A SmileyScope, a headset plus incredibly sophisticated IT, takes children on virtual-reality adventures to relieve stress and anxiety during medical procedures. They can swim with seals, snuggle kittens at cat cafes, relax under a starry sky… even meditate with Sir David Attenborough. Used in leading children’s hospitals in Australia and the US, we trialled them last year and they were an absolute hit! As our emergency department nurse unit manager Jess Brereton told the media at this morning’s launch, there’s not a day they’re not in use and we simply could not, now, do without them.
The door takings of the South West Bottle & Collectables Club’s State Show – to be held at the Warrnambool Greyhound Clubrooms on February 3 (9am-5pm) and February 4 (9am–2.30pm) – will be donated to this fundraising appeal. On the third, adults will pay an entrance fee of $5 (children can enter for free) and on the fourth, it’ll be a gold coin donation. This annual event is special because not only will there be rarely-seen personal collections on display, there’ll be collectables of every description on sale, plus bottles. Meantime, outside the clubrooms there’ll be a display of cars courtesy of the Warrnambool & District Historical Vehicle Club. Back inside, there’ll also be an auction on the Sunday. It really is a great two-day event.
For more info on the show please call secretary Rex Matthews on 0448 841 672. For more info on the appeal please call SWH’s Suzan Morey on 5564 4100. For more info on the Smileyscopes go to https://youtu.be/TK3FlfUbK_Q?si=mfojyhriTyu9vdm5 and https://youtu.be/sBb0Esp3SEc?si=DKSDtdZQG3EbF4UG
PHOTO: (from left) SWH paediatrics unit registered nurse Sophie Weir and emergency department nurse unit manager Jess Brereton, SmileyScope-wearing South West Bottle & Collectables Club members Ron Cashmore and Steve Morgan, and one of the glorious cars to also be on show (owned by Warrnambool & District Historical Vehicle Club member Roy Begelhole).