Two lovely, very efficient young women attended to my needs within 20 minutes of my phone call, putting my mind at rest, and in the most frightful wind and rain.

Then again at 10pm that same evening four more young SES helpers knocked on my door to check on my situation. I was so very lucky and my love and prayers go out to all. Thank you so much.

The Berrima Residents' Association is arranging for two services on Anzac Day again this year, to be held at dawn beginning at 5.45am and 10.30am, respectively, in front of the War Memorial in the Market Place, Berrima. Participants will assemble in front of the War Memorial at the appointed times, and will dissemble from that location, with no march involved.

The services will be conducted within the guidelines issued by the RSL. We anticipate involvement of the local school children at the 10.30 am service. Both services are very well supported by our local community; last year about 350 people attended the Dawn Service.

This year, we are opening the Anglican Church Hall after the Dawn Service for tea, coffee and cakes. Everyone attending the service is welcome to come along.

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Stroke can be cruel and it can change a life in an instant.

This devastating disease can take away things we take for granted each day like walking and talking, showering and eating independently. It can render simple, yet precious moments like dropping the kids at school, baking a cake or going for a Sunday drive almost impossible.

One in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime - and the number of working age people impacted by stroke is increasing.

While time-critical treatments have improved stroke outcomes in recent decades, there's no doubt recovering from stroke can be a long and challenging process both physically and mentally.

Loved ones can profoundly feel the impact of stroke too, with many taking on the role of carer, while juggling family responsibilities, medical appointments and life in general. The changes are sudden and often stressful.

While this new life can feel isolating and frustrating, I want people with stroke and their families to know you are not alone.

Stroke Foundation has a free service called StrokeLine (1800 787 653). StrokeLine is there to help those who survive stroke and their families to find the support services needed to live well.

StrokeLine is staffed by health professionals who provide expert information, advice, support and referral on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.

The phone calls are confidential and the team understands issues are varied and sometimes even hidden like anxiety, fatigue, sensory difficulties and depression. Please remember help after stroke is a phone call away, no matter whether you have been home from hospital for a week or a decade. You do not have to go through this alone.

StrokeLine (1800 STROKE or 1800 787 653) operates Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Eastern Standard Time. For crisis support, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 13 11 14.

If you think someone is having a stroke, call triple zero (000) immediately. The best outcomes are achieved when stroke is treated quickly.