A long wait to Return to Country

It was an emotional day when Ranklin finally Returned to Country after being separated from family for many years.

Word spread quickly about his arrival to Numbulwar in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and he was greeted warmly by lots of family when he stepped off the plane from Darwin.  Ranklin was excited to reconnect with his son, family, culture and language. A lot of photos were taken, all featuring big smiles!

Pearle, Supervisor at Healthscope Independence Services, supported him for the trip, along with his Support Coordinator and Occupational Therapist.

“It took a lot of planning to bring Ranklin back to country, but it made my heart really happy.  It was beautiful to see the pure joy from his family after many years apart,” Pearle said.

Ranklin’s family welcomed Pearle and thanked her for supporting him over the last four years.  

“It was a great opportunity to support him back to country and learn about his family, culture and the land,” she said.

Healthscope Independence Services has been supporting Ranklin for the last 8 years. Initially he lived at Rosebery House and with the support of the team he has transitioned to living more independently on his own.