Catholic school leaders pursue possibilities

Had a great trip to Melbourne on June 10 to speak to almost 300 Catholic School respresentatives at the CEOM Catholic Schools Conference at the Melbourne Entertainment Centre. It was amazing to be speaking on the same stage the Dalai Lama was to appear on less than 24 hours later. Of course, they were moving the walls in the conference centre out a bit - from the hall where I spoke to about 300 people to accommodate the 5500 coming to see him. So I've got a little way to go! For more photos and details about my Melbourne talk visit my 2011 News Page.

Great visit to Julia Creek

We've just had a fantastic visit to Julia Creek in Central Queensland where a Men's Day attracted more than 100 participants to have a health check and hear myself and legendary Bronco's league ex-player Shane Webcke speak. Great to see the season looking so fantastic in the district - we really enjoyed the drive from Mount Isa across to Julia Creek and back because the landscape is stunning at the moment. Never seen so much grass! See more at our 2011 News Page.

Supporters came from miles around to fight cancer

The small rural community of Inglestone in south-west Queensland drew supporters from miles around for its annual fundraiser for cancer research. Its Biggest Morning Tea for Funds for Cancer was organised by the Inglestone CWA, which is celebrating its 60th year. Find out more.

Tough job but somone had to do it!

"It was a tough job but someone had to do it," was Sam Bailey's comment after being special guest at this year's Goondiwindi Anglican Church Deb Ball on May 20. He's pictured above with some of the stunning Debutees. Find out more here.

Local chaplaincy invite Sam to Warwick

School chaplains in the Warwick area invited me to visit to speak to local schools and a community "Raising the Spirit" dinner on May 19. It was a huge success with more than 270 in attendance. See more details and photos on my 2011 News Page and 2011 School News page.

Great trip to the NSW north-west with RFDS

Just back from a fantastic trip to the NSW north-west with the Royal Flying Doctor Service speaking at community events and schools in Wanaaring, White Cliffs, Wilcannia and Louth. A highlight was staying at PJs Bed and Breakfast at White Cliffs which was underground.

I'm pictured above with the organisers of our trip Rusty Stoddart and Matt Bolte (middle back) from the RFDS Mental Health Unit; Denise Perkins, RFDS psychologist (front right) and Robyn (back left) and David White (back right), owners of the Louth Post Office Bed and Breakfast. It was great to see the north-west has been transformed by the recent good season.
There are more photos on my web page 2011 news page and 2011 school page.

Lifting spirits in SA's south east

It was fantastic to visit the beautiful south east of South Australia in early April to lift the spirits of residents of the Tatiara District - where tough economic conditions and drought have challenged local residents in recent years. We visited three schools - Bordertown High School, Keith Area School and Tintinara Area School throughout Friday, April 8. That night we spoke at a community event at Keith, which attracted about 170 people. The event was organised by the Northern NRM Group of the South East Natural Resources Management Board, with financial support from Country Health SA. We really enjoyed seeing the area, which is the largest lucerne seed producing region in Australia. Find out more on our webpage.