Camille thrives on life’s challenges
Young Frenchman Camille Guiselin, who hails from Valderoure in the district of Grasse in south-east France near Nice, is convinced he made the right decision to travel and experience life ‘down under’.
The 29-year-old was restless after leaving school despite completing an apprenticeship in bricklaying and later working with a cleaning company.
He then went backpacking for six months and worked in hospitality.
This perhaps was when the travel bug hit. Camille sold up all his possessions including his car, television set and electronics. He then purchased a sizeable backpack, said farewell to his family and hopped aboard a flight for Malaysia where he stayed for one week before arriving in Melbourne on February 1.
Camille loved Melbourne and biked around the CBD, inner suburbs, and beach road.
“People were so friendly and always wanting to help me,” he said.
Before leaving Melbourne, he bought a second-hand Subaru and had to adjust to changing gears, using blinkers, and switching on headlights.
Camille is among a number of his countrymen and women who have recently found their way to Cobram where they appear to be thoroughly enjoying aspects of the Australian way of life.
Many have taken on jobs they never had before and seem to love it.
“I know life is full of surprises, both good and bad, and I wanted to do something different,” he said.
Camille milks 600 dairy cows in Yarraweyah six days a week and loves it.
This would be completely unheard of back home in Valderoure, a small village of less than 400 people.
He is milking during the afternoons, while up to four mornings a week he waits on tables at the GrainStore in Cobram.
Part of his 12-month Working Holiday Visa in Australia is a requirement to undertake farm work for a period of 88 days, and he is particularly enjoying the aspect of working with animals.
“I will stay here a few more months, then perhaps go to the Alps because I love hiking, and the scenery is most beautiful,” he said.
Camille is impressed with the wages paid to casual employees, enabling him to save and continue to enjoy further travels after his Aussie stay comes to an end.
Fuel and dining out are cheaper here, but coffee, bakeries, and alcohol, especially wine and beer, are cheaper in France.
Camille enjoyed a day sampling Byramine Homestead’s handcrafted beers and ciders and was firm in his response.
“I loved them,” he said.
Not bad coming from a Frenchman who has brewed his own beer for more than six years.
Camille enjoyed Australia so much that he plans to return next year for another working holiday in Queensland and visit Cobram again.
“Aussies are very friendly and everyone speaks to everybody and I like that very much,” he said.
“You are proud of your country, and it shows.”
He also said he doesn’t particularly like the amount of tax he is required to pay, with his broad smile on his face.
De Maria Motors most awarded national dealer
De Maria Motors has become the most awarded National rural dealer in the Mitsubishi Brand.
At the recent awards night held at Zinc in Federation Square, the company was presented with three Diamond Awards for 2024, recognising excellence in Sales, Service and Customer Experience, from 200 other dealerships.
Dealer Principle Karl De Maria was extremely proud to receive the awards on behalf of his parents Frank and Elizabeth and their staff.
“We are a relatively small team of seven here at DeMaria Motors and without our amazing staff we would not have achieved such an outstanding result,” he said.
De Maria Motors began in 1958 and more than 60 years later has continued to provide a high standard of service across all aspects of the motor industry.
Though the business has changed, the De Maria family remains committed to their customers, whether buying a new vehicle or getting a car serviced or repaired.
De Maria Motors has also been presented with eight Distinguished Dealer Awards since 1980 which puts them up there with the absolute finest in the industry.
Tiger Talk with Jack Opray
If you haven’t watched Roaming Opray on Tiger Talk at Cobram Football Club’s Facebook page, may I suggest you tune in.
Young Thirds player Jack Opray is showing his ability both on and off the field, particularly in the area of media.
Roving about the change rooms after the Senior game with a microphone in his hand, hoping for a scoop, Jack poses questions such as, “What did you put in your hair before the game?” ‘Is that tape covering a pretend injury,” and the lead question, “How did the game go?”
Good on you Jack, you certainly have a flair with a microphone.