Health and wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious for the first week of your placement as you are in a very “foreign” environment. However, if you feel you are not coping you must tell the Majarlin team  – earlier rather than later so that we can assist.

Sometimes there is a waiting list to see GPs in the Kimberley. If you need an appointment and are having trouble getting one, please let the Majarlin team assist. It is very important that if you have a medical condition, you inform the Majarlin student co-ordinators so that we can support you.

Remember to give us the contact details for your family and friends, and save the phone numbers of Majarlin staff members given to you at orientation. Tom Gannon, the Manager of Campus Ministry, is also available for pastoral care

Things to know about living in the Kimberley

Heat

The Kimberley region can have very hot temperatures and during the wet season (November to April) can be very humid. It is important to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and wear light, loose, modest cotton clothing. Extra water should always be carried when undertaking remote trips.

Cyclones

Cyclones and/or tropical lows can occur in the Kimberley between November and April, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding and winds. If you are coming to the Kimberley in cyclone season, please read What To Do During a Cyclone Emergency.

Driving

Kimberley unsealed roads can be very soft and slippery. Do not drive on dirt roads unless you have checked that roads are open, that you have an appropriate 4WD vehicle with recovery kit and have informed someone of your travel plans. Beware of wildlife and cattle roaming on all Kimberley roads, especially at night time.

Crocodiles

There are saltwater crocodiles in the waters of Northern Australia. Crocodiles have been sighted at Broome beaches but fairly infrequently. Rangers monitor the waters around Broome. Heed any notices about crocodiles. Only swim if the water is clear and there are other people around. Swim between the flags. Saltwater crocodiles prefer river and creek mouths, estuaries and mangrove swamps with dep, murky waters where they can hide. Do not swim in creeks or near mangroves.

Irukandji Jellyfish

The Irukandji is a group of tiny box-shaped jellyfish that has a diameter of around 1-2 cm. The body is transparent and usually very difficult to see in the water. stings can be life-threatening. The initial sting from an Irukandji is quite mild, feeling like sea lice or a mosquito bite. There is often no mark, or perhaps small, red "goose pimple" marks. Often, the Irukandji sting site will sweat profusely. Around 20-30 minutes following the sting, the person will begin to display symptoms that can include severe lower back pain, shooting muscle pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting and headaches. The person may also feel anxious or restless.

Box Jellyfish

This large jellyfish measures up to 30cm long and has up to 15 ribbon-like tentacles from each of the four corners (total of 60 tentacles). Although the box jellyfish is large, it is transparent and almost impossible to see in the water. The Box Jellyfish causes a severe whip-like, burning red laceration marks to the skin. Severe stings may cause the victim to stop breathing or their heart to stop beating.

Do not swim at beaches between November and April because of dangerous jellyfish.
The only recommended treatment for jellyfish stings in tropical areas of Australia is as follows:

  • Call for help (dial 000)
  • Commence CPR if necessary
  • Flood the sting area with vinegar to neutralise the stinging cells and prevent further discharge of poison
  • If symptoms such as nausea, backache, or difficulty breathing occur within 40 minutes of the sting, go to the hospital

Useful Links

Kimberley Medical Group
Address: 1 and 2, 19 Hamersley Street, Broome WA 6725
Phone: (08) 9138 7200
Appointments: healthengine.com.au

Broome Medical Clinic
Address: 26 Robinson St, Broome WA 6725
Phone: (08) 9192 2022
Appointments: broomemedical.com.au

Headspace Broome
Address: Shop A/38 Frederick St, Broome WA 6725
Phone: (08) 9193 6222

Strategies for overcoming cultural shock

  • Listen, observe and keep an open mind
  • Try to listen carefully to what people say and observe their body language as you will learn how to communicate both verbally and non-verbally in appropriate ways
  • Ask questions
  • Ask yourself if the behaviour you are seeing makes sense, even if it seems strange
  • Speak with the cultural security officer at Majarlin or staff at your placement site
  • If you see or experience something you do not understand, remember, it may be because you did not have enough information
  • Ask questions of someone you trust
  • Keep your sense of humour
  • Laugh at your mistakes - it will help you learn, adapt and enjoy the overall experience
  • Become involved in your community
  • Make an effort to meet people and get involved in your community
  • Get out, volunteer and keep busy with community activities
  • Do something special for yourself regularly
  • Get some exercise - go for a walk, run or ride a bike with your friends

Contact a Majarlin team member if you are stressed, depressed or anxious.