Judith’s earlier vist to Canada inspired her to revisit a world that has captured her heart with its beauty and grandeur … she shares her amazing journey into the wintry wonderland of the Yukon …

Hi Judith. FOCUS interviewed you some time ago about an expedition you embarked on … but just to refresh our memories, whereabouts in the Manning-Great Lakes do you call home?
Fifty-three acres at Killabakh is home, which we share with a few sheep, some chooks, 3 dogs and a variety of wildlife, and both of us work at Manning Hospital.
You’ve recently returned home from another amazing overseas trip to Whitehorse in Canada. How long were you away?
I left on Australia Day and was there for 2 amazing weeks.
What prompted you to visit Canada this time around?
In February 2012, I travelled to Yellowstone National Park and being in the northern hemisphere thought, “Better travel to Canada to witness the Aurora Borealis”. I was lucky enough to spend 4 days in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada at a great B&B run by Frank and Sylke Baranski. In that brief time, I witnessed an amazing aurora display, beautiful snow covered scenery, went dog sledding and experienced a little bit of the Yukon Quest dog sled race. This year I went back for more – two weeks in fact, and again, my hosts were Frank and Sylke.
You were able to experience the Yukon Quest – a dog sled race. Describe the race …
Dog sledding is extremely popular in this part of the world (and is growing in popularity in Australia), and the dogs have an amazing tolerance for the cold and are incredibly enthusiastic about their task of pulling the sled.
The Yukon Quest is 1600 km of dogsledding through wild country, travelling from Whitehorse in Canada to Fairbanks in Alaska, and this year celebrated its 30th anniversary. In 2014, the trail will commence in Fairbanks, and they alternate each year. The Yukon Quest and the better known Iditarod in Alaska follow the traditional routes of the early days when mail, supplies and medicines were delivered to far flung outposts in the depths of winter by dog teams. This year, the Quest attracted 26 competitors − not a huge number, but the physical and financial commitment is enormous.
The Quest follows frozen rivers, crosses mountain ranges, and there’s no stopping for bad weather. Blizzards are not uncommon, and temperatures can drop to -50◦ C. Ideal sledding weather is about -20, so the dogs don’t become overheated. A warm spell slows things down and as rivers start to melt, life becomes very dangerous.
There’s a team of veterinarians who closely monitor the dogs’ health, before, after and during the race. However, for the mushers the dogs’ care comes first, and the musher must feed, tend and bed the dogs before he or she can see to their own needs. A team can start with a maximum of 16 dogs, can drop some (but not replace) along the way and must finish with no less than 6 dogs.
There are numerous checkpoints, some mandatory, and Dawson City at the halfway point had a 36 hour mandatory layover before some seriously wild country begins and they cross the border into Alaska. Dawson City was a boom town in the days of the Klondike gold rush, and the flavour of the 1890s is preserved in the buildings today. They had a cold snap (-50) a few days before we arrived, and then it ‘warmed up’ to -15 and snowed ever since. The result was a fantasy land of snow-covered cottages and trees coated with frost. This was the turnaround point for us, and we spent a couple of days watching teams arrive and leave and visited their camps.
No doubt many of you have read Jack London’s iconic books such as White Fang and Call of the Wild. As a teenager, I could only dream about visiting this part of the world, so imagine my delight to actually walk the streets of Dawson City and visit the cottage of Jack London.
What insights have you gained into the lives of the dog sled competitors?
Originally the Yukon Quest attracted those from a life of sledding and outdoor life who enter the race year after year; now there are also the ‘adventure seekers’, and competing in such a race is ‘must do’ activity. There’s no doubt that all have a love of dogs and achieving something few in the world will ever do. Some of the participants are legends – Lance Mackey, four times winner of both the Quest and the Iditarod and a survivor of a hard battle with throat cancer, and Aliy Zirkle, only female winner of the Quest and twice second placed in the Iditarod.
As well as the competitors, there are the families, the volunteers, the enthusiastic and hardy fans and the handlers. This last group works with the musher, travelling ahead and setting up camp and looking after the dropped dogs.
Any standout experiences on your trip?
That’s a tough one … our own day of dogsledding, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, the incredibly beautiful 9-hour drive to Dawson City, the hospitality of my hosts, but it has to be the Yukon Quest. The chaos in the starting yard and dogs howling in delight with their eagerness to start the race and then hurtling through the starting chute and having a media pass got me very close to the action.
What were some of the conditions you had to face while in Canada?
You just adapt, and I love cold places. It was breathtakingingly cold the first couple of days, but that cold brings its own beauty.
I believe you came across an Aussie gentleman competing in the Yukon Quest as well?
John King from Newcastle, who was preparing to run his very first race – the Quest 300. It covers the first 300 miles of the Quest trail and is both a qualifying race for the Yukon Quest and a warm-up for the more experienced planning on entering the Iditarod in March. John did very well in his race and returned in March to compete in the Percy de Wolfe 200, another qualifying race. Whilst not having his own dogs, John was able to train with and race a team of dogs from the Hans Gatt kennels, Hans also being a four time winner of the Quest.
What’s next on your agenda?
I would love to see polar bears and their cubs emerging from their dens, but need to save up a bit for that one. My other favourite is wolves, and it is an incredible experience to observe these wildest of creatures and witness some of the trials and tribulations of life in the wolf packs. I saw the wolves in February 2012 and was blessed to see the legendary alpha female of the Lamar Canyon Pack known as 06. Tragically, she was shot by hunters on the edge of Yellowstone in November 2012, and her pack has been trying re-establish its equilibrium. I’m hoping another trip to Yellowstone is possible in 2014.
Where can people view your photography, or read about your travel experiences?
I have a website www.judeconningphotography.com; a blog: www.judeconningphotography.wordpress.com; and a Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NorthernLightsPhotoTour
Thanks Judith.
All images supplied by Judith.

Kylie Van Der Ley lives and breathes 4WDing. She fills us in on one of her recent adventures.

We left Port Macquarie early on Boxing Day and headed up the Walcha Mountain and through to Tamworth for a bite to eat. It was very misty with light rain the entire time over the mountain, so it was a little slower than usual. We decided to set up camp for an overnight stay at Burran Junction and it was extremely hot; the wind started howling and continued all night and right through into the morning, and it wasn’t a cool breeze either.
Up bright and early the next day and off to Bourke for a quick look around the town for a couple of hours. We were excited to get going, as we were about to do the ‘Darling River Run’. We stopped as soon as we ran out of tar to drop our tyre pressure, ready to hit the dirt. It was still extremely hot, so we pulled up at the pub ‘Shindy’s Inn’ at Louth and of course, had a cold beer. We decided this would be a great place to camp, as the camping area next to the pub had ‘green grass’, which is something you don’t expect in the outback. We were given a tour of the cemetery, and this was spectacular. When the sun sets on a clear night, it reflects off one of the graves and “Wow” – let me just say, you need to see it to believe it and get the story behind it …
Day 3&4: Back on the dirt again, and we deviate a couple of times to drive up to have smoko along the river side. Next stop was Tilpa, but the pub wasn’t open, so we took some pictures, read the information on the ‘Darling River Run’ and headed off to Menindee, where we decided to camp for 2 nights so we could have a rest day and a day of driving around all the lakes and then taking a look at the old Woolshed. What a day; we had a picnic lunch alongside the river bed and so many camping spots on the river. The Burke & Wills campground is huge, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot. We did venture back to the pub for a beer, as this is always a must when we are travelling. We really enjoyed the old Woolshed too, so definitely recommend this; and as a lot of old shearing equipment is still there on display, it really makes you understand how hard they had to work ‘back in the day’. We do have it pretty easy these days.
Day 5: Leaving Menindee, the next place we stopped was Pooncarie, where we put our tyre pressure back up in the car and the camper trailer and had a quick smoko break at the lovely park they have there. Next town we visited was Wentworth, and then we stopped for the night in Murray Bridge (and yes, we had grass again – we are so lucky). We made good use of the camp kitchen that night and we discussed the next day as we were heading across to Kangaroo Island, but had all day, as we were on the late ferry.
Day 6: New Year’s Eve – we stopped at a few of the little towns along the way to the KI (Kangaroo Island) ferry and had a great lunch at Victor Harbor at a place called schnitzel encounters and of course, we got a chicken parma … it was yummy. After a quick look around Victor Harbour, we headed off on our way to the KI Ferry, had a coffee while we waited and before you knew it, we were on the ferry. We were very lucky, as it was nice and calm, so no getting sea sick that day, thank goodness. Darren had to back the camper on the ferry … so well done, Darren. We were the first ones on too. Once we travelled via ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, we set up camp at the caravan park in Penneshaw, had a quick walk along the beach, and then to the local pub for a beer or 2. Then we went back to camp for happy hour/s and hit the hay not long after midnight – yes: we are wild party animals. As we were in SA time, we actually celebrated NYE twice with the ½ hour time difference, so we phoned our girls back home on NSW time and then celebrated again in SA time … the things you have to do. The caravan park managers were very friendly, and we would definitely recommend staying there: ‘Kangaroo Island Shores’.
Day 7 & 8: Casually packed up and headed to Kingscote, where we decided to stay for a couple of nights and check out the town and surrounding areas, before heading over to the Western side of the island. The first day we went to Seal Bay, and the view was amazing … long winding ramp all the way down to the seals and if you do the tour like we did, you get to walk on the beach near the seals. Definitely recommend this, and the staff were very friendly. On the 2nd day we drove up to Emu Bay, where the water was full of black swans, Cape Cassini, Stokes Bay, King George Beach, Snelling Beach, Vivonne bay, eucalyptus distillery and back to Kingscote, which if you check the map is a healthy day’s driving.
Day 9,10 & 11: Travelling to the Western KI Caravan park to set up and spend the next 3 nights there. It is very different on this side of the island; I guess you could say a little more rugged than the eastern side, but still just as pretty and every one of the bays/beaches we visited was just breathtaking. My favourites would be the Western River Cove and Hanson Bay. We saw the Raptor Demain show, where I found myself with 2 kookaburras on my arm, then just the one. He was given some food, which he decided to kill on my arm as he had climbed up off the glove; he must have whacked my arm 20 times before swallowing it – everyone was cracking up in the audience, including me.
We visited the Ciffords Honey Farm and enjoyed some honey ice cream and of course, bought some honey. We went down to see Admirals Arch (fantastic), where there were so many New Zealand Fur Seals and yet another great long walking platform. Then we ducked over to see the Remarkable Rocks (loved it). We were hit with some very hot weather and very strong winds and in fact, we had a catastrophic weather warning on one particular day, but we were very well informed and told to be careful.Many were evacuated who were camped in the National Park, just in case. There was one small fire on the island, but it was contained very early on and was all good. We, as members of the Rural Fire Service for over 25 years, found they had great communication to all those on the island, with updated information – we thank you for that. That particular day, everyone was at the beach or shopping until they were able to return back to camp. The next day we did the platypus bush walk at the Flinders Chase NP; I didn’t check how long it would actually take and sort of told Darren (who loves to walk – not) it was a quick walk … well, a couple of hours wasn’t too bad lol. We noticed the bush was very dense and thick, so we totally understood why it was evacuated the day before.
Day 9, 10, 11 continued … we had a dusk Quad Bike tour at ‘Bush Getaway Adventures’, and it was really fantastic watching the sun setting in the sky, seeing all the Marron in the dam, all the wallabies and kangaroos in the fields and of course, the dust I was eating. But, to top it off we saw a male peacock just sitting in a tree; we hadn’t seen one in a tree before, so that was very worthwhile. As dirty as my face was when I took off my helmet, I really enjoyed myself and could have done it again, as they were really easy to ride. The owners couldn’t have made us feel more welcome and still did the day tours, even though the temperature was in the mid 30s – not the weather we were expecting to have here. We chose the dusk tour; we knew it would be cooler, and you need to wear long pants etc. for your own protection.
There is just so much to do and see on KI, so we recommend spending at least a week to see and do everything. I treated Darren to some oysters at American River, Marron at the Andermel Marron & Café Two Wheeler Creek Wines, and we enjoyed a little wine tasting at the Sunset Wines in Peneshaw. I found the best lip balm from the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, with 100% natural ingredients and will be re-ordering when I run out. Definitely recommend the tour at the Distillery also, and we got to sit in an old carriage too. We saw all the lighthouses we could and caught up on a little history while we were there and again, it’s incredible how hard they worked to get supplies etc. up to these lighthouses back in the early 1900s. Make sure you visit the Kelly Hills Caves, as we thoroughly enjoyed the tour they gave and were lucky to have a guide with a good sense of humor too. There is just too much to put down in words, so you will have to check out this third largest island for yourself; I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Day 12: On the ferry again heading back to the mainland, but this time we weren’t so lucky with the weather; we were booked on the 7.30pm SA time one. They announced over the loudspeaker for those who might get seasick to keep cool, and to get fresh air if needed but it didn’t seem to help, as several people were sick. Darren couldn’t cope with seeing this, so he went out for fresh air. I just sat there keeping my mind occupied, as I normally get sick – but was lucky not to. We only drove for a short time that night and camped in Strathalbyn and when we arrived there, it was 11pm. Luckily, the manager heard us and said it was OK to stay the night. Had to rescue a koala off the road, as the poor thing was just so hot he didn’t want to move; he just sat there and looked at me for a while, poor thing. I don’t know how he sat on that road, as it was boiling.
Day 13: The weather was still hot and there were still catastrophic weather warnings, so we decided to enjoy the air conditioning in the Patrol for as long as we could. We ended up driving to Balranald – and what a lovely spot we had on the river’s edge. The bonus was, they had a pool. Everyone in the park was in the pool, as all you could see where all these heads bobbing around in there. We quickly set up, as overnight stays are just a quick flip, and then we joined everyone in the pool and all ended up chatting about our trips around Australia.
Day 14: We decided that we would really pull a big day today as the weather was the same if not worse, and this time we passed many a RFS fire truck responding to the many fires in NSW. Most of the day we had smoke in our revision mirror, so thought it safer not to camp in those areas. We kept on going and ended up in Port Stephens at 9pm. We were booked in there the next day for 3 nights anyway, so the owner kindly found us a temporary spot for the night, and we hit the hay early. I woke up at 1am hearing a noise in the bush like rustling/crackling and couldn’t believe my eyes, “It was a fire,” I said to Darren, and he said I was dreaming. After realising I wasn’t dreaming, we stood with all the other campers until the Lemon Tree Passage Rural Fire Brigade turned up (fortunately, very quickly) and put out the fire. A fair amount was burnt, and we were disappointed to find out this was deliberately lit, as so many van sites would have gone up in smoke if the RFS hadn’t arrived in time. We ended up moving to our designated spot the next day (not near the bush) and had a great time mingling and socialising with the very friendly neighbours for the rest of our holiday. Needless to say, a little de-toxing will be in order when we get home.
Yours in 4wdriving,
Darren and Kylie Van Der Ley.
‘Love this Country’.

Arlene Blencowe is a powerhouse – fired up, determined, an amazing boxer – and just about to embark on a career in the Mixed Martial Arts scene. Her story will inspire you …

Whereabouts did you grow up and go to school?
I spent most of my childhood in Gympie, QLD. I moved to the Camden Haven area when I was in Year 11 and completed my HSC down here.
When did you move to the Manning-Great Lakes area to live?
I was the 2IC/Manager of Cotton On in the Manning Mall for approximately 12 months and had been commuting back and forth from the Camden Haven each day. Being a single mother of 2, working full-time as well as pursuing an amateur boxing career was a lot to juggle − not to mention the cost of travel. I had met a lot of lovely people through my work and also gained a great following and support through my sporting venture. So, I decided to move myself and my kids down here … which gave me a little more freedom and more time to spend with my kids, which to me is my number one priority.
One of the things I like the most about the Manning-Great Lakes area is the country feel you get, yet it is located so close to the beach. I guess it feels like my childhood years again, but with the beauty of having a beach close by! I also love how down to earth the community is and how very supportive they are with my fight career.
Why did you decide to take up boxing as a sport?
In 2009, boxing for females in NSW was legalised and also became an Olympic sport. I was at a turning point in my life and I’d had an interest in boxing since the age of 13, when I first walked into a boxing gym. Being an Olympian was a childhood dream of mine, and I set out to pursue it. I’ve only just fallen short of the dream coming true.
How long have you been facing opponents in the ring now … and what has been your best fight result to date?
I had my first amateur boxing fight three years ago. There are many fights that have been memorable for me, but the tournament that stands out the most would be the Arafura Games 2011. I had stepped up in weight division into the 75 kg Olympic Division and fought a fellow Australian boxer, Tammy Taylor, who I had put on something of a pedestal. She was the pioneer of female boxing, having won an Australian Title and represented Australia overseas. I had only been competing for 12 months and was still relatively new to the sport. I beat her in the semi final 25-12 and went on to fight for gold against the Indian #1, where I came from behind and won 19-17.
For me, the reason this tournament stands out the most is not only because I won gold at a major international tournament, but it was for what I overcame mentally in the lead up to each of the bouts and because of the boxing performance that I displayed.
You’re about to embark on a professional career in the ring, and you’re planning to embrace the field of Mixed Martial Arts. What led to this decision?
I had incorporated wrestling/BJJ into my training and had really enjoyed the art of it. There is far more to the sport than meets the untrained eye. To me, MMA is so much more technical, and I enjoy the challenge of learning new skills. I’m always going to be a boxer at heart; my fast hands are my asset. But I’m also very strong for a female and a fast learner. It had been a few months since I competed in my second professional boxing bout, without having a confirmed match coming up. My trainer and I decided to take on an MMA bout to keep me active in competition.
I have competed at light welterweight in boxing, which is classed as featherweight in MMA, being 65 kg; although, I am in the process of coming down to fight at 60 kg.
Tell us a bit more about Mixed Martial Arts – what are the various techniques used?
MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world, and females have just been allowed to compete in the biggest federation in the world. MMA is a combination of several combat styles, including Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and more.
Who do you currently train with … and how many hours a week do you devote to improving your skills?
I train at Allegiance Combat & Fitness Centre in Port Macquarie, under trainer Jason Harris and with my training partner, Sam Bastin. We train together for 3 hours, three times a week, where we focus on strength and conditioning and fight components within boxing, kickboxing and MMA. Jason has a plan of attack with each session that focuses on different elements within these components. His training techniques bring out the best in me; we also have a great trainer/fighter connection.
I train in total 6 days a week, twice a day, focusing on my fitness, agility, weightloss training, and Crossfit.
Who would you like to thank for helping you with your sporting career so far?
Firstly, I’d like to thank my trainer/manager/promoter Jason Harris, who has developed me into the fighter and person I am today, and also my training partner, Sam Bastin, for the countless hours of working together.
I have also been extremely lucky to have the help of other trainers, who have opened their gyms for sparring sessions and have always been welcoming and offered help where they can … like Paul Cheers from Final Round Boxing and the group of young boys out there! There’s a lot of talent floating about! Also, Taree PCYC, Gary Brewer, Fitzsimmons, who all helped with my preparations for the Olympic trials and in part, helped to develop me into the fighter I am today.
I would also like to thank my sponsors, Allegiance Clothing, CrossFit ACFC and Allegiance Combat and Fitness Centre.
I’m always looking for sponsors to help out as well. Anyone who may be interested can contact Jason on 0419 224 918 or email jason@allegiance.net.au
What are your plans for the near future − what matches do you have on the horizon?
My goals for 2013 are to obtain the Australian Title in boxing, which is currently held by Lauryn Eagle. I also want to hit the overseas scene as a professional fighter, which is looking like happening in August, when I go to NZ for an 8 girl knockout MMA tournament.
I have my next fight coming up on 25 May in Brisbane at Brace for War.
If people would like to follow your progress, where can they view your matches or contact you?
My webpage: www.angerfist.com.au or on Twitter @arleneangerfist.
Thanks Arlene.
Left hand page images and left hand image on right hand page supplied by Photography by Linda.

Ian, what’s your association with Saxbys Soft Drinks and role in the company? Are there any generations of the Saxby family involved in the business today?

My great great grandfather was George Saxby, the founder of Saxbys Soft Drinks in 1864. I have worked at Saxbys since 1972 (as a school boy), having just completed my 40th summer. I have been Managing Director since 1995, after replacing my father Jock Turner, who was Managing Director for the previous 25 years. He had replaced my grandfather, Roy Saxby.

My cousins, Peter Saxby and Reid Farrell, are also 5th generation and have had involvement in the business. Ian and Reid both currently work within the company. Ian Carr (husband of Jenny Saxby) is a Director, and Peter Saxby has also played a valuable role over many years. Over the years, George’s sons, Dolph and E.J (Edwin Jackson), along with grandsons, Roy, Gordon, and Frank and his great grandson, Ted Saxby (of Saxbys Pharmacy) have also been involved with the business.

We have also been privileged to have many long serving staff. The Austin and Monck families have been involved over multiple generations.

Saxbys is Australia’s oldest family owned soft drink manufacturer.

Saxbys Soft Drinks is an iconic business in the Manning Valley, having been established back in 1864. What can you tell us about the founder of the business, George Saxby?

George Saxby immigrated to Australia from Kent in England in the 1850s with his parents. They settled in Sydney, where George trained as a stone mason and also had a brief time in Victoria trying his luck during the gold rush days. He moved to the Manning Valley in the 1860s. George served twice as Mayor of Taree. He was also involved in the Manning’s first newspaper and was a founding member of the Taree Church of Christ. His first soda factory was located by the river near the Taree recreation grounds at Chatham, near Rotary Park. Factories have also been located at Victoria Street (near Valley Fair), opposite Taree Court House in Albert Street and the current location on the Bucketts Way, Taree South. Saxbys also owned and operated a factory on Isabella Street, Wingham.

Back in the early days, cases of Saxbys Soft Drinks were transported on floats to Taree Wharf and then delivered around the area by wheelbarrow! There must have been immense changes in production and distribution over the years; what are some of the innovations you’ve witnessed?

The early days were very manual: hand bottling, labelling and washing. Deliveries to Gloucester used to be a three day trip with horse and cart. Bottles have progressed from ceramic bottle, imported glass bottles from Scotland, to returnable glass with crown seals, returnable glass with screw caps, one way glass, to PET bottles. Bottling technology has changed, with much higher speed lines and packaging innovation. Major producers fill cans at over 2,000 per minute and bottles at over 800 per minute; Saxbys’ current capability is a maximum of 200 b.p.m. Saxbys now deliver nationally and ship internationally.

How many staff are employed by Saxbys these days?
We have 36 full-time and 12 part-time staff, many of them with over 20 years of service. Peter Schneider and Brian Seagrott both have over 40 years of service.

The business has come a long way in terms of its product offering over the years, having established a solid foundation with its famous Ginger Beer in the beginning. What are some of the products available to consumers now?
Saxbys produce a wide variety of both regular and diet soft drinks under the Saxbys, Solis, and Ziestch brands. Varieties include Saxbys new twist range of ginger beer and cranberry, lemon or pineapple, cranberry and raspberry, peach and pear, citrus blend, blood orange in the Solis brand, lemonade, lime, crème soda, cheery cheer, mandarin, lemon squash, pineapple and cola. These are all in both regular and diet. Other flavours include Portello ginger lime and bitters, lemon lime and bitters, raspberry, club nectar, and of course, Saxbys stone ginger beer.

How far and wide are Saxbys Soft Drinks distributed – is there an international market?
We sell our products Australia wide, as well as in New Zealand, Malaysia, Brunei and several other Pacific islands. Several other markets are currently under negotiation.

What is the ethos or the mission statement of the business?
Saxbys’ aim is to provide quality refreshment and service. We have always been proud to support and invest in our local community.

What new products/ideas/developments are in the pipeline?
We are always working on new concepts, whether it is flavours, natural sweeteners or packaging. Sorry … nothing to divulge at this time!

Saxbys is a proud sponsor of the Made in the Manning promotion being held throughout the area in April. Why did you feel it’s important to be involved?
There are several reasons. The Manning Valley produces some great produce, and the community need to know what is available and hopefully enjoy the products. Secondly, although we have been producing our products in the Manning for almost 150 years and actively market our products here, there are still a number of people who do not realise that we are both locally owned and made.

Buying locally is both good for building a stronger community, helping the local economy and helping the environment with fewer food miles.

Where’s the best place for readers to find out more about the Saxbys Soft Drink business?
Our website is fairly comprehensive:     www.saxbys.com.au or www.saxbys.tel
Thanks Ian.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

What is the age range of your group’s members?

Krysten 18 years to 21 years.

Describe how your group first came together to work on your sustainability project … 

Krysten Homebase Youth Service was successful with a Youth Development and Support Program submission (to deliver a youth-focused sustainability expo during Youth Week) with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The project was promoted via local media and through Homebase’s network and as a result, a team of 12 participants were recruited. Most of the team’s members were sourced through Forster’s BreakThru Employment and came to the project with varying interest and knowledge levels regarding sustainability.

Why do you feel sustainability is such an important issue?

April We can’t move on to another planet, so learning to look after the earth and all its creatures (including humans) is important.

Andrew This is our world, and we only have one chance to keep it the way it is … we also want to improve the way things are.

Amelia I love the area, because it is so peaceful … won’t be here for my children to enjoy if we keep living unsustainably.

Jodie I want to feel happy and secure.

Ivy Sustainability is about living well now in a way that future generations can also live well; we care about this happening.

Ionela I want to keep our environment as natural as possible … breathe clean air … so my children can see it and have a healthy life.

Nathan So others can have good times and make good memories like me.

What activities/programs have you been out and about experiencing in the local community to help you learn about sustainable living?

Krysten The team have been meeting one day a week for the past five months, and during this time have attended and evaluated other expos, participated in workshops to learn about a range of topics including waste management, propagation, organic gardening, efficient energy use and traditional uses of plants and have researched both local and global sustainability issues.

The team have built a garden at The Green that displays companion planting and organic gardening and have also participated in workshops to assist in the planning and organising of a community event.

Tell us about ‘Our World Our Future … Starts With Me’. When and where will you be holding this expo?

Krysten The expo is being run in conjunction with the King of the Krater event being held at Tuncurry Skate Park on Saturday 6 April between 10am and 2pm.

What activities do you have planned for the day?

Krysten The team have organised practical workshops in propagating edible plants, waste to wealth (how to make money from ‘waste’), love food hate waste (making nutritious food from ‘leftovers’), and the Green Bikes crew will be on site for bike repairs and maintenance.

The team have also created poetry and informational and photographic displays of what they value most in their community, traditional uses of local plants, upcycled fashion and the waste hierarchy. The team has invited community service representatives to participate (e.g. Great Lakes Great Health, Youth Mental Health, Great Lakes Council’s Water Catchment Trailer, JR Richards, Great Lakes Climate Action Group, Second Bites, Money for Phones, The Green, Forster Neighbourhood Centre) for information sharing purposes.

Additionally, the team has propagated over 200 edible plants (using newspaper to make plant pots) that they will give away on the day. Visitors will also have the opportunity to create their own plants (to take and plant at home) using organic seed and the biodegradable cups that they sampled food from (reused from the love food hate waste workshop).

What do you see as being the aim of the event?

Krysten Promoting sustainability, caring for our natural systems and encouraging good living practices. The event provides an opportunity for young people to have a voice about their community, their world and their futures. It also provides local young people with the opportunity to be involved in a meaningful project where real skills and knowledge are developed and displayed.

This event is a culmination of the works and efforts of ten local young people who are committed to making better futures for themselves and for the generations that follow, so creating a forum for expression and raising the status of young people in our community are also aims of this event.

Why do you feel it’s important for our youth to get out there, have a go and put some effort and energy back into their local communities?

April Today’s young people aren’t enthusiastic about the future, but we can make a difference … we are the future, and our actions and dreams should be heard and taken into account.

We often hear negative stories about our local young people but in fact, there are lots of young people already making changes and putting effort and energy into community development – perhaps as a community we need to put more energy into and encouraging, valuing and promoting these efforts and providing youth opportunities.

This Youth Week event, run in conjunction with King of the Krater, showcases a depth of capacity, attention, care and creativity that will inspire all community members to envision and work towards a more sustainable future.

Where can people find out more information about the expo?

Contact Krysten at Homebase Youth Service on 6555 5622 or kbanks@glcr.org.au.

Thanks everyone.

People involved with the project are: Krysten Banks, Project Coordinator, and Homebase Youth Service participants: Nathan Dillon, April Stewart, Ionela Cornhill, Joshua Quiring, Jodie Pearce, Morgan Rees, Ivy Lund-Eatock, Andrew Clarke, Jordan Harris, Amelia Allen, Maureen Cooper, Sarah Cooper (Transition Consultants), Breakthru Employment.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

What’s your family background, Margaret?

We’ve been in Taree since 1973 – we arrived the week before my daughter’s first birthday. We used to own bakeries in Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Wauchope, and then my husband and I, with our partners, started Bayview Seafoods.

We originally lived in Sydney, but the suburb we lived in was the seventh dirtiest in Sydney – out near Fairfield/Smithfield − and our son was an Asthmatic, so when my husband got the offer of a job up in Ballina, we took it. Ultimately, the job didn’t work out, so we moved to Grafton for over a year, and after that he had the offer of either working in Glen Innes or Taree, so we moved here. It was closer to Sydney and our families.

We have two sons and a daughter, and both sons provided us with two grandkids each.

You’ve been here a long time now … what do you really love about the area?

The beautiful scenery and the lovely people. It can be hard to get to know people in a new town, and I was always told being an outsider in a new place was hard, but the people here are great.

You mentioned your children and grandchildren … did they help you become interested in dance and the local Eisteddfod?

(Laughs). No – none of them dance! In 1983, my good friend Lorna had to step down from the position of Secretary on the Eisteddfod committee, as she became unwell. I told her I would help out – but I had no idea what an Eisteddfod was!

I figured I’d be involved with the Eisteddfod for around 5 years … but I keep getting voted back in!

The following year, Wendy Bourke stepped down as Dance Coordinator, and my friend Bev Kyne volunteered to take on the position if I helped her. When Bev retired, I worked with Kay Bird and Shirley Molloy, and then I held the position on my own. So this year, it’s 30 years I’ve been Secretary, and 29 years as Dance Coordinator. I’m training a new lady now to help me with the dance coordination.

What’s involved with both your roles, and have they changed much since you first became involved with the Eisteddfod?

The Secretary role involves taking the minutes from each meeting. Each Coordinator from the Eisteddfod picks their own adjudicator, and I write to them and supply them with their contracts – it’s a reasonably easy job.

The Dance Coordinator role is a very big job. When Bev and I started, we only held the Eisteddfod over 4 days and the first time we held groups on a Saturday night, we only had 33 groups. Last year, we had 345 groups! We’ve grown so much since we’ve been in the MEC (Manning Entertainment Centre).

So, when was the Eisteddfod’s beginning locally?

The modern Eisteddfod started in 1967, when three people came together and organised it. There was an Eisteddfod back before the first World War, but that folded. The modern Eisteddfod started in ’67 with music, dance, and speech/drama, and it was held in a variety of halls throughout Taree and Wingham.

I remember when the Eisteddfod was held in the Wingham Town Hall … that was a bit of fun, as the girls had to get dressed in the dining hall, and if there’d been a heat wave, all the doors had to be left open!

We really fought to get the MEC open, and in 1988 we moved in.

You mentioned the sections that were open to performers in the early days of the Eisteddfod. What categories are available for competitors these days?

This year we have vocal, piano, instrumental/electronic, speech and drama, dance, and school choirs. So, there are 6 sections at the moment.

What is the upper and lower age limit of people who generally compete?

In the dance section, we’ve had little ones as young as two. The little two and three year olds are so gorgeous on stage! In dance, we have an age cut off for 23 years and under for solos, but groups can have members of any age. We’ve had adult groups with members up in their 80s.

What are some of your fondest memories from all the years you’ve been involved with the Eisteddofd?

I love to see the kids perform and grow in confidence – I just love it. Many of them have gone on to the world stage now, and four of our former competitors have come back as adjudicators. It’s wonderful that they’re able to come back and utilise their skills. Some of them are so nervous when they start out, and to see their talent, confidence and skill grow is wonderful.

At one stage, we had three of our former dancers accepted by the Queensland Ballet, the Australian Ballet and the Western Australian Ballet – and they were all boys!

Every year we have great kids coming through. Our President, Tim Stack, and I work really well together too.

I enjoy meeting the parents and the teachers, and I find the majority of the people are great to work with.

Actually – you brought up a good point. I was going to ask you whether you saw many boys progress through the dancing ranks locally …

The numbers come and go. A couple of years ago, we had 8 or 9 male dancers. This year, I think we have 4. We’ve had some amazing boy dancers over the years!

What are the various categories within the dance section of the Eisteddfod?

The categories are classical ballet, demi-character, modern expressive, contemporary, jazz, tap, variety – there’s a Hollywood Musical within the group section … there is a great range.

As far as I know, we were the first Eisteddfod in Australia to have a modern expressive championship and a contemporary championship.

Our competitors come from as far away as Sydney and Wollongong and Queensland.

Why do you believe Eisteddfods are so important for regional areas? 

I’m a great believer in school, and also in children having cultural experiences, such as Eisteddfods. It expands their knowledge and teaches them confidence.

How did you feel when you received your OAM for your services to the Eisteddfod movement in 2008?

The night before the award, I don’t think I slept … I was so proud!

When will the Eisteddfod be held in Taree this year?

We start on April 23, and go right though until June 1. You can visit www.tareeeisteddfod.com.au for details.

In early April, people can go to Bass n Blues and Taree Ballet Gear to buy a program.

Thanks Margaret. You’re a true local legend.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

Homebase Youth Service is a Youth and Indigenous community support service focusing on youth events, activities and programs, support and referral, one on one case management and advocacy and representation for young people. Briony Joyce is a qualified Youth Worker who runs youth events, plans programs in the local high schools, as well as handling case management for youth aged 12 to 24. Here, Briony updates us about the King of the Krater event, which will take place on April 6.

This will be the 9th year King of the Krater has been held. How did the idea to organise the event first come about?

In the early days of King of the Krater, young people set up a small committee to promote an event during Youth Week. The competition evolved due to extensive consultation with the local youth who use the skate park, to see whether they would be interested in competing in a community event such as this.

The spirit around the day proved to be fantastic and it showed that if you put an event together that the young people really want to be a part of, and one which they’re really interested in, then it brings out the best in them.

When and where will this year’s event be held?

King of the Krater will be held on Saturday 6 April at the Tuncurry Skate Park ‘Fazio Park’, Point Road, Tuncurry, with registration starting at 8.30am.

What will happen on the day – what are some of the different events/categories involved?

There are three events: Skate, BMX and Scooter with three categories in each event, Under 12, Under 17 and Opens. Whilst all entrants are encouraged to wear the appropriate safety gear, it will be compulsory for the Under 12 category to wear helmets.

After registration, the heats will start at 10am and run throughout the morning. There will be a short break for lunch, with some novelty activities to entertain the crowds before the finalists are announced. Throughout the day to keep everything flowing, there will be the opportunity for spectators and competitors to showcase their skills in the skate bowl.

Finals will start at around 2pm, with the finalists competing to show their best tricks in order to be crowned King of the Krater 2013 in the individual categories.

While the scores are being tallied, there will be another opportunity for free riding before the winners are announced at the Presentation at around 3pm.

The focus on the day will be on the competition; however, it’s also a great fundraising opportunity, with all funds raised being donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, who will be providing an affordable BBQ and drinks for all to enjoy. As usual, we will also be having a young DJ at the event to keep spectators entertained throughout the day.

And this year for something different, we are enhancing our youth focus by including a sustainability expo. The display titled ‘Our World, Our Future … Starts With Me’ is being delivered by a group of local young people who’ve been meeting at Homebase over the past few months to learn about sustainability.

The Sustainability Champions project has organised informational and photographical displays to highlight some of the issues that affect young people in this community.

How many people are you expecting will attend on the day?

King of the Krater drew a crowd of over 500 people last year, living up to its billing as the best event yet and following on from the success last year, we are expecting even bigger numbers for 2013.

What prizes will be offered on the day?

The Under 12 and Under 17 categories will receive some fantastic prizes for first, second and third spots, like skateboard decks and parts, stickers, scooters, bike parts, hats, wristbands, clothing, vouchers etc, all of which have been kindly donated by our loyal sponsors.

The Open categories will receive cash prizes of $300 for first place, $150 for second place and $50 for third.

Who are some of the local individuals/organisations you’d like to thank for their support?

I’d really like to thank some our local supporters: Saltwater Wine, Jungle Surf, NCAC Stash House, Forster Cycles, Tuncurry Bowling Club, Forster Surf & Sport, Great Lakes Advocate, Iguana Surfwear, Great Lakes Council, Mick Perry Concreting, Tuncurry Post Office, JR Richards & Sons, Forster Sports & Tackle, Club Forster, SES Nabiac, Forster Printing and 101.5 Great Lakes FM Radio.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Ted Bickford, Graffiti Buster and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service representative, who not only rallies round collecting sponsorship money and donations for King of the Krater, but is also a terrific advocate for young people in the area.

King of the Krater coincides with Youth Week. What does Youth Week mean to you personally?

Youth Week is a fantastic time of year to engage with the young people in the area. It’s the time of year where local youth really show that they are a valuable part of the community.

Do potential entrants have to register for King of the Krater, and are there costs involved?  

Yes, they can register on the day. Registration opens at 8.30am on Saturday 6 April and there will be a registration tent set up at the Skate Park. Entry is only $5. For more information about the event, please contact Briony Joyce at Homebase Youth Service on 6555 5622 or 0407 792 608.

Thanks Briony.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

Never underestimate the amount of work and creative skill that go into creating a beautiful quilt. Kerry Wakely has a love and affinity for patchwork and shares her talent and passion with others at the Taree Craft Centre. If you’d like to experience some beautiful examples of patchwork for yourself, Kerry invites you to attend the Manning Valley Quilt Exhibition, which runs from April 12 – 20.

What was it about patchwork that first interested you?

I was at my desk one day and a friend was on the phone booking into a workshop to make a ‘quilt in a day’. I said without thinking, “I can I do that”. I was dressmaking for myself, but had never ventured into any crafts. In fact, I had no idea of patchwork and quilting and had never been interested. I did some research prior to the workshop and when the day came around, I was quite excited. I can remember sitting in the workshop thinking: “What have I been missing out on all these years?” That was the year 2000, and I cannot remember a time since when I didn’t have a quilt in the making. 

Who/what has been your inspiration – that have encouraged you to keep up your interest in your craft?
After that workshop, I wanted to learn as much as I could. I enrolled in classes at my local patchwork shop and made a sampler, a quilt that has many different patterns and techniques. I thought that once I did that, I would know it all. Well … 13 years later, I am still learning and hope I never say I know it all. My first teacher always encouraged me to try something new and extend you. I made a rule that every quilt I make has to have some feature about it that I have never done before − a new technique or a particular style of fabric. There are not many quilts I make that don’t comply.

Patchwork fabrics today are generally my inspiration. The colours, the designs, you do not have to make anything; I get pleasure from buying them, looking at the fabrics to think about what to make, folding them up again and putting them away. Every quilter has a ‘stash’. There is a saying: “She who dies with the most fabric wins”.

Describe (and name) some of the traditional patterns we can find in quilting …
I have a book by Jinny Beyer, one of the world’s foremost quilters titled “The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns”, featuring more than 4,050 pieced blocks. Some of these patterns date back to the 1800s and can have multiple names, as different quilters have used the patterns and given their own version of a name. One of my favourites is the Ohio Star; in the book, it has 23 different names. There can also be different patterns with the same name. It is endless, the patterns available to quilters.

How long would it typically take you to create a quilt from concept to completion?
There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the type of quilt you are making, the size and  techniques being used. There is a quilt we have been making this year called a Jelly Roll Race or 1600. It can take as little as a day to make the quilt top, but then it has to be quilted, and if you do that yourself you can add days and even weeks to the quilt.

I have made a large quilt that was hand appliquéd and took twelve months to complete the top. Making this quilt was an absolute pleasure, and time wasn’t an issue. It became a friend, a family heirloom in the making.

We generally make quilts for a reason, a special person, a birthday or a newborn. Some of us also make quilts because we love making quilts, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, trying out a new pattern or technique. We make quilts for a lifetime and hope that they will be passed down to future generations.

How much of the work is done by hand (if any) and how much by machine?
Today, nearly all quilts are made by machine, with only the last stage of a quilt, the binding, being stitched by hand. Even this can be machine stitched.

Some of the more traditional quilters still like to hand appliqué and piece some of their quilts, and also complete the quilting by hand. There is a different set of skills required, and it is really satisfying to complete the hand work as our ancestors would have many years ago.

When and how often do you teach classes at the Taree Craft Centre?
Patchwork classes are held every Wednesday morning at the Craft Cottage Complex from 9.30am to 12.30pm. I specialise in beginners; to take people that would like to learn and introduce them to the wonderful world of patchwork. Some people want to get back into patchwork and some have a ‘UFO’ (unfinished object) from years ago and want to finish it. I use the term ‘people’, rather than ladies, as I have had male students over the years. Everybody is welcome.

What’s the history behind the Manning Valley Quilt Exhibition?
I commenced patchwork classes at the Craft Cottage just before the extensions were commenced in 2010. In discussion with Pam Eyb from the Craft Centre, we came up with the idea that we celebrate the opening of the extensions with a quilt exhibition. The first exhibition was March 2011 and ran for a week. Quilts were exhibited by groups and classes meeting at the Centre, as well as members. This year will be our second exhibition.

What is the venue, date and time for the exhibition this year?
The Manning Valley Quilt Exhibition is 12 April to 20 April 2013 at the Craft Cottage Complex, corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree. The exhibition is open every day between 10am and 3pm except for Saturday 20, when it will close at 1pm. Entry is $3.

What will people experience at the event?
There will be approximately sixty quilts on display, from large quilts to wall hangings and table runners. A special feature of the exhibition is a display of older quilts; one is 120 years old and was made by the grandmother of a member. It really is a good example of quilts of a bygone era. The Craft Cottage Complex has a coffee shop, so visitors can have morning tea or a light lunch and of course, there are craft items for sale.

A special quilt will be raffled, with the proceeds going to Rotary to help the eradication of polio in third world countries.

Thanks Kerry.

for more info

Information is available on the Craft Centre website at
www.tareecraftcentre.com.au or
Phone Anne Bloomfield
on 6553 2602.
For general class information and Kerry Wakely on 6556 0265 for more details regarding patchwork classes and the quilt exhibition.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

Where did you gain your interest in railway memorabilia and model trains?

I remember my first day at Taree Public School, when I was 5. They gave me a wooden train, as obviously I didn’t want to leave Mum … I played with this train all day, and I think this is where the love of trains all began.

Ever since I can remember, all I wanted to do was grow up and be a train driver …

And that dream of becoming a train driver ultimately came true?

Yes. I was in Fourth Form at Taree High, and I was all lined up to join the railway and be a train driver. But then the Royal Australian Navy visited the school to talk about careers in the Navy. They showed a picture of an Australian sailor with Mickey Mouse in Disneyland … so I decided to join the Navy as a cook.

I served my time, and when I’d been in the Navy coming up for 10 years, I saw advertisements for train drivers. So, I left the Navy and became a train driver at State Rail and fulfilled my boyhood dream.

Where were you based when you worked for State Rail?

I started out in Sydney and then moved to Lithgow; where I became an acting driver. It was great at Lithgow … I got to drive the Indian Pacific from Lithgow to Parkes and back − and outside of family, that would be my proudest achievement.

Where did you source all of your amazing items?

I actually bought the railway memorabilia from the railway. Back in the 1980s, if you were staff you could buy redundant railway equipment. I’ve found the occasional item in antique shops and then, of course, along came eBay … and that just opened up a whole new world!

What types of trains and equipment comprise your model train layout?

The older layout I have is called ‘O’ Gauge – they’re Hornby tin wind-up or clockwork trains. They were all built between 1930 and 1940. The biggest trains you can buy are ‘G’ Scale – they’re outdoor trains, and you can create a layout with these out in your garden. The middle range is ‘HO’ Gauge, which are all of the English steam engines I have in my display case. They’re electric – so my collection contains both clockwork and electric trains.

Are you still actively collecting these days?

Oh yes. I’m still very interested. I advertise in The Land magazine to buy railway stuff, and every now and then I get on Buy, Swap and Sell on the radio, and I look at eBay every night to see what’s new

When my wife, Kim, and I travelled to the UK last year for our 30th anniversary, we visited a few of the antique fairs you see on that TV program, Bargain Hunt. I bought a few railway lamps, and a couple of brass plates …

And you had a terrific experience while you were over there too, driving a steam train … 

Yeah. I have a lot of train DVDs, and I saw a DVD a few years ago that featured a story about a man who’d retired. He was in England, and the train societies over there raise money by allowing you to pay money to drive a steam train. When we decided to go to the UK, I booked ahead at Llangothlin in Wales.

When we arrived on the day, I was given overalls, and the driver showed me around the engine – it was an English steam engine, known as a Black 5, and it was called Foxcote Manor. The engine had six carriages attached that were full of tourists …

Once we pulled away from the station, I was able to use the regulator, the water injectors, I had a turn at shovelling the coal, and I was able to drive this train along a valley, through a long tunnel, 9 miles out to a station – where the engine was taken off, put back on the other end of the train, and we drove back …

At the end, when I was standing with the driver, I said to him, “Mate, if there’s such a thing as a childhood dream, I just had mine”. I actually drove a steam engine on the main line! I was overwhelmed …

Where did the bell we photographed you with come from?

I’ve got two bells; they both come from the Hattiesburg Museum in Mississippi. A man who collected stuff from ships went to the US in 1973, and he bought a heap of riverboat items. When his goods were packed in a container and sent back to Australia, two bells were in the shipment. He didn’t realise they’d be in there …

I bought them about 15 years ago now. The biggest bell, and the plate that goes with it, were off a Baldwin Locomotive that was made in 1883.

It’s not only the size of the bell and the condition it’s in that I’m rapt with … to think that this bell and the locomotive were made just 9 years after Billy the Kid was wandering around New Mexico, and just 20 years after General Custer ‘got it’ at Little Little Bighorn … I have letters from the museum which show they realised their mistake and wanted the bells back, but they admitted the items had been bought willingly, and it was their mistake …

If I had to get rid of all my stuff and I was only allowed to keep one thing, I’d keep that bell.

What’s the dream for you? Is there something you’d love to buy that you don’t own yet? Mind you − I’m willing to bet I can guess what it is!

I put that under my Lotto win dream – to buy a real steam engine.

Somehow, I knew you’d say just that! Thanks for sharing your collection with us, John. 

We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect, and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest!

e. jo@focusmag.com.au

ph. (02) 6555 3381.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?

When I was younger, I really wanted to be in the Defence Force. I like the action … the adventure. I think it was also an influence from my dad, who was an Army Officer.

But then I found out that they do require a certain height in order to be qualified, so I decided I’d become a doctor, then apply later on for the military. My applying to the Defence Force didn’t push through, because I was advised I would be a noncombatant and it wasn’t a good career move.

When my dad suddenly died due to an Asthma attack, I was there with him in the emergency room, and the way they managed him was etched into my mind. I vowed right there and then that I would treat my patients as if they’re my own relative, in the way I would like my loved ones to be treated.

Please share a little bit about your background growing up in the Philippines.

I am the eldest of 5 girls. My mum worked as a public school teacher, and my dad was an Army officer. My dad passed away a few months after my debut – and I always joke about me being my dad’s favourite daughter … after all, he was my first dance … he left us when I was just 18 years old, and my youngest sister was in primary school.

It was very unexpected and traumatic for the whole family. I had to step up to a big responsibility the day my dad died – it was a role he strongly reiterated to me when he was still alive. I was just in my third year nursing course when it all happened.

We were drained emotionally, mentally and financially. I remember I had to break my piggy bank just to distribute coins to my sisters … I couldn’t afford to buy myself a new pair of shoes and I had to keep wearing the same pair … even though they were already very old and water came in every time I walked into the flooded streets.

When did you decide to move to Australia?

I first arrived here during World Youth Day in 2008. I have colleagues who had been working here for years, who used to drop by to visit me in Singapore (while I was working there). They all advised me to try working in Australia.

I guess what contributed to my decision to work here is the way I got to know and like the attitudes of Australians when I worked with Leighton Construction and Lafayette Mining Company as a site emergency physician … they were very friendly and down-to earth people who treated everyone equally and had a fantastic sense of humour.

What are some of the hospitals/roles you’ve worked in?

Hunter New England Health was my first employer, and I worked at the Emergency Department of Maitland District Hospital for two years as Senior Resident Medical Officer, after which I transferred to John Hunter Hospital and did rotations at Belmont District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital as ED Registrar.

What was your experience like working with the John Hunter Hospital Emergency Registrar Rotation Program? 

I always say that Emergency Medicine is my first love. This was reinforced more when I finished the Emergency Medicine Residency Program in the University of the Philippines-PhilippineGeneral Hospital and started working in the different emergency rooms at some public and private hospitals … and even at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore. I always like the adrenaline rush, the always on the go, never-a-boring-shift mood … the sense of urgency and the art of prioritising are always there and never fail to amaze and excite me. In casualty, you learn to work as a team … you learn to respect all the staff, both medical and non-medical alike, because you know each plays an important and unique role. You learn your strengths and weaknesses … and this makes you a better doctor and a better person.

One of the most memorable experiences I had was in JHH. The radiology, wardsmen, some nurses and doctors back then had this pizza bonding time, where we gathered orders for pizzas for dinner (the more we ordered, the more free garlic bread and soft drinks we received).

On this evening, it didn’t happen, because the X-ray guy decided he didn’t want pizza. Then one of my good friends, who worked as a wardsman, started to complain of central chest heaviness. He informed the nurse, and he was immediately sent to the resus bed and an EKG taken. The nurse then approached me and told me about the complaint. So I went to the resus bay, very surprised to find out it was my friend who was the patient. The initial EKG was unremarkable, but then whilst I was taking history and putting in a cannula, out of the corner of my eye, I saw this significant, very alarming change in the cardiac monitor. Right in front of me, he started to become pale and very sweaty, with the pain becoming unbearable.

Luckily, the ED consultant and the rest of the team were so efficient, he was up to the cath lab after a few minutes, where they found out that he had 99% blockage in his heart. A stent was put in, and he recovered fully after that.

He paid me a surprise visit in Harrington recently … I was so happy to see him that day. It put a smile on my face and made me realise that my stay in JHH may have been for a short while, but the friendships I made will last a lifetime.

These days, you work at the Albert Street Medical Centre in Taree. When did you start there, and what does your job involve?

I joined the practice last July, in 2012. Working as a GP is very different. Now, I’m at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I deal more with prevention and chronic illnesses.There’s a lot of paperwork. I get to do nursing home visits and house calls. You tend to become more involved with the community and whatever is available in the health care system. You still work as a team, often liaising with other specialists and a wide variety of health support groups, who are very cooperative and helpful in so many ways.

How often do you travel overseas to conduct charitable medical work?

The organisation I joined is the Philippine Australian Medical Association. We do yearly medical and surgical missions in the Philippines.The first one I attended was last year, and there is another one due for June this year. I enjoyed working with my colleagues during the mission, and it’s always fulfilling and satisfying to go back to where you came from and be of service to your own countrymen.

It made me realise that living in this country is indeed a privilege and reminds me time and again to appreciate all the blessings and grace my family and I have received from God and to be thankful to Him each and every day.

I am also a member of a sorority group called PhiloMedica Scientia in the Philippines. It is an all-female medical group that develops this strong bond of sisterhood starting with our medical schooling. During those early years of studying medicine, we were involved passionately in doing charitable medical and surgical missions throughout the year and also in having toy runs, gift giving and World AIDS Day concerts.

What are your future goals and plans? 

I intend to be a successful rural emergency GP. I have plans of settling down for good around the Port Stephens area in 2015.

Thanks Armi.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes