Vale - St. George's College

ST GEORGE’S, CROSSROADS CHURCH, LOOMA AND ONE ARM POINT CAMPERS
before we jumped in the buses and went to the local fi sh hatchery,
where the locals had a laugh scaring us while feeding the aggressive
barramundi and beautiful turtles. Arriving home from the hatchery,
everyone collaborated to make to huge banners to remember the
camp, with handprints and pictures all over them. Relaxed basketball
and football games kept us busy outside while we waited for dinner.
Afterwards we played Jamie’s ‘Six Senses’ game – involving hilarious
activities including singing, Chinese Whispers and blindfolded
volunteers smelling the worst thing imaginable – Lucian’s 3-day-old
smelly socks.
As much as we enjoyed the organised activities, it was during down
time that we got to really bond with the kids. During mealtimes there
were always jokes being shared as the cheeky wit of the kids was
on full display. We witnessed their amazing athletic ability during
the casual games of basketball or kicking the footy. In fact, there
was rarely a moment during the whole trip that someone wasn’t
bouncing or kicking a ball around the place. Even when we were
meant to be sleeping we got to know our new friends, with the girls
often chatting and dancing with one another late into the night.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, however. On the second day we received
a storm warning and had to evacuate the beach, moving to the
school and the hall in the middle of town. This storm caused
the road to Broome to be closed down and we were told that we
might be staying put for the best part of another week. As much
fun as we had been having, by the fourth night some of us were
beginning to miss our creature comforts, such as sleeping indoors
on a bed. But you’ve got to go with the fl ow, so we set about
making plans for more activities, whilst keeping an eye on the skies.
By mid-afternoon the next day, news came through. The road
to Broome was open but with more rain coming, it would not
stay that way for long. We decided to make a dash for it, quickly
packing and throwing our gear into the 4WDs. Saying our goodbyes
were the toughest part of our trip, made more diffi cult by what
had become an unexpectedly rushed departure. Although it had
been just a few short days, we had formed very strong friendships
and connections. Hugs and well-wishes were exchanged, as were
contact details. We waved goodbye and as we pulled out of town
we shed some tears, for we had fallen in love not only with the
beautiful Kimberley, but also its beautiful people.
We must thank St George’s College for providing us with this
opportunity, as well as the Goodeve foundation, Tony Munday,
UWA’s Equity and Diversity Department and the Bunbury Women’s
Interest Group for their fi nancial support which made this journey
possible. We also thank Pastor Jamie and the Crossroads crew for
inviting us to join them and for looking after us for those four days.
A special mention goes to Richard Pengelley who organised and
supported our group before, during and after the trip, becoming
a friend and mentor to us all. But most of all, we thank the kids
of the Looma and One Arm Point communities. They made it one
of the most unforgettable experiences that we will ever have, and
taught us about their lives, ourselves and the importance of just
going with the fl ow.
STEVE LOFTHOUSE, AKRAM AZIMI & ROSE DEVEREAUX
“The most unexpected and heart-warming moment for me was the afternoon of our last full day at the camp, I was
getting doted on by two young Indigenous girls – Eliza was painting my nails while Shevaun put make-up on my face.
Everyone else kept laughing at me when they walked past and I couldn’t work out why – when they fi nally held a
mirror to my face, I was shocked to see that my face, neck, shoulder and arm had all been covered in the darkest
shade of foundation I have ever seen. Shevaun giggled “Now you’re like me, a blackfella”. I had been accepted.
ROSE DEVEREAUX
The Georgian | December 2010 13