News & Updates from Vicki Avcin ~ AusCrafts · Page 75

On Saturday 19th May I was humbled, privileged and honoured to receive my National Medal for my service with QFES/Rural Fire Service Queensland.

I have been a firefighter for 24 years now but this medal is awarded after 15years of service.

The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.This includes government organisations such as ambulance, correctional, emergency, fire and police forces, and voluntary organisations such as lifesaving or search and rescue groups.The medal presentation was also included in the morning with the commissioning of 7 new firefighting vehicles, one of which was my brigades new medium attack appliance.

I was so happy my son and daughter were there with my husband to see me receive the medal. They came up on Friday night and left for home after the morning had concluded.

I wish there had been more time with them but the fact they came to support me was awesome. They sneakily left a beautiful card of Congratulations with sentiments written in it from both of their partners and the grandkids, which after holding back the tears of emotion on the day, came flooding out after reading it.

Our water tank was being overrun by our Honeysuckle vine/bush that grows beside it. We thought it was doing so well because of all the rain weve had as it was the biggest its ever been, covering all the sides of the tank and thickly over the top.

So hubby got in and pruned it all back, and last weekend got up to sweep all the leaves off the top.

When we pruned it, I actually thought hed been a bit harsh with it and was wondering if it would ever grow back.

Well within two days it was shooting all over the place.

We knew there were some thick stems up on top but thought it was just left over from what hed pruned and hadnt got off the top.

So up we went to clean it off. Hubby went to pull the larger of the stems and it wouldnt move. So out with the crowbars to pry off the inspection plate…….. what we found we definitely werent expecting!!! Roots……… lots and lots of roots!

No wonder it was growing so well! The photos say it all……… we pulled out this monster of a root system. Hubby is just on 6ft tall and it was taller than he was. Needless to say the honeysuckle will be getting pruned regularly now and it wont be allowed to grow over the tank.

Luckily we only use the tank water on the gardens and to hose down the verandah as after finding that monster it definitely isnt able to be used for anything else.

Two of my grandsons celebrated their birthdays at the end of last month.Riley who turned 9 on the 24th April and Nathaniel hit double figures turning 10.Not hard to remember even though they live at opposite ends of the state.

Nathaniels birthday is our ANZAC Day and we wondered when Riley was born ifhed also arrive on the same day but he couldnt wait that long.

Each year for all my grandkids, I make cards in the theme of whatever they are interested in. This year Nathaniel is a mad Playstation 4 player and Riley is very interested in space.

So what else could I make except a card in the shape of a PS4controller and a spaceman. I put Rileys face in the helmet and had him floating roundin space. We brought them both some fancy night vision goggles which they loved. Nathaniels mum said she wasnt sure which he loved the most…… the present or the card.

She keeps all his cards displayed in a cabinet from previous years so its lovely to know that heloves Nannys cards.

Since 23rd May (apart from 25th which was ANZAC Day) I have been back in the workforce Monday to Friday with ECQ (Electoral Commission Queensland) for the Mayoral by- election on 5th May.

My job was as a Declared Institution and Electoral Visit polling official.

I have been going to Declared Institutions which cover aged care, retirement villages and hospitals in the area for people who are enrolled to vote (voting is compulsory here) but cannot get to pre poll booths because they are aged, disabled or cannot leave hospital and will be in patients on polling day.

Electoral Visits are for those in their own homes that would like a polling official to visit so they can cast their votes.

It has been a wonderful 2 weeks and it is great that we can help these people vote with minimum stress and fuss to get to a polling booth.

A lot of people also do postal votes and this time they are trialling telephone voting for the first time.

I still have 2 days to go, Saturday 5th May is polling day and I will be working as an issuing officer and then on Sunday 6th May, I will be working at the Returning office counting votes.

Monday is a public holiday so I will enjoy putting my feet up……. This old girl isnt used to getting up, dressing up, doing make up and going to work every day. Now Im in the swing of it it is nearly over!

April 25th each year we remember those who sacrificed so much for their countries. The spirit of the ANZACs is something special to Australia and New Zealand people when we think about and honour those brave troops that landed at Gallipoli, on that date.

It has become much more though as it now encompasses not only those brave men but all those who have served in all wars and conflicts since then.

So this year I was up at 3am to go into town with our brigade to assist in setting up the blockades to close the streets of Hervey Bay for the services held to commemorate this special day.

We had to fill the water barriers across several streets.

Then it was back to the station and get ready to be at River Heads at 5.45am for the march and service held for the locals.

Each year the Brigade lays a wreath and Ive been humbled each year to be one of the wreath bearers.

This year I was joined by one of our female members which was appropriate as this year, all services have for the first time emphasised the contribution of all the women who long ago and currently have served their country.

In the World Wars as nurses and today as members of our military services. Always a very poignant day and well worth sacrificing a few hours sleep to honour our fallen.