For Immediate Patient Care Solutions

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The closure of the helipad at Mackay Base Hospital for three years presents significant challenges for the region’s rescuers and a potential risk to patient care.

The $250 million upgrade of the hospital commencing in January 2024. which includes a new roof-top helipad was very welcomed but was a huge concern for RACQ CQ Rescue which would be unable to land onsite in Mackay to transfer patients.

“Conducting patient transfers at the Mackay Airport was “unacceptable” and would place considerable strain on an already stretched Queensland Ambulance Service, as well as blow out hospital transfer times. It could also be potentially very detrimental to patient care outcomes,” RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said.

The community-funded rescue service was strongly advocating for an alternative temporary helipad to be constructed on site at the hospital and had the full support of corporate supporters, including many heavy weights from the state’s mining industry.

“To be unable to take a critically ill patient directly to the Mackay Base Hospital is just not an acceptable situation, considering we are talking a three-year period here,” Mr Healee said.

“Conducting a patient handover to ambulance crews at the Mackay Airport will also significantly increase the time it takes to get a patient to the hospital and places additional pressure on Queensland Ambulance Service crews,” he said.

“We have been attempting to engage with various stakeholders including the Mackay base Hospital on this issue for quite some time now, but at this stage there is still yet to be an acceptable outcome.”

An urgent and combined effort between multiple stakeholders, including Queensland Health, the State Government and Mackay Regional Council, was needed to reach an agreement.

“At the end of the day, our lifesaving service relies heavily on community support and we are doing our very best to advocate for our patients and prioritise their care in this region,” Mr Healee said.

“I hope that all stakeholders can come together urgently and agree on a better solution for the safe transfer and treatment of our ill and injured in Central Queensland.”

Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday said she supports RACQ CQ Rescue Service in calling on the State Government to give a commitment to the people of the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions that the helipad at the Mackay Base Hospital will remain operational during the hospital’s redevelopment period over the next three years.

“The decision to close the helipad has been made with no community consultation, with no consultation from key stakeholders or emergency personnel,” Ms Camm added.

“In emergency situations minutes and seconds count. It is essential for our rescue services to be able to land within close proximity to the emergency care at the hospital. Having to land at the Mackay Airport and have patients transported to the hospital by Queensland ambulance is unacceptable and will risk lives.

“I’m calling on the Minister to work with the Mackay Hospital Health Service and the local community and local experts to find an acceptable solution which will ensure the helicopter can land within close proximity to the hospital during the renovation period.

“Our community pours significant funding into the CQ Rescue Service every year and they deserve to have it operating at full capacity, giving them the best chance in an emergency,” Ms Camm said.

“In a region where we have experienced road accidents, shark attacks, mining and farming accidents, lives have been saved because our rescue helicopter has been able to land in close proximity to the hospital.

“We cannot afford to risk losing this service for the next three years”.

In a statement issued on Facebook, Mackay Hospital and Health Service said that the helicopter landings at Mackay Base Hospital have temporarily relocated to the Mackay airport “at the request of CQ Rescue and Babcock Aviation”.

“This is due to their concern with early site works associated with the expansion of the hospital,” the statement read.

“CQ Rescue has conducted a risk assessment, and we are working with them to have landings restored to the Base Hospital for an interim period.”

The statement mentions that the $250 million Mackay Base Hospital expansion project includes provision for a new permanent onsite helipad.

“This expansion will deliver an additional 128 beds which are expected to come online in mid 2026,” the statement continued.

“These new beds are urgently needed to help support the growing healthcare needs of the region.

“The current helipad is adjacent to the construction site and cannot remain in use during the construction period.

“Mackay HHS has engaged an external aviation consultant to assess all options for helicopter landings during the construction period from 2024 - 2026. Once this advice is received, we will be in a position to make a fully informed decision on the best outcome for our community.

“The aviation consultant has engaged with stakeholders such as Queensland Ambulance Service, CQ Rescue and Retrieval Services Queensland (who coordinate the movements of patients between hospital facilities).

“We reassure the community that the safety of patients and the helicopter crews will be the top consideration as we identify helicopter landing site options.”

To date, RACQ CQ Rescue has completed 629 missions this year. By the end of the year, this completed missions figure will far surpass the services’ second busiest year on record of 630 missions in 2022.

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RACQ CQ Rescue says the closure of the helipad at Mackay Base Hospital for three years presents significant challenges for the region’s rescuers and a potential risk to patient care. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm says it is unacceptable to not be able to land onsite at Mackay Base Hospital due to hospital redevelopment as proposed for the next three years. Photo credit: Office of Amanda Camm MP

Last week, Mackay RSL observed Remembrance Day with a poignant pre-game service at Harrup Park before the WBBL game. This moment was not just about sports; it encapsulated the community's dedication to honouring the historical significance of November 11th.

Remembrance Day, originally marking the end of World War I, now stands as a global tribute to the sacrifices made by millions in various conflicts. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month remains a universal moment of silence, a sombre acknowledgment of the estimated 9 to 13 million lives lost during World War I and countless more in subsequent conflicts.

On November 11, 1918, the guns of the Western Front finally fell silent, bringing an end to over four years of relentless warfare. This poignant moment, marked by the signing of the armistice, symbolizes the hope for lasting peace after a conflict that mobilized more than 70 million people.

The legacy of Remembrance Day extends beyond historical events; it serves as a reminder of the enduring commitment to peace and a tribute to the spirit that rises from the ashes of conflict. Lest we forget, we honour and remember those who gave their all so that others might live in a world free from the shadows of war.

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Padre Jim Brown, President Ken Higgins OAM, Nichole Hood Secretary and Les Palmer President of Legacy and Veteran Support Group after they have laid their respective wreaths

WWII New Guinea Veteran, 99-year-old Kevin Doyle being presented with his dedication of Service by President Ken Higgins OAM

RSL members during the pre-game service at the WBBL at Harrup Park. Photos supplied by Mackay RSL

Long term Carlyle Gardens resident and World War II veteran Geoff Fielder recently passed away several months before his 100th birthday.

Geoff was born in London in February 1924 and joined the British Royal Navy shortly after his 18th birthday in June 1942. He spent his time on the HMS Crane as an ordinary telegraphist. London had been extensively bombed in 1940/41 and Geoff had experienced this as a 16-year-old growing up in the region.

The HMS Crane which Geoff served on for over two years was a convoy defence vessel with excellent anti-submarine capability. Notable events involving the HMS Crane included assisting in the sinking of two enemy U boats in the North Atlantic and provided support for the Allied landings in Normandy.

Geoff was hosted by a Brisbane family during Christmas 1945 while the HMS Crane was undergoing a refit. He was called back to London in early 1946 but decided to return to Australia several years later having liked what he saw in Brisbane in late 1945.    

Geoff eventually settled in Mackay to begin work at the recently completed Bulk Sugar Terminal. He later married Lindy Lind, a member of the well-known Mcginn family and had two children.

In mid 2015, Geoff along with his family travelled to Brisbane to receive a Legion of Honour medal from the French Ambassador for recognition of assistance provided to France during World War II.

Vale Geoff Fielder.

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Geoff on his 99th birthday earlier this year

Geoff in uniform circa 1943/45

HMS Crane

Geoff at legion of honour medal presentation in 2015

Geoff at work on HMS Crane circa 1943/45 (closest to camera). Photos supplied

A “spirited adventure with a tropical vibe" is the promise the new Finch Hatton MTB brand will make to the world.

Finch Hatton MTB was officially launched today (November 13), in what is a significant step for Mackay Regional Council’s cornerstone mountain bike trails project.

The brand was developed by award-winning destination and marketing specialists Destination Marketing Store (DMS) and Swell Design Group.

The launch was held at the Finch Hatton RSL with about 80 stakeholders, members of the public and invited guests in attendance.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the brand and marketing strategy would bring our new mountain bike trails to life, not just here in the Mackay region but around the world.

“It’s fantastic to introduce the Finch Hatton MTB brand to the people of our region who have played a major role in its development,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This brand represents our region, and specifically the townships where it is based, in look and feel,” he said.

“It also represents what mountain biking is all about – fun, adventure and the great outdoors.”

Destination Marketing Store Director Carl Solomon said DMS and Swell undertook extensive research, consultation and engagement with the community, local businesses, industry experts and mountain bike riders to inform the brand strategy and creative design.

“We were incredibly impressed by the high level of engagement by the Mackay region throughout our comprehensive brand development process,” Mr Solomon said.

“The positive response received during consumer testing is testament to a stand-out brand, worthy of a world-class trail network and one that will resonate with the community as well as with mountain bike riders from near or afar,” he said.

Mayor Williamson said Finch Hatton MTB would put the Mackay region on the leisure and adventure tourism map.

“When fully operational our trails are estimated to generate an additional 31,000 new visitors, $18.1 million in visitor spending and more than 100 full-time equivalent jobs,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Stage one of the trails, set to open before Christmas, will include the Finch Hatton Trail Head site, a pump track and 13.5 kilometres of airflow trails in Finch Hatton,” he said.

“Stage two will be an 82-kilometre network that spans from Finch Hatton to Eungella with construction forecast to start in 2026.

“This is an exciting time for our region and another feather in our cap, making us one of the best places in the world to live and visit.”

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Carl Solomon, Destination Marketing Store (DMS) Director, Mayor Greg Williamson and Scott Kelley of Swell Design Group excited to introduce the Finch Hatton MTB brand to the region

Mackay Base Hospital doctor Pieter Nel was on a flight to New Zealand for a medical conference recently when he heard a call over the PA system: ‘’If there's a medical doctor on the plane, please press the call button’’.

“Then I saw a few people up front and somebody lying on the floor.”

With 37 years of experience in medicine, 23 of those in the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department, he was certainly the right person to step in.

“The person lying on the floor was not a good colour,” Dr Nel said.

“He was an elderly man and he was not looking responsive.

“So I went through the normal ‘ABCD’ (of emergency care).

“This was not a good situation. The person was not responding to verbal commands. He was unconscious and there was no radial pulse.

“I found out he had a lung problem and was carrying Ventolin, so we gave him oxygen and we got a strong pulse back, and he started talking to us.

“We were about an hour out of Auckland, so we got him in the front seat, and I sat with him to monitor him.

“It was a situation where, if we didn’t address it, he may have had a full-blown respiratory arrest.

“There were a few times I thought he was going to lose consciousness again.

“We were then a priority landing and there was an ambulance waiting, and I was able to hand over to them.”

This was not the first time Dr Nel has answered a call for help on a plane.

In 2009 he was on a flight to Singapore when a person in a seat just behind him had an unexpected seizure.

“That was when I learned about the processes airline staff follow as I wanted to resus this patient, but first they had to make a call to a medical command centre,” Dr Nel said.

“I couldn’t just go into action. The captain made the call and connected it through to me and I had to talk to the command centre in America.

“They make the decisions around priority landing, and in the case with the Singapore flight, we were still over Australia and the decision was whether we land in Darwin or we continue to Singapore.”

In the cases he has attended to, Dr Nell later received feedback that these passengers had recovered from their sky-high emergencies.

As medical incidents are not uncommon, Dr Nel has some sound advice for travellers, particularly those on longer flights.

“People don’t understand that your oxygen saturation will normally drop by 10% on a flight and even if they control the cabin pressure it still has an impact on your cardiovascular and respiratory system,” Dr Nel said.

“So for people with comorbidities (more than one medical condition), when you sit down in a plane; that’s when things can go wrong.

“That’s why it’s important for people who are not in a good healthy condition to go to their GP to get clearance to fly.”

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

The township of Nebo has officially turned 100 years old, last Saturday November 11.

However, the history is a bit more interesting than a settlement 100 years ago. Originally named ‘Fort Copper’ in 1883, the settlement was nicknamed ‘Nebo’ by locals, and the two names existed together until 1923.

For a total of 40 years, the township operated under two names, and in 2023, Nebo is celebrating 140 years of settlement and 100 years of being named Nebo.

The area was initially explored and discovered by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845, who followed the Isaac River west, however it wasn’t until 1856 when William Landsborough named Nebo Creek and mountain Fort Copper.

He named the settlement Fort Cooper, however there was confusion as a nearby station was also called Fort Cooper, so many residents began naming the settlement Nebo.

In the early days, Nebo’s primary production was sheep, but this was soon replaced by cattle trade.

Equine trade is also a big part of Nebo history with many well-developed horses being bred and trained in Nebo.

Nebo Shire Council celebrated 100 years of the town’s settlement in 1983 and are now celebrating 100 years of Nebo.

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The Nebo Pub also celebrates 100 years, with Dale Last, Member for Burdekin checking out the party

Oxford Hotel, 1930

Nebo Racecourse, 1940

Nebo Post Office, 1930

Nebo General Store in 1915. Photos supplied

Bill Bruce

Monument of Nebo township, William Wallace Mervyn Bruce has passed away, aged 106 years old.

Born in Nebo, January 2, 1917, William, better known as Bill, lived the first part of his life in the clutches of the Fort Copper Hotel, his parents the licensees of the hotel. However, the family soon moved to a property outside of Nebo.

With two brothers and three sisters, Bill ran amok in Nebo and was often exploring the region’s outback.

In 1942, Bill enlisted into the war effort, initially the reserves, but was transferred into the Australian Army the following year.

He was sent to New Guinea as part of a support battalion, where he learned electrical engineering, however before long, he was promoted to leading technician.

In 1945, Bill was discharged from the Australian Military Forces and returned to Nebo.

Establishing himself as a contractor, he partnered with his brother, who had recently returned from the war effort as well.

From there, Bill has led an extensive life of service to the community. He was an active member of the Nebo RSL, was the secretary in 1960 and the president from 1987 until 2012. He was integral in organising Nebo ANZAC Day celebrations for more than 50 years.

His community service includes being a member of the Nebo Busman’s Council, the Nebo Jockey Club, a founding member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) Lodge, and even carried the Queen’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Throughout Bill’s life, he not only witnessed history, but was pivotal in creating it.

William Bruce passed away at the age of 106 years old.

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William Wallace Mervyn Bruce has passed away, aged 106 years old

William Bruce lived a life of service

William Bruce and his brother. Photos supplied

Jenny Leeding, a teacher’s aide at Chelona State School has recently retired after demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment as a valued member of staff for an impressive 48 years.

Jenny began her career as a Cleaner for Chelona State School in 1975.

In 1980, Principal Ken Stein arrived at the school, quickly acknowledging the passion Jenny had for the immaculate upkeep of the school. Ken offered her a host of opportunities to advance her career at Chelona, including giving her time to study and finish her Certificate III in Education.

This was a great achievement for Jenny, who never thought she would be capable of achieving this. It took her two years to complete the certificate course, which stands to this day as her greatest and most proud achievement.

A challenge for Jenny came along when she was appointed as the administration assistant, requiring her to take care of the school finances. With no previous experience, Jenny was still eagerly ready for the challenge.

In the early days, the finances were done in a ledger book by hand, later moving onto electronic systems. Her days became busily engrossed with early morning and late afternoon cleaning of the school, as well as alternating between her role as a teacher aide and administrator during the day.

Jenny has been involved in assisting every year level (besides Prep), with most classes at Chelona split into two grades. The idea of splitting each class into two groups allowed teachers to introduce new concepts, and for Jenny to aid in teaching the lessons.

Jenny had a passion for working with struggling students in the classroom and assisting them with anything they needed. Her greatest memory as a teacher aide was giving lessons on touch typing, with students leaving to high-school having mastered the skill.

Teachers of the high-schools would ask the students, ‘Who taught you how to type like that?’ and the students would respond: ‘Mrs Leeding.’ Sometimes she would meet students later in life, who would give her a big hug and express their gratitude for being taught to type.

Jenny’s greatest success story involving her students was of a mother and daughter duo, Nikki and Dekota, who both attended Chelona State School. Jenny taught them both how to read, and today, Nikki runs her own business and Dekota is an apprentice hairdresser. Jenny is very proud of how much they have achieved in life and is happy to have played a role in their learning journey.

Jenny lives by the quote, ‘Treat all people the same way you would like to be treated.’ A testament to her diligence and personable nature towards her students.

Chelona State School have honoured her with the ‘Jenny Leeding Sporting Trophy’, which is given out to students who have competed in higher levels of sport, not just at school.

Jenny has been welcomed to stay as long as she likes as a teacher aide at Chelona State School, however she plans to enjoy her retirement by going fishing with her husband and hopes to spend Christmas with her family and two great-grandchildren.

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Jenny (in pink) with one of her beloved classes

Jenny has devoted 49 years to Chelona State School

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and Daly Bay have partnered together to ensure hundreds of Sarina school students have the necessities they require for school in 2024.

Throughout 2023, the Sarina District School Assistance Program supported 260 students from 40 families, providing financial assistance, through vouchers for school uniforms and essential booklist items.

Mayor Greg Williamson thanked Daly Bay for partnering on the project.

“Without the substantial financial contribution from Daly Bay, council’s Sarina Neighbourhood Centre team would only have been able to assist a fraction of these families,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s tremendous to see prominent local companies like Daly Bay step up to support their community,” he said.

Mayor Williamson said, unfortunately, the calls for assistance from this program had increased substantially from 2022.

“We’ve helped almost twice as many students as we did last year,” he said.

“While it’s great to be able to help, it’s also a clear indication that people are increasingly doing it tough, and the cost of living is straining household budgets more and more.”

Daly Bay CEO Steve Rae believes starting school with a full book list and a full school uniform has a significant impact on a child's experience and attitude towards their education.

“Daly Bay chose to support this program, to make sure local children don’t get left behind and have equal access to resources,” Mr Rae said.

“Daly Bay is really proud to be part of this program that aims to empower, inspire and transform lives within our community.”

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Mayor Greg Williamson and Steve Rae, CEO of Daly Bay, excited for the partnership. Photo supplied

A special luncheon was held this past week to mark the completion of 12 months of intensive work to improve our region’s obstetrics and gynaecology services, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff and leaders.

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon thanked the members of the Mackay Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Implementation Working Group, who were tasked with ensuring the recommendations of the 2022 investigation into services were adopted.

“All the members of this working group have invested many hours considering recommendations, evaluating procedures and discussing how we can ultimately improve patient safety, because we want every woman’s experience with our health service to be a positive one,” Ms Gannon said.

“As a result of the group’s work over the past 12 months, there have been many changes within the O&G department at Mackay Base Hospital.

“These include increased staffing, improved procedures, more training, greater collaboration between doctors and midwives, and an overall improved culture within the department.”

The Mackay Hospital and Health Board (MHHB) acknowledged the considerable work achieved by the O&G Implementation Working Group at a special lunch.

MHHB deputy chair Kerry Maley said it was a tremendous effort by a small team of people.

“On behalf of all members of the hospital board, I want to acknowledge the great work of the doctors, midwives and HHS leaders as well as our consumer representatives for the work of the past 12 months,” Ms Maley said.

“Our work is not over, but it is fitting to pause and consider how much has been achieved in improving our obstetrics and gynaecology services.”

The Health Service Investigation report released in October 2022 made one hundred and twenty-two recommendations on O&G services.

One hundred and sixteen recommendations have been completed, two are underway and the final four will be achieved as part of the Mackay Hospital Expansion Project, which commences in January next year.

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Members of the Mackay Obstetrics and Gynaecology Implementation Working Group

Photo supplied

Mater Private Hospital Mackay obstetrician and gynaecologist Ritu Rana has conducted the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy in Mackay, using the state-of-the-art da Vinci X robotic system.

Dr Rana is the only obstetrician and gynaecologist in Mackay credentialled to use the da Vinci X, meaning local women need no longer travel to Townsville or further afield to access the system. She said the advantages of using the robot for surgery would make a real difference to the lives of Central Queensland women.

“It operates within the abdominal cavity via a small incision and has the ability to pivot 360 degrees,” Dr Rana said.

“So, you don’t get the large incisions and extensive recovery times associated with traditional surgery.

“The robot is also better for patients than a routine laparoscopy, where you move surgical instruments with a handle outside the abdomen, causing the stomach muscles to spread, increasing post-operative pain.

The da Vinci X provides more precision, less post-operative pain, faster recovery and less blood loss.

“It was really the only choice for a case this difficult,” she said.

“For surgeons, robotic surgery gives greater satisfaction as far as patient outcomes are concerned, which is our primary goal with any operation.”

Local woman Jodie Gilbert was the first person in Mackay operated on using the da Vinci X for gynaecological surgery.

“Jodie has a history of fibroids and endometriosis, so she was dealing with a lot of pain and excessive bleeding for most of her adult life,” Dr Rana said.

“Also, her left ovary had attached to the bowel, adding to the case’s complexity.

“The incredible surgical precision of the technology combined with its high level of visual detail allowed us to navigate the bowel issue while leaving her right ovary intact, avoiding early menopause.”

Ms Gilbert said beyond the normal problems associated with fibroids and endometriosis, she also suffered with chronic back pain for years, not knowing it was due to her ovary and bowel fusing.

“I put up with the pain thinking it was one thing, not knowing it was something more complicated and dangerous,” she said.

“A hysterectomy is a big decision, but it’s one I should have made earlier. I put it off due to recovery time and the impact it would have on me returning to work and looking after my sister, who was ill at that time.

“With Dr Rana using the robot, I came out of surgery, the back pain was gone, and I left hospital the next day.

“When people understand robot-assisted surgery gives you a better recovery time and lower costs thanks to a shorter hospital stay, it’ll be very popular.”

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Doctor Ritu Rana with the da Vinci system at Mater Private Hospital

Photo supplied

All sections of Scouting in the Hibiscus Coast District were involved in the 66th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the 27 Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) which is an annual event held for scouting and guiding worldwide.

The activities include various modern technologies, including video games and radios. Minecraft was popular with all sections. There was also a Communication Scavenger Hunt which used different communication styles such as codes, braille, and sign language. These activities only took up part of the weekend and groups were encouraged to focus their own activities on Communication and Technology.

On Saturday evening a campfire was held, and everyone participated in songs and skits which were entertaining and gave the youth members the opportunity for self-expression and humour.

Having a District Event was an excellent opportunity to present Leadership Awards. Jim McIntyre was presented with his Woodbeads and scarf.  Jim joined scouting as a Rover Scout in 2018 and has trained to be a Venturer Scout Leader in 2021. Jim was awarded a Special Service Award in 2022. He is a member of Queensland Branch Youth Council.

Sarina Scout Group Leader Mrs Jodie Parchert was presented with a Special Service Award. It is awarded to Adult Members and Supporters who have made a noteworthy contribution to supporting, developing, and managing the movement over a period of at least 12 months. She was instrumental in getting the Sarina Scout Group back on track and being viable again.  

Congratulations to both leaders for your valuable contribution to scouting in the Hibiscus District.

Contributed by Mary Wallace.

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Harley, James and Matthew at scouts electronics base

Leaders Jodie Parchert and Jim McIntyre. Photos supplied

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) at Gargett is a strong pillar of the region, with a rich tapestry of historical achievements spanning seventy-five years.

Today, Gargett branch is deeply committed to community service with monthly meetings serving as a communal hub for members to engage in behind-the-scenes projects.

The focus of the branch’s fundraising efforts extend towards the upkeep of the hall, sustaining operations and contributing to the QCWA’s State Crisis Fund, as well as financing various local community support initiatives.

The hall is not only a venue for official meetings. Monthly Craft and Social Days offer a creative space for members and others in the community, and several times a year the hall also comes alive with Hoy & Mini Cent Sales.

Gargett branch further extends to cater for private and public events, showcasing adaptability and engaging the community with its services.

An upcoming milestone for Gargett QCWA, is the 75th anniversary luncheon on 20th November. In reflection of the organisation’s rich history, past and present members and those with links to the community will gather to reminisce on their many achievements.

Any inquiries regarding Gargett QCWA can be directed to the branch secretary, Loris Wall at lorisvwall@gmail.com.au

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Gargett Country Women’s Association Hall

The ladies take part in community-based activities such as Craft and Social Days, which are open to anyone who wants to attend

Photos supplied

Koalas are now on the move looking for love or a new home, with veterinarians and wildlife carers urging all Queenslanders to be extra vigilant and help keep koalas safe this breeding season.

Koalas will be spending more time on the ground as they try to find a mate or establish new territory, and young koalas leave their mothers to find a home of their own.

During this time, koalas are more prone to dog attacks and car strikes and a range of other natural and human-related threats as they move through backyards and on busy roads.

These threats are compounded this year by the ongoing El Niño weather event, which is causing koalas to travel further to find water.

The hot and dry weather also decreases liveable koala habitat, meaning more koalas are congregating in smaller areas which increases the risk of the potentially deadly koala bacterial disease Chlamydia pecorum.

While vets are doing their best to rehabilitate injured koalas, Queenslanders can help avoid these tragic accidents from happening by taking some simple steps this koala breeding season.

This includes:

• Driving carefully, especially between dusk and dawn when koalas are most active, and whenever you see a koala warning or advisory signs

• Keeping your dog inside or contained at night

• Training your dog in wildlife avoidance

• Creating koala-friendly fencing and swimming pools to give koalas an escape route

• Reporting all sick or injured koalas to RSPCA Animal Emergency 1300 ANIMAL hotline by calling 1300 264 625.

Queenslanders can also report all wild koala sightings to DES via the free QWildlife Koala Sighting app, which recently took home the Community Impact award at the 2023 Geospatial Excellence Awards.

Since the app launched in June, it has been downloaded more than 23,000 times, resulting in a 3,700 per cent increase in reported koala sightings, and a 31 per cent increase in the past month.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard said, “Love might be in the air for koalas right now, but during breeding season they actually spend more time on the ground, which is where they are most vulnerable.

“With dog attacks and car strikes posing such a significant threat to this iconic species over the next few months, it is more important than ever for us all to do our part to keep koalas safe from cars and dogs, and to support the hardworking staff across the wildlife hospital network,” she said.

“Earlier this year, we launched the now award-winning Koala QWildlife app, which allows members of the public to act as citizen scientists by reporting koala sightings and providing accurate location and population data.

“With koalas now out looking for love, I encourage all Queenslanders to download this free app and report all koala sightings – hopefully in pairs!”

DES Southern Wildlife and Koala Operations Director Geoff Lundie-Jenkins said that koala breeding season is the busiest time of year for vets and wildlife carers.

“Some of the koalas that are brought in cannot be saved, and others require round-the-clock, intensive care and long periods of rehabilitation to allow them to be released back to the wild,” he said.

“With koalas facing additional challenges this summer as a result of the dry conditions, it is even more crucial for people to drive carefully, especially at night, and prevent dog attacks both in your yard and out on walks.

“The best thing the community can do to help us is prevent koalas from suffering these types of traumas and allow them to safely travel to find a mate or new territory.”

Construction for the new Moranbah Hospital is officially underway, representing a significant milestone for the coalfields community. The Queensland Government, through its progressive coal royalty tiers, is funding this pivotal project. Originally scheduled for completion in early 2025, the construction has been expedited, with the new hospital expected to be operational by the last quarter of 2024.

This state-of-the-art facility aims to transform healthcare in Moranbah. The upgraded infrastructure will feature an expanded emergency department, increased capacity for critical services, and a dedicated helipad to enhance emergency response capabilities.

The new hospital will also include a modern imaging department equipped with a CT scanner, ensuring residents have access to cutting-edge diagnostic facilities. The new hospital will integrate various healthcare services, bringing together allied health, child health, antenatal and postnatal care, and mental health support, all conveniently located under one roof.

Additional features will include an ambulatory care area, a rehabilitation gym for patients recovering from injury and illness, and an enhanced outpatient department.

Two deeply valued elements of the existing hospital will be retained.

The prize-winning rose garden will be relocated and a new family room will continue providing a comforting space for patients and their loved ones.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said that the Government’s progressive coal royalty tiers ensures coal mining communities, like Moranbah, benefit from the coal that they extract.  

“Coal is Queensland’s largest export, worth $66 billion a year, and it is only fair that regional Queensland communities get their fair share of this resource,” Treasurer Dick said.

“The new facility in Moranbah will provide access to a truly modern hospital that includes an increased emergency department, a CT scanner in an expanded imaging department, a simulation room for more clinical training, a new helipad and improved ambulance access.”

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said that this project will increase the emergency department’s capacity, expand imaging services, with the addition of a CT scanner and improve ambulance access.

“When I met staff at Moranbah Hospital, during my first weeks as Health Minister, it was clear just how much they love caring for their community and I am pleased they will be able to continue their amazing day-to-day work with new state-of-the-art facilities and technology,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Technology upgrades will also allow our health care workers to liaise with other hospitals and health services across the state to help deliver the best care possible.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said it is wonderful to see work is underway on the new Moranbah Hospital after the council and community advocated for better health services in the region.  

“The Moranbah Hospital upgrade will enable the facility to cater for the region well into the future and acting as a regional hub for neighbouring towns,” Mayor Baker said.

“The redevelopment will support residents, workers and the heavy industries that operate across the Isaac region with a fit for purpose facility.

“I’m delighted to hear the hospital is being fast-tracked.”

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Construction is underway for the new Moranbah Hospital, set to provide state-of-the-art medical facilities, increased emergency spaces, and comprehensive health services to the Isaac community by late 2024. Photo credit: Treasurer Cameron Dick