Don't be a 'Gonna'...
We have lost a number of outstanding Australians recently. Don Chipp who changed the face of Australian politics; Colin Thiele who enchanted millions of children with his stories (myself included); Peter Brock who's name even I know and my knowledge of motor racing would fit into a teaspoon; and of course Steve Irwin who's contribution to Conservation and Tourism in our own backyard is incalculable. Each one of these men was a towering example of excellence in their respective fields and we are very lucky to have had their influence in our lives as all the various reports and memorials attest to.

When I look at these men as a whole, what impresses me the most and really stands out is that they were all achievers and passionate about what they achieved. Not one of these men can say that they wasted their lives, like all of us, I am sure they made mistakes & wrong choices at times, BUT they were 'doers'. In the case of Brock & Steve, they actually died 'doing' what they loved! How many of us can say that we actually 'Do' what we love and want to do in life?

I know with the recent unexpected death of my father, I have many regrets in regard to the things we didn't do. If I honestly look at myself there are many things I have wanted to do, both personally and with my family, but still have not 'done' a thing about them. When discussing this with friends I find I am not the Lone Ranger, we all seem to be the same, always 'Gonna' do these things when we have time, money, opportunity etc etc...

Obviously we can't all suddenly ditch our existing lives and responsibilities, Work, Money, Family Commitments are all extremely important. But maybe we can start living and achieving and most importantly 'do' a little more, even if it is just once a month we set a goal to actually 'do' one of those things we always talk about. Even small things like finally hitting Doonan for a round of par 3 with the family on a Sunday? That is something we always talk about but have not gotten around to doing after 2 years! Though as the joke goes here I am the kiss of death and you can put money on the fact that it will rain cats & dogs the day I organise to play golf... I have an excellent track record with that, the Government should ditch the dam idea and just pay for me to play golf around Queensland, the drought would be over in no time... A little rain never hurt anyone, in all seriousness, something as small as an afternoon of family golf has gone a lot higher up the agenda and we will definitely be 'doing' this!

It is extremely sad that we have lost these men in our lives, and of course our thoughts and best wishes go out to their families who will of course feel their absence more then we ever could. Though maybe instead of being so sad about their passing, we should be celebrating what these men achieved, and learning from their example and passion, by instilling some of that passion in our own lives, reflecting on what our wishes are and maybe giving some of the 'Gonna's' a flick and replacing them with some 'Doing'! Maybe that would be the best form of respect we could show to all these men's memories, that we ourselves have not only benefited from their outstanding achievements as a nation, but that we personally have learned from their 'example' of how they lived their lives.

Best Wishes, Noely, Community Site Co-ordinator

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