Nhulunbuy via Darwin!

19 August 

It's great to be back in Nhulunbuy. That's an understatement! 

The time in Darwin was good, worthwhile I think. The 5 days went really quickly. I was rostered supernumerary to ED Majors each day. I had orientation, and the first day I just watched, trying to work out how to use the computer systems, and also being involved in things happening. I think I was a bit spacey! The next days I saw patients and also had time to be involved in procedures and things, including one successful recovery from cardiac arrest! The Majors section of ED is amazing really, so busy. It's a big place, with 260 staff (that's for the whole ED). And they can't go on bypass, well, there's nowhere else for people to go. 

While there, I was able to go to the weekly Yolngu language course class at the uni. I shared a taxi with an Aboriginal Health Practitioner from Daly River! Felt like someone from home! He was in Darwin upskilling in palliative care, which was so encouraging to hear. The language class was great, so good to meet people and clarify a few things.

So now, Nhulunbuy. It just feels so good to be here. So good to see Andy, Cathy and the girls. I've had 2 days hospital orientation and then the weekend off, and I've now worked 2 days in ED. I'm starting to feel more comfortable with the systems. It feels like a good vibe. 

Out birdwatching last weekend, a lady came up with binoculars! We got talking. She's been here for many years and is very knowledgeable - and happy to have a companion for birdwatching! We'll try for once a week or so. 

Tim's gone down to Victoria for Rae Kube's funeral. It's today. I'm so glad he was able to go. She was such a special person. Having booked, he nearly didn't make it, because the flight to Cairns was delayed 5 hours! That's relatively common here. Fortunately we found out the night before, and he could get a later flight to Melbourne. He'll travel back tomorrow. I'm hoping it'll be a good family time, a significant time to honour Rae, and a special time to connect with others.

Now the other news. Rikky is engaged to Will Goodrich! We are very pleased. He's a great guy and they are good together. They share a strong faith connection, a love of outdoors, and a laid back approach to life. So it's all very exciting. 

Part of the Yolngu kinship system: so important to understand this, to know how to relate. One of my ED patients was a son from Wandwuy.

Country

6 August

I'm leaving Wadeye today - actually in the air as I write. 

Yesterday I saw an old lady for a health check. I remember her from each time I've been here. She lives in the town but her homeland is a long way away, next to the Moyle River. 

She told me about her last visit out there with family. They had a good time hunting for mussels & mud crabs. One of them found human skeletons! They called the police from Darwin, who came and checked it all out, and asked her what she'd like to do with them - leave them there or take them to Darwin for further examination. She said, "I'm hungry, I want some food." After eating, her partner asked her again what she wanted to do with them. She said to leave them there.  The Police told her that they were a man and a woman, tribal people. She thinks they are her great great ... (uncertain how many greats) grandparents. She's thinking about having some kind of ceremony before the wet season, and burying them properly. 

Wow what a story. I felt privileged. She talked about how when the family is together on the country, they tell stories about the land, and customs. 

So I'm on my way to Darwin - sad to be leaving. I'm not sure if I'll be back, but it's hard to imagine never coming back. 

It was a good 3 weeks. Good times with patients. And quiet evenings, 2 long weekends to study. And a beach BBQ! Well, Monday was NT Picnic Day. (I think it's to do with the horse racing). We had about 12 staff & families- great fun. It's so beautiful there, and I was glad to get to the beach once this trip. 

Off to Royal Darwin Hospital now - for 5 days I'll be in emergency, getting revved up. I'm so looking forward to getting back to Nhulunbuy! Missing Tim a lot. But this emergency caper is recommended for all docs working in Nhulunbuy.  It's a good opportunity when I'm passing through. I'm a bit daunted, and glad I'm supernumerary. 

The women's centre has been painted. It looks good! I was there one day and Claver came in to sell a didgeridoo 

Sunset pic from the BBQ night. A bit symbolic really, but Wadeye remains close to my heart.