Current Family Violence Issues
I was recently lucky enough to be invited recently to attend training presented by Northern Integrated Family Violence Services. Understanding of family violence (FV), how to recognise it, and how to assist parties to cope with it, is a dynamic area, constantly evolving and developing. The prevalence of FV is astounding-1 in every 3 Australian…
Lessons for FDR from Restorative Engagement
Jodie Grant recently presented a webinar for Resolutions Institute where she shared her considerable experience as an FDRP with family disputes, and as a facilitator with the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce (DART) working with those who have suffered institutional abuse. She provided some fascinating insights as to the similarities and differences between these different areas.…
The lure of ‘Mountain’ and the ACO
I recently attended the cinematic and musical odyssey with the Australian Chamber Orchestra “Mountain”. This is described as an essay on our fascination with mountains, how they challenge us, and how we respond. The combination of wonderful music and epic photography is powerful. An experience that remains with you, returning at unexpected moments, with notes…
The Merchant of Venice-winner or loser?
The Merchant of Venice is another masterpiece where Shakespeare presents us with a variation on a fairytale situation that we are all familiar with, to expose our frailties as humans, to give us added insight and understanding. Bassanio is in love with the great lady Portia, and needs funds to be in a position where…
“Johnno” by David Malouf-are we who we think we are, or who is reflected in those around us?
Last week I attended a Masterclass at Melbourne University on “Johnno” by David Malouf, one of our most celebrated writers. This is the first novel of this iconic Australian poet and author, published in 1975 at the height of the Whitlam Era. Patrick White described this as the best novel written by an Australian author…
Beyond Mindfulness
There is no doubt that “mindfulness” is important for our wellbeing, happiness and ability to cope with the overload of information and stress of modern life. There is also no doubt that meditation is the key to being able to still our minds, obtain some inner peace and experience love, joy and happiness. I have…
A paradigm shift for fundamental change
A paradigm shift involves a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. It creates a situation in which the usual and accepted way of doing or thinking about something changes completely. There have been those rare individuals who have had the genius to challenge thinking in their time, and create something novel and different as…
Macbeth-Shakespeare on high conflict personalities
MACBETH – Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible to feeling as to sight? Or art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation Proceeding…
Options for resolving family disputes out of court
Recently Resolutions Institute hosted an event that explored the changing landscape for resolving family disputes out of court. This highlighted the range of options available to suit particular situations and the role for lawyers and other professionals as gatekeepers. It is possible and indeed, there would appear to be a responsibility, to be aware of…
Lessons from Shakespeare’s Richard III
Why is Shakespeare as popular today as he was in his own time 400 years ago? Is it the beauty of his language, his incredible ability to paint a picture that captures the imagination so well, his intricate plots so full of suspense and intrigue, his characters, so often larger than life, but so real…