Motorcyclist hit after trying to help koala

A MOTORCYCLIST is fighting for his life after he was hit by a car while trying to help an injured koala on the Gold Coast last night.

Police said the man was on Guineas Creek Rd, Tallebudgera, when he got off his bike to help the animal about 7pm.

While retrieving the koala from the roadway, the 29-year-old Tugun man was struck by a car and seriously injured.

Ambulance crews rushed the man to Gold Coast Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

The female driver of the car was not physically injured.

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10km traffic jam after M1 truck rollover

TWO truck rollovers are causing heavy delays for commuters on the Ipswich and Pacific Motorways this afternoon.

The eastbound lane of the Ipswich Motorway is closed at the Warrego Highway after a gravel truck lost its load.

Both Brisbane Road and the Cunningham Highway are heavily congested and a detour has been set up along River Rd.

Route 500 bus services are currently delayed up to 10 minutes in both directions as a result of the crash and where possible, buses are using local diversions through Riverview and Dinmore.

At Pimpama, a truck rollover has caused 10km of delays in the southbound lanes of the Pacific Motorway and there is congestion near the Gateway Motorway southbound entrance.

There has also been a two-car crash at Albion, blocking the left lane on Hudson Rd.

Motorists are advised that traffic lights on Airport Drive near the Gateway Motorway are not working.

All other bus and train services are operating to schedule.

4.30pm: A GRAVEL truck has lost its load on the Ipswich Motorway and is causing heavy delays for motorists this afternoon. 

The eastbound lane of the Ipswich Motorway is closed at the Warrego Highway due to the accident. Both Brisbane Road and the Cunningham Highway are heavily congested as a result. A detour has been set up along River Road.

Otherwise, motorists can expect an average Tuesday afternoon commute.

Traffic is slowing southbound on the Pacific Motorway near the Gateway Motorway entrance. A vehicle has broken down in the westbound lane on Kessels Road near the Logan Road intersection and is causing delays.

Motorists are also advised that traffic lights on Airport Drive near the Gateway Motorway are not working.

All bus and train services are operating to schedule. 

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Man in custody after stand-off

An armed man was involved in a stand-off with police in Bay St, Port Melbourne. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

POLICE closed Bay St in Port Melbourne last night after an incident involving an armed man.

The man sat in the middle of the road in an apparent stand-off with police and the Critical Incident Response Team.

It is unknown whether shots were fired.

Police were involved in a stand-off with an armed man in Bay St, Port Melbourne. Picture: Jay Town

Bay St was closed for several blocks as police told onlookers to stand back at least 200m because the man had a gun.

Police also closed surrounding streets.

Police close off Bay St after being involved in a stand-off with an armed man. Picture: Jay Town

Patrons at a nearby hotel said they did not know the man or if he had been drinking their earlier.

Police spokesman Adam West said the man was threatening self-harm but the situation had been ''resolved peacefully''.

The man is now in custody.

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Brave nurse a rail hero after track fall

A student nurse has saved the life of a man who fell on to the tracks at a Brisbane train station just minutes before a train was due to arrive.

SIX months of nursing training paid off for Kay Seymour yesterday when she put her own life on the line to save a man who fell on to train tracks at Wooloowin station on Brisbane's northside.

The 56-year-old man had become disoriented as a result of seizures and stepped off the platform just before 8am, with the train due at 8.04am.

Ms Seymour, 42, said she heard someone yell out "He's on the tracks" and her nursing training just kicked in.

"I tried to get a verbal response from him at first, but when that didn't work I said to another lady 'I'm going to have to get on the tracks'," Ms Seymour said.

FIRST RESPONDER: Trainee nurse Kay Seymour rushed to the rescue after a -year-old man fell off the platform at Wooloowin. Picture: Glenn Barnes

"In my head I thought I've got at least six minutes. I knew I had time to get him off."

BRAVE RESCUE: Nurse jumps onto tracks to save man

As Ms Seymour spoke calmly to the man to get him to stand up, Queensland Rail customer service officer Jill Lyten took action to halt any approaching trains.

EMERGENCY: The man steps off the platform and falls onto the train tracks at Wooloowin station.

"I knew how dangerous it was on the tracks. I knew I just had to get the number and call control and stop the trains," said Ms Lyten, who was on her way into work in the city.

"I think everyone worked really, really well together."

After a tense couple of minutes, Ms Seymour was able to help the man off the tracks and on to the platform, where he was met by ambulance officers and taken to hospital for treatment.

EMERGENCY: The man is on hands and knees on the train tracks after falling.

She said it was fortunate her training at Southbank Institute of Technology had recently covered scenarios where people lose orientation and cognitive responses are tested.

"I kept asking him questions while getting him to lift both hands, and taking his pulse. His heart rate was up," Ms Seymour said.

"It's a matter of just constantly checking that cognitive response. I was surprised how the training just kicked in."

EMERGENCY: The student nurse and bystanders help the man off the train tracks.

Queensland Rail acting chief executive Jim Benstead said it could have been a very different outcome if the approaching train had come.

"It could've gone very differently today. It could've been disastrous," Mr Benstead said.

Although he praised Ms Seymour's bravery and selflessness, he said the "right thing to do" in such a situation would be to alert station staff or use the emergency button.

In the past year, Queensland Rail has recorded 400 "near-misses" with pedestrians at level crossings and on tracks.

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Man dies after fight in street

Police investigate the house where the man was found dead. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

Police investigate the house where the man was found dead. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

Neighbour Kirstie Peel said her friend heard yelling last night. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

A MAN believed to be aged in his 30s has been found dead in a house following a fight in a street in Melbourne's west.

Police were called to the house in Felicity Dr, Tarneit, just before 11pm after neighbours reported a brawl between two men that had spilled from the house onto the street.

A 35-year-old man who lives at the property has been arrested and is assisting police with their inquires.

A female aged in her 20s who stays at the address is also assisting police.

The victim, who is Victorian, did not live in the house.

Detective Sergeant Mark Hatt said the altercation was "obviously violent given that someone is deceased".

"We're still piecing together the investigation, a post-mortem will be conducted later today."

Neighbour Kristie Peel said it was a shock to have someone die next door.

"My friend was here and she said she heard two big yells, like a pained yell not a cry for help and that set my dogs off barking," Ms Peel said.

"It is really scary to find out what has gone on in the neighbourhood. It is pretty shocking, it's only two doors down."

The Homicide Squad is investigating.

More to come ...

Jessica.evans@news.com.au
 

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Man dies after house fire

AN elderly man dragged from his burning home in Geelong by neighbours has died in hospital.

The critically injured man, 88, was dragged from his bed by the neighbours after they noticed flames coming from the Alma Court property in the suburb of Newcomb just after 1am.

He was taken to Geelong Hospital with life-threatening injuries, but later died.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

CFA spokesman Craig Owston said firefighters praised the neighbours' courage.

"It’s a pretty heroic effort considering what they were confronted with," Mr Owston said.

He said firefighters brought the fire under control shortly after 2am, and there was damage to the property’s roof.

Investigators will arrive at the scene this morning to determine the cause, but it is not considered suspicious.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a suspicious house fire in Tarneit, in Melbourne’s west, last night.

Neighbours say they heard a loud explosion before the house on Leakes Rd went up in flames about 11.30pm.

Police have set up a crime scene at the house, which was unoccupied at the time of the blaze.

Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit
www.crimestoppers.com.au
 

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Hunt for men after glassing brawl

Images released by police.

POLICE have released CCTV images of men they want to speak to after a pub brawl in which two people were glassed.

Police believe a fight broke out between two groups of people inside the venue on Raleigh Rd in Maribyrnong about 11.30pm on April 20.

Up to 10 men and women were involved in the brawl, in which two men were wounded after they were struck by glass.

A Melton West man, 29, was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with a cut to his head, while a Werribee man, 31, was taken to the Western Hospital with a cut to his face.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
 

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Pedestrian dies after truck hits

A MALE pedestrian has been killed after a truck hit him in Victoria?s northeast.

The fatal accident occurred just after 9pm near Shepparton on Doyles Rd in Orrvale, police said.

It is believed the man was trying to cross the road when he was struck.

Police are still at the scene investigating.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

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New footy drug fear after NRL death

Stephen Dank denies any wrongdoing and insists the substances he provided were above board. Source: The Daily Telegraph

A PERFORMANCE-enhancing drug given to a rugby league player before his death from cancer may have been given to at least one AFL player.

Sports bodies are investigating whether the peptide CJC-1295 was given to the player, whom the Herald Sun has chosen not to name.

He is the mystery athlete originally identified alongside Essendon players as possibly having used banned drugs.

The peptide CJC-1295 is prohibited for use by athletes. It has not been approved for human use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The player is from a club that has had an association with sports scientist Stephen Dank.

NRL player Jon Mannah died in January this year.

Mr Dank is central to investigations by the AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority into whether players and coaches have been administered with substances that are dangerous or prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Mr Dank denies any wrongdoing and insists the substances he provided were above board.

CJC-1295 is promoted on bodybuilding websites as a substance that helps reduce fat and repair injured tissue.

The AFL player believed to have been given the substance has suffered a recent on-field injury.

Parramatta’s Tim Mannah makes a statement about reports his brother, Jon's, fatal cancer was accelerated by peptides.

The player's representatives did not return calls and his club declined to comment.

CJC-1295 is prohibited for use by athletes, according to WADA. It is featuring heavily in investigations into sports doping in the NRL.

Cronulla has received advice that the peptide may have accelerated the Hodgkin's lymphoma death of Cronulla Sharks prop Jon Mannah.

CJC-1295 was one of the two main peptides identified by the Australian Crime Commission's Project Aperio as being widely used.

The project was an 18-month investigation into links between organised crime, performance-enhancing drugs and sport.

The hormone GHRP-6 was the other substance said to be in wide use.

A synthetic peptide that stimulates the body's natural growth hormone production, CJC-1295 was developed to treat burns and growth disorders, and can be injected or applied as a cream.

The TGA has confirmed to the Herald Sun that it is not approved for human use.

Only six permits exist for the peptide's importation, according to the Australian Crime Commission. 

carly.crawford@news.com.au

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Woman in hospital after alleged shooting

Two men are assisting police with their inquiries. Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: FORENSIC police are examining a house in Melbourne's northwest as part of an investigation into a shooting which has left a woman critically injured

The woman, who was shot in the stomach, turned up at the Star service station on Military Rd, Avondale Heights at 9.30pm with two men, police say.

A worker at the service station said his colleague told him a man pulled up in a white ute screaming "someone's shot my girlfriend".

He said police and ambulance crews arrived within minutes.

The shot woman turned up at this service station, police say.

The woman was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital while one of the men was taken to Sunshine Hospital for observation.

He has since been released but is speaking with police.

The second man is also assisting police.

Forensics police gather evidence at the house. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Police believe the trio, all aged in their 20s, know each other.

Neighbours along Military Rd, where a crime scene has been set up at a property a couple of kilometres away from the service station, said they were too scared to talk.

However, one - who asked not to be named -  revealed that he heard "a couple of loud bangs" before heavily armed police arrived in the street.

A bullet shell outside the house in Military Rd. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A bullet shell was seen in the driveway of the house.

Meanwhile, a man is in hospital after being shot in the leg in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

The victim, aged in his 50s, was shot at a house in King St, Dallas, last night.

No arrests have been made.

The Dallas shooting is expected to be investigated by the Victoria Police armed crime taskforce.

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Airport scares after Boston bombing

A screen grab of WBZ's coverage of the incident at Boston's Logan Airport. Source: Supplied

A SECURITY incident on a passenger jet at Boston's Logan was not related to Monday's bombings, say police.

The US Federal Aviation Administration said there had been some type of security incident on a passenger jet at Boston's Logan Airport but State Police say the incident is not related to Monday's bombings, reports CBS.

US Airways Flight 1716 from Philadelphia landed at the airport and could be seen on the tarmac with what looked like luggage beside it, WBZ reported.

Spokesperson David Procopio said a piece of luggage on the plane had not been checked in Philadelphia that security wanted to look at.

Bloomberg News reported that separately the central terminal of New York's LaGuardia Airport had been evacuated due to a suspicious package. The evacuation is now over.

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Airport scares after Boston bombing

A screen grab of WBZ's coverage of the incident at Boston's Logan Airport. Source: Supplied

• Two men speaking Arabic were removed from a flight
• Security check of luggage stopped another flight
• Passengers in Chicago sent back to security screening
• Meet the faces of the marathon | Grief for young lives cut short
• Rolling coverage of Boston tragedy | Ricin letter sent to Senator

ARABIC speakers escorted off a flight by police, planes searched on the tarmac and airports evacuated as US security goes on high alert after the Boston bombings.

United States security is on high alert after two explosions ripped through the Boston Marathon killing at least three people and injuring more than 170. 

At Logan International Airport in Boston two men who were not seated together started speaking Arabic, My Fox Boston reported. That was enough to have them removed from the plane. 

"There were some concerned marathoners on the flight so the plane was brought back to the gate and the two men were escorted off the plane," My Fox reports.

Transport Safety Authorities also stopped Flight 1716 from Philadelphia on the tarmac soon after landing. The luggage was laid out piece by piece on the runway until each bag was searched and cleared. 

Federal Aviation Authority spokesman David Procopio said a piece of luggage on the plane had not been checked in Philadelphia that security wanted to inspect.

United Airways Flight 636 to Chicago was also returned to the gate and passengers were sent back through security screening at the request of the crew while the aircraft was swept.

At New York's LaGuardia Airport a terminal was evacuated following the report of two bottles full of a suspicious liquid.

"There was some concern about two bottles that were on a gate," NYPD police commissioner Ray Kelly said.

"They evacuated a terminal and then searched an airplane that went from New York to Logan Airport. It was some substance in two bottles."

Adding to the transport problems, American Airlines grounded all its aircraft due to problems with its reservation system. The system has since been restored but delays remain. 

Additional law enforcement officers have been brought in to guard famous landmarks and public places all around America. Hotels have also stepped up security, some limiting access to guests only and checking swipe cards for proof of entry.

Security officers are searching bags of passengers travelling on trains and the subway system. 

Rubbish bins have been removed from Capitol Hill while in other areas they have been taped up so nothing can be thrown inside. 

In Boston dozens of rifle-wielding police, national guard members and SWAT teams will continue to patrol the streets, particularly around the Back Bay area. 

"That area is pretty much going to be locked down," Boston Governor Deval Patrick said. "It’s not going to be easy, simple, or regular. And, I think, in most cases, people are not going to have access to that area."

US President Barack Obama has branded the Boston bombings a 'cowardly' act of terror and vowed justice.

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Five injured after car hits tree

A PERSON has been flown to hospital after a car hit a tree near Bribie Island this morning leaving five people injured.

The car hit the tree about 6.15am near the corner of Pumicestone and Donnybrook Roads in Toorbul.

One person was flown by rescue helicopter to the Princess Alexandra Hospital suffering a fractured femur while two people were taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital in a serious condition.

Two other people are being treated for minor injuries.

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Woman trapped after horror smash

A MAN has died and a woman has been airlifted to hospital after a horror collision between a truck and two cars in Melbourne's north-west this morning.

It is believed a truck carrying a trailer and two cars collided on the Gisborne-Melton Rd in Toolern Vale, 39km north-west of Melbourne's CBD near Melton, just after 9am.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bentley said a man in one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman in another car was trapped in her vehicle with serious injuries.

Emergency services flanked by three Ambulance crews attempted to extract the woman from the vehicle, while an Ambulance helicopter was on standby at the scene to transfer her to hospital.

Mr Bentley said the woman, aged in her 40s, was extracted from the vehicle just after 10am.

She was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition suffering leg injuries.

He said reports suggesting the woman was in a critical life-threatening condition were incorrect.

A CFA spokeswoman said it had taken three emergency services crews almost an hour to free the woman from the car and said emergency services would remain on site to help clear debris.

"The truck driver isn’t injured, but we believe the truck has been overturned," Mr Bentley said.

The road remains closed in both directions between Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd in Toolern Vale and Benson Rd.

Drivers are advised to use the Calder Fwy as an alternate route as emergency services work to clear the scene.

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Qantas bans ham after Emirates deal

Don't bother asking for a bacon omelette next time you are on a Qantas flight in and out of Dubai. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

DON'T expect a ham omelette on your next Qantas flight to Europe - Australia's national carrier has removed pork from its menu on the route since tying up with Middle Eastern airline Emirates.

Consumption of pork and pork products is strictly forbidden in Islam as it is considered unholy.

A note on the Qantas menus on flights in and out of Dubai states that meals do not contain pork products or alcohol, which is also forbidden in Islam.

It has also introduced a Mezze plate offering traditional Middle Eastern fare in its upper classes and has Arabic translations after in-flight announcements.

A Qantas spokesman said the move had had minimal impact on its menu and it was still offering the same meal choices.

''Qantas in-flight catering often reflects the cultural and regional influences of the international destinations we fly to,'' he said.

''On flights to and from Hong Kong and China our menus include regionally inspired dishes such as stir fries and to Singapore we have noodle options.''

Qantas also offers meals without pork and alcohol on flights to Jakarta in Indonesia, which also has a large Muslim population.

Several other airlines which fly from Australia to the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia don't serve pork either.

Virgin Australia does not serve pork on flights to and from Abu Dhabi and all meals that are prepared are halal accredited, with meat prepared in a way prescribed by Islamic law.

The Qantas ham ban comes as other airlines - in the wake of the Qantas-Emirates merger - jostle for market share by aggressively discounting fares from Australia to Europe.

British Airways enlisted Mick Jagger's daughter, model Georgia May Jagger, to promote its discounted fares from $1777 to the UK via Singapore.

Emirates competitor Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad has return fares to Manchester or London from $1727 including taxes.

Virgin was also promoting discounted fares to London out of Sydney ($1845) and Brisbane ($1869) this week.

Qantas passengers heading to any European city now fly via Dubai instead of Singapore, as they did under the airline's previous longstanding partnership with British Airways.

Qantas fares to London were yesterday listed around $1900 out of most capital cities - still around $100 more than it's new partner Emirates is advertising.

What's on the menu

Economy

Chicken Blanquette with Spinach Linguine and Carrots

Spinach and Ricotta Quiche with Tomato and Mushroom Ragout

Business

Chicken Schnitzel and Swiss Cheese Toasted Sandwich with Coleslaw

Big bowl of Soup au Pistou with Beef and Orzo Pasta

Pan Fried Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi with Ratatouille Vegetablesand Parmesan

Seared Sea Bass with Braised Fennel, Warm Zucchini Salad and Romesco Sauce

Braised Arabian Lamb with Spiced Almond Rice, Artichokes and Capsicum

Green Leaf Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Pensioners punted after threat to child

TWO disability pensioners will be evicted from their Brisbane community housing unit within a month after a tribunal found one of them had threatened to assault a child in the complex.

Brisbane Housing Company manager Teresa Bargo told Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal other residents of the Kelvin Grove units were scared of Todd Hill, who lives there with his partner Tracey Austin.

In a sworn statement to QCAT a female tenant alleged Mr Hill, 40, had threatened to smash in her 13-year-old son's head and had caused them both "grief and havoc".

She alleged on February 20 Mr Hill also threatened to damage her car.

BHC housing manager Teresa Bargo told QCAT adjudicator Bevan Hughes that last week the woman's car was scratched and gouged with a key. Police were called, but no one was charged.

Another tenant made a sworn statement alleging Mr Hill had barged into her unit one night uninvited, just after her daughter had left, the tribunal heard.

Ms Bargo told the tribunal BHC had been forced to move a tenant into crisis care in an emergency eviction after Mr Hill made threats, banged on her door and threw eggs.

Mr Hughes found, on the balance of probabilities, that the alleged violent incidents had occurred and he said the child had to be protected from violence.

Ms Austin, 39, who appeared on behalf of Mr Hill, denied he was violent or had harassed tenants.

She said they had been homeless in Sydney before getting their $268 a week Kelvin Grove "affordable" community housing unit in 2010.

"We will be homeless if we are kicked out now. We've got nowhere to go," she said.

After weighing up "more than one incident of violence" against tenants, including the child, and the risk of the couple being left homeless, Mr Hughes ordered the couple to leave the unit by May 6.

BHC has offered to help the couple get public housing, with assistance from a support agency.

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All-clear given after chemical factory fire

A CHEMICAL plant housing "dangerous goods" has been damaged by fire in Melbourne's north overnight.

Up to 10 trucks remain at the factory in Merola Way, Campbellfield, after the blaze started about 10.55pm.

The factory is an industrial waste plant that deals handles hazardous and industrial chemicals.

A witness reported flames and smoke were billowing from the ceiling of the factory.

Authorities do not yet know what "dangerous goods" could be inside the building.

MFB fire services communications controller Keith Robinson said a community warning was issued at 12.09am as crews battled the blaze.

“There was placarding on the outside indicating there were miscellaneous dangerous goods present.

“(But) it was brought under control at about 1.17am and an all-clear message was given at 4.09am with just a watch and duty on the premises.

“With the al- clear message it’s no longer a concern to the community.”

Mr Robinson said overnight crews had not yet confirmed the nature of the "dangerous goods" believed to be inside the building.

“That will be determined when fire investigators get to see what was involved. They will be attending the scene in the morning,” Mr Robinson said.

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Shots fired at tattoo parlour after threats

The Inside Outside Body Art tattoo shop was shot at on Wednesday night on the Sunshine Coast. The owners Michael Erlenmaier and Kerstin Limpke believe it was bikies trying to scare them off. Picture: Slade Megan Source: The Courier-Mail

SHOTS fired at a Sunshine Coast tattoo business overnight were an act of intimidation, its owners say.

Jeweller Michael Erlenmaier and his tattoo artist partner Kerstin Limpke say they have received threats from "biker gangs" in recent weeks.

Mr Erlenmaier said that since moving their Inside Outside Bodyart shop from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba, four weeks ago, the pressure had increased.

"We have been intimidated by biker gangs," he said.

"We received phone calls and two weeks ago they rocked up at the shop and told us they don't want us to do business.

The Inside Outside Body Art tattoo shop was shot at on Wednesday night on the Sunshine Coast. The owners Michael Erlenmaier and Kerstin Limpke believe it was bikies trying to scare them off. Picture: Slade Megan

"I told them: 'I will do my business'. Now we have had two bullets fired in our shop window.

"I am German. Since coming to Australia one-and-a-half years ago, I have noticed that bikers seem to run these businesses. They don't want anyone else to have anything to do with tattoo businesses."

Mr Erlenmaier said he wanted the public to know he and his partner were not affiliated with any groups.

"We are independent artists from Europe. People should know this," he said.

CRIME: Inside Outside Body Art at Sunshine Coast was shot at on Wednesday night. Picture: Slade Megan

Police say the incident occurred about 3.25am.

A man rode up to the front of the shop, located under a Mooloolaba resort, on a bicycle.

He paused and then pulled out a firearm and fired it at the window of the tattoo parlour.

Police say they have viewed security footage of the act.

• Anyone who saw a man riding a pushbike at the time of the incident on Brisbane Rd is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Dereel rallies after bushfire damage

Volunteers helping out at the recovery centre set up in the Dereel Community Hall. Picture: Andrew Brownbill Source: Herald Sun

A WEEK after a bushfire raged through the region, the community of Dereel has come together to look after its own.

Several families in the Golden Plains town faced the Easter weekend without a single possession, all taken by the 13,000ha blaze.

"This is important and we're all banding together, working together and supporting each other," CFA volunteer and Dereel resident Kim Stanley-Eyles said yesterday.

"There are families who have lost everything so we know it's not a quick fix, it won't be fixed in a week.

"We have so much in terms of donations and goodwill not just from the local community but right across this half of Victoria.

"Some people have lost animals, which to them is devastating; some have lost their livelihood.

"There are local fencing people who just want to help other people but they have no tools left."

CFA volunteer Kim Stanley-Eyles shares a hug the Dereel Community Hall. Picture: Andrew Brownbill Source: Herald Sun

The timing of the fire could not have been worse, coming right at the end of the fire season when fuel loads were at their highest levels, and just days before the long Easter break.

At the recovery centre set up in the Dereel Community Hall, clothes, food, stock feed and household goods fill the tables.

A community barbecue will be held tomorrow at the hall to thank the CFA, volunteers and others involved in the response and recovery effort.

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Man, baby injured after boat flips

The capsized boat involved in the Gold Coast accident. Pic: Channel 7 Source: Supplied

A BABY and 60-year-old man have been taken to hospital after they were among five people thrown from a boat which capsized on the Gold Coast.

Both were left injured and bleeding after the timber speedboat flipped in the middle the Nerang River between the Isle of Capri and Surfers Paradise about 12.15pm on Good Friday.

The 18-month-old baby girl was plucked to safety by a jet-skier while other boaties rushed to the rescue of the other passengers.

Richie Cunningham was putting his new power boat in the water at an Isle of Capri boat ramp when they heard screaming and saw the drama unfolding. He and two friends sped across the river and dragged the injured man to safety.

Police and witnesses at scene of Gold Coast boat accident. Pic: Greg Stolz

"The boat wasn't able to negotiate the wash, tipped over and all of the occupants of the boat (were) in the water," Mr Cunningham said.

"The baby was bleeding from the head and the older gent had a deep laceration on his leg. It might have been a propeller strike, it's hard to say, but he's had a knock there.

"Someone had the baby on a jet ski very quickly but the older gent was in the water saying he wasn't able to swim. We lifted him on to the low platform on the back of the boat and brought him back to shore as we waited for an ambulance."

Police and witnesses at scene of Gold Coast boat accident. Pic: Greg Stolz

Mr Cunningham said the boat passengers were 'very shaken up'.

"They're clearly shocked," he said.

"The elderly gent had both his legs dressed and the baby and him have gone off to hospital in the ambulance."

A Department of Emergency Services spokeswoman said the injuries did not appear serious and both victims were alert when paramedics arrived.

The man and baby were taken to Gold Coast Hospital in a stable condition, she said.

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