The five-month-long “Hands of Care” relay is visiting BCS’ care services across the state and will conclude in August during which time it will have traveled across Sydney, the Illawarra, Wagga Wagga, Canberra north to Alstonville and as far west to Parkes.

The Parkes leg of the relay saw staff and recipients carry the baton up Armstrong Street where Beryl McDonald passed it on to Marjorie Field who was Niola’s first matron and is now an Honorary Life Member.

Marjorie received warm applause as she carried the baton from the corner of Armstrong and Bushman streets where she handed it to Dr June Heinrich the Chief Executive Officer for Baptist Community Services.

Also there to greet and warmly applaud her were Independent Member for Dubbo Dawn Fardell, Mayor of Parkes Cr Ken Keith, Graham Henderson (BCS Board Chairman) and Cheryl Edwards (Executive Care Manager, Niola).

The official party then moved inside to formally acknowledge the occasion and to cut the special celebration cake.