I made an impractical decision as a farm­er’s wife. But I am too far in to let him know that he was right and I was wrong.

I bought a gorgeous outdoor furniture set for our verandah, with cream white cush­ions.

“How do you think that will stay clean?” he asked, eyeing it off as it arrived.

And so it began.

My ongoing mission to prove him wrong.

The work dogs would take full advantage of not being tied up at night, and I’d find them curled up there in the morning, their black bodies a stark contrast against the cream cushions.

But there was one kelpie I felt had earned the right to a little luxury.

Pete. He was retired, and my favourite.

He could shoot around a mob of sheep at record speed, then stand quietly while my baby sprawled all over him, using his back as a cushion.

He’d mustered goats in Queensland. Burnt his paws on hot ground moving thirsty stock closer to water. Found lambs alone

and hungry beside a creek bed. Taught pup after pup how to work. Then shared his kennel with them at night to keep them warm.

And so, I let him have his warm patch of sun on my outdoor lounge.

To sleepily gaze over hills he knew well.

The white dots of sheep he’d moved up the laneway.

The glimmer of dams he’d swum in at the end of a hot day.

At sunset, I’d often walk past the window and see a tired farmer and his trusty dog sitting together, on the outdoor lounge.

A hand gently stroking a soft ear. An easy silence.

A decade of shared moments between them.

A fading pink sky stretched above them.

Deep green hills before them.

And cushions, that used to be cream white, beneath them.

And I think there’s something in that for us too.

We are very good at admiring hard work.

Especially in the country.

We respect grit.

We notice endurance.

We get on with it.

But sometimes we forget that rest matters too.

Not because all the work is done.

But because bodies need it. Minds need it.

Hearts need it.

Sometimes health looks like movement.

Sometimes it looks like strength.

And sometimes it looks like sitting on the verandah at sunset, beside someone who knows the road you’ve walked.

And so I am learning that;Maybe wellbeing isn’t always found in do­ing more.

Maybe sometimes it’s found in the pause.

Let’s make room for that kind of health too.

The kind that knows real rest is not lazi­ness,It’s part of being well.

I hope you find a moment this weekend to sit, and just be.

By Rachel Kerin

It’s hoped a new nasal spray influenza vac­cine will provide a needle-free alternative for children and help increase the vaccina­tion uptake.

The NSW Government’s Intranasal In­fluenza Vaccination Program, for children aged two years to under five years, com­mences in April for a short period of time.

NSW Health will assess whether a needle free alternative increases influenza vacci­nation coverage. FluMist is also available as a patient funded vaccine for patients 5-18 years old.

“Understandably many young children don’t like receiving vaccinations, so we hope this new nasal spray provides a nee­dle free alternative,” Managing Partner at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes, Sarah Hazell, said.

“We have already seen many cases of influenza in our community the past month and it was a severe flu season across Aus­tralia last year. Thousands of children un­der the age of five presented to emergency departments across NSW with the flu. Our priority is to help prevent this and ensure we’re protecting the youngest members of our community in the best possible way.”

Adult influenza vaccinations have now l also been updated following last year’s flu season, which saw Australia record the highest number of deaths involving influ­enza this century.

There were 1,701 deaths where influenza was the direct cause, or a contributor, reg­istered for 2025 compared to 1,045 in 2024 and 611 in 2023. Flu vaccines have been updated for 2026 with two new A strains, and National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines will be available from April.

Both Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Phar­macy are taking bookings and accepting walk-ins for influenza vaccination.

This morning, I got a message from Dad.

Not the usual “You home later?” or “Need anything from town?” message. This one was different. He’s finally coming across to my work… to do some exercise. (Not just sit down for a cuppa & a yarn… which, hon­estly, is usually his preferred therapy.)

Dad’s had knee pain for years. YEARS.

The slow, stubborn kind that rural blokes quietly carry like it’s just part of the deal.

He’s been told he needs a knee replace­ment, but you know how it goes… there’s always another season, another job, an­other “I’ll be right”.And he’s tried it all. Fish oil. Magical oint­ments. Every tonic sold by a bloke in a hat at the farm quip field days. If it came with a promise and a free sample, Dad’s probably given it a crack.

But now it’s started taking more than just comfort. It’s impacting his sleep. His move­ment. His day-to-day. And when pain starts stealing your rest… it doesn’t just make you sore. It makes you tired in the bones.

So today, today he’s doing something different. He’s coming over to build some strength back into that knee. To get some movement happening again. To give his joint the support it’s been begging for, quiet­ly, for a long time. Because sometimes the next step isn’t a miracle cure. It’s strength.

It’s movement. It’s doing the basics, con­sistently, with good support around you.

Which brings me to this… We have a new service: Knee & Hip OA Exercise Group (Osteoarthritis). Got achy or stiff knees or hips? Been told you have osteoarthritis and not sure what to do next? Waiting for – or recovering from – a joint replacement?This class is for you. Fridays at 9:30am — Kerin Health. Only $15 per session.

Small, supportive group. Why join?

• Strengthen the muscles that support your hips and knees

• Reduce pressure on your joints

• Move with more ease and less pain

• Stay active with like-minded people (the kind who understand what it’s like to hobble out of the ute)Regular strengthening exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis and improve everyday function — and even 8 weeks can make a real difference.

Dad’s proof that it’s never “too late”. Sometimes it’s just finally time. Move Well.

Age Well. Interested in joining or want to learn more? Get in touch with our team at Kerin Health — we’d love to help you get started.

World Glaucoma Week 9-15 March

Believe it or not, you may already have glaucoma and not know it. In fact, around half of all people with glaucoma are una­ware they have the condition. Glaucoma usually causes no pain or discomfort, and vision loss occurs slowly from the outside in, affecting side vision first. Because of this gradual change, many people do not notice a problem in the early stages. By the time people realise something is wrong, signifi­cant vision loss has often already occurred.

Unfortunately, any vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, and if left untreated the disease can eventually lead to blind­ness.

Who Is at Risk?

Around 1 in 50 Australians will develop glau­coma, but you are up to 10 times more likely to develop it if you have a close relative with the condition. Other risk factors include:age over 50, diabetes, migraines, high or low blood pressure, a strong glasses prescrip­tion (particularly for short-sightedness).

Treatment

While treatment cannot cure glaucoma or restore vision that has already been lost, it can significantly slow the progression of the disease. For this reason, early detec­tion and treatment are critical to protecting your sight. Treatment is mainly aimed at re­ducing the pressure inside the eye. This is most commonly done using prescription eye drops, but laser treatment or surgery may sometimes be recommended.

How Is Glaucoma Detected?

Everyone over the age of 40 should have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years to screen for glaucoma, particularly if you have risk factors for the disease.

At Hansen Optometrists we use advanced technology to help detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, including:

• Visual field testing to detect subtle chang­es in your side vision

• OCT scanning to measure microscopic retinal nerve fibre changes

• Digital retinal imaging to monitor the ap­pearance of the optic nerve over time

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is with regular comprehensive eye examinations. For more information visit: www.hansenoptom.com.au. www.glaucoma.org.au

As families prepare for the new school year, many parents work through the usual checklist: new shoes, new pencils, sticking labels on everything. But there’s one important item that’s often over­looked: an eye test.

Children’s vision plays a crucial role in learning, behaviour and confidence at school. Yet many kids don’t realise they have a vision problem. To them, the way they see the world is “normal,” even if the board is blurry or reading is uncom­fortable. That’s why parents need to be strong advocates for their children’s eye care.

More children are becoming shortsighted than ever before. Compared to previous generations, today’s kids spend far more time doing close work, particular digital devices and far less time outdoors. This shift is contributing to a rise in vision problems at younger ages.

Undetected vision issues can quietly affect a child’s ability to concentrate, read, follow instructions and participate confidently in the classroom. They can also impact behaviour, as children who struggle to see may become frustrated, tired or disengaged. Often, these prob­lems aren’t obvious, and it takes more than a parent’s keen eye to pick them up.

The good news is that early detec­tion makes a real difference. Identifying vision problems early allows for timely treatment and better long-term out­comes, particularly as a child’s eyes are still developing.

We recommend a comprehensive eye test before starting kindergarten, and then every two years throughout school or sooner if concerns arise. As part of your back-to-school routine, adding an eye test to the checklist is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on your child’s learning and wellbeing. Book your child’s eye appointment on 6963 5577 or www.hansenoptom.com

Health services in Forbes have been bol­stered with Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) wel­coming two new experienced pharmacists to Flannery’s Pharmacy.

LPG pharmacists Chris and Brooke Young, together with their daughter Lily, have relocated to Forbes where Chris is the newest Pharmacist in Charge at Flan­nery’s Pharmacy. Brooke will join the team this year.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the pharmacy, and continuing to grow the services we offer, as well as being a part of the Forbes community. Hopefully I can get involved with the local Rural Fire Service, Landcare and church organisations,” Chris Young said.

It has been a busy period for Chris and Brooke, who have relocated from Canberra, via a stint at Life Pharmacy Orange. Hav­ing grown up in a farming family, Chris is no stranger to the region, having worked with LPG in Forbes and Parkes in the early stag­es of his career.

“Farming is still certainly my happy place, I’ve still got my wool classers stencil and sheepdog,” Chris said.

Partner at Flannery’s and Life Pharma­cies, Sarah Hazell, has welcomed the Young family to Forbes and says they are a welcome addition to the local community.

“We are so pleased to have Chris, Brooke and Lily here in Forbes,” Sarah Hazell said.

“Both Chris and Brooke bring a wealth of pharmacy experience and expertise to Flan­nery’s, they’re such a wonderful addition to our team. They’re both country people who work hard and appreciate the importance of their role.”

Chris and Brooke are both so engaging and approachable so if you see them in store, don’t be afraid to say hello and wel­come!