The first ever Life Matters program in Queensland took place 31 May – 2 June, with around 40 participants including groups from the Pasifika community and the Africa diaspora, some of whom were funded through the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ). Some of the participants subsequently held a conference addressing inter-generational disconnection in the African diaspora with support from ECCQ. Life Matters was credited for fast-tracking the trust-building in the team responsible for the conference.
Here are some evaluations from LM participants:
“An intensive eye-opening program with so many lessons and moments of awakening. [LM was] not only a good place to meet and interact with different people, communities and professions but also a good place to listen to that inner voice of truth and ground myself. At the end of the camp I was inspired, challenged, reproved, appreciated and driven towards being the change I wanted to see in others and in my community.”
– Peter Irakarama Ndayishimiye, recent arrival from Rwanda now studying Psychology at Griffith University.
“The course allowed me to reflect on my past, specific moments in my life. With our lives getting busier over time, it’s important to allow ourselves a moment to connect, correct and direct more than ever and I endeavour to use these skills not only for myself but discuss this with my friends and family.”
– Pritchard Nyamurera Zimbabwean-Australian and Geotechnical Engineer
“A perfect opportunity to slow down, pause, reflect and also appreciate how far I had come. I was inspired by Nenden from Indonesia. Her strategy of understanding and breaking down intergenerational trauma gave me an insight into my own family. I’m learning to have deep conversations which I know can be a struggle for ethnic parents.”
– Augusta Lokea, Papua New Guinean-Australian
“An incredibly enriching and transformative experience. A perfect blend of laughter, deep conversations, and the creation of lasting memories. There was a diverse range of participants from all across the Brisbane and international communities who brought a warmth of inclusion and further enriched the discussions. One of my highlights was the family groups which fostered a sense of community and connection, allowing for deeper engagement and personal growth. Sharing personal stories and experiences in the groups helped us relate to each other on a more profound level and reinforced the workshop’s teachings in a practical context. The topics covered were not only relevant but also delivered in a way that encouraged personal growth and reflection.”
– Taalolo Tupai, Samoan-Australian student, known as Lolo, from a chiefly family
“We’re all in the fast lane. [LM] grounded us, put our lives in perspective. We needed this without even realising it – learning to listen to ourselves and inner listening. I hope I’m not overstating it but I’m pretty sure that at Camp Somerset, you saved some lives. This kind of workshop is needed for all communities – having people to share and to speak what we feel…. We would like to take a program like this to the Pacific to heal the wounds of history in our region.”
– Mikey Gorogo, Papua New Guinean-Australian
Read more about the Life Matters Workshop in Queensland in our June Newsbriefs