Rock ’n roll Council bus driver Mike Winkworth battling serious injuries after crash
A Council bus driver seriously injured after a night-time crash at a busy southside intersection could spend months in hospital and take even longer to get back on stage as a rock ’n roll performer.
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A Council bus driver seriously injured after a night-time crash at a busy southside intersection could spend months in hospital and take even longer to get back on stage as a rock ’n roll performer.
Mike Winkworth was badly injured in the crash on July 7 which occurred when his bus slammed into a concrete barrier at the Kessels and Mains roads intersection in MacGregor.
The crash happened about 8pm and Mr Winkworth had to be cut from the wreckage.
He was trapped for more than 30 minutes and then rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, while seven of the 12 passengers were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
A music scene friend posted that it could be three months before he was out of hospital and even longer before he returned to the stage as a performer.
Mr Winkworth previously worked as a youth counsellor and in other roles including bus driving, but his real passion was music.
At one stage he toured nationally with country music legend Lee Conway as well as with various tribute shows.
“I went to watch him sing on Sunday and was in shock when told it was him,’’ a woman who shared a GoFundMe page set up for Mr Winkworth posted.
“He sings at Algester Sports Club — a really talented man.
“He is in a bad way and will be in hospital for at least three more months.’’
Johnny Veen Enterprises, another tribute show company, started the GoFundMe page for their friend and colleague.
“Mike will be in hospital for quite some time and then he will have to go through extensive rehabilitation to help with his recovery,’’ they wrote on the page.
“Mike and his family finally moved into their new home about eight months ago after some long delays due to the after effects of Covid in the building industry.
“To help make payments to the new home, Mike had taken on a second job driving buses for the Brisbane Council in between still working with his true love and passion — entertaining the public throughout southeast Queensland and northern NSW.
“Mike has been told that his recovery will be at least three months, but knowing some of the injuries it may be quite some time more before Mike is performing back on stage once again.
“Whilst we can’t help Mike with the pain and frustrations that he may go through in his recovery over the next few months, it would be nice if we can all bond together and help Mike, Julianna and the family get through these tough times.
“We can’t wait to see him back on stage, where he belongs, performing for all of us once again soon.’’
Mr Winkworth performed in the Legends of Rock n’ Roll Tribute Show, the Roy Orbison Tribute Show and many others.
A successful CD release and national airplay prompted many Australian tours.
After the CD was met with interest in Europe and the UK he moved to South Africa for a year, playing at major venues and corporate events as well as a UK tour, before returning to Australia.
About $1700 has so far been raised toward the $10,000 target.
If you can donate click here.
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