By: Sheridan Voysey
I recently heard a fascinating story about a heart surgeon. At the end of one operation, he returned his patient’s heart back into the chest and began gently massaging it back to life. But the heart wouldn’t restart.
By: Sheridan Voysey
I recently heard a fascinating story about a heart surgeon. At the end of one operation, he returned his patient’s heart back into the chest and began gently massaging it back to life. But the heart wouldn’t restart.
We all want to be good parents, but what happens when your perfectionism gets in the way of that? Dr Justin Coulson discusses this on the Happy Families podcast.
Australia Day celebrations to focus on our stories
Reflect, respect, and celebrate the stories of individuals and groups living in Townsville as part of Townsville City Council’s Australia Day festivities.
Council, in collaboration with the National Australia Day Council (NADC), has created Northern Stories, a collection of events to encourage us all to reflect on our history’s highs and lows.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Northern Stories was an opportunity to bring locals together.
“Council is focusing on the diversity of our city this Australia Day. Every Australian’s story matters, and Northern Stories is a chance for us to share our stories and hear from the people who make this city great,” Cr Hill said.
“Northern Stories is a new concept, but one that I think will really help to shine a light on the incredible variety of backgrounds our locals have.”
Cr Hill said Northern Stories would run from 15-26 January with free and inclusive events at venues across the city.
“Northern Stories will open up discussions about Australia Day in a new way. We’ll be drawing focus on stories from across the region,” she said.
“These stories are going to be told at Strand Park, Jezzine Barracks and Queens Gardens through an immersive light show, live story sessions and a variety of events.”
A highlight of the festivities will be HALO, an immersive light and sound experience which will transform Castle Hill into a living coral reef. There will also be daily talks with the themes ‘We are all part of the Story,’ ‘Stories of the North’ and ‘Stories of the Coral Sea.’
On Australia Day itself, two key event components will be held at Jezzine Barracks – the formal Australia Day and Flag Raising ceremonies and Celebrate Australia, an inclusive event for all ages with a strong focus on fun activities for the whole family and the Get Active Expo.
National Australia Day Council Chief Executive Officer Karlie Brand said the role of local governments bringing communities together on our national day has never been more important.
“That’s why the National Australia Day Council has provided $15 million in grants to Australian councils and not-for-profit organisations for Australia Day events in 2021,” she said.
“The National Australia Day Council is delighted to be supporting Townsville City Council to deliver an Australia Day that encourages its community to come together and reflect, respect and celebrate.”
The core mission of the National Australia Day Council is to actively promote our national day to all Australians to inspire national pride and increase participation and engagement across all sectors of the community.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said Northern Stories was a time to reflect on the individuals that made Townsville a great city.
“Telling stories is one of the most important ways that we can connect with others, educate, and inspire,” Cr Greaney said.
“Northern Stories is a chance for us to reflect on our history, show respect to all cultures, and to celebrate living in the north together.
“This promises to be an iconic event which will draw tourists into the Townsville region for the end of the summer school holidays.
“It’s a great opportunity to listen to the stories of those around us and to dig deep and share our own stories.”
For more information, visit northernstories.com.au. #ends#
Last but not least… “On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming.” Maybe these drummers help to think of the twelfth gift as the gift of the 12 points of the doctrine in the Apostles Creed, which are:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting.
The Apostles Creed is a statement of beliefs and when said in church, these are beliefs that people accept as truth and a profession of their faith. The story of Christmas – the birth of Jesus – brings us so much hope.
Day 12 Action: Share the story of Christmas with a friend in need of hope.
For the “Story Behind These GIfts” click here
For Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree click here
For Day 2: Two Turtle Doves click here
For Day 3: Three French Hens click here
For Day 4: Four Calling Birds click here
For Day 5: Five Golden Rings click here
For Day 6: Six Geese a Laying click here
For Day 7: Seven Swans a Swimming click here
For Day 8: Eight Milk Maids click here
For Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing click here
For Day 10: Ten Lords a Leaping click here
For Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping click here
“…Eleven pipers piping…” This line helps us remember the 11 disciples. If you’re thinking, “Weren’t there 12 disciples?” you are right, but in this instance, the song reminds us to remember all but Judas, who betrayed Jesus. The 11 carried Jesus’ message through the earth and you can read more about them in Luke 6:14-16.
The eleven faithful apostles can be found referenced in Luke 6:14-16. The disciples were faithful in their walk with Jesus and were important in His journey but also carrying out His story after His death.
Think about the people you have in your life and how important they are, how people are better by the journey they’ve lived.
Day 11 Action: Write a tribute to someone important today. Consider posting it online for the world to know what a great contribution they’ve made in your life.
For the “Story Behind These GIfts” click here
For Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree click here
For Day 2: Two Turtle Doves click here
For Day 3: Three French Hens click here
For Day 4: Four Calling Birds click here
For Day 5: Five Golden Rings click here
For Day 6: Six Geese a Laying click here
For Day 7: Seven Swans a Swimming click here
For Day 8: Eight Milk Maids click here
For Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing click here
For Day 10: Ten Lords a Leaping click here