School started early in the deep South. Many were not as lucky as we were. We were permitted to start on time and not stay out to help with the crops. After school we did have to go to the fields to help. I was a sickly child to do much except carry the water to those who were actually doing the work. Bits of white paper napkins.

The recognition of my home as an isle was never apparent when I was young. It is not a picture book island which are so often portrayed as miniature pacific dots, bordered by palm trees and coconuts, found miles from capital cities and modernity. But the 26th largest island in the world, over 364 kilometres long and 306 kilometres wide, located between 40 degrees south and 43. 3 degrees south and surrounded by the Tasman Sea, The Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.