Release the Tourist Within

It had to happen. Yes, I confess. I went to Uluru. I did a tour of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). I walked the rim of King's Canyon. I scrambled through Ormiston Gorge. I had my photo taken in front of the usual suspects. I took too many photos. I released the tourist within. Here she is...

But it hasn't all been a bed of roses. The last few weeks have been pretty hectic on the work front, with trips to Adelaide, Perth, and twice to the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. I'm beginning to wonder why I pay rent in Alice!

The trips out to the Ngaanyatjarra Lands and Perth have been valuable in now beginning to establish relationships with community members. It takes a lot of time and energy to be travelling so much, and usually means the days start at 7am and finish at 11pm (getting up to get there, talking to colleagues on the way, general business, then talking to colleagues through dinner and countless cups of tea). But for all that, it's the nature of the business and I do feel an enormous sense of privilege to have the opportunity to work here, to meet such amazing people, and to be invited into their lives.

I've just returned from a week in Warburton. As usual, it's not appropriate to bring out my camera, so no photos. In fact, I was reminded how inappropriate it is when I attended a 'consultation' between some incoming politicians on a Senate Inquiry and a classroom of 10 kids. Once the talking had finished, the kids gathered around the Hansard stenographer to check out her electronic shorthand computer. The chair of the inquiry whipped out his camera and took a photo without asking! Now this may not seem particularly shocking to you, but at the time it really reinforced to me how much kids in these situations are completely objectified, rendered 'cute' and something to be captured on film for the photographer's personal benefit. It also seemed to imply a degree of engagement with the inquiry that was in fact completely lacking. The politicians had no idea how to communicate the issue at hand to kids with very limited understanding of systems of government and English as a second or third language. Another failed 'fly in, fly out' consult with Aboriginal people to add to the list. [Sigh]

Most recent logistical challenge:

Arriving at Warburton with no bed for the night, no food, no one to pick me up from the airstrip, and no return passage. Luckily, these things sorted themselves out (as I guessed they would, but all credit to John Isgar for some much appreciated help!).