Public concern for the future of Mackay Base Hospital’s maternity services mounted this week following reports that the ward could be going into bypass causing patients to be referred to the nearest alternative hospital.

Acting Chief Executive Dr Charles Pain was quick to deny these claims, stating that “Mackay Base Hospital has never been on bypass for maternity services and is not at risk of going on bypass”.

“I would like to provide some reassurance to the community about the safety and sustainability of maternity services at Mackay Base Hospital,” he said.

“We were able to cover a period of emergent leave last year with our team of dedicated obstetricians/gynaecologists and locum support.

“Maternity staffing at Mackay Base Hospital has improved considerably since this time last year with two new highly qualified and experienced consultants appointed.”

There are now five on-site consultants working at the ward and Dr Pain said that by June this will rise to six with a seventh coming onboard in September.

“This improvement in staffing ensures that we are a more sustainable service with reduced reliance on locum support,” he explains.

Mackay Base Hospital Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward has been under significant scrutiny since a damning report was released by Queensland Health last October.

The report gave evidence of ‘inadequate care’ that resulted in lifelong physical and mental harm, including 21 cases of bladder, urethra and bowel injuries received by maternity and gynaecological patients within a year.

Three babies also lost their lives due to alleged negligence.

The evidence presented from almost 170 cases resulted in two dozen women, including three mothers who had each lost a child, to be offered compensation.

Several staff members were dismissed, and the entire Board was sacked.

Since then, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward has been recovering from the damning revelations and working to regain its good name.

Staffing shortages throughout Queensland Health, however, have created a new set of challenges with Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli saying that the entire state is experiencing a “maternity crisis”.

He believes the employment of locum staff is not the best way to run hospital services and was disappointed to see other hospitals “close to bypass” last year.

Gladstone Hospital went into bypass for a month last July and both Gympie and Mackay were close to doing the same.

With new consultants filling the gaps at Mackay Base Hospital, however, it is now hopeful that our local maternity wards will gain strength and credibility over the coming year.

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Mountain bikers, rejoice.

Three contracts have been awarded for the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike project, with a total value in excess of $6.25 million, to complete stage one of the project.

The approved plans for the major development include 26 trails, a 100-kilometre network of mountain bike trails that navigate Eungella and Sky Window to Finch Hatton, with a 36-kilometre trail to connect Sky Window, Broken River, and Finch Hatton.

A potential trail has been proposed for the northern side of Cattle Creek has been sidelined at this stage.

The Finch Hatton development will provide facilities for the community, including carparks, bathrooms, signage, and event hosting capabilities, with the trails being designed of various difficulty levels, from beginner and family friendly, intermediate, shuttle-accessible gravity trails, and extended experienced tracks.

“These three contracts will bring the Finch Hatton trailhead, and the first of associated trails, to life,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

This is a significant move, with two of the three contracts being awarded to Mackay local companies.

The first contract, awarded World Trail, is worth $2 million, and encompasses the design and construction of 16 trails, of 13.5 kilometres and a provisional sum for a six-month maintenance program.

The largest contract, with the value of more than $3.8 million, was awarded to Mackay company JMac Constructions, with another, worth $395,583, tendered to local TKK Service, trading as Bike Track Australia, for the pump track.

Specialising in landscape and building construction, JMac Construction has been previously completed various rejuvenation projects throughout North Queensland, including the Heatley Park upgrade in Townsville, and Cone Street Park, Mackay.

“JMac Constructions will provide the landscape construction of the trail’s entry statements, picnic shelters, amenity blocks, car parks and open recreational space at the trail head providing connections to the mountain bike trails and the township,” said a JMac Constructions spokesperson.

“JMac will endeavour to source as much labour, plant and materials from the Finch Hatton and greater Mackay region to support the local community,” the spokesperson confirmed.

Once complete, the Mountain Bike Park is estimated to generate an additional $18 million is economic revenue, another 110 permanent positions, and send an increase of 31,000 visitors to the region.

“Excitement is building and that will only be heightened with tenders awarded for stage one and the start of construction is upon us,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There has been a huge amount of community consultation done, especially with the Finch Hatton and Eungella communities, throughout planning for this project.”

“Onsite work is due to commence from approximately mid-June 2023,” JMac spokesperson said.

“[We are] not anticipating any significant disruptions to local businesses and residents, and we will work closely with the Mackay Council and locals to minimise construction impacts where possible.”

Estimated in 2020 to be costing $27 million, the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Park will be to international standards to host world-class events once complete.

Stage one will begin mid-June 2023 with JMac’s earth works and set to be completed by October of this year, weather permitting.

A potential trail has been proposed for the northern side of Cattle Creek has been sidelined at this stage.

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Finch Hatton Trailhead to undergo major updates. Photos supplied

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Holy Spirit College, a Catholic co-educational College for Years 7 to 12, welcomes you to their Year 7 in 2024 Information Evening on Thursday 27 April, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. As you learn about the College, there will be family fun activities and a free sausage sizzle.

With over 25 years in the Mackay community, Holy Spirit College continues to welcome all types of learners as they are nurtured and given every opportunity to develop their God-given gifts. Skilled and professional staff offer a quality education and extra-curricular opportunities in the areas of sport, culture, service, STEM and academic development.

Mrs Alison Wales, Principal, said “The College strives to achieve a sense of positive community for all, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future for students. Year 7 students are welcomed into Holy Spirit College with experiences designed to make their transition into high school a positive, supportive, and enjoyable occasion.”

Enrol now for Year 7 in 2024 at www.hsc.qld.edu.au/enrolments - numbers are limited and Year 7 in 2024 enrolment applications close on Monday, 8 May 2023.

Explore the College at our Year 7 in 2024 Information Evening on Thursday 27 April at 5:30pm. Pre- Register your attendance here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1029908

For more information, go to www.hsc.qld.edu.au, call 4994 8600 or email enrolments@hsc.qld.edu.au. In One Spirit... we welcome, we nurture, we excel.

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“Very Good Fingerprints Have Been Taken”

A scene of chaos and devastation greeted the volunteers at All Abilities non-for-profit organisation when they entered their Casey Avenue address on Monday morning.

They discovered that thieves had “gone through every drawer in the building and emptied out every cupboard” in a destructive rampage which left the usually bustling community centre covered in shattered class and ruined.

Doors to the locked office were pried open, computers, laptops and office equipment stolen.

The central play area for children was a war scene, TVs pulled down from the walls, their wires ripped out and screens jumped upon.

Video games were ripped from their boxes and strewn across the floor.

The outside hose was left running and the fridge door left open in an ultimate act of defiance and destruction.

When asked what she suspected the thieves’ motives were, President of All Abilities Elsa van den Heever, said that they noticed every first aid kit in the building had been opened like they were looking for something – perhaps needles.

The one consolation from the devastation was that the thieves had been amateur enough to leave good quality fingerprints everywhere and blood from the shattered glass was able to give police excellent samples with which to track down the perpetrators.

“The police said we were very good at preserving the evidence,” said Elsa.

“They were very happy with the blood samples and said that very good fingerprints had been taken.”

All Abilities is a charity organisation which provides people of every ability, a safe place to play, relax and connect.

Elsa and her team had spent months reviving the service, cleaning it up and creating new programs, so this recent event has hit an even harder blow.

For the past two weeks they had been holding a school holiday Messy Playdate program and they also coordinate weekly wheelchair dancing classes.

Now, instead of planning a series of term-time activities for children, they are removing shattered glass from play equipment.

Elsa said, however, that they are determined to carry on.

“We would like to thank the police for doing such a good job and all the community for their well wishes,” she said.

“We are not going to let this incident stand in our way and will make every effort to move forward.”

The organisation is funded on donations, and they are currently hoping to raise money to pay for security cameras and an alarm.

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Thieves went “through every drawer in the building and emptied out every cupboard” at All Abilities charity organisation. Photos supplied

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Unmarked burial plots in Mackay have been given plaques and a WWI veteran given official recognition thanks to a family ancestry project.

Robert “Bob” James McGill, now a resident of Cairns but born and raised in Mackay, was researching his namesake when he realized his Great Uncle Bob was at rest in an unmarked grave in Mackay Cemetery.

He further realized that Bob was interred with his father James, known as “Jack”, who emigrated from Scotland in the mid-1800’s with his wife Maggie, becoming valued pioneers of the Mackay region and parenting six sons.

“They settled in the Hampden and Kuttabul parishes as farmer-graziers and set about building a dynasty which today remains their legacy,” said Mr McGill.

As young men, four of the six McGill brothers enlisted to serve when WWI enveloped Europe.

“Uncle Bob served as an ambulance attendant-driver,” Mr McGill said.

“A heroic and accursed task of retrieving injured soldiers from the trenches of the front line.

“It was a truly honourable contribution to helping his fellow enlistees try to survive the war.”

Bob was followed onto the WWI Belgian battle fronts by three of his brothers - Hughie, Jim, and Jack, all of whom enlisted in 1916 and embarked together on HMAT Karroo on May 5 of that year, all three joining 2nd Light Horse Regiment.

Remarkably, all four brothers survived the war and returned to Mackay.

“One brother, Jim, eventually moved into Mackay town,” said Mr McGill,

“He was my grandfather, who went on to have six children, the second child and eldest son, yet another “Jim” (James Edward) was my father, who later served in WWII.”

Upon returning to Mackay, the boys began a vibrant fresh meat trade.

In particular, Jack and his wife, Kate, opened a busy butchery and abattoir while raising a cluster of seven children.

Their grandson, John McGill, still operates the business to this day.

“The surname McGill is synonymous with Mackay, Kuttabul, and Walkerston,” said Mr McGill.

It is unknown why the graves have been unmarked for so long.

“Without second thought I see it as my duty, the least I can do, in collaboration with my sister Barbara, to honour and commemorate their place of rest with name plaques,” Mr McGill said.

Bob’s grave has been recognised by the Office of Australian War Graves with official commemoration.

“It is fitting, proper, and long overdue that the burial place of Robert McGill SN3564 b.1894-d.1965 now has formal marking and placement of a standard OAWG memorial,” Mr McGill said.

“Barb and I will now finalize and tidy Uncle Bob’s burial arrangements.

“He is, after all is said and done, my namesake.”

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Robert “Bob” James McGill with his sister Barbara and aunt Margaret

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Uncovered At Coalface Art Gallery

Preserving the stories of bravery through collecting military memorabilia has been a long running passion for one Moranbah local.

‘Anzac Day 2023’, an eclectic mix of military memorabilia, is on display at the Coalface Art Gallery for the third year running, curated by local military historian Dave Law with assistance from Andrew Tomlinson of the Moranbah RSL Sub-Branch.

An array of servicemen and women uniforms will be on display, including the uniform of an Australian soldier from 1943, to uniforms worn by soldiers serving in the British occupational Force in Japan, the Korean War, Vietnam War, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Some of the items were collected by Mr Law during visits to the battlefields of Gallipoli, Flanders Fields, and the Somme, or donated to him by ex-veterans to preserve their stories.

Mr Law’s interest in collecting and preserving military memorabilia was fostered by his family’s long history of military service during the two World Wars and the Korean War.  

“I am passionate about ensuring our youth understand the services rendered by our men and women in uniform during periods of conflict and during peacetime, and the debt we owe to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Law said.

‘Anzac Day 2023’ runs until April 28 at the Coalface Art Gallery, Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 5pm.

The exhibition will be available for viewing following Anzac Day services on Tuesday, April 25 between 6am and 7am and between 11am and 12pm.

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‘Anzac Day 2023’ will be available for viewing following Anzac Day services until April 28. Photo supplied

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The father of five World War II veterans has been honoured with a headstone 76 years after his passing, unifying a family to reflect on his life and contribution.

John Patton passed away on April 12, 1947, and was buried at Mackay Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

John had eight children, five of which served various theatres of World War II, with one being killed in action.

“Money would’ve been very tight, and it broke our heart that our grandfather was in an unmarked grave; we wouldn’t stand for that,” said John’s grandson Tim Patton.

Upon discovering the unmarked grave, the family approached Ken Higgins, Mackay RSL Sub Branch President, admitting that while John didn’t serve, five of his sons did.

“Ken’s words were, ‘If that ain’t serving, I don’t know what is,’” Tim said.

While it wasn’t the goal, Tim is pleased the headstone was complete in time for Anzac Day.

“It’s the time of year when we think about our veterans and our family members who we’ve lost,” he said.

“It’s a place where we can come as opposed to a piece of grass.

“I can bring my children, my grandchildren and generations afterwards will be able to honour their predecessors.”

Costs of the headstone were split three ways between the family, Mackay RSL Sub Branch and Mackay Monumental Masons.

“He gave five sons to the war and finished up in an unmarked grave in Mackay and that’s not on,” Ken said.

“We need to do better, we have, and we’ll continue to do that.”

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John’s grandchildren Tim Patton, Des Patton, Ken Higgins (Mackay RSL), Nichole Hood (Mackay RSL), Linda Caruana, Julie Samnut and Karen Grech. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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It’s an Australian first that could prove Mackay’s future to be in the safest of hands.

21 Mackay residents between the ages of 11 and 17 are campaigning to be on the Mackay region’s Youth Council, with Mackay Regional Council being the first in Australia to partner with Foundation for Young Australians and adopt the Young Mayors program.

The young candidates came together last week for their first Town Hall meeting, where they shared their vision for the region ahead of elections in May.

“In the next few weeks, we’ll be holding our first ever Young Mayors election held in a variety of locations, so schools, libraries and the Jubilee Community Centre for 11–17-year-olds to place their vote to help shape who will be representing the youth council in Mackay,” said Young Mayors Program Assistant for Mackay, Savannah Vella.

A council of 12 will ultimately be elected and given the tools and access to present to council and potentially influence change within the region.

“Just based on their passion alone, I feel like some great things are going to come out of this program,” Ms Vella said.

Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson said he is proud of Mackay for being the first in Australia to adopt the Young Mayors program.

“We know out of this will come a voice for young people in Mackay around our table and I think we’re going to hear a really loud voice,” he said.

“We’ve got 21 young people saying, ‘We are youth leaders in this community, we’ve got a voice that’s going to be heard by your local council, by local people in the elected environment, and that voice will mean something.’”

11-year-old Stephen Miranda feels passionately about youth mental health, focusing his campaign on a proposed app providing access between youth and support services.

“There’s not enough access to current services for youth mental health around Mackay,” Stephen said.

“I just hope that one day, adolescents will be able to feel confident in who they are.”

Similarly, fellow 11-year-old Farrah Hamilton hopes to assist in making the region better through restoration projects, street art, and performance spaces addressing the needs of the youth.

“I think it’s important that we all embrace who we are … but we have to work together to make the best possible future,” Farrah said.

Farrah’s advice to other young people is to “give it a shot and do your best”.

“We’re all different and we all have our different areas of strength, but it is important to try anything that comes up at you so you can find out what you are good at and where you belong,” she said.

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21 young people presented to councillors, family, and peers at last week’s first Young Mayors program Town Hall meeting. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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After months of fundraising, grants and community support, Safe Sleep Mackay excitedly announced that funding has been secured for Mackay’s first sleepbus.

With 20 beds onboard, televisions, toilets, charging facilities and storage, sleepbus promises a safe and restful night’s sleep for those who have nowhere else to go.

The $100,000 funding goal was reached last week thanks to the Mackay Regional Council Community Grant, Run for MI Life, BHP Benefitting My Community, a private foundation, and public donations.

“Everybody, whether it’s a business or whether it’s the locals, really see the benefit and the need in the community,” said Lisa Jamieson of Safe Sleep Mackay and Orange Sky.

“There are people on the street, but there’s also a lot of people sitting on the edge there at the moment, so if we all get together and do our little bit, it all makes a difference, whether it’s putting funds in or volunteering their time.”

The first sleepbus is expected to arrive in Mackay between December 2023 and early 2024, with fundraising continuing for an additional two buses.

Statistics from a local women’s hostel shows that there is a very limited supply of crisis accommodation for women in the Mackay Region, proving the need for a woman and children-only pink sleepbus.

“It’s there to remove any of the barriers for women coming to look for a safe night sleep,” Ms Jamieson said.

“Whilst we don’t have enough, there are more housing options for men in crisis than there is for women, so you’re seeing women and children with nowhere to go.”

A third sleepbus is hoped to be purchased to service Sarina.

“When you’re talking to the service providers down there, the need in Sarina is just as great as it is in Mackay,” Ms Jamieson said.

Safe Sleep Mackay are continuing to raise the additional $200,000 required for two more buses and are welcoming sponsorship and donations.

There are corporate sponsorship opportunities available to local businesses and many opportunities to volunteer.

“If you can’t help financially, there are other ways you can help once it gets here,” Ms Jamieson said.

“It’s not the ultimate solution and everybody accepts that, but they know something needs to be happening sooner rather than later.”

For more information, find Safe Sleep Mackay on Facebook or contact Lisa Jamieson on 0427 083 481.

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A sleepbus provides temporary accommodation to those in need. Image supplied

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Talented Mackay dancers Ruby Meares and Eva Bishop experienced a huge thrill recently when they participated in specialised classes at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne and Queensland Ballet Academy in Brisbane.

Both Ruby and Eva spent five days developing their dance technique and artistry and grabbed the opportunity to work with teachers of high renown and in a class of only high aptitude peers.

The 12-year-old duo – who attend St Patrick’s College in Mackay - compete for Leisa Payne School of Dance and are part of the school’s Australian Ballet Interstate Program and Queensland Ballet Guest Academy Dance Program.

Eva dances seven days a week and joined the Leisa Payne School of Dance at the age of four where she has performed with distinction in the Intermediate category and Level 5 with the Queensland Ballet Academy.

Since taking up dancing, young Ruby has developed her all round skills and described her stints in Melbourne and Brisbane as an “awesome experience.”

She soaked up the expert tuition from the highly acclaimed teachers and was able to hone her Queensland Ballet Academy Level 6 training in competitive surrounds.

Both girls performed at the recent Royal Academy Dance Jacqueline Morland Awards in Brisbane where they showcased their dancing aptitude in the Masterclass Solo competition.

Participating in the specialised classes has given Ruby and Eva a huge boost in confidence as they prepare for various upcoming dance events.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Leisa Payne School of Dance students Eva Bishop and Ruby Meares made the most of their invitation to perform in specialised classes at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne and Queensland Ballet Academy in Brisbane

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For the past two years, Naomi Tickle has been leading workshops on smart eating and healthy cooking, and in 2020 she became a Country Kitchens program facilitator.

This year, Naomi is one of three program facilitators to receive the Facilitator of the Year award, given to individuals who have completed outstanding contributions to the Country Kitchens program.

Country Kitchen is a partnership between the Queensland Country Women’s Association and Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supporting Queenslanders to improve their health and wellbeing, particularly those living in rural, regional, and remote areas.

The program is open to volunteer facilitators who already have a wealth of knowledge regarding cooking and healthy eating and provides them with further training and support.

There are five core values to the program: get more fruit and veg into your meals, cook at home, check portion sizes, be aware of hidden sugar, and sit less, move more.

“I really enjoy facilitating a range of workshops and teaching participants how easy it can be to prepare healthy, low cost, simple meals from scratch,” Naomi said.

“I have developed a valuable partnership between Country Kitchens and Mind Australia, delivering ‘Smart Eating’ cooking classes to participants with lived experience of mental health.”

Receiving this award means Naomi will be delivering Country Kitchens showcases, recipe promotions and promoting healthy catering at the Queensland Country Women’s Association Mackay branch.

“I am also looking forward to building new partnerships with community groups and schools to run the programs Back to Basics workshops with,” said Naomi.

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Locals will not be able to access Bluewater Lagoon this coming winter, with plans to repair the lining confirmed.

Mackay Regional Council has announced the schedule for the refurbishment of Bluewater Lagoon, with the tender awarded to Aquatic Project Solutions.

This project with encompass two winter periods, 2023 and 2024, with the 2023 winter seeing the repair of the children’s pool.

2024 will see the relining of the main and top pools.

“In 2021, patchwork was completed to the lagoon’s surface as a short-term solution to fix leaks that were discovered in the lining of the lagoon,” Major Greg Williamson said.

“This resurfacing work will be a long-term solution.”

The relining work will be completed with a Polyvinyl Chloride membrane structure, which will decrease maintenance commitments.

However, the proposed budget for the repair has been far exceeded, by about $500,000.

“This will be addressed through a budget adjustment request so residents and future generations of Mackay locals can continue to enjoy the benefits of this facility,” said the Mayor.

The first stage of the Bluewater Lagoon repairs will take place May 1 to September 4. During this time, the Bluewater Lagoon café will also be closed.

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For 25 years, Crossroad Arts has been developing the sphere of celebrating communities, have embraced equity, diversity, and confidence, through collaborative arts.

And, for 2023, the Annual Giving Program has taken a turn, with ReNew Mackay vowing to match donations, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, until June 30.

“Supporting things in Mackay, from a financial point of view, is easy,” ReNew Mackay Director, Craig Percival, said.

“It’s what the people behind the scenes at Crossroad Arts do that is important to the Mackay Community and the work that really matters. I encourage everyone to get involved, understand what Crossroad Art is all about and become involved.”

This past week, Crossroad Arts have accomplished its first target, reaching $5,00, with ReNew Mackay matching the donation.

Crossroad Arts is committed to the inclusivity and diversity of the performing and creative arts, offering a number of outreach and service programs to aid in the development of avid artists.

Being a not-for-profit organisation, the Annual Giving is a vital tool in funding the organisations community outreach program and workshops.

The Annual Giving program will aid in expanding the continued workshops and events it conducts in regional and remote Queensland, which have included delivering a three-day contemporary movement workshop in partnership with Dancenorth, located in Townsville, and La Boite Theatre Company, located in Brisbane, and hosting a ‘Street View Gallery’, an opportunity for Mackay-and-Whitsunday-Local artists with disability to have their art exhibited in the Crossroad Art street side gallery, for a month.  

“I encourage other businesses to have the conversation with Crossroad Arts… I think it is important to think about your business in the context of where it sits within the community and what support can be offered to organisations like Crossroad Arts,” ReNew Mackay Director, Sean Kelly said.

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ReNew Mackay Director, Craig Percival, matches $5,000 Annual Giving donation. Photo Supplied.

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Since its inception in 2018, the Mackay region has returned over 174 million containers using the Containers for Change program, and now Sarina is seeing the opening of a brand-new depot in the community.

With over six billion containers returned through the Queensland program across the state, this new depot opens opportunities for locals to recycle their drink containers and earn some extra money at the same time.

Holding a soft launch over Easter Weekend, the Sarina Depot saw more than 40,000 containers exchanged, confirming the enthusiasm of local recyclers.

The purpose-built depot replaces the previous bag drop program and includes an extensive carpark and allows residents to receive their refund instantly, either via cash or electronic payment.

The official grand opening took place Saturday, April 15, and included free giveaways of branded water bottles and cooler bags.

Community groups are encouraged to participate as well, with the Scouts in Sarina already making large exchanges.

“Local community groups like the Scouts in Sarina have already made thousands of dollars using Containers for Change,” said Natalie Roach, chief executive of Container Exchange.

“We find many Queenslanders like the cash option when they refund their containers, so it’s fantastic this is being offered to the Sarina community for the first time.”

Refunds can also be directly donated to local charities if members of Containers for Change. The current charities registered in the Sarina area are Sarina and District Community Kindergarten, Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association, and Sarina State High School P & C Association.

Once returned, the containers are sorted into composition types before they are transported to recycling process centres. They will be cleaned and prepared for recycling before being purchased by accredited and recognised recycling organisations, to the produced into new containers and products.

The Sarina Depot will be operated by local business owners, Tammy and Mark Johncock, who are excited to service the community’s first full-service container refund location.

The Sarina Containers for Change Depot will be open 8:30am to 4:00pm Tuesday to Friday, and 8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday. It is located at 20 Range Road, Sarina.

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A new facility open to the public, encourages recycling programs

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Often associated with big cowboy hats, shiny belt buckles, noisy boots and country music, line dancing has seen a resurgence around Mackay and Deb Wookey is one person bringing it to the fore.

Teaching around 10 classes a week across Mackay, Sarina and Walkerston, Deb has had to expand her schedule to accommodate for the growing demand.

She’s been teaching line dancing in Mackay for just over a year, with Mackay Line Dancers celebrating their first birthday earlier in 2023.

Deb has been dancing for 15 years, her love of line dancing born through rock and roll dancing.

She started teaching line dancing on the Gold Coast five years ago and was dancing six days a week.

“I would teach but I’d also go to other people’s classes just so I could have a dance,” she said.

Moving to Mackay last year, Deb discovered small classes were already being held in Glenella by Sharon Fry, but she filled a niche of entry-level line dancing.

“When I came along, I opened up the market for the people who wanted to learn, the absolute beginners, so it worked out well,” she said.

Deb loves that she can line dance without a partner, but she also loves the music.

“I enjoy music and I love being able to put a dance to the music,” she said.

“It keeps your mind thinking all the time.

“All I ever do is think about what steps will go with what songs.

“It’s good for the brain and good for keeping everything moving.

“You’re moving parts that would be sitting doing nothing, otherwise.”

Deb hopes to grow interest for line dancing among young people and start teaching in schools.

“I want to try and get the young kids to taste it,” she said.

“I think they think it’s not cool or boring, not a lot of kids are into country music but it’s not all country music.

“It’s so much more choreographed these days, it’s not just fingers in your belt.”

Mackay Line Dancers hold their next social on Sunday, June 11 as part of a state-wide Queensland Line Dance Association Syncronised Social, raising funds for Care Kits for Kids Queensland.

To find out more, search Mackay Line Dancers on Facebook where you will find all classes listed, locations, times, and the appropriate level of ability for each class.

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L-R Deb Wookey, Jo Stewart and Malda Shepparton. Photo supplied

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