When Yuliia Kuzma first heard Russia had begun its invasion of the Ukraine, she went into shock, desperately trying to find a way that she would be able to bring her adopted son from the city of Kharkiv to live with her in Proserpine.

“The first thing I did was cry; I could not believe it or imagine it - they are attacking the whole country and it has been so horrible watching what is going on,” she said.

Yuliia is a Ukrainian citizen who arrived in Australia seven years ago.

She is also a single mother working two jobs - one at Proserpine Pies and Pastries, the other in Woolworths.

Four of her last six years in this country have been spent trying to adopt her sister’s son, Max, and bring him here.

This led to a long battle to, not only have Max be declared Yuliia’s son, but also bring him to Australia to live with her.

When war broke out, those hopes of bringing the 12-year-old here for a better life changed drastically.

He had been living in Kharkiv with a family friend before the city was captured by the Russian Army, and Yuliia said they had since moved to a safer city after Kharkiv had been “smashed.”

She had hoped to already be in Poland last week, where she is going to coordinate Max’s safe arrival across the border before bringing him back to Australia to live.

She now plans to leave as soon as possible.

Whether that be through crossing the border herself to bring him back or having a friend do so, she cannot say.

“Legally, you are not allowed to go,” Yuliia said.

“What I am doing is not special, everyone can do it; if you would be in the same spot as I am, if you had a sister or a brother there, you would do the same thing.”

Max will come to Australia on a three-month tourist visa and hopefully extend to six, as currently Ukrainian citizens do not qualify as refugees.

Whether he will be allowed to attend school is also unknown.

She said that the outpouring of support from the Whitsunday community was the most astounding thing about her situation and she looks forward to hopefully bringing some good news about Max’s safe arrival in Australia soon.

Yuliia Kuzma will travel to the Ukrainian border to bring her twelve-year-old son back home to Proserpine

Yuliia’s adopted son, Max

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Last weekend, in two separate single vehicle traffic accidents, two cars flew off the road and into ditches – all of the occupants were lucky to survive the split-second moment in which their cars left the road.

On Thursday afternoon, Strathdickie resident Mariz Zarina had just picked her two sons up from school and was on her way to a dentist appointment in Cannonvale in wet weather conditions when her car started sliding uncontrollably across the road.

Mariz recalls skidding towards a bus pole and, without being able to control the steering wheel, the vehicle hit the pole and flew into the ditch.

Mariz lost consciousness but witnesses later informed her that the car rolled three times.

Miraculously no-one was hurt.

“The boys were aware of everything - it was scary and traumatising especially for my little boy, Andy,” said Mariz.

“All the windows, front and rear were damaged, and we were just so lucky that there was not a single injury. But the following day, I felt the body pain in my head and neck.

In a separate incident, less than 24 hours later in Cannonvale, local resident Maz was driving to the shops, just around the corner from her house, when she recalls an animal running directly in front of her car.

A split-second moment caused her to instinctively steer away from it and straight into a ditch with such force that the doors bent out of shape and she was trapped inside.

Maz recalls being on two wheels and remembers bouncing in her seat to trying to push her side down to prevent the vehicle from flipping.

“I honestly thought I was going to die, especially when I saw the rocks” she said.

Once the vehicle came to a halt, some quick-thinking bystanders raced to the rescue and comforted Maz until the emergency services arrived.

“I can’t even express the gratitude I have for them,” she said.

“They were fantastic trying to keep me calm, I’m not sure what I would have done without them.”

Similarly, passers-by stopped to aid Mariz and her two sons, an act of kindness that she says her family will never forget.

Mariz also wants to encourage other residents to be careful on the roads, especially in wet conditions.

“Check your car is in good and safe condition,” she said.

“The seatbelts are important - that saved us. I was not going fast because there was a car before me, but I would like to remind people to be mindful when driving and check your tyres - the cause of my accident was that I lost traction.”

In her incident, Maz believes that placing barriers on the stretch of road where her accident took place would help prevent future upset.

This spot, opposite the police station in Cannonvale, was the same site as where a fatal accident took place a few years earlier.

Mariz Zarina with her sons, 15-year-old Gabriel and nine-year-old Andy

The site of the accident on Shute Harbour Road near Plemenuk Road

Maz whose vehicle crashed in Cannonvale

The site of the accident, opposite Cannonvale Police Station

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The best of the best tourism operators from across Australia will come together this evening to vie for prestigious National Tourism Awards which is being held in the Sunshine Coast.

There are 24 Queensland operators participating, three of which are local Whitsunday businesses.

Red Cat Adventures are aiming for gold and a lucrative place in the ‘Hall of Fame’ which could be theirs if they win Best Major Tour and Transport Operators in 2022, notching up three consecutive years they have been awarded this title.

Pinnacles Resort won gold for the Best Self-Contained Accommodation in 2021 and are hoping to take home the same again this year.

Similarly, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort was awarded gold in the 5-Star Accommodation category in 2021 and are looking to replicate that achievement again.

Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures said that she is excited but also nervous about the awards.

“I have mixed emotions, just being nominated is an amazing achievement but winning gold and getting a place in the national ‘Hall of Fame’ would be a mike-drop moment – if that happened it would be the absolute highlight of our entire business career,” she said.

“These awards are very different to State because we are all there rooting for Queensland, the more gold we get for Queensland, the better it is for tourism – it’s an absolute honour to represent our region with these guys!”

Therese Moran from Pinnacles Resort said they are honoured and really excited to be representing Queensland.

“It has been a tough couple of years, however, we are looking forward to celebrating the

resilience of our industry,” she said.

It really wouldn't be possible without our hardworking and dedicated team who strive to ensure that all guests have a wonderful holiday experience.”

Tourism Whitsunday CEO Rick Hamilton said that being recognised on a national stage is a significant achievement and shines a spotlight on our iconic destination.

“Three cheers for InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Pinnacles Resort and Red Cat Adventures for Friday evening – let’s bring some gold home!” he said.

Red Cat Adventures aiming for double ‘Hall of Fame’ tonight

The team at Pinnacles going for gold again

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Dignitaries Gather To Celebrate New Era For Local Sport

The Whitsunday Sports Park Precinct has officially been handed over to its clubs at a ceremony last Friday, heralding the beginning of a new era for the Whitsundays’ organised sports.

Four years and $8.2 million dollars after construction began on the precinct, representatives from Local, State, and Federal government attended the completion ceremony, including Mayor Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen and Whitsunday Regional Councillors.

Community Sports, A Whitsunday Winner

Committee members and volunteers from each sporting club - netball, touch football, soccer, rugby, bowls, and AFL – were in attendance, too, along with Police Sergeant Billy Li from PCYC Whitsundays.

Although not the end of the journey for the Sports Park, with the official opening to the public slated for July, Chairman of the Whitsunday Sports Park Association, Justin Butler, said they were “in the home strait” with all major construction complete.

He thanked the sporting clubs and the PCYC for what has been a “tremendously disruptive last few years.”

“Thank you very much for that and we hope that you can now use the better sporting facilities, changerooms, toilets, as well as the club, to grow your sports further,” Mr Butler said.

The facility is yet to be named but “Club Whitsunday” is the forerunner.

Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen said that, aside from the boost to jobs and the local economy, the benefits to liveability were paramount.

“The Whitsundays are recognised the world over as a tourist destination, but it is much more than that,” Mr Christensen said.

“For thousands of locals, the Whitsundays is where we live, where we work, and where we play. When all the focus is on providing the ultimate experience for tourists, it would be easy to forget about the locals that make it all happen.”

Mr Christensen said that, of all the local community projects he has been involved in over his 13 years, this project is “probably the most significant that there has been.”

The project saw the construction of a new clubhouse building with a lobby, commercial kitchen, bar, dining areas, sports lounge, male, female and accessible toilets, covered outdoor terraces, tiered seating, kids’ recreation area, offices, storerooms, access road, car parking and landscaping.

It also includes a reorientation of the existing fields to allow for a third field to be installed, as well as new lighting to the existing fields.

Mayor Andrew Wilcox congratulated the Whitsunday Sports Park Association and especially Mr Butler.

“You came to us with a dream, but this dream has been fulfilled through you and your team,” he said.

The venue is still to be outfitted before the public will be able to use the facility seven days a week as a bistro type bar and gaming venue.

Mr Butler said that National Bank (NAB) have offered support in the form of loans to the tune of $500,000 for kitchen outfitting, $300,000 fitting out the remainder of the bar, $1.5 million to fit out the pokies and the operational cash to open and employ staff.

Once open, revenue generated by the project will be used to support the further development of sporting and community organisations across the Whitsunday region by being cycled back into the clubs.

“This business makes the money for the sports people, and that’s the way it should be,” Mr Butler said.

‍Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen, Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox, Whitsunday Sports Park Chairman Justin Butler, Project Manager Penny Gill Conan, Steve Tween, Bob McMahon, Craig Spence, and Jason Salecich from NQ Rep Clubs Qld

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen

Charmain of Whitsunday Sports Park Association Justin Butler

Mayor Andrew Willcox posing with Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders coach and players

Government representatives, sports club representatives and the PCYC all attended the handing over ceremony for the Whitsunday Sports Park

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It was International Women’s Day the other week and somehow that made me think of a comment that real estate agents sometimes hear from male buyers: “Mate, I love the property, but the missus doesn’t really like it.”

On hearing that comment you might think there’s still a chance of getting a sale with this couple because at least the husband loves the property.

You would be wrong. You would be showing that you have no understanding of the husband/wife dynamic when buying a property. You are completely ignorant about who has the power.

If “the missus” doesn’t like a property, there is no deal to be done.

However, it’s a different story when the situation is reversed. Say the comment is: “Mate, to be honest I don’t really like the property, but the missus loves it.” Start drawing up the contract baby, we have got a deal!

It’s not quite that easy but I have definitely sold properties to couples when the man isn’t a big fan but the woman loves it.

I’m not sure if they include my observations during International Women’s Day speeches but I think the house-buying dynamic does say something about a healthy modern relationship and shows clearly that women do not take a back seat when the important decisions are being made.

It also serves as a warning to sexist real estate agents … underestimate the authority of a woman in a relationship and you are doomed to failure.

We’ve all seen the salesman who focuses on the husband and ignores the wife. It’s embarrassing. There he is joking with the husband, making eye contact with him, laughing at his jokes, slapping him on the back, treating the wife as though she doesn’t matter.

That salesman is like the last of a species on the verge of dying out. The world has changed and time has passed him by and he doesn’t know it. But it’s over for him and it’s the female buyer who is about to finish him off.

“Sorry mate, I reckon you’re great but the missus thinks you’re an idiot.” Chk, chk, boom.

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Whitsunday Anglican School has announced Dr Richard Harris SC OAM as their keynote speaker for the 2022 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and Literary Dinner.

Dr Harris is an Australian anaesthetist and cave diver who played a crucial role in the remarkable international rescue of a teenage soccer team from a flooded Thai cave system in 2018.

Dr Harris and dive partner Dr Craig Challen have recounted the heroic tale of the rescue in their book ‘Against All Odds’, and Festival Manager Tracey Gurdler says he will be huge for the town and the festival.

“He’s a hero,” she said.

“I think that the Mackay community will be able to come together to celebrate him as a person and an author.”

Dr Harris will speak to senior students at the festival and deliver a keynote speech at the Literary Dinner.

He is among 13 Australian authors attending as well as artists, musicians, a drama group, a slam poet, and a screenwriter, with the rest of the program and ticket sales to be launched on April 22.

The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival is the only festival of its kind north of the Sunshine Coast and welcomes approximately 5000 students from around the region, including 500 children from regional Queensland thanks to the Winchester Foundation.

“Sometimes being a regional community, you don’t expect to be exposed to the same sort of cultural activities as you are if you lived in Brisbane or Sydney or Melbourne,” Tracey said.

“To actually have something like this here as well that our kids can enjoy and benefit from, it’s fantastic.

“I love being a part of it.”

The 2022 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival will launch on Wednesday 13th of July with festivities taking place on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th July 2022.

The festival consists of book talks, workshops, performances, and author signings.

Heroic Cave Diver Dr Richard Harris has been announced as the keynote speaker at this year’s Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival

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Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) celebrated a milestone in community development following the official launch of the Greater Whitsunday Regional Roadmap.

As facilitators of economic development, RDA GW drew on regional economic development stakeholders over a period of six months to outline their views, thoughts, and contributions within the Regional Roadmap to determine key regional priorities over the next 10 years.

RDA GW Committee Chair Professor Pierre Viljoen said this collaborative process ensures that RDA work programs are “transparent and focused on collectively identifying regional priorities”.

The stakeholders originally put forward 180 projects to facilitate future growth and development across the target area, which includes the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday local government areas.

The project list has been narrowed down to 20 and features existing and new ideas for growth in the Greater Whitsunday region.

“Identifying these projects and opportunities is key to stimulating our local economy through job creation, services and productivity growth, and overall improved living standards for business and community,” said Prof. Viljoen.

“By utilising the right opportunities, our region has the potential to become an economic powerhouse.

“We would like to thank everyone for their involvement. We look forward to continuing to work towards our vision of a resilient economy, environment and community for our region.”

For full details on the Regional Roadmap, visit www.rdagw.org.au.

RDA GW Staff and Committee Members, Back row (L-R): Stephen Cutting, Ry Collins, Professor Pierre Viljoen, Jeff Stewart-Harris, Robert Cocco. Front row (L-R): Nicola Willis, Karen May, Janet Clifford, Maree Franettovich, Gina Lacey. (Absent: Mitchell Flor, Irene Adams and Janine Wood). Image supplied: Rebel Nation

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In regional Queensland, people living with a disability and their carers struggle to find the same resources as those who live in larger cities.

Often, it’s down to not knowing what local services and support is available to them, leaving them going without or unnecessarily travelling long distances to metropolitan areas.

The good news is there are often more resources available to them than they realise - they just have to know where to look.

Regional Disability Expos are unique events aimed at bringing the disability community together to celebrate life, age, empower, learn, share and experience latest technologies through a large variety of exhibitors under the one roof.

As a member of the community in relatively good health you may ask yourself “why would I want to attend a disability expo?”

Even if you’re in good health and have no family members with physical disabilities, there are those around you that have hidden ones such as mental health or are in early stages of their conditions and are slowly losing mobility, hearing, sight the list goes on.

Disability can and does affect people of all ages and whether you require a hearing aid, to assist with hearing your loved ones or a walking stick or scooter to be mobile, a physiotherapist to keep you moving or something more there are any number of exhibitors that can assist you with living life to its fullest.

“Well done to the organisers and companies that attended the Expo. We gained more information and insight in an hour than what we have over the past year. Excellent job,” Miriam, an attendee of the RDE Regional Disability Expo said.

Regardless of your ties to disability, The RDE are inviting you to attend this year’s RDE – Regional Disability Expo at the McDonald’s Mackay Multisport Stadium at 107 Juliet St Mackay from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

First2care is one of the many providers with booths at the Regional Disability Expo

Last year’s expo in Mackay

here is much to see, learn and experience at the Regional Disability Expo

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Mackay and Whitsunday Life was quick to join the Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) in joining forces with Vinnies Queensland to support thousands of Queenslanders affected by the recent floods.

This record event has seen homes destroyed, possessions washed away, lives put on hold and even tragedies.

Queensland Country Press Association president Carlo Portella said Queenslanders have always come together to help one another, no matter what the crises.

“Whether it is floods, bushfires or cyclones, help is always at hand,” Mr Portella said.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to try to help those less fortunate by contributing to the St Vincent de Paul Society Flood Appeal.

“The devastating floods in south-east Queensland and New South Wales have seen many people left devastated and in great need of our help.  

“A simple monetary donation, no matter how small, will help put the lives of those affected on the path to recovery.”

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said, “We welcome the support from the Queensland Country Press Association and their community, as we work together to help flood-impacted Queenslanders rebuild their lives.”

“All funds raised through our Flood Appeal will provide immediate and long-term support to people in need – no matter how long someone’s recovery journey takes, we’ll be there to lend a helping hand.”

Mackay Life Editor Amanda Wright said she had never seen such incessant rain before which led to the devastating floods.

“The rain was just relentless and utterly saturating, for days it never let up,” she said.

“Roads became like fast-flowing streams, it was difficult to judge depth of the flooding across roads in most places and the Brisbane River rose rapidly.

“I’ve never seen such huge amounts of debris flow down a river before and it made you stop and take stock, that was someone’s home or business being washed out to sea.

“Australians from all corners rallied to support our region during Cyclone Debbie, it’s important for us to support those in Queensland and New South Wales now who have lost absolutely everything.”

Please show your support by donating to the QCPA/ Vinnies Flood Relief Appeal at: https://bit.ly/vinniesqldfloodappeal

Donations close 30 April, 2022.

For further details contact Secretary Queensland Country Press Association:

admin@qcpa.com.au or mobile 0439 377 525

President QCPA: Carl Portella

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The Share the Dignity vending machine has already been a huge success at Sarina State High School which has had one since 2020

Three schools in the Mackay region will be among more than 100 in Queensland to receive a Dignity Vending Machine, which provides access to free sanitary products at school.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the State Government was providing 120 state and non-state schools across Queensland with a Dignity Vending Machine.

“Access to sanitary products and misplaced stigma around periods should never be barriers to learning,” Ms Grace said.

“We want all students to be confident to attend school every day. Giving students access to free sanitary products can make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence.

“This initiative supports Share the Dignity’s aim to distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.”

The three local schools to receive the vending machine include Mackay State High School, Bowen State High School and Pioneer State High School.

Member for Mackay and Assistant Health Minister Julieanne Gilbert said the partnership with Share the Dignity wasn’t just about access to free sanitary products.

“The partnership also means that all Queensland schools have access to the Period Talk education program, which is designed to educate students in Year 5 to Year 8 about menstruation and the impact of periods,” Ms Gilbert said.

“These three school communities in Mackay and Bowen have shown their support for students and families with this initiative and the Queensland Government is delighted to be a part of this great program.”

Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts said she was delighted her school was one of the three.

“Mackay State High School’s long tradition of success is built on a curriculum model focused on a diversity of student needs alongside a supportive school community,” Ms Roberts said.

“This initiative will further support our students, particularly those who may be vulnerable or experiencing hardship.

“All students should be able to attend school and focus on their goals without having to worry about lack of access to sanitary products."

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More than 50 nurses have celebrated 12 months on the job with the completion of the Mackay HHS 2021 Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program.

Throughout their first year, graduate nurses and midwives experienced two clinically supervised six-month rotations across any of the 25 clinical areas within the health service.

Nurse educator Julie Phillipson said graduates have adapted well to their new nursing careers.

“The first year of nursing is often the most challenging as you are consolidating all the knowledge and clinical skills acquired over the past three years of study and applying them to real scenarios,” she said.

“I’m so proud of the graduates for becoming competent and confident nurses who are now caring for people every day at our hospitals and health facilities.”

Registered nurse and midwife Hannah Guijt was among the graduates accepting their program certificate.

“My rotations were with the Surgical and Woman’s Health Units where I gained a solid foundation of experience through the diverse mix of patients,” she said.

“It was certainly an intense learning period but the support and guidance I received have increased my skills as a nurse and allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a midwife.

“I’m now part of the Mackay HHS Midwifery Group Practice team caring for women and families on their journey to parenthood.”

Hannah shared some advice for this year’s incoming graduate nurse cohort or people currently studying.

“Love your patients, trust your learnings but don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of any post graduate study.”

The Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) nursing and midwifery post graduate program (graduate program) is twelve months in duration consisting of, potentially an offer of two (6 month) clinical rotations or a single 12-month contract across Mackay Base Hospital and the seven rural hospitals.

Applications for the 2023 Mackay HHS Graduate Nurse Program open on 25 July 2022.

Registered nurse and midwife Hannah Guijt was among the graduates

Some of the graduates from the Mackay HHS 2021 Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program. Images: MHHS

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On Friday Evening last week, VMR 448 Mackay received a call from a solo yachtie at Curlew Island, 50 miles Southeast of Mackay, who was having engine issues and due to wind direction unable to sail from his anchorage.

VMR’s Peter T (Skipper), Craig, Ian B, and Lachlan left Mackay in Mastermyne Rescue 5 at 12pm for the 2.5hr trip to assist.

The vessel owner, a VMR member, was an experienced mariner and the vessel was quickly put under tow, but with an average speed of only 6 knots.

Water was noticed coming into the towed vessel, and Craig volunteered to go aboard to help locate the issue.

Using a few bolts to fill holes, the water egress was stopped, as well as the engine issue which had caused the boat to fail.

With the approaching storms, the owner decided to continue the tow to safety rather than risk the waters himself.

With only an hour of tow remaining, both Hay Point and Mackay Harbour lost power and all shore-lights went dark, and the crew's night vision was obscured by the frequent lightning.

Although heavy rain, winds and lighting continued, the power came back to the Mackay Harbour just as the team entered the swing basin.

With the engine now running, the towed yacht was untied, and Craig and the owner motored into the Mackay Marina and berthed safely.

The VMR crew had Mastermyne Rescue 5 re-fuelled and tied up by 11pm, with everyone safe, and thanked the vessel owner for being prepared and staying calm during the entire activation.

The stormy conditions on Friday evening put one vessel in trouble

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Today is World Sleep Day and I’m asking; did you get enough last night?

Maybe you had a few too many green drinks yesterday down at Harrup Park for St Patrick’s Day or maybe you did a little too much exercise leading into this weekend. Thing is, did you get enough sleep?

Today is a great day to make light of the fact that so many of us don’t get enough sleep and it’s not good for our health. No good at all.

We need on average at least 8 hours of sleep a day to be normal. Doing normal things during the day requires a good amount of sleep to function properly, but do you get it?

I was speaking to my workmate the other day and he told me he regularly goes to bed after midnight and gets up when the kids wake him at 6. Is that enough? I doubt it.

I go to bed after 8 each night depending on what’s happening and always get up with the 4am alarm. Is that enough? Of course not. But can I change the habit? Probably not, but I get things done.

How about this, and I’m just throwing it out there for all to read, let’s have a lunchtime tip. You know what they do in Europe? They sleep at lunchtime. Shop doors close and people have a well-deserved sleep and then they’re recharged to go again for the afternoon and night. What do you think? Good idea?

I am putting the call out to our community leaders today. Mayor Greg Williamson, Zoe from Meals on Wheels, Sarah at Canelands, Terry who drives the street sweeper on Gordon St at 3am each day.

How about we start a revolution and have a lunchtime nap each day.

Who’s with me?

If you’re reading this, put the paper down and sleep. Do it. If anyone asks what you’re doing, tell them Rob Kidd told me to and it was alright. If anyone has any questions, get them to call me o1300 891 929 and I’ll tell them.

Anyway, I’m off to have my nap now, but it’s only 11am. Oh well, I got an early mark!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK!

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The last time Mackay Regional Council’s Community Development Strategy was updated, it was 2017, and the region was just recovering from an economic downturn. Now, we’re dealing with a global pandemic.

Few things have had an impact on regional communities as much as COVID-19 has, however, our communities are resilient and adaptable, and always rise to the challenges presented.

Mackay Regional Council is working on updating its strategy to ensure resources are appropriately invested to support our communities from 2022 to 2027.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had a Community Lifestyle team that worked constantly to nurture, facilitate and champion the many communities of our region.

“Like any team, they work with a set of clear strategic goals – and those strategic goals are very much dictated by the needs of the community,” Mayor Williamson said. “And, obviously, community needs change over time,” he said.  

“Now is a good time to do a health check and find out what our communities’ priorities are today and into the foreseeable future.

“We will be rolling out a survey to gauge residents’ feelings around areas of accessibility, volunteering, sports and recreation, culture and arts, disaster resilience and community safety as well as a number of other areas.”

Mayor Williamson said the goal of the survey was to shape a strategy that would strengthen and connect our communities while reducing inequality and disadvantage.

“So, if you are an active community member with constructive feedback that will benefit our community, and the region as a whole, we want to hear from you,” he said.

“This is your chance to tell us what you love about living here and also what needs to change to make our community better.”

You can give your feedback at connectingmackay.com.au/community-development-strategy until Sunday, April 3, at 11.59pm.  Anyone who completes the survey will go into the draw for a $100 Caneland Central gift card.

Should you need any assistance taking the survey, head to a Mackay Regional Council Library branch and ask a staff member for assistance.

The Community Lifestyle team’s work covers a huge range of areas, including subsidised health and fitness programs (pictured).  This is your chance to let the team know if their work is hitting the mark. Supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Mackay's University of the Third Age (U3A), part of a world-wide movement that began in France in 1973, is dusting off the books to restart its activities in the coming months.

The senior aged university has been a long time favourite of Mackay retirees and is now returning after a break during the heights of COVID.

Aimed primarily at retirees who are “around the time of life when full-time work and raising families are over,” The University takes these freedom and energy filled seniors through classes and workshops which allow them to follow their own interests and needs.

It can be a resumption of activities which had fallen by the wayside in life, or something they may have always fancied trying - an academic study, an artistic pursuit, a physical exercise or a game – but didn’t have the time.

Membership Director of the University of the Third Age, Elizabeth Springall, said the group will be holding an information and sign-on day today (Friday 18 March) from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

“The University is aimed at learning for life; you never stop learning, you never stop developing new skills,” Ms Springall said.

The event is called “Give it a Go Day” and will be very low-key with prospective members able to speak with the committee about the varied classes offered by the University.

Classes are accessible across a variety of disciplines, from Tai Chi to Pickle Ball, the arts to collecting, opera appreciation to creative writing or even as varied as Mahjong.

They are also always looking for tutors to take on new classes, with one such this year being line dancing.

Membership is $10 dollars a year, which covers insurance, and there are also some fees depending on the group, like Tai Chi which hosts a small fee of $10 dollars a class.

There is also a $5 dollar administration fee when initially signing up.

Ms Springall, a teacher before retiring, said the benefits of belonging to the international organisation are fantastic.

“The social benefits for one, as well as learning, both of which are associated with mental health, and there is the physical aspect too with many of the activities,” she said.

The “Give it a Go Day” will be held at the Senior Citizens Hall in 58 McAlister Street from 10:00am to 2:00pm today, March 18.

The Bocce group from University of the Third Age

The University’s dine out group

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