A Mackay entrepreneur made his red-carpet debut at the premiere of his documentary at BCC Mount Pleasant last Thursday.

Adam Broadstock is the star of ‘The Man About Town’, a short documentary about carving a career through his business ‘Adam’s Special Deliveries’, a play on the acronym for ‘autism spectrum disorder’, the condition Adam lives with.  

“When Adam was ready to leave school, about the age of 18, we had no idea what he was going to do, there was nothing available for him, and we were a little concerned about his mental wellbeing as well as his social life,” said Adam’s mother Paula Broadstock.

Adam was given a small mail run which continued to grow and grow, eventuating to the small business he runs today.

“He likes driving and he likes meeting people, he likes being social,” Ms Broadstock said.

The film is one of six in the fourth season of the ‘Fearless’ series by Feros Care, shining a light on the value of diversity in the workforce.

“We want to be able to start a conversation within the community about more people in the workforce with disability,” said Feros Care Executive Manager of Disability and Community Development Jo Field.

“When people with disability can overcome the barriers to get employment, it absolutely adds value both to their life and to the life of their employers or companies.”

Ms Field is concerned about the statistics, saying 20% of Australians live with a disability however only 9% of workplaces in Australia employ people living with disability.

“We’re out to change that and we’re out to challenge those stereotypes that prevent people with disability getting into employment,” she said.

“We want him (Adam) to be an inspiration, a role model, a motivator for lots of others.”

The fourth season is the first involving people with disability both in front of, and behind, the camera, however it is not the first time Sydney-based filmmaker Julian Neuhaus of Ironbark Films has worked on an inclusive set.

“When I step onto any project, particularly if it’s been done by someone else before, my inspiration is to try and bring something new to it, something different, and we’ve done that through the inclusive filmmaking aspect,” Mr Neuhaus said.

“They’re gaining experience but they’re actually helping out in the crew and they’re actually in a valued role and contributing to the project.”

Mr Neuhaus directed and produced all six films in season four alongside film students who were in paid employment roles.

“You do all sorts of different projects but making content that not only people want to watch but content that I like to think will make the world a better place is really the stuff you like doing the most because there is value in it,” he said.

Alycia Staples is a film student with Bus Stop Films and was flown from her home in Brisbane to Mackay for both the filming and the premiere of ‘The Man About Town’.

“I’d heard of Julian because he was a teacher at Bus Top Films in Sydney so when I heard about him, I was like, ‘Okay, he seems pretty awesome, sign me up!’” she said.

“It was just one of the best experiences I’ve ever had because, one, I got to work with a different organisation and, two, I got to meet new people in the organisation.

“I learnt a lot from Julian and from the other people in the organisation.”

Fearless Films Season Four, named ‘People With Disability Carving Careers’, will be officially launched online on December 2 ahead of the International Day of People with Disability on December 3.

View the trailer and sign up for the full series premiere at www.feroscare.com.au/fearless4.

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Friday 25 November

A Night With The Firebirds

Friday, 5:30pm

Join for a night with the Queensland Firebirds to go behind the scenes with Head Coach, Rebecca Bulley and star players including Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson. A night not to be missed in Mackay where you will hear first-hand on the season ahead and also unique stories from all. $65 for this money can't buy experience which includes dinner and drink on arrival.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Saturday 26 November

Mackay Netball Clinic

Saturday, 8:00am

Join the Queensland Firebirds for a morning full of Netball! Meet and greet with the Firebirds followed by skills and drills lead by the Netball Queensland team. This clinic is open for boys and girls aged 7+.

Mackay Netball Association

Sports Trainer Course

Saturday, 8:30am to Sunday, 1:00pm

The Level 1 Sports Trainer course covers how to manage emergency situations and apply first aid in a Rugby League environment as well as injury management, crisis management, concussion management, sports taping and transporting an injured athlete.

BB Print Stadium

QCWA Hoy And Cent Sale

Saturday, 1:30pm

Mackay Branch of the QCWA invite you to their Hoy and cent sale, Saturday November 26 from 1:30pm at the Mackay Branch Hall. Admission is $1 per playing card board including afternoon tea. Door raffles and cent sale tickets available with great prizes.

QCWA Mackay Branch Hall, 43 Gordon Street, Mackay

Celtic Stars

Saturday, 3:00pm

Claddagh School of Dance Annual Concert. A mix of modern and traditional Irish dancing performed by Jump'n Jig dancers through to Adult Celtic Dance Class. Beginners through to the World Championship 2023 Team - come celebrate Claddagh School of Dance’s achievements and progress in 2022

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Mackay Twilight Market at the Mackay Showgrounds in the big shed! $2 adult entry (kids 17 and under free). Entry fee collected at the door on your way in. Market stalls, Mini Eat Street, Local Musicians, Jumping Castles (Free) and Face Painting. Come browse the many local small business market stalls than have a seat listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customers convenience. Enjoy a night out with your friends & family. It's not just another market, it’s a great night out.

Mackay Showgrounds

Suncorp Spirit Cup

Saturday, 7:00pm

Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning are excited to announce the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup will take place at the Mackay Multisport Stadium on Saturday, November 26. The pre-season match, proudly supported by Suncorp, means an early Queensland derby for both teams ahead of the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

Mackay Mazda Mavericks vs Mulgrave Vikings

Saturday, 7:00pm

Get down and enjoy some gridiron while supporting the Mackay Mazda Mavericks in their last home game of the season.

Wests Leagues Club Mackay

Sunday 27 November

Sunday Live Music – VaMa

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 28 November

Trivia Night

Every Monday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Trivia night on Mondays at Centro Restaurant. There's no excuse not to stretch the grey matter as it's free to play so come along with your mates or you can be put in a team - each team can have 2-7 players. Registrations from 6:30pm, starts 7pm. Book your table to avoid disappointment by calling 4965 6100.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Tuesday 29 November

Santa Photos

Tuesday, 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Santa Claus is coming to Magpies! Meet Santa and get your family photos for free at Magpies reception. Bring your phone or camera to capture the memory. A gold coin donation is welcomed, all money will be donated to 'Make a Wish Foundation'.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

Wednesday 30 November

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

TVS Presents "This Is Me" Showcase

Wednesday, 6:30pm

It’s time for the Thompson Voice Studio end of year 'This is Me' Showcase! Thompson Voice Studio is excited to present soloists and groups performing their favourite personal style for you all. On the Conservatorium stage, you will be entertained by children, teens and adults singing their hearts out, doing what they love to do! You will be impressed by the sounds and the talent of these special performers. Bring the whole family and your friends to support these wonderful local artists at an unbelievable evening of entertainment.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Pauly Fenech's Fighting Authority

Wednesday, 7:00pm

Pauly Fenech's new show Fighting Authority will be appearing at the Seabreeze Hotel in Mackay on Wed 30 November. Doors Open 7pm. Show details and tickets available from the venue website seabreezemackay.com.au.

Seabreeze Hotel

Thursday 1 December

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

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Image: A bittersweet end to their schooling years for 56 Whitsunday Anglican School students. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

One chapter ends as a new one begins for 56 year 12 students at Whitsunday Anglican School.

The students sang the school song for the last time last Friday, November 18, before walking through a ‘Walk of Honour’, bringing a close to their schooling years.

School Captains Medha Dammalapati and Charlie Webb said the occasion was “extremely bittersweet”.

“All of the memories left behind but also the freedom of the new world,” said Medha.

“You’re leaving behind all these memories and all of these people you love and you’ve grown up with.”

“It’s exciting, scary, all of the above,” added Charlie.

“A whole new chapter of our lives has just been unlocked and we’re excited to take on what the world has to offer.”

The students began their senior year virtually as the pandemic restricted school attendance.

“They’ve been able to move through the many challenges and trials and tribulations and through the adversity and they’ve been outstanding the whole way,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“They’re an outstanding cohort.

“Each and every year we continue to be absolutely astounded by what our students achieve.

“The best advice that we can give our students is to really just be themselves and to follow their passions.”

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Mackay Christian College Graduates of 2022 Formal

Photos: Supplied by Mackay Christian College

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For many, Christmas is a time to celebrate the festive season and enjoy the companionship of those closest to them.

For others less fortunate, it can be a lonely and stressful time of the year.

Each year, The Neighbourhood Hub delivers numerous activities to ensure that vulnerable community members of Mackay can experience a wonderful Christmas festive season.

This year, The Neighbourhood Hub is calling out to the Mackay community to assist with the purchase of vouchers and non-perishable food items to help us support vulnerable Mackay community members this Christmas.

Hampers will be distributed from the 4 George Street Centre to support local individuals and families in the lead up to Christmas.

Here is what your donation can provide:

• $20 can provide a meal for an individual

• $50 can feed a couple on Christmas day

• $100 can feed a family of four on Christmas day

With your help, Neighbourhood Hub is aiming to raise $5,000 to help make Christmas a special one for those who need it the most.

If you would like to donate to Neighbourhood Hub’s Christmas Community Appeal for 2022, please email christmas@tnhub.org.au for more information.

Please note that The Neighbourhood Hub is a recognized deductible gift recipient (DGR) for tax purposes.

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Life can’t get much busier than end of year at work, with holidays coming up plus Christmas shopping. Although, there’s one more factor our family can throw in, high school starts next year.

Where did the year go, that my boy us suddenly off to high school? If you remember the night of cyclone Yasi, that’s when he came along. We were in the Mater and I was looking out the window over the Ron Camm Bridge at how nasty it looked outside.

Daycare and Kindy seem like just a few years ago, but the reality is, in just over a year I have a teenager.  

The other thing with high school is it’s really expensive, and that’s just getting ready for it, because there’s no reusing last year’s uniform this year. Shirts, shorts, socks, sports uniform and then there’s the book list.  

I think there might be a computer involved this year or next too.

The best way to go is get it sorted early. From my experience, if you wait until January then something won’t be available, the socks won’t be in supply, the shoes won’t be the right size … I guarantee, something won’t be there, and then you get stressed.

I’m also wondering if this means I need to step up the lunchbox game?

I’m the home cook and sandwich maker, perhaps the days of vegemite sandwiches, ham and cheese will make way for avocado and something (if he branches out from being a slightly fussy eater).

So much to sort out right now before we have a holiday, plus Christmas shopping, but that can wait until December 24 … like every year.

Scotty

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Travelling Film Festival will bring an enthralling program of Australian and International cinema to Mackay this weekend from November 18-20 at BCC Cinemas Mackay Mount Pleasant.

The carefully curated line-up showcases some of the early contenders for the 2023 Academy Awards Best International Feature Film, including Cannes 2022 Grand Prix winner and winner of the Sydney Film Prize ‘Close’ and Kore-eda Hirokazu’s newest masterpiece ‘Broker’.  

“We are excited to come back to Mackay with a fresh, exciting, fun program this November for everyone to enjoy,” said Travelling Film Festival Manager Sanam Rodrigues.

“The program includes the Kiwi comedy Millie Lies Low starring the newly talented actress Ana Scotney as well as The Good Boss, featuring a riveting lead performance from Javier Bardem.

“Don’t miss out!”

Opening the Festival on Friday is ‘Broker’, directed by Japanese auteur Kore-eda Hirokazu, set in Korea where a laundry shop owner pairs up with an employee to go on a delightful and heartbreaking journey to find a good home for an abandoned child.

The festival will close on Sunday with Kiwi comedy ‘Millie Lies Low’ from director Michelle Savill, a cringe-inducing yet thoughtful exploration of imposter syndrome.

Other highlights of the program include the wildly funny and unnerving Spanish dramedy ‘The Good Boss’, where an invasive and controlling factory CEO pursues a prestigious industry award by any means necessary; Slovenian-Australian filmmaker Sara Kern’s debut feature ‘Moja Vesna’, with a magnificent young cast, alongside Australian legend Claudia Karvan, delivering a beautiful story about hope and the importance of family in the midst of overwhelming tragedy; and an inspiring Irish documentary, ‘Young Plato’, where a Northern Ireland primary school teacher changes the lives of his pupils through classical philosophy such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle.

International festival favourites in the program include ‘Close’, a beautiful examination of an intense teen friendship torn asunder, with tremendous lead performances, stunning cinematography, and a pure cinematic tendency to convey emotion without dialogue; and The Passengers Of The Night, a warm family drama set in 1980s Paris where Elisabeth’s life turns upside down until she meets the free-spirit Talulah who’s inspiring confidence has a lasting impact on each of the family members.

Tickets to Travelling Film Festival Mackay are now on sale, with a Flexipass and Full Subscription allowing patrons to watch the whole program and save up to 30%.

For more information and bookings, please visit: https://www.sff.org.au/tff/program/mackay
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‘Broker’ will open the Travelling Film Festival in Mackay tonight

Eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones have won the educational trip of a lifetime, awarded the Premier’s 2023 ANZAC Prize, with one of the gifted students coming from Emerald State High School.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was delighted to announce the winners will visit some of Australia’s most important and historical war sites in Europe.

“This year’s announcement is special,” the Premier said.

“It will be the first group to travel overseas since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.

“It’s wonderful to see the travel component return and for our students to visit sites in London, Prance, and Belgium.

“It will allow the group to see and hear first-hand the ANZAC tradition and become Ambassadors for the ANZAC legacy when they return.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the winners were chosen from 40 high-quality applicants.

“The students will be in years 9 to 12 when they travel in April,” Ms Grace said.

“This really is a life-changing experience.

“It’s an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of our ANZAC history, and to experience the world, and share those experiences with their friends and fellow students.”

Anastasia Maher said she was inspired by her own family’s history.

“My great grandfather, Edward Harold Waters, had also served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front, and a close family friend, Roy Savage, had served with distinction in Vietnam,” Anastasia said.

“These experiences and family ties meant I’ve had a strong connection to the ANZACs my whole life, which in turn motivated me to apply for this exciting opportunity.”

She said she is amazed at how the ANZACs stayed optimistic in horrific circumstances.

“My great grandfather’s involvement in World War I is a part of the ANZAC story that resonates with me. Reading his diary in particular was very moving, knowing that someone so close to me had to endure such hardships,” Anastasia said.

“On this trip, I am looking forward to learning more about the ANZACS with other young Queenslanders who share my same passion.

“I can’t wait to build lifelong friendships and everlasting memories through this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I am also very eager to visit the places that my great grandfather has written about in his diary over a hundred years ago.”

The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Prize is presented in partnership with RSL Queensland, a platinum sponsor for the next three years.

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Anastasia Maher, Emerald State High School

From Finch Hatton to Sarina, Dows Creek to Calen, there are a plethora of performances and events to awaken the Christmas spirit.

Mackay Regional Council has kicked in $7,750 to boost festive celebrations in regional areas like Eungella and Habana.

From carols to community barbecues, movie nights to festive markets and everything in between – the Mackay region will be buzzing with festive fun.

As well as 10 exciting events, Mackay City Band received a $750 grant to perform at a number of community carols and Christmas events like the Rotary Christmas Fair, Habana carols and various retirement village performances.

To qualify for the grants, applicants needed to be not-for-profit organisations and the celebrations had to be open and welcoming to everyone.  

Events supported include:

• Mackay Baptist Church's free community Christmas carols event at Mackay Central State School on Sunday, November 27.

• Finch Hatton Progress Association's community Christmas gathering barbecue including Christmas craft for kids, festive light displays and tree on Wednesday, December 7, at Finch Hatton Park from 4pm to 8pm.

• The Neighbourhood Hub Christmas movie night at either the MECC precinct or Jubilee Park grounds on Saturday, December 17, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

• Mackay Riverside Market with live music, Santa and a Christmas cookie decoration workshop at the Bluewater Quay on Thursday, December 15, from 3pm to 7pm.

• Eungella Community Development Association’s Christmas party for members and families at the Eungella Community Hall on Saturday, December 10.

• Habana and Districts Progress Association’s Carols under the Stars on Saturday, December 17, starting at 7pm. They will also have Christmas tree decorations and crib set-up on Sunday, November 27, from 7.30am.

• Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch will host a Community Christmas Party with barbecue, music (ukulele group) and visit from Santa at Shoal Point Park on Friday, December 9, at 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Calen District War Memorial Hall Association is running a Christmas party with Santa, a bar, barbecue, mini cent sale, free face painting and live music at the Calen District State College on Saturday, December 3, from 6pm to 9pm.

• Dows Creek Hall Committee Inc will have a community Christmas fun afternoon with Christmas Carols Under the Stars with local children in the choir. There will also be children and adult games, water slides, barbecue, snacks and sweets, movie night and a ham wheel. To be held at Dows Creek Hall on Sunday, December 11, from 2pm to 9pm.

• The Mackay Presbyterian Church will run an event including Christmas craft stations, a petting zoo, a sausage sizzle and non-alcoholic drinks, followed by a Christmas concert at the Sarina Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 5pm, with the concert to run from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens along with Star 101.9 will also be hosting Carols in the Gardens on Saturday, December 3, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre.

This year’s event is a combination of Carols in the City and Christmas in the Gardens.

There will be an amusement area and a variety of food stalls to enjoy. Residents are welcome to bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

As the event is being held in the Botanic Gardens, this is an alcohol-free event.

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Carols in the Gardens will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre

You might’ve noticed the logo of your favourite footy club in the milk fridge of the supermarket lately.

The recent collaboration between the North Queensland Cowboys and Kenilworth Dairies has shaken up dairy cabinets in Coles stores throughout north Queensland from Mackay to Cairns.

Cowboys Milk debuted late last month as the National Rugby League’s first officially licenced milk, available from over 20 Coles and Coles Express stores in North Queensland.

Cowboys Chief Executive Jeff Reibel said the first-of-a-kind deal would see the club’s iconic logo appear on two litre Cowboys Milk products, with a percentage of profits donated to the Cowboys Community Foundation.

“The cornerstone of this deal is Kenilworth Dairies commitment to support our Cowboys Community Foundation’s work to improve education, health, employment and social outcomes for disadvantaged young people,” Mr Reibel said.

“A percentage of sales from Cowboys Milk will go directly to our youth programs such as supporting more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who access quality secondary education at our NRL Cowboys House boarding facility.

“The cream on top is that Cowboys Milk will see our brand take pride of place on family dining tables throughout the North.”

Kenilworth Dairies’ Managing Director John Cochrane said the development of Cowboys Milk in collaboration with North Queensland’s football club “just made sense”.

“For over four generations, our family has passionately focused on creating high quality dairy products from milk supplied by family-owned farms in our regional community,” he said.

“This commitment to quality, dependability and community values are qualities we believe Kenilworth Dairies shares with the Cowboys, so it means the world to me to release this product to support the club and the amazing work of its Cowboys Community Foundation.”

“There’s not many things in life that have grown with me from being a young boy to a proud grandfather, but during this time I’ve consumed milk and footy in equal measure which makes our brands a perfect partnership.”

Whip down to selected North Queensland Coles stores to tackle a two litre bottle of full cream or lite Cowboys Milk today.

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Cowboys milk is available across north Queensland. Photo supplied

Three students from Holy Spirit College (HSC) are gearing up to compete in the REA Formula 1 (F1) in Schools National Competition in Penrith in March 2023 following success in the recent State Finals.

F1 in Schools mimics the world of a Formula One team with groups of students following a pathway of engineering manufacturing disciplines to develop the world’s fastest miniature F1 car.

From Monday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 2, two teams from Holy Spirit College competed in the REA F1 in Schools State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.

Team Syphons, comprising of year 10 students Lucas Clelland, Luke Eldridge and Tyler Smith, placed first in the Professional Class – Secondary Senior and qualified for Nationals next year.

Syphons Team Manager Luke Eldridge said F1 has opened up plenty of opportunities for him and his teammates.

“What I really enjoy about the competition is the fact that you can meet people with the same interests in the same area,” he said.

“It’s exciting but there’s definitely a lot of hard work that’s going in.

“We’re hoping to get the most out of what we’ve learnt this year and previous years and really put that all together to get the best experience possible at Nationals.”

Syphons teammate Lucan Clelland said the opportunity has given the team a set of highly desirable and transferable skills.

“Although it is a very educational experience, it is also a highly rewarding and a positive chance to get a glimpse into other schools across the state and the nation, building friendships and having a great time whilst competing.,” he said.

Year 8 students Riley Barretta, Hayden Blines and Henry Lawrence competed for the first time as Team Speed of Light (SOL), finishing fourth and achieving the Chair of Judges Recognition of Achievement for Development Class – Secondary.

Team SOL Chief Marketing Manager Hayden Blines said they learnt a lot from the experience and have high hopes for the future.

“Next year we’re aiming for nationals just like the older boys,” he said.

“We did really well at states, but we’ve just got to improve a few things.

“(Team Syphons) have really shown us the way to do things, especially with sponsors and marketing.

“Most of our team members are aspiring engineers and the STEM field is amazing, there’s plenty of opportunities.”

Peter Mallet, HSC Design & Technologies Teacher, said the school is proud of both teams.

“There is so much more to F1 in Schools than just designing and racing a miniature car and these students have worked so hard to achieve this success,” he said.

“We wish Syphons all the best as they progress to the National Finals.”

Holy Spirit College has been competing in the F1 in Schools Challenge since 2016 and students have now progressed through to National Finals two years in a row.

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Team Syphons L-R Tyler Smith, Luke Eldridge and Lucas Clelland with their F1 car

First time competitors Team SOL L-R Hayden Blines, Henry Lawrence and Riley Barretta. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

After suffering for decades through the hands and words of others, Broken Ballerina Inc. Founder, Jules Thompson, said the lowest point in her life was having her children taken away from her.

“When I finally fled domestic violence in 2012 and had my two little boys with me, it was a turning point,” Jules said.

“But a few months later through dealing with the trauma I had a breakdown, I was institutionalised and thrown in a psych ward in a mental health unit.

“My children were taken away from me and my rights as a parent taken away,” Jules said.

“I was mislabelled, misjudged, drugged, and my children were handed back to our abuser to be re-abused.

“That was my lowest point, losing my children and having nothing left in this world.”

Her book, Broken Ballerina, covers her history of abuse through domestic violence and how she fought her way out of the lowest point of her life. Jules celebrated her book launch last weekend at the Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre and says it does have a happy ending.

“My book is full of lessons learned and I hope it empowers people,” Jules said.

“I want to show people that whether they struggle with drugs or alcohol, if they are being abused or dealing with another traumatic situation, there is hope and there is help.

“I’m proof that you can turn your life around and become whatever you choose to be.”

Jules wrote most of the book in 2016 and then recently added to it before it was published.

“I came up with the title in a Kenworth truck that Pete was driving as we travelled through the middle of Australia. The name Broken Ballerina, it just came to me in a moment.”

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Jules Thompson launched her book, Broken Ballerina, last weekend at Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre. Photo: Amanda Wright

Mackay’s Broken Ballerina is able to dance another day thanks to a generous grant from CommBank.

The local Mackay not-for-profit which supports victims of domestic violence was one of 200 community organisations set to receive a $10,000 donation from CommBank as part of the CommBank Staff Foundation’s Community Grants program.

The $10,000 grant will allow Broken Ballerina to continue offering this vital local service and assisting those who are re-starting their lives after getting out of an abusive relationship.

The multi-million-dollar pool is made up of regular contributions by CommBank staff which are matched by the bank, and this year’s program builds on CommBank’s 100+ year history of supporting the community.

Through its Staff Foundation, CommBank employees nominate the charities they’re most passionate about to receive funding.

Liz Geisler, Branch Manager at Commonwealth Bank in Caneland Shopping Centre said, “We’re incredibly thankful to these inspiring organisations that are creating a brighter future in communities across Australia.

“The CommBank Staff Foundation is proud to support them to continue the amazing work they are doing and driving positive change.”

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Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina celebrated a $10,000 donation from CommBank with Liz Geisler (Branch Manager) and her team from CommBank Caneland Branch

The 2022 Annual Area 14 Toastmasters Conference and Speech Contests were hosted by Calen Canefields Club and held at Calen District State College Library on Saturday November 12, 2022.

Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the speech contests with the theme of the conference being “Stepping Up”.

There were four speech contests: Table Topics and Evaluation that are not prepared speeches, and International and Humorous are 5-to-7-minute speeches.

Content is your own choice but must be original.

Lynne O’Neill won the Evaluation Speech Contest representing Eyeopener Club and the International Speech Contest representing Calen Canefields Club.

Bert Pulman representing Pioneer Club won the Table Topics Speech Contest and Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest representing Mackay Regional Council Club.

All speeches were closely contested and were of a high standard with varied content and were a delight and entertaining to listen to.

Trophies were presented to Lynne O’Neill representing Calen Canefields Club as winner of the International Speech Contest, Pioneer Toastmaster Club as the overall winner of points and Mackay Regional Council Club as winner of the travel trophy.

The winners from Area 14 will now compete at the Northern Division Conference which will be held in Mackay on April 1, 2023.

Contributed by Gary Minter

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Lynne O’Neill accepting the International Speech Contest Ken and Norma Stewart Trophy from Area Director Gary Minter

Second from the left Bert Pulman won the Table Topics Contest

Middle Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest

Members from Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the contests. Photos supplied

Mackay locals are set to unwrap a special Christmas celebration at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this year.

Christmas is only just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s acceptable to play Love Actually on repeat.

But this year, The MECC is offering a twist on the classic film, wrapped up into a must-see live experience.

On Saturday 3 December, The MECC will be home to “Christmas Actually”, a live concert experience delivering hits from the 2003 British Christmas-themed romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’.

Featuring an all-star cast led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, the performance includes smash hit songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a band of Australia’s top musicians and superstar vocalists.

“We’re so excited to bring a celebration of an iconic Christmas classic to Mackay,” said acting Manager of MECC and Events, Jemma Carey.

Described by Limelight Magazine as “a sure-fire hit that has kept audiences coming, and returning for years”, the show has high-energy performances that will fill your soul with warmth and Christmas cheer.

“We wanted to create a unique Christmas celebration for friends and work colleagues to wrap up the year,” Miss Carey said.

“Airlie Beach band, Flying Double Front Kick will provide the post show entertainment that will have you dancing the night away”, added Miss Carey.

Along with individual tickets, tables of four, eight and ten are available with the option to purchase catering selections during the show.

For a little extra fun, a Christmas package is available where patrons receive a glass of champagne and an array of festive food selections with their tickets.

What: Christmas Actually

When: Saturday 3 December 2022, 7pm

Where: MECC Plenary Halls Civic Precinct Alfred Street  

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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A dazzling premiere at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. Photo Credit John McRae