Hi lovely readers!

As I write this, I’m in Airlie Beach, typing away in the Whitsunday Life office.

It’s great to change up the scenery every now and then, and it’s always fun to catch up with work mates you normally don’t get to see.

Last week I celebrated my dad’s 45th birthday! So I’d like to say a public belated Happy Birthday to my dad, who also delivers this very paper you’re holding in your hands.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the veggie garden I’m growing, and not long after that my dad built me a wooden garden bed to place them in – which is something I’m so grateful for.

The plants are thriving by the way! I reckon I’ll see a tomato very soon!

Last Saturday afternoon I attended the Carols in the Gardens, hosted by our fabulous local radio stations 4km and Star 101.9. It was amazing to see so many hues of red and green – we’re really starting to get into the Christmas spirit now!

Only a couple of weeks left until we all take a well-deserved break, and what a privilege it is to spend the holiday season with the loved ones around you.

This season, I’d like to remind you, that it’s not about the gifts or the even the giving, but about the time we are given to spend with the people who matter most.

So this year, please remember the reason for the season and love your friends and family.

Life is truly a gift!

Scripture of the week: “Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.” - Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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The Marian Ladies Bowls Club once again demonstrated its commitment to community care, completing another year of heartfelt giving through two meaningful projects that touched both young women and aged-care residents across the Mackay region.

In the lead-up to Christmas, members assembled twenty-six thoughtfully packed handbags for the annual Share the Dignity campaign. Each bag was filled with essential items, and a few small luxuries, to support women and girls facing domestic violence, homelessness, or financial hardship.

Club treasurer Judith Miller said the initiative had become a long-standing tradition. Each year, Share the Dignity provides handbags to women in need, and the club has contributed for the past decade.

Members hoped the bags would “give a little joy and happiness to the recipients,” she said.

Their service didn’t stop there.

Last week, Club Secretary Lyn Jackson and Judith Miller delivered twelve handmade knee rugs to Anne Crowley, Facility Manager at Ozcare’s St Elizabeth Villa Aged Care Facility.

Crocheted and knitted by club members, the colourful rugs were crafted with both comfort and companionship in mind.

Anne Crowley said the rugs would be put to good use in the Theatre Room, offering warmth and homely comfort to residents during activities.

This ongoing project has already reached multiple facilities, with Ozcare now the second aged-care home in the Mackay region to receive the lovingly made rugs in a true showcase of kindness, connection, and community spirit.

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Club Members

Judith Miller, Lyn Jackason, Anne Crowley. Photos supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community.

Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

“This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to hand that money over to them today,” Mr Parnell said.

“The carnival raised $1,560 for the charity, chosen in part because kidney disease has affected several members of the emergency services community,” he added.

Paula O’Neil, Operations Manager at the Kidney Support Network in Mackay, said the donation was vital for their work.

“Without donations like this, we just wouldn’t survive financially.

“We don’t get any government funding, so all our funds come from revenue from our op shops and any donations like this really help us provide additional services,” she explained.

Paula added that the funds help keep the charity’s vehicles on the road, transporting dialysis patients to and from hospital appointments.

“It’s extremely vital. People with kidney disease often can’t drive after their treatment, so without someone to take them, it would be a burden on families, carers and even Queensland Ambulance.”

Mr Parnell said the carnival began as a way for emergency workers to connect outside of challenging job circumstances.

“We often meet each other under traumatic circumstances, and this is a place we can come together, have a bit of fun, as well as a bit of competition between the different organisations.”

Mackay Fire Station Officer Matt Geiger, who has been involved from the start, added, “It was a cracking idea… not many opportunities exist where all the emergency services get to come together outside of work. It’s something everyone looks forward to every year.”

Chris Breckell, President of Mackay Touch Association, also highlighted the community impact of the event.

“It’s been going now for 13 years and over that time there’s been $10,000 donated to charities. It’s a very worthwhile event, and we’re very honoured to be a part of it.”

And of course, it couldn’t happen without competitive spirit and a friendly amount of banter on the day.

“They come down, they enjoy themselves, and the camaraderie between the three services shows right throughout the day. All games are very competitive, and none goes without some sort of drama,” Mr Breckell laughs.

The carnival’s community impact has been officially recognised as well, winning a Queensland Community Award.

Mr Parnell said the recognition was meaningful but secondary to the main goal.

“We don’t do it for the awards; we do it because we want to give back to the community that we work within.”

From friendly rivalries on the field to supporting vital local services, the emergency services touch carnival continues to strengthen Mackay’s community while making a difference for local charities in the region.

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This year, Mackay’s emergency services touch football carnival raised $1,560 for the Kidney Support Foundation, combining friendly competition with vital community support. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Following on from recent reports, Queensland Police have revealed that specialist officers and SES crews have commenced a targeted search of bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu.

Despite extensive efforts, no items of interest have been located. Police continue to interview people known to Wayne and maintain significant concerns for his welfare.

Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact Policelink and quote reference QP2502035864.

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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The Crisafulli Government is pushing ahead with plans to make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for regional Queensland, as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting of the year in Mackay.

The council, a collective of peak industry leaders, government representatives and regional community member, has met three times since being revived by the Crisafulli Government, driving a renewed focus on future upgrades and long-term road safety priorities along the state’s most critical transport corridor.

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a key role in informing priorities for the historic $9 billion investment into the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP), to boost road safety up the spine of Queensland.

The meeting follows the recent announcement of more than $500 million for 22 new projects along high-risk sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie under the latest round of the BHTSP.

Seven of the new upgrades will be delivered in the Mackay Whitsundays region and follows an upgrade completed between Bowen and Ayr as part of the BHTSP early works package.

These works are the result of the historic 80:20 funding agreement for the Bruce Highway struck between the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments with BHAC providing important advocacy on the priorities that matter most.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg acknowledged the Council’s significant contributions to improving the Bruce Highway.

“We're well on road to delivering the Bruce Highway Queenslanders deserve," Minister Mickelberg said.

"The regional representatives of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council have provided valuable input over the past 12 months, and I thank them for their work.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed members of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to Mackay.

“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Crisafulli Government was a game-changer for regional Queensland, giving a voice to communities about where the priority projects are," Mr Dalton said.

"Our region is already benefiting from key safety improvements brought about by the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments historic Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, and that's only set to continue.”

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said the Bruce Highway was a lifeline for North Queenslanders.

"The Bruce Highway is relied upon by so many local families and businesses, yet it can be such a dangerous stretch of road,” Ms Camm said.

“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council has been critical because it gives our communities a voice in shaping upgrades that will save lives and keep our region connected."

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said more than 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway ran through his electorate.

“The Bruce is not like any other highway, it’s the key corridor that keeps this state moving, and is depended upon by millions of Queenslanders every day,” Mr Kelly said.

“We’ve re-established this Bruce Highway Advisory Council because we care about regional Queenslanders, who know this route better than most, and want them to input into how we can improve the Bruce in the short and long term.”

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The Bruce Highway Advisory Council closed out a year of key safety gains in Mackay, outlining new priorities and seven local projects under the $9 billion plan to make Queensland’s main road safer and more reliable. Photo source: Brent Mickelberg MP

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Mackay Embraces Disability-Friendly Sport

A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport.

The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability.

Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program is helping people and organisations to challenge stereotypes.

“Inclusion coaches are people with a disability or those with a lived experience of disability, which ensures authentic perspectives and practical insights,” Ms Bugeja said.

“Sport4All gives people with a disability the opportunity to be involved in sport however they want – whether as a player, a coach, a volunteer or administrator.

“People with a disability have a wide range of skills that can not only benefit individuals, but clubs as well – it’s a matter of giving these groups the confidence to include people with a disability.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s theme for International Day of People with a Disability is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing progress.

“Council is passionate about accessibility – it’s far more than a box we tick, it’s a major priority that runs through every facet of council’s business,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council’s vision is for the region to ‘become the best region for liveability and livelihood’ and that vision includes everyone in the region,” he said.

“We recognise and celebrate everyone’s different abilities and welcome and embrace diversity and strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong.”

“The Sport4All program and my role as an inclusion coach fits perfectly with this year’s theme,” Ms Bugeja said.

“By becoming more inclusive, everyone benefits and our communities become more engaged, which has such wide-reaching effects.

“Often it takes just small changes to make an impact in your community.

“People with a disability get the same physical, mental and social benefits from participating in sport as those without disability, which is why inclusion is so important.”

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 5.5-million Australians are living with a disability, which is more than 21-percent of the population.

To find out more visit https://sport4all.com.au/

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Driven by a quiet passion for supporting teens, volunteer mentor Miriam Houweling has spent the past 18 months helping young learner drivers edge closer to independence through PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program. The initiative pairs volunteers with young people who lack access to a car or supervising adult, giving them a vital pathway to reach their 100 practice hours and unlock new opportunities.

Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she moved from Ipswich to Mackay. She joined the Older Women’s Network , and learned about Braking The Cycle at PCYC Mackay.

She knew this was a role where she could make a difference and feel connected to the young people she was helping.

“I love spending time with teenagers, they all have their funny quirks. If I show them respect, then they show me respect,” Miriam said.

“They all deserve a chance in life,” she said.

Miriam recommends volunteering to anyone who has time to give, and she encourages Mackay locals to come in to PCYC and find out more. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.

PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking the Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.

“We have more than 700 BTC volunteers across the state who provide their time, skills and experience to help young people who may not be able to access or afford driving lessons the chance to gain their driving skills – and become safe drivers for the future,” Phil said.

“Having a licence doesn’t just give them the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursue study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community.”

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Braking The Cycle Graduate Sian Dann with Miriam Houweling. Photo supplied

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Council’s vision of becoming Australia’s leading region for liveability and livelihood gained significant traction in 2024-2025.

Landmark projects, strong community collaboration and record investment drove momentum across the year.

Council’s Annual Report 2024–2025 showcases a year of remarkable achievements, from securing international sporting events to opening the first stage of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the report reflected council’s ability to balance strong financial management with bold initiatives that enhanced liveability and attracted investment.

“This year wasn’t just about infrastructure – it was about people, partnerships and possibilities,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We worked hand-in-hand with our community to shape the Mackay Waterfront Place Strategy, we developed tools to help local businesses tackle skills shortages and we secured hosting rights for two international cricket matches,” he said.

“These wins show that the Mackay region isn’t just growing – it’s thriving.”

Mayor Williamson said the Annual Report didn’t just cover the big-ticket items like the Resource Centre of Excellence – Stage 2 Future Industries Hub, it also highlighted the achievements of council’s often unsung teams.

“Our Parks and Open Spaces team did an outstanding job this year, maintaining 23 million square metres of grass across the region,” he said.

“Thanks to new equipment and smarter contracts, we achieved a 97 per cent on-time completion rate during the peak growth season – a result the community can really see and appreciate.

“Regionally, we also invested heavily in improving the Midge Point community’s water supply.

“With a new 11-kilometre water main and advanced cleaning processes, residents are now enjoying clearer water and stronger pressure. It’s a practical improvement that makes a real difference to everyday life.”

Council CEO Gerard Carlyon also acknowledged the outstanding service delivered by council staff.

“This report is packed with information about the achievements of staff and volunteers in 2024-2025,” he said.

“For example, our Civil Operations staff maintained 2442km of roads. Our Nursery team grew and distributed 56,000 native plants. Our Libraries team processed the borrowing of 784,184items and our Vector Control teams treated 4868ha for mosquitoes.”

“The sheer scope of services is something that council and senior management are extremely proud of, and I’d like to thank each and every one of our staff and volunteers for their efforts.”

All this information and more can be found in the 2024-2025 Annual Report on council’s website at mackay.qld.gov.au/annualreport

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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A Mackay mum will have a jolly good Christmas, after astonishingly winning $1 million in the Wednesday Windfall — a prize she initially misread as just $10, prompting a vow never to forget her glasses again.

The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas.

The gleeful winner shared that she burst into tears of joy upon discovering she was a millionaire and looks forward to owning her own home.

Her winning 5-game QuickPick entry was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

A Mackay mum will never forget to bring her glasses again after initially misreading her incredible $1 million Wednesday Windfall win as just $10.

The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas.

When an official from The Lott finally reached her, the ecstatic winner revealed she always played a subscription ticket, allowing her to “set and forget” and let fate do its thing.

“I’m very ecstatic and very happy!” she cheered.

“I just have a subscription. It’s good because I just set it and forget it.

“I always say, ‘You’ve got to be in it to win it!’.

“I had a quick glance, but I didn’t have my glasses on, so I thought I’d won $10.

“Then when I had a chance to look at it properly, I went ‘Holy moly!’. I just cried and cried with joy.

“It’s something I’ve been wishing for.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own home to leave as a legacy for my children and now I can.

“I’m very grateful! Thank you!”

Her winning 5-game QuickPick entry was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The winning numbers in Weekday Windfall draw 4635 on Monday 8 December 2025 were 26, 40, 6, 39, 37 and 12, while the supplementary numbers were 24 and 7.

Across Australia, there was one division one winning entry in Weekday Windfall draw 4635 – the one in Queensland.

The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 407 so far in 2025, including 94 won by Golden Casket customers.

In FY25, Weekday Windfall created 94 millionaires across Australia.

During this time, there were 99 division one winning Weekday Windfall entries across Australia, which collectively won $105 million.

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Photo supplied

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The Big Summer Read is back, and it’s bigger than ever!

From now until January 31, children and young people across the Mackay region are invited to dive into a world of stories, imagination and adventure.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this exciting campaign encouraged readers aged birth to 18 to keep their literacy skills strong over the summer holidays while having fun.

“Summer is the perfect time to spark a love of reading,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Big Summer Read makes it fun and rewarding for families to explore stories together, while helping kids maintain their literacy skills. Every book read is a step toward a brighter future,” he said.

The Big Summer Read is designed to combat the “summer slide” – the loss of literacy skills that can occur during the long break when kids aren’t exposed to books or reading.

By joining the challenge, families will discover the incredible resources available at their local library and experience the joy of reading for pleasure. Whether it’s picture books, novels or audiobooks – every story counts!

How it works:

• Register online at readbooks.com.au – a user-friendly platform where you can track your reading and earn digital badges for milestones.
• Read at least five books or engage in reading for five days to qualify for local and national prize draws.
• For every additional five books or five days logged, you’ll receive extra entries into the prize draw.

Independent readers and those who love being read to can all take part. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep reading aloud to young people and log those books too.

So, grab your books, set your goals, and join the Big Summer Read today! Together, let’s make this summer a season of stories.

For more information and to sign up, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/big_summer_read

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Walkerston Library Branch Supervisor Sally Dhu is ready for an epic summer of stories, library adventures and prizes as part of the Big Summer Read. Photo supplied

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Mackay Base Hospital Honours Dr Vaughan’s Legacy

After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Mackay Base Hospital is bidding farewell to medical oncologist Dr Kerrie Vaughan who is retiring after a remarkable career shaping cancer care across the region.

Originally from Melbourne, Dr Vaughan completed her medical degree and oncology specialty training before heading north in search of sunnier skies. She joined Mackay Base Hospital in February 2001, when she was the only oncologist in the region working across both the public and private sectors.

“When I first started here, MBH had just one nurse who could give chemotherapy treatment,” she said.

“Now there’s a whole team including oncology consultants, junior doctors, specialist oncology nurses including McGrath Breast Care Nurses, chemotherapy-trained nurses in the oncology day unit, pharmacists, admin officers and allied health staff.

“It’s been incredible to see how far the service has come.”

Over her career, Dr Vaughan has witnessed extraordinary advances in cancer treatment.

“When I was a junior doctor, managing the side effects of chemotherapy, especially nausea and vomiting, was very difficult,” she said.

“Now there are far better medications and so many more treatment options. Patients are living longer, and more people are being cured of their cancer than ever before.”

She describes immunotherapy as one of the most exciting developments of the past decade and a treatment once thought impossible.

“It’s been amazing to see some people with very advanced cancer potentially cured thanks to this therapy,” she said.

For Dr Vaughan, the greatest reward has always been her patients.

"It has been an honour to accompany people and their loved ones as they negotiate their cancer journey, which is often one of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at Mackay Base Hospital, Dr Vaughan expressed deep gratitude for her colleagues.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, kind and caring medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health staff, as well as the surgeons here at MBH and our radiation oncology colleagues at the ICON Cancer Centre and The Townsville University Hospital.

“Everyone in the oncology team is passionate about delivering compassionate, quality care to the people we see,” she said.

Director of Medicine Dr Janath da Silva said Dr Vaughan’s keen interest in innovative therapeutic approaches and advanced cancer treatments had set her apart in oncology, with many in the community benefiting from her exceptional medical expertise and compassionate care.

As Dr Vaughan retires, she leaves behind not just a legacy of clinical excellence but also a thriving, multidisciplinary oncology service built on teamwork and compassion, a testament to more than two decades of dedication.

Congratulations, Dr Vaughan, on an extraordinary career and thank you for your years of service to the Mackay community.

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Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric, owner of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, is urging the community to stay snake-aware after the sudden loss of her much-loved dog, Lola.

Lola, a five-year-old Boxer, was known for her joy, energy and the affectionate “Lola kisses” she offered to everyone she met.

Taylah said, “Her playful personality was infectious, and she had a natural talent for making people laugh with her silly antics.”

She also played an important role in Taylah’s rescue work.

“Lola was a valuable member of our LLT Dog Rescue team and made an incredible ‘foster-mum’ to our animals in care. From cleaning newborn babies who didn’t have a mum, to waking up the deaf pups to tell them we came home.”

Lola passed away on November 7 after a sudden encounter with a Taipan in the yard of her North Mackay home.

“We sadly lost Lola to a Taipan bite in North Mackay on the 7th of November, 2025. She will be sorely missed at home.”

Taylah hopes her experience reminds families to take simple precautions, even in tidy or well-maintained yards.

“Lola’s yard was clean from scrub, mowed regularly and Lola lived inside. She simply went out to use the bathroom and crossed paths with a Taipan passing through the yard.”

To help reduce risk during snake season, she encourages residents to stay alert and consider steps such as:

• Clearing tall grass and weeds
• Removing timber, rock, and debris piles
• Keeping lawns short
• Avoiding outdoor pet food
• Snake-avoidance training
• Avoiding dog walks at dawn and dusk

Taylah says staying snake-smart is a small but vital way to protect the pets we love.

Supporters who wish to assist the work of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue can now donate their eligible 10-cent containers through any Containers for Change return point using Scheme ID C11660798. Direct donations can also be made via bank transfer to Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, BSB 064 722, Account 10697243.

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Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric is urging residents to stay snake-smart after losing her beloved dog Lola to a sudden Taipan bite in her North Mackay yard. Photos supplied

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Excitement filled the room at Ocean International Hotel on Monday, 1 December 2025, as families gathered to celebrate the graduation of this year’s Prep-Ready Kids. The young learners, dressed in bright and colourful graduation gowns, proudly marked the end of a year filled with growth, learning, and new friendships.

The Prep-Ready Kids Program, funded by Multicultural Affairs through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, continues to be highly valued by Mackay families, particularly those who are newly arrived and seeking additional support as their children prepare for the transition into Prep.

Throughout 2025, children participated in a wide range of activities designed to build early literacy, numeracy, listening, and social skills. The program also offered hands-on learning experiences, physical play, themed craft sessions, and opportunities for social interaction, helping boost confidence and school readiness.

This year’s graduation ceremony featured a slideshow showcasing the children’s progress, interactive games, a visit from Santa, and the presentation of certificates and medals. The event was made special by the attendance of special guests from Victoria Park State School, led by Prep Transition Officer Mrs. Taylor Warrell and the school captains, who assisted in congratulating the graduates.

For many families, especially those recently settling in Mackay, the morning served as both a celebration of learning and a celebration of community.

Program Coordinator Ela Maglente reflected on a rewarding year.

“It has been wonderful to witness the children’s development and confidence grow. We have also seen strong connections form among parents, and we are extremely grateful for the commitment of our volunteers who supported the program throughout the year,” she said.

Interest in the Prep-Ready Kids Program continues to increase, with families already enquiring about the 2026 intake. Sessions for 2026 will only be for Term 3 and Term 4, held each Monday during the school term, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at 43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay.

Families seeking further information or wishing to register their interest can contact Ela Maglente at elam@tnhub.org.au.

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The Prep-Ready Kids Program celebrated a joyful year of learning and community as young graduates marked their achievements at a vibrant ceremony attended by families, school representatives, and supporters. Photos supplied

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Local Historian Brings Decades Of Stories To Life In New Book Launch

By Hannah McNamara

A lifelong Northern Beaches local, Mr Doug Peterson grew up roaming the sands and streets of Eimeo, Bucasia and Shoal Point long before they became the busy seaside suburbs they are today. Now, after a lifetime of collecting memories, tracking down old-timers and digging through historical records, he has gathered the region’s rich past into a book that will be launched at the Eimeo Hotel next Monday.

Mr Peterson said his passion for documenting local history was sparked by a simple truth.

“Everybody’s got a story, but not many people write them down. Even a tragedy today becomes a good story in twenty years.”

His new book, available exclusively at the Eimeo Hotel, traces the hotel’s origins, early ownership and colourful evolution from a humble coastal escape to the well-loved venue it is today. The hotel, he notes, once even featured a skating rink, which has since been transformed into the modern function room where his book launch will be held.

A natural storyteller, Mr Peterson has an eye for the quirks that make history human. He laughed as he recalled scenes that would leave today’s patrons stunned.

“One publican rode an old horse straight into the bar. Another fellow brought a snake in and put it on the counter… and he got a two-second warning to get it out.”

He also described the nearby Mango Avenue as it once was, lined not only with its signature mango trees, but also pineapples and coconuts. These stories, stitched together, paint a vivid picture of a region much changed yet somehow still familiar.

Some things, he says, haven’t changed at all.

Eimeo Beach has always been the place to be on a hot summer’s day. “Packed” hardly covers it. Public holidays were famous for crowds, just as they are today, and in those days, the Eimeo Hotel even served food and drinks directly to beachgoers on the shoreline.

For Mr Peterson, preserving these memories is more than nostalgia.

“If no one writes this history, no one will ever know… I reckon everybody should know the history… especially the younger generations. If we don’t pass it on, it disappears.”

The community is invited to celebrate the launch of his book next Monday, 15 December, in the upstairs Blue Room at the Eimeo Hotel, fittingly, the very space where the old skating rink once stood. Attendees can meet the author, hear stories firsthand and purchase one of the first signed editions for $16.50.

For those unable to attend, copies will also be available for purchase at the hotel.

In capturing the past, Doug Peterson has ensured the region’s stories aren’t lost to the tides, giving future generations the chance to understand the Northern Beaches’ evolution and appreciate what it has become today.

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Doug Peterson’s new book tells the colourful history of the Eimeo Hotel, from skating rink to a seaside icon. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and imagery supplied

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Nominations are now officially open for the 2026 JSP Women’s Awards, with The Just Saying Project inviting the Greater Whitsunday community to celebrate the women whose stories bring joy, strength and purpose to the region.

Held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the MECC, the annual awards will feature acclaimed Australian author Belinda Alexandra as keynote speaker — a storyteller whose work embodies resilience, creativity and feminine strength, aligning deeply with JSP’s mission.

The opening of nominations also marks the beginning of the JSP Storytelling Season, a dedicated period where The Just Saying Project shares and uplifts women’s lived experiences across the region. This season will continue throughout the lead-up to the awards and beyond, shining a light on the stories that shape the cultural identity of the Greater Whitsundays.

The Just Saying Project (JSP) Founder Fallon Drewett said the storytelling element of the awards is what makes the event so powerful year after year.

“A story doesn’t have to change thousands of lives — sometimes it only needs to change one,” Ms Drewett said.

“When you nominate a woman, you’re not just filling out a form. You’re saying, ‘I see you. Your story matters. What you do matters.’ So many women feel invisible or unsure if their experiences count.

“This is our opportunity as a community to show them that they do.”

Now in its fifth year, the JSP Women’s Awards have become a hallmark event for the region, celebrating women across categories including The Resilient Rebel, Magic Muse, Health and Wellbeing Warrior, Rising Star, Mother of All Mothers, Woman Who Breaks the Mould and The Equaliser — which recognises male allies who champion women.

To help community members feel confident in writing strong and meaningful nominations, JSP will host a Nomination Writing Workshop on Saturday, January 10 at Ninety-Five, Victoria Street from 10am–3pm.

The workshop is open to everyone — women and men — and will guide participants in capturing the heart of someone’s story with clarity and care. Ms Drewett said the workshop is designed to remove the intimidation many people feel when nominating.

“Most people say, ‘I don’t know how to put it into words.’ But you don’t need perfect words — you just need honest ones,” she said.

“Every woman has a story,” she said.

“Some have lived through adversity. Some lead through love. Some create change in their workplace or community, and some spark joy through art or kindness. We want to honour them all. And we need the community’s help to do it.”

Nominations are now open and can be submitted via The Just Saying Project website: https://www.thejustsayingproject.com/nominate

EVENT DETAILS
2025 JSP Women’s Awards
Saturday, March 14, 2026
MECC – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Featuring keynote speaker Belinda Alexandra

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Nominations have opened for the 2026 JSP Women’s Awards, inviting the Greater Whitsunday community to honour the women whose stories shape, strengthen and inspire the region. Photos supplied

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