A best friend can be life-changing
IT was inspirational to catch up with Dani Stevens last weekend, who has suffered from refractory epilepsy for the last 10 years.
She has had a number of seizures requiring CPR, but life has taken a turn for the better with the addition of ‘Baloo’, her assistance dog that alerts her when an episode is coming.
These dogs are amazing and have the ability to change people’s lives.
I know we all too often take good health for granted, and I’m impressed by people that have health conditions that are still positive about life.
Well done Dani.
RITA’S A CHAMPION
We live in an amazing city, blessed with some extraordinary people that go above and beyond to make Ipswich a great place to live.
Some of these were acknowledged at the Ipswich Australia Day Awards last week. Congratulations to all those nominated, and to the winners.
I want to give a special shout out to Senior citizen of the year, legendary Rita Langer, who exemplifies what giving is all about.
She could easily be riding life on the coat tails of her son Allan’s accomplishments, but this humble champion has given 50 years’ service to Norths Football Club, as well as 50 years to the Blair State School Tuck Shop, 40 years to Ipswich Meals on Wheels, and also served at Ipswich High Tuck shop.
Well done Rita, you are an absolute champion, and I’m so proud to call you friend.
NEW BUSINESSES
This week I caught up with three young entrepreneurs starting new businesses in Ipswich.
Rose has taken her on-line ‘Stuffed Balloons and gifts galore’ to a shop at Grange Road, Eastern Heights.
She sources giftware and knick knacks locally and is worth a visit for presents, parties and special occasions.
It was exciting to catch up with Amber on Saturday who opened ‘Sewing with Amber’ at Ellenborough Street at the Top of Town.
She will be running classes to teach young mums and beginners sewing lessons and will also run workshops.
Che and Chloe of ‘Cafe Kalina’, have opened another cafe in the GE building, Springfield ‘Sage by Luvbite’.
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast there on Sunday. The life blood of our local economy is local business, and it’s important that we support local whenever we can.
I’d like to wish Rose, Amber, Che and Chloe all the best in their new ventures and look forward to supporting them.
FOOTY SEASON COMING
Footy season is fast approaching and most codes are now in pre-season training.
The Ipswich Touch season started Friday night with Super 8s which sees some of the best talent in SEQ converge on Jim Finnimore Oval.
SHOW AND SHINE
I was impressed with the amazing cars and bikes on show at the ‘Southern Cross Charities’ event at the Rosewood Bowls Club on Saturday. I was honoured to present the trophies, congratulations to the organisers for staging a great event.
I trust you enjoy the kids going back to school and I hope you have a cracking Australia Day.
