🚢Port of Mackay 2.2 million tonnes milestone
Lithuanian rower rescued | Wild facts about Australian cyclones | Discover Mackay with Melanie | Robots playing soccer and more!
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s March 6
Today's newsletter is 889 words and a 4-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Port of Mackay 2.2 Million tonnes milestone
Discover Mackay: A city rich in Industry History and Scenic Trails
Lithuanian rower rescued: From Cyclone Alfred in Coral Sea
Trending: Cyclones- South QLD vs North QLD
Around the web (Snippets): Wild facts about Australian cyclones, Pilot's remains ID’d 80 years after WWII crash, $20,000/month for specialised AI ‘agents’ and more!
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1. One Big Thing: Port of Mackay Surpasses 2.2 Million tonnes milestone
What’s happening: Mackay’s port hits 2.2M tonnes of trade (July 2024 – Jan 2025), led by petroleum, sugar, and grain exports.
Why It Matters: A crucial trade hub, the port links Queensland industries to major global markets, boosting regional and state economies.
By the Numbers:
1.1M tonnes petroleum – top-traded commodity
607K tonnes sugar – Mackay remains a major sugar hub
245K tonnes grain – 9.7% increase from last year
Local Impact: Supporting mining and agriculture for 85+ years. “Fuel trucks depart 24/7 to supply the Bowen Basin,” said Mr Webb.
What’s Next: Keeping trade strong amid global shifts will be key for Queensland’s future.
Read full article👇
2. Discover Mackay: A city rich in Industry History and Scenic Trails
By Melanie Laas
Mackay’s economy is growing beyond mining and agriculture. Healthcare, education, and tourism are expanding.
Locals enjoy Bluewater Quay, the river markets, and the Bluewater Trail. The Pioneer River runs through the city, offering scenic spots like the Pioneer Promenade. The historic Forgan Bridge remains a key route. River Street faces challenges with homelessness.
🌟 Meet Melanie! 🌟
We’re stoked to welcome Melanie, a passionate marketer and content creator, to The Mackay Minute! Each week, she’ll take you on a local adventure, sharing the stories, places, and people that make Mackay special.
Follow us on social media, Facebook and Instagram
3. Lithuanian rower rescued from Cyclone Alfred in Coral Sea
What’s Happening: AMSA led a three-day rescue mission to save a Lithuanian rower stranded 740 km off Mackay during Tropical Cyclone Alfred. He activated his distress beacon on 28 Feb 2025, and HMAS Choules completed the rescue at 8 am on 3 March with AMSA and RAAF support.
Why It Matters: This mission proves Australia’s world-class rescue network and the life-saving power of early distress beacon activation.
By the Numbers:
📍 740 km – Distance from Mackay
⏳ 3 days – Duration of rescue
🕗 8 am, 3 March – Time of rescue
Local Impact: With Queensland’s cyclone season in full swing, this highlights the need for emergency preparedness and Australia’s defence readiness for maritime crises.
What They Say: “This rescue mission highlights the collaborative and cooperative arrangements which facilitate these lifesaving services in Australia’s vast search and rescue region.” – Kevin McEvoy, AMSA Response Centre Manager
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week – 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 you’ve got 1+ year of coal mining experience and a Standard 11 & Driver’s Licence, apply now and take your career to the next level! 🚜🔥
Want to advertise a job here? Contact us!
4. Trending
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5. Around The Web (Snippets)
The Albanese Government's reforms grant: DGR status to community foundations, boosting donations for grassroots initiatives.
10 wild facts about: Australian cyclones
Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Isaac Tourism: have hit the launch button on an “ultimate calendar” for events in the Mackay region.
Antarctica's ozone hole is: Recovering and on track to disappear completely
Remains of bomber pilot identified 80 years after: His plane went down during World War II
Police are investigating: two suspicious fires at North Mackay overnight, March 2.
Frontline health professionals: Will join the Mater Chicks in Pink Fun Run in Mackay next month.
OpenAI reportedly plans to charge up to: $20,000 a month for specialised AI ‘agents’
Google DeepMind's Robotis OP3: One-vs-one robot soccer demonstration
6. Upcoming Events
🍺 Mackay Big Beer Festival: 8 March, Calling all beer enthusiasts! Join us for an incredible celebration of craft brews, good times and live music at Mackay Big Beer Festival!
🩰 Dance Fit with Elena: 9 March, Destress and let it all out on the dance floor! Don’t worry about making a mistake. Beginners are welcome!
🧠 Trivia at Harrup Park: 10 March, Get your team together for a night of fun, laughs, and brain-busting trivia!
📚 Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee LIVE!! - Mackay: March 13, Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crowe as 'the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.'
🤣 Frenchy - MACKAY - Embrace The Chaos: March 13, Australia’s favourite rascal Frenchy is back with a brand-new stand-up show in which he embraces all the chaos of life, on stage.