blah blah blah | March 28

blah blah blah

Hats off to these eggcellent Easter bonnets

These neonatal unit staff were hopping the corridors in their Easter bonnets in the hopes of securing their chocolate winnings.

Check out the full photo gallery on page 3.

Staff in the neonatal unit with their Easter bonnets

Dear Colleagues,

Last week I had the opportunity to be in Brisbane and participate in some professional development with colleagues that mostly do similar roles to me from across Australia and New Zealand. I generally get to participate with this group three to four times per year. What’s really interesting is it seems no matter where you go in Australia and New Zealand, there are very similar challenges. Workforce shortages (acute and predicted), demand growth that is generally about double the population growth rate (and more), ageing infrastructure and resourcing challenges all seem pretty common. Somewhat scarily, the workforce vacancy rates are better here in Queensland than elsewhere in Australia, and better again to what is being experienced in New Zealand and also further afield. What does all this mean? I think my crystal ball cracked during the pandemic, so I’m not entirely sure. What I am more sure of though is our ability to adapt over time. Townsville has been very successful in introducing new models of care, we have the most successful physician assistant model in operation in Queensland, our hospital in the home model has provided us with flexible care delivery and we have been contracting beds with a private nursing home for people awaiting residential aged care placements for a long time before it became a specifically funded initiative from the department. Of course, these are barely scratching the surface of our innovative responses to our environment. It’s possibly a fault of the human condition, we become so focussed on our current challenges that we forget actually just how successful we continue to be on a number of fronts.

As always, it’s been a big fortnight. We hosted the Minister for Health for the ‘sod turning’ event to mark the beginning of our capacity expansion and the Minister also officially launched our ‘Babycams’ in NICU and Special Care. The Babycams are another example of innovative clinicians improving the patient experience. Since their implementation, the cameras have connected families across vast distances. There was also a ‘workforce roundtable’ that featured staff invited directly by the Minister’s office and also members of our clinical council. As someone who has been in executive positions for over 20 years, I appreciate nothing more than a Minister that has a genuine interest in the portfolio and I thank the Minister for her interest in our health service and her advocacy in securing more resources for healthcare in north Queensland.

Today, I had the privilege of chairing the judging panel for the health service’s annual Staff Excellence Awards. This is always an incredibly challenging, but rewarding, job and I am so proud of our staff each time I read these nominations. Being on the judging panel does mean I have the unfortunate role, alongside my fellow judges, of trying to narrow down the 179 nominations we received this year to just 27 finalists

and nine winners. But that is what had to happen so, without further ado, you can find the full list of finalists on page 8 and on QHEPS here. This year, staff are also invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award from the full list of finalists. This is the first time we have hosted this category and I look forward to your verdict. Voting is open now here.

Amongst the wonderful things this fortnight there has been some sadness as well as we farewelled two much-loved colleagues, Reno Rossato and Pam Milner. Both were deeply respected for their contributions to our health service and, by extension, the north Queensland community.

With the Easter long weekend upon us, I hope that those of you travelling to spend time with family do so safely. I hope the extra break allows for a small recharge of the batteries; please take even a little time for yourself with a favourite activity. As always, we are a 24/7 operation so to those of you working over the long weekend, thank you. For those who celebrate, Happy Easter. I will be away on a small break myself now. Each Easter, my family holidays with my wife’s parents and her sister’s family. We usually take all of the hustle and bustle of our busy lives and seek to recreate that in a different setting for a few days! This year we are off to Cairns, and then I have a couple of weeks off and I have a camping trip planned and a beer that I’m ready to brew. My thanks to Stephen Eaton for holding the fort as A/HSCE while I’m away.

Until next time.

Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive

Hats off to these eggcellent Easter bonnets

Armando De Leon and Jane Dempster

Michelle Gunn, Michelle Baxter, Janelle Creedy

Bibitha Thomas, Kelli Macrae, Cassie Steen

Narelle Hayward, Janelle Creedy, Nicole Low

Anne Illingsworth, Louise Thiele and Dominique Hanson

Babycams deliver premmie livestream and peace of mind to families

For parents like Jane and Ethan Swartz, the permanent installation of Babycams, providing a 24/7 live stream of their pre-term daughter direct from Townsville University Hospital’s neonatal unit, is a game changer.

Baby Amara was born at 28 weeks and two days on 12 February, and with Ethan flood bound in their hometown of Karumba, the Babycams are keeping the family connected.

“I’m staying at Ronald McDonald House, and with Ethan in Karumba, we can we be together virtually, and Ethan can see Amara whenever he likes,” she said.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman officially launched the Babycams on Wednesday.

The revolutionary cot-side cameras were a passion project for neonatologist Professor Yoga Kandasamy who oversaw a year-long pilot and research project before securing funding to permanently establish the innovation.

Starting five years ago with a dream and goodwill partnership with James Cook University, CSIRO, and Optus, Babycams are now live streaming from 50 cots.

Yoga said Babycams had changed the face of neonatal care in the region.

“We couldn’t be more delighted to see this innovation as a permanent fixture in our unit and I want to thank the health service and Brighter Lives and their funders for this project, Glencore,” Yoga said.

“Our babies are often with us for a long time, sometimes many months, and this is very wearing on families, emotionally and physically, especially if they have other children and jobs,” he said.

“Townsville has the second-highest number of FIFO families in Australia, and this technology is helping to keep families connected.”

The Babycams have LED touch screens attached to the cots with USB ports that can transmit video, pictures, and text updates, removing the physical barriers that separate families from their babies while they are receiving care.

Since launching, the Babycams have delivered more than 800 hours of live streaming and more than 24,000 separate viewings.

Yoga said his research showed conclusively that when parents, especially mothers, could see their babies in real time they felt confident to leave the unit to spend time with their other children and look after their own mental and physical wellbeing.

Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said he was thrilled to see the Babycams installed permanently at TUH.

“I am so pleased to see this innovation bringing peace of mind to families and I congratulate and thank the neonatal team and our funding partner Glencore,” he said.

“There are always bumps along the way, but Yoga and his team have never flinched backing the Babycams with qualitative research that has conclusively shown the value of this innovation to pre-term and unwell babies and families.”

Professor Yoga Kandasamy, Jane Swartz and the Honourable Shannon Fentiman

Sod turned on temporary helipad for $530 million TUH expansion

Construction is officially underway on the first stages of the $530 million expansion of Townsville University Hospital (TUH).

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman turned the sod on the construction of a temporary helipad and a permanent 330-space staff carpark on Wednesday 27 March.

Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the construction of the temporary helipad on the eastern campus was essential for construction on the new clinical building to commence.

“These works are the first steps in construction of the new clinical building on the location of the current helipad,” he said.

“This building will house an additional 143 beds, allowing us to expand our services and provide more acute care to our growing and ageing community.

“This is the largest expansion to TUH in nearly a decade and will support us to help keep north Queenslanders healthy into the future.”

On completion, the new clinical building will allow the Townsville Hospital and Health Service to deliver more acute care for the community.

The building will also house rehabilitation, medical imaging, outpatient services such as enhanced telehealth services, clinical sterilisation, and planned-care services.

This expansion is accompanied by a $40 million redeveopment of the Kirwan Community Health Campus, construction of $17 million hybrid theatre and a $10.6 million clinical services upgrade of the North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service and outpatient department, taking the capital works investment in health in Townsville to more than $600 million.

The Honourable Shannon Fentiman, Kieran Keyes and BESIX Watpac chief executive Mark Baker

Honouring Mr Reno Rossato

Reno with his wife Jenny at the Townsville HHS Staff Excellence Awards

North Queensland has lost a pioneer of healthcare with the sad passing of Mr Reno Rossato (Reno was always addressed in the wards and theatres as ‘Mr’).

The beloved former director of neurosurgery at Townsville University Hospital leaves behind a legacy that transcends medicine, with many of the life-saving services we have in the region today a direct result of his remarkable career.

Reno established a neurosurgical service that is now 45 years strong, a legacy that provided the foundations for the establishment of today’s cutting-edge services, including a clot retrieval service for stroke patients.

Reno also played a key role in the development of aeromedical services for the north Queensland region.

Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes was among those who paid tribute to Reno.

“After completing his medical degree at the University of Queensland, specialist training in Brisbane and the UK, and spending time as a consultant in Auckland, Reno returned to the region he grew up in to establish the neurosurgical service at Townsville General Hospital (TGH) in 1979,” Kieran said.

“For the first 15 years of his practice, Reno was the sole neurosurgeon north of Brisbane, a remarkable effort that involved more than 4,000 nights on call during the early years of his service.

“It was a role that brought huge demand, with many hours and days spent away from his growing family as he cared for patients with spinal injuries, stroke, aneurysm, and cancers of the head, brain, neck, and spine.”

Before the arrival of the hospital’s first CT scanner in 1983, operative intervention was solely determined by Reno’s clinical acumen and his expertise in performing cerebral angiograms.

“A gifted surgeon, Reno campaigned energetically for Townsville to be the centre for neurotrauma, constantly making the case for improved imaging and monitoring modalities and recognising that an evolving neurosurgery department needed to foster and support research and innovation,” Kieran said.

“Reno’s passionate advocacy for neurosurgical services and equity of access for patients living in nonmetropolitan areas led to the creation of the renowned, contemporary neurosurgery department we enjoy today.”

Reno also chaired the Queensland Neurosurgery Society, held various positions with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and served on selection committees for advanced trainees, as well as being a fellow of the Royal College of England and the American College of Surgeons.

He was the medical director of the surgical service group at Townsville Hospital and Health Service during the last 10 years of his clinical practice, as he continued to provide oversight and governance to the broader surgical community.

He received an Order of Australia in 1987 and was honoured as a Consultant Emeritus in 2020.

Yet, despite all these achievements, this healthcare hero remained humble until the end of his illustrious career.

“When he retired, Reno resisted our urging to celebrate and acknowledge his achievements publicly, instead preferring a low-key celebration with his many colleagues and friends at the hospital,” Kieran said.

“It was a pleasure and privilege to know, and work with, Reno.

“I know many of our staff felt the same, with a strong turnout at his funeral service this week.

“When reflecting on his legacy, I am reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo Emmerson: ‘to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.’

“Thank you, Reno, for the many lives that breathed easier because of you.

“On behalf of the health service, I extend my deepest sympathies to Jenny, their children, and grandchildren and to those of you who knew and loved Reno and who mourn his loss.”

Reno at Townsville General Hospital

Staff Excellence Awards 2024 - finalists

You can find the full list of finalists and their nomination on QHEPS here. Voting is now open for the People’s Choice award, you can cast your vote here. Voting will close at COB on Tuesday 30 April.

Excellence in Health, Safety and Wellness

Dr Peter Carter

Richmond Health Service

Dr Madelaine Tarrant

Integrity

Dr Paula Matich

Judy Rabbit

Lisa Rainbow

Compassion

Barbara Brooks

Rehabilitation Medical Team

Susanne Thornhill

Accountability

Charters Towers, Hughenden, and Richmond Allied Health Team

Nerida Firth

Occupational Violence Prevention Training Unit

Respect

Sophie Deeth

Associate Professor Andrew White

Claire Hession

Engagement

Health Equity Implementation Plan Project Team

Lauren Matheson

Anneke Wake

Rural Health Worker of the Year

Gloria Brunner

Amy Coutts

Paul Ford

Purpose

BEMS Administration

Maternal Fetal Medicine

Lauren Matheson

Vision

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Team

Dr Janani Krishnan

Mick Ward

Full egg for a good egg

Staff in the emergency department (ED) gathered last week to watch registrar Dr Alex Prior farewell their curly locks to a Britney Spears soundtrack – all for a good cause.

Alex, not one to shy away from the challenge, raised more than $3,000 for the World’s Greatest Shave to go “full egg” in front of a room of colleagues and friends.

“My inspiration to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave came from treating many patients with leukaemia at the various stages of their treatments during visits to the ED when they are typically at their most unwell,” Alex said.

“I hoped that shaving my head would allow me to contribute to assist the Leukaemia Foundation and the amazing work it does across Townsville and Australia.

“It’s been great to raise money for those people we often see walking through our doors and I’m so thrilled to have tripled my expected fundraising amount.”

Unofficial hairdresser and colleague Dr Colin Banks did the honours of shaving Alex’s head, turning it full egg in a matching style to his own.

“Colin has been encouraging me to go bald for years after I continued to turn up to work with a number of hair colour or style changes,” Alex said.

“It was a priceless contribution to the department’s morale to be able to bring people together for some light comic relief, between my facial expressions and Colin polishing my freshly shaven head.

“This was lots of fun and I have no regrets about shaving my hair off.”

Anyone wanting to donate to Alex’s fundraiser can do so by visiting http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/ alexprior.

Dr Colin Banks and Dr Alex Prior

Colin and Alex pre-shave

Workshop inspiring new tranche of First Nation leaders

Gillian Wilson and Deborah Little both come from different Country and have different backgrounds and experiences, but they share a passion for healthcare and a desire to help their mob.

Gillian and Deborah were part of a group of First Nations staff members who participated in the First Nations Leadership Programme in 2024 in March.

The program was co-designed by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and the Centre for Leadership Excellence to support First Nations staff to identify and grow their leadership potential.

Gillian is a proud Kalkadoon Waanyi woman who has worked in health for more than 20 years, starting as a health worker back in 2001 and worked as the Indigenous liaison officer for 14 years, before training to become a registered nurse.

Gillian said she had wanted to become a nurse from an early age because she wanted to help people take control of their health.

“Many of my family members had diabetes, cardiac issues, renal problems and cancer and I saw many of them struggle to comprehend these health conditions and what this meant for them,” she said.

“I enjoy being able to educate patients who travel to Townsville from rural and remote locations for sometimes as long as a few months to years to receive treatment for their illnesses.

“I registered to attend the program because I wanted to enhance my knowledge and skills in leadership to make a difference for my patients.

“It was great to hear and work with from people across the organisation to gain an understanding of the other perspectives of healthcare and to meet new people which expands my network and knowledge of services available for patients.”

Deborah is a proud Wakaman and Kuku Yalamji woman, with historical ties to Yarrabah.

Deborah spent three years as a health worker at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre and is now the team leader for the rural and remote health workers.

Deborah said her participation in the program was born from a desire to set a positive example for younger staff within the organisation.

“There has been a big increase in our own mob being employed by Queensland Health and I’m striving to be a leader and set an example for people to follow,” she said.

“I just love meeting people in health, and it’s always good to have a network of people you can call on in a bind and there was such a variety of people in attendance and participating.

“I enjoyed sharing my experiences with the younger staff and the respect and appreciation they showed.”

Gillian Wilson and Deborah Little at the First Nations Leadership Programme

10,000 Steps Challenge just around the corner

It’s time to dust of your joggers and mark your diaries for the 2024 Queensland Health 10,000 steps Challenge.

This year, eight HHSs around the state have committed to go head to head in the five-week challenge, which kicks off at the end of April.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff wellbeing psychologist Gaylene Wynne said registrations would open soon so it was time to start thinking about creative team names.

“This is an opportunity for staff to come together and promote teamwork, camaraderie and friendly rivalry,” she said.

“The challenge aims to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, and how even small changes like taking a walk at lunchtime or using the stairs rather than elevators can add up.

“While the challenge focuses on reaching 10,000 steps a day, it’s really just about focusing on setting some time out in the day for yourself, with the added benefits that come from being active.

“It’s also a fantastic way to bond with our colleagues, as we work together to achieve a shared goal.”

During last year’s challenge, staff across the health service collectively took enough steps to encircle the entire planet.

Gaylene said the event was open to everyone across the health service.

“Aside from the friendly competition, it’s lots of fun coming up with quirky and clever team names,” she said.

The 2024 Queensland Health 10,000 Steps Challenge officially kicks off on Monday 29 April and runs until to 31 May.

Keep on eye on your inbox for an email with all the information you need to get involved in this year’s event.

10,000 Steps Challenge highlights - 2023

• Highest Average Steps – Service Group – First place Facilities Infrastructure & Support Services – 2,074120 steps

• Highest Service Group participation – Allied Health –25.5% workforce.

• Highest Average Steps – Team Champions – Medical Ward 4, Globe Trotters - who collectively covered almost 8.5 million steps.

•Rural category – Home Hill Harlequins emerged as champions with six million steps.

2023 individual 10k winner - Jeremy Haughton

First Indigenous staff forum important step in journey to Close the Gap

Last week, staff across the health service rallied together on National Close the Gap Day to recognise the importance of health equity for First Nations people.

Executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Amanda Cooms encouraged staff to make a pledge to contribute to closing the gap at an event last week.

“In Australia, while many enjoy high life expectancies and quality of life, not all cultural and ethnic groups experience the same benefits,” she said.

“Indigenous communities face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare, leading to disparities in health outcomes.

“The Closing the Gap initiative is a critical step towards ensuring culturally proficient healthcare systems that eliminate racism and address social, cultural, and economic determinants of health.”

Amanda said expanding and strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce was crucial for improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities.

“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are individuals who are passionate about what they do but encounter challenges working within a system which isn’t always flexible or responsive to our ways of knowing, being, and doing,” she said.

“Retaining and growing this workforce means encouraging the organisation to recognise the value and influence of First Nation peoples’ ways of doing and understanding.

“To this end, we are looking to empower staff through regular staff forums, the first of which will be held in mid-April.”

The All-Indigenous Staff Forum will be held on Friday 12 April from 8:30am to 4:30pm in the Robert Douglas Auditorium at Townsville University Hospital.

Amanda said the forum had been designed to support First Nations staff to build relationships and networks, highlight strengths in cultural knowledge, community connections and distinctive ways of knowing and conducting business in the community.

“This first forum will be facilitated face to face, and we are looking for First Nations staff of all levels and disciplines to attend on the day,” she said.

“We’re very lucky to have Haylene Grogan, Chief First Nations Health Officer, attending the forum at Townsville University Hospital and staff will have an opportunity to meet and be inspired by her journey through health.”

Amanda said any First Nations staff hoping to attend the forum could register their attendance by email.

“We don’t have a mechanism to confirm all staff who identify across the health service, so we are looking for the support of the organisation to ensure all First Nations staff have the opportunity to attend,” she said.

“This means we’re asking managers to share the information about the forum with their teams and encourage them to email their attendance as soon as possible.”

Staff planning to attend should email tsv-ihsd-executive@ health.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.

Close the Gap Day

Staff and visitors came together at an event last week to pledge to contribute to closing the gap on Close the Gap Day.

Dr Ghazal was very good, caring, asked for consent, talked consumer through the procedure every step of the way and was checking in with her asking “are you ok” during treatment. I really appreciated the treament.

OPHTHAMOLOGY

Compliment to any hospital staff who facilitated my care in hospital. I can’t remember everyone, but they were all such legends - amazing people who do amazing work. I could go on and on about all the amazing things these angels did for me, but I would run out of words.

Just wanted to acknowledge and appreciate the excellent treatment and support I am receiving from the dental clinic in Ingham. Also, the staff in reception are very efficient and helpful.

INGHAM DENTAL CLINIC

TUH ED, PPU, SURG 1

A Brighter Note...

Lacing up their boots ready for Larapinta

In May, a group of eager explorers will be heading to the Northern Territory to trek the Larapinta Trail. With only two spots left, the team is counting down the weeks before putting their hiking boots on and heading off for the adventure.

Two of the community-minded fundraisers who are joining the trek are Kate Webster and Helen Page, fondly known by their Facebook moniker ‘Helen and Kate, two fat fundraising ladies’.

Both Helen and Kate are passionate about healthcare and decided to take on the challenge of the hike and fundraising for Brighter Lives to help brighten patients’ healthcare experience in the north.

Kate moved to Magnetic Island from Sydney two years ago, choosing to semi retire from a hectic real estate career in the paradise that stole her heart while travelling in her early twenties.

Helen moved to the island, her childhood home, from Melbourne two years ago and returned to hands-on nursing after many years in desk jobs working as a clinical nurse at the Magnetic Island Health Service.

Helen said she could see how important the Townsville Hospital Group is to island residents.

“The Magnetic Island Health Service is the first port of call for many who are unwell or had an accident, with transfers to Townsville University Hospital occurring daily, either by chopper or road paramedics. It’s a cause that’s easy to feel committed to,” she said.

The two fundraising ladies have been enjoying incredible support, especially from island locals. Their upcoming 80s Dance Party at the Magnetic Island Country Club on 13 April will see guests don their best retro outfits and hairdos to dance the night away. With every ticket winning a prize, their raffle is the talk of the town and will be a highlight of the night! The raffle has 50 tickets and 50 prizes, many valued at over $300. On top of that, guests can be awarded prizes for best 80s mullet, best 80s dancer and best 80s outfit. Tickets are available (but selling fast) for $21 Book online

The team are also auctioning off a signed 2024 Cowboys jersey here.

Kate and Helen have the perfect training environment on Maggie Island with the many walking tracks taking them up over the hills. They can regularly be seen tramping across the island, wearing in their shoes, back packs and hiking poles. You can donate to Helen and Kate via their page here

The Brighter Lives Larapinta Trek will take adventurers through the incredibly beautiful sights of the amazing Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory on a guided tour, led by experts from Inspired Adventures. Participants will connect with nature and culture, seeing waterholes, culturally significant locations and artwork, as well as relaxing at end of the day in 4-star comfortable camping while enjoying delicious platters from Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses.

If you would like to join Kate and Helen on their epic adventure, there’s still time, but there’s only TWO spots left, so don’t leave it too long!

7-12 May 2024, $3,379 trip cost, 3/5 challenge grade. Read more and sign up here

Helen Page and Kate Webster

Capital works update

Project: eHealth lnfrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

Project: Hybrid Theatre

Work location: TUH Acute Building level 2 Operating Theatres Complex

Project: Outpatients Department Expansion

Work location: Clinical Services Support Building Level 1

Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS)

Work location: TUH Acute Care Centre Building Level 1 (former Endoscopy Services) & Medilink Building level 2 (current NQPPMS suite)

Works currently underway Works on the way

Project: Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit (CFMU)

Work location: ACC Annexure Building

Project: Clinical Equipment Loan Service (CELS)

Work Location: Clinical Services Support Building Level 2

Project: TUH Expansion Project

Work location: Helipad site, Carpark 3 and Eastern Carpark 17 - temporary helipad site

Project: Kirwan Community Health Campus Expansion

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Sevice

Work location: South Block Level 3 cold Shell

Project: Ingham CT Scanner and ED Refurbishment

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Ward Midlife Renewal – Surgical and Medical wards

Work location: South Block level 1 and 2

Got questions?

Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.

To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those teams who will be impacted by works undertaken at TUH.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any proposed changes, please contact chief operating officer Stephen Eaton via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.

Recipe of the week

Baked Macadamia Crusted Fish

supplied

by TUH dietitians

Laugh of the week

Ingredients

• 4 X 250 G FIRM FISH FILLETS DEBONED

• 1 TBS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Crust

• 1 CUP MACADAMIAS CHOPPED

• 1/4 CUP PARSLEY CHOPPED FRESH

• 1 TBS OREGANO CHOPPED FRESH

• 1 TBS FRESH MARJORAM CHOPPED

• 1 GARLIC CLOVE CRUSHED SMALL

• 1 TBS LEMON JUICE

• 1 TBS LEMON ZEST

• 2 TBS MACADAMIA OIL

• 1 PINCH CRACKED PEPPER *TO TASTE Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C and lightly oil a baking dish. Place fillets into dish and brush lightly with remaining oil.

2. In a small bowl, combine ingredients to form a thick paste. Spread macadamia crust over the top of the fish, pressing evenly.

3. Bake fillets for 8-10 minutes, or until flesh flakes when tested with a fork. Cooking time will depend on thickness of fillets.

4. Serve with roasted vegetables or fresh salad.

Hot tips over the Easter break

Celebrate with seafood:

• Plate up your seafood with grilled vegetables or a garden salad. Avoid battered fish and hot chips or topping your seafood with rich sauces loaded with cream or butter. Aim for roast potatoes instead.

• Be active over the Easter break: take the family out for a walk/jog/cycle or do some activity inside like strength exercises or following an exercise video (yoga/pilates, etc)

• Get yourself back on track if you over-indulge over the easter break as soon as possible to help strengthen your motivation and generate a positive focus moving forward!

FOR SALE

PURE BORDER COLLIE PUP- 1 black & white female left. $1,200. Vet checked/microchipped/vaccinated. Very loyal and loving breed – great for an active person/family. She’s a real sweetheart and loves the water! Please call/text Melissa 0426 819 519. BIN0014180938042 (28/3).

Holden Colorado LTZ Dec 2017, first registered 2018. 4 cylinder 2.8 litre diesel, automatic, airconditioned, cruise control, Apple Car play, Ironman bulbar, spotlights, towbar, tub liner, Anderson Plug, 12 Pin plug, 12 volt plug in tub, Red Arc Tow Pro, tinted windows, X4 new tyres, fully serviced, 113000km. $35,500. Call Paula on 0427 635 022 (28/3).

Purebred miniature Dashy puppies, black and tan. Male and female available. Vaccination, microchip and full vet clearance. Ready for their new home now. $2000 each. Please phone - 0417835436. BIN0008843029483 (15/3)

Frankie4 ‘Jackie’ shoes, Size 5, $200 ono. As new – worn just a couple of days (just not right for me). Original packaging and extra insoles kit. Phone: 0406 969 515 (15/3) .

Purebred Ragdoll kittens $900 -Looking for their forever homes. Available 20th March 2024. 2 x Females 2 x Males. Vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, kitty litter trained. Pick up Mount Low. Contact Deanne 0466 855 105 Responsible Pet Breeders Australia: 2408 (15/3)

FOR RENT

BREAK LEASE: Entire unfurnished 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, double garage duplex available for rent from the end of March until 3/09 in Mount Louisa. $480 per week. Not suitable for dogs. If interested please message 0412 074 509 for more details. (15/3)

Share accommodation available from May in Townsville City in Breakwater Villas overlooking the marina, Magnetic Island and Castle Hill. Close to Magnetic Island Ferry, Strand and Flinders St. Furnished 2-bedroom, own bathroom, upstairs unit. Split system air-conditioning and share bills. $360 pw. Prefer older person, non-smoker. Sharing with 55-year-old professional female. Call 0419 651 101 to enquire. (15/3)

PLAYERS WANTED

Have you ever thought about playing WOMEN’S AFL? At Thuringowa Bulldogs we’re ready to welcome those who are new to the game, or those who already know their way around a footy field. We have a team full of supportive, fun and encouraging women who are an amazing group to be part of! If you’re keen to come along to training you can message Kelly on 0413 092 095 or just turn up at Riverways on a Tuesday or Thursday night at 5.45pm.

Western Suburbs Rugby Union Club looking for players Mixed u8, u10, u11 & u12

Young Men and Young Ladies aged 14, 15, 16 & 17 years

Open Men and Women

Junior Training is 6pm till 7pm Tuesday and Thursday at Joe Baker Field JCU

Senior Training is 7pm till 8pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Joe Baker Field JCU

All skill levels wecome, any questions send us a message via Messenger.

Email classifieds to tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au with subject ‘Classifieds’. Do not send classifieds as attachments.

Photos will not be included. Submissions for classifieds should be no longer than 50 word in a plain-text email. Classifieds longer than this will not be included.

Classifieds will stay current for two issues of the blah. If you would like your ad to be continued after this time please resend the ad. We do not advertise services in the blah.