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Surfing into books By Sol Pizanez
She was just 22, a surfie chick just married to surfie guy travelling around the Western Australian coast on a long honeymoon, looking for waves, living in a Kombi van and working sporadically as a berry picker. Can you guess who she is? Meet Kirsti Sim, now surfing books at the Roxby Downs library. Kirsti mans the library’s reception desk, helps working with reading, dancing and singing for infants at the library. Originally from New Zealand, she came to Australia with her family when she was only five after her father was appointed to a position in Adelaide where Kirsti grew up. Now 32, Kirsti has two beautiful children: Jay (5) and Kiahna (7). “When my husband, Derek and I were travelling around WA surfing I started feeling ill and didn’t know what the problem was. Then we found out that it wasn’t a problem: I was pregnant with Kiahna!” Kirsti said. “I stopped surfing immediately because I thought ‘what if I get eaten by a shark? So we went back to the coast near Adelaide and I started working as a pharmacy assistant,” she said. Kirsti has lived in Roxby Downs for two years now. She has worked as a pool life guard at the Leisure Centre and is a volunteer in the Strength Families Program which helps and supports families in Roxby Downs. A year ago she started working at the library and will soon begin a Library and Information Services certificate. “I am a book nerd and just love reading. I read a book every night before I go to bed. It’s one of the most relaxing things I do every day. No one is awake; I don’t have to do the washing, the cleaning and school lunches. It’s my time,” Kirsti said. Her first impression of Roxby Downs was slightly daunting. “We arrived in town and spent the first night at the motel. It looked like a ghost town to me. There was no-one around, almost 45 degrees, and flies everywhere - and far too to quiet. It was a bit scary,” Kirsti said. Now, Kirsti loves Roxby Downs. “I love the social life here. The kids are always made welcome, there are a lot of things to do and people are really friendly. I’ve made a couple of really good friends here,” she said. “Our children also have lots of friends and love the Area School and their teachers,” Kirsti said. Pictured Kirsti reading her favourite book, The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons.
TAX TIME
Ian M. Godfrey & Associates PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & TAX CONSULTANTS 8 Stirling Road, Port Augusta
For all your accounting and tax needs Consulting in: Port Augusta, Wilmington and Roxby Downs Caravan Park, Pioneer Drive
New arrival for former Roxby residents Kaysha Rose Dellow, was born on July 8 in Stawell, Victoria and is the third child for Barry and Rosalie Dellow, former residents of Roxby Downs. Kaysha is a little sister for Cale four and half years and Kai three years. Baby Kaysha is the first granddaughter for Tony and Vicki McGauchie (Roxby residents) and first niece for Laurel and Tori McGauchie, Mark Dellow (Roxby residents) and Kerry and Jay Stringer as well as a new cousin for Anthony Stringer (former Roxby Residents).
Quality work assured and flexible hours Posting of tax information accepted at PO BOX 238, WILMINGTON 5485
Applications are now open for the 2008 Commonwealth Bank Foundation Financial Literacy Grants. The program provides schools with the opportunity to develop student programs that create awareness, skill and understanding in financial literacy. All Australian secondary schools are eligible to apply for the grants. “The confidence that financial literacy provides young people will set them up for future success, so we encourage all Government, Catholic and Independent secondary schools in South Australia to submit an application,” said Barbara Chapman, Group Executive, Commonwealth Bank. This year’s program will have $1.75 million available in grants. One hundred grants of $3,500 each will be awarded to secondary schools to help develop the financial literacy skills of students in Years 7 to 12. The Commonwealth Bank has been supporting relevant and engaging financial literacy education programs for more than 70 years. For further information program, visit the web site www.commbank.com.au Applications close on 17 September 2008.
Consulting Mondays and Tuesdays in July and August from 9am, flexible hours at The Roxby Downs Caravan Park, Pioneer Drive Cabin 51 opposite Reception.
For appointments telephone IAN GODFREY (08) 8642 5000 • Mobile 0419 825 254
Administration Assistant Located at Roxby Downs (6 month maternity leave position) Career Employment Group is looking for a well-organised, self-motivated Administration Assistant to assist our Apprenticeships and Traineeships Consultant in our Roxby Downs Office for 6 months. If you are passionate about making a difference to the youth of your community and want daily job satisfaction then this job is for you! The successful candidate will have extensive administrative experience and be able to demonstrate proficiency in all areas of the Microsoft office suite. The candidate will be required to work autonomously at times whilst enjoying working with and supporting a close team environment in a well-established progressive company. Frequent contact with our valued Host Employers and our quality Apprentices will require the successful candidate to possess excellent communication and negotiation skills. Very attractive above award wages are paid whilst working in a supportive environment that fosters professional development of its staff. The hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am until 1.00pm. Please send a letter of Application detailing your interest, skills and your current resume to: Ms Shelley Jonker, Deputy General Manager Career Employment Group Head Office PO Box 490, WHYALLA SA 5600 General Enquiries to Mrs Saski Lawrence Phone: (08) 8671 3033 Page 4– Thursday, July 31st, 2008
2008 Financial Literacy Grants
Pt Pirie & Adelaide Depots Antique & Household Removals Local, Interstate & Country Storage & Delivery Specialists
Ph: 0427 716 173 Roxby Downs À Pt Augusta À Pt Pirie www.themonitor.com.au
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