☔️ BOM officially announces La Niña "watch" | ALDI Mackay opens! | Google wants to patent your vibe | Aurora Australis and more!
Today’s newsletter is 937 words: a 4-minute read.
Welcome to Thursday, May 16!
In today's email
One Big Thing: Aurora Australis dazzles Australia from Tasmania to Mackay
CASA to host two local pilot safety seminars
ALDI opens!
Trending: Aurora Australis
Around The Web (Snippets): BOM officially announces La Niña "watch", Sarina Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a Special candle-lighting ceremony, Council approves $7500 for young indigenous drivers, Google wants to patent your vibe and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Aurora Australis Dazzles Australia from Tasmania to Mackay
What’s Happening
Large parts of Australia, including Mackay, witnessed a dazzling display of the Aurora Australis over the past weekend, thanks to powerful solar storms.
Why It Matters
This rare, intense aurora provides a spectacular natural light show, captivating residents and drawing attention to space weather phenomena.
By the Numbers
These were the most intense solar storms since October 2003.
Aurora rated G5 on the geomagnetic activity scale
Visible from Tasmania to Mackay, Queensland.
Local Impact
The stunning light display thrilled residents in Mackay, offering a rare glimpse of the Southern Lights in their own backyard (see Trending, below).
Looking Up
Such events highlight the importance of space weather forecasting and its potential impacts on infrastructure and technology.
What The People Say
"The dancing lights never failed to take our breath away," said Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg. "Auroras exhibit different colours from particles at different heights," she added.
What To Look For Next
More epic Aurora shots from this week’s solar storm activity, here.
2. Elevating Aviation Safety in Mackay and Airlie Beach
What’s Happening
CASA will host pilot safety seminars in Mackay on 20 May and Airlie Beach on 21 May, enhancing pilot skills and knowledge.
Why It Matters
These seminars are crucial for fostering a safer flying environment, addressing key safety issues such as fuel exhaustion and decision-making.
By the Numbers
The seminars will run from 6-8 pm
There are two separate locations where the seminars will be held
Local Impact
The Mackay seminar will take place on Monday, 20 May 2024, from 6-8 pm at the Mackay Aero Club.
The Airlie Beach seminar will follow on Tuesday, 21 May, from 6-8 pm at Whitsunday Airport.
Buckle Up
Using real-world case studies, discussions on local safety issues will improve risk mitigation strategies and decision-making.
What The People Say
“Pilots get more out of a session with a range of experience and discussion,” says Aviation Safety Advisor Craig Peterson.
Want To Know More?
Read the full article 👇
3. ALDI Opens in Mackay
What’s Happening
In big Mackay news, ALDI Australia opened its first store in town yesterday, located at 1 Erie Street, Andergrove, offering locals high-quality products at low prices.
Why It Matters
This store has been built to provide locals with more affordable groceries, enhancing the local shopping experience with ALDI’s unique offerings.
By the Numbers
It is an 1186sqm store with 134 parking spaces.
In 2023, ALDI apparently saved customers $3.4 billion
Local Impact
Mackay residents are undoubtedly looking forward to enjoying ALDI’s Special Buys and award-winning products, supporting local needs.
Remember Your Bags
ALDI’s commitment to renewable electricity and reducing plastic packaging underscores its focus on sustainability.
What The People Say
“We won’t be beaten on the cost of your weekly shop,” says ALDI Queensland Managing Director Bronwyn Post.
What To Look For Next
Watch for new Special Buys every Wednesday and Saturday, and enjoy ALDI’s eco-friendly initiatives and exceptional product quality.
Opening Hours are:
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-8:00PM
Saturday, 8:00AM- 6:00PM
Sunday, 9:00am-6:00PM
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
The Bureau Of Meteorology has officially declared a: La Niña "watch", reflecting an increased chance of the major climate driver that brought floods to eastern Australia in 2021 and 2022
Sarina Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a: Special candle-lighting ceremony to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
NASA is planning to build a: Levitating robot train on the moon
Young indigenous drivers have had a: $7500 Community Grant approved by Council to help fund a program for reducing incidents of road crashes involving Indigenous youth
Google wants to patent a temporal map of your: Neighbourhood and regional business vibe and social semantics
A new world record was set for: The World’s biggest ski jump
Australia's biggest beach party has been claimed: By event promoter TEG thanks to the 30,000 fans that attended Fisher's inaugural Out 2 Lunch Festival
The 2024 Federal Budget was announced and: Here's what it means for you
King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, had: His first official portrait painted 👇
6. Councillors’ Corner
Cr Alison Jones
7. Upcoming Events
💚💛❤️🔥Roaring Lion: May 17, 8:00 pm; Bob Marley Tribute at The Seabreeze Hotel
🐛Compost and Worm Farm Workshop: May 18, 9:00 am to 11:00 am; learn how to create your very own compost and worm farm at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
🛒Mackay Twilight Markets: May 18, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm; browse the many market stalls at Mackay Showgrounds
🎨Drag Paint & Sip: May 21, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; North Queensland Tour for a Drag Paint and Sip in MACKAY at The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay
👦🏻👧🏻 BMA Kidspace: May 21, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; free toddler craft and music to Andergrove
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