Every hour in the great red heart of our country seemed to bring a new amazing experience. Midday on Friday the 21st found us perched on two camels belonging to the Uluara Camel Trekking arm of Ananga Tours – AnanguWaai – Central Australia's Premier Aboriginal Tour Company.

The company manager and his cameleers opened their hearts to the unity of the torch and Clancy the camel graciously agreed to carry the torch with dignity. Rod was a little slower to embrace the message of oneness and appeared to feel that the flame was a little too close to his nose for comfort. His sense of unease was shared by his nervous passenger.

Any nervousness was quickly dispelled by the enthusiasm and friendship of the handlers as they discussed the need for world harmony. We were left wishing that we could have spent more time on one of their evening treks to the ‘Rock’. Somehow the desert and the animals made a perfect backdrop for the flame.

In the afternoon we spent time with Carol Marando. Carol makes spectacular lampwork beads which she then combines into stunning original jewellery. She is currently displaying her work at the prestigious gallery located within the Yulara resort. Carol talked about her feeling of oneness with the flame and willingly stepped outside to be part of the torch experience. She invited us to call her when the torch passes through her home town of Avoca Beach in NSW. She was keen to continue her acquaintance with what we stand for.

On the morning of the 22nd we went out to Mutitjulu to have a farewell breakfast with Bob. While we were there the community nurse called in to visit. As soon as Bob began to tell her about the torch she put her hand on her heart and expressed her joy at hearing about such as event. Jessica May is currently a locum in the community and is studying for her doctorate at university in Perth. She made a strong and emotional connection and commented that Aboriginal people are connected to the symbolism of the flame. She asked that her people be included in the ceremonies in Perth and offered to contact the local elder.

– Karina Ward

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