Community

Caneland Central Shopping Centre is not just a place for shopping, it’s a community hub that supports local initiatives and gives back to the community. We share the same local spirit as you and that’s why we have proudly supported the community since 1979.

From events to sustainability initiatives, we’re making a positive impact on the community.

This financial year alone, the Centre has provided over $100,000 in social value to the Mackay community through community campaigns, in-kind partnerships and donations.

Community Space

If you have any enquiries about how Caneland Central can engage with your community group, club or local charity please click here.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the community initiatives and organisations that we’re involved with:

SHARE THE DIGNITY

Share the Dignity works to make a real, on the ground difference in the lives of those women in Mackay who are experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or living in crisis. Share the Dignity collect and distribute period products to those in need and work to end period poverty here in Australia. Caneland Central have hosted a donation point for the Dignity Drives in both March and August and each November we aim to raise donations for their ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign where Share the Dignity donate thousands of bags to those in need across the country filled with essentials and special gifts to make Christmas one to remember. Get involved.

Get involved

GRAPEVINE GROUP

Grapevine Group Association Inc is a locally founded grassroots volunteer group which raises funds and awareness for suicide prevention in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions. Caneland Central partners with Grapevine Group each year for the Pizza for a Purpose annual fundraiser.

CQ RESCUE

In 2016, RACQ CQ Rescue celebrates 20 years of saving lives in this region and will surpass 7,000 missions. Often a patient’s only lifeline, the Mackay-based RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter rescues, transfers, retrieves and winches many hundreds of people each year, providing aeromedical and search and rescue assistance to those in dire situations in this region. As a community helicopter provider, RACQ CQ Rescue is available to all residents, workers and visitors in regions between Townsville and Rockhampton. While the service comes at no cost to our Australian patients, operational costs to ensure the rescue helicopter and its professional crew are available when needed are expected to be in the vicinity of $8.3 million per annum. Partnering with the wonderful volunteers from ESA Alpha Rho, Caneland funds and facilitates the annual charity Christmas Gift Wrapping service at the centre with all proceeds going to RACQ CQ Rescue.

MACKAY DRAWS THE LINE

Mackay Regional Council launched their new campaign in November 2017, calling the Mackay Community to ‘Draw the Line’. “Domestic and family violence STOPS here”. What can you do as an individual? What you walk past is what you accept! Show respect at all times, recognise the signs of abuse in others and be willing to reach out and show support. What can you do as a leader? Lead by example. Show respect in all elements of life and business. Be an advocate in your community. What can you do as a community group? Help to spread the message. Draw the line against domestic and family violence in your club and make club culture one of respect.

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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

Each year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, Zonta celebrate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign which is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls arounds the world. Caneland supports and helps raise awareness of this campaign by providing free space within the Centre for a creative display each year.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD HUB

The Neighbourhood Hub is the heart of our neighbourhood, offering a range of services, events, and programs designed to connect, support, and engage our local Mackay community. Join The Neighbourhood Hub for family programs, volunteer opportunities, crisis support, early childhood engagement, financial well-being services, food donations, educational workshops, support for multicultural communities and newly arrived migrants, and social activities.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Ronald McDonald House supports and cares for families, helping them stay strong and promote healing. Ronald McDonald House essential services give families a community of support, warm meals, and a place to rest. Because when a child is in hospital, families don’t just visit, they stay. And Ronald McDonald House stays with them. Since the launch of the RMHC Hospitality Cart in Mackay, it’s been a beacon of support for countless families facing tough times. Stocked with snacks, drinks, and essential items, the carts provide small but meaningful relief to families during long, stressful hours while their child receives treatment. Caneland Central collects these items at our community donation station located outside Prouds, near Target.

SPORTING AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Caneland Central is committed to supporting the people and organisations that help our community thrive. Through sponsorships and in-kind donations, we proudly partner with local sporting clubs, community groups and events that create a positive and lasting impact across Mackay.