Saltwater Memories

When I was eight Saltwater Creek held a special place in my heart. We came to South West Rocks every year for our holiday. Our home was in Sydney right in the centre where there were factories, smog and no trees. We played in the flood water channels and a small nearby park so our holidays gave us respite into a different paradise. At home our father was absent to us most of the time away earning money to keep his 4 children out of poverty and getting them an education.

At South West Rocks he used to disappear too with his fishing rod in hand but he was always there for us when we were "ready to take the test". The test was to float on your back for 45 seconds and it was always held just beside the little bridge at Saltwater creek. You were in big trouble if you booked him for the test and failed, sinking before your time was up. When I was successful it was bliss, congratulations from him, a two shilling coin and bragging to the brother and sisters.

Now 60 years later I consider myself fortunate to live close to Saltwater Creek and thankful that my heart brought me back to this paradise to live. As I paddle my kayak close to the spot under the bridge I always remember that moment and my father now long gone. I am so thankful that the little creek still lives and that we are dedicated to making sure that it will be protected from the damage that we so often inflict on our environments.