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How did we link? – A story from Lyn & Murray Nash: When we first heard of Outback links in 2005, it sounded like something we could tackle, so we registered as volunteers. The list of needs that Noela circulated early this year all seemed so remote, however once we’d sorted out other commitments and happenings, we said we could do 2 to 3 weeks somewhere in Queensland in May. After talking over a couple of options with Noela, we accepted placement at a sheep/cattle station in western Queensland where 5 years of drought and family circumstances had made things pretty difficult and the property needed to be sold. They needed help to repair and paint, to clean out an old building and to progress Distance Pre-school work with a 4 year-old. As we headed north, then west, we wondered what lay ahead, and we arrived at the homestead one Saturday afternoon to be warmly welcomed by the family who no doubt were also wondering what they’d let themselves in for. Any fears seemed to dispel on both sides as we got to know each other and got to work. First request was to paint the fence, then a 100-year old shed repaired. There were also lots of little things that needed fixing and by the fourth day when we’d completed the big clean-out, there was much satisfaction all round; the family said that was really all they’d expected in two weeks! Lyn was also progressing with some of the pre-school work. But with prospective buyers due for inspection of the property, we continued on with some external house painting, a bit of stormwater plumbing, insect screening upgrading and so on. We did have some time off, and were able to enjoy some exploring of the station (up to 15 km from the homestead), visiting the sandhills and yabbying at the creek. During the second week, they reluctantly asked about tidying up the back verandah screening, and we were happy to rise to the challenge over the next few days. Somehow this seemed to bring the homestead facelift to an impressive stage which hopefully had a positive impact for prospective buyers. It certainly did for the family. Two weeks passed quickly and somehow seemed to be just the right amount of time to complete all the significant jobs and to make the difference for this family, both practically and emotionally. We were well looked after, and they were all very thoughtful of our needs. We found the realtionships within the family interesting and could understand how they were not in a position to continue long term on the land. Yet the love within the family was evident. We camped in our A’Van near the shearers’ quarters, enjoying private breakfast with a rural view. The family provided our other 2 meals and we felt most welcome in their house. We have returned home enthusiastic for the Outback Links programme and although we realise every situation will be different, we look forward to our next placement. Murray and Lyn Nash
List of jobs done at Lynwood Paint mesh fence and gates
Visit sandhills |
