International Volunteers Day and my first training session

Friday 5th December was International Volunteers Day when the Australian Volunteers Program likes to showcase its activities around the globe. Jenny and I and NARI were asked to run an activity to represent the Lae volunteers this year so we came up with a program combining a few inspirational speeches, some group activities, a quiz and a free lunch. We attracted about 40 staff and others and I think it all went rather well. The speeches were (mostly) short, the activities were enthusiastically embraced, my quiz was a hit (especially the Rugby League questions) and the lunch prepared by the NARI hostel women was superb.

Setting up - will anyone come?

Dr Komolong launching proceedings.

Volunteers Sam and Juliet writing inspirational messages on bunting.

The quiz went well.

Volunteer Duncan and Consul-General Brenton designing a poster.

Following my survey of science staff members back in September I have been working on two training packages on scientific writing. These combined a couple of presentations and the provision of lots of resources on a shared drive for self-learning. I had practiced my first presentation on writing a journal paper in front of a couple of staff and made a few adjustments based on their feedback. The second presentation - conference papers and posters - had not been practiced. Yesterday I ran my first training session with six of the local scientists and both presentations. I haven't received their feedback yet but the vibe was great, the timing was fine and they asked great questions.  No-one looked like they were tuning out and they seemed enthusiastic to try out some of the ideas.

I'm teaming up with Boney Wera, a colleague from NARI's research centre near Mount Hagen. He has written some training on experimental design, data management and statistical analysis. We figure with my stuff (including an Excel course for beginners I've started writing) and his we can visit all the research centres and run 2-3 days of training at each. We have booked in the first session here in Lae at the end of January.

Just back from our weekly supermarket shop. Crazy this morning. Christmas I suppose. So busy and people wandering around seemingly aimlessly. Every aisle had staff stacking shelves. Still no saladas but they had some yoghurt (yay!). We stopped at a (mostly) craft market for Jenny to buy some authentic craft. She ended up with items from Manus, East Sepik and Bougainville. There was a stall selling coffins but we didn't feel the need.

Apparently my garden back home was blooming nicely through spring but the highlight is one of my 30-40 year old Xanthorrhoea (grass-trees) sending up a flower spike for the first time (a pity I won't be there to see it). Thanks for the photo, Rob Drummond).

Nothing much to report on the bird scene here recently. I did have an Orange-fronted Fruit Dove at work recently that would have been photographable if I had my camera. Common on New Guinea but not supposed to be on the Huon Peninsula. Otherwise just the usual Eclectus Parrots, Blyth's Hornbills, Torresian Imperial Pigeons etc.

This monster beetle bit my finger and drew blood. It's a Xixuthrus sp. (one of the Long-horned Beetle genera).

One more week at work then we are off to Wurtulla, Qld for 2 weeks with Liz, Sophie, David and Toby. Can't wait!