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Interview with a Living In Australia study interviewer |
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In July 2007, the 'Life Matters' programme on ABC Radio National broadcast a feature on the Living in Australia study and the HILDA 2007 Research Conference, held at The University of Melbourne during the same month.
The programme featured an interview with one of the Living in Australia interviewers, Peter George, and excerpts from the speech he gave as the Guest Speaker at the Conference Dinner. Here are some of the things he had to say:
"One of the hidden pleasures of being a [Living in Australia] interviewer is to reacquaint with the same people every year. It often reminds me of that film 'Same Time Next Year'. Some people are horrified when they see us because they are gobsmacked that a year has already gone by. Others welcome us with open arms because the finance section of the survey motivates them to get their tax returns in order."
Peter, who has been an interviewer on the Living in Australia study since 2002, reflected on some of his experiences. He particularly enjoys visiting the wide variety of people who take part in the study as they all have a different story to tell. The feature on our study ended with the presenter, Mark Horstman, saying "If any of the 13,000 participants are listening – we thank you on behalf of the nation."
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Our thanks to you |
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Thank you for the important contibution you make to this study. As a small gift for your participation we will give you $30 cash at the end of the interview. When everyone in the household has taken part, your household will recieve a bonus $30. With your ongoing support and cooperation, this important national study will continue to be a valuable tool in helping shape our nation.
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Meet the team |
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In the Living In Australia study there are over 140 interviewers conducting interviews in each state across Australia. We would like to introduce you to some of the interviewers from Roy Morgan Research who, like you, contribute to the Living in Australia study each year.
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Gabriela Strunk
“I have been an interviewer on the Living in Australia study for six years and have built many relationships with respondents during that time. The nature of the study means I am constantly meeting new and wonderful people from all walks of life.
I start to become part of the family as respondents share their family’s lives with me – I in turn tend to do the same. The majority of respondents know me by first name, my interests, right down to how I drink my tea. I know I am doing a good job when that happens!
The best reward is knowing that respondents have a sense of trust in me as an interviewer - they’re happy to deal with me. Overall, it’s a joyous experience! I love my job and enjoy the interaction and freedom it provides. Working with families and learning their views can be very rewarding.”
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Cheryl Pherrett
“I have the best job in the world. I love meeting people and I love the flexibility of my job. What I love about being an interviewer is being re-acquainted with the families that I have now been interviewing for nine years.
I've seen primary school children grow to become young adults and now they are 15 years of age and being interviewed themselves. I now interview the 'original teenagers' (GEN Ys) in their own homes with their new partners... yes, some do move out! Over the past nine years there has been the sad news of some passing of the elderly but also the joy of new babies being born. I've been fortunate enough to interview in Melbourne as well as interstate and intrastate and loved every minute of it.”
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John Kenney
“Thirteen years ago I moved interstate and into the unknown. I left behind a most fulfilling career and an extensive social network. The ensuing two or three years were very difficult for me as I tried to come to terms with the debilitating disengagement I felt with my new community.
Then, nine years ago an inspiring new project entered my life, and what a change it made to my personal well being! The arrival of what I affectionately call "Aunty HILDA", or the "Living In Australia" study brought about that change. During those nine years I have conducted almost one thousand three hundred HILDA interviews, ranging across a very broad and interesting spectrum of local society. I have formed warm friendships with many of the people I see each year and we now share the joys (and at times the difficulties) in our respective lives. That sense of involvement, albeit a limited one, has worked wonders for my sense of belonging.
To unexpectedly bump into a friendly face at one of the many shopping centres on the Gold Coast, or to read about someone I know in the local newspaper, or to hear an interview with one of "my people" on the radio, together with the yearly visits to people's homes has done wonders to dissolve the sense of alienation I once felt. Once again I feel connected with my community. For that reason, along with others too numerous to mention, I am hugely indebted to the HILDA project. Thank you!”
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Marie Hammond
“Working as part of Roy Morgan Research's interview team for HILDA is great. It just seems so natural to be working for an Australian owned, family run business, asking fellow Australians about their families, whilst quietly making history. The family theme continues with the introduction of the young, friendly 1800 Team, ever ready to assist.
I have been given the opportunity to meet wonderful people of all ages and backgrounds, that has enriched my own life. Over the tables, I have shared many stories, full of life's little anecdotes, the highs and lows, just what living in Australia is all about.
An unforeseen bonus is my ever expanding knowledge of road maps, in as much I could become a cab driver, should I so desire.
I enjoy the work and feel privileged to be making my small contribution to our country's future.”
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