Town’s GP push gathers speed

l CARDWELL gateway from there to Northern New South Wales”.

THE Department of Health and Aged Care is working with the North Queensland Primary Health Network and the Rural Workforce Agency to find solutions for GP services for people in the Cardwell area.

The town’s only full-time medical service, Cardwell Family Practice, is closing in September after failing to attract a permanent doctor and relying on costly and many locums.

A spokeswoman for Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the primary health network was “providing assistance to explore options to connect patients affected by the closure to connect to care when they need it.

“This includes working with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and Ingham Family Practice,” she said.

Mr Butler said there was no higher priority in health for the Albanese government than rebuilding general practice.

“Our historic investments in Medicare will triple the bulk billing incentive – the largest increase to the incentive in the 40-year history of Medicare.

“This will help over five million children and their families, and more than seven million pensioners and concession card holders to see a bulk-billed GP.

“It is a huge boost for the economy and allows people in our existing destinations the opportunity to book an affordable flight to Gold Coast Airport and take a much-deserved holiday or long-awaited visit to friends and family,” he said.

Mr Jordan said flights would be on sale soon through the airline’s app, which was the only place to book direct.

He said starting fares would range from $49 to $79 per person one way.

“Travellers are urged to sign up in the Fly Bonza app today to be the first to know when the new routes are on sale.”

FNQ Voice meetings

OFFERING Far North more opportunities to ask questions and receive credible information regarding the First Nations Voice, Kuku Yalanji man and Uluru Dialogue representative Alwyn Lyall (right) and Wamba Wamba man and Uluru Dialogue leader Eddie Synot are hosting further community information sessions across the region:

• Atherton – Sunday, August 6 (10am-12pm) at the Tablelands Regional Council Coordination Centre.

• Kuranda – Sunday, August 6 (6-8pm) at the Kuranda CWA Hall

• Mareeba – Monday, August 7 (6-8pm) at Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service

• Mossman – Wednesday, Au- gust 9 (6-8pm) at Mossman

Shire Hall

• Port Douglas – Thursday, August 10 (6-8pm) at Port

Douglas Shire Hall

• Cairns – Friday, August 11 (6-8pm) venue TBC

• Innisfail – Sunday, August 13 (2-4pm) at TYTO Conference and Events Centrepathways.

Mr Jordan thanked the Cairns community for supporting the airline. “We look forward to connecting people for holidays and to see the rellies in time for Christmas,” he said.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the flights were expected to start in November and he believed they would be popular.

“It provides an opportunity for people from the Gold Coast to come up and visit the Reef and connect through to Japan,” he said.

“For people up here it gives an opportunity to go surfing in the peak of summer and to escape the humidity.”

Mr Barker said it was the first time another airline would be going head to head with Jetstar which also flies daily direct to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.

He said connecting the two leisure destinations made sense and both routes were strong for the carriers.

“When Bonza’s third wave of aircraft comes on, there will be extra services for Cairns,” Mr Barker said.

Last month Bonza announced the cancellation of twice-weekly direct flights between Cairns and Mackay to focus on reliability and better performing routes.

But the Rockhampton (two flights a week) and Sunshine Coast (five) routes remain.

Harley Magic relaunch

THE only Harley-Davidson dealership in Cairns – Harley Magic – has been relaunched with a new owner and dealerprincipal at the helm.

The official relaunch is headlined by the appointment of Brent Storey (right) as Harley Magic’s new dealer-principal.

Mr Storey brings with him decades of experience in the motorcycling industry and is determined to bring great customer experience and community to Harley Magic and his new role.

Harley Magic will host an official relaunch event tomorrow at the Cairns North dealership.

Mr Storey said: “We’re looking forward to throwing open the doors once again and continuing to be here to serve the Cairns community. Motorcycling has always been about the people who are in it and, whether it’s a Harley-Davidson fan or just a casual motorbike fan, we’re embracing our past and present and focussing on listening to our customers and getting them excited about the direction we’re taking.”

The relaunch at 385 Sheridan Street is from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday, August 5.

“On top of the investment in bulk billing, we are investing in a $1.5 billion indexation boost to every single Medicare rebate, increasing the amount that doctors receive for each Medicare service and reducing pressure on GPs.”

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said while he accepted long-term, holistic changes were required to address the nation’s GP shortage, in the case of Cardwell Family Practice, a drastic and immediate solution was required.

“The government employs thousands of public doctors, you can’t tell me they can’t send just one to Cardwell to keep the practice open,” he said.

“If there’s a better idea, well, let’s hear it. But in this case I’m not listening to ‘how much your investing in colleges,’ or what you’re doing ‘to improve the health networks’.”

Immobiliser grants

ELIGIBLE residents will be able to apply for a $500 engine immobiliser subsidy voucher online from later next week.

The device is installed to the vehicle, and the customer pays any cost difference above $500 (although it’s expected that the subsidy will cover the entire cost of some of the immobilisers available).

Up to 8000 will be available in Cairns and a further 2100 vouchers will be reserved for people across three trial areas identified by police as individuals who would benefit from the installation of an immobiliser device.

Police Minister Mark Ryan (right) said owning a vehicle was a significant financial investment and engine immobilisers added an extra level of protection for vehicle owners. “The aim is to reduce crimes associated with car theft and increase security and safety among Queensland communities, including enhancing community confidence,” he said. Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said “technology like this can make a real difference to the safety and security of everyone”.

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Teen’s big break in movie

l REDLYNCH

Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

WITH the continuous support of his film teacher, St Andrew’s College year 10 student Edward Hamilton has had his big break in the film industry landing his first role in a professional short film.

The production, which is still under wraps, began filming last Friday at the college and will be the first professional project for the 15-year-old, while his mentor and teacher Anthony Ring will be the executive producer.

All details of the film and its launch are yet to be announced.

“When I was about eight, thanks to Mr Ring, my parents decided to get me into Young Company Theatre. It sparked this interest for me to be on the stage,” Mr Hamilton said.

“This film is very professional, which is not what I’m used to, I’m used to being in ‘big stuff’ but this is like ‘big, big stuff’, so I’m a little nervous but I’m looking forward to this experience since I want to get into this field when I’m older.

“My plan is to go to Sydney and try to get into NIDA where I can pursue this dream."

The film teacher, award-