🌧️ Mackay severe weather warning | Cane industry awaits election outcome| Mackay Cutters 2025 squad | Trump's robot dogs on the loose and more!
Today's newsletter is 1,041 words, a 5-minute read.
Welcome to Mackay Minute Thursday; it’s November 21 and we’re so happy you’re here 😃
🍿 What To Watch: Here’s a fully free mini-series called Rogue Heroes the team stumbled up on this week (from way back in 2022..).
Stacked with action and big actors from Game of Thrones, The Wire, Kingsman, and more, watch it on SBS On Demand.
In today's email
One Big Thing: Cane Industry awaits election outcome
2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball: beneficiaries announced
Mackay Cutters key signings: for 2025 Season
Last week’s poll results: The Donald Trump poll
Trending: Mackay severe weather warning
Around The Web (Snippets): Detectives from Mackay CIB investigation, Donald Trump robot security dogs, A Secretive Spaceplane of the U.S. Space Force and more!
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - We ekendWeekendt
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Women’s and Children’s Services need an Administration Officer to keep things running like clockwork.
With $76,963 - $85,591 per year, flexible hours, career growth, and perks like health discounts and a Fitness Passport, this role has it all.
Ready to make a difference? Apply and bring your organisation skills to the heart of healthcare! 🗂️💪
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Cane Industry awaits STL Election outcome
What’s Happening?
Voting for the Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) G-class director election concluded on November 20 2024.
This pivotal vote will decide who will represent growers on the STL Board, safeguarding the future of Australia’s critical sugar export infrastructure.
Why It Matters?
With 85% of Australia’s sugar production exported, STL’s bulk sugar terminals are essential to maintaining the industry’s global competitiveness.
Growers’ representation ensures these assets remain protected and managed in their best interests.
A Sweet Future?
The election spotlighted grower concerns about ensuring STL’s operations remain aligned with industry needs, particularly in light of controversial decisions like the recent unconsulted termination of the Operating Agreement with Queensland Sugar Limited.
What To Look For Next
The STL Board is set to announce the election results, determining whether growers retain a strong voice in the governance of these vital assets.
The new grower-director will play a crucial role in safeguarding the industry’s future.
Read the full article, below 👇

2. 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball beneficiaries announced

What’s Happening?
The 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball will support Grapevine Group and The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service, splitting proceeds equally to fund vital community initiatives.
Why It Matters?
The event addresses suicide prevention and family violence, empowering two organisations to make a lasting impact on the Mackay community.
By the Numbers
$1 million: Total donations raised by the Mayor’s Charity Ball to date.
2 charities: Chosen to receive 2025 event proceeds.
Local Impact
Grapevine Group will expand life-saving training, while The Salvation Army will enhance recovery services for victim-survivors.
Looking Ahead
This support ensures expanded services and greater awareness for critical local issues, paving the way for broader community impact.
What The People Say
“Proceeds will be split 50-50 between Grapevine Group and The Salvation Army.” – Mayor Greg Williamson

3. Mackay Cutter’s key signings for the 2025 Season
What’s Happening?
The Mackay Cutters have bolstered their 2025 squad with the signings of Sheldon Diaz, Jimmy Ngutlik, Bray Guyan, and Elie El-Zakhem.
Why It Matters?
These signings signal the Cutters’ commitment to building a stronger, competitive team for the upcoming Hostplus Cup season.
Local Impact
The new talents bring excitement and pride to Mackay’s rugby community.
What They Say
“Now I’m signed, and it’s such a blessing to me.” – Sheldon Diaz
“Mackay is a beautiful place, and my partner and I are loving it.” – Bray Guyan
What’s Next
Pre-season updates will reveal how these signings integrate into the team for an exciting 2025 campaign.
Read the full article below 👇
4. Last week’s poll results
We asked, and heaps of you answered.
It’s a tie on ‘love its’ versus ‘hate its’ and a few ‘don’t cares’ on the side 👇
5. Trending
Severe local weather warning.
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Council takes the next step: To improve customer experience.
Woolworths is under fire for a collaboration with an: Online kid’s game that’s been described as an ‘X-rated paedophile hellscape’
Detectives from Mackay CIB have commenced: An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 67-year-old man earlier this month.
Online bottle shop Jimmy Brings: Has joined the MILKRUN app
Here’s everything you need to know about: Bluesky, the competitor to X, which just hit 20m users
The council has enlisted the expertise of Flo-Max Australia: A highly skilled contractor, to clean the water mains serving the Midge Point township.
A Secretive Spaceplane of the U.S. Space Force conducts: First-of-its-kind maneuvers known as aerobraking
Donald Trump now has: Robot dogs patrolling the Mar-a-Lago perimeter👇
6. Upcoming Events
🎅 Santa Experience Sessions: November 23-24, Whether you want a Pet session for your fur baby, a fun session for your kids with Santa, or just some nice family Christmas photos, we have some fantastic options for you!
🏡 Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen and Country Charm Christmas Cottage: November 23, open their doors for a special Country & Vintage shopping experience. Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of items that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas, perfect for decorating homes and embracing the festive spirit.
🍞Fairy Bread Day Mackay: November 24, Spread the love and sweetness—sign up today to fundraise to host Fairy Bread Day at your school, workplace or cafe and show foster children we’re in their corner!
💡Trivia Night @ Souths Leagues Club: November 25, Souths Monday Night Trivia just got a whole lot more serious! Do you have what it takes to take home the jackpot? Round up your friends and get your geek on!
📝 Mackay Waterfront Place Strategy – Community and Business Workshop 1: November 27, This workshop is an opportunity to share your ideas, meet the revitalisation team and get involved in shaping the future of Mackay.