Why bother?

I teach Auto tech at a school.  Not really teaching auto, more giving the kids an insight into the world of automotive technology, workshop practises, and a basic understanding of how things work.  A good grounding for an apprenticeship should they want to go further.

My cunning plan for the classes was to get some older motorbikes donated (I have at least a dozen ready) for the students to either rebuild, or customise.  The kids get to play with the bikes, learning about the systems/components, tools, and machinery, processes involved, customer interaction etc.  The owner gets their bike back, working , restored, etc. The school gets the best of training aids, at no cost to them, as all parts are paid for by the owners.

WIN, WIN, WIN.

No, it''s not, you see, there's one of me, and 36 kids in two groups.  I can't be at every project all the time. So I need time to inspect and maybe rectify the work kids do.  I also need the time to do the work that the kids can't do themselves, as they aren't mechanics, and teaching them to be mechanics is beyond the scope of the school.

But nope, the OH&S droid, in his wisdom, and without any consultation, has denied access to the workshop after hours.  I'm a Mechanic, been one for 30 years, I was a mechanic in the army, often working in the field, at night, alone. I have been, previously, an OH&S supervisor for 12 years, but this man, without any experience in auto, or qualifications, has decided I am either incompetent, or untrustworthy, or both, and has denied my access to the workshop to do my job.

So the school loses, the kids lose (and if it's not about the kids, what the fuck is it about?)  I lose.

I still get all indignant, pissed off etc, but can't be fucked fighting anymore.


It seems for every good thing that happens in this life, there's always at least one event, or more often person, who creates a situation that fucks it up, and causes at least two negative events to follow.









Fuckwit OH&S/HR droid is the latest in my life. He's turning my finally found dream job into dull, process filled 9-5 work (Actually 8:20 till 3:00).

Aside from helping out mates with a workshop, I need the after hours access to do the work on the project bikes that the kids cannot do. I also cannot be at every bike all the time during classes, so will need time to inspect/rectify students work. That looks like it wont be possible.

So the "real life" projects, in all probability, are to be canned. The excursions to events, not worth the "process" involved to get off the ground.

I'm sick of having to fight for just the simple things. I can't do the "Office politics" anymore, I was never any fucking good at it anyway.

If the current decision stands, I'll give notice and slink away into the shadows, they can play their games on someone else.

Chalk up another victory to the Beige, another nail in  the coffin of the individual, the people with the drive and passion to do things better.

I've had it, Just can't be fucked anymore.

Black dog! where fore art thou dog?  come and embrace me.  For at least you have passion.

An insight into the mind of a Police Commissioner

It's not a very pretty sight, IMHO.


Have a read of this  It's a concern, if they really think that way.

Mr Overland said.

“Such gatherings, even when totally benign , have the potential to undermine confidence in public institutions - especially policing,''

So,  he's so paranoid that he knows that a " totally benign " gathering  has "the potential to undermine confidence in public institutions"

Riiiight,  I'm gunna go and dob in the local little old ladies crochet club, I reckon they plan to send poison lamingtons to the mens lawn bowls team"

Then I'll start to worry about the local boy scouts, fair dinkum, anyone who goes under the pseudonym of :Akela or Baloo must be a subvertive I reckon.

When you gunna change your name to "Overlord", Mr Overland?


Get a fucking grip will you, paranoia is so yesterday.