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Congratulations to the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) on receiving a Magpies Thriving Communities Grant!

RAAG is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce road crashes in the Mackay, Isaac, and Bowen Basin regions. Formed in 2002 by emergency services personnel and community members affected by road trauma, RAAG delivers targeted road safety campaigns and advocates for safer road use.

With this grant, RAAG will launch the “Be Seen, Be Safe” initiative - promoting visibility for walkers, joggers, and cyclists exercising near roads, especially during early mornings and evenings in winter.

The project will fund the purchase of reflective snapbands, which RAAG will distribute for free at events like Park Run, River to Reef, Zach Mach, and CQ Emergency Services Day. These bands help make road users more visible, improving safety and awareness throughout the community.

Magpies is proud to support this vital road safety initiative. Congratulations!
#MagpiesCommunityGrants #MagpiesCommunity

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Congratulations to Engedi on receiving a Magpies Thriving Communities Grant!🖤

Established in Mackay in 1985, Engedi is a not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering people of all abilities to live fulfilling lives. With a strong focus on dignity, inclusion, and individual worth, Engedi supports over 150 participants through life skills programs including cooking, social outings, music therapy, and more.

With the support of this grant, Engedi will create an accessible community garden for people with disabilities and elderly residents in Beaconsfield and surrounding areas. The garden will promote healthy living by providing organic produce, reducing food costs, and encouraging movement and exercise in a safe, inclusive space.

The project also aims to boost mental health, reduce isolation, and foster connection across generations. Designed with accessibility in mind - raised beds, wide paths, and adaptive tools - the garden will offer opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and social interaction for all abilities.

Magpies is proud to support this meaningful community initiative.
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants

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🎉 Our Biggest Morning Tea is sold out but there`s still a way to get involved and support a great cause- enter our Biggest Morning Tea Raffle and go in the draw to win some incredible prizes!

💙 Yeti Esky
💙 Endure Cube Charcoal BBQ
💙 $100 Magpies Gift Card
💙 $150 worth of Coles Gift Voucher
💙 Gordon`s Beach Tent
💙 Moscato & Chocolate Baskets
💙 @rollette Cakes Gift Voucher

Tickets are available at reception now, all money raised will be donated to Cancer Council.

#MagpiesCommunity

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Congratulations to Mackay Mens Shed on receiving a Magpies Thriving Communities Grant!🔨

Mackay Men`s Shed provides a safe, supportive space where men can share knowledge, learn new skills, connect through conversation, and find purpose through hands-on workshop projects. Members are welcome to work on community initiatives, Shed projects, or their own creations - at their own pace and in the spirit of mate-ship.

They are a standalone organisation and rely solely on the sale of handmade items, donations, and sponsorships. Their members - mostly retired workers from mining, sugar, and related industries, as well as veterans and Indigenous men - share a desire to stay active and engaged.

This grant will help to replace their most essential tool: the Slide Mitre Saw. After years of daily use, it’s finally wearing out. They are excited to invest in a new one to keep the shed running strong for years to come!
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #ThrivingCommunitiesGrant

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Congratulations to Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay on receiving a Magpies Thriving Communities Grant!⭐️

Disabled Sport & Rec Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation run by passionate locals, dedicated to providing inclusive sport and recreation opportunities in the Mackay region. Their weekly programs support people of all abilities to build fitness, confidence, skills, and community connections through activities like wheelchair basketball, dancing, indoor bowls, and fun fitness sessions.

The grant will fund court hire for a new specialised training program supporting elite wheelchair basketball athletes in the Mackay region. These athletes compete in state, national, and international competitions but often miss out on regular training due to distance from Brisbane-based teams.

Led by experienced coach Peter Sumpter, this program ensures they receive tailored training aligned with the National Wheelchair Basketball League standards. Magpies is proud to support inclusive, high-impact initiatives that help local athletes thrive.
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrant #ThrivingCommunitiesGrant

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Congratulations to Amali Paganoni on receiving a Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant!🏑

Amali has been passionate about hockey since she first picked up a stick at age 7, and making a Queensland team had long been one of her dreams. In 2024, that dream became a reality when she was selected to represent Queensland for the first time.

Since then, Amali has proudly earned selection in two Queensland Indoor Hockey Teams and one Outdoor Team.

In January 2025, she competed at the Hockey Australia Women’s U18 Indoor Championships, where she grew stronger with each game, helping her team to a 7th place finish nationally.

The Magpies Community Grant helped ease the financial pressure on Amali and her family, contributing to costs such as travel, accommodation, and registration for the championships.

We’re so proud to support Amali and wish her all the best as she continues her indoor hockey journey!
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #WomenInSport #HockeyPro

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We presented @orangeskyauMackay with a donation of $1,291, the proceeds of our Easter Hamper Raffle. Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets for this cause. Orange Sky is a wonderful organisation providing free laundry, warm showers, and genuine conversation to those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
#MagpiesCommunity

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Congratulations to Izsak Barbeler on receiving a Local Sporting Champion Grant! 🏑

Izsak’s journey in representative hockey began in 2023 when he was selected for the U13 Boys Queensland Field Hockey Team, competing in Newcastle. That same year, he was also chosen for the U13 Boys Queensland Indoor Hockey Team, competing in Canberra.

In 2024, Izsak once again earned selection for both the Queensland Outdoor and Indoor Hockey Teams, representing his state in Perth and Canberra. He was also honoured with the role of Co-Captain for the Indoor Team.

Adding to an already impressive year, Izsak was selected for the Capricornia School Hockey Team and was one of only eight players invited to attend the U16 Queensland State Squad trials, based on his standout performance in Perth. From those trials, he was named a Shadow Player for the 2025 Queensland U16 Team.

Thanks to the Magpies Community Grant, Izsak and his family received valuable support to help cover expenses including registration, accommodation, travel, and car hire for the Hockey Australia U14 Indoor Championships.

Magpies wishes Izsak every success in his sporting journey!
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #LocalSportingChampion #HockeyPro

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Congratulations to Aston Paganoni on receiving a Magpies Local Sporting Champion Grant!🏏

Aston has achieved outstanding success in hockey, having been selected for 3 Outdoor and 4 Indoor Hockey Queensland teams. Most recently, he represented Queensland at the 2025 Hockey Australia Boys U16 Indoor Championships, where his team had an incredible proudly finished 2nd in the nation! 🥈

The Magpies Local Sporting Champion Grant helped support Aston and his family by covering essential expenses such as registration, flights, and accommodation for the championships.

Well done, Aston - your dedication and talent continue to shine! #MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #LocalSportingChampion #HockeyPro

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Congratulations to The Neighbourhood Hub on receiving a Magpies Thriving Communities Grant!

As Mackay’s largest locally managed community organisation, The Neighbourhood Hub supports over 14,000 people annually across two centres. With 11 vital programs - including family support, financial counselling, migrant support, and food assistance - the Hub is a pillar of connection for those facing hardship or social isolation.

In 2024 alone, the Hub served over 7,800 people with food support, provided 2,340 hot meals, and helped 24 migrants get closer to their Queensland driver’s license.

With the help of this grant, they’ll be purchasing an outdoor chess set for their 4 George Street backyard- a welcoming space where all ages can connect, play, and build lasting social ties.

We’re proud to support a project that brings people together through fun, strategy, and community spirit. 🖤#ThrivingCommunitiesGrant #MagpiesCommunityGrants #MagpiesCommunity

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Congratulations to Zara Richardson on receiving a Magpies Time to Shine Women in Sport Grant! 🏊‍♀️

Zara has been competing in Surf Lifesaving for 6 years, taking part in both State and National competitions. Passionate about long-distance endurance events, she continues to seek out challenges- even when opportunities are limited locally.

Some of Zara’s standout achievements include:

🏆 2023 Princess of the River – 5km Pioneer River swim: 1st female, 2nd overall
🏆1st – 2024 Mackay Harbour Beach 5km Women’s Winter Solstice Swim
🏆2nd – Magnetic Island to Townsville 8.5km team swim
🏆1st – 2024 Zach Mach 10km Women’s Ski Race
🏆3-time competitor in the Australian Surf Lifesaving 2km open water swim
🏆2nd – Champion Lifesaver at 2023 QLD Surf Rescue State Champs

At the recent 2024 Queensland State Endurance Champs, Zara competed in all U17 events, earning:
2nd – 4km beach run, 5th – 2km ocean swim, 9th – 4km board race, 10th – 6km ski race.

With limited local access to endurance events, travel is often required. The Time to Shine grant is helping support Zara’s journey as she continues to excel in the sport she loves.
#MagpiesCommunityGrants #MagpiesCommunity #TimeToShine #WomenInSport

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Congratulations to @liveslivedwell on receiving a Magpies Thriving Communities Grant!💚

Lives Lived Well is a community-based nonprofit supporting individuals affected by alcohol and drug addiction. Their Day Program offers structured, evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment, helping clients on their journey to recovery through counselling, detox support, and therapeutic activities.

With the help of this grant, Lives Lived Well will launch a therapeutic gardening program, giving clients the opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and experience the mental health benefits of outdoor activity. Gardening encourages mindfulness, teamwork, and a sense of achievement - boosting self-esteem and aiding long-term recovery.

The program will include weekly sessions, hands-on workshops, and the development of sustainable gardens. Participants will plant, grow, and harvest flowers, herbs, and vegetables, building resilience and community along the way.

We’re proud to support a project that helps individuals heal, grow, and reconnect - with themselves and others. #MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #ThrivingCommunitiesGrant

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❤️💚 This morning, we proudly presented a $4,662 donation to Sarina JRL who recently lost everything when a horror fire destroyed their sports shed.

Thank you to our members for their assistance - $2 from every new and renewed Magpies membership in March was donated, plus an additional $1,000 from Magpies. We hope this helps Sarina JRL rebuild and replace what was lost in the fire to get their 350+ young players back to playing footy!

Thanks to @ClubsQueensland for facilitating.
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesMembers #CommunityClubs #JuniorRugbyLeague #SarinaJRL #Donation

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Attention local charities! 🚨

Want to be one of our Membership Pledge Recipients for 2025/26? With every new Magpies membership, we donate $2 to one of four charities - chosen by our members!

Each financial year, we select four new charities to support, and the more members who choose your charity, the more funds you’ll receive.

📅 Applications close 31st May – don’t miss your chance!
👉 Apply now: https://www.magpiesmackay.com.au/membership-pledge.../

#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesMembershipPledges

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♟Congratulations to Pascoe Gould on receiving a Local Sporting Champion Grant!

Pascoe recently competed at the 2024 Queensland Chess Inter-School State Finals after qualifying through a series of three competitions held in Mackay earlier this year. Representing @stpatsmackay, Pascoe’s team placed second overall - securing their spot at the state championships.

A dedicated chess player, Pascoe practices weekly at home and during school lunch breaks. At the state finals, he won 5 out of 6 games and was named the Secondary Open Regional Board 2 Winner. His longest game lasted an impressive 2 hours and 50 minutes!

The Magpies Community Grant helped support Pascoe and his family by contributing to the costs of attending the tournament, including flights to Brisbane and accommodation. The 2 event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase his skills on the state stage.

Well done, Pascoe!
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #LocalSportingChampion #ChessChampion

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💙💵 Attention talented local sports people and local charity organisations, quarter 2 of Magpies Community Grants has just opened on our website: www.magpiesmackay.com.au/community-grants
Seize the opportunity and apply now!
#MagpiesCommunityGrants #MagpiesCommunity

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Congratulations to local cricket talent Lucy Wiggins, recipient of the Magpies Time To Shine Women in Sport Grant. 🏏

Lucy is a passionate cricketer, playing in the U13 boys’ comp, the girls’ Friday night league, and as a fill-in for the open ladies Komatsu T20 side. She’s proudly represented Mackay Whitsunday for 3 years and played for the Capricornia School Girls team at state level.

In December Lucy competed at the 2024 Queensland Junior Cricket State Championship – U15 Northern Hub in Rockhampton, finishing in the top 2 bowlers for wickets taken!

Magpies Community Grant has helped to support Lucy’s journey - helping cover travel, accommodation, carnival fees, and time off work for her Mum. Congratulations Lucy!
#MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrants #WomenInSport #TimeToShine

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Congratulations to Liana Herrington on receiving a Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant!

Earlier in 2024, Liana placed 3rd at both the National Championships in Adelaide and the QLD School State Championships for pole vault. In last December, she competed at the Chemist Warehouse National All Schools Championships, finishing 4th with a new personal best of 2.55m.

The Magpies grant helped supported Liana and her family with travel expenses including flights, accommodation, transport, and competition fees to attend the championships.

We’re proud to support Liana in her athletic journey and wish her all the best as she continues to soar in pole vault! #MagpiesCommunity #MagpiesCommunityGrant

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Congratulations Lucas Appleton on receiving a Magpies Local Sporting Champion Grant!🏏

Lucas discovered cricket in 2023 and quickly developed a strong passion for the game. A dedicated spin bowler, he trains consistently and eagerly takes part in every clinic, camp and session available.

Last October, Lucas represented his region at the 10–12 Years Boys Cricket State Championship. He performed with confidence across T20 and 40-over matches, showing solid skills in both bowling and batting. The experience helped him grow not only as a player, but also in sportsmanship and teamwork.

Thanks to support from the Magpies Community Grants, Lucas and his family received assistance for the cost of traveling to the Gold Coast for the championships and attend key training sessions in Townsville.
#MagpiesCommunity #LocalSportingChampion #MagpiesCommunityGrants