Generations returns in all its glory

It started with emotional and psychological abuse, including telling lies, stealing money and insults. And it ended with Simone being beaten with a baseball bat to within inches of my life.

She lost her eyesight on her right side and her sense of smell and her skull was held together with screws and titanium plates. The ripple effect of that attack, which happened in front of her two daughters, has been unimaginable, including her son, who was not home at the time..

It was the support of family, friends, neighbours, doctors and nurses that got her through initially and she shares her story in between all the treatments, operations and therapies she has to go through for the rest of my life.

Simone is the first to admit before here attack she was oblivious to domestic violence and the red flags associated with it.

“I learned the hard way and now, I want to make sure no women or children will experience what me and my kids did ever again,” she said. “I want to raise awareness of domestic violence and give strength to victims to get out of violent relationships. I want to help people see the red flags and provide them the information they need to protect themselves and seek help if required. Using my personal story of determination, resilience, courage and strength, I want to champion non-violence against women and children.”

Having undergone over 50 lifesaving surgeries, and with her perpetrator being sentenced to 15 years in jail, Simone is now not only a survivor, but an advocate for women against violence. It will be a privilege to hear Simone’s incredible story.

This weekend, Mount Gambier’s internationally renowned student jazz festival returns to the calendar free of the restrictions of the past couple of years.

Thousands of musicians, vocallists, teachers and their support crews will converge on Mount Gambier for Generations in Jazz with The Barn, again, the epicentre of all things jazz. Check out the website and social media platforms for all the details on how you can get involved and soak up the best rising musical talent in Australia in your own backyard.

New library opening hours for Mount Gambier

The Mount Gambier Library will be adjusting its hours to achieve a more accessible Library for regular and new patrons. The City of Mount Gambier is committed to ensuring the Mount Gambier Library continues its role in supporting lifelong learning and providing a sense of inclusion for our community.

As of this week the Mount Gambier Library opening hours will be as follows:

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5.30pm Saturdays: 9am - 1pm Sundays: 10am - 2pm (The Sunday hours are on a trial basis and the community are welcome to provide feedback)