Last month Jennifer had us enthralled in her tales of adventure, or what she calls her life’s journey the earlier years. This week Jennifer presented us with part 2 of her story ‘Return to Australia’.
What you hiding under the scarf and jacket Jennifer?
Jennifer returned to Australia in 1992, retired from aviation and retrained in Radiography. She worked in private practice for several years, then Breastscreen Victoria, and finally the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre before retiring. She gained a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation) during that period.
Jennifer joined Rotary in 2007, and we saw some highlights of her Presidential year. These included the start of a local farmers market, the supply of a floating wheelchair for the local disabled, and a bakery built in a South African orphanage. She also rode to Adelaide from Melbourne on a fund raiser for Australian Rotary Health. Following a Rotary vocational visit, she joined Australian Volunteer Coastguard in 2011.
Initially trained as a Radio Operator and also as a Competent Crew. Studying throughout her 12 years to become Commander of Coastguard Melbourne, gaining Frontline Management, Training and Assessment certification, Marine Fire responder, First Aid trainer amongst other skills.
That’s what your hiding.
From the Victorian Headquarters, the Radio Tower conducted Search and Rescue co-ordination, and monitored off shore vessels traversing the Victorian coastline. They also monitored the mobile phone app of SafeTrx, which was used nationally and on occasion in New Zealand. This was a 24 hour service, and many nights involved broken sleep.
She told us about the multiagency practice with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority), Victorian Water Police, CFA (Country Fire Authority), SES (State Emergency Service) and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) amongst others.
Leaving Melbourne she continued to monitor the SafeTrx app for some months, until unstable internet at her location required her to step down. She told us about some of the assists she had been involved with, the reasons for them, showing a few videos and slides.
Now she is looking forward to her time on the Board of District 9705, and her role as Area Governor area 2.
A reminder of what can be achieved by one person.
2019 Australia Day Honours
MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Ms Jennifer Jean NEWTON, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
For service to the community of Hampton.
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