Catherine Weaver

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to author Catherine Weaver of Tenambit. Catherine's short story 'Books, their Covers and Judgement' features in the NSW Seniors' Stories publication for 2023. The theme for this ninth volume collection is 'Ageing and Life Lessons'. Catherine's story is one of just a hundred, in this collection of stories, from across NSW. The life lessons seniors have learnt over the six to nine decades of life experience have been tucked under their belts. The stories highlight how they are privileged to have done so, even taking aches, greying hair and everything else taken into account. Catherine explores the life of Sid and begins with the line "Don't forget your tablets Sid". The story continues of an aging man who enjoys spending time with his similar aged friends and passing judgement on those younger. Catherine explores the frailties of health, ageism and highlights the importance of reliable public services to ensure a good quality of life for the most vulnerable in our community. The reader is left to hope that Sid does remember those tablets. Congratulations on this achievement Catherine, your story enhances this latest publication and enriches the culture of the Maitland community and NSW.