Settling into the Pilbara

Play Me

We have finally landed in the heart of the Pilbara. This rugged, red-earthed region of Western Australia is unlike anywhere I’ve been before- vast, untamed, and rich with history. The towering gorges, endless spinifex plains, and iron-clad ranges create a backdrop that feels both ancient and humbling. But beyond its raw beauty, the Pilbara is also a place of resilience and community, where life moves at its own pace and the connection to the land runs deep.

As we begin to settle in, we are learning that life here isn’t just about adapting to the heat and the dust, it’s about embracing a different rhythm. From the breathtaking natural wonders to the warm welcomes of the locals, our time in the Pilbara is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable chapters of our journey.

Getting Stuck In

Five weeks have flown by, and I’ve well and truly thrown myself into life here. Full time in the clinic here and working across all three schools in town has been an incredible experience - I’ve met so many amazing children with varying disabilities, each with their own unique personalities and challenges. Every day brings something new, and it’s been rewarding to be part of their learning journey.

Outside of work, I’ve been making the most of life in the Pilbara. I’ve joined a women’s Aussie Rules footy team! It’s been a brilliant way to meet people, stay active, and embrace a sport that is such a big part of Aussie culture. Safe to say, I’m getting properly stuck in! Although I do prefer kicking the ball!

A Healing Experience

One of the more unexpected but deeply intriguing experiences I’ve had so far was attending a Healing and Soundbath session at the local community hall. It was organised by a woman I treat at the clinic - someone who holds a high-up role in the primary school but, on the side, runs a business promoting healing, meditation, and relaxation.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and to be honest, I was a little nervous beforehand. But as soon as I arrived, I felt a shift. We were cleansed on arrival, then took our yoga mats to a quiet corner. The room was softly lit by candles and fairy lights, and the air was thick with the calming scent of sage. It was the kind of atmosphere that immediately made you want to take a deep breath and let go.

A guest practitioner led us through bodywork and breathing exercises, and it was more powerful than I’d anticipated. I became aware of tightness in places I hadn’t even realised were sore, and as my heart rate slowed, I could feel a deep sense of relaxation settling in. Then came the soundbath experience, where we lay in a comfortable position, letting the vibrations wash over us. It was intense - especially in my left ear, for reasons I still can’t quite explain. Truthfully, I’m still processing how I feel about the experience. I don’t know if I liked it, but I do know that it shifted something. I’ll probably attend another session while I’m here to explore it further.

At the end, we shared our experiences over Tulsi tea, then each selected a tarot card. I picked the Warrior card. To be a warrior, you must venture past the fear you hold. Strength and courage are within you. It couldn’t have been more fitting. It made me reflect on my own journey and, more importantly, my future business ideas when I return home. Maybe it’s time to stop overthinking and just take the leap.

Learning from the Land and Its People

One of the most rewarding parts of being here has been learning about Aboriginal culture and connecting with people who are passionate about strengthening their communities. I’ve already met some incredible individuals who are working hard to educate their youngest generations about the importance of health and wellbeing. With inflammatory conditions being more prevalent among their people, there’s a real focus on promoting healthy lifestyles while maintaining a strong connection to culture and country.

I also had the chance to speak with a local high school teacher, who shared some of the challenges in ensuring Indigenous children attend school regularly. Education plays such a crucial role in breaking the cycle, but for many families, there are complex social and cultural factors that can make consistent schooling difficult. Hearing firsthand about the dedication of teachers and community leaders trying to create positive change has been eye-opening.

This journey of learning is only just beginning. We are especially looking forward to our upcoming Karijini experience, where we’ll have the chance to deepen our understanding of the land, its history, and the traditions that have shaped it for thousands of years. From breathtaking gorges to ancient stories, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience.

Swimming The River

If you would like to learn more, click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/0P9FRacTji0?si=mpzMb7VghoiN4tvO

The Simplicity of Life in Tom Price

Life in Tom Price is simple - refreshingly so. It’s a small, tight-knit community with a population of around 3,223, where everyone seems to know everyone. There’s one supermarket, one police station, one post office, one liquor store, one physio clinic, one hospital, two primary schools, and just one high school. Compared to city life, it feels like a world away, yet there’s something comforting about the ease of it all.

A big part of the town revolves around mining. Many workers fly in and out, while others have made Tom Price their home, grafting hard to build a future for their families before eventually moving back to the city. Then there are those who’ve come from places like South Africa, New Zealand, and Fiji, seeking better opportunities and a new way of life.

And then there is me someone who arrived here as a traveler and finds herself amazed every day by how beautifully simple life can be. No rush, no excess, just a community that works hard, looks out for each other, and embraces the raw, rugged charm of the Pilbara.

Till next month,

Rock on 🤘