Helen views an irrigation channel with a local farmer |
We asked Helen herself to comment on her time in Hillston.
“When I first decided to do this study I was concerned how I
would find the farmers and once I had, would they talk to me?
Sue helped out with this. She found farmers and community
members who were willing to be interviewed. Sue organized a broad cross section
of farmers; from cropping and grazing, size of farms, age and wealth of
interviewees.
Julie looked after me while I was in Hillston conducting the
interviews. I can recommend her as a B&B as well as lunch and dinner.
Although there were only two and a half days of
interviewing, due to the long distance of Hillston from Sydney, I was away
Monday to Friday. Despite the intensity it was a wonderful and uplifting
experience. The honesty of the farmers and members of the community is
appreciated and I thank them for their integrity and courage. The generosity of
spirit and good humour displayed made me feel sincerely welcome. I came away
from Hillston thinking it is the best place in the world, and also with a sense
of responsibility to do the right thing by the people who trust me with their
story.
Now as I sit and begin the task of writing the thesis I am
humbled by these stories and hope I can do them justice. This month I am
attending a conference at the University of New England where I look forward to
having the opportunity to share these stories with some of my fellow adult
education researchers. Bit by bit let us hope justice is done for everyone.”
Helen
Miller-Brown
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