Meet our Staff - Livia

Each month Krystal Burt finds out what makes our Staff special, this month it's one of our Receptionists, Livia.

How long have you been at CCMC?

I've been here at CCMC for over 2 years now, working on the Reception Desk and in Admin. I also translate for the doctors when needed as I speak Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in China in a city named Guangzhou, near Hong Kong. I left at age 18 and moved to NZ by myself to study Pastry Cooking. I eventually made my way to Perth because it's in the same time zone as China, and the weather is much better ;)

How does China's Health care services differ to Perth?

In China we combine our GP's, specialist's, and pharmacist's together into one role. So I was very confused when I first came here! We don't have GP clinics, only hospitals, so you need to go to a hospital for ALL medical needs. Waiting time can be very bad, and you cannot make an appointment ahead of time. We also split medicine into two main categories - Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine.

Best part of your job?

I love being able to help people who cannot speak English well when they see a doctor. A lot of tourists don't speak English, or not well enough, to easily explain their medical concerns. It can be very stressful for them so I'm happy to be able to help.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests outside of work?

I work A LOT. I'm part time here at CCMC, and also work at a local Restaurant so I don't have a lot of time off. I like to stay active though, so I do both Badminton and Thai boxing a few nights a week after work. It’s a social event for me as I play with friends.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

What’s up by 4 Non Blondes. Heard that from a TV Drama named Sense 8.

Chinese new year is coming up, can you tell us what this means to you and how you will be celebrating it?

5th Feb is the Chinese New Year's day. This will be the start of the year of the pig, which is a popular year to be born in for us. We believe we don’t need to worry about food and will enjoy a care free lifetime if born in the year of the pig.

To celebrate I normally go for Yumcha (dimsim) in the morning, then go shopping whilst wearing new shoes. We believe that walking in new shoes on New Years Day will ensure that the new year runs smoothly for you. Then we have a big dinner with friends and family to celebrate, and play Majong.

Common Rules we need to follow during the New Year period (2 weeks):

-Can't cut hair from a couple of days before, and up to 15 days after.

-Can't wash hair on New Years day

-Can't sweep or vacuum the floor in your house

-Can't clean your house or wash anything on new years day

-You must make sure you have food leftovers from New Years Eve to save and eat on New Years Day

-Red pocket-money is given on New Years Day(in the morning usually) from our older generations to single people and children

-We eat sugar/candied food on New Years Day, so the rest of your year will be sweet

-Can't do any gardening, as cutting plants is cutting away your luck, watering is leaking away your luck

-You have to settle ALL debts before the New Year

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A Chinese tea cup as a secret Santa.