Appin Hall Children’s Foundation Newsletter 2010
A great amount of healing and respite has been enjoyed by a large number of families visiting Appin Hall throughout the year. It is most humbling to witness families being touched by the experiences and reconnection with one another in a peaceful environment.
Families Report
It is a joy to see people change in a short amount of time, and, in most cases, the children do not want to leave the property. They usually have big smiles and do not tire from running around in the fresh mountain air. It has become evident this year, that far more health industry professionals are making initial contact (on behalf of potential clients) in order to refer children and their families to Appin Hall. These include social workers, doctors, welfare and shelter groups, carer respite organizations, senior nursing staff from children's wards – and child protection services in several states.
Volunteers
As always Appin Hall's precious volunteer group has raised the bar with their commitment, dedication, warm hearts and friendly attitude. Not only do they get stuck into the multitude of weekly tasks, they make the wheels of the Foundation turn, with everyone appreciative in regard to the specific areas they attend to: the volunteer family team, provide invaluable service to the needs of families traumatized by serious illness or grief – along with organizing and ushering community groups on-site. They are a happy crew and enjoy each other's company working alongside one another. In November we bid farewell to our office ace Cindy Thom. Cindy, who has worked professionally and diligently for AH for 3 years, expanded her talents beyond the office into garden design, welcoming and coordinating visiting community bus groups – and continuing her wholehearted approach to the successes achieved throughout those years. She is a much loved and valued volunteer and she will be missed.
We wish to acknowledge the contribution of Penguin (Tas) singer/musician Daniel Lebkowski. Daniel has been a friend and vital contributor to the Appin Hall entertainment Music Nights for several years now and very popular with visiting camps of young people. Once a heavy metal drummer in Maryborough (Vic), Daniel now plays popular and country music (guitar) in particular the songs of John Williamson. Since moving to Penguin a few years back, he is making a name for himself along the north coast – and is very much respected for his musical gifts - and one of many minstrels regularly entertaining the children at Appin Hall.
"Children need truth, honesty and integrity"
- Angelina Jolie
Schools on-site
School day trips have been a successful Appin Hall initiative whereby local schools (along the north coast of Tasmania) have, at allocated times, been invited on-site to have a 'look see', bring their lunch - and join in for garden or wood stacking clean-up, or participating in local workshops: The Quiet Cone (gonging and meditation), Taiko Drummers (Japanese drumming workshop) and several other inspirational group gatherings resulted in the kids being able to enjoy an experience with a difference.
Sadly, the Haig Street Primary School (West Heidelberg, Vic) after six consecutive school camps at Appin Hall, will no longer be coming on excursion. The regular November trip of these beautiful children and their loving teachers has provided a Tasmanian holiday for Year 6 students graduation and farewell from their school. Because of the amalgamation of schools nationally, they will not be able to make the trek across the Bass Straight.
Our sincere thanks to the wonderful Chris Gill (teacher) whose loving support has provided an experience these kids will not forget. You will always be an inspiration to us Chris – you made the best lasagna and roast chicken dinners.
JBF – Over the past couple of years the Jim Bacon Foundation has provided a great deal of support to the AH endeavour. Through the responsive awareness and attention of dear friend and supporter, Honey Bacon, the continuing JBF's endowment has been a vital link within Appin Hall's process to readily invite children and their families whom might otherwise have not have been able to afford the occasion to enjoy a due holiday and rest.
Often when a child becomes unwell the entire family go through a life changing experience: Mum relinquishes other duties to care for her child, parents give up work to care for siblings, grandparents are required for physical and emotional support, and friends called upon as another source of reassurance and help.
Appin Hall is proud to work in association with the JBF because many of our clients are disadvantaged through the ordeal of cancer and comparable related conditions.
We deeply appreciate this contribution and gift.
Proposed Fundraising Concerts
In order for Appin Hall to expand and sustain its building development program, and to fulfill day-to-day operations, it is essential our fundraising drive remains regular on all levels of commitment and obligation. To this end, Appin Hall created a fundraising concert in order to generate much needed funding and public awareness.
The concert was staged in Launceston on International Children's Day titled: 'Celebrate the Child'. The line-up included Normie Rowe, Cameron and Taylor Henderson runners up 'Australia's Got Talent' 2010 (Seven Network), Ronnie Burns, local electronic violinist Peter Shurley and his band, north coasts 
Crescendo Choir and Tapestry Dance Troupe. The event was hosted by SC-TV weatherman Peter Murphy and publicized by SC-TV statewide.
All participants gave of their valuable time to help Appin Hall and the outcome was a big success. The hard work provided by event organiser Sylvia Berger was outstanding – and she pulled the concert together professionally and with precision.
'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated'
- Mahatma Gandhi
Big thanks to Anita Baltutis in Adelaide for staging her second fundraising dinner for Appin Hall. The dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel featured media personality Andrew 'Cosi' Costello, party band 'Chill' with cameo performance from extraordinary guitarist Tzan Niko – with Ronnie and Maggie Burns as Keynote speakers. Anita has a big vision (and heart) to assist children in several states and has been trialing Appin Hall as a model and long-term healing/educational facility for kids Australia-wide.
Corporate Sponsorship Funding ...
In the second half of the year Appin Hall's Board of Directors undertook a plan to develop a stronger, more resourceful, corporate partnership program to underpin the primary building blocks of regular business support. Appin Hall's strategy to elevate its corporate vocation is primarily tied to its vision to maximise the potential of children at risk, or who suffer disadvantage in our society.
In this way, Appin Hall will expand its charter in providing a centre of healing, learning & hope designed to rebuild self-esteem - reconnecting children to a positive sense of self, family, 
community & the natural environment. Late August, Director, Andrea Pearman (NAB) and Ronnie Burns conducted a number of meetings incl. Sydney-based corporate marketing specialist: Russell Feilin (Javelin PR) and AFL Chief, Andrew Demetriou to formulate the beginnings of a marketing strategy engaging corporate Australia to participate in assisting Appin Hall to attain a national profile.
In memory of Dylan Scott ...
"In what ways can we attempt to understand the feelings and aspirations of a child whose life is approaching closure. A coming to terms, so to speak, with their own soul's journey – and, perhaps not so readily, an acceptance of some preordained t
ermination to their Life. When Dylan Scott popped-up in my life, I felt a curious empathy and connection with this 8 yr old boy. Notwithstanding the brief encounter I shared with his beautiful sister and brother, I was drawn to Dylan's passage and his seemingly gentle drive toward holding onto existence with tender care – a process that appeared to be in the capable hands of a Master, a Sage – and not so much a fragile kid bamboozled by his extraordinary circumstances. His inner calm and wisdom was everything but illogical, because, considering his manner, there was evidence of perception, knowledge, peace, good judgement, a 'teacher' to others, a boy not destined to become a teenager, and a flourishing insights of Self – not so much self-preservation, as I witnessed it. Courage and intuition seemed to be a fearless conviction for this remarkable lad. He touched my heart inspiring me to remain focused on the task at hand – reminding me that mediocrity, limiting negativity and fear are not acceptable within the realms of benevolence, goodwill and genuine human kindness.
The photo of Dylan and Spiderman brings up the symbol of: Spider – the Weaver of Dreams – a connection to the creative force. Spider, with its 8 legs is a representation of the symbol of Infinity. As my friend, Scott Alexander King, writes of 'Spider' in his book Animal Dreaming: "Her web is symbolic of life. As a Weaver of Dreams, Spider urges us to explore life and to reweave our web when our path becomes barren. We all yearn to believe in ourselves, to have faith in our ability to heal - and to realise our true potential. Spider calls us to embrace our Purpose and Personal Power: to reconnect with Spirit - and remember that you are not apart of the world in which you live, but rather a vital thread in the Universal tapestry. Without your input, the tapestry will fray and eventually fall apart". Good 'ol Spiderman cheek-to-cheek with Dylan.
Dylan, thank you for inspiring me toward a greater understanding and to recognise that a gentle soul ultimately brings magic and enchantment into the lives of others - because we see our Self in others, so to speak. Gentle souls lift our spirit; whilst at the same time they reassure us to check our care and compassion gauges with regularity. I was fortunate to latch on to your willingness to convey to me that 'trust in a child encourages immeasurable beauty and belief in our purpose and higher aspirations'. During our brief time together, your goodness, charm and fortitude restored reason, gratitude and motivation in me. I saw the Grace in your eyes – and immediately felt the love in my heart. Thanks for the whammy mate! Your friend - RONNIE
Poem by Dylan's Mum:
I give thanks for the time that we shared,
Dylan my love, child of light
You are free now and at peace in your angel's arms.
Free from all plastic tubes and tampering,
Free from the burden of pain or disease,
Free to fly with the eagle, like spirit true,
Free to be really you.
May your heart and soul soar free with the spirit of the eagle my love.
It's been an honour to be your mum.
As part of me, you are in my heart and mind always with love.
"For it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be; what is once well done - is done forever"
- Henry David Thoreau
Wishing you a Joyeux Noël and our best wishes for a happy/slower paced 2011
