Four Mount Isa residents were recognised for their calm, caring and skillful assistance during a boating accident at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Local Hero Awards presentation on Wednesday.
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Simon Steele, Jim Lillecrapp and Robert and Belinda Worlein were the four first responders to a remote boating accident 100 kilometres north east of Mount Isa at Lake Julius on December 24, 2018.
While on a fishing trip, the boat had collided with a submerged log, seriously injuring the family onboard and writing off their boat.
Salvation Army helicopter pilot Simon and his friend Jim responded to the emergency radio signal, and Jim swam the boat to shore and cared for the patients while Simon returned to Mount Isa and transported the RFDS medical officer and flight nurse to the remote scene.
During this time a second boat crewed by Robert and Belinda from Sun Water also heard the emergency radio call and began to tow the damaged boat to a more accessible location for emergency services.
Once the family was stabilised, two patients were flown by RFDS to Townsville and the third patient was transported by Queensland Ambulance Service to Mount Isa Hospital.
Mount Isa RFDS base manager Katrina Seng said it was great to recognise the efforts of these locals.
"These recipients went above and beyond to help a family after a traumatic boating accident," Ms Seng said.
"We also congratulate all nominees who were acknowledged for their efforts with the RFDS.
"It is heart-warming to have received Local Hero nominations from around our region, ranging from outback pubs, fundraising efforts and disaster relief efforts after the North West floods."
The other five nominees for Local Hero included:
- Stephen and Jennifer Wright from Karumba Point Tourist Park, for their fundraising efforts donating $17,600 to the RFDS in 2019.
- Colin Ragg from Avon Downs Police Station, for hosting an annual cricket fundraising match between Northern Territory Police and Queensland Police.
- Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Inc, for fundraising $235,000 for the local community in 2018 and donating over $5 million to the community since 1959.
- Pamela Forster from Urandangi pub, for volunteering her time to ensure community members who need help or transportation can access the local RFDS fortnightly clinics or RFDS plane.
- Kellie Pigliafiori from the Isa Rodeo Queen Quest, for volunteering to raise money for the RFDS.
Nine RFDS bases across Queensland held morning tea celebration in Mount Isa, Townsville, Cairns, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Charlevile, Longreach, Roma and Brisbane.
The Local Hero Award winners from each base will be flown to Brisbane to attend the RFDS Wings for Life Gala Ball in July when the overall Queensland Local Hero Award, as voted by the public, will be announced.
The Queensland RFDS Local Hero Award will win $7500 to be spent on improving health outcomes in their community.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
