A note from the Chairman

When mentoring the many people from a range of very diverse backgrounds, including year 8 students who are either struggling to find meaning at school, a place in a friendship group,  or understanding a marriage breakdown. To grandparents, to people who have served time in prison, to people who have, or are suffering domestic violence, to unemployed mothers and fathers, to people who are, or have been extremely successful in their lives and careers, there are about 15 common values which they are find valuable and important to them living happy lives.

Out of these 15, the most common value identified is FAMILY. The lesser common one is GRATITUDE, and the one I have never seen is FORGIVENESS.  All three are key to living a happy life.  Family brings a sense of belonging and love. It seems that all of the mentees and mentors hold this value very dear to their hearts. While gratitude is not always mentioned in the top 5 values of the mentees, it appears in each group’s summary of core values.  Gratitude enables people to stop and appreciate all the good things and people in their lives and the world. It brings a deep sense of peace and comfort. When times are tough, practising gratitude is life giving.  Forgiveness never seems to be listed.  I am not sure why, but from my small perspective, forgiveness allows us to forgive ourselves for when we have fallen short living up to our values and to have compassion for ourselves and others.  One of the great liberating experiences which continually leads me to engage more and more fully in the service of the Fair Go Foundation was to forgive people who have caused harm.

I hope that this Christmas, I will take some time to hold myself true to these values and make sure I can ensure all whom I meet feel a sense of belonging, and that I take the time to list all of the things for which I am grateful, while allowing myself to be more compassionate with my own failings and those of others.

This year 134 wonderful people graduated from the Onwards and Upwards Programs. This was made possible by the 146 mentors. We are so thankful also for the just over $210,000 raised by our programs and the many generous donors – thank you. This year we welcomed two new Board Members – Glen Richards and Donna Whitley.  It is exciting to have Glen and Donna join Fair Go Australia, and help with our job placement, grant application, and corporate partnership goals. Apart from being great people, they bring their skills and experience to enable Fair Go Australia to enhance the support of its participants. Thank you to Luke Rowlinson and Mark Zietsch who have stepped off the board for their commitment.  Their dedication is greatly appreciated. We also welcome Tim Franklin who will be working with Fair Go Australia to deliver our corporate programs. It is great to have Tim on board. Thank you to Prue Long for her outstanding contribution and dedication to the people Fair Go Australia cares. It is a benchmark and real example of the Fair Go Australia culture.

This Christmas, I wish all our mentees, our 200 plus volunteers, mentors, our many generous financial supporters, corporate and public partners, and our dedicated board members, a wonderful Christmas and new year with your family and friends.  I am so very thankful for your efforts, dedication and support. We look forward to seeing you in 2021.