X-Symantec-TimeoutProtection: 0 Return-Path: X-Original-To: info@ausheart.com.au Delivered-To: info@ausheart.com.au Received: from localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id 34A63DEB57 for ; Sun, 28 May 2006 09:51:59 +1000 (EST) Received: from marlin.fishinternet.com.au ([127.0.0.1]) by localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) (amavisd-new, port 10024) with ESMTP id 26026-01 for ; Sun, 28 May 2006 09:51:39 +1000 (EST) Received-SPF: none (marlin.fishinternet.com.au: 150.101.193.82 is neither permitted nor denied by domain of fathersonline.org) client-ip=150.101.193.82; envelope-from=info@fathersonline.org; helo=email.polyglot.com.au; Received: from email.polyglot.com.au (eth2643.nsw.adsl.internode.on.net [150.101.193.82]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id A08B7DEB52 for ; Sun, 28 May 2006 09:51:37 +1000 (EST) Received: from server ([192.168.100.14]) by email.polyglot.com.au with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.1830); Sun, 28 May 2006 09:51:33 +1000 Thread-Topic: Beaconsfield Miracle Reply-To: Message-ID: <123f801c681e8$7b741a00$0101a8c0@polyglot.local> thread-index: AcaB6HtvnW9UxOuFR5a4kxb6ICKMtA== From: To: Subject: Beaconsfield Miracle Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 09:51:33 +1000 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_123F9_01C6823C.4D202A00" X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Exchange 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.3790.2663 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 27 May 2006 23:51:33.0040 (UTC) FILETIME=[7B768B00:01C681E8] X-Virus-Scanned: amavisd-new at fishinternet.com.au This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_123F9_01C6823C.4D202A00 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Unable to read this email? Please click here Issue 196 - 29th May,2006 Go to our website Here * Hello Warwick * Grandads * Laughter * Single Dads * All you need is Love * Thought of the Week * Special Feature * News & Info * Dad's Prayer * Help Us Hello Warwick The Beaconsfield story has been a major miracle from Day One. Not many expected Todd Russell and Brant Webb to walk out of the mine alive. Stuck in the dark for six days before searchers made contact, they couldn't help worrying about the anguish their families must be suffering. Brushing away the tear, Todd tells, "I wrote a letter to Carolyn on my overalls, telling her how much I loved her, and that I was fighting hard. I wanted the kids to know that whatever happened I'd be watching them from above, and keeping track of Liam's future football career." When rescue workers made contact with the missing men, every paper in Australia ran the same story, 'Miracle Rescue' or 'Miraculous Discovery'. The TV special on Channel 9 was equally enthralling as the two men recounted their gripping story first hand to millions of eager viewers. Todd Russell said, "Being trapped for 14 days makes you think. I would do things differently if I had my time over. There was a time I would go kangaroo shooting rather than get a family photo done." For example, the morning after Todd and Carolyn got married Todd left his new bride to go kangaroo shooting. Today, they reckon they've been given a 'second chance at life' and they're grabbing it gratefully with heartfelt thanks for the community support and courage that made it possible. Todd plans to renew his wedding vows with his wife Carolyn, "that's my top priority; I've asked her and she said 'yes'." They plan to do this in the presence of their children, Trent 11, Madison 9 and little Liam 5. The Beaconsfield Uniting church minister, Frances Seem, opened up the church for round the clock prayer when everyone else had given the two miners up for dead. She never wavered in her faith for their rescue. She said at the time, "There are still two miners trapped down there and we are praying for them . . . As a Christian community, we believe in miracles. A woman came into the church yesterday - she said that she had come here because we were the only one's offering any hope." The prayers of this church and others were televised across the nation. Beaconsfield and the nation came alive with the news that after 5 days the miners had been found alive. "they're alive, they're alive, they're alive," cried Todd Russell's mother, Kay, as she ran to the Uniting Church in Beaconsfield where townspeople were praying for Russell 35 and Webb 37. Bill Shorten, head of the Australian Worker's Union said, "It was an eleven out of ten miracle. It's nothing less to the families, and they are just such special people. This is down to all the blokes who never gave up on them. It's unreal." The headlines of every major newspaper said the same thing, 'It's a Miracle'. At last God was getting some glory. In Woman's Day, Brant Webb said after his rescue, "When we were down there in the mine, we talked about religion a bit. For me, it's always been a once-a-year gig at Easter Mass but we've both realised that the rescue has done a lot to restore our faith, certainly in ourselves and in other people. When we had no water to drink underground Todd said he would pray for some. All of a sudden the heavens opened and we were nearly drowned. So I said, 'Good on you mate. You really did well, just don't do it again." Todd, who at one stage was trapped under the rock fall fighting for his life, said, "That's when I shut my eyes and all I could see was a picture of my wife and kids and I thought to myself, 'No, I'm not dying down here, it takes more than a little rock to stop me!" In the TV interview Todd in particular shared some profound thoughts. "I can give my wife and family something they have never had . . . I want to give them quality time . . . I have got one more thing I would like to say to the Australian public, don't take your family for granted, because once it's gone it's gone forever." Lovework The National Day of Thanksgiving takes on a whole new meaning in the light of Todd and Brant's miraculous escape. This year the focus of the National Day of Thanksgiving is on people in uniform including Defence Forces, Police, Firemen, Ambulance Officers, carers and SES workers. Many of the workers helping in the Beaconsfield Mine rescue were from the SES. How important it is for us to not only appreciate those in the services who help us, but also those who are around us. We can all thank God for his many bountiful blessings and the miracle of Beaconsfield. Why not buy some thank you cards (www.thanksgiving.org.au ) and thank you ribbons to let you others know, and especially your family, that you appreciate them. Yours for more thanksgiving Warwick Marsh PS We continue to be excited about the fact that the government has granted the Fatherhood Foundation status as a Harm Prevention Charity. In the Special Feature this week, we detail our forward vision and invite you to join us in changing Australia and the world for the better, one father at a time. ________________________________________ Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 25 years to 13 years. Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself. back to top Grandads Give thanks always in all things St Paul back to top Laughter My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my bathroom and came out with my toothbrush. He held it up and said with a charming little smile, "We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it fell in the toilet a few days ago." _____________________________________________ Jimmy received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown, with a very bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was a swear word; those that weren't cursing were very rude. Jimmy tried to change the bird's attitude by constantly saying polite words, playing soft music-anything he could think of. Nothing worked. He then tried yelling at the bird, but the bird got worse. He shook the bird, and the bird got madder and ruder. Finally, in a moment of desperation, Jimmy put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird swearing, squawking, kicking and screaming and then, suddenly, there was absolute quiet. Jimmy was frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird, and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out onto Jimmy's extended arm and said, "I'm sorry that I offended you with my language and my actions, and I ask your forgiveness. I will endeavour to correct my behaviour". Jimmy was astounded at the changes in the bird's attitude and was about to ask what had changed him, when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the Chicken did?" back to top Single Dads Helping the Cause of Justice By Simon Hunt Recently I saw a doco on SBS about the rubber baron's exploitation of the Indons in South America at the beginning of the last century. The "abuse" of the Indons by the rubber barons was appalling, People where getting maimed on a daily basis as punishment for not producing enough rubber. They were being controlled by fear. Eventually an English researcher decided to go there and document the oppression and violence. I think he spent a year documenting the accounts of hundreds of Indons who had been violated, maimed, whose loved one had been killed and tortured. Can you imaging that? Spending a year documenting the individual cases. How could anybody spend a year studiously documenting the torture and devastation before doing anything about it? But he did the right thing, because if it wasn't fully documented it would just be denied. IT was only because he documented so many cases that his evidence was accepted. He went back to England and publicised his research. The evidence was so overwhelming that the world had to sit up and take notice. And they did. The oppression stopped. Isn't there a parallel here? Documenting the abuse of children and their fathers in as many cases as is possible is most probably the only way we are going to overcome the institutions that are inflicting the horror. A case here and there is just going to produce the more denials and spin doctoring. Finding someone to do this work is the hard part, especially hard because the so many of us are so devastated. If we can set up a "Blogg site that everybody can document their personal experiences, we have an ever expanding document that can be presented to the world. A document that can not be dismissed. Every email that gets posted in reference to any protest lobbying groups can include a link to the Blogg site for members, fathers, mothers, grandmothers' children can write their personal stories. Without the need for any individual to devote what's left of their life to exposing this devastating crime against children. The Blogg site would be only for stories of what individuals had experienced - nothing else. It could contain a few prompting questions eg: What methods were used to deny you contact with your children? How your children were compromised to bring about your removal form there lives (sexual abuse allegations, contact centres, anger management, systems abuse) (I know of one parent who was denied contact for refusing to do an anger management course) How many would have been denied access for refusing to go to a psychiatrist (how could they be so stupid you might ask)? It would become a massive depository of human suffering that could not be ignored. Not "individual cases" the argument often trotted out by politicians. i.e.: "We're not here to talk about individual cases they say. It would represent a body of irrefutable evidence. Would everybody be willing to contribute their story if it was simple a matter of clicking on a link to a "Blogg Site"? Your comments please Kind regards Simon Hunt email@dashlite.com.au PS: A friend of mine recently complained to the council about the noise of the refrigerators in an adjacent shopping centre. The council said they would have to have evidence of the extent of the problem before they would do anything. So being an IT man he set up a web site to document the nuisance that he experienced. He would make entries every day. Finally he presented it to the council and they acted immediately (the shop had to construct a sound deadening box around their refrigeration system). IT and the Internet can be enormously useful as a means of documenting things so they become "irrefutable". Simon Hunt is a single father who has been unfairly excluded from his daughter's life for over two years. back to top All you need is Love Why Men are Always Wrong By Michael Kiely Spent the weekend with Deepak Chopra. He made this outrageous statement: Men in western society are stuck at the emotional maturity level of 8 year olds. We're all little boys needing our mamas. If this is true, and I believe it was true in my case until the light went on, men are responsible for the failure of most relationships. Hold on, that's a bit harsh, isn't it? Well no. Men are hardwired to be bad at relationships and women are hardwired to be good at them. It all started back in the wild days when we were hunters and the hunted. Men were warriors and could not afford compassion and softer feelings. Women kept the social units together by networking. Men learned how to kill big, dangerous animals and destroy enemies. Women were nurturers of children and their protectors, the men. After we emerged from the jungle and settled down to civilised life - when there was less call for killing and more time for relationships - emotional skills became more important than physical skills. Men found they have underdeveloped skills in this area. Their heads are still in the jungle, fighting and killing and destroying, thinking this is what their woman wants. It's tough because women do want the traditional protector and provider (they don't need them as much, but they like to know they're there). But they want a soul mate now. This means men have to sheath the sword of the ego and learn the tender arts of surrender. Easy to say, hard to do. WHY? One word; ego. Men have lots of it. Men build the big towering buildings and invent the amazing inventions and fly to the moon and paint the great masterpieces... because they feel the need to, because they are driven by ego to express their dominance and achievement. EGO is the great enemy of relationship, love, and spiritual growth. When EGO rules, the conscious mind needs three things, according to Deepak: It has a need for Approval. It needs to be in Control. And it needs to be Right. Living without these things takes more guts than fighting and killing and doing all those things that come naturally. It takes guts to love a woman, to love anyone. Because love is painful. Because love makes the EGO do things it doesn't want to do. HERE IS AN EXERCISE: Keep an eye on your reactions this next week. Try to catch yourself seeking APPROVAL. Try to catch yourself needing to be in CONTROL. Try to catch yourself needing to be RIGHT. http://manoverboardbook.blogspot.com back to top Thought of the Week I have one more thing I would like to say to the Australian public: Don't take your family for granted Because once it's gone it's gone forever. Todd Russell Beaconsfield Miracle Miner back to top Special Feature Taking the Fatherhood Foundation to the 'Next Level' Part Two The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity that is committed to: The promotion of 'excellence in fathering' as a long term strategy, which will reduce harmful and abusive behaviours by educating, equipping and engaging men as fathers and promoting the concept of excellence in fathering across Australia. Promoting excellence in fathering is the answer to turning the tide of fatherlessness which is enveloping Australia and the western world. Fatherlessness, defined as the absence of an active, positive father-influence in the lives of children, has been shown in study after study to contribute to greater rates of poverty, drug abuse, lower educational performance, increased delinquency, increased crime, increased sexual abuse, increased sexual deviancy, increased youth suicide, increased levels of male suicide, increased mental health problems and increasing levels of self harm. The Australian Government has now recognised the Fatherhood Foundation as a registered Harm Prevention Charity by granting Tax Deductible status to it. This means that all gifts of money, or in some cases property, can become a tax saving to the giver. This level of recognition as a Harm Prevention Tax Deductible Charity allows us to help the children of Australia in an even greater way than ever before. In order to further help the children of Australia the Fatherhood Foundation has to go to the next level of development in order to properly resource the fathers of Australia. The Next Level All of the above has been completed by Warwick and Alison Marsh and a small team of faithful volunteers working on a miniscule budget with no government funding. The Fatherhood Foundation along with others has played a leading role in the restoration of fatherhood in Australia in the early part of the 21st century. The needs are huge and the task is daunting, but we must rise to the occasion, gather resources and take the important work of the Fatherhood Foundation to the next level. The needs within the families of our communities are massive and the simple reality is that it will take the investment of millions of dollars to bring lasting change. The good news is that by investing millions we will save billions of dollars as together we turn the tide of fatherlessness in Australia. The answer is simple, raise the bar on fathering in Australia and make excellence in fathering the norm for Australia fathers in families. Over the last four years the Fatherhood Foundation has proven itself as a very viable Harm prevention Charity. The fact that the Australian Government has granted tax deductible status to the Fatherhood Foundation is further proof that this organisation is well managed and offers potential donors a cost efficient way to help children, resource families and support fathers. We list the key development areas to support and strengthen fathers over the next five years in order of priority: # Renew our website www.fathersonline.org to provide an even greater level of resource and help for fathers in Australia and around the world. Our goal is to develop the best fatherhood website in the world, # Roll out 'Good to Great Fatherhood Mentoring Course for the 21st Century on a national basis by renewing course structure and producing DVD series with course notes and marketing on a national basis by employing a full time development managers course trainer. # Continue to produce fathering and mothering quality CSAs and ramp up production of further TV programs including a half hour weekly 'Dad TV' series to resource fathers. Employ a contract producers/production house to facilitate further high quality family friendly educational TV programs. # Continue to develop courses, conferences and resources to further meet the needs of men and fathers. To ensure positive family development. In order to successfully complete the above we must develop a renewed well resourced office facility, and employ a fundraising / management / development / fatherhood-resourcing team to take us to the next level. Next Level Fundraising Plan Raise $250,000 by Christmas 2006 This can be broken down into the following amounts: 25 amounts of $25,000 each 50 amounts of $12,500 each 100 amounts of $2,500 each 1,000 amounts of $250 each If you would like to help the Fatherhood Foundation please go to the 'Help Us' section of the end of this newsletter and reduce your tax by giving to the Fatherhood Foundation. back to top News & Info NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING www.thanksgiving.org.au Prime Minister's Statement It gives me great pleasure to provide this message of support for the National Day of Thanksgiving on 3 June 2006. In today's busy world, the National Day of Thanksgiving reminds us to take time to reflect on the people and things we value. It provides an opportunity to express our gratitude for the important contribution that our fellow Australians make to the life of our nation. In particular, we honour carers and volunteers, who enrich the lives of many and give comfort and support to less fortunate members of our society. We salute those in the Police Forces, Ambulance and Fire Services, State Emergency Services and Australian Defence Forces, who assist us in times of difficulty and disaster. The contribution of these dedicated people is a prime example of what I call the 'social coalition' - the idea that everyone has a role to play in participating in community life and in enhancing our social wellbeing. The efforts and commitment of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes in our community can sometimes go without recognition. On this day, I encourage all Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of others in working to better our community. Source: Prime Minister of Australia Governor General's Statement Amidst all the hustle and bustle of modern day life, when good manners and courteous language are sometimes lacking, the value attached to a simple 'thank you' is more important than ever. We say thanks, often almost without thought. But specifically thanking others - whether it be a few people or many, remains one of the cornerstones of a courteous, and hence a civilised society. In this regard I would encourage the Church to continue its leadership role in rallying support for, and promoting the National Day of Thanksgiving. As individuals, communities and as a nation, we all stand to benefit from the growing awareness of this day as an annual celebration ? a day we can share: In giving thanks to God and one another. In honouring the wonderful work of mentors and volunteers who do so much to improve the lives of others. And in paying due recognition to the dedicated people working in fields such as education, health care, emergency services and many other areas where our frequent reliance on their skills is not always matched by our thanks. I take this opportunity to commend our Churches for their contribution and help for the sick and needy - it is their Christian values and prayers that unite people, that provide faith, hope and comfort. We can inspire so many people and help uplift the mood of the nation with the simple, but meaningful word of "thanks". Source: His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery Leader of the opposition statement On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party I am pleased to support the National Day of Thanksgiving organising committee as it focuses our thoughts on thanking those who are the backbone of our communities. The two groups especially identified to receive our collective thanks on the National Day of Thanksgiving 2006 are those who serve us when we need protection and safety: the Defence Forces and the Police and Emergency services, including Ambulance, Fire and State Emergency Services workers;and also those special people who provide care in the community for those unable to care for themselves. None of us can doubt the massive contribution made to our well-being by these two groups of paid workers and volunteers. They are people about whom we commonly use such adjectives as: committed, devoted, selfless, altruistic, charitable, considerate, generous, kind and magnanimous - all of us know personally those who deserve all those accolades. The National Day of Thanksgiving provides a superb forum for us to thank those who serve society, often doing jobs that most of us could not do or would not contemplate doing. These are the people who rescued the miners at Beaconsfield and those carers who look after our aged and disabled family members and friends. I encourage all Australians to use the National Day of Thanksgiving 2006 as a stimulus to thank these two groups in the way that most suits them: through prayer and attendance at a place of worship, through personal and individual contact, through organised functions, or simply by private thoughts of goodwill. Author: KIM C BEAZLEY MP Source: Leader of the Opposition Media Release Telstra Grilled on Internet porn filtering Telstra has rejected accusations it is not serious about stopping children from accessing pornography and violence on the Internet. Telstra managers faced questions in a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra today. Labor Senator Stephen Conroy questioned why the company is not taking part in a pornography filtering trial in Tasmania, which aims to prevent access to pornographic material online. He clashed with Telstra's Denis Mullane on the issue. "But I mean there's an extra option here to protect children from these sort of child pornographic images and violent depictions and Telstra are just sitting there saying 'No, we're not going to do anything about it'," he said. "When there's an extra step you could take by participating in this, is Telstra happy to be used for child porn?" Mr Mullane said he did not agree with the Senator's interpretation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 'Gay-friendly' child care slammed Read more of a attempts to attacle the family structure: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,19264906-2,00.html _________________________________________________________ Letters Dear Fatherhood Foundation Thank you for your remarkable job done for our nation. I enjoy your newsletters and am encouraged to aspire to being a better dad. I am also inspired to help others do that. Andrew * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation I just stumbled onto your Website, excellent work, well done. I have just finished a DVD promoting parenting (see www.babywisebliss.com.au ) David & Charissa Scotford Babywise Bliss Perth, Western Australia Web: www.babywisebliss.com.au Phone: 0411156265 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation After reading the mag last week, it is not hard to fume and feel quite enraged at the way our society treats men. It has been said that the 20 century was the time for the emancipation of women and the 21st century is the emancipation of men. I could type for hours on this subject but the only way men are going to get justice is to await the inevitable "incidents" that will draw the attention of men and the Government. As Yamamoto stated after the bombing of Pearl Harbour "All we have done is woken a giant to a terrible resolve". Feminism exists to promote the domination of men by Lesbians. Simple. There will be more tragedies involving men. In the future, they will cause a lot more damage and take a lot more people with them. Again, change will only happen when the "incidents" occur. That is the nature of our society. Jesus didn't write letters. People wrote letters about him. He acted. He was the greatest rebel in the history of the world. Pity that Christians don't want to be courageous like him...and the result is that Christianity is largely irrelevant in our society...(personal note: better brush up on my Arabic for the spiritual future of Australia). As Mother Theresa said "A doing hand is better than a praying hand". Jesus took on the state and the religion of his time. That's why they killed him. I am looking forward to the day when the pressure cooker pops. Only then, when there has been another round of pain ........will we as humanity try to emancipate EVERYONE. Alex * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Fatherhood Foundation Yes I sadly read the crap some dads have to digest to be allowed to see their children. Yes I want to vomit! Here in Qld this new politically correct advertisement makes me spew. It says listen to your wives, if she says no it means no. Also hitting you wife is abuse. Excuse me dumb government, my ex-bitch wanted me to hit her, I never did. She left and now lives with a piss-head who does hit and keep her in line. She now complains to me he has no respect for her. Hate to say it, "It seems we are dammed if we do and doubly dammed if we don't." We are wrong because we are male, yes we are not perfect, we came from a woman. Life with 2 girls has not been easy for the last 10 years, though it has been blessed. I WOULD NOT change it for anything, or give it up for any woman. I have not met any woman that can give emotional reward my 2 girls have given me. They give that hidden smile and thanks dad, and I don't have put up with the crap that seems to come with a lot of wives. I guess there are some special women out there. I have yet to meet some here in Australia. None of my mates or work mates or religious mates have that special wife. I guess God knew He was saying when He spoke of wives and how men give love to them before Him. Yes I do love my girls, they know I love God first and they think that is pretty cool and OK. Thank you for your excellent publication, I try to share it with mates, but they need wives approval to make a free self choice. Have a great life - we only get one. Michael _________________________________________________________ Dear Fatherhood Foundation I make reference to last week's article about sleeping in the basement. Well, haven't we all been there in one form or another. Some of us are regular visitors and others may be occasional. There may even be groups of men sleeping in the basement. May I suggest a men's basement conference focussing on this unique species of basement men. I suspect that many unheard stories are out there for dissemination to other men who may be about to enter this zone in their relationship. The conference should actually be held in a basement. I would suggest the National Basement at Parliament House. Delegates can bring their own bedding and make a massive saving on accommodation. In fact the PH basement is frequented by many parliamentarians who feel the drawing to basement living that they are accustomed to. The sessions should focus on: * The Signs of basement retribution * Why am I in the basement? * When can I get out? * If I can't, who can I invite? * The best ways to tune in on the footy (Technical session) * Should I have Bigpond in the basement? * Why sleeping in Air conditioning ducts is injurious to health Workshops * Fashion wear for" basement boys" * Basement party plans for inspiring men * How to play Basement Bingo * Cooking in a basement 'without causing a fire' * Techniques for communicating with other basement dwellers. Conference Dinner Special partner's dinner in the Great Hall with visiting times allocated to conference delegates via internal stairways. (Security procedure) The Fatherhood Foundation could launch a voluntary survey of members who are basement veterans to assess possible numbers. I wonder if the PH basement is large enough for this large band of basement boys. For basement musing. Regards, Ron Hellyer back to top Dad's Prayer Dear God It's been amazing these last few weeks to hear about Todd Russell and Brant Webb's exploits when they were trapped one kilometre under the earth in a steel cage 1.2m X 1.00m X 1.8m. How did they survive? How were they found? How did they not go crazy in the darkness? You are the reason, and the prayers of those you love. You are the source of the miracle, and even that fact has seeped through a Media that only gives credit when its arm is twisted to tell the truth. We thank you for the National Day of Thanksgiving. We thank you for our Armed Services. We thank you for all those who serve our country. We pray for their safety and speedy return. We pray for your protection and blessing on the Police Force, the Fire Crews, the Ambo's and the wonderful SES! Nor do we forget our nurses and carers. We, as a nation, are richer for all of them, and we are blessed because of them. But more than anything else we thank you for your love, our families and our loved ones. It is their love, working through your love, that pulls us through. back to top Help Us Click here for more information about us Help Us! The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity. Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a source of harm. The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother. The Fatherhood Foundation believes that the key to life is giving. That's why this newsletter is given freely without expectation. Life is also about relationships. That's what being a good father is all about, developing relationships with your loved ones. If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility: Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund (Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility) Westpac Branch Wollongong BSB: 032 695 A/C: 25-5558 Or mail cheque and address details to: PO Box 440 WOLLONGONG NSW 2520 AUSTRALIA The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. You have received the fathersonline.org newsletter because you have subscribed, or you have been subscribed by a friend. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click the UNSUBSCRIBE button below or send an email to info@fathersonline.org with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. back to top Click Here to Unsubscribe ------=_NextPart_000_123F9_01C6823C.4D202A00 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Fatherhood Foundation
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Issue 196 - 29th May,2006 Go to our website Here


Hello Warwick

The Beaconsfield story has been a major miracle from Day One.  Not many expected Todd Russell and Brant Webb to walk out of the mine alive.  Stuck in the dark for six days before searchers made contact, they couldn't help worrying about the anguish their families must be suffering.  Brushing away the tear, Todd tells, "I wrote a letter to Carolyn on my overalls, telling her how much I loved her, and that I was fighting hard.  I wanted th e kids to know that whatever happened I'd be watching them from above, and keeping track of Liam's future football career."  When rescue workers made contact with the missing men, every paper in Australia ran the same story, 'Miracle Rescue' or 'Miraculous Discovery'.

 

The TV special on Channel 9 was equally enthralling as the two men recounted their gripping story first hand to millions of eager viewers.  Todd Russell said, "Being trapped for 14 days makes you think.  I would do things differently if I had my time over.  There was a time I would go kangaroo shooting rather than get a family photo done."  For example, the morning after Todd and Carolyn got married Todd left his new bride to go kangaroo shooting.  Today, they reckon they've been given a 'second chance at life' and they're grabbing it gratefully with heartfelt thanks for the community support and courage that made it possible. Todd plans to renew his wedding vows with his wife Carolyn, "that's my top priority; I've asked her and she said 'yes'." They plan to do this in the presence of their children, Trent 11, Madison 9 and little Liam 5.

 

The Beaconsfield Uniting church minister, Frances Seem, opened up the church for round the clock prayer when everyone else had given the two miners up for dead. She never wavered in her faith for their rescue. She said at the time, "There are still two miners trapped down there and we are praying for them . . . As a Christian community, we believe in miracles. A woman came into the church yesterday - she said that she had come here because we were the only one's offering any hope."

 

The prayers of this church and others were televised across the nation. Beaconsfield and the nation came alive with the news that after 5 days the miners had been found alive. "they're alive, they're alive, they're alive," cried Todd Russell's mother, Kay, as she ran to the Uniting Church in Beaconsfield where townspeople were praying for Russell 35 and Webb 37. Bill Shorten, head of the Australian Worker's Union said, "It was an eleven out of ten miracle. It's nothing less to the families, and they are just such special people. This is down to all the blokes who never gave up on them. It's unreal." The headlines of every major newspaper said the same thing, 'It's a Miracle'. At last God was getting some glory.

 

In Woman's Day, Brant Webb said after his rescue, "When we were down there in the mine, we talked about religion a bit. For me, it's always been a once-a-year gig at Easter Mass but we've both realised that the rescue has done a lot to restore our faith, certainly in ourselves and in other people. When we had no water to drink underground Todd said he would pray for some. All of a sudden the heavens opened and we were nearly drowned. So I said, 'Good on you mate. You really did well, just don't do it again."

 

Todd, who at one stage was trapped under the rock fall fighting for his life, said, "That's when I shut my eyes and all I could see was a picture of my wife and kids and I thought to myself, 'No, I'm not dying down here, it takes more than a little rock to stop me!"

 

In the TV interview Todd in particular shared some profound thoughts.  "I can give my wife and family something they have never had . . . I want to give them quality time . . . I have got one more thing I would like to say to the Australian public, don't take your family for granted, because once it's gone it's gone forever."

 

Lovework

 

The National Day of Thanksgiving takes on a whole new meaning in the light of Todd and Brant's miraculous escape. This year the focus of the National Day of Thanksgiving is on people in uniform including Defence Forces, Police, Firemen, Ambulance Officers, carers and SES workers. Many of the workers helping in the Beaconsfield Mine rescue were from the SES. How important it is for us to not only appreciate those in the services who help us, but also those who are around us. We can all thank God for his many bountiful blessings and the miracle of Beaconsfield.  Why not buy some thank you cards (www.thanksgiving.org.au ) and thank you ribbons to let you others know, and especially your family, that you appreciate them.

 

Yours for more thanksgiving

Warwick Marsh

 

PS We continue to be excited about the fact that the government has granted the Fatherhood Foundation status as a Harm Prevention Charity.  In the Special Feature this week, we detail our forward vision and invite you to join us in changing Australia and the world for the better, one father at a time.

________________________________________

Warwick Marsh  has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is
the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in
age from 25 years to 13 years.  Warwick is a musician,
songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he
can still laugh at himself.

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Grandads

             Give thanks always in all things

 

St Paul

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Laughter

            

My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my bathroom and came out with my toothbrush.


He held it up and said with a charming little smile,
"We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it fell in the toilet a few days ago."

_____________________________________________

Jimmy received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown, with a very bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was a swear word; those that weren't cursing were very rude.

Jimmy tried to change the bird's attitude by constantly saying polite words, playing soft music-anything he could think of. Nothing worked.

He then tried yelling at the bird, but the bird got worse. He shook the bird, and the bird got madder and ruder.

Finally, in a moment of desperation, Jimmy put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird swearing, squawking, kicking and screaming and then, suddenly, there was absolute quiet.

Jimmy was frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird, and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out onto Jimmy's extended arm and said, "I'm sorry that I offended you with my language and my actions, and I ask your forgiveness. I will endeavour to correct my behaviour".

Jimmy was astounded at the changes in the bird's attitude and was about to ask what had changed him, when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the Chicken did?"

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Single Dads

 

Helping the Cause of Justice

By Simon Hunt

 

Recently I saw a doco on SBS about the rubber baron's exploitation of the  Indons in South America at the beginning of the last century.

The "abuse" of the Indons by the rubber barons was appalling, People where getting maimed on a daily basis as punishment for not producing enough rubber. They were being controlled by fear.

Eventually an English researcher decided to go there and document the oppression and violence. I think he spent a year documenting the accounts of hundreds of Indons who had been violated, maimed, whose loved one had been killed and tortured. Can you imaging that? Spending a year documenting the individual cases. How could anybody spend a year studiously documenting the torture and devastation before doing anything about it?  But he did the right thing, because if it wasn't fully documented it would just be denied. IT was only because he documented so many cases that his evidence was accepted. He went back to England and publicised his research. The evidence was so overwhelming that the world had to sit up and take notice. And they di d. The oppression stopped.

 

Isn't there a parallel here?

 

Documenting the abuse of children and their fathers in as many cases as is possible is most probably the only way we are going to overcome the institutions that are inflicting the horror. A case here and there is just going to produce the more denials and spin doctoring.

 

Finding someone to do this work is the hard part, especially hard because the so many of us are so devastated.

 

If we can set up a "Blogg site that everybody can document their personal experiences, we have an ever expanding document that can be presented to the world. A document that can not be dismissed.

 

Every email that gets posted in reference to any protest lobbying groups can include a link to the Blogg site for members, fathers, mothers, grandmothers' children can write their personal stories. Without the need for any individual to devote what's left of their life to exposing this devastating crime against children.

 

The Blogg site would be only for stories of what individuals had experienced - nothing else.

 

It could contain a few prompting questions eg:

What methods were used to deny you contact with your children?

How your children were compromised to bring about your removal form there lives (sexual abuse allegations, contact centres, anger management, systems abuse)

(I know of one parent who was denied contact for refusing to do an anger management course)

How many would have been denied access for refusing to go to a psychiatrist (how could they be so stupid you might ask)?

 

It would become a massive depository of human suffering that could not be ignored. Not "individual cases" the argument often trotted out by politicians. i.e.: "We're not here to talk about individual cases they say. It would represent a body of irrefutable evidence.

 

Would everybody be willing to contribute their story if it was simple a matter of clicking on a link to a "Blogg Site"?

 

Your comments please

 

Kind regards

Simon Hunt

email@dashlite.com.au

 

PS: A friend of mine recently complained to the council about the noise of the refrigerators in an adjacent shopping centre. The council said they would have to have evidence of the extent of the problem before they would do anything. So being an IT man he set up a web site to document the nuisance that he experienced. He would make entries every day. Finally he presented it to the council and they acted immediately (the shop had to construct a sound deadening box around their refrigeration system).

 

IT and the Internet can be enormously useful as a means of documenting things so they become "irrefutable".

 

Simon Hunt is a single father who has been unfairly excluded from his daughter's life for over two years.

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All you need is Love

 

Why Men are Always Wrong

By Michael Kiely

 

Spent the weekend with Deepak Chopra. He made this outrageous statement: Men in western society are stuck at the emotional maturity level of 8 year olds. We're all little boys needing our mamas. If this is true, and I believe it was true in my case until the light went on, men are responsible for the failure of most relationships.

 

Hold on, that's a bit harsh, isn't it? Well no. Men are hardwired to be bad at relationships and women are hardwired to be good at them. It all started back in the wild days when we were hunters and the hunted. Men were warriors and could not afford compassion and softer feelings. Women kept the social units together by networking. Men learned how to kill big, dangerous animals and destroy enemies. Women were nurturers of children and their protectors, the men.

 

After we emerged from the jungle and settled down to civilised life - when there was less call for killing and more time for relationships - emotional skills became more important than physical skills.

 

Men found they have underdeveloped skills in this area. Their heads are still in the jungle, fighting and killing and destroying, thinking this is what their woman wants. It's tough because women do want the traditional protector and provider (they don't need them as much, but they like to know they're there). But they want a soul mate now.

 

This means men have to sheath the sword of the ego and learn the tender arts of surrender. Easy to say, hard to do. WHY?

 

One word; ego. Men have lots of it. Men build the big towering buildings and invent the amazing inventions and fly to the moon and paint the great masterpieces... because they feel the need to, because they are driven by ego to express their dominance and achievement.

EGO is the great enemy of relationship, love, and spiritual growth. When EGO rules, the conscious mind needs three things, according to Deepak: It has a need for Approval. It needs to be in Control. And it needs to be Right.

 

Living without these things takes more guts than fighting and killing and doing all those things that come naturally.

 

It takes guts to love a woman, to love anyone. Because love is painful. Because love makes the EGO do things it doesn't want to do.

 

HERE IS AN EXERCISE: Keep an eye on your reactions this next week. Try to catch yourself seeking APPROVAL. Try to catch yourself needing to be in CONTROL. Try to catch yourself needing to be RIGHT.

 

http://manoverboardbook.blogspot.com

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Thought of the Week

                                            I have one more thing I would like to say to the Australian public:

Don't take your family for granted

Because once it's gone it's gone forever.

 

Todd Russell

Beaconsfield Miracle Miner

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Special Feature

Taking the Fatherhood Foundation to the 'Next Level'

Part Two

 

The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity that is committed to:

The promotion of 'excellence in fathering' as a long term strategy, which will reduce harmful and abusive behaviours by educating, equipping and engaging men as fathers and promoting the concept of excellence in fathering across Australia.

 

Promoting excellence in fathering is the answer to turning the tide of fatherlessness which is enveloping Australia and the western world. Fatherlessness, defined as the absence of an active, positive father-influence in the lives of children, has been shown in study after study to contribute to greater rates of poverty, drug abuse, lower educational performance, increased delinquency, increased crime, increased sexual abuse, increased sexual deviancy, increased youth suicide, increased levels of male suicide, increased mental health problems and increasing levels of self harm.

 

The Australian Government has now recognised the Fatherhood Foundation as a registered Harm Prevention Charity by granting Tax Deductible status to it.  This means that all gifts of money, or in some cases property, can become a tax saving to the giver.  This level of recognition as a Harm Prevention Tax Deductible Charity allows us to help the children of Australia in an even greater way than ever before.

 

In order to further help the children of Australia the Fatherhood Foundation has to go to the next level of development in order to properly resource the fathers of Australia.

 

The Next Level

 

All of the above has been completed by Warwick and Alison Marsh and a small team of faithful volunteers working on a miniscule budget with no government funding. The Fatherhood Foundation along with others has played a leading role in the restoration of fatherhood in Australia in the early part of the 21st century.  The needs are huge and the task is daunting, but we must rise to the occasion, gather resources and take the important work of the Fatherhood Foundation to the next level.  The needs within the families of our communities are massive and the simple reality is that it will take the investment of millions of dollars to bring lasting change.  The good news is that by investing millions we will save billions of dollars as together we turn the tide of fatherlessness in Australia.  The answer is simple, raise the bar on fathering in Australia and make excellence in fathering the norm for Australia fathers in families.

 

Over the last four years the Fatherhood Foundation has proven itself as a very viable Harm prevention Charity.  The fact that the Australian Government has granted tax deductible status to the Fatherhood Foundation is further proof that this organisation is well managed and offers potential donors a cost efficient way to help children, resource families and support fathers.  We list the key development areas to support and strengthen fathers over the next five years in order of priority:

 

#        Renew our website www.fathersonline.org   to provide an even greater level of resource and help for fathers in Australia and around the world.  Our goal is to develop the best fatherhood website in the world,

#        Roll out 'Good to Great Fatherhood Mentoring Course for the 21st Century on a national basis by renewing course structure and producing DVD series with course notes and marketing on a national basis by employing a full time development managers course trainer.

#        Continue to produce fathering and mothering quality CSAs and ramp up production of further TV programs including a half hour weekly 'Dad TV' series to resource fathers.  Employ a contract producers/production house to facilitate further high quality family friendly educational TV programs.

#        Continue to develop courses, conferences and resources to further meet the needs of men and fathers. To ensure positive family development.

 

In order to successfully complete the above we must develop a renewed well resourced office facility, and employ a fundraising / management / development / fatherhood-resourcing team to take us to the next level.

 

Next Level Fundraising Plan

 

Raise $250,000 by Christmas 2006

 

This can be broken down into the following amounts:

25 amounts of $25,000 each

50 amounts of $12,500 each

100 amounts of $2,500 each

1,000 amounts of $250 each

 

If you would like to help the Fatherhood Foundation please go to the 'Help Us' section of the end of this newsletter and reduce your tax by giving to the Fatherhood Foundation.

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News & Info

 

 

 

 

 

 NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.thanksgiving.org.au

 

Prime Minister's Statement

It gives me great pleasure to provide this message of support for the National Day of Thanksgiving on 3 June 2006.

In today's busy world, the National Day of Thanksgiving reminds us to take time to reflect on the people and things we value. It provides an opportunity to express our gratitude for the important contribution that our fellow Australians make to the life of our nation.

 

In particular, we honour carers and volunteers, who enrich the lives of many and give comfort and support to less fortunate members of our society. We salute those in the Police Forces, Ambulance and Fire Services, State Emergency Services and Australian Defence Forces, who assist us in times of difficulty and disaster.

 

The contribution of these dedicated people is a prime example of what I call the 'social coalition' - the idea that everyone has a role to play in participating in community life and in enhancing our social wellbeing.

 

The efforts and commitment of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes in our community can sometimes go without recognition. On this day, I encourage all Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of others in working to better our community.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

 

Governor General's Statement

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of modern day life, when good manners and courteous language are sometimes lacking, the value attached to a simple 'thank you' is more important than ever.

We say thanks, often almost without thought. But specifically thanking others - whether it be a few people or many, remains one of the cornerstones of a courteous, and hence a civilised society.

 

In this regard I would encourage the Church to continue its leadership role in rallying support for, and promoting the National Day of Thanksgiving.

 

As individuals, communities and as a nation, we all stand to benefit from the growing awareness of this day as an annual celebration ? a day we can share:

 

In giving thanks to God and one another.

 

In honouring the wonderful work of mentors and volunteers who do so much to improve the lives of others.

 

And in paying due recognition to the dedicated people working in fields such as education, health care, emergency services and many other areas where our frequent reliance on their skills is not always matched by our thanks.

 

I take this opportunity to commend our Churches for their contribution and help for the sick and needy - it is their Christian values and prayers that unite people, that provide faith, hope and comfort.

 

We can inspire so many people and help uplift the mood of the nation with the simple, but meaningful word of "thanks".

Source: His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery

 

Leader of the opposition statement

On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party I am pleased to support the National Day of Thanksgiving organising committee as it focuses our thoughts on thanking those who are the backbone of our communities.

The two groups especially identified to receive our collective thanks on the National Day of Thanksgiving 2006 are those who serve us when we need protection and safety: the Defence Forces and the Police and Emergency services, including Ambulance, Fire and State Emergency Services workers;and also those special people who provide care in the community for those unable to care for themselves.

 

None of us can doubt the massive contribution made to our well-being by these two groups of paid workers and volunteers. They are people about whom we commonly use such adjectives as: committed, devoted, selfless, altruistic, charitable, considerate, generous, kind and magnanimous - all of us know personally those who deserve all those accolades.

 

The National Day of Thanksgiving provides a superb forum for us to thank those who serve society, often doing jobs that most of us could not do or would not contemplate doing. These are the people who rescued the miners at Beaconsfield and those carers who look after our aged and disabled family members and friends.

 

I encourage all Australians to use the National Day of Thanksgiving 2006 as a stimulus to thank these two groups in the way that most suits them: through prayer and attendance at a place of worship, through personal and individual contact, through organised functions, or simply by private thoughts of goodwill.

Author: KIM C BEAZLEY MP

Source: Leader of the Opposition

 

 

Media Release

Telstra Grilled on Internet porn filtering

Telstra has rejected accusations it is not serious about stopping children from accessing pornography and violence on the Internet.

Telstra managers faced questions in a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra today.

Labor Senator Stephen Conroy questioned why the company is not taking part in a pornography filtering trial in Tasmania, which aims to prevent access to pornographic material online.

He clashed with Telstra's Denis Mullane on the issue.

"But I mean there's an extra option here to protect children from these sort of child pornographic images and violent depictions and Telstra are just sitting there saying 'No, we're not going to do anything about it'," he said.

"When there's an extra step you could take by participating in this, is Telstra happy to be used for child porn?"

Mr Mullane said he did not agree with the Senator's interpretation.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

'Gay-friendly' child care slammed

Read more of a attempts to attacle the family structure:

 

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,19264906-2,00.html

 

_________________________________________________________

 

Letters

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

Thank you for your remarkable job done for our nation. I enjoy your newsletters and am encouraged to aspire to being a better dad. I am also inspired to help others do that.

 

Andrew

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

I just stumbled onto your Website, excellent work, well done.

I have just finished a DVD promoting parenting (see www.babywisebliss.com.au  )

 

David & Charissa Scotford

Babywise Bliss

Perth, Western Australia

Web: www.babywisebliss.com.au

Phone: 0411156265

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

After reading the mag last week, it is not hard to fume and feel quite enraged at the way our society treats men.

 

It has been said that the 20 century was the time for the emancipation of women and the 21st century is the emancipation of men.

 

I could type for hours on this subject but the only way men are going to get justice is to await the inevitable "incidents" that will draw the attention of men and the Government. As Yamamoto stated after the bombing of Pearl Harbour "All we have done is woken a giant to a terrible resolve".

 

Feminism exists to promote the domination of men by Lesbians. Simple. There will be more tragedies involving men. In the future, they will cause a lot more damage and take a lot more people with them. Again, change will only happen when the "incidents" occur.  That is the nature of our society.

 

Jesus didn't write letters. People wrote letters about him. He acted. He was the greatest rebel in the history of the world. Pity that Christians don't want to be courageous like him...and the result is that Christianity is largely irrelevant in our society...(personal note: better brush up on my Arabic for the spiritual future of Australia). 

 

As Mother Theresa said "A doing hand is better than a praying hand". Jesus took on the state and the religion of his time. That's why they killed him.

 

I am looking forward to the day when the pressure cooker pops.

 

Only then, when there has been another round of pain  ........will we as humanity try to emancipate EVERYONE.

 

Alex

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

 

Yes I sadly read the crap some dads have to digest to be allowed to see their children. Yes I want to vomit!

 

Here in Qld this new politically correct advertisement makes me spew. It says listen to your wives, if she says no it means no. Also hitting you wife is abuse.

 

Excuse me dumb government, my ex-bitch wanted me to hit her, I never did. She left and now lives with a piss-head who does hit and keep her in line. She now complains to me he has no respect for her.

 

Hate to say it, "It seems we are dammed if we do and doubly dammed if we don't."  We are wrong because we are male, yes we are not perfect, we came from a woman.

 

Life with 2 girls has not been easy for the last 10 years, though it has been blessed. I WOULD NOT change it for anything, or give it up for any woman. I have not met any woman that can give emotional reward my 2 girls have given me. They give that hidden smile and thanks dad, and I don't have put up with the crap that seems to come with a lot of wives. I guess there are some special women out there. I have yet to meet some here in Australia. None of my mates or work mates or religious mates have that special wife. I guess God knew He was saying when He spoke of wives and how men give love to them before Him. Yes I do love my girls, they know I love God first and they think that is pretty cool and OK.

 

Thank you for your excellent publication, I try to share it with mates, but they need wives approval to make a free self choice. Have a great life - we only get one.

 

Michael

_________________________________________________________

 

Dear Fatherhood Foundation

 

I make reference to last week's article about sleeping in the basement.

Well, haven't we all been there in one form or another. Some of us are regular visitors and others may be occasional. There may even be groups of men sleeping in the basement.

May I suggest a men's basement conference focussing on this unique species of basement men. I suspect that many unheard stories are out there for dissemination to other men who may be about to enter this zone in their relationship.

 

The conference should actually be held in a basement. I would suggest the National Basement at Parliament House. Delegates can bring their own bedding and make a massive saving on accommodation. In fact the PH basement is frequented by many parliamentarians who feel the drawing to basement living that they are accustomed to.

 

The sessions should focus on:

  • The Signs of basement retribution
  • Why am I in the basement?
  • When can I get out?
  • If I can't, who can I invite?
  • The best ways to tune in on the footy (Technical session)
  • Should I have Bigpond in the basement?
  • Why sleeping in Air conditioning ducts is injurious to health

Workshops

  • Fashion wear for" basement boys"
  • Basement party plans for inspiring men
  • How to play Basement Bingo
  • Cooking in a basement 'without causing a fire'
  • Techniques for communicating with other basement dwellers.

 

Conference Dinner

Special partner's dinner in the Great Hall with visiting times allocated to conference delegates via internal stairways. (Security procedure)

 

The Fatherhood Foundation could launch a voluntary survey of members who are basement veterans to assess possible numbers. I wonder if the PH basement is large enough for this large band of basement boys.

 

For basement musing.

 

Regards,

Ron Hellyer

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Dad's Prayer

 

Dear God

 

It's been amazing these last few weeks

to hear about Todd Russell and

Brant Webb's exploits when they were trapped

one kilometre under the earth

in a steel cage 1.2m X 1.00m X 1.8m.

 

How did they survive?

How were they found?

How did they not go crazy in the darkness?

 

You are the reason,

and the prayers of those you love.

You are the source of the miracle,

and even that fact has seeped through a Media

that only gives credit

when its arm is twisted to tell the truth.

 

We thank you for the National Day of Thanksgiving.

We thank you for our Armed Services.

We thank you for all those who serve our country.

We pray for their safety and speedy return.

We pray for your protection and blessing on the

Police Force, the Fire Crews, the Ambo's

and the wonderful SES!

Nor do we forget our nurses and carers.

We, as a nation, are richer for all of them,

and we are blessed because of them.

But more than anything else

we thank you for your love,

our families and our loved ones.

It is their love,

working through your love,

that pulls us through.

 

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Help Us

Click here for more information about us

Help Us!

The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity.
Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a   source of harm.
The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence  in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother.
 
The Fatherhood Foundation believes that the key to life is giving.  That's why this newsletter is given freely without expectation. 
Life is also about relationships. 
That's what being a good father is all about, developing relationships with your loved ones.
 
If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility:
Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund
(Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility)
Westpac Branch Wollongong
BSB: 032 695
A/C: 25-5558
 
Or mail cheque and address details to:
PO Box 440
WOLLONGONG  NSW  2520
AUSTRALIA
 
The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund  is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

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