Highfields FM 87.6

Following State Government funding of $1.64 million to enable CareFlight to operate 24/7, the organisation is hiring 10 extra staff and is considering an upgrade to its helicopter. Premier Anna Bligh made the announcement while visiting CareFlight’s Toowoomba operation with Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine. Tony Miller (CareFlight Pilot), Premier Anna Bligh, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine On Toowoomba Hospital Helipad from left: Tony Miller (CareFlight Pilot), Premier Anna Bligh, CareFlight Bear, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, Paul Young (CareFlight Director), Ryan Purchase (Crewman) “I am now aware CareFlight is investigating upgrading to a helicopter which can fly longer distances. An upgraded chopper would also carry two patients instead of one and would be equipped with a hoist to enable patients to be winched out of difficult terrain. “CareFlight has already hired four extra staff including pilots and air crew and is planning to recruit a further six extra staff including pilots, air crew and casual doctors. “CareFlight begins operating seven days a week from this Saturday. Once these new staff members have been recruited and trained, CareFlight will move to a 24-hours-a-day operation – in about two to three months. This boost in a life-saving service will make a real difference to the region especially with the growth we are expecting,” Ms Bligh said. Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, who campaigned strongly for the funding boost, said he was impressed with CareFlight’s implementation planning. “Once the state government support was announced, CareFlight really hit the ground running. Ihe people of the region will take great comfort in the fact that day or night CareFlight will be there when they are needed.” Mr Shine said. CareFlight CEO Ashley Van de Velde said the communities to be serviced by CareFlight were very supportive. “We are a not-for-profit organisation and it’s only through the support of our sponsors and now the State Government that we can offer this enhanced service to the region,” Mr Van de Velde said. Further Information: Phone: 4638 5755  Fax: 4638 4056  Email: toowoomba.north@parliament.qld.gov.au

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CareFlight investigating Toowoomba-based chopper upgrade

Reunite service by Crime Ctoppers Qld Crime Stoppers Queensland has launched a bold new community safety initiative called the Reunite Service. The Reunite Service is simple, effective and secure and utilises the Crime Stoppers call centre to help reunite parents, guardians and carers with those in their care, should they become separated. It is a web based system where the public register those in their care onto a secure database. The database will be accessed only by the Crime Stoppers call centre when a person is reported separated. Uniquely numbered identification “face” cards and a matching numbered wristband will be issued with each registration, with the wristband being worn by the registered person and the face cards carried by the parents, guardians or carers. If a person becomes separated they can ask for help and show their wristband. A call is made to the Crime Stoppers call centre quoting the identifying number. The call centre then contacts the parent, guardian or carer directly. If contact can not be made the local police are called to attend. Alternatively, if it is discovered that a person is missing, the parent, guardian or carer makes the call to Crime Stoppers quoting the identifying number from the face card. The Crime Stoppers call centre then raises an alert and electronically distributes the person ’s crucial identification information and image to local Police. The service is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week from the low single per annum cost to the user of $9.95. Help will only be a phone call away when you need it most by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 . For peace of mind register your loved ones today on the Reunite Service website . Your local school can also get involved as a fund raising incentive of $2.00 per registration will be offered to schools for the first six months of the service.

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Reunite Service — provided by Crime Stoppers Qld

Bendigo Bank Charity Raceday 2010 flyer

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Date Claimer – Charity Race Day Sat. 6th February

The weekly program keeping you up to date with Toowoomba Regional Council’s facilities, activities and services. This week’s topic – Children’s Art, Bushcapades, Summer Tunes, Water Rebates etc Audio:  Council Connections with Darren Burton

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Council Connections: Week 2, January 2010