Special guests for WASH Club’s 26th annual general meeting

Warragul Arthritis Self Help Group conducted its 26th annual general meeting recently.

Guests included Gabi Massey from Musculoskeletal Australia, West Gippsland Healthcare Group activity coordinator Samantha Hamilton and Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood, who was acknowledged for his support in printing the monthly newsletter.

Office bearers for the coming year include group coordinator Lesley Welch, secretary Marita Duncan, treasurer Annette Gallagher and committee members Dave Drummond and Ray Brydon.

Jenny Drummond was appointed newsletter and publicity officer with Maree Wallace as her assistant. Sylvia Middleton is once again catering officer and library resources coordinator is Lesley Welch.

The indomitable Mina Van der Veen continues as membership secretary.

Exercise class coordinators are Annette Gallagher (warm water), Ray Derbyshire (chair based) and Don McArthur (Nordic walking).

Shirley Gapes has stepped down as official photographer after many years in the position, with the role being taken on by Ashley Bence.

The WASH group meet in a variety of ways to provide for the needs of its members, working together to inform, encourage and assist through meetings and programs.

Guest speakers for the year spoke on a variety of topics including Haemophilia, spring time in Baw Baw Shire’s parks and gardens, diet for arthritis, consumer affairs and scams, massage and aromatherapy, hearing and fun and entertainment.

Betty Bence organised the enjoyable coach trip to Mount Martha and all members participated in the community barbecue for arthritis

VIEW

The VIEW club’s final dinner meeting was held at the Downtowner, Warragul recently.

It was a mixed night and husbands; partners or friends were warmly welcomed.

Forty members and 16 guests enjoyed a n interesting talk by David McLean.

David is the Chaplain at the Longwarry Football Club and assists and guides students at Chairo Christian School in preparing for awareness week.

This year the group celebrated anniversary dinner at the Black Tie.

Members also enjoyed a Christmas luncheon, a thank you afternoon tea for volunteers and a mid-winter lunch.

More leaders are desperately needed to run classes. The WASH group provides the finance or professional training and continued support for exercise leaders. Training days with MSK Australia will be held in September.

Gabi Massey spoke on the change of name to Musculoskeletal Australia, the work they currently do and changes in the support now offered.

Everyone in attendance was given a book on managing pain and a new MSK help line number.

Annette presented Gabi with a cheque to support juvenile arthritis programs.

Gabi presented five-year service awards to David and Jenny Drummond. Ten-year recipients were Betty Bence. Sylvia Middleton, Elaine Anderson and Annette Gallagher. Annette was also presented with an outstanding service award.

Samantha Hamilton presented a brief overview of the activities and programs held at the centre. It was surprising to hear the centre employs 60 staff to provide allied health, diabetes sessions, family violence and mental health programs.

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at West Gippsland Healthcare Group community services, Pettit room 2, Gladstone St Warragul for a 1.30pm start.

The guest speaker for September will be Peter Clark who will speak on the topic of memory matters.

For more information contact Lesley Welch on 5623 6255.

participating in the Maryborough each year.

The race for human powered vehicles requires lots of preparation and fundraising throughout the year. Students in the BATS program (Business and Technical Students) learn more than just driving a car around the circuit. It has been found that the program has far reaching benefits.

Members and guests enjoyed his talk. They also enjoyed his story about the role of chaplains in sport and how this is increasingly common through many sporting clubs.

The next meeting is the club’s birthday celebration of 30 years, making it the oldest VIEW club in the district.

Any past members as well as anyone wishing to visit our club, with a view to perhaps joining, are cordially invited to attend.

To be held again at the Downtowner, the meeting is on September 5 at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. You can book by phoning Lindy on 0409 022 076.

The raffle was won by Maree and donated by Lindy and Laraine.

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