Reflection – Natalie Heller – Operation Dexter

Disaster Relief Australia | November 2020

I am an Environmental Engineer, a mom to 2 very rambunctious boys and a wife.

I am Canadian / American, and I moved to Australia 2 months ago.

After coming out of quarantine, I needed to find something for me to do.

I saw some information in regard to SES however they only take intakes once a year and that is not until March. I needed to find something now.

I wanted to do something more productive than 16 loads of laundry, productive.

I did some googling and came across Disaster Relief Australia and felt that this would be a great fit for me.

From Op Dexter I think I will leave a little more relaxed. I really like to throw myself into hard manual labour. It feels really good for the soul.

I come from a Defence background as my Dad did 20 years in the Canadian Air Force. After he finished in the Air Force he threw himself into hard manual labour.

I feel that this is one of the reasons I find this type of labour cathartic.

I will definitely do another deployment and I am looking forward to being part of the Canberra DRT.

I have loved the feeling of mateship that DRA has shown – it has been an awesome experience.

The Team has given me some awesome cultural experience and I have learned a lot in regards to my Australian cultural immersion.

I have learned a lot of the Australian vernacular and this has been amazing and so much fun.

I feel incredibly included with this group – they have welcomed me and made me feel like I am a part of this great team.