I Love Every Minute!
My journey to find myself living and working in a remote community started with an Instagram ad. I was intrigued about coordinating the Women and Families program for Martu families but unsure if it was a good time to move to the otherside of the country. But you miss all the chances you don't take and with support from my partner, friends and family I figured I'd give it a shot. A screening interview with Footprint Placements turned into an interview with the organisation which turned into getting on a plane to see if the Pilbara was going to be a good fit for me.
The first time I stepped off the plane in Newman I knew this wasn’t a part of Australia I had seen before. Having lived nearly my whole life in Aotearoa New Zealand this was easily the furthest I'd ever been from the ocean. Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by a landscape that was completely foreign to me, spinifex as far as the eye can see and termite mounds dotting the landscape. And my inland journey wasn’t over yet. A 5hr drive through the desert sounds like it should be devoid of place markers and points of interest. However looking out the window you notice the subtle changes in the types of plants, the change from sand to rocky outcrops to dunes. Abandoned cars, the Rabbit Proof Fence and a rare intersection of tracks marking the way.
Arriving in the community I quickly realised that not only was the landscape foreign to me, but so was the way of life. I spent a few days getting to know the community and the role I would be doing, coordinating a playgroup for Martu families, supporting them to raise their children strong in Martu ways. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming, sharing their experiences and knowledge of what to expect from life in the desert. When my taster was over and time to go back to Newman it felt like an easy decision to come back. After accepting the role I had an extensive induction which included getting to see some of the other communities, experiencing their playgroups and what being on Country looks like for them.
After the biggest grocery shop of my life I now find myself living in community full time, coordinating a playgroup. Although other communities in the wider area have more established playgroups, my community is in its foundation stages so it is big learning for everyone and every day is different. Some days we head out on Country, at times joining in with the rangers or artists, facilitating intergenerational knowledge sharing, encouraging use of language and supporting Martu aspirations for their children. Every day presents different challenges and joys but I am settling into the feel of it and people are getting used to my presence in the community.
Although I can’t say that I imagined I would work in a remote community when I arrived in Australia, it feels like a great fit. I am constantly in awe of the landscape and determination of the people. I have these moments of disbelief that being out here, doing these things is my job. And I love every minute.
Alexis Crockett - Women and Families Program Coordinator
Placed by Footprint Placements - Far East Pilbara
