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Health and wellbeing are increasingly important in today’s world –and one of Hudson Road Family Centre’s newest groups are tackling this area head on.
Independent Advocate Barbara Cafagna is holding information sessions on the first Monday of each month from 7-8pm. “We’re all about changing one family at a time in terms of raising awareness and getting them healthier for future generations,” Barbara said. “Wellness, abundance and community are the three pillars we sit on.” Barbara is passionate about showing people that there are good, healthy products capable of improving life and reducing toxicity. “The platform offers everything from non-perishable pantry goods, skin care, cleaning products, personal care and sports fitness, to an educational section with some amazing books that cover a wide range of health concerns,” she said. “We’re raising community awareness that people can create an incredible life for themselves. It’s offered so many incredible things for me personally, especially from a personal development perspective – but the heart of it all is making food your medicine.” Barbara said she has continued to focus on good health after having a stroke eight years ago at the age of 35. “I was fit and healthy, but taking the contraceptive pill, which led to me having a stroke,” she said. “I was extremely lucky I recovered on a physical level, because I was already physically started looking at how I could improve my health. That’s my personal story. There is still a place for modern medicine - I was thankful that it was there are at the time, it goes hand in hand with good health. You need to look after your body, and what’s around your home.” Barbara held her first session in November, and her second just this month, with a good response. “We had a combination of guests and advocates turn up,” she said. “Our platform is a discretionary digital marketplace. All the merchants on our platform have to go before an independent product advisory board to prove they are what they say they are. The products all have to have what the ingredients are and the origin of source for each of those ingredients as well. There are certain criteria the product must adhere to before it can be considered, including being cruelty free, and containing no GMOs. “These meetings are about getting people together and showing them what we’re doing, and inviting them to join the community as a customer or as a merchant,” Barbara said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to join the community who share the vision and want to see positive change happening.”
The Withers Progress Association Inc., who are auspicing for and assisting Friends of Des Ugle Park to organize the event, are still seeking volunteers to help set up and break down chairs and marquees on the day.
“This is the fair’s 22nd year, and it’s something of an institution,” Withers Progress Association Inc. Chair Mary Dunlop said. “We believe it’s crucial in the community. It’s a free event. We have some supporters in the community, but it’s still hard work to get it going – some new volunteers would be fantastic. You can find more information on the Withers Progress Association Inc. Facebook page.”
“There was not much happening around Withers for twenty years or so, prior to us receiving some government funding,” she said. “That then evolved into the revitalization of Withers.” The WPA Inc. have been involved in projects such as getting CCTV cameras in streets, lobbying for public toilets in parks, closing troublesome path access ways, and getting refuge islands and crosswalks put in. They have worked to get footpaths in some areas with busy streets, which had parents and children walking on the roads. “Whatever is front and centre for normal folk in the suburbs, we take the action that’s required as quickly as possible to resolve any situation,” Mary said. The WPA Inc. also run a successful craft group at Hudson Road Family Centre and auspice for and help to coordinate the annual Friends of Des Ugle Park Christmas Fair.
“Roberta Lee, a concerned community member, has just completed the online neighborhood watch for every street of Withers. She’s done a sterling job, and she’ll be at Des Ugle Christmas Fair to sign up more people,” Mary said.
“We have a very positive community-minded group that works well together and with other groups. We support each other and do the best we can.” Next year the WPA Inc. will continue onward and upward with our first meeting scheduled for Thursday February 8th at Hudson Road Family Centre, time TBA. “We’re getting ourselves out there more, so that people know we’re here and willing to assist anyone who asks,” Mary said. The WPA Inc. welcomes community involvement and is currently seeking volunteers to help with the set-up of the Des Ugle Christmas Fair on Saturday November 25 from 11am-4pm at Des Ugle Park in Withers. If you would like to help out or learn more, call 0421 441 443 or email wpa6230@gmail.com |