With pre-season training for winter sports commencing it is a relevant time to discuss sports-related head injuries and consider what can be done to prevent or minimise the impact a concussion injury has on an athlete.

In the medical world, a concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions occur not only from direct contact of the head with a solid object, but also when indirect forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull such as a fall on the buttocks or a whiplash injury. Contrary to popular belief, you can sustain a concussion without losing consciousness.

Common symptoms of concussion include headaches, memory and concentration difficulty, decreased balance and coordination, drowsiness, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity. The ability to perform normal activities with the same speed, reaction time and precision as prior to the injury is often significantly altered.

When managed appropriately most signs and symptoms are temporary and resolve within seven to 10 days, however complications can occur including prolonged duration of symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury. There is also growing concern about the potential long-term consequences of multiple concussions.

The brain needs time to heal and rest after a concussion. This includes rest from both physical activity and cognitive loads. Return to sport too early increases the chances of another concussion.

It is worth considering performing baseline testing such as a SCAT-3 or King Devick Test in the pre-season to establish a benchmark offering comparison when an athlete has sustained a concussion. This helps determine when they are ready to return to sport.

“For the fitness of you.”
Linda Reilly

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is the largest women’s organisation in Australia and started in the 1920s as a way for women in rural and regional areas to connect and support one another. “Our goals remain the same in what is a very different social landscape,” said Parkes CWA President Alice Milne. “Women are more connected
than ever and yet our fast-paced lifestyle often leave little room for meaningful friendships and community engagement.”

Parkes CWA Branch offers a diverse range of opportunities, including a commitment to empowering women and families. “Last year, we learnt how to make soft cheeses from fresh goats milk, we even milked the goats!” said Alice. “We also learned the finer points on decorating cupcakes with different piping techniques.”

“If you are a woman, young or mature, we would love you to join us! You don’t need any skills, just a desire to make friends and help out in the community.”

The next meeting is on Wednesday, 16th May at 5.30pm at the Pink Orchid.

THE WELLBEING PROJECT EXHIBITION
Opening Preview – Parkes Library, 4pm Friday, 4th May Exhibition 5 – 19 May
Join the Wellbeing Project participants with facilitators Pol Cruz and Maralyn Nash to celebrate the work created through the project. Please RSVP to library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or phone:02 6861 2309.

DIGITAL MAGAZINES
Access complete digital magazines, eBooks and eTalking books through Parkes Shire Library today!
• Read magazines for as long as you want – no loan periods, no limits on how many magazines that can be borrowed.
Borrow an eBook or online talking book for four weeks.
• Browse and select from a wide range of titles, genres and authors.
• Instantly stream on your PC or Mac or download them to mobile devices. Women’s Weekly, Better Homes and Gardens, Caravan and Motorhome, Gardening Australia and Men’s Health are just a
few of the popular magazine titles available. Current listening favourites are the talking books Altar of Eden by James Rollins, The Dressmaker’s Dowry by Meredith Jaeger and Plan Truth by Jodi Picoult. Latest additions to the eBook collection include Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery, The Red Dirt Road by Alissa Callen and Hangman by Jack Heath.

Access to Parkes Shire Library free online collections is simple and only requires a current library card. The RBdigital app provides access to the online magazines, while ePlatform is where library members can borrow eBooks an eTalking Books. Visit your online Library today – www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/parkesshire-libraries/my-online-library/

EBOOK AND EMAGAZINE HOW TO
Parkes Library, Friday 25th May 10.30am
Bring your device or laptop and join us for a cuppa as the Library team shows you how to access the Library’s online downloadable collections.

Inland Rail leadership inspected its $2 million upgrade works between Parkes and Narromine this week. Recently appointed Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller and new ARTC Chairman Warren Truss joined ARTC Managing Director John Fullerton to view bridge upgrade works at Goonumbla.

The upgrade work will support ongoing delivery of Inland Rail when construction begins on the project’s Parkes to Narromine section in the middle of this year. According to the Managing Director ARTC took advantage of planned operational rail line shutdowns to build four new concrete bridges to replace four timber top bridges that have reached their end of operational life.

“The concrete bridges are stronger to support the longer, heavier and more efficient trains that will carry the lion’s share of domestic freight between Melbourne and Brisbane. “The Inland Rail standard allows for a significant increase in axle loads, which means regional producers can get more of their payload on each train. One 1.8km long train with ‘double stacked’ container capacity will support the movement of about 2,500 tonnes of freight in a single trip, which will slash freight costs by around 30% compared to road.”

Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May.

It complements similar celebrations honouring family members, such as Father’s Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents Day. In the United States, celebration of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century. It is not related to the many celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have occurred throughout the world over thousands of years, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or the Christian Mothering Sunday celebration
(originally a commemoration of Mother Church, not motherhood). However, in some countries, Mother’s Day has become synonymous with these older traditions.

The day is celebrated in more than 40 countries worldwide. Whether you go full out or feel the day has become too commercial, take time on Sunday, 13th May to honour the mother figure in your life. Something as simple as a phone call will make her feel loved!

Once a year in May we applaud our mothers.
Unlike Christmas when we rush and
stress to find a present for everyone, this
day is simple and easy: time to spoil just
one person. Here are some local ideas
how to best go about celebrating this day.
If your mum is the type of person who
says: “I’d rather wear flowers in my hair
than diamonds around my neck,” you are
spoilt for choice in Parkes.
At Pink Orchid you can get a special, individualised
creation if you tell them about
your mother and what she loves. You can
also get your mum to attend a floral bouquet
masterclass offered by Pink Orchid.
(Only limited space available, so hurry!)
With the help of Ivy Lane you can organise
the perfect gift for your mum! They offer
a huge range of stunning floral arrangements,
homemade candles, and special
gift boxes especially made for Mother’s
Day! Get your orders in quick! Ivy Lane will
be open on Mother’s Day too from 8am to
5pm, and make deliveries in town.
If your mum loves dressing up, why not
get her something special and unique at
Adela Rose where you will find an eclectic
range of dresses, crystals and jewellery.
Food is a vital ingredient to make celebrations
memorable, and Mother’s Day is no
exception. If it is your special day to treat
the family to a meal out – Parkes has a lot
to offer.
The Station Restaurant’s new autumn
menu is one you can definitely give a go.
With fresh produce form their very own
veggie patch, the menu is guaranteed to
be fresh and delicious.
Other favourite places for families in
Parkes are The Railway Hotel’s Hart Bar
and Ikon at Hotel Gracelands where there
are always specials on offer or old favourites
to enjoy. Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring
the mother of the family, as well as motherhood,
maternal bonds, and the influence of
mothers in society. It is celebrated on various
days in many parts of the world, most
commonly in the months of March or May.
It complements similar celebrations honouring
family members, such as Father’s
Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents Day.
In the United States, celebration of Mother’s
Day began in the early 20th century.
It is not related to the many celebrations
of mothers and motherhood that have
occurred throughout the world over thousands
of years, such as the Greek cult to
Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or
the Christian Mothering Sunday celebration
(originally a commemoration of Mother
Church, not motherhood). However, in
some countries, Mother’s Day has become
synonymous with these older traditions.
The day is celebrated in more than 40
countries worldwide.
Whether you go full out or feel the day
has become too commercial, take time on
Sunday, 13th May to honour the mother figure
in your life. Something as simple as a
phone call will make her feel loved!

The Parkes community flocked in huge numbers to the Anzac Day events in Parkes last week making it the biggest attendance yet. Parkes RSL Sub Branch secretary Paul Thomas said it was the biggest attendance he had seen and was full of praise for the hundreds of people attending the dawn service, the Anzac Day march and the civic ceremony in Cooke Park.

He was particularly happy with the representation by all the schools in town at the march. The Parkes RSL Sub Branch also unveiled two memorials dedicated to two Parkes men who served in World War II on Anzac Day.

The memorials at the Parkes Services Club, were of Victoria Cross recipient Flight Sergeant Rawdon Hume Middleton and first Corporal, then Flying Officer Colin Francis Hendry. The unveiling was done by former Parkes resident and one of Australia’s most senior officers in the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Osborne.

Marty Davies and Alana Folau, school captains of Middleton Public School, after whom the school was named, were also invited to the unveiling of the memorials at the Parkes Services Club. Middleton school’s Anzac choir were also invited to sing at the civil service in Cooke Park.