As families prepare for the new school year, many parents work through the usual checklist: new shoes, new pencils, sticking labels on everything. But there’s one important item that’s often over­looked: an eye test.

Children’s vision plays a crucial role in learning, behaviour and confidence at school. Yet many kids don’t realise they have a vision problem. To them, the way they see the world is “normal,” even if the board is blurry or reading is uncom­fortable. That’s why parents need to be strong advocates for their children’s eye care.

More children are becoming shortsighted than ever before. Compared to previous generations, today’s kids spend far more time doing close work, particular digital devices and far less time outdoors. This shift is contributing to a rise in vision problems at younger ages.

Undetected vision issues can quietly affect a child’s ability to concentrate, read, follow instructions and participate confidently in the classroom. They can also impact behaviour, as children who struggle to see may become frustrated, tired or disengaged. Often, these prob­lems aren’t obvious, and it takes more than a parent’s keen eye to pick them up.

The good news is that early detec­tion makes a real difference. Identifying vision problems early allows for timely treatment and better long-term out­comes, particularly as a child’s eyes are still developing.

We recommend a comprehensive eye test before starting kindergarten, and then every two years throughout school or sooner if concerns arise. As part of your back-to-school routine, adding an eye test to the checklist is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on your child’s learning and wellbeing. Book your child’s eye appointment on 6963 5577 or www.hansenoptom.com

Church lawns fill with folding chairs for car­ols, kids rehearse their nativity lines with tea towels on their heads, and once again we pause at the old, beautiful story of a baby born in a stable — God choosing the simple and the small to show us He is with us.

At Kerin Health, the lights are still on. The tinsel on the front desk is slightly crooked.

Someone’s brought in shortbread. The tree in the corner is looking a little droopy after a month of being “reorganised” by many tod­dlers – mostly my own two-year-old, a tiny interior decorator with very big opinions.

Most mornings begin the same way — a deep breath at the door, mustering energy for another day amidst the juggle of school presentation nights and Christmas parties.

We wouldn’t have it any other way. Be­cause between the carols and the chaos, there are quieter moments. A farmer com­ing in straight from the paddock, hat in hand, finally making time for his sore shoul­der. A Mum in thongs and a messy bun, baby on one hip, whispering that she’s not just tired, she’s overwhelmed. An older gent who “hates a fuss”, leaving his appointment standing taller, with a joke for the girls at the front desk.

These are the stories of this year. Of bodies worked hard and hearts stretched thin. Of neighbours checking in. Of country people doing what they’ve always done — showing up for each other.

Christmas, for Kerin Health, is less about perfect tables and more about full ones.

Less about having everything “sorted” and more about being together, sharing food, stories and second helpings.

Our team will be taking a break over Christmas to rest with our own families, so the clinic will be closed for appointments during that time, reopening in early January refreshed and ready for a big year ahead.

Behind the scenes, there are plans on whiteboards, new faces joining the staff, and some exciting announcements coming in the new year — more support for rural families, more women’s health and preg­nancy services, more ways to care for the bodies that carry our stories.

From all of us at Kerin Health: thank you for trusting us with your aches, your tears, your hard days and your hopeful ones. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc was estab­lished to provide and promote a confiden­tial, non-denominational, non-religious sup­port network distinct from other groups,societies, associations and the time, for people whose lives have been touched bycancer in some way.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc began from a newspaper article featuring Dianne Tan­swell’s 40th birthday party, headed ‘Cancer a word, not a death sentence’. lt expressed Dianne’s passion to form a support group in Parkes for cancer patients and their carers’. This article prompted well-known sports­man Len Gosper to contact Dianne about her idea. Together Dianne, Len Gosper and Dorothy Tanswell formed Companions Thru Cancer on 10 December 2001. Un­fortunately, all three founders were cancer patients and have sadly passed away, but their legacy lives on.

Companion Thru Cancer lnc meet every third Wednesday of the month for social outings where friendships and support have grown, and many experiences have been shared in a relaxed and informal at­mosphere. This sharing and friendship is reflected in the group’s logo designed by local artist Julie Hamilton, in memory of her late mother, Patricia Bigelow.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc have in the past made donations to Care West Lodge Orange, Currajong Enterprises, AngeI Flight, Currajong Disabilities, PCYC, RuraI Fire, Encore and Red Cross to name a few.

The group have also fundraised for Relay for Life and annually hold a Biggest Morn­ing Tea for the Cancer Council.

This year they donated $1,000 to the Parkes Domestic & Family Violence Com­mittee.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc was formed to share experiences, to laugh, to cry and to embrace life! lf you would like to join please contact: President Mavis Moon 6862 2582 or vice president Kay lvey 0459 931 799.

On 21 November, 2025, the Legislative As­sembly clerk announced that a paper pe­tition signed by 500 or more persons had been lodged for presentation. A Petition re­questing that the Legislative Assembly call on the Government to increase the levels of nurse staffing, administration support and security provision in the emergency depart­ment at Parkes Hospital.

NSWNMA Parkes Hospital branch del­egate Tania Elsley said “The submission of our petition to parliament is the first step in making our state aware of our fear and safe­ty concerns and then responsible for fund­ing the changes needed. Parliament and State Health are responsible for providing what is required for our town’s local public hospital. They are no longer “unaware”.”

“If our town wants our local hospital to deliver appropriate and safe care, commu­nity support needs to continue until we see improvement. Sadly if we stop being visible and vocal then people assume it has hap­pened. This includes our local council pur­suing this on our behalf as it affects their families the same as our own.” said Tania.

Phil Donato MP said “I have been in routine contact with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association area organiser, with whom I have regularly discussed challeng­es experienced by the branch members concerning the Parkes Hospital on 7th April 2025 I met with Parkes branch members, who first raised with me issues concerning nursing staff shortages, system improve­ments, and the need for dedicated security staff around the clock. Following that meet­ing, I made formal written representations to the Minister for Health regarding staffing, and I also tabled a question on notice re­garding the issue of hospital security.”

The Health Minister’s written response is due by Friday 26 December 2025. Once the Minister’s written response is received, it will be publicly viewable on the following link: https://shorturl.at/fBw7r

With the festive season approaching and cost-of-living pressures continuing to af­fect households across the country, Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia have launched a new free resource to help people manage their finances and look after their mental health.

The Money and Mental Health Toolkit in­cludes practical tips for managing thoughts and emotions, budgeting, having conversa­tions with banks or utility companies and finding the right support when you need it.

Its launch comes as demand for finan­cial support via the National Debt Helpline phone service remains high, with almost 170,000 calls and chats in the 12 months to the end of October.

Recent results from Beyond Blue’s Aus­tralia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found financial pressure was the leading cause of distress for nearly half (46%) of all respondents.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said the festive season could be a par­ticularly challenging time for many people, when financial and emotional pressures of­ten intensified.

“There are so many expectations around this season and that can bring added pres­sure, especially when money is tight,” she said.

Ms Harman encouraged those experienc­ing distress not to wait. “There’s always a way forward. Talking to someone can help lighten the load and give you hope that you can get through this.”

The Money and Mental Health Toolkit is available now on the Beyond Blue website beyondblue.org.au

If you’re one of the estimated 20% of Aus­tralians that suffer with hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your al­lergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities to evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly wash­ing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little al­lergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief for the symp­toms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid us­ing the “red eye” drops. These temporar­ily hide the redness without addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabi­liser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your al­lergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optom­etrists where we can formulate a personal­ised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

Ron Dunford Chemist has been serving the community in Parkes for over 50 years, and it is that time of year again where they turn to the community for support of their annual morning tea to support breast cancer.

Ron Dunford Chemist has always sup­ported the McGrath Foundation, and has been having morning tea’s for as long as can be remembered which is estimated to be about 20 years.

Come along on Monday, 27 October to enjoy a friendly chat with the Ron Dunford team whilst enjoying lots of yummy home baked goodies. For just a $5 donation, you will receive a plate of goodies to enjoy in store, or take home to enjoy later. All pro­ceeds raised will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Zoe Hayne, Retail and Administration Manager at Ron Dunford Chemist said, “It is vitally important that we all get behind such a fundamental and worthwhile cause so that we can all work together to create a future where no one has to miss out on getting care from a McGrath care nurse, and one that ultimately finds a cure for cancer.”

“Early detection is the key. Please be self-aware, have regular check ups, see your doctor if you have any concerns, and always check your boobs for any lumps or signs of change.”

“We look forward to the community sup­porting us in our endeavor. Together we can raise awareness, have hope, and show that we care and support each other.”

To help raise as many funds as possible, a raffle is running in store where you have the opportunity to win a gorgeous gift basket full of self-care and self-indulgent products.

Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The raffle will be drawn at the Breast Cancer Awareness morning tea on Monday 27th October.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eligi­ble women from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book a free mam­mogram, with 42 per cent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years, through a population based screening program like BreastScreen NSW, is still the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt.

Deon Adamson Manager, Breastscreen NSW (Greater Western), said with more than 250 local women expected to be diag­nosed with breast cancer this year, women need to put themselves first and book a screening.

“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed,” Ms Ad­amson said. “Early detection significantly increases a person’s chance of survival and can greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is encourag­ing clients, staff and the community to Tell a Friend about the importance of regular screening and how to book an appointment.

A record 36,500 women booked their breast screen in October 2024. This year, the Be A Friend, Tell A Friend promotion will encour­age more conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.

For more information and to make an ap­pointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.