DOING OUR BEST: Individual and Community Responses to Challenging Times

OTA, Special Projects

Drawing on diverse voices and experiences, Doing Our Best showcases how Australians found meaning in their lives during challenging times. In a climate of escalating costs of living, devastating floods and bushfires, an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and global uncertainty and conflict, we could all use some good news.

The book sheds light on the many creative ways in which everyday Australians responded to adversity and grew.

Selected Exerts:

This new, hardcover, coffee table book showcases stories of “Lived Experience” in hope, creativity and resilience during times of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. With 37 stories from across Australia, the 133-page book published by OTA in May costs $45 (including GST). © Occupational Therapy Australia Limited stock is available through the OTA website: OTAUS.com.au

Kieran ‘Rad’ Kelly: “I’m a third-generation farmer from the wheat-farming district of Millewa, north western Victoria. 2019 was a really tough drought year, hence the locals’ Dustbowl Bash was born: cricket tournaments for both men and women on their local MCG pitch that hadn’t seen a match in 70 years. More than 200 spectators attended, some from 80 miles away. At the day’s end, a draw was called and the Dustbowl Trophy is now on show in the local pub. “We will share it and wait until the next match.” Shafiq Khan: “My presentation is the narrative of my life, supported by verses from my poems. My story revolves around the turmoil caused by the pandemic, and how I coped emotionally, socially and physically.” (Poetry, COVID-19, ACT).

“I can’t wait for the day – for that family time. I can’t wait to see my family and give them a cuddle and kiss, but you just can’t do it. It’s (COVID-19) taken away a lot of stuff.” – Uncle Albert Baxter

Frank Ponissi: “2020 yielded many unexpected stories for Melbourne Storm. Our NRL club played two away games in Sydney, then everything changed as lockdowns arrived, COVID-19 spread and the nation stopped.” (Sport, COVID-19, VIC)

Sue Webb: “On 1 February 2021, as Perth went into a five-day COVID-19 lockdown, the Wooroloo bushfire in Western Australia started about four kilometres from my property, burning 27,000 acres and 84 houses. I was away from home and not allowed back, so had to ask my neighbours to get my animals out.” (Volunteering, fires, WA) Val Haysom Maine: What was I DOING!? Suburban Melbourne is my home. While tidying up my laundry, I rediscovered a large knitted doll, (Molly) the size of a two-yearold child. Being an occupational therapist from years ago, I was thinking how could I entertain my sick husband and provide some diversion for my golfing friends at Sandhurst Golf Club. NB: You can take the girl out of OT but you can’t take the OT out of the girl, even if she is 80 plus! Sadly, my husband died during that lockdown (April 2020) but I continued with Molly, making up all sorts of stories that my friends could follow.

Dr George Pike-Rowney: “Never before have I felt the act of singing — something I firmly believe should be shared with others for communal well-being — would become a threat to people’s health.” (Singing, COVID-19, ACT)