Human Interest
Local stories, interests and interviews from the broader community
Hunting in the Bega Valley
Hunting deer in the Bega Valley can be quite a challenge, but it all depends on your experience, skill and where you choose to hunt.
“For me hunting isn't just about pulling the trigger and killing something, it's about the challenge of it, and the ability to say that I can provide fresh, ethically sourced meat for my family. It's about being out in the bush experiencing new concepts and learning new skills. At the end of the day the feeling of success when the animal hits the gully floor is what keeps me coming back every time”, states my dad. Hunting in the local state forest allows me to overcome these challenges.
The main species of deer around our area are called fallow deer, but sometimes you will be lucky enough to run into a sambar which is a much larger species of deer. These species all inhabit local state forests such as Glenn bog state forest, Craigie state forest and Bondi state forest, as well as surrounding areas.
If I were to describe what venison -deer meat- tastes like, I would say it’s like the best steak you’ve ever eaten with a slightly different texture. If someone were to ask me if they should get into hunting, I would definitely encourage them to try it out. It’s one of the most exciting and fulfilling activities I have ever participated in, and it’s a good way to get outdoors. Just remember that the work isn't over when the animal hits the deck, because it’s only just begun. “Overall, just enjoy being out in the bush doing something that you love.”
By Cooper Flint
A Ride Round Town
In the Eden-Merimbula area, there are numerous amounts of riding and walking tracks throughout the bush and surrounding areas. These are used by tourists and locals alike. One such local is Mr. Stokan. In an interview with him, we learn more about his career in motorbike racing.
Where do you like to ride?
“My favourite rides are in the bush on the tight one-way trails. The narrow tracks and turns make it a challenge. It’s also a lot more accessible for the locals than having to wait for a race or Rec Ride to use the track. I also can’t keep up at the track nowadays.”
There are many factors to take into account when racing. One such factor is the condition of the soil. The perfect condition for the dirt tracks tend to be damp enough to allow the earth to get some grip, but not wet enough to create mud. Inversely, if the track is bone dry, the tires kick up too much dust and there’s no grip.
Who’s your favourite rider?
“Eli Tomac. He’s a very fluid rider and can change his style to suit what’s needed. He can be aggressive or smooth. He’s also recently won the Supercross Championship.”
Racing isn’t all ‘sunshine and rainbows’. Injuries are a common occurrence in the sport, and can be severe. Mr. Stokan recounts an injury he sustained early on in his career. “There was this one time I came off my bike and landed hard on my shoulder and dislocated it. I was alone so I had to ride home back through the bush with it still popped out. I really hope I never have to do that again.”
To finish off, what’s your favourite memory?
“Probably when I used to race down in Victoria as a kid. I raced in Amcross and beat the guys who had come down from Sydney. Just goes to show what the rural kids can do.”
By Niamh Occleshaw and Riley Stokan
HOW YOUR DOG AFFECTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
It is a known fact that dogs are some of the best supporters, whether it's through assisting the disabled, keeping people active during lockdown or helping those struggling with poor mental health. I have experienced firsthand the idea that dogs can help stabilise a person's mental state through my own family dog and my fight against anxiety.
Witnessing the pre-existing theory of dogs having positive effects on one's mental health, it occurred to me that this is a globally accepted claim and something I wish to look more into locally. If you own or have owned a dog, have you experienced a better mental health through the sole existence of your four-legged companion?
I put together a survey to analyse the ways in which a population would respond to this question and why. In this particular
investigation, I focused on a group of 27 teenagers from Eden Marine High School, as well as 2 members of staff. I recognise that nowadays, most teenagers undergo many mental health struggles stemming mostly from social media and it’s ideals. This aspect of growing up under the influence of people we see online is credible to my focus on teenagers. Before we look at the results of my survey, there have been countless previous studies done to back up what comes out of my research.
A vast amount of time has gone into discovering a correlation between dogs and mental health and so far, there is a lot of supporting evidence that shows this claim is true. For example, investigators have found that a dog's sense of smell is triggered when someone undergoes a change in mood. Having personal experience and seeing the internet exploding with research on the topic, I wished to compose my own survey to further comprehend the ongoing discussion of whether dogs do affect one's mental health.
Photo credit: What makes dogs so special and ...washingtonpost.com
In my survey I asked the question; “Has your dog had a positive or negative effect on your mental health?”. To which 100% of the correspondents responded with positive.
Following that question, was the reason as to why their dog has helped improve their mental stability. The following outcomes are in relation to the percentage proceeded from each question. My survey successfully analysed that 59% of correspondents used their dog for someone to talk to, 90% believes that their excitement when they get home from being out has helped them, 76% said it’s the cuddles and kisses they receive, 86% relies on their dog for friendship and 93% claims having someone to do activities with has helped them.
The outcomes of this section of the survey really displayed the importance of dogs in a situation where support is needed. Each example had more than half the population agree that said example has helped them achieve a better mental stability. This further proves the claim that dogs do help your mental health.
The last question was hard for some to answer. Correlating with their reason for living, 28% claim their dog has saved their life at least once, with 20% somewhere between a yes and a no. Although this outcome is below 50%, this still provides some indication that dogs have the power to be one’s will to live.
Through my research and the evidence provided by other previous studies, it is clear that in one way or another, dogs help better a person's mental stability. With 100% claiming so, it’s difficult to argue otherwise. Dogs are important for many reasons, with even the smallest display of affection helping people to continue on. If you own or have owned a dog, have you experienced a better mental health? For me, it’s a no-brainer.
By Nicola Pascoe
Getting the best bit of meat!
Nevil Gill discusses his childhood of what it was like and what views he still had. Being brought up in a highly farm orientated family being one of eight children, with the difficulties of sibling rivalry, dreams getting crushed, and what he would not do differently.
What was it like growing up in a family where you were seven of eight children, what was one of the challenges that you guys had faced together?
“Getting the best bit of meat!”
Having the childhood of the country, do you believe that it would have been any different in the city instead?
“There was too much traffic in the city we used to go to Geelong every year cos that’s where the wool was sold. And that would of been the nearest major city occasionally we go to Melbourne to the football or something like that but it was always too much traffic for me so in particular I was happy enough in the country until it was time when I was finished school and I was 17 or 18 and it was time to move to the city because that's where the work was because I wasn't going to work on the farm.”
What made you decide that you didn’t want to work on the farm anymore?
“I eventually wanted to get away because there was a lot more life to live away from the farm and it wasn’t gonna happen for me on the farm for me… because there wasn’t a future on the farm cause the farm was too small it wasn’t big enough to satisfy all our needs so dad was still there and that was it.”
What is one form of advice you would like to give to my generation?
“Your future basically is in your own hands if you want to put the work in the future provides the opportunity for you when you come away from that high school education that comes away and provides the opportunity for the future and then you can make whatever you want it if you don't put the work in it's very hard to get your foot in that door one.”
Looking back at your life, do you see it as a success?
“Well for what I had for my education and what I ended up doing I'm very satisfied with what I achieved to be you know a national manager of a property portfolio that went from across the country to me I consider it to be having been pretty successful and thinking back on it there was a hell of a lot of it that was really enjoyable. Maintain your dignity, maintain respect, be honest, operate with integrity, and everything else will fall into place.” Nevil Gill.
By Lara Lucas
The Split
Behavioural issues are becoming more common in children with divorced parents. For children, the separation or divorce of parents can be a very daunting, confusing and melancholic time. When a child is experiencing these emotions, and if they are not dealt with correctly, they can cause long term, detrimental effects.
This isn’t just some far off problem. A 14-year-old girl from Merimbula stated that her inability to concentrate and perform efficiently and appropriately in her classes was a product of the divorce of her parents. Studies show that when a child falls behind in their classes and are unable to successfully complete classwork, they are more likely to continue being disruptive to avoid classwork, leading them to a feeling of self-doubt and insecurity.
Children under the age of 10 are more susceptible to adverse emotional manipulation by a parent/guardian. Typically, children under this age are more likely to experience Parental Alienation Syndrome. This is when a child or children are placed into a situation where one parent attempts to manipulate a child for the purpose of making the child turn against the other parent. Approximately 11%-15% of divorces involving children stimulate this syndrome. This syndrome can also stunt social and emotional growth in children, and impair their learning abilities.
An 18-year-old boy expresses that being a victim of Parental Alienation Syndrome has led to his lack of ability to interact and have healthy relationships with his peers. This constant emotional manipulation has led to trust issues, insecurity and feelings of segregation.
Over the course of 40 years the global divorce rate has more than doubled from 2.6% to 5.5%. This increase has caused a substantial rise in emotionally challenged children with social, emotional and behavioural issues.
Ultimately, divorce and separation are a major factor contributing to mental health issues in children, but there are solutions. If both parents and children get the right help, the number of Parental Alienation Syndrome cases will drop, and the issues caused by it will be diminished.
If you are having trouble dealing with the separation or divorce of parents, the children’s help line is available 24/7 for children aged 5 – 25 on:
1800 875 204.
By Alexa Ellison
Tell Them From Me
What is a piece of advice you would share to other people or would like people to know?
Now this was a very broad question for our very open minded group of year 10 students so some of these answers have been cut to suit a more community friendly column.
“Don't ever give up on your dreams (if your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough).”
“Your mark does not determine your position. The ‘system’ expects each individual to climb a set tree and expects them all to succeed.”
“Stay hydrated!”
“(Use) the internet and socials during lockdown. Make internet friends that have a lot of things in common and can openly talk.”
“Take naps in class (except for maths and science).”
“Get a furry friend, a cute plushie or squishy toy.”
“Dye your hair and express yourself more as an individual.”
“Get involved in more things you love.”
“Be yourself no matter what, stuff what the people think be whatever you imagine to be.”
The overarching theme among the students is to take care of yourself.
After surveying the year, some additional advice that didn’t make it into the column includes; keeping hope. Keeping steady relationships, romantic or not.
Studies show that prioritising self-care and your own mental health above school can actually lead to a better work ethic and higher grades. A few suggestions from this study are the following; drink water, exercise regularly and take some time off of social media when you can. Maintain proper hygiene and try to eat three meals a day, when possible. And above all, your health is the most important.
By Zoe Bertella