Surf Tragedy
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday March 17, 1999
Two women drowned and a man was taken to hospital yesterday after getting into trouble in the surf on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Paramedic Paul Shaw said the man in his early 40s was taken to Nambour General Hospital suffering from exhaustion after almost drowning in surf at Discovery Beach.
Mr Shaw said the man told him he was standing on a sandbank which gave way.
The two women, one aged in her 30s or early 40s and the other an elderly woman believed to be in her 60s, died at the scene.
Health option
The Australian Democrats yesterday left open the possibility of supporting higher premiums for people who join private health funds late in life.
But the Democrats want to see details before deciding whether to back the measure and have accused the Federal Government of being obsessed with helping the private health insurance industry.
Knife threat
A man threatened staff at Warrawong Pizza Haven with a knife last night before escaping on foot with cash.
Wearing a mask and armed with a fishing knife the man entered the King St outlet just after 7.30pm.
Police said the man had a red beard and closely cropped hair and was wearing a green jacket.
Ten police officers searched the area but failed to find the thief.
© 1999 Illawarra Mercury
