Make Your Mark

August 17, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
4 Comments

MakeYourMark.jpgI’ve created a hand print in support of Indigenous suicide prevention, now it’s your turn to leave a mark at Lifeline’s Make Your Mark site.

Suicide is such a devastating way to lose members of our communities. It’s heart breaking to think that some people believe that death by their own hand is a better alternative than continuing to live.

Did you know suicide among Indigenous Australians is up to 40%* higher than in the general Australian population?
It’s also believed this figure is under reported. (*Living is for Everyone, 2008)

By creating your own hand print you will be showing your support for Indigenous healing, emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.

For every handprint created the NRL (Rugby League) will donate one dollar to Lifeline for this cause. You can also donate directly.

Your participation will help Lifeline connect Indigenous communities with services and resources to support individuals and families into the future.



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Finally Home

August 17, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
2 Comments

It’s good to be back at work after a couple of week’s break. (Though I don’t know if break is the right word.)

During the past fortnight our family moved house from one side of Perth to the other. We’ve been busy settling in ever since.

One of the strangest things has been the fact that even on the final inspection before settlement it felt like we were looking through someone else’s house. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn’t an inspection like the dozens we had done while looking for a new home, this was the one we had selected and would soon be ours. Just a few days later we were moved in and the new place has pretty much felt like our home since day one.

We’re finding our way around the area and getting used to new routines. There are still surprises each day. As I headed out the door this morning I noticed a couple of ducks sitting in our front yard. I had to dash back inside to let the rest of the family know.

If I’m counting right I’ve moved 9 times, including this latest move, in my 46 years on this planet. For a little over the first 16 years of my life I lived in one place. For just under 16 years we’ve lived in our previous home.

How many times have you moved during your life? Are you settled where you are now or is there a home to which you wish you could return?



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