The best thing about golf is this: You can always improve your game.

It’s you and the club, the wind, the green, and the open air. And at Christmas, the weeks roll out ahead of you – there’s free time to work on the gamut of golf’s disciplines: your drive, your putt, anything and everything.

But sometimes you need a little assistance, sometimes some new gear, and sometimes maybe a helping hand.

Cannonvale’s The Pro Shop Owner and Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Member Andy Farrow said he’s here to help you in your endeavours to become your best golfer.

“Our mission is to provide you, the golfer, with guidance, advice and services through coaching, playing golf, club fitting, equipment and even events,” Andy said.

“We will help you enjoy the game for life.”

A PGA Member for 30 years, Andy’s golf knowledge, expertise, training, and cumulative experience ensure he’s always giving the best, qualified advice.

Flanked by his fully stocked Pro-Shop - with everything any golfer could need for their next game – Andy’s here for the novice, the pub golfer, and the pro. He has everything and anything they could need, with a range of Christmas specials over this holiday season.

As well, The Pro Shop has special trick up its sleeve: It’s fitted out with a FlightScope Golf Simulator, a state-of-the-art training supplement which provides the lifelike experience of being out on the course while in the Pro Shop’s cool air conditioning.

“Flightsope technology captures your data from every swing, making it much easier to work out what you are good at and what you need to do to get better faster,” Andy said.

“It even lets you play the course they’ve always dreamed of like Augusta, St Andrews, Pebble Beach, or the Royal Melbourne all from right here in Airlie Beach.”

If you’re shopping for dad – the golfer who may seem like he has everything – there’s no better spot to drop in than the Pro Shop. It’s a hole in one.

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Pro Shop Owner and Professional Golfers Association Member Andy Farrow is here to help the Christmas golfer achieve their goals

Bowen’s Christmas Street Party was an overwhelming success earlier this month with over 1,000 people filling the town and local shops with festive cheer.

Santa entertained the crowd and live music created a party atmosphere while dozens of market stalls lined the streets inviting passers-by to try their hand at a game or purchase a product.

The local cricket team hosted a ‘ham wheel’, selectability sold fairy floss to excited children, and the Country Women’s Association completely sold out of roast beef roles.

All proceeds from the market stalls go straight back to the community groups that were hosting them and can be used for member activities.

Many local shops were open late into the night and attendees were encouraged to support local business.

“We’ve had such a great response around the shops,” said Coral’s City 2 Country owner Wendy Bickoff.

“Many people said it was the best night in a long time in trade and that they would love to see us do something like this throughout the year as it was wonderful to have something to do on a Friday night.”

The event was part of a broader Bowen Locals for Locals initiative where people who purchase an item from one of the 23 participating stores receive free entry into a series of prize draws which total $5000.

Each Friday there is a draw and so far, two individuals have won $1000 worth of shop local vouchers over two consecutive weeks.

The next $1000 vouchers will be drawn this evening and the final grand prize of $2000 in vouchers will be drawn on December 23.

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Santa entertained the crowds and handed out candy canes to kids at Bowen’s Christmas Street Party. Photos provided

The holiday season in Australia is inseparable with warm weather, especially in North Queensland – and where better to beat the heat and cool down during Christmas than the pool?

But pools can be temperamental things that (most pool owners would know) are far from simple. You might be confused why your pool is all of a sudden the colour of a Christmas tree – or it might even be sprouting one!

Or why it burns your eyes when you take a dip, your filter is clogged, or perhaps you want it to be more energy efficient, or is pH level giving you trouble? – it can all be very overwhelming.

At Proserpine local business Think Water Whitsunday, owner Noel Gardner is urging locals to make sure their pools are in prime fighting condition well before boxing day arrives.

“About two weeks before Christmas is the time of year when it’s so busy that people might be just getting around to checking their pools ahead of the family coming over,” Noel said.

“That’s when they might be realising there’s a problem – whether it be salination, their pumps, or that their pool cleaner’s broken – that’s where we come in.”

If it’s repairs you need, they have it covered with technicians, if it’s a new pump that’ll do the trick, they’ve got those in spades. Noel said that Think Water are “here to get you out of trouble.”

“The pool section of the store has grown in the past year – it’s now a major part of what we do here,” Noel said.

“We have proper, approved water treatment testing gear, 50 per cent off deals on generic pumps until they’re sold out, chlorinators, cleaners. Our pool area is still growing, and our knowledge is growing too.”

Think Water are “not a shop that will get it in for you, because we have it already” – the latest testing gear, the expertise and the advice.

“All the things you could ever need are here in Proserpine,” Noel said.

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Think Water Whitsunday owner Noel Gardner in festive gear alongside some of his store’s Christmas discounted pool pumps

On December 16, 1922, 100 years ago to this day, the Proserpine public were treated to the opening of the Eldorado Theatre. Described by the “Proserpine Guardian” as a “picture palace”, it was to provide enjoyment for residents for over six decades before closing its doors on December 8, 1984.  The last movie shown was “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”.

Where it all began…

In 1902, Mrs Agnes O’Toole built Alexandra Hall in Main Street, Proserpine, next to the Palace Hotel, with seating for 300 to 400 people. She sold the building to her son-in-law, Mr H Deicke, in 1904. The Alexandra Hall was a venue for balls, concerts, live theatre, meetings, roller skating, church and school functions and in 1911, a picture theatre with the silent movies was introduced. Mr Albert John (Jack) Setter was managing the picture theatre at this time.

The lease for the picture theatre passed through a few hands such as the Flaherty brothers who named it the Eldorado Pictures. In May 1919, Mr Joseph (Joey) Johns bought the Eldorado picture plant from Mr Setter, his father-in-law, and he took over the lease of the Alexandra Hall. Joey planned to show pictures twice a week but the influenza epidemic meant he had to screen pictures in the open-air Tivoli skating rink in Chapman Street.  

In 1922, Joey Johns decided to build his own theatre on the corner of Main and Chapman Street, moving the plant from Alexandra Hall. Mr Johns again showed confidence in Proserpine’s future when, in July 1930, talkie pictures were introduced. Advertisements invited people to “not only see but hear musical comedy – “Fox Follies of 1929”. Admission was 3/3d for adults and 1/6d for children. It was a packed house!

In 1935, Joey Johns sold the theatre to his sister, Olive, and husband, Mr Bill Ironside. In 1957, further renovations were undertaken with an upstairs dress circle and a supper room seating 200. Between 1935 and 1957, the Ironsides also leased the Grand Theatre. Movies were shown at both theatres - when the main movie was being shown at one theatre, the supporting movie was at the other. At interval, an employee would swap the movies.

In 1957, the Deicke family once more took on the running of their own business, the Grand Theatre, however, in 1968, the doors were closed on the picture shows due to lack of attendance.

In 1958, the Ironsides rebuilt the Eldorado, building around the original structure. There was a larger screen, a cry room for babies, new cafeteria, two shops and an ultra-modern flat over the shops. The theatre, with a capacity of 800, was built at a cost of £300,000.

The Eldorado Theatre served many purposes. There were three different movie programmes – one shown Friday, Saturday and Monday; serials on Tuesday night (B Grade) and another programme on Wednesday and Thursday nights. It was also used as a venue for local and travelling shows; special occasions such St Patrick’s Day and Anzac Day and even the Annual Farmers’ meetings.

If you would like a little taste of what this iconic theatre offered patrons, take a peep into the Proserpine Historical Museum and check out this popular display with the old Eldorado movie projectors, some old canvas seats, the maroon velvet and gold satin curtains, lights, old movie posters and other artefacts from the theatre. You can make yourself comfortable in the chairs, watch one of the many films/videos available and soak up the atmosphere of a theatre of old.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

The original Eldorado Theatre

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Airlie Beach local Noah Robertson continued his rise to fame with a winning performance amongst the country’s best busking talent in the finals of the 10th annual Australian National Busking Championships in Cooma, New South Wales.

Dozens of musicians competed in the major event for the honour of being crowned the nation’s finest busker, with 12-year-old Noah putting on the show of a lifetime to win the 13 years and under primary category.

The singer songwriter is already a seasoned performer and took to the stage with guitar in hand to show off skills that have impressed the likes of some of the country’s premier country musicians, including Sarah McCleod.

“Have you got ears; can you see what’s going on in here? This kid is 12, can you actually believe it?” McCleod said of Robertson.

The St Catherine’s Catholic College student is setting himself up as a serial winner, previously claiming top spots in local competitions like Whitsundays Got Talent, this year’s Noosa Sounds Busking Competition, as well as winning a Young Stars award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Amongst the judging panel was country music legend James Blundell and Oz Balydon of Gympie Music Muster where Noah performed as an artist earlier in the year.

Noah said he was “so grateful and excited to have won the Australian National Busking Championships.”

“There is so much talent out there on the streets,” Noah said.

“I have to give a big thank you to my parents for their love and support every day and taking me to Cooma to compete.”

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Noah Robertson (left) – the 12-year-old Airlie Beach rising star – has added another accolade to his trophy cabinet at the Australian National Busking Championship

Whitsunday Life newspaper is endeavouring to give a voice to the region’s writers in this new, recurring poetry section which will publish original works of up to 40 lines.

In this first edition of Whitsunday Poetry, Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant shares one of his own poems to “get the ball rolling”.
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All the fun of the faire; A sprinkle here and a sprinkle there, all the fun of the faire;

The carousel spins on

blue screens of neon light;

Ringing bells and singing twinkles

Tune out, staining mind;

Golden trinkets down thin vessels with

Frivolous disregard

Up and down, jacks, queens dance

It spins and spins and I daren’t look away;

Dry eyes and serpentine glances;

Time is not, place is far;

Dusk to dawn, the falling of the star

Passes.

Decrepit to my right, to the other

Few teeth and less sense;

It’s all for the fun of the faire, ay? All the fun of the faire.

The clinking of well-earned treasure

As it plinks down drains;

I do not care, nor do I dismay; I’ll get it back

Another day.

It’s all for the fun of the faire, ay? All for the fun of the faire.
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About the poet: Declan Durrant is a journalist of two years working at Whitsunday Life Newspaper who has published poetry, short stories, and cultural analysis at various online publications. His poem today comes from observations attained during university whilst working in a gaming room in Adelaide.

Readers’ poetry can be emailed to declan@mackayandwhitsundaylifenewspaper.com. Submissions should be in the body of the email, not as attachments.

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A small group of passionate writers gathered for an informal meeting last week and the subject of conversation was centred around reinstating the Whitsunday Writer’s Festival.

First established in 2010 and taking place annually until 2017, the Whitsunday Writers Festival was a popular event for lovers of reading, writing books, and words.

Over the years, the festival attracted a host of guest speakers which included one of Australia’s most prolific non-fiction authors Peter FitzSimons, Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s wife Blanche d'Alpuget, famous sailor Jessica Watson, and winner of Hamilton Island’s Best Job in the World, Ben Southall.

A mixture of writing workshops, talks and interactive sessions, the Writers Festival was an intimate affair where attendees would spend time with authors, dining together and enjoying spirited conversation.

Known also for its lively social activities, the event opened with a cocktail party and a highlight of the weekend was Saturday evening’s Gala Dinner which featured fresh local seafood and an entertaining panel discussion with a selection of the weekend’s guest speakers.

The event wrapped-up on Sunday afternoon with a long table lunch.

Over the years the festival was held at Daydream Island, the VMR, and Coral Sea Marina – the sea views and relaxed atmosphere attracting attendees from far and wide.

Sadly coming to an end when festival founder and much-loved leader Gloria Burley passed away in 2018, it has taken several years for like-minded individuals to pick up the baton.

“Gloria Burley was an incredible woman and an inspiring leader,” said Whitsunday Writers Festival committee member, Rachael Smith.

“Her passion and dedication to the festival knew no bounds  - she was the driving force behind the event - and although she is dearly missed by all that knew her, I am sure she would be thrilled to hear that the festival she loved is now continuing with new faces carrying on all her good work.”

When Cultural Ambassador of the Whitsundays and ‘voice of Siri’, Karen Jacobsen brought a group of avid writers together last week, she introduced Australian author Richard Evans who moved to the region with his wife Julia last year.

Richard spoke about their intention to re-launch the festival in 2024 and plans are now underway to form a small committee and host of volunteers.

Any local authors or interested people are invited to contact this newspaper directly to connect with the committee.

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Back row: Tom Hudak, Jess Begun and Richard Evans. Front row: Melinda Hutchings, Karen Jacobsen and Sofi Fortunato

The Whitsunday Writers Festival committee and volunteers in 2016. At the centre, festival founder Gloria Burley.

Vandals Ruin Popular Play Area For Christmas

A climbing unit and hammock swing located in Iluka Park playground in East Mackay will be temporarily closed while council waits for replacement equipment to arrive.

Mayor Greg Williamson said vandals had recently targeted the play equipment, which was due for renewal.

“The team had modified the climbing unit to allow it to remain in service until the replacement equipment could be installed, however for reasons that totally baffle us, vandals have attacked the equipment with an angle grinder,” he said.

“Regrettably, crews now have no option but to remove the climbing unit and swing.

“This destructive behaviour is unacceptable, and it means that this play equipment is now out of action for the Christmas school holidays.

“The climbing unit has been cordoned off for public safety and is being removed.

“The good news is that most of the other play equipment in the park was not touched and remains available for use.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this was not the first time that play equipment in the region had been vandalised.

“Residents will remember the damage caused to the playgrounds at Montgomery Street Park and Schaefer Street Park in the past,” he said.

“It is disappointing that ratepayers’ money must go towards repairing vandalised play equipment at our region’s playgrounds.”

If anyone has any information regarding the vandalism in Iluka Park, or at any of our other parks or playgrounds across the region, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

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People Power Demonstrates Local Significance Of North Wall

Image: The beach at North Wall is popular with surfers. Photo credit: Martinez Helene Sylvia

Image: Turtle tracks have been spotted at North Wall this month during nesting season. Photo credit: Shane Jackson

Mackay locals said ‘NO’ to draft port expansion plans released by the state government, saying the expansion would put fragile environmental sites including multiple turtle nesting sites at severe risk.

A local Facebook page, ‘Save our North Wall Turtles’ set out to inform the public of the draft plans, which quickly garnered more than 1,700 followers within a month. Many passionate locals sent submissions to the state government citing the devastation the expansion plan in its current form might have to the beach, not only eradicating areas where turtles nest, but also destroying a large portion of beach used regularly by local families.

The state government listened, and has extended the public consultation period after what they say has been of social and environmental significance in the area.

“The draft master plan and draft port overlay for the priority Port of Hay Point Mackay consultation process has identified social and environmental significance of the area,” the Queensland government statement said.  

Priority port master planning sets out the sustainable development of the port until 2050, while protecting social, cultural, and environmental values, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she advocated to have local turtle information verified with the Department of Environment and Science.

“I heard what local groups, including the Mackay and District Turtle Watch, had to say on the importance of the North Wall Beach area and pushed for their valuable data to be supplied to the Department of Environment and Science,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This data has now been verified, which means the turtle nesting and tracking information provided will be front and centre in this ongoing planning.

“I’m pleased to also announce that public consultation will be extended until mid-January to allow more time for community groups to have their say.

“It’s only with the community's help that we can truly understand the significance of our local areas, and deliver the best outcome for everyone.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey thanked Ms Gilbert for her work.

“I want to thank Julieanne for meeting with local groups, and understanding how we can best incorporate the significance of the North Wall Beach into our planning process,” Minister Bailey said.

“The draft master plan and the draft port overlay will be updated to reflect all new information supplied by the public after the submission period closes.

“What I want to see is our final plans being well-informed and back by local residents as the users of these areas.

“I encourage those interested to continue to make submissions online, and directly to the project team.”

The final master plan will take into account submissions and will set out the vision for the area until 2050.

The state government encourages community members to get in touch with the TMR project team via mail, online or at this email address: HayPointMackayPortMasterPlan@tmr.qld.gov.au

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MP Calls Out Transport Minister For Lack Of Community Consultation

Image: Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, discusses the Bruce Highway upgrades with residents, from left, Frank Cortis, Andrew Sherry, Bill and Madalyn Kingsbury

The Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, is calling on Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport and Mains Road and his department, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to listen to the locals.

This comes after Ms Camm attended a meeting with locals from Farleigh who have been impacted by roadworks on the Knobels Road, Nebia Coningsby Rd intersection on the Bruce Highway.

Ms Camm said that there has been little to no communication with the residents who regularly use this stretch of road, some of whom have allegedly been advised by TMR to access their property in what locals describe as a dangerous and unacceptable way.

“TMR has forgotten what community consultation actually means. It doesn’t mean informing residents of their plans with no intention of listening to feedback or altering design plans”, Ms Camm said.

Camm Calls For Considered Consultation On Roadworks

Image: MP Amanda Camm met with residents, farmers, contractors and a home business who have been impacted by the Knobels Rd and Nebia-Conningsby Rd Intersection upgrades from Farleigh to Conningsby. Photo supplied: Amanda Camm

Along the section of the Bruce Highway from Farleigh to Conningsby, Ms Camm said there are residents who have lived along this section of the Bruce Highway for more than 50 years.

“But TMR won’t consider their local knowledge and input,” Ms Camm continued.

“The current design might be fixing the Knobels Road, Nebia Coningsby intersection but it is making this section of the Bruce Highway more dangerous, not only for these residents, but everyone who travels this stretch of highway.”

Ms Camm added that it has been pointed out to TMR that their design will put lives at risk and will restrict certain residents from being able to operate their business, but they won’t consider these issues because they don’t want to change their design.

“The arrogance of TMR is astounding!  To actually inform residents to make illegal traffic moves to enter their own driveway, to compensate for their flawed design is frightening,” she said.

“It is just another case of a Queesland Government Minister, refusing to take accountability for their departments.”

Ms Camm said that there has been limited access for months to sidings for cane haulage, adding additional stress to farmers who are already caught in a wetter-than-usual crushing season, adding that she has written to Minister Bailey on the matter.

“I invited him or his representative to the meeting I had this week with concerned locals, but as usual my office has had no response.  

“This government has given up listening to the people. You cannot sit back and watch your departments keep making decisions that negatively impact the lives of Queenslanders.

“We’ve seen the Health Minister, and the Local Member, the Assistant Health Minister, Julieanne Gilbert, take no responsibility for the current health crisis at Mackay Base Hospital. We’ve seen the Environment Minister and the Premier take no action for the anguish they have forced onto the residents of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley over their thought bubble Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Announcement. We’ve seen Minister Bailey take no responsibility for TMR’s lack of consultation on the Mackay Port’s draft master plan or local road projects such as this.  When will it end?” Ms Camm asked.

“I am calling on Minister Bailey and TMR to communicate with the locals so everyone understands the design of this upgrade and how it will impact them.  And I am calling on the Minister and TMR to listen to local feedback and change the design, so it doesn’t impact local residents and put motorists’ lives in danger, as it currently stands.”

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The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Mackay, with locals sharing daily stories of good deeds and good will. From free coffees in the Maccas drive-thru and people offering to pay for someone else’s groceries to hundreds of hampers and toys for charity drives, there’s no shortage of generosity despite the tough times many are facing with the rising cost of living.

In this edition on page 4 you will find a story on Raj Sharma and his family, owners of Roshni by Raj Indian Restaurant where on Christmas they believe no one should eat alone. In support of his effort, many locals have contributed to the cause, like Connect Housing, who are running a raffle to raise funds to support Raj’s generosity.

At the Resource Industry Network function last night, attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items. They will be donated to Chances Op Shop who run the Australian Street Aid project assisting local homeless with accommodation and food. Founder, Kayleigh Brewster, shared her message on how they are ‘filling the gaps’ with a support network approach while providing the Mackay and surrounding areas homeless community with access to essential services.

Even local sports clubs are getting into the spirit. In this edition on page 25 you can read how Marian Ladies Bowls Club donated 23 bags to Share the Dignity. Many volunteer groups are gift wrapping presents for a gold coin donation, read about the SCOPE ladies on page 24.

With financial turmoil hitting many families due to the rising cost of living and constant interest rate rises, the added stress at Christmas often results in a rise in cases of domestic and family violence. Consider donating to a local cause like Broken Ballerina who will be assisting women and children in need when they need help the most these holidays.

Image1: Prochem donated $10,000 for Triple M’s Toy Drive Appeal to buy toys for the underprivileged kids of Mackay and the Whitsundays

Image2: Goodstart Rural View started a hamper collection for STAR 101.9’s hamper drive to donate to the Mackay Women’s Centre

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I did my first music interview in 2017 and I don’t know if I’ve ever been more nervous.

It was with Lachlan Denton from Melbourne band The Ocean Party, a band that means a lot to me and is unfortunately no longer.

I’ve added a lot of big names to my portfolio since then and those nerves never really go away but, once I get on the call and start chatting music, I feel I’m in my element.

That was the case last week when I got the opportunity to chat to Bernard Fanning.

A humble and chatty man, Bernard was a delight to talk to.

When I told him an anecdote about my mate posting videos of himself driving past the XXXX Brewery in Brisbane with Powderfinger song ‘My Happiness’ cranked on his Instagram stories, it was a delight to hear Bernard respond with a laugh.

You can find that chat on page 22 and, just like Missy Higgins, who I chatted to in last week’s edition, Bernard will be in Mackay next May for Legends on the Lawn.

I also played some Bernard Fanning on my radio show ‘The Prekend’ last night, something I aim to do whenever I have an interview with a musician coming to town.

I’ve been playing some summer classics on my show the last couple of weeks; songs that hit perfectly when sitting on a beach or balcony with beer in hand.

Next Thursday will be my last show of 2022 so I’m going to play some of my favourites from the year.

Making a top ten is something I started doing in my triple j listening days, voting in the Hottest 100 a highlight of the year.

While I tend not to vote anymore, I continue to compile top tens because it’s just good fun!

I’m no musical authority but if you’d like to hear my favourite songs of 2022, tune into ‘The Prekend on 4CRM 107.5FM next Thursday from 8:00pm.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox questioned the Federal Government’s plan to address the cost of living crisis burdening Australians at the moment.

In his speech to Parliament he said that constituents in Dawson are facing tough financial choices as the cost of living continues to increase.

“This is a critical time for the household budget for families and individuals across Dawson. I am concerned about the Government’s sluggishness to present feasible solutions for Australia's hip pocket,” Mr Willcox said.

“On Budget night, the Labor Government walked away from a commitment to reduce every household’s energy bills by $275. A promise repeated over 97 times. Since then, we are yet to see any alternative sense of reprieve and that is of great concern to me.

“My constituents in Dawson are currently dealing with a 56% increase in their power prices, which is why in Parliament this week I continued to stress to the Government the urgency of the matter.  

“It is getting harder & harder for families to make ends meet, to just enjoy the simple things in life, as those simple things are fast becoming luxuries.”

Last week, Mr Willcox also called on the government to honour commitments for vital infrastructure projects in Dawson including VMR Whitsundays, and veteran’s wellness funding in the region.

“Prior to the election, the Coalition committed $420,000 to the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue, but this funding has been cut by Labor. The funding would go a long way to improve the safety of those thousands of water users in the Whitsundays,” Mr Willcox said.

“Another group left behind is veterans in and around Mackay. The Coalition Government committed $5 million Dawson to invest into veterans’ wellness. This would have brought an RSL to Mackay, a wellness centre to the Mackay Memorial Centre Pool Complex and a retreat at Kinchant Dam.

“If our men and women are willing to put their lives on the line for the security and sovereignty of our nation, the very least we can do is offer support when they return home.”

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While Christmas is a time of family, friends, presents and prawns for some, it can be a harsh time for others, a reminder of hardship and loneliness.

Six years ago, Raj, Jess and Lily Sharma opened the doors to their restaurant, Roshni Indian Restaurant, to those who had nowhere else to go, starting an annual tradition that hundreds look forward to every year.

Raj said the restaurant moved premises from Ooralea to the city and while business was booming, the economy was not.

“The support I received from people, even though I moved from Ooralea to here, was just phenomenal,” he said.

“We thought, ‘You know what? Mackay’s given us so much, why don’t we just do something for people?’

“There were still so many people out of jobs and a lot of elderly people who were struggling.”

They shared a post on their social media, inviting anyone doing it tough to the restaurant for a free Christmas lunch, to an overwhelming response.

“At the same time, you don’t want to see people, but you do want to see people because all you want as a human being is that everybody does as well as you are and they’re healthy and wealthy,” said Raj.

“The very first year, we saw 60 plus people, and it was sad but at the same time I was happy to cater for them.

“We never looked back and it’s become a tradition, it’s become a culture, that people look forward to every year and we look forward to it as well.”

Over the years, the Christmas lunch has grown, with the Sharma’s welcoming hundreds of people each year, some coming from as far as Moranbah and Clermont to share in the festivities.

“This year with interest rates rising, with the housing crisis, basic necessities are becoming so hard to buy now and people are doing it more tough than they were before,” said Raj.

Raj is asking anyone who is interested in, and in a position to, assist to donate food vouchers from Coles or Woolworths and drop them into the restaurant.

“I think food vouchers will go a long way … so that this whole period of Christmas and new year, they have at least a week or two weeks’ worth of groceries at home that they can feed themselves and look after themselves,” said Raj.

If anyone is interested in volunteering and assisting on the day, Raj asks that you simply rock up and get amongst it.

“If somebody wants to be a part of it and be a volunteer, absolutely!” he said.

“Just rock up and join in.”

The Roshni Indian Restaurant Christmas Lunch is open to anyone who may feel lonely or less fortunate on Christmas Day.

Join in for a free lunch from 11:00am to 1:00pm including ham, prawns, rolls, salad and dessert and Indian delicacies.

“When people come here every year, a lot come as strangers, we see new faces, but when they leave, they leave as family,” said Raj.

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Image1: Teen Shed Mackay are turning plastic bags into mats for the less fortunate

Image2: Teen Shed Mackay are hosting a disco tonight

Showing off the homemade handicrafts of Mackay’s talented teens, the Teen Shed Mackay market stall at City Heart Christmas last Friday proved popular for many reasons.

While it was an opportunity for crafty youngsters to display and sell their work, it was also the drop off point for an upcoming school holiday project for the teens.

The group are making mats for the homeless and are seeking plastic bag donations to help complete the project.

Teen Shed Founder Lisa Versaci said the group of teenagers have been volunteering and serving breakfast for Orange Sky which is where they were informed of the mats.

“As a Teen Shed, we’re always looking for community things to support and we thought this was a lovely initiative just to give the kids something to do but also give back to the community, so we put our hands up,” said Lisa.

The plastic bags will be cut into strips and then knitted together into balls to be joined into a mat.

Once the mats are ready, they will be donated to Orange Sky and other organisations to be dispersed into the community.

The project is already underway with some children taking home bags to start on, but Lisa hopes to plan a day to come together to make the mats with a completion date looking likely for after Christmas.

“If the kids want to continue it, they can take it home and do it in their own time, but we are trying to create it as a group where they can all come and sit in a room and chat and create at the same time,” she said.

Teen Shed Mackay is a community initiative created by a group of mums to show teens how much there is to do in Mackay, with a committee of teenagers advising the adults on the activities they’d like to do.

“Our idea is not only for the kids to make a difference but also for our community to see that our teen kids are pretty cool kids, and they are here to make a change and they are here to make a difference,” said Lisa.

“They just want a voice, and they just want to be heard.”

Teen Shed Mackay has planned a full school holiday program including a disco tonight, days at the pool and botanic gardens, barefoot bowls, golf, craft and a weekend camp retreat.

Visit Teen Shed Mackay on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok to see all upcoming events and get in touch to get involved.

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