Engedi Mackay

16/02/2026

🌟 Indigenous Apprenticeships Program 2026 – Applications Now Open! 🌟

The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP) is now taking applications for 2026, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a supported pathway into a career with the Australian Public Service.
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to start meaningful, long‑term employment — no degree or prior work experience needed.

✨ What the program offers:
• Full‑time work with a competitive salary and great benefits
• A 12‑month paid apprenticeship
• A nationally recognised certificate or diploma
• Opportunities across capital cities and many regional areas
• Support from an Indigenous mentor
• On‑the‑job training while helping make a difference in the lives of everyday Australians

🗓 Applications are open from 2 February to 12 March 2026.
📍 To apply or learn more, visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/IAP
Feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested — it’s a wonderful chance to build skills, confidence and a strong career pathway. 💛

12/02/2026

🌼 Upcoming Dementia Together Retreat & Community Events 🌼

We’d like to share some information passed on to us by Jarrod, one of the Case Managers for the Dementia Together Program in Mackay. Their team will be hosting the first Dementia Together Retreat from 3–5 March 2026, along with two community events — and they’re inviting local health professionals, service providers, and community members to get involved.

🩺 Health Professional Networking Session – 3 March
On the evening of Tuesday, 3 March, Dementia Together will host a special session at Harrup Park for healthcare professionals.
This session will include:
• An introduction to the Dementia Together program
• Opportunities to network and collaborate
• Guest speakers and panel contributions
• Information on supporting people living with dementia in our region
All health professionals are welcome.

🌟 Community Showcase – 5 March
Held on Thursday afternoon, 5 March, this session is open to anyone wanting to learn more about dementia.
It’s ideal for:
• Aged care providers
• NDIS Support Coordinators & LACs
• Advocacy groups
• Community organisations
• General public
Please feel free to share this with anyone who may benefit.

💛 About the Dementia Together Program
Dementia Together supports people living with dementia and their carers through:
• Three‑day educational retreats
• Short courses delivered in Mackay and regional areas
• Flexible, personalised respite
• Ongoing case management
• Community nursing and access to counselling
The program is fully federally funded, covering retreat education, respite, accommodation, catering, and travel where needed.
The first Mackay retreat will be held at Manta Mackay from 3–5 March 2026.

For more information please reach out to:
Jarrod Noakes
Case Manager – Dementia Together
58 Sydney St, Mackay QLD 4740
PO Box 819, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Ph: 1300 523 985
E: jarrodncatholiccarecq.com W: www.catholiccarecq.com

11/02/2026

🌟 Welcome to the Team, Chris Griggs! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Chris Griggs, our new Occupational Therapist, to the Engedi team!

Chris brings three years of experience supporting children and teens with autism, trauma, anxiety, and complex mental health needs. He also has three years’ experience as a disability support worker, supporting young men with autism in community settings.
He’s passionate about client‑centred, trauma‑informed practice, and is dedicated to empowering people to build confidence, independence, and meaningful engagement in their everyday lives.
After recently relocating to Mackay, Chris is looking forward to getting to know the community and supporting local families.

💛 We’re thrilled to have you on board, Chris — welcome!

📣 Referrals for Occupational Therapy are now open via our website.
Families and support coordinators can submit a referral anytime through our website: https://www.engedi.org.au/

04/02/2026

🌊 February Open Swim Times at Engedi! 🌊
Looking to cool off or squeeze in some gentle exercise? Our pool is open on select days throughout February.

📅 February Swim Times:
• Monday: 12pm – 4pm
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9am – 12pm
• Friday: 12pm – 4pm
• Weekends & public holidays: Closed

📞 Bookings are essential: 07 4942 5495
We look forward to seeing you at the pool!

02/02/2026

The Mackay and Whitsunday Family Law Pathways Network is holding two workshops presented by Dawn Adams at Oceans International (1 Bridge Road, Mackay) – Schooners Room.

They will be running 2 different sessions on Friday 6 March 2026. In the morning there will be a session on neurodiversity. The afternoon session will be about neurodiversity in consideration for post separation parenting arrangements/parenting orders.
You have the option of attending either session or both sessions for the full day.

Dawn is an international leader in autism research with over 20 years’ experience in psychology, clinical psychology and applied research. Dawn was a part of the MRFF project that led to the development of Bloom, a co-produced parent support program aimed at improving wellbeing and quality of life outcomes for young autistic children and their families.

All sessions are free.

Lunch will be included for those that attend both sessions. If you are attending only one session and want to attend lunch please click the option on the ticket stating you would like lunch (If there is no option to click, just email me). Lunch is free.

For those attending the morning session doors will open at 8:30am and will start at 9am. For those attending the afternoon session it will begin at 1pm.

If you want to attend please register through Eventbrite.
*Please make sure you click on the correct link for the session you want to attend.

For the morning session only, please register through this link – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/morning-session-dawn-adams-neurodivergence-family-law-pathways-tickets-1980838851327?aff=oddtdtcreator

For the afternoon session only, please register through this link – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/afternoon-session-dawn-adams-neurodivergence-family-law-pathways-tickets-1980839097062?aff=oddtdtcreator

To attend both sessions, please register through this link – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/both-sessions-dawn-adams-neurodivergence-family-law-pathways-tickets-1980839275596?aff=oddtdtcreator

RSVP: please register by 5pm – Friday 20 February 2026.

Join Dawn Adams live to explore neurodivergence.

25/01/2026

📢 Australia Day Public Holiday
Our Engedi offices will be closed today for the Australia Day public holiday.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing long weekend.
We’ll reopen as usual tomorrow and look forward to assisting you then.

05/01/2026

🌊 Dive into January! 🌊
Our pool is open for casual swims this month – perfect for cooling off and relaxing.

✅ Open Swim Times:
Monday: 8:00am – 10:30am
Tuesday: 8:00am – 9:00am
Thursday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Friday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
(Closed Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday)

💰 Cost: $5 per person

📞 Bookings essential: Call 07 4942 5495 to secure your spot!
Come and enjoy a refreshing swim at Engedi this January! 🏊‍♀️

31/12/2025

✨ Happy New Year from all of us at Engedi! ✨
As we welcome 2026, we want to take a moment to thank our incredible community for your support, kindness, and connection throughout the past year. Every smile, every conversation, and every shared moment has made a difference.

This year, we look forward to continuing to grow together, creating opportunities, and making positive impacts in our community. Here’s to a year filled with hope, health, and happiness for you and your loved ones!

Cheers to 2026 – let’s make it amazing!

29/12/2025

Low-Cost Uniforms & Stationery Available at School Savvy Pop-Up Shop

If the cost of buying back-to-school uniforms and booklist stationery is a struggle for you or your family, then a visit to the School Savvy pop-up shop in January might be in order.

Opening from January 12-14, the School Savvy pop-up shop offers second-hand uniforms and essential booklist stationery at extremely low-cost, giving children and families who are struggling financially an alternative option to going without.

The School Savvy pop-up shop operates on an honesty policy and does not impose an eligibility criteria for those wishing to access the service. In the spirit of School Savvy, attendees are encouraged to think of others and only take what they need.

To learn about the School Savvy pop-up shop coming in January, visit www.schoolsavvycq.com

24/12/2025

✨ Wishing you joy this holiday season ✨

As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the season of togetherness, gratitude, and hope.

No matter how you choose to celebrate - or even if you simply take time to rest - we’re wishing you peace, joy, and meaningful moments with those who matter most.

Thank you for being part of our community. Here’s to a bright and positive year ahead! 🌟

24/12/2025

This year, Engedi's Rebecca Wesson noticed Mackay Airport’s “Making Christmas a Little Brighter” campaign on Facebook – announcing that they provide 5 organisations a $2000 donation to small NFP charities in the Mackay region.

After a successful submission, we’re excited to share that Engedi was one of five organisations in Mackay selected as winners! We look forward to using the funds towards the Christmas lunch here at LifeSkills on Christmas Day and contributing to our end-of-year function for clients and families.

A big thankyou to Mackay Airport for their donation. We know that it will make for a very festive and hearty Christmas lunch at Lifeskills.

21/12/2025