Everyone in Parkes can have their say through an online survey or submitted by mail or email on maternity services for our town. The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is currently looking at options for the delivery of maternity services at the Lachlan Health Service.

Expressions of interest were called for in local newspapers and social media, inviting parents who have recently used, or expect to use, maternity services in Parkes and Forbes to participate in focus groups.

The broader community can have their say in the online survey.

According to WNSWLHD Parkes and Forbes combined currently have less than 250 births occurring each year. “In spite of repeated attempts to recruit doctors with training in obstetrics and anaesthetics – both of which are required to offer a full medical maternity service – vacancies have led to births currently only being available at Forbes hospital,” said Kate Fotheringham, Media Manager Western NSW Local Health District.

While these recruitment issues persist, the WNSWLHD is encouraging the community to consider other models which could continue to see births occurring at both facilities, potentially with one hospital accepting low-risk births that could be performed under the supervision of a trained midwife.

Several options are outlined in the community consultation survey, with the community invited to consider the current circumstances and have their say on these models of service.

The WNSWLHD Board is due to consider plans for Lachlan maternity services, including the feedback provided by the community and consumers, before the end of 2019.

Links to the online survey, and to a printable version can be found at www.wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au Consultation will close at 5pm on Friday, 23rd August.

Patrons of Wholesome Blend in Parkes have found nourishment of a different kind since the introduction of a book exchange at the coffee shop about 12 months ago.

Owner Cathy Littlewood said she initially bought a small book shelf and within two days it was overflowing. “We asked for book donations on our Facebook page, and the reaction was overwhelming.”

The idea is that people can either swap books or take a book for a gold coin donation for the local branch of Can Assist. “We have a tin on our counter, and have had to get a bigger one too for all the donations.”

The bigger shelf, donated by Can Assist, has a good variety of books including all genres of fiction, as well as non-fiction and children’s books. “People enjoy picking a book and sitting down to read it, or they choose a book while waiting for their coffee and often walk out with one under their arm,” said Cathy.

“We have clients who come in regularly to swap books, while it is also very popular among travellers. It is great to offer this service as times are hard and books are expensive, and it is all going for a wonderful  cause.”

Next time you are cleaning out your book shelves, remember the Wholesome Blend – it’s also a great spot to have a coffee alone as books are great company!

The school holidays ended with a fun trip to Sydney for 11 Aboriginal students from Parkes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo.

The group included five students from Parkes namely Ajay Goolagong, Emily Helm, Michael Riley, Nicayden Greenwood and Kyah Turnbull.

The students participated in the annual Active Citizen Program of the Central West Police District. The packed program started with a visit to the GWS Giants AFL Club where they watched a training session, went on a tour of their facility, met players and watched a game. It was a rare opportunity and the participants really valued the experience.

The Marine Area Command of the NSW Water Police also provided a tour of their facility and some of their boats, which included a ride in Sydney Harbour. The weather could not have been better and this was the first cruise on Sydney Harbour for most of the young people.

Cumberland Council organised a cultural experience at Pemulwuy. The suburb is a practical example of reconciliation and is named after a local Aboriginal warrior. The group learned more about the warrior and the history of the local area. The young people painted their first pair of clap sticks, which is a ceremonious occasion, and took part in other traditional games and activities.

“This trip was an amazing experience,” said Senior Constable Daniel Greef. “It provided a number of once in a life time opportunities for both the staff and participants.”

Participants also took part in various local cultural activities; visited local businesses and community groups to find out why they give back to their communities; and discovered local career opportunities that were available to them and could build their skills. The program will conclude with a leadership camp in Canberra and Jindabyne.

They will climb to the summit of Mount Kosciusko, visit the Royal Military Academy, Duntroon, and the Australian War Memorial including a Last Post ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Baker Dental, a long established dental practice in Parkes, has seen some changes over recent months.

Dr Daniel Terranova joined the team in March 2018 to work with Dr Tim Baker and Dr Chris Xu. Daniel has established himself as an honest and trustworthy dentist who is known for his gentle and caring manner.

Having previously lived on the Gold Coast for 18 years, Daniel now prefers the closeknit feel of a smaller town community. He enjoys all facets of general dentistry, with a particular interest in orthodontics, crown and bridge work, and recently started working with the new Cerec same day crown technology.

Daniel finds great satisfaction in relieving his patients of unnecessary pain. Outside of dentistry, he is an avid soccer fan and watches as many games as he can. He also enjoys watching movies, dining out and spending time with friends and family.

Daniel has worked with principal dentist- Dr Chris Xu for the past 18 months. Chris has been principal dentist at Baker Dental for the past four years and hands his role over with great confidence to Daniel as he moves to the Gold Coast for family reasons.

Dr Chris will be returning on a monthly basis for his regular patients ongoing treatment.

The newest addition to the practice is Dr Joe Hanna. Joe is an experienced dentist with an interest in oral surgery including under general anaesthesia and wisdom tooth removal. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Ohio, USA in 1993, and became a permanent resident in Australia in June 1997.

He has a professional interest in oral surgery. His aims are to help to educate the community on the importance of dental health, provide reliable recommendations in the wellness of patients’ dental health, encourage people to make dental check-ups part of their life, and reassure nervous patients that sedation and general anaesthesia are available. Joe’s hobby is flying, and he volunteers his time to fly for Angel Flight Services.