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Subscriber only CHRISTMAS is seen as a time of celebration for many residents across the Mackay region, but for some the season is not as festive as they would hope. Financial strains and an inability to be with loved ones are just a few of the hardships some residents are facing this holiday season. It is with that in mind, that local charities are working hard to bring the gift of Christmas to those who need it most.
Mackay Women s Centre Detective Inspector Nikki Colfs, Rosie Batty and Dr Anne Butcher at the Mackay Women s Service. Picture: File
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More Australians now feel a greater degree of connection for the Christmas period and have more plans than in past years despite the lingering impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many have turned to the community to make new connections to reduce isolation.
Research from Red Cross found more people were feeling grateful and were making extra efforts to connect.
Red Cross director of volunteering Penny Harrison said the results from the research showed remarkable levels of resilience.
Ms Harrison said the elderly and unemployed were still struggling to make connections and plans for Christmas.
“The pandemic has absolutely tested us,” Ms Harrison said.
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Subscriber only A new digital story has premiered in Mackay to give hope and empowerment to women of all backgrounds and walks of life. Mackay migrant women created World Faces, a short digital story to share their stories of coming to and settling in Australia, overcoming challenges and celebrating their achievements. The video premiered at the Mackay Women s Centre on Thursday. It combines four stories of migration as told by Salome Klayen (Papua New Guinea), Loma Lelliott (Fiji), Carmen (Chile) and Kams (Fiji), who have been calling Mackay home for a number of years now. Participants in the World Faces digital story.