National Road Safety Week

Marking its 10th anniversary, national road Safety Week is on until May 21, and serves to remind all road users of the devastating impact road trauma has on individuals, families, and communities.

according to the australian road Deaths Database, road crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury in australia, with 1,187 people killed and over 40,000 seriously injured in road crashes in 2022 alone.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the statistics were quite confronting and underscores the need for everyone to take responsibility for their actions and make safer choices on the roads.

“Penrith City Council is committed to improving road safety and reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roads,’ Cr Hitchen said.

“all levels of government are investing in road infrastructure, education, and enforcement to make our roads safer for everyone, however we need all road users to take responsibility for their actions on our roads.”

This year’s national road Safety Week is calling on all Australians to reflect on the ways we can make our roads safer and to take action to prevent road trauma.

“We all have a role to play in reducing road trauma and making our roads safer. Whether we are drivers, passengers, bike riders, or pedestrians, we must all take responsibility for our actions and make safer choices on our roads,” Cr Hitchen said.

During national road Safety Week, the community is encouraged to remember those who have lost their lives on our roads, to reflect on how we can make our roads safer, and to take action to make a difference.

“Together, we can make a real difference and save lives on our roads. Let us all commit to being safer road users and working towards a future with zero road fatalities,” Cr Hitchen added.

The week-long event aims to raise awareness about the importance of road safety and encourage all australians to play their part in making our roads safer.

For more information about national road Safety Week, go to: https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/

95B Station St, Penrith

editor: Sales Manager:

Sales: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports editor:

Photographer:

Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the editor: Web:

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Kerrie

Retiring after devoting almost 50 years to local patients

issuu.com/nepeannews after an incredible 47-year nursing career, and just over two years as Director of Nursing and Midwifery at BMDH, Marie Baxter is retiring. she looks forward to going back to visit her UK homeland in the coming months and spending more time with her daughter and grandchildren.

Last week we celebrated International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife.

“When I was 13, I had to stay in a hospital for 10 days that was two hours from home, so I spent much of the time alone. there was this nurse who was absolutely gorgeous – her hair, her hat; she was kind, and she knew that I didn’t have family with me all the time, so she made a point of spending extra time with me,” Marie said.

“When I came home, I said to my mum, “I think I want to be a nurse”

“One year on Christmas Eve, a gentleman came in for emergency surgery for the removal of his bowel. I spent Christmas day with him and his wife, and I helped to make his Christmas as comfortable as possible. I moved jobs a fair bit during my time in Perth, but he would always find me and bring me a Christmas present, no matter which hospital I worked at as an ongoing thank you.

“another gentleman I looked after had a daughter who was soon getting married. It was a complex case and he was really sick and didn’t think he could make it down the aisle. I said to him, “you have to do it, your daughter can’t walk down the aisle without you”. It took us six weeks to get him to walk down the full length of the corridor so we knew he could walk the aisle; but he did it!

“I believe what makes a good nurse is honesty, openness, having adaptability to any situation, and being able to listen, even when it’s a difficult conversation. You need to be able to hear what the person in your care is saying so you can help them.

“as a nurse, it’s important to remember that you’re not doing it on your own. some days are really hard both physically and emotionally, but you’re part of a team and you’re all there to support each other.

“I’m really going to miss the people at Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital (BMDH); the friendships and the daily interactions I have at work.

“I’ve really had the best job in the world.”