Over the last five years the group have raised in excess of $30,000 for local children’s groups, with the majority of that money set aside for the purchase of a bus for local schools and community groups to access.

Nikki O’Brien, a spokesperson for the group, said that they are ‘very close to their dream of purchasing a bus becoming a reality’.

The committee is in the process of purchasing a bus in conjunction with Kandos High, which they hope will be operational in the next couple of months. The bus will be based at Kandos High School but will be available for hire to local community and sporting groups along with other local schools.  

The ball is traditionally held around the first weekend in September but this has become a busy time for fundraising in the community with other local groups holding events at this time. The committee made the decision not to host a ball after speaking with local identity Dianne Kerney who expressed an interest in hosting a ball in October to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.  

Dianne is a long, term fundraiser for the foundation and a key supporter of the ‘Pink Up Rylstone and Kandos’ campaign which will be held again this year.

Dianne will be holding a ‘Pink Ball’ on the October 13 as part of the fundraising for this campaign and the Cudgegong Country Fundraising Association wish her all the best and hope that the community get behind this event and supports it as they have with the Cudgegong Ball for the last five years. You can contact Dianne at Rylstone Food works for more details about the Pink Ball.

The Kids and Carers Kite Flying Family Fun Day was good fun.

A solid wind on Sunday helped keep the kites aloft. Sausage sizzle, face painting, raffle and a chance for the family to get out and run around was behind the good cause of raising money to finish the Kids and Carers new house.

A good crowd of visitors was evident at Saturdays Markets. New stalls, plus the regulars made for an entertaining morning. Although blustery at times the weather was unseasonably warm. A nice day to be out and about.

Sunday, August 4 was a day of celebration at St Dominic’s Church Kandos, to bless a plaque to commemorate the service the Good Samaritan Sisters. The plaque also recognises four local girls who joined the order and over 50 years of teaching, at the school.

There were seven Good Samaritan Sisters in attendance from the Blue Mountains, including the last two to teach at Kandos before the school closure in 1973.

After the celebration of Mass and the blessing, a tasty lunch was enjoyed by about 50 guests.

While works occur at the front car park of the Rylstone MPS, patients and visitors are advised that there will be temporary changes to car parking and access to the MPS. From Monday, August 13, for approximately two weeks, the following car parking arrangements and entry points will be in operation.

For all visitors and general presentations, please park in the HealthOne car park off Fitzgerald Street and follow the signage directing to the MPS front entry. For emergency presentations and disabled access only, please access the temporary emergency/disabled entry off Ilford Road. Note this area is a drop-off zone only, parking is provided in the HealthOne car park.

Patients and visitors are asked to take care around the building site while these works are occurring. If you have further questions about access during this time please phone the MPS on 02 6357 8111. 

Positive feedback on new facilities

While the redevelopment at the Rylstone MPS is getting closer to completion, those areas that have been finished have already been put to use, including the new staff accommodation.

Alexandria Judge recently completed her new graduate work at the Rylstone MPS and had a glowing review of the staff accommodation and the facility.

“The staff are very resourceful and knowledgeable in what they do every day at the MPS. It was very comfortable and was made to feel very welcome with the furnishings. It is the best nurses accommodation I have stayed in during my time as a student/newly registered nurse,” Alexandria said.

“Rylstone MPS is filled with friendly staff and I was made to feel very welcome in the community by the staff and the people within the town.

The staff are very resourceful and knowledgeable in what they do every day at the MPS. I would gladly return any day to re-join the team.” Keep up the great work Rylstone MPS!

New art taking shape

As part of the redevelopment project some new artwork is going up in the MPS, including an Aboriginal mural which has been developed by Peter Swain and Gavan Jones.

Peter and Gavan visited the MPS recently and shared an afternoon tea and storytelling with the staff and residents for NAIDOC week.

According to reports, everyone was enthralled with Peter’s storytelling and he was able to explain the meaning of the “Songlines” being installed on the walls.

The picture on the left is from the start of the mural painting process. The finished mural along with other art will be showcased at a later date in conjunction with the opening of the redeveloped MPS. 

David’s Diary