Regional Extra 120723

through

LOCAL doctor Olivia Stuart was recently nominated for a number of health service honours at the Victorian Rural Health awards.

Dr Stuart was recognised for her involvement with Gateway Health Wangaratta and the First Nations Apex Park Bus initiative and nominated for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health as well as ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist’.

CARE

By CHLOE JAENICKE

While she may not have won, Dr Stuart said it was an honour just to be nominated and highlight the positive sides of the health industry.

“We always hear when things go wrong, so it is nice to be recognised when things go well,” she said.

Dr Stuart also said she is ex-

tremely grateful to her support team who helped her get to where she is today.

“Without my teams at Gateway and Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) and my family it would not be possible,” she said.

Before emigrating from Scotland to Australia, where she worked as a GP, Dr Stuart studied in the UK at the Birmingham Medical School.

■ Continued page 6

◆ GIVING BACK: Melinda Harris (AWAHS Aboriginal health practitioner trainee), Dr Olivia Stuart (Gateway Health medical director and AWAHS GP), Susie Summons (AWAHS dietician), Cathy Webster (AWAHS registered nurse) are a part of the team who work weekly on the Outreach Van every Thursday at Apex Park.

with CHRISTOS

Stay vigilant for rat bait poision

WITH the wet and cold season upon us, we are seeing increases in rodents around our properties and homes.

Baits are one of the more common ways to catch these rodents, but unfortunately, they often find their way into the mouths of curious pets.

When people think about baits and poisons, they expect clinical signs to be present within minutes to hours, however, with most rat baits, this is not the case.

The following applies to the more commonly seen Vitamin K antagonist rodenticides.

Other baits such as iron containing products have a different mechanism of action and hence require alternate treatment methods.

If you believe your dog has been poisoned, always take the packet or brand name to the vet, so the active ingredient can be identified.

Vitamin K antagonists, as found in many rat bait products, elicit their effects on the animals’ clotting factors.

Vitamin K is essential in the production of clotting factors which are required to clot blood.

In everyday life, animals have minor bleeds through general wear and tear.

Without these clotting factors, these minor bleeds cannot be stopped.

As the body has a reserve of clotting factors, clinical signs

with Amy Brown from Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic

associated with internal bleeding are not seen for 24 to 36 hours, when new clotting factors cannot be produced.

Clinical signs can be very subtle in the early stages of toxicity.

Animals may show lethargy, anorexia, trouble breathing and even collapse.

On examination the gum colour will be pale pink to white depending on the severity of the bleeding.

If left untreated, toxicity is fatal.

Treatment in stable animals involves replacing the body’s vitamin K in the form of tablets for an extended period due to the lengthy duration of action of the poison (up to one month in some cases).

For animals in advanced stages of the disease, more extensive treatment may be required including blood or plasma transfusions, oxygen therapy to support breathing and extended monitoring in hospital.

If known ingestion has occurred, it is recommended to induce vomiting, to prevent the onset of severe clinical signs.

If you find your animal has ingested rat or mouse bait, contact your veterinarian for advice, even if they still look happy and healthy.

This Day In History, 1870

There’s plenty to do on snow at the mountains this week

THE snow is falling and there is plenty of fun to be had in the mountains this week.

Falls Creek had an average snow depth of 99cm on Monday with the snow still falling steadily every day.

All ski lifts, except for International, have been running and all the snow activities from the Alpine helicopter tours to snow sports are open.

The Wombat’s Rambler snow race will also be taking place tonight from 5pm.

The Yuki Birds session will also take place this Saturday from 9:30am.

Mt Hotham is reporting an average of 79cm across the mountain and more snow is expected to fall this weekend.

All of the cross country trails are

PET CORNER

currently open, with good coverage and for the first time since 2019, all the ski lifts are open.

The fireworks show will also be on once again tonight for all to enjoy.

Night skiing and snowboarding will also be taking place every Wednesday and Saturday.

Please note that guests are not allowed in the ski field after 5pm under any circumstances.

At Dinner Plain, the average snow depth is 32cm, with the Peashooter Toboggan slope and Cobungra Platter ski slope both open.

Mostly cloudy conditions, with some snow showers can be expected throughout the week.

Mt Buffalo is reporting average snow coverage and both Dingo

WANGARATTA RSPCA has many lovable creatures waiting for the perfect family to take them home.

If you want to add a furry friend to your home, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter at 1 Connell Street Wangaratta. Wangaratta RSPCA’s animal adoption source code is BR100934.

CURIOUS KRISTOFF: Kristoff loves to investigate new people, places and smells and can’t wait to explore his new home. If you’re looking for a cat that will give you endless head boops and purrs then he’s the one for you. His microchip number is 956000016636717. PHOTO: RSPCA

Dell and Cresta Valley are open for tobogganing.

All of the cross country trails currently have moderate cover.

Mt Buller has an average natural snow depth of 54cm with snow showers expected throughout the week.

The Village Snowplay park is now open with good snow coverage.

Chains are required to be carried for all resorts and fitted where instructed.

For the latest information on the mountains visit:

Dinner Plain: visitdinnerplain. com.au

Falls Creek: fallscreek.com.au

Mt Hotham: hotham.com.au

Mt Buffalo: visitmountbuffalo. com.au

Mt Buller: mtbuller.com.au

A MEETING was held in the Court House, chaired by the Rev Graham of Beechworth, to establish a Presbyterian Church in El Dorado.

Yummy carrot soup recipe

SOUPS are always a go-to meal for dinners during winter and while we can go for our broths or meat-based soup, another option is having your soup vegetable-based for a bit of difference. This carrot soup is thick and creamy, savoury and sweet, quick to make and healthy to boot.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter

• 4 slices streaky bacon 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 5 large carrots, cut into 1.5 cm chunks

• 1 litre vegetable or chicken broth

• 1/2 cup cream

• 3/4 cup milk

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh thyme or chopped parsley

• Cream, for swirling

• Crusty bread

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat.

2. Add bacon and cook until golden.

3. Remove from pot, cool then chop.

4. Add onion and garlic into the bacon drippings.

5. Cook for 2 minutes until onion is

translucent but not browned.

6. Add carrots and stir well to coat the carrot in the oil.

7. Add broth, then stir.

8. Cover with lid, adjust heat so it is simmering energetically (about medium).

9. Cook for 20-25 minutes until carrot is very soft.

10. Remove lid, turn heat off

11. Use a stick blender to puree the carrot (or cool slightly and do in blender).

12. Add cream, milk, salt and pepper to taste.

13. Stir - adjust thickness with milk (or water), if desired.

14. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with swirls of cream, bacon and parsley or thyme if desired.

15. Serve with crusty bread.

Frost and meters

SOME water meters and pipes are exposed and sit above the ground so they are vulnerable when temperatures are below zero

Water meters that sit above the ground are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures are below zero.

When water freezes it expands, which can cause a water meter to burst or pipes to split.

If your water meter or water pipes do freeze, the best solution is to wait for the temperature to rise and to naturally unfreeze.

You may be able to find another source of water to pour over the frozen meter or pipe, but never use hot water or it could cause pipe to split.

Lukewarm water should be used but it’s better to avoid the situation and protect your water meter from the frost.

To protect your meter from frost, cover your water meter with something that traps the air around it such as a cardboard box or upturned bucket.

You must make sure that any cover you use can be removed easily for meter reading and maintenance.

If your meter breaks or splits call North East Water on 1300 361 644 to report the problem and they will arrange a replacement.

If your pipes split or break it is your responsibility to repair damage to pipes on your side of the water meter.

Call a licensed plumber to arrange for repair.

If the pipes are on North East Water’s side of the meter (that is, the water supply before your meter), please contact them immediately on 1300 361 644 to arrange for repair.

◆ PROTECT YOUR METER: Water meters that sit above the ground are vulnerable to freezing.

with North East Water

Giving back to the community through healthcare

■ From page 1

Dr Stuart then moved to Australia with her husband, who already lived here.

She said working in a rural area, such as Wangaratta, felt familiar to her because she grew up in rural Scotland.

“I was brought up in the rural Scotland as a child, so I am country girl at heart,” she said.

“I love the High-Country scenery, remoteness and wildlife.”

She has now been working at Gateway Health for 14 and half years where she is currently the director of medical services.

As well as her work at Gateway Health, she also offers care in local nursing homes, works in the therapeutic community as a GP, in the ATSI Outreach Service in Apex Park, supervises GP registrars and

teaches medical students.

Dr Stuart said she felt lucky with the job she has and that the blend of people contact and science appealed to her as a teenager.

“I love the variety of work and people,” she said.

“Who else gets to see pregnant women, babies, children, adults, older people, men and women and do everything in medicine, surgery and psychiatry?”

While Dr Stuart enjoys all aspects of her current career, she said she is grateful she still gets to work as a GP on a regular basis.

“I do think I just got lucky though because I still enjoy General Practice,” she said.

Since moving to Australia, Dr Stuart has also been pioneering Indigenous health through working with the Albury

FEATURE STORY

Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Service in Apex Park.

The Outreach Van is in Apex Park every Thursday from 10:30am to 3pm and offers free health checks, vaccinations; food and conversation for all who need it.

Dr Stuart said she enjoys working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait community as it gives her a way to give back and learn about the land she lives on.

“I want to close the gap and to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people,” she said.

“I acknowledge the wrongs of the past and want to right them.

“It also teaches me about community, family and the land we live on.”

◆ OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Dr Olivia Stuart was recognised for her involvement with Gateway Health and the First Nations Apex Bus Initiative.

Emergency Collaboration

Myrtleford Lodge Aged Care

Positions exist for motivated, flexible staff to work in our aged care facility in a variety of roles, PCA and EN’s.

The role involves working closely with elderly people in a team environment, and would enable enthusiastic staff to expand on their skills, and take on new and challenging roles.

Applications close July 21, 2023 5pm.

For further information and a copy of the Position Description, please contact Administration

Myrtleford Lodge (03) 5752 2222

THE

Advertisers

O.P Industries Pty Ltd is seeking the employment of a

03 9287 8800 or by email at recruitment@vacca.org

team!

GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE

The following opportunities now exist for enthusiastic, safety focused people with suitable experience and qualifications. Please visit our website to find out more about current positions available across Mawsons business divisions.

Mansfield – Concrete Truck Driver – MANS004

Glenrowan – Quarry Plant Maintenance/Fabricator – GLEQ002

Myrtleford – Concrete Truck Driver – MYRT006

Shepparton – Concrete Cartage Services – CCSSHEP08

Wangaratta – Concrete Cartage Services – CCSWANG03

Benalla – Concrete Cartage Services – CCSBENA02

Swan Hill – Concrete Truck Driver – SWAN001

Kyneton – Concrete Truck Driver – KYNE006

Cohuna/Kerang – Concrete Cartage Services – CCSCOHU01

Echuca – Concrete Truck Driver – ECHU001

Cohuna – Payroll & Administration Assistant – ADMN001

Cohuna – Accounts Payable/Administration Clerk – ADMN002

Deniliquin – Concrete Cartage Services – CCSDENI01

www.mawsons.com.au/careers/join-us

O. P. INDUSTRIES Pty. Ltd.

O.P Industries Pty Ltd, P.O Box 453

ALPINE SHIRE COUNCIL

– make a difference in your community by joining our

JOBS AT INDIGO

Tools for Life program

WHEN you’re starting out as an apprentice, you need tough tools you can rely on.

That’s where Kincrome’s Tools for Life Apprenticeship Program comes in.

For 15 years, Kincrome have helped apprentices get the right tools for their job across a range of their most popular tool sets.

Now, there are 20 different tool kits that an apprentice can choose from in the Evolution, Contour, Contour black and Offroad ranges so he or she can purchase workshop, chest, deep workshop, wide, super wide, extra wide trolley or field service tool kits.

Apprentices are also eligible for bonus products via online redemption.

To claim your bonus products, visit the Kincrome website https://www.kincrome. com.au/tfl-redeem and fill in the redemption form, provide a copy of your tax receipt or invoice from your tool supplier for proof of purchase, a copy of identification of your TAFE/MTA college enrolments letter/form, ID card or letter from your institution or employer stating your name, ID number, start date and confirmation that you are a current apprentice.

Employers can also buy the tool kit for

Work Shop Tool

with Mick Seymour NORTH EAST FASTENERS

their apprentice and redemption by the apprentice can be made online using the above process.

Kincrome also offer the Kincrome Payment Plan program, which is provided by Morris Finance.

The Kincrome Payment Plan Plan is available for purchases to the value of $1000 or more.

Simply choose the Kincrome products you want to purchase and the payment plan from 12 to 48 months that suits your needs.

For more information visit the payment plan page on the Kincrome website.

If you need help choosing a kit to suit your needs, phone or call in and see North East Fasteners.

For more information on the Tools for Life Apprenticeship program, scan the QR code below (YouTube video) or visit: https://youtu.be/D1hKBYAQkIM.

My Bowen therapy journey over 22yrs

I’VE been a Bowen therapist for 22 years and came to it quite unexpectedly.

When I had my first Bowen therapy session, I had never heard about it before.

I was studying a week long Natural Fertility Diploma up in NSW with 50 or so other practitioners.

It was a live-in course in a beautiful old mansion and one night after dinner one of the other students, Doreen, said that she would give some of us a Bowen session which only some of us had heard of.

Ever since then, I have pretty much been using Bowen therapy most days of my life.

It has been one of the best therapies I have learnt.

That is why I was so drawn to becoming an instructor back in 2008.

Often people ask, “what is Bowen therapy?” and my reply varies from it’s a great way to

rebalance the body or “it is a series of moves over muscles, tendons and ligaments that works on the fascia of the body and initiates a healing response in that area and the body as a whole.”

What also drew me to Bowen was that I could work on sore backs, tight hamstrings, knees and many other muscle-skeletal issues.

However, it is an excellent therapy for treating many internal issues like asthma, constipation, headaches or even incontinence.

There have been so many clients who have been helped through Bowen therapy, including a six-year-old girl who hadn’t had a bowel motion for two weeks and with subsequent sessions she became regular, and it even helped her lisp and inability to say some letters clearly.

Another client was in his 30s and desperate to keep playing

MYRTLEFORD WEANING SEMINAR

$2,949.00

football into the final season though couldn’t get through a whole game without his hamstrings becoming too tight he would have to be subbed off After a few sessions he could play longer and longer and eventually a whole game.

Bowen therapy classes are starting in Whitfield on Friday, July 21.

If you are interested in learning Bowen and starting a new career this is a great chance to do it locally.

So all in all, Bowen therapy has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and I couldn’t imagine working in my clinic without it.

You can find out more information about Bowen therapy at www.bowen.org.au.

For an appointment or to register your interest in learning Bowen therapy call the NE Naturopathic Group on 5798 3344.

***Friday 21st July 2023***

GUEST SPEAKERS

Elders - Rob Inglis, Senior Livestock Production Coordinator

Zoetis – Matthew Petersen, Veterinary Operations Manager

Coopers – Scott Hannaford, Territory Sales Manager for the NSW Riverina

Meat & Livestock Australia – Tony Parker, Grass Fed Beef Program Manager

Greenhams – Jason Rowney, Cattle Buyer for Southern NSW

Agriculture Victoria – Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

TIME: 10:00am to 12:00pm

LOCATION: MYRTLEFORD SAVOY CLUB

252 Myrtle St Myrtleford VIC 3737

RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday 14th July to Kirsty Taylor on kirsty.taylor@elders.com.au

CONTACT

Kirsty Taylor 0438 444 227, Brett Shea 0428 691 489

◆ INTERESTING JOURNEY: Christos Miliankos experienced an unexpected journey to becoming a Bowen therapist.

with Christos Miliankos, NORTH EAST NATUROPATHIC