Nothing beats being able to say: ‘I am fully qualified’ - and that’s what Courtney and Lauren can now do, after completing their Hairdressing Apprenticeships, with the support of scholarships from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

After successfully applying for and receiving Apprenticeship Scholarships in 2019 and 2020 respectively, Courtney Kennedy and Lauren Head both went on to find their footing in the hairdressing industry and have flourished, attributing their success to supportive workplaces and the extra professional growth and networking opportunities they received as part of their scholarships.

If you are first year apprentice in 2024 and undertaking your training with CQUniversity, you could apply for one of two (2) Apprenticeship scholarships, applications closing on 31 March. If you are starting your studies in one of the following fields, you are encouraged to apply: Engineering & Technology, Building & Construction, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering & Technology, Hairdressing, Horticulture or Mechanical.

There are also two (2) $9000 Higher Education Scholarships for those starting a Bachelor degree in 2024, in selected fields.

Courtney Kennedy said she would “most definitely encourage those starting a degree or apprenticeship to apply”, and that the Community Bank Sarina scholarship provided her with “multiple opportunities in the hairdressing community”.

“Hairdressing is a forever changing industry, and this scholarship allowed me to stay educated on the latest trends and have all the correct tools needed to excel in my career.

“Since completing my apprenticeship, I have now stepped up to be the 2IC of our beautiful salon and have an amazing full clientele,” Ms Kennedy said.

Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said she encouraged this year’s new students to invest in themselves and not to underestimate their potential.

“We encourage all eligible students and apprentices throughout the Mackay region to apply, as scholarships not only open doors regardless of background or circumstance, they also enable students to study and work close to home.

“The achievements of Courtney and Lauren are a great example of the potential for success when students are given the right mentoring and opportunities to pursue their goals, and the vital role that scholarships play in fostering local talent in our region, across many different industries.”

Community Bank Sarina has partnered with CQUniversity since 2012 to offer scholarships, reducing the need for students to travel for secondary education, providing a chance to stay local and actively contribute to our economy and communities.

CQUniversity Scholarships – applications close 31 March

There are two (2) $6000 Apprenticeship scholarships and two (2) $9000 Higher Education scholarships available to apply for now. These scholarships can assist with costs associated with studying and provide invaluable connections within local industries.

To find out more and apply, email executive@sarinacommunity.com.au or call 0435 537 012.

Caption (L-R) Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May, Courtney Kennedy, Lauren Head and Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich

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Join the Sarina Sugar Shed for a special St Patrick's Day cocktail masterclass on Saturday 16th March from 4.30pm, 'cos even leprechauns love rum! 

Experience all the shenanigans of the sweet masterclasses with a touch of Irish charm, including a unique green cocktail that the team is concocting! 

It will be loads of fun...to be sure, to be sure!  

Bookings are essential! Visit the website at www.sarinasugarshed.com.au and click on the Book Now button.

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A group of intelligent young men are the graduates of the RAGE program from last term.

They now meet fortnightly with Youth Support Coordinators (YSC) Heidi & Chaplain Ben to connect with one another and discuss daily life, the grind and all things in between as they uplift each other in support.

This group aims to break the stigma of talking about mental health and throughout the program, the boys have had the opportunity to hear from local positive male mentors and be trained up to become co-facilitators of the RAGE program.

This week the boys had the pleasure of connecting with Marmin Barba who shared his story and provided some encouraging words of wisdom to motivate the boys to continue showing up, not only for each other but for themselves, prompting healthy mindsets and habits.

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Caption: The resilient faces representing the Male Youth Connect Group

Sarina High’s Karate Champion

Straun is a year 7 ambitious student who has been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to take his passion and skills to a competition in Melbourne to compete for the National team for Karate! With Tokyo World Championships coming up in October, Sarina State High School along with the region wishes Straun all the very best for selection.

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Caption: year 7 student, Straun ready to compete for the National team for karate in Melbourne this weekend. Photos supplied: Sarina State High School

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Just weeks after news of a sharp national spike in asthma deaths – with South Australia recording the highest increase in a single year (88%) – scientists have revealed a promising new treatment for the chronic lung disease.

Australian researchers have found that a family of proinflammatory molecules called beta common cytokines control inflammation and scarring of the airways (fibrosis) in severe and steroid-resistant asthma.
 
They believe that a human therapeutic antibody called trabikihart could be the key to effectively blocking the inflammation and scarring. 
 
The findings, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, are a result of a joint study led by researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), in collaboration with researchers from CSL and SA Pathology.
 
Joint study leader Dr Damon Tumes, Head of the Allergy and Cancer Immunology Laboratory in the Centre for Cancer Biology*, says the findings are significant.
 
“Inflammation and tissue damage in severe asthma is caused by several types of immune cells that enter the lungs due to allergens, viruses and other microbes that interact with the airways,” Dr Tumes says.
 
“In some people, the inflammation is resistant to steroids – the first treatment option for controlling severe asthma.
 
“Currently, limited treatment options are available for severe asthma. New and existing drugs often only target single molecules when multiple overlapping cells and inflammatory pathways are responsible for asthma.
 
“Targeting multiple inflammatory cytokines with a single drug may be the key to treat and control complex and severe chronic airway disease.”
 
The most recent statistics show a 30% rise in asthma-related deaths (467 people) nationally in 2022, with South Australia recording the most drastic increase at 88%.
 
According to experts, most of the deaths were preventable and were linked to people not having treatment on hand, or using it as prescribed, especially inhaled corticosteroids.
 
2022 marked the highest asthma deaths since 2017, partly driven by the post-Covid return of viral respiratory infections which are associated with increases in asthma hospitalisations.
 
Widespread rainfall, triggering an increase in fungal spores and pollen, is also a factor.
 

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Lots of people ask me and want to be the best they can be and it always seems that healthy people often want to cut out things like sugar, (and that is just one type of carb that causes weight gain for example) and those who might be unhealthy or have a medical illness want to add things in like vitamins.

Health is an individual issue to us all and The World Health Organisation states the definition of Health is "a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

So many people see themselves as healthy, yet have a chronic disease or even cancer. Then others are in tip-top shape physically and on their blood work, and other investigations, but still feel unwell within themselves and can be suffering from Health Anxiety.

With so many social media pages, influencers and search engines having information on medical conditions, whether the condition is rare or not, there can be a lot of mis-information and anxiety.

Just hit the news recently, 60 Day Prescriptions - WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

From this week, there are even more Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available for 60-day prescriptions. This includes medicines for what we call "Chronic" stable ongoing health conditions such as endometriosis, breast cancer, heart failure, epilepsy and more.

Ask your GP if a 60-day prescription is appropriate for your medical care and this will help your hip pocket too in these days of rising costs across the board.

To see the list of medicines now available, visit health.gov.au/cheapermedicines

Lastly, it's Epilepsy and Melanoma Month - so be aware of what to do if someone has a seizure and get a skin check for any suspicious-looking moles and be SUNSMART.

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Yours in Good Health

Dr Mags

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After receiving a call late last Thursday, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc jumped at the opportunity to save a bunch of abandoned baby puppies.

Zakary Meiert, a real estate agent, put an urgent call out on social media seeking assistance, when he found the newborn puppies abandoned at a vacant property in Sarina.

In an attempt to welcome the newborn pups to a temporary refuge, member Robyn prepped a heated incubator and warm milk while others quickly fetched new bottles, supplies and treats from the vet, ensuring everything was ready for when the newborn pups were set to arrive.

Upon arrival, the team made a required stop at the vet to check on the smitten pups, specifically providing extra care to one who had a suspected low body temperature, requiring subcutaneous fluids.

Since the check in at the vet, the puppies were consistently fed and toileted and are now safe and nestled inside the confined security of a foster home.

Cheryl, a seasoned neonate puppy carer, went above and beyond, driving from Kuttabul to take the puppies under her wing. Cheryl and her partner have committed their time to monitor the pups and feed them around the clock in the upcoming weeks as they grow into little mischief makers.

“We are so grateful to Cheryl and her partner for stepping up to help.

“Thank you also to Zak and Glenda for saving the puppies and for bringing them from Sarina to Eimeo so that they could be surrendered into foster care,” commented a member from Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated.

For updates in upcoming weeks, visit their Facebook for donations or any other inquiries.

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Caption 1,2,3: Three abandoned newborn puppies rescued by the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc

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Pop in and see the incredible work of Mackay Woodturners on Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th, for an exciting showcase of woodworking crafts! Entry is FREE and commences from 9am to 3pm, so don't miss out on an opportunity to witness captivating demonstrations and browse a wide array of wood crafted items.

Located off Beaconsfield Road in Andergrove, Mackay Woodturners will feature demonstrations and sales of various woodworking techniques including woodturning, scroll sawing, intarsia, carving, and pyrography.

Watch as skilled craftsmen showcase their talents, providing insights into the intricate process of transforming raw wood into stunning pieces of art.

Of particular interest, there will be a live demonstration of slabbing a large log into thinner pieces, followed by the transformation of wood into unique items such as bowls or exquisite fountain pens. This captivating process will be shown from start to finish, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved.

As Easter approaches, talented member, Kevin Hutchison, will be using the scroll saw to create charming Easter Bunny characters. These delightful creations will be available for purchase, offering children the opportunity to personalize and colour to their own design.

Don't miss this exciting event where creativity meets craftsmanship, and where you can find the perfect handcrafted treasures to adorn your home or to give as unique gifts.

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Caption: An example of the amazing crafts that members of the Mackay Woodturners have created

Caption: Kevin Hutchison crafting easter bunny characters for the upcoming Easter Expo

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Mobile BreastScreen Service Heads West

BreastScreen Queensland's free mobile screening service will hit the road this month visiting rural communities across the Isaac region. The service ensures women in rural areas have access to the latest in screening mammography technology to help detect breast cancer in very early stages.

Women in Middlemount, Dysart, Clermont, Collinsville and Moranbah are encouraged to book appointment now for their breast check-up with the mobile screening truck set to hit the road in early March. The screening is free, only takes about 30 minutes and doesn't require a doctor referral, BreastScreen Queensland Clinical director Dr Wendela Schimmer said.

"These exams aim to detect breast cancer in early stages when treatment can be more effective. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better chance you have of surviving it," she said.

Dr Schimmer said breast screening was provided to women who are aged 40 years and over and haven't notice any changes to their breasts.

"While evidence shows that women aged 50 to 74 derive most benefits from screening every two years, women aged 40 to 49 and 75 years and over are also eligible to utilise the service," she said.

"It's important for women to know that nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of it."

Regular screening was the most effective and proven method for intervention for reducing breast cancer morbidity and mortality, Dr Schimmer said.

The mobile screening service will be in Middlemount from March 11 to 14, Dysart from March 18 to 25, Clermont March 27 to April 16, Collinsville from April 3 to 12 and Moranbah from April 18 to May 2.

The service will be on site in various other locations including Nebo, Walkerston, Seaforth, Calen and Mirani, later in the year.

Book now on 13 20 50 for your free appointment at one of the BreastScreen Queensland mobile screening service locations or online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.

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Caption: BreastScreen Queensland Clinical director Dr Wendela Schimmer

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What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

Finding half a worm in your apple. Boom boom.

It was never a particularly funny joke but those of us who were kids in the 1970s did get it and understood how you could end up with half a worm in your apple.

We were familiar with occasionally finding an insect or something wriggly in a piece of fruit … it was rare but we knew the joke meant that having half a worm in your apple meant you had taken a bite and eaten half a worm.

These days I don’t reckon kids would get the joke. Yes, some of them seem to be surly and very serious but it’s not that; it’s that they would never have been exposed to something as disturbing as an insect or something wriggly in a piece of fruit.

That’s because we now live in a sterile world where everything is sprayed to within an inch of its life. Agricultural produce is poisoned to perfection … so you are never going to see an insect, let alone a worm, in an apple.

Someone pointed out the other day that you don’t get nearly the number of insects splattered on your windscreen on a long drive as you did a few decades ago. And that’s not because insects have improved their evasive skills. I’m not sure all this is a good thing, the natural thing.

But it is definitely a sign of changing times. Don’t get me wrong, not all change is bad. Some change is significant and we don’t know where it’s going but we have to embrace it, or at least work with it.

Digital technology is creating significant change in the real estate industry and definitely improving the service we can offer buyers and sellers.

We can provide more information at the click of a button about a property, a neighbourhood, a market than anyone would have dreamt of even 10 years ago. This is an exciting thing to be part of and I enjoy using technology that provides a better result for clients.

When I do an appraisal on a potential seller’s property, it includes a comparative market analysis that shows, in digital form, relevant nearby properties including photos my client can click on and flick through and lots of detail about those properties and the market.

It all helps the potential seller get a good picture of the market and arm themselves with information they need before listing their property.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has suddenly become a significant part of the picture in the world generally and specifically in the real estate industry.

It is moving quickly and it is fascinating to see how it can be applied to improve the service we can now offer buyers and sellers.

At Gardian we are starting to work with AI apps that create better exposure for our client’s properties, reaching more of the people who are potential buyers for a listing.

The technology works out where to direct the social media marketing so that it has more chance of reaching genuine potential buyers for a particular property, creating more competition and helping us get the best possible result for our clients.

Embracing the technology improves the service I can offer but, having said that, some things haven’t changed. This is still a relationship business. It is still about trust, work ethic and personal communication with buyers and sellers.

While the technology might be intelligent and artificial, the agent needs to be authentic and available. Nothing beats picking up the phone and talking to a buyer or seller.

Yes, the worm has turned, but not that much.

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As you may have heard on Star breakfast, I enjoy my sport. Cricket, rugby, league, the trifecta. It's the end of summer and cooing over numbers, stats and ‘how good does it look’ takes a back seat for big hits, big tries and who gets picked for rep sides.

Super rugby is back! The Reds looked good for most of their game against the Hurricanes, The Waratahs beat a powerhouse Crusaders, and the game between the Rebels and the Force was exciting. What a time it is to be a Wallabies fan.

The Eddie Jones era is over and the question now is... What’s next? Does new coach Joe Schmidt continue picking youth, or does he sprinkle in experienced players when Wales and Georgia hit our shores in July before the rugby championship.

Mass changes need to be made not just with the squad but the attitude around the Wallabies. A once proud organisation now sits at 9th in the world rankings and seems to be losing momentum with fans. Joe Schmidt has a lot of work to do before July.

Youthful players like Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott, Angus Bell, Max Jorgenson, Lachlan Lonergan and Mark Nawaqanitawase should all be receiving calls from Schmidt for the first Wallabies camp of 2024. Experienced players like Nick White, Tanelia Tupou, Will Skelton, Samu Kerevi when fit and Michael Hooper, will bring a balance to a side left rudderless after a very disappointing world cup.

Wales is a tough first assignment but I believe, and call me crazy, the Wallabies can come back. A series draw 1-1 with Wales, a win over Georgia and a positive record in the rugby championship are all achievable and it's what the Wallabies need before the Lions in 2025 and RWC 2027 in Australia.

It's the hope that kills you supporting the Wallabies, but don't give up yet.

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Jake

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The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says an Australian researcher.

Workplace diversity expert Professor Carol Kulik says the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA’s) release of gender pay gaps for large Australian employers is a great first step but its impact will depend on the actions of organisations to narrow the disparity.

The WGEA – a statutory agency responsible for promoting and improving workplace gender equality –published gender pay gaps for Australian private sector employers with 100 or more employees last week. It is the first time large organisations will have their gender pay gap data exposed.

In 2023, the WGEA reported that the average gender pay gap was 21.7 per cent, meaning women in Australia are earning, on average, $26,393 less a year than men.

Professor Kulik says the revelation of gender pay gaps in large corporations is a pivotal moment in advancing gender equality.

However, further actions are imperative to ensure employers with pay gaps are held accountable, Prof Kulik says, “We now must be asking employers, in what roles and what levels of employment are pay gaps most prevalent? How are you (the employer) supporting employees’ caring responsibilities? What are you doing to ensure women move into roles where they are paid more? How long will it take for you to close your pay gap?

“Until we show employers that their pay gaps influence our behaviour, they are unlikely to make the changes needed to narrow pay gaps.”

History shows that organisations do respond to regulatory pressure. In 2010, the ASX Corporate Governance Council started requiring ASX-listed entities to report the gender composition of their boards and executive teams, leading to a spike in female appointments to senior roles.

However, the appointments generated a new inequity, because female executives were paid less than their male counterparts.

“Instead of women being paid more, men were paid less,” Professor Kulik says. “Pay is an important motivator of employee performance, so a smart employer will close pay gaps by allocating separate funds to that purpose, rather than drawing funds from its rewards budget.”

Employer gender pay gaps are available on individual employer pages on WGEA’s Data Explorer.

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Caption: Professor Carol Kulik 

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Students passionate about the world of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are amongst the finalists for the Queensland Resources Awards for Women - an annual event celebrating the achievements of women in the resources sector.

Lexi Croce from Moranbah State High School is among the 2024 finalists alongside students from the Gold Coast and Bundaberg.

The annual Resources Awards for Women celebrate the contribution women are making to the state’s $116.8 billion resources sector and are facilitated by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the three students were worthy finalists and great advocates for the resources sector.

“Lexi, Aileen and Cadence have got different areas of interest in the resources and energy sector, but they have all displayed a commitment to the future of the industry and shown leadership skills as ambassadors for the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy this year,” said Ms Jones.

“I am sure they will be part of the next generation of innovators and leaders who will contribute to increasing the long-term sustainability of the resources and energy sector.”  

“I am also delighted all three finalists are participating in our six-month QRC/WIMARQ Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program where they will have the opportunity to get guidance and advice from an industry professional.”

Lexi Croce is a School Captain at Moranbah State High School and has actively pursued her interest in STEM studies throughout secondary school, including being a member of her school’s successful Moranbah High STEM Innovation Experience team which won the Queensland competition in 2023. Lexi said she was driven by the idea of finding electrical solutions to make mining operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.

“The mining and energy sector powers our world and I’m keen to be a part of the drive to create a more sustainable future for the industry,” said Lexi.

The winner of the student award will be announced at the QRC/WIMARQ International Women’s Day Lunch today (Friday 8 March) in Brisbane, which features global mining leader and BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery as keynote speaker.

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Caption: Lexi Croce, a School Captain at Moranbah State High School, is a finalist in the Queensland Resources Awards for Women

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On the bigger stage, the women’s movement has won hard fought gains including the ‘right to work’, greater equity and opportunity, and let’s not forget the ‘right to vote’.

At the personal level, the enduring challenge for women to ‘give it a go’ and pursue opportunities is lack of self-belief, confidence and courage to act. For all my years working in career development, these issues persist across the generations. Women defer not only to men, but also other women, or simply choose not to act, regardless of career stage, age and experience. Believing in ourselves needs constant attention and this was Sandy’s key lesson.

After working in casual employment, Sandy (located in a prosperous regional centre with a range of industries) was interested in returning to a more permanent office job – but had been holding herself back. With the perception that employment prospects would drop when you get to a ‘certain age’ and also not feeling completely confident in her ability, Sandy was ready to ‘accept’ her current work situation instead of pursuing her goal. An opportunity presented for Sandy to join a personal development program, which took a leap of faith. She found the program to be hugely beneficial, not only the practical elements of job seeking, but also the personal coaching to focus on identifying and leveraging her strengths and building confidence. Finding the courage to apply and secure a new job has helped Sandy also see the advantages of her considerable experience.

“Don’t let age be a barrier – believe in yourself and what you bring to the table.”

Sometimes you just need that someone ’on your side’ to believe in you and provide dedicated support to ‘give it a go’. Many of us have our trusted inner circle to lean on, however there is great benefit in an independent trusted adviser. A personal career guide is totally dedicated to you, providing a confidential space to explore self, and opportunities, including an action plan for career goals and next steps. If you want to take those steps for yourself, visit my website and get in touch.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker

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The Queensland Government is investing $90 million over three years to rollout around 450,000 free potentially lifesaving meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines for infants, children and adolescents.

Last year, Queensland recorded 36 cases of meningococcal B disease and two cases have been recorded this year to date.

This serious infection can lead to complications from invasive meningococcal disease which can cause significant illness, disability, and death.

Distribution of these vaccines is underway to vaccination providers to manage the rollout of the new program.

Year 10 students are among the first to receive the vaccine through scheduled Queensland School Immunisation Program visits.

All infants and children under two, and adolescents aged 15 to 19, can now access the vaccine, in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to implement the program in the first quarter of 2024. 

This builds upon the existing program offering the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, providing even broader protection.

The state-funded MenB program will be delivered through registered vaccination service providers including general practitioners, community vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said these vaccines will save lives.

“As Queensland families face tough decisions as a result of national cost of living pressures, the Queensland Government is ensuring the health of our future generations is not being compromised as a result.”

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said, “We know the meningococcal B strain can progress rapidly and cause serious disability or death.

“The health of Queenslanders is our top priority and this investment will ensure nearly half a million infants, children and adolescents will be eligible to receive the MenB vaccine this year for free.

“I would like to thank the brave parents who tirelessly advocated for this program after experiencing unimaginable loss.

“Their courage and determination have directly resulted in this lifesaving initiative.” 

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said he encourages all parents with eligible children to take the opportunity to vaccinate their child against all vaccine-preventable strains of meningococcal – A, B, C, W and Y.

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Caption: Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman at Browns Plains State High School, one of the first schools in the state to provide students with the MenB vaccine

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