Narrabri Gathering - 31st August 2024.
I was on an adventure to Narrabri. It started with a 3-hour car drive and then a 7-hour train journey, to arrive in this wonderful, welcoming town in the northeast of the State. All was in preparation for the Saturday Gathering that was being held at the Crossing Theatre, set in tranquil grounds by the side of the Narrabri Creek. Kate Rice, Chapter Leader and Board member had coordinated, planned and arranged the event along with her wonderful team of TCF members in the area.
The day started with a Welcome to Country from local indigenous elder, Patti – who had lost children herself, but culturally knew it wasn’t the right place for her to be and so left to spend the rest of the day fishing. We then shared the TCF and Sibling Credos read by Joy Rappo and Tricia Hadley, before the day got underway.
Speakers for the morning included myself, followed by Marsella Morris & Libby Walsh, who both shared their experiences as siblings. We then took the opportunity to break into groups and share the telling of our grief stories through photographs – which was a wonderful, empowering experience, to realise what a simple photograph could kindle for each of us and of the memories associated with our loved ones.
The afternoon session saw our wonderful poet extraordinaire, Carolyn Salter, read some of her own works. Even though I have read many of Carolyn’s poems, her ability to impart that something extra that resonated with an honest truth, was amazing. Sales of her book, as always was incredibly popular, with proceeds going to TCF.
Kate spent time at the end of the day talking about self-care and to compliment this, we then had a guided meditations session with Kylie Greste.
The day was an absolute joy, meeting new people, sharing stories of loved ones and not having to be anything other than parents and siblings who had lost a big part of their lives.
I left early on Sunday morning for the 10-hour return trip, appreciating how well the weekend had gone, having met some amazing people, sharing stories of sadness and love – but very much aware of what this organisation has to offer. We walk this journey together in trying to ensure that no one has to walk it alone.
A huge thank you and hug to Kate and her Team!
Chris H
