Let the Pins Fall

from On Our Selection News - 2nd March 2023

Consultation open for new Westbrook school

“We know some children did not receive the HPV vaccine when recommended due to school disruptions over the course of the pandemic,” Dr McKinley said.

“Australia is well on its way towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2035, and being the first country to do so, but our high HPV vaccination coverage levels need to be maintained to achieve this goal.

“I want to remind parents that if children missed this important scheduled vaccine, they are eligible for a free vaccine via catch-up school immunisation clinics or by a GP or other immunisation provider, however a consultation fee may be charged by providers outside of the School Immunisation Program,” she said.

According to National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia (NCIRS) data, 84.3 per cent of girls aged 11 to 14 years and 81.9 per cent of boys aged 11 to 14 years in Queensland who had their first dose of HPV in 2019 completed their vaccine course in the same year (as a two dose schedule).

These levels dropped to 77.7 per cent of girls aged 11 to 14 years and 75.5 per cent of boys aged 11 to 14 years in Queensland in 2021.

Dr McKinley said it is now even easier to be protected against HPV-related diseases with the recent vaccine schedule change from two doses to a single dose following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation

“HPV is a very common virus that can affect people of all genders and ages and may cause cancers and genital warts in some people, so it’s really important to be protected,” she said.

Parents are reminded the HPV vaccine is more effective when given at a younger age.

Research shows younger children create more antibodies when given the vaccine than older children do, so the vaccine is most effective when given as close to age 12-13 years as possible.

HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended for people 26 years and older because HPV infection generally occurs soon after sexual activity commences.

Parents are encouraged to make sure they complete, sign and return their child’s vaccination consent form to allow administration of the HPV and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) (whooping cough) vaccines through the School Immunisation Program.

Parents who have misplaced their form can reprint it from the Queensland Government website.

Year 10 students are also eligible to receive a free Meningococcal ACWY vaccine through the School Immunisation Program.

For more information on the School Immunisation Program visit qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents

Agistment

Agistment Wanted for beef cattle in Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby, Felton (South Toowoomba). Must be cattle tick free area. Good fences, water and useable yards. References available. Phone Dan 0428 915 148

For Sale

Felton Produce - Wood Split Posts, Strainers and Stays, Steel Pickets, Gates and Hinges - Delivery available. Phone 4695 8196

Services

Classifieds - Trades and Services

Concreting

Positions

Positions Vacant

Position Vacant Butcher

Ashton’s Butchery Pittsworth is seeking a local Quali ed Butcher. To start immediately.

Above award rates and hours negotiable. Drop into the shop and ask for Rob or Craig. Alternatively, give Rob a call 0407 580 253.

Electorate Officer

Applications are invited for the position of Electorate Officer in the office of Pat Weir MP, Member for Condamine based in Oakey. This position is a shared, permanent part time role.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a range of duties including the provision of confidential administrative services, liaison with constituents, the preparation of correspondence, assisting with the management of the day-to-day operation of the electorate office and assisting with the member’s diary.

Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work unsupervised in a small team environment, be capable of completing tasks to a high standard to meet a deadline and have a strong knowledge of local issues relevant to the electorate. Applicants competent in speech writing, research and the preparation of media releases would be viewed favourably. Experience in the agricultural, natural resources, mining and energy sectors would be advantageous.

Well-developed computing skills, a high level of competency with the Microsoft Suite, social media and the internet are considered essential.

Conditions of employment are similar to the Queensland public sector.

Applicants should forward their resume marked ‘Personal and Confidential’ to the Office of Pat Weir MP, Member for Condamine, PO Box 65, Oakey Qld 4401, or email to condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au by close of business on Monday the 14th of March 2023. Enquiries may be directed to 07 4570 4100.

Now Hiring

Ashton’s Butchery Pittsworth has a vacancy for a local retail BUTCHER APPRENTICE. We take great pride and care in teaching all aspects of the retail industry. Immediate start.

If you’re looking for a solid trade, enjoy working with your hands and are a real people person, drop into the shop (66 Yandilla Street) and ask for Rob or Craig.

Alternatively, give Rob a call 0407 580 253.