Cessation of hostilities

May 1945, a young fiery redheaded woman was finishing off her work late one evening.

Working as a teleprinter operator during World War II, she decoded messages that came in from the war front but it was this particular evening that the most important message came through.

It was late as she processed the final message for the day. A task she had done so often that she paid little attention to the content of messages. It was not until later that night that she realised the importance of this last message.

After such a long shift, she headed home keen to just have a long bath but was stopped by her Auntie Winn.

“You can’t go to bed, the Prime Minister has something important to announce.”

The young woman stops near the stairs, links and codes clicking into place inside her head. The realisation of what the Prime Minister was about to announce became clear.

“I already know what he’s going to say. The war is over.”

Valerie Williams, a twenty year old WAAF, processed the most important three words for 1945: cessation of hostilities.

This wonderful woman is my great-grandmother, an amazingly beautiful and feisty woman full of stories and tales to tell.

So on this day of the ANZACs may we celebrate the stories of peace, friendship and strength.

May we live in a world without hostilities.

May we live in a world of peace.

My Captain Planet

Zac Power.

It has the ring of a superhero’s name.

For anyone that knows this amazing guy, you would agree that his name truly suits him; Zac Power is Geelong’s own Captain Planet.

For as long as I have known Zac he has been a huge advocate for the environment. He educates the community about environmental issues, involves himself in many campaigns and leads by example in the personal choices he makes.

Two years ago, Zac threw himself into the work of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and has not looked back. Only last year, he initiated the AYCC Geelong group and has been working on building and strengthening group relations, community support and environmental awareness within the community.

He is, and always will be, committed to creating an environmentally just and sustainable world.

It is for these reasons, that I am proud to congratulate Zac on being able to hold high the Youth Environment Award from the Impetus Youth Awards.

I feel so grateful to have met such an inspiring, passionate and dedicated young person.

One, who I can also call my friend.

I know that no matter what the future holds, Zac will always be standing up for what he believes is right within the community and advocating for a sustainable environment.

Zac, you are my Captain Planet.

You will change our world! 

Handcrafted tales from Portugal

I have never travelled to Portugal but after reading the beautiful threads from The Thimble Folk it is now on my list of places to see.

These lovely people, Rachel and her family, have travelled across Portugal taking in the amazing scenery and explored the local crafts, listening to the tales of the local artisans.


This is something I would love to do myself one day.

To travel to another country and see firsthand the stunning colours and intricate embroideries, hand moulded ceramics that bear a fingerprint and most importantly pieces which hold such rich stories.


So when Rachel and her family returned home with many treasures from their travels, I was very excited to go into their little shop and come home with many delightful goodies.


“Every piece has soul and respects the hands that made it.”


These words make me happy. It was one of the reasons I just loved working in at the Oxfam shop as well. I love pieces that have a story behind them.

Whether it is hearing about the grandmother who embroidered slippers to the gorgeous clogs and bags made from silk scarves, there is skill and soul in each piece.


If only all shops would embrace this wonderful attitude and respect the hands that make their products.


Imagine the stories that could then be told.

Keeping promises

This time last year, there were campaigns across the nation which were successful in ensuring that the government kept its promise to foreign aid.

Along with close friends, I lead the High Five for Point Five campaign to remind the community about the government’s promise to foreign aid.

This promise is to increase its foreign aid budget to 0.5% gross national income (GNI) by 2015.

If we, as a nation, are to achieve the millennium development goals and put an end to extreme poverty then this promise is essential.

Last year this promise was reaffirmed.

Now, through colleagues within the MakePovertyHistory movement, I have heard that the Cabinet is considering scaling back foreign aid in the 2012-2013 budget.

This cannot happen.

We have made change before, together we can do it again.

As Tom O’Connor says, “These ministers might control the levers of power, but ultimately they answer to us.”

So to make sure they answer to us, we need to make our voices heard.

Head to The Oaktree Foundation for some more information about how you can help.

We will be heard and they will keep their promise.

United we walk

Over one thousand people gathered and embraced the sunshine yesterday afternoon to raise awareness for autism. 


For my dear friends and family, I walked in support for you.


Geelong walked in support for you.


Friends and family you shall never be alone.


Words cannot fully express the overwhelming support from the Geelong community for people affected by autism, so I shall share images from the walk with you. 

We will continue to walk side by side on our journey together.