🚀Rocket launching from North QLD approved | Aussie athletics stars at Coles Community Round | Conveyor belt road in Japan and more!
Today's newsletter is 1,261 words, a 6-minute read.
Happy Mackay Minute Thursday, November 7.
In today's email
One Big Thing: Eris Rocket launching soon from North QLD
Mackay’s 2025 Australia Day award: Nominations now open
Coles Community Round: Inspires young athletes across Australia
Trending: Queensland summers
Around The Web (Snippets): Woman bitten by a shark, Titanic artifacts going on auction, Spotlight on Australia’s rural health and heaps more!
Upcoming Events
Heatwave Alert: Queensland's Heatwave Situation for 3 days starting today
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
The Weekly Dream Gig
Teach Queensland is looking for an educator who is interested in an opportunity to travel and experience new communities with a yearly salary of $71,986 to $108,359 and be part of Teacher Rapid Response Team (RRT).
This is an exciting opportunity for teachers to explore rural, remote and regional areas of our state, support colleagues and students in these communities and gain valuable teaching experience in a different school setting.
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Rocket launching soon from North QLD
What’s Happening
Gilmour Space Technologies has been granted Australia’s first orbital launch permit, setting the stage for the maiden launch of its Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland.
The launch is a landmark moment for Australian aerospace.
Why It Matters
This development marks a significant leap forward for Australia’s space ambitions, enabling the country to compete on the global stage in space technology and innovation.
It also signals a robust future for the local space industry, supporting Australian-made advancements in rocket technology and launch capabilities.
By the Numbers
200+ employees at Gilmour Space, transforming the company into Australia’s largest space manufacturer.
300+ Australian suppliers have joined Gilmour’s supply chain, underscoring local industry involvement.
10 seconds to launch: Gilmour recently completed a successful wet dress rehearsal for the Eris rocket, achieving T-10 seconds in the countdown.
Local Impact
Bowen and the Whitsundays are seeing new economic opportunities, as this launch enhances North Queensland’s status in the Australian space sector.
The spaceport’s development is bringing jobs and infrastructure investment to the area.
Heading Skyward: A Rocketing Future
With the Eris TestFlight1 expected soon, this project could put Australia on the space launch map.
Successful launches from Bowen could draw international partners, boosting local expertise and economy.
2. Mackay’s 2025 Australia Day award nominations now open
What’s Happening?
Mackay Regional Council is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards, including a new Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award, honouring those championing accessibility.
Why It Matters
The awards recognise community members whose contributions enhance Mackay’s quality of life, inspiring others and promoting inclusivity.
By the Numbers
183 nominations were received last year, with a goal of 200 this year.
Winners will be celebrated at the MECC on January 25, 2025.
Local Impact
The awards highlight the achievements of Mackay’s community champions, encouraging a stronger sense of local pride and service.
Mackay’s Brightest Stars
The new award category emphasises Mackay's commitment to inclusion, celebrating those who continue Borellini’s legacy.
What The People Say
Mayor Greg Williamson: “Every nominee says it’s meaningful to be recognised for their work.”
Williamson added: “Brenden broke down barriers, inspiring others to do the same.”
What To Look For Next
Nominations close January 5, 2025, with winners announced January 25 at MECC.
Send your nominations HERE.
Read the full article, below 👇
3. Coles Community Round inspires young athletes across Australia
What’s Happening?
From 6 to November 19 2024, Australian athletics stars will hit the track to inspire the next generation of athletes during the Coles Community Round.
The initiative brings champions like Paris gold medallist Nina Kennedy, Olympians James Turner and Sally Pearson, and Paralympic heroes Matthew Denny and Jaryd Clifford to over 60 Little Athletics Centres nationwide.
Why It Matters
This initiative provides a unique opportunity for young athletes to meet and learn from their idols.
With training tips, nutritional guidance, and fun banana-themed races, the event celebrates not just sporting achievement but also the joy and camaraderie of grassroots athletics.
By the Numbers
$2.5 million in sports equipment grants provided by Coles to Little Athletics Centres since 2017.
5 million bananas will be donated to fuel young athletes and promote healthy eating.
A record 300 Little Athletics Centres are hosting events this year—up from previous years.
Local Impact
The Coles Community Round creates a buzz of excitement among young athletes.
The visits serve as a reminder that elite athletes like Kelsey-Lee Barber and Jaryd Clifford began their journeys in community sports, inspiring local kids to aim for the stars.
What To Look For Next
Read the full article below 👇
4. Trending
🌞🏖️😎
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Tensions rise over ball change as: Australia A Begins Final Day 86 Runs Behind in Mackay.
Coal recovered from the Titanic and: Thousands of other historic shipwreck artifacts are going to auction
Drink driver involved in traffic crash: A 34-year-old man from Upper Caboolture, has been served with a notice to appear in court by police following a single vehicle crash, at a round-about on Mackay Bucasia Road in Beaconsfield.
Woman in 50s bitten: By shark Off the coast of Mackay in Central Qld.
The ABC apologised following: An independent review which found they doctored fake gunshots into a story about Australian Commandos
Building a Dementia-Friendly community in Mackay region: Dementia Australia is offering a series of free educational sessions across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.
Spotlight on Rural Health this November: the National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) to bring attention to the healthcare disparities and successes within Australia’s rural, regional, and remote communities.
The 2023 Child Care subsidy changes have been found to: Be no longer as effective (likely because of Child Care Centre fee hikes..)
What Trump’s victory means for AI given he has: Repeatedly said he plans to dismantle Biden’s AI policy framework and has aligned himself with kingmakers who sharply criticise all but the lightest-touch regulations
The Japanese Government is building a three-lane corridor from Osaka to Tokyo for: A conveyor belt road due to its shortage of truck drivers and shrinking labor force 👇
6. Upcoming Events
🧸Toddler Time - Gordon White Library: November 11, The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs. It's never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child. Access to free events is only one of the benefits of library membership.
💪Unleash Your Dream Body Expo - Mackay: November 12, Revitalise Your Mind and Body for Summer with Natural Activation and Get ready to transform your wellness routine.
🍼Baby Bounce - Sarina Library: November 12, The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs. It's never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child.
💃No Lights No Lycra Mackay: November 13, Get ready to dance like nobody's watching at No Lights No Lycra, where we'll groove in the dark and let loose without a care!
🏃♀️Mackay Job Fair - Mackay Career Fair: November 15, Connect and Interview with Top Employers.