By Ron Lane
It is indeed good to see the number of fitness bods, locals and visitors, both Aussie and overseas, who use the running tracks and adjacent sand hills of the beautiful Noosa National Park, as their training grounds. Having said this, there is some information from out of left field, that not only athletes, but also those walking sight- seeing visitors, would be well advised to take on board.
Have you ever noticed the number of lifesaving stories, that are reported on our evening news: people finding others in trouble in out- of- the- way- places? And what could be more out of the way, than on some parts of the running tracks or dunes, in our National Park. An increasing factor in these stories is our unwanted visitor, the heart attack: with the age of the recipient not restricted. During the interviews with those involved, how many times, does the name defibrillator come into the story: If only we had one, didn’t know what to do, or where to look. And of course, the big statement, “Hell I wouldn’t know how to use one.”
A recent meeting between council, lifeguards and Noosa Heads Surf club was very fruitful. We now have five public defibs in various places: one at each of the three towers on Noosa’s Main Beach, one in the National Park Head Quarters and one in the Tea Tree Bay Toilet Block Facility. One problem that will arise, is that people will hesitate to use them: lack of knowledge– no one close by to assist. However, we want them to understand, that these defibs, have an Automatic Prompter with the kit, to guide them through the procedure. The other very important factor is of course, to ring 000, and state the situation: position (where you are), the problem, progress (people involved) and if paramedics are required, they can be directed through to the call.
With these areas now being used more than ever by athletes, the placement of defibs on Main Beach and in National Park is a good move. Those involved are to be applauded. It is a sad but true fact of life, that heart attacks amongst our young athletes, (apart from our everyday older citizens) seems to be on the increase: the modern defib is becoming a standard part of the first aid gear at many sporting events.
Football update.
Now the active part of the game is over for the season, it comes the time for planning the next season, and this of course starts at the Annual General Meeting and the importance of attending, cannot be emphasised enough. A good AGM, is essential for a good season.
To all those involved in the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, their AGM will be held this Sunday 10am at the Pirates club house, Pirate Park Tewantin. The meeting agenda drawn up, will cover all aspects of club activities for the forth coming season, plus a summary of the season past.
For the members of the Ray White Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club, their AGM will take place on Friday evening November 19 at 5.30pm at the clubhouse, Dolphin Park, Noosa Heads. Following what has been a cracker of a season, a good attendance is hoped for. Agenda covering the past season and plans for the season ahead will be tabled and open for discussion.
We at Noosa Today, wish both clubs a successful meeting and take the opportunity to congratulate them, not only in promoting their code, but also in the way, they involved their club in activities, with outside sporting bodies. By doing this, they are helping promote the community as a great tourist sporting resort. As our old sport communicator Benny Pike once said, “Sport puts bums on seats.”
Boxing.
At the weekend, three members of the Cooroy Impact Boxing Academy, Page Robinson, Cohen Robinson and Keana Welsh, who were selected to represented South East Queensland against Northern Queensland at Mackay, were all successful. They arrived home having won their regional championships and now these young fighters are wearing their championship belts with pride. As their proud team coach Mark Evans, also from Impact Academy said, ‘’There is nothing in this world that will get the smile off the faces of these kids.’’ The tournament was well supported by a good crowd, and the team was made feel welcome in the town.
However, what made their wins even better was the overall result: a team win for South East Queensland, 7 bouts to 5. Add to this Page Robinsons fight against Sharra Dempsey in the 63 kg division was the fight of the night, with Robinson winning on points. “This was a great result for Robinson as she has fought Dempsey three times, winning 2 of the 3,” said coach Evans.
The next tournament for our Impact team, will be at the country centre of Middle Mount. Situated some three hours by car west of Mackay, the purpose of trip is to help promote amateur boxing. “Since Harry Garside won the bronze medal boxing for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics,(our first in some 30 years), there has been a big upsurge in the sport: we are hoping that trips such as this will help promote the sport.” All three members of the team have had some 30-40 fights as amateurs winning state and other titles along the way.
