Talented: Olga and Keith Parry with guide dog Brodey at Irvin House.
Photo by
Barb Love
Christmas greetings to you all
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank all readers for your wonderful support during 2022. Without you, I would not be able to spread the word about the fantastic achievements of individuals and organisations in the district. Cobram is a super town — keep it happening people. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year!
– Barb Love
Keith and Olga make the most of life
As a young chap of 21, Keith Parry had the world at his feet working as an electrician, until a serious car accident in 1986 dramatically changed his life.
It was not long after his 21st birthday and Keith was severely injured and devastatingly lost his sight, while also undergoing numerous surgeries over a three-year period.
It was a hugely traumatic time in the young man’s life. However, he was to show that the human spirit is strong and eventually went back to school where he learnt Braille, business studies, computers and woodwork. The highlight of this time, however, was when a piano teacher asked if he would like to learn the piano, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
Keith’s piano teacher records songs for Keith and he plays the recordings repeatedly until he is able to remember them and perform them perfectly and today has a sizeable repertoire, including his all-time favourite piece by Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven.
Keith and his wife Olga have become popular entertainers in aged care, performing each fortnight at Irvin House to the delight of residents. Some join in, singing, or clapping or tapping their feet and enjoy the music. The Parrys also perform for residents at the Pioneer Lodge in Numurkah.
“We just love it,” said the couple in unison.
Olga and Keith were married 20 years ago and, over time, Olga has taught Keith a lot of life skills. Keith also has a seeing eye dog, a Labrador named Tobey, who has been with him for the past four years and is the sixth dog to become his constant companion over a period of 36 years since he lost his sight.
When the trio attends Irvin House, Tobey is on duty, looking after Keith and while residents are not able to pat him when harnessed, they still have lots of chats with the highly-trained canine, who is extremely valuable in assisting Keith to navigate obstacles.
Keith and Olga live at Oasis Village in Cobram after arriving here 15 years ago from a small town in South Australia where they were becoming concerned over the lack of doctors and medical facilities. With a sister living in Cobram, it provided the impetus to make the move and the couple is loving the community and lifestyle.
“We have travelled quite a lot so have been rather lucky and just love it here in Cobram,” agreed the couple.
Lions do it again
Festive: Strathmerton residents enjoy the Christmas event.
Photo by
Barb Love
The hard-working community-minded members of Strathmerton Lions Club held their annual Christmas event on Saturday evening, with free food and drinks, music, Santa and gifts — and a relaxed environment, which proved popular with locals, young and old.
Popular musos Jackie Lee and Doug McKean had many in the crowd singing along to the music while a choir formed by children from the Strathmerton Primary School showcased their delightful young voices by singing everyone’s favourite Christmas carols.
This was the 50th year the Lions Club has been hosting the event and a credit to the members for their time and efforts. It’s a day eagerly looked forward to by the community.
Strathmerton’s population, according to the 2021 Census, is now 1072; Yarroweyah has a total of 551 residents and Cobram 6148.
St Margaret’s Anglican Church has changed service times for Christmas
Christmas Eve: Saturday 11am, with a bring-a-lunch-to-share afterwards.
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