FOR five years Clem Blake’s Ouyen weather station has been consistently won gold awards for providing more than 350 days of consistent weather observations to the Weather Observations Website.
The site is a joint venture between the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia and the Met Office in the UK.
Mr Blake is the creator of Mallee Weather Watch, a social media page that boasts more than 7500 followers and is recognised for its consistent weather observations.
“I am an official storm-spotter for the Bureau of Meteorology in north-west Victoria,” he said. “We have a strong following on social media.
“I love putting up videos and photos of weather conditions across the region.
“They can be spectacular.”
Legally blind and supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Mr Blake is proud that his weather station has been awarded its fifth gold award in consecutive years.
Mr Blake’s passion for weather, graphic design, mapping, social media and radio production has the Ouyen local hopeful his increasing independence could soon lead to part-time, paid work from home.
His love of radio was born after studying media in high school and working in community radio. Mr Blake went on to earn a Diploma of Broadcasting and combined his two great passions.
These days, he boasts a fully equipped professional weather station at his home and has presented weather forecasts for local and community radio.
“I have a lot of experience in radio production and presenting, social media and of course mapping,” he said. “I’d really like to do more radio work if the opportunity comes up.”
Until Mr Blake joined the NDIS about four years ago – supported through NDIS partner Intereach – he was often at home alone.
“Now I have support workers who have become good friends who take me out to do things I enjoy,” he said.
“They’ve also helped me learn independent living skills like cooking and washing.
“And I have a lot more support for things like shopping, cleaning, and gardening – which has freed up time for work.
“Life is definitely much better.”
Mr Blake’s Facebook page is facebook.com/MalleeWeatherWatch
With any questions about weather or work offers, make contact through the Facebook page.
