Pialba tavern assault: Dundowran Beach critical after being kicked in head

A man fighting for his life after being kicked in the head outside a Hervey Bay pub on Sunday night has been transferred to a Brisbane Hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault of the man.

A man fighting for his life after being kicked in the head outside a Hervey Bay pub on Sunday night has been transferred to a Brisbane hospital. The Dundowran Beach man, 50, remains in a critical condition with head wounds, a police spokeswoman said.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault.

Officers say a disturbance broke out in the car park of the Bay Central Tavern on Boat Harbour Drive at 10.30pm, where the man was kicked in the head by another man, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.

The other man fled on foot, police said.

The 50-year-old was rushed to the Hervey Bay Hospital for treatment in a critical condition.

Police have established a crime scene and investigators would like to speak with the other man involved, or anyone with information regarding his identity.

Queensland has recorded a massive spike in violent crime with the number of assaults rising by more than 12,000 in a year and police say there is one main reason behind the surge.

Bay Central Tavern. Photo: Cody Fox

New Queensland Police figures show that the state recorded 39,300 offences of assault last year – the highest figure in at least 20 years – up almost 50 per cent on the figures for 2020.

The Wide Bay-Burnett region has had almost 2100 assaults, more than the Sunshine Coast which has had 1677.

Authorities say the sharp rise has not been driven by an increase in crime – but rather a new approach to the way police are reporting domestic and family violence (DFV) offences.

Bay Central Tavern. Photo: Cody Fox

If you have information for police on the Pialba assault, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.