AWAKE AT HER WAKE
A woman declared dead in Ecuador was found to be alive after she knocked on her coffin.
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Bella Yolanda Montoya Castro, 76, was being remembered at a wake in the city of Babahoyo when the knocking started on the coffin.
She had earlier been declared dead by a hospital in the South American country.
“I lifted up the coffin, and her heart was pounding, and her left hand was hitting the coffin … We called 911 to bring her here to the hospital,” her son Gilberto Barbera said in a video posted on social media.
In the video, people could be seen waiting and supporting her as emergency services arrived at the scene.
A state investigation is now under way, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
It says the woman had been admitted on the Friday to the hospital with a possible stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest, and after she didn’t respond to resuscitation protocol, a doctor on duty declared her dead.
The ministry went on to say that, in coordination with the Health Services Quality Assurance Agency, a national technical committee was formed “to initiate a medical audit to establish responsibilities for the alleged confirmation of death.”
YOU’RE A LEGEND MICK
Mick Simpson has never considered himself an inspirational figure, and he squirms uncomfortably in his seat at any suggestion his campaign to raise awareness of dementia is anything other than something anyone could have done.
This year’s response to his fifth annual Memory Walk — the original working title of his bid to increase understanding of the disease that has changed his own life — has, however, given him a little perspective on just how much of an impact he has made in the space.
He started the walk after his 2018 diagnosis, but never imagined being thrust into the limelight like he has been — recognised by Campaspe Shire Council this year and also with a Victorian Senior Citizens award.
“It has got a bit overwhelming this year, the work of the girls at KC&LC (Kyabram Community and Learning Centre) has seen it gather some momentum and there is a bit more to it this year than just walking from Kyabram to Melbourne,” he said.
Mick started his walk from the Allan St Memorial Gardens in Kyabram on Friday morning, flanked by the region’s two key political figures: Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.
Mick, the quietly spoken former truck driver, is now the face of a movement that is continuing to draw attention to the plight of both adults and children who suffer from dementia.
He will spend 12 days on the walk, which will — for the second time — end on June 21 on the steps of Parliament House in Spring St, Melbourne.
— ROHAN ALDOUS
BLUEY EPISODE HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK
The cartoon Bluey is a hit at our house and many others across not only the country, but the world.
Sunday saw 563,000 viewers tune in to watch as the show turned its hand to a cricket episode.
The story features Bandit recounting a story of a cricket game at a kids birthday party when red kelpie Rusty gets to the crease.
As the adults try to get him out, Rusty smacks them all over the park, while explaining how the youngster developed his skills.
Bluey is a minor player in the episode, saying: “Cricket’s just about hitting a ball around the grass,” before her dad says: “Cricket’s about more than that, kid.”
It features a lovely twist at the end, with many cricket people, including former Australian Test opener Ed Cowan, admitting they shed a tear or two.
If you are a Bluey devotee and haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favour.
ECHUCA THE VENUE AS RURAL COUNCILS MEET
Echuca will be the host of the Rural Councils of Victoria Forum 2023 on Friday, July 14.
Tickets for the event are on sale now, which will feature a full day of activities for mayors, councillors, executive and staff to hear from speakers and councils that are “doing things differently”.
Minister Melissa Horne is making the trip to the border to provide updates on her local government, roads, road safety and ports and freight portfolios.
Regional Australia Institute chief executive officer Liz Ritchie will speak, while Global Leadership Foundation co-founders Malcolm Lazenby and Gayle Hardie will also present.
CUP SUCCESS FOR OLLIE
Echuca football export Ollie Wines is among a group of current and past Port Adelaide
footballers who own the horse Not Usual Glorious, trained at Morphettville by Travis Doudle.
Not Usual Glorious scored his 13th win in last Sunday’s Swan Hill Cup.
That will now sit on the mantelpiece alongside the Terang Cup, Benalla Cup and Apsley Cup.
Other part-owners include Tom Clurey, Darcy Byrne-Jones, and former Power duo Tom Rockliff and John Butcher.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
What falls, but never needs a bandage?
The rain.
FAST FIVE QUIZ
1. True or false — Alfred Hitchcock directed the film North By Northwest?
2. Eastern Creek is a suburb in which Australian capital city?
3. Which Australian band had a smash hit with the song Great Southern Land?
4. What is the surname of the Western Bulldogs footballer Scott who won seven club best and fairests and finished runner-up in the 2006 Brownlow Medal?
5. I’ll name the town — you tell me which state or territory they are located — Manjimup, Clare, Batchelor, Millicent, Exmouth?
TIP OF THE WEEKEND
A big run from Nonconformist last week in the Q22, finishing second to Without A Fight. The $4 plus for a place was handy. This week we’re heading to Murray Bridge. Bristler is a horse on the up and looks well-placed. Gets a good draw and keeps Lachlan Neindorf in the saddle (Race 4, No.3).
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
Jurgen Klopp, soccer manager, 56, Bianca Andreescu, tennis player, 23, Phil Mickelson, golfer, 53, Roberto Duran, boxer, 72, Mark Occhilupo, surfer, 57, Mark Beretta, TV presenter, 57, Ed Cowan, cricketer, 41, Peter Helliar, comedian/broadcaster, 48, Phillip Brady, broadcaster, 84.
FINALLY
The bus tragedy in the New South Wales Hunter region last weekend again brings into sharp focus how tenuous life can be. Condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones.
FAST FIVE QUIZ ANSWERS
1. False, 2. New South Wales, 3. Icehouse, 4. West, 5. Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.
Gregor Mactaggart is the editor of the Riverine Herald.