Boeing take-off in Toowoomba | $50,000 whisky | Project Booyah | Queensland pill testing | Baltimore cargo ship collision footage | Antarctic Post Office hiring and more!
Today’s newsletter is 954 words: a 4 minute read.
Welcome to Wednesday, a few days before an epic Easter long weekend.
It’s March 27, 2024.
Did you know: It has been almost 80 years since the last plane was built in Australia, and that is all set to change soon out of Toowoomba.
In today’s email
One Big Thing: World Science coming to regional Queensland
Booyah: Better futures for youths
Queensland Pill Testing: A pioneering state in the nation’s drug safety efforts
Trending: The Baltimore cargo ship collision
Around The Web (Snippets): Boeing takes off in Toowoomba, a $50,000 whisky, Antarctic Post Office Hiring and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Easter Weekend Weather
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Science Meets Culture in Queensland
What’s Happening
The World Science Festival Brisbane 2024 has just concluded, which combined science, art, and culture in a 10-day extravaganza unique to the Southern Hemisphere, and Queensland regions are now set to benefit as the experience moves regional.
Why It Matters
This event underscores Queensland's role as a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and artistic expression.
By the Numbers
$1.4 million expected boost to the visitor economy.
$9 million investment to secure the festival until 2027.
Roughly 9,000 visitors were expected across the events.
5 Queensland regions World Science Festival Queensland will now visit
Local Impact
The festival's regional program extends to Toowoomba, enhancing local regional engagement and showcasing Queensland's diverse talent.
Gazing Forward
Looking ahead, the festival is set to enrich Queensland's cultural landscape, especially with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon.
What The People Say
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch highlights the festival as a celebration of “thinkers, dreamers, and storytellers.”
Dr Jim Thompson, CEO of Queensland Museum, sees it as a “pivotal moment for science accessibility.”
What To Look For Next
The World Science Festival Queensland visits:
Toowoomba – Friday, May 17 (Schools program) and Saturday, May 18 2024
For more festival info, check the full program at www.worldsciencefestival.com.au
2. Booyah for Toowoomba: Steering Youth Towards Brighter Futures
What’s Happening
Project Booyah, an early intervention program recently offered, aims to redirect at-risk youth through adventure learning and vocational training.
Why It Matters
It's a lifeline for vulnerable youngsters, blending personal growth with practical skills to foster positive life paths and reduce youth crime.
By the Numbers
16-week program for the 2024 cohort kicked off this month
199 participants across Queensland took part in 2023
Post-program 2023, 73% returned to education, 42% advanced to further training, and 35% gained employment.
Local Impact
Project Booyah's arrival in Toowoomba promises new horizons for local youth, offering hope and tangible outcomes for the community.
Forward Thrust
The program's expansion into Toowoomba signals a proactive approach to youth intervention, with potential for wider adoption across Queensland.
What The People Say
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massignham: "Project Booyah...allows young people to improve their relations with police, other authorities, and their community."
What To Look For Next
Uplifted youths and a continued comprehensive approach to nurturing at-risk youngsters towards education, employment, and engagement within their community.
3. Queensland Leads the Way in Drug Safety
What’s Happening
In a monumental move, Queensland becomes the pioneering state in Australia's drug safety efforts by introducing continuous pill testing services, backed by a $1 million investment over two years.
Why It Matters
Queensland's endorsement of pill testing signifies a significant shift in Australia's strategy for harm reduction, emphasising proactive measures over reactive ones.
The move underscores the urgency for nationwide adoption as preventable deaths remain a pressing concern.
Zoom In
Pill testing services offer insights into drug composition, aiding in harm reduction efforts.
The Big Picture
This move could potentially save countless lives by providing crucial information about drug composition and promoting safer choices.
What The People Say
Dr Aileen Traves: "Pill testing is about harm reduction, not an endorsement."
Dr Hester Wilson: "Other jurisdictions should follow Queensland's lead to prevent needless deaths."
What To Look For Next
As Queensland sets the precedent, it will be interesting to see whether other states will follow suit and prioritise public health and safety by implementing similar measures.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Toowoomba Boeing Facility is set: For take-off
A $50,000 whisky just released by: The Macallan x Bentley
The Harmony Day Picnic: Point celebration of 2024.
Women across South East Queensland and Northern NSW are set to: Benefit from cutting-edge, robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of endometriosis
The ‘Penguin Post Office’ (The world’s southernmost post office in Antarctica) is: Hiring three seasonal workers
The potentially new James Bond actor: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, has officially been offered the job
Fred Again holds a secret: Gig at an NZ cafe
Fire is being used in the South East Queensland range to: Protect Mount Ballow Mountain Frogs
6. Councillors’ Corner
Cr Dr Rebecca Vonhoff
7. Upcoming Events
🪺Easter Family Camping Weekend: March 29; Enjoy the peaceful surroundings with an authentic country experience at The Woolshed At Jondaryan
🧺 Cabarlah Market: March 31, 7:30 am - 12:30 pm; A wide variety of permanent stalls and a mix of casual stalls at Cabarlah Sports Ground
🎨 Hallucination – Belinda Stanton: April 03 to April 28; Belinda explores how AI creates images from user inputs, online sources, and labelling systems. at Rosalie Art Gallery
🎙Dan Davidson: April 12, Dirty Harry’s very first international artist all the way from Canada, at Dirty Harry’s
🚘Reverence Car Meet: April 14, 2:00 pm; nostalgic street meet at Brook Street.