Appin Hall Children's Foundation
Appin Hall had a BIG finish to 2010. By February, we were fully booked once again. Numerous families have been enjoying respite and healing on-site with individual children being accompanied by either a grandparent or social worker. All in all, it has been an absolute joy to offer many children a special place to rest, heal and play. This has enabled children needing respite to shift focus toward nature and our peaceful environment.
Chelsea & Scott with wombat
People often ask "what sort of children do you have at AH?" The response is that all our clients suffer 'disadvantage' in some way. For example, a child may be grieving because a parent has passed away or is about to die. Others may have been abandoned by parents and now live with grandparents. Some kids may be recovering from surgery while others have experienced deep trauma from sexual abuse or domestic violence. Approximately 80% of young folk and their families are Tasmanian which includes large camps from respite organisations such as CanTeen, Commonwealth Carers Respite Centres and other children‟s community organisations. However, we continue to expand public awareness activities on mainland Australia. This year Appin Hall invited two families with indigenous heritage from Adelaide. Many families find it difficult to cope with financial instability and the inability to live beyond survival mode. Many do not have Dad at home any longer.
"The children's courage is such an inspiration. It is rare that they focus on, or speak about, their specific „condition‟ or trauma. They come to Appin Hall to relax, to heal, and to have fun - apart from when Ronnie attempts to terrorise them! The encounter is more an exchange of recognition, humility and respect"
- Maggie Burns
1. Volunteers and Supporters
We can never praise or say enough that would amplify the grateful thanks Appin Hall has towards our marvelous volunteers, donors and supporters. Combined, they are all vital links in the fabric of care that is being offered to visiting families – it is through their amazing dedication that the project bounds ahead to meet objectives. The achieved results are brought about by the love these people have in their hearts and the understanding they hold as to what must be achieved to provide a high level of care, safety and administration toward this endeavor.
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| Champions Wendy & Brian Faulkner |
Rowley Family on stage with Ronnie |
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| MyState Foundation's Tim Goulay & Deirdre Eastern |
Chef, Claire Taylor & Birthday Cake |
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| Saints Supporters of Launceston assist AH |
Knitted house slippers on clothes line |
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| Westpac Charity Committee presentation |
Hawk (our dog) kids favourite |
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'Imagine' (John Lennon)
Take a look at this group of international buskers, known as 'Playing for Change' singing 'Imagine' (around the world) in the key Lennon originally recorded it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvFLKyAGzzI
2. Social Workers
Social Workers: Dale Davey, Debra Drake, Maryanne Ryan with Ronnie
Over the past seven years, a number of social workers and occasional psychologists accompany larger camps to Appin Hall. These remarkable professionals are at the coalface of the emotional trauma that is increasing within the fabric of our fragile society. Appin Hall welcomes and encourages these specialised 'workers' (Angels would be far more descriptive). They are trained to work closely with the child and family to help alleviate trauma, build confidence and build self-esteem in their clients. Generally, these professionals guide young people toward a better understanding of self, integrity and the society within which we live. Their guidance and supervision often brings a child's life back into some sort of emotional perspective and balance before they step into the community at large. We cannot physically remove the pain and heartache from a young person‟s traumatic experience. Trauma and abuse scar the minds of youngsters developing amidst such life threatening circumstances. However, together, we can put such conditions into a healing perspective in an attempt to avoid dysfunctional behavior or a deeper wound developing.
Early March, Maggie and Ronnie undertook a keynote presentation for the State Social Worker Conference along with a presentation by Tasmania's Commissioner of Children Aileen Ashford. Meeting these focused men and women was inspirational and knowledgeable. We look forward to working with these dedicated people at Appin Hall.
"Everything we do has to be with the belief that all of us deserve to face our future with a sense of excitement and wanting to be there. Children aren't always in control of what happens to them and school social workers offer a way forward that might not otherwise be available". Maryanne Ryan - Senior Social Worker - Learning Services North West
"Every child and every parent deserves to be listened to when so much around them sometimes squashes their voices. We hear, we problem solve, and we intervene in order for silent voices to be heard" Debra Drake - Social Worker - North West Learning Service
"The children know that Maggie and I are simply the front guys.
They know there is an army of people building the Appin Hall vision.
They are very much aware that volunteers and supporters
give so much to make their stay exciting, safe and memorable"
- Ronnie Burns
3. Children and Animals
Chelsea with Tania Roberts & 'Annie'
There has recently been an addition to the Appin Hall family. Diane and Bob Hey (Burnie) graciously donated two male Alpaca youngsters for the enjoyment of visiting children. A large paddock was installed for the pair whose names are registered as Appin Hall Rosko (black coat) and Jimmy (white). Young animals have a distinctive healing effect on children. Now our growing numbers of animal residents are serving that purpose.
4. Child Protection Training Course
Alpacas Rosco and Jimmy
In March Ronnie attended a 1-day child protection training course with professional facilitators Carl Collins and Ian Hopley from CACET Global „Child Abuse Consultancy and Training‟ (Adelaide). The course partly focused on how to identify the behavior of child offenders which brought Ronnie to the following conclusion;
"Having undergone the CACET Global child protection training course with Ian and Carl, I believe I am now better informed and equipped to guide my staff and volunteers toward identifying individuals (predators/molesters) who have an intent to violate and exploit children and young people from within our ranks, so to speak. From the perspective of all organizations caring for families or large numbers of children, it is our moral and legal duty to protect the innocence of these children and to be far better equipped to assess, understand and monitor key abuse indicators – in tandem with numerous other methods available through this type of workshop. It is vital we have the tools to assist in evaluating and identifying child sexual exploitation before it occurs. It is vital we become aware of, and familiarise our organisation with; specific State laws regulated to protect our kids" – Ronnie Burns
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| CACET's Carl Collins & Ian Hopely |
Central Coast 'Charity Ride' Cheque Presentation |
ABRACADABRA!
I will create as I speak
Aramaic: Abra: "to create" Cadabra: "As I say"
A magical formula invoking the aid of beneficial spirits against disease and misfortune
5. STOP PRESS! – A Burnie Fundraising Concert
Crescendo Choir 'Celebrate the Child' 2010
Appin Hall is staging its annual: 'Celebrate the Child' fundraising concert on Tasmania's North West Coast Saturday 17th September, Burnie Town Hall, 7pm. The line-up includes the Roy Orbison Tribute performer Athol Matcham (unbelievably like the Big 'O', Cameron and Taylor Henderson runners up 'Australia's Got Talent' 2010 (Seven Network), Ronnie Burns, local electronic violinist Peter Shurley and band, North West's 'Reflexions' dancers and local singer, Leah Woodberry. The event will be hosted by local Liberal MP Brett Whiteley - along with the SCTV's 'Dancing with the Stars' finalist, the beautiful Alex Fevola. Again, the 'Celebrate the Child' concert will be publicised by Southern Cross TV statewide. All performers/sponsors are giving their valuable time to help Appin Hall. We want EVERYONE on the North West Coast to rock up to help Tassie kids! Tickets available at Burnie Arts & Function Centre (Wilmot Street) or their Website: www.burniearts.net. To receive an electronic flyer, contact Sylvia Berger, c/- Post Office, Penguin, 7316 or email
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6. Persian Love Cake
from Lauren Burns latest release cookbook
'Food from a Loving Home' The book can be purchased
($29.95) on Lauren's website:
www.laurenburns.com
7. Food from a Loving Home - A collection of vegetarian recipes
Ronnie and Maggie are proud to announce the release of Lauren's cookbook, which shares many of the Burns family favourite recipes.
This book is a project of love made by two friends, home cook Lauren Burns and designer Sarah Rudledge. Lauren and Sarah have collaborated to produce a work with local origins. It represents handcrafted food and design and aims to encompass the pleasure and beauty of cooking and sharing food.
Lauren has always been passionate about food. She became a vegetarian at the age of three. Lauren is proud that, despite many nutritionists telling her it simply wasn't possible, she was able to continue being a vegetarian throughout her elite sporting career.
Lauren's enthusiasm for health and nutrition, together with her respect for the human body and the mechanisms that govern it, encouraged her to become a naturopath. In addition to the recipes in her book, Lauren has drawn on her naturopathy training to include a chapter called 'Home Apothecary', which provides simple home remedies for common ailments as well as instructions on making your own lip balm and moisturiser.
"Growing up, food and family meal were always a big focus. The meal table was always a time when my family came together to chat about our day, talk, laugh and fight over the last morsel of Maggie's amazing food (before Ronnie could get his hands on our food!). Mum always encouraged and involved us in the kitchen, but more importantly lead by example in showing us how to cook with Love. I adore cooking and feel happiest in a warm home, sharing food with friends and family. When pregnant with my daughter, Piper, I was more enthusiastic about food than usual and began to put my recipes down on paper. Following this, I decided to collaborate with my friend and talented designer, Sarah Rudledge and so the idea for a cookbook was born. 'Food from a Loving Home' is a collection of my favourite 100 recipes: from breakfast dishes to desserts. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do." - Lauren
