Times What more will we lose?

Sari Russo Nee Hyytinen

LAST week I discussed the issue of major banks closing down their services in rural areas whilst informing rural residents that all the services they need will be easily accessed online.

I mentioned that there is a failure by these banks to understand that our communication services are only sometimes working at a functional capacity. Therefore the expectation that our services have not significantly diminished due to the removal of a brick-and-mortar facility is false.

This week I have spent some time looking into the diminished capacity of rural medical services, particularly in the Hill electorate.

The issues with GP services not offering a bulk billing service have existed for a significant period across Australia. This results from the rebates for many GPs having yet to be raised since 2014. What was supposedly a temporary freeze introduced by Labor has now existed for eight years.

In that time, all GP facilities have seen rises in what they are required to pay for their practices, their staff, medical products, utilities and all the other requirements needed to run an efficient medical service.

Due to this price freeze, we have witnessed a significant increase in co-payment GP services.

As GPs services are now often co-pay services, it does raise the question of why GP services are not staying in rural areas. There is more to this issue than just the price freeze.

Rural areas appear to have become unappealing places to start your service, and this issue needs to be addressed across a spectrum of services.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

ON February 3, Innisfail State College live-streamed its 2022 Year 12 Subject Awards and Dux ceremony and announced the winners.

Alexia Guglielmi, who achieved an ATAR of 95.85, received the prestigious College Dux award and $500 bursary, sponsored by former ISC student Justice Darryl Rangiah and the Rangiah family.

She has always loved the critical thinking and problem solving that is part and parcel of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning and embraced the fact that STEM learnings are vital for living in this modern world, so she chose her subjects accordingly.

In June 2022, Guglielmi was the first representative from ISC to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane.

For three years, she participated in the annual STEM Girl Power program, which encourages girls to engage in a range of exciting experiences to stimulate their love of STEM.

Last month, Guglielmi returned to the National Youth Science Forum as a student staff volunteer and assisted with the program.

She also represented the College as a Girl Power STEM ambassador to inspire other students to embrace STEM.

This month, Guglielmi started her studies at the Australian National University in Canberra, her first of a four-year dual Bachelors’ degree in Mathematical Sciences and Science.

Brianna Stepanoff received the Most Outstanding Graduate for Applied/VET Subjects and a

$400 bursary sponsored by N & K Services.

At last year’s Business Liaison Association Aspire awards, Stepanoff received the Far North Queensland Hospitality and Tourism Student of the Year.

Stepanoff currently works parttime at a local business and intends to study for a Diploma in Interior Design online through TAFE before considering a Bachelor of Business through James Cook University.

A special mention to Kirrily Csukardy, who received top academic subject awards for every subject she studied in 2022.

Applied/VET awards:

Julian Sujana (Sport and Recreation), Frunz Dariano (Certificate III in Fitness); Monique Boswell (Social and Community Studies), Alannah Borg and Tara Larsen (Visual Arts in Practice); Tulua Weare (Music in Practice); Kaitlyn-Rose Marks (Dance in Practice); Evee Toombs (Essential English); Reece Doyle (Essential Mathematics); Brianna Stepanoff

Acts of Vandalism to MultimillionDollar Community Facility

Hinchinbrook Shire Council

VANDALISM continues to impact our community, with damage again inflicted on the gates surrounding Rotary Park playground located in the Ingham CBD.

“At approximately 2.00 am Sunday, February 5 and 1.30 am Thursday, February 9, 2023, an individual can be seen intentionally damaging the gate. Not only are they damaging the gate, but it also poses a high safety risk for children who use this playground,” said Mayor Ramon Jayo.

Mayor Jayo said, “It is extremely disappointing to see that there are people in our community who have little regard for community assets, wilfully damaging and defacing property and assets resulting in cost and added expense to ratepayers.”

“This behaviour does not only cost the community in repairs, but also impacts our families and children through the temporary loss of use and enjoyment of the facilities, and also damages our reputation in the eyes of tourists to our wonderful venues.” said Mayor Jayo.

Council has lodged formal complaints with Queensland Police and have provided evidence of the perpetrator through CCTV footage. Council will seek an order for restitution in some manner or form as compensation for the cost of repairs.

Because vandalism is an ongoing problem Council is committed to rolling out more CCTV cameras for the purposes of securing evidence and pursuing the culprits on behalf of the community.

Mayor Jayo said, “Council has released footage of this most recent incident (see link provided below), and anyone who may be able to assist with identification of the culprit is requested to please come forward. Someone always knows something when it comes to vandalism, so we are requesting residents to be aware and to report such incidents.”

If you have any information concerning this incident,

(Aquatic Practices); Anastasia Kovacich (Agricultural Practices); Jake Wieland (Furnishing); Alannah Borg (Engineering); Jorja Clowes (Early Childhood Studies); Jorja Adams (Certificate II in Kitchen Operations); Michaela McInerney (Certificate III in Health Services Assistance) and Ananwin Mahaniyom (Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways).

Subject awards:

Tiarna McKay (Biology, Chemistry); Kirrily Csukardy (Design, Accounting, English, General Mathematics); Adria Cunningham (Drama); Kyran Dineen (Physical Education, Geography) and Brenda Moua (Literature).

General subject awards: please report it to Queensland Police and quote reference number QP2300233987. We need your assistance to apprehend the perpetrators of these malicious acts so we can hopefully end any further acts. https://www.dropbox.com/s/myfjo7qq3akj7ji/ Rotary%20Park%20Playground%20Gate%20 Damage%20Combined.mp4?dl=0

Marine Science (Milla Hayes); Year 12 - Alexander Turco (Mathematical Methods); Year 11 - Arshbir Dhother (Mathematical Methods); Kai Darveniza (Digital Solutions, Physics); Kirrily Csukardy and Abigail Rigano (Psychology) and Tiarna McKay (Specialist Mathematics).

Defence Welcome and Information Expo Wrap Up, NBN Announcement and Forrest Beach Function Centre Grand Opening

2023 Defence Welcome and Information Expo Wrap Up Council, in partnership with Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce Industry and Tourism attended the 2023 Defence Welcome and Information Expo in Townsville on Saturday 11 February 2023.

Council had the opportunity to showcase all things Hinchinbrook and reveal some of our best kept secrets.

238 people engaged at the Hinchinbrook region exhibit, with the Thorsborne Trail and Hinchinbrook Island generating the greatest interest, however a lack of availability of Permits is still a major barrier to more island visitation. Let us all promote the Hinchinbrook region and encourage visitors to please stop and discover our products, characters and experiences.

DrumMuster Operations

DrumMuster Operations are still accessible at Halifax Resource Recovery Centre.

Despite temporarily ceasing

DrumMuster collection at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre, eligible containers can still be dropped off at Halifax Resource Recovery Centre.

Please note that operating hours at Halifax are:

• Monday and Tuesday - Closed;

• Wednesday - 8.30am to 1.30pm;

• Thursday - 8.30am to 1.30pm;

• Friday - 12.30pm to 5.30pm;

• Saturday - 7.30am to 5.30pm (closed between 12.00pm and 1.00pm); and

• Sunday - 12.30pm to 5.30pm

Please be advised that the Halifax Resource Recovery Centre is closed on all Public Holidays.

Council regrets any inconvenience that these changes will cause the community, however the safety of the public must always be paramount and the community's understanding would be appreciated.

For more information about the Halifax Resource Recovery Centre, visit Council's website, Waste Facilities and Fees page.

NBN Announcement

NBN and the Australian Government have released the latest suburbs and towns where additional premises will become eligible to get fibre connected to their house or business by ordering an eligible wholesale speed tier1 - with up to 58 per cent located in regional areas and the rest in metro areas such as Ingham.

Full fibre connection to the NBN network offers customers access to the higher speed tiers, which delivers a better, more reliable internet experience for homes and businesses.

The enhancements to the NBN network to deliver faster speeds and more data reflect and support business and societal changes over the last two years.

To find out if you are eligible for an upgrade, register at nbn.com.au/FTTPupgrade.

Tribute to Elvis presents

Throughout the Years

Australia’s “King of the 50’s”

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, Brody Finlay is one of Australia's premier 50's Elvis Tribute acts.

Finlay will take you back in time to the roaring 50's with this not to be missed performance singing all your favourites including Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, Can’t Help Falling In Love and Love Me Tender.

Current Procurement and Tender Opportunities

Keep up to date with opportunities available through Council by visiting the Current Procurement and Tender Opportunities page on Council’s website.

Current opportunities include:

• HSC 23/02 - Vince Corbett Park Amenities UpgradeConstruction.

Should you require further information, please contact Council’s Procurement Services on 4776 4665.

Half Yearly Rate Notices

Half Yearly Rate Notices will be issued on Thursday 23 February 2023 with payment due by Friday 31 March 2023.

Have you moved house recently?

Have any of your contact details changed?

If so, please update your details with Council as soon as possible to ensure you receive your Rate Notice in a timely manner. It is not too late to make the switch to Electronic Rate Notices.

If you would like to receive future Rate Notices electronically, please visit Council’s website Rates Fees and Charges page or scan the QR Code to complete the online registration form.

Council encourages ratepayers who may have difficulty with payments to discuss a payment plan as soon as possible.

Ratepayers also have access to assistance under Council’s Financial Hardship Policy.

Date: Saturday 18 February 2023

Time: 7.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

76 Townsville Road Ingham

Cost: $39.95 - $44.95

Ingham Raintree Community Market

Come and enjoy the beautiful items for sale at the stalls under the raintrees!

Date: Sunday 19 February 2023

Time: 8.00am to 12.00pm

Where: Rotary Park Ingham

Cost: Free event

In the event of Rotary Park being too wet, the Ingham Raintree Community Market will be held in the carpark at the rear of Council's main office.

Knock at the Cabin (M) While vacationing at a remote cabin in the woods, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand they make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse.

Date: Friday 24 February 2023

Time: 6.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Blueback (PG)

Follows Abby, a child who befriends a magnificent wild blue groper while diving. When Abby realises that the fish is under threat, she takes inspiration from her activist Mum, Dora, and takes on poachers to save her friend.

Date: Saturday 25 February 2023

Time: 10.30am

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Operations Fortune: Ruse de guerre (M)

Special agent Orson Fortune and his team of operatives recruit one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars to help them on an undercover mission when the sale of a deadly new weapons technology threatens to disrupt the world order.

Date: Saturday 25 February 2023

Time: 2.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (MA)

In Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, twotime Academy Award winner Emma Thompson (Love, Actually) embodies the candor and apprehension of retired teacher Nancy Stokes, and newcomer Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders) personifies the charisma and compassion of sex worker Leo Grande.

As Nancy embarks on a post-marital sexual awakening and Leo draws on his skills and charm, together they find a surprising human connection.

Date: Saturday 25 February 2023

Time: 6.30pm

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $15

This event is a licenced event.

A Man Called Otto (PG)

Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.

Date: Sunday 26 February 2023

Regional Arts Development Fund Public Applications

Round Two 2022-2023

Do you or someone you know have a project idea that could contribute to Arts and Culture in the Hinchinbrook Shire?

Applications for funding through Council's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program are open for Round Two from Monday 30 January 2023 until 5.00pm Friday 24 February 2023.

RADF provides funding to successful applicants for up to 70% of the total project cost.

To download an application form and to find out more visit Council's website, Grants and Funding page or contact the TYTO Regional Art Gallery.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Time: 10.30am

Where: JL Kelly Theatre

Cost: $10 - $15

Young Carers Connect

Young Carers Connect (YCC) is about having a laugh, playing games and meeting other young people from across Australia who care for others.

Relationships Australia in partnership with the Young Carers Team at Carers Australia are facilitating a connect session.

The connect session is scheduled as follows:

• 5.00pm - 6.00pm Wednesday 27 February 2023.

To register, send an email to youngcarers@racr.org.au with the following:

• Name;

• Date of Birth;

• Contact number;

• Email; and

• Postcode.

For further information please email youngcarers@racr.org.au.

4776 4600 council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au HinchinbrookShireCouncil