Huge recovery for worker injured in horrific farm accident

A 'quiet, community' man who severed both his arms last month is facing more surgeries after the tragic accident at Ballandean.

Country Farm Fresh Mushrooms at Ballandean. A worker who had his arms severed at the site continues to recover in hospital. Picture: Matthew Purcell

THE long road to recovery is under way for Jennings man Chris Leamy, who was involved in a horrific workplace incident last month.

Mr Leamy had both arms severed in a shocking accident after they were caught in a machine at Country Farm Fresh Mushrooms in Ballandean on June 17.

The 40-year-old was airlifted to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.

And while he is still in hospital facing a long recovery, he has been moved to Greenslopes and is no longer considered critical.

Employer Neil Newman told the Stanthorpe Border Post that Mr Leamy still had more surgeries to come.

The incident shocked the small Jennings and Ballandean communities.

Following the accident, Mr Leamy's brothers flew in from New Zealand and the US to be by his side.

Last Thursday evening a meeting was held in Ballandean, with community members rallying to organise a fundraiser to support Mr Leamy.

"The Wallangarra/ Jennings Progress Association and Ballandean Hall and Sports Club have got their heads together to set up a fundraising event for Chris," Ballandean Hall committee member Graham Parker said.

"It's early stages but we're thinking probably a live music event. Get some of the local bands/musicians and do something down at Ballandean Soccer Club.

"At this point in time we're just getting together to agree on the direction we want to go in."

A call from Wallangarra resident Brendan Cusack to Mr Parker set the ball in motion.

"He told me the association down there had got together to see what they could do and wanted to see if the Ballandean community would be supportive of it," he said.

Mr Leamy's brothers flew to be by his side from New Zealand and the US.

"They seem supportive of our efforts," Mr Parker said.

"He's a pretty private sort of guy (Chris).

"He does a bit in the community but does it quietly behind the scenes.

"He's suffered pretty life-changing injuries and as he integrates back into the community, if that's what he wants to do, he needs to know the community will be supportive."

Originally published as Huge recovery for worker injured in horrific farm accident