Social Spark Lab

A new wave of young changemakers is stepping forward with fresh ideas, big hearts, and a strong desire to make their community even better. Through the Social Spark Lab, a youth-led social innovation program delivered by Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC), local students are being given the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into…

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Parenting Teens: Building Self-Esteem When Everything Feels Hard

By Bronte Maddaford Let’s be honest — parenting a teenager can knock the confidence out of even the most capable adult. One day, you feel like you’re doing okay, the next, you’re questioning every decision you’ve ever made because your teen has slammed a door, rolled their eyes, or told you that you just don’t…

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Lizzie Learns to… Look a little closer

By Lizzie Macaulay There’s a stereotype that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to young people. You’ve probably heard it. They don’t want to work. They’re not motivated. They’d rather be on their phones than do anything productive. It’s a narrative I’ve heard more times than I can count, and I can tell…

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From the Fraser Coast to the Pacific Islands: Meet one eye doctor making a difference

Dr John-Paul Blanc has dedicated his career to improving access to critical eye care for patients on the Fraser Coast and beyond. Twenty years ago, he opened his ophthalmology practice in Hervey Bay. He now has 33,000 registered patients on his books and performs surgeries at St Stephen’s Hospital. Providing specialist care close to home,…

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