One new case of type 2 diabetes is diagnosed in Australia every 5 minutes. According to the Australian Diabetes Council  this is up from the 2011 figure of 1 every 5.5 minutes.

If the rate of  290 Australians being diagnosed every day continues it is estimated that by 2030 the entire health budget will be needed to fund patients with the disease. Treatment of the disease currently takes up over $10.3 billion a year.

NSW research released today showed diabetes sufferers were 3 to 4 times more likely than non diabetics to develop a heart disease.  Broken Hill had the highest rate of diabetes and heart disease in the state, and in   Sydney the western area suburbs were most affected.

CEO Nicola Stokes said the numbers are a reflection of the poor infrastructure and the individuals own eating and exercise habits. Ms Stokes said that “Governments will have to take action across several portfolios if they are to rein in the rate and cost of the disease.” “It is about governments taking responsibility for the health outcomes of all the decisions they make.

There are 2 types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2.

Owner of the Queens Head,  Bill Shade put his painting skills to work, tidying up the picnic table and seats located at the end of Cleaton Street.

The area, overlooking the river,  is a very popular spot with tourists.
 

The square squiggly box in the "Upcoming Events" column on the left of this page is a QR Code that can be included in emails, and on printed posters etc. to give mobile and tablet users a quick link to the relevant website.

The ideal use would be in printed marketing materials for businesses, and the like.

Simply include the box in your printed materials and users who point their smartphone cameras at it will go through to your website. For example the QR code on the right is for Brian Cox's website listing "Wilcannia Auto Repairs", listed in the business and services directory of this website.

For Android phone users you can download and install a free app (such as "QR Droid"). Once installed and opened, simply point it at the squiggly box, and voilà.

Wilcannia headquarters Brigade had a full day last Saturday.

Fire Control Officer Bill Britt conducted a full day training session, which included a couple of burns at the shire rubbish depot. In the evening the AGM and a general meeting was held.

Bill Britt conducted the elections which contained few surprises. John Pineo was endorsed as Brigade Captain, Greg Barraclough as Senior Deputy and Roxanne Kennedy as Junior Deputy. Schoolteacher Michael Barrett again accepted the Secretary/Treasurers position.

A number of matters were discussed at the following meeting. Of most importance was the above average chance of the coming spring/summer developing into a busy fire season.

Bill Britt said he felt it was unlikely that there would be repeat of last years wet weather which prevented fires in this area, though he did comment that the fires in the north-west corner around the Tiboobura area had been a wake up call.