A Palmerston North Hospital staff member was knocked unconscious on the same night as another nurse was held up at gunpoint when she left work Hospital senior staff say not a day goes by without a health worker getting abused or assaulted and staff are feeling frightened and unsafe They want security guards to have additional powers so - as happens in courts and at Parliament - they can restrain people acting violently Hospital staff were shocked at what happened to the nurse held at gunpoint NZ Nurses Organisation delegate David Goldstone said another colleague suffered a serious head injury "There was a [staff] member inside the hospital who was knocked out," he said "I've been there 22 years and nothing's changed in 22 years towards aggression - there're no consequences Fellow organisation delegate Dorothy Mostofian further outlined the reality to frontline healthcare workers "There's not a single shift in the entire hospital when anyone goes home at the end of their shift and goes: 'I didn't get spat at haven't had any threats against my life and I haven't felt like someone's following me' healthcare assistant or doctor in the entire hospital could actually say that." Last month a man jumped into a nurse's car pointed a gun at her and told her to drive She managed to escape the car unharmed to raise the alarm. Police said their investigation into the incident was continuing Mostofian said even the recent security boost for emergency departments hadn't made a huge impact "Those security guards are also still being taken away to areas in the rest of the hospital when they are needed so we don't have a security guard 24-7 in the department," she said Association of Salaried Medical Specialists delegate Dr Thomas Carter said staff may stop coming to work "It makes it quite difficult when you don't have any support coming and you know it's going to be minutes days until you can get this problem sorted out and you've got a potentially violent person who's potentially unwell "We can't necessarily restrain them and hold them down After the nurse was threatened at gunpoint with two extra guards who could escort workers to and from their cars Staff were also allowed to shift cars closer to the building later in the day they would pair up to walk to their vehicles or get partners to pick them up from the entrance Nurses organisation delegate Victoria Richards said buddying up or getting a security escort wasn't always possible as people finished shifts at different times "[Two guards] doesn't go far enough at all," she said improved security cameras and a secure carpark only they could access They've met with Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere to discuss this and more broadly their safety concerns and wish to empower security staff "I've given them an undertaking that I will seek to engage direct with Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ locally here as I do on a range of other issues from week to week," Utikere said "I'll be putting to them what it is they have in place to support the health and wellbeing of their workers." Health NZ MidCentral operations group director Sarah Fenwick said it was committed to making staff feel safer and recognised the gunpoint incident Fenwick said the staff member involved was receiving support and a range of measures were immediately introduced to boost staff safety These included the security escort to vehicles increasing security services on hospital grounds and "opening up" access to the staff carpark for people working afternoon and night shifts "Lighting has been audited in all outside carparking areas to ensure it is well maintained," she said "Interim access to well-lit parking onsite with dedicated security for staff working afternoon and night shifts while a more permanent solution for out-of-hours carparking is developed." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday The meth crisis is nothing new in Northland but people are now openly using the drug on the streets The Health and Disability Commission investigation found a review of training for staff was needed groups trying to help people in the "meth capital" say they're totally overwhelmed A proposal to ban the sale of fizzy and other sugary drinks at some Palmerston North venues could go flat Local Labour MP Ingrid Leary says residents are increasingly alarmed by revelations of reduced elderly and mental health care capacity at the city's new hospital The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Palmerston overnight the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an unconscious male at an address in Johnston It is alleged the unknown offender seriously assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious head injuries He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition Detectives urge anyone with information about the incident to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2500045794. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au Palmerston Island in Cook Islands is currently facing a critical power shortage due to the failure of its ageing diesel generator The generator has long needed repairs beyond the capabilities of local administration staff leaving the community entirely dependent on solar power-an insufficient solution for the island’s energy needs residents are required to adopt strict power-saving measures to maintain a minimal electricity supply The isolated island has been running on intermittent solar power since 19 April due to the generator not putting out the correct voltage (240 volts) Stella Neale says the solar energy system is shut down from 7pm – 7am to ensure that there is enough capacity in the battery banks to provide power supply to the island Homeowners have been asked to turn off all their freezers before 7am to minimise overloading the system when the power supply is switched back on A diesel generator is required to support the charge of solar batteries if there has not been enough sunlight hours or demand is greater than usual “We are at a point where we are unable to keep the generator running at all because of faulty parts,” said Neale “we have been waiting since last year in July/August.2 Because of the isolation of the island – the only access is by sea; the huge issue is transportation Due to irregular shipping schedules and limited berth availability the parts for the generator and a mechanic have not been able to reach Palmerston space available on the next scheduled shipping vessel MV Taunga Nui – the only vessel that ships from Rarotonga to Palmerston the arrival of both the necessary technician and equipment remains uncertain Neale is hoping for a last-minute solution that would allow the mechanic to travel to Palmerston and restore the island’s power infrastructure She said the generator supplements the solar energy when necessary Neale said so far they have had no problems with the intermittent power supply she is hopeful that this is only a short-term solution we carry on resolutely with prayers for sunny days and the goodwill of those angels who can make miracles happen,” she said Te Koutu Mana Tutara O Te Ipukarea Pa Enua Governance Officer at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) the heavy machinery parts for the generator are at Avatiu wharf Most of the spare parts have been sourced from the mechanic’s workshop additional or specialised parts are procured from overseas suppliers as needed Takioa says these parts will be shipped on the next available vessel on its scheduled voyage to Palmerston next month on 21 Ma the passenger capacity on MV Taunga Nui has been fully allocated for its May voyage the Pa Enua Mechanical Overseer (mechanic) does not have a confirmed booking on this trip we will continue to hold in case a berth opens up,” she said also confirming that the parts required for the generator will be shipped on this voyage Installing the parts will require the support of the Island Administration staff with the mechanic providing remote assistance as needed “OPM is actively exploring alternative options to deploy the mechanic to Palmerston as soon as practical while ensuring all relevant regulations are followed we remain committed to supporting the people of Palmerston in every way possible,” Takioa said Palmerston Island first received solar power on 15 February 2015 as part of the “Uira Natura O te Pae Tokerau” project The new solar energy system officially became operational on 21 February 2015 To maintain battery charge and ensure the system functions properly daily use of a diesel generator is still required as the island’s fishermen rely on freezers to store their catches before shipping them to Rarotonga The last ship left Palmerston on 3 March 2025. As the wet season in the Northern Territory makes it hard at times to get out on course junior golfers in Palmerston have found a creative solution X-Golf Palmerston played host to the country’s first indoor TeeMates event with 16 budding youngsters taking to the simulators Golf Australia's Acting Head of Participant Journeys was extremely excited to hear how much the young golfers enjoyed the format and they all just loved the experience as it exposed them to a different aspect of golf,” Hill said “With the wet season in school terms four and one we are keen to build this into a TeeMates Virtual Top-End series each year and X-Golf Palmerston have already expressed interest to host “The interactivity on the simulators and the games available are so appealing to the kids “The rise in indoor golf across the country has been incredible Such facilities are so important if they can keep more kids playing golf while the weather is keeping them off the course.” Hezekiah Priestley won the 9-hole boys with a 31 (-5) while Sophie Minchinton won the girls with a 35 (-1) Golf is all about firsts – your first long putt We are celebrating all our TeeMates Firsts in a special series across our Golf Australia channels Please send us your story of your TeeMates First to [email protected] We’d love a photo or video and some information to help us tell the story To find out more about TeeMates and become a member today, CLICK HERE. Get weekly updates on news, golf tips and access to partner promotions. Join our newsletterGet weekly updates on news, golf tips and access to partner promotions! Play Duration: 8 minutes 21 seconds8m Brought to you by US Marines experience their first Anzac Day, a fourth generation military serviceman calls for better mental health support for his comrades and a Vietnam veteran reflects on the importance of Anzac Day. These were just some of the stories that flowed from a beautiful Dawn Service at Palmerston Memorial Park. ABC Radio Darwin Lil Watkins was able to capture just some of the magic. Josh and Sarah with their little ones at the Palmerston Anzac Day Dawn Service(ABC Darwin: Lillian Watkins) Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio On the same day a nurse was held up at gunpoint at Palmerston North Hospital another staff member was knocked unconscious and still hasn't returned to work three weeks on Checkpoint has been told that not a day goes by without a health worker getting abused or assaulted They want security guards to be given additional powers so that - as happens in courts and in Parliament - they're able to restrain violent patients See terms of use for easy access to all your favourite programmes Books AliveDate: 22 JulyLocation: Palmerston North View more events Please log in or subscribe to access all of Books+Publishing's premium content Purchase a subscription to access Books+Publishing‘s premium content We now offer a pay-by-the-month subscription Click here to see our range of subscription options Subscribe By clicking LOGIN, you are accepting terms and conditions and allowing cookies to identify your browser and keep you logged in. (See the privacy policy.) please click the button below to activate your service Check IP access Category: Events Local news Several tonnes of fish could be wasted on a remote Cook Islands atoll due to a failing diesel generator Palmerston Island's population of 23 has been completely reliant on solar power since 19 April The island's executive officer Stella Neale said a mechanic has not been able to return to Palmerston to replace faulty parts since they were discovered in May 2024 The island does not have an airport and is fully reliant on an inter-island cargo ship for transport "[The mechanic] was not able to come on the last two ships that came to Palmerston and he is not seemingly able to get on the next ship because that is also full," Neale said Parrotfish fishing is the main business on the island Neale said parrot fishermen have their own portable generators which are used to keep "several tonnes of fish" when the power is switched off but there are fears fuel will run out before the next boat arrives Fishermen are also burning through their profits servicing the generators "That is actually the greatest concern because they have just done some fishing and the freezers are getting full then we are having to have to deal with this situation." Neale said electricity problems are not uncommon "We have over many years had to cope with electricity outages and shortened electricity hours and having to make adjustments and allowances in how we do things to accommodate for the difficulties." She said a long-term solution is a generator that can support the solar plant and is maintained at least twice a year "Going forward we would need to be able to have some of our staff upskilled to be able to do those mechanical repairs that we do not have sufficient capacity on the island in terms of labour force to upskill we would still have the same problem - of [having] someone here to do the nominal repairs and to keep it [maintained]." The isolated island has been running on intermittent solar power since 19 April due to the failure of its ageing diesel generator Three people were transported to Palmerston North Hospital. Six people were injured, two of them seriously, after two crashes near Dannevirke over the weekend. Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Heretaunga Rd in Maharahara about 8.40pm on Friday. Hato Hone St John said one person was taken by ambulance in a serious condition to Palmerston North Hospital. Emergency services were then called to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 in Dannevirke at 7.10pm on Saturday. Two ambulances responded to the incident and one person was taken to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition and another in a moderate condition. Three others with minor injuries were assessed at the scene, a St John spokesperson said. The road was closed for several hours but reopened before midnight. Earlier that day there were several crashes farther north in Hawke’s Bay. A crash on State Highway 2 in Putorino about 3.40pm did not require ambulance intervention. A single-vehicle crash in Havelock North about 5am had no serious injuries. Another crash, about 10.40pm on Saturday in Whakatu, left a power pole damaged but no one injured. The move is 'a board decision shared by the firm as a courtesy', trust chairwoman says. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY Back to Latest News back With the wet season in the Northern Territory making it difficult at times to get out on a golf course junior golfers in Palmerston were recently able to experience a different aspect of golf X-Golf Palmerston played host to the country’s first indoor TeeMates event TeeMates was launched by Golf Australia in 2023 to support children and teenagers on their golfing journey giving children and teenagers a chance to play golf with their peers get a Golf Australia handicap which helps track rounds and progress Golf Australia officially launched TeeMates with the aim of providing more opportunities for children to play golf socially for a reduced fee rate in their own time or competitively in organised events with their peers Golf Australia's Acting Head of Participant Journeys Danielle Hill advised “we had 12 boys and six girls and they all just loved the experience as it exposed them to a different aspect of golf “With the wet season in school terms four and one “The interactivity on the simulators and the games available are so appealing to the kids “The rise in indoor golf across the country has been incredible Such facilities are so important if they can keep more kids playing golf while the weather is keeping them off the course.” More information on TeeMates 5th May 2024 - Golf Australia’s TeeMates initiative marks its first anniversary 28th April 2023 - Golf Australia partners with Youth on Course to launch TeeMates 14th November 2024 - Inaugural Gold Coast X-Golf franchise opens 31st May 2024 - X-Golf relaunches Toowoomba venue 9th November 2023 - X-Golf to open new ‘golf entertainment’ in Rockingham 23rd March 2022 - Australia’s first Hey Caddy franchise by X-Golf launches in Brisbane 14th July 2020 - X-Golf facilities create inaugural virtual golf tournament we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news Click here to view our subscription options Click here to view our subscription options product and event updates delivered right to your inbox The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services See more see more See the directory see all Get your business noticed in our targeted directory Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week Website by has resigned from her role with the organisation Ms Eveleigh (pictured) was elected to the 10th City of Palmerston Council and has been a dedicated advocate for the Palmerston community throughout her term the Council said in a statement following her resignation “Danielle’s strong commitment to the Palmerston community was evident during her time as an Elected Member,” said Acting Mayor Damian Hale “She was actively engaged in local events and maintained close connections with the residents she represented “Council thanks Danielle for her service and wishes her all the best in the future.” The Council said it is currently considering its options to fill the vacancy noting that Local Government elections are scheduled for August Information and Events for Local Councils throughout Australia Contact us: newsdesk@insidelocalgovernment.com.au Ryan Rowsell and Andrew Harding are opening Ray White Palmerston Ray White is expanding its presence in the Top End property market with a new Palmerston office aiming to offer both sales and property management services Ray White Darwin principal Andrew Harding has teamed up with colleague Ryan Rowsell to open Ray White Palmerston Mr Harding said Ray White Darwin and Ray White Palmerston would work alongside each other in a new premise designed to accommodate both teams “Ryan and I bring complementary skills to the table with Ryan’s expertise in listing and selling and my experience in setting up and running the business side of things,” he said knowledgeable and experienced team dedicated to the Palmerston community.” RELATED: Buyers click-happy for historic Darwin home Darwin property prices on the up in February House of the week: Transformed bayside beauty Mr Rowsell said as he and his family lived in Palmerston he understood the needs of the community “Palmerston is home to a lot of first home buyers and young families and our goal is to build strong relationships and provide exceptional service,” he said “Over the next 12 months we aim to grow our market share and establish a dedicated property management service for our Ray White Palmerston clients.” Mr Rowsell said his wife Samara would join the team as the operations manager Ray White South Australia and Northern Territory CEO Matt Lindblom said he fully supported the new venture “Andrew and Ryan’s partnership represents a powerful combination of experience and community focus,” he said “Their enthusiasm and commitment to Palmerston is commendable and I look forward to seeing Ray White Palmerston become a cornerstone of the local real estate market.” third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. X-Golf Palmerston has made an important pledge to create a more inclusive culture within the sport, becoming the second facility in the Northern Territory to sign up to the R&A Women in Golf Charter, after the Gove Country Golf Club’s inaugural signing in 2023. As one of the busiest X-Golf facilities in the country, X-Golf Palmerston has become a popular attraction in Darwin for just as many first-timers to the sport as seasoned golfers. Venue Manager Benjamin Kearney said it was a natural fit for the facility, which prides itself on being a fun and relaxed space for people from all walks of life. "I've noticed that this place, or at X-Golf in general, it's a less judgmental place for people to come in," he said. "I'm all about growing and changing the game, and I just thought we had the facilities to influence that, and signing the Charter is just a great opportunity to be able to do that. Becoming a signatory to the Charter is a pledge to support increased participation and leadership for women and girls in golf while also supporting the clubs and facilities to become the best version of themselves. With monthly women's nights, schools programs, a women's only X-League team, and the potential incorporation of the Australian Golf Foundation's Junior Girls' Scholarship program, X-Golf Palmerston has grand plans to stick to its pledge. "Being more inclusive is a major goal of ours, getting women and girls on board. It's not so much about the golf, it's more about seeing the social aspect of it," said Kearney. "We already host a chip and sip once a month for the women and it's awesome seeing a group of women come together, having a good time, having a laugh whilst also playing golf." Having only opened its doors late in 2023, the Palmerston facility has seen steady growth, Kearney revealing that it has become a real social hub for the people of Darwin. "I think Darwin was crying out for a place like this," he said. "The growth's been steady and when we first opened, it was crazy. "We've created a great facility, a good vibe for people to come in. It's not just golfers, it branches from families all the way to just people just getting into golf. "The growth's been fantastic and the support and the feedback we've got, it's been phenomenal." These preliminary works began on December 11 with plans to start reconstruction works promptly after the Christmas/New Year period Complex geotechnical works will be undertaken at the sites with the permanent reconstruction works involving cast in-situ concrete piles gabion structures and landscaping and hydromulching Transport and Main Roads North Queensland Regional Director “Since the completion of the emergency repair phase a great deal of work has gone on behind the scenes into surveying and geotechnical inspections designing and engaging contractors through a tender and contract award process “The magnitude of the reconstruction works to be delivered cannot be understated more than 7 kilometres of soil nails and micro piles will be needed – that’s the equivalent of four times the height of Mt Bartle Frere – Queensland’s highest mountain “There’s 1200 lineal metres of cast in-situ concrete piling about 1200 cubic metres of concrete – around half an Olympic sized swimming pool – and more than 2000 lineal metres of high tensile steel mesh which will be used to stabilise both sites both sites will operate under changed traffic conditions which will include single lane closures and a reduced speed limit through the site “TMR is aware of the importance of the road to the freight industry as the only designated route for B-doubles and Type 1 road trains between the coast and Atherton Tablelands,” Hodgman added “TMR is working closely with environmental authorities to ensure that works within the sensitive and unique environment are appropriately managed and closely monitored “We will work with the contractor to minimise impacts on the community as much as possible the nature of the works means traffic delays and changed traffic conditions will be unavoidable.” The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a8e612f6c429b448cdddef4e5bc56e36" );document.getElementById("g3bfc1e4af").setAttribute( "id" and website in this browser for the next time I comment.