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TTT 2023 breaks attendance records STORY: PAGE 12 Anne Elliott honoured as new aero club patron By SHARON BONTHUYS ANNE Elliott has become just the third woman in the 94-year history of the Narromine Aero Club to be named patron. The honour of joining Joan Shepherd and Nancy Bird Walton as the third female patron of the club that Ms Elliott regards as her “first love” is slightly overwhelming to the quietly spoken 78-year-old, whose association with the club dates back to 1968. “I am truly proud and humbled,” said Ms Elliott, who described becoming patron of the Narromine Aero Club as the greatest honour of her lifetime. The announcement was made at the club’s annual general meeting (AGM) on September 10, when Margie Collins nominated Ms Elliott for the role, which was seconded by Ewen Jones and unanimously supported. The previous patron was the late Bill Ballhausen, who passed away in early 2022. Continued page 6
Trangie tennis club Farewell, Ms celebrates new courts Newman! STORY: PAGE 14
STORY & PHOTOS: PAGE 17
Shire starts R U OK? conversations By SHARON BONTHUYS A FREE barbecue breakfast in Tom Perry Park, Narromine, on September 14 was one of thousands of events held around the country in support of R U OK? Day. The Narromine Shire Council-sponsored event attracted people of all ages and encouraged participants to consider the important message that every day is a day to meaningfully ask your friends, family, and colleagues, ‘are you OK?’ Leading mental health advocate Beyond Blue suggests that older people in the community are less likely to share their experiences of depression and anxiety. But is this changing? Some older residents attending the council barbecue think the tide has turned, and people are more willing to talk nowadays because of the spotlight on mental health and the support services readily available now that weren’t a decade or more ago. Recently retired agricultural worker Bruce Peters, 70, said the pub was a place
Jake Barnes, Jason Poulson, Barry Croker, Bob Davis and Cr Ewen Jones at the R U OK? Breakfast on September 14. PHOTO: NARROMINE STAR.
where many older men shared their health and other concerns with their mates. “The older you get, you do talk more, especially at the pub,” he said. His sister, Robyn Masling, 74, agreed. “I have older friends
with depression who will talk about it now who never used to before,” she said. “People are talking about [mental health].” Deputy Mayor of the Narromine Shire, Cr Dawn Collins, was one of many representatives and staff from
the council who attended the breakfast prepared by Narromine Rotary Club volunteers. She said people should be gently encouraged to talk and seek help.
Continued page 3