On the 2nd of February 2019 and for the second time, I attended Workshop on the Waves. What another amazing 7 days! We left Brisbane on the Pacific Dawn and sailed to Noumea, Lifou and New Caledonia.
On the first afternoon, we all got to sit around the table introducing ourselves over a glass of wine (or two), talk about where we work and why we all wanted to attend the cruise. I loved listening to everyone and found it very inspiring and motivating to see the love everyone has for their career in diversional therapy. We also got to rekindle friendships and connections we made on the first cruise.
We had a permanent booking at the Waterfront Restaurant where we could talk further about ourselves, meet everyones family members and enjoy a lovely dinner. The informal networking was just as valuable as the structured training sessions.
We had the privilege of having Trever Skerry as our trainer again this year, from Skills Training Australia. We completed units in Abuse & Neglect and Grief & Loss. The training was thorough, interactive and relaxed, and was a very safe place for open discussion. It was great to have Dr Barbara Newton, clinical psychologist with us and of course Trevor’s partner Cam, to share their insight and experiences.
But it wasn’t all work and no play! We had a lovely few days off to enjoy a sleep-in, go onshore sight seeing or just stay on board by the pool.
It’s the whole experience that I love. Completely taking time out to learn, connect, relax and of course enjoy the magnificent food and cocktails!! I was 18 years old on the first cruise doing my Diploma in Leisure & Health. Two years later I’m working for myself in the disability sector, who knows where I’ll be in two years time. But I’ll definitely be back again in 2021 for the next one.
Unfortunately I don’t have any photos to share, just this quote I like from the P&O’s newsletter –
“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the the sea” Isak Dinesen
Sincere thank you to Diana, Margie and Lesley for your ongoing friendship and support.