Don McDonald
Radio Announcer:
Monday Morning Breakfast Program
Monday Afternoon (3pm-5pm)
I had not long retired after a 42 year career with the Department of Agrculture when I was invited to do some announcing for Rhema. My professional career as an agricultural scientist began in 1957 when I was appointed Rice Breeder and Agronomist at the Yanco Experiment Station, as it was then known. In that role I had the privilege of breeding Australia?s first high yielding long grain variety of rice and contributing to the development of several later better quality ones. In 1967, with the generous support of the rice industry, I took my family to the USA where I gained a PhD in genetics and plant physiology from Texas A&M University. My career in rice breeding effectively ended three years after returning to Yanco in 1971, when I was appointed Regional Director of Research for the irrigated areas of southern NSW. I came to Orange in 1981 as one of the first Regional Directors of Agriculture with a region stretching from Eden on the south coast to Condobolin and beyond in the west. Fortunately I had a pilots licence and often flew to distant parts of the region rather than spending hours in the car.
None of this is any real qualification to be a radio announcer, except perhaps that I was used to speaking in public and had a good working knowledge of computers. More importantly, a number of close encounters with the living Lord Jesus changed my life along the way and I was keen to contribute to spreading the good news of His love for every person.
Hello Don
Long time no catchup. I hope all is well with you and your family. I have seen those weather maps with Orange showing a max temp for the day of 5 degrees & hoping you are all rugged up by the fire with a glass of smooth red.
My apologies for being so bad at catching up, the past couple of years have been very hectic with the move to Melbourne and a steep learning curve in a new field. I have been fortunate enough to gain a good grounding in sustainability, the acronyms & workings of Victorian state government, and networks across the state. I manage to get to my cottage on the river at Deniliquin every few weeks, so am very fortunate.
My 2 year contract with Sustainability Victoria is coming to a close. It may potentially be extended, but I am beginning to scan the sustainable environmental working world for other positions out there.
I am hoping to get back to Orange for a visit, perhaps in the Spring!
My 2 year contract with Sustainability Victoria is coming to a close can you believe, so I am scanning around for other positions. There’s some chance of extending or making my SV position permanent but that process hasn’t started yet.
I am beginning to apply for new positions, and wondered if you would still be willing to be a referee for me? Most applications require a supervisor from your previous two positions, so I just wanted to warn you that the possibility is on the cards.
I am applying for a position with Victoria Dept Sustainability & Environment – NRM type of project management – they have 4 jobs going across the state, and also looking at some of the CMA positions.
Take care am missing you all & missing Orange!
Linda
Linda Duffy, Contracts Manager ESAS Projects, Sustainability Fund, Sustainability Victoria
T: 03 8626 8872| Urban Workshop, Level 28, 50 Lonsdale St. Melbourne 3000 | http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au