July 27, 2012
This morning’s inaugural Mayoral Charity Breakfast has raised $3925 to purchase an electric examination bed for the South Burnett Private Hospital.
This includes a generous donation of $2700 from Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory.
Sixty-three guests attended the first of Mayor Wayne Kratzmann’s planned breakfasts.
“We really appreciate the donation made from Swickers which will cover the total cost of the new bed. The additional money raised will go towards providing additional services for patients,” Cr Kratzmann said.
“The private hospital is one of South Burnett Regional Council’s assets, which means it is owned by the community. I support the South Burnett Private Hospital proudly. It is a 23-bed hospital that provides much-needed services.”
Guest speakers at the breakfast were former Test cricketer Carl Rackemann, who shared stories of his “rebel tours” of South Africa and Zimbabwe, and Dr Sanjay Joshi, an orthopaedic surgeon who regularly visits the South Burnett Private Hospital.
“Five years ago I had a patient travel to Brisbane from Kingaroy for a ten-minute operation,” Dr Joshi said.
“The patient had hit a kangaroo on the way and then got lost in Brisbane. (He) had to stay in Brisbane for three days because of the damage done to his car and what should have been a simple trip to the hospital cost him a small fortune.
“Over the past five years I have come here once a fortnight which means people don’t have to travel for these smaller operations.
“I love working here. The people are so nice and it’s a different environment to the city. I love the drive and enjoy the rolling hills and scenery.”
Cr Kratzmann said the South Burnett was lucky to have specialists like Dr Joshi providing services to the community.
“I am passionate about raising funds to assist making life more comfortable for any resident that has to go to hospital,” Cr Kratzmann said.
The Master of Ceremonies for the breakfast, John Carey, urged guests to change the conversations they have to a positive focus for our region and our future.
“This morning’s breakfast is an important conversation changer. I challenge you today, wherever you live in the South Burnett, to start conversations that are rich in possibility, courage and encouragement.”
