Guard bashing ‘isolated event’

THE boss of a security guard who was assaulted at Yarrabah’s hospital has assured the community it was a one-off incident and merely the result of a small group of troublemakers.

It comes as Health Minister Cameron Dick has announced his department would consider minor capital works to improve safety at the Bukki Rd health facility amid concerns of growing unrest in the indigenous community.

The 50-year-old security officer has had emergency facial surgery on a broken jaw and had several teeth knocked out after he was struck by a wooden implement – possibly a baseball bat – in the health centre’s carpark early last Friday Morning.

The building was then pelted with rocks on Monday, resulting in the hospital’s emergency department being shut down overnight.

Elite Security Personnel, which employs the security guard who was attacked, has operated at Yarrabah for more than four years.

Company’s owner Troy Woodall said the assault was a “completely isolated” incident.

“I don’t think people should think negatively about the community,” he said.

“There’s about 4500 people over there and you’re probably looking at a group of six to 12 individuals that are causing trouble. You can’t point the finger at that little community.”

Mr Dick visited Cairns yesterday and wished the security guard the best with his recovery.

He said, as a consequence of the violent incidents, the health department had taken immediate action to double the number of security guards at the clinic.

The department would also consider any minor capital works and further security measures, including distress alarms and additional lighting, to further improve safety, Mr Dick said.

“I understand there was unrest over a short period of time and that has now calmed,” he said. “But we need to protect our staff.

“That’s my number one priority as health minister to ensure staff and patients are safe.

“We’ll work with the leaders in the community at Yarrabah as well ... to ensure the clinic can return to full operation.”

The Queensland Nurses Union yesterday confirmed the facility was operating normally.

I DON’T THINK PEOPLE SHOULD THINK NEGATIVELY ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

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