Locals lean on each other at Unlocking Hope

Finley St Vincent de Paul secretary Margaret Nesbitt (center) accepts a donation from Finley Community Second Hand Shop volunteers Gwen James and Judy Rourke.

A small group of residents from Tocumwal and Finley were treated to a very special presentation recently in the Unlocking Hope monthly series organised by the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance.

One person with a diagnosis of dementia spoke of his life experience before the diagnosis, the two years that it took for him to be diagnosed and his life since then.

His wife then talked of her life supporting her husband, particularly the difficulties that occur from time-to-time.

They were able to answer questions from those in attendance, which was very informative and helpful to the questioners in gaining a better understanding of the difficulties experienced in this process.

A lady who had not expected to speak stood up as proceedings were winding up and, extremely courageously, told those gathered of her experiences caring for her husband.

If anyone has concerns about their situation, please feel free to contact the 24-hour helpline available through Dementia Support Australia on 1800 699 799.

In addition, Dementia Australia provides a counselling service on 1800 100 500 for advice and guidance about any concerns which do not require immediate action.

There will not be an Unlocking Hope presentation in August, however, the Alliance is delighted to have Dr Alam Yoosuff featuring at the September 12 meeting at the Finley Returned Soldiers Club.

•••

Entries are still being taken for the annual Pink Day at Finley Golf Club to be held on Wednesday, August 14.

The competition is a 2 person ambrose teams event for men and women, with a 9.30am assembly for 10am shot gun start.

Entry fee is $30 per player, which includes a barbecue lunch.

Entries close Monday, August 12 or when field capacity is reached.

Email maryapolk@gmail.com or phone 0428 104 284 to provide player names, Golflink numbers and if you are using/sharing a cart.

Golf cart bookings can be made by calling the Finley Golf Club on 5883 1360. There are a limited number available, and they will be allocated in order of receipt.

Proceeds from the day are donated to breast cancer research, so let’s work together to make a difference

•••

A Dying to Know Day session will be held in Finley next month.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District specialist palliative care team, together with the support of the Local Health Advisory Committee, extends an invitation for adults at all stages of life to have conversations and improve knowledge around choices for their end-of-life.

Information on advanced care planning, funeral arrangements and end of life legalities will be given.

The session will take place on Thursday, August 8 between 10.30am and 12.30pm, at the Finley RS Club.

Further information can be obtained by contacting MLHD palliative care nurse educator Stephanie Dunstall by calling 0428 102 041 or by email to Stephanie.Dunstall@health.nsw.gov.au.

•••

Margaret Nesbitt, the Finley St Vincent de Paul secretary, was delighted to receive a generous donation from the Finley Community Second Hand Shop committee recently.

This is just one of many financial contributions given by the Second Hand Shop to organisations who assist those in need in the local community.

Run entirely by volunteers, both organisations would welcome new members interested in joining in at any time.

•••

Kerri Carlon was the lucky winner of the Finley Lions Club wood raffle last Saturday.

As a thank you to their valued supporters, next week’s wood raffle will have a second prize – a side of lamb.

Just a reminder that all weekly tickets go into the barrel to win a hand made fire pit, drawn after the final wood raffle of the season.

It was good to see the members had taken advantage of the covers at the street stall venue to keep out the dreadful cold wind experienced on Saturday.

•••

Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.

Please include a contact name and phone number.