refugees

It’s been a busy time since we returned from Vietnam. Firstly, I have published a book about the adventure! It’s a big, beautiful coffee table book that took me a while to complete, but the book arrived in the mail and my heart soared.  The most wonderful thing about doing the blog to book project was being able to relive the amazing journey once more through editing posts and resizing photos to be print ready. It will be available to purchase once I have sourced a suitable printer that is cost effective.

Here are a couple of pics; evidence of my book!

Secondly, I have been doing some communications work with the Twilight School, an initiative of Salesian College Rupertswood in Sunbury with Bruno Lettieri from Victoria University. My role involves creating and developing a cultural hub in the school and wider community. So far we have has two successful Open House events attracting 100 guests and a series of short courses with offerings in Beginner Italian, Life Writing and How to host a dinner party mansion style!

The Twilight School program is open to the public conversations and courses taking place inside one of Victoria’s impressive mansions. Rupertswood Mansion has hosted guests Michael Leunig with Alice Pung talking the creative process and John Marsden talking education. Ailsa Piper author of Sinning across Spain took participants on a creative short course journey of writing unlike no other. Now, our final Open House event for 2012 is on the topic of Refugees with special guests David Nyuol Vincent, author of The boy who refused to die and Adil Al-Qassas, a PhD student sharing their stories as refugees on Monday 26 November 2012 at 6.30pm. It’s going to be an event not to be missed. Parents and students are most welcome to attend the night and ask questions, buy David’s book and get him to sign it or just mingle with the crowd over a glass of wine and cheese platter.

Open House Flyer

Student Open House Flyer

It got me thinking about Father Joe who made contact for us at the orphanage in Hue and children’s blind centre in Ho Chi Minh City. He was a refugee who fled South Vietnam after the war ended. He was only a boy and he too has an amazing story of survival and resilience and resettlement to share. Another time perhaps.

I hope you can make this special night if you live in Melbourne. I’ll be at the door to greet and welcome you all into Rupertswood Mansion, so I look forward to seeing you.