Surf boat flip probe
Troubled waters for famed club
SHE might be just four months old but baby Harriet Quinn is already in school uniform, ready for class and setting records.
Her mum, Claire Quinn, has “incredible memories” of her school days at St Hilda’s and is counting down the days – well, make that years – until her little daughter can follow in her footsteps.
The Broadbeach mum and lawyer graduated from St Hilda’s School in 1999 and as soon as she gave birth to Harriet this year, she did not waste time preparing the bub’s future.
At two months of age, Harriet was enrolled as a 2024 pre-Prep student at the private all-girls school, which is a first. She is the youngest enrolment ever at the school.
“I have incredible memories of my time there,” Ms Quinn said.
“The lasting friendships … and the quality education I received are exactly what I wish for Harriet.
“I didn’t want her to miss out, which is why I enrolled her so early.”
St Hilda’s head of junior school Amanda Shuttlewood said early applications, like Ms Quinn’s, were encouraged as places were limited.
“Places are filling up fast for Prep to Year 7 next year,” she said. “Applying as soon as possible allows families to connect with the school community at events, such as the fete and annual musical, in the lead-up to their daughter’s commencement.”
Applications to put a name on the waitlist at the school, which is the first stage of the enrolment, will set parents back $110.
The Anglican day and boarding school for girls from pre-preparatory to Year 12 is hosting oncampus guided tours at its annual “Open Morning” on Saturday.
ONE of Queensland’s most famous surf clubs is at the centre of a major investigation after a rescue boat accident left a hero lifesaver seriously injured.
Maritime Safety Queensland is investigating the circumstances surrounding the January 18 incident, which saw an inshore rescue boat flip in rough seas, flinging four lifesavers in to the water.
Teenager Troy Ottaway, last year’s Queensland junior sports volunteer of the year, was knocked unconscious and later taken to hospital in an ambulance with neck and spinal injuries while a clubmate also suffered extensive injuries.
The 14-year-old, who was also named last year’s QBank Young Everyday Hero after rescuing more than 20 people in the surf, has undergone months of rehabilitation for his injuries.
It is understood the beach had been closed earlier in the day due to rough conditions while a surf sports competition was cancelled, but the beach had been reopened before the accident.
The master, or driver, of the boat, has been interviewed by authorities. A surf life saving insider said officials were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
“This was one of the most serious surf incidents we’ve seen in Queensland for years,” the insider said.
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is also aware of the investigation.
The accident had eerie similarities to a case last year, where two volunteer lifesavers died when their IRB flipped in rough seas in Victoria.
Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s busiest beaches. Some of the sport’s biggest names have represented Surfers over the decades, including surf legend Trevor Hendy, who is the current club president.
Mr Hendy could not be contacted for comment before yesterday’s deadline.
Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell said the “complex” matter was ongoing.
“The investigation is complex and a final report has yet to be compiled,” he said.
“As the matter is still under investigation it would not be appropriate to comment on the outcome or prospect of any possible enforcement actions.”
Maritime Safety Queensland has scope to pursue prosecutions and other enforcement actions under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act.
A spokeswoman for SLSQ confirmed the organisation was aware of the incident and subsequent investigation but “would be making no further comment”.