Asthmatic COVID Patient Fought For Breath In Mackay Hospital

“In a world that is divided, we shouldn’t take out our aggression on the only industry that will help us. This is my own experience, for some people COVID is just like a flu, for others it’s life threatening.”

The moment a doctor sat holding her hand in the COVID-19 ward while she struggled to inhale her asthma medication is a memory that will stay with a 24-year-old woman forever.

Identified by Mackay Hospital and Health Service as ‘Sarah’, the patient was admitted to Mackay Base Hospital with shortness of breath three days after she was tested for the virus.

“There was one doctor who held my hand to help me calm down when I struggled to get my Ventolin in and breathe. She reassured me I would be okay and that it was okay I was in hospital,” Sarah said.

“Air was going into my lungs but they didn’t seem to fill up. I was confused, had cold sweats and spots in my vision,” she said

Mackay Hospital and Health Service shared her story and said her COVID-19 symptoms started with a tingly feeling in her throat and progressed to a wet cough the next day and then breathlessness.

“I started to feel more unwell and could feel the mucus on my lungs. I was coughing even when I tried to talk. Given I’m slightly asthmatic I got more and more concerned,” she said.

“There was a moment after I was diagnosed when I was feeling great in the afternoon and thought yes, I’m getting over this, and then next minute I’m feeling like I’m going to die.”

Sarah was admitted to the COVID-19 ward for one night for high doses of asthma medication to open up her airways, saying day three and four of the infection were the hardest.

She doesn’t know where she caught the virus but warns everyone is at risk. She is double vaccinated and is waiting to be eligible for her booster dose.

“I’d hate to think how sick I would have been if I wasn’t vaccinated. And if Omicron is what I have, I also hate to think what it would be like to have another strain,” she said.

When asked what she would say to COVID sceptics and people refusing to vaccinate, she pauses to think before saying quietly she struggles with these strong opinions.

Her advice is “take this virus seriously”.

“COVID has messed with my respiratory system and it’s unlike any flu I’ve had.

“I have the benefit of being young. This is my body and my experience and I haven’t coped well. Some will, and some won’t. And you won’t know how you will go until you get sick.

“No matter your stance on COVID or vaccination, remember to not take your aggression out on staff. They are there to help us. It’s not their fault that COVID is rampant, they will help you regardless of your opinion.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service staff adhere to a strict PPE and infection prevention regime in the COVID ward. Image supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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As a former pilot in the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, Ian Rowan is no stranger to the cockpit and for the last five years he has combined his passion for aviation and community work as the CEO of RACQ CQ Rescue.

On Monday, Mr Rowan announced his plans to retire from the helm of the region’s aeromedical service, which has completed more than 10,500 missions in rural and remote communities across Central Queensland since 1996.

Mr Rowan will remain in the role until a new CEO is recruited and begins work later this year at the service headquarters, located at Mackay Airport.

Mr Rowan said he was incredibly proud of his achievements during his tenure and had overseen some key milestones as CEO of the not-for-profit organisation.

“I am very proud of some of our achievements in the last five years including the Building Better Region’s hangar extension project which extended and expanded our operations and administration centre,” he said.

“We also successfully lobbied the government, so our service’s patients had access to Critical Care Doctor 24 hours a day onboard the aircraft. This made an incredible difference to the levels of care delivered to our patients,” Mr Rowan said.

During his time as CEO, the service’s back up Bell 412 rescue helicopter was also upgraded to an EP model which resulted in optimum performance and commonality of engineering services, he said.

Mr Rowan was also instrumental in establishing the highly successful annual community event Emergency Services Day, the inaugural event held in 2018.

“I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to help future-proof this vital lifesaving organisation and lead a team of people who share this passion for saving lives and assisting people in their time of dire need,” he said.

“I am extremely confident RACQ CQ Rescue is well-placed to continue to meet the demand for our services as well as this community’s expectations for many years to come.”

RACQ CQ Rescue board chairman Chris Wright thanked Mr Rowan for his contribution to the service and this community, acknowledging that his extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, risk mitigation and event management had ensured CQ Rescue continued to grow in both professionalism and reach to provide the best aeromedical rescue and emergency service to the Mackay, Whitsunday and Bowen Basin communities.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Ian for his incredible contribution to RACQ CQ Rescue over the last five years. His skills and professionalism have helped deliver the most cost-effective, reliable, safe and clinically excellent patient rescue and transfer service we have available today,” he said.

An avid lawn bowler and qualified coach, Mr Rowan said he was looking forward to remaining in the region and settling into retirement with wife Hilary. He intends to maintain his various interests and memberships on various boards.

Ian Rowan has announced he will be retiring after five years as CEO of the region’s aeromedical services RACQ CQ Rescue.

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Hundreds of thousands of laps have circled Mackay’s only indoor Go-Karting venue Sidetrax over its three years of operation in West Mackay, and the family favourite facility will close its doors at the end of January as it looks for a new location.

With the building’s three-year lease at an end, owners Piet and Alta Snyders will finish up the last circuits of Sidetrax this Sunday, and now begin the task of packing down while looking out for a new spot to race.

It’s been difficult for the pair, whose search for a new premises has gone on for a year and a half, with the difficulty coming from specific building zoning and parking requirements the venue would need to meet.

“It’s just impossible to find a building and if there is a building out there, it’s just zoned wrong,” Piet said.

“We’ve had a couple of places we’re interested in but that was shut down because of some other red tape.”

The land would need to be zoned as sports and educational, and there are not too many that have buildings on top of them that are suitable for Go Karting.

Piet also said that, with the nature of their business, they can’t compete with the big mining companies who pursue similar warehouse type buildings and have much more of a purse to fall back on.

“What we’re hoping to do is build our own place, because it’s too expensive to rent a place or buy a place with a building on it,” Piet said.

“We’re trying to find a small piece of land and slowly build it up – there’s so much we want to do and to add to it.”

The owner of the lot where Sidetrax currently stands allowed Piet and Alta to continue operating throughout December to the end of February, giving them an extra month in what is normally their busiest period.

“We thank him for that, really,” Piet said.

It took them four years to first start the business, and Piet said it may take them a few years again to get the track up and running in the new location.

“I’m not too nervous about this period – I’m more excited – I know what we can make our own place into, and all I’ll say is it’s going to be amazing.”

Sidetrax have had an outpouring of support on social media, with the community reaching out to let Piet and Alta know they will be missed during their time off.

“We love Mackay, our children grew up here, so we certainly want to stay and keep Sidetrax here,” Alta said.

They ask if any Mackay local knows of a spot to set up shop to reach out to them on their Facebook page.

Our reporter enthusiastically hopped into a kart in a match up against Piet when he met the pair in mid-January.

It was not a close race, with Piet lapping our sluggish writer six times.

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With International Women’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to give a shout-out to the ladies in your life who make a difference.

After nearly 7 years of inspiring women through unique events, the Just Saying Project (JSP) has launched its inaugural JSP Women’s Award – and nominations close this Sunday.

“We have been wanting to make this event a reality for quite some time,” JSP Founder Fallon Drewett said.

“It is a chance to recognise the women who fly under the radar, that go about their work and projects often unnoticed.

“These awards are for every woman and their big and small wins. It is a way to showcase the role women play in our lives and a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day.”

Ms Drewett said these awards were different in that they are not so much about validation, but a celebration of women and their achievements.

“It is not always about the grand gestures or milestones,” she added.

“It is about the women who keep showing up for themselves and others every day.

“It is about celebrating the magic women bring to the world. Part of unlocking that magic for many women is giving them an opportunity or a platform to be who they are, to give them events and projects that build them up. And part of these awards, does that, it is about taking the time to recognise a woman in your life, that keeps doing small, beautiful things, that over time have created change. And that change might be in their life or across many lives.”

Ms Drewett said there would be a unique way to honour the category winners which will be revealed on the night.

The awards night will be held on March 5 at the Mackay Turf Club and will not just be an award ceremony, but a night for all women to attend, with their girlfriends, there will be canapes, live music, a chance to dance, frock up with a few JSP surprises.

Award categories are designed to champion women from an array of lifestyles, including the Magic Maker for recognition in the arts, the Trailblazer paving the way for women in male-dominated industries, the Resilient Rebel who has been through adversity but who continues to fight, a Health and Wellbeing Warrior, a Modern Muse and the Mother of all Mothers.

Nominations close 11.30pm Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Tickets go on sale February 1 and can be purchased via www.thejustsayingproject.com – which is also the website to submit your online nomination.

JSP is also seeking sponsorship or lucky door prizes for the event. Please contact Fallon Drewett via thejustsayingproject@gmail.com

Just Saying Project founder Fallon Drewett has launched the inaugural JSP Women’s Awards. Photo: Coffee and Hops

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Mackay’s 2022 Citizen of the Year has dedicated himself to helping men in our community by spreading messages of shared experience, personal growth and mateship.

Frank Cowell is the founder of Mackay’s Shed Happens, a non-judgmental place where men can be honest and talk about the good, bad, happy or sad rather than bottling it up and hardening hearts to the ones they care about.

He was recognised by his peers for his unwavering dedication to building a better community and was awarded as Mackay’s Citizen of the Year at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards on Tuesday evening.

Mr Cowell is joined by Young Citizen of the Year William Deeley and Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award winner Carmel Wheeler as Mackay’s major Australia Day Award winners for 2022.

William Deeley is an all-rounder with achievements in sport, music and public speaking, and someone who at a young age already possesses an exceptional track record of community service.

Carmel Wheeler has also been an active volunteer in the community all her life, most recently being recognised by the Queensland Ambulance Service for 60 years of service volunteering with the Calen Local Ambulance Committee.

……………………Read more about Mackay’s Australia Day winners on pages 10-11

Determination And Dedication – Meet Mackay’s 2022 Australia Day Award Winners

Captions:

Frank Cowell – Citizen of the Year

William Deeley – Young Citizen of the Year

Carmel Wheeler – Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award

Charli Bliss – Art and Culture Award

Chris Breckell – Senior Sports Award (Representative in place of Chris who was absent)

Karla Grobler – Young Sports Award

Rotary Club of Mackay North – Environmental Achievement Award

Bakers Creek Tigers AFL Club - Community Group Award

Some of Mackay’s most radiant residents were recognised for their charity and courage at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards, held during a gala dinner at the MECC on Tuesday evening. From encouraging others to building resilience, volunteering or being a voice for others, the one thing all award recipients had in common was their dedication to the community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s award recipients were deserving of their honour and reflected the diversity and sense of pride that made the Mackay region such a wonderful place.

“The Australia Day Awards are, above all else, about recognition – the recognition of individuals and groups within our community who achieve great things, give selflessly to others and make our region a better place to live,” Mayor Williamson said.

“A total of 113 residents took the time to complete a nomination for this year’s awards, which is one of the biggest responses to date,” he said.

“All the nominees are people who truly deserve it and who often fly under the radar and receive little recognition for their contributions.

“To those who were nominated, thank you for your contribution towards making the Mackay region such a great place to live – we are proud to have you in our community.”

More than 160 nominations were received for individuals and groups across eight award categories.

Citizen of the Year – Frank Cowell

Since bringing Shed Happens to Mackay from the Gold Coast, where he was originally involved, Frank Cowell has been the driving force in creating a network of support for men in the region.

Frank calls himself the convener, for lack of a better word, organising the Shed Happens meetings in Mackay – spreading messages of shared experience, personal growth, mateship and hope.

Known by many as a genuine man, Frank is worthy of recognition for the tireless work he does in the community.

In addition to his involvement with Shed Happens, he is an active member of Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, a local and regional judge for Lions Youth of the Year competition, Deacon with Beaches Baptist Church, and participates on the Suicide Prevention Action Committee.

Frank is also the head of the International Men's Day committee, who not only put on a great event to celebrate our everyday heroes but raise funds to share with other not-for-profit organisations in our community. To date, they have raised $9000 that has been donated to three local charities.

Among other good deeds, the volunteer work and role Frank plays in his local community has a significant flow-on effect for families and our region.  

Young Citizen of the Year – William Deeley

An all-rounder with achievements in sport, music and public speaking, William Deeley already possesses an exceptional track-record of community service.

His personal qualities of devotion and dedication to all he pursues, his fun-loving nature and zest for life, make him an inspiration to young and old alike.

William’s academic and community service achievements are even more remarkable given the extra responsibilities he has taken on in response to long-term chronic illness in his immediate family.

In his final year of schooling at Whitsunday Anglican, William was school captain and the third highest ATAR graduate for 2021.

Prior to receiving his final ATAR score, William had already secured a scholarship to be resident at Cromwell College at the University of Queensland this year and was chosen as the Whitsunday Anglican School nominee for the T J Ryan scholarship of the Education Department of the State Government of Queensland.

He has made considerable achievements in community service, including the coaching of junior soccer teams in 2016-2021, a volunteer for Cricket4Every1 to provide sport for students at Mackay District Special School, Lions Youth of the Year Overall and Public Speaking Winner – Mackay Region (Q2 Zone 10) and Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Winner – North Queensland (Q2 District), and as a volunteer for Mackay SONY Children’s Holiday Camp.

Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award – Carmel Wheeler

Carmel Wheeler has been an active volunteer in the community all her life.

Last year she was recognised by the Queensland Ambulance Service for 60 years of service volunteering with the Calen Local Ambulance Committee.

Carmel has been fundamental to the committee’s fundraising efforts over many decades, helping to organise events such as the Calen Local Ambulance Fair and monster cent sales.

She served as President on the committee from 1978-1982, 1988-1996 and from 2015 until just recently stepping down into a position on the back bench so she can continue to volunteer in a less demanding capacity.

Her inspiration to join and serve on the Calen Local Ambulance Committee came after a dramatic trip to the hospital in 1957 when the ambulance she was travelling in was involved in a traffic accident and rolled.

Ms Wheeler is a person who never stops helping her local community, all while raising five of her own children, 24 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Over the years Carmel has also been involved in raising money for other charities, including Red Cross, Spina Bifida, Mackay Endeavour Foundation, Cancer Foundation, RSL, Local Schools, CWA and Catholic Ladies, just to name a few.

Environmental Achievement Award – Rotary Club of Mackay North

After witnessing successful litter clean-ups in other parts of the world, members from the Mackay North Rotary Club decided to act in their own community.

Since 2017, the Rotary Club has adopted the 2.14km stretch of the busy Mackay-Bucasia Road, between Holts and Golf Links roads.

And over the past five years, they have collected more than 2500kg of rubbish and 400 golf balls.

The members undertake this altruistic activity to enable the many benefits to flow to the entire community, including improved roadside aesthetics and amenity and reducing waste entering our waterways.

Their commitment and passion in keeping their local neighbourhood clean and litter-free hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Community Group Award – Bakers Creek Tigers AFL Club

Bakers Creek AFL Club is a small rural AFL sporting club located in the suburb of Bakers Creek, at its home ground of Etwell Park.

The Tigers joined the Mackay Australian Football League in 1971, which was the competition’s second season.

They are one of only two clubs in the competition’s history to have won four successive senior grade flags – a feat they achieved between 1989 and 1992. The club also won two flags in a row in 1971 and 1972.

Since 2018, Bakers Creek has fielded teams in all grades from Superstars U6 through to Senior Men and Women in the local AFL Competition.

The club is the home of many up-and-coming AFL stars and is most proud as being the home of AFLW Gold Coast Suns Player – Lauren Bella.

Since the introduction of their junior club, they have been able to provide a pathway for players who wish to take steps towards professional AFL including William Bella, Maison Staas, Zali Ronald and many more.

The club also boast the most successful Senior Women’s team since women joined the competition in 2016 – the Bakers Creek Tigeress have taken out the premiership in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

In 2021, the team was undefeated grand final winners and in 2020 the team was runners-up in the grand final.

Art and Culture Award – Charli Bliss

Charli Bliss is a 14-year-old Torres Strait Islander, born and bred in Mackay, who is extremely proud of her heritage, culture and community.

With a strength drawing and painting on canvas, she has completed Indigenous artwork for several community-controlled organisations, sporting organisations and school/s on a voluntary basis to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are acknowledged and recognised.

Having recently completed Year 10 at Mercy College Mackay, Charli creates painting or digital art in her spare time after school and sporting commitments.

One of her most recent achievements includes contributing towards the newly designed Queensland Hockey Representative Playing uniform endorsed by Hockey Queensland.

Charli is also currently working on a painting for McDonalds Mackay to auction at the next Ronald McDonald House Charity (RHM) to raise funds for the Mackay RHM.

Through her generosity and dedication in giving back to her local community, she is proud to be able to share Indigenous culture to a diverse range of organisations within Mackay.

With this level of self-awareness, it is appropriate that she explores the traditions, history, and challenges of another culture, embraces them and shares them through her artwork so others are also educated and encouraged to embrace the Aboriginal and Torres Strait landscape that exists within the Mackay Community.

Senior Sports Award – Chris Breckell

Chris Breckell has dedicated more than 23 years of his life to the sport of touch football.

He has volunteered at club, district and state levels, donating his time with Magpies Touch Football, Mackay Touch Association and North Queensland Touch. His roles have varied from coach, to referee, treasurer, vice president and tour manager, just to name a few.

Chris is a quiet achiever, but his work has not gone unnoticed by those involved in the touch football community. He sets up and clears the fields three nights a week and, with the help of his family, he also runs the canteen on those nights as well.

Chris is committed to continuing to improve the opportunities available to Mackay touch football players both at junior and senior levels as well as promoting the benefits of touch football in the community.

Young Sports Award – Karla Grobler

Karla Grobler is an all-star athlete, achieving goals on and off the netball court.

Not only does she play netball at a school, club and representative level, but she also volunteers extensive time coaching an U14s team and umpires almost every week, all while achieving great results in her schoolwork.

In 2021 she played in Division 1 Seniors and was a Development Player in the Premier League.

Karla was also a member of the winning Northern Netball League’s U17s team which competed against other regional teams. She was selected in the Mendi Rays U16s Southern team as a result and travelled to the State Titles competition in Brisbane in late September.

When she’s not playing netball, Karla is umpiring netball. In 2021, she achieved her National C Badge in umpiring and travelled with Mackay Netball Association to carnivals in her umpiring role.

She took on the role of coach of the Magpies 14A team, where she helped develop her team members' skills. Great individual improvements were shown by all team members.

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