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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Local councils are working together to fight against waste and are pleading: “Let’s get it right!”  

The “Let’s get it Right” campaign is being launched in line with Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week, which aims to encourage people to take responsibility for their recycling to minimise waste and manage material resources correctly.

National Recycling Week runs from Monday, November 7, until Sunday, November 13. The theme this year is “Waste isn’t Waste until it’s Wasted”.

Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regional councils have joined together to create a united voice on recycling right.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said good recycling started at home, and all residents were encouraged to “get it right” when they were throwing rubbish into their yellow-lidded recycling bin.

“By ensuring only items that can be processed at our Materials Recovery Facility are placed in the recycling bin, you are helping to reduce contamination at our plant and therefore reduce the amount of waste going to landfill,” Mayor Williamson said.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said it is important that we all work together to ensure our residents are recycling at every opportunity, and that we are doing it correctly.

“Waste is an important issue globally, but change must start at home. By making a simple change, such as recycling drink bottles or composting leftovers, you can make a huge impact on the amount of waste that ends up in landfill,” Mayor Hall said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said good recycling habits had a flow on effect for our environment.

“If we can get it right, we are not just saving ratepayers’ money in waste disposal but ensuring less waste is going to landfill, which is great for our environment,” Mayor Baker said.

To see for yourself how our Materials Recovery Facility works, book a tour any day during National Recycling Week (November 7-11) from 12.30pm – 1.30pm online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/mrf

For tips on where you can dispose of your waste or recycle goods, visit Mackay Regional Council’s A-Z of Waste Disposal at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/wastedisposal.

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A piece of World War I history will be donated to the Mackay RSL Sub Branch as part of Remembrance Day next Friday.

A 7.58cm Minenwerfer Light Rifled Trench Mortar will be presented to the RSL by eight army personnel from the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville at the Remembrance Day service at Jubilee Park next week.

The 7.58cm Minenwerfer was the smallest of the German mine projectors used in WWI and sat atop a removable two-wheeled carriage assembly, making it a portable siege weapon.

The design of the mortar began in 1909 and continued into 1914 when production was established at the outbreak of the war.

Once in service, the system was initially issued to Imperial German Army engineering crews who effectively utilised it against Belgian and French fortifications and field obstacles.

After the stalemate had developed, the weapon was further issued as a fire support weapon alongside traditional field mortars.

The artillery piece was found on a property in the Pioneer Valley and sent to Townville to be refurbished before it will be gifted back to the Mackay RSL Sub Branch with the hope of the piece to be displayed at the new RSL riverfront facility.

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch will be selling commemorative memorabilia at Parkside Plaza from today, Friday November 4 until Thursday, November 10 from 9:00am to 3:00pm daily before the Remembrance Day Service at the Jubilee Park Cenotaph on Friday, November 11 from 10:30am.

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No one should have to drive 200km for a toilet, but Councillor Alison Jones said that’s exactly what would happen when the St Helens Beach community hosted events.

“Someone would have to drive into town to the hire company, pick one up and then return it after the event,” she said.

The Community Grants committee awarded a $7,350 grant for the purchase of a mobile toilet. It was one of 27 grants, with the combined value of $176,601, to be approved as part of this round of Community Grants.

“Having this mobile toilet will also allow the group to assist other community groups in the vicinity of St Helens Beach – like Calen, Kolijo, Mt Ossa and Pindi Pindi – when they hold events,” Cr Jones said.

Cr Jones said it was also great to see funds awarded to the Breakaway Riders Club of Mackay to purchase first aid and safety equipment.

“The committee approved $4072 to allow the club to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a satellite phone,” she said.

“Most of the horse rides and camps the club conducts are isolated and out of standard mobile phone reception range.

“The rides also cover rough terrain that is inaccessible for motorised vehicles, so having this equipment will make a huge difference in an emergency.”

As covered in last week’s edition, three local cycling groups were also awarded a $30,000 grant from council to progress their dream of building a multisport cycling complex in Mackay.

Also receiving funding this round were:

• Mackay and District Italian Assoc Inc - $7500 towards the Italian Festival

• Mackay Contract Bridge Club Inc - $7055 to renovate the disability and female clubhouse toilets

• Mackay Swimming Academy Inc - $3500 towards the 49th Annual Great Barrier Reef Swimming Carnival

• Mackay Art Society - $26,916.73 towards design and drafting for a staged plan for extensions and improved accessibility

• Mackay Wanderers Football Club - $2000 towards upgrading an irrigation system

• QCWA Calen Branch - $1400 towards crusher dust for the parking area of the hall

• CatholicCare Central Queensland - $1500 towards venue hire for the School Savvy CQ program

• Walkerston Cricket Club Inc - $965.87 towards a whipper snipper and blower

• 122 Army Cadet Unit - $10,242.62 to purchase a twin axle galvanised trailer

• Football Queensland Limited - $10,900.00 for an electric buggy

• Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club - $30,000 towards the development of a Master Plan to support the development of a multi-purpose sporting facility in the Pioneer Valley  

• North Mackay Saints AFC Club - $3182 towards the purchase of goal post pads

• Sugarshed Road Horse Sports Club Inc - $5315.20 for irrigation of the dressage arena and top-dressing of the main arena at Sugarshed Road.

• Mackay Advocacy Inc - $5152 to purchase a photocopier/printer/scanner

• Phoenix Place Inc - $5673.60 to purchase technology and computer equipment to begin a capacity-building tech program for participants who have disability or mental illness

• Mackay Volleyball Mavens Inc - $3750 towards a social tournament to be held at PCYC, sending a team to the Senior State Championships at the Gold Coast, purchase of equipment for training and social events and assistance with member development

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Setting future you up for success starts with financial planning and to help you save extra dollars, follow the simple steps below.

1. Get clear on your cash

Start with a budget. We don’t need to cut expenses straight up – but it’s good to understand where your hard-earned money is going. By looking at your cost of living, you can see what’s a priority, but also what’s a waste. It will help allocate funds to your financial goals.

2. Deposit amount

Define the financial goals you wish to achieve in the next few years. How much do you want to start investing and how much do you want to continue investing to build your long-term investment?

3. Create your own cash stash

Having a separate account for your ‘emergency’ money is a useful tool that can help you reach your financial goals. This account is for those times when an unexpected bill arrives, or your washing machine dies – it’s a stash of cash you dip into for emergencies, instead of dipping into your savings.

4. Save save save

Now that you have your financial goals in place and you understand your cashflow, you can put money aside to reach your investment goal.

5. Schedule a meeting

Receiving advice from professionals is a smart move to achieving your long-term goals. Reach out to a bank with interest rates that suits you and schedule a meeting for advice, that will help set future you up for success.

Whether you are planning a short or long-term investment, finding the right bank is key to watching your money grow.

To help you get started with investing, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is here to help! As a bonus – when you bank with us, you’re also helping to help others as our profits go back into the community. Since 2005, we have invested $2.7million through a wide range of sponsorships, community grants, scholarships and donations in our greater Mackay community. A bank giving back sounds unusual but for us, it's business as usual.

Call Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina 07 4943 2624 to discuss your investment plan.

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A Mackay woman is thanking a last-minute decision to grab an entry into last weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw for her $1.5 million win.

The local winner held one of the 13 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4307, drawn 29 October 2022. Each entry scored $1,538,461.54.

“I looked at my ticket, and I was like, ‘No!’,” she explained when talking to an official from The Lott.

“It’s very surreal.

“Now I’m crying. It’s just brought so much relief. It’s a blessing.

“I’m just speechless.

“I only bought the ticket at the last minute – just before the draw’s close on Saturday night. I thought I already had an entry into the draw but then I realised I hadn’t.

“I don’t play very often – just the big draws. But I’m glad I bought this entry!

“This just makes such a difference.

“There’s things I’ve wanted to do, some plans for the future, and now they can finally happen.”

Her winning System 8 QuickPick entry was purchased online at thelott.com.

Across Australia, there were 13 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4307 – six from Queensland, three from Victoria, two from New South Wales and one each from Tasmania and Western Australia.

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The team at one of Mackay’s longest standing creative agencies has been selected as a finalist at the Australian Women’s Small Business Champions Awards which is due to take place in Sydney next week.

Redhotblue’s owner and founder, Jody Euler, says she is thrilled to have been selected to become a finalist, especially because there were 2,500 entries for the prestigious marketing category.

“It’s wonderful that a regional business has been selected,” said Jody.

“I feel really proud for us as at redhotblue but also proud that a regional business has been recognised as a finalist amongst national agencies – we could be up against people from Sydney or Melbourne which is amazing!”

Jody said the application process was “gruelling” and also very thorough with evidence of campaigns and extensive explanations required.

Each application is then independently examined using objective criteria to ensure an unbiased, merit-orientated decision process.

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards originated in 1999 to recognise the achievements of outstanding small businesses from all states and territories across Australia.

This is the first year, however, that the Women’s awards have been launched to acknowledge the women who are contributing, influencing and leading their sectors and industries.

“It will be amazing!” said Jody.

“It would be nice if we took it out, but you just don’t know who you’re up against.

“Either way, we are incredibly excited to be part of it.”

The Gala Dinner takes place in Sydney on Saturday November 12 and a small team from redhotblue will be flying down to the red-carpet event.

Image: Redhotblue’s owner and founder Jody Euler standing with her award invite

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Higher education students and apprentices who are planning on studying with CQUniversity Mackay in 2023 can apply for scholarships through Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program.

There is $20,000 in scholarships available, with two $6000 higher education scholarships for undergraduate degrees and two $4000 apprenticeship scholarships.

Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the scholarships will “financially assist students to stay in our community and close to their family, friends and support networks whilst studying their chosen career path”.

“These students will have a broad range of opportunities to study and work within our region to help build our local skilled workforce,” Ms Franettovich said.

“We always have a diverse range of applicants studying and working in different industries from higher education students in business, digital media and agriculture, to fabrication and plumbing apprentices.”

2022 higher education scholarship recipient Taya Murray said that it was while at Sarina State High School that she learned about biofuels and “found the mix of chemistry and mechanics really fascinating”.

“A career goal of mine is to work at Sarina’s ethanol plant, and this scholarship is assisting me to gain my degree and make that possible – I really appreciate the Bank’s support and confidence in me,” Taya said.

Scholarship applications close 31 March 2023.

For more information and to apply, email executive@sarinacommunity.com.au

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