🌭 Democracy sausage finder | BIG4 Adventure wins big | National Sawfish sighting week | An AI chatbot pet collar | NZ airport bans long hugs and more!
Today's newsletter is 1,014 words, a 5 minute read.
Welcome back to another epic Thursday, this time 24 October.
🚨 Election Weekend Alert: Democracy Sausage Saturday is here!
Check out this real-time crowd-sourced map of sausage and cake availability for the 2024 Queensland election.
Kids dig it and it's practically part of the Australian Constitution.
Or something..
In today's email
One Big Thing: National Sawfish Sighting Week 2024
The 2024 Mackay Region: Economic Profile released
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort: Wins big at awards
Trending: Turtle season
Around The Web (Snippets): New Zealand airport bans hugging, New CEO for Mackay Sugar, An AI chatbot pet collar so you can chat with your dog and more!
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week, Queensland Health is searching for a health practitioner who is interested in allied health locum opportunities across Queensland, paying somewhere around $73,796 - $128,751 per year, depending on how you nail the interview 😏
Need to advertise a job?
Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: National Sawfish Sighting Week 2024
⁉️ Did you know: Australia is home to some of the last remaining populations of four critically endangered sawfish species?
You didn’t?
Well, join the search for Australia’s endangered sawfish during National Sawfish Sighting Week from 26 October to 2 November.
Citizen scientists across Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory can help by reporting sightings or ‘non-sightings.’
Simply register by 25 October for a chance to win a 2025 expedition to Cape York.
Recent sightings from Mackay and Moreton Bay show the vital role of public involvement in conservation efforts.
Keen to know more?
Read the full article below 👇
2. 2024 Mackay Region Economic Profile released
What’s Happening?
Mackay Regional Council has launched the 2024 Economic Profile, showcasing the region’s economic data on population, employment, industries, housing, and tourism.
Why It Matters
This key resource highlights Mackay's strong economic foundation and growth potential, with the profile informing businesses, investors, and the community, providing essential insights for strategic decisions and future development.
Key Data Included
Population & Employment: Latest stats on growth and workforce.
Industry & Housing: Business performance and property market updates.
Tourism: Economic contributions.
Zoom In
The report emphasises Mackay’s growth potential, which is driven by infrastructure and industry investments.
Local Impact
The Council’s focus on aligning infrastructure and workforce development ensures long-term prosperity for the region.
What to look for next
The full article, below 👇
3. BIG4 Adventure Wins Big
What’s happening?
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has won gold in three categories, including ‘Excellence in Accessible Tourism,’ ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks,’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award for Accommodation’ at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards on 19 October 2024.
Why it Matters?
These wins, including two Hall of Fame inductions, reinforce the resort's commitment to quality and accessibility.
By the Numbers
5 total awards were won, including 2 Hall of Fame recognitions
Over 31 years of family ownership has helped the resort toward success
80+ staff members help run the resort at present, with 20 attending on the night
Zoom In
CEO Phil Casey said, “Our team are genuinely passionate about creating memorable experiences. New cabin inventory and accessible facilities highlight the resort’s ongoing growth.”
What To Look For Next
The resort now heads to the Queensland Tourism Awards in November, with more wins in sight.
And, more pictures and the full article, below 👇
4. Trending
Keeping turtles safe this season 🐢
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Mackay Sugar: Announced the new CEO
A New Zealand airport just put a ban on: Hugging for over three minutes unless in permitted areas
Police have located an 18-year-old girl: Reported missing from Mackay since September 10
A de-extinction start-up announced that: It’s bringing the Tasmanian tiger back to life, with the genome being 99.9% complete
Mackay’s Sandy Brondello: Etched her way into the WNBA history books on Monday
Global celebration: Of food, music and culture coming to Queens Park
Shipwreck hunters found a lost: World War II-Era Submarine That Vanished
Innovative, Inclusive Program: Launches in Mackay
Richard Branson is co-piloting the first-ever: Crewed balloon flight to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere
In the greatest arms race of our region since WWII, the Australian Government just purchased: $7 billion worth of American missiles for the navy
Operation Nitrox: A road safety operation in the Mackay Whitsunday District
An AI chatbot pet collar for your: Dog is being created by Personifi AI so you can have a chat with your best mate
6. Upcoming Events
🌏Global Grooves: October 26, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Travel the world in a single afternoon and celebrate our diverse cultural communities that together make up our proud Mackay region.
🤡The Rabbit Hole & Arcadia’s Annual Halloween Block Party: October 26, There’s No Clowning Around This Year! The Rabbit Hole & Arcadia Bar returns with our Annual Halloween Block Party to give you the Biggest & Scariest Halloween Late Night Party In Mackay!
🍹Palm Royale Poolside Soiree: October 26, Make A SPLASH Poolside At Our Exclusive Long Table Twilight Fundraiser Event.
🏃♀️TRI Skills Workshop: October 27, Whether you're a beginner, need a refresher or just want to have a little fun, this session covers the basics with 20-minute workshops for swim, bike, and run, plus 10-minute Q&As in between. It’s FREE.
🎧Eatz & Beatz MINI FESTIVAL: October 27, Prepare for an epic live music lineup featuring five incredible acts: Eales Road, Gypsy NYX, Josh Notting, Josh Vine, and Rebelquin. Plus, enjoy some fantastic festival activities, including face painting, hula hoops, and juggling!
🥋Halloween Safety & Self-Defense Class: October 28, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Alligator Creek Taekwon-Do, want all children to go out armed with at least some basic knowledge of Self-Defense and Halloween specific safety whist Trick or Treating.
👻The Light Party: October 31, It’s is a Free Community Event held at the Blue Water Quay as an alternate to Halloween. Dress up as your favourite light-hearted, positive character & complete a passport of fun activities with the kids!
🍺THE SIMPSONS Trivia [MACKAY] at The Bavarian: October 31, Grab some dinner, drinks, and check the venue out before settling in for questions, games, and fun. You and your squad can win some killer prizes!
🎨Relaxation Corner: October 30, monthly in the library to unwind and de-stress with adult colouring. Enjoy a peaceful environment and take time for yourself.