JOURNALIST Sandra Godwin looks back at the events and issues from January in The Guardian’s Year in Review series.
Tuesday, January 25
· Concession card holders eligible for up to 10 free RATs over a three month period were unable to get any from Swan Hill pharmacies which had sold out. A boost in supplies was expected by mid-February.
· Fundraising for a proposed cancer and wellness centre at the Swan Hill hospital received a $5000 boost thanks to customers of Cameron’s Fine Jewellers. Owner Judy Cameron said customers were “really chuffed” to learn part of their festive season purchases would be donated to the hospital.
Friday, January 28
· Beryl Lowe’s decades of volunteer work were recognised when she was name Swan Hill Australia Day citizen of the year. Accepting the award Ms Lowe said she was lost for words and “just did what needed doing”. She began volunteering with the Red Cross in the UK at the age of eight and continued her community service, fundraising and organising events, after moving to Australia in 1963.
· Swan Hill schools were preparing for the start of the new school year under new COVID-safe settings, which include twice-weekly RATs and the installation of air purifiers. Swan Hill Primary School principal Hayley Doyle said most parents were looking forward to the return of school after two years of remote learning.
