Thursday, 25 September, 2025
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Orchids spring to colour Murray Harding, holding a stunning Cattleya Coccinea (right) and a Cattleya Santa Barbara, is set for the return of Berwick Orchid Club’s spring show this weekend. Overcoming a cold preparation, the blooms have unfurled just in time for the popular event. (Picture: Rob Carew) “They’re a bit late, because the warmer weather’s sort of been holding off, but they’re also doing very nicely,” Murray said. “You know, the season feels like it’s dragging its heels by a couple of weeks, but the club is moving and growing in leaps and bounds, I’m proud to say.” The show will run this coming weekend, from Saturday, 27 September to Sunday, 28 September. In 2024, there were over 600 people who attended, with Murray saying then that it was “the best show we’ve ever had”, and something he is looking to recreate, or maybe even surpass this year. More on the story, turn to page 9
Praise for heroes By Ethan Benedicto Three years after a horrific accident nearly claimed his life, David Francis has returned to thank the paramedics who kept him alive. The 55-year-old motorcyclist suffered devastating injuries in 2021 after colliding with a car, puncturing both lungs, breaking dozens of bones,
and spending more than a year in hospitals and rehabilitation. “I broke about 95 bones,” he said. “If the paramedics didn’t come to my accident, I wouldn’t be here today.” On Monday, 22 September, Francis, now in a wheelchair, embraced Ambulance Victoria paramedic Amy Grimshaw and her colleagues in an
emotional reunion. Grimshaw, who responded to the crash as her first “heavy job,” recalled how quickly his condition deteriorated at the scene before he was airlifted to The Alfred in critical condition. For Francis, reconnecting with the crew has been emotional, providing him with the missing pieces of what happened that day.
While his active life has changed dramatically, Francis continues to push forward, even investing in a golfing wheelchair to keep his passion alive. Together with Grimshaw, he is urging greater road awareness and kindness among drivers. “We all share the road, and everyone has a family to go home to,” Francis said. For more on the story, turn to page 2
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