safety

Roscoe

Roscoe, a friendly welcoming and inquisitive young man of Indian roots, relocated from Durban, South Africa where life was much tougher and more dangerous than in this safe new land of Australia. A recent Couchsurfing enthusiast, he is quite a remarkable chap. Offered me two nights of accommodation without seeming to have an actual couch to offer. It was great to meet him, his brother and his mother and see one of Sydney’s western suburbs. A teacher, a traveller, a masseuse, soon to become a counsellor…and an all round good chap! Thanks for the experience Roscoe 🙂

Bianca

Bianca, from Sao Paolo in Brazil came to Australia as a skilled migrant. She been dreaming of living in Australia since she was a young girl and discovered Australia somewhat through her school geography classes. Her father, a very intelligent and free thinking man encouraged her to dream. One might wonder why she left an amazing country like Brazil. From what I’d heard Brazil is a country that is growing rapidly and should have lots of great opportunity.

I was shocked to hear from Bianca that when professionals step out of the office for their lunch break, they live in fear of being mugged. One could be at the traffic lights during the day and have an armed robber jump in your car and hijack it…WITH YOU IN IT! People come to Australia for many reasons but safety is one of the major reasons for many. For someone as steady, hardworking, committed and forthright as Bianca, her new life here as an Australian citizen definitely proves that she is and will continue to make a lasting and positive contribution to this new world!

Karen and Judy, Cantabrians in traditional Red & Black in front of one of Christchurch’s many containers

As Nick and I walked towards a cafe I spotted this eye-catching pale blue shipping container and had an urge to make a portrait with it as the background. I quickly looked around and spotted two ladies walking up the footpath. I could instantly envision their red & black Cantabrian colours in contrast to the blue container so I stepped back and asked them if they’d mind standing in for a portrait. They were more than obliging and I thought it made the perfect finish to my day documenting the anniversary of 22.2 a year on. I will spend another week in the area and hope to continue meeting inspirational people and hearing their stories. The people of Christchurch are quite remarkable in terms of the spirit in their community. An Irish blessing on them! May they grow in strength from day to day! If you are thinking of visiting please do…you will be astounded by the city and it’s inhabitants…

If you want to gain a further appreciation of the events of the past 18 months you should watch this movie by the very talented and adventurous Gerard Smyth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIlxoV6uG3Q