Go West...

In a flash, my last ever NLC Anual Conference passed by. At the same time last year I was fuming and there was a feeling of deep resentment at my experience during the conference. This time however, a feeling of contentment flows within me. A feeling that the conference this year ended in the best way possible. The icing on the cake so to speak.

There were the usual battles with the usual culprits this year. This time though, I was in the thick of the action and had a chance to really flex my experience and knowledge on the NSW and QLD "leaders". It so happened to be the last conference for most of us "old boys" and "old girls"; those of us who have been involved in the NLC and NUS for most of our uni life. There was no way we were going to give in this year after what happened last year. The inexperience of NSW, QLD and VIC delegates and their respective leaders meant that we were looked more highly upon due to our in-depth knowledge of the workings of the NLC. We didn't play the games they played last year though. We stuck to the rules and did things the way they were supposed to be done.

NSW started the game of accrediting dodgy ISOs to the NLC last year but weren't able to back up their efforts this year with solid evidence. Eventually, their accreditations were rejected by the conference floor and they walked off. Imagine their hypocrisy! They criticised us last year for walking off and they did it this year. No question that we drilled it into them as they did to us last year. Also, one of the most irritating old hags in the conference was named! A dream come true! The VIC delegates were a little more sensible this year as well. Add to all that the fact that the composition of the NLC National Executive this year has some semblance of competency.

It's the end of an era for the NLC. VSU coming in means huge changes need to be made in order for the NLC to survive. In addition, the fact that all the "old boys and girls" from SA, WA and TAS (including yours truly) are retiring from the NLC for good means that the organisation will consist only of new blood from next year. I can't imagine how it would be like next year without anyone with thorough knowledge of basics such as Standing Orders. Who knows, one of us may pull what we call an "Adrian Wong" and reappear next year. It won't be me though.

After the conference, I stayed back in Perth (in my Aunt's house) for half a week for a holiday. One of my closest friends took me around Perth throughout my stay and I had the opportunity to visit highlights such as Hay St. Mall, Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach, Hillarys Boat Harbour and King's Park. Perth is sort of like a more developed Adelaide. I find it similar to my views of an ideal city. Not as backwards as Adelaide yet not being as hectic as Melbourne or Sydney. It's also the fastest developing city in Australia currently. My Aunt tells me that the statistics indicate that around 500 people migrate to Perth per week. It seems that dishwashers can earn up to $100,000 per annum and miners up to $200,000 per annum! Talk about big bucks!

Highlights of my trip?

• King's Park: a patch of beautiful green with a spectacular view located in the heart of the city.
  
  
• Fish and chips from Ciccerello's in Fremantle.
  
  
• The white sand of Cottesloe Beach. Harbour Town located a stone's throw away from the main shopping district.
  
  
• Hillarys Boat Harbour: marina-cum-shopping complex.
  
  
• The Swan River: yes, it's a river, not a lake.
  

Doesn't sound like much but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Perth.

My time in Perth was a memorable one. Yet the thing that haunts me is the fact that I may not see some of my friends there ever again. It's been a long, tough and at times fun journey throughout these years. We may not have known each other for as long as our school friends or uni mates yet a sort of bond exists between us. It's hard to say goodbye. It's harder still when you don't want to.

All good things must come to an end. As much as I have put some hard work into the NLC as an outsider, I can't be involved forever. The time has come to pass on the baton to others. The end of one chapter signals the beginning of another. I enjoyed my time here and all the ups and downs that came with it. Thanks for the memories everyone. As hard as it is for me to say this, there is only one thing I can say about my involvement with the NLC...

THE END