In The Chair: Court Sayer-Roberts of Enterprise Plus
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Stories of Resilience - 3
This was the third ‘Stories of Resilience’ breakfast supported by Australia Post presented by Leeton Rotary, the Leeton Business Chamber and Leeton Connectnd. Actually, It was the fourth such breakfast.
The program for this breakfast was introduced by Mary Errey and moderated by Court Sayer-Roberts. The four speakers all addressed aspects of wellbeing and resilience in their lives. Each talked about the strategies they used to improve their mental health.
Peta Sinclair talked about her battle with mental health following a work-related incident. She came from a difficult family background, and she has a child with special needs, but it was her attendance at an accident in December 2014 that had a profound effect. The accident was dreadful as there were 2 dead, with multiple people in each vehicle. The scene was difficult, but she was physically abused at the scene. This resulted in a severe bout of PTSD leading to poor sleep, eating problems, and family issues. A work colleague made sure she got professional assistance. Her strategy to recovery was to find things to keep her hands full. Things such as the Mates Helping Mates (John Harper), Leeton VRA and overnight stays at Ronald McDonald House are some of her interests. Her secret is having her hands full.
Bernie Walsh talked about the mental pressures imposed by his farming enterprise. He suffered from forces such as disputed inheritance, having to change enterprises due to changing regulation, drought, water reform and, finally, the floods of 2012 that particularly impacted his enterprise. He sold the farm in 2015 These events resulted in depression. He was able to seek professional help on two occasions and he was supported by wife Liz through the troubles. His strategy is now to have a support network (Liz), admit problems, seek help, control the things that can be controlled and make firm decisions.
Jo Roberts was born in Wagga but suffered from ADHD and was groomed by a pedophile. She left home and went to Sydney, opting out of society which led to serious mental and physical health issues. Eventually her mother brought her back to Wagga where she suffered serious PTSD and mental health issues that required medication. She then became interested in ecology and regenerative farming. She married and had 3 children in 5 years. She got education in ecology but by 2015 was becoming depressed about the slow response to climate change. Her strategy for resilience became:- listening more than talking, and acceptance. “I can’t change the world; I can only change myself; But when I change myself; it can change the world”.
Lesley Burke – Salvation Army. Lesley was a Salvo as a child. She lost her father at 11 and her mother at 21. She had a violent husband for 30 years and had fostered 48 children. Her relationship ended in serious violence. She sought solace in the church and was eventually sent to Leeton as Corps Officer.
She has 7 children – 3 still living at home, and recently re-married. She is determined to provide a real service to the town. Initiatives include:- A food bank 9 to 2.30 on Mondays and Thursdays; 25 kids in the kids group; trip to Sydney and Wollongong for the kids; ladies group; community garden; support for the homeless. This is all difficult as it takes $116,000 to maintain the church but all donations and money derived from pub collections go to supporting the community rather than maintaining the church. Clearly, her strategy for maintaining her wellbeing is supporting others.
Editors Comment: I found this to be a truly excellent event. For me, the speakers all talked about strategies for mental well-being, and all pointed to the need to be aware; to find your ‘safe place’ and, for many, that is in helping others. Thank you to the organizers – you did a great job!
