December is often a time for reflection, as we look back at the year that’s ending and look forward to celebrating with family and friends during the festive season.
As I look back on 2011 one of things I am struck by is how fortunate I am to meet with people from all walks of life in my job heading up the Brotherhood of St Laurence – politicians, business chief executives, leaders of welfare organisations, public servants, volunteers, the staff who run our services and the people who make use of our use those services.
It’s great to talk to so many different people, to hear about their lives, their hopes and what they are trying to achieve in their communities.
I find that a thread running through these different conversations is the concern for a life of common dignity for all of us. I think of this as being able to live a life in the mainstream of society, to receive a good education, to work in a decent and secure job, later in life to enjoy a rewarding retirement, to have a comfortable place to live, and to be nurtured by a circle of family and friends.
Jennifer Westacott is one of the people I have been talking to in the last couple of weeks. She is the chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, which represents the CEOs of Australia 100 top companies.
Jennifer Westacott is one of the people I have been talking to in the last couple of weeks. She is the chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, which represents the CEOs of Australia 100 top companies.
However, Jennifer herself grew up in public housing and went to a government school. She’s passionate about ensuring that all young people, as she was in her own youth, are helped to realise their potential, so that they can go on to build fulfilling lives for themselves shaped by choices that they have been free to make, and not be limited by low expectations – theirs or others.
I’ve also been talking to Ken, a member of the Coolibah Centre, which operates from the Brotherhood’s headquarters. It offers support and companionship to older people - people who’ve generally faced some daunting challenges in their lives, such as family breakdown, homelessness and meagre incomes.
Ken’s a keen football follower and was over the moon when I last spoke to him because he and other Coolibah members had been invited to a Christmas lunch hosted by the Essendon Football Club.
It’s heartening that an elite sporting team is reaching out like this to share goodwill with others who may not be enjoying that life of common dignity. Some in our community, lacking family, friends and finances, not only feel left out of the season’s celebrations; they are left out.
Christmas and New Year can be tough for those who don’t have loved ones with whom they can celebrate. It’s also tough for those who are unable to afford the celebrations, such as parents who can’t give their children the type of Christmas that their school friends might be enjoying. Dealing with these difficulties, these exclusions from a life of common dignity, is hard at the best of times, but it’s even harder when all the attention is on shared festivities.
Christmas and New Year can be tough for those who don’t have loved ones with whom they can celebrate. It’s also tough for those who are unable to afford the celebrations, such as parents who can’t give their children the type of Christmas that their school friends might be enjoying. Dealing with these difficulties, these exclusions from a life of common dignity, is hard at the best of times, but it’s even harder when all the attention is on shared festivities.
So this is the time of year to share with family and friends, but also a good time to reach out to others.
Best wishes for the season, and a happy and safe new year.
Tony Nicholson
