Subject: A Heartfelt Thanks to Lifeboat
Dear Lifeboat Team,
In my Aboriginal culture, scarred trees are sacred. Their markings tell stories of survival, resilience, and connection to the land and spirit. They remind us that even through pain and adversity, there is beauty and strength. As I reflect on the work you do, I see parallels between these sacred trees and the survivors you support.
My early life was shaped by the torment of orphanages and Catholic boys’ homes. Those experiences left scars—both visible and invisible. Like the trees, these marks are a part of me, a reminder of where I’ve been and what I’ve endured. Trust, for many survivors, is a fragile thing, often fractured by heartbreak and betrayal. Rebuilding it is a long, uncertain path, fraught with fear and doubt.
But through the compassion and understanding of Lifeboat, and under Father Kevin Dillon’s steadfast guidance, that path becomes clearer. You help survivors dismantle their walls—not as a surrender, but as a reclaiming of their strength. In your care, they experience moments of profound awakening, where they can finally say, “I see myself. I am worthy. I am going to be okay.”
I had the honor of reconnecting with your team at Father Kevin Dillon’s birthday celebration at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. The gathering wasn’t just a tribute to a remarkable man; it was a celebration of hope, healing, and the enduring spirit of community that Lifeboat represents.
Your work resonates deeply with the cultural values of my people, where stories and scars are not hidden but embraced as sacred. Each story you honor, each life you uplift, is like tending to a scarred tree—nurturing it so it stands strong and proud, bearing witness to its own survival.
Thank you for all that you do. The scars of the past remain, but they no longer define us. Instead, they tell stories of courage, survival, and the promise of a future filled with hope.
With deep respect and gratitude,