🚁 Black Hawks now call Oakey home

Volume 97: Toowoomba's travel expo | QLD Wins | YouTube’s crackdown | Missing teen surfer found on remote island and heaps more

Marshall Hall

Ishee

Monica

, and 2 others

Jul 10, 2025

Welcome back to a glorious Thursday for being a Queenslander.

It’s July 10, and New South Wales.. just don’t get it 😉

Today’s newsletter is 1,281 words.

In today's email:

One Big Thing: Black Hawks now call Oakey home
Oh Lord: It’s hard to be humble - King Cane Toad
Toowoomba Travel Expo: Takes off next weekend
Trending: Oakey’s new residents
Around The Web (Snippets): Archie Moore’s Mīal in Toowoomba, NAIDOC at Grand Central this July, TRC parking feedback open now and heaps more
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1. One Big Thing: Black Hawks now call Oakey home

By Marshall Hall

What’s Happening: Black Hawk helicopters are now permanently based at Oakey’s Swartz Barracks, marking the start of a major Army aviation training expansion.

Why It Matters: The move boosts Army readiness and strengthens Oakey’s role in national defence and emergency response.

By the Numbers

3 Black Hawks are now permanently based at Oakey
$9m in upgrades to begin soon at Swartz Barracks
There are 18 helicopters planned to be on-site by 2030

Local Impact: Oakey will see increased job opportunities, training activity, and defence investment over the next five years, as well as busier skies with the relocation of flying training from 2026.

What The People Say:

“The modernisation of Army’s aviation capabilities is providing our soldiers with the enhanced situational awareness, tactical speed, reach, and firepower required to protect Australia and our national interests,” Major General Hafner said.
“I want to thank the United States Army for their continued support in the delivery of the UH-60M Black Hawk to Australia, and our industry partners at Lockheed Martin Australia for aiding with the sustainment of this critical capability.”

What To Look For Next: Upgrade construction begins soon, with full training capacity expected by 2029.

And, the full article below.

2. It’s a great time to be a Queenslander

By King Cane Toad

It’s a great time to be a Queenslander.

The sun is shining brighter, the colours of the flowers seem more vivid, the weather is warm and, oh, did I mention that the Maroons won Game Three in the State of Origin.

State of Origin was born in 1980, and in 45 years of Origin history, Queensland have now held up the shield 27 times. The Blues, who it seems go into each series as the perennial favourites, have held the trophy aloft only 18 times.

To steal a line from a Mac Davis song from the year of the first Origin match, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you are perfect in every way”.

And that was the case in Game 3 this week. What a win it was. In case you were locked in Donald Trump’s dungeon, Queensland didn’t just win, we treated the Cockroaches like Trump treats illegal migrants.

The final 24-12 scoreline was in fact flattering to NSW, with the Cockroaches slinking over in the corner for a consolation try in the final minute while the Queenslanders were discussing what champagne they should be ordering.

Queensland’s performance was sublime. Queensland showed the “State of Origin spirit” that Andrew Johns argues does not exist. In defence the Queenslanders swarmed like flies on a turd. Half-back Tom Dearden was the chief of the flies. He was buzzing around everywhere in an incredible man-of-the-match performance.

Dearden stands just 1.77cm tall, but he clearly stood the tallest of all the players on the paddock and deservedly won the Wally Lewis medal for the player of the series.

In comparison, the NSW players were sometimes directionless, sloppy and stank. Nathan Cleary, who has achieved incredible feats in rugby league and is probably the greatest player in this era, now has the stench of losing three State of Origin deciders on his record.

Of special note, Lattrell Mitchell and serial pest Liam Martin both provided some in-game laughs with attempted Golden Raspberry Award submissions for over-acting in failed attempts to gain penalties for their team.

There is an old saying that the stats don’t lie, but if you look at the statistics from Game 3, you would have guessed a different result. NSW outperformed Queensland in Run Metres, Post Contact Metres, Tackle Breaks, Average Set Distance, Kick Return Metres, and Offloads, but the stats don’t measure “heart”.

And the only real statistic that matters is the scoreboard. 24-12.

3. Toowoomba Travel Expo takes off next weekend

What’s Happening: Global Travel Co. is bringing Toowoomba’s biggest travel expo to the Empire Theatre on Sunday, 20 July 2025, with 50+ global travel exhibitors, expert advice, and giveaways.

Why It Matters: It marks the company’s rebrand and brings world-class travel opportunities directly to the people of the Toowoomba region and surrounding regional Queensland.

By the Numbers

50+ exhibitors from major travel brands will attend.
$1,000+ in prizes, including cruise and holiday vouchers.
4-hour expo, streamed live by Toowoomba4350-TV.

Local Impact: Residents can book trips, ask experts, and access deals, all without leaving town.

What The People Say

“This is more than just a travel event, it’s a launchpad for your next adventure,” says Director Ben Apsey.
“We’re bringing together the people behind the brands, our own rebrand, and the Toowoomba community in the crown jewel of the city, The Empire Theatre.”

What To Look For Next: Watch for more local travel activations and seasonal deals from Global Travel Co. in the months ahead.

And the complete list of exhibitors in article below👇

Book now!

Weekly Dream Gig

This week, People First Bank is hiring a Senior Leader, Enterprise Risk in Toowoomba, a newly created Line 2 role that blends strategy, governance and values.

💡 Hybrid-flexible, purpose-led, and made for impact.

💰 Expected salary: $140,000.00k+ for the right pro.

Ready to lead risk with heart?

Apply now 🧠⚖️