MACKAY and Hay Point communities will soon benefit from two $5,000 sponsorships awarded by their local Port Community Reference Groups.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation provides each CRG with an opportunity to nominate initiatives that will benefit their communities environmentally, cultural or socially.
NQBP CEO and CRG chair Nicolas Fertin said this year’s sponsorships will see exercise markers put on the Southern Breakwater to promote community wellbeing and work to complete the Memorial Wall at Half Tide Beach.
“The Mackay CRG voted to support a public health and wellbeing project where the community could track their exercise along the length of the Breakwater.
“We know that walking is one of the best ways to look after your health and keep physically active. What better way to mark off your progress than with a walk along the beautiful Breakwater, with its views of the Marina, the ocean and of course the ever changing scenes of Mackay’s working port.
“We think the breakwater step markers are a great idea, and over the coming weeks we will work with stakeholders to scope up the project.”
The Hay Point CRG unanimously supported the nomination to sponsor the Half Tide Radio Base, with the funds enabling for the purchase of plaques required to complete the Memorial Wall at the Half Tide Cenotaph at Hay Point.
“NQBP and the CRG appreciates the Cenotaph is a place of great importance to the local community as it honours community members who have served and died in war and the servicemen and women of past and present,” Mr Fertin said.
Hay Point CRG community representative and Half Tide radio base member Tom Andrews said the community greatly appreciated the $5,000 NQBP grant to purchase the bronze plaques to complete the Memorial Wall at Half Tide Beach.
“This Memorial has been many years in the making and gives Veterans, Ex Service personnel and their families a place where they can come and reflect on their mates, themselves and family members who served and gave their all,” Mr Andrews said.
“This is a prime example of how big industries such as North Queensland Bulk Ports, Hay Point Coal Services, Dalrymple Coal Terminal and the community can come together to be great neighbours and complete projects such as this.”
The CRGs bring together a range of representatives from Mackay Regional Council, local business, port industry, and indigenous, community and recreational groups.
