🏭 $5M boost for QLD manufacturing | Construction starts on 1st over-50s local community | Last week's poll results | Trump's robot dogs on the loose and more!
Today's newsletter is 1,047 words, a 5-minute read.
Welcome to Rocky News Thursday, it’s November 21!
In today's email:
One Big Thing: $5M Boost for Queensland Manufacturing
First over-50s community: Launches in Rockhampton
Expanded Early Access Team speeds up: Hospital discharges
Last week’s poll results: The Donald Trump poll
Trending: Rockhampton… a beautiful place
Around The Web (Snippets): Cast announced for RENT musical, Donald Trump robot security dogs, A Secretive Spaceplane of the U.S. Space Force and more!
Upcoming Events
🍿 What To Watch: Here’s a fully free mini-series called Rogue Heroes the team stumbled up on this week (from way back in 2022..).
Stacked with action and big actors from Game of Thrones, The Wire, Kingsman, and more, watch it on SBS On Demand.
Rockhampton Weather - Weekend Forecast
The Weekly Dream Gig
Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works is looking for a Service Delivery Officer (Payroll) to deliver payroll and establishment services to Queensland Government employees.
This role involves working in Brisbane, Townsville, or Rockhampton, offering a salary of $71,969 - $80,250 per year.
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
Live National Meat and Livestock Index
1. One Big Thing: $5M Boost for Queensland Manufacturing
What’s happening?
The Crisafulli Government has announced a $5 million annual expansion of the Made in Queensland manufacturing grants.
The program aims to bolster Queensland’s advanced manufacturing sector by increasing capability, productivity, and innovation while supporting high-skilled jobs.
Minister for Manufacturing, Dale Last, visited Rockhampton businesses Manuplex and PHL Metal Fabrication and toured the Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub to unveil this initiative.
By the Numbers
$5 million in additional funding will be allocated annually to the Made in Queensland manufacturing grants.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand manufacturing hubs across regional Queensland.
Significant cost reductions for manufacturers, including lower electricity and water expenses, aim to make Queensland a top state for manufacturing investment.
What to Look For Next?
Expect announcements on the establishment of new manufacturing hubs across Queensland and updates on their specific impact on local industries.
Read the full article below 👇
2. First Over-50s community launches in Rockhampton
What’s Happening?
Construction has officially commenced on Aliria on Dean, Rockhampton’s first over-50s lifestyle community in a decade.
The $32 million project, situated on a 2.5-hectare site in Berserker, will feature 57 duplex homes and an array of community facilities, offering a secure and active lifestyle for downsizers.
By the Numbers
Investment: $32 million
Homes: 57 duplex-style
Size: 2.5 hectares
Completion: Late 2025
Price Range: From $585,000
What to Look For Next
Keep an eye on progress updates as the community prepares for its late 2025 completion.
Early buyers, like Rockhampton locals Mark and Susan Bunt, exemplify the appeal of this innovative housing option for those looking to downsize while maintaining an active, connected lifestyle.
You can read the full article below 👇
3. Expanded Early Access Team speeds up hospital discharges
What’s happening
The Expanded Early Access Team (EAT) in Central Queensland has grown to provide enhanced allied health support, enabling patients to recover at home after hospital discharge.
The initiative now covers Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast, and Mt Morgan, offering short-term and re-enablement care to patients in their homes or through telehealth services.
By the numbers
1,000+ occasions of service delivered to patients in the 2023-24 financial year.
Supported patients across Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast, and Mt Morgan regions.
Funded through $2.5 million recurrent funding under the Connected Community Pathways program.
What to look for next
Future updates on patient outcomes and the potential introduction of additional healthcare initiatives under the Connected Community Pathways program.
Expect further data on how this model reduces hospital demand and improves long-term recovery rates.
Read the full article below 👇
4. Last week’s poll results
We asked, and heaps of you answered.
The Rocky ‘Hate its’ has it.
5. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Phyllis Street access to the Botanic Gardens is: Closed for Radience Rockhampton preparations
Woolworths is under fire for a collaboration with an: Online kid’s game that’s been described as an ‘X-rated paedophile hellscape’
Cast announced for: 2025 community musical RENT at Pilbeam Theatre
Online bottle shop Jimmy Brings: Has joined the MILKRUN app
Graeme Green retires: His tack for the final time
Here’s everything you need to know about: Bluesky, the competitor to X, which just hit 20m users
Temporary road closure in Rockhampton CBD for: Christmas decorations installation
A Secretive Spaceplane of the U.S. Space Force conducts: First-of-its-kind maneuvers known as aerobraking
Six new projects to deliver: Improved roads and infrastructure
Donald Trump now has: Robot dogs patrolling the Mar-a-Lago perimeter
6. Upcoming Events
ℹ️ Fibreglass Info Day: November 23 from 8 am to 12 pm; an action-packed morning of hands-on demos and expert advice at 2 McBean St, Yeppoon
☀️ Moana Pool Party: November 23 from 8:30 am onwards; in celebration of the new release of Moana 2, there will be a special appearance from Moana and Maui at the Northside Pool
🏞 Fitzroy River Barrage Open Day: November 23 from 8 am to 2 pm; enjoy information displays, educational demonstrations, kids activities and more at Fitzroy River Barrage, 9 Larcombe St
👩🏼🏫 Inspiring Female Founders: November 26 from 4 pm to 7 pm; inspiring stories, interactive session, connect with like-minded women from your community, Q&A and more at Advanced Technology and Innovation Centre
⚡️ Rockhampton Energy Forum Lunch: November 28 from 12 pm onwards; hear first-hand from local projects, gain insights into the future workforce needs of energy products in the region, and understand the opportunities there are for local businesses at Frenchville Sports Club