☔ The North Queensland flood crisis continues
Google ditches diversity hiring | Mackay's Median House Price | Surfers in action | Major US Government data (and its allies) breached and more!
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s a super wet February 6.
Today's newsletter is 1,041 words and a 5-minute read.
It’s not great out there - stay safe!
In today's email:
One Big Thing: North QLD Flood Crisis
PBR Australia: Kicks off 2025 Season
Mackay HHS: Practices under review
Trending: Surfers in action 🏄♂️
Around the web (Snippets): Pro Bull Riding season kicks off, New police officers for Mackay, Mackay HHS investigation and more
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: The North Queensland Flood Crisis
What’s Happening: Severe flooding continues to impact North Queensland, with emergency crews rescuing stranded residents and power teams working to restore electricity.
Thousands remain without power as heavy rain and road closures hinder recovery.
Why It Matters? Floodwaters have displaced families, cut off communities, and left businesses without electricity.
With flash flooding still a risk, emergency efforts are critical to ensuring safety and restoring normalcy.
By the Numbers
7 rescues and 50+ assisted (and counting) Fire and rescue crews have saved multiple people, including children and pets.
8,000+ homes and businesses without power (and counting)
Rising Waters, Rising Challenges: Rescue teams continue to respond to distress calls, particularly near the Hahn River. Ergon Energy is prioritising restoration where conditions allow, but Ingham remains a major concern as crews struggle to access damage sites.
What’s Next?
Power restoration in Ingham – Aerial inspections will resume once weather permits.
Flood recovery timeline – Damage assessments will determine safe restoration efforts.
Transport access – Key roads and bridges, like Macrossan Bridge, remain a priority for reopening.
A Heartfelt Thank You: We at The Mackay Minute extend our deepest gratitude to emergency responders, rescue crews, and power teams working tirelessly for North Queensland. Your dedication is truly appreciated.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected—stay safe, stay strong, and know help is on the way.
2. Profession Bull Riders Australia kicks off 2025 Season
PBR Australia’s 2025 season kicks off this weekend with the Monster Energy Tour Scone Invitational in New South Wales, marking the start of the journey to the Grand Finals.
Queensland riders, including world number one Brady Fielder, are set to dominate, alongside champions like Boston and Macaulie Leather, and rising stars making their mark.
The event also launches the junior division, featuring standout young talents like Kassedy Carlon and Jaxsen Tremayne, ensuring the sport’s future remains strong.
PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young highlighted the competition’s role in developing elite riders, with only nine events before the highly anticipated Origin Series.
With over 75,000 fans attending PBR Australia events annually, the sport continues to grow, offering local and international pathways for Australian riders.
As the season unfolds, competitors will fight for rankings, qualifications, and the chance to represent Australia on the global bull riding stage.
Check out the full article. ⬇️
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3. Mackay HHS practices under review
What’s Happening: Queensland Health has launched a two-year investigation (Jan 2023–Dec 2024) into Mackay HHS over concerns about senior medical officer recruitment, credentialing, and supervision.
Why It Matters: The review aims to ensure patient safety and compliance with Queensland Health’s credentialing standards.
Minister Tim Nicholls assured, “clinical reviews to date found no patient harm had occurred.”
By The Numbers
Covers two years of recruitment and credentialing.
A prior review found no harm but flagged credentialing risks.
Findings could drive statewide policy changes.
Local Impact: Mackay HHS has strengthened procedures to improve supervision. Chief Executive Susan Gannon said, “This demonstrates our development of a culture of safety.”
Fixing the Gaps: Doctors raised concerns over unclear clinical scope and supervision. Dr Rosengren stressed, “If there are shortfalls, we must identify and improve them.”
What’s Next?
Investigation results may reshape state policies.
Mackay HHS will continue enhancing safety measures.
Possible statewide updates on best practices.
The full article👇
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
UGL’s Adam Sizmur inspired students: at Mackay North and Fitzgerald State Schools.
The biggest breach of US Government: Data is underway following Elon Musk’s employees gaining access to information on millions of federal employees and key allies
Mackay Sport & Rec Expo is on Sunday at MECC: 100+ indoor options, weather may impact outdoor activities.
QPS has officially sworn in 136 new officers: Including nine for Mackay District Police.
Google has announced it is: Ditching “Diversity, equity and inclusion” (D.E.I) goals and targets, following the likes of Amazon and Meta
Mackay's Median House Price: A Complete Guide in 2025.
Dr Mariyam Nizha completed: her medical internship at Mackay Base Hospital, gave birth two days later.
Meet the incredibly: Bejeweled skeletons of Catholicism’s forgotten martyrs
Mackay detectives charge 50-year-old man: with drug supply and child sexual assault.
A man jailed for 10 years for refusing to reveal: The location of ‘Ship of Gold’ treasure may soon be freed👇
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week – Pioneer Nursing Services in Mackay is hiring a Care Manager to drive aged care and disability programs. Earn $110K–$140K/year, overseeing daily operations, leading teams, and ensuring top-notch service delivery.
If you're a strategic thinker with leadership skills and a passion for care, apply now and make a real difference! 🌟🏡
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
6. Upcoming Events
🤸♀️ Mackay Sport and Rec Expo: 9 February, The 2025 event will be bigger than ever with heaps of prizes up for grabs, Active Zone activities/demos throughout the day and 90+ sport and recreation options on display. The sign-on event is available for all ages and all abilities!
🧠 Trivia Night @ Souths Leagues Club | Mackay: 10 February, Round up your friends and get your geek on!
Musical Bingo @ Seabreeze Hotel | Mackay: 11 February, There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo.
🍹 Mocktails, Music, Memories: 14 February, Join us for an evening of signature mocktails, live music, and an elegant photo booth experience! Let’s create lasting memories while making a difference.
Mackay Community Forum: 14 February, The Strategy will guide collaborative work together to engage with stakeholders as we embark on significant reforms of the disability sector over the next four years.