The latest from the Daily News' Editor's Desk
SWIMMING was on our minds as we launch campaign to #SaveOurSchookids.
Warwick
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SWIMMING was on our minds this week.
Not only because of the hot weather we've been having (which has now been well and truly washed out) but because of our state drastically lacking behind on swimming education.
Along with 45 other newspapers and the backing of major swimming bodies, we started a campaign to call on the state government to commit to compulsory swim and water safety lessons in Queensland primary schools.
Queensland is the only state without school-based programs and legendary swim coach Laurie Lawrence said it was "ludicrous" our children are not taught to swim.
The Daily News hit the pavement to find out what Warwick schools were doing to keep our kids safe in the water.
What we found was promising, with one school recently renovating their 25 metre lap pool while the P&C at another personally fundraise to fund swimming lessons.
But without compulsory lessons, one Warwick expert said children could be in great danger and have little chance if they fall in the water.
While swimming was under the microscope, the actions of a truck driver on Anzac Day 2014 were also being given close attention this week.
The trial for Geoffrey Joseph Sleba started at Warwick District Court. He has been accused of committing a fatal hit and run, which killed cyclist Dr Martin Pearson. The doctor's widow took to the stand to talk about the day her husband was killed as well as Sleba's employee who noticed his boss' truck was damaged around the time Dr Pearson was killed.
A sentence was also handed down to a Warwick teen who admitted raping his 7-year-old niece during the sittings and a man who twice choked his teenage girlfriend.
Business in Warwick seems to be booming, with news breaking this week that ground is about to be broken at a new shopping hub. A new mum has also decided to start her own day care centre and fresh owners of a long-running Warwick business have given it a makeover.
One of our best motels in Warwick also won an impressive accolade, proving the chance the owners took buying the business has well and truly paid off.
For a happy start to the weekend, we learned the beloved Irene O'Leary would be celebrating her 100th birthday on Monday.
Happy birthday Irene!
Have a great weekend,
Kerri
Originally published as The latest from the Daily News' Editor's Desk
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