Network celebrations
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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A production by Christine Harris & HIT Productions Australia’s Premier Theatre Touring Company
W
immera Parent Support Network will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month.
The anniversary also marks a 20-year relationship between the network and Wimmera Uniting Care. Network coordinator Anne Page said the network provided support for families with children with disabilities, regardless of geographical location. “The network provides mutual support through parentto-parent contact as well as relevant service and referral information,” she said. “It encourages participation and involvement of 150 families who would otherwise feel extremely isolated. The network also provides feedback to service agencies and related professionals about current needs and the appropriateness of their services.” Ms Page said the network relied on dedicated volunteers who have kept the network flourishing for two decades. “Without volunteers the network simply wouldn’t be pos-
DAVID WILLIAMSON’S
Starring JOHN WOOD
Wesley Performing Arts Centre
SUPPORT: Wimmera Parent Support Network members, clockwise, Wimmera Uniting Care coordinator Anne Page, president Claudia Moretti, Bev Young, Vanessa Sonnberger, Kirston Johnson, Ann-Maree Miller, Karen Kennedy, Jacinta Hennessy, Gabee Werner and Marie Goode celebrate 20 years of the network. Felicity Pritchard is absent. Picture: BELINDA ELLIOTT
sible,” she said. “They make a huge contribution.”
parent-to-parent support in the Wimmera,” she said.
Ms Page said the network reached out to almost twice as many parents in 2013 as it did when it started in 1993.
President Claudia Moretti said the network was a lifesaver for parents who had children with disabilities.
“The network was started by a group of enthusiastic parents who recognised the need for
“The network increases the confidence and skills of parents in terms of advocating
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for their child,” she said. “We also help in keeping up to date with local and national service changes within the disability sector. “It has been terrific as a networking tool because there is always someone around who understands.”
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REUNION DEDICATION: Rural Northwest Health Hopetoun campus maintenance team member Bill Wright paves a courtyard that will display a dedication to the history of Hopetoun’s hospital. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
Baby pictures appeal for Hopetoun reunion Organisers of next month’s Hopetoun Hospital reunion are appealing for baby and Hopetoun district health-service photographs.
ALREADY HAD MINE: Harry Watson of Hopetoun waits patiently while his mum Rachael enjoys a barbeque lunch at Rural Northwest Health’s Hopetoun campus. Hopetoun community members celebrated National Families Week with a barbeque at the campus organised by RNH’s Community Health team. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
Stock concerns Dry conditions across Victoria have prompted Department of Primary Industries officials to remind farmers to avoid transporting stock in poor condition.
Animal health officer Veronica Campbell said it was important farmers sought advice and follow droughtfeeding guides to preserve paddock feed and maintain stock health. “If farmers are considering selling their stock it is important to make sure that the stock are in a good condition and are strong enough to travel to ensure that they are not at risk of going down during transport,” Miss Campbell said.
Rural Northwest Health staff and management are particularly keen to track down photographs of or information about all 1794 babies Dr Peter Stoutejesdijk delivered to help with a reunion display. The community will celebrate ‘70 Years of Health Services in Hopetoun’ on June 8 and 9. Committee member Sue Afford said community information was flowing in most days and organisers were keen to have as much as possible. “We are chasing memorabilia, stories and photos of Hopetoun Hospital, doctors, staff and activities such as gala days, the hospital train, appeal days and official openings,” she said. “These can be emailed to hopetounnhh@bigpond.com or delivered to the Hopetoun campus reception. “We are really keen to get photos of as many of Dr Pete’s babies as
possible. His 35 years as a doctor in our community was a precious time and he was much loved by all, not just for his devoted care but for his eccentricities as well.”
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Outdoor living all year long
Ms Afford said she was expecting many visitors to Hopetoun for the long weekend and encouraged people to spread the word. “There is a dinner at Hopetoun Memorial Hall on the Saturday night and bookings don’t close until May 30 but we are keen to know numbers for visitors as soon as possible so accommodation can be organised,” she said. “All bookings can be made by contacting Melissa Cook on 0417 108 857.”
IDEAL PATIO BLINDS
Ms Afford said any baby photos with a name and date of birth or any other details could be emailed to hopetoun.activities@rnh.net.au so the health service knew it had permission to use them. General Practitioner Dr Peter Carter, a former Hopetoun student will officially open the celebrations and Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest has told organisers he will be attending the dinner.
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