The March meeting opened with the usual roundup of the various programs from Alysan and was followed by Kevin Dixon’s second instalment of C.J. Dennis’ ‘Sentimental Bloke’. This recitation was “Hitched”, the marriage of the Bloke to his love Doreen, again a great rendition of this classic piece of Australian literature.

Peter Smythe presented a rundown of the ‘History’ group’s work over the last four years which has culminated in the production of a book which is a history of small businesses which operated in the Grafton area (north of the river) in the years after the second world war. Peter’s effort in collecting and collating the information has been a mammoth task. A sterling effort and the book is available at a cost of $35.

Following the usual hubbub and talkfest which accompanies our morning tea, the second half of the meeting came to us with three guest speakers from the Department of Fair Trading

Theresa Kelly (community liaison coordinator), spoke on consumer rights regarding purchases of goods or services associated with the My Aged Care Packages emphasising that the person is a consumer  and entitled to all of the rights to make informed choices and to make complaints when and if that were necessary  under the protection of Australian Consumer Law

Amanda Wilkinson (program manager), My Health Record, spoke on our ability to access our health records anywhere and at any time. To opt in or out at any time, advising that this information can be accessed on line and also who can and cannot gain access to this information. Gerard Dunlop (senior rights service advocate), has the unenviable job of being the recipient of all the complaints (all the brickbats and very few bouquets) that come to the Senior Rights Service from disaffected clients. Altogether, it was a very informative session from these three speakers.

The lucky door prize of another Men’s Shed creation was taken home by Mary Maker.

We can now look forward to our April Jabberfest to be held on Monday 8 at the New Life Church when we will have the ‘Good Vibes’ group present a selection of war songs to start the day.

Nick Reeve will test our knowledge with a few questions on climate change as a prelude to his presentation after morning tea on this subject.

We look forward to another great rollup of members and guests to the New Life Church in Arthur Street on Monday April 8 commencing as usual at 10am.

Brian Carter