Banksia Bulletin August 2024

Page 1


THE BANKSIA BULLETIN

Regular happenings and contacts

From the Editor

THE PASSION SHEET

HOURS

MONDAY - THURSDAY

8:30am 12:30pm 1:30pm—5:00pm

FRIDAY

8:30am 12:00pm

VISITING

PROFESSIONALS

Female GP

Dr Irene Dolan 21st & 22nd August

Dietitian & Diabetes

Educator

Laura Nairn 5th August

Psychologist

Carol Deppe 7th August

Podiatrist

Rachel Mitchell 2nd, 16th & 30th August

Audiologist

Michael Segal 6th August

OTHER SERVICES

OFFERED

• Health Assessments

• Skin Checks

• Flu Clinics

• Immunisations/Vaccinations

• Diabetes Management

• Pathology

• Preventative Medicine

• Chronic Illness Care Plans

• Antenatal Care

• Health Checks/Medical Reports

• PATS Patient Assisted Travel Scheme Applications

• Iron infusions

• Skin cancer removal procedures

Quairading Medical Practice

19 Harris Street

PO Box 125 Quairading WA 6383

PHONE: 9645 1210 FAX: 9645 1066

DR. JACK YAP ON LEAVE

Dr Yap will be away, and will not be available for appointments on the following dates:

Monday 29th July

Friday 2nd August

Friday 9th August

Monday 9th September

VISITING WOMENS HEALTH FEMALE GP

QMP is pleased to Welcome visiting Female GP, Dr. Irene Dolan to the team. Irene has replaced Dr. Ellie Brusasco who has now retired from medicine. Irene will be visiting the practice 2 days per month and specialises in female health issues. To make an appointment with Irene, please contact our friendly Reception team. Welcome Irene!

PATIENT SMS REMINDERS

We have now commenced using SMS text messages to provide patients with appointment and clinical reminders . If you wish to receive these reminders, please see our Admin team who will set this up for you.

MEDICARE and CENTRELINK CARDS

A friendly reminder to please bring your Medicare card and any Centrelink concession card to your appointments. This assists our Admin team to keep your information current and updated.

**When arriving for appointments, please advise our Admin team if you are experiencing any Cold or Flu symptoms. Please wear a face mask**

POSITION VACANT

Quairading Medical Practice is seeking a talented & motivated Practice Nurse to join our team on a Full-time basis (Part-time will be considered for the right applicant), who shares our vision to provide high quality health services, and to continually improve health outcomes for the Quairading community.

Attractive Salary + subsidised Family Housing available

Supportive team working environment

Flexible Hours

Role and Tasks will include (but not limited to):

Monitor & process patient Recalls & Reminders

Provide Chronic Disease Management & conduct Health Assessments

Provide wound care & management

Collection of pathology samples

Administer Immunisations & Vaccinations

Cold Chain management

Monitor stock levels & order medical supplies & vaccines

Coordinate infection control

Provide patient education

For further information, and a detailed job description, please contact the Practice Manager by phoning (08) 9645 1210, or by email manager@qmpwa.com.au

Applications close 31st July (unless position is filled prior)

Visiting Women’s Health Female GP - Dr. Irene Dolan

21 & 22 August 2024

18 & 19 September 2024

27 & 28 November 2024

19 & 20 February 2025

** October, December & January - No Female GP clinic **

NB This service is free to patients. Funding is provided from Rural Health West and the Department of Health.

COMBINED PEST CONTROL WA

Website: www.combinedpc.com.au

Contact: Ross or Bianca

Phone: 0438 375 146

Email: office@combinedpc.com.au

BANKSIA BULLETIN DEADLINES

September Edition: Tuesday 27 August, 12pm

October Edition: Tuesday 24 September, 12pm

November Edition: Tuesday 22 October, 12pm

December Edition: Tuesday 26 November, 12pm

January Edition: Tuesday 17th December, 12pm

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is interested to hear about your experience with telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

For more information about the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review, visit rtirc.gov.au - thanks for taking the time to have your say.

DIGGING DOCKER

GERMAN BEER

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD AVAILABLE ALL DAY STALLS GAMES

SHACK-TOBERFEST

OCTOBER

5TH 2024

COME TO SHACKLETON FOR ALL THE FUN!! FROM 3PM ONWARDS

BRATWURST EATING COMPETITION, STEIN CARRYING COMPETITION, KEG CARRYING RACES, GERMAN BEER, LIVE MUSIC, STALLS, BOUNCY CASTLE FOR THE KIDS, PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED MALE & FEMALE.

18+ Event from 6pm onwards

TICKETS $50 EACH ONLY 100 TICKETS AVAILABLE SO GET IN QUICK SPONSORED BY

The Nationals visit Quairading!

On Monday 24th June, the endorsed Nationals WA candidate for Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter, and current Member for Central Wheatbelt, Mia Davies MLA visited Quairading for a look around and to discuss various issues with the community ahead of the 2025 State Election here’s some photos from their visit.

Dear families and friends,

Welcome to Term 3! We have so much going on, as always, and look forward to seeing all students attending as often as possible.

If you child is unwell or absent for any reason, please do let us know via phone, email or by replying to the text message you receive regarding absences.

We will have lots of sporting opportunities throughout the term and always welcome families to spectate and support the students.

Next Tuesday is an early close day to allow for parent/teacher meetings. School will finish at 12.10pm, please call the office to organise time to meet with your child's teachers.

We have some student achievements showcased further on in the newsletter. If your child has any achievements outside of school then let us know! We love to celebrate with them.

Until next time, take care

Jo Mills, School Officer

Date changes for Term 3

Please note the following changes to the term planner for term 3:

Year 7/8 Assembly - Friday 2nd August

Faction Cross Country - Friday 9th August

Staff Development Day (pupil free day) - Monday 19th August

Triple P Positive Parenting Program

The Triple P and Child and Parent Centre teams will continue to offer a series of free online workshops for parents and carers this term, open to families across the state. The first session will commence next week. These sessions were offered in response to increased demand for online programs and to assist parents in accessing Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) in schools without a trained provider. The scheduled workshops will be particularly relevant to families with children transitioning to Kindergarten and secondary school.

Workshops this term include:

• Healthy screentime habits (pre-schoolers and primary schoolers)

• Expressing feelings without aggression (preschoolers)

• Making and keeping friends (10-16 years)

• Raising competent teenagers (10-16 years)

• The power of positive parenting (under 12 years)

• Promoting self-esteem (pre-schoolers, primary schoolers and teens)

• Learning to separate (toddlers and preschoolers)

• Fear-Less: Supporting children with anxiety (614 years)

• Learning to use the toilet (toddlers and preschoolers)

Please visit https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au for more information and to register.

Farewell Mrs Kylie Squiers

After 26 years of teaching at Quairading DHS, Mrs Squiers has taken on a new role at Cunderdin Ag College.

We wish her all the best and thank her for her dedication, cheerful spirit and support of QDHS staff and students. We will miss you!

Reaching for the stars - Go Maali!

An update on Maali Hayden's basketball journey... Maali recently attended a 5 day basketball camp with Binar at Leonora. There were over 60 children attending. Maali played with the under 14s girls, won the under 10s mixed champion and also played the under 12s girls grand final (losing by only 7 points). Maali was awarded the under 12s Junior Sportsmanship Award (similar to fairest and best). Phew - we're exhausted for you Maali! Congratulations!

Congratulations to the recipients of Certificates of Excellence and Citizenship for term 2

Congratulation Ruby, Florence & Mrs Wilson! Big congratulations to Ruby Duncan and her loyal steed, Lester, on their first place win in the 45cm class at the Kellerberrin Two Day Event held during the holidays.

The Wilsons made it a family affair with second place ribbons going to Florence in the 45cm class and Mrs Emma Wilson in the open 45cm class.

Who knows?! Maybe we're seeing future Olympians in the making.

Free Internet Access for Eligible Families

The Australian Government School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is offering free home internet for eligible families with school-aged students until 31 December 2025.

To be eligible, families must:

· have no active broadband service

· have a device capable of accessing the internet

· live in premises where they can access a standard NBN service

· have a child living at home who is enrolled in an Australian school.

The free broadband starts from the day the service is activated with a participating internet provider. Families will not be placed on a paid service by the internet provider at the end of the free service without consent.

For more information and a list of participating internet providers, visit NBN Co School Student Broadband Initiative or call 1800 626 269.

If you think you are eligible and want to selfnominate for the free broadband offer:

· call the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm Australian Eastern Daylight-saving Time)

· visit the School Student Broadband Initiative website.

For technical support in more than 100 regional and remote communities throughout Western Australia, contact your local Community Resource Centre.

Kindergarten enrolments for 2025

If you have a child who will turn 4 by the 30th June 2025, they are eligible to enrol in Kindy for 2025. Please drop in to the school office to pick up an enrolment form and go on our mailing list to be part of several orientation events held later this year.

These are very trying and challenging times for some of us as decisions being made by Governments, costs still rising and the year still an uncertainty as to what mother nature will do. The resulting stressors that occur will vary for each of us as we respond in our own way. So, I thought it would be good to suggest how we recognise and be aware when our adverse thoughts begin to take over our ability to reason effectively.

Our brains always look for solutions to problems. We sometimes come up with stories and quick fixes which may not be overly helpful. This sometimes results in negative thoughts. These negative thoughts begin taking us over, becoming our reality. The stories our minds come up with are called ”cognitions”. These cognitions can be beliefs, ideas, attitudes, assumptions, judgements of self and others and more. When these thoughts catch us, they can put us into a self-defeating pattern of behaviour. We are wired to look for negatives and must actively make a choice to see there are alternative positives. If we look for negatives, we will easily find them. If we look for positives, we will find them to.

Stories your mind may tell you can be about judgements, what you tell yourself about yourself and others. Such as “I can never do anything right”. Giving reasons why I just can’t or shouldn’t do certain things. Looking to the future with dread and doubts as your mind reminds you of something such as a mistake or painful event that has happened in your past. We become fused with our thoughts. How do we diffuse ourselves from these thoughts?

Pushing our negatives away, down or ignoring them may be a quick fix but in the long term that is all. The thoughts will come back. We can ‘press pause’ on our thoughts. We can’t switch off our thoughts forever but how can we respond in a more positive way? What is another more positive take on this thought.

Acknowledge why you are having this thought. Become curious why this thought is affecting you in this way. This thought and emotion is in the here and now but is the thought actually my reality? What I feel might happen hasn’t yet happened. But why am I having this negative thought. For example, I’m having negative feelings and thoughts because of the uncertainty of this year so far. This Uncertainty results in some justifiable concerns. But I’m doing what I can and doing my best with what I can personally control. I can’t control the weather or interest rate hikes. But I’m also aware of why I’m concerned.

We all have challenges, and we react in our own way. Our friend’s family and others also have their own challenges. Recently the keep the sheep movement has shown how by doing what we can to support each other does raise spirits and does reinforce how supporting each other strengthens our ability to cope. The issue has not gone away but the ability to feel we are doing our best and what we can enhances our ability to cope.

Being true to who we know we really are is challenging and requires awareness of how our thoughts can influence our beliefs. Being able to pause and question our feelings is also hard, sometimes to hard. But acknowledging your body and mind telling you ‘This is to hard right now’ is also the time to ask for help, the expert on how you feel is yourself. So please reach out, seek help, phone someone or talk to someone. Remember you are valued by those who love you.

Roger Hitchcock

Counsellor & Community Representative West Australia based in Narrogin Rural Aid Australia

M: 0460 310 661 |P: 07 3153 4656 |E: roger.hitchcock@ruralaid.org.au Head Office : 1300 327 624 / Mental Health and Counselling Line 1300 175 594

In May, Kysaiah Pickett made a special trip back to his Western Australian home of Quairading.

Jul 9, 2024, 1:01pm

TWO hours east of Perth lies a small town of around 600 people.

Named Quairading, the town is on the land of the Ballardong Noongar people and sits within what is known as the Wheatbelt of Western Australia.

Coming from the Noongar word Kwirading, which means the home of the bush kangaroo, Quairading is the town in which Kysaiah Pickett’s family resides.

It may be small in size but Quairading holds a large space in the heart of the Melbourne forward, who has fond memories of growing up around family and friends, surrounded by love and community.

“I grew up there, all my family live there, my mom's side of the family, my mom, my nanna,” Kysaiah said.

“I learned how to play footy there actually, and basically did all my primary schooling there before I moved over to Adelaide.

That's probably where most of my favourite memories

are.”

“I had a lot of friends, a lot of my family members were going to school with me.

“To see my family, my mum, my nanna, my little sisters, that's why I love it.”

Kysaiah has spent many hours in and around Quairading with friends and family over the years,

from pre-seasons running along the road to the Toapin Weir to campfires at his Nanna’s.

But no visit has been quite as special as his most recent in May.

Having welcomed his first-born baby Belleny with partner Ardu in April, the three made the long 3,000km trip to the Western Australian town to introduce their new baby girl to the family.

“Going back home is always pretty special for myself, it’s my relaxing place,” Kysaiah said.

“But this time it was extra special just because I got to bring my little baby Belleny back home with me.”

“Belleny being in my life - it brings a purpose in a whole different way.

“I get to watch her grow, and I get to teach her my values.”

Having created a family of his own in Melbourne, Kysaiah was eager to share this family with the one he grew up in.

While the trip was set to be a heartwarming time for him and Ardu, he also chose to generously share it with four other important people within his life - Simon Goodwin (Senior Coach), Shane McAdam (AFL player), Clayton Oliver (AFL player), and Matt Whelan (Indigenous Projects Officer).

The group began their journey on a Thursday, flying the four hours to Perth, four days prior to Melbourne’s game against West Coast.

On the Friday, they jumped in three cars to begin the two-hour ride to Quairading.

After a few hours in the car, roadworks making the journey a bit longer than expected, the group arrived in town to a flurry of overjoyed family.

“Just being back home with [Belleny] and seeing my family meet her, it was very special, very warming,” Kysaiah said.

From aunties to cousins, Belleny was introduced to countless delighted family members, including Nanna Christine, one of the most influential people in Kysaiah’s life.

Seeing the people that helped raise him, meeting the family he has created for himself in Melbourne, it was a moment that the 23-year-old would remember for years to come.

In what was an intimate and memorable time for Kysaiah and his family, Simon was overwhelmed with gratitude to be invited in on the special experience.

“To see how proud Kozzy is to go back to his community, but the joy to see him taking little Belleny,” Goodwin said.

“He

wants to engage her back into the community as well, back to her family and the first time that they got a chance to see her, it was really incredible to watch.”

“All the different family members coming over and sharing the joy of their first chance to see Belleny.”

Kysaiah showed the group around the pockets of town that held the most meaning to him, visiting

his “favourite” school where he spent four years learning alongside his cousins.

After a couple hours of reconnecting, it was time for them to travel the 8kms out of town to visit the Toapin Weir – a place with plenty of special memories for Kysaiah, his family and the Quairading community.

The Weir is a swimming place for those within the community to gather, feel safe, enjoy each other’s company.

“We’d come out here to swim a lot of the time, heaps of barbecues, I’ve walked out a few times, rode out here, I ran out here the last couple of pre -seasons,” Kysaiah said.

“[I have] heaps of memories here.

“It’s a special place for me, so bringing the boys, taking them swimming, walking up the top, it was definitely bringing back a lot of memories.”

To get to the water, visitors have to walk up a short but steep hill, one that Kysaiah’s Nanna hadn’t been able to manage in recent years.

However, Clayton didn’t see that as an issue, ready to piggy-back her up the hill to be amongst the group, much to delight of Nanna and those watching along in laughter.

Once at the water’s edge, thanks to Clayton, Nanna spoke fondly of the swimming spot and her memories of it over the years.

“When he was a little boy, they used to come up with all the other big kids, we’d sit there in the sun while they were swimming,” she said.

“This was the main swimming place for everybody in the community.”

Simon joined Nanna in sitting by the water, holding Belleny and taking in the surroundings of the Weir, with Kysaiah, Clayton and Shane joining the local kids backflipping into the water.

He reflected on being welcomed with open arms into what was such a powerful place for the Quairading community.

“You could just see how much that place meant to the whole community and Kozzy’s family especially,” Simon said.

“That was their place where they could go and enjoy themselves and be together as one.”

“That's what it’s all about. It's about that belonging piece, having places to be together and feel safe.”

Next on the group’s itinerary for the day was visiting a place that was particularly important to Kysaiah’s Nanna and Pop.

A small area 14kms outside town is Yoting, where his grandparents lived just 50 odd years ago.

“To my family, Yoting is a special place because my nanna, my pop and basically his whole family grew up out there,” Kysaiah said.

It was here that the group was privileged to hear from Nanna and the many stories she held close to her heart.

Nanna, the custodian of family tales from years gone by, shared the memories of living in Yoting and what it was like living as an Aboriginal person in Australia at that time.

“We used to live by candle. We’d go to town, do our groceries, and come back,” she said.

“You’d have to be out of town by 6pm.”

Unable to live in town due to laws within WA at the time, Nanna and Pop would walk the 14km along the train track into town to grab groceries, with the aim to leave Quairading by 6pm, to escape the risk of being arrested due to restrictions.

“For my Nanna to tell the stories she did and the way she told them, they really touched me because it's pretty freaky to actually think that the world used to be like that,” Kysaiah said.

“So, I'm pretty lucky that everything has changed now, but I guess I'm grateful as well.”

Throughout the entirety of the day spent in Quairading, it was clear the impact Nanna had on the community as a whole, but in particular on Kysaiah and his family.

She helped raise him into the person he is today, and is his guiding light through life.

“She's taught me basically everything I know and moulded me into the person I am today,” Kysaiah said.

“I'm pretty proud that I still get to spend a lot of time with her, and just being with her makes me very happy.”

“I love spending time with her.”

Simon was touched to get the opportunity to listen and learn off such an influential person in so many people’s lives.

“Nan's a really special person in the family, and that was evident really quickly - how important Nanna is to Kozzy’s family,” Simon said.

“The pride that she has for her family and the pride that she has in the community.

“The environment, the belonging that she's created and been a part of creating.

“You could see that at Yoting, you could see that at the Weir, she was the person that a lot of people relied on, and she was the one that brought everyone together as one.”

The group finished the day at the Quairading Junior Football Club sharing stories and eating the traditional food prepared and cooked by friends and family.

As everyone sat together, it was as clear as ever that Kysaiah’s connection to his family was incredibly strong.

There was an overwhelming sense of pride visible on the 23-year-old’s face, sharing his Melbourne family with those in Quairading and having the opportunity to come together as one.

“My family, they're very connected,” he said.

“Everyone loves getting around each other, they love being in each other's company.”

Family and the importance of this safe environment with loved ones is a takeaway that Simon resonated with most from the journey.

He emphasised his appreciation on being involved in the special day and the lessons he’ll walk away with for the future.

“I learned a lot about the importance of family, the importance of having a place where you belong, the importance of safety in your environment, and the importance of sharing with one another,” Simon said.

“They're all lessons from one day of being involved in their community and family and things that hopefully I can take in to my family.”

s

Quairading Photo Club

PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS

July: GOLD Russell (BEN @ TREVI FOUNTAIN ROME)

July: SILVER Geoff (GRANDDAUGHTERS LOOKING AT EACH OTHER)

July: BRONZE Russell (GENE STONE @ 2024 ANZAC DAY)

Last month’s subject was “SIDE PROFILE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH”. We had interesting photos of humans and also pet dogs entered in the competition for this subject.

The Photo Club was started by Apryl Longford 16 years ago, during that time we have had nearly 200 monthly subjects. Members have entered lots of portrait photos in our monthly competition more than any other type of photo, as a portrait pic can sometimes still abide for what is our monthly subject. These portrait pics have ranged from full body portraits taken on every angle to snap that creative pic to extreme close up headshots. However this was the first time we had a dedicated style of portrait pic that had to be just a side on profile only. Learning about handy hints for this style of portrait then lead onto some really interesting information about the human face. Portrait photographs of people taken front on is two dimensional and creates a flattened view of a persons face. Taking a pic from the right or left hand side only is all about capturing the full contour of a face. We sometimes joke that one side of your face can be more attractive and photogenic than the other side. My left side is my good side - no wait don’t take the pic just yet - I think maybe my best side is my right side, I want my profile portrait pic to be taken only on my best side!!

It is actually a fact that one side of your face is more photogenic than the other side profile and will exude more grace and abiding beauty than the other side. Finding out which side of your face is more photogenic than the other can be a fun and personal journey. Taking selfies with your mobile phone can help see how you look from different angles and then you can pick your preference of what side of your face you like the best. It is said, that if someone takes lots of selfie pics and is a king or queen of taking pics of themselves with their mobile phone, that they definitely have a preference to show people only one side of their face. There is actual scientific study that discovered that most humans “look” better in photos when they show they left side. This is based on, that your left cheek shows more emotion than your right side. The subtle emotional facial expressions of a side on profile pic can convey a depth of emotion that resonates deeply with viewers of your portrait photos. If done well, a side on portrait pic has the ability to display raw powerful emotions and connection, rather than stiff poses and fake smiles.

Whilst searching information about which is the best side of your face, I also found, to quote a plastic surgeon: Everyone has an asymmetrical face, which means, the left side is different to the right side and one side of your face tends to be longer and thinner than the other. Usually the shorter side of your face is more attractive and thus more photogenic. If you take a photo of your face directly front on, with your face in a state of rest you can see which side is which. Also quoted was, if you ever see someone with a perfectly symmetrical face (meaning left and right are

actually the same) – remain calmdon’t walk - RUN in the other direction. You have just seen Aliens from another planet as not one human being has a perfect symmetrical face and you do indeed have a better side of your face, that is so more gorgeous than the other side.

There are other theories like, that if your mouth is slightly upturned on one side more than the other, this is your smiley side and thus this side of your face profiles as being more aesthetically pleasing. Master painters have apparently known for centuries that the left side is a persons better side and a large percentage of portraits depict a persons left side. So there you go apparently we all have a best side to our face. However don’t pay too much attention to the left side of the face science – all the experts tell you that the most important factor in portrait photography is the focus point should be on the eyes. Mastering portrait photography takes considerable time and lots of practice, but you can elevate your skills immediately with starting by making the focus on the eyes. This is because eyes are evocative and powerful. People looking at portrait pics will have their eyes drawn to the eyes you have captivated in your pic more than any other part of the photo. Also when looking at photos on display if you look at a photo longer than other photos this is your brain telling you, that you like this photo better than other photos. You have been thinking longer about the powerful feelings the photographer has captured in their portrait pic.

Other tips for improving a portrait photograph are, consider the background, blur out the background, have your sitter in front of an interesting background, use shade for effect, practice with someone you know to get friendly feed back, taking your pic outside of a studio in a natural setting can reveal something about the subjects personality or their normal life activities & again focus on the eyes is very important. You can enhance a portrait photo by using post processing to bring out the highlights on a computer. This is the kinda stuff we discuss at Photo Club which has made last month’s subject of a different style of portrait photography a little bit more interesting than other subjects that we have done in the past.

Next month’s subject is “ACTION PHOTOGRAPH”.

Anybody is welcome to come to our Photo Club. We need some new members as the numbers are low at the moment. We have decided to allow anybody, especially past members, to enter photos in the competition we have every month. But you don’t have to attend the meetings. Just contact Russell Stacey on 0429 451 093, or simply send 2 pics to his mobile phone. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday at the Quairading CRC. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Just roll up if you want to attend a meeting.

REGIONAL COLUMN

With Consumer Protection Senior Regional Officer Kevin Collard

Stay safe this winter: top tips to keep your home and family protected

The cooler weather has finally arrived and this usually means staying warm by using products like heaters, wheat/heat packs, hot water bottles and electric blankets, or even sitting near a cosy fire.

Consumer Protection is reminding people there are safety risks with many winter products and if not careful, they could pose a fire hazard to your home. Winter is also a time to be aware of mould in the home, as well as the safety of children’s clothing, which can be flammable.

Smoke alarms are our first line of defence against fires – so it’s vital the batteries are replaced annually, they are regularly tested, and alarms more than 10 years old are replaced.

Simple precautions such as checking for recalls on all products, following safety guidelines, and being vigilant about safety can go a long way in protecting your family and home.

Children are particularly vulnerable to burns and accidents, so it is crucial to keep them away from open flames and heaters. Their pyjamas and dressing gowns can be highly flammable so check the mandatory fire labelling to determine the fire risk rating. Also avoid loose fitting sleepwear and be cautious of PJs bought online that may not comply with Australian mandatory safety standards.

Gas heaters should be serviced by a licensed gas fitter at least every two years, or annually if the equipment is more than 10 years old. The gas fitter can check for issues such as blockages, overheating or burner problems or inadequate ventilation in the room. Never bring outdoor heaters inside the house.

If you are the kind of person who loves heating up their bed before jumping in, there are also some things to consider. Check your electric blanket for damage to cords and wires, always turn it off before going to sleep and avoid placing objects on your bed while it’s on.

Use hot tap water, not boiling water, to fill up your hot water bottle and consider buying a new one every year as they can hide damage internally. Allow a heat or wheat pack to cool before reheating it and chuck it out it if you smell burning.

Condensation that builds up on walls and windows can lead to mould and cause nasty health problems. Open windows each day to ventilate your home and scrub mould off hard surfaces using soapy water or vinegar – it must by physically removed to prevent regrowth.

Lastly, store matches and lighters in a safe place, out of reach of children and never leave them alone with any open flame like a fireplace or even candles.

By being proactive and making safety a top priority we can all enjoy a warm and cosy winter season free of harm this year.

For more in depth information on staying safe this winter or to check the latest recalls on heating products – go to www.productsafety.gov.au/wellwinter

Warrior Wellbeing Article

Put Yourself Over the Pits – What is the Fast Track Pit Stop®?

A lot of blokes would appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining something we love, whether it’s a new car, a valued piece of machinery, or our weekend toys (boat, motorbike, 4x4). If we don’t service and look after our machines regularly it will eventually affect their performance and easy-fix problems may be compounded, costing us time and money.

So why is this any different to our wellbeing and health? To put it simply, if we neglect our wellbeing and health (whether it be physical, mental or social/spiritual) it will eventually catch up with us and could cost us more than just time and money. Do we think about the way this flows on to affect other facets of our lives, whether it be our relationships (family, work or business), loss of function or participation in the things we enjoy?

It is important to recognise that the ageing process throws up all sorts of changes and complications. Sometimes illness and diseases can’t be avoided, however, something as simple as a ‘routine service visit’ or discussion with our GP or treating health professional may assist in the early detection and prevention of certain health and wellbeing issues.

At RMHI we have a simple but effective program that aims to empower men and communities to take responsibility for their wellbeing and health. The Fast Track Pit Stop® is related to the servicing of a vehicle and is a non-clinical, non-invasive way of helping us men become more aware and take charge of our own health and wellbeing. It involves a 3-Point Health Awareness Check:

1. Waist Measurement/Chassis: A waistline of more than 102cm (men) and 88cm (women) gives us an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. Long term storage of internal fat surrounding the heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys is just one indicator;

2. Blood Pressure/Oil Pressure: According to the Heart Foundation, high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease. So, it’s important to firstly know our blood pressure, but also take steps to manage it if it’s getting high;

3. Coping Skills/Shockies: We are all affected by life’s ups and downs; participants are given 10 questions to help identify stress levels. Encouraging communication and help seeking is part of the problem-solving process.

We think it’s about being there, allowing blokes to have a conversation, and listening. Life is hectic, people are busy, but it’s about taking a minute to sit down, have a break and think about OUR health and wellbeing.

RMHI delivers the Fast Track Pit Stop® program across rural and regional WA and can be set up on the back of the ute, under a marquee or in a hall. Field days, agricultural shows and a whole range of community events and festivals provide our organisation with the opportunity to go where the blokes are, so look out for our red utes and come and have a chat. It’s time to start thinking about our service schedule habits!

Anglican Church (St Faith’s)

August in the Parish of St Faith’s, Quairading

Sunday, 4th August 10.00 a.m. Feast of the Transfiguration - Eucharist

Sunday, 11th August 9.00 a.m. Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – Morning Prayer Saturday, 17th August 5.30 p.m. Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Eucharist

Tuesday, 20th August 6.30 p.m. Mary, Mother of our Lord - Eucharist Sunday, 25th August 9.00 a.m. Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Morning Prayer

The Festival of the Transfiguration celebrates the revelation of the eternal glory of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity. According to tradition, the event took place on Mount Tabor. Please note the service in honour of this Festival commences at 10.00 a.m. and is followed by a “bring and share” meal.

St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School: The School’s Patronal Festival, The Feast of Mary, Mother of our Lord, will be celebrated at 6.30 p.m. at St Faith’s Church, Quairading on Tuesday, 20th August. Individuals and families with associations to St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School are most welcome as are all local people.

OPEN HOUSE – OPEN HOUSE is an invitation to all members of our local community to enjoy each other’s company over refreshments. Please join us on Friday, 20th September at St Faith’s Church, Quairading between 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

The Priest-in-Charge, the Rev’d Canon Dr Philip Raymont, is on leave from the 30th July until the 14th August. If in need of the ministry of the Church, please contact the Parish Wardens and Councillors.

Catholic Church (St Francis Xavier)

August 2024

Confession: Contact Father Matthew at any time. Father Matthew Hodgson. Phone: 9061 1094 Email: brucerockparish@gmail.com

Uniting Church

Sunday July 28th Service 10.30am A West.

Sunday August 4th service 10.30am M Beadle.

Sunday August 11th Service 10.30am Cafe Church.

Sunday August 18th Service 10.30am P. West.

Sunday August 25th Service 10.30am TBA. Contact A. West 9645 0081 or mobile 0429 450 081

D. Wood

1st Laurel Henry, Cameron Johnston, Marilyn Nundle

2nd Linda Kevill, Drew Powell, Brenda Pimlott,

3rd Maxwell Williams

4th Jenny Bartlett

5th Mike Swan, Gracie Hall

6th Steven Wilton

7th Carl Allsop, Bill Wallwork, Kylie Squiers

8th Aliesha Hayes

9th Chris Dall, Lawerance Cowcill, Norm Pickett

11th Byron Jnr Pickett, Dustin Pickett

13th Andrew Caporn, Brody Simpson

14th Grant Stone, John Anderson, Bella Reidy

15th Damien Shenton, Cameron Hathaway

16th Lynley Carter, Damon White, Harrison Woodcock

17th Tammy Gors, Julia Emmert

19th Jasmine Longford, Emilie Tompsett

20th Danny Poultney

21st Alexis Stone, Kelvin Collard

22nd Kirsten Clemens, Amber Kevill, Raymond Johnston, Tyler Wishart

23rd Jessica Keast

24th Di Wallwork, Jacqui Sandercock

25th Adam Shenton, Sue Shenton, Connor Bloom, Jeff Moloney

26th Sascha Squiers, Casannah Heal, Cath Richards, Danika Squiers, Jenna Shenton

27th Claire Wells, Dania Lubach

28th Mervyn Caporn, Paul Skaife, Keith Bradford, Frederick Pickett

29th Greg Sinclair

30th Natalie Falkingham, Henry Dawson

31st David Caporn, Meaghan Richards, Jeffrey Gors, Oakley Stone, Brandon Colbung

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.