Rural Aid supports the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) and its call for better funding for the bush in the wake of new research showing rural Australians are missing out on $6.5 billion annually in healthcare access.

The NRHA-commissioned research reveals that each person in rural Australia is missing out on nearly $850 a year of healthcare access, equating to a total annual rural health spending deficit of $6.5 billion.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said living and working in the bush was challenging at the best of times and too often people in rural communities were forced to sacrifice access to basic services.

“The NRHA, through its research, has quantified the gap. Now we call on government to act swiftly to close the gap,” Mr Warlters said.

Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen said the report looked at health spending from a patient’s perspective, reflecting the alarming day-to-day realities for rural Australians unable to access equitable care.

“Over 7 million people, who make up nearly a third of Australia’s population, experience a greater burden from illness and early death, in part due to inadequate funding for their healthcare. This is despite the significant contribution they make to Australia’s economy,” she said.

Resources and rural industries alone generate around 80 per cent of Australia’s exports, excluding the extra contribution of rural-based services and manufacturing. The value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports is $76 billion, while commodities exports are worth $497 billion – a collective value to the nation of over $500 billion, courtesy of rural Australia.

“Rural communities need government to be more flexible and introduce block or genuine support funding to provide multidisciplinary care for patients. These communities know how to collaborate – they do it every day – but costs of access and delivery are higher, so the delivery of healthcare will be different and broader. It does not fit into the model available to urban people,” Ms Tegen said.

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New regulations for a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa came into place on July 1 and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, says he is concerned how it will impact the agricultural sector.

Currently 80 per cent of the harvest labour force in horticulture consist of WHM visa holders and there are more than 137,000 backpackers in Australia on this visa who are providing valuable labour across multiple sectors, including hospitality, tourism, and agriculture.

As of July 1, the cost of the WHM visa increased from $130 to $640, making it the highest visa fee of its kind in the world.

The Government is also considering reducing the WHM visa to one-year and removing any regional work requirements.

Mr. Willcox said towns like Bowen, Ayr, and Home Hill rely on backpackers following the harvest trail to work in essential industries and support small businesses by spending their money locally.

“To ensure my region can feed the nation, backpackers are essential in getting our crops picked,” he said.

“By making the Working Holiday Maker visa almost five times more expensive it will discourage backpackers from coming to Australia, which means fewer workers helping out in agriculture and hospitality jobs and fewer visitors supporting our tourism businesses.

“If Labor reduce the backpacker visa to just one year and remove the regional work requirements it will devastate our local economy as well as other regional economies around the country.

“We love backpackers in Dawson and the Coalition supports our successful Working Holiday Maker program.”  

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Andrew Willcox is concerned changes to the Working Holiday Visa will impact the agricultural workforce. Photo supplied

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It was a historic Queensland Government budget with a record surplus of more than $12 billion delivered last month, but the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says there needs to be a balance or the state will lose out in the long run.

It says that imposing the world’s highest coal royalty tax will have long-term consequences of lost jobs and lost investments, especially in regional communities.

“There has to be a balance between what the Queensland Government takes from the resources sector and what it leaves to encourage companies to continue to invest the capital required to get large-scale, multi-decade projects off the ground,” QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said.

“The reason Queenslanders are benefiting today from the resources sector is because of investment decisions made years, if not decades, ago by resources companies which saw Queensland as a safe and secure place in which to invest,” he said.

“That long-held perception of Queensland has now changed, for the worse.”

Mr Macfarlane said that a $2 billion investment in Central Queensland that would have created more than 2000 jobs has been cancelled, and a number of companies have indicated they are reconsidering their investment plans.

"A pipeline of more than $100 billion in a range of projects, including the minerals needed for lower emissions energy and technologies, could also be at risk because of the uncertainty that now exists for companies weighing up whether to invest in Queensland,” he added.

“Over $18 billion in royalty taxes paid by the Queensland resources sector has enabled the State Government to deliver a budget that provides cost-of-living relief to Queenslanders.

“But if the Government wants the resources sector to be able continue to provide that support into the future, it needs policies that encourage investment to maintain a stable pipeline of projects in the years and decades to come."

The QRC is also calling on the State Government to provide full details on its funding commitments to regional Queensland communities that are the backbone of our resources sector.

“Such a big economic impact on resources companies will have consequences and they’ll be hardest felt in regional communities that rely on the jobs and local spending that the sector provides,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Many regional resources towns that help generate the billions of dollars of extra revenue now pouring into Government coffers are still waiting to see exactly how that money will benefit their regions,” Mr Macfarlane said.

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QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane

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Almost 100 students from Capella and Clermont state high schools recently participated in two workshops that showcased the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) with real-world resources and energy sector applications.

The workshops were delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), with QMEA Director Katrina-Lee Jones saying over the course of two days, students worked under the guidance of experienced representatives from Glencore Coal as they completed engaging activities that explored programming, physics, and geology.  

“During ‘Mining for Code’, about 60 Year 7 students dove into the fundamentals of software engineering as they programmed miniature computers called ‘Arduinos’ to display a series of flashing lights that replicate safety features on hard hats,” Ms Jones said.

“In addition to bolstering their technology skills, this activity introduced the students to the integration of IT innovation with everyday industry requirements like health and safety.

“It was a fantastic way for them to discover the many exciting career opportunities on offer in the resources and energy sector, especially in the digital space.”  

Glencore Coal's Human Resources Manager Anthony Exelby said building on the momentum of the first workshop, the QMEA’s ‘STEM Half Day’ then immersed Clermont’s Year 8 students in two geology-based challenges that further fuelled their passion for STEM studies.

“Using a gamification model, students followed clues and tests that identified the characteristics of various rock samples, allowing them to work in teams to determine which attributes matched the rocks they were being quizzed on,” Mr Exelby said.  

Clermont State High School Principal Leigh Dyer said these hands-on workshops cleverly showcased the practical applications of STEM while helping students explore the array of rewarding career opportunities available.

“The integration of gamification in modern education has proven to be highly valuable as it fosters active participation, boosts engagement, and cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Mrs Dyer said.

“By incorporating gaming elements into educational activities, students are motivated to explore and learn in an interactive and immersive manner, enhancing their retention and application of knowledge.”

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Students from Clermont State High School participated in QMEA's ‘STEM Half Day’. Photos supplied

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BHP has backed away from allegedly insisting striking Operations Services workers be locked out of their accommodation camp in Central Queensland while taking protected industrial action earlier this week.  

Last week, the Mining and Energy Union provided notice on behalf of Operations Services Production members of a four-hour stoppage, on Tuesday July 4, at Goonyella Riverside mine near Moranbah.

The Mining and Energy Union allege that on Saturday, workers on the relevant crew were told by a supervisor that those participating in the action must leave the mine site and would be denied access to their accommodation at Eureka Camp.

The Mining and Energy Union insisted that BHP drop the directive as denying access to camp to employees engaged in protected industrial action was a contravention of general protections under the Fair Work Act.

On Monday July 3, the MEU said that BHP Operations Services confirmed it would rescind the directive denying workers access to camp.

MEU Senior Vice President Mitch Hughes said BHP’s heavy-handed approach showed that on-going industrial action by employees of the in-house labour provider was hitting a nerve.

“OS workers have been ramping up their campaign with a range of actions as they seek to improve their conditions,” he said.

“It’s already making a difference, but there’s a long way to go until Operations Services employees have the comprehensive enterprise agreement they deserve.”

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Goonyella Riverside mine. Photo credit: BHP

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The investigation into the cause of the light aircraft accident that killed a young couple in the Whitsundays has been discontinued.

22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife, Maree, left Natal Downs Station for a private flight to the Lakeside Airpark, south of the Whitsundays, in a Piper Cherokee single-engine light aircraft on April 2.

Their aircraft crashed during an adverse weather event on steep terrain at the Clarke Ranges near Proserpine, with no survivors.

A report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was published on Tuesday.

It stated that the “aircraft departed in good weather for visual flight, but flew into poor conditions, including low cloud around the Clarke Ranges”.

The report also revealed that Mr Kuhrt did not hold an aeroplane pilot’s licence (either a Recreational Pilot Licence or Private Pilot Licence) required to conduct the flight.

Upon this basis, the ATSB said the investigation has been discontinued.

The ATSB reminds the public about the importance of completing the correct training to ensure full safety measures are taken with an understanding of how navigate adverse weather conditions.

“This accident highlights the importance of following the standards for the operation and maintenance of aircraft to ensure the safety of flight,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

“It further demonstrates that weather continues to remain one of the most significant causes of accidents in general aviation.”

Caption: 22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife, Maree, died in a light aircraft accident near Proserpine in April. Photo supplied

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Across the Whitsundays, Australian Defence Force (ADF) operation Talisman Sabre 2023 will take to the air, performing a series of tactical flying activities.

From July 21 to August 4, residents should be aware of increased flight traffic, particularly military helicopters, including heavy lift with slung loads, and unmanned aerial drones which will be completing low-level tactical flying operations.

This will result is wake turbulence and loud noises and may spook animals.

The Proserpine Aerodrome and Lindeman Island are also expected to have military personnel participate in parachuting exercises between July 21 and July 30, in the cover of darkness.

The Bloomsbury Lakeside Airpark aerodrome will be restricted from civilian use, with the airspace stretching above Bloomsbury to Midge Point being used for tactical flying operations, for select times between July 25 to July 28.

Individuals with aircrafts have been advised to have their radar transponders active across the region, with either their non-discrete code or the code provided to them by an air traffic controller.

Civilian aircrafts are instructed to promptly provide identification when radio requested.

Talisman Sabre 2023 is a part of an ADF tactical operation used for training of military personnel, in logistics activities, amphibious landings, land and ground force manoeuvres, air combat and maritime operations.

The township of Bowen hosts a large part of the personnel; however, the training operation includes activities and movements across the region.

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Australian Defence Force training exercise Talisman Sabre taking full use of Whitsunday region. Photo supplied

Missed Options Rate Renewal Can Be Costly

To be honest, when purchasing insurance, we often overlook some of the most costly factors, usually because we never really expect to “use it”.

The most frequent statement I hear is, “Oh I didn’t include that in my renewal”.

“That” could be any or all of these;

~ a hire vehicle

~ an unlimited kilometre option

~ a reduced excess

~ a windscreen replacement

~ a choice of repairer

At the time of purchase these items appear to be unnecessary, however often not enough information is derived before making the decision.

Let me explain – what if your vehicle is involved in an accident and it is not drivable?

Based on current wait times and availability of parts it could be months before the vehicle can be back on the road, with all safety features intact and operational.

Can you afford to have down time for an extended period? For a minimal cost upfront?

Canstar advises that there are 66 Vehicle insurance providers in Australia.

Each of these companies have a variety of policies, and numerous choice options.

Your decision to include or exclude these options can be costly.

My advice is to write a diary note a month prior to when your insurance is due.

Make note of the products and options available and consider what each means to you and your family or employees.  

If this is a work vehicle, consider options that include like-for-like hire so that you can continue your work uninterrupted.

Have your questions noted and ready to ask, sometimes we get flustered and forget to ask.

So, tick them off as you go, it is fine to tell the insurance representative that you are making an inquiry and you want them to take it slow if you are feeling rushed.

You do not have to make the decision in the first call.  Take the reference number for the call.  

Request an email address and you can respond in writing with your well-considered response!

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This week friends, family and the broader Airlie Beach community are remembering a spirited champion of the region, who tirelessly worked for the greater good, most notably in his over 40 years’ service to the Rotary Club and as one of the first Cruise Ship Ambassadors.

John Wilson Powell sadly passed away late last month, and almost a hundred people attended his funeral at the VMR in Cannonvale on Monday where his rich and fulfilling life was celebrated by all.

He was remembered as a remarkable husband to his wife Gill and an amazing father, grandfather, and friend.

Born in Melbourne in 1941 John lived half his life in Victoria, joining the bank straight out of school before finding his niche in selling curtains and soft furnishings. He married Jo when he was 23 and they had three children: Mandy, Simon, and Melissa.

John's ambitious spirit and deep interest in the local community were evident from an early age. He founded the Viewbank Progress Association, tirelessly working alongside the Local Government to ensure that essential infrastructure, such as kindergartens, maternal health centres, and schools, were established for the betterment of the area.

In 1974, he ran for and won a seat in the City of Heidelberg's Local Government, his tenure as a city councillor was marked by unwavering dedication to the betterment of Heidelberg, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of its residents.

In 1977, while still in his thirties, John ran for Mayor and was successful in his bid. He went on to spend many happy years wholeheartedly engaged in the responsibilities his role entailed, embracing every event and opportunity to connect with the community.

In 1985, John married his second wife Dot and together with Dot’s children, they joined the Victorian migration north and decided to create a new life in Airlie Beach.

Here, John purchased Airlie Soft Furnishings which he worked successfully until he retired.

He also owned The Men’s Den and Le Mignon CAFÉ as well as other businesses.

In 2000 John met his third wife Gill and as he used to say: “he saved the best for last”.

John knew she was the one after their first dance at the Bastille Ball at Panache and the couple were married in 2004, inseparable for the last 19 years.

Always engaged and vocal within the community John's impact in Airlie Beach extended far beyond his business endeavours.

He earned the affectionate nickname Mr Microphone, always eager to be at the forefront of making a difference.

He assumed prestigious roles such as President of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce, Councillor for the Shire of Whitsunday, and Area Captain for the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census.

Additionally, he took on responsibilities as Conference Chairman and Coordinator of District 9550 for Rotary Conferences.

In recent years, John volunteered at Vinnies and whenever a cruise ship docked in town, John would don his blue and white shirt to be there to greet the passengers. He proudly became the first person to welcome and greet passengers from around the world.

One of the most memorable moments in John's life was witnessing his children's marriages: Mandy to Steve, Simon to Dorris, and Melissa to Simon.

From these unions, his beloved grandchildren Ally, Mikayla, Josh, Harry, and Charlotte were born.

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The Townsville 500 races through Townsville this weekend, and a couple of north Queenslanders are living the ultimate V8 Supercar experience thanks to Porters Mitre 10.

Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom’s supercar was on display at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay last week, with DeWalt challenging people of all ages to the pit-stop challenge.

The quickest to change a tyre on the day to instantly won double passes to the Townsville 500, and there were plenty of other prizes, giveaways, demonstrations, fun and games on the day.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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For the fourth year, the Whitsunday Police force have hosted their Coffee with a Cop at the Whitsunday Plaza, on Wednesday July 5.

With a smaller scale event compared to last years, members of the community were offered complimentary coffee and could have a chat with a local cop, asking all their pressing questions to the boys in blue.

“We use this time to remind the community that we are people too, we’re not scary,” explained Sergeant Billy Li.

“We’re here to help the community, and we want to be present as much as we can.”

Police officers on site included Sargent Billy Li and Sergeant Nathan Blaine and various general duties officers who were eager to answer any and all questions and engage with the community.

The officers were grilled on the recent crime spree, general policing issues, and shift routines, as well as thanked for their service.

Whitsunday PCYC also made an appearance, with Braking the Cycle Coordinator Declan Coull and Get Set For Work Coordinator Scott Lynch ready to share their programs to Whitsunday youth.

In particular, the Get Set For Work program is a new initiative for the PCYC, aiding youth aged between 15 and 19 to gain qualifications, skills and support to find employment, and it is set to begin on Monday, July 10.

Plans for the 2024 iteration of Coffee With A Cop are already underway.

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The boys in blue set up shop in Whitsunday Plaza, to engage with local community. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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One of my most intimidating travel experiences was when I was suddenly swarmed by a gang of young street thieves as I was about to catch a train with my wife in an underground station in central Mexico City.

We were catching the train to the suburbs to have a look at the museum-style house the artist Frida Khalo had shared with her equally famous husband Diego Rivera, a trip that also gave us the opportunity to visit the house around the corner where Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky was stabbed to death with an ice pick while seated at his desk.

Anyway, we were pretty much the only people on the platform as we waited for the train to arrive … that is until we felt the gush of wind and the sound of the train approaching through the tunnel.

Suddenly about 20 young people appeared next to us and, as the carriage doors opened and we entered the train, they surrounded us.

As we stepped into the carriage and the door closed, it became clear they were a gang and, judging by the hands that were palming all over my body, they wanted to rob us.

My wife didn’t have anything important on her as all our money and passports etc were in the “bum bag” that I had strapped around my waist. I don’t know if my grip can accurately be described as “vice-like” but the grip I had on that bum bag that day is as close as I am ever going to get.

I knew we only had to last until the next stop so I held on tight for a few minutes until we got there and, when we did and the doors opened, there was a sudden and complete exodus by the gang. They had a go at robbing me but, once they realised it wasn’t going to be easy, they gave up and moved on to the next target.

Some real estate buyers can be like that. Don’t get me wrong, not all of them. Most buyers are great and, although everyone would love to pick up a bargain, most are happy to pay a fair price for a property they see value in.

But there are a few who think they are going to steal a house from a stupid agent and a desperate seller.

One of the most important things that I can do as an agent is to create competition. The write-up, flyer drops,  social media strategy, phone calls to potential buyers, work with other Gardian agents who will also have buyers … in short, the marketing and strategic approach to selling your property creates the buyer interest you need.

If there is strong buyer interest in a property, those buyers who want to sneak in and pick up a bargain will realise they have picked the wrong house, the wrong agent.

Like the train station thieves of Mexico City, those buyers move on and look for their next target. It won’t be one of my properties.

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It started with an idea.

An art studio trail that would connect, develop and showcase artists from across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region – enriching our arts scene, creating economic opportunities and promoting our region as a melting pot of creative talent and cultural tourism.

It’s never been done before, not on this scale.

The excitement is tangible. Fi Flohr, Earth Designs by Fi said she was ready for this opportunity.

“I’ve been wanting to join a local network of artists for collaboration and professional development,” she said.

Pioneer Potters Mackay Inc. are repainting and refurbishing their studio for the first time in 30 years in preparation for the Art Studio Trail!

Visionary artist Margaret Burgess led the development of this idea from concept to reality and this week the Mackay Art Studio Trail was officially launched at Gallery 31 at the CQUni Mackay City Campus.

The Mackay Art Studio Trail would not have been possible without the trust and buy-in from over 150 regional artists and the dedication of time and expertise volunteered by Artists Connect Inc., the not-for-profit committee that was formed to guide the project.

President of Artists Connect Inc., Glenda Hobdell said our region had such a rich community of talented artists and those artists needed to connect to continue to grow.

“We need to talk, support and mentor each other and share what we do with our community and visitors. Artist Connect Inc. is making all of these things happen,” she said.

The initiative is a successful recipient of the Regional Arts Development Fund.

Councillor May and I are RADF committee members and were assigned as project mentors. Council’s support has been exceptional, with officers assisting the members to navigate the sometimes-complex development and licence applications and approvals.

It is quite extraordinary for a community-led initiative to deliver both community and economic development outcomes. Cultures big and small unite through the arts to build better communities, to provide unique economic and tourism opportunities, and strengthen the bonds between people and place.

The Mackay Art Studio Trail contributes to making our region a richer place to live, work and play.

Find out more at the Mackay Art Studio Trail website - http://artistsconnectinc.au

Cr Michelle Green

Mackay Regional Council

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Pretty cool hey!

If you had to base it on how great it is, then the last two weeks would be testament to why we should pinch ourselves every day we get out of bed.

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming back to Mackay two of our stars from the Mackay Fire Special Olympics champions, Chloe and TJ. They had both been competing in Berlin with the Australian Basketball sides in the Special Olympics Games and to say we were proud of their achievements is an understatement.

Both Chloe and TJ picked up bronze medals in Berlin and to see them return at the Mackay Airport last week with their medals and massive smiles, it just makes everything so much better. Congratulations to both on the massive wins and sportsmanship over there.

Also, two days ago we came together as a community to help fundraise for the annual 4MK Kilometre of Coins. This year it was all for Jeans for Genes Day at the Bluewater Quay. The idea was simple. Lay coins, side by side on the Forgan Bridge footpath, and hope we reach a kilometre in length. Did we get there? Was it a huge undertaking? Did many people come down and join the burpee challenge to raise even more money? So many yeses there to be answered, but you know what, the kids around Mackay will be smiling after the effort from 48 hours ago.

We love helping any local activity that in turn will help our neighbours, mates, and work friends. It’s that easy.

Whether it’s helping a mate walk up the Blacks Beach stairs on a Saturday morning, to selling raffle tickets for the Eastern Swans AFL teams during the week. It all adds up.

You can do your bit too. Let us know what fundraisers you are part of, drop me a line at 4MK and I’ll tell our beautiful community all about it. It really is that easy to do.

Before I go, come and join me Sunday at Bunnings as I cook up a storm on the BBQ for my Arsenals Hockey Club fundraiser. I’m sure I and the whole club will have your snags sorted.

Plus, a beautiful happy 1st birthday to little Callie who I’m sure will be spoilt by Mum and Dad this weekend. The smiles you put on a certain person’s face, who’s name sounds like Paul Rutland, is just magical. The world is your oyster. Don’t forget that. Ever.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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A small community like Bowen was perfectly suited for senior CT radiographer Jaegeun Shin, who jumped at the opportunity to relocate to the town last September.

Better known as Jack, he is making a massive impact to patients and their medical care, helping position Bowen Hospital in the top 25 per cent of low radiation dose facilities in all of Australia.

He has also been instrumental with the hospital CT and clinical team taking the world first project of combining radiation dose reduction and the change of cannula size.

“We have a lot of elderly patients in Bowen,” Jack said.

“For a few reasons their skin is very fragile, and it can be difficult to cannulate, specially in cancer and chemotherapy patients.

“We found we can put a smaller cannula in, use less contrast dye at a slower flow rate and still get high quality images with much less discomfort for our patients.”

Since this change in procedure, the radiographer said that patients were no longer experiencing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, skin rashes and swelling.

“We had an 86-year-old oncology patient who said to us ‘this is the best experience I’ve had in CT’,” explained Jack.

“She has had a lot of scans done previously, so that was actually a great compliment for the hospital.

“Since starting this protocol, using a smaller cannula with a slower flow rate and less contrast dye, we’ve never had these symptoms since.”

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After gaining invaluable skills in the big city, Jack Shin moved to Bowen to aid patients. Photo supplied