Let us start by saying, “WOW!” What an experience this trip to Australia has been so far, and it has only been a week! A snippet about us… We are both 3rd year students with plans of working with children in the future. Jaine, as an occupational therapist and me (Erin) as a physician’s assistant. We both come from backgrounds outside of social work, specifically biology and psychology, but are excited to learn about issues that children deal with here in Australia…and to enjoy the beautiful country while we’re at it!
(Erin)
Getting Started –
At the start of this trip, I tried to keep my expectations low so that I would not be disappointed, but clearly I didn’t know that Australia does not disappoint. Now that I am over the jet lag, each day in the land down-under has been better than the last, and I am having the time of my life. I have taken a selfie with a kangaroo and my life is now complete (see picture
).
The first few days here in Australia were all about getting oriented. As I rode the tram around the city on the first day, I gazed out the window and took in the city around me. One of the first things I noticed was that Melbourne’s dress code is much fancier than that of a typical day walking around Ohio State. You see very few people in sweatshirts and joggers here, which I actually have come to enjoy. The next thing I noticed was the people. Not only are Australians some of the nicest people I have ever met, but they are also extremely laid back and never seem to be in a rush. When you’re waiting for your check at a restaurant this can get a bit annoying, but besides that it is uniquely refr
eshing.
The next few days consisted of lots of sightseeing, quite a bit of walking, and a little bit of rain. I should point out that the weather in Melbourne is actually very similar to that of Ohio. You never know when it will start raining, so I’d suggest you carry a raincoat or an umbrella with you if you see even a cloud in the sky. Before our first agency visit on Wednesday, we saw everything from the Melbourne Museum to the Queen Victoria Market. I have to say that one of my favorite places we visited was Hosier Lane, also known as Graffiti Lane. Unique urban art fills every square inch of the alley’s walls, even the trash cans believe it or not…It is definitely a sight to see.
VACCA –
When Wednesday came along, we were off to our first agency visit to VACCA. Here we learned all about the culture of the Aboriginal people during our Cultural Awareness Training. Something that stuck with me from this visit was that “culture is a means to heal”. During the visit, we were lucky enough to pass around a possum cloak that has been used by VACCA to give children a way to feel a closer bond to their Aboriginal culture. It was said that being Aboriginal is not the color of one’s skin or how broad one’s nose is, but rather the unique, beautiful culture that surrounds these people. I learned that day that not until one accepts someone else’s culture for what it is and shows interest in understanding it, can he/she truly connect with that person. Our Cultural Awareness Training also included a lesson on the Stolen Generation and the effects of colonisation on the Aboriginal people. I would have never thought that it was within the last few decades that Aboriginal people were considered people and not merely vegetation. This fact is sickening, and made me appreciate the fact that American history has had freedom and equality for all human beings for more than a few decades. No country is perfect though, and we definitely have our flaws. One being that the American government has never had a “Sorry Day” like the Australian government. This day was an attempt to apologize for the treatment of the Aboriginal people during the time of the Stolen Generation, and although the government could not change the past, they could acknowledge that they were sorry it had happened…quite respectable if you ask me.
(Jaine)
Anglicare –
On Thursday we headed to our second agency, Anglicare. Just like our experience at VACCA, the social workers of the agency were so kind and welcoming. Throughout our time here we engaged in a series of activities to evoke conversation and learn new things about each of our peers in a comfortable space. Our first activity, “Deep Speak” included different color cards that enable social workers to pre-select conversation starters (i.e relationships, values, etc.). This activity also included a phrase called “Porcupie” that allowed people to put back outrageous cards and ease their way into their level of comfort. I personally loved the Porcupie” feature. Even though I hadn’t chosen anything outrageous, it would have been pretty cool to see if my peers believed whatever silly characteristics I made up about myself! Our next activity was called “Sparkling Moments.” This activity was actually my favorite because it allowed for the use of visual images to reflect on positive moments. It was so refreshing to hear about everyone’s special moments and to watch how excited everyone was to share their fondest memories to the group. In addition, we used images to project metaphorical feelings. Photos of bears, other animals, and cartoons were placed on each of our tables and we used them to describe our feelings about 2016 thus far. We did this activity with words as well. The activities were creative ways to promote enjoyable, interactive learning between clients and speakers and we all had such a good time participating!
After a few hours we headed to another building for Anglicare and discussed Child Welfare and it’s differences between Australia and America. Australians refer to home base carers as “foster carers” as oppose to in America we usually call them “foster parents”. Similar to the US, Australians support family therapy and unity in order for children to have a successful transition to their foster carers. Family reservation orders allow for a family to be given 12 months to make a change. It was so interesting to hear that adoption becomes difficult starting at the age of two in Australia. I hear that finding a permanent home for children after around seven years old is hard in America, but two is so young!
Phillip Island-
Whoever said Friday the 13th was unlucky has clearly never experienced Australian wildlife. Our trip to Phillip Island was hands down one of the top five most memorable days of my life! The wildlife of Southern Australian is absolutely amazing! At Maru and Koala Animal Park there were wallabies, dingos, emus, donkeys, koalas, and my personal favorite, kangaroos! We pet, fed, and literally chilled with the kangaroos. It still feels so surreal! They are such chill beings. Well, until you attempt to take a selfie with them. Most times they turn the other chee
k at their reflection, in the most adorable way possible of course. Later that day we went to the Penguin Parade. I had no idea penguins even existed in Australia! In fact, not only do they exist, I was shocked to discover that they are both sea creatures and land creatures. Yes I know… unbelievable. We watched as they stumbled upon to beach from the ocean to migrate back to their homes and mate. They were the cutest, most itty bitty penguins I have ever layed eyes on. I was so in awe that I had to purchase an out-backers mint plush penguin from the store on the way out.
This week really went to show how vast this world really is and how much culture and history this country entails. There is so much to take in on this journey and I cannot wait to embark on even more adventures!
-Erin and Jaine