What is the opposite of matter?

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Community spirit on show

Tom Parry

SALE’S local hospital has been gifted with new seating thanks to the efforts of two local organisations. The wooden bench was gifted to Central Gippsland Health by the Ninety Milers nonprofit group and Fulham Correctional Centre on May 31. The partnership arose after Ninety Milers facilitator Jan Embling began helping with renovations of the Reflection Garden, located in CGH’s Oncology Ward. “I had always known there was a workshop out at (Fulham) prison,” Ms Embling said. “I rang the prison and they said, ‘Yes, they did have a workshop,’ and so I gave them an example of what (furniture) I wanted.” Aware of the Ninety Milers’ limited budget, staff at Fulham were able to sell the group a refurbished timber seat to the group, as general manager Natalie Greenfield explained. “We had an old bench stored off-site, and realised this was a great opportunity for some of the men to apply the skills they attained in their Certificate II Construction course to restore it back to its former glory,” Ms Greenfield said. Ms Greenfield added that the inmates took great pride in being able to create something meaningful for patients at the local hospital. “Being able to provide vocational skills training to the men in our custody is an integral part of their rehabilitation and post-release reintegration into the community,” she said Ms Embling said that the Ninety Milers were very pleased to receive the “beautifully refurbished” timber seat. CGH acting chief executive officer Mandy Pusmucans described the project as a win-win for all involved. “Not only did it give men at Fulham Correctional Centre the opportunity to hone their skills, but CGH now has a wonderful addition to its Reflection Garden that will be enjoyed by patients and visitors alike,” Ms Pusmucans said. “I am so proud that partnerships like this exist within our community. “I would like to thank Fulham Correctional Centre and The Ninety Milers for initiating this worthwhile project that will be at CGH for all to enjoy for many years to come.”

John Embling, CGH acting chief executive officer Mandy Pusmucans, Caroline MacLachlan, Jan Embling, Rebecca Gunning and Rose Ljubicic with the Reflection Garden’s new seat.

Photo: Tom Parry

 NDIS assistance is available at Maffra Neighbourhood House on the second Wednesday each month from 11.30am until 1.3m. Please drop in and have any NDIS questions answered by a pre-planner from CoAbility.  Dawn’s Gentle Pace walking group leaves Maffra Neighbourhood House every Thursday morning at 9.15am returning for a cuppa at 10.15am. Anyone wishing to join this group please contact the House on 5147 1487.  Gippsland Woodcraft Group Inc will hold an Open Day on Saturday, June 11, at their clubrooms, 843 Maffra Rosedale Road, Nambrok. Woodcraft accessories available, wooden items for sale and a vintage car display will take place. Also raffles and door prizes.  The Maffra Garden Club’s next meeting is at 12 noon on Monday, June 13 at Judy and Peter Kelly’s garden at Airly. Please BYO lunch, mug and chair. The competition is a bunch of herbs. New members welcome. Contact Jeanette on 0438 456 491 for more information.