A distinctive feature of the most recent Life Matters course in Melbourne was the cross-over of interest from IofCA’s Turruk ‘trustbuilding through truthtelling’ program, with some long-term Turruk supporters as well as two First Nations women taking part who shared their culture and life-experiences.
Life Matters is three-day program that takes participants on an inner journey of discovery about their identity, values, relationships and capacity for making changes in themselves and in the wider community. The most recent program was in Armagh, the IofCA centre in Melbourne, over the Melbourne Cup weekend 1-4 November. The 16 participants were very diverse in age and cultural backgrounds, including several Chinese.
Participants at the Life Matter Workshop, Armagh, Nov 2024. Photo Credit: Andre Gorgievski
Part of what makes the program work is the space given for inner reflection and discussion in small groups so that participants are not spending long periods listening to a speaker in a language that may not be their first language. Most sessions were run by former participants who had come back to volunteer their time, and the same was true for the panel speakers on ‘Identity’ and ’Everyone can be a changemaker’. Two of the panel speakers were participants of this current course. It made the content very relatable to participants as these were not ‘ivory tower’ experts but people just like them.
The third evening was a chance for everyone to let their hair down for an entertainment night, and this was one of the best we have experienced with an array of surprising talents on display including singing, dancing, improv-acting and poetry.
‘It was a joy and privilege to complete the Life Matters workshop with this amazing group of people! I really enjoyed meeting and learning from presenters and participants who were not afraid to be authentic and vulnerable. They shared their experiences of speaking truth to power, and nuggets of wisdom acquired through milestone moments in their life. There were sessions on inner listening, creative expression, personal narratives and identities, forgiveness, compassion, building trust, relationships, and community changemaking.
Big thanks to everyone, including the facilitators, who engaged and impressed me with your welcoming spirit, courage, honesty, stories, and action. Special thanks to the volunteers who worked hard and supported us behind the scenes.’ –James Seow
‘Three-day Life Matters workshop — an eye-opening experience! From Connection to Correction and finally to Direction, I was guided through a journey of self-exploration and the true meaning of being a Change Maker.
One of the biggest takeaways? Change doesn’t have to be grand. Meeting Thanh, an IT delivery lead, who applied a structured communication system to improve family dynamics reminded me that being a Change Maker can start right at home with small, consistent steps. It’s amazing how even these ‘small’ acts can create big shifts in our relationships and understanding.
I also experienced a personal breakthrough, taking time to listen to my own voice, face my fears, and feel supported by my family group during heartfelt discussions. And on entertainment night, I had the incredible opportunity to recite a German poem alongside Yanick, a young Australian — a powerful reminder of the inclusivity within this community.’ – Sina Zhang
‘I wasn’t sure what to expect but this experience has exceeded all of my potential expectations. It has affected me immensely. The diversity is impressive, the program well set out and it reminded me of why I love art therapy. Things I will take away: start to look after me more. I am worthy; I have value and I need to look after me first.
Life Matters is an opportunity to take stock of where you are in life. To network, share and make meaningful connections with others including yourself.
I learned that quiet time/reflective practice is more effective if you have an area of thought or something to focus on before the silence. I learned things about myself: that I have come an incredibly long way, but still have a lot of healing to do and by helping others I have been helping myself. I learned that forgiveness doesn’t mean that you have to engage with the perpetrator or even have anything to do with them, it is about us.’ – Bianca Easton
