🛝The Lionleigh: Rocky’s best family pub just got better!
Pro Bull Riding season kicks off | Hear and Say's New CEO | Google ditches diversity hires | Barra season is here and more!
Welcome back to Rocky News, it’s February 6.
Today's newsletter is 1,025 words and a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Rockhampton’s best family pub
PBR Australia: Kicks off 2025 Season
Sharon Stokell appointed: CEO of ‘Hear and Say’
Trending: Barra season is here 🐟
Around the web (Snippets): New police officers for Rocky, a major US Government data (and its allies) breach, Denison Street upgrades and more
Upcoming events
Rockhampton Weather - Weekend Forecast
The Weekly Dream Gig
🍽️ Venue Manager Wanted: Take charge of a vibrant, multi-faceted venue, driving food, beverage, and entertainment success. With a $110K–$120K salary + super + bonuses, you’ll lead a dynamic team, grow the business, and create top-tier customer experiences.
If you’re a hands-on leader with hospitality smarts and a knack for boosting revenue, apply now and make your mark!
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
Live National Meat and Livestock Index
1. One Big Thing: Rockhampton’s best family pub just got better!
What’s Happening: The Lionleigh Pub, a Rockhampton icon since 1926, has officially opened its brand-new playground, making it the ultimate family-friendly venue.
Parents can now enjoy a relaxed pub meal while their children play in a safe, engaging environment. With Kids Eat Free Thursdays, there’s even more reason for families to visit.
Why It Matters: With family-friendly venues in high demand, The Lionleigh’s latest addition offers parents a stress-free dining experience.
The glass-walled, air-conditioned playground ensures kids stay entertained while parents unwind—striking the perfect balance between fun and comfort.
Fun & Safe - A Playground Built for Everyone: This is no ordinary playground—designed with safety, comfort, and engagement in mind.
The glass-walled design allows parents to keep an eye on their kids while enjoying their meals.
The air-conditioned space makes it the perfect retreat from the Rockhampton heat.
An interactive play area keeps children of all ages entertained.
What The People Say
“We understand that sometimes kids can get a bit restless at the dinner table, but don’t worry! We have a fantastic kids’ area that will keep children of all ages engaged and entertained while you enjoy your meal.” — The Lionleigh Team
What To Look For Next
More Family Events – Keep an eye out for holiday specials, family fun nights, and giveaways.
Exciting Monthly Specials – Expect themed events, burger nights, and special discounts.
The Lionleigh Pub, Rockhampton – Dine, Unwind & Let the Kids Play!
Book a table now!
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.
3. Sharon Stokell appointed CEO of Hear and Say
What’s Happening?
Hear and Say has named Sharon Stokell as its new CEO, effective January 2025.
She succeeds Greg Elphinston after serving as Acting CEO for five months and previously as COO since 2023.
Why It Matters
With 35+ years of leadership experience, Stokell aims to expand speech pathology services and improve access to hearing and speech therapy for regional and remote Queensland communities.
By the Numbers
Hear and Say has supported thousands of families since 1992.
The organisation offers audiology, speech therapy, and cochlear implant services.
Plans include broadening services beyond hearing loss to improve overall communication development.
What They Say
“We are thrilled to appoint Sharon as CEO. She brings exceptional leadership and dedication to our mission.” – Matthew Ames, Board Chair
What’s Next?
Hear and Say will enhance speech pathology programs and strengthen community partnerships, ensuring more accessible services for all Queenslanders.
Check full article 👇👇
4. Trending
Follow us on our social media, Facebook and Instagram
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
QPS has officially sworn in 136 new officers: Including three for Rockhampton Police.
A man jailed for 10 years for refusing to reveal: The location of ‘Ship of Gold’ treasure may soon be freed
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Rockhampton: a place where everyone can thrive.
Rocky owners rewarded: with Gold Coast win by local CYS Sale Graduate.
Council’s Denison Street upgrades: Are now 80% complete between Derby and Stanley Streets.
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
Wendy Sharpe’s Rockhampton mural: Explores identity and the past through a central figure and ghostly, mythical forms.
Google has announced it is: Ditching “Diversity, equity and inclusion” (D.E.I) goals and targets, following the likes of Amazon and Meta
Meet the incredibly: Bejeweled skeletons of Catholicism’s forgotten martyrs👇
6. Upcoming Events
🌿 Mindfulness-based Stress reduction (MBSR): 8 February, Join Dr Lyn McCormack as she facilitates Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training in Rockhampton.
🍸 007 Shaken Not Stirred: 10 February, Celebrating the classic James Bond films, 007 Shaken Not Stirred boasts black-ties, luxurious gowns, stunning performances and exhilarating dancing.
🫂 Family Drug Support - Support Meetings Rockhampton: 11 February, Non-religious open meetings for family members and friends who are affected by the drug and/or alcohol use of a friend or relative.
🧘 Choice and Change - Supporting healthy ageing for women: 12 February, This event will bring local interdisciplinary teams together for an evening of networking and learning centred on collaboratively promoting and supporting healthy aging for women.
🧑💼 Small Business Grant Workshop: 13 February, You’ll learn about the types of grants available to small businesses, tips for writing a compelling application, and how to align your proposal with grant guidelines. You’ll also learn how to manage your grant outcomes to achieve lasting success.