I have just returned from a case note writing workshop in the NPA (Northern Peninsula Area). NPA is made up of five separate Indigenous communities: Bamaga, Seisia, New Mapoon, Umagico and Injinoo. The northern most point of Australia, the area is not far south of the equator; tropical, beautiful and NOT COLD AT ALL IN WINTER. Yip Yah….I had a ball without my constricting blazer.

Could you take a working winter day where you have to see this in one direction…

and this in the other direction?

Fantabulouso,orwhat!!!!!!!!!!!! I can take it, I’ve been good.

This was my tropical hideaway cabin

and this was the river view from my room (no crocodiles).

Heaven………………….. and then I had to go to work! The work though was just as heavenly. What a wonderfully dedicated and motivated mob. A range of programs were represented at the workshop (pictured below, working) and in our individual debriefs. Each of them held child protection and child safety in high esteem and each of them welcomed me back like I was one of their community (it has been eighteen months since I was last there for protective behaviour training). Thank you guys, I loved being with you all. You taught me as much as I taught you.

Work indeed. I have just had a mini break and thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with some old friends and colleagues. Thank you NPA, Family Resource Centre in Bamaga and a very special thank you to the wonderful Therapeutic Register offered via RAATSICC (Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care Advisory Association).  A wonderfully successful trip…I’ll be back next month for your Child Protection for Child Care workers service delivery training at Injinoo and New Mapoon.