Jan Ajduk - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ An International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate inspiring Durack women ❤️

⭐Jan Ajduk, Variety WA Midwest Regional Coordinator, has spent over 20 years helping children in need across regional WA. A proud mother, her passion is driven by her daughter Kaitlin, an independent young woman with Down Syndrome. Through Variety – the Children’s Charity, Jan runs fundraising events and the fantastic Kids Christmas Party, creating inclusive spaces for children and families. She works with schools and community groups to support families through the grant process, making a tangible difference in children’s’ lives. Jan is a regional champion who is dedicated to our communities ⭐

An interview with Jan

Tell us about you?

I am the Variety WA Midwest Regional Coordinator, I have been an active member of Variety for 20 years and encompassed all aspects of Variety, including roles on the Committee and also President and also of I have lived in Geraldton for the past 22 years, after spending 20 years moving around from town to town with my husband in the banking industry. I have 2 adult children, Kaitlin 38, who lives at home with us as an independent young lady with Down Syndrome and my son Mitchell who lives in Melbourne for the past 10 years, working in the business industry. My passion it to make help a difference in Midwest WA Region which includes Gascoyne, Meekatharra & North Midlands Regions and Rural kids’ lives through Variety – the children’s charity. We all need to be positivity, changing the lives of children. All children deserve the right to have all the opportunities that life has to offer. My role as Regional Coordinator encompasses coordinator fundraising events. Coordinate the annual Kids Christmas Party, bringing Variety kids and their families together for a fun, action-packed party atmosphere for one special morning, where there is no judgment, where kids can be kids and families can relax in a safe and accepting environment. I work closely with local therapy services, schools, and community service organizations to assist families throughout the Variety grant application process.

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

I would tell myself to always be kind and to make sure you listen to people and hear between the words. Be strong, confident, determined, independent and know you are capable of handling anything life throws at you. Then take these skills into all your leadership roles, don’t let anyone distract you from your path, if you believe that path is the right path.

 What word/s describe your leadership style?

My leadership style is happy, friendly, strong, confident, determined, independent and able to pivot obstacles. I ask and take advice from people around me, sometimes it pays to listen to get the best outcome. My leadership decisions are always what is best for the charity and enhancing the charity within the community I like to make sure everyone is informed about what the charity is doing and why.

 What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

As a woman living in regional, rural and remote WA, you need to be informed and prepared to share your knowledge, knowledge is power. You cannot help yourself and others, if you don’t know what is available. I network with others in like professions that will enhance my and the charity’s reputation to help others is critical.

Who are the role models who have inspired you?

My role models in life have always been my mother who has shown me strength and taught me independence, my mentors are my sisters. They shared their life experiences, they have been my first stop as a sounding board, to give me advice with common sense and direction.

We thank you Jan, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙

Lara Jensen - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ An International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate inspiring Durack women ❤️

⭐Lara Jensen is a passionate pastoralist from Wondinong Station, a remote cattle station 80 kilometres north-east of Mount Magnet. A dedicated advocate for regional communities, Lara has long campaigned for improved lighting on trains and level crossings in the bush. Her fight for better railway safety began after the tragic loss of her brother and two of his friends in a level crossing accident in 2000. A proud mum and regional champion, Lara represents many other families and continues to be a strong voice for change in rural Australia ⭐

An interview with Lara

Tell us about you?

My name is Lara Jensen. I live on a cattle station near the mining town of Mount Magnet with my husband and young family that I educate through School of the Air. I am a proud rural woman and I believe in giving back to the community at a time when the age of the volunteer is almost becoming a thing of the past. I am also a passionate rail safety advocate because of a terrible triple fatality that claimed the life of my brother and his two friends in the WA Wheatbelt in 2000. I believe that those of us who choose to live in regional Australia are entitled to expect far better than we receive across the board, whether it is in the areas of road and rail safety, health or education. I am a passionate rural Australian and I believe that our primary producers are the most self-reliant, resourceful and resilient human resource that Australia has and one that needs to be valued so much more than we currently are by our government, state and federal. My husband Jason Homewood and I bought our 77,000-hectare pastoral lease, Wondinong station, located 80km northeast of the mining town of Mount Magnet back in 2013. I was raised on a sheep station southwest of Mount Magnet and after a varied career in mining, agriculture and rural media, I was inherently glad to return to the bush. Like many other bush expats who find themselves living at the end of some gravel road again, I’m firmly of the belief it calls you home because you belong to it. It’s as simple as that.

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

Stick to your guns, stay true to yourself and never, ever, give up. Strong women not only stand up for themselves, they stand up for others too. I believe that comfort never built grit, in my role as a rail safety advocate and spokesperson for our families around Australia, it's been hard, trying, frustrating and difficult at times but I'll keep showing up for as long as it takes .

 What word/s describe your leadership style?

I am a plain-speaking straight-shooting rural woman who has an inherent dislike for bureaucratic waffle. I lead by example, and I never give up.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Believe in yourself and keep showing up for what you believe in. Remember that you are the only you there ever has been or ever will be. Do everything with love, conviction and purpose. Be brave, stand your ground, back yourself and never, ever give up.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

My Mum Catherine Jensen is one of my greatest role models. Mum raised me to be strong, independent and myself. I am eternally grateful to both my parents for raising me with the values of integrity, honesty and fortitude. My dear friend and rail safety co-campaigner Merrilea Broad is another of my greatest female mentors. Merrilea lost her daughter Jess in the same horrific crash as my youngest brother Christian and their friend Hilary Smith. Merrilea has been with me through some of the darkest days of our advocacy spanning many years. I love her strength, resilience and tenacity and the fact that she keeps right on showing up with me time and time again. Merrilea's strength and fortitude is truly inspirational and has helped to keep me strong during the lowest points in our journey for rail safety reform in Australia.

We thank you Lara, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙

Priorities of a Dutton Coalition Government

We are the Liberal Party. We believe in families – whatever their composition. Small and micro-businesses. For the aspirational hard-working ‘forgotten people’ across the cities, suburbs, regions and in the bush. We have 12 priorities to get our great country Back on Track, which are summarised below.

🔷 LOW INFLATION

We need to tackle inflation. Under Labor, Australia’s inflation has been consistently higher than most major advanced economies. Our economic plan will deliver low inflation, by cutting wasteful spending, reducing red tape and protecting consumers and small businesses from corporations or union bosses who misuse their power.

🔷 CHEAPER ENERGY

Labor’s ‘renewables only’ policy continues to drive-up power prices. Electricity and gas prices have gone up by 32 per cent (without rebates) and 36 per cent respectively (as at November 2024). Our energy plan will deliver a balanced energy mix, with more renewables, more gas and – in seven locations – replace retired coal plants with zero-emissions nuclear energy.

🔷 AFFORDABLE HOMES

We will unlock up to 500,000 new homes by funding essential infrastructure like water, power, and sewerage at housing development sites. We will incentivise first home buyers. With low inflation, we will reduce pressure on interest rates. We will rebalance our migration system and put a two-year ban on foreign investors buying existing Australian homes. We will stop the lawless CFMEU holding the building industry to ransom.

🔷 SAFER COMMUNITIES

Our plan will invest more in stronger defence and border security. We’ll tighten bail laws and deport non-citizens who commit violent crimes. We will work with the states and territories to implement tougher knife laws and tighter bail laws. And we’ll enhance online safety for our children.


Interview with the Geraldton Guardian - election time!

In a Federal election campaign that experts are tipping could go either way, Durack MHR Melissa Price says she will be doing all she can to ensure she plays her role for the Liberal Party.

On September 7, 2013, Ms Price was voted in by the people of the Durack region, and she has triumphed at the next three elections. Albeit her last election victory in 2022 was soured by the party’s overall defeat.

Approaching her fifth consecutive election, she said securing her spot would not be any easier.

“You only have to look at the election results from the last election where just about every Liberal-held seat, lost about 11 per cent,” she said.

“If you didn’t have a margin over 10 or 11 per cent at the last election, you were gone.

“It’s very unpredictable. It’s certainly not a science, it’s an art. So (Durack) is not a safe seat, and I do not take it for granted.”

Across her nearly 12 years in Federal politics, Ms Price has advocated for the region across the biggest electorate in Australia.

Covering 1.4 million square kilometres, her role has seen her visit all parts of the electorate, including throughout the Mid West.

“I think I’ve got the best job in Australia, not just the best job in politics ... because of the diversity of issues, the diversity of people,” she said.

“I represent the people in Kununurra, and I also represent the people that live in Muchea, and that’s more than 3000km in between, and that’s what makes the job interesting.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton last week was in WA, declaring WA would be key for the Liberal party to return to Government at the Federal level.

Ms Price agreed with her leader, saying WA was always a factor for the election, given the timezone difference.

She also said the Durack region would benefit from a Dutton government.

“I think because he’s a Queenslander, and a lot of Queensland is regional, a State that’s decentralised, I find Queenslanders really understand Western Australia,” Ms Price said.

“They understand regional issues, as opposed to my colleagues perhaps at inner city seats in Melbourne or Sydney.

“They don’t necessarily understand what the needs are of regional Western Australia, but Peter understands it.”

Speaking about the needs of the Mid West, Ms Price said a good road network was at the top of her list of priorities.

She slammed the condition of Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, calling it “an absolute disgrace”.

“There’s a lot of mining activity out there and travelling out to Mount Magnet and beyond, as I do, (fixing) it is definitely on my priority list,” she said.

Ms Price has also been a strong advocate for a jetty in Geraldton, speaking publicly about her position to Parliament last year.

The party is yet to commit to funding as an election commitment, but is complying with the City of Greater Geraldton’s request from council to have an idea by their April council meeting.

She was also interested in making local roads and community infrastructure funding available again to help shires in the Mid West fund projects, saying the current government had neglected regional WA.

Meanwhile, live sheep exports were also on the agenda, with the Durack MHR advocating for an end to the ban.

If successful this year, Ms Price said she would be honoured to become a minister again, having covered a number of portfolios in the past, including environment, science and technology and most recently defence industries. Recently, she has performed the role of the Opposition Whip, working with colleagues to manage them throughout sitting weeks at Parliament.

Ms Price’s main competitor for the seat is Labor candidate Karen Wheatland, but she said regardless of who she was up against, any success was off the back of hard work in the community.

“I’m proud of the fact that with my team, a lot of my team have been with me from day one, that we’ve been able to hold the seat for so long,” she said. “But I like to think that’s come with hard work. There’s no luck in that. There’s no luck in politics.”

*Published in the Geraldton Guardian, 4 February 2025

The Hon Melissa Price MP

Federal Member for Durack

Opposition Whip

Opinion Piece - Albanese’s Kimberley Visit: All Show, No Solutions

Twelve months ago, I called out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for being missing in action on the Kimberley booze crisis. Two years before that, I described the youth crime wave in the Kimberley as a war zone—a description that sadly, still holds true. Last week, the Prime Minister finally visited Kununurra, however, it was glaringly obvious to WA voters that his trip to our north was nothing more than a calculated election campaign stunt, offering no real solutions.

The Kimberley is grappling with some of the nation’s most pressing challenges: skyrocketing family violence rates, a youth justice system in disarray, and entrenched poverty exacerbated by policy failures. Yet, during his visit, Albanese failed to provide a concrete plan to tackle Indigenous health issues in the wake of his Voice referendum failure, offered no strategy to combat the crime scourge, and had no meaningful answers for families and communities desperate for help.

While the Prime Minister was parading in front of cameras in Kununurra, the Kimberley was once again facing the brutal reality of unchecked violence. Just four hours away in Halls Creek, a man was attacked with an axe in a horrific assault involving six people. The incident, part of a violent 24-hour spree, resulted in eight arrests and the deployment of additional police. This grim episode underscores the crisis engulfing the Kimberley—one that the Federal and State Labor governments seem unable or unwilling to address.

On his whistlestop tour of our top end, Prime Minister Albanese ignored the Northern Territory’s plea to stop distributing welfare payments the same day takeaway alcohol is available, which has been repeatedly linked to the escalating crime crisis in Alice Springs. This week The Australian quoted NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy, who said it was “abundantly clear that alcohol continues to play a significant role in enabling harm within our communities”.

Crime and youth justice are primarily the responsibility of the State Labor Government, so I ask - where is Premier Roger Cook? Two years ago, State Labor promised to develop an “on-country” youth detention centre in the Kimberley, providing a culturally appropriate alternative to sending young offenders to Perth’s Banksia Hill facility. So, where is it? Once again, State Labor has failed to deliver.

At the Federal level, the picture is equally concerning. Youth intervention programs are funded by the Federal Government, yet many of these initiatives appear to duplicate State efforts or fall short of being fit for purpose. I have written to Prime Minister Albanese and former Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney, calling for an urgent audit of youth intervention funding to ensure money is going where it is needed most. My calls for action have been met with silence. Did Mr Albanese meet with anyone in Kununurra to discuss these issues?

Labor has trumpeted its $4.7 billion package to combat family and domestic violence, announced last year. While funding commitments are important, they are meaningless if the resources don’t reach those most in need. The Kimberley—one of the region’s most in need— received zero funding under the latest round of Safe Places Emergency Accommodation grants. This glaring omission raises serious questions about whether Labor’s initiatives are targeted where they’re needed most.

In contrast, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for greater support in our communities. Before Christmas, I visited women’s refuges throughout my electorate, as I do every year. The message from frontline workers was clear: they need more emergency housing, resources, and funding to combat the scourge of domestic violence.

All of the above is exacerbated by Labor’s disastrous decision to scrap the cashless debit card in the East Kimberley. I am told by community leaders that this short-sighted move has led to increased alcohol abuse, gambling, and family violence. With more cash readily available, children are going hungry while substance-fuelled violence surges. Labor ignored the warnings, prioritising political symbolism over practical solutions—and the consequences have been devastating for our communities.

The failure of the Voice referendum should have been a wake-up call. Australians want practical, results-driven solutions to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. But instead of offering a Plan B to the Voice, the Labor Government has remained silent on how they intend to tackle the chronic issues of poor health outcomes, overcrowded housing, and lack of educational opportunities in our Indigenous communities.

Labor’s weakening of bail laws and cuts to early intervention programs are also making matters worse. They’ve allowed youth crime to spiral out of control, leaving regions like the Kimberley to bear the brunt of their inaction.

I am very happy to see that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Dutton, has priorities that include a clear and practical plan to address the pressing issues facing Indigenous Australians. We support regional communities, with stronger law enforcement and funding programs with real results. We will reinstate the cashless debit card to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence, audit youth intervention funding, and hold governments accountable.

The Prime Minister’s visit to the Kimberley was a squandered opportunity. Instead of addressing these urgent issues head-on, it was all show and no solutions—a desperate bid for votes from a government that has lost touch with the very people it claims to represent.

*Published in the West Australian, 18 January 2025

The Hon Melissa Price MP

Federal Member for Durack

Opposition Whip

Stronger Communities Programme Round9

Expressions of Interest Now Open

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for Round 9 of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP). This vital grant program is back, offering $150,000 to each electorate to support grassroots community infrastructure.

Labor stopped this essential program in 2023, marking one of many regional funding cutbacks. However, due in part to the ongoing advocacy from the Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price MP and the WA regional Liberal team, this important regional funding opportunity has returned.

The SCP delivers tangible benefits to communities by:

·         Supporting and encouraging participation in local projects.

·         Enhancing community engagement and involvement.

·         Fostering vibrant, thriving, and sustainable communities.

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs for organisations or 50% for local governing bodies. This funding supports local jobs, grows economies, and delivers lasting infrastructure and much-needed equipment.

The Hon Melissa Price MP said that the return of this funding for Durack will help deliver the infrastructure and equipment that contribute to vibrant and sustainable communities. “I have seen some incredible results in Durack from this funding program and I am excited to see more projects come to life through this round. Due to Labor slashing vital regional funding, our local not-for-profits and shires have been waiting for this announcement for quite some time. I strongly encourage interested organisations to visit my website or contact my office to discuss projects that matter to them and our communities.”

Ms Price also highlighted the critical importance of ongoing regional funding for communities in Durack. “Regional funding like this ensures our remote and regional communities have access to the resources they need to grow and thrive. These grants make a real difference by supporting the projects and infrastructure that keep our communities strong.”

 

Expressions of Interest close 5pm, Friday 7 February 2025. To access the EOI and programme guidelines, visit https://www.melissapricemp.com.au/grants and for more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit business.gov.au.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Pilbara

It was a pleasure to welcome our next Prime Minister, the Hon. Peter Dutton to the Pilbara recently, where he engaged meaningfully with the Karratha community, toured local businesses, and visited major projects for Rio Tinto and Woodside, showcasing the region’s importance beyond mining.

Unlike the Prime Minister’s recent ONE hour visit to Geraldton, Mr. Dutton’s visit demonstrated genuine commitment to WA and its challenges. Leaders who take the time to engage strengthen our communities and secure our future.

Durack Electorate Redistribution

My electorate is changing again with the AEC having announced the final electorate boundaries. The redistribution has, sadly, meant that the shires of York, Toodyay and Northam will no longer be in Durack. However, I'm very much looking forward to welcoming back many of the areas that I previously proudly represented prior to the 2022 redistribution. in fact, Durack will now encompass 49 different local government authorities!

PM Albanese's Dangerous Misinformation Bill

This legislation presents a serious threat to Australians' freedom of speech. At a time when Australians are living in a cost-of-living crisis, it beggars belief that the Albanese government would think that this proposed bill would be a priority. If you ever need evidence of how out of touch this government is—and of their warped sense of priorities—you need look no further than this dangerous bill.

The Albanese Labor Government abandoned WA years ago

It's incredible just how out of touch this government is. It's quite clear that, since Labor was elected, life for the vast majority of Western Australian families has got harder, not easier. That's despite those opposite saying life would be easier and would be cheaper under them. Yet here we are again, with those opposite giving themselves an almighty big pat on the back for overseeing this cost-of-living disaster.

WA LIBERALS TO DELIVER ONCOLOGY SERVICES FOR GERALDTON

Libby Mettam MLA, WA Liberal Leader, Shadow Minister for Health

Tim Milnes, Liberal Candidate for Geraldton

Hon Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack

WA LIBERALS TO DELIVER ONCOLOGY SERVICES FOR GERALDTON

A WA Liberal Government will deliver the $25 million radiation oncology service for Geraldton, finally giving the Midwest community access to local cancer treatment. “We will deliver $16 million out of our Regional Health Development Initiative to put an end to the games and give the Midwest community the cancer services they deserve,” said Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader. “A radiation oncology service for Geraldton has been a political football for too long. “Labor’s contempt for regional WA cannot be more obvious than when it comes to playing games with treatment for cancer patients.

According to the WA Government’s business case in 2019, the project was initially expected to cost $19 million, but due to Labor’s delays and inaction, the project is now forecast to cost $25 million. “Melissa Price delivered $9 million of critical Federal funding back in 2019, but WA Labor was too incompetent to deliver the project, which has seen costs increase,” said Ms Mettam. “Now state and federal Labor are bickering amongst themselves about who needs to make up the shortfall. “We will stop making excuses, live up to WA’s end of the bargain, and deliver Geraldton the radiation oncology services they so desperately deserve.” As identified in a letter from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, which was obtained through Questions on Notice, the business scope identified the need for a new building of just over one thousand square meters comprising the functional areas of: • Main entry area/reception; • Consultation space; • Simulation and Planning Room with Computed Tomography; • Linear Accelerator bunker and treatment spaces; • Patient holding and recovery areas; and • Staff and support areas.

“At the moment, Geraldton locals who need cancer radiation treatment have to travel to Perth,” said Tim Milnes, WA Liberal Candidate for Geraldton. “That means five hours each way in the car, or regular flights – either way that is far too expensive and is both emotionally and physically exhausting for both cancer patients and their families. “Fuel, overnight accommodation, missed work, and meals can add up, putting a significant financial burden on cancer patients and their families. “Geraldton is the third largest city in Western Australia – locals in the Midwest deserve access to this basic treatment,” said Mr Milnes.

"This is a fantastic outcome for Geraldton and the whole Midwest region,” said the Hon Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack. “I am so proud to have been part of the Federal Liberal Government which promised and delivered the first part of this funding and am pleased that a WA Liberal Government will deliver the rest." “This funding commitment is the very least of what our region deserves. Labor's continuous political games with cancer patients in the Midwest is over.

“Roger Cook’s priorities are all wrong - while Perth gets a $13 billion train line, we don’t even have radiation oncology in the Midwest,” said Ms Mettam. “This will benefit patients from communities like Carnarvon, Shark Bay, Mount Magnet, Morawa and all those in-between who will now have better options for treatment closer to home. “Cancer patients respond to treatment and recover best when supported by a strong family network, but the distance from Geraldton to Perth separates families at the worst possible time. “As a Mum who grew up in Geraldton, I know the importance of getting good quality healthcare close to home.”

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Jackie Perry - 0427 587 395

Brendan Morris – 0458 473 38

Randolph Stow Young Writers Award

Lower Primary Prose Winner

Miss Jasmine Lois Perry

Geraldton Christian College

The Otters That Made a Big Difference

Once upon a time there lived an otter named Oscar who lived with his mum Olivia. What Oscar didn’t know is that he would soon have to leave, because Oliver the main male would be coming back to have babies with Olivia again.   

One day Olivia taught him how to catch food, Oscar was excited! His mum led him towards a shallower part of their inlet and dived down into the glistening water. He saw her tail swish through the depths of the inlet, floating on his back.

Olivia resurfaced after a minute or two with a clam in her paws. Oscar asked what it was, but Olivia did not answer. She dived under again and came back up with a pebble, giving it to him. Oscar was dumbfounded what was he meant to do with a pebble? 

 “You need to use this pebble to crack open the clam to eat the food inside. I will demonstrate.” she said, diving under again and coming back up with a different pebble in her paws “watch me”.

 She floated on her back with the clam on her belly and started smashing the rock on the shell. Oscar watched intently. Soon enough the shell cracked open, and Olivia gave it to him.

Oscar slurped it up in one gulp. “Now it's your go” she said, giving the other pebble to him. He copied her and ate the delicious meat inside.  

 

One day Oscar realised Olivia looked worried, he asked her why. She sighed, saying “I never wanted this day to come, but you’re going to have to leave soon. I must spend more time with your father so you can have little brothers and sisters.” 

 Oscar was confused, he had to leave his mum! All the memories he had made with her, would they all just …. fade away? 

  The next day his mum said in a shaky voice “you need to leave now” and burst into tears. She hugged him “goodbye my beautiful Oscar, I love you and I always will no matter what” Oscar hugged her with all his might then let go, he looked up at her with glistening eyes, “but where will I go?" he asked. His mum replied, “don't worry you'll know; it's embedded in your instincts”.

 Before he left, he made sure to put his favourite pebble in the pocket under his arm, leaving with a heavy heart. 

  

He followed his instincts all the way to a small ledge where he stopped for a rest. While sitting there he thought about all the memories he had made with his mum, like splashing water at each other with their tails, playing tag and catching fish!

 Oscar sighed, slipped off the ledge and into the water just follow your instincts he thought, shaking the water off his fur.  

He swam non-stop for the rest of the day, stopping at a large river that headed towards the ocean. He floated on his back next to a small bank and fell asleep.

 The next day Oscar’s eyes fluttered open and he spotted a berry bush near the shore. He turned over onto his belly and started swimming towards it. He thought he saw an animal lurking in the bushes but ignored it. He crawled up onto the bank and saw an animal with gleaming eyes, a bushy tail and stripy fur. 

 Oscar yelped, managing to dodge the hungry feline. Ack! He thought I forgot to be careful!

 He scolded himself, but then a thought came to his mind I could throw my pebble at him, that ought to do the trick! He threw it hard, hitting it on the forehead.

 It hissed and ran back through the brush with its tail and hair sticking up. Oscar lay there panting; grateful his mum had given him the pebble. He decided to name it Percy. It’ll be my companion for the rest of the trip. My best pebble friend. 

 

He kept swimming, nonstop for days on end, only stopping to rest. Soon enough he got to the ocean, his eyes were sparkling with amazement, its wonderful he thought.

 Resisting the urge to turn around and swim all the way home into his mum's embrace, he swam unwillingly into the moonlit waters of the ocean. 

 It was monstrous, larger than any lake he had ever seen. As he swam out towards the reef he heard a rustling sound. He gripped Percy firmly, to his surprise he saw another otter crawl out of the brush.

 Her fur was sleek and glistening in the moonlight, her eyes were emerald green. She was the most beautiful otter Oscar had ever seen. 

 He couldn’t speak. The beautiful otter spoke first “Hi, my name is Ollie,” she said in a cheery voice “what’s your name?”

 Oscar hesitated “uhhh m-my name i-is O-Oscar” he blushed. Was he meant to say something? “Where do you come from?” he said, “From the ocean silly!” Oscar dipped his head. “Do you want to go on an adventure with me?” “S-sure,” he said.  

 

Off they went, with Ollie leading the way and Oscar on her tail. They foraged for some berries; they were delicious! When they got back, Oscar started to feel something weird in his tummy.

 Oscar questioned himself, do I feel affection for her? Ollie said, “come on, it’s getting late, you can sleep next to me tonight if you have nowhere to go”.

 “Uh, sure, okay” He followed her towards a large hole in a small bank. Oscar scrambled up onto the bank as Ollie slid gracefully up. “Hurry up slow poke!” she said in her usual cheery voice.

 “I’m coming,” said Oscar. The large den was unfamiliar to him, but he could tell that Ollie had been living here for a while now. She went straight towards a little nook in the corner and curled up. She yawned “you can sleep over there” she murmured, pointing towards another larger nook.

 Oscar fell asleep straight away. 

 

The next day Oscar woke up, but he could not see Ollie anywhere. I slept in! he thought I've never slept in!  He scrambled out of the nook and went to look for her.

 Oscar found Ollie under a tree with flowers in her paws, wow they’re beautiful he thought what can I give to her? he realised with a jolt. Then, for some reason he started swimming towards her. He couldn’t stop himself, it just felt like the right thing to do.

 Before he knew it, he was next to her. He felt an instinct to reach out and grab her hand. It felt soft.

 They floated together, bobbing up and down with the waves.  He knew then that they were meant to be together. And from that day on they were. Every single day.

 

There we were, floating on our backs holding hands and showing other otters what love truly is” Oscar said, beaming down at his little children. They were in their family den back at the inlet, where he spent his childhood playing with his mum.

 “And that’s why otters now have favourite pebbles and always float together, holding hands” he said. “Together, your Mum and I made a big difference.”

 

The End

Have Your Say

30 Second Community Survey