A Brigade newsletter will be sent out in the next few weeks, electronically, by mail and letterbox delivery. The newsletter has a list of contact details, information and a donation form attached. Your donation to the Brigade is very much appreciated as it allows continued operations with day-to-day expenses, such as welfare, maintenance and telephone.

A number of residents in the area have commenced their burning off and now is a great time to continue before it gets too cold, wet or windy. You no longer need a permit to burn but you do need to ring Yass Fire Control on 6226 3100 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm) to get your name and details put onto the burn list, contact your neighbours at least 24 hours prior to burning (don’t forget those across the road who may end up with your smoke surrounding their property) and then text your name and details to the duty phone (0438 429 271) prior to lighting. You also need to have operating firefighting equipment available in case of emergencies and clear within 2m of your burn area. If in doubt about the weather conditions, ring the duty phone for advice.

With the ageing of the world’s population, dementia is a major public health issue. Is it possible to modify your risk of dementia? A substantial proportion of risk is associated with advanced ageing as well as genetic risk factors, but the latest research has indicated there are modifiable risk factors which may decrease your susceptibility to dementia.

Preventing Dementia is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Institute at the University of Tasmania. This free online course offers university-quality education about the latest research in dementia risk and protective factors and provides an opportunity to engage with the perspectives of a global community, without requiring exams or assignments and will take approximately two hours over a six week period to complete (two weeks of this is for catch-up purposes). There is also the option for participation in further research. Although the current course has already commenced, enrolments are being taken until 5pm Friday, May 25.

The Towrang Tavern this month will be held on Friday May 25. Bring something along to cook. Barbecue, microwave and oven available for cooking/reheating. Or just come along and have a few drinks. All we ask is a $2 donation to the Hall Trust. Remember, BYOG, some soft drinks available at $1 per can. All children welcome, visitors, family and friends as well. Please, no pets.

Susan Pearson has released her debut book, I didn't do It, I did: A conversation with consciousness, a roadmap to truth, and is very is excited to announce her book launch and signing on Friday June 22, 6 for 6.30pm at Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Zoe Norton Lodge from ABC TV’s The Checkout will be launching the book. RSVP to Gleebooks on 9660 2333 or through their website, gleebooks.com.au