OPENING HOURS
Monday - Friday 7am to 5pm Saturday 8am to 2pm Sunday Closed
Phone: 6862 6600
12-14 Saleyards Rd, Parkes
CUNNINGHAM’S FIELD OF BABIES… The community is expected to turn up in full force for the rally at the hospital today. People are encouraged to bring along a named baby outfit. Getting ready for the rally were (L-R) Bianca McPhee with baby Ava Lewis, Amy Curtis with Evie and Archie Curtis, Tina Morrrison, Sam Gosper, Jess Galvin with Elsie, Robynne Skinner, Charlene Usher, Kristy Berry and Belinda McCorkell.
Rally For Parkes Babies In Parkes
The Parkes community is called on to rise up today for a rally at the Hospital at 12:30pm to stop the downgrading of maternity services. The Parkes Hospital has been in the news all week after a decision to temporarily close the maternity service due to an alleged shortage of medical proceduralists. Residents can also sign a petition of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Union at the rally and at local businesses to get to 10,000 signatures to present it to Parliament. On Tuesday the Parkes Chamber of Commerce stepped forward in support to organise a ‘field of babies’ for the rally. “We, as the business community, want to show our support for keeping the Parkes Maternity Ward open by decorating the lawn with named baby outfits. We live and work in Parkes and want to ensure that children continue to be
born in our wonderful Shire.” According the Parkes Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Rice “It is just devastating to lose such a basic necessity. We are trying to entice families to our town, but if you can’t offer them such a basic service, they might reconsider.” Geoff encouraged all residents and business owners to attend today’s rally to support the cause. Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM also expressed alarm and frustration over the decision and said: “It is exasperating that the situation has reached a crisis point. This dilemma has long been foreseen, as our long serving proceduralist neared retirement and should have been proactively planned and managed by Western NSW Local Health District. Continued on page 5
362 Clarinda St Parkes 6862 2522 Monday to Friday 7am-7.30pm Saturday to Sunday 7am-7pm
RURAL
RURAL FENCING CONTRACTOR Central West NSW
0439 029 204
www.southernstarrural.com.au