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Backyard Pools Pose Major Risk Zone

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Backyard Pools Pose Major Risk Zone

Thousands of backyards across Australia pose a major safety risk this summer with only half (55%) of pool owners knowing if their pool fence complies with Australian fencing standards[1].

Concerningly, despite 87% of all swimming pool drowning deaths of children under five occurring in backyard pools[2], a third (34%) of pool owners have never checked the safety of their gate and fence, whilst 42% are unaware of the correct fence safety gate hardware required.

Laurie Lawrence   (Ignite PR/Photo by Jono Searle)

The research carried out by D&D Technologies reveals that although 81% of pool owners are aware that a faulty, unlatched or propped-open gate was the most common reason a child got into a pool area unsupervised, one in five (20%) parents still have no idea what to check to ensure their gate and fence are secure.

Last year, 12 children under five drowned, with one in two (50%) taking place in backyard pools. With swimming lessons severely interrupted due to COVID, the need for increased precaution this summer is essential.

Ahead of ‘Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month’ this December, D&D Technologies is launching the ‘Sense Of Summer’ guide to help families understand what areas they need to check to safeguard their backyards and pool. The guide also shares ideas for parents to make the most of a ‘staycation’ and family time this festive season.

[1] Survey of 1,002 Australian pool owners conducted by Pure Profile for D&D Technologies, November
[2] https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/33178/RLS_NationalDrowningReport2020LR-FINAL.pdf

Safety Checklist for Pool Gates
Gate should open outwards, away from the pool
Latch release knob should be at least 1500mm above ground level
Gate must be self-closing and self-latching
Gate hinges should be rust-free and bind-free
Gate should carry reliable, tension-adjustable hinges
Latch must be adjustable for height and width
Hinges must be adjustable for closing tension.
Latch cannot be key-locked in the open” position
Latch cannot be disengaged using implements
Gate latch cannot be shake nor jolted open
Gate will shut securely from any open angle or force
Gate complies with all Australian Standards for pool safety

Submitted by:
Olivia and Cavill
MediaNet

The Deadly Side Effects Of A Queensland Summer

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The Deadly Side Effects Of A Queensland Summer

Danger Sun Overhead is calling on all Queenslanders this summer to play it safe in the sun but particularly employers and employees involved in outdoor work.

As Queenslanders venture outdoors to enjoy the freedom of a hopefully COVID free summer, we must be aware of and ready to defend ourselves against the hazards of prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate safeguards.

The first days of summer also mean our risks increase as our hot climate, historical approach to sun protection, and an outdoor lifestyle, contribute to make Australia the global ‘skin cancer capital.’

Yet for many Queenslanders, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a relatively unknown health issue. A new report by SANOFI titled The Burden of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) in Australia predicts that approximately 587,000 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020.

97 per cent of those diagnosed will be for a non-melanoma skin cancer and many of these will be Queenslanders. The modelling in this report predicts that in 2020, 1,700 adults in Australia will die from advanced melanoma.

And some of us are more at risk than others.

DSO General Manager Jo Crotty says that at DSO we have known for a long time that occupational exposure to sunlight is a significant risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. People who routinely work outdoors are at higher risk than those who are indoor workers.”

A person’s job affects their risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, mainly in relation to whether the work leads to continual sun exposure.

Occupations in Building and Construction that involve outdoor work are associated with increased skin cancer risk.”
The clock is ticking, and we need to ensure these industries are stepping up and taking responsibility this summer for providing safe workplaces.

They need to ensure they are making available sunscreen stations, appropriate PPE and ensuring regular breaks are taken to address hazards such as heat stress.

This new report confirms what we already know at DSO – that awareness impacts on behaviour toward sun safety. We also want to issue a heartfelt plea to all Queenslanders this summer to takes personal responsibility for their sun safety, whether that be those workers in outdoor industries or whilst pursuing their sporting and recreational pursuits.

These facts are all too real for the founder and General Manager of DSO Jo Crotty who lost her husband Rohan, after a fight against the deadly melanoma skin cancer. It followed a career in the building and construction industry where he experienced prolonged UV exposure.

Spotted at Toowoomba City Aerodrome

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Spotted at Toowoomba City Aerodrome

This Amphibious Air Tractor 802A Fire Boss aircraft dropped in to refuel. Presumably VH-FNA was en-route to Fraser Island to add to the aerial fire-fighting capacity battling the blaze on the island.

So far, 17 aircraft including the Large Air Tanker have dropped almost 1 MILLION litres of water (997,000 litres to be exact) on the fire.[fotopress-video src=”https://lovelocalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/QFES-Kgari.mp4″ skin=”skin1″ width=”640″ height=”360″]Ground crews are being assisted by water bombers and heavy plant equipment to strengthen a fire containment line along Cornwells Road in the south.

The eastern side of the fire is now located approximately 3.5 kilometres to the north west of Happy Valley.

Heavy Plant equipment is being used on Old Happy Valley Road and water bombing aircraft continue to work slowing the progression of the fire. (QFES – 11.20am Saturday 5 December)

Travel to the island remains restricted to local residents, essential service providers and emergency services only.

 

Ground-Breaking Road Safety Program To Save Lives

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Ground-Breaking Road Safety Program To Save Lives


With just weeks before the end of Term 4, schools around the country are being urged to roll out a free road safety program to help save teenagers’ lives this holiday season.

RoadSet is a unique online course teaching Year 9 students the skills to be safe road users whether they’re on a bike, skateboard, scooter, on foot or a passenger in a vehicle.

More than 5000 students have already trialed the Australian Government funded pilot program, which has now had new lessons and content launched ahead of the Christmas break.

Australian Road Safety Foundation founder and CEO Russell White said traditionally, 14 and 15-year olds were generally forgotten when it came to road safety education.

Mr White said RoadSet was designed to align with the Australian curriculum. Road trauma remains the biggest killer of Australian children aged one to 14 and one in two Australians know someone who has died or suffered permanent injury as a result of a crash,” he said.

Small children are often taught to Stop, Look, Listen and Think and there are programs aimed at teens on their L plates, but until now there’s been very little in-between to teach 14 and 15-year olds how to be safe around roads.

We know the Christmas period is a shocking time for our road toll and we believe if teens are armed with the skills and knowledge to be road set, it will go a long way in helping to save lives over the summer holidays.”

The RoadSet program uses animation and games to engage students and provides teachers with ready-to-use worksheets and answers. It means community organisation volunteers, youth group staff and parents can also deliver the program.

With schools wrapping up for the year, it’s a perfect opportunity to spend time teaching lifesaving lessons to better protect our kids heading into the holidays. The program expansion means there are now 10 modules to complete.”

The goal is to deliver RoadSet to every Year 9 student nationally over the next 12 months.

NAIDOC Week 2020

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NAIDOC Week 2020

This week we celebrate the history, culture and strength of our First Nation’s people, who’ve lived and cared for this land we get to live on for over 65,000 years.NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate the histories, cultures, customs and achievements of First Nation’s peoples.

Celebrate First Nation’s tourism at the QTIC Destination IQ online event this Thursday – you can register to watch online here

Every Kilo Can Change A Life

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Every Kilo Can Change A Life

The Loads of Love Appeal aims to make Christmas just that little bit better for families doing it tough across the Darling Downs and Southern Queensland, by asking people from the region to
donate a bag filled with donations of non-perishable items like canned food, pasta, cereal, meal bases and toiletries.

Over its eleven year history, the Loads of Love Appeal has become a trusted way for thousands of Queenslanders to channel their generosity to those that need it most during the Christmas season.

With 2020 being a year like no other, the need for support in our community will be even greater.

Through the support of sponsors and the generosity of the public the appeal has collected and distributed more than 95,000 kilograms (approximately $420,000 worth) of food and thousands of dollars of grocery cards to more than 5,000 households across Southern Queensland.With a goal of collecting 30,000 kilograms of non-perishable food, the appeal aims to make Christmas that little bit better for families who are experiencing tough times.

Lifeline Darling Downs CEO, Derek Tuffield OAM, says that the charity is expecting more than 1,000 calls for support from people in the South West in November and December this year.

“Last year more than 25% of those receiving support had never contacted Lifeline Darling Downs before. Drought, fire and increased financial pressures are bringing more and more people to call for help,” he said,

People wishing to donate to the appeal can simply pick up a bag at participating Heritage Bank branches or Harvey Norman Stores in Toowoomba, Dalby, Warwick and Kingaroy.  The appeal will also run in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  Once filled, donated items and bags can be dropped off at more than 50 collection points.
For further information:
Matt Gregg
Appeal Community Engagement Manager
Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD Ltd
P: 0412 056 405 E: info@loadsoflove.org.au

Chip In For A Cause

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Chip In For A Cause

Lifeline Darling Downs has launched a special local initiative, ‘Chip in for a Cause’ with Betty’s Burgers at Grand Central in Toowoomba.

Derek Tuffield OAM and Josh Patane, Operations Manager Betty’s Burgers sitting down to a serving of fries and chips

Throughout the month of November, one dollar from very French Fries purchased at Betty’s Burgers will be donated to Lifeline Darling Downs to help provide additional support for their vital Family  Support Services.

“We are so grateful to Betty’s Burgers for getting behind Lifeline Darling Downs and our Family Support Services. Families are struggling at the moment. Christmas, which is just around the corner, is traditionally a challenging time for our organisation with increased demand from struggling families and individuals, Requests for help with food parcels has been increasing all year, and meeting this demand is a constant challenge for Lifeline.”

“We encourage the community to support Betty’s Burgers and this wonderful initiative, as all funds raised through ‘Chip in for a Cause’ will help us continue our vital family services,” Lifeline Darling Downs CEO, Derek Tuffield OAM said.

Betty’s Burgers Managing Director Troy McDonagh said “We are honoured to work with Lifeline Darling Downs to do our bit to help local families in need by running our ‘Chip in for a Cause’ drive.

Purchases can be made at Betty’s Burgers, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Toowoomba seven days a week, with all profits raised going towards Lifeline Darling Downs’ family counselling services, emergency relief and school resource assistance.

For more on this initiative nd other Lifeline Darling Downs services and programs visit www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au

Submitted by:
Kirsten McGovern
Manager Fundraising & Marketing
E: kmcgovern@lifetimedarlingdowns.org.au

 

 

Tours & Dead-Heading Back At State Rose Garden

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Tours & Dead-Heading Back At State Rose Garden

Queensland State Rose Garden Inc. tours are resuming as from Saturday 31st October from 8.30am.

If you would like to join a tour, you’re advised to meet at the Rose Cottage off Holberton Street, Toowoomba. The roses are in bloom, and the perfume in the air is delightful.

Also, Friends of the State Rose Garden will be dead-heading some rosebushes, and if you’re so inclined you’re welcome to assist. If so, please wear a hat and bring along water and sunscreen, a bucket, secateurs and gloves.

Covid plans are in place and will be followed. For further information please give Sandy Martin a call on 0408 753 602.

Submitted by:
Sandy Martin
E:design@martintransport.com.au

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