In a time of change some things don't really change at all

MOST recently, the work of delivering the Derwent Valley Gazette fell to Ruby Jackson, their younger sister.  

And she’s a little going to miss it, and more than just a little.

The job of delivering the paper each Wednesday is now done via the internet, no longer in paper form by delivery kids like Ruby.

It’s sad to say goodbye to the paperboys and girls of the world, but it’s the way things work now.

The Jackson family’s paper round started out on the Fairview side of New Norfolk, but over time added some additional deliveries around Gateway, the area of new homes above the southern approach to New Norfolk.

After four years, what will she miss most?

“Most people are friendly,” says Ruby. “A lot of them are happy to leave money out for the paper.

“And they like to talk to you, too,” she says, “so you develop a relationship with them. They’re loyal and sometimes it’s hard to get away.”

She talks about a particular cat that became something  of a companion over the last four years. “It was always there at the door waiting for me to come with the paper, and it felt good to see it week after week,” she says.

The bigger picture for the Year 9 student at New Norfolk High was about responsibility.

“You learn how to deal with the money side of things,” she says, “and more, about making sure you turn up on time, no matter what the weather or how you’re feeling.”

“It’s only a couple of hours a week, but she’s learned about time management,” says her mum, Kirby, who as a nurse divides her time between the District facility in New Norfolk and Calvary Hospital.

Mum has been involved since the boys had the delivery run, usually keeping an eye on things from the car.

“You learn to talk to people… a good skill to have,” adds Ruby.

The 15-year-old will miss Easter and Christmas, when the larger tips and boxes of chocolates came thick and fast.

The rule, says Ruby, was to put away half of everything she earned, and spend the other half on enjoying herself, including going out to movies.

“It’s a different feeling because I’ve earned the money. It’s mine. And that allows me to go places... I’ve been on a cruise, taken trips to the mainland, seen a concert in Adelaide using my own saved money.”

The best thing about the Gazette job?

“Well, having a job like the paper run sets you up to get the next job,” prompts her mother. “You’ve now got some skills, shown some responsibility, learned how to handle money.”

For Ruby Jackson, the four years of the Gazette paper run has already paid dividends.

Last week, after a successful interview, she did her first shift as a sales assistant at the Reject Shop in New Norfolk.

“Here’s the thing,” says Ruby. “You’ve got something on paper when employers ask you for your resume. There’s something on there you can talk about. It’s a good start.”

Picture: Ruby Jackson and her mum Kirby