Mates help muso

THE Cooktown community is rallying to the cause of a well-regarded resident who faces at least a year of rehabilitation following serious injuries in a motorcycle crash. Musician and mechanic Denniss Roesler (pictured) was badly hurt in the crash on June 2 in Charlotte St and needs many operations, including skin grafts, to his right leg. He was airflifted by Emergency Management Queensland helicopter to Cairns and then flown to Brisbane by the Royal Flying Doctor Service for treatment.

The community, including other musicians and bands, are hosting a concert at the Sovereign Hotel on Sunday at 2pm to raise money for him.

His wife Diane said he would not be able to work again for at least a year, possibly two.

‘‘He will have no income, has no sick leave,’’ she said. Mrs Roesler said there would be raffles and other fundraising activities on Sunday.

‘‘He needs a major skin graft. He’ll be in Royal Brisbane Hospital for the next six to eight weeks and then another six weeks at Cairns Base Hospital,’’ she said.

‘‘He broke every bone in his right leg and will have to learn how to walk again.’’

She said the 60-year-old was ‘‘OK’’ and was grateful for the community coming to his aid. Mr Roesler is the one half of Me and N with Greg Thomas.