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Photo credit: Victoria Velton
From colourful orchids to lush ferns and eye-catching foliage, the Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plant Society’s annual show had plant lovers stopping to smell the flowers!
Now in its 52nd year, the event brought together local growers, curious visitors and plenty of impressive plants. Adding a little extra excitement this year were three junior competitors, aged five, 10 and 14, who brought along their own plants to showcase.
With plenty of knowledge shared and fun enjoyed, the annual show proved there’s no shortage of green thumbs around the Herbert River.
Tully Rotarians Rick Taylor, Don Colls, William Moran and Kieran Borgna with the Golden Gumboot, lit blue for Dystonia Awareness Month.
Tully’s iconic Gumboot turned blue on Friday night, to raise awareness of dystonia.
With the help of Tully Rotary, the iconic landmark joined others across Australia illuminated on 18th September for Dystonia Awareness Month, which aims to increase understanding of the neurological movement disorder.
Tully Gumboot Turns Blue For Dystonia
Tully’s iconic gumboot has been illuminated in blue to join an Australia-wide initiative raising awareness for dystonia.
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that makes it difficult for people to control their muscles. It can cause involuntary muscle spasms, abnormal twisting movements, tremors and unusual postures. For some people, pain can be a significant symptom, and the condition can affect almost any part of the body. It can occur in both children and adults, with symptoms varying between individuals.
While there is currently no known cure for dystonia, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms. These can include medication, botulinum toxin and surgery, depending on the type of dystonia and the individual’s needs.
Dystonia can also affect people emotionally, socially and in their everyday lives. Support groups and community connections can help people living with the condition and their carers share experiences and find encouragement.
The blue illumination of Tully’s Gumboot is part of a wider effort to bring visibility to dystonia and encourage conversations about a condition that many people may not know about.
Other landmarks taking part include Coffs Harbour’s big banana, Manly Town Hall and the Adelaide Oval.
To learn more about dystonia, access support or find out how you can help raise awareness, visit dystonia.org.au.
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