💉 Fighting Diabetes together: A game-changer in Queensland
Mackay’s 2025 Australia Day award winners | NVIDIA's $600,000,000,000.00 loss | A supergiant, 14-legged crustacean and more!
It’s January 30, today's newsletter is 971 words and a 5-minute read.
Rainy days ahead – be prepared! ☔
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Fighting Diabetes in Queensland
Cowboys lock in: Five-year RLMD Partnership
Mackay’s 2025 Australia Day: Award winners recognised
Trending: Rainbow over Harbour Beach on Australia Day 🌈 🇦🇺
Around the web (Snippets): A supergiant 14-legged crustacean, Applications open for The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and more!
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Fighting Diabetes together, a game-changer in Queensland
What’s Happening: A year-long study by James Cook University (JCU) researchers and Mackay Base Hospital staff in Queensland has showcased the success of the Together Strong Connected Care (TSCC) Programme.
The initiative, involving 119 patients in the Mackay area, revealed that those enrolled in TSCC enjoyed a significantly greater reduction in their average blood sugar levels (HbA1c) than patients not participating in the programme.
Why It Matters: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face triple the diabetes risk.
The TSCC model’s multidisciplinary team provides personalized care, effectively managing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes.
What To Look For Next: Potential Statewide Rollout: Researchers and healthcare professionals are calling for government support to expand the TSCC Programme beyond the Mackay region, with hopes of creating a scalable template for other chronic conditions.
Check out the full article. ⬇️
2. Cowboys lock in five-year RLMD Partnership
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have signed a five-year partnership with Rugby League Mackay District (RLMD), running through the 2029 rugby league season.
This agreement strengthens grassroots rugby league development in the Mackay region, with the Cowboys providing financial support and becoming the naming rights partner for RLMD.
With the Cowboys’ continued investment, the next generation of Mackay’s rugby league players will have more opportunities to develop and advance in the sport.
The strengthened partnership could also lead to enhanced facilities, coaching programs, and further integration between RLMD, the Mackay Cutters, and the Cowboys.
🍿 What To Watch: Spies, secrets, and British scandal wrapped in dark drama proving doves aren’t always a symbol of peace, Keira Knightley’s new “Black Doves” 6-episode series on Netflix is an epic and 100% for you 🕊️🔪
3. Mackay’s 2025 Australia Day Award winners recognised
What’s Happening: The awards, presented on January 26, recognised individuals and groups who have made a meaningful impact in Mackay.
Rebecca Cooper has been named Mackay Regional Council’s 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year for her outstanding contributions to community-building in the Northern Beaches.
Other award recipients include Young Citizen of the Year Murray Macgroarty, Lori Burgess Community Volunteer of the Year Bonnie Spratt, and inaugural Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award winner Peter Sumpter.
Why It Matters: These awards celebrate individuals whose selfless efforts create lasting change in the community.
From youth advocacy to environmental conservation and accessibility improvements, each winner has played a key role in making Mackay a more inclusive and supportive place.
By the Numbers:
136 nominations were received across nine award categories.
More than $22,000 raised by Young Citizen of the Year Murray Macgroarty for homeless veterans.
Over $500,000 raised by Bonnie Spratt for cancer research and local charities.
Looking Ahead: The Mackay community continues to grow stronger, with ongoing programs and events set to expand on the work of this year’s award recipients. Mayor Williamson acknowledged local businesses P.Comino and Sons and Tropical Exposure, which have sponsored these awards for over a decade, ensuring continued recognition of local heroes.
The full article👇
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
China is planning to build a giant: Power station in Earth’s orbit
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant is: Now open for submissions
The biggest one-day loss in history happened this week on: The stock market when NVIDIA lost $600,000,000,000.00 following DeepSeek’s release
The Dudley Denny City Library will: Reopen tomorrow, Friday, January 31
A self-driving service is launching in: June, according to claims by Elon Musk
Named after Darth Vader, researchers just identified a: New supergiant Crustacean with 14 legs
A ‘deeper’ look at The United States versus China as: AI model leaders 👇
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week – Quest Personnel is hiring Entry-Level Airport Ground Staff in Mackay, offering $31–$33 per hour + super + penalties.
No experience needed - just physical fitness, eagerness to learn, and a valid driver’s license (P2+). Duties include baggage handling, aircraft dispatch, pushback, and ground services. Rotating 7-day roster with shifts between 5 AM–11 PM.
Start your aviation career - apply now! ✈️
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
6. Upcoming Events
🐝 Mackay - Varroa Management Training Workshop: February 1 from 9 am to 3 pm; training workshops to provide beekeepers with the latest information on Varroa mite at Souths Leagues Club
🎤 Karaoke Under The Stars: January 31 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm; kids are allowed to sing and join in the fun at Souths Suburban Bowls Club
📋 CPR Group - Governance Workshop: February 1 at 9 am onwards; Mackay Netball Association (MNA) has engaged the services of CPR Group to deliver a governance workshop at Mackay Netball Association
🤾🏼♂️ The Mackay Sport and Rec Expo: February 9 from 9 am onwrds; heaps of prizes up for grabs, Active Zone activities/demos throughout the day at the MECC
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