Latest news with #Vics
West Australian
2 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
Jessica Page: WA has the country's lowest flu vaccination rate putting the vulnerable at risk
There's something in the air — winter. And our hospitals are not ready for it. They're barely coping now. Plenty of blame can be, and has been, shared around on that score. And it's my turn to cop a bit. And probably only fair that the Health Minister dish it out. Rightly under pressure over yet another month of record ramping, Meredith Hammat insisted it is a nationwide issue and that the State Government is throwing everything at it. She also said there is something everyone can do to help. 'The United States just experienced its worst flu season in 16 years and we've used that information to prepare for the additional demand this winter will likely bring to WA,' Ms Hammat said. 'Please, if you haven't done so already, get your free flu vaccination and protect yourself and your loved ones this winter'. The Premier must have been listening. Over the weekend, a photo of Roger Cook dutifully getting his jab at the local pharmacy was posted on his social media accounts with a timely reminder that the vaccine is only free in WA until the end of this month. But it was another photo that brought me to tears and made me chastise myself for not yet booking my kids in for their jabs. It was a photo of a two-year-old boy hooked up to a ventilator due to influenza. His mother Hannah Elsey reported that he was previously healthy, with no medical conditions, but fell ill a couple of weeks before an appointment to get vaccinated. 'Luckily he survived and has made a full recovery, but I don't think I will ever fully recover from the trauma,' she said. That social media post reached me all the way from Sudbury in the U.K. but it is relevant here and now, with warnings that a dire flu season in the United Kingdom and the United States is a harbinger of what is to come. The UK Health Security Agency has reported Influenza-mortality for the 2024-25 winter of about 7,800, up 53 per cent on the previous year. Most were people aged over 65, but the deaths of eight children aged four and under, were blamed on the flu. It's already taking a toll in WA, as reported by vaccine advocate Catherine Hughes who knows what she's talking about — all too well. 'Today was hard,' she posted on Light for Riley, the Facebook page set up in her son's name. 'I met with a beautiful mum who, just a couple of weeks ago, unexpectedly lost her young daughter to influenza. 'Before winter even began. Her gorgeous girl is just… gone. Please, if you can protect your kids… do it!' Too many have not. WA's flu vaccination rates this year are the worst in the country. Only 12.3 per cent of 0-4 year olds have been vaccinated, equal last with South Australia. The Vics are the best of the States at 18.8 per cent. Surely we can't let them win two flags this year? (Putting aside the territories, lest I admit the bureaucrats in the ACT have won anything.) Even our seniors are lagging, with only 50 per cent of the over-65s vaccinated. In a supposed cost of living crisis, surely anything that's free would generate a rush to line up longer than the fro yo queues that jam the footpath in Vic Park on a Friday night? But it is easier said than done for two working parents to find the time. Then when you do, one or both kids are already sick with something else and its back to waiting for a gap in the calendar. Western Australia has a troubled history with the flu vaccine, in particular, that does warrant caution. But caution should not be mistaken for conspiracies. Check the label, make sure you're being given the vaccine that's recommended for kids (VaxiGrip Tetra or FluQuadri) and ask your doctor if you have any questions. I'm no doctor, so I'll leave the last word to someone who is better qualified: PCH Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist and Kids Institute researcher Chris Blyth. 'We know that vaccines are the most cost effective public health intervention that we have,' Dr Blyth said. 'We know that vaccines do save lives and we know the vaccines that are on the schedule have been demonstrated to be safe and effective.' They're not a 100 per cent guarantee, but up to 70 per cent effective is better than naught. 'It's a moderately protective vaccine, but we know that flu can be a very severe disease and any level of protection certainly translates to people keeping out of hospital,' Dr Blyth said. Hospital staff are counting on that.
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Zhao Xintong's beaten opponent reveals what sets him apart from snooker legends
Zhao Xintong claimed the World Snooker Championship with victory over Mark Williams at the Crucible as the Chinese star is singled out amongst the greats for some of his qualities Zhao Xintong has been hailed for his ability to "make tough shots look easy" after claiming the World Snooker Championship. The Chinese sensation became his country's first world champion and just the third qualifier to win at the Crucible. Elliot Slessor was dispatched in qualifying and the Englishman was taken a back by the consistency he produced - suggesting that none of the game's greats could compare. Xintong claimed his world title with with an 18-12 victory over Mark Williams in Sheffield. His run to the final began in qualifying before he eventually downed one of the modern greats. The 28-year-old had extended his 11-6 overnight lead with a dominant display on Monday afternoon to begin the concluding session 17-8 ahead, eventually coming home with a 18-12 victory. Slessor was among the first people the Chinese star dispatched over and paid him a huge compliment on social media: "I said it then and will say it again I've played them all nobody pots balls like this kid the consistency in the long game and to make tough shots look easy is staggering congratulations to Xintong and @Vics_Snooker incredible stuff." Zhao, who won the UK title in 2021, is the first amateur to triumph at the Crucible. He also emulates Terry Griffiths and Shaun Murphy, who also claimed snooker's biggest prize having arrived at Sheffield as a qualifier. He will climb to 11th in the world rankings when he returns to the main professional tour next season. He told the BBC: "This is like a dream. I can't believe it. There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed he could come back quickly. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best." Jason Ferguson - chairman of the sport's governing body - said Zhao was set to take snooker "to another level" with his success further ramping up the interest in his homeland. "We are talking about a national hero - he has entered the history books of this sport and in China he will probably be one of the biggest stars there," he said "Snooker is so big in China. He is young, talented and entertaining and speaks both English and Mandarin. This is going to take snooker to another level. China loves its heroes and winners. Some countries back underdogs but in China they really celebrate their champions. He has the ability to become the most popular sporting star in the country." Ronnie O'Sullivan has regularly been touted as a mentor for Zhao, but was beaten by him in the last four, yet only has complimentary things to say. He said: 'I know we've got a really nice relationship, I'm always trying to help him if I can. He wanted the crowd to give me a clap at the end but it was Zhao's moment, I tried to get off as quickly as I could because it was his moment to enjoy."
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
What snooker stars really think about Zhao Xintong after 'really stupid' blast and Crucible win
Chinese star Zhao Xintong celebrated his maiden Snooker World Championship success at the Crucible after beating Mark Williams and many have spoken out on his talents both before and in the aftermath Zhao Xintong has written himself into snooker history. The 28-year-old became the first Chinese player ever to win the World Championship at the Crucible this week. The Cyclone secured his maiden title by beating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final in Sheffield. And the celebrations were certainly notable. Zhao 's success comes after what has been a rollercoaster few years for the eventual champion. He only returned to the table last year after serving a 20-month ban for being embroiled in a match-fixing scandal alongside nine of his compatriots. Naturally, a number of his snooker colleagues have shared their thoughts on his victory, talents and suspension. Take a look at some of the best of them below. Ronnie O'Sullivan It goes without saying that The Rocket is a big fan of Zhao, despite being on the wrong end of a 17-7 thumping against the Chinese star in the world championship semi-finals. Speaking ahead of the final, he said: "I think it would be amazing. 'If he did win, he would be a megastar. He's still very big in China as it is. But if he becomes world champion it would just be amazing for snooker and for his life as well. He can definitely get over the line." O'Sullivan has regularly been touted as a mentor for Zhao, a role that he is happy to take on. He added: 'I know we've got a really nice relationship, I'm always trying to help him if I can. "He wanted the crowd to give me a clap at the end but it was Zhao's moment, I tried to get off as quickly as I could because it was his moment to enjoy." Mark Williams Beaten finalist Williams has also spoken out on Zhao's talents and has even compared him to O'Sullivan. Speaking after his defeat, the Welshman said: 'He (Zhao) is as good to watch as O'Sullivan was when he was younger. 'He just strolls around the table and pots balls from anywhere as if he doesn't have a care in the world. Xintong is going to be a national hero now. "He'll be on the front page of every news outlet going and I'm sure there are Chinese companies ready to throw zillions at him. It's great for our sport to have someone at the top who is so attacking and so young.' Elliot Slessor There has also been a kind comment from Elliot Slessor, who Zhao beat in qualifying for the world championship. Taking to social media, he said: 'I said it then and will say it again I've played them all nobody pots balls like this kid the consistency in the long game and to make tough shots look easy is staggering congratulations to Xintong and @Vics_Snooker incredible stuff.' Chris Wakelin And while the majority have chosen to focus on Zhao's memorable victory, the same cannot quite be said of Chris Wakelin. Beaten by the eventual winner in the quarter-finals, he claimed that Zhao was misguided in getting wrapped up in the match fixing scandal in the first place. He said: "I don't know because I've not been suspended. I don't do silly things. I don't make silly mistakes. We're all aware of the dangers when we get on tour. You get involved in that sort of thing, you're gonna get punished for it, you learn a hard lesson. 'He is back on tour now, but he has missed out on two years in his mid-twenties, which should be the golden stage in his career. 'I've had no doubt that he'll go on to have several successes down the line now that he is back. But it was really stupid, the whole situation for all those guys that got involved. But in terms of where Zhao's going, I think he's got his better days in front of him now. "He served his time, you know, the WPBSA dealt with it externally, the whole case was dealt with in a professional way. They did exactly what they should have done. 'He served that sentence, he's more than welcome to come back and try his best again because he's a great asset to our sport. He just needs to stay on the right side of things." Steve Davis On the topic of his ban, Steve Davis was more keen on hailing Zhao for his success and not his misstep. He said: "I think we should celebrate [his World Championship win], the fact he plays breath-taking snooker. "Obviously the blip, it's a stain on his CV - hopefully lessons have been learnt, by all players [and] not just him. I think most people would agree everyone deserves a second chance. And, boy, hasn't he taken it." John Parrott Away from the sport's current stars, former Crucible champion John Parrott has also had his say and he was not afraid to tout Zhao for big things. He said: "We have been talking about it for years and years. 'Ding has been close and a real ambassador for China, but Zhao being in the final means the viewing figures will be off the charts. Just imagine what it will do for the game over there. "It has been a phenomenal achievement. He is brilliantly talented. There does not look to be any fatigue involved. He is just waltzing around the table. He is almost like a ghost, he floats around the place and looks very similar to Jimmy White in his younger days." Barry Hearn Snooker chief Barry Hearn has also offered his take and has praised Zhao for overcoming his suspension and establishing himself right at the top of global snooker. He said: "He has served a ban for what some people would call a very minor offence. "He's a quality player and I think he's a nice young man. Rules are rules and you take it on the chin. If you make a mistake in life, you don't look back, you look forward. "He's looking forward to being world snooker champion. That's his dream. When you've paid a price for something the slate's clear, otherwise you have no life forever."
Sky News AU
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Sky News AU
Cricket: Victorian seamer Fergus O'Neill on his brilliant form and baggy green aspiration
Fergus O'Neill doesn't have to look very far for international inspiration. The 24-year-old seam sensation has taken his relentless Sheffield Shield form overseas, collecting 21 wickets at 17.9 in four County games for Notts. O'Neill's spree of English scalps follows a 38-wicket Aussie summer that netted him the Sheffield Shield player of the year award. But as his stocks as a future Test player rise, O'Neill is staying patient and drawing motivation from the late-career flurry of Victorian teammate Scott Boland. 'We got Scotty Boland with us at the Vics who has had so much success for Australia into his 30s,' O'Neill told Willow Talk Podcast. 'I think for a lot of the young boys at the Vics, we look at him as a bit of a model. You know it's going to look different for everyone. 'The pecking order, it's (Mitch) Starc, (Pat) Cummins, (Josh) Hazlewood, Boland and then it's probably light years to the next. 'They've been so good for so long, it's going to be very hard to fill those shoes for whoever gets the opportunity.' O'Neill was born in New Zealand before moving to Australia at a young age and has Irish heritage. Despite eligibility to play elsewhere, O'Neill's allegiance is to Australia and he says he is happy to earn his chance to pull on the baggy green. 'I think what Scotty, and Sidds (Peter Siddle) to be fair, have been telling me is 'every time you play, you're just playing for that team and you're just trying to play well. If higher honours are a by-product of that, then you go there and try and play well',' he said. 'I think if I have done that for Victoria and I've got an opportunity with Aussie A, I think I have done that for Aussie A. 'If that turns into a baggy green … I am just going to try and perform. 'I feel like a lot of people put a lot of pressure on themselves to get a baggy green or do this, do that. I am not too bothered about that. I am playing every game and try to play every game well, and what will happen from that will happen.' O'Neill is enjoying a break from any form of cricket before he returns to train with the Notts T20 Vitality Blast team. Originally published as Victorian seamer Fergus O'Neill on his brilliant form and baggy green aspiration
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Victorian seamer Fergus O'Neill on his brilliant form and baggy green aspiration
Fergus O'Neill doesn't have to look very far for international inspiration. The 24-year-old seam sensation has taken his relentless Sheffield Shield form overseas, collecting 21 wickets at 17.9 in four County games for Notts. O'Neill's spree of English scalps follows a 38-wicket Aussie summer that netted him the Sheffield Shield player of the year award. But as his stocks as a future Test player rise, O'Neill is staying patient and drawing motivation from the late-career flurry of Victorian teammate Scott Boland. 'We got Scotty Boland with us at the Vics who has had so much success for Australia into his 30s,' O'Neill told Willow Talk Podcast. 'I think for a lot of the young boys at the Vics, we look at him as a bit of a model. You know it's going to look different for everyone. 'The pecking order, it's (Mitch) Starc, (Pat) Cummins, (Josh) Hazlewood, Boland and then it's probably light years to the next. 'They've been so good for so long, it's going to be very hard to fill those shoes for whoever gets the opportunity.' O'Neill was born in New Zealand before moving to Australia at a young age and has Irish heritage. Despite eligibility to play elsewhere, O'Neill's allegiance is to Australia and he says he is happy to earn his chance to pull on the baggy green. 'I think what Scotty, and Sidds (Peter Siddle) to be fair, have been telling me is 'every time you play, you're just playing for that team and you're just trying to play well. If higher honours are a by-product of that, then you go there and try and play well',' he said. 'I think if I have done that for Victoria and I've got an opportunity with Aussie A, I think I have done that for Aussie A. 'If that turns into a baggy green … I am just going to try and perform. 'I feel like a lot of people put a lot of pressure on themselves to get a baggy green or do this, do that. I am not too bothered about that. I am playing every game and try to play every game well, and what will happen from that will happen.'
