You Can Take the Boy Out of the Country…

BY: Adam Niven for GOOD

I couldn’t believe it! I was not only getting to work as Creative Producer on a documentary series that helped people connect with the power of kindness. But, as we met with the leaders of Care Outreach to learn where we’d be travelling to witness their volunteer in action, I discovered I’d be heading to where I grew up!

You see, in the late 80’s my dad had just finished training to become a church minister and on my 8th birthday, we moved from Brisbane to St George, where he was to begin that journey. It was not the birthday present I was hoping for – but one that I’d definitely learn to love. I look back on that time with very fond memories. Including memories of travelling hours on a Sunday to visit churches in the towns in Dirranbandi and Hebel.

And I’d just learnt this is exactly where we were going to be heading to witness volunteer Debbie Bazzo, connecting with farmers and delivering kindness, care and compassion. 

There’s something about those long drives on open roads that I guess fill me with a sense of both peace and joy. As a child, my experience of sitting on these long road trips was to have my latest favourite cassette on repeat until the batteries of my walkman died. While peacefully watching the country slowly change its look and feel through the car window. And whether we were driving towards the coast for a holiday with family or driving home from such a trip, there was always the joy of the people who’d be there at the end of the road.

And that is what I completely connected with again as we travelled around the Balonne region for a few days, filming for the new GOOD original series HUMANKIND. From the lovely lady that served us lunch, and gave me a good ribbing at Moonie, to meeting Debbie and her friend Joan at Dirranbandi later that night. Seeing first hand how these ladies are clearly so loved by many across the Dirranbandi community. Including of course the farmers that we had the privilege to spend some time with. Where we heard time and again about the big difference a visit from a friendly face makes in rural settings. And I was home again.

It always made such a big difference for us whenever someone took the time to stop in and visit with us. And we lived in town. Which also made me remember how many trips my dad would do to meet with people out on their farms as well. Ultimately, this trip reminded me of the power of presence. Taking the time to slow down and just be present with someone else. And so, I’m stepping forward into life with a desire to keep those country lessons front of mind. To slow down, and take time to be present. Because that small act of kindness can have a huge impact.

Watch HUMANKIND on the GOOD app now. Episode 7 visiting Care Outreach airs Friday November 29 at 7:30pm (aedt). Watch the TRAILER.

About the Author: Adam Niven is the Production Team manager at GOOD. In this role he works as Creative Producer and Director for GOOD originals.

Images: Supplied