Emmett Withers

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Emmett in 2021 and we’re excited to now share this incredible story of another local Homemade Hero with you!

Emmett’s heartfelt and inspiring drive for change is evident when he speaks about his charity, Emmett for Animals. Since a very young age, he has been bringing hope to animal carers otherwise without options, through his collection and distribution of animal food supplies. 

Having just completed high school (when episode airs), he kicked off his charity as one of Australia’s youngest animal advocates making a difference for neglected and abandoned animals. And while he has his parent’s full support, it is his own unwavering respect for lives that has turned a child’s selfless act into a fully-fledged charitable organisation.

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Brenda Wilson - The path less travelled

Local Grandmother and Marathon Runner, Brenda discovered running later in life and hasn’t looked back since.

Having run her first 777 Marathon (7 marathons, 7 days, 7 states) in 2018, she has been an incredible fundraiser and advocate for Australia’s leading child protection organisation, ‘Bravehearts’.

Hear her incredible story of ambition, comradeship and resilience to not only achieve her massive fitness goals… but to also encourage kids to be brave and speak up.

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Frances Easton

A Financial Advisor and Partner at Alman Partners, Frances has been involved in the Mackay Community Foundation since its humble beginning and now sits as the Chairman of the Board. She has been a proud advocate of its incredible work in giving back to the most-deserving in the Mackay community, having seen the Foundation’s development firsthand through Scott Alman’s involvement as a founder.

Frances shares the inspiring story of its growth, more about the ongoing legacy that highlights the power of community support, and some very exciting news about an incredibly generous donation!

With their sights set on increasing the support for those in need, through activities, charities and projects, the Mackay Community Foundation is focused on their motto to ‘Give where you live’… with the big announcement making this a podcast not to miss!

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Nick Bennett

A journey to the heart

Nick has defied the odds of heart-stopping, life-changing, and harrowing experiences. And through it all, he can simply be described as consciously awakened.

A self-titled ageing hippy and believer in the benefits of 20sec hugs, he has turned crippling setbacks into endless opportunity. He inspires everyone he meets, including his fortunate clients around the world through his partnered business, Minds Aligned.

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Frank Attard

After growing up on a cane farm and working locally, Frank faced roadblocks that motivated him to create well-known engineering company, Key Solutions Group.

With his high integrity and work ethos, he dedicates time and funds into giving back to the community through several sponsorships and invests into the industry's next generation.

A proud father of 7, Frank leads a busy and rewarding life that has a huge impact on growing generations by driving innovative thinking and methods.

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Athol Hann

Born and raised on a dairy farm in country Victoria, Athol left his hometown to become a Nurse and he hasn’t looked back.

Athol’s kind-hearted and forward-thinking approach has inspired many people across the industry, particularly through his startup ‘Fwards’ that supports healthcare workers to avoid burnout - following his own experiences in the industry.

With the current overwhelming demands on the health system, it’s people like Athol who are creating the change and easing some of the pressures felt across the world.

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Melissa Green

Melissa Green is known by many as the girl next door who bought a bank. While her successful career most certainly includes this milestone, what she brings to the region is so much more. Melissa’s generosity in giving back and supporting not for profit and community groups stretches for miles and not just from a financial perspective. She has no hesitation in rolling up her sleeves and participating to ensure the message and cause is recognised to its greatest potential.

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Tracie Crombie

A big believer in the good within people, providing opportunities and enabling the sense of the word ‘Family’. Tracie has and continues to grow a successful business with her daughter and her family to support the community, her approach to business and life, which often includes doing the things others won’t or a new solution.

Full of heart and a passion for life, Tracie lives and breathes the notions of; giving people a chance, providing support for growth, the meaning of family and the importance of work ethics for a full and successful life.

Tracie has been on a colourful but exciting journey and has achieved some amazing outcomes along the way.

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Jim Wright

Jim Wright is a man who has never shied away from new opportunities. He lives by the philosophy - you don’t have be good at everything, but you have to at least give it a go.

His career and life experiences are as diverse as the locations he has lived which have seen Jim work across a variety of industries including construction, food and beverage, visual communication and even as a traditional blacksmith.

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Dr Sanjeev Bandi 

Dr Bandi is a specialist in the field of Urology, with a passion for men’s health he has become Australia’s largest individual fundraiser of Movember for the past 6 years, supported by the community of Mackay.

Having challenged Cricket Australia by forming his own Movember Cricket Team, Moving Mackay Cricket Club, he has led his team to be the 3rd best team in the world.

Dr Bandi lives and breathes Movember and you will often see him covered in elaborate Moustaches on his suits, ties, hats, suspenders and everything in-between to promote Movember and men’s health. And it shows, as he’s still on track to make it 7 years in a row as Australia’s no. one fundraiser and 5th in the world.

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