Dusky Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 (edited) Hi Raiders Well, after 9 months of discussions & arguments with NSW Maritime, the Anti-discrimination Board, local politicians, doctors & boating schools I have my boat license at last. Those of you who know me personally would know, I have a slight disability (1 hand & 1 foot). As I cannot hide this fact, I am continually discriminated against by many bureaucrats who from time to time, make my life difficult. After passing my written test, I asked if I could then continue on to do the practical examination. I was told that there was more red tape that I would have to deal with (as opposed to any one else who could just go for it!) AS luck would have it my brother contacted 2 NSW State Parliamentarians who asked some difficult questions of Maritime. Even so, I was still being asked to get letters or proof of my abilities. As luck would have it I bumped a really nice chap in Mt Druitt from Sea School Boating. Stuart contacted his boss who contacted Maritime & together with their assistance & Mr Ray Williams MP (Member for Hawksbury) along with his wonderful assistant Greta, they conceded that, should I be assessed by an independent assessor I would qualify for a license. So, I went to the Nepean River with Stuart from Sea School & ran through all the assessment criteria & what would you know - I PASSED - - YEAH ME!!! Now that I have my boat - license (boat & fishing licenses) & soon a 4x4 to tow it I hope to see many fellow Raiders out on the water. One VERY relieved & happy boatie Edited October 28, 2010 by Dusky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat-as-trophy Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 That will teach them to 'DIS' your abilities. Its been a long time coming, but Congratulations. Look out fish, here we come. Hopefully we will get the boat in the water real soon, and start posting up heaps of really good reports. Cheers Cath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hodgey Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Congratulations Rex! Everything has fallen into place. The fish wont know what hit 'em now. Good luck! Cheers Hodgey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fryboy Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 As the father of an (intellectually) disabled son, I feel your pain. Its nice to hear of a win for a change! It would be great if we didnt have to enlist all that political support to ensure whats right.. Great work Fryboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusky Posted October 28, 2010 Author Share Posted October 28, 2010 As the father of an (intellectually) disabled son, I feel your pain. Its nice to hear of a win for a change! It would be great if we didnt have to enlist all that political support to ensure whats right.. Great work Fryboy I hear your pain. My feelings exactly. I am a fighter & will not stand for any form of discrimination, I am currently looking for a postition with an organization who works with disadvantaged groups as that is where I was working a few years back & want to return to that arena. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snag Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Good on you mate, and congrats on getting your licence shame it took so long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooker435 Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Good On you mate!!!! Very happy for you although it took you a while you stuck to your guns and fought for what you believe in and won!!!! very happy for you Now enjoy the water and catch heaps of fish mate!!!!!! Regards, Nathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnno Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Well done dusky :thumbup: That's awesome champ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsswordfisherman Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Very glad to hear that Rex - well done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadamson Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Good on you Rex.Last time we meet i could tell how upset you were.Rex i have known you for many years working in the tyre industry is not easy work WHAT DISABILITY are you talking about.with your one hand you ran rings around most other workers.Again congrats see you on the water soon.You will be the legal one burning up the river.Cheers Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blood Knot Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Goodonya Dusky - Allways glad to hear that someone has been able to succeed against bureaucracy Cheers Blood Knot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray R Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Good onya Rex, now get out there and enjoy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day's Fishin Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 I don't see what the problem was,there's a lot of people out there driving cars around with similar setbacks, a boat in my opinion is a lot easier to drive! I think that it only makes you go that little extra distance compared to the rest of us which in turn probably makes you a little better! Enjoy the water and the mate! Regards Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusky Posted October 28, 2010 Author Share Posted October 28, 2010 Thank you fellow Raiders. Yep I am stubborn & would not let something like this beat me! & yes I do have to do a little more to get things done or approved but as you said Jeff (& I hope its true) that makes me a little more cautious than most & perhaps better - we will see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musty Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Well done man what a happy ending, shame it had to be so diffucult in the process. Ive seen MANY people with 2 arms and 2 legs who shouldnt be allowed anywhere near any kind of machine, car, boat etc.. U my friend have done well! Im happy for you Musty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flightmanager Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Well done and congratz Rex !! :thumbup: Looking forward to going out to brain the fish together !!! Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickb Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 (edited) Well done Rex,I know how you feel same thing happened to my young bloke with his arm. But like you he won't give up and says Dad I have the bloody wood on them,when they ask how big was the fish. Cheers Mate and enjoy . Regards Rick. Edited October 29, 2010 by rickb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnv Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 good onya Rex, you show them it can be done & it shouln't matter what the disability people have everyone deserves a go happy cheers john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Well done Dusky, time now to get out and enjoy it. Looking forward to your catch reports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcel haber Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Well done mate, No one should ever give up on anyone or push red tape and BS infront of you. You and you alone know your capabilities and limitations. Life goes by way too quick and to have someone dictate what you can and cant do to enjoy your life is totally wrong. You will feel like a new man out on the water with not a care in the world. I hope your licence and boat will bring you the freedom and happiness which you deserve. Twin 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harold Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 congratulations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebrewer Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Great result Rex,even though it has taken a disgraceful 9 months to achieve what is part of your birthright as an Australian.NSW public service culture heeds a bomb under it,maybe things will improve next year(but I doubt it).Anyway,at least you can put the rubbish behind you now and enjoy your fishing.Congratulations mate. Cheers, Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainpete Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 verry happy 4 you rex great news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now