Sam de Brito: Philosopher and Advocate

I learnt the most awful news on Tuesday:  author and columnist Sam de Brito was found dead on the morning of the 12^th of September! This came a shock, and from what I can gather from the cybersphere, I am not alone in this feeling of sadness.

I first met Sam back in 2009. That was as I was studying for my Diploma in Communications; we met one day at a gathering at Collaroy Beach with the Disabled Surfers’ Assiociation. When he heard that I was looking to do some work experience, he kindly arranged for me to spend a week with the ABC radio station ‘Life Matters’.

To discuss this and my ambitions further we met and had lunch one day near Chinatown. Specifics elude me now, but I do remember an easygoing and genuinely interested chap.

In the years after I frequently read his column, often revisited chapters of his book ‘Building A Better Bloke’ and occasionally wrote to him expressing my thanks for his shrewd observations. I agree: he was a rebel, of sorts, indeed a cheeky “sonofabitch” and definitely the kind of fellow the younger me would have steered clear of. But I liked him, and I know our interactions helped me as I shaped my masculine identity.

Sam, I grieve with your family. You were always decent and treated me as an equal. I will miss the astute way you saw things and your very realistic take on life. Rest in peace, my brother.

Plan B...

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; June 2015

After the closure of the Salvation Army Welfare Centre, I returned to a disability employment provider once more. With both they and Centrelink, I signed an Employment Pathway Plan (EPP) and a Participation Plan. Observations made by others and research led me to seriously consider training to be an Assistant in Nursing (AIN).

Aged Care seemed the most sensible of options, and sussing things out showed a few possibilities. The best one seemed to be the Cert III at Glendale TAFE. This opportunity which showed real promise once the support given to disabled students was explained.

Then the bombshell was dropped: under the Smart + Skilled guidelines, I would remain ineligible for government assistance. Why? Because my previously attained qualification (Diploma vs Cert III) superseded it! In my case, the course would actually cost $6,000…far beyond my means!

So what now? Well, I have another few cards up my sleeve- we are checking those out. Frustrating, yes, and at seeming at times to come at the cost of my independence, but it has not always been that bad. For one thing, having my mother by my side has always helped, as both she and the parties involved have come at the problem from an angle I simply couldn’t consider.

Sometimes the hoops disabled people must jump are likened to being a “minefield”. Let’s be honest, though- there’s no way I could navigate them half as well on my own! Often too, I reflect on what the composer Gustav Mahler is remembered for saying: “my time will come.” What matters most now is that for the first time since school ended, the path seems much clearer: music, writing and employment in aged care. More details will follow, but that will just have to wait…

Donation From the MG Car Club

Published at: www.headstart-abi.com.au, October 2014

ON THE 12^th of September, staff member Andrew and consumer Tim met with the MG Car Club of Newcastle. The occasion was the hand-over of a cheque of $500 raised for Headstart and its services. “They were a very hospitable bunch,” said Andrew.

Back in July, a race was held at Ringwood Park Raymond Terrace. Members of the MG Car Club saw Headstart as being a worthwhile recipient of donations was Headstart. Throughout the day, buckets displaying our logo were touted about and used for this very purpose.  “Initially we thought of this because someone we know is involved with Headstart,” said Peter Robinson, promotion officer for the club.

As well as raising funds for a local charity (“something we do often”, said Peter), the occasion was to test out the changes to the Ringwood Stadium.  Both he and his daughter Liz joined the field of around 70 cars who braved the chilly weather to race up and down the hill.

How did you find the new track, I asked? “Oh, really good,” replied Peter. “Quite tricky with some difficult corners though, and it’s now the kind of track which means that a less powerful car can get a lot closer and be a real challenge.”

Since the Hillclimb in July, the Club has busily continued with its modifications to the track. Over the past 12 months,  members have carried out a working bee at least 2 days a week. Tarring the pits and waiting bays, setting up new buildings- from all reports, the fellows have not been idle!

The MG Car Club always appreciates new members. If this interests you, please visit:
http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/

REVIEW: The Taxpayer’s Waltz

Published at: www.culturehunter.com, October 2014

Who: Myall Coast Entertainers Inc.         

What: A play by Peter Coke- production by arrangement with Hal Leonard Pty Ltd on behalf of Josef Weinberger Ltd, London

Where: Hawks Nest Community Centre

When: October the 15^th- 18th

Cost: $15

Myall Coast Entertainers delighted audiences with their production of the play ‘The Taxpayer’s Waltz’. It tells the comical story of two sisters who invent a fellow named Guy Thompson to suit their own purposes. One, a writer, is all for it, giving this Mr Thompson multiple wives and children, perpetually putting him “upstairs with a fever” and deviously acting as his “personal secretary”. The other is the (always ignored) voice of reason who reminds her sister of the pitfalls of lies and tax evasion.

Done in three acts, the play took a while to gain momentum. The first act more or less consisted of two people pacing to and fro and dialoguing across the stage- “setting the scene”, as I was later told. The second saw the play come to life as a whole new batch of characters entered, evidently summoned (to the astonishment of the sisters) by this invented bloke himself. In the third act the pair felt that he had become too controlling of their lives and so decided to “kill him off”, discussing and planning how best to do so.

Beyond the central characters who were convincingly carried out, there were others who stood out also. There was the lady in Act Two who played ‘Maureen’. Believing herself to be Mr Thompson’s wife, her portrayal was really brought to life with her wildly colourful attire and spirited Cockney accent. In Act Three we met Ms Timwell, the risqué and cheeky tax collector. With striking legs, bright blonde hair and a lively disposition, she immediately captured the viewer’s attention. And throughout the show the chap in the purple shirt often kept the sisters on edge, always seeming on the cusp of discovering the truth.

There were shortcomings…but then, what home grown theatre production doesn’t have them? The prompt lady down the front was kept busy all night, often slipping in phrases just as the actor began to stumble. And at one point the pair on stage seemed to have forgotten their lines entirely, but they so fluidly maintained their composure that the mishap merely seemed to be part of the script!

It’s always a pleasure to see this group in action. Their hard work and enthusiasm was clearly evident in their delivery, and seeing locals flexing their theatre muscles usually guarantees a great night out with plenty of laughter. So cheers, Myall Coast Entertainers- I look forward to next year’s production!    

Directory Entry- 030814

Published at: Culturehunter.org, September 2014

September 2014:

2014 is now beginning to wind down. Term three of school will end in only a few weeks and the seasons seem to be changing characteristically (although Spring could hasten it’s approach!). Conversations and developments since last entry have made it even more pressing that my sights remain on my ambitions and the world around me. I remain looking forwards and to the future.  

1) Employment: My volunteering with the Salvation Army continues, giving me useful experience. The business my folks began in July 2014 (DeGre Energy- www.degre-energy.com.au) has begun to gain a core group of alliances that may be of great benefit to both parties. And what my mother has often explained to me is the real potential for the whole family to one day be involved. Here’s to the future!

2) Publishing a collection of poetry: have continued to be pro-active in this regard. Went to a poetry recital at a near-by writer’s group the other week, and was quite impressed by the talent there. Yes, still publishing in various outlets and the shortlist for a competition I entered will be published in mid-October. More will doubtlessly be said as need be.

3) The children's book begun in the latter half of 2013: a work in progress, but this has slowed somewhat. Have met with a group at city library twice; last visit saw me rethink the development of the plot. More tweaking will be needed, methinks. Has not been high on priority list for last few months either, and may stay that way for a little  longer. Even so- stay tuned.

4) Writing often for here and elsewhere: Haven't actually done much for here at all since my article about the DSA back in January (points one and six explain why), but still have a few projects in the wings. They will develop as need be…

5) Keeping active: the City 2 Surf came and went, and I was happy with my result- one hour twenty three minutes. Though I have since wound down, considering it to be the off season, I am still putting in a good walk every few days plus other exercises and should be back on the Bowls Green soon. Joined the local fishing group too, so will be along a few times once the weather warms up. 

6) Music: while I abandoned the Way of the Pianist for many years, my return has been an- though far from effortless- easier approach than I imagined. A friend once said to “steer by the compass of your soul”…and so back to the keys I go! Local involvement with the community band has seen me writing a lot more of my own bass lines too, reminding me of the long-forgotten skills I cast by the wayside.

That all for now, my friends, but I will endeavour to remain a loyal contributor- you can be sure of that.

Cheerio, y’all!

REVIEW: Ringwood Park

Published at: www.culturehunter.org, July 2014

Who: The MG Car Club Newcastle
What/ Where: Round 6 of the NSW Hillclimb Championship, Ringwood Hillclimb Complex
When: July 6^th, 2014

ON THE 6^th of July, the drivers of around 70 cars braved the chilly start to the day to test their mettle on the newly improved track. Affectionately dubbed “Dad’s Army”, over the past few years a group of volunteers from the MG Car Club have spent 10,000 hours adding to the track. Today was its second test run.

Half a dozen different classes of cars competed, making for an interesting field. There were humble minis making themselves known. Several VWs raced up-and-down the hill, bringing back memories of Herbie and his adventures. Some older models of Commodore took part too, as did some classic Toranas as well. And those who liked their cars even faster and louder were not disappointed either, as a couple of McLaren Formulas and even a Lola 8750 took their turn too.

At one point, the afternoon was brought to a temporary halt after one of the drivers spun off one of the dicier corners up the top. As it happened though, something in the driver’s suspension broke, causing his car to spin off the track. 

The drawing card for this writer was some friends who are keen car enthusiasts. Peter Robinson, promotion officer for the MG Car Club, and his daughter Elizabeth both took their turn behind the wheel of their Formula Ford. 

“Have had this car since 1994,” said Peter, “so it has done plenty of hillclimbs in the years since.”  The experience of both was plainly evident in the skill with which each handled the course. Peter did a great best time of 39.8 seconds, coming 6^th in the field; Elizabeth, just as comfortable with the car, raced in at 40.17 coming 12^th overall.

Thanks to the suggestion a member made one night, the club decided to raise money for Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Service. Over the two days of the hillclimb, with a “gold coin” donation, several hundred dollars was raised. “The club will also donate a bit more,” said Peter, “so I reckon the total will probably be closer to five hundred.” 

Tom, a Support Worker from Headstart, was most pleased for this donation. “This will be a real help,” he said, “as it will enable us to better the efforts of the Community Education Team.”

The next big event will be the Australian Hillclimb Championship in November. So impressed with Ringwood’s improvements are the contest’s organisers that the new course is to be the hosting venue for this year. If this interests you, why not come along?

Editor's note: "I've removed it (from the site) as it is not related to the arts...really appreciate your contributions to Culture Hunter (though)."