Parkes Safe Haven opened its doors on 15th March, 2022, and since then has had 1,100 presentations of people struggling and in need of help. Safe Haven helps identify further services for appropriate support that is both immediate and ongoing.

Safe Haven is a friendly, emotional support facility for people with problems, often despairing or very lonely, some even contemplating suicide.

Ambulance Officer, Dan Wright spoke to Que Club members about this amazing facility at their recent dinner meeting. 

Dan and his wife, lost their son Luke to suicide four years ago. It was absolutely devastating for them, their family and friends. Another seven young people also committed suicide in the following months, while Dan also lost one of his own friends, a man with five children. 

Dan decided something needed to be done and that he would create a place to catch people before they reached crisis point. After two years of extremely hard work, calling on everyone he knew to help, he finally raised $510,000 to set up the Safe Haven. It is doing a remarkable job and as a result, ambulance callouts and death numbers have dramatically decreased.

Safe Haven looks and feels just like a house inside – beautifully equipped with quiet places, others for just talking, games, art and craft needs, even massage chairs, and everyone with a problem is welcome.

Safe Haven can only help needy people if they know about it. That’s where we all can help. Tell your friends, your kids, your parents, everyone. We can all help save lives.

Safe Haven is located at 3/195-199 Clarinda Street, and is open on weekdays from 10am. You can contact Safe Haven on 0428 228 097.

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is extremely excited to welcome the Starlight Children’s Foundation into its hospitals with the launch of Planet Starlight.

Anne Field WNSWLHD Acting Director of Integrated Care, said it will be wonderful for children throughout the district to have access to Starlight and their resources.

“Captain Starlight will be virtually beaming into to our services, through the Planet Starlight platform. The virtual service will mean children have an engaging positive distraction while in our facilities,” Anne said.

Imogen Aitken, Starlight National Manager Program Development said distraction and fun, as well as feeling a sense of achievement, recognition and connection are important for hospitalised kids. “Our goal is that any child spending time in hospital can benefit directly from Captain Starlight experience anywhere, anytime.”

“We’re excited to expand the reach and impact of our Captain Starlight program into regions like the Western NSW LHD to bring happiness to even more sick kids, especially when we can’t always be there face-to-face,” said Immogen.

Planet Starlight was officially launched this week at Dubbo Health Service, while concurrently being rolled out at Bathurst and Orange Health Services. 

“Being in hospital can be a scary and stressful time, especially for kids. We hope Planet Starlight will be able to ease this for them while they’re with us,” Anne said.

Mum of four, Amie Gough said Starlight has played a positive role in their hospital stays in Sydney. “The Starlight Express Room has always been a ‘happy escape’ for Millie away from the ward, operating theatre and clinics.” 

The virtual platform is available on any smart device.

Three Parkes students are the recipients of this year’s Jack Scoble scholarship, which provides financial support for local high school graduates undertaking their first year of full-time university study.

James Finn and Maisy Osbourne who graduated at Red Bend Catholic College, and Zac Redfern from Parkes High School were selected from 12 applicants.

Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the three recipients, saying: “Our three scholars all exhibit a strong sense of community involvement, civic pride, leadership and personal integrity, all of which were attributes held in high regard by the late Jack Scoble, who was a strong champion for supporting young people and giving them opportunities to grow and better themselves.”

The three students, who have already started their studies, were represented by their families at the ceremony held at Parkes Shire Council recently.

James has been accepted into the University of Newcastle, where he is studying a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

Maisy was inspired by her parents to undertake a Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle.

Zac has a passion for allied health and has been accepted into Charles Sturt University to study a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science. He is proud to be the first person in his family to go to university and hopes to become a dentist or orthodontist.

How old are you? 11 years

Were you named after anyone? No, I don’t think so.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Packet of chips, fruit and brownie.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? To play for the NRLW (women’s rugby league).

If you could invent something, what would it be? Something to clean your room for you.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Go on holidays, and give some away to people who live in other countries that need it.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Going on a Dreamworld rollercoaster in the front seat with my friend.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? My grandmother, as I didn’t get to know her.

What makes you feel like dancing? Good music, friends and a pool.

If you found a genie, what would you wish for? Infinite wishes.