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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What was your favourite novel as a child? Do you think you could have read and memorized five novels to take part in a competition?

That’s the premise behind the Readers Cup. Organised by the Queensland branch of the Children Book Council of Australia, Fitzgerald State School was the host for the annual competition in Mackay. The competition requires teams to read and study five novels.

Schools were invited to send a team of up to five students to compete in the Year 5/6 primary school competition.

This year the cup went to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Mackay. The team consisted of Katie Sul, Lara Savige, Lily Cheyne, Millie Camilleri and Georgia Arbuthnot.

Throughout the term the girls worked independently to study the texts and composed their own questions to test each other in preparation for the competition.

St Mary’s School has been working towards improving reading engagement and reading success across the whole school. Every student from Prep to Year 6 participates in ‘Boost Reading’ sessions where students read in small groups with direct support from a teacher or teacher’s aide. These sessions occur up to three times per week and provide opportunities for students to boost or extend their reading skills.

The Year 6 teachers used this time to allow their Readers Cup team to work independently to prepare for the competition.

The school’s literacy intervention teacher, Val Paul, nominated the team.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to challenge themselves as readers,” Mrs Paul said.

St Mary’s School has now been invited to represent Mackay at the Readers Cup State Finals to be held in Brisbane. The team will have to read another five novels and prepare for more questions to test their knowledge.

Four of the five members of the winning St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Readers Cup team, consisting of Katie Sul, Lara Savige, Lily Cheyne, Millie Camilleri and Georgia Arbuthnot

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A new inclusive all-abilities playground is set to be built as part of the first stage of Woodlands District Park between Beaconsfield and Andergrove. Construction of the playground is expected to start next financial year after the drainage and earthworks are finalised.

The playground, which was initially planned as part of stage three of the park’s development, has been brought forward into stage one thanks to a $1.5 million commitment from Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to building inclusive communities and the new playground in Woodlands District Park was a positive step towards reaching that goal.

“The new facilities will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages and abilities and those of us who are children at heart,” he said.

“It will be a district-level facility, so it will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Queens Park and Northview Park, however this play facility will be designed for all-abilities.  

Mayor Williamson said the council was working hard to provide inclusive facilities across the region.

“We’ve been focusing on providing facilities such as all-abilities path upgrades, the installation of adult change facilities that cater to members of the community with a disability, and inclusive water play, which will be an exciting feature of Seaforth Esplanade’s new upgrades,” he said.  

“We’re looking forward to adding this new all-abilities playground at Woodlands District Park to the list of inclusive facilities available for the public to enjoy.”    

The development of the new 21-hectare Woodlands District Park will be staged, with initial construction works set to occur in the western side of the park where the former Broomdykes Drive Park in Beaconsfield was located. This area has already been cleared and will be referred to as the park’s Central Precinct.

Mayor Williamson said the Central Precinct would focus on active recreation.

“In addition to the all-abilities playground, the precinct will offer a range of family-friendly facilities including barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, multipurpose tracks and an expanded path network catering to everyone’s needs,” he said.

“Those wanting to enjoy a relaxing walk, bike ride, or jog, or something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or rollerblading will all be accommodated with a multipurpose track.”

Stage one of Woodlands District Park upgrades will include:

• A new all-abilities playground

• A multipurpose active track (Woodlands Track), which will be suitable for all ages

• New barbecue and picnic facilities

• Public amenities including a Changing Places facility for the disabled community

• Additional paths including the start of a new north-south connection through to Caledonian Drive and the extension of the existing cross-park (east-west) link.

• Drainage and landscaping improvements including the reshaping and re-planting of the unsightly open swale drain to naturalise the water course

Woodlands District Park precinct map

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Ensuring menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, Education Minister Grace Grace visited Pioneer State High School last week and welcomed the installation of the school’s Dignity Vending Machine to provide students access to free period products at school.

The vending machine is aimed at ending the shame and stigma surrounding periods, in conjunction with Period Talk, a menstruation education program.

Minister Grace said Pioneer State High School is among two schools in Mackay, and one of 62 state, Catholic and independent schools across the state to receive a vending machine in the first round of the initiative.

“I was delighted to announce during Queensland Womens’ Week in March that the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on the first 62 Dignity Vending Machines to schools as part of our $2.5 million partnership with Queensland charity Share the Dignity,” Ms Grace said.

“It’s great to see the machine being installed at Pioneer State High School so students can continue to focus on learning and reaching their goals without worrying about access to period products.”

Minister Grace also visited Mackay State High School to see another Dignity Vending Machine in action.

“I know the machines will make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence,” Minister Grace added.

“The partnership means 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.”

Pioneer State High School Principal Lisa Veney said she was delighted the school was receiving a Dignity Vending Machine.

“Pioneer State High School is a welcoming and inclusive school community which supports students in their learning as well as their health and well-being,” Ms Veney said.

“Students are better able to meet all of their goals at school while they feel supported in all areas of their life.”

Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the installation of the vending machines at Pioneer State High School and in schools across Queensland.

“I am so proud to know that students at schools with a Dignity Vending Machine will be able to access free period products at the push of a button,” Ms Courtenay said.

“Not only will this help us ensure menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, it will help us end the shame and stigma surrounding periods as the schools also receive Period Talk, our menstruation education program.”

School Caption for Pioneer State High School Alyssa McClarty, Education Minister Grace Grace and Vice School Captain Alarna Wilson with the school’s new Dignity Vending Machine

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Two cyclists passed through Mackay last week on a week-long endeavour from Brisbane to Cairns raising funds for dementia research in honour of their good mate Al ‘Midget’ Forsyth.

The Adventure4Dementia team of Matt Collard and Heather Roberts, along with support crew Cody Dennis, Max Padovan and Merv Collard, left Brisbane on Friday June 3, passing through Mackay the following Monday and arriving in Cairns last weekend.

Not content with that effort, Matt went on to compete in the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship last Sunday.

Their mate Al Forsyth is an ex-serviceman who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2011.

Mr Collard said his friendship with Al started back in 2006 and the pair get along like a house on fire.

“Al’s done a lot for me over the years, a hell of a lot,” said Mr Collard.

In 2018, while Al still had early-onset dementia, the group took him on the Kokoda track.

Since then, they’ve been on a bike ride from Brisbane to Birdsville and now from Brisbane to Cairns, aiming to go on more adventures, get more people involved and raise more money.

“This started off as a shits and giggles between a few mates and we turned it into something that is an ongoing thing for dementia research,” said Mr Collard.

“I took on that mentality of what (Al) had, I suppose, which was always aspire to be better,”

Since 2018, Al’s condition has worsened.

“He couldn’t do his own shoes, he couldn’t go to the toilet, he couldn’t do all that sort of stuff,” Mr Collard said.

“It was very disheartening.”

Now in its third year, Adventure4Dementia is aiming to raise $50,000 dollars for dementia research at Queensland Brain Institute’s (QBI) Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research.

“The guys at QBI do a fantastic job, what they do is mind-blowing,” said Mr Collard.

“If the money that we raise can help a family out to prolong the life and response of their loved ones, then we’ve achieved what we’ve set out to do.”

On day four, before making it into Mackay, Matt started to experience a leg twinge.

Rather than risk further injury, he travelled to Mackay where he made up the distance lost in the pool at Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC) while Heather completed the day four leg on the bike.

Support crewmember Cody Dennis says the team at ARC provided Mr Collard with a free lane and an air-conditioned room for the afternoon.

“Big thanks to the Mackay Aquatic Centre for helping us out at such short notice,” Mr Dennis said.

“Within two minutes they had it all squared away, they did a real good job and that saved us for the day.”

Other supporters of the journey include Tait Auto Group, Appoint, LSKD and BSF Mobile Cranes.

“There’s a lot of teamwork that goes into it and that’s what Al was about,” said Mr Collard.

“He never put anyone down.”

Support the Adventure4Dementia team by donating to its JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/campaign/Adventure4Dementia - or visit www.qbi.uq.edu.au to help brain research at QBI.

“Whether you’ve put a dollar in, whether you’ve put $1,000 in or whether you’ve put ten grand in, it goes a long way,” said Mr Collard.

Cyclists Matt Collard and Heather Roberts with support crew Max Padovan, Cody Dennis and Merv Collard at Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre before making their way to the Calen Hotel for dinner. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Adventure4Dementia team are raising funds for good mate ‘Midget’ who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2011. Photo: supplied

Heather Roberts arrived at the ARC completing the day 4 bike leg before joining Matt for a swim

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Glow-in-the-dark botanicals, bugs and butterflies will take centre stage for Daly Bay Illuminate 2022. This nature-based theme is inspired by the popular event’s new location, Queens Park.

The spectacle of technicoloured lights, sculptures and weird, wonderful and interactive installations will cover its largest footprint to date, so there’s plenty of room for public participation.  

To bring these wonderful creations to life, the Daly Bay Community Art Team are hosting a series of artist-led workshops to allow the community to create giant lanterns and small glow-in-the-dark sculptures to be put on display.

Six community workshops will be held in the Queens Park Cricket Shed from Sunday, June 19 to Saturday, June 25.

Mayor Greg Williamson said these community-made works would add to an exciting array of installations sourced for the event.

“There’s neon dogs, inflatable gumnuts and gum flowers, a field of lights and a fairy garden, complete with illuminated toadstools,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We’ve taken on feedback from previous years, and this year we are aiming for a more immersive, leisurely experience for visitors,” he said.

Daly Bay Community Art Team workshop facilitator and artist Wanda Bennett said the workshops were for all ages and were lots of fun for adults and children.

“All materials are supplied, and our friendly team of local artists will be on hand to lead the workshops and assist participants,” Ms Bennett said.

“We’ve got a real dream team of local artists this year – Tracey Johnson, Lalune Croker, Cheb Jeffery, Donna Maree Robinson and Lisa Roebig – so there’s plenty of experience on hand to help even first-time sculptors,” she said.  

“Space is limited, so we are asking all interested participants to book their tickets through the website (themecc.com.au/festivals) to attend the workshops.

“Once you’ve completed your artworks, simply leave your creations safely in our hands and we will install them in the gardens.

“Art works can then be collected after the event.”

Workshops will be held on:

• Sunday, June 19 from 9.30am to noon

• Sunday, June 19 from 1pm to 4pm

• Saturday, June 25 from 9.30am to noon

• Saturday, June 25 from 1pm to 4pm

• Sunday, June 26 from 9.30am to noon

• Sunday, June 26 from 1pm to 4pm

Courtney Sorohan and her children, Willow and Rylan, had a great time at last year’s illuminate workshops.

MORPHOLOGY installation at last year’s Illuminate by ‘the indirect Object’

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Blue, red, yellow and green lights illuminated the Mackay State High School Hall last Tuesday as the school welcomed global technology company Google to announce funding for a new school program.

Throughout the program, made possible by national education charity Schools Plus and funded by a $33,000 donation from Google, students will receive hands-on training in the classroom with a range of different digital technologies.

Students will also undertake workshops run by STEM Punks, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education provider, while teachers will benefit from professional development training in technology, including the use of tools like robotics and software.

The program will benefit 150 students to begin with, before being expanded to more students at Mackay State High.

Google’s donation was made through Schools Plus, a not-for-profit that exists to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage.

“Our journey commenced with a funding proposal to Schools Plus, an organisation that exists to help students succeed at school; specifically, students who may face barriers due to rural locations, socio-economic backgrounds and English as a second language,” said Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts.

“We are excited at the new opportunities this will enable for our students and staff.

“STEM education and the skills it develops – like creativity, problem solving and teamwork – are so critical to our students’ futures.”

Schools Plus has assisted over 330,000 students in 1,040 schools since its inception in 2015 and Director of Donor Relations Sherrill Nixon said students in regional and rural locations are around 1.5 years behind metro students in STEM-related subjects.

“That’s why we’re so passionate about working with supporters like Google to give students learning opportunities that will make a real difference to their future,” Ms Nixon said.

“This project will not only equip students and their teachers with much-needed skills, but it may well spark newfound passions and produce Australia’s future coders and engineers right here at Mackay State High.”

Google Engineering Programs Manager Marie Efstathiou said Google is committed to helping Australia build a stronger digital future by ensuring students have access to technology and the skills to use it.

“With this new program, students will learn future-focused skills that will help them discover new interests and unlock career opportunities,” Ms Efstathiou said.

“Through our Digital Future Initiative, Google plans to invest $1 billion over five years in Australian partnerships, research and infrastructure as we work to support Australia’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy.”

Staff from Google, Schools Plus and STEM Punks were welcomed to Mackay by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts. Photos supplied

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The annual Bakers Creek Memorial ceremony was conducted at Bakers Creek last Sunday to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the wartime crash of an American aircraft that claimed the lives of 40 American soldiers and crippled the sole survivor.

The ceremony also marked the 30th anniversary of the Memorial’s unveiling and dedication in 1992.

Special guests Corporal (AAFC) Deb Rutherford of the Air Force Cadets, Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May and Mackay RSL President Ken Higgins arrived at the ceremony by Jeep.

A Tri-School Band marched to the venue, made up of students from Northview, Central and Dundula State Schools, followed by a parade of Australian and American flags and Australian Air Force Cadets.

70 people turned out for the ceremony led by Master of Ceremonies Corporal Rutherford.

Guest Speaker Pan Jaenke, who served on the committee that conceived and built the Memorial thirty years ago, spoke about the history of the memorial and Councillor May and Mr Higgins also addressed the ceremony.

Dignitaries, students and Dundula State School Principal Trudy Large laid flowers of remembrance.

The United States Army Air Forces B-17C Flying Fortress crashed at 6:02AM at Bakers Creek June 14, 1943, en route to Port Moresby with passengers who had spent 10 days R&R leave in Mackay.

The Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on May 11, 1992 to honour the 41 Americans aboard.

“Although it signifies the loss of 40 crew and sole survivor on that aircraft, it also represents about 40,000 who spent their R&R in Mackay,” said Mackay RSL Senior Vice President Col Benson.

Mr Benson said The Bakers Creek Memorial is one of a relatively few memorials in the world that honour soldiers from another country.

“It is one of the few memorials to foreigners.”

The US Army conducted a parallel ceremony at the Bakers Creek Air Crash Memorial in Washington, DC on Tuesday.

More than 70 people paid their respects at the Bakers Creek Memorial last Sunday. L-R: Cr Fran Mann, Cr Karen May, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Pauline Townsend, Youth Parliament member Sebastian Padget, Cr Justin Englert. Photo credit: Office of Andrew Willcox

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The future of mineral mining has a changing face, with a switch in focus from commodities like coal to those used in emerging and renewable energy technologies.

Speaking in Mackay last week, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said a $5.7 million boost over three years will fund a new future industries development hub with a further expansion of Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence.

The future industries hub will enable the Mackay Region to become a key player in Queensland’s new economy minerals sector, as a switch is made to future technology including electric vehicles and long-life batteries, and for products in key sectors like medical, defence and scientific research.

The Treasurer said the funding is a major win for our resources sector, for our regions, and for regional jobs of tomorrow.

“Our government is a strong supporter of the RCOE, having put in more than half the $7 million investment that made this centre a reality,” he said.

“New economy minerals will be in demand for decades to come, and Queensland has world-class deposits, particularly in our north.

“The new funding will allow Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence to increase their work within the new economy minerals sector.

"It will ensure we have the skilled workforce and sharpest minds working in our mines.

“A strong new economy minerals sector, supported by Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence, will generate more prosperity for our state.”

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said new economy minerals presented significant opportunities for Queensland.

“That’s why we’re making investments like this now, to ensure a strong future for our resources sector,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our government’s vision is to mine, process and manufacture these minerals here in Queensland, taking them all the way from pit to product.

“From copper and bauxite/alumina to silica, vanadium and cobalt, we want to maximise our minerals for the benefit of every Queenslander.”

Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall said they are extremely excited at now being able to implement the RCOE Stage 2: Future Industries Hub.

“This allows us to capture, incubate and grow the industries of the future, putting both our region and Queensland in the box seat to drive low carbon innovation,” Mr Boxall said.

“The METS sector in Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday has the skills and experience to transition and support the emerging new economy minerals sector, which will help secure jobs for the future and our regional economy.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick announced $5.7M in funding to expand the Resources Centre of Excellence

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River Robertson is obsessed with police, or as he likes to call them, “coppers”.

Two weeks ago, at the Moranbah State High School Under 8’s Day, four-year-old River’s dreams came true when he met Senior Constable Dale McIntyre.

“It was extremely exciting,” said River’s mother, Deiya Robertson.

Mrs Robertson says River has a developmental delay, autism and ADHD and typically struggles when interacting with new people but took to SC McIntyre immediately.

“He was so patient with River because River usually doesn’t like new people,” she said.

“I’ve never seen River sit on anyone’s lap at all that he doesn’t know.”

River got to wear a police vest and hat and got tours of a police car and fire truck from the friendly police and fire service staff, even getting to sit in the back of the paddy wagon.

“It was just a really, really nice moment for him, he’s still talking about it.”

Mrs Robertson says River can have a hard time navigating safe and trustworthy people.

“Having such a positive experience with someone that he looks up to gives my husband and I a lot of comfort as parents, that if anything was to ever happen that River can identify a police officer as a safe person he can trust,” she said.

“There were literally hundreds of kids there but they made sure that each child got their own time and they treated them all with respect.”

“They really made all the kids feel really special.”

“We are extremely thankful for the Police in our community and for their dedication to the children.”

Although only four, Deiya is already predicting a career in law enforcement for River.

“I definitely think that River would probably aspire to be a police officer or a fireman,” she said.

“This is an obsession he’s had since he could recognise what they were.”

Police-obsessed River got to meet one of his heroes

River was given tours of police cars and fire trucks and even got to sit in the back of the paddy wagon. Photos supplied: Deiya Robertson

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Nearly 1,000 Australians received recognition in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, with governor general, David Hurley, saying they represent the very best of Australia.

“Recipients share some common traits – including selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated the 119 Queensland recipients, whose wide-ranging contributions stretch from the grass courts of Wimbledon to the halls of Parliament, and beyond.

“The latest honourees include dedicated health leaders and public servants, gifted athletes and authors, passionate advocates for veterans and people with a disability, and tireless community volunteers,” the Premier said.

“Importantly, all were nominated by members of the public and I’m delighted their service, talent, loyalty and perseverance has been recognised with a place in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.”

23 Queenslanders were appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM), including former Minister in the Beattie and Bligh Governments, and long-serving Member for Mackay, the late Tim Mulherin.

“This honour is a richly deserved acknowledgement of Tim’s unparalleled service to his community and to our state,” the Premier said.

“It recognises the enormous regard in which he was held by everyone he met across the political divide.

“As a friend who knew his great heart for people, and a colleague who saw his extraordinary commitment and achievements, I can say that no-one is more worthy of such an award.”

Among the Queensland recipients, three from the Mackay and Isaac regions, from vastly different backgrounds yet bonded by the desire to enrich the lives of others.

Two local recipients received the Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division (AM): as previously mentioned, the late Tim Mulherin for significant service to the people and Parliament of Queensland, and Dr Sunday Adebiyi, for service to general practice medicine.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was “lovely for Tim to once again be honoured in these significant awards”.

“Thank you to Erin and the boys for all the support they provided to Tim as he served our community,” Mrs Gilbert said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said Dr Sunday’s AM is “absolutely wonderful acknowledgement for his years of service to rural health”.

“Your efforts and support for our community is truly appreciated,” Mayor Baker added.

Dr Sunday Adebiyi has been a general practitioner in Dysart for more than 16 years. He migrated from Nigeria to Australia in 2000 and entered rural and remote medicine to help people.

Detective Senior Sergeant Emma Novosel was awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM), one of six officers in Queensland to be bestowed with the honour.

Senior Sergeant Novosel joined the QPS in 1995 and is currently the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Mackay District Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU).

Mrs Gilbert said, “We are very lucky here in Mackay to have an officer of this calibre working to keep our children safe.”

“The work she does is invaluable for our community.”

QPS Commissioner Katarina Carroll said every little thing the Police award recipients had experienced throughout their lives made them perfect police officers.  

“Police officers aren’t born, they’re made,” she said.

The late Tim Mulherin was posthumously appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Photos supplied

Dr Sunday Adebiyi was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia, for service to general practice medicine

Detective Senior Sergeant Emma Novosel was awarded the Australian Police Medal

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Whitsunday gymnasts were given the opportunity to experience a new and dynamic form of their sport in early June by learning ‘FreeG’ at Mackay Gymnastics.

Local Whitsunday PCYC youth gymnasts jumped at the chance to attend the Gymnastics Australia program which focuses on freestyle.

The program was officially launched by Gymnastics Australia as the “most exciting initiative to hit our shores” in the sport for some time and has travelled around the country in past years.

First developed by British Gymnastics to help clubs retain their crop of gymnasts, FreeG caters for young people looking to participate in “adrenaline fuelled freestyle sports” – think of something akin to the early 2000s craze of parkour.

FreeG and parkour have two common threads: the rigidity of gymnastics is replaced by free-flowing, movement-based athleticism.

Six Whitsunday gymnasts from the local PCYC branch’s Ninja program – a similar amalgamation of gymnastics and parkour – joined the session of FreeG at Mackay Gymnastics.

The session was coached by high level freestylers from Gymnastics Australia, who have travelled to gyms across the state teaching the style.

PCYC Branch Manager Police Sergeant Billy Li said the initiative was not only excellent for students, but also for the PCYC’s coaches.

“It was an opportunity to upskill our coaches and was a really unique experience for our gymnasts,” Sergeant Li said.

“You don’t always get visiting coaches regularly coming to teach workshops, so this opened our coaches’ eyes in how to do things in different ways.”

Sergeant Li said the Whitsunday PCYC is currently working on having the Queensland Gymnastics FreeG coaches travel to his Jubilee Pocket branch.

Whitsunday PCYC gymnastics coach Jessica Ferguson said it was extremely rewarding for coaches and athletes.

“It was a good experience for our gymnasts to be coached by one of the elite trainers from Gymnastics Australia,” Ms Ferguson said.

The six Whitsunday students with gymnastics coaches Tara Brady and Dominic Di Benedetto at their FreeG introduction in Mackay

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The Gumlu community added to its tally of $7409 dollars’ worth of donations to cancer research by hosting its 8th annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Molongle Caravan Park early this month.

The Sunday, June 5 morning saw last year’s goal of $1000 blitzed by the small community, who turned out their pockets for a total of $1815 in donations for the Cancer Council Australia.

60 people – almost half of Gumlu’s 180-person population - arrived in a generous mood for the charity event which brings millions of Australians across the nation together for a cuppa in support of those affected by cancer.

Much of the crowd were southerners who annually arrive at the Molongle Caravan Park to escape the cold and have attended every year since Gumlu’s Morning Tea event’s inception in 2014.

Others came locally from Bowen, Home Hill, Ayr and even Townsville, and a special guest, representing Queensland Cancer Council, Olivia Mayne joined in on the day.

Ms Mayne spoke on the impacts that functions like Gumlu’s have on the journey of researchers pursuing the goal of a cancer-free world.

She highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, treatment and support for the families.

Activities on the day included a monster Cent Sale, a large raffle draw, two $50 moneyboards and two Guess-the-number-of lollies jars.  

There were almost 110 prizes to share – meat trays, a $600-dollar welded artwork from local Barefoot Welder, Mick Dudley, and more - with almost every attendee heading home with something won.

Gumlu resident and event volunteer, Regina Lequerica, said there was reflection on the impact cancer has had on the community.

“Either in our family or in our circle of friends, it has touched us,” she said.

A recollection was made for local Brenda Lord, a firm supporter and helper at the event since its beginnings in 2014, who sadly passed from cancer in December 2019.

“We always remember the reason why we come together [and] we trust that any contribution we make is very valuable towards the efforts of committed people in the medical and health profession who are working towards a vision of a cancer-free world,” Ms Lequerica said.

“Together we can all make a difference.”

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A cold windy start to the morning did not deter the Cannonvale State School community from enjoying their annual Under 8’s Day on the school oval last Friday.

School children excitedly ran from one fun activity to the next - getting their hands covered in slime, painting a masterpiece, ducking under the colourful parachute, combatting the obstacle course and lining up to get their faces painted.

Local community groups were also in attendance with firefighters and police officers entertaining children by sounding the sirens and the SES handing out colourful stickers.

The P&C also cooked up some delicious snags for all to enjoy.

School mascot Bungaroo made an appearance

Children meet the local firefighters

A young Picasso

The P&C manning the sausage sizzle

A pink fairy charms the crowd

Blow me a bubble

Children race underneath a colourful parachute

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Iconic local gallery, Above and Below, has rebranded in the run-up to its fifth birthday and its owner, Brooke Miles says she is excited to broaden its horizons.

“The gallery has always been more than just a photography ‘shop’, so it was important to ensure that the rebrand reflected this,” she said.

Changing part of the name from ‘photography’ to ‘gallery’ further cements the boutique gift store’s reputation as a must-see destination, offering a more extensive range of unique and original imagery for sale as prints, as well as jewellery and other unique souvenir items.

Above and Below Gallery boasts an array of incredible photography from ‘above’ aerial views of the region to ‘below’ stunning underwater shots that capture the true essence of the Whitsundays.

The gallery is personally curated by owner Brooke Miles who is a well-respected local photographer and many of the images feature in households across the world.

“To know that there are beautiful Whitsunday landscapes in the living rooms of people from New York to London is the ultimate dream for me,” she explained.

“I feel extremely lucky to share my home and beautiful backyard with the world over.”

Along with the name change, Brooke has introduced a refreshed logo design blending the existing design with a bold, new look.

“I am really proud of the personal connection I have to the new logo, with the design including images from some of the first collections which have been adapted into graphics,” she said.

For further details or information, visit www.aboveandbelowgallery.com.au or immerse yourself at the gallery from Wednesday to Sunday at the Port of Airlie.

Well respected local photographer and curator of Above and Below Gallery

The rebranded store-front at Port of Airlie

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