All this only came up late January. We were already committed to a locum in Wadeye, so we decided that I would do that, and Tim would start straight away in the hospital - the other guy has already left, which means that Andy is on his own with the registrar, till Tim's up & running. And Andy has a bushwalk planned!
We had a good few days in Nhulunbuy last week, especially once boxes were unpacked. Good to feel a bit settled, and to have done some cleaning inside and out. It was great to get there - the family were waiting at our house! The leaving process from Leongatha was drawn out, and rather draining; lots of explanations and farewells, and a lot of work to move out of the house. However it was a very affirming time, with many people, both colleagues and patients, expressing appreciation for our involvement. And a lot of tears! On all sides! We are so sad to leave Leongatha, and it's the longest I'd lived in any house. But of course it's a lot more than the house itself, it's relationships.
So here I am in Wadeye. It's good to be back in this familiar situation, and to be reasonably comfortable with the processes here. I'm in the same house, very adequate. The work is quiet at present, because it's the "bush holiday" and many people are away from town. I hope there's enough work to justify me being here! It's good to be part of the team again. There are a few new faces, and many I knew from before.
There are 2 public holidays during my 3 weeks here, which means I'll be able to get stuck into language study. I'm also looking forward to getting out in the early mornings on days off, with the binoculars, to see birds, and just be in the bush.
New sign on the arcade. I bought fresh fish in the butcher's! Very good
Previous occupants unable to live close to others, due to a clan feud - this & adjacent houses had been empty for a while, now government employee housing
