Nalkanbuy Health Centre

Nalkanbuy Health Centre and some of the Yolngu health workers and Balandas.
http://www.teaching.nt.gov.au/remote_schools/galiwinku.html
http://www.ntgpe.org/communityprofiles/remotecentres/nalkanbuy.html

Remote impressions

In this period I am working and living on Elcho Island off the coast of Arhnem Land, Northern Territory. Living amongst the Indigenous Communtiy on Elcho Island, working in Ngalkanbuy Health Clinic and sharing my experiences and expressions with Cathy

It is an amazing, humbling and moving experience.

I am currently writing whilst seated on the front vernadah. Around me I can hear the sound of circadas and the gentle rustling of leaves. It is very hot and humid so most people are either sitting under the shade of trees or fishning. On the red dirt path in front, some children occassionally wander or cycle past the house.

The house is an elevated weatherboard 'Queenslander' which overlooks the ocean and is positioned next to the Health Clinic. The garden surrounding the house is lush. At the front we have a frangipani tree in full bloom and a huge coconut tree in the back garden.

I am living in a semi detached weatherboard house with Cathy; her partner Jelko and Mermaid his beautiful daughter; Michelle the Health Clinic's Nurse Manager; Mark her partner; and their blue heeler 'Elcho'. Our home is full of activity, clutter, noise and love.

The Youlanda people inspire me. They live simply and happily on this beautiful, isolated and barren island without contemporary comforts and technology. What they have they share and their focus is family and relationships.

As remote nurse on this Island you work very independently and have the responsibilites of a doctor and a nurse. Initally I found this concept challenging, but after the the first week here, I am aware of my professional boundaries and confident in the experience, knowledge and insights of the health team I work with. As at home my aim is to work within my capabilites, preserve human life, respect individuality and strive to deliver excellence in medico-nursing care.

This weekend I am on-call for the Health Clinic. This means that I have to attend any individuals that attend the clinic for medical advice or treatment. Yesterday we recalled a community elder who had presented to the clinic the night before with right side chest pain. On examination it was evdient that this man was having an acute antroseptal myocardial infarct. After the intial assessment and stabilisation of his condition I contacted the nearest hospital "Gove Hospital" and faxed his cardiograph illustrating the infarct. The cardiologists at Darwin Hospital were contacted and they confirmed the severity of his condition. Transfer to Darwin Hospital's Coronary Care Unit was arranged and until the flight arrived I had to monitor his condition in the Health Clinic. Six hours later Cathy and I transported him to the airstrip for emergency aeromedical transport. There were about 80 people at the airstrip to farewell him and wish him luck. The community and his family had stayed close to him throughout his stay in the Clinic. They even prayed over him. It was a moving experience and very humbling.

From a medical perspective it was interesting that this 54 yr old man had minimal risk factors (heavy smoker) and possibly some undiagnosed medical conditions (high cholestrol, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes). Additionally he did not display the physiological changes that are typical for patents having an acute infarct. He had no diaphoresis, cardiovascular compromise, arrhythmmia, pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath.

Throughout my time at the Clinic, Michelle and Cathy supported me. Visiting me with cups of cofee, bought me toasted bacon and egg sandwiches, macadamia nuts. Cathy also purchased a treat for me to help me unwind today. She bought a large canvas, a full set of primary paints and brushes. I was so excited I felt as though it was Christmas!

Anyway, it is time for Ginger Beer and chips on the verandah at sunset. The storm sounds as though it is coming so hopefully some of the heat from the day will dissipate.

Until later
Love Jules

Jules today

Anticipation...flight to Elcho Island, NT for the Remote Area Health Corps.

Elcho Island

Airport Resort, Darwin NT

Top End Inspiration

Indigenious Mother and Child, St Mary's Cathedral, Darwin. Northern Terriotory.

Mamuli earrings 20th century Copper alloy
Tanimbar islands, Indonenisa

Child’s embroidered Chinese shoe. Although not documented, it is believed that this little shoe was recovered from the ruins of the former Museum in the Old Town after Cyclone Tracy.

Collections from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Collection.

Title Unknown, Schmidt (2007)

Remote Area Health Corps, Northern Territory

Thanks to... Trish (Physiotherapist, Maringrida), Lucy (OT, Katherine), Phillipa (remote Nurse, Top End) and Cathy (Remote Nurse, Elcho Island) my Remote Area Health Corps colleagues for sharing angst, fears, experiences and a common passion.

Cathy & Jules (Elcho Island December 2009) [above], Jules & Lucy (Darwin, outside RAHC Office, November 2009) [below].
Jules, Lucy & Trish (Greek Restaurant, Darwin, November 2009) [above],

Phillipa (Katherine, November 2009) [below].

Blazing sunsets, Darwin

Red dust

On Monday night I arrived in Darwin, Northern Territory to commence three weeks of remote nursing in Indigenous communities at Timber Creek through the Remote Area Health Corps.

Experiences thus far have been challenging, culturally diverse and from a clinical perspective really interesting. Especially when I realised that many of the conditions that I will encounter are preventable and are often caused by third world conditions and social health and well being attitudes). During clinical training at Charles Darwin University and the Katherine West Health Board I have learnt about the prevalent conditions in the NT. Infectious diseases include: Syphilis, Tuberculous, Leprosy, Scabies and maternal and child health issues include: failure to Thrive, Diabetes, Trachoma (leading to blindness) Otitis Media (leading to hearing deficits).

The problems here are three fold and compounded by challenging attitudes.

Another interesting aspect of this experience is learning of other clinicians motivation for being here. For many it seems to be a transient and financially lucrative endeavour.

Greater sensitivity and humility towards the needs of Indigenous people is required.

As for me... I keep thinking " I'm a long long way from Firenze". Even the red dust from the dry open plains in the Top End of Australia can not blow the cob weds from my mind. Despite the diversity and distractions, thoughts of Firenze and my PhD linger. In essence this 'diversion' is illustrating to me that even though I have the capacity to do anything, my destiny lies elsewhere. And I should embrace this.

Love to you

Jules

Katherine, Northern Territory

Yoga Retreat

This weekend Jessica came down from QLD and together we attended the Breathe and Balance Yoga Retreat at peppers Resort in Mornington.

The weekend started with an open car ride along Nepan Highway to Mornington. Then we had lunch followed by a decadent hot stone massage at Endota Spa.

Our Retreat was pure bliss and given that it drizzled with rain all weekend, we soaked up the opportunity to stay indoors and relax into a beautiful routine. Each morning we staretd our day with a two hour early morning yoga session followed by a lazy brunch and the morning papers, then an afternoon nap or sofa sojourn in our suite followed by an two hour afternoon session and chill out over dinner Absolutely splendid and wonderful to be to share this experience with Jessica.

My inner spirit feels rejuvenated.

Thanks bella.

Field of Butterflies

I embrace emerging experience.
I participate in discovery. I am a butterfly.
I am not a butterfly collector.
I want the experience of the butterfly

- William Stafford

Rememberance Day

Today was my last day as a Lecturer at the University.

My experiences at ACU have been stimulating, nurturing, challenging and dynamic - it all feels like a dream and as though I only walked through the doors yesterday.

I am immensely thankful for all the opportunities I've have had, the mentorship and professional support and guidance of my peers and the scope of possibilities that have been revealed. As these moments have helped me to develop greater personal strength and professional expression and made me more aware of my capacity.

I now understand the whisper from within.

This is the moment when it all begins.

Beach bliss

This morning I walked out of the front door of my little beach side appartment and was instantly struck by the scent of the sea air. I was off to work and 'dolled-up to the nine's' and yet felt like I was heading to the beach.

This has been one of my dreams.

I couldn't resist smiling - does it get any better than this?

At the end of a blammy day, I raced home to change into my cossie and plunged into the sea for a sunset swim. As my hands glided through the green sea waters and crystal bubbles floated slowly to the surface. The purity and calmness of the moment filled my soul with even more happiness.

Swim no.1

Melbourne is scorching hot at present! ...and I LOVE it. I love the warm sea breeze, lazing with friends in the basking hot sun, sand between my toes, fish 'n chips on the beach, being lost in the words of a great novel, hanging out in a cossie and short shorts, monitoring shades from pearl white to golden Brazilian and ocean water swims.

First swim for Summer 2009-10 - DONE

Truthful encounters

Mid morning in a shop in Queenscliff. We are all casually shopping the seaside locale when Suz walks towards me and holds up a grin and a book with the following inscription on the front page.

"You offered me the world and I told you that I had my own."

The girls all laughed to themselves when they read these words. I just smiled and lowered my eyes. The inscription said it all. There is nothing more to add - for now.

Shades of Summer

Dicharazione di valore

This morning Claudia from the Italian Consulate in Melbourne handed me my Dicharazione di valore. These official papers mean that my professional degrees have been recognised and that I have been permitted International registration to practice as a nurse in Italy...! Ahhh... La dolce vita.

I can't believe it. Dreams really DO come true. Even though I now have a long road ahead of me at least I'm on the path.

...it all feels like a dream. As though the journey from that first decision to pursue this dream to now happened in a heart beat.

I do believe that one day I'll be sitting under a vine branches in the garden of my tuscan villa sipping wine as my bare legs languish in the sun, with my gorgeous husband and big eyed, curly top children around me.

In the interim there is this dream to establish and I look forward to pursuing a career with combines art and nursing in Italy and in Australia.

One month later

A lot has happened since September 28th 2009. Conversations have opened doors to great and unexpected opportunities and honesty and naivety have possibly closed some. Although some elements of this have been unexpected and challenging what is important is that I have stayed focused on my destiny and not been persuaded by someone elses' agenda.

I feel like I'm in the lounge room of my career and I have to keep reminding myself that some of these risks are necessary, if I want to achieve my dreams.

Chiaroscuro Jules

Pealing the Bells

The Melbourne Arts Festival opened tonight with a memorable and spectacular celebration.

After the dusk performance of the Pealing of the Bells by Strange Fruit at Birrarung Marr, across the Yarra River at Alexandra Gardens, Europe's acclaimed Transe Express performed their signature masterpiece. An orchestra of bell ringers and percussionists lifted skywards, forming a musical chandelier above the city. The carillon was hoisted on a huge flower-like structure and transformed its shape and movement throughout the performance. The images were brilliant and evoked childlike nostalgia and memories of the Maggi Festival in Assisi.

100 things

Inspired by a recent blog site http://www.learningtoloveyoumore.com/reports/44/finney_gaelan.php, I'm going to compose a list of 100 things I like in no particular order.

1. the breeze on my face; 2. family; 3. close friends; 4. walking along a coral splayed shore; 5. smiling; 6. crying; 7. writing; 8. people who can express themselves in fashion; 9. people who express themselves with language; 10. creativity; 11. spontaneity; 12. feeling free; 13. dreaming of flying; 14. baci; 15. Firenze; 16. night time; 17. cycling; 18. cooking a delicious meal with whatever ingredients can be found in the fridge; 19. helping a stranger; 20. looking into people's eyes; 21. day dreaming; 22. visiting churches; 23. furring my head under a doona on a cold winter's night; 24. my sleigh bed; 25. my Douglas & Hope patchwork quilt; 26. soaking in a scented bath; 27. coffee; 28. seeing my nephews; 29. traveling to a new destination; 30. the capacity to resolve complex scenarios; 31. stars; 32-35. poetry, prose, words & calligraphy; 36-40. 4 seasons: the scent of spring, the rustle of Autumn leaves under my feet, crisp winter snow and summer's warmth on my skin; 41. my memories; 42. childhood; 43. honesty; 44. passion fruit; 45. receiving letters; 46. silver jewellery (especially Bouvier); 47. Island holidays. 48. trekking mountains; 49.laughing until my tummy aches; 50. walking on sand; 51. feeling beautiful; 52. conversing with people who will no longer be a stranger to me; 53. receiving news from a friend I have just been thinking of; 54. finding spare change in the side of the seat car when you are looking for your purse to pay the parking meter; 55. an unexpected visit from a friend; 56. news from overseas; 57. lying on the beach reading; 58. eating; 59. wearing gloss lipstick; 60. my curly hair; 61. my celestial blue eyes; 62. wearing my emotions on my sleeve; 63. feeling as though the Berlin wall falling down on me couldn't scratch my skin, after my heart had broken; 64. hope; 65. wearing electric mod inspired fashion; 66. beautiful dogs; 67. foreign films; 68. soft cheeses; 69. evening soiree's over red wine; 70. visiting art galleries; 71. listening to jazz; 72. reading about the human body and how it functions or it's dysfunction; 73. human stories; 74. prayers; 75. festive celebrations; 76. water; 77. family photographs; 78. the sea; 79. inspiring people; 80-83. the smell of linseed oil; frankincense and roses; 84. peonies; 85. my mothers embrace; 86. being organised; 87. stylish gym gear; 89. accessorising; 90. Thank you's; 91. lace; 92. silence; 93. lazy Sunday's in bed with company; 94. my history; 95. being of Italian descent; 96. seeing elderly couples walk earnestly hand in hand; 97. ponder what my future will be and who it will be with; 98. make the most of every opportunity and fill each day; 99. learning; 100. being moi.

Stumbling block

Last week I made a decision. A decision that I believed was right for me. I still believe that it is the right decision, it's just that the decision has implications and these implications make me afraid. Afraid.. Is that the right word...? I'm not sure. That's the point I'm not sure that I can pull this off.

The stumbling block. I always stumb my toe on it. I come so far and then I stop and hold my breath. I don't leap back. I don't shield my face. I just suspend myself.

What does this achieve? Although intellectually I know that the suspension is unproductive and to wait in limbo may jeopardise the opportunites that lay ahead; it is the soul that deliberates. Why? because I'm scared that what I want will eventuate and then I'll either: rejoice because my hearts' desire exceeded my expectations; rejoice because the desire has come to fruition and is manageable; or be disillusioned because I choose the wrong destiny and I feel unhappy with my choices.

How do I get around this block? How do I open my eyes and stop myself from tripping up on the stumbling block? This time I know the elephant is in the room and this time I need to walk straight forward into the unknown.

Be honest.

Be afraid.

Be.

In order to be all you want to be beyond this moment
Be.

Suz's 39th B'day

Happy Birthday Suz

Keep true to your dreams.

On that one day in September we all remember and footie becomes a part of every Aussie's livingroom; Suzie's family and friends gathered together at Mike and Ang's house in East St Kilda to celebrate her 39th Birthday.

As St Kilda and Geelong trashed it out in the bitter cold and rain for the Grand Final Cup, the children frolicked in fairy costumes, the men tended to the barbie and the girls drank wine and ate cake.

A gorgeous celebration, for a gorgeous woman.

Thirty-9 candles

Aperture f:22 Shutter speed: 1/4

Snapshot of Jules

A sleepy start to the day, followed by a sunset walk along my local beach

Enjoying this moment

and hope in the next

Mid morning in Acland Street, St Kilda and the morning Age

French toast drowned in mascapone, banana and maple syrup with a swig of coffee

Healthy (?) creative & brave

Unruly blond soft curls (curled in a fashion) into a casual chignon and fixed with a blood red rose

True blue slim jeans, black delicate wrap, leather jacket, Firenze boots and Bouvier jewels

A douse of pink gloss

A delivery to ACU of long, long stem roses; pale yellow, pale pink and variegated pink and cream
Feeling truly happy & blessed

Naturally dreaming of someone special to share the present, talk about the past and plan the future with

..but in the interim - this is pretty good

Believing in the future
my future

I pinching myself

&
wonder

do i dare to dream...?

Afterwork Moscato at sunset at The European and dinner at Florentino's, Melbourne
Smiles, dalliance, chatter and laughter

Life is good

I wonder where life will lead me this time next year?

Dream BIG

According to Michael Flynne, "If you can dream it, you can do it. Dream big".

Courage to fly

through one door towards the window.

Ballarat Foto Biennial

(above)

Kara Rasmanis b. Melbourne

"Unlocking the secrets of flight"

Multimedia

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(below)

Chia N-Lofqvist

Chia & Hans

"Cracked Roses"

Tricolor Carbon

(above)

Max Boschini, Italia b 1973

Mauro Manuini, Italia b 1968

"The Step"

C-Print

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(below)

Samantha Everton, Australia b.1971

"Solitude"

Pigment on cotton rag

Although it wasn't Venice or Lucca, the 2nd Ballarat Foto Biennial was engaging and provided us with a wonderful education on various traditional and contemproary photography techniques. Inspirational and refreshing.

Bouvier

Rescue

Brighton style

An issue of concern

Tomorrow I have to go into hospital for an operation under general anesthesia. I'm not anxious about the procedure, but I hope that in time, I'll begin to feel ok again. The lethargy, constant fatigue, aching limbs and general listlessness by the end of the day and week is frustrating. Lately, I've had to stop cross training and cycling - there just isn't enough energy to do everything my mind intends.

Coming from me, this all sounds crazy, especially since it wasn't that long ago that I was cycling 400km over two days, working full time night duty and completing my Masters.

Where did that Jules go? Why am I feeling like this? How long have I been feeling like this? When will I feel better again?

This is what concerns me.

One step closer

This afternoon I walked away from the Department of Foreign Affairs, knowing that I was a step closer to realising my dream.

Nest

Nest (definition)...where birds of a feather flock together and great ideas are hatched

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Inspired by Monash University's Department of Fine Arts & Design

dreaming & planning

a play on ideas

anatomy studies in Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Prato & Siena

muses

a scholarship

working creatively until late in a dim lit studio

a haven

youth

inspiration

a new journey

another opportunity

...endless possibilities