St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Autumn Appeal
The story of Brisbane burns survivor Doug Herrington is an example of how donating to St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s annual fundraising appeals can change lives.
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After a house fire nearly claimed his life in 2011 and left him with third degree burns to over 50 per cent of his body, Doug faced a long road to recovery which included more than 200 operations.
When Doug first got out of hospital he was a recluse, concerned about how others would react to his burns, our dedicated volunteers arranged a special hospital bed at a South Brisbane hostel to help in his recovery and brought meals up to his room.
Slowly, through the helping hand and friendly ear of Vinnies volunteers, Doug regained his confidence and when he wanted to become an Uber driver to help support himself, we were able to help again with some of his vehicle costs.
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has been there for Doug from his extended stay in hospital, until this day.
Doug is now a motivational speaker who conveys a message of hope at corporate events and most importantly when speaking with other burns victims.
Doug’s positive outlook and message of hope was instilled in him through the ongoing support of organisations like ours.
The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland runs a number of appeals throughout the year which help us to raise vital funds to continue changing the lives of people like Doug Herrington.
Our current Autumn Appeal runs until May and tax deductible donations can be made at vinnies.org.au/donate (select QLD) or call 13 18 12.
Peter Maher OAM
Chief Executive Officer,
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland
Improve the Mount Isa railway with Infrastructure fund money
A billion dollar loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF) would achieve far more upgrading the existing Townsville - Mt Isa Railway and making a down-payment on the northern extension of the Melbourne - Brisbane Inland railway than it would financing a Galilee Basin railway.
Ultimately, the thermal coal output from Adani's Carmichael, or the other Galilee proposals are not required as global market is saturated in supply, as the economics of building additional coal-fire power capacity is challenged by new era renewables.
Now unless Bob Katter can muster the political will to immediately advance the Bradfield scheme, a standard gauge railway from the Galilee to Bowen will be an expensive orphan looking for a purpose.
Trent Deverell
DYSART
Impartial newspaper of record
Re letter from Kendall Santillan (North West Star, March 1).
I agree with her point that Robbie Katter was being disingenuous about his office closure and relocation.
I however cannot accept her premise that the North West Star would work in cahoots with, and in support of, Bob or Robbie Katter, or the KAP in general.
This august journal has published many letters critical of Bob, Rob and the KAP.
I should know, I write most of them.
George Harley
Mount Isa
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