🩺 Mackay welcomes new medical talent | Free local events for healthcare workers | Jail-time for dangerous dog owners | A humanoid robot release | ANZAC Day events and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,104 words: a 5.5 minute read.
Welcome to April 24, Wednesday.
ANZAC Day greets us once again, tomorrow, in what will be 109 years since the Gallipoli campaign.
Here’s to forever honouring and remembering the men and women who served and continue to serve and do us so proud.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
In today’s email
One Big Thing: New QLD laws, jail time for dangerous dog owners and big fines
Power To You: FREE Local community events for healthcare workers
Mackay welcomes a new wave: Of medical talent
Trending: Boston Dynamic’s new humanoid robot just released
Around The Web (Snippets): The Prime Minister opens Riverside Revitalisation Project, a new world-class mountain biking facility, Meta’s AI you can’t opt out from and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Jail time for dangerous dog owners and five breeds banned in QLD’s new laws
What’s Happening
Queensland has passed rigorous laws to curb dangerous dog incidents, including hefty fines and breed-specific bans, following public demand for tougher regulations.
Why It Matters
This move underscores a significant shift towards safeguarding communities from dangerous animals and irresponsible dog owners and ensuring more community-minded pet ownership across Queensland.
The Main Changes
$7 million has been committed to enhancing community safety
Fines for failure to take reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack doubled to $92,000
Three years jail for the owner of a dog that kills or seriously injures a person, plus $108,000 in fines
The five dog breeds above, now banned.
Local Impact
These state measures are hopefully on the right track toward decreasing horrific dog attacks, enhancing public safety, and promoting responsible pet care.
Barking Up the Right Policy Tree
The new laws are expected to drive the shift towards heightened accountability among dog owners and more responsible animal management practices.
What The People Say
Mark Furner: "We're tightening the leash on dog ownership to protect Queenslanders, following strong public backing."
What To Look For Next
Keep an eye out for the breeds in the images above, which are now banned in Queensland.
2. Empowerment on Stage and Beyond in Mackay
What’s Happening
Mackay gears up for two pivotal events on May 16th and 17th, designed to empower people with disabilities. These sessions are part of the "Power to You" initiative, supported by a Department of Social Services grant.
Why It Matters
These workshops spotlight the importance of inclusion and self-expression within the disability community, reinforcing Mackay’s commitment to accessibility and rights.
By the Numbers
Two days of empowering events.
Supported by an ILC Grant from the Department of Social Services.
Local Impact
The events aim to enhance the social and support networks for Mackay’s healthcare workers and residents with disabilities, offering skills in self-advocacy and community involvement.
Event 1 - Disability Provider Capacity Building & Networking- Mackay
On May 16 at Gregory Street (details provided upon registration)
Event 2- Find your Voice! A singing workshop - Mackay
On May 17, 10am to 2pm at Gregory Street (details provided upon registration)
What The People Say
Tracie-Lee Little: "We aim to deepen autonomy through informed decision-making."
Allycia Staples: "Our goal is to bolster confidence via artistic expression."
What To Look For Next
Registrations are essential for these free events, promising impactful community engagement and personal growth opportunities.
View more information about the events here, and more about Power To You events here.
3. Mackay Welcomes New Wave of Medical Talent
What’s Happening
Mackay celebrated the induction of 20 new General Practitioners (GPs) into the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), marking a significant boost to the region's healthcare capabilities.
Why It Matters
This event underscores the importance of strengthening local healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible quality medical care for Mackay residents.
By the Numbers
20 new GPs welcomed into the RACGP.
11 years of rigorous training needed to make the grade
80% of rural Queensland GPs are RACGP members
Local Impact
These new GPs enhance Mackay's medical services, particularly benefiting rural areas where healthcare resources are often limited.
A Healthy Boost
The influx of skilled doctors is poised to improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen community health services in Mackay.
What The People Say
Dr Nicole Higgins, RACGP President: "A regular GP is sometimes better than any wonder drug."
Dr Cathryn Hester, RACGP Queensland Chair: "Achieving Fellowship is an outstanding accomplishment."
What To Look For Next
Keep an eye out for expansions in local health services and other initiatives as these new GPs integrate into Mackay’s healthcare landscape.
4. Trending
Boston Dynamics and the release of a new generation of humanoid robots this week…
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
A first stage of a world-class mountain biking attraction has: Just been built around the town of Finch Hatton in the Pioneer Valley, inland of Mackay
Tesla just announced new: Car models ahead of time, setting shares soaring.
The AMWU suggest that: Regions like Mackay will greatly benefit from the Future Made program
Grapefruit-sized giant hailstones are: On the rise and becoming more common
Flickerfest is coming: To Mackay, with Lightning Ridge at the AOC Black Opal Heritage Shed – 24th April and Wednesday 1st May, 6.30 pm
Instagram gets AI, and no: You cannot opt-out
Mackay's Riverside Revitalisation Project has: Been opened by the Prime Minister
Why Jesus never ate: A banana; a super interesting map on the origin of 151 food crops
Double leave at half pay: Could be returning as an option for Aussie workers
6. Councillors’ Corner
Cr Namarca Corowa
7. Upcoming Events
🌺 ANZAC DAY: April 25; ANZAC DAY services across the region
🪩 Guru Dudu Silent Disco: May 10, 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm; Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours at Fifth Lane
🎨 Public Art Walk: May 10, 4:30 pm- 5:30 pm; Free city art walk for all ages begins at Artspace Mackay
🛣️ Mackay Master Builders BUSSQ Roadshow: May 15, 4:30 pm- 8:00 pm; Unlock solutions for working with the QBCC and get armed on NCC technical changes at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
🎵 Missy Higgins - The Second Act Tour 2024: May 8; Missy Higgins Celebrating "The Sound of White" 20th Anniversary at 258 Alfred Street,
Mackay
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