A GOOD NEWS STORY... I am member of the SDA and my first-born son Francis (Frankie) was born on 7 August 2017 in Ballarat to myself and my partner Rebecca. Unfortunately, Frankie needed to be transported to the Butterfly Ward of the Royal Children's Hospital, which was very scary, as only the sickest babies in Australia are admitted to this ward. He was there for three weeks. Such an event was very scary and very hard. We never expected our first child — or any child for that matter — to end up at the RCH. That being said, the doctors, nurses and all the staff were exceptional... no, actually they are extraordinary human beings. The process gave me faith in humanity as well, as I met strangers from all different countries who all wanted one thing; for their child to get better. I saw determination in the eyes of the children at the hospital, who all in their own way were facing extraordinary challenges with braveness and dignity. The experience has definitely changed me, as life is so precious and one should be happy all the time. I saw so much sadness at the RCH, especially in the Butterfly Ward, which reinforced my determination to make every day count, and to appreciate just how special life is.                                                             THE SHOP ASSISTANT 32SUMMER 2017 Congratulations to Christine Morrison who has notched up 30 years at Coles Shepparton. What an extraordinary effort! Francis Spillane is celebrating 50 years with Myer and as an SDA member. He became a member when he started with Myer. He is shown with Mark McLennan. Both are Delegates from Myer Melbourne Docks. Sue Burgess, from Myer Chadstone is retiring after 25 years’ service at Revlon. She started at Doncaster in 1993, then transferred to the city and then to Chadstone. Best wishes, Sue. Samantha Defina is celebrating 10 years at Priceline Altona Gate. Priceline was her first (and only!) job, and she has now worked her way up from being a casual on the registers to a full-time beauty advisor role, often acting as store supervisor. Samantha loves the customers at Priceline, helping them to feel beautiful on the inside and out. Congratulations Samantha!