Speak Out April 2021

member PROFILE

and saying, I am in between contracting I am happy to pay it back. It was what was encouraged for us to seek help if needed, it was daunting standing there in the line. News came through that the job market in Melbourne had virtually stopped, recruitment was on hold, job ads had diminished as services were madly trying to get their digital and telehealth platforms up and running to sustain business and service to clients; while the unfolding daily updates and restrictions were announced. What kept me going during 2020? Being flexible and resilient was the strongest asset, a mindfulness app suggested by a primary health manager, daily rituals of exercises, sleep, immersion in nature, the wonderful team of recruiters who had called and kept me up-to-date of changes and jobs and most of all the courageous, kind and compassionate teams and managers and employers I worked for. The daily coffees, huddles, Zoom meetings, morning tea, chat to locals. Taking one day at a time, knowing that I had survived a lot of more challenging times like post cyclones, driving in deserts, living in remote towns in the middle of nowhere. Most of all an attitude of gratitude to each day and the people I made connections with. I was lucky to grab another locum in Stowell, near the Grampians at Stawell Regional/Community health. I must say driving to a new town and new adventure was exciting. Again, the certainty and wonder of a welcoming allied health team. However, it was also unsettling as the news of Melbourne lockdown was well underway. There is a Lake in Sloane Street Stawell called Cato it is beautiful, again walking or jogging around that was blissful. Walking to work everyday was a great way to unwind and decompress at the end of the day. Scones on Thursdays kept us going. Friendly allied health and clients and patients eager to receive our service is what kept me going to.

The final contract I did was meant I was back to regional Victoria, in the friendly town of Kyabram. There was again the supportive nursing staff, the team and the waiting list. Again, the walks around a lake and the fauna park became a daily ritual as well as group classes at the local gym as much as permitted. The drives around regional Victoria and the neighboring towns of Rochester, Echuca, Shepparton, Rushworth and playing tennis, added a new dimension to life. And, some of us lost loved ones during this time, some of us were torn apart from family and friends. I remember saying goodbye to my mother as she passed away on Facetime as she took her last breath. I remember the COVID funeral, the inability to hug grieving family because of restrictions. I had also lost a dear friend of 10 years during these times. That was two COVID funerals I had attended. As an allied health professional, I am proud of the service and contributions we have made to our communities, of putting Service above Self, something I had learned during my time in Alice Springs and as a Rotary Club Member. Entering 2021 I shifted my perspective on what is really important, its time, its life, it’s the corridor conversations, the smiles, the thank you, the kindness, the hugs-hugging family and friends that bit longer now, the connection to each other’s human spirit. The trust and belief that "this to shall pass" and that we have navigated our way through this journey of life. The sadness of the loss of loved ones, the re-kindling of hope for our clients, the kindness of colleagues, the respect from the communities we serve, the new connections we have made, the unravelling of life as we step forward every day, the blessing of a smile to strangers. Thank you to the gift of human spirit during these time. “Service above self”.

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Speak Out | April 2021