🏇Ride in Shorts Auction
Qantas cyber attack put 6m Aussies at risk | Tassie to host world-first AI zone | Amazon Prime Day deals and heaps more
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s July 3.
Today's newsletter is 1,017 words and a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Mackay launches Ride in Shorts auction to save lives
Qantas Contact Centre: hacked millions affected
Whale season brings: breaches off the QLD Coast
Trending: 🚗 Another way to get the dealer’s attention
Around The Web (Snippets): Council’s $454m budget, Tassie to host nation’s largest AI Factory, Amazon Prime Day deals, child monitoring spyware app warning and more
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1. One Big Thing: Mackay launches Ride in Shorts auction to save lives
What’s Happening: Mackay locals launched the Ride in Shorts for Leah Auction, honouring Leah Smith, who died from mesothelioma. Running 15 June–6 July 2025, it raises funds for Advocacy Australia’s Asbestos Education Committee.
Why It Matters: Asbestos still kills 4,000 Australians each year. Leah’s story shows the urgent need for awareness, as asbestos remains in 1-in-3 Aussie homes.
By the Numbers
4,000 deaths yearly – Australians lost to asbestos diseases, highlighting the risk.
$18,000+ raised – Funds already collected through Leah’s initiative.
$42,000 auction value – Worth of 40+ donated items, including 27 stallion services.
Saddles, Shorts & Change: The auction ensures Leah’s passion for horses sparks national asbestos awareness, pushing safety education forward.
What The People Say: “The dedication to honouring Leah has been remarkable in raising $18,381 and generating awareness,” said Clare Collins
Auction bidding ends 8:00 am AEST on 6 July 2025. Read more in the full article below 👇
2. Qantas Contact Centre hacked millions affected
What’s Happening: Qantas has confirmed a cyber attack on a third-party platform used by a contact centre, compromising millions of customer records.
The breach was contained swiftly after detection on Monday, with Qantas stating that all core systems remain secure.
Why It Matters: The incident puts the personal information of up to 6 million customers at risk, including names, emails, phone numbers, birth dates, and Frequent Flyer numbers.
“Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously.” Vanessa Hudson, CEO of Qantas Airways
Local Impact: Australians who interacted with Qantas contact centres could face potential risks, such as phishing or identity fraud.
The airline has set up dedicated support lines to assist affected customers with identity protection advice.
What To Look For Next: Read more in the full article 👇
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3. Whale season brings breaches off the QLD Coast
The annual humpback whale migration is in full swing along Australia’s east coast, with up to 30,000 whales travelling from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef through the Whitsundays from June to November.
Mackay’s proximity to the Whitsundays offers locals and visitors easy access to whale watching tours during this breathtaking natural spectacle.
This migration not only provides unforgettable wildlife experiences but also boosts tourism and raises awareness of marine conservation essential for the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whale watching tours often include sights of breaches and calves learning to swim.
4. Trending
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5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Mackay to host the first training hub in: Queensland’s $2m mining academy expansion to build the resources workforce.
It has been decided that Tasmania will host the nation’s largest: AI facility, with the creation of a world-first AI Factory Zone in the northern part of the island
New research using guineafowl races suggests dinosaurs were: Probably slower than we once thought
Leading equipment provider CEA: has opened new branches in Mackay, expanding its Queensland footprint and welcoming former Terrequipe staff to enhance local service
Microsoft will lay off: 9,000 employees, or less than 4% of the company, amid hefty AI bets
Council has adopted a balanced $454m budget with one of: Queensland’s lowest rate rises at 4.95%, funding key infrastructure and community services.
Beware of Catwatchful, a spyware masquerading as a child monitoring app that claims: To be “invisible and cannot be detected,” all the while uploading the victim’s phone’s private contents to a dashboard viewable by the person who planted the app
Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) Mackay marked their first anniversary on July 1: Celebrating a year of serving and protecting Queensland’s coastal communities.
Amazon Prime Day 2025, date and early deals have been: Released with all the latest news on this year's upcoming mega-sale
🕰️ In Case You Missed It:
6. Upcoming Events
🏉 Mackay Cutters vs. Sunshine Coast Falcons: July 5, 2025 (4:00 PM), BB Print Stadium, Mackay. Cheer on the home team as the Cutters take on the Falcons in this thrilling Queensland Cup match.
🎭 Mackay Festival of Arts Exhibition: July 4–10, 2025, MECC & regional venues across Mackay. Explore a vibrant showcase of visual art, performance, workshops, and community events as part of the month-long festival.
🍵 Barista Basics #018: July 9, 2025, 24 Prospect Street Mackay,Fun and interactive workshop where you'll learn the essentials of being a great barista. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or looking to start a career in the coffee industry, this event is perfect for you.
💓 Beats Bingo at The Bavarian Mackay: July 10, 2025, The Bavarian Mackay, Forget traditional bingo! BEATS is a music-charged celebration of the best music of today, yesterday, and the day before that.
‼️ Queensland Resources and Innovation Expo: July 11, 2025, Resources Centre of Excellence, Mackay. Discover cutting-edge technology, connect with industry leaders, and enter to win a $2800 YETI Prize Pack at this must-attend event for the resources sector.