We saw how much the word changed when March 2020 rolled around. During that week prior to lock down I had been applying for jobs everyday, this had gone on for 12 months. Ever since my position at the Canberra Business Chamber was made redundant in 2019.

Then on the day that Quantas axed 6,000 jobs, I received a job offer at Plant Health Australia. I was shocked, I really didn’t think I was going to get the job. But I did, it was a bittersweet moment, realizing that so many Australian’s will lose their jobs and return to the horrid job seeking routine that I had been doing for over a year now.

I was relieved, but at the same time the world changed. My work routine changed, I had to start working on a huge 300 page publication from home, using microsoft teams on a daily basis with my new work colleagues. As a seasoned designer this was a challenge that I was ready for, the end result was fantastic. The CEO was very impressed, and he was leaving the job now after a long 12 years.

We then had a new CEO commence, at that time everyone was brought back into the workplace around April/June. From then on, I have settled well into my new graphic design role, enjoying all the different projects, using my creativity and collaborating with the communication and marketing team, which has been very enjoyable.

Though my speech (stutter) has suffered quite a bit during lock down, I hope to restart my fluency journey again in the new year. Overall, with all of this years fires, droughts and the global pandemic, I feel that everyone has appreciated their lives, and what they have right now.

I have also celebrated my 38th birthday at work this year. I was a miracle baby my parents call me, as I was three months premature, the doctors didn’t give me much of a chance. I am very lucky to have been healthy and being able to live a normal life, which I am very grateful for! I’m looking forward to the future, traveling and seeing my grandmother in Vienna once more… I hope so soon she is 94. My last day at work is today, so I’m excited to be starting the holidays soon, which won’t be for long but a few days of relaxing will be what I need to end this action packed year. Cheers everyone, and Merry Christmas!

The Sydney Institute event this week has had two speakers The Hon Tony Abbott and Angela Shanahan speaking on Paul Ramsay - A Man for Others with Gerard Henderson.

View the interviews in the You Tube link below.
Purchase the book here.
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This year’s Archibald prize has been a celebration of Aboriginal art, showcasing the talent and recognition of Indigenous artists.

It only took 99 years to appoint an Aboriginal artist. For the first time in the 149-year history of the Archibald Prize competition the Art Gallery of New South Wales appointed an Aboriginal person, Vincent Namatjira. ’Stand strong for who you are’ is the title of the winning painting. The subject matter stems from a meeting with AFL legend Adam Goodes, who was bullied from the game after standing up to racism.

Wattles have long had special meanings for Australians and in 1988 the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) was officially gazetted as Australia's national floral emblem.

Above is a staff photo at Plant Health Australia today, in collaboration of celebrating this amazing floral flower, that is unique to Australia. 
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In celebrating the week of the wattle, here are a few things you can do in your state around Australia. More info