With December literally upon us and Christmas around the corner, a quick reflection on an amazing and unprecedented 12 months.

This time last year, we were frantically completing vaccinations, struggling to comply with and arguing about government mandates and borders were on the brink of opening up with normality almost within grasp. Since that time, we have been swamped by some of the best business conditions ever experienced locally.

Despite rampant COVID numbers in the first quarter, every sector experienced unprecedented and sustained growth with tourism flourishing on all fronts, building and real estate sales booming and all service and retail sectors travelling well, hampered only by staffing and accommodation issues.

We have had changes of government federally including our local federal member, a new mayor and now a December election for a new Division 2 councillor.

The chamber hosted a meet the candidates forum on Monday evening giving the business and general community a chance to meet and chat to the four candidates. After opening addresses and answering a series of pre-submitted questions, it was clear that we have some extremely passionate and well-intentioned candidates.

Interesting, without going into specifics, all candidates had quite similar views on most of the hot topics in both Division 2 and the region more broadly. It is safe to say that the candidate’s position aligned fairly closely with the preferences of broader community meaning the residents and businesses in Division 2 will be well.

The choice for voters comes down not so much to policies, but who they feel has the experience, time and drive to be an effective councillor. The chamber thanks the candidates for their time on Monday and wishes them all good luck on Saturday. We are grateful to have the option to pick from some quality candidates.

From Allan Milostic, President of Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce.

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A series of information sessions were held in Cannonvale and Bowen this week in an effort to give individuals working in the beauty industry the knowledge and resources to best deal with disclosures of domestic or sexual violence.

Owner of The Beauty Room Airlie Beach, Charlotte Greenwood, attended a session and said that she understands how important it is to know how to respond.

“When you find your ‘beauty person’ you tend to go to the same one every time and this creates friendship and trust,” she said.

“You end up knowing everything about them and people feel comfortable to disclose.

“Although I haven’t had a serious disclosure yet, I came here today to find out about the signs to look for and how to respond.”

The two-hour information sessions were held by Whitsunday Counselling and Support (WCS) who actively work within the community to provide services such as the Women’s Refuge.

“This project is just brilliant,” said Poppy Annear, Women’s Refuge Coordinator.

“Often it’s the final step that’s the hardest and encouraging them to make the final move.”

During the information sessions attendees were given tools to best respond to disclosures and advised on how to emotionally process hearing about the trauma.

They also received resources for their business detailing referral pathways.

Amanda Jensen from WCS facilitated the sessions and says she is happy to come to any salon or beauty parlour in the Whitsundays to give the same free talk to anyone who is interested in upskilling their team to handle disclosures.

Poppy Annear, Women’s Refuge Coordinator, with owner of The Beauty Room Airlie Beach, Charlotte Greenwood and Whitsunday Counselling and Support Manager, Amanda Jensen. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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It’s time: Let’s Go Crazy! Because one of Australia’s biggest R&B artists, with a career spanning three decades, is bringing his dedication to The Artist (Formerly Known as Prince) to the Airlie Beach Hotel in December.

Andrew De Silva, the famed R&B and Rock singer who exploded onto the scene in the ‘90s as the leading member of CBD (famous for their platinum award winning cover of ‘Let’s Groove’, amongst other hits) and returned to the limelight as winner of 2012’s Australia’s Got Talent, is making his way to ‘The Pub’ for two shows next weekend.

On Saturday, December 10, Andrew will take to the stage in a heartfelt tribute to the music of one of the 21st Century’s greatest musicians and icons, Prince.

Get on your Raspberry Berets and head to locals’ favourite local and see De Silva, a multi-platinum, ARIA award winner, join forces with Australia’s leading musicians to take audiences on a funk-filled, electrifying musical journey through the life of Prince.

To say that Andrew is a musician who has “done it all” is an understatement. His storied career at the top of the Australian music world saw him receive countless vocal comparisons to Prince and led to him putting together his band Purple Revolution – a tribute to the diminutive star which has been pegged as “One of the best going around” and like “Born again Prince”.

From stadiums to theatre shows and solo acoustic sessions, Andrew has proven time and again that he is a seasoned performer that simply entices the crowd with his voice and musicianship.

Andrew’s Prince Show promises to bring you the songs, entertainment, the energy, and the individuality that is His Royal Badness. It’s the entire experience of Prince’s discography: From his albums I Wanna Be Your Lover to Diamonds and Pearls and Purple Rain. Every song from Around the World in a Day, Paisley Park, and Kiss – there’s no stone Andrew won’t uncover in this free, two-hour show.

And that’s just half of what Andrew is offering in his two-day extravaganza. From Saturday’s Prince performance, he’ll return, transforming from the iconic artist back to himself on Sunday to play his own repertoire of famous tunes.

He’s a true artist, always evolving, and is proving that his sound and style is still on the pulse. Don’t miss him performing his back catalogue as well as his latest single What’s Up What’s Down.

Catching Andrew with his band or as a solo artist is pure world class entertainment. The R&B and Soul specialist is versatile, able to win over any audience, and will never disappoint.

Don’t miss Andrew De Silva when he arrives at The Pub for a Saturday afternoon show as Prince, and when he returns as himself on Sunday at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

WHAT: Andrew De Silva’s ‘Dedication To Prince’ and ‘Andrew De Silva & Band’

WHEN: 2.00pm to 5.30pm on both Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Andrew De Silva is bringing Prince to The Pub with his Dedication to The Artist in December

De Silva will be making two performances over two days at The Airlie Beach Hotel, one as himself and one as Prince

Andrew has a long career in the Australian Music scene, most famously as a member of CBD

When Black Panther arrived in theatres in 2018, black audiences felt they had been given their mainstream cinema voice. Marvel, at the height of its powers, had given their culture the platform it deserved.

There had been arthouse films before it, like 2016’s Moonlight, or more mainstream ventures like Jordan Peele’s Get Out, and audiences were experiencing a renaissance for black cinema – particularly the American kind. But Black Panther was the one that picked up the ball, and Marvel had a touchdown. A huge commercial and critical success and following it up was always going to be a challenge.

What doubled the difficulty of the task was the death of Black Panther’s star, Chadwick Boseman.

Ryan Coogler, who returns to direct Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is hyper aware of this. He has a balancing act that now demands several things: The action needs to be exceptional, the stakes higher, the culture vibrant, and it needs to be a poignant tribute. But, of course, if that weren’t difficult enough, Coogler is tasked with maintaining the tired Marvel demand that all things must serve The Franchise.

The Franchise demands toy sales, it demands comic sales, it demands more box-office, more tie-ins, more sequels. And so, here we are, two years removed from Boseman’s death with a sequel that, yes, audiences asked for. But was it in this circumstance?

I don’t think any director would envy him for the tearing pain the directions his studio, his actors, and his conscience were tugging him in throughout production.

How does Black Panther: Wakanda Forever fair, though? Its performances are its beating heart; its actors are grieving and the moments where Boseman is remembered are its most remarkable and touching. That heart is surrounded by a standard Marvel film body. One that is serviceable but could have been much more had Coogler been free of commercial constraints. Grief overshadows this superhero sequel.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-13) is showing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, December 3.

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is serviceable Marvel cinema with a strong, sombre story at its core

Visiting 20 different venues up and down the East Coast, the Festival of Small Halls brings some of the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists from as far afield as Prince Edward Island, Canada, and as close as Byron Bay, to the McKenna Hall in Bowen this Wednesday night.

A celebration of soulful sounds and great company, this rich and vibrant touring festival sees halls of every shape and size flung open for an event which is dedicated to bringing quality music to regional communities.

For the for the past 30 years, music lovers have been enjoying The Festival of Small Halls, an opportunity for everyone to gather for an evening of music, cakes, tea and neighbours.

Having departed Mount Mee on November 16, the tour featured at the Queenscliff Music Festival before its stop in Bowen and will travel on to conclude at the Woodford Folk Festival on January 1.

Bowen will be its northernmost venue.

Famous for their larger-than-life music festivals, Woodfordia Inc. are the creators of the event which always features at least one Australian act and a touring international band.

This year they present Byron Bay-based folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham, whose repertoire has progressed alongside her life experience.

Growing from her American/folk roots into alternative pop with fierce storytelling and rich

soaring vocals, Sam’s live show combines vocal looping with guitar into a dynamic and intimate performance.

"To be back touring again after two years of stops, starts and a lot of waiting has felt magical,” said Sam.

“To then be invited to work with legendary Small Halls tour feels like a dream. I've seen my friends play these shows, and heard them rave about the beautiful shows, the incredible team, and the lovely people they meet along the way. I'm honoured to become a part of this nationwide family."

A young trad-folk trio, Inn Echo, from Prince Edward Island in Canada are also featuring.

Blending hundred-year-old traditional tunes with contemporary arrangements and originals that have been enchanting audiences across the Pacific, their music is captivating and beautifully crafted.

Each member hails from a different town and they each blend their individual experiences into this project.

“We are beyond excited to bring our music to Australia for the first time as part of the Festival of Small Halls!” said the group.

WHAT: Festival of Small Halls

WHEN: Wednesday, December 7

WHERE: McKenna Hall Bowen

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Byron Bay based folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham

Trad-folk trio, Inn Echo, from Prince Edward Island in Canada

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Qui Nguyen coats his animated feature with world-building, transforming what is ostensibly a standard narrative into an exceptionally poignant, visually gorgeous, and thoroughly jubilant tale in a vibrant world. The writer-director has crafted a heartfelt and humorous ode to classic, pulp action-adventure comics of old with his 2022 animated film Strange World.

In terms of script, there is the old familiar framework: An emotional tale of an estranged father and son, and the legacy and expectation our previous generations can leave behind. It borrows heavily from classical works like Jules Verne’s ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’, as well as Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, but there is a complexity, comedic, and contemporary feel that elevates Strange World from its pulpy premise.

We follow Jake Gyllenhaal’s Searcher Clade, the son of legendary explorer Jaeger. Gyllenhaal is our audience vehicle – an everyman character – but his complexity comes from his relationship with his father, played with roguish charm by Dennis Quaid. Jaeger disappeared on an unchartered adventure in year’s past, and now Searcher is heading on a similar trip, torn from his normal home-life by a sense of generational duty. He takes with him Ethan, his son played in earnest and humorous manner by Jaboukie Young-White, who definitively steals the show. When Jaeger, believed to be dead, is found living as a Crusoe-esque figure in a manic, goopy world of alien lifeforms, generations collide and are forced to reconcile with emotional trauma.

A film of stunning beauty – pushing the envelope on animations malleable form – Strange World is at its core an age-old message that is a more than welcome revival. Charming and disarming, the film is a triumph and the best animated feature of the year with a heart of gold.

Strange World opens tonight at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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Strange World is a visually gorgeous animated feature with a message of bettering our world

When Tia Gostelow visited Times Square for the first time earlier this year, she never imagined her face would be displayed across the towering electronic billboards mere months later.

The indie-pop darling, who started her music career in Mackay, was spotted on the iconic big screens of New York City over the weekend after being selected in YouTube’s Black Voices Class of 2023.

The US$100 million multi-year initiative was introduced by YouTube Music in 2020 to provide emerging Black creatives with resources needed to maximise their success on the platform.

Only 40 musicians were selected in the class of 2023 and only three from Australia: A.B. Original, BLESSED and Tia.

“You never really think you’ll get into things like this, so it was pretty unreal to be selected,” said Tia.

“Being able to work directly with YouTube and learn all of their tips straight from the source is probably the most exciting part.

“We also get to do co-writing, so being able to write with people from the States and people I probably wouldn’t have been able to meet or do a session with, that’s also an extremely exciting part of it.”

Tia’s face appeared on the New York City billboard as part of the initiative and will also appear on billboards in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and Nashville.

“It was insane,” she said.

“After going there, and then actually seeing my face up on the billboard in that photo, I could realise how big of a deal it actually is.

“It’s something that I never thought my face would be on, to be honest.”

Tia posted a photo of the billboard on her social media and received supportive messages from far and wide.

“The reaction from everyone, especially people in Mackay, people that have supported me for so long, it was really overwhelming,” she said.

“Just seeing how far it spread and all the people that were messaging me and responding, it was just a great feeling.”

Tia says the selection comes at a great time, as she has recently finished recording her third album and looks forward to utilising the platform in the album’s release.

“I’m about to release a single as well, so being able to get these one-on-one sessions with someone from YouTube, showing me how to market everything properly and make the most out of releases, it’s just a really exciting part,” she said.

“The end half of this year has been really productive compared to the last three years, so it feels like things are starting to move and releases are coming, so I’m really excited for what next year holds.”

‘Say It To My Face’, the first single from Tia Gostelow’s third album, will be out on Thursday December 1.

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With the PBR Australia 2022 season finale happening this weekend, a couple of Mackay locals will once again take centre stage at the toughest sport on dirt.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson and Jason Dittmann are two of Mackay and the Whitsundays most famous names in bull riding and will be joining the 22 riders in the arena at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Mr Dittmann is the man behind the powerhouse operation, Dittmann Bucking Bulls, which has dominated the PBR arena with a strong stable of bucking bulls.

“It’s been a solid season and we’re lucky to have a handful of young bulls coming through that have been on the tour for a couple of years and are really starting to hit their straps,” Mr Dittmann said.

Mr Dittmann is set to take a sweep of awards at the Grand Finals in Townsville next week with Bull of the Year, Contractor of the Year and Highest Earning Bull seemingly already stitched up by the Bloomsbury local.

“We are really excited to hit Townsville for the Grand Finals,” he said.

“It’s one of our favourite events of the year.

“We have had some unforgettable memories in that arena so hopefully all the boys do their job.”

As one of the sport’s most decorated Protection Athletes, Mr Simpson returned to the PBR arena in 2021 after an eight-year hiatus.

In 2022, he played a pivotal role protecting the human athletes from the bovine athletes at 10 different events and looks forward to returning to Townsville for the Grand Finals.

“I just love what I do,” Mr Simpson said.

“Being in there, fighting bulls with great blokes makes the job so much easier.

“I also love the physical challenges of the sport.

“I think the finals this year are going to be off tap with a lot of energy and great bull rides.”

With a career spanning three decades, Mr Simpson remained coy about whether he will be making a return in 2023.

“It might be the last time you see me… but I’m not 100 percent on that yet,” he laughs.

Mr Dittmann and “Maddog” will take to the ring at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals this weekend, November 25 and 26, at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

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The Valley Spinners and Craft Group held its Christmas function recently at the Railway Hotel in Marian.

The special day was made more personal with members exchanging hand-made craft gifts.

The group has been a local favourite for sharing craft techniques for more than four decades. In 2024 it will celebrate its 45th year. Members meet on the first Monday and the third Saturday of each month.

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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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