🛰️ $50m local low orbit satellite plan
Volume 98: Smarter renewables for the Downs | AI laser mozzie zapper | Centuries-old lost violin has been found | Musk chatbot gets weirder and heaps more
Welcome back to another beautiful Toowoomba Minute Thursday, it’s July 17.
Today’s newsletter is 1,281 words.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Toowoomba boffins join $50m space project
Forum demands: Smarter renewables for the Downs
Finalists of: 2025 You Are ACE! Awards announced
Trending: A new era for Toowoomba Regional Council
Around The Web (Snippets): An AI mozzie zapper, TRC’s new coordinating group, Scootaville in QLD 2025, Chimps spark fad by stuffing grass in ears and rears and more
Upcoming Events
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1. One Big Thing: Toowoomba boffins join $50m space project
By Marshall Hall
Toowoomba scientists from the University of Southern Queensland have joined forces with a consortium in a $50 million plan to launch low-orbiting satellites.
UniSQ and its iLAuNCH Trailblazer program have joined an Optus-led consortium that plans to build, launch and operate of a sovereign Australian low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
Alongside its role in advancing cutting-edge connectivity technology, the satellite will carry two payloads - one of which is being developed in partnership with UniSQ and High Earth Orbit Robotics.
The payload will include a specialised telescope designed to take high-resolution pictures of deep space.
Director of UniSQ’s Centre for Astrophysics Professor Duncan Wright is leading the payload project.
He said that once launched, the satellite would allow UniSQ researchers to explore the cosmos and conduct groundbreaking astronomical research.
“We’re proud to be part of this landmark project and the incredible opportunities it offers our researchers to uncover new planetary systems, track and identify interstellar objects and explore the environments that make planets - and potentially life - possible beyond our Solar System,” Professor Wright said
More about the satellites in the full article below 👇
2. Forum demands smarter renewables for the Downs
What’s Happening: Regional Queenslanders are calling for a smarter, fairer approach to renewable energy.
A new report titled Shaping Renewables on the Downs: Community Priorities for a Just Transition was released today by the Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC), Queensland Conservation Council (QCC), and Re-Alliance.
Why It Matters: The report highlights concerns about fragmented development and lack of coordination, echoing issues seen during the gas boom.
“People across the Downs want the renewable energy transition to succeed – but not at the expense of our environment, cultural values, or community cohesion.” DDEC Coordinator Ahri Tallon
Local Impact: Since the forum, the Queensland Government has introduced new rules requiring councils to set up community benefit agreements.
However, DDEC believes more action is needed to ensure that local voices shape the region’s energy future.
What To Look For Next: This roadmap is now in the hands of decision-makers.
Communities across the Downs will be watching to see how seriously their voices are taken.
More in the full article below 👇
3. Finalists of 2025 You Are ACE! Awards announced
What’s Happening: Ageing Australia has announced the finalists for the 2025 You Are ACE! Awards ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on Thursday, 7 August.
Among this year’s 52 finalists are several with strong ties to Toowoomba.
Why It Matters: These awards show the importance of recognising local teams and organisations working hard to improve care for older Australians.
Toowoomba’s representation shows that regional centres play a key part in aged care innovation and teamwork.
By The Numbers:
More than 500 nominations were received from across Australia
52 finalists are recognised across 15 categories, including teamwork and consumer focus
St Vincent’s Care’s Celebrating You project has drawn over 140,000 visits to its campaign website since 2023
What To Look For Next: Winners of the 2025 You are ACE! Awards will be announced on Thursday, 7 August, as part of Aged Care Employee Day.
The complete list of finalists in the article below👇
Weekly Dream Gig
This week - St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland is hiring a Housing Officer in Toowoomba to support tenants in sustaining long-term housing outcomes across the region.
This full-time permanent role offers a salary of $77,162.80 + super + salary packaging, and involves tenancy management, community outreach, and regional travel to Warwick, Dalby, and Roma. Full training provided, no experience necessary.
If you're empathetic, organised, and ready to make a meaningful impact - this one’s for you. Apply now.
Have a job opening? Contact us and promote your vacancy 👇
4. Trending
Around The Web (Snippets)
Lockyer Valley Foods and the Lockyer Fruit & Veggie Cooperative have joined forces with: Queensland radio identity Ben Dobbin to launch a 12-episode podcast series
Scootaville will return to Queensland in August 2025 with about: 30 riders setting off from Brisbane on 100cc mopeds
Call of Duty cheaters are complaining after: Activision launched a new wave of mass-bans
Police are seeking public help to identify a man who: Attacked a 59-year-old woman at East Toowoomba on Friday, July 4
Chimps are sticking grass in their ears and: Rears as they embrace a ‘pointless’ fad
Eight decades after a violin made in 1709, known as the: “Small Mendelssohn” disappeared in WWII, experts think they’ve located it in Japan
The Joseph J Leadbetter Skatepark upgrade is: Officially complete featuring a fresh street-style design perfect for beginners and pros
Just when you thought it couldn’t get weirder…: Elon Musk’s AI chatbot just added lingerie-wearing goth anime girl with “Companions,” including a red panda and “Ani,” a sultry anime goth with a NSFW mode; think ChatGPT meets OnlyFans, but with less shame and more code 🙄
TRC endorses new Terms of Reference for: Local Australia Day Working Group volunteers, Coordinating Group
Laser tag for mozzies: An actual AI-laser-mozzie-zapper now exists, the Iron Dome of pest defence
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6. Upcoming Events
🚚 Extreme War on Wheels: July 19 from 2 pm onwards; monster trucks, fireworks, fire stunts and more at Toowoomba Showgrounds
🥳 Twilight Market: July 19 from 3 pm to 8 pm; an afternoon of local shopping, live music by local artists, delicious food, and a beautiful community vibe under the light at Highfields Cultural Centre, Sean McCarthy Way
🌏 ✈️ Discover the World - Global Travel Expo: July 20 from 10 am to 2 pm; get exclusive travel deals, expert travel advice, prizes and giveaways at the Empire Theatres Armitage Centre [Ad Partner]
🌸 Bloom Self-Love Event: July 22 from 4:30 pm onwards; a space created for women to nourish their heart, release and relax deeply into their body at DeMolay House, 90 Margaret Street
🏌️♂️🐻 Bears Golf Day: July 25 at 8 am; Toowoomba Bears' Annual Golf Day, the biggest club fundraiser of the year at Toowoomba Golf Club
🏍 ProMX Championship: July 27 from 8 am to 4 pm; non-stop handlebar-to-handlebar action at this premier motocross championship to be held at the Toowoomba Motocross Club, Echo Valley