Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,

It has been another huge week producing your local paper and, with our Mackay Editor away on annual leave, I have been taking on extra duties overseeing both sides of the newspaper.

One of the most prominent stories over the past few weeks has been about Mackay Urologist Daryl Stephens who entrusted me to write an exclusive story about his alleged misconduct which caused him to be placed on suspension.

The story I wrote last week attracted national attention with channel 7 News reporter, Marlina Whop, calling me to gather more intel for her story, which aired on the local news.

In addition, I received a call from a disgruntled Editor from a national media company who questioned some of my content, specifically my comments of the media’s misrepresentation of Dr Stephens.

Being given an exclusive story is a great honour but also a great responsibility.

I wanted to tell Dr Stephens’ version but, in doing so, understood there is another side that would also need to be told.

This week I was able to dig deeper into the broader issues this article raised and talk with previous patients and current co-workers to unearth more details of what has unfolded. You can read this on page 5 of the Mackay side.

At the end of the day, this story is about people and the heartache they have suffered.

Regardless of the outcome, who was wrong and who was right, this is the one fact that doesn’t change.

My heart and thoughts are with all those involved.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “A lie gets half-way round the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on” (Winston Churchill)

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