⛵520 nautical miles race from GC to Mackay
Nearly $100 billion offer for OpenAI | Hammering at Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza | GPs life-saving course | Mater's new CEO and more
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s February 13.
Today's newsletter is 946 words and a 5-minute read.
Heads up: Avoid booking a last-minute stay on the couch, and remember it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow 💘
In today's email:
One Big Thing: 520 miles race to Mackay begins
Big questions surrounding power of the nation: putting NQ in the spotlight
Life-Saving training: For North QLD GPs
Trending: Flood gates ⚠️
Around the web (Snippets): The first-ever NBA games in Australia, Community consultation for new dog park, United States of America just hit its most corrupt level and more!
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: 520 miles race to Mackay begins
What’s Happening: Entries are open for the 2025 GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race, kicking off 1 August. The 520-nautical-mile race will see yachts sail from the Gold Coast through K’gari and the Great Barrier Reef islands, finishing in Mackay during the Festival of Arts.
Why It Matters: Mackay is gaining recognition as a top sailing destination, attracting elite racers and boosting local tourism. The event feeds into Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Weeks, solidifying its place in Queensland’s offshore racing circuit.
By the Numbers:
168 days until race day.
520 nautical miles from Gold Coast to Mackay.
35h 36m – 2024 Monohull Line Honours time.
Local Impact: The race brings tourism, business, and maritime benefits to Mackay, with the Festival of Arts providing a celebratory finish.
What to Look for Next
Early Bird entries close 10 May – register at www.goldcoastmackay.com.
Expect tighter competition and record-breaking finishes in 2025.
The countdown is on—who will take the honours? ⛵🏆
2. One Big Thing: Big questions surrounding power of the nation – putting NQ in the spotlight
By Olivia Hatch
North Queensland is at the centre of Australia’s energy debate as major power stations prepare to close by 2029, removing 9,000 megawatts from the national grid.
While renewable energy options continue to divide opinion, concerns remain over landfill from solar panels, wind farm noise pollution, and their impact on wildlife. The mothballing of hydro projects and a reduced focus on electricity production further fuel uncertainty.
Despite the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) approving new energy projects, including 6.8 gigawatts of generation in the past year, questions persist about whether these efforts will be enough to prevent future power shortages.
With North Queensland’s role in the energy landscape under scrutiny, the coming years will reveal whether current policies can meet growing demand.
Check out the full article. ⬇️
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3. Life-Saving training for North QLD GPs
What’s Happening: Over 130 GPs and registrars, including those in Mackay, completed CRANAplus Advanced Life Support training, funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network.
Facilitated by Leanne Laurie, the hands-on course covered CPR, airway management, and emergency response techniques.
Why It Matters: For rural and remote GPs, these critical skills can mean the difference between life and death. Keeping certifications up to date ensures healthcare professionals can respond confidently to emergencies.
Skills That Save Lives: Beyond technical expertise, the course focused on building confidence in high-pressure scenarios. Ms Laurie highlighted: “What makes the training so invaluable, particularly for remote healthcare professionals, is the hands-on approach to real-life situations.”
What The People Say: “Great effort to have the local GPs get together and have a great educational day.” – Mackay participant
What to Look for Next: NQPHN will continue offering Advanced Life Support training, with future courses refining emergency response techniques and expanding networking opportunities for Mackay’s medical community.
The full article👇
4. Trending
Follow us on our social media, Facebook and Instagram 😇
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Nearly $100 billion is what: Elon Musk offered ChatGPT’s parent company, OpenAI, to buy it out this week.
Coles launched 2025 Hospitals United for Sick Kids: Fundraising campaign, giving customers the chance to support sick children.
Google has: Dropped its promise not to use AI to pursue weapons or surveillance
The first-ever: NBA games in Australia have been scheduled for October this year, where they’ll take on two NBL sides
Council will consult the community: on the best location for a Slade Point off-leash dog park.
New leadership: Mater names CEO for Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare network.
Experts are alarmed by a video of workers: Hammering away at Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza
According the the International Corruption Index, the: United States of America just hit its most corrupt level
6. Upcoming Events
🫁 Breathing and Meditation: February 14, Meditation helps with our overall physical and mental health, so join our qualified instructor Chris and learn some conscious relaxation techniques.
🧘♂️ Yoga in the Gardens: February 14, Join us on the lawn in front of the café, bring your own mat or borrow one of ours. This basic session is for beginners of all ages with no prior experience required.
🔦 The Boiler Room Project EP08- Girls take over: February 15, Mackay Ravers! The First Boiler Room 2025 is here!
🚲 MAD BMX Come and Try day: February 16, If you've ever wanted to come and try BMX. FREE FAMILY EVENT- All Riders Welcome from 2 years of age.
🤱 Breastfeeding Education Class: February 22, Our classes are a service offered by qualified breastfeeding counsellors and community educators who are volunteers in your local area.