Awareness gained from rural experience: A student's perspective

Abstract

Outback Australia. The weathered farmer, his worn Akubra, his faithful dog: a celebrated stereotype representing for many both the romance and hardships of country life. The truth about life in rural and remote areas is that there are numerous truths. Many people earn their living off the land but many also run businesses or perform services in a similar manner to their city cousins; towns can be quiet and isolated or they can be bustling and full of community spirit; life can be hard for some, harder for others, and sometimes enjoyable or sometimes a struggle. Numerous other realities exist and I have been fortunate to have glimpsed and learned from one remarkable facet of remote Australia.