Some of RJ's Rantings, Writings and Reflections ...


04/12/2003, I've Got that Wilconnia Feeling ... (by Chris)

Just imagine ,,,

Moving along a long, long dusty road ..

The horizon extends in all direction around.

Look forward, and see a few trees, a few reflective houses and a continuous straight road.

Soon enough, you arrive at the trees, and it becomes clear that this is actually a town ..

the Gateway to the Outback. and a beautiful river and outback culture.

Standing on a bridge, you look at the road from where you came.

In the past, and forward as the road continues.

This town seems deserted, as the once-thriving shops are desolate and many are wrecked or burned.

Although this frightens you a little, you know by the river that, even here, there is love to be found.

You sit down, legs dangling off the bridge, and breath the fresh air - Welcome to Wilcannia !

I had travelled all day with my colleages from MRA - IC (Moral re-armament - Initiatives for Change). Feeling rather nervous about the deserted and decreped state of the town, I was relieved by the appearance of a smiling Sister Margaret, welcoming us to work with her at Wilcannia Mission, just across the river.

We were to stay four days, meeting and presenting to groups in the School, the Mission and the Drop-In Centre. We hoped to consolidate contact with families and group leaders, and to re-affirm our dedication to Aboriginal culture and society.

Our four days included talks, discussion groups and quiet times together, as well as learning about traditional and contemporary Aboriginal issues, particularly regarding the impact and interaction with wider Australian society.

We particularly wanted to listen to perspectives / stories / ideas / aspirations for the future, and lend inspiration to these people's work in art, music, dance and in education.

The young people inspired me, as they wanted to learn so much more.

I was warmly received by my host family, who expressed their natural love, care and concern, unaffected by their simple home containing few of the comforts that we regard as necessities. With kangaroos hanging up outside, buzzing flies and a dog or two all around, I was made to feel welcome and at home, by Mum and Dad and the six kids.

I was disappointed that their opportunities were often limited by their elders' lack of commitment and motivation, and the absence of good role models..

I was frustrated by our limited time, having seen that there was so much more that could and should be done in this small community, especially in providing more church activity and leadership.

But I was inspired by the young people who clearly wanted to learn more about working with each other, their families, peer groups and wider society.

There are so many declining but beautiful towns in Australia, and it's so exciting. opening our minds and re-discovering these places.

Living comfortably in Canberra, it is so easy to be swept away with our busy lives, forgetting that people need to be inspired.

In Wilcannia, there is a large motivational - cultural problem, as the Aboriginal culture is slowly being lost, as Western traditions such as television, alcohol, drugs and reliance on Welfare are taking over.

We all learn from our elders, and if our elders are refuse to pass on their knowledge to what they see as a corrupt youth, then the heritage and language is lost.

It's up to us, not so much to harbour guilt and blame about the last two hundred years, but knowing that we have so much to learn and to accept each other as family, connecting across cultures and inspiring, motivating and educating future generations.

*** * ***

The value to me of this last week's experience, was not so much an "interesting" tourist trip, but rather a powerful insight into the lifestyle / reality / aspirations / humanity of these people living such a different life in our own Australian backyard.

Today - my twenty-first birthday - I reflect on how it's often so difficult to know how to help in practical terms with these many serious social, economic, health, educational and spiritual problems.

But one thing we can do is share experiences and insights, communicate with each other and appreciate some of the people who are so often forgotten in our busy community.
Strum / strum / strum
Amen

~ * ~





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