Businesses across the Orange electorate are encouraged to join the fight against COVID-19 and start producing much needed medical equipment for NSW.

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said the unprecedented global demand on much needed medical supplies had seen traditional suppliers unable to fill urgent orders to service NSW.

“Hand sanitiser, handwash, gloves, clean- ing products, protective clothing, masks, eyewear and paper products are now in such high demand,” Phil said.

“The NSW Government is calling on local businesses in the Orange electorate to convert their production lines to make these products to fill the gap.”

The products required urgently include: hand sanitiser, handwash, gloves, cleaning products, protective clothing, masks, eyewear and paper products.

Phil said this was also a great way for businesses who might be seeing a down- turn in revenue due to COVID-19 to adapt and remain strong during these uncertain times.

“This is a great way for business to diversify and keep as many workers in a job as possible.”

Businesses who are able to join the fight against COVID-19 are urged to register their interest at www.nsw.gov.au

Emma Brown

I’ve been grieving for our broken world. I’m sad for the freedoms we’re rapidly losing, and sad for all the people who are losing livelihood. I’m overwhelmed with feelings of unpreparedness and not-good-enough- ness at the imminent reality of school at home when mere weeks ago I laughed at the idea of home schooling. I feel overwhelming grief for my beautiful and very dear Grandad, who is alone. Safe but alone. So close to us yet unreachable.

But then I wash my tear-stained face, have a cup of tea and think about 2040. What will the world look like for my 25 and 23-year-old grown children?

I wonder if the protocols and safety measures being implemented now mean we are raising a generation who will have a better understanding of wellness and proper isolation during illness. Maybe we’re raising a generation of surgeons! If you can learn to scrub in for surgery at age three, you’re on the fast track, right?

I wonder will this be the beginning of the end of communicable respiratory diseases like influenza, which so many of my generation ignore the symptoms of and just ‘soldier on’?

I wonder if we’ll see a revolution in social togetherness when we come out the other side. Texting and social media will become passé. Getting together in person will be where it’s at!

Scott Salter, one of Currajong’s most experienced support workers, with Karen Willis and Jay Crouch reinforcing proper hygiene.

COVID-19 may have changed how we do things but it hasn’t changed the quality service and care offered at Currajong Disability Services (CDS).

“With disruptions to everyday life show- ing no signs of abating anytime soon, Currajong will continue to offer top quality care for all of our participants and ensuring all precautions and duty of care are taken to protect the rights, health and safety of our participants, staff and families,” said Dane Millerd of CDS.

He said steps had already been taken to adhere to government requests including a greater emphasis on hygiene, social distancing via smaller groups and minimising activities, education of staff to fast track their COVID-19 knowledge base as well as having staff available to answer any questions about Currajong and its new processes.

“Vigilance and strict application of the recommended precautions are our only weapons against this virus and while it appears we are in an area that is currently virus free, we cannot afford to slacken off if we hope to come through this period of upheaval with minimal disruption,” said Currajong Disability Services CEO Jeff Evans.

“My priorities continue to remain the health and well-being of our participants, our employees and our families.

“I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the way that staff have responded to the significant disruption to our normal routine. I would also like to commend everyone on how they have embraced the more rigorous hygiene, cleaning requirements and social distancing particularly in light of the high risk and vulnerable individuals we support in the community,” said Jeff.

“At the moment, I believe we are well placed if we remain vigilant and continue implementing the recommendations as we currently are,” said Jeff.

“Again, thank you for your efforts and commitment.”

Agricultural ministers around the country discussed a range of issues facing the sector during this COVID-19 crisis last week.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said: “The Federal Government sought agreement from the states to adopt the strict protocols for infection of staff found to have COVID-19 and for food processing under the standards set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand or FSANZ.”

“State ministers were asked to agree to the livestock saleyards and wool auctions protocols so that they can continue. This is an important link in the supply chain and the confirmation will reduce anxiety among the sector and producers. The saleyards and auctions standards are both practical in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and allowing those who need to attend to do so. The standards include limiting attendance to essential saleyard staff, accredited livestock agents and genuine buyers.”

This is to let you know that Matthews Williams is continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and, based on advice from government and health authorities, we are taking all required action to protect the health and wellbeing of our clients, the public, staff, and anyone accessing our offices.

We have implemented hygiene policies and practices such as no body contact and regular cleaning of surfaces in our offices.

In order to protect our clients, we can adapt, which may include our clients to email or telephoning instructions. We propose to continue to operate in providing legal services as far as the situation allows. There may be disruptions to our office opening hours, but as yet we are not at that stage.

These are unprecedented times for all of us and we thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and always seek ways to support our clients and our communities.

We will continue to follow Government health advices as they unfold.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Very young children may have had little to no exposure with the viruses that cause colds and flu, which means they may have low resistance to infection. Children become sick much more quickly than adults.

Follow these five easy steps to keep your kids healthy and less likely to spread or catch virusses in school or day-care.
• Tip 1: Wash hands frequently at home and at school.
• Tip 2: Get active! Kids should get regular, moderate exercise to boost their immune systems.
• Tip 3: Get plenty of sleep – children should have between nine to 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase chances of becoming sick.
• Tip 4: Try and eat a well-balanced diet with lots of colourful fruit and vegetables.
• Tip 5: Avoid germ sharing – no sharing of cups and straws, scarves and caps or anything else that comes in contact with their mouths and faces.

Most importantly, when kids do get sick, keep them home and take steps to prevent germs from spreading to other young children. Day-care centres and schools have guidelines on when and for how long sick children should be away to minimise the risk of colds and flu spreading to the other children.

If your child does become sick this flu season, don’t panic, they’re just building up their immune system. Rest, warmth, nourishing foods and plenty of fluids will help them fight against any cold or flu.

If you want more information and treatment options, contact our friendly pharmacists today.

Unlike many diseases that affect the human eye, glaucoma lacks symptoms and warning signs in its early stages. When left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness – this is currently one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia today. It’s astounding to think that two in 100 Australians are unaware that they are experiencing serious optic nerve damage, resulting in loss of vision within a matter of years. Hansen Optometrists believe it is vital for over 50s to have their eyes tested for glaucoma every year. Using the absolute latest in retinal imaging technology, the experienced optometrists will provide you with accurate, fast and sometimes sight- saving results. Sixty minutes of your time each year can save your vision – book your appointment online, or call 6362 2222.