I (Em) had my first overnight trip out to Bickerton Island and Groote Eylandt (to the south east) recently. My workmates and I saw people from five different communities, one of which was a mining town, the others were indigenous. The people are lovely and I have really enjoyed getting to know the locals, they are shy and friendly, and have many different and interesting stories to tell. Despite my not speaking their languages nor knowing their culture, I seem to have been able to communicate ok and work as a physio.
I will always remember one fellow I met after being directed through a community (a cluster of seven houses), down the road to the beach, and walking a few hundred metres along the beach to where he was camping with his three wives (yes, this is appropriate in Yolgnu law!) and children. It was the most memorable place to do a physio assessment; crystal clear blue water and white sands! This man was happy to see a physio as he had been walking around (with help) with a ruptured patella tendon.
The flight (another seven seater propeller plane) saw amazingly beautiful scenery as the flight path took us directly over the coast line south of Nhulunbuy to the islands. People pay big bucks to do this as a joy flight so I feel really privileged to get the opportunity to fly for work. I still have another three or four trips while I am here so plenty more flying to be done!
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