Finding employment can be challenging for many people and for migrants, the challenge is even greater. But the good news is there is support available.  

Helen Daly, Program Coordinator at The Neighbourhood Hub said, "In our work with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community we have learnt that there is an untapped resource of professionally skilled migrants who are eager to work, but in some cases lack the confidence to get out there and apply for the jobs they are interested in."

The Neighbourhood Hub's Multicultural Employment Support program helps those seeking work to build confidence, make industry contacts, connect to training opportunities and build interview skills.

"We have been lucky to have the support of Mackay Regional Council and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal who have recognised the challenges faced and have both made opportunities available for our program participants," said Ms Daly.

The Neighbourhood Hub has many other programs available to support migrants living in Mackay who may need help settling in.

"We can provide advocacy and support, opportunities to connect socially through our Monday and Friday social catch-ups, education on local disaster preparation, skills for safety, a Prep Ready class for 3-5-year-olds, playgroups and we also run a course to help people get their driver’s licence,” Ms Daly said.

The program has assisted countless participants including Elsa, who came to the program with a degree in Economics from China but no work experience in Australia.

Through The Neighbourhood Hub's employment support program Elsa undertook a work experience placement at the Mackay Regional Council and has since secured paid employment.

If anyone would like more information on how The Neighbourhood Hub may be able to help, please call (07) 49572626 and check out their Facebook page.

Contributed by Helen Daly

The Neighbourhood Hub's Multicultural Employment Support program has assisted Elsa and countless others find full-time work in Mackay. Picture: supplied.

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One of the region’s most exciting future leisure destinations has now been designed, with plans showing an all-abilities water play area taking centre stage at Seaforth’s new Esplanade recreation hub.

Mayor Greg Williamson said plans for an all-abilities water play area and new play spaces that cater for a range of ages were just some of the highlights of the detailed design.

“Council has been working closely with the Hibiscus Coast Progress and Sports Association to develop a plan that will transform the Seaforth Esplanade Reserve into an area where residents can create cherished memories with their families,” he said.

“The new recreation hub will showcase Seaforth’s swimming enclosure as its centrepiece.

“A new barbecue and picnic area will overlook the swimming enclosure and will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery from sun lounges,” he added.

“On the foreshore we will install new playground facilities that appeal to a wide range of ages, a coastal walk linking Elizabeth Street to Poinciana Street, CCTV cameras, and new and improved amenities with adjoining path connections.”

Mayor Williamson said one of the most exciting new aspects of the project is the plan to create an all-abilities water play area to replace the old wading pool.

“This new attraction incorporates an oversized splash pad area with various water jets and sprays modelled on local marine life and corals, as well as a 15cm shallow pool that will mimic the ocean’s tidal movements,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson added that the focus on inclusivity would not be limited to the water play area.

“We will also be installing Changing Places facilities, which disabled adults can use to get dressed, as well as wheelchair and ambulant toilet facilities in addition to general male and female changing rooms,” he said.

“There will be all-abilities ramped access to the beachfront and new disabled parking as part of a larger extension to the existing car park area.”

The Esplanade’s mango trees will be protected along with the magnificent Karri Pines as iconic features of the reserve.

Construction is expected to commence mid-year, weather permitting.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

For more information on this project visit connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade and subscribe to the project update emails.

Detailed design for Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only)

Detailed design of the water play area at Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only). Images supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Mackay Regional Council delivered its 2022-2023 budget during a special budget meeting last Wednesday (22 June) where rates were put under the spotlight.

The $302 million budget has been designed to ensure the Mackay region remains on track to become the best region for liveability and livelihood. Part of remaining strong financially meant that rates have been increased by 2.5 per cent across all categories.

Mackay Greg Williamson said the 2022-2023 budget delivered the essential services while planning for the region’s future.

“Council adopted a 2.5 per cent increase in rates revenue across all categories for 2022-2023,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This is lower than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which for March was six per cent,” he said.

“The average residential ratepayer in Mackay will pay about $3048 for the 12 months.

“That is up from about $2967, so is an extra $81 for the year, or about $1.55 a week.”

Mayor Williamson said council has had to respond to some unique and challenging economic conditions in recent years.

“Council continues to face the same challenges as many businesses, including cost pressures, supply chain issues and labour shortages,” he said.

“This budget has been prepared with these challenges in mind to ensure that we have the adequate revenue to fund the expenditure that meets the needs of the community today and in the future.

“As a council, of course, it is important that we do not lose sight of delivering essential services such as roads, rubbish and service infrastructure like water and sewerage.

“But we also plan for the liveability projects that create opportunities for everyone in our region to thrive.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this council was one of only a handful of local governments in Queensland which is in a financially strong position for the future.

“The long-term financial forecast indicates that council’s budget will remain in surplus with nominal budget surpluses forecasted every year over the next 10 years.”

FAST FACTS

If the rates increase will create a pinch in your pocket, there are a few factors to consider.

Many other regional councils don’t have water fees included in their rates, it’s often sent by a separate utility bill. If the $347 water access charge per annum was removed from rates, the annual rates would come down to $2,701 for the year.

Mackay Regional Council also services a large area in comparison to other regional councils. Mackay Regional Council’s coverage is 7,622 square kilometers, compared to Townsville with 3,736 or the Sunshine Coast at 2,883. However, Mackay has far less rateable properties to draw revenue from to service the large area, with just over 53,000 properties compared with Townsville’s 85,000 or the Sunshine Coast’s 149,000.

Extended Mackay Regional Council budget coverage will be provided in next week’s edition of Mackay Life, as the budget meeting was in progress when this publication went to print.

A rates increase of 2.5 per cent was adopted at this week’s Mackay Regional Council budget meeting

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A group of state high school students travelled to Whitehaven Beach on Tuesday to graduate from a new program which hoped to guide them in making better life choices.

Operation RESPECT brought together the grade 9 Proserpine State High School students and Police Sergeant Billy Li in a ten-week Police Youth Mentoring Program.

The local PCYC Whitsunday Manager and Police Officer taught the students alongside the state high school’s behaviour support teacher, Chris Lang.

Along with nine students, Sergeant Li and Mr Lang boarded the Whitsunday Water Police vessel Damian Leeding to enjoy a casual graduation on the silica sands of Whitehaven.

The group of boys had been promised that, at the end of their ten weeks of Operation RESPECT, they would travel aboard a policeboat to enjoy a barbecue and games at the famous beach – as well as a day off from school.

Sergeant Li ran the program which utilised interactive learning, leadership skills, decision making and problem-solving exercises, resilience training and family inclusive principles to guide his group.

The State School students spent two hours of the week with Sergeant Li undertaking activities that focused on topics from conversation skills, personal presentation and hygiene to healthy eating and mental fortitude.

This is the first time the program has been run in the region, with the group of Proserpine boys its first Whitsunday graduating class.

Sergeant Li said he has seen a change in behaviour in his RESPECT alumni now that they’ve completed the program.

“They all have improved concentration, behaviours, and found respect for themselves and other people, which is fantastic,” Sergeant Li said.

“They’ve commented on their behaviours being better at school and there’s also the positive interaction they’ve now had with a police officer.”

State High School teacher Mr Lang said this first iteration of the program – which ran over six months – had imparted different things for the nine “very different boys”.

“They’ve all gained something from the program, but how much you can’t quantify. But I think even the respect they have for Billy and the police now is something they can benefit from,” Mr Lang said.

“Having a good relationship and a good male role model, as well as seeing police as protectors of the community, those are real benefits.”

The group spent two hours at Whitehaven playing games, catching up on some RESPECT revision, enjoying Hill Inlet, and a sausage sizzle as part of their graduation reward which included a tour and ride of the Damian Leeding police vessel.

Student Cameron Heard – who took part in RESPECT– reflected the group of boy’s consensuses on the program.

“It really helped me gain respect, as well as discipline and I’m enjoying school more now,” Cameron said.

Sergeant Li said RESPECT will continue – likely as soon as next term - with the plan to take on an all-female group in the next instalment.

Sergeant Billy Li, his first Operation RESPECT graduates, and Behaviour support teacher Chris Lang onboard the Whitsunday Water Police vessel Damian Leeding

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In 2012, Peter and Melissa McGuiness’ son was driving above the speed limit, and under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when his vehicle ploughed into a broken-down car on the highway, which contained five other teenagers.

It killed four of them instantly as well as their son Jordan.

Determined to change their despair and grief into a journey of hope, the pair have spent the last ten years spreading a powerful message of road safety, by inspiring other teenagers to make the right choices before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Last week, they brought the You Choose Youth Road Safety Program to the Whitsundays, visiting three schools in the region.

Through highlighting their son’s choices and the tragic aftermath, the pair are dedicated to creating positive social change in how youth view driving and accountability.

Over the past decade, they have seen more than 100,000 young Australians at schools across the country in their nationally award-winning program.

When the McGuinness’ visited Bowen State High School, Whitsunday Christian College, and Proserpine State High School they received a great response.

The program is formatted in two parts: a 60-minute presentation, followed by 30 minutes of survey and engagement regarding leadership, student body traditions, and school community action plans.

Peter said the first portion of You Choose is road safety, accountability, and love viewed through the story of their sons’ actions.

“It’s a story that makes teenagers reflect on their choices and their own families,” Peter said.

“Jordan was coming home from his first ever work Christmas party and was over the blood alcohol level limit, driving 30 kilometres over the speed limit when he collided with a stationary vehicle.

“He wasn’t a hardened criminal by any stretch of the imagination, but he made some reprehensible decisions.”

The narrative of the McGuinness family tragedy has one goal: for students to reflect on their own family and friendship groups.

“The messages that are behind our mission are making connections between your intentions, your choices, and your loved ones, and how to act on those connections. Those messages always impact the students most at risk,” Peter said.

“They look at each other around those friendship groups and make connections with each other to make change.”

Peter said he and his wife were “uplifted and energised by young people around the region”.

“Their enthusiasm to change the world for the better is really impressive. It strikes you that one of the ways they can make those connections between choice and their loved ones is through being a passenger,” Peter said.

“Road safety provides an example for what good decision making looks like in life.”

With support of QPS, the program has been an enormous success. Peter and Melissa hope to continue to spread its message and make a difference. They also hope to return to the Whitsundays in the next 12 months to do so.

Melissa McGuiness and Sergeant Nigel Dalton introduce the You Choose Program to local schools

Jordan McGuiness who tragically died on the roads after making wrong choices

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An opportunity for community members to interact with local law enforcement in a casual setting over a cuppa is fast approaching.

The annual Coffee with a Cop event is inviting locals to communicate with the region’s protectors for its third year running and is hosted at Whitsunday Plaza on June 30.

Police Sergeant Billy Li said this iteration will still be a regular “come and have a chat” event, but with two new facets added.

“We will have Braking The Cycle attending alongside us at Whitsunday Plaza this year, and we’ll also be chatting about police recruitment,” Sergeant Li said.

“It’s an opportunity for a casual chat, because you never really get that experience unless you’re in trouble, and then you don’t want to speak with us!”

Sergeant Li said he wanted to thank Whitsunday Plaza for providing a space for the event, as well as sponsoring its free coffees – which last year totalled almost 100.

There will be at least eight officers attending from across Whitsunday Police Station divisions, which Sergeant Li said will allow anyone interested in joining to learn about different departments.

“We’ll also have district recruiting officers attending as well for people to just learn what it’s like to be a police officer and what opportunities are available,” he said.

Braking the Cycle coordinator Declan Coull will be attending with volunteers on behalf of the PCYC-based program which pairs experienced drivers with learners to help them achieve their mandatory 100-hours of supervised driving.

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The Airlie Beach Fire and Rescue Station could soon move into the heart of Cannonvale thanks to new plans that will place one of our key emergency services at a location where it is needed most.

A vacant plot on the corner of McArthur Drive and Shute Harbour Road has been selected.

Currently located in Jubilee Pocket, the old station was built in 1974 and Station Officer Rees May said it has served the community well but due to the increased population, it is no longer central.

“There’s been a lot of add-ons over the years but essentially we’ve got to the point now where the station is too old and we’ve outgrown it,” he said.

“It is no longer a central location to support the community’s needs hence why we are going further into the community - it is going to improve our response area and the response time to incidents.”

Two years ago, the fire station increased its permanent staffing to 13 full-timers who work a seven/seven shift commencing at 6am and finishing at 6pm.

The station also has a pool of over 20 Auxiliary Fire Fighters on-call throughout the night.

Currently servicing from Shute Harbour to Brandy Creek, the new location will enable the response area to extend to Proserpine.

This will hasten response times to any incidents on the highway.

In addition, the new station will have the capability to become an instant command centre during natural disasters.

There will also be potential for more fire trucks as the new site will have three bays and a host of other modern facilities.

Officer May said that residents living close to the new location do not need to worry about any excessive noise.

“It won’t be that noisy after hours – we don’t leave the station with the sirens blaring late at night – if it’s in a residential area we are considerate to the residents and put sirens on at an appropriate time.”

The new location is currently in planning stages, pending final approval.

Fire Fighter Blair Mitchell, Station Officer Rees May, Fire Fighter Andrew Neil, Station Officer Paul Pfeifer and Fire Fighter Nick Bellinger are excited about the move

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Touted as the budget that puts health care first with an impressive $23.6 billion dedicated to the sector, Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP said that without doubt hospitals and allied services will benefit from Tuesday’s announcement.

She is concerned, however, that many allocations for the Whitsundays are reannouncements that were already in progress.

Despite this, she is pleased that both Proserpine and Bowen hospitals will receive improved facilities with over $10 million allocated.

Ms Camm said that the extra funding will make a big difference in the Whitsundays, especially in mental health care.

“I know we have some challenges with mental health access in our region, so I welcome the funding,” she said.

“But I am disappointed to see nothing for boat ramps at Midge Point and Shute Harbour.

“There is also no new money for social or affordable housing – we are in a housing crisis at the moment and experiencing staff shortages too – it all flows on when attracting staff – what do we do if we don’t have anywhere for them to live?”

Ms Camm was also frustrated that no money was allocated for the tourism industry at a time when she believes it needs help.

“It’s very disappointing, especially on the back of COVID,” she said.

“People are now travelling and small businesses need support – it is still challenging times for them, especially with staffing shortages.”

In addition, with the budget introducing new royalty rates for the resource sector, Ms Camm fears that mining companies will need to cut-back on local community spending to afford the levees.

“Big business employs 40 per cent of the people in the private sector,” she said.

“When they have to pay those extra levees it has a flow on effect – I am worried that the money will never return to the region.”

Attending parliament throughout the week, Ms Camm said she would continue to fight for the Whitsundays and command a fair share for our region.

What Does The Budget Mean For Our Region?

Bowen Hospital - $5.2 million for construction projects to improve facilities at the Bowen Hospital site, including a new Computed Tomography Scanner.

Flagstaff Hill - $400,000 to build a conference and cultural centre at Flagstaff Hill. Part of the Building our Regions program.

Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Ten Mile Creek to Yeates Creek - $15 million towards safety improvements on the Bruce Highway. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.

Salisbury Plains Industrial Precinct - $500,000 to help establish significant industrial developments and provide for the establishment of essential services and infrastructure corridors.

Airlie Beach Fire Station - $750,000 to commence replacement of the permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station at Airlie Beach.

Proserpine Hospital - $5 million for the refurbishment of the clinical assimilation training area, and acute primary care clinic upgrade.

Whitsunday Islands National Park - $1.8 million to extend the Ngaro walking track in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.

Urannah Dam - $650,000 to complete a detailed business case, approvals, environmental impact statements and cultural heritage and Native Title review of the Urannah Water Scheme.

Bowen State High School - $868,000 to provide new skills development and training facilities.

Strathmore Transformer Reinforcement - $3.2 million to add additional transformers at the Strathmore substation to preserve network strength in the vicinity to Strathmore.

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A sea of happy faces disembarked the P&O Pacific Explorer last Friday morning and they were greeted with a fanfare of excited local representatives who were all eager to show them a good time.

The first cruise ship to arrive in over two years, this vessel was the beginning of a regular flow of tourists who are now able to travel by sea, visiting ports up and down the east coast of Australia.

Previously injecting $20 million a year into the local economy, watching the first passengers disembark was symbolic of a promising new era for our regional tourism where one in three jobs are directly related to the sector.

The cruise ship was carrying 1,800 passengers and the onboard security officer estimated 1,500 disembarked for the day.

The first passengers set foot on Airlie Beach soil at 8.30am and the return transfers were at 2.30pm.

The Lions Airlie Beach markets on the Foreshore were a popular destination for many, while others ventured off on local tours or explored the town.

The ship left later that afternoon, sailing overnight arriving in Cairns the morning.

The second cruise ship arrived on Tuesday this week and the third will be pulling into local waters next Tuesday.

An estimated 60 ships will be visiting the Whitsundays during the course of the remainder of the year and in November alone a record 17 ships will be arriving in one month.

All crew are required to wear facemasks and they recommend that passengers do the same but they no longer need to enforce it.

**FACT**

60 cruise ships will arrive in 2022

17 ships will visit in November alone

Cruise ships inject $20 million a year into local economy

The first passengers arrive at the Cruise Whitsunday terminal

The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors turn on the charm!

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A 29-year-old New South Wales woman, who was only days into married life, died in a golf buggy accident while honeymooning on Hamilton Island earlier this week.

Marina Morgan, from Sydney, had been a passenger in the vehicle which her husband, Robbie, was driving.

It is understood that the battery was running flat and Mr Morgan was trying to complete a U-turn at an intersection when the vehicle rolled over.

Mrs Morgan was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Queensland police Inspector Anthony Cowan said there was no indication of alcohol or dangerous driving.

“It’s just tragic that the golf buggy, maybe through inexperience driving those types of vehicles, has rolled on its side while turning,” he said.

Bystanders rushed to help, removing Mrs Morgan from the golf buggy and administering first aid but tragically she died at the scene.

Mr Morgan was not physically hurt.

The incident took place at 4.30pm on Monday, June 20 at an intersection on Whitsunday Boulevard which is at the north end of the island.

Hamilton Island released a statement on Tuesday morning.

“Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the woman involved in this tragic incident,” read the statement.

“Our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests, residents and staff and we are working closely with Queensland Police to investigate the incident.”

Golf buggies are the primary mode of transport on the island and only permitted to travel at 20 kilometres per hour.  

They are also required to be operated in accordance with Queensland Road rules and requirements on Hamilton Island.

This news comes a week after a Townsville man was air-lifted from Hamilton Island with severe head injuries following a golf buggy crash.

Six years ago, two families were involved in a similar incident while being driven to the airport by an island employee on a six-seater buggy.

A nine-month-old girl, who had been sitting on her mother’s lap received serious head injuries.

Following that incident, six-seater golf buggies were removed from the island.

This leaves about 600 two- and four-seater buggies currently in use.

Marina and Robbie on their wedding day

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Sperm Whale Stranded At Billy Creek

The whale carcass located close to the mouth of Billy Creek south of Bowen has caused a stir amongst the region’s residents who raised theories why a Sperm Whale was found not just in Whitsunday waters, but so close to shore.

Whales are a common sight in the region’s waterways from May to September as Humpbacks migrate in the thousands up the Australian coast from Antarctica to birth their calves in warm waters – but not Sperm Whales.

Local expert and Master Reef Guide, Crystal Lacey said that although this species are uncommon sights in the Coral Sea, largely because they are solitary animals that do not breach, it does not mean they are not there.

“Sperm Whales can be seen all around the Australian coastline, including the Great Barrier Reef and amongst the Whitsundays with at least one sighting every few years,” she said.

“Although this is a sad ending for this particular whale, it is all part of the circle of life and an extremely rare occurrence within the Great Barrier Reef Whitsundays region.”

The whale is now slowly decomposing on the beach and the Department of Environment and Science are reminding people to stay away from the site at this time, in particular to avoid the water as both sharks and crocodiles are present in large numbers.

Ms Lacey said it’s uncertain what will happen to the carcass, but that it is likely to be left where it is.

“Depending on the state of the deceased whale, it may be taken to a secluded location for the natural process to continue, uninterrupted by people,” she said.

“However, once a large whale like a Sperm Whale is beached, it is extremely hard to move off the sand. Other options are to bury, however there is no distinct decision at such time.”

The last event of this kind occurred in the Whitsundays in 2016 when a Minke Whale washed up near North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in Bowen.

On that occasion the Whitsunday Regional Council buried the mammal.

A stranded whale dies on a Whitsunday sandbank

Motorists and airport users are advised that this weekend from 6pm, Friday (June 17) to 6pm, Sunday (June 19) the intersection of Milton and Archibald streets will be closed.

A temporary full road closure is required for the contractor to complete pavement works as part of the intersection upgrade.

Milton Street will be temporarily closed to motorists in both directions between Clements Street and Boundary Road East with traffic control and detours in place.

Motorists are asked to please follow all signage and directions as well as specified speed limits.

For more information on the project, visit connectingmackay.com.au.  

Image: Map depicting the temporary full road closure this weekend on Milton Street in South Mackay.

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Everyone is welcome to attend the induction of a new Anglican priest, the Venerable Dr Rosemary Dunn, as Archdeacon of the Mackay Region at a service at Holy Trinity at 9am on Sunday 19 June.

Rector of Hinchinbrook Parish north of Townsville and well-qualified with a PhD in medieval history and academic experience, Rosemary is currently Archdeacon of Mission and Ministry for the Anglican Diocese and has experience in street, prison and police chaplaincy.

Rosemary says: “I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this beautiful region.”

CALL FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS

Singers and musicians are sought for choir rehearsals starting on Sunday 19 June at 4pm at St Paul’s Uniting Church for the Australian Church Women Winifred Kiek Memorial Scholarship (Fellowship) Day service, 10am Friday 29 July, at St Paul’s Uniting Church.

This service supports the Biblical ideal of the equal ministry of men and women; both men and women are encouraged to attend. The offering supports the Winifred Kiek scholarship for women studying theology.

The planning meeting for the service will be held at 10am Friday 1 July St Paul’s Uniting Church. Contact Rev. Dr Julia Pitman 0411 094 185 or ucamackay@optusnet.com.au.

THE SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD APPEAL LUNCH

12-2pm Friday 24 June 2022, Ocean International Hotel. Featuring:

Major Gavin Watts, Divisional Commander - QLD, The Salvation Army

Cathy Sullivan, Mackay Red Shield Appeal Chair

MC: Jay & Dave -Triple M

and speakers Vicki Blackburn and Mayor Greg Williamson.

$60pp, RSVP Monday 20 June 2022

Business attire www.trybooking.com/BYMZT

KUCOM THEATRE 75 / ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH 150

The Vicar of Dibley 2, Dress Rehearsal Charity Night, 7.30pm Wednesday 13 July

Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

Tickets $25 from Pam McNichol 0411 196 146 or ucamackay@optusnet.com.au,

All proceeds to St Paul’s Uniting Church.

The sequel to Kucom Theatre’s highly successful 2018 season, the Vicar of Dibley, directed by Bronwyn Grannall and adapted from the original BBC TV scripts by Richard Curtis, returns in 2022 as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. The latest production features the wedding of Alice and Hugo, Geraldine’s romance with David Horton's younger brother, and the Dibley Nativity Play.

General season 14-16 and 21-23 July, 7.30pm Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Gordon Street

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Six members of the Scouts Queensland Hibiscus Coast District (HCD) received Long Service decorations in recognition of their voluntary service at the Annual Management Seminar last weekend.

The Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland Mr Darryl Scott came to Mackay for the Seminar and had the pleasant task of presenting the awards.

Margaret Hodda, currently the Treasurer of the Scouts Fellowship Committee, was presented with her 60-year service badge.

Introduced to scouting in 1961, Margaret has been a great inspiration and mentor, filling roles in the National Training and 3rd Mackay Group (now Mackay City Central (MCC) Group) including District Venturer Scout Leader and District Commissioner for Mackay District, a position she held for 15 years.

HCD Leader for Public Relations Mary Wallace was presented with her 40-year Service Badge.

Mary joined the Calen Scout Group as Secretary of the Committee before becoming the Mackay District Cub Scout Leader and, most recently, Leader for Public Relations.

MCC Group Leader Greg Milne was presented with his 35-year service badge.

Greg spent his first 25 years scouting in the Northern Territory and has also been a part of the Adventurous Activities Team.

MCC Assistant Group Leader Deborah Rutherford was presented with her 20-year service badge, spending most of that as Cub Scout Leader at MCC taking on her current role last year.

Banksia Scout Leader Matthew Holmes was presented with a 15-year service Badge.

Most of Matthew’s service has been to the Kennedy Region, serving on the parent committee before signing up to be a scout leader, a Group Leader and the Region Leader for Information Technology.

HCD Adventurous Activities Leader Brendan Ross was presented with his 10-year service badge after moving through the youth sections, achieving the Queen’s Scout Award, advancing to Rovers and becoming a leader.

Hibiscus Coast District Annual Management Seminar was held at the Kinchant Outdoor Education Centre where a management seminar was facilitated by District Commissioner Ms Katrina Hoare.

HCD Leader for Public Relations Mary Wallace says it was inspirational to hear the abilities of the young Adventurous Activities Leaders and Rover Scouts who have taken on leadership roles.

“They are a credit to their former leaders as well as themselves, for the dedication and time they are prepared to give to volunteer to the Scouting Movement,” Ms Wallace said.

“It is enlightening to see that they are now imparting their knowledge and skills onto the youth of today.

“Scouting in the Hibiscus Coast District is alive and well in good hands.”

Katrina Hoare, Brendan Ross, Matthew Holmes, Deborah Rutherford, Greg Milne, Mary Wallace and Margaret Hodda were all presented with Long Service decorations by Scouts QLD Chief Commissioner Daryl Scott. Photo supplied: Mary Wallace

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Two guitars signed by illustrious rock band the Foo Fighters went for an incredible $20,000 each at a live auction during the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball last month, which helped the fundraising event to reach an astonishing $135,121.80.

After GST of $13,512.18 was deducted, it left a bottom-line profit of $121,609.62, to be split equally between this year’s two beneficiaries.

HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which is building a Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital, will each receive $60,804.81.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 434 in attendance at the disco-themed ball.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event again in Mackay,” he said.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.

“The funds raised were boosted by two Foo Fighter guitars, signed by band members, including drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died recently, which went for $20,000 each in the live auction on the night.

“But there was generous bidding throughout the live and online auctions, which helped come up with this magnificent tally.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities at a council morning tea today to thank all sponsors.

Sponsors were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their support.

HeartKids Queensland state manager Holly Williams said the aim of the organisation was to make a real and lasting impact for the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) community here in Mackay.

“We are extremely grateful for the amazing sponsors, organisers, and attendees of the 2022 Mackay Mayors Ball,’’ she said.

“Their generosity affords HeartKids the opportunity to seek to give every child, teenager, and adult in Mackay with congenital or childhood acquired heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

“Our support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges for their entire life.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia chief executive officer Tamara South was delighted with the announcement of the funds raised for charity.

“Our sincerest thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson for selecting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia as one of the beneficiaries of the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball,’’ she said.

“The funds raised from this event will make a vital difference to the construction of our Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.

“It will have a real, positive impact on the lives of seriously ill children and their families.”

Platinum partners for the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball included long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors were Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group and Champ. Bronze sponsors were Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, Shoal Point Waters by Pointglen and Mortar Finance.

Media partners included 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M 98.7, as well as Tropical Exposure.

Inkind assistance was also provided by Signarama, In The Booth and photographer Daryl Wright, of Wricor Photography.

Sponsors and media partners for the 2022 event were presented with a thank you certificate at the Mayor’s Charity Ball sponsor’s morning tea on Wednesday, June 8

Melody Burton, HeartKids Mackay volunteer, and Maria Martin, HeartKids Mackay Support Worker, being presented with a cheque from the Mayor’s Charity Ball by Mayor Greg Williamson

Samantha Lee, Ronald McDonald House Charities Community Engagement Executive, being

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