Transport Policy & Logistics –
Joe Paiva
(Adelaide: Australia)
“journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is a common saying that originated from a Chinese proverb. This saying teaches that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point; something which begins with one first step.
I very reluctantly share this narrative. At the very beginning ( 1973..74..75.) life was far from a bed of roses in Adelaide. Adelaide was the backwaters of Australia, as a city then.
I remember the Adelade airport being a ‘tin shed’. No international flights operated in and put of Adelaide.
It was the days of TAA and Ansett interstate domestic carriers.
I had to claw my way up. Number of times I did fall, and had to pull myself up again ( ripped, bleeding finger nails, metaphorically) .
It would have been futile to retune home to Ceylon, as I had burnt my bridges
Joe at the Sri Lanka cricket game February 2022 – Australia vs Sri Lanka T20 – the game that Sri Lanka won at the MCG.
It was a case of swim or sink.
Perform or Perish.
The spectre of post ‘White Australia Policy’ remained in many forms in society then.
Joe joined the Highways Dept, later Dept of Transport…Transport SA.. Dept of Transport, Planning & Infrastructure . Had a short stint in-between at Engineering & Water Supply,..SA Water.
After four months I resigned on my own accord, from the job at Island Air, fancy job title as Traffic Manager but a dead end job. I joined Highways Dept, (as a Storeman) later Dept of Transport…Transport SA.. Dept of Transport, Planning & Infrastructure .
When I retired, I was Manager Administration at HQ, Walkerville.
Had a short stint in-between at Dept of Engineering & Water Supply….SA Water.
While with Dept of Transport, I worked in Administrative roles ( short stincts,) at various regional offices, Port Augusts, Crystal Brooke, Port Lincoln, Murray Bridge, Naracoorte. This gave me a broad, in-depth knowledge and experience of operations across the State.
Joe Paiva at his desk Department of Transport – Adelaide.
Joe Paiva at his office Department of Transport – Adelaide.
The Odessy best remain dormant.
I have reached my own Everest. Each as his or her own Everest to conquer in life in the new country of adoption.
When one’s life is at the very edge of a very deep precipice.
The fear of death and the will to survive, brings out extraordinary human characters, hitherto unknown.
The Dept partly sponsored me towards tertiary studies at the University of Adelaide.
While working, I also undertook studies in Horticulture, not with thoughts of a professional career.
My late father was a very keen gardener. We had a beautiful garden in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. A hobby of his and means of relaxation.
Joe Paiva’s late father’s garden in Colombo 4 Many years ago. The lad is Joe’s nephew, who was a pace ace for the SPC under 16, Cricket then.
Joe Paiva’s late father’s garden in Colombo 4 Many years ago. The lad is Joe’s nephew, who was a pace ace for the SPC under 16, Cricket then.
I as a lad was his labourer and his shadow. Unconsciously picked up a little knowledgexalong along the way. But didn’t understand the science, behind what he did. Neither did he. I think it was a consistent trial & error approach.
I just followed orders, my father who was a strict man from the old school.
However, well after I migrated to Adelade in the mid 1970s, I wanted to delvelo deep into the science of Horticulture.
To cut the story short.
I topped that State in Horticulture & Agriculture studies.
Joe’s garden in Adelaide. Joe’s mum and her grandson ( prior to College Cricket game)
Joe’s garden in Adelaide. Joe’s mother on her holiday from Sri Lanka.
I didn’t study but wanted to learn, acquire knowlede. I cared less about passing , failing or accolades.
I focused and enjoyed the journey rather than the final destination.
The final results came as a shock to me.
Then invited to Govment House to receive my merit award.
Joe with his wife at the Government House (South Australian Governor’s House & Office)
I was completely bamboozled by a ‘Murali Dusthra.’
Joe giving Muralie some good advise 🙂 🙂
Joe’s two children are doing very well. One in Federal Govt and the other in SA, State Govt.
Might I add, my 5 year old grandson, is currently being academically fast tracked in school.
I, now in retirement, reap a rich reward. Not in the financial sense.
Here are a few other photos from Joe Paiva with captions.
Joe’s (with his brother) 🙂 🙂
Joe’s mum in Adelaide.
Joe at the very peak of Siri Pade, Sri Lanka. Converted to Buddhism. See the mist at the back!
Joe Paiva
Adelaide, South Australia
