General News
20 September, 2024
Centre’s blue-tiful cause
A sea of blue has waved through the Goldfields Family Centre this September for Dystonia Awareness Month in support of beloved former teacher Wendy Powell.
Ms Powell was diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder in November 2020, making it difficult for her to control her muscles — forcing her to end her 15-year career at the family centre.
The disorder can cause significant pain and discomfort to almost any body part, at any age, by potentially causing involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal twisting or locked posture.
In a show of support for their former colleague, the centre has promoted Dystonia Network Australia’s (DNA) Dystonia Awareness Month for four consecutive years and incorporated the cause’s colour, blue, into numerous activities such as creating handprint posters, decorations and playing with blue shaving cream.
Goldfields Family Centre educator Trish Ipsen said it’s heartwarming to see the centre continue to embrace the initiative.
“Wendy is an inspiration to many of us so it’s a way for us to support her and to raise awareness of a neurological condition that a lot of people just don’t know about,” she said.
“The room leaders have been really supportive of the different activities, it’s something a little bit different for the kids, and it’s raising awareness in the children and the families about Dystonia.
“The theme for this year’s Dystonia Awareness Month is Dance for Dystonia so we have been playing a lot of music for the kids.”
Alongside the blue-related fun, staff, parents and children have been encouraged to wear blue to raise awareness for DNA and give a gold coin donation to assist with research and knowledge of Dystonia.
Central Goldfields early education services acting coordinator Julie Lebkowski said the initiative benefits the kids’ education.
“It’s really important that certain issues are being brought up with children, particularly with the close contact the children have had in past years with Wendy,” she said.
“It has been quite positive, families have provided items for the children to decorate the front gate, and some of the children have come in all dressed up in blue.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to show their creative selves but also there is an important purpose behind it.”