At the end of the snake hole, I met the Harris family enjoying an after-work drink. Let me introduce them to you.
Dave and Sarah met at a Bachelors & Spinsters ball in Wellington NSW. Dave was an apprentice plumber in his hometown of Dubbo, and Sarah was with her friends from Uni, where she was studying physiotherapy. Sarah was from the NSW south coast town of Moruya and was looking to get back there when she finished her studies.
Dave decided that it would be a good idea to finish his apprenticeship in Sydney very soon after the ball and got himself a job conveniently near where Sarah was studying.
Sarah qualified as a physiotherapist a year later and spent her first two years working in Prince Alfred Hospital, and Dave continued as a licensed plumber on some of the high rises popping up around Sydney. Dave and Sarah moved in together soon after they both had jobs, and after about three years, got married in Dubbo, but had a reception in Moruya where there was good surf to enjoy.
Dave and Sarah both wanted to get back to the country. Dave talked to the plumber he was apprenticed to in Dubbo. He asked Dave to work for him for four years, until he retired, and Dave could buy the business from him. Sarah was offered a job at Dubbo Base Hospital, so the move happened.
Fifteen years later, they are still in Dubbo, living about 10km away from town, on a 10-acre property they bought ten years ago, and with two children, Emily who has just turned 15 and Jack who’s 12. There are two dogs as well, a Labrador called Brendon and a blue heeler called Charles. Charles is a farm dog and works to keep the 10 sheep and 15 goats in line. Of course, he always has time to play ball with his humans when he’s off duty. Brendon works hard to make sure the humans are regularly reminded of their obligation to feed him and Charles – and the cat. The cat is called Fang, and she considers herself to be the owner of the farm, with the humans as convenient lessees, who feed her. There are four horses, one for each of the family, which work with Charles, Dave and Jack to muster the sheep and goats, and occasionally go for treks with the whole family in the state forests around Dubbo.
Dave’s business is going well. He has a good reputation in the district so there is always work to do, and money coming in. He has a good bookkeeper and accountant who keep his business accounts in line, and make sure his offsider and apprentice are paid well and on time, and that he gets a regular income. The home finances are looked after by Dave and Sarah, because they like to have control over what they spend, and there is no need to pay more than they need for an accountant.
Sarah has worked at Dubbo Base hospital for most of her career. She took some time off when Emma and Jack were born, but with the childcare offered at the hospital, she was able to choose to go back to work. Recently her manager suggested that she should get a master’s degree in health administration, so she could qualify for more senior positions at the hospital. The hospital awarded Sarah a scholarship for her study which provides some fee relief, paid time off to study and the use of a hospital car to travel to Newcastle University, for two days once a semester. Sarah is working part-time now while she completes her studies, and uses that time to work at the hospital in the mornings, study in the afternoon, and be home when the kids come back from school.
Emily is in year nine at Dubbo College. She enjoys learning, but her real love is for hockey – she has just been selected for the regional hockey team; and playing bass with her friends from school. They had their first gig a month ago playing at a friend’s fifteenth birthday party. Emily has just had her birthday where she got a new five string bass. Emily works at the local music shop on Saturday mornings, and on Wednesday after school. Emily is saving her money to buy a car when she gets her licence in two years’ time.
Jack is in year six at Dubbo Public school. He is looking forward to high school next year but is a bit nervous about the move. He loves computer games and plays them after school with his friends. Jack is in the computer club at his school, where he is learning to use AI. His latest project is to build an adventure game, featuring Jack and his friends. He also plays Rugby League on Saturdays with a local team, with a practice after school on Wednesdays

Harris Family relaxing after work