aeromedical retrieval

The prospect of doing aeromedical retrievals across the Kimberley was another strong motivation to work here. My first retrieval did not disappoint. The pilot dodged plumes of stormclouds and shocks of lightning illuminated all corners of the cabin. Below us, rivers converged into huge deltas and canyons were filled in with jagged shadows. We covered a lot of land. The total distance was greater than a return flight between Sydney and Melbourne.

Leaving Broome. Cable Beach in the foreground.

outreach trip 2: fitzroy crossing and bayulu community

The Fitzroy Valley has shifted seasons since I was last here. The daytime temperature has reduced from 43 degrees to a mild 35 degrees. Broad storm fronts have caused the Fitzroy River to swell and rise up the banks. Grasshopper plagues peppered the windscreen and filled up the gaps in the front grill of the car.

“Drive for 15 minutes up the highway, then turn right at the big hill”

Once again, I was privileged to visit a small Aboriginal community. A group of four year olds led me to the clinic, then went back to their stick and rock games. There was a lot of laughter, possibly induced by my new broad-brimmed hat. It was a fantastic paediatric clinic. The cheeky kids and proud mums gave me the impression that Bayulu is thriving.

The Fitzroy River in full flow

The black kite probably met the same fate as its lunch.