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Caution Against Bushfire Smoke Advised

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Caution Against Bushfire Smoke Advised

With smoke from a bushfire near Millmerran affecting some communities within the Darling Downs Health district, residents have been urged to take precautions and minimise exposure to smoke.

Increased amounts of smoke and particulates from ash in the air due to bushfires can pose risks for some members of the community,” said Darling Downs Public Health Unit Director Dr Penny Hutchinson.

The groups most at risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with existing medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease and other lung or respiratory illnesses.”

Dr Hutchinson said anyone taking medications for these conditions should keep them close by and be vigilant in taking their medications.

If people with asthma experience symptoms due to exposure to smoke we recommend following their asthma management plan, but if they do so and they still experience symptoms they should seek medical advice immediately,” she said. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulty should call triple-zero and seek urgent medical assistance.”

Dr Hutchinson said the most effective way to avoid exposure to smoke was to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
If air conditioning is available it’s advisable to have it on a recycle or recirculating setting,” Dr Hutchinson said.

This may not be possible, particularly for people without air conditioning during hot conditions, so in this case another option is to seek an alternative air-conditioned location for the day, such as a local library or shopping centre.”

Anyone with concerns can call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for health advice and assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Shannon Petersen
Acting Senior Media Officer
Media, Communication and Engagement
Darling Downs Health

Hospital Performing Lifesaving Implantation

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Hospital Performing Lifesaving Implantation

A pacemaker is a small device inserted into the chest to keep the heart beating when it would otherwise stop. The device uses an electrical pulse to prompt the heart to beat. Toowoomba Hospital is now performing lifesaving pacemaker implantation with great success.

Darling Downs Health Cardiologist Dr Caleb Mengel said patients who are passing out or collapsing from missing heart beats need a pacemaker implanted to save their life.

Dr Caleb Mengel with recovering patient Christine Cutts at Toowoomba Hospital 

The cardiac team at Toowoomba Hospital met in February to discuss how we could start to offer pacemaker implantation,” Dr Mengel said.
We worked together to organise the resources and staffing required to offer this to current inpatients and were able to commence pacemaker implantations in late October.”

Pacemaker implantation has great benefits for the patients as we can get them back home and follow them up in their local community. Prior to Toowoomba being able to perform pacemaker implantation, patients needed to wait in hospital for transfer to Brisbane,” Dr Mengel said.

“We are really excited about being able to offer pacemaker insertion locally and developing and progressing cardiology services at Toowoomba Hospital.”

Christine Cutts, the second patient to undergo pacemaker implantation, said it is wonderful not to need to travel to Brisbane.
Myself and my family live in Kingaroy, and Brisbane is a long way for us to travel for medical reasons,” Ms Cutts said.

Toowoomba Hospital offering pacemaker implantation is great not only for Toowoomba, but for country people like myself. Toowoomba Hospital has been great. The implantation took just over an hour and the staff have been absolutely wonderful and have gone out of their way to help me.”

Pacemaker implantation at Toowoomba Hospital is currently only available to current inpatients within the Darling Downs Health region.

Submitted by:
Shannon Petersen
Acting Senior Media Officer
Media, Communication and Engagement
Darling Downs Health

Toowoomba Small Business Expo

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Toowoomba Small Business Expo


Toowoomba City Council in conjunction with local business, industry groups and sponsors are hosting the BIGGEST SALES FOCUSED 1 day networking event for business across the region.

It is GREAT to see 150 businesses showcasing their products and services at the 2nd Annual Toowoomba Business Expo on Friday, 29th November.

In a time with drought, bush fires, empty shop fronts and business frantic for more business before the quiet after Christmas period, now is the time to collaborate at this huge sales focused networking day that is packed with free activities to add value for you and your business.

Business owners and staff who don’t have a stand are invited after 10am – bring your business cards (no flyers) and join in on some of the activities below:

Parking at the venue is a gold coin donation and all monies go to Rotary. ALSO so many PRIZES and EXPO DAY SPECIAL OFFERS.

EXPO SCHEDULE

9.30am to 10.00am

Official opening with business industry groups + exhibitors + politicians.

Expo OPENS TO THE PUBLIC 10am – 4pm

All Day Activities

Mentor Hub by the Office of Small Business
FREE Head Shot Hub to get a new photo for your social media – refresh for 2020
FREE Brow Wax and FREE Massage at the Classic Beauty Marquee
Streaming live Interviews with the Power TV Network
Food Trucks and Live Entertainment from 11am to 2pm
FREE childcare and FREE Kid Zone and activities 11am to 3pm with qualified staff.

11.30am

JOIN THE Pre Book Launch CELEBRATIONS with Tammie Pike and her co-authors will be pre launching their book

Your Mindset is your key to Happiness, Success & Love! at 11.30am at the Expo

If you are ready to be empowered and learn easy & simple tools & techniques that has helped Tammie Pike to transform her life from feeling unworthy & a failure to now being a successful Mumpreneur, then get your biz girlfriends together, bring your business cards and get ready to meet not only Tammie but other inspirational co-authors who are making a difference in our community.

Be one of the 1st 10 to receive a free eBook copy when Tammie’s book is released on the 6th of December by clicking ‘going’ to this event as well as being at the Pre-Launch on the day.

12noon to 1.30pm

TINAx Talks – 8 speakers for 8 minutes each addressing your business pain points:
Nicky Grummitt – Lightening your mental load to thrive!
Jessica Ritchie – Skyrocket your Clarity, Connection & Confidence to create Impact
Corona Brady- 5 Steps to Overcome Burnout And Start Living A Vibrant Life & Business
Sharon Davies – 5 Points to Nail a Sale.
Tracy Tully – Release the brakes, stop resisting change!
Faye Hartley-Youens – Change your story and Change your life
Sara Hales – The Power and Importance of Women in Leadership
Annette Densham – There is no place for modesty in business

1.45pm to 3.00pm

Five Main Speaker presentations to sit in on – local businesses showcasing what they do BEST.

Soapbox Speaker Office of Small Business
Soapbox Speaker Inspiring New Horizons
Soapbox Speaker WAHP Business Australia – Helen Dayman
Soapbox Speaker Fuji Xerox – waiting on info
Soapbox Speaker Counselling 4 U

3pm – 4pm

Speed Networking Hour – Hosted by Toowoomba.com.au team

JUMP IN it is fun, frantic and produces FAST results – bring your business cards

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Make sure you visit Local FM (Toowoomba Regional Radio) on STAND 66 – We have competitions with fantastic prizes to be won including a Houseboat Holiday, Car Detailing, a large Salt Lamp, an Award Winning Half Ham, A Hair Cut & Blow Dry and Eyelash Wax and Tinting, $50 Dymocks Book Vouchers and bottles of Wine – To Enter, be sure to visit us at STAND 66 – LOCAL FM (Toowoomba Regional Radio)

2nd Annual Toowoomba Small Business Expo
Friday 29th November, 10am to 4pm
Clive Berghofer Centre, 20 Baker Street, USQ – a big venue for a big expo !

More information www.smallbusinessexpos.com.au

Pumps Back In Operation At Cressbrook

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Pumps Back In Operation At Cressbrook

Water operations at Cressbrook Dam are back online following days of emergency works from Ergon Energy and Toowoomba Regional Council staff.

However, while systems come back up to full operational speed Council urges everyone on the Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply to continue conserving water.

Following the Pechey bushfires, which burnt powerlines connected to some of Council’s water infrastructure assets including the Cressbrook Dam pump station, Mayor Paul Antonio said he was pleased to hear water was again being pumped from Cressbrook Dam.

Over the past week and a half our Region has been through one of the most difficult periods that any of us have ever had to experience,” Mayor Antonio said.

The outbreak of the Pechey fire, coupled with the consequences that came from this, saw this community come together in a way that I’m extremely proud of.

Led by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), with assistance from the police and ambulance services and our community, together with our staff, we’ve been managing this fire.

Ergon Energy has advised the power lines, which were damaged at Cressbrook, have been successfully replaced and energised, meaning Council crews were able to return to the site to get the pumps back in action.

This is a terrific result and I cannot thank everyone enough for the work that has taken place to get us to where we are today.

While QFES appears to have the fire contained, there will no doubt be ongoing challenges over the coming weeks and months for families who have lost homes, properties that were burnt, fauna and flora that has been lost and all of the mental scarring that comes with these situations.

Please continue to band together during these trying times and get help where it is needed.”

While pumping has resumed at Cressbrook Dam, Water and Waste Portfolio Chair Nancy Sommerfield reminded residents of the need to continue conserving water.

We’re truly grateful for the way the community has responded to calls for water conservation while our water supply at Cressbrook has been unavailable,” she said.

Having been out on site this week looking at the devastation that’s been caused by these bushfires, the fire has gone right up to beside each of our assets yet we have been lucky to get the outcome that we have.

Since that time Ergon Energy has been working non-stop with crews galore out there to ensure we get power back to Cressbrook which is vital for us in relation to our water supply.

While it’s great we are back up and running, it will take some time for Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply systems to return to normal.

Since Cressbrook Dam has been offline, Perseverance Dam infrastructure has been running overtime so there are a number of checks and services that need to be performed to ensure the equipment at all our facilities is in good working order.

While we continue to undertake this maintenance, I’d like to remind the community to continue conserving water at every available opportunity.

The Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply services Toowoomba City and the surrounding towns of Oakey, Jondaryan, Highfields, Crows Nest, Kingsthorpe, Gowrie Junction, Meringandan, Wyreema, Westbrook, Hodgson Vale and Goombungee. This will also apply to the towns of Cambooya, Clifton, Greenmount, Cecil Plains and Vale View who remain on High Level water restrictions with Council currently trucking water.

BreastScreen Toowoomba 400,000th Screen

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BreastScreen Toowoomba 400,000th Screen

BreastScreen Toowoomba Service has screened its 400,000th woman since its inception in 1992. This milestone coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrated every October.

BreastScreen Toowoomba Service Health Promotion Officer Alexandra Robbins-Hills said the screening was a momentous occasion.

“Every one of these screens has played a vital part in working towards better health outcomes for women across the Darling Downs,” Ms Robbins-Hill said.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for Australian women, with one-in-seven women hearing the news that she has breast cancer,” Ms Robbins-Hill said.

“We are trying to create greater awareness of this disease and encourage as many women as possible to regularly have breast screens. Early detection is so important as the cancer can be found through a mammogram before it can be seen or felt. It also gives women greater treatment options.”

This year the BreastScreen Toowoomba Service has screened 13,425 women, with capacity to take many new clients. Alongside the clinic, state-of-the-art mobile breast screening vans travel the Darling Downs region providing free mammograms to eligible women in rural areas.

“A doctor’s referral is not needed to access these services,” Ms Robbin-Hills said. BreastScreen Queensland recommends that women aged between 50 and 74 years have a breast screen every two years.

Women in their 40s and 75 years and over are also eligible for free breast screens. BreastScreen Queensland Toowoomba Service is located at 661 Ruthven Street. There is free parking available off Warner Street.

To schedule an appointment phone 13 20 50 or book online at https://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au

Submitted by:
Media Officer,
Media, Communication and Engagement,
Darling Downs Health,
ddhhs_media@health.qld.gov.au

1.3km Section Of Perseverance Water Main Replaced

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1.3km Section Of Perseverance Water Main Replaced

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is completing the latest stage of vital renewal works on the Perseverance raw water main north of Toowoomba.

TRC Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Nancy Sommerfield said Council was finalising work on replacing a 1.3km section of the Perseverance raw water main near Geham.

“Council has contributed $8 million in the current financial year for the ongoing replacement of ageing sections of the pipeline,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“The overall project involves replacing the 28km pre-stressed concrete water main from the Pechey reservoirs to the Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant. This work has been scheduled in the cooler, off-demand months and will be completed over several years.

“The existing pipeline was constructed in the early 1960s and due to its age, there have been more frequent pipe joint failures in recent years.

“This highlights the reality facing local governments across the state. Council is balancing the provision of new infrastructure with the costs of essential and ongoing maintenance for existing assets across our growing region.
“Council’s Construction and Maintenance workforce is replacing the original main with a slightly larger, coated-steel pipe that comes in 13.5m lengths.

“This project will guarantee the security of the Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply network that delivers safe drinking water supplies to more than 54,000 properties. (The network supplies drinking water for Toowoomba and surrounding towns of Oakey, Jondaryan, Highfields, Crows Nest, Kingsthorpe, Gowrie Junction, Meringandan, Wyreema, Westbrook, Hodgson Vale and Goombungee.)

The current work closely follows the alignment of the original pipeline and will improve the interconnection of the Perseverance and Cressbrook raw water supply pipelines.

Submitted by:
Angus Moffatt,
Media Relations Officer,
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications,
Toowoomba Regional Council.

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Toowoomba Hospice Getting Jazzed Up!

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Toowoomba Hospice Getting Jazzed Up!

Toowoomba Hospice is holding its Annual Charity Jazz Breakfast on Sunday 27th October from 9am at  DownsSteam Museum & Railway Cnr Ball and Cambooya Streets in Drayton. 

Tickets are now on sale…..Ticket price is $35 per person for Breakfast whilst listening to Jazz music!  Phone Toowoomba Hospice on 4659 8500 to book your tickets!

Submitted by:
Mark Munro
Fundraising Manager
Toowoomba Hospice
PO Box 6463
Clifford Gardens Qld 4350

Connection And Mateship For Older Men With Dementia

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Connection And Mateship For Older Men With Dementia

A newly opened men’s shed at a Glenvale aged care home is helping older men with dementia reconnect with their past and forge new friendships.

Toowoomba West Men’s Shed president Murray Trewavas has collaborated with Ozcare Aged Care Facility on Greenwattle Street to provide residents with projects to work on in between his monthly visits to the onsite men’s shed, known as “The Folly”.

“Currently the residents are making cat scratching towers to donate to the RSPCA so we do the major cutting then get the residents – the majority of who are in wheelchairs – to do the sanding, painting, gluing and assembly so they are involved in the whole process,” Mr Trewavas said.

“We have already built a rapport with them, laugh and joke with them and that’s what it is all about,” he said.

Celebrating the new men’s shed at Ozcare are (back, from left) Murray Trewavas, David Janetzki MP, Jeramy Hope, Rob Heading, (front) Grahame Fallon and Val Morrison

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP has praised Ozcare and Toowoomba West Men’s Shed for providing residents with the important connection to their community.

“This on-site men’s shed gives residents an opportunity to socialise, share life experiences, work with their hands again and maintain a sense of purpose with their projects,” Mr Janetzki said. “They are working on projects to donate to the community while enjoying the atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship,” he said.

Ozcare Toowoomba facility manager Jeramy Hope said the men’s shed, which opened last month, was helping people living with dementia reminisce about their childhood and lives on the land.

“We have up to 25 residents taking part and we have many people who have come to live at Ozcare from the greater Darling Downs area so they have a lot of experience of life on the land,” Mr Hope said.

“We have a lovely bunch of gentlemen here that were very much involved in the establishment of the men’s shed so there is a lot of ownership, excitement and expectations with their projects,” he said.

Mr Trewavas and a few other volunteers from the Toowoomba West Men’s Shed visit “The Folly” once a month to help residents with their work and provide new projects for residents to work on for the next month.

Submitted by:
Lacey Maguire
Media Adviser
Office of David Janetzki MP
Member for Toowoomba South
Email:   toowoomba.south@parliament.qld.gov.au

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