Birthday Roadtrip!

This year for my birthday David absolutely spoiled me with a planned road trip to South Australia!

We both woke up to his alarm the day of my birthday, I got up, had a shower while David turned the heater on and got my clothes and towel ready.

We packed the car with clothes, bathers, books, laptops and chargers.

The kissed the kids, still both in bed and said I'd call them later!

We got petrol, checked the tires and got some snacks and a drink before we set of..

The drive was a long one, I played a mix of 90's and 2000's in which included Backstreet Boys! 

2 hours in I had to lay the seat back and switch positions as my knees where getting sore.

I fell asleep a few towns before the border, but woke up two small towns prior.

This photo was snapped of David and I at the SA/VIC border!

From the border it was I think less than a half our to our hotel.

Our first look at South Australia was a beautiful wall of Pine Forest on both sides of the road.

It was a pinch me moment, I was in South Australia!

Upon arriving at our hotel, a big beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.

David went to check us in and this is what our room looked like for the night..

After settling in, watching a bit of the Olympics opening ceremony and reading the hotel's Recommendations and things to do in the area we went to The Eastern Hotel where I won over $1000

Returning to the hotel, I convinced David to come with me to the indoor pool and spa facilities on the other side of the Hotel.

Two point five seconds later, I regretted that decision, with the temperature in Mount Gambier being 1 degrees.

The pool was a little cooler than luke warm and the spa was luke warm but the drops from the roof that were coming down were freezing us.

Deciding to pull the plug on that brilliant Idea we headed back to our room and had a hot shower.

The highlight of the hotel for me was the shower. It was an old shower head with amazing water pressure which just soaked/saturated my hear and skin within seconds.

David and I ordered from coles for dinner, drinks and snacks.

I had Pumpkin Soup and David had English Ham Rolls.

Later I had my fave, Chocolate Eclairs before I again fell asleep for an hour as David watched AFL.

I woke up at around 12am and decided to grab my book and head into the spa.

How relaxing!!

Day Two

Before dinner on day one I recieved a message from and Elder from up north telling me that Lorbrey (my grandfather) and therefore I, have family in Mount Gambier. 

The night before I spoke to Aunty Jessie’s Brother, Jack Sailor and on the morning of day two, I went to meet him at the cemetery! 

We got along so well, laughing and sharing stories and photos before the rains came and we parted ways.

But before we did, he gave me this photo of my mothers father, my grandfather whom is now passed and whom my Mum never met before she passed.

I feel so privileged to have this piece of family history and to have beautiful connections I do with my family. 

I plan to visit with Jack again someday soon!

So after our meet up, we went and got some brunch at McDonalds (my fave!) and then headed for the famous Blue Lake! 

Who would have thought that the blue lake would be that blue..

David enjoyed climbing “the rook” tower for a better look where as a blue lake is a blue lake to me.. 

Our final destination for our trip was a look at the sink hole..

We stayed here a little longer as it really was incredible.

After a conversation with a friend back home, I also found out that there is nightly possum feeding here with hundreds of possums coming out at sunset!

This will definitely be something we will have to do next visit.

Soon we were back on the road but not before we purchased a key ring for David’s mum. 

I drove over the border on the way back, but didn’t last long in the drivers seat with my sleep apnea making me drowsy.

We did stop to admire these beautiful mountains on the way home though..

I had a nap, we made a pit stop in a small little town to stretch our legs and use the restroom before the long stretch home.. 

Not feeling like cooking or more so cleaning the kitchen upon our return home, we opted for the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club all-you-can-eat Sunday night Calvary for $28.

It was by far the best decision after driving over 700ks in two days!

Read More

4 Somethings July

 

It's that time again, time to link up with this months blog hop..

 Click the picture to see the host blog and maybe join in..

At the end of each month a group of us bloggers link up to share 4 somethings. Something we've loved or disliked, accomplished, improved upon or something that needs improvement, and noticed.

So lets do it..

Somethings I loved this month were..

Balcony Seats at Cirque Bon Bon in the city organized by David as an early Birthday Prezzie!

Meeting my sons work mates at Nandos in the City!

I loved and was so thankful for our free box of fresh fruit and veggies from Davids Work this month.

I absolutely loved sharing the Gold Class experience to see Twisters with my besty,

And the night she invited us around for my birthday and showered me with love in a yummy home cooked meal, drinks, gifts and a super scrummy Cheesecake for dessert!

I loved that the kids got up early to go shopping to make me pancakes for breakfast for my birthday and sung "you are my sunshine" to me to wake me up.

I has so loved my Friday afternoons catching up with my friend Amina and for the friendship we share.

One of my highlights this month has been our trip to South Australia! (More on this here..)

Somethings I accomplished this month were.. 

Winning over $1000 while playing the Pokies in South Australia on the Weekend!

And then spreading all my winnings on the bed at our hotel!

I also nominated Uncle Brian Morley for a NAIDOC Award in which on the night he became Mr Naidoc at the Western Naidoc Ball. (More on that here..)

And a big accomplishment has been getting Nevaeh out more and more.

Somethings that still need improvement are..

Going back to the specialist so he can program my C-Pap Machine for me and..

Finding a mask that fits comfortably for when I sleep.

Somethings I noticed were..

Just how happy David makes me and how in love I am with him still. 

And also, just how much some people inspire me and others in community.

Read More

A Song a Day (NAIDOC EDITION)

 I thought I’d share a song a day during NAIDOC Week

This one is titled “Strongest Mob”

Denni featuring Craig Everett

To understand is to listen..

You don't wanna muck with Madame Pakana

They wanna war, don't wanna talk about a massacre

You don't want it with payarrinina mangina

Milaythina to the muka, we niyakara

They had to use their lies and stories for dividing us

But we been fighting all this time, so you should honour us

Nita and nawnta from a line of warriors

Strongest mob on lutruwita, ain't nobody stopping us

[Verse 1: DENNI]

Let's take it back to when the kani begun

And it's still the same kani that I learnt from my mum

Proud Pakana, honouring my Nan on every sunny day

When they asking who's my mob? I tell 'em all, trawoolaway

It was their mission to destroy and now, that mission is mine

I'll still end up in the dirt whether I live or I die

So, I've been using my music to keep that fire alive

Like Mannalargenna did when the first ships had arrived

East side, green eyes, true warrior

Stronger woman, bigger shoulders than the lot of ya

They had to fight, try resist but never wanted to

I honour them and keep the pressure on for Tongerlongeter

My blood lines done time and it isn't right

This a product of invasion, cuz my skin is light

I know my mountain proud of old fellas sitting high

But my heart is black and I'm still watching them mangana fly

To understand is to listen..

Read More

A Song a Day (NAIDOC EDITION)

 I thought I’d share a song a day during NAIDOC Week

This one is titled “From Little Things”

John Butler, Dan Sultan and Missy Higgins

To understand is to listen..

Gather round people let me tell you're a story

An eight year long story of power and pride

British Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiarri

Were opposite men on opposite sides

Vestey was fat with money and muscle

Beef was his business, broad was his door

Vincent was lean and spoke very little

He had no bank balance, hard dirt was his floor

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

Gurindji were working for nothing but rations

Where once they had gathered the wealth of the land

Daily the pressure got tighter and tighter

Gurindju decided they must make a stand

They picked up their swags and started off walking

At Wattie Creek they sat themselves down

Now it don't sound like much but it sure got tongues talking

Back at the homestead and then in the town

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

Vestey man said I'll double your wages

Seven quid a week you'll have in your hand

Vincent said uhuh we're not talking about wages

We're sitting right here till we get our land

Vestey man roared and Vestey man thundered

You don't stand the chance of a cinder in snow

Vince said if we fall others are rising

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

Then Vincent Lingiarri boarded an aeroplane

Landed in Sydney, big city of lights

And daily he went round softly speaking his story

To all kinds of men from all walks of life

And Vincent sat down with big politicians

This affair they told him is a matter of state

Let us sort it out, your people are hungry

Vincent said no thanks, we know how to wait

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

Then Vincent Lingiarri returned in an aeroplane

Back to his country once more to sit down

And he told his people let the stars keep on turning

We have friends in the south, in the cities and towns

Eight years went by, eight long years of waiting

Till one day a tall stranger appeared in the land

And he came with lawyers and he came with great ceremony

And through Vincent's fingers poured a handful of sand

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

That was the story of Vincent Lingairri

But this is the story of something much more

How power and privilege can not move a people

Who know where they stand and stand in the law

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

From little things big things grow

To understand is to listen..

Read More

A Song a Day (NAIDOC EDITION)

  I thought I’d share a song a day during NAIDOC Week

This one is titled “Old Fitzroy”

Dan Sulton

To understand is to listen..

I walked in here off the dirty mile
Swaggered in with a prison style
Aching bones and dirty feet;
Needing a bed and something to eat
I played for you and I played it right
I sang in tune and I danced all night
I cooked at you as the only one;
I didn't know it could come undone

I hit the road when I was fifteen
When my mother died and my dad got mean
I've been locked up since twenty-one
I was my mother's only son
Forgotten most from early days
But I remember what she used to say:
"Little boy you're my pridе and joy
The only good thing about old Fitzroy"

I feel the walls are falling down around;
It makеs me loathe that town somehow
I've been drinking all the wrong
Things all night
I've been thinking about what
I've got to do to survive this life

To understand is to listen..

Read More

NAIDOC at Western Health 2024

 This year I was asked to organize an event for 40+ people for work for NAIDOC Week.

Come the day, Wednesday the 10th; what could go wrong, did go wrong.

I was sick, woke up with next to no voice.

I lost my work badge - meaning I couldn't print a thing.

But thankfully, the catering from Slice is Life came through for us.

And my manager and collogue Gill were there to help print and put up posters and set the scene.

I truly appreciated their help.

The day went on, I masked up not to spread any germs.

I received positive feedback from not only our team and management but from higher up and other services whom use our building also.

Everyone enjoyed the music and there were enough scones for everyone to enjoy.

All in all it was a wonderful little internal event.

This picture below was taken on the day.

In the photo from Left to Right:

Alanna Ross (Pathways worker for our Babaneek Baboop Program)

Ralph Doole (Case Manager at McKillop Family Services)

Myself, Melissa Baker (Aboriginal Liaison/SEWB/Outreach worker)

Gillian Thatcher (Care-Coordinator and Community Health Nurse)

Read More

A Song a Day (NAIDOC EDITION)

  I thought I’d share a song a day during NAIDOC Week

This one is titled “Here”

Briggs featuring Caiti Baker

To understand is to listen..

When they ask me where I'm from

When they ask me where I'm goin'

When they ask me where I belong

When they ask what I'm dreaming of

I can promise you'll never forget who

(We are) the ones who break through

I am on the road that takes you

We are here, I am here

I can promise you'll never forget who

(We are) the ones who break through

I am on the road that takes you

We are here, I am here

All these hours amount to this

And my home can account to this

You prove you can take the hits

All the shots you don't shoot, you miss

So we laced up, faced up

Home or away, tore the place up

We made them afraid, don't wanna face us

Pats on the back, "Brother, great stuff"

They only push through if you let them

They only gonna fail if you test 'em

They're bound to get taught a very hard lesson

If they wanna ask these questions, just like

When they ask me where I'm from (I say, "Here")

When they ask me where I'm goin' (I say, "Here")

When they ask me where I belong (I say, "Here")

When they ask what I'm dreaming of (I say, "Here")

I can promise you'll never forget who

(We are) the ones who break through

I am on the road that takes you

We are here, I am here

I can see how I make it look easy

(We are) in a place where dreams be

I am where you all can see me

We are here, I am

You honed your skills, owned the drills

Blood dries, bones heal, on the field

Wear battle scars like a golden seal

Put our name on a plaque, so we know it's real

Said you couldn't do it, where they at now

You've come too far to wanna back down

Trained so hard nearly blacked out

Proof is all there, check the stats now

So many nations, so many states

So many roads goin' to the same place

Own my mistakes, see it in my face

If they wanna ask a question you know what to say, like

When they ask me where I'm from (I say, "Here")

When they ask me where I'm goin' (I say, "Here")

When they ask me where I belong (I say, "Here")

When they ask what I'm dreaming of (I say, "Here")

I can promise you'll never forget who

(We are) the ones who break through

I am on the road that takes you

We are here, I am here

I can promise you'll never forget who

(We are) the ones who break through

I am on the road that takes you

We are here, I am here

Yes, every hit

(We are) every step

I am, yes (we are)

(We are) I am

I can see how I make it look easy

(We are) in a place where dreams be

I am where you all can see me

(We are) here, I am

To understand is to listen..

Read More

A Song a Day (NAIDOC EDITION)

  I thought I’d share a song a day during NAIDOC Week

This one is titled “Took the Children Away”

Archie Roach

To understand is to listen..

 

This story's right, this story's true

I would not tell lies to you

Like the promises, they did not keep

And how they fenced us in like sheep

Said to us, "Come, take our hand"

Set us up on mission land

Taught us to read, to write and pray

Then they took the children away

Took the children away

The children away

Snatched from their mother's breast

Said, "This is for the best, " took them away

The welfare and the policeman

Said, "You've got to understand

We'll give to them what you can't give

Teach them how to really live"

"Teach them how to live, " they said

Humiliated them instead

Taught them that and taught them this

And others taught them prejudice

You took the children away

The children away

Breaking their mother's heart

Tearing us all apart, took them away

One dark day on Framingham

Came and didn't give a damn

My mother cried, "Go get their dad"

He came running, fighting mad

Mother's tears were falling down

And Dad shaped up and stood his ground

He said, "You touch my kids and you fight me"

And they took us from our family

Took us away

They took us away

Snatched from our mother's breast

Said, "This is for the best, " took them away

Told us what to do and say

Taught us all the white man's ways

Then they split us up again

And gave us gifts to ease the pain

Sent us off to foster homes

As we grew up, we felt alone

'Cause we were acting white

Yet feeling black

One sweet day all the children came back

The children came back

The children came back

Back where their hearts grow strong

Back where they all belong

The children came back

Said the children came back

The children came back

Back where they understand

Back to their mother's land

The children came back

Back to their mother

Back to their father

Back to their sister

Back to their brother

Back to their people

Back to their land

All the children came back

The children came back

The children came back

Yes I came back

To understand is to listen..

Read More