Brent says lets take this list and study it while having some lunch, Kia sees us all coming in are Brent you must like my lunches and goes off chuckling. We all get a good mug of Tea and order soup & sandwich.
The cookhouse is basically empty however we go to the rear so we are not over heard. Everyone is reading my list and the general comment is this very comprehensive good job Joe.
Each item was discussed in full and why it should or should not be done, all items were ultimately accepted. Must admit that made me very happy.
Brent asked John do you still have that video projector, yes I do good then lets go over and hook it up as I have a short video to show you and please Joe join us as you are part of this.
This video created a lot of discussion, Joe said there were area's there that could be expanded like bike servicing and something demonstrating the correct gear to wear on the bike.
Over the next couple of weeks the video was expanded and made ready for presentation to the other camp supers.
Brent called a meeting of all four camp super's for next Wednesday and it was decided that every one would go to the mountain camp the furthest away from River Camp. It was explain to me that I would be in the bunkhouse with the crew as the guesthouse only held four guys. I said that was fine as it would give me a chance to get to know the other juniors. Thanks Joe please make sure you have a good stock of condoms with you and I said plus a large tube of KY as well. Sounds like this guy is fully equipped thanks to his bringing up – you have done a great job there John.
Well John and I head out for Mountain Camp, my bike is on the truck and all my riding gear is stowed in the trucks cab with my other clothing. About five miles out of the camp John and I unload my bike and I get sort of changed body armor and my Hi-Vis coveralls and ride my bike into camp following John. I had already been told to use channel six so I called in
DR1 5 miles out heading for mountain camp – Out
Suddenly the radio asks who are you do not know the call sign. Hi I'm Joe attending the super's meeting and the Dispatch Rider hence my call sign is DR 1 – Welcome Joe see you soon ride safe. Will do – out
I see Brent is there and also John and they are out to meet me plus the local camp super name is Ken – welcome Joe sorry but you will have to have room in the bunkhouse hope that is OK with you. Does not worry me Ken about that it will give me a chance to meet some of your crew and especially want to meet your junior's.
Ken laugh's that is easier than you think because the young guys are also in the bunkhouse as there dads are bringing up there sons for one reason or another. That is great as we will have a lot in common, Ken says just go over and see the Cook his name is George and expecting you, he will tell you which room; I soon find my room and make a quick change and go and get a mug of Tea.
I walk over to the office and the lady there says Hi Joe I'm June nice to meet you, please go down the hallway Ken's door is always open, thanks June.
On entry to Kens office, Brent says let me introduce you to our Dispatch Rider Joe at River Camp, Joe this is Dan & Sid, sorry John for interrupting. John is explaining how it has saved them money and covers the costs of having a Dispatch Rider. Ken said this sounds very interesting as so many times the bush mechanic needs small parts, sometimes it makes me wonder why they not got those items in there truck.
Sometimes the dispatch rider could be at an accident site before the regular first aid crew arrives. Brent says let me show a short video of an actual occurrence at River Camp.
Once the video has completed Brent says this is why I am going to insist that anyone who becomes a dispatch rider must have a valid first aid ticket before they will be considered. Ken & Sid say that is going to hard to get these young guys motivated.
Brent says Joe found himself in that situation after his first year of working as a junior. Joe please tell everyone that happened to you. Actually, it was simple; I have been getting up same time as my Dad and continued that way. Dad and I would have breakfast together. Dad went on to work I returned home and got on with my school work and in general it was completed by lunch time leaving the afternoon to myself.
Now one of the other juniors Sam he was has having lots of trouble with his schoolwork and poor marks. I suggested he did the same thing as me and within two months, he was doing better, then one night at supper with his Mum & Dad he said Peter his younger brother will be getting up at the same time, it made easier for there Mum who also did house keeping work on one of the bunkhouses.
His younger brother did better and now all the guys in camp do the same thing, Joe that is very interesting as the distant learning folk have been concerned about many of the young guys.
Joe asks Ken how many young guys do you have in camp and are they working. Only one is working, next year we will have a second guy the third one has several the years before he can work in the shop. Tell me please are they all in the bunkhouse yes they are and they have the option of a single room or share a room with there dad. In general, they start sharing then go to a single room.
Joe asks, Ken can I meet with these guys say in the back of the cookhouse and I will discuss with them there school problems and how I overcame the problem and also getting there first aid tickets. Joe I have a empty office if that is better, no I think to start with It's better to be in an environment that will everyone would be more comfortable in, however later I might wish to take you up on that offer.
Well have to admit I had not thought of it that way but you make a lot of sense.
Ken said I would like to continue this discussion and I am going to suggest you all come to my place for supper where it is private. So let us meet in an hour's time. I head for my room and grab my towel and go to the showers, I'm shaving when some one comes in and I get slapped on the arse, thanks I needed that, sorry mate I thought you were someone else. Do not worry it is a nice greeting and I am laughing.
I look at the guy; he looks very young so I ask are you one of the junior's. Yes, I guess I am the oldest there are three of us well I hope to meet you all tomorrow. I have some ideas how to help you in several area's Oh by the way what is your name, Keith well I am Joe and thanks for the slap on the arse.
We all meet up at Ken's home; come on in guys let's go out the back and have drink first. Ken says this idea is very interesting and I really like it so further thoughts gentlemen how do we get it going.
Brent says Joe here will help you as he can relate to the younger guys. There is another thing we never talk about and that is bonding and it has to be a two way deal. Some of you may not agree with it however please except it as it creates a security type of blanket that we all need at times.
Something I have not told you, but I have asked Joe to become our Chief Dispatch Rider he will responsible for the training of the younger guys in this job. Here is a list that was put together the other day and will get expanded fairly rapidity as time goes on,
Eventually at your morning safety meeting with you crew they will who ever is selected for the job and advise of his Radio call sign which will start off as DR 3 if this happened to be the next camp to become operational.
So Joe will be visiting all camps for several days and please provide him with suitable accommodation.
Joe ask, a question Ken your oldest junior does he ride a dirt bike, no he does not but his dad has said to his son you must improve your school marks and get not less than 80% in all subjects. What about he other juniors, well "Little Joe" does have a 75cc bike and he has learn to ride and does very well but too young for the job. The other junior Chris has the same problem with his schoolwork.
Joe say let me talk to these guys and can you Ken or your assistant have a talk to there father's about what I will be suggesting. I have a better idea relating to school, how do you feel about talking to the respective fathers and sons all together as the problem is common. Let us do it, I still the cookhouse will be a good location, Ken says I will let George our cook know what is going on. That evening Ken got hold of all those concerned and Joe did his little talk, the look on the father faces was interesting, one was chuckling the other two you see the look as if to say got you. The boys weren't too impressed with the idea. Ken said that in order to give you a quiet area for study the spare office can be used.
I also said that school work will come to you by Email now do you all have a computer, two did one did not. Ken said there were several spare machines and can easily make one available.
So guys are you willing to give a try, this way you can start school work at about 6:45 - 7:00 am and by lunch time you should have completed that day's assignment and you will have the afternoon free. The Dad's said they felt it was a good idea because this way they would know the guys were up and would have breakfast together during the week.
Brent said he was on the board of the Distant Learning and would be watching their school marks for improvement.
Ken told the guys that before they will be allowed to work this coming the summer vacation period you must have there first aid ticket, this will involve four evenings with an instructor and the fifth evening you will do your practical. Now Keith you are the oldest and the next course is in three weeks time. So I have put you name on list. These courses are only held every six months so I suggest you other two consider putting you name in for that one, just let June know in the office.
Joe asks so what do you guys do when not doing school work, I guess we all go fishing, Keith said he was hoping to get a dirt bike so he could get further a field. His dad cut in and said Keith you get your school marks up from the present 50% to 70% I will buy you a bike, but your marks have to continue to improve so that they do not drop below 80% otherwise you will loose the use of the bike. I like your thinking there says the other two dads. The dads all shook hands on that, so guys you have a good challenge.
Brent then said another reason we are taking with you all is the fact we are looking at introducing a Dispatch Rider to take small items out to the bush mechanic and in your case Keith providing you have achieved your good marks and spent time working in the shop with the mechanics we will take this to the next stage.
If we all go over the office I have set up the projector and would like to show you an example as to why the first aid ticket in important.
I'll let Joe take over from here and afterwards he will be open to any questions relating to what is shown in the video.
The video was well received and one of the Dads's asked can we run this again – no problem.
One of the guys asked was this video staged. The sound track from the time DR entered the mainline until he eventually arrive back in camp is taken from the audio tape of that days radio transmissions. We added video to that portion the other is from a series of still photo, another area where Sam one of the juniors was doing small engine work and servicing chain saws.
So how did you feel after that accident, it didn't really hit me until I was back at camp sitting outside the cookhouse with a mug of tea, when I saw the gurney being carried by Ken's mates and being carefully loaded on to the helicopter. Someone said come on Joe let's go home and have a good shower and change your clothes.
Did the truck driver make it OK, yes I was invited by the camp super to visit Ken in hospital and I received a big hug from Ken, today Ken is back driving yes and in fact he back driving again.
Brent ask any more questions if not thanks for your time – Yes Joe to everyone please remember we are all family and to you young guys you are not the odd ones out because your dad has brought you up it happens to many guys including myself – Thanks
John ask me what are going to do now Joe, actually I'm go to follow at a distance what the young guys do – I will be interested in hear what happens make sure you have plenty of condoms with you., don't worry about that.
Well I head for the bunkhouse, all the guy's are talking between themselves, they see me and I say any of you guys going for a shower as I need my back scrubbing well; no problem Joe we will all help you out. See you there in a few minutes. Well the next hour my back was well and truly scrubbed and so was everyone else and I was please to see this. It was Keith that asked do you mind if someone fucked you, I said no problem as long as they use a condom and I can also reciprocate I call it crew bonding. So have you guys been fucked much, they laughed and said it generally happens in here and everyone calls it bonding also.
Eventually I go to bed and think over what has happed today, there is a little knock on my door and it is Keith. Sorry to trouble you but what time are you having breakfast, oh about 6:00 am, great the guys want to ask you some more questions may we join you then – by all means.
Next morning shower and dressed wore my Hi-Vis shirt and hard hat and went over to the cookhouse. On my way I saw the other supers heading the same way, you joining us Joe not for the present as the young guys want to ask me some questions. When you are clear come on over to the office – see you later.
I meet up with the young guys and the first thing that I'm asked is did I really start my school work that early, however I was not having too much trouble but it was Sam who was in a similar situation to you Keith that it really help and within a month he was doing better his younger brother Peter was lagging so Sam decided that Peter was going to get up early and told his parents this and that they would be able to all have breakfast together from now on.
How difficult was the first aid course? It took a lot of reading and we had I think it was15 guys on the course but by the end only one had to redo it. Thanks Joe for your information – anytime.
With that I left the cookhouse and joined the Supers in Ken's office to find they were discussing there young guys. It was Sid who asked if it was possible for Joe to visit his camp and help explain the proposal. Brent cut in here saying Joe can go to any camp to assist and once everything is up and running he most likely will be visiting more often to meet up with you folk.
Joe said one thing I will want to do is watch how they handle a bike so I would like to use some roads that are not being used. They all said that's easy to setup, well the idea was well received and all agreed to work towards getting it operational.
So with Joe's help all the juniors got well and truly bonded, within 12months all camps had there own Dispatch Rider. After about six months Brent called a supers meeting in town and asked then to bring there Dispatch Riders with them so Joe could meet them as one team.
Following the two days of meeting they all returned back to there respective camps. So it goes to show living in an all male environment like this can be enjoyable even for the young guys who have there dads working there also.
The End
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