🐄🐏 Ag Update: Wool rises, beef holds firm
Dachshund found after 529 days lost on Kangaroo Island | Amazon release electric cars | Apple warns of spyware and heaps more!
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s May 1st.
Today's newsletter is 997 words and a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Snapshot of Australia’s farming
Saddles up for: QLD glory at 2025 PBR
Tech Verge 2025: hits Mackay
Trending: Save Eungella
Around the web (Snippets): QLD pride at PBR 2025, Meta eyes $1.4T AI boom, New vaccine experts take on Trump and more!
Upcoming Events
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Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Beef and wool sector lead positive trends
What’s Happening: Bendigo Bank’s April 2025 commodity report shows Queensland’s beef and wool sectors holding strong. But wet weather is slowing crop planting, especially for vegetables.
Why It Matters: While export demand for beef and wool remains high, supply chain issues and soggy conditions may tighten food supply and increase prices locally.
By the Numbers
371c/kg: Cattle prices up, reaching 371c/kg. US demand stays strong.
1,249c/kg: Wool price up 9.4% year-on-year.
4.8%: Drop in national milk production in February.
Local Impact: Queensland farmers face delays in planting autumn crops. Beef exports to the US continue, but transport challenges persist. Wool returns are lifting grower confidence.
Weather Watch: A dry spell in April–May could ease planting pressure. Otherwise, expect tighter supply and higher prices.
What To Look For Next: Read more in the full article below 👇
2. Saddles up for QLD glory at 2025 PBR
Queensland’s top bull riders are saddling up for another adrenaline-fuelled showdown as the 2025 PBR Monster Energy Origin Series kicks off on Saturday, 3 May, at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
The Maroons remain undefeated since the series began in 2019 and are determined to keep that streak alive against a hungry New South Wales side.
Among the riders is North Queensland’s own Brumby Brandenberg from Bloomsbury, representing the region as a reserve rider in Team Queensland’s powerhouse line-up.
The Origin Series is more than just a rodeo—it’s one of Australia’s fiercest sporting rivalries, where bravery, grit, and split-second decisions define champions. With $150,000 in total prize money and the coveted Cowboy of Origin title up for grabs, the stakes are high.
After Newcastle, the series continues in Brisbane on 7 June before wrapping up with a grand finale in Sydney on 5 July.
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3. Tech Verge 2025 hits Mackay
What’s Happening: Tech Verge 2025, the largest emerging technology summit in regional Queensland, arrives in Mackay on 16 May. Held at Pavilion 500, the event will unite 200+ tech leaders for a day focused on AI, innovation, and business growth.
By the Numbers
200+ tech leaders and innovators expected at the summit
10+ expert speakers covering AI, robotics, marketing, and sales
1 full day dedicated to regional tech transformation
Local Impact: Mackay businesses will connect with tech providers, opening doors to partnerships, job creation, and long-term economic growth. The event puts Mackay on the innovation map.
From Talk to Transformation: Tech Verge 2025 isn’t just about ideas — it’s about action. Expect real-world solutions, regional collaboration, and a strong push toward closing the metro-regional tech gap.
What The People Say: “Alice Ruddell and Tim Warren will lead powerful keynotes on digital transformation and AI that are tailored for regional businesses.”
What To Look For Next: Read more in the full article below 👇
4. Trending
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5. Around The Web (Snippets)
A group of experts have formed a new initiative to safeguard: Vaccines and fight alleged US Government misinformation
‘Bring the Beat’ hits Mackay Whitsunday: Locals can now request a Mobile Police Beat in their area.
Community input is now open: to help shape the new Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Here’s a FREE event for Small Business Month, the: Ai Tools for Business Productivity workshop
🐾Valerie the miniature dachshund has been rescued after surviving for: 529 days on a rugged Kangaroo Island.
The Great Barrier Reef was officially nominated: for the prestigious United Nations Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award.
Meta has forecasted it will make: $1,400,000,000,000.00 (that’s .4T), in revenue from generative AI by 2035
Wood Street will transform Mackay’s old cinema car park: Into a vibrant pop-up of creativity, culture, and connection this May.
Apple has notified new victims of: Government spyware attacks across the world
EPIRB alert leads to successful night rescue: Two people were located after their boat became stuck in a remote inlet off Calder Island.
6. Upcoming Events
🎶 DREAMS – Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute Show: May 3, 2025 – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC), Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks with this acclaimed tribute performance.
🎣 INDT 20th Anniversary World Sooty Championships: May 3–4, 2025 – Eungella Dam, Join anglers from around the region for this competitive fishing event celebrating its 20th year.
🎭 DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season – David Walliams’ Ratburger: May 6–7, 2025 – MECC Auditorium, A hilarious stage adaptation of David Walliams' bestselling children's book, perfect for family entertainment.
💃 Prada Clutch’s: All-Drag Revue: May 9, 2025 – MECC Auditorium, An electrifying drag show paying tribute to Aussie drag history, featuring dazzling performances.m.au
🎤 80s to the MAX Tribute Show: May 9, 2025 – Eimeo Pacific Hotel, Relive the vibrant 1980s with this high-energy tribute show featuring iconic hits from the decade.
Community Contributor - Thought For The Week
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Will-to-Good, the Future for Humanity
Dotted the world over, here and there within the many races, cultures, religions and etc, exist thousands of people of goodwill. Alone in person perhaps, like you and me, and feeling unable to make a difference, but in truth together in both power and purpose.
Regard, therefore, all your work as group work and causing effects, which are inevitable and are contributing to the potency of the ‘world group’ will-to-good.
So, smile today! Your acts of kindness are gathering momentum.