A total of 30 local businesses came together at Harrup Park last week for the Mackay Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, during which the new committee was formally announced.

Ash-Lee Johnson (Mackay Regional Council), Maree Sturdy (Treadwell Tyres), Katie Duncan (McKays Solicitors), Geoff O’Connor (SBB Partners), Madeleine Connors (NE Foods | The Dispensary), Elizabeth Dent (DGL Accountants), Cathy Sullivan (Mount Pleasant Centre), Vicki Smith (Concept Consulting) and James Wortley (Enlightened Financial Solutions) are now on the committee.

This year, Mackay Chamber will say goodbye to two outgoing committee members: Scott Jamieson and Sarah Miotto, both were thanked for their dedication at the meeting.

“These committee members are long serving, and passionate,” said Chamber President, Geoff O’Connor.

“Scott and Sarah have both made amazing contributions to the Chamber in their tenure, and they will be missed.

“It was a hotly contested election with many high calibre nominations. We wish to thank all those who nominated and especially those who were unfortunately not elected. We appreciate you putting up your hand.”

During the meeting, Mr O’Connor delivered the year in review, outlining the Chamber’s proactive approach to advocacy.

“We want to make sure we have an ear to the ground on exactly what is happening in the region, and ensuring we have a seat at as many tables as possible is key to this,” he said.

“At the same time, we are continuing to drive the rejuvenation of the City Centre, our passion project, with the establishment of a subgroup of Chamber that will assist with delivering the strategic vision for the Mackay City Centre and Waterfront.”

Mayor Greg Williamson wrapped up the afternoon congratulating the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce on their commitment to the success and prosperity of local businesses.

Caption: The new committee: Ash-Lee Johnson, Maree Sturdy, Katie Duncan, Geoff O’Connor, Madeleine Connors, Elizabeth Dent, Cathy Sullivan and Vicki Smith

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Whether you ride, roll, skate or wheel, the new Ride Mackay web platform has something for you.

The innovative platform has been designed by Mackay Regional Council to be the ultimate guide for active transport in our region.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it showcases a host of features for those who like to travel in an inexpensive, environmentally friendly and hip-pocket-friendly way.

“There are dynamic video flythroughs of our best trails and interactive maps to help you navigate the more than 250 kilometres of shared pathway in our region,” he said.

“There are also video guides on riding etiquette, safety and maintenance, plus information on riding-related events, news and promotions.

“Updates on major cycling-related projects like the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail can also be found on this platform.”

Mr Williamson said Council will be launching Ride Mackay on National Ride to Work Day, happening Wednesday, October 19.  

“To celebrate Ride to Work Day and the launch of Ride Mackay, we will be putting on free breakfasts for those who use active transport to do their morning commute next Wednesday morning,” he said.

Breakfast venues include Vintage Kiss Café in Marian, Third Ground Coffee in Sarina as well as Mary-ann Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen and MAD Cow Coffee at the Bluewater Quay Farmers Market.

To register to receive your free Ride to Work breakfast and beverage, simply head to mackay.qld.gov.au/ridemackay, click on the event link and follow the prompts.

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October is Mental Health Month, and a local counselling service has brought the community together to raise awareness through their Big Blue Table morning tea event.

Phoenix Counselling hosted a morning tea last Thursday, October 6 for Big Blue Table, a fundraiser supporting Beyond Blue.

“We decided to get involved with the Big Blue Table due to the fact that they support suicide prevention and counselling,” said Robyn Geiger of Phoenix Counselling.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 49, with the suicide rate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples double that of their non-Indigenous counterparts.

“It’s imperative that we get those statistics out there,” said Robyn.

“It’s really important to raise awareness.

“We like to let people know that they can ask us or find out a bit more information.”

Robyn has already reached her fundraising goal of $300 but says donations are still able to be made through the Big Blue Table website.

Customers of Bohemian Elyse, the café at which the morning tea was hosted, were also able to make a donation throughout the day with their purchases and received a gift bag to say thanks.

Local organisations were invited to the morning tea including Marabisda, Selectability and OneLife.

“All of these places, we all have a common interest which is the welfare and wellbeing of our youth and everybody in Mackay,” said Robyn.

Local sporting organisations including the Mackay Cutters and Brothers Netball were also involved.

“They’re all dealing with youth in that age group so it’s important that they know where to go and what to do if someone says that they’re not coping,” said Robyn.

“I’m really appreciative of the support that they’re giving.

“For everybody that comes here, they’ll go away and tell somebody else about it.

“It’s a domino effect in passing on that information.”

Donations can be made to Beyond Blue’s Big Blue Table at bigbluetable.com.au.

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Charity event-planners, environmental crusaders, non-for-profit organisations and community groups are all invited to apply for a share in $60,000 funding which has been made available through North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP).

The 2022/23 Community Fund is considering applications from groups that wish to help people or have identified an environmental need that they would like to address.

With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the funding stream is for projects that align with NQBP’s values of excellence, unity, respect and integrity.

Available to groups from across the region, including NQBP’s port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point (Bowen), and Weipa, the goal is to deliver tangible benefits and stronger community connections.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said in more than a decade, NQBP has invested more than $1 million in its community programs, with benefits extending far beyond the dollar value to often long-lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of our port communities.

“The NQBP Community Fund provides funding opportunities for small to large community events, programs and activities that benefit the communities in which we operate and promote the goals of NQBP,” he said.

“We are proud to continue to provide funding opportunities to local groups and organisations and empower them to make a real difference in their community.

“We’re also proud of the role we play in supporting Queensland’s economy through our strategic importance in connecting regional Queensland to the world.

Applications for this year’s NQBP Community Fund close on 1 November 2022.

For further details or to apply visit www.nqbp.com.au.

Caption: NQBP’s Community and stakeholder advisors Emilie Power (left) and Lorelei van Dalen (right), with CEO Nicolas Fertin

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At nearly two years old, Gordon has survived an upbringing against the odds to finally find his forever home, highlighting the vital role of RSCPA Queensland.

The 50-kilogram English Mastiff Mix was found on a Mackay property with his mum emaciated and suffering from extensive flea burn.

He was put into the care of RSPCA Queensland where his life completely changed.

Gordon received vet treatments, nutrition plans and physical rehabilitation, and it wasn’t long before he found his forever home with his adoring parent Jenna Denkewitz.  

Ms Denkewitz has been a volunteer at RSPCA Mackay for over a year.

“My fiancé and I were looking at adopting a medium-sized dog and fell in love with him and that’s been our family ever since,” she said.

Ms Denkewitz said Gordon was a completely different dog when she came into her care.

“(Gordon was) skin and bone, he needed a lot of TLC and a lot of fattening up,” she said.

“He’s calmed down a lot now that he’s out of the puppy phase and he’s learnt how to be a real dog.

“He’s still a big personality, that’s never going to change.”

Without the RSPCA, Gordon’s life could have looked a lot different.

“He wasn’t looked after, and he wasn’t loved,” said Ms Denkewitz.

“It is heartbreaking but (good) knowing that the dogs are brought in here to the RSPCA and given a whole new lease of life.”  

As the rising cost of living sees a decrease in adoptions and increase in people applying to surrender their animals to RSPCA Queensland, the animal welfare charity is now as busy as ever.

There are currently over 50 animals in the care of RSPCA Mackay and associated foster carers.

“We’ve had about 30 puppies come into care due to surrenderings or situations,” said RSPCA Mackay Animal Attendant Jacqueline Smith.

“It’s just springtime so they seem to pop up around this time.”

It’s not all bad, though, with 51 animals being adopted from RSPCA Mackay over the last month.

“We have so many more puppies needing homes,” Ms Smith said.

Last Thursday, October 6, RSPCA Queensland held annual Give to Get Them Home appeal with all donations doubled by the organisation’s generous sponsors.

Funds raised assist RSPCA Queensland in providing life-changing care to the thousands of homeless animals that come through their doors each year including vital veterinary care, behavioural support and costs associated with microchipping, vaccination and desexing.

People are also urged to visit RSPCA Mackay if they are considering adopting a new pet.

“I’ve always been for adopting a dog or a cat or any animal rather than going to a breeder because I know that they need more help than any other animal out there,” said Ms Denkewitz.

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RSL Mackay Sub Branch held a welfare dinner last Wednesday, October 5 as part of Veterans’ Health Week.

“It was a great night,” said RSL Mackay Sub-Branch President Ken Higgins.

“Very informative but also a very happy gathering.”

Speeches were delivered by guest speakers including veteran and general practitioner Dr Kerry Summerscales, Exercise Physiologist Hayley Ferguson and Dietitian Haley Dore.

“We then spoke about healthy eating and exercise and the psychological effects of warfare,” said Mr Higgins.

Ms Ferguson also hosted a barefoot bowls afternoon last Friday, October 7 at Mackay City Bowls Club.

“That’s just a couple of hours of interaction with vets and their families and a bit of fun,” said Mr Higgins.

“It’s not just all about veterans, either.

“It’s about their families.

“Immediate and extended families are all part of the broader picture of what the RSL Mackay sub-branch is trying to do.

“We’ve got to create an environment where all veterans feel welcome and embraced by the goals we’re trying to achieve.

“The RSL continues to enjoy the camaraderie and interaction for social and health benefits.”

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With over 8000 retired mine workers living in Mackay, the highest per capita in Queensland, there is a large section of our community who may unknowingly be walking around with long-lasting health issues such as black lung, silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.  

Often laying undetected for years, there is now a pathway for local ex-miners to receive a free, quick and easy medical check-up that could save their lives.

In February this year, Heart of Australia launched HEART 5- a first-of-its kind mobile medical imaging clinic, delivering free lung checks to regional retired and former mine and resource workers  across the state.

A world first, this impressive facility has an onboard X-ray machine, battery-powered CT scanner and a knowledgeable medical team who provide a detailed chest examination in as little as 45 minutes.

Its X-ray machines detect black lung and each patient is given a thorough examination that includes basic health metrics, a lung function test and CT scan where required.

To be eligible for your free lung health check you simply need to have worked in a mine in Queensland for a minimum of three years at some point in your life and to be currently retired.

This also needs to be your only lung check in the last five years.

Ewan Wylie, Head of Operations for Heart of Australia said that it is really important to get checked.

“Whether you are  experiencing shortness of breath or not, if you have a history of working in mines and quarries we encourage you to please  come and get checked,” he said.

“Early detection is really important and we are often finding that early stages of other conditions can also be found and identified.”

These can include cardiac or chest issues and, by addressing these before they become a bigger problem, patients can often be prescribed a maintenance medicine to mitigate further development.

“For a variety of conditions, the best outcomes are when we find them early ,” said Mr Wylie.

This mobile medical imaging clinic is the fifth truck in the fleet and Heart of Australia are working in partnership with the Queensland Government and Resources Safety and Health Queensland, who contributed $2 million towards the build and operation of HEART 5.

Since 2014, Heart of Australia’s medical specialists have seen more than 14,000 patients and saved more than 600 lives.

The fleet has travelled more than 500,000 kilometres servicing towns from Stanthorpe in the south to Weipa in the far north and Winton in the west.

It will be in Mackay on October 20 and 21.

You can book directly with Mind Dust Health Support Services by calling 1300 445 715 or simply drop-in to the Resource Centre of Excellence between 9am and 4pm on Thursday, October 21 in Crichton’s Rd, Paget.

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A colourful and creative wonderland for bubs, cubs, kids and their parents await at Little Treehouse Lane in Canelands and owner Nyomi Davidson invites you to come inside and explore.

A treasure trove of items for every stage and age is in-stock and the team at Little Treehouse Lane prides itself on supplying a range of brands that would not otherwise be available in Mackay.

“Not everyone wants to buy online, a lot of people prefer a personal customer service experience,” said Nyomi.

“We stock products you often can’t get anywhere else locally, from everyday essentials to practical solutions for growing families.”

In 2016 when Nyomi discovered she was pregnant with her sixth child just days after she had accepted a position with a different local company, she knew she needed to re-think her five year plan.

That’s when she decided to put her passion for parenting into a flexible lifestyle business that would allow her to juggle motherhood with her empowered entrepreneurial spirit.

Starting off with just three products - dummies, shoes and lunchboxes – Little Treehouse was born and Nyomi soon hosted a stall at the Baby and Kids Market.

With her waters breaking at the event, Nyomi’s sixth child was born the following day and has since been part of the everyday excitement of running a thriving family business.

Operating at markets, pop-up shops and from a downstairs ‘by appointment only’ retail home-store, Nyomi soon garnered a reputation for quality selling practical and innovative items that parents loved.

Over the years Little Treehouse has broadened the product range to include clothing, toys, kitchen items and quirky ideas for gifts for children right through to their adults.

Popular brands include OiOi, Bed Head Hats, Bibs from Denmark, Go Green and Monty Co.

In 2020, Nyomi opened an extensive retail store in Canelands which became so popular that they expanded to a larger space earlier this year.

Creating a community feel within the store, the friendly team at Little Treehouse Lane is like a family – greeting guests, sharing stories and helpful ideas with other parents.

They also have a website to browse, and items can either be delivered or you can ask hubby to click and collect.

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Another year may nearly be over but one industry that isn’t showing any signs of slowing down is the design industry. You will be spoilt for choice with wall covering trends coming through now and into 2023. As another year rolls on, so does the world of interior design, and it will be an exciting one.

Quite often when I discuss with my clients’ ideas on introducing wall coverings into their homes or commercial spaces they respond immediately with “Oh no, not wallpaper, I’m not sure about that.” I then explain and show them so many ways to enhance that boring wall into something fabulous that transforms it instantly. When you consider it as “art” the mind is now opening to a whole new way of doing things.

We will see stunning murals depicting comfort, wellbeing, biophilia plus a splash of luxury. These are the main themes for interior design in 2023. As expected, the emergent home colour trends are heavily influenced by these design stories, with the main narrative taking cues from the world around us. Earthy and organic are the leading the way, but we’re also seeing some brighter pops of colour shifting into the limelight as well.

Whatever colour palettes draw you in, the design world seems to have one single agenda and that’s to create a homely and inviting space that makes you feel your best. From the soul soothing hues found in your herb garden and mood lifting pastels that instantly create a sense of safety to balmy neutrals tinged with relaxing gold tones, there are so many emotionally empowering colour trends 2023 has in store for us.

Textured nature inspired wallcoverings can add such warmth to your walls without distracting from the overall look. It naturally draws the eyes to want to look for detail and visually becomes tactile which makes it irresistible not to touch. You can achieve the look of brushed concrete, marble, metal, leather, and brick to name but a few. This becomes an interesting yet striking backdrop to enhance your furniture without being overpowering.

If you’re looking for something more impacting the choices are endless from beautiful scenery murals that look like they have been hand painted especially for you to vibrant luxury wallpaper repeats that create a more formal vibe. The categories are endless so think outside the box, consider using a portion of the print within a large picture frame and select an area where you would like to feature it, for example behind a bed as a bedhead, dining area or as a feature in a bathroom plus don’t be afraid to repeat different sections of the mural in the one zone to tell a story. The beauty of this as well if you are renting or wish to move it around it becomes very versatile.

Wall mouldings and flexible wood panelling’s are making a huge comeback and instantly ooze class. Flashbacks from a gone by era we are seeing them modernised, used traditionally & unpredictably by painting them in contrasting colours and placing them differently it can certainly add that wow factor. Consider what “feeling” you are wanting to achieve, whether you are wanting to create a vertical line to add an optical illusion of height or a more formal symmetrical structure which can be further enhanced with clever lighting casting gorgeous shadows.

If you would like to see how wallcoverings could enhance your home or commercial space, contact Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consult.

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Of course, being a mum is incredibly beautiful and rewarding but it can certainly be challenging as well. The sheer effort it takes to organise the care of little ones is quite often a feat. Anything that saves mums time and money, makes life flow more smoothly and keeps them organised are a huge benefit. So, take a look at this list of products to help save your sanity; invented by mums for mums.

Wet Bags

Wet bags are a favourite product for keeping mess to a minimum. They are an eco-friendly way to keep wet swimmers, nappies, breast pads, anything a bit icky contained until you get home. They can also be used for washing delicates and toys in the washing machine, makeup and toiletry bags, travel laundry bags, for gym clothes and towels or anytime you need a handy little water-proof bag.

DIY Blockout Blinds

If your babies or kids need complete darkness to sleep (and stay asleep later than 5:00am), window blockout blinds will do the trick. They use static cling, not adhesives, and you can cut the roll to suit the shape of your windows. 100% of sun is blocked out and they are reusable.

Stroller Organisers

Your hands are busy pushing the pram, so keeping everything you need close to hand makes life so much easier. Stroller organisers are perfect for keeping keys, purses, phones and baby wipes close at hand without the need for rummaging. There are separate sections, two roomy front pockets and a zipped pocket at the back. With Velcro strips, it attaches to the pram easily and can be detached and used as a handbag.

Wee Target

Mums of small boys, and maybe the big ones too, will know how hard it is to keep the toilet clean. Wee Targets are attached to the back of your toilet and warm urine will make the black spot turn into an image. It teaches kids how to aim correctly and saves the mess and stress.

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“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”. It’s a phrase I’ve used a lot in jest over the past few weeks. Why? Well, with family and new colleagues moving to the area recently and the temps in North QLD really heating up along with the humidity, it needs to be said with every complaint if it’s so hot today when it’s only just scratching the surface!

It's funny watching these newbie Mackay residents experience our brutal but incredible summer weather. Sometimes I feel that it’s almost a sport for locals to watch the newbies suffer through their first summer. I shouldn’t laugh too hard though, it’s not that long ago that I moved back to Mackay and had to go through the brutal reality that we’re only just getting a taste of at this point!

I personally like to use the heat as a reminder to get my emergency kit ready, a reminder that I usually forget anyway. But “do as I say and not as I do” because whether you’ve lived here your entire life or you’re fresh to the area, storm season is just around the corner. You don’t want to be stuck in a cyclone with nothing to see you through. We haven’t had one since 2017, it’s probably worth reacquainting yourself with the Mackay Regional Council Emergency Dashboard at mackay.qld.gov.au/emergency.

Speaking of people new to the region, have you heard of Johnny yet? He’s our brand new 9am-1pm workday announcer! You can catch him on your radio every weekday with me taking over from 1pm-5pm. Keep it locked to Star 101.9 and call us up anytime for a chat on 1300 89 19 29 or update us with something happening in the region by calling or messaging us on Star 101.9 Mackay on Facebook.

Catch the Star 101.9 breakfast show with Scotty and Rach from 5am, Mornings with Johnny from 9am, Kaley for afternoons from 1pm, Will & Woody from 5pm and the Kyle and Jackie-o Hour of Power from 7pm every weekday!

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Buying your own home is a major (and exciting!) financial goal. However, knowing where to start and saving for a deposit can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few of our best tips to help you take those first steps, and save for your first home.

Starting point

These three steps will kick you off in the right direction!

1. Contact your bank to get an overview of the financial requirements needed - how much you can borrow and what deposit you need, based on your wage and current living expenses. This starting point will allow you to build your savings, by having a clear end goal to work towards.

2. Check out properties similar to the one you want, in the area you want, to have an understanding of what prices you might be looking at, and how that compares to your savings goal.

3. Research current government grants and schemes available to find out if you are eligible for any, and what the terms and conditions are.

Don’t be tempted

When saving for your deposit, it can be tempting to use that money for other things. These pointers will help you to stay on track, and speed up the process.

• Open a separate bank account that is dedicated to saving for the deposit

• Make a budget and stick to it

• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

• Delete instalment payment options like Afterpay

Know the process

Once you have your deposit saved, it’s time to find your first home!  Now is the time to get your application under way. You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to assist with all the legal requirements. They will help guide you through the sales process, costs, and any fine details in the contract of sale.

Settlement time

Once your finance is approved, it’s time to sign your loan documents to prepare for settlement. A date will be set, and you can start planning your move. On this day you will receive the keys to your first home!

To help buy your first home, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is here to help! Call Charmaine and the team on 07 4943 2624.

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Award-winning artist Tia Gabriellah is among seven whose works are on show at the Sarina Art Gallery this month.

Tia’s bright series of paintings Flowers 1 2 3 is among a display which also includes works by Roni Boyle, Jenny Tibbett, Kerry Williams, Robyn Gray, Brizi, and Gail McKeown.

Tia, who won a number of awards at major New South Wales art shows, has been painting for 20 years and moved to Sarina about 18 months ago.

“I’m enjoying painting in Sarina,” Tia said.

“I love painting seascapes.”

Tia said awareness of Sarina’s art scene was growing with 400 people visiting the gallery for the last Sarina 7 exhibition, and the Sarina Arts Council was aiming to increase its membership.

The gallery at the Sarina Field of Dreams is open from 10:00am to 3:30pm daily until October 28.

Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne

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It’s the big question that many home owners want answered and it’s the question that is asked when a home owner gets an agent around to do an appraisal on their property.

There is an obvious answer. Well, that depends … but let’s try to give a better answer than that.

All things being equal, your property is worth more than it was worth between 2014 and now. Happy days.

However, when that home owner asks the question about what exactly the property is worth there are some things to consider.

If I am doing the appraisal on your place, I will probably suggest some things you can do to increase the potential price of your home.

Some of things won’t cost you anything but they will help you get a better price. Other things might cost a bit of money but I won’t suggest them unless they add more value than the cost of the work.

You only get one chance at a first impression and that first impression occurs when your potential buyer pulls up out the front and looks at the house and grounds.

If you had pressure cleaned the roof and driveway, would that have improved that first impression? Absolutely.

Does the peeling paint on your hardi-plank exterior create an impression about the rest of the property in the mind of the buyers as they walk towards your front door? You bet it does. Some people have already knocked 50 grand off the listing price before they’ve even stepped inside because they assume the peeling paint is only the start of what’s going to be wrong.

Apart from presentation, there is the marketing. There is that old chestnut that some sellers use: “You only need one buyer.” And that is true. But that buyer needs to see and feel he or she is in competition with other buyers for your property.

You’re not going to get the best price for your property unless the buyer who loves it the most feels they have to compete with other people to get it.

I’ll do a whole column on marketing one day but a point I will make here is that the write-up needs to target the right buyers. It needs to connect with the people who want it the most and create an emotional response before that buyer has even been to see the property.

The write-up needs to say more than “three bedrooms, two bathrooms in a nice suburb”. People have different criteria and no property is right for everyone but the write-up needs to convey to all the potential buyers of that specific property that this is the one they must not miss seeing.

That is part of what creates the competition among potential buyers. And when there’s competition for your property it won’t be me telling you what the property is worth … it will be the buyer who loves it the most. And that person’s got the money.

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Image: Members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group donated 18 children’s rugs to Mackay Women’s Group last week. Photo supplied

Members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group were involved in making children’s rugs to be donated to the Mackay Women’s Group last week.

Sarina Fibre Arts Group members Mary Whitaker, Val Pearce, Marg Schwarzrock and Jenny Price presented Mackay Women’s Group member Julie with 18 rugs for use by any children in need.  

The presentation was the latest in a number of donations the group has made including 100 Where’s Wally beanies the group knitted for Mackay’s entrant in the Variety Bash rally earlier this year.

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