WORDS: Leith Forrest, FIVEaa
A question asked of children for generations from parents, friends and teachers ..
Some kids are lucky and know straight away. For others, even in adulthood, the answer still eludes them. I wanted to play for the Carlton football club. Then it was a marine biologist; everyone loves dolphins right? Then a lawyer or a doctor, because when you’re young you have dollar signs in your eyes.
Luckily for me I found my calling early. In High School, year 9, I was asked by one of the staff at the school canteen if I would like to volunteer at a community radio station. I jumped at the chance because like everything else at that age I thought it might be a way to impress girls.
Whilst it didn’t impress any girls, at all, what it did do was light a fire for a career in radio. Thankfully, walking into 5THE FM Millicent as a 14 year old would lead to decades long employment in the most enjoyable job in the world (and hopefully decades more).
Who could’ve imagined a teenager making up love song dedications to girls at Millicent High would one day work alongside legends of the industry – Graham Cornes, KG Cunningham, Bob Francis, Keith Conlon, Jane Doyle and co.
I reflect now that not everyone is that lucky. Not everyone knew from an early age and then were able to live it out. I consider myself today to be very, very blessed.
So now as I’m approaching 50 (eeek), my mind is again considering that question. What do I want to be when I grow up? And by grow up, I mean post radio career. I have, hopefully, ratings permitted, another 20 years in this position of talkback announcer at the mighty FIVEaa. I love this job. I love this station. But what about after that? Do I have one more career change in me?
Call it fanciful, but not egotistical, even as a student I always liked the idea of one day becoming the Mayor of my home town Millicent. I remember sitting, standing and watching with attention and respect to our then Mayor Mr Ern Altschwager at the school assembly addressing the crowd.
I remember him present and speak at every major community function. Representing the town, paying tribute to those fine people who resided within. I often reflect on what an amazing childhood my parents and town gave me, so I’ve always felt this need to pay it back. Give back to the town that gave me so much.
So that’s my next career ambition. When I grow up (more), when I’m done with radio, or when radio is done with me (again hopefully not for another 20 years) I’ve decided I’m going to move back home and try to become the Mayor.
On that note – I’m already starting to try and think like a Mayor.
Whilst driving home recently I had a thought (you’ve got a lot of time for thoughts over 4 hours and 400 kms). Each year at Fringe time, Fringe CEO and Director Heather Croall AM says “don’t just go see the same big acts that you know year after year – go and see something smaller, something different.”
We need to have that mentality when it comes to tourism in the state’s South East. I’d encourage all travellers, those ‘grey nomads’, if you’re travelling to places like Mt Gambier, or Victoria, don’t travel the same way every time. Instead open your eyes, your hearts, and more importantly your wallets at other places along your journey.
The majority of city travellers I know heading to Mt Gambier or Victoria or a road trip or holiday, will go inland through Tailem Bend on to great towns like Keith, Naracoorte and Penola.
Why? The roads are newer, straighter, flatter and there’s more overtaking lanes. All valid points. But I want to start a push. I want to start “Turning right at Tailem.”
Let me explain.
When you leave the city on the Princes Highway heading to the South East, past turnoffs to Mt Barker, Monarto and Murray Bridge, you arrive in Tailem Bend.
As you leave the township a decision awaits. Straight on you go inland, but if you “Turn right at Tailem” you head through the Coorong and eventually towards my (prospective) council area – Wattle Range Council.
Robe is the go to for many city travellers, so I don’t need to spruik their breweries or beaches or wineries or obelisk or the magnificent Sea Vu Caravan Park run by Lisa.
What some may not know is just half an hour down the road is Beachport. Beachport is an untapped gem – it’s SA’s Great Ocean Road. There’s the phenomenon of the pool of Siloam. 7 times saltier than the ocean, our version of the dead sea. The Jetty, one of the longest in SA, almost 150 years old, has some of the best fishing in the state, and current mayor Des Noll says the crayfish will jump into your arms at the end of the jetty. Add in the best homemade pies in the state from Heidi at the Rivoli Bay Deli and stunning views from Bompas restaurant and accommodation run by Kate, it’s the perfect staycation destination.
Go further you hit Southend, home of the exceptional Canunda national park, beautiful beaches to swim, fish or drive on, lobster boats as far as the eye can see, and it’s the home town of country music star Kasey Chambers.
Then you get to the jewel in the crown, Millicent. Sure, I’m biased but this is a town that must be on your list to visit; the award winning Mayura station, Australia’s best Wagyu beef, an incredible National Trust Museum, amazing playgrounds, street art, and a swimming lake, the size of which needs to be seen to be believed. It’s open 24 hours a day during swim season, and it’s free!!! Yes, city friends, something for FREE.
I haven’t even mentioned the Mt Burr general store – famous for its American cuisine from Miami’s greatest export George, or Tucker Wines of Kalangadoo, the best Sav Blanc in South Australia – seriously – try it and prove me wrong.
So can you have another career AFTER your career? I’m sure many of you reading have thought about this and possibly even tried…
Will I grow up to be the Mayor in 20 years time? Time will tell.
Leith Forrest is the host of FIVEaa’s Evenings Programme, 8pm – Midnight, Weekdays
