My 35th Birthday Month

The first weekend of July I spent the night out with my Daughter attending the Western NAIDOC BALL at Tabcorp Park. 

The second weekend David and I went to the footy on the Friday night and surprisingly David had booked a four star hotel on the east side for a night of luxury. 

The weekend after my birthday, David and Jie drove to the florist and the cheesecake shop to buy two of my favourite things for my birthday. 

I woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful bunch of flowers thoughtfully chosen and put together by my partner David. 

Then David and the kids sung happy birthday to me before we all enjoyed Black Forest cake in bed.

And on the last weekend of July we enjoyed an intimate night at a spa hotel just us two.

My birthday month was full of fun and surprises and thoughtful gifts and friends and love and good food and great times. 

Thankful to all whom made this year a good one! 

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35 years of Me!

 

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NAIDOC 2023

As NAIDOC WEEK kicked off so did the school holidays! Asked about a month ago if I could help facilitate a cultural arts and crafts day for children at a local shopping centre; I jumped at the opportunity. Before the role that I’m in now I briefly worked at a primary to year 9 school where I was a cultural inclusion officer and I really miss teaching, especially littlies, so this one off gig for NAIDOC WEEK was so fun! Thanks Amanda for the opportunity sis! 

Next on my NAIDOC WEEK calendar was an invite to the Melton Salvation Army house for their NAIDOC WEEK event. 

Didgeridoo playing, a smoking ceremony, plenty of children of all ages getting involved in the arts and crafts, a beautiful dance performance and dance lesson by a 14yo proud young Aboriginal girl as well as homemade damper, fresh fruit and drinks!

This day reminded me that it really doesn’t take much to get community together. People will come to where they are welcomed, where they feel safe and free to be who and how they are and how truly important connection within community is. 

Thank you to organisers and people whom contributed to making the day everything that it was! 

And finally, an appreciation morning tea was held for those of us indigenous women whom work within western health Melton. 

All three of us received a pamper pack from our beautiful managers, coworkers and peers!

Thank you all for an amazing NAIDOC WEEK 2023 and I look forward to seeing you all at the Western NAIDOC Ball on the 15th of July! 

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Davids Birthday

Last month I took David on a bottomless brunch river cruise for his birthday along the Yarra river in the city.

Early June we also went to do an escape room together. 

It was David’s third time and my first.

We completed it with one clue and extra time.

David was the brute and I was the brains making us a great team.

Happy Birthday my love. 

And to many many more xx 

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Family Movie Day

The day before I set off to Cairns, David the kids and I went to the movies together to see Fast X.

I love these three people more than anyone and anything in this world.

Spending time with them is always a joy.

 

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Reconciliation Week 2023

I feel so privileged to represent my Torres Strait Islander culture through my community and my workplace this year just as I have done since 2012! 

I will continue to be a voice for the generations!

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To my niece,

 Words cannot express the joy that filled my heart when your Mum, my bestest and most loyal friend of nearly 20 years, told me she was pregnant with you. With the weeks that followed as you grew in your Mums womb, I was in disbelief that your Mum was actually going to be a Mum. I flooded her inbox with encouragement, advice and stories of what my births were like and what helped me. Sadie baby, I want you to know, your Mum and I prayed for you long before you were born, years before, but also as you grew your Aunty Melissa over here was praying for you and your Mum. When I got the news from your father via text that Mum had gone into labor with you prayers were going up for your safe delivery. With all my heart I wanted your Mum to have you and experience the absolute whirlwind of motherhood she's watched me and others around her enjoy. On the 15th of March 2023 when you came into this world, my best friend, your Mama, became a Mother and that is something I know she has wanted, longed for, cried for and deserves in her lifetime. On the 15th of March 2023 God blessed us with you. Sadie, your Aunty over here cannot wait to watch you grow and stress your Mum out. I cannot wait for the phone calls I'll receive from Mum for advice and to one day hold you in my arms, hear your voice and say yes to you when Mum and Dad say no. Just because you cannot see me doesn't mean I am not here, I will always be here. 

Thinking of you daily,

Aunty Melissa

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My first flower!

 

I finally received my first flower from David last month. Picked from a garden just up the road from his Mums house by his best friend and given to me by David. 

It surely is the little things and another first for our relationship. 

My first flower from David 

19/3/2023

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The Goulburn Country Music Festival Shepparton 2023

On the first of this month we went to The Goulburn Country Music Festival.

I have been partly slack and partly too busy to post about it but finally found some time tonight to do so.

 This was the fam getting selfies as we got ready before we left for the night..

After getting ready, we got an Uber to the Showgrounds and scanned in!

After looking around, Jie found something he liked..

And David and I settled at the back of the crowd..

Nevaeh and I enjoyed the atmosphere while Jie opted to go back to the hotel early.

But that didn’t stop David, Nevaeh and I enjoying the beautiful weather and country tunes..

As the night went on we enjoyed music from our favorite bands.

David enjoyed showing me one of his fave bands, the Wolfe Brothers and lined up for a fan photo..

And as the sun set on Shepparton it was Kasey Chambers voice whom lit up the night..

The day was amazing! And while Jie didn’t love the festival, it was still noice to get away for the weekend together for some country fun. 

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Bingo Night

Wednesday night after work David and I drove to Sunshine to play Bingo!

I have such sentimental memories of going with my Aunty and Nana back when I was younger but never with this amount of money to be won though. The Jackpot was $10,000.

A lady on the table beside us walked out with the $10,000 jackpot and another lady two tables from us won a $700 game and then another $200 on the breakers (little break open cards you can buy for $50c each) winning $900 for the night.

While we didn't win, it was fun!

We will definitely be going back in the near future. 

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Yarning Circle - Gum Leaf Art

Wednesday this week just gone, our Yarning Circle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and community members enjoyed our Gum Leaf art and craft activity.

Here is a look at what we did..

I have also given the group a flyer with all our upcoming dates and activities including Bird House Making, Photo Holders, Easter Art and Possum skin Shawls.

Check out our "Culture" link on the right hand side of this blog to see what we've done in the past.

I love community and the culture of this great land.

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