π·πΌ CASA to conduct safety checks at Moranbah Airport
Urgent local blood donations needed | Skype permanently shut down | Mackay police's operation secure | McDonald's loses global crown to Mixue and more
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, itβs March 13th.
Today's newsletter is 889 words and a 4-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: CASA Safety checks at Moranbah Airport
Urgent blood donations: Needed after Alfred
Mackay Police join: Operation Xray Secure
Trending: Councils need fairer funding
Around the web (Snippets): Microsoft shutting down Skype in May, Google DeepMind unveils new controlling robots, Financial aid for Queenslanders affected by tropical low and heaps more
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Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
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1. One Big Thing: CASA Safety checks at Moranbah Airport
Whatβs Happening: The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will conduct flight path safety checks at Moranbah Airport on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
A twin-engine Beechcraft Baron will fly at low altitudes to validate updated instrument approach procedures and ensure safe operations.
Why It Matters: These routine checks are crucial for maintaining safe air navigation and ensuring aircraft can approach the airport without risk from obstacles like towers, trees, or buildings.
Local Impact: Moranbah residents may notice an aircraft flying unusually low within a 40-kilometre radius of the airport.
The aircraft will perform uncommon flight patterns to verify obstacles are correctly marked.
CASA reassures the community that this is part of essential safety operations.
What To Look For Next: If poor weather delays the safety checks, CASA will reschedule the inspections as soon as conditions allow.
Read full articleπ

2. Urgent blood donations needed after Alfred
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for blood and plasma donations in Brisbane following critical shortages caused by ex-Cyclone Alfred.
The cyclone led to the closure of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW, resulting in 3,500 cancelled appointments. To restore supply, at least 650 additional Brisbane donors are needed immediately, with donor centres in Brisbane City, Chermside, Springwood, and Carindale extending appointment availability.
The demand is pressing, as Australian hospitals require 4,000 blood donations daily, and plateletsβessential for cancer treatments and trauma careβexpire within just five days.
While interstate support has helped Queensland hospitals, fresh donations are vital. Lifeblood urges new and returning donors to book appointments via their website, the Donate Blood app, or by calling 13 14 95.
Read more in the full article below π
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3. Mackay Police join Operation Xray Secure
Whatβs Happening: On March 9, 2025, Queensland Police Service (QPS) launched Operation Xray Secure to combat opportunistic property crime amid severe weather in Mackay and southeast Queensland.
Additional police and emergency personnel have been deployed to protect homes, businesses, and communities affected by floods.
Why It Matters: With widespread flooding leaving properties vulnerable, looters and criminals have been targeting affected areas.
This operation aims to prevent crime, support emergency responses, and enhance community safety across impacted regions.
Local Impact: Mackay has contributed to the expanded police presence, with officers from Mackay among the 110 additional police deployed. Their role includes proactive patrols, crime prevention, and supporting emergency services.
What To Look for Next: Police and SES personnel will continue proactive patrols and emergency response operations. Residents are urged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and follow official safety updates.

The Weekly Dream Gig
This week β Thiess is hiring Truck, Multi-Skilled, and Excavator Operators for the Caval Ridge Project in Moranbah. Enjoy a 7/7 roster, 12.5-hour shifts, and up to $166K + super, plus flights, camp accommodation, meals, and career development.
If youβve got 1+ year of coal mining experience and a Standard 11 & Driverβs Licence, apply now and take your career to the next level! ππ₯
Want to advertise a job here? Contact us!
4. Trending
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5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Scammers are posing as Mackay Regional Council: Conducting fake surveys and sending SMS with payment links. Report them here
Google DeepMind unveils new: AI models for controlling robots
Record-Breaking Mackay Airport Twilight City Run: Draws 300 more participants in support of Leukaemia Foundation
This map lets you plug in your address to see how itβs: Changed over the past 750 million years
Financial aid is available for Queenslanders: Affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low from January 2025
US to spend money researching heavily debunked link between: Vaccines and autism
Dunes Boulevard closed for eight months: As part of The Dunes development construction
McDonaldβs loses its crown as the world's biggest: Fast-food chain to global giant Mixue Bingcheng
Bottled water delivery begins for: Midge Point amid watermain cleaning works
Skype, once the go-to video-calling service, is going to internet: Heaven in May with parent company Microsoft shutting it down to focus on βTeamsβ
6. Upcoming Events
π¨ Mackay Art Society Annual Art Exhibition: March 14 - March 23 from 6:30 pm onwards; over 170 entries from the Mackay, Sarina, Moranbah and Whitsunday regions, at Beaconsfield
π Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer 2025: March 16 from 7:30 am to 1 pm; this event aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention at Corner Mackay Bucasia Road, and Holts Rd
πͺπΎ Under 17 Australian Practice Match: March 16 from 10 am to 5:30 pm; happening at Great Barrier Reef Arena
π Mackay Hospital Foundation Dancing with Heart 2025: March 21 from 6:30 pm to 11 pm; all proceeds from this event will benefit local hospitals, happening at 1/258 Alfred St