Taking out the top prize at the TAFE Queensland 2022 Townsville Trade Excellence Awards, local Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Connor Spence, has been named the 2022 Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

Selected from 1,400 of his peers to receive the prestigious title, Connor was also awarded the Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year title.

Currently working at HJC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, he is completing an apprenticeship while attending block training at the TAFE Queensland Townsville Trade Training Centre.

The north region TAFE Queensland Director of Trades, Mark Patterson, said Connor was an exemplary student.

“Connor is an exceptional mentor to his class and workmates and takes advantage of every opportunity to improve his skills and industry knowledge,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate him for taking out the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year title.”

Unable to attend the ceremony in Townsville on October 27, Connor said he was very grateful and that the announcement came as a complete shock.

“It was unreal to know that out of so many people who were nominated, I ended up winning. It was very humbling and I feel honoured,” he said.

“I started my apprenticeship straight out of high school. I didn’t know anything about the trade, I just kind of fell into it and thought I’d give it a go.

“I really enjoy the variety of jobs within my trade, there are so many different aspects to the domestic, commercial and industrial side of the industry, so there’s always something to learn.”

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Connor Spence, TAFE Townsville Apprentice of The Year

More than a thousand tour operators, both big and small, gathered at the Queensland Tourism Awards last Friday to celebrate a bounce-back year which saw intra-state tourism numbers rise by 21.5 per cent, totalling $12.4 billion.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said this was the year that the 37th annual Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated Queenslanders supporting Queenslanders.

“In true Queenslander spirit, we are embracing the difficulties we face together by re-connecting and discovering places in our own backyard, as together we are drawn to holidays within our home state,” he said.

“Collectively, this year’s recipients are a testament to the strength and calibre of the state’s tourism operators, and I applaud this great industry and its people for the innovation and resilience they have displayed.”

A total of 78 awards, including 31 Gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronze Awards were presented across 30 categories and the Whitsunday region walked away with nine of these prestigious accolades.

This years’ awards represented a poignant moment for the tourism industry, celebrating the resilience and tenacity of operators who had all beat the odds to not only survive but also thrive in the new post-pandemic world.

“The past two years have re-defined how people live, work and travel, and the intrastate tourism we are experiencing is directly correlated to this,” said Mr Fraser.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated a remarkable year.

“It has been terrific to see Queensland domestic tourism bounce back so strongly with a nation leading $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We owe much of Queensland’s achievements to the hard work, resilience and innovation of the State’s tourism operators, some of whom are recognised by the 2022 Awards.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and finalists for delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland a destination of choice.”

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Queensland Tourism Award Winners:

Tourism Retail & Hire Services

Silver: Whitsunday Coast Airport

Bronze: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

Major Tour and Transport Operators

Silver: Ocean Rafting

Adventure Tourism

Gold: Ocean Rafting

Caravan and Holiday Parks

Gold: Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort

Unique Accommodation

Bronze: Cruise Whitsundays – Reefstays

Self-Contained Accommodation

Silver: Pinnacles Resort

Bronze: Mirage Whitsundays

3-3.5 Star Accommodation

Gold: Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton and Elizabeth Hackett from Magnums Accommodation

Peter and Jan Claxton from Ocean Rafting

Greg McKinnon and Tanya Cran from BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

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Last Friday BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was awarded top honours at the Queensland Tourism Awards with a Gold win in the ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks ‘category.

This spectacular result progresses the team to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, due to be held in March 2023.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has been owned by the McKinnon family for 29 years, with three generations of family, and the resort’s managers, attending the evening.

“We are unbelievably proud to have won gold at this level after an ever-changing few years. While there has been ups and downs, we have rolled with it as effectively as possible, with the ultimate aim, as it has always been, to always offer our guests that very special holiday where they can disengage with the everyday and really connect with family and friends,” said owner Greg McKinnon.

“The Whitsundays is a very special place and we are just grateful that holidaymakers the world over choose Queensland, and our resort, as their precious holiday destination.

“Winning this award reflects the offerings of our quality tourism product, our ongoing development and our exceptional standards of customer service.

“We are very aware of always exceeding our guest’s expectations so it is really wonderful for our family, managers and our incredible team to receive this award.

“We could not have ever achieved this without the support of our guests, many who return time and time again, so we thank them sincerely,” continued Greg.

“A huge congratulations to all the other winners and entrants, and to the Queensland Tourism Industry Council for putting on a wonderful night for the industry.”

After purchasing the run-down caravan park 29 years ago, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has been transformed by the McKinnon family into the ultimate Whitsunday family holiday destination. This year saw a focus on enhancing accessibility for all, with the introduction of vision-impaired accessible cabins to complement the resort’s existing accessible offerings, as well as its autism sensory room, a popular and much-loved retreat for guests with children on the autism spectrum.

“We have put everything into the resort over the past 29 years and continue to grow to make it the multi-award winning and nationally recognised destination to escape to with family and friends in the Whitsundays,” added Greg.

“Our resort is all about connecting with each other by offering an environment where everyone can enjoy the many facilities and activities on offer, relax in quality accommodation and just all come together.”

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a range of accommodation, from tropical landscaped camp sites through to self-contained studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, providing options to suit every taste and budget. With over 15 onsite activities including a big, huge, mega waterslide park, lagoon style pool, mini golf, outdoor cinema, Kid’s Club, year-round activities program and much more, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers the ultimate holiday escape.  

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Three generations of the McKinnon family were present on the night. L to R Molly, Greg, Jan, Jack and Josh McKinnon

L to R, Andrea Mearns, Catherine Paterson and Tanya Cran

Cruise Whitsundays is celebrating a successful award season by launching a November special exclusive for Turtle Club members on their popular Camira Sunset Cruise.

With its exclusive all-inclusive drinks package, Camira is known as one of the best value tours in town and their new November special will really get the festive season started.

Built for comfort and speed, Camira is an 85-foot catamaran that boasts a large indoor space with seating and two outdoor netted areas where guests can sit and chat while watching the Whitsunday waters glide by.

The sunset cruises set sail at 6pm and return at 8pm, departing from Port of Airlie and tracking a scenic route around Pioneer Bay to watch as the sun sets below the horizon until the night sky emerges, a sprinkle of sparkling stars illuminating the tranquil ocean vista.

Departing every Friday and Saturday afternoon, this tour is an ideal way to begin a weekend with friends, workmates or even your partner.

The largest commercial sailing catamaran in the Whitsundays, there is lots of room for guests to enjoy a lively party or discover a quiet corner to sit back and take in the incredible scenery of Pioneer Bay and the lights of Airlie Beach.  

Cruise Whitsundays is one of the largest tour companies in the region, offering full and half-day trips to Whitehaven Beach.

They also operate Reefworld, a purpose-built pontoon located 39 nautical miles from land in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Guests can travel out to Reefworld for a daytrip and enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, semi-submersible tours and an underwater observatory.

Reefworld contains Australia’s only underwater hotel, offering two luxury rooms with a unique underwater view like no other!

The pontoon location also offers a Reefsleep experience with glamping pods on the deck under the stars with no other light for miles around.

Guests are transported to these exciting locations on one of Cruise Whitsundays high-powered, air-conditioned catamarans. Travel in speed and comfort and choose to enjoy the sea breeze from the ocean deck or sit in the cool lounge setting.

From sunset cruises to Great Barrier Reef experiences, it is easy to see why this impressive tour company won awards both locally and state-wide this month.

Taking home Gold for Major Tourist Attraction for Reefworld at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards as well as Gold for Unique Tourism Accommodation, then backing this up with bronze for Unique Tourism Accommodation at the Queensland Tourism Awards, Cruise Whitsunday is riding high on the wave of success.

Sunset Cruise November Special:

Adult tickets $99 and children $79

Turtle Club price $69 for adults and $54 for children

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Cruise into sunset with Camira

Spacious deck, perfect for relaxing in comfort

Celebrated local tour company Ocean Rafting have returned from the Queensland Tourism Awards this week with a gold award for Adventure Tourism and a silver in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category.

In addition, their sister company, Ocean Safari which is based in Cape Tribulation, came home with a silver award in the Adventure Tourism category, coming second only to Ocean Rafting.

Capping off a fabulous 25 years in operation, owners Jan and Peter Claxon say they are very proud of the team and look forward to many more successful years to come.

“Both Ocean Rafting and Ocean Safari offer such unique experiences for guests, and they are constantly evolving and growing,” said Jan.

“Our staff play such a big part in all of this and absolutely love what they do and the beautiful natural playgrounds they visit every day.”

With three generations of the Claxton family working within the company, Peter said that the recognition means so much to everyone involved.

“On behalf of the Ocean Rafting and Ocean Safari teams, we must thank our supportive family and friends, which includes our staff, to the traditional custodians of the land and sea country which we are grateful to share, to our loyal agents, fellow tourism operators, industry and government partners, and especially to our incredible guests who we share the beauty of the Whitsundays with every day, we thank you,” said Peter.

“While there has been ongoing evolvements for many tourism operators, it was wonderful to see so many Queensland tourism businesses come together to celebrate what this beautiful state has to offer and we pass on our congratulations to all the other winners and finalists.”

Ocean Rafting will now head to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March 2023.

With eight custom-built bright yellow vessels that operate day-tours around the Whitsundays, Ocean Rafting have been fine-tuning their unique offering over the years.

They are a coveted Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member for being continuously Advanced Ecotourism Australia Certified for 20 years or longer and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner in the Top one per cent of Tourism Businesses around the world and Top 10 Experiences in Australia.

They have also won a swag of awards including multiple gold wins at the Australian, Queensland and Whitsunday Tourism Awards.

The only company in the Whitsundays with four Master Reef Guides, who are recognised as the world’s leading reef guides, interpreters and story tellers, Ocean Rafting have a team comprised of Marine Biologists and Eye On the Reef trained Eco Hosts.

Despite two COVID-impacted years, the business managed to grow and evolve, introducing a seven-seater Australian-built Airvan plane to the fleet.

Flying into operations in May, the new plane adds to the pre-existing Fly Raft package offering scenic flights over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and famous Heart Reef.

This new addition creates an iconic triple-whammy providing the ultimate Whitsunday experience in just one day.

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Owners of Ocean Rafting, Peter and Jan Claxton with Sales Captain Nathan Fleming

Three generations of the Claxton family

The Proserpine Mill will continue crushing until January and it is looking likely that there will be a ‘stand-over’ of sugar cane still left in the fields following a disappointing season that has been marred by the mill’s unplanned maintenance issues and worker shortage.

Growers hoped for a bumper season with high sugar prices and a larger than usual harvest creating renewed positivity and the promise of recovery from several years of below average production.

Mike Porter, Manager of Canegrowers Proserpine said farmers are “frustrated” and some are becoming “annoyed” by complications that have caused massive delays over the season.

“Factory performance hasn’t been great this year and it is disappointing to be lower than normal,” he said.

“After five years of below average crop, which has largely been to do with Cyclone Debbie, growers had been looking forward to finally getting a decent crop and with the potential to make more money with better sugar prices.”

On average, the Proserpine Mill can expect to process two million tonnes in a 22-week period or around 1.5 million tonnes in about 19 weeks.

This season’s crop is larger than the last few years, at 1.78 tonnes, but it has also taken a lot longer to process.

Proserpine Operations Manager Sebastian Foti said that the extended season is mainly due to unplanned factory stops, wet weather interruptions and labour force challenges.

“We also got off to a late start as a result of COVID-related supply chain issues and skilled labour shortfalls,” he said.

Minimising delays where possible, the team utilised any wet weather stops to perform necessary maintenance, thereby reducing the need for scheduled maintenance stops.

“We are focused on processing the whole 1.78 million tonne crop and are working closely with the growing and harvesting sectors to achieve this,” he said.

Despite this, growers remain disappointed that this year will see the first ‘stand-over’ of crop since 2010.

The crop left on the fields will not contain the same sugar quality as it would have yielded in this year’s harvest and the rest of this year’s crop quality will decrease as the temperatures rise over the next month.

Unfortunately, when the hardworking industry should be celebrating with their annual cut-out party, they are instead working an extra six to eight weeks on a crop that will not yield much.

In addition, Mr Porter said the growers may experience staff shortages as workers return to their families over the Christmas period.

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Annual Cut Out Party

Organisers of the annual Cut Out Party are inviting the community to attend the festivities this January, celebrating the hard-working individuals from across the industry at the end of a challenging season.

All are welcome, from cane farmers to mill workers, local affiliated companies and anyone in the community who wants to support the local sugar cane industry.

The first event of its kind was introduced last year, and its huge success prompted an expanded committee to organise the second iteration.

Last year, $12,000 was raised, and this year, proceeds will go to RACQ CQ Rescue.

The Cut Out Party will be held at the Proserpine Showgrounds and attendees can expect a fun night out with live music, a slideshow from the season, charity auction, fire pit, and of course an open bar.

WHAT: Cut Out Party

WHEN: Saturday, January 14

WHERE: Proserpine Showgrounds

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One of the state’s biggest annual rodeo events is bringing its bucking bulls to the Proserpine Showgrounds, taking its world-class show back to the sugar town for the first time in more than a decade.

Get your spurs, your boots, get your Stetson and your bolo tie: The Central Rodeo Cowboys Association (CRCA) Finals for 2022 will arrive in Proserpine on November 19.

Some of the country’s best riders have competed across the association’s yearlong calendar of rodeo competitions, fighting for points to place in the top 10 spot and qualify for the culmination in a weeks’ time.

The professional sport final will be the first time in more than 10 years that the CRCA have hosted a rodeo event in Proserpine according to the association’s President, Danny Borghero.

“Proserpine used to have rodeos with CRCA all of the time, so it will be great have one back there,” Mr Borghero said.

“It should be good. We’ve got a lot of bull riders and contractors there around the Proserpine area, so it’s a central rodeo area that really enjoys the events.”

Mr Borghero said the event was filled to the brim with the traditional rodeo categories for spectators to enjoy: Bullride, open saddlebronc, bareback, ladies’ barrells, barrel racing, and a string of junior events.

“It should be a great night; we’ve got some of the best bullriders in Australia coming,” Mr Borghero said.

“Clayton Brayden, one of the best saddleback riders in the country, and Jack Bowen, who’s leading three different associations will both be there. The quality of riders is probably the best in Australia.”

Winners for each category are in store for prize monies as high as $1,500.

Mr Borghero said the event is “what the cowboys have been competing for all year and what it’s all come down to.”

Aside from the bucking bulls, the event will be home to a DJ, food vans, kids’ entertainment and activities, a bar, and more side entertainment.

The final has seen wide-scale support from local organisations including Dittman Bucking Bulls, Reef Gateway Hotel, Peries’ IGA Proserpine, Whitsunday Regional Council, and more.

Tickets are available online at Eventbrite via the CRCA Facebook page.

WHAT: 2022 CRCA Finals

WHEN: Saturday, November 19 from 4.00pm

WHERE: Proserpine Showgrounds

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The 2022 CRCA Finals will see bucking bulls return to Proserpine Showgrounds next weekend

The event is one of the first the association has run in the local town for more than 10 years, with their most recent local showing in Airlie Beach last September

Images: Declan Durrant

A community association is inviting interested locals along to participate in its annual general meeting (AGM) where they can learn about its groups, services, and passion for its town.

Proserpine Community Centre will host its AGM on Wednesday, November 16, at 7pm at 36 Gardenia Street. Locals will have the opportunity to listen to a series of reports on the local incorporated centre.

Coordinator at the centre, Ingrid Ruck said the meeting presented locals with input into a vital service within the community.

“Positions on the role – the chair, vice chair, secretary, and treasurer – will be re-electing for their positions this year, but a decision for more community input can see the appointment of three members of the community,” Ms Ruck said.

“Those people who are active in the community can contribute to what we do here.”

Ms Ruck said that people often ask her what exactly the community centre staff “do”.

“In the simplest terms, we help people,” Ms Rusk said.

“Whether it’s a client, a colleague, peer support, or whether it’s someone new to the area, they can ring us. We try to keep our whole community in Proserpine up to date with what’s happening. Our question whenever someone walks through the door is: ‘How can we help you?’

“Sometimes, it is just about listening and showing a bit of kindness.”

The Proserpine Community Centre AGM begins at 7pm next Wednesday at the Centre itself and will provide a light supper. Everyone is welcome.

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Lake Proserpine has experienced exceptional financial growth as a tourism venture thanks to major redevelopments which have capitalised on the famed site’s natural splendour.

Since the first quarter of the financial year, when new caretakers Red Cat Adventures commenced their tenure at the facility, more than 5,500 people have visited the Dam’s campsite, generating a total of $95,474.76 in revenue - an increase of 64 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

In financial terms, the $2.9 million dollar Dam development – budgeted at $3.1 million, with the difference being award to construct the grey water system – has been a major success for Whitsunday Regional Council.

And in social terms, the transformation of Peter Faust Dam has seen it become a major tourism experience for travellers and locals alike, and it is certainly becoming a source of incredible pride for locals, especially Councillor John Collins.

When Councillor Collins initially ran to maintain his seat of Division Three in 2016, much of his campaign focused on developing tourism opportunities at what was previously reserved as solely an infrastructure site.

“I feel proud to have been a part of a Council that brought this to fruition,” Councillor Collins said.

“Ever since the dam was built, locals have always said it would be a perfect place to pack up and go camping and exploring on weekends. Now this has finally happened.”

Mr Collins and Proserpine locals would not have to wait long before plans began moving for the Dam. Council struck an agreement with SunWater – who run the Dam’s water operations – for approvals of a tourism upgrade, and then began drafting a Master Plan which would receive grant funding in 2017.

The Plan is now in its final stages and Councillor Collins has lauded it as one of his great achievements as a member of local government, and residents and travellers seem to agree with him.

“You only have to look at the record numbers of people staying here over the last quarter to see it,” he said.

“[Those numbers] have a great flow on effect to the businesses, not only in Proserpine, but the wider Whitsundays Region. Everything at Lake Proserpine is a great addition to the wonderful Whitsunday Region.

“It’s a land-based destination, which is totally different to the beaches and islands, and caters for a completely different kind of holiday maker.”

The development saw a slew of upgrades and additions: camping sites, upgraded recreational facilities and overflow parking areas, pontoons for enhanced access between the water and landslide areas, an enhanced arrival and information facility, upgraded boat ramp and parking areas, and accessibility to rationalised water-based recreation areas.

It also is host to ‘Glamping’ Tents for “camping glamorously”.

And that’s not all: Into the future, Mr Collins said Council intend to construct cabins, powered sites, and multiple communal barbecue areas, depending on additional grant funding.

Lake Proserpine Caretakers Ilsa Belska and Mark Houston have seen the influx of guests firsthand and said “they’re hearing the talk.”

“We are finding that locals who have never been here before, they’re hearing the word of mouth throughout town,” Ms Belska said.

“We’re getting a lot of daytrippers, a lot of locals, return customers heading north who stop in. People coming for a ‘tree-change’, and it’s a dream gig for us.”

Councillor Collins said Lake Proserpine had always been known as “the home of the one-metre barramundi” for fisherman, but the dynamic is changing.

“I’ve been down here countless times in my life. Every time, I stop for photos,” he said.

“Some of the most spectacular sunsets. It has everything; just sit back, enjoy the perfect view, the perfect escape.”

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Whitsunday Regional Councillor John Collins and Proserpine Lake caretakers Ilsa Belska and Mark Houston at the lake, which has seen major redevelopment and success

Mark Houston and Ilsa Belska at the visitor kiosk at Lake Proserpine

Lake Proserpine is one of the region’s most spectacular tourism sites

This funny slogan is something you may have seen outside a hairdressing salon, but its message has a much deeper meaning, one that Whitsunday Counselling and Support (WCS) are hoping to explore at their upcoming workshops.

Hairdressers and beauticians are in a prime position to help their clients with more than just a fresh look, they can often be the trusted confidants for a range of serious issues such as domestic and family violence.

WCS are hoping to leverage this by running a series of local workshops to better educate people who work in the beauty sector, giving them the tools and resources to help women who could be living in a domestic violence situation but do not know how to get help.

An informal setting in a safe environment, like a salon, could be the best place for someone to disclose personal information, in fact in several American states, it is mandatory for beauty workers to take a short course similar to this.

“We don’t want to see a missed opportunity,” said WCS Manager, Amanda Jensen.

“A salon seems to be a safe space where perpetrators will allow victims to attend, just about everyone will see their hairdressers at some point and by upskilling their knowledge, they are in a prime position to help.”  

WCS are running two-hour information sessions for hairdressers and beauticians, salons and home-operators to give them skills to gently enquire and then advise their clients on the best support services available.

We are very fortunate this opportunity is available here and WCS encourage everyone in the industry to attend. Dates and times are listed in the ad below.

Signs to watch for:

• A change in behaviour from bubbly to withdrawn

• Stories of partner name-calling

• Broken property like mobile phone

• Bald patches or neck aches over the basin

• Constant calls/texts which cause your client stress

• Missing appointments

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Remember:

• You won’t get in trouble for asking

• Make your enquiry gentle and caring

• Do not offer advice, just remind help is there

If you are anyone you know would like to talk to a professional here are some free helplines:

1800 RESPECT

DVConnect 1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline 1800 600 636

Whitsunday Counselling and Support free service 4946 2999

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WCS Manager, Amanda Jensen will facilitate the information sessions

We live in a world that is more connected than ever, in an age where distance means little and we can reach the other side of the world in an instant from a device in our pockets. So why do so many people feel so disconnected from their family, friends, and community?

In searching for answers to this question, we came across the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” (ee-key-guy). Ikigai combines the meaning of life and worth and the pursuit of finding purpose. Ikigai is all about a life well lived by being in a state of wellbeing that comes from everyday activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Something we can all learn from, this Japanese philosophy is the importance of focusing on things in our life that you love and are good at as well as bringing a benefit to those around you.

This is different to the concept of “living life in the moment” or “you only live once”.

How Ikigai differentiates is that it places personal purpose and fulfillment in life on not only oneself but on others and society in general - it adds a layer of service and contributing to the good of others.

Your Ikigai lies in the centre of four overlapping spheres which are covered by:

• What you love

• What you’re good at

• What the world needs

• What you can get paid for

Finding purpose is one of the cornerstones of suicide prevention and whilst this concept may not resonate with everyone, we encourage you to find more information on Ikigai as it may help spark a desire to find your purpose and in discovering your purpose improve your sense of connection with others and your mental health.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.
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Find your Ikigai with the help of this diagram

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre are launching their annual Christmas Gift Appeal again this year, inviting local residents to purchase gift vouchers for people doing it tough to make the burden a little lighter at this happy time of year.

Rebecca Woods, Executive Officer of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre said that traditionally they had seen largely families nominated for their annual appeal, but this year it was different demographics most in need.

“Purchasing gift cards and vouchers is especially helpful, because we see a lot of people who are presenting as homeless,” she explained.

“It doesn’t help them to be given a present when they’ve got nowhere to put them.”

Another section of the community that is experiencing hardship this year is local pensioners.

As the cost of living rises, many are finding it hard to afford any extras.

“Pensioners are really feeling the pinch,” said Rebecca.

“Particularly with the prices of everything going up – they are a generation that would rather do without, and this can often be at risk to their health.”

Businesses and individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Neighbourhood Centre and pick a family or an individual to ‘adopt’ this Christmas.

You can purchase vouchers from any local business, whether that be from BIGW or the local butcher, a beauty or massage voucher or perhaps even a local tour, experience or restaurant.

Here is the list to choose from – simply select a family or individual from the list below and call the Neighbourhood Centre on 4946 7850:

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Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to help those less fortunate, take inspiration from the team at Gardian.

As part of Gardian’s commitment to the local community, each month the team fills hampers to donate to Anglicare.

Baden Robinson and Mason Stubbs from Gardian Real Estate proudly carried last month’s basket down the road to Anglicare to be distributed to those in need.

“In the lead up to Christmas many families struggle with additional expenses, so the team put in an extra effort,” a Gardian team member said.

Anglicare provides a range of services to support people who are at risk of homelessness or who are homeless and provide a low-cost food service to those struggling with the climbing cost of living.

You can visit Anglicare at 39 Gordon Street.

Every little bit helps.

By helping to put food on the table, there may be a little left over for a family in need to put a gift under the tree.

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Worldwide Rally for Freedom Mackay welcomed special guests Graham “Hoody” Hood and his wife Michelle to Bluewater Quay on Monday evening.

More than 200 people attended the event, eager to hear Hoody’s career as a pilot which came to an end when vaccine mandates forced him to retire.

With more than 53 years flying experience and 32 years working as a Captain for Qantas, resigning was not a decision he took likely.

Hoody has since become an advocate for human rights and freedom to choose and is currently touring the east coast of Australia, sharing his story and his hopes for the future.

“He’s an incredible, humble man doing what we all want, wanting nothing more than our human rights reinstated,” said Worldwide Rally for Freedom Mackay leader Christine Keys.

“He doesn’t write a speech; he just speaks what’s in his heart.

“He spoke for two hours last night…I didn’t even look at the time once, he was just amazing.

“He wants nothing more than to see mandates dropped, a royal commission into the way Covid was handled, everyone who lost their job to be not only reinstated but backpayed and benefits reinstated.”

Ms Keys said that Hoody yearned for a simpler time, a time without technology.

“He explained how the family is the basis of a community and we need to work to get the family back into that role,” said Ms Keys.

“He spoke to our men and women and encouraged them to step up and be the people that our families need us to be.

“He talked about the politicians…the people who are really pushing for all of these things to be put behind us, the government overreach to stop, the control in our lives to stop, to go back to being the free Australians.”

Hoody also took the time to engage with attendees, answering questions and facilitating discussion.

“He’s a man who’s available to everyone,” said Ms Keys.

“He didn’t leave until people stopped asking questions.

“He fits in with us so well.”

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Not long after setting foot back on Australian soil after a very fun five weeks in the United States, I find myself being hauled off to jail!

4MK’s Jingle Jail that is.

I will be joining Rob Kidd this Saturday morning at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay City, singing for my supper (not literally, I’m a terrible singer) to be released from Jingle Jail. I’ll be there from 9:30 – 10am, so if you’d like a chat then I’d love the company!

It’s all for a good cause of course, I need to raise $1,000 to make bail and all proceeds will be donated to Real Mates Talk.

Did you know that around three-quarters of the people who die by suicide in the Whitsunday, Isaac and Mackay region are men?  

The Real Mates Talk men’s campaign intends to prevent suicide attempts and deaths of men in our community and support them to connect with others and live well. Our Whitsunday-based journalist Declan is a Real Mates Talk ambassador, it’s a cause that’s important to our entire team.

While it’s fun to explore new places, there really is no place like home. I’m happy to be back in Mackay (humidity and all) reconnecting with the community again. My biggest thanks goes to our amazing team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life. It takes a village to produce a weekly newspaper, and everyone had to step up to cover me while I was away. I’ll especially miss Sam’s weekly column, I enjoyed reading them online while I was in the USA.

That’s the great thing about having an online publication, from the other side of the world I still felt connected to the community through turning the virtual pages. Although, there’s nothing like the physical paper in your hands on a Friday morning, enjoying a coffee at your favourite café to see what’s been happening in your community.

If you would like to help me make bail, you can donate to Real mates Talk by visiting www.mycause.com.au and searching Jingle Jail. Don’t forget to put my name in the reference!

Amanda

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