you.

This season, I’d like to remind you, that it’s not about the gifts or the even the giving, but about the time we are given to spend with the people who matter most.

So this year, please remember the reason for the season and love your friends and family.

Life is truly a gift!

Scripture of the week: “Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.” - Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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The Marian Ladies Bowls Club once again demonstrated its commitment to community care, completing another year of heartfelt giving through two meaningful projects that touched both young women and aged-care residents across the Mackay region.

In the lead-up to Christmas, members assembled twenty-six thoughtfully packed handbags for the annual Share the Dignity campaign. Each bag was filled with essential items, and a few small luxuries, to support women and girls facing domestic violence, homelessness, or financial hardship.

Club treasurer Judith Miller said the initiative had become a long-standing tradition. Each year, Share the Dignity provides handbags to women in need, and the club has contributed for the past decade.

Members hoped the bags would “give a little joy and happiness to the recipients,” she said.

Their service didn’t stop there.

Last week, Club Secretary Lyn Jackson and Judith Miller delivered twelve handmade knee rugs to Anne Crowley, Facility Manager at Ozcare’s St Elizabeth Villa Aged Care Facility.

Crocheted and knitted by club members, the colourful rugs were crafted with both comfort and companionship in mind.

Anne Crowley said the rugs would be put to good use in the Theatre Room, offering warmth and homely comfort to residents during activities.

This ongoing project has already reached multiple facilities, with Ozcare now the second aged-care home in the Mackay region to receive the lovingly made rugs in a true showcase of kindness, connection, and community spirit.

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Club Members

Judith Miller, Lyn Jackason, Anne Crowley. Photos supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community.

Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

“This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to hand that money over to them today,” Mr Parnell said.

“The carnival raised $1,560 for the charity, chosen in part because kidney disease has affected several members of the emergency services community,” he added.

Paula O’Neil, Operations Manager at the Kidney Support Network in Mackay, said the donation was vital for their work.

“Without donations like this, we just wouldn’t survive financially.

“We don’t get any government funding, so all our funds come from revenue from our op shops and any donations like this really help us provide additional services,” she explained.

Paula added that the funds help keep the charity’s vehicles on the road, transporting dialysis patients to and from hospital appointments.

“It’s extremely vital. People with kidney disease often can’t drive after their treatment, so without someone to take them, it would be a burden on families, carers and even Queensland Ambulance.”

Mr Parnell said the carnival began as a way for emergency workers to connect outside of challenging job circumstances.

“We often meet each other under traumatic circumstances, and this is a place we can come together, have a bit of fun, as well as a bit of competition between the different organisations.”

Mackay Fire Station Officer Matt Geiger, who has been involved from the start, added, “It was a cracking idea… not many opportunities exist where all the emergency services get to come together outside of work. It’s something everyone looks forward to every year.”

Chris Breckell, President of Mackay Touch Association, also highlighted the community impact of the event.

“It’s been going now for 13 years and over that time there’s been $10,000 donated to charities. It’s a very worthwhile event, and we’re very honoured to be a part of it.”

And of course, it couldn’t happen without competitive spirit and a friendly amount of banter on the day.

“They come down, they enjoy themselves, and the camaraderie between the three services shows right throughout the day. All games are very competitive, and none goes without some sort of drama,” Mr Breckell laughs.

The carnival’s community impact has been officially recognised as well, winning a Queensland Community Award.

Mr Parnell said the recognition was meaningful but secondary to the main goal.

“We don’t do it for the awards; we do it because we want to give back to the community that we work within.”

From friendly rivalries on the field to supporting vital local services, the emergency services touch carnival continues to strengthen Mackay’s community while making a difference for local charities in the region.

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This year, Mackay’s emergency services touch football carnival raised $1,560 for the Kidney Support Foundation, combining friendly competition with vital community support. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Following on from recent reports, Queensland Police have revealed that specialist officers and SES crews have commenced a targeted search of bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu.

Despite extensive efforts, no items of interest have been located. Police continue to interview people known to Wayne and maintain significant concerns for his welfare.

Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact Policelink and quote reference QP2502035864.

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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The Crisafulli Government is pushing ahead with plans to make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for regional Queensland, as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting of the year in Mackay.

The council, a collective of peak industry leaders, government representatives and regional community member, has met three times since being revived by the Crisafulli Government, driving a renewed focus on future upgrades and long-term road safety priorities along the state’s most critical transport corridor.

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a key role in informing priorities for the historic $9 billion investment into the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP), to boost road safety up the spine of Queensland.

The meeting follows the recent announcement of more than $500 million for 22 new projects along high-risk sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie under the latest round of the BHTSP.

Seven of the new upgrades will be delivered in the Mackay Whitsundays region and follows an upgrade completed between Bowen and Ayr as part of the BHTSP early works package.

These works are the result of the historic 80:20 funding agreement for the Bruce Highway struck between the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments with BHAC providing important advocacy on the priorities that matter most.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg acknowledged the Council’s significant contributions to improving the Bruce Highway.

“We're well on road to delivering the Bruce Highway Queenslanders deserve," Minister Mickelberg said.

"The regional representatives of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council have provided valuable input over the past 12 months, and I thank them for their work.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed members of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to Mackay.

“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Crisafulli Government was a game-changer for regional Queensland, giving a voice to communities about where the priority projects are," Mr Dalton said.

"Our region is already benefiting from key safety improvements brought about by the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments historic Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, and that's only set to continue.”

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said the Bruce Highway was a lifeline for North Queenslanders.

"The Bruce Highway is relied upon by so many local families and businesses, yet it can be such a dangerous stretch of road,” Ms Camm said.

“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council has been critical because it gives our communities a voice in shaping upgrades that will save lives and keep our region connected."

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said more than 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway ran through his electorate.

“The Bruce is not like any other highway, it’s the key corridor that keeps this state moving, and is depended upon by millions of Queenslanders every day,” Mr Kelly said.

“We’ve re-established this Bruce Highway Advisory Council because we care about regional Queenslanders, who know this route better than most, and want them to input into how we can improve the Bruce in the short and long term.”

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The Bruce Highway Advisory Council closed out a year of key safety gains in Mackay, outlining new priorities and seven local projects under the $9 billion plan to make Queensland’s main road safer and more reliable. Photo source: Brent Mickelberg MP

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Mackay Embraces Disability-Friendly Sport

A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport.

The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability.

Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program is helping people and organisations to challenge stereotypes.

“Inclusion coaches are people with a disability or those with a lived experience of disability, which ensures authentic perspectives and practical insights,” Ms Bugeja said.

“Sport4All gives people with a disability the opportunity to be involved in sport however they want – whether as a player, a coach, a volunteer or administrator.

“People with a disability have a wide range of skills that can not only benefit individuals, but clubs as well – it’s a matter of giving these groups the confidence to include people with a disability.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s theme for International Day of People with a Disability is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing progress.

“Council is passionate about accessibility – it’s far more than a box we tick, it’s a major priority that runs through every facet of council’s business,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council’s vision is for the region to ‘become the best region for liveability and livelihood’ and that vision includes everyone in the region,” he said.

“We recognise and celebrate everyone’s different abilities and welcome and embrace diversity and strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong.”

“The Sport4All program and my role as an inclusion coach fits perfectly with this year’s theme,” Ms Bugeja said.

“By becoming more inclusive, everyone benefits and our communities become more engaged, which has such wide-reaching effects.

“Often it takes just small changes to make an impact in your community.

“People with a disability get the same physical, mental and social benefits from participating in sport as those without disability, which is why inclusion is so important.”

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 5.5-million Australians are living with a disability, which is more than 21-percent of the population.

To find out more visit https://sport4all.com.au/

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Driven by a quiet passion for supporting teens, volunteer mentor Miriam Houweling has spent the past 18 months helping young learner drivers edge closer to independence through PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program. The initiative pairs volunteers with young people who lack access to a car or supervising adult, giving them a vital pathway to reach their 100 practice hours and unlock new opportunities.

Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she moved from Ipswich to Mackay. She joined the Older Women’s Network , and learned about Braking The Cycle at PCYC Mackay.

She knew this was a role where she could make a difference and feel connected to the young people she was helping.

“I love spending time with teenagers, they all have their funny quirks. If I show them respect, then they show me respect,” Miriam said.

“They all deserve a chance in life,” she said.

Miriam recommends volunteering to anyone who has time to give, and she encourages Mackay locals to come in to PCYC and find out more. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.

PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking the Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.

“We have more than 700 BTC volunteers across the state who provide their time, skills and experience to help young people who may not be able to access or afford driving lessons the chance to gain their driving skills – and become safe drivers for the future,” Phil said.

“Having a licence doesn’t just give them the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursue study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community.”

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Braking The Cycle Graduate Sian Dann with Miriam Houweling. Photo supplied

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