The Australian government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
At birth, I was premature, breach, unable to pass urine and unable to breathe without assistance. I had a condition known as posterior urethral valves. The doctors gave my parents 2 choices: one was to turn off the life support and let me die, and the other was an operation that might prolong my life for 2 months. Mum told them, 'We are going to pray for a miracle,' and my parents told the doctors to go ahead with the operation.
After 6 weeks I was able to go home for the first time. At one year old I had my left kidney removed as it didn't function at all. I couldn't go to the toilet naturally until I was 5 and had reconstructive surgery on my bladder. I can still remember going to the toilet for the first time.
I had many trips to the hospital for check-ups and minor operations. At age 12, I began getting serious infections in my kidney as my bladder muscles were too weak to fully drain. Doctors performed an appendicovesicostomy, which is an operation to create a stoma from my appendix to drain my bladder.
At 16 and studying year 10 at school, my kidney function fell rapidly. I lost a lot of weight fast and remember lying awake every night thinking I was going to die. Both of my parents were compatible, however Mum decided to be the donor so Dad could stay and work the family dairy farm.
Mum had the 5-hour operation. The next day I woke up and even though I was unable to move, I felt well. I had never known what it was like to feel well until that day. The new kidney had almost instantly started to function and functioned fully within days.
I had a year off to fully recover and just enjoy myself. I surfed and fished almost every day. I had a very close encounter with a 2.5m shark going under my board. Then I joined the surf life-saving club and trained with them for about 4 months. I did weight training and went running every day and became very fit.
My neighbour had a heart attack and asked me to mow the lawn while he recovered. I discovered I was very good and very fast at it and I loved working with plants. I started a lawn mowing and gardening business, which I still own and run today. I have been quite successful with it and have gone on to study Certificate III in horticulture.
I still surf, fish and ride motor bikes every chance I get and I thank God every day. I love life.
Nic
