The Rotary Peace Precinct stood almost abandoned as it was dusted by light rain on Wednesday, while across town the official dedication ceremony was conducted indoors. The standing-room-only event was moved to the Little Theatre, but even though attendees were unable to walk amongst the peace pillars at the base of Memorial Hill it was none-the-less an appropriate location.

Theatres are magical places that can transport an audience across time and place, and Wednesday’s ceremony was no exception. The audience was invited to visualise the Peace Precinct, to consider the symbolic imagery in the totem sculptures and dry creek bed, and to imagine how the installations interact with the land.

The audience was also transported further afield, as each of the official speakers reflected on the nature of peace, sharing their personal connections to various countries and conflicts, not just across the world, but also across history.

Even though the dedication was not held within the precinct, it was a deeply moving ceremony that evoked the passion and energy of the many talented and dedicated people who worked to bring the project together.

The Peace Precinct represents the values expressed in the Rotary Peace Communities credo, with a particular emphasis on reconciliation. The five timber sculptures are carved with Wiradjuri iconography, each reflecting the tenets of the credo; Respect, Reconciliation, Families, Newcomers and History. Four of the pillars are positioned to represent music notes, which together create harmony.

Harmony was the enduring theme through- out the ceremony. Students from Holy Fam- ily School and Parkes East Public School formed a joint school choir to perform Kookaburra in both English and Wiradjuri. This was later followed by an emotive flash-mob performance of I Am Australian.

The Peace Precinct is yet another of Parkes’ treasures. When you visit be sure to take time to engage with its poignant symbolism.

By Raen Fraser

If she could, Roberta Stone would work at Currajong Disability Services forever. Helping people comes naturally to her and is a part of her make up. She spent 26 years in child care prior to a decade with CDS. That came to a tearful end on June 15 when she officially retired.

“I will miss it at CDS and cannot thank my colleagues and the board enough,” Roberta said. “I’ll especially miss the clients, their re- actions when they achieve their goals,” she said. “We’ve all been through so much to- gether, but now it’s time to travel and catch up with my other family and grandchildren.”

When Roberta first walked through the doors of CDS ten years ago she was seek- ing a new challenge. The interest in special needs and the disability services industry had always been there but she said it took a long time to take the leap.

“Helping people is who I am and keep- ing my emotions in check has always been

tough,” she said. “The rewards are there for the right people and they are immeasurable and everlasting.”

With massive positive changes ahead in- cluding the roll-out of the NDIS Roberta has no regrets and knows it is the right time. “Donna Little is great and she is more than capable of taking CDS into the next phase of their development,” she said.

For Donna Little, the new system represents fresh challenges but more importantly new ideas and a chance to build on the good work of those before her like Roberta.

“Roberta has been tremendous and a great source of knowledge and support,” Donna said. “I know I speak for all staff when I wish her all the best.”

Donna Little will take on the role of Residential Team Leader that will incorporate much of Roberta’s old position and some other responsibilities.

By Dane Millerd

Middleton Public students embraced a Life Education fund raiser recently by creating fruit and vegetable sculptures. Over 80 entries were received which were displayed in the school hall. Staff also entered the competition. Students paid a gold coin donation to view the amazing display. Healthy Harold and Life Ed Educator Rai Mitchell made an appearance at the weekly Assembly to give out the prizes. Thank you to the students and parents for supporting this fun event.