Latest news with #CentralQueensland
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy fan is hailed as a hero after helping save the life of player who dodged death by MILLIMETRES in horror on-field incident
A footy fan has been labelled a hero after helping save the life of a 25-year-old player who broke his neck in a tackle during a rugby league match in Central Queensland. Matthew Broomham escaped death by a 'matter of millimetres' according to one neurosurgeon, after being tackled just moments into the second half of a reserve grade match between Wallaby Rugby League Football Club and Norths at Rockhampton's Gymmy Grounds last week. The fullback was left lying motionless on his back but thanks to the quick thinking of first aid officer Gary Churchward, he may have been saved from suffering a more serious injury. The medic quickly rushed onto the field despite not having seen the incident take place. He took immediate action realising the seriousness of the situation after Broomham had told him he had some pain in his neck and had heard a crack during the tackle. Churchward, who had gained his Level One first aid certification just six months ago, quickly immobilised Broomham's neck and head as they waited for paramedics to arrive. The first aid officer remained by the 25-year-old's side for over 30 minutes, and was later praised by Matthew's dad, Jason, for his quick thinking that 'saved him from being paralysed'. 'Thankfully, Gary being so vigilant in keeping Matthew on the ground and not letting his head move, even a millimetre, has saved him from being paralysed… or worse,' Jason Broomham told The Daily Telegraph. Gary recounted what happened, revealing that Matthew was 'calm and chatty' despite the horror incident. 'I ran out to Matt and he told me briefly what happened. He said he had a sore neck and he'd heard a crack,' Churchward told the outlet. 'As soon as you hear that, you don't take any risks, and I immediately immobilised his neck. 'You lie down head to head, put your arms up beside his head and across his ears and you almost grip his shoulders and squeeze your arms together very gently on the side of his head to keep it still.' Fortunately, Matthew said to Gary he had no numbness and was able to move his toes and fingers. While they waited for the paramedics, Gary spoke to the 25-year-old about his work, his family and even his tattoos. Upon arriving at the footy pitch, paramedics fitted Matthew with a neck brace before taking him to the Rockhampton Hospital. An MRI revealed that Matthew had broken his C2 vertebrae, with doctors telling his dad Jason and wife Jodie that their son had suffered what's known as a 'hangman's fracture'. 'The neurosurgeons that we spoke to, in Rockhampton and here (in Brisbane), said he was lucky to be alive,' Jason said. 'If he had any more artery damage, he would have died on the field. 'The way that he was hit in the tackle resembled a car crash injury. He was hit down, as well as across. We're very, very lucky to have him here. 'Every time we speak to a neurosurgeon, they say it was a matter of millimetres.' Matthew was later flown to the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital, where he underwent further examinations. Jason told the outlet that because of Matthew's age, doctors opted against surgery, instead fitting the 25-year-old with a halo vest. 'Hello everyone. Matthew has been placed into a halo vest. He will be in this for at least three months while his neck heals,' Jason, who was at the match, wrote on Instagram. 'This is great news as he didn't have to have surgery. 'Thank you to everyone who has helped Matt, this is the first step in a long recovery process, but we will do it together.' A halo vest is a device that attaches itself around a person's chest and shoulders. Several supports rise up from the vest and are attached to a halo ring, which positions itself around a person's skull using several metal pins. The device is designed to immobilise the spine by preventing any damaging movement of the head and neck, allowing the spinal bones to heal. Jason revealed that while Matthew has a 'long road ahead', he added he was 'grateful that Matthew should be able to make a full recovery' following treatment. In an inspiring turn of events, Matthew was discharged five days after being admitted to hospital and has been walking with assistance. Meanwhile, the Wallaby Rugby League Football Club have started a GoFundMe page to support Matthew and his family while he recovers from the injury. Brendon Hunt, the president of the club, began the appeal online, which has, at the time of writing, raised $10,790, to help cover the burden of the footy player's rehabilitation expenses, inability to work and his travel and accommodation for treatment. 'Matt has sustained a fractured neck and now faces a long and challenging road to recovery, including extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical appointments,' Hunt wrote. His dad, Jason, delivered an update that Matthew would not be needing surgery on the injury 'Sadly, this also means he will be unable to work for the coming months, placing a significant financial burden on him and his family.' He added: 'Matt is a tough competitor, a loyal teammate, and a valued member of our club and community. Now it's our turn to rally around him. 'Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in helping Matt focus on his recovery without the added stress of financial hardship.' Gary, meanwhile, did not want to take credit for his heroics, instead urging other people to become medical officers. He had retired from playing rugby league last year but wanted to stay around the club by becoming a first aid officer. 'I definitely can't take credit for it, I just happened to be the first one there,' he said. He also praised the club's Level Two first aid officer Amanda Twigge, who had initially raised his attention to the injury. 'I was just doing what I signed up to do and what I was trained to do. 'If I wasn't there, Amanda would have done exactly the same thing.' Paramedics subsequently fitted Matthew with a neck brace and took him to
The Australian
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Australian
StockTake: Cannindah Resources
Stockhead's Tylah Tully cracks into Cannindah Resources (ASX:CAE) and the identification of its potential to substantially increase the amount of copper at its Mt Cannindah project in Central Queensland. An evaluation of historical data and recent surface mapping and sampling pointed towards potential extensions of the Cannindah Breccia resource, and features both in and outside the current resource controlling the locations of high-grade copper are now presenting fresh targets for a next round of drilling. Watch the video to learn more. This video was developed in collaboration with Cannindah Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This video does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
ABC News
22-07-2025
- ABC News
Central Queensland man charged with drugging and raping child
A Central Queensland man will face court charged with drugging and raping a child. The 59-year-old man from Emerald, west of Rockhampton, has been charged with rape, grooming, and supplying dangerous drugs to a minor and breach of bail. Police allege the acts were carried out between June and July this year. The man is in police custody and is expected appear in Emerald Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Police officer Detective Sergeant Dylan Brook thanked members of the community who reported concerns to police. "I would like to thank the community members for having the courage to report the matters to the police," he said.
ABC News
22-07-2025
- ABC News
Central Queensland man charged over alleged image of children bound with duct tape
A Central Queensland man has been charged after allegedly duct-taping two children, pointing a gun at them, and sending the image to multiple people. Detectives from Emerald Criminal Investigation Branch were investigating illegal weapons and illicit drugs on an Emerald property in May when they seized a mobile phone. Forensic testing on the phone revealed an alleged photograph of two children, both three years old, bound with duct tape and a gun being pointed at them. Police said the children were known to the man, but not related. Police allege the photograph was sent to several other people. Detectives were able to identify the children and make sure they were safe. A 44-year-old Emerald man, who police allege was pointing the gun in the picture, was charged on July 17 with unlawful possession of category H firearms, dangerous conduct with weapon and two counts of deprivation of liberty. He has been given strict bail conditions and will appear before the Emerald Magistrates Court on August 26.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Heartbroken mother suffers ultimate tragedy after her two children and fiancé are killed in a crash while driving back from family camping trip
A mother has been left devastated after two of her children and her fiancé were killed in a horror crash while on their way home from a family camping trip. Shaun Ranger was killed in a crash alongside his seven-year-old daughter Baylee and six-year-old son Chandler in Central Queensland shortly before 11am on Sunday. The group were travelling with another adult male when their Holden Commodore collided head-on with a Toyota HiLux between Comet and Blackwater. All four occupants of the Commodore died, while two people inside the HiLux were hospitalised, one with life-threatening injuries. Mr Ranger's fiancé Renee Carla revealed she was just moments behind her family. 'My babies and fiancé all gone after heading home from a great weekend camping as I was minutes behind in my car with my youngest daughter and friend,' Ms Carla said. A GoFundMe has been kickstarted to raise money to support Ms Carla and her youngest daughter, two-year-old Saphora. Family friend Chantel Semple described Mr Ranger as a 'dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner'. 'Shaun, Baylee and Chandler were cherished and loved by many and brought so much joy and light into our lives,' Ms Semple wrote. 'Baylee had a cheeky smile, bubbly personality and a love for horses. 'Chandler was a sweet and kind-hearted little boy, full of life and loved the outdoors.' The fundraiser collected more than $23,000 from 308 donors in its first 12 hours. 'I hope to relieve the extra stress and heartache that this family already have to endure by raising much-needed funds to cover costs for funeral expenses and support Renee and little Saphora,' Ms Semple wrote. 'We are all very heartbroken over this unexpected loss and want to give them the send-off they deserve - a meaningful goodbye, surrounded by the people who love them.' Five ambulances and two fire crews attended the scene of the crash on Sunday. An RACQ Capricorn Rescue Service helicopter was initially called, but stood down a short time later. Emergency services announced four deaths at the scene (pictured) and two occupants of the HiLux were taken to hospital Queensland Fire Department confirmed both the Commodore and HiLux were alight when crews arrived at the scene. The Capricorn Highway was closed in both directions while officers from the Forensic Crash Unit investigated the scene. The tragedy brought the state's weekend death toll to 10, including three teenagers who died in a head-on collision in Mackay on Friday night.
