Local veteran reflects on life in service during ANZAC Day
REFLECTION
As we observe Anzac Day today, the memories of local senior Raymond Arriola come flooding back.
The resident at Kewarra Aged Care Centre thinks back about the time he joined the services, at 16 years old, which would shape his life in unimaginable ways.
During the period when he enlisted in the services, the Australian media portrayed conscription in a positive light, with army life and national service being widely praised and admired.
“Back then it was the thing to do,” Mr Arriola explained. “It was a good job with a steady income, so I sent money back to my mum who was looking after dad.”
Mr Arriola was deployed to Vietnam with Navy forces as a Training Officer Leading Seaman.
“All the boys were mates, we used to have a lot of fun when we went to port. But those lads saved me, they dragged me out of the mud after I got a bullet to the head.”
He recovered from his physical injuries, but like many who returned from war, suffered with PTSD for much of his life. However, not one to complain, he said with a smile, “What happens at sea, stays at sea”.
MEANTIME IN OTHER SENIOR NEWS…
Volunteers in the spotlight at Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre
The staff at Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre went all out on Tuesday, 18th April, preparing an irresistible "Old Fashioned Backyard Barbecue" to show their heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers, the majority of whom are seniors.
The volunteers were rewarded with delicious food and drinks during a brief closure of the centre.
According to Christine Gilewicz, the Community Development worker, the feedback was positive, with volunteers particularly enjoying the trifle and bread and butter pudding. The staff were happy to express gratitude in a relaxed and casual environment.
Autumn gardening at Kubirri Aged Care
The changing autumn weather has brought a delightful opportunity for residents at Kubirri Aged Care Centre to plant fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Among them, Shorty stands out as an avid flower grower, and his favourite plant to tend to is the desert rose.
With the support of the Centre's Lifestyle team, Shorty has just transferred his latest acquisition into the soil and is thrilled to see it thrive.
Other produce grown in the garden includes basil, climbing beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and coriander, all watched with pleasure by the residents.
Even family members of residents are getting in on the fun, with one coming often to water the seedlings and other plants with his mother.