”My family has had the benefit of Petrea King’s wisdom for over 15 years either through her books, CDs or workshops. I was fortunate to attend ‘Healing Your Life’ at Quest earlier this year. As a result I became convinced my community would benefit immensely from a visit by Petrea.

My wife, a local councillor, had been trying to attract financial support for the idea, by attempting to access grant funding without success, due mainly to extremely limited or restrictive criteria. In frustration our family decided we’d attempt to find the funding ourselves despite our difficult circumstances, such was our belief in this idea.

When word came that the funding had been made available through the Helen Lyons Foundation we were relieved and extremely grateful.

I’m approaching 60 years old, my family have been farming at my property near Warren for over 100 years. Our community involvement individually and as a family has been ongoing. I’d like to think we have a fairly good understanding of the needs of this community and what to target to achieve the best outcome.

TRAUMA, ILLNESS, GRIEF, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DON’T DISCRIMINATE

These challenges are by no means exclusive to rural communities. Their impact is compounded in communities that are also under climatic stress, in this case drought.

As an example, my ability to cope with stress and make sound decisions has been compromised by the cumulative effects of issues over the last 5 years. Ironically this started with flooding, then loss of family members, the burning down of our historic homestead and now the present drought, the worst in my memory.

I share this because it’s important to understand that although rural communities are in the spotlight due to the current drought, to focus programs or initiatives on this issue alone, or to just target farmers, has been a mistake.

COUNTRY PEOPLE ARE NOTORIOUSLY POOR AT ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE AND RELUCTANT TO ACCEPT IT

Perhaps this is because by necessity they’ve had to be self-reliant. Limited and sometimes misleading media coverage has sometimes left country people feeling misunderstood and increasingly isolated. Lack of access to services and resources has further heightened this feeling of isolation.

I believe the Quest for Life workshops have understood, targeted and met the needs that exist in small rural and remote communities.

I believe their success stems from the following:

1. Credibility that comes from the highly respected Petrea King and the Quest for Life Foundation, being a not-for-profit charity, with a proven track record and years of experience.
2. Quest highlighted the fact that we’re all individuals seeking our own answers to resilience and peace of mind, rather than there being a ‘one-size fits all’ magic bullet offered as a hard sell solution.
3. Their comprehensive and holistic approach (mental, physical and spiritual), backed by the latest medical research into areas such as health and well-being, meditation and mindfulness, neuroscience and epigenetics and communication.
4. Targeting the whole community including the often unsung and overlooked heroes that struggle in the background, particularly women and children. First responders and educators are also often overlooked, without sufficient support.
5. Empowering people with practical tools and skills. This enables them to move from the mindset of helpless victim of external circumstances to being proactive and in control through choices they make and in the way they respond.
6. The dedicated hardworking team behind Petrea who work with compassion and empathy and are prepared to listen and seek to always be helpful. This can be seen in the timing and content of the workshops.
7. Lastly, the highly regarded and much loved Petrea who willingly shares her own inspiring story of triumph over adversity and leads by example practicing what she preaches. Her skillful delivery is tailor-made to workshop participants.

I’ve received nothing but positive feedback from people thankful for the opportunity to attend a workshop, particularly the one at night. Although brief, and subsequently limited, there’s been much interest generated.

I’ve no doubt many will further enhance their knowledge through Petrea’s books, both written and audio, that have been left at the Shire library. Others have purchased their own copies for future reference. Some who were particularly moved, are hoping to attend future workshops either themselves or promoting the idea to others in need. If I can provide further feedback, I will be more than happy to do so.

Once again a sincere and heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Warren community.”

Tom from Warren

Learn more about Quest for Life’s workshops for organisations and communities