A SPECIAL rose named "Little Ray of Sunshine" has been planted in Bathurst's Machattie Park in honour of The Australian Breastfeeding Association's 50th anniversary.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Breastfeeding counsellors met with mothers of the Bathurst group on Thursday to celebrate the milestone.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is the country's largest breastfeeding information and support service and has had a group in Bathurst for 33 years.
It provides assistance to more than 80,000 mums each year on all things baby, mum and breastfeeding.
ABA breastfeeding group leader and breastfeeding counsellor Margie Still says the aim of the group is to educate, advocate and train.
"The Bathurst group meets twice monthly for mums to meet and provide support to each other," she said. "The most important thing we provide is that mum-to-mum support".
However, members do not necessarily have to be breastfeeding mums.
All mothers are welcome to come along to simply seek advice on parenting and to interact with others.
The group offers mothers a range of resources such as breastfeeding counsellors, education classes and support on issues that mothers and their new babies are faced with.
In honour of its 50th year, the ABA planted the rose in the rose garden in Machattie Park.
For decades, Machattie Park has been a popular place for families and children, with beautiful gardens and of course, the duck pond.
Bathurst Regional Council threw their support behind the celebration and see the ABA as an important group in the region.
Mayor Gary Rush congratulated the association on its 33 years in Bathurst and all it's done for the community.
During yesterday's ceremony, the ABA presented two canvases to the maternity unit at the Bathurst Base Hospital featuring the "Little Ray of Sunshine" rose in full bloom.
It was a small token from the group to thank the unit for its hard work and ongoing support.
Margie said that support and friendship from the ABA is always available.
"Wherever you go in Australia, you can always find a local group," she said.
Mothers can follow the Bathurst ABA group on Facebook, or phone the national Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum.