Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter...

10
Vol 3 No 3 March, 2005 50c Water tanks from 300 to 25 000 litres Tough – Durable – Long lasting – No rust problems ADVANCED ROTOMOULDING TECHNOLOGY NT 9 Beresford Road Palmerston Phone 8932 8222 Fax 8932 8844 ADRO products available from – Barnyard Trading, H2O Centre, Humpty Doo Hardware, Berry Springs Hardware, Southern Cross Medivac ‘botched’ A meeting is being arranged between high-level NT Health Department officials and the Cox Peninsula Council to discuss health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described as a “botched evacuation” of long-time resident Bill Jelly. The Health Department has denied the evacuation was a fiasco and said the treat- ment and evacuation was reasonable in the circumstances. A spokesman for Dr Toyne said he could not reveal what might or might not be dis- cussed at the meeting. Other sources indicate there is wide- spread concern about the present health service arrangements and the government is looking at some form of combined clinic to be available to all Cox Peninsula residents. The present arrangement of contacting the duty district medical officer came to a head after Bill fell ill on January 17. In his letter to Dr Toyne, council president Peter Clee detailed his understanding of what happened after Belyuen clinic staff were called to the scene. “Unfortunately, due to the nature of the ill- ness, Belyuen staff were unable to provide the appropriate relief …,” the letter said. “For some inexplicable reason, arrangements for the patient’s transfer to Darwin were not put in place until 11 am the following morning. “At that point, Mr Jelly, who was experienc- ing considerable pain and discomfort following a night without appropriate medical care, was advised that he was to be met by an ambulance at Cullen Bay for transfer to Royal Dar- win Hospital. “He was forced to arrange a taxi when the ambulance failed to arrive. Mr Jelly then endured another two hours in the outpatients department of Royal Dar- win Hospital before receiving appropri- ate medical attention. “Primary health care facilities, which would enable better management of a range of chronic conditions as well as a quicker response to emergency situa- tions, have not been provided to Wagait Beach despite frequent representations to government from this community. “It is imperative when emergency situations occur, that the department’s resources are mobilized in an efficient and effective manner. Cont page 6. Bryan Male and Sven Seuell with some of the goodies at the huge shed sale. The emergency services volunteers have raised almost $20 a head from everyone in the community. Playground in place by the dry Wagait Beach children will have a playground this dry sea- son thanks to a mighty fund-rais- ing effort from the local emer- gency services volunteers. The vollies have raised about $7000 in 12 months from a range of activities, including $700 from the recent weekend shed sale. With a further $5000 in govern- ment grants, the playground is about to become a reality. Shelley Speechley said the unit would meet with the Cox Council early this month to finalise the purchase of the play equipment.

Transcript of Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter...

Page 1: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

Vol 3 No 3 March, 2005 50c

Water tanks from 300 to 25 000 litresTough – Durable – Long lasting – No rust problems

ADVANCED ROTOMOULDING TECHNOLOGY NT9 Beresford Road Palmerston

Phone 8932 8222 Fax 8932 8844ADRO products available from – Barnyard Trading, H2O Centre, Humpty Doo Hardware, Berry Springs Hardware, Southern Cross

Medivac ‘botched’A meeting is being arranged between

high-level NT Health Department officials and the Cox Peninsula Council to discuss health service delivery in the area.

The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described as a “botched evacuation” of long-time resident Bill Jelly.

The Health Department has denied the evacuation was a fiasco and said the treat-ment and evacuation was reasonable in the circumstances.

A spokesman for Dr Toyne said he could not reveal what might or might not be dis-cussed at the meeting.

Other sources indicate there is wide-spread concern about the present health service arrangements and the government

is looking at some form of combined clinic to be available to all Cox Peninsula residents.

The present arrangement of contacting the duty district medical officer came to a head after Bill fell ill on January 17.

In his letter to Dr Toyne, council president Peter Clee detailed his understanding of what happened after Belyuen clinic staff were called to the scene.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of the ill-ness, Belyuen staff were unable to provide the appropriate relief …,” the letter said.

“For some inexplicable reason, arrangements for the patient’s transfer to Darwin were not put in place until 11 am the following morning.

“At that point, Mr Jelly, who was experienc-ing considerable pain and discomfort following a night without appropriate medical care, was advised that he was to be met by an ambulance

at Cullen Bay for transfer to Royal Dar-win Hospital.

“He was forced to arrange a taxi when the ambulance failed to arrive. Mr Jelly then endured another two hours in the outpatients department of Royal Dar-win Hospital before receiving appropri-ate medical attention.

“Primary health care facilities, which would enable better management of a range of chronic conditions as well as a quicker response to emergency situa-tions, have not been provided to Wagait Beach despite frequent representations to government from this community.

“It is imperative when emergency situations occur, that the department’s resources are mobilized in an efficient and effective manner. Cont page 6.

Bryan Male and Sven Seuell with some of the goodies at the huge shed sale. The emergency services volunteers have raised almost $20 a head from everyone in the community.

Playground in place by the dry

Wagait Beach children will have a playground this dry sea-son thanks to a mighty fund-rais-ing effort from the local emer-gency services volunteers.

The vollies have raised about $7000 in 12 months from a range of activities, including $700 from the recent weekend shed sale.

With a further $5000 in govern-ment grants, the playground is about to become a reality.

Shelley Speechley said the unit would meet with the Cox Council early this month to finalise the purchase of the play equipment.

Page 2: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

2 – The Wagaitear, March 2005

Wotz inside …Council update........................................................ 4What’s happening to the boat ramp ..................... 5Weed worker do top job ......................................... 6Polliewaffle – it’s started........................................ 7Crossword and “horror”-scope ............................ 8Ads and local trade/service directory................... 9From the quarterdeck........................................... 10

Rainfall and TemperatureRain for February ...................................................... 272 mmMonthly average ......................................................... 354 mmRain since October 1 2004 ....................................... 1000 mmAnnual average (Oct 1 – Sep 30) ............................. 1620 mmAverage expected for March ...................................... 322 mmAverage raindays ........................................................19 daysAverage min/max temp ....................................... 24.5/31.8 ºC

Air Force and civil authority squabble over aircraft noise

Weather watch The WagaitearPublisher: Jack Ellis

Published at: 22 (Sect 60) Mungalo Rd Wagait Beach

Phone: 8978 5111 mobile: 0417 089 528 email [email protected]

Published: monthly (first Monday)

Deadline (advertising and editorial) – 27th

Postal address: CMB 1 Wagait Beach via Winnellie NT 0822

Sold at Wagait Beach Supermarket, Sea-Cat Ferry, Mandorah Beach Hotel, Bayside Store, Cullen Bay.

Subscriptions available at $1/edition (post paid) or 50c an edition (pdf via email) or at http://homepage.mac.com/chrisnjack/wagaitear

says conditions are moving towards a higher probability of good rains.

“If the 30 to 35-day periodicity seen over the last seven months were to persist, northern Australia would begin to see enhanced conditions [and consequently a reinvigoration of the summer monsoon] around early March,” the report said.

Despite promises of a mid-month monsoon, Wagait Beach had just over three quarters (272 mm) of the average 354 rainfall for February.

It follows a dry January when only 275 mm was recorded, well down on the average of 426 mm.

It rained on 13 days, down on the expected 20.But the weather bureau’s weekly climate note

Monsoon rains in March – maybe: bureau

If the ‘red-eye’ flights in and out of Darwin have been nois-ier than usual for the last few months, it’s because the main runway flight path goes almost over the top of Wagait Beach.

Neither the RAAF nor Air-Services Australia could say when the change was made,

with each body referring the inquiry to the other.

Additional services by both Qantas and Virgin have seen up to six flights landing and taking off between 11.30 pm and 2 am.

Approaches to Darwin airport were altered following noise complaints from people liv-ing at Darwin, Palmerston and Howard Springs.

A check of the AirServices web site shows the flight path to and from the western end of the main runway directly over Wagait Beach.

Inquiries to the RAAF about who was responsible for set-ting the approach and departure paths were given the full ‘over to you blue leader’ treatment.

ShuffledAfter being shuffled to three

different people and despite stressing that the call was an inquiry, an officer said he would lodge a noise complaint with the civil AirServices Australia.

But an ASA spokeswoman said control of all air traffic with-in 50 km of the Darwin airport rested with the Air Force.

“Even though ASA ( is) responsible for taking the noise complaints, we do not always have input into the activities of some airports,” she said.

“With regard to Darwin airport, the RAAF handle all the military, commercial and private air traffic control movements.”

But she said the matter would be listed with the national coor-dination group set up to monitor joint-user airfields.

The flight path map for Darwin airport dated November 2004.

Page 3: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

The Wagaitear, March 2005 – 3

Big shave off raises some big dollars

Wagait Beach Supermarket

Local … Friendly … Convenient

For all your:• Grocery needs• Beer and wine• Tasty snacks• Fuel and gas

Easter trading 8 am – 6 pm Friday to Monday

Wagait Tower Road

Phone 8978 5008Fax 8978 5076

Proudly supporting our community

About $600 was raised for the Cox Pe-ninsula Emergency Services playground fund after three brave souls agreed to some tonsorial trimming.

The big ‘shave off’ happened at the Cox Country Club a month ago.

Mark Speechley was number one under the razor with Pommie Dave doing the honours, much to Shelley Speechley’s chagrin!

Next was Mick Kiem and then, of course, someone ‘dared’ Bubba Tye so the challenge was on.

Donna Harry and Kay Rogers decided the boys would look better blonde so out came the hair bleach.

There were several strange looking men in Mandorah for a week or so!

But it was a great fund raiser.Pics and info from Julie Rodgers

The three stages of a $200 shave – before (left), during and almost finished (above). Below left: Bottle blondes Mick and Bubba.

Page 4: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

4 – The Wagaitear, March 2005

Cox Council report

‘Use it or lose it’ so spending priorities changedPart of the money earmarked

for the Cox Peninsula Council’s planned utilities building is to be used to upgrade the sports ground toilet block.

The facility failed a building inspection, mainly because the disabled toilet did not meet specifications.

Territory Government bureau-crats are insisting that $33 000 of the money set aside for the utili-ties building project be spent before June 30 this year.

“We can’t carry it over, we have to use it or lose it,” CEO Peter Clark told last month’s meeting.

He said with the level of un-certainty about the council’s long-term future, it would be unwise to put the money into a major project that may take years to complete.

The issue sparked animated discussion at the meeting, with a suggestion from Vic Stow that part of the money be used to have plans drawn up and pos-sibly put down a slab.

Denise Arratta said the money would be better spent on a project that could be completed.

Her motion to have plans drawn for the utilities building and spend the remainder of the government grant on fixing the sports ground facilities gained

unanimous support.But the council will investi-

gate the possibility of recouping some of the money from the contractor who built the sports ground toilet block.

• • • •The council is continuing to

pursue the Power and Water Corporation over its promise to have a dual card system for the new water supply system.

There are concerns that holi-day-makers and weekend visi-tors will have problems getting water because they won’t have a PAWC card account.

Jill Mumme said there were al-ready problems but these would get worse later in the year.

“It’s the wet now, wait until the dry comes,” she warned.

“When the weekenders come over in the dry season it’s going to be horrendous.”

The manufacturer of the card system has confirmed it can be set up for both account and pre-paid cards but a Power and Wa-

ter source said the corporation’s computer accounting system could cope only with the ac-count cards.

• • • •More than 150 people could

be expected to seek safety at a public shelter in the event of a cyclone.

That’s the conclusion from a council survey of the present population, but the council has told Emergency Services Min-ister Paul Henderson that this number will rise with the sealing of Cox Peninsula Road and the new water supply.

In a letter last year, Mr Hend-erson told the council the present council office would be adequate because most new buildings are built to cyclone code.

In its response, the council has reminded Mr Henderson that almost a third of properties are in the primary surge zone and the proximity to the ocean leads to a lack of confidence in the strength of the buildings – cyclone code or not..

The council is hoping to attract funding for an expanded shelter which will go into upgrading the proposed utilities building the shelter standards.

• • • •The council has nominated

the old anti-aircraft gun em-placement near the beach access at the end of Wagait Tower Road for heritage listing.

It says the site has important historical value and the sur-rounding area also needs pro-tecting.

• • • •Wagait Beach will be included

in the government’s new regula-tions to gazette a 50 km/h speed limit in the urban area.

A letter tabled at last month’s council meeting confirmed sup-port for the lower speed limit.

The gazette notice is expected to be issued on March 31.

Councillors discussed the gov-ernment’s proposal to subsidise the new speed signs which will be necessary from April 1.

They were given the choice of three sizes, although the govern-ment is prepared to pay only for the smallest size.

There was unanimous sup-port for the cheap option.

• • • •Council worker Jill Formby

was given a special vote of thanks for her work organising the Wagait Beach Australia Day celebrations.

The day was a great success and all councillors joined to

Page 5: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

The Wagaitear, March 2005 – 5

Give the cook a break at theMandorah Beach Hotel

Choose from steak, barra, chicken, burgers fish’n’chips or our regular specials

Ph: 8978 5044 • Fax 8978 5060

Don’t forget your water cardWater cards are now required to access water

For residents who have not yet applied for a card, application forms are available from the Cox Peninsula Council offices, the Power and Water office in Cavenagh Street, or by phoning freecall 1800 245 092.

The card is free of charge and a monthly invoice is issued for water used. A quarterly invoice can be requested if, for example, the water use is very low. Water can be paid for in a number of ways: in advance; direct debit, in person through Australia Post or one of our Customer Service Centres, by post (cheque or money order) or through our website: www.powerwater.com.au

The price is consistent with Territory-wide standpipe installations and has been set at $1/kl.

For more information about the cards, the new Filling Station or your payment options, phone us on freecall 1800 245 092.

Work has started to raise the level of the Mandorah boat ramp to prevent sand blocking its use.

An Infrastructure, Planning and Environ-ment Department engineer said the work would include removing the sand and the concrete panels, raising the platform level to the rock line and replacing the panels.

““We hope to get it done in the next couple of months and get it functional as quickly as possible,” he said.

“We’ll be using local expertise (and) working with the council to implement the changes.

“There will be a slight reduction in the level of use (at very low tides) but I don’t think there’s a ramp in the Northern Terri-tory than can be used at all tides.”

The cost is estimated at “not significant”.

The ramp has been plagued with silting problems since it was built 18 months ago.

Modifications such as cutting a channel through the rock to wash away the sand have made little difference with the ramp out of action most of the time except on very high tides.

Wave action and strong currents have added to the problems of launching and retrieving boats.

Several locals told those responsible for the original design that the sand and waves would be problems but were told the ramp had been engineered to “appropriate” specifications – although it’s now agreed these didn’t allow for local conditions.

Engineers and a Marine Safety Branch officer inspected the boat ramp last month, accompanied by Cox Peninsula council rep-resentatives and contractor Mick Kiem.

In his report to the February council meet-ing, CEO Peter Clark said DIPE had indi-cated that it would prefer the council to carry out the work.

“This arrangement carries with it a certain level of risk, however it would ensure the lengthy delays associated with the govern-ment’s tender process are avoided,” Peter told the council.

“Council would be in a position to sub-contract the work to a civil works company subject to calling for expressions of interest.

“DIPE (has) indicated the department could (provide) a supervisor to manage the construction elements of the program.”

He said other project management av-enues also could be available.

Further upgrading of the cycle track and expanding the jetty car park could become part of the same project.

Building the boat ramp … locals said it wouldn’t work.

Work starts to fix boat ramp problems

Page 6: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

6 – The Wagaitear, March 2005

Mungalo Native Plant NurseryGreat range of native trees and shrubs available now including:

Albizia lebbeck (native raintree) $4 small $7 large

Acacia alleni (small flowering shrub) $4

Acacia gonacarpa (small shrub, bright yellow flowers) $4

More grevillea mid-month including Mount BrockmanOpen weekends 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm

– or give us a call

8978 5111 or 0417 089 528Native plants make life easier

Volunteers do top job tackling weedsWeeds in the restricted use area

and along the foreshore didn’t stand a chance as the weeds branch, Larra-kia rangers, Coastcare, Landcare, and volunteers pitched in to give the area a cleanup.

Weeds officer Roni Edgar said eve-ryone had done a fantastic job on the first day (February 28) and had made a big dent on the weed caltrop which is widespread through the area.

Above: The volunteers take a break in the shade. Right: Roni Edgar goes through

the day’s work.The second day was spent tackling

more weeds and checking for mimosa.Roni said the Cox Council was also

making a serious effort to tackle the weeds problem.

“But you have to have the commu-nity with you or you won’t get very far,” she added.

The 25 workers included six from the NT University, conservation volunteers and eight conservation volunteers.

check that Bill’s condi-tion had stabilised.

“All lights in the house were off and the health worker was reluctant to disturb them,” he said.

The health worker re-turned at 5.30 am and provided further treat-ment but Bill’s wife Jean later elected to have him moved to the hospital because she was having problems coping.

The spokesman said no ambulance was avail-able to make the trip to Wagait Beach so Bely-uen staff took Bill from his home to the ferry and then to Cullen Bay.

The matter was dis-cussed at the February council meeting with councillors agreeing to investigate the possibil-ity of establishing a re-gional health service.

From page 1.“The nature of Mr

Jelly’s illness has been disclosed to me by mem-bers of his family and I am shocked … he should be dealt with in such an indifferent and compla-cent manner.”

A health spokesman said Belyuen clinic staff attended three times, in-cluding once in the early hours of the morning to

Clinic staff checked 3 times: department

Page 7: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

The Wagaitear, March 2005 – 7

Ted to stand for Labor

polliewaffle … polliewaffle … polliewaffle

Wagait Beach geological en-gineer Ted Warren will contest the seat of Goyder in the next Territory election due later this year.

He’ll stand for the ALP against the CLP’s candidate Keith Pha-sey who lives in Virginia in the Darwin rural area.

Ted says he’s always wanted to involved in community af-fairs but his lifestyle as an engi-neer has made this difficult.

“Now I’m ready to give some-thing back to the community as a representative in the next Martin Labor government,” he says.

Ted’s career in the Territory spans many years and includes mining, construction and as the project geological engineer with Adrail building the railway from

Alice Springs to Darwin.

While the government must go to the polls by October 15, most pollie-watchers are expect-

in Goyder and the Cox Peninsula, and will commit to serving the electorate full-time.

After years of the previous government’s inaction, the Martin Labor Government in its first term has delivered on their promises with real results for the area including:

• the sealing of the Cox Peninsula Road on track

• new $2m police and fire station at Humpty Doo.

The new Police and Fire Station for the rural area was officially opened for business on the weekend by Chief Minister Clare Martin, and hundreds of local turned out to inspect the facility – welcoming the extra police and fire services in the area.

I want to work with the Clare Martin to do more for Cox Peninsula and I look forward to catching up with you as I visit homes in the area.

Cheers and regards,

Ted Warren.

Hello everyone.

I’m very pleased to be selected as the Labor Candidate for Goyder, which includes Cox Peninsula. I care about the Cox Peninsula and that’s why I live here.

I want to devote my effort and time to working with the next Martin Labor Government to keep our region and the Territory moving ahead.

My wife Yasmin and I met in Darwin almost 25 years ago and we have a 22-year-old daughter Hayley who now lives in Sydney.

I’m a self employed Geological Engineer and Project Manager, and I have just completed a stint as the Haul Road Construction Superintendent with the exciting new manganese project at Bootu Creek.

My career highlight to date has undoubtedly been my role as the Project Geological Engineer during the design and construction of the world-class Alice Springs to Darwin Railway project. As a long-time Territorian, this is an achievement I’m very proud of.

People who know me well, appreciate that I’m a no-nonsense, practical, down to earth person. I’m a fighter and I’m used to getting things done.

I have extensive management experience in the “cut-n-thrust” world of construction and mining, and I know how to fight hard for what I believe in. And I believe

Candidate’s corner with Goyder Labor candidate Ted Warren

Ted Warren with Chief Minister Clare Martin at the opening of the new Humpty Doo complex.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keith wants clinic changesCountry Liberal hopeful for

the seat of Goyder, Keith Pha-sey, is lobbying Federal Sena-tor Nigel Scullion for funds to expand the Belyuen clinic to a regional health centre.

“I spoke to Nigel this morn-ing and he was very helpful,” Keith said.

“He’s looking into the mat-ter.”

Keith said he wasn’t sure just how such an upgrade could be achieved.

“It could be at Belyuen or it might be a new facility some-where else,” he said.

“But something has to be done about medical services for eve-ryone on the Cox Peninsula.”

Keith is also looking into a Noonamah block-owner’s plight after new roadworks on the Stu-

art Highway made it impossible to access his land.

Ted Warren

Keith Phasey checks out the

Mandorah sand ramp.

It’s that time again in our democratic system when we are beaten around the head and ears by those who want to be elected to parliament.

While the election is not due until October, the candidates are off and running.

Hopefully the Chief Minister will call an election in June and relieve them (and us) from what will no doubt become an endless stream of pre-poll polliewaffle.

Unless the candidates come up with a real live news issue, this page will

become the place to look for those interested in the political process.

Both candidates who’ve nominated thus far were offered small free col-umns but both have opted for paid advertisements to give them more space. The CLP ads start next month.

Page 8: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

8 – The Wagaitear, March 2005

Aries: March 20 - April 20Take the opportunity to spend a night gaz-

ing at the heavens. There is an answer in the stars to a question you don’t even know you want to ask. Lucky No 26Taurus April 21 – May 21

Feeling a little frayed around the edges? Put your feet up, watch a bit of telly, have a cold one, chill out. Lucky No 11 Gemini: May 22 – June 21

Wining, dining and fooling around sounds fun. Just remember when fooling around: “if it’s not on, it’s not on”. Lucky No 28Cancer: June 22 – July 22

A last minute attack on the garden is show-ing in your future this month. But that doesn’t mean giving Mick a call to attack it with a front-end loader. Lucky No 28Leo: July 23 – August 23

Time for a little travel. If the bank balance isn’t looking flash see if you can con the deckie into going to Cullen Bay via Nightcliff. Lucky No 12Virgo: August 24 – September 23

Jumping up and down is not going to solve the problem. Put an ad in the local rag ex-plaining why you’re so cranky. If you’re lucky someone will be able to help, if not forget the problem. Easy. Lucky No 29 Libra: September 24 – October 23

Running your fingers through someone’s hair sounds romantic, but there could be a surprise waiting there. Lucky No 3 Scorpio: October 24 - November 22

Forget your star sign this month. Putting the bite on people does not win you any friends. Lucky No 12 Sagittarius: November 23 – December 22

This is a good month to catch the exercise bug. Forget about spending a fortune on all the flash gear, just go and enjoy. Lucky No 1 Capricorn: December 23 – January 20

The family will start getting real cranky with you if you keep harping about the same old stuff. Find something new to harp about. Lucky No 37Aquarius: January 21 – February 19

March is not a good month for water carri-ers so don’t race into making big decisions or hasty promises. Just get over your birthday. Lucky No 32 Pisces: February 20 – March 19

Wait for a clear night and take time out for a barbecue on the beach. But check the tides first to make sure the wet doesn’t come from the other direction. – Lucky No 4

CLASSIFIEDS … CLASSIFIEDS

PLANTS:Check out the wide range of native plants available from Mungalo Native Plant Nursery. Plants include maranthes, yellow flame

trees, acacias, eucalypts, bush apple, grevillea and many more. Open Saturday and Sunday afternoons – 22 Mungalo Road.______________________________________

Don’t forget Anzac Day

April 25

In an emergency …Medical – ask for the duty District Medical Officer 8922 8888Police 8999 3422 a/h 8927 8888 or 8922 3344Fire 89 785 176Power and Water 8924 6506 or 1800 245 090NT Emergency Service Cox Peninsula via 000

Guess who’s turned nnGail Betley welcomed her

nn th year on February 28 with a very social gathering at the Mandorah Hotel.

The skies turned on a fire-works display to mark the occasion – plus a few con-vivial drinks to lubricate the passing of the years.

The censor may have got at part of the story but we are allowed to say Gail is a bit more than 35.

Page 9: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

The Wagaitear, March 2005 – 9

Sadgroves Quay Pty Ltd66 Frances Bay Drive DARWIN

Our range of services include:• Shipwright • Abrasive Blasting • Aluminium and Steel Welding

• 70-tonne Marine TraveliftPhone: 8981 9625 or 0414 893 112

or see our web site www.sadgrovesquay.com.au

Chads ExpressServicing Wagait Beach

& Mandorah every Wednesday

Ph: 8981 0533 Fax 8941 7466

ABN 30 098 962 504

Wagaitear trades and services

Who does what locallyAccommodation

Beach Front Cottage .............0418 827 697 or 89 785 130 Golden Sands ................................................... 89 785 075 Mandorah Beachside Hotel ........................... 89 785 044

Concrete finishing Doug ............................................................. 0415 634 529

Dressmaker Brigette .............................................................. 89 785 234

Earthworks Mick & Donna ......................0419 822 320 or 89 785 034

Garden and home maintenance Owen ............................................................. 0417 827 107 Gary ................................................................... 89 785 144

Hairdresser “House Of Sheree” .......................................... 89 785 031

Home renovations Ian Bird ............................................................. 89 785 059

House cleaning Jan ...........................................0410 776 215 or 89 785 325

Kerbing Gary and Brigette ............................................ 89 785 234

Mechanical repairs G-Mac Services ............................................... 89 785 136

Mower & whipper-snipper repairs John ................................................................... 89 785 322

Mowing and water carting Ray ..................................................................... 89 785 241

Native plant nursery Chris & Jack ...................................................... 89 785 111

Painting & tiling Paul ................................................................ 0415 373 708

Pest control Bob ........................................ 0418 827 967 or 89 785 130

Plastering Michael Milton ................................................ 89 785 126

Printing and publishing mediaplus ..............................0417 089 528 or 89 785 111

Property conveyancing Trish McIntyre ..........................8981 6733 or 89 785 237

Real estate Nadja Tauber ................................................... 89 785 043

Supermarket Chris, Sue and the ladies ................................ 89 785 008

Water Mick & Donna ......................0419 822 320 or 89 785 034

Sales Office: 8932 9100 Fax: 8932 9200

Email: [email protected]

49 Georgina Crescent Palmerston NT 0830Quality homes at an affordable price

Experienced builders in the Wagait Beach area

Are you a woman aged 50–69?Just a few minutes every 2 years could save your life.

Breast cancer is more common as we grow older. Screening mammograms can detect breast cancer before it can be felt or noticed.

Call 13 20 50 today for your free appointment

HUMPTY DOO PLUMBINGSelf-certifying plumber and drainer

General Plumbing Contractors

GREG KEOGHGood rates – Wagait Beach land owner

Phone & Fax: 8988 2093 Mobiles: 0408 898 491/0419 820 733

Page 10: Medivac ‘botched’ · health service delivery in the area. The action follows a scathing letter to the Health Minister Peter Toyne after what the Cox Peninsula Council described

10 – The Wagaitear, March 2005

from the quarterdeck …with the Admiral

ACROSSTHEHARBOUR

Darwin Harbour tide times for February

Whatever Mark Speechley is using to ferti-lise the regrowth on his face is good stuff.

Speech raised $200 for the playground fund by having his beard removed (see in-side) but obviously wasn’t comfortable with the new look.

The beard is well and truly on the way back although it’s still a bit too short to get that pointy look just yet.

• • • •

The out-of-season knock-em-down storm that flattened quite a few trees also flattened local identity Stem Edwards.

Stem was on his verandah when the wind hit and toppled him off his feet.

Luckily, his dog did a top job as a crash mat and broke the fall, but Stem reckons they

were both buried by plastic chairs hurled in by the wind.

Another chair was picked up by the wind and wizzed off the block in two seconds flat. It hasn’t been seen since.

• • • •Getting gear on or off the ferry can be a lot

easier if the truck is close handy but school bus driver Rocky says please don’t do it until the ankle-biters are off the jetty.

Rocky reckons it’s tough enough getting the billy-lids up and down the jetty in some sort of orderly fashion without having to dodge cars, utes and cruisers picking up or dropping off at the ferry.

Wait until the sprogs are clear then go for your life.

• • • •

Speaking of ferry pickups, the trolley has taken its final swim after some dill tossed it over yet again.

This time it’s properly stuffed and a new one has to be built.

If you use it, please lock it so the wankers who can’t help themselves bugger up any-thing that’s not bolted down or wearing a reflective chequered hat can’t get at it.

• • • •Mandorah pub mine host Steve Brown

had to call police twice when a couple of gate crashers caused a few problems at the inn.

The cop crew shot through and it took a second response before things were sorted.

Brownie also won a lot of points with the weed pulling crew – he put about 20 up at the pub for free.

Return fare

ADULTS

$18

CHILD

$9.50

DepartsCULLEN BAY MANDORAH

6.30 am 6.45 am 7.00 am 7.20 am #7.45 am #8.00 am 9.00 am 9.20 am 11.00 am 11.20 am *12.00 md *12.20 pm 1.00 pm 1.20 pm 3.00 pm 3.20 pm 5.00 pm 5.20 pm 6.00 pm 6.20 pm 8.00 pm 8.20 pm 10.00 pm 10.20 pm ̂ 12.00 mn ^12.20 am

# weekday service only^ Fri and Sat only* Sat, Sun, pub hols

Copyright. The National Tidal Facility Australia

The Flinders University of South Australia.

DISCLAIMER: These tidal predictions are supplied in good faith and believed to be

correct.

No warranty is given in respect of errors, omission or suitability for any purpose.