Border Crossings

On Tuesday evening 28 May 2019, my local council considered the following motion: From:  https://businesspapers.randwick.nsw.gov.au/Open/2019/05/OC_28052019_AGN_AT.PDF I had the opportunity to speak for the motion.  And I said: This is an opportunity to promote a sense of community, of belonging, of developing human connection within Randwick through listening. We simply take two chairs, one for the volunteer listener and one for another, out onto the pavement, shopping mall, library, park or beach front, sit down and offer to listen to anyone about anything.  That’s all!  No judgements, no advice giving, no problem solving, no people fixing.  Just skilled, intentional, empathetic listening that fosters human connection and a sense of belonging. And it works.  It works in San Francisco where Sidewalk Talk started in 2015.  It works in the 12 countries and 40 cities across the world where up to 4000 volunteers sit in public spaces to listen to others.  Sometimes week

Granddaughter Matilda less than 24 hours old, now 21 months.  A miracle! Since I last wrote on this blog Australia has seen a 6 week election campaign and the surprise re-election of a Liberal National Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Scott Morrison.  As a woman of faith, hope and love I sent him the following email yesterday, less than 48 hours after his "miraculous" win. Dear Mr Morrison I too believe in miracles.   Congratulations on leading the Liberal and National Parties to a new term of government here in Australia. You said in your victory speech on Saturday night, that “Tonight is not about me or it’s not about the Liberal Party.   Tonight is about every single Australian who depends on this government to put them first.”   I urge you, and the Australian Parliament, to live that miraculous vision. It will be a miracle when our Government enables us as a nation to put first all Australians depending on them: To put first