blah blah blah | 22 May

Dear colleagues,

I want to kick things off by sharing some important leadership news. From July 1, Dr Kunwarjit Sangla will take on the role of chief medical officer. Dr Sangla is an exceptionally experienced clinician who many of you already know and respect deeply. I have no doubt that his clinical expertise, leadership, and deep commitment to patient care will make him an incredible asset to our executive team in the CMO role. As we look forward to welcoming Dr Sangla, we will also be saying goodbye to Dr Niall Small, who will be moving on to some exciting new projects from 30 June. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Niall for his service, steady guidance, and expertise during his time with the health service (I will make more of a fuss of Niall in a later blah).

National Reconciliation Week starts on Wednesday, 27 May and runs through until 3 June. The week is bounded by the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision in 1992. This is a week for all Australians to re-commit to a shared goal of a just, equitable, and reconciled Australia. I encourage all of us to think about these terms - just, equitable, and reconciled - not only in the national context, but also at a personal level. What does ‘just’ look like in the context of what I do in my personal relationships? What is ‘equitable’ when it comes to how I fulfil my responsibilities at work? Living the answers we have to these questions will help us achieve a reconciled Australia.

Looking ahead to next week, Health Infrastructure Queensland is hosting an ‘industry briefing’ here in Townsville ahead of our major capital expansion programs. This is a great opportunity to ensure our local contractors are well informed of the scale of work that is coming and consider how they might be involved. While it’s true that at a head contractor level we usually partner with the larger firms, we are very interested in ensuring smaller local operators can partner with those firms as well. It’s not just about the work that has currently been funded, but also the work that is on our planning horizon as well. Telling that story to local industry gives us the best chance of securing the industry capability we need, which, when you consider the options available to likely providers, especially around Olympics-related builds, is more important now than ever.

This week is National Volunteer Week (18-24 May), and there is no better time than now to acknowledge the tremendous support we receive from our fabulous Brighter Lives Foundation volunteers, easily recognisable in their bright yellow shirts. If you’re of a mind to provide a practical thank you, can I suggest buying a raffle ticket by clicking here is a great way, and you stand a chance of getting some decent prizes to boot! Knowing some of the prizes are Cowboys tickets, I have a confession to make. Every time they’ve lost this season, it’s because I’ve tipped them to win. Equally, every single game they have won this season, I’ve tipped against them! It’s an uncanny trend 11 rounds in, which I will put to the test this weekend when I tip the Cowboys to beat the Rabbitohs.

Finally, the Staff Excellence Awards is just two weeks away. It’s a night where we celebrate and recognise some of the incredible work of our colleagues. This year, the awards are being held on a Friday, which is when the next blah is due to come out. To make sure we get all the stories and photos from the night, we will be publishing the next blah on Monday, 8 June instead.

As always, thank you all for your hard work.

kk

Kimberly retires for a life more Pacific

One of Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) longest-serving infectious diseases specialists recently hung up the stethoscope, with plans to spend her time seeing family, travelling, and continuing her work in the Pacific in the fight against HIV.

California-raised infectious diseases specialist Dr Kimberly Oman first joined the Townsville Hospital and Health Service in 2001 at the old North Ward site, following stints in Papua New Guinea, Melbourne, and Fiji.

“My husband, young children, and I were in Fiji for three years, part of a group setting up internal medicine physician training at the Fiji School of Medicine before we came back to Australia and Townsville,” Kimberly said.

“We came here at the beginning of 2001 and I started working with the School of Medicine to help set up the new MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program, and since then I was a director of physician education for a few years and worked with the infectious diseases department.

“From that era, there’s only a few physicians left; Dr Kunwarjit Sangla and I started on the same day, he was actually my registrar, and now he’s my boss, Dr Tracey Symmons was a rehabilitation registrar who’s now a consultant and helped setup the department, and Dr Arun Menon who’s the director of sexual health.”

Kimberly said her time at TUH had provided her with many opportunities to develop including support to undertake passion projects while working with infectious disease.

“Dr Menon got me involved with some visits to Papua New Guinea and Fiji to work with HIV,” she said.

“Thank goodness HIV is not much a problem in Australia anymore, but it’s still huge in the Pacific, and I’m grateful to have been supported to be able to go out and do that work while at the hospital.

“I think it’s really great that so many of my colleagues at TUH have been similarly supported to undertake projects outside of the hospital.”

Now in retirement, Kimberly said her mind would still be kept active working in the Pacific as she helped her former colleagues in Fiji continue the fight against HIV.

“The HIV epidemic has hit them really hard, so what I’m doing at the moment is helping write up the guidelines and working on a national prescriber program which takes the burden off my Fijian colleagues,” she said.

“For the rest of my time, I think I’ll aim to get really fit, travel, do some hikes, swim, take more ballet classes, and spend a lot of time doing more trips to visit family.”

Research funding delivers boost for Townsville renal dialysis patients

Townsville dialysis patients are set to benefit from faster and more efficient care thanks to the donation of a new SonoSite ultrasound machine to the renal dialysis unit at Townsville University Hospital.

Donated by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s research team through renal tele-trial funding from the Queensland Regional Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre (QRCCC), the portable ultrasound machine is already making a difference for local patients.

Director of clinical research Professor Andrew Mallett said the donation highlighted the tangible benefits research and clinical trials delivered for north Queensland patients.

“As a renal physician, a few of the patients I care for don’t actually live in Townsville; they live in regional areas across the region,” Andrew said.

“This device has certainly helped them and, importantly, helped them return quickly and efficiently to their home communities after receiving treatment.

“Our health service sees clinical trials as a key part of our research, with partnerships like this helping turn research activity and clinical trial funding into equipment that supports better care for patients every day.”

Renal nurse researcher Belinda Elford said the delivery of the machine to the renal unit was a proud moment for the team.

“My passion, like so many of my colleagues, is kidney disease, and through clinical trials we can make a real difference to our patients’ health outcomes,” Belinda said.

“This donation has been made possible due to the increased growth of clinical trials in renal research and we were fortunate enough to receive funding from QRCCC through our tele-trials.”

Consultant nephrologist Dr Vikas Srivastava said the machine would allow the renal unit to deliver faster care without relying on scans.

“This machine is capable of monitoring and planning the life-saving treatment patients receive in dialysis, particularly in the form of getting a fistula created,” he said.

“It’s also helping identify problems for patients in real time and has cut short the time from diagnosis to treatment in a big way.

Dialysis patient Andrea Jacobson, who receives haemodialysis treatment at Townsville University Hospital, said the new equipment would make a major difference for patients and staff alike.

“I think it’s tremendous; just looking at it, the difference between the new and the old is huge and I’m sure it must make life a lot easier for the staff,” she said.

The donation coincided with International Clinical Trials Day on May 20, which celebrates the role clinical trials play in improving health outcomes around the world.

Research manager Trudie Harris said the donation highlighted the importance of translating research into frontline patient care.

“This is exactly what we aim for in clinical trials; translation into clinical practice and, first and foremost, translation into patient benefits,” Trudie said.

Queensland Regional Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre assistant director of nursing Melanie Poxton said tele-trials were helping improve equitable access to healthcare for regional, rural and remote patients.

“We are the statewide team for delivering clinical trials and ensuring regional, rural and remote patients have equity of access with their metropolitan counterparts, and anything we can do to help patients spend less time in hospital and more time at home is incredibly important,” Melanie said.

Six-seven score of love for Richmond’s Vernon and Inez

Richmond Health Service staff went all out to make the hospital’s aged care residents Vernon and Inez Collins 67th wedding anniversary an event to remember.

Friends and family filled the hospital’s patio after staff decorated and catered to help the pair celebrate nearly seven decades of marriage.

Vern said it meant the world to have the staff and facilities at the hospital to allow the pair to stay in the community they loved.

“Inez was born and raised here, and I moved here as a young man,” Vernon said.

“Richmond is more than just a place on the map to us.

“It’s where we met, it’s where we raised our kids, it’s where we started our business, and it’s where we have called home.

“The staff and health service do an amazing job, and it has meant that we can stay in the community that we love, and we get to stay together.”

Registered nurse Di Fitzgerald said having facilities that allowed couples like Vernon and Inez to stay local was vital for rural communities.

“In a rural community, we are very family and community focused, and everyone gets to know each other really well,” Di said.

“Moving away to larger centres can be confronting, and that vital connection to home can be lost.

“Having the aged care facility here means people like Vernon and Inez can stay surrounded by family and friends.

“It also gives the family security knowing Vernon and Inez are safe, well looked after, and that their meals are sorted, so they can get on with their busy lives, while still being able to visit nearly every day.

“As a member of this community, I want to know my community is happy, safe, and comfortable.

“We sometimes see people on their darkest days, so to have Vernon and Inez say they have been so well looked after is very heartwarming.”

New multi-faith space a place of peace

Townsville University Hospital has unveiled its newly relocated and redesigned multifaith room, designed to meet the spiritual needs of staff, patients, and families.

Moved from its previous position on level one of the hospital the redesign provided an opportunity to create a more inclusive, purpose-built space that welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds.

TUH building, engineering and maintenance services (BEMS) project officer Daniel Rivera said the project was shaped through close consultation with faith groups within the hospital.

“We wanted the new room to be multi-faith so people from multiple denominations feel welcome in this space,” Daniel said.

“Key features of the upgrade include signage indicating the direction of Mecca, a Catholic altar and symbols, and storage for prayer mats and Bibles.

“For the first time we also have installed a dedicated wudu (ablution) room, a space used for ritual washing before Islamic prayers.”

TUH neuropsychiatrist Dr Omer Shareef said the chapel was important for staff working in highpressure environments.

“This space is very important to the diverse staff of the hospital, it’s a place where people can wind down, meditate, and be in their own zone,” Omer said.

“We hope the space will be a comfort for many staff members as well as the general public.”

TUH pastoral care team secretary Miriam O’Donnell said the previous chapel was a hidden treasure on the second floor but hoped the new location would lead to greater visibility.

“I’m hopeful the new multi-faith room will be accessible to even more people and remain a place where all feel supported and welcome,” Miriam said.

“There are wall hangings that were donated to the chapel years ago which have been cleaned up and moved into the new space, and some great upgrades for people to enjoy.”

Both Omer and Miriam said the project team deserved a massive thank you for their hard work.

“Daniel and the BEMS tradesmen as well as Alan Reilly and all the draftees involved have been incredibly easy to work with, we’re grateful for the respect they’ve shown throughout this process,” Miriam said.

The new multi-faith room is now open on the ground floor before the entrance to the oncology day unit and is accessible to all members of the hospital community 24/7. A map can be viewed here.

For any questions or assistance please contact Michael Bridgefoot on 0447 880 993 or Dr Omer Shareef on 0744 333 000.

Bringing comfort when it matters most

This National Volunteer Week we shine a light on the dedicated volunteers of the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) palliative care centre who make a difference every day.

Long-time volunteer Penny Pappalardo has been supporting patients in palliative care for more than 10 years.

“I’ve been volunteering at TUH in the palliative care setting since before the Townsville centre even existed, but it wasn’t something I ever planned,” Penny said.

“It just came to me one day, that this is what I need to do.”

She said her own experience with loss had helped her feel comfortable sitting with people during difficult times.

“I’ve found that oftentimes patients in palliative care may feel more comfortable talking to a stranger than to family,” she said.

“I let them guide the conversation and share whatever they want, whether that’s a lot or a little.”

Katharina Dallmeyer only joined the palliative care centre volunteer team a few months ago but said she already felt deeply connected to the work.

“I’ve done a lot of volunteering in the past and was trying to figure out what I wanted to do next,” Katharina said.

“After losing my mother to cancer I felt drawn to palliative care.”

Katharina said volunteering to her was not about being rewarded, it was about doing something good.

“When you bring someone a coffee and they’re happy, that’s perfect,” she said.

Volunteer coordinator Linda Merrill said the presence of volunteers in the centre made a profound difference to patients and their families.

“Volunteers in palliative care help ease people’s minds and offer a friendly, reassuring face,” Linda said.

“They support families in so many ways whether that’s through helping create keepsakes like letters, fingerprints or mementos, playing music, or just spending time chatting with patients in their rooms.

“Another benefit is that volunteers often take on small tasks and conversations which allow staff to focus on their clinical work.”

Linda encouraged those considering palliative care volunteering, or any form of volunteering, to give it a try and see what felt right.

National Volunteer Week runs annually from 18-24 May to recognise the contribution of volunteers across the country and invite others to think about volunteering.

2026 palliative care volunteers celebrate with BBQ

DDU relocation paves the way for TUH transit lounge

Townsville University Hospital’s new transit lounge is a step closer, with the tender process closing soon and construction expected to begin in the coming weeks.

To make way for the project, the existing Day of Discharge Unit (DDU) will relocate to a purpose-built temporary space in the hospital’s front foyer from 15 June.

Once complete, the transit lounge will provide 16 treatment spaces, including 12 beds and four chairs, alongside a dedicated waiting area to support patients awaiting discharge, transfer or admission.

Senior project manager Pierre Kessler said the relocation of the DDU was an important milestone in preparing the site for construction.

“The temporary relocation allows us to maintain this important healthcare service while creating space for works to progress on this exciting, expanded service offering,” he said.

“With the tender closing soon, we’re looking forward to appointing a contractor and progressing to the next stages of the project.”

Nursing director patient access David Eakin said the new transit lounge would improve how patients moved through the hospital while creating a better experience both as they entered the facility and prepare to leave.

“When the new transit lounge is complete, patients who no longer require an inpatient bed will be able to wait in a comfortable healthcare setting while final discharge arrangements are completed,” he said.

“The expanded service will also help free up capacity on wards earlier in the day, which supports patient flow right across the hospital, including the emergency department.”

DDU nurse unit manager Teneeka Plumridge praised the team’s adaptability and positive approach toward the temporary relocation.

“Our staff have shown incredible flexibility and professionalism throughout the planning of the temporary foyer-based DDU, and are continuing to prioritise patient care and discharge arrangements,” she said.

The transit lounge is expected to be operational later this year.

Health service says ICARE to information privacy

Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff have been encouraged to take a moment to think about how they uphold the privacy of patients and colleagues.

The health service has used the month of May to raise awareness about the importance of information privacy, and this year’s theme is ‘Everyone’s Privacy Matters.’

Information privacy officer Nicole Conner said this year her team linked privacy to the health service’s core values.

“We have connected it to the ICARE values to help make the responsibilities around privacy easier to understand and more relatable for staff,” Nicole said.

“There is a lot of information out there about privacy because it sits behind the Information Privacy Act 2009, so there’s a lot of legislation.

“It can get confusing and overwhelming, so we want to bring it back and just make sure that people know those key basic privacy principles that they should be adhering to in their everyday work.

“We want staff to think about how they’re upholding the health service’s values in relation to privacy.”

Nicole said maintaining privacy did not need to be a complicated process, and reminders have started to be rolled out across the health service to help reinforce habits related to privacy.

“We put posters up around the health service’s staff areas with some key messages that we related to the ICARE values.

“Maintaining the privacy of our patients is not only a legislative requirement, but vital to giving patients the confidence to engage with the healthcare system.

“We want people to be assured that their information is safe with us and that their details remain confidential.

“Maintaining privacy can be as simple as locking your computer whenever you leave your desk, being mindful where you’re having conversations about patients, or being aware of what information is visible.

“As well as the posters, we have resources available on QHEPS and our team is either a phone call on 4433 7907 or email away if you need anymore information.

“We are encouraging everyone to take a moment and think about how they are maintaining privacy in the workplace.”

Making TRACCs and Breaking Barriers in the Burdekin

An afternoon of important conversations around health and wellbeing in regional centres was held in Home Hill late last month with a lineup of high-profile guest speakers and emceed by accomplished journalist, author, and mental health advocate Jessica Rowe.

The Breaking Barriers event was made possible thanks to a grant from the Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected Community (TRACC) grants program, which is delivered via the Townsville Hospital and Health Service through regional adversity clinicians like clinical nurse consultant Sean Winning, who was part of the Q&A panel.

“Breaking Barriers was a powerful and uplifting afternoon, filled with personal stories, practical information and messages of hope,” Sean said.

“It was inspiring to hear from people like Sam Thaiday talk about mental health, how it doesn’t discriminate, and to be kind to yourself and others as we don’t know what people are going through.

“Then there was Dave Kramer, an ambassador for ‘Small Steps 4 Hannah’, who shared his powerful lived experience of losing his best friend and her three children to domestic violence, and the awareness, prevention, and importance of community vigilance in the fight against domestic violence.

“It was very humbling sharing the stage with people like the guys from 3 Blokes Running, who are three very down-to-earth young men who have seen firsthand how mental health can affect the people around them.”

The TRACC grants program helps support rural and remote communities impacted by drought, disaster and other crisis with locally led, co-designed initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and social connection.

Sean said events like Breaking Barriers helped strengthen local awareness of mental health, wellbeing, grief, domestic violence prevention, and community connection.

“Hearing real people talk of their lived experience is so powerful, especially because people identify themselves in those stories which can build hope,” he said.

“It was great to see how the TRACC grant process transforms from numbers on a page into something real, tangible, and impactful.

“Watching the community engage, connect, reflect, and walk away inspired shows that these events fuel confidence, connection, and long-term resilience.”

For information about TRACC scan the QR code above.

Behind the scenes with biomedical technology services

Townsville Hospital and Health Service facilities house millions of dollars’ worth of health technology and equipment and this past week marked Health Technology Management Week, an initiative designed to recognise the team responsible for the maintenance of the life-supporting machines used by the health service.

Biomedical technology services (BTS) is made up of biomedical engineers, biomedical technicians, medical physicists, radiographers, administrative staff, and more, who are tasked with ensuring health technology equipment and systems are managed and supported in a manner to achieve optimal safety, security, and performance.

Biomedical technician Matt Norman said his role as the preventative maintenance coordinator gave him oversight of all the electro-medical equipment not just in Townsville, but right across northern Queensland.

“I look after the servicing of all the equipment –anything from an anaesthetic machine, ventilator, defibrillator, and all the way to up a heart-lung machine which is used in theatres,” Matt said.

“Patient safety is paramount and through preventative maintenance of our equipment, we reduce the risk of machine failure and the compromising of patient safety.”

Unlike many other roles across the health service, BTS engineers and technicians don’t necessarily come from a health background, like biomedical technician and demand coordinator Jonathan Symmons.

“I was studying engineering prior to getting this job, and then I transferred across (to an associate degree in electrical engineering) and did a cadetship in-house through BTS,” Jonathon said.

“That cadetship program has been quite successful for the BTS team, because after a couple of a years you end up with someone who has a formal qualification in electrical or biomedical engineering as well as a few years of on-the-job experience.”

Biomedical engineer Raechelle Gilmour said she found the real-world experience was incredibly valuable after graduating from her medical engineering degree.

“There’s a lot of learning from the other engineers and technicians who have that practical experience with the medical equipment,” Raechelle said.

From maintenance and emergency repairs, to the RiskMan raised on a piece of equipment, the integration of a new machine into the hospital system, and the administration staff keeping things on track, the BTS team are BTS (behind the scenes) working to ensure the safe delivery of healthcare to all north Queenslanders.

Happy Health Technology Management Week!

Non-judgmental support makes a difference this World No Tobacco Day

This World No Tobacco Day the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) Drug and Alcohol Brief Intervention Team (DABIT) is reinforcing the importance of a safe, compassionate approach to reducing tobacco use across the community.

The DABIT team is based in the TUH emergency department and provides specialist assessment, brief intervention, and referral pathways for patients experiencing alcohol and other drugrelated harm.

DABIT clinical nurse consultant Amanda Ah Chee said as frontline clinicians in emergency and acute care settings the team saw the direct impact of nicotine and substance dependence every day.

“Our approach is grounded in brief interventions, non-judgemental engagement, and linkage to care with the goal of care first, judgement never,” Amanda said.

“Tobacco dependence is rarely a simple habit; there are commonly deeper reasons behind it and people trying to quit need support, not pressure.

“Health professionals have a responsibility to create safe, respectful environments where people feel ready to make change.”

The 2026 campaign calls for stronger global and national policies to protect young people from the growing influence of the tobacco and nicotine industry.

DABIT clinical nurse Hemaletha Kamala said statistics showed that the rate of adolescents vaping had increased from 19 per cent to 49 per cent from 2016-2023.

“Among these young people, about 85 per cent use flavoured vapes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches designed to look harmless when they’re not, so adolescents are now significantly more likely than adults to vape,” Hemaletha said.

Amanda said when one person reduced or quit smoking, it strengthened families, communities, and future generations.

“Globally, tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death responsible for more than seven million deaths each year,” she said.

“The scale of harm can feel overwhelming but change often begins small.

“And every success, no matter how small, has ripple effects.

“It’s important to inform patients, families, and community members how to access cessation support through platforms like Quitline Australia.”

World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31.

Kitchen serves a plateful full of culture

After many months of consultation, food trials, and recipe tweaking, Townsville University Hospital has introduced three new First Nations-inspired meals to its permanent inpatient food menu.

The Health Equity Showcase was the catalyst for food services assistant manager Alec Stevens, senior dietitian Kate Lovell, and Indigenous liaison officer Danielle Seden to begin working on a culturally appropriate menu.

“This has been a great example of what’s possible when we genuinely collaborate across teams,” Kate said.

“Over the past year, our Indigenous liaison officers, dietitians, speech pathologists, and food services teams have worked closely together, learning from each other, and keeping consumers at the centre of everything we do.

“We focussed on really understanding them, their preferences, their experiences, and what matters most to them.

“We built on that during NAIDOC Week, trialling a range of options and receiving really positive feedback.

“As a result, we have introduced three options –barramundi coconut curry, chicken coconut curry, and lemon myrtle barramundi – as permanent items on the menu.”

Alec said through their engagement with First Nations consumers and staff, they realised food was more than just nutrition.

“It’s tied to culture, identity, comfort, and connection, and that’s something we don’t always get right in a healthcare setting,” Alec said.

“What started as a little conversation has now become a really rewarding piece of work that we feel can contribute to meaningful change.”

Danielle said she was grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on the menu, which made meaningful steps towards health equity.

“Time and care were taken to ensure the menu is culturally appropriate and holds nutritional value,” Danielle said.

“Starting small is significant to create change, especially when it comes to health equity and helping close the gap.

“Let’s face it, nothing brings together people like good food.”

Staff spill the tea about International Clinical Trials Day

The vital role of medical research was celebrated over tea, coffee, and cake at Townsville University Hospital for International Clinical Trials Day.

The international celebration is held on 20 May every year and raises awareness and recognition for the vital work medical research plays in improving health outcomes in the community.

Queensland Regional Clinical Trials Coordinating Centre clinical trials nurse educator Kimberley Bury said it was important to acknowledge the role of medical research within healthcare.

“Without clinical trials, we simply can’t move forward in medicine,” Kimberley said.

“It takes a massive team effort to run a trial, from our nursing and research coordinators to doctors, finance staff, ethics and governance offices, pathology, pharmacy, and medical imaging.

“The people working in research are absolute gems, and we all share the same purpose, which is improving health equity for our patients and our community.”

Kimberley said the multi-specialties clinical trials team had grown significantly at TUH over the last two years.

“Clinical trials have expanded into respiratory, renal, cardiac, and neurology fields to give local clinicians the support they need to innovate,” she said.

“Through support from the health service, there have been more than 730 research projects.

“It’s through local clinical trials that initiatives like the Australian Teletrial Program have started, which has been instrumental in developing a modern, specialised, and digital telehealth model used across the country.

“Offering trials locally means patients don’t have to choose between standard care at home or facing the massive financial and social burdens of travelling south for better health opportunities.

“We encourage patients to ask their care teams what trials are available and if there is anything that could benefit them.”

For more information about clinical trials in north Queensland, visit the Townsville Hospital and Health Service website.

Title Title

Very good service, friendly, professional and caring in the PPU.

TUH PLANNED PROCEDURE UNIT

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Please pass this on to everyone who works there.

You made one of the scariest mornings of my year into something I will actually remember with gratitude.

BREASTSCREEN

Quality of meals is excellent, quantity is good.

The hot/cold food is delivered hot/cold and the presentation is inviting.

The delivery staff are also friendly.

TUH FOOD SERVICES

A Note...Brighter

Maurice Blackburn scores big for local healthcare with corporate box donation

The stakes have been raised in Brighter Lives’ Big Brighter Raffle with a major prize Cowboys fans will find hard to resist.

In a generous show of community spirit, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has donated an unforgettable North Queensland Cowboys corporate box experience valued at more than $4,000.

One lucky winner and nine of their favourite people will have the chance to enjoy the ultimate gameday experience from a private corporate box at the Cowboys vs Panthers home game on 27 June.

The raffle supports Brighter Lives, and every ticket purchased helps fund essential equipment, programs and experiences that make hospital stays brighter and healthcare outcomes better for local communities.

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said the support from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and other local businesses highlighted the incredible generosity of the north Queensland community.

“This incredible donation gives people the chance to enjoy a memorable NRL Cowboys experience whilst making a meaningful difference for local patients and healthcare services,” Stephanie said.

Principal Lawyer Tanya Straguszi said Maurice Blackburn Lawyers was proud to partner with Brighter Lives and support the important work happening across the region.

“As a business committed to supporting local, we’re pleased to contribute this special Cowboys corporate box experience to the Big Brighter Raffle,” Tanya said.

“Brighter Lives plays an important role in improving healthcare outcomes for people across our region, and we’re proud to be part of that.”

The Big Brighter Raffle also featured incredible prizes donated by other community-minded organisations including the Cowboys Community Foundation, Harvey Norman Australia, Triple M Townsville and Hit FM Townsville.

Tickets start from just $5 and are available through the Brighter Lives Gift Shop or online: Buy Big Brighter Raffle Tickets Here.

A Note...Brighter

Celebrating National Volunteers Week!

The Brighter Lives team has taken a moment to celebrate the incredible people who make a difference every day as part of National Volunteer Week.

Over 150 dedicated volunteers support patients, families and healthcare staff across the region and their kindness has helped brighten even the toughest days.

Marg Blyth and Kerry McDougall, two passionate volunteers, have spent years giving back to their community and helped create positive moments for those who need them most.

Marg has been volunteering at Brighter Lives for eight years and has spent most of her time giving back to the community through the Brighter Lives gift shop.

She said giving back has always been close to her heart.

“After seeing loved ones go through illness and witnessing the comfort and positivity volunteers brought during difficult times, I knew I wanted to do the same for others,” Marg said.

Marg loves being part of a supportive and caring volunteer community that helps brighten people’s days when they need it most.

Kerry has dedicated close to 20 years to volunteering and is passionate about supporting her community however she can.

Having experienced illness within her own family, Kerry said seeing the difference volunteers could make during challenging times inspired her to get involved with Brighter Lives.

She is one of Brighter Lives front desk volunteers who help guide and assist visitors and patients.

Since joining the team six months ago, Kerry said she has loved every moment and enjoys being able to bring comfort and connection to patients and visitors.

Capital works update

Works currently underway

Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Works on the way

Project: Multi-storey car park

Work location: Townsville University Hospital

Project: TUH Transit Lounge

Work location: DDU and Social Work Area

Project: Charters Towers Staff Accommodation

Work location: Charters Towers Health Service

Project: Palm Island Staff Accommodation

Work location: Palm Island Health Service

Have any questions?

Project: Ingham CT Scanner

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Carpark 17 expansion

Work location: Adjacent TecNQ

Project: Ingham Staff Accommodation

Work location: Ingham Health Service

Project: Ayr CT Scanner

Work location: Ayr Health Service

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 the chief operating officer via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.

Recipe of the week Healthy Tacos

Prep time: 10 minutes

Laugh of the blah

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 500G LEAN MINCE

• 1 ONION

• 2 TSP MINCED GARLIC

• 2 TSP GROUND CUMIN

• 2 TSP PAPRIKA

• 400G BLACK BEANS (1 MEDIUM CAN)

• 1 CUP FROZEN CORN

• 1 RED CAPSICUM

• 1 TUB CHERRY TOMATOES

• 1 ICE-BURG LETTUCE

• 1 CUCUMBER

• 1 PACKET SMALL SOFT OR HARD TACOS

• LOW FAT NATURAL GREEK YOGHURT

• LOW FAT SHREDDED CHEESE

• TOMATO SALSA

Method

1. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and capsicum and sauté for 4-5 minutes until veggies start to soften.

2. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, black beans and corn. Break up lean mince with a spatula and cook for 7-10 minutes until cooked through.

3. Place the soft or hard tacos into the oven and heat as per packet instructions.

4. Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce.

5. Assemble tacos with lean meat, veggies, greek yoghurt, salsa and small amount shredded cheese.

Classifieds

FOR RENT FOR SALE

2022 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain. 80,000km, one owner, excellent condition. Recently serviced with two new tyres. Well maintained, reliable ute. Registered until February 2027. $55,000 ono. Call Jess on 0424 293 470 (27/4)

F1 Golden Groodle Puppies | 5x male 4x Female Wormed, Vaccinated, microchipped, 6 weeks old. Looking for their forever homes. Beautiful temperament, would make ideal family pet. Visitation by appointment. QLD Dog Breeder Register BIN: 0018057500401. Available from May 23rd, 2026. Cost $2500 each. Phone 0437581389 (20/5)

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