WHiP
November 2011
(What’s happening in Pathways WA)
Thank You
Thanks to all for your participation and forbearance to date during uncertain times.
Over the past 3 months, through the continuing contribution of amazing leaders and supporters and with the support of the Foundation we have run two highly successful camps – one for young women and one for young men.
At the same time the local Council represented by Gavin Marsh, Derek Nash, Narelle Frazer and Steve Hammond have worked to create new ways forward in a challenging organisational environment.
We have come to understand that what we do – enabling community-based rites of passage - is not primarily about providing something precious for other people.
It is about maintaining and nurturing something precious to ourselves as a community - we enjoy and benefit from participating and being of service and this is the place from which we are able to create extraordinary things with and for others.
From this place we are charting a direction that inevitably involves change. We do not need to hurry. Our relationships with each other form the basis for co-creating rites of passage programs locally that can endure and will leave a legacy into the future.
New Directions
On Thursday 1st September a Community Meeting was attended by 25 members of the local Pathways community at the Bagot Road Community Hall in Subiaco.
The notes from this gathering are attached. The (non-identifying) feedback provided by the community has provided the local Council with the guidance to reach a clear decision about a future independent of the Pathways Foundation and the accreditation model proposed by the National Office.
An Incorporated Association has been registered as a vehicle to enable us to continue to enable rites of passage programs in WA.
Please read the attached notes as they provide a basis for this decision and are a reminder of the heart felt sentiments shared at the meeting.
Council will be communicating our position to the Pathways Foundation ahead of their AGM this Friday.
A Visit to Oral McGuire’s Property
Eleven Pathways campers stayed overnight at Avondale Farm near Beverley last weekend getting to know Oral and the land that his family owns and cares for.
It was a rich and rewarding experience with enthusiasm for a return visit and running a camp from this place next year.
At this stage we have decided not to lock in any firm dates for camps next year. However we have established a list of those families interested in participating in a camp next year in anticipation of offering this opportunity in a way that will be rewarding for all involved – participants and leaders.
PIW Camp Report / Leadership Update
After much negotiation and juggling we managed to create a wonderfully rich PIW camp at Serpentine Retreat Centre in August this year. This camp was attended by 14 young women and their mothers and it was an honour to bear witness to the challenges faced and overcome by this courageous group and to watch their personal transformations within the 5 days we shared.
As always there were many laughs, tears and hugs as we walked the journey alongside these women. This was done with some incredibly satisfied bellies due to our fantastic cooks Michelle and Maricette who not only nurtured us with their cooking but also with their wisdom. We look forward to sharing many meals with them in the future.
A huge thank you to Moira who put in much time and energy in sorting logistics and also to Allan Mallaby and all those who assisted in the erecting and dismantling of the tepee and carting of logs boxes to and fro!
Due to the ill health of some of our leaders, it was a camp that saw many people step up and into new roles. Thank you to Sandra for holding the first night with such grace and ease and to Rohin Wyburn, Steve Hammond, Richard Beavit and Keith Hutchings for their support with first night and return day. It was such a lovely moment moving back into the community with such strong male leadership. Thanks to all women leaders who helped make this camp an easy joyful experience.
A special mention to Rod Safstrom who helped us avoid a sticky situation……one that will go down in Pathways WA folklore. A story to be shared around a campfire….
PTM Camp Report / Leadership Update
The Pathways to Manhood Camp was run at Paten’s Brook for the last time during the first week of the school holidays using the Chidlow town hall for the leaving and return days. The response from the families involved was extremely positive. The reunion was well attended. We had the pleasure of having Jonathon Dalwitz fly in from South Australia as our training officer for the camp. It was great to see self care as one of the fundamental underpinning intentions of the leaders on this camp. This camp would not have been possible without the support of the set up team , break down team , camp “ chef “ Raimund and assistant “chef” – Jai , the women’s leadership group and women’s logistic support. Special thanks to Alan Mallaby for his roles at set up, breakdown, coordinating logistics and on camp as a leader.
Those who were at set up included
Keith Hutchings, Tim Oliver, Jack, Tashi and David Hall (coordinating), Steve Morrell,
Sam and Gavin Marsh, Rod and Marcus Safstrom, Ben Murphey and Rohin Wyburn and Alan Mallaby and Victor one of our 5 returned young men
Those at break down included
David Hall (coordinating), Jack Hall Annie Robinson, Richard Beavitt, Rod Safstrom, Ben Murphey, Gary Williams, Glenis Taylor, Roger Jacobs and Derek Nash, Alan Mallaby and Keith Hutchings
By beginning to list the people that have been involved in making this camp a success and in closing the site for Pathways WA it makes me aware of the true community spirit of this work.
It is not just about being on camp it is about the community’s hands that we are held in.
Paten’s brook is part of Pathways WA history now and many of us in different ways had the opportunity to walk and work in this beautiful valley for the last time. Adieu
Council Meetings and Participation
At present the local Council is meeting fortnightly and alternating between early Monday mornings and Thursday evenings. We have benefited from others joining us to help to explore different perspectives. The invitation to attend a meeting is extended to all and simply requires you to contact one of the Council members below to express your interest and, as relevant, to identify any particular topic you might wish to canvass.
More regular WHiP (Whats Happening in Perthways J) updates will follow from here on
With love and appreciation
Gavin Marsh mgmarsh@bigpond.net.au 0414427352
Derek Nash derek@nashandghersinich.com.au 0402792066
Narelle Frazer narellefrazer@hotmail.com 0424 925 749
Steve Hammond leehamm@bigpond.com 0434 397167