Current Projects

• 

  Boy 2 Man

  State:

  Queensland

  Topic:

  Community

  A school based ‘Rite of Passage’ course for year 9 boys. There are 7 lessons that comprise the ‘education’ phase, followed by a separation ceremony, 3 day camp, return ceremony and celebration. The lessons are taught by myself and supported by male teachers. We take on the role as ‘elders’ due to the goal of passing on wisdom and experience to the younger boys in our community. This year we also plan to ask another elder to attend the return ceremony and ‘officially’ welcome the boys to the local community of men.

• Social Media exchange

  State:

  Queensland

  Topic:

  Media

  Older people are increasingly isolated. Youth communication is part of the isolation. Students in schools will work through the council libraries and retirement homes to meet and share their social media skills, and in the process learn the old style “Social Media”

• 

  Lydra Ladies

  State:

  Victoria

  Topic:

  Community

  I have a Melbourne based fashion accessories label and I want to engage the elderly community in a cross generational initiative. The idea is to involve elderly ladies in sewing the range (handbags, clutches) at a lawn bowls club or seniors club. I am currently on the scout for an interested lawn bowls club that would like to be a part of the initiative.

• A Forum on Eldership

  State:

  Victoria

  Topic:

  Community

  A one day forum to explore:

  What makes a person an Elder?

  How do you become one?

  What could Elders do in Australia?

  What Eldership projects are happening in Australia?

  What new projects could be created?

• 

  4th National Elders Gathering 2011

  State:

  New South Wales

  Topic:

  Personal development

  National Elders Gathering
  When: Friday 10 June (evening) to Monday 13 June (midday) 2011
  Where: Bawley Bush Cottages, on the NSW south coast approx halfway between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.
  Who: Any man over 55. To be inducted as an elder:…

• Using Our Wisdom - A Rite of Passage for Men Moving Into Elderhood

  State:

  New South Wales

  Topic:

  Personal development

  “Using Our Wisdom” is a carefully crafted program that considers a man’s journey from birth, to the present and into the future. Enjoy an opportunity to acknowledge and embrace the special, sacred role of the Elder within this unique and intense 3½ day exploration.

• The Last Hundred Yards

  State:

  New South Wales

  Topic:

  Media

  The Last Hundred Yards is a documentary project. 4 Elders bare their hearts and share experiences that shaped them.

• 

  elders sitting bundanoon

  State:

  New South Wales

  Topic:

  Community

  A sitting of elders is an opportunity for elders to sit together and explain how it is for them being in the world at the moment. It is a listening and respecting process with the issues that evolve being followed over the two days.

• MEN IN BALI - The Elders Way

  State:

  National

  Topic:

  Community

  If you have never attended a MEN IN BALI Retreat, now is the time to gift yourself with nine (9) nights and eight (8) days of this exceptional special experience, conducted in the beautiful village surroundings of Pondok Saraswati near Ubud in Bali.

• 

  Restoring the Voice of Elders

  State:

  Western Australia

  Topic:

  Community

  WEST Australian Aboriginal leader and former politician Ernie Bridge plays a key role educating communities about diabetes prevention through his not-for-profit Unity of First People of Australia (UFPA) group. He is concerned by the changed role of elders and is expanding the group’s focus to try to deal with it. He said a new program was now being run at the remote Mowanjum community in the Kimberley to restore the voice of elders in the community. One of his ideas is to establish a special place of business for elders to discuss local events and put forward their views.

• The Time of Your Life

  State:

  Western Australia

  Topic:

  Community

  A residential weekend for men aged 50 and over.

  The purpose is to provide an introduction for men into ways in which they can explore some of the challenges and opportunities of mid to late life.

  This special weekend is for men who are interested…

• MEN IN BALI - A Man's Journey Program

  State:

  National

  Topic:

  Community

  Through considerate and respectful group work, personal process, village walks, adventure, sharing circles, bodywork, local jazz and performance, meditation, stunning local cultural events, innovative workshop process, care, service, beautiful food, reflection, and a few surprises, profound change can happen. Far from an escape retreat, these group experiences offer men a real, safe opportunity to go to the essence of themselves, to share and explore as a potential springboard, the next part of their life’s journey.