We haven't posted for quite a while - sorry about that! Part of that has been because the Busk For A Cure event has now finished, and partly it's because this one took some time to organise. We're still planning to put more interviews up here on the blog, but they may not be as regular. We'll see how we go!
The event went really well. We had lots of people showing up to the different stages, and the new venues worked great. We also managed to raise over $3000 for Cancer Council NSW, and Crohn's and Colitis Australia, which is fantastic! We're already looking towards next year, and planning what that's going to look like. But in the meantime, this week, I got the chance to talk to Jess, who actually works at Cancer Council NSW, about where this money is going towards, and what it is they do.
Introduce yourself. Who are you, and what’s your role within the Cancer Council?
I’m the current Acting Regional Manager for Metro Sydney, and also the Community Engagement Manager — we manage and co-ordinate teams for fundraising and develop initiatives to support programs in the community around practical support, prevention, advocacy, and information.
How/why did you get involved?
I’m a dietitian by qualification/background, that’s what I studied, but I really loved working with the community. I joined the nutrition unit 4 years ago, and was part of the Eat It to Beat It program; but the why — really, it’s the type of organisation that Cancer Council NSW is. It’s a courageous place, that invests in people and in prevention; cancer affects so many people in the community, and it’s about our vision for a cancer-free future.
Can you give us a brief run-down of the major things that the Cancer Council NSW does?
Cancer research, advocacy, practical support and information, and prevention, are the key areas that Cancer Council NSW does. Our aim is that no-one goes it alone through a diagnosis. So we’re there for people before the diagnosis, during that time, and after as well; both for the individual, and also the family, friends, and carers around them.
When people donate money to the Cancer Council, what does that go towards?
A big area that fundraising goes to is into research — we’ve been funding cancer research for 60 years, and today invest $15 million to conduct and fund research across all stages of the cancer journey; investigating causes, prevention, detection, treatment, and supporting people after diagnosis as well, as they adjust to that life.
We also run a number of support services throughout six regional offices. We run programs like the 13 11 20 free confidential information service, where people talk to oncology specialists; we provide over $600,000 in financial assistance to those in need; we’ve made over 7600 trips transporting patients and carers to treatment; and through a partnership with core hotels, we provide 19,800 nights of affordable accomodation, meaning that patients travelling from rural/regional areas can stay with their family or carers close to treatment centres. We also run prevention/advocacy work, like the SunSmart program, which is why we see sun protection measures like shade and broad-brimmed hats being implemented. Funding also allows us to do grassroots advocacy.
Grassroots advocacy — what does that look like?
That’s actually something I’m really passionate about. We have over 19,000 Australian community members that make up the CanAct community; we engage them to find out the issues that people affected by cancer, their carers, their families face, and then lobby the government to face these issues.
NSW State Government recently (in June) announced $100 million in palliative care support in NSW; Brad Hazzard joined us at the launch in Dee Why. In 2015 we also advocated for chemotherapy co-payments to be abolished, and were successful — that meant a saving of $70 million for people in NSW.
How does the Cancer Council help to support cancer research, or people with cancer?
We fund research internally, and also fund external research grants. We also fund research on all cancer types, we don’t just fund the well-known ones. External grants allow us to do that, and we involve a consumer research panel in that process. 96% of our funding actually comes from the community. Yeah, it’s surprising, isn’t it? It’s a lot! We run a lot of local fundraising initiatives, and feel like we have a great responsibility, but also a great reputation in the NSW community.
Is there a story you have from the time you’ve been here of how the Cancer Council has made an impact, particularly in specific people’s lives?
There was a recent staff member who lost her mother of advanced cancer late last year — her mother had just turned 57, and received great palliative care, which was wonderful. She shared her story at the palliative care launch, and as a team we were able to support her, and come around her. She was then able to share that story again later with Brad Hazzard — and then going on to see that declaration of support from the government was amazing. We give people the opportunity to share their stories, it’s really a family-based operation.
What are the best ways for people to get involved or contribute to the work of the Cancer Council?
One of the obvious ways is supporting things like Busk For A Cure, fundraising opportunities, and the like. Other ways are becoming a volunteer — they help us across all of our work; you might help in day events like Relay For Life, you could help with admin, you could join a research study. If you’re interested in advocacy, we’re always looking for people to join our CanAct community. Or you can always just stay in touch via our social media network.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just a thank you, really — I can’t say it enough, how incredible it is the community support we get, both with fundraising and volunteers. We’re really thankful to the community, for all that we’re able to do because of that — so thank you for allowing us to do our work!
Thank you to Jess for letting us talk with her, and remember that you can still keep up with us on Facebook or on our website - feel free to contact us if you have any questions about Busk For A Cure!
Monday 10 July 2017
Wednesday 24 May 2017
Interview #3 - Carley
This week, we're talking with someone who is currently living with one of the conditions that Busk For A Cure (BFAC) is raising money to support - Crohn's disease. That's the condition, I mean, not her name. Her name is Carley, as you will have ascertained from the title, hopefully! Find out more by reading on. I should note that I actually went into this with no knowledge of either Crohn's or Colitis, bar a quick Wiki search and glance at the first few lines of each page.
Introduce yourself. Who are you, and what’s your connection to BFAC?
I’m Carley, I’m a friend of Helmut’s. My connection would be that I have Crohn’s disease, one of the charities that he does BFAC for.
I know nothing about Crohn’s. What is it, and how does it affect your daily life?
It’s an auto-immune disease that effects the gastro-intestinal system. It ranges in severity - I have it all the way through, from the mouth all the way down. It causes inflammation of all those areas. A lot of days I wake up and I’m just too sick to leave the house - when you’re running to the toilet fifty times a day, it makes things a bit difficult.
Why are Crohn’s and Colitis talked about in conjunction? What is Colitis?
Colitis is similar to Crohn’s, but it’s in smaller areas of the bowel, whereas Crohn’s can be anywhere in the gastrointestinal system. I think they just put them together cause they’re similar.
What is the most difficult thing about living with Crohn’s?
It’s an embarrassing disease, to be honest. I struggle with telling people about it, and talking about it, because nobody wants to hear that shit. I was fifteen when I was diagnosed, so it wasn’t a great time to be dealing with that.
What do you wish people understood about Crohn’s/Colitis?
Honestly, I just wish people knew it existed. When you say “I have Crohn’s,” people say, “what the fuck is that?” Because cancer is so well-known, but there are so many other things that just aren’t in the spotlight.
What has been helpful to you?
So, I had to have surgery - which was extremely helpful, but not fun. I now have an ileostomy - they brought part of my bowel out to the outside of my stomach, and I have a bag now. Because I was at a point where I was in hospital for months and months at a time, and there was nothing that they could do. There are people I know who are like, "I've got this, it's great!" but it was also a bit shit.
Why did you suggest that BFAC also support Crohn's and Colitis Australia (CCA)?
I didn’t, actually. I’ll tell you the story. One night, me and Helmut got really drunk. And you know when you get drunk you have D&Ms? So we had one of those, and Helmut was talking all about his mum, and then I was talking all about my stuff, and we had a great moment. And then later on, he told me that he was doing the BFAC thing for his mum, and he wanted to include me in it as well, so that was awesome.
What do you think is the importance/significance of BFAC?
Well, I think it’s very important for Helmut to tell his story and to - you know, when things get out of hand, and you need to able to tell your story and do something. And it’s just great for people to be part of that, and he’s just so fucking lovely, that guy. You can put that in quotes.
Seriously? Really, I just take it day by day.
Anything else you want to add?
I’m very happy that Helmut is doing this so that CCA gets some kind of recognition. Even when I’m just talking to you about it, that’s one more person. And I guarantee you that in your life, you’ll meet other people, and it’ll be like, “Oh my God, here’s another person who has it!” It’s great.
As always, I want to really thank Carley for giving her time for this interview. I really appreciated her honesty and openness about what she was dealing with. Not all of us have to deal with this in our own lives - but the vast majority of us know someone that does. Who struggles with Crohn's, or Colitis, or Cancer - and there are so many others as well. This Saturday, join us at Busk For A Cure in Newtown, as we raise funds to support Crohn's and Colitis Australia, and Cancer Council NSW. You can find out more details here, or if you prefer, donate directly online here.
Introduce yourself. Who are you, and what’s your connection to BFAC?
I’m Carley, I’m a friend of Helmut’s. My connection would be that I have Crohn’s disease, one of the charities that he does BFAC for.
I know nothing about Crohn’s. What is it, and how does it affect your daily life?
It’s an auto-immune disease that effects the gastro-intestinal system. It ranges in severity - I have it all the way through, from the mouth all the way down. It causes inflammation of all those areas. A lot of days I wake up and I’m just too sick to leave the house - when you’re running to the toilet fifty times a day, it makes things a bit difficult.
Why are Crohn’s and Colitis talked about in conjunction? What is Colitis?
Colitis is similar to Crohn’s, but it’s in smaller areas of the bowel, whereas Crohn’s can be anywhere in the gastrointestinal system. I think they just put them together cause they’re similar.
What is the most difficult thing about living with Crohn’s?
It’s an embarrassing disease, to be honest. I struggle with telling people about it, and talking about it, because nobody wants to hear that shit. I was fifteen when I was diagnosed, so it wasn’t a great time to be dealing with that.
What do you wish people understood about Crohn’s/Colitis?
Honestly, I just wish people knew it existed. When you say “I have Crohn’s,” people say, “what the fuck is that?” Because cancer is so well-known, but there are so many other things that just aren’t in the spotlight.
What has been helpful to you?
So, I had to have surgery - which was extremely helpful, but not fun. I now have an ileostomy - they brought part of my bowel out to the outside of my stomach, and I have a bag now. Because I was at a point where I was in hospital for months and months at a time, and there was nothing that they could do. There are people I know who are like, "I've got this, it's great!" but it was also a bit shit.
Why did you suggest that BFAC also support Crohn's and Colitis Australia (CCA)?
I didn’t, actually. I’ll tell you the story. One night, me and Helmut got really drunk. And you know when you get drunk you have D&Ms? So we had one of those, and Helmut was talking all about his mum, and then I was talking all about my stuff, and we had a great moment. And then later on, he told me that he was doing the BFAC thing for his mum, and he wanted to include me in it as well, so that was awesome.
What do you think is the importance/significance of BFAC?
Well, I think it’s very important for Helmut to tell his story and to - you know, when things get out of hand, and you need to able to tell your story and do something. And it’s just great for people to be part of that, and he’s just so fucking lovely, that guy. You can put that in quotes.
"He's just so fucking lovely, that guy." - CarleyWhat’s your dream for the future?
Seriously? Really, I just take it day by day.
Anything else you want to add?
I’m very happy that Helmut is doing this so that CCA gets some kind of recognition. Even when I’m just talking to you about it, that’s one more person. And I guarantee you that in your life, you’ll meet other people, and it’ll be like, “Oh my God, here’s another person who has it!” It’s great.
As always, I want to really thank Carley for giving her time for this interview. I really appreciated her honesty and openness about what she was dealing with. Not all of us have to deal with this in our own lives - but the vast majority of us know someone that does. Who struggles with Crohn's, or Colitis, or Cancer - and there are so many others as well. This Saturday, join us at Busk For A Cure in Newtown, as we raise funds to support Crohn's and Colitis Australia, and Cancer Council NSW. You can find out more details here, or if you prefer, donate directly online here.
Wednesday 17 May 2017
Interview #2 - Helmut
This week, I got the opportunity to chat to the heart behind the orange shirts; Helmut Uhlmann, creator of Busk For A Cure (BFAC).
Why did you start Busk For A Cure?
I started BFAC because I wanted to find a way to use my music to honour my mum, who was going through cancer treatment at the time. I wanted to do something to express my care and love for her, while also developing my artistry, my music, and my connection to the community. It was a funny mixture of selfishness and selflessness.
How did you get it all started?
I went to watch Godzilla with some uni friends; I’d created a little document, and I shared it with them after the movie — and just started it from there. Put a little team together, and just did it! Found a few friends who were artists, emailed the council, sent out press releases, talked to friends who could potentially sponsor, got in touch with Cancer Council NSW and Crohn’s & Colitis Australia — and together, we made it happen.
What was the first BFAC like?
We had five artists, and we almost got kicked out of Hyde Park by the local rangers. It was so freezing cold that I could barely play guitar, and while it was incredibly stressful for me to put that together, I was still really grateful that we had done it. We had a modest turnout of mostly amazing friends and family, and made about $500. I also shaved my head, which was partly for the charity effort and partly because I was travelling to Germany with my mum a couple of weeks later and she loathed my luscious long locks.
What do you think makes BFAC different to other charity music events/fundraisers?
Most charity efforts either are transparent with their finances, but boring or even annoying e.g. telemarketers; or are lots of fun, but have very questionable financials, where a large portion of donations cover overheads and administration, and don’t actually go to the causes that they purport to be supporting. BFAC is about making genuine charity fun. We’re putting together real, high-quality, local talent, but also giving 100% of donations straight to our charity partners. We’re only able to do this thanks to our awesome network of sponsors, volunteers, and artists. We’re the definition of grassroots.
Tell us a bit about your history and experience with cancer.
I lost my mum to cancer in August 2015. She had battled two different types of cancer over ten years. I’m not sure what else to say — but it was just a heart-breaking experience watching my mum get sicker, and not being able to do anything about it. I’m very grateful for the support of our public health system, and of organisations like the Cancer Council, who help ensure that cancer patients don’t have to worry about other things like money on top of the cancer that they’re already dealing with.
Last year, you started up BFAC again after your mum had died. What drove you to keep it going?
Right after I lost her, I didn’t have the motivation to do anything else. I felt very depressed and disenfranchised with life, and BFAC was about the only thing I felt motivated to do at that point in time. It was a way of showing my respect, and my love.
What was the response like last year?
Incredible. We had all kinds of community members express support and appreciation for what we were doing; we jumped from 5 artists to fifty; we raised six times as much money (about $3000); got a bunch of new sponsors on board; and we created a really special day. I remember for months later, people were saying, “Oh, you were the guys in the orange shirts!” when I was chatting to them about BFAC, people that I’d just met.
What are you hoping for this year?
I’m hoping to be able to create an equivalent buzz to last year, but without it consuming my personal life in the same way that it did last year. I want to see Busk for a Cure grow bigger than me. I think that sums it up, really. And to show love to those who are going through the issues that we are supporting through our fundraising.
BFAC has obviously changed and grown over the years. What has your journey been like over that time? How has it effected you?
My life is completely different to how it was when I started it. In 2014 I had my mum — now I don’t. In 2014, I was in a relationship that I didn’t think would end — that’s now ended; definitely grateful for that now. In 2014 I was just starting my studio, Bunk Bed Beats — just recently, I’ve decided to stop taking on new business to focus on my own music. In 2014, I was studying at uni — now I have two degrees. In 2014, I would get angry at stupid things, and make others responsible for my happiness — now, I meditate regularly, and take responsibility for my own happiness. While many of my circumstances have taken a turn for the worse, others are finally glimpsing their potential, and I’m a happier person now than I was back then.
Looking forward — where do you see this going in the future? What do you want to see this become?
To quote Pitbull — worldwide! With a talented and committed community, I honestly believe that Busk For A Cure is a global concept. We’ve already had people last year, in Brisbane and Melbourne, ask about putting on their own BFAC events. This is history.
What is the message that Busk For A Cure tries to bring to people?
That sharing and helping others go hand in hand with having an awesome time.
Anything you want to add?
Being grassroots at it’s core, Busk For A Cure is a people’s movement. It couldn’t exist without people like you. So if you’re reading this, and getting inspired, get in touch, and get involved in how we’re contributing to our world.
I couldn't put it better than that! If you want to donate to help the charities that we're supporting, then click here. Otherwise, click here for more information about the Busk For A Cure event - less than two weeks away!
Why did you start Busk For A Cure?
I started BFAC because I wanted to find a way to use my music to honour my mum, who was going through cancer treatment at the time. I wanted to do something to express my care and love for her, while also developing my artistry, my music, and my connection to the community. It was a funny mixture of selfishness and selflessness.
How did you get it all started?
I went to watch Godzilla with some uni friends; I’d created a little document, and I shared it with them after the movie — and just started it from there. Put a little team together, and just did it! Found a few friends who were artists, emailed the council, sent out press releases, talked to friends who could potentially sponsor, got in touch with Cancer Council NSW and Crohn’s & Colitis Australia — and together, we made it happen.
What was the first BFAC like?
We had five artists, and we almost got kicked out of Hyde Park by the local rangers. It was so freezing cold that I could barely play guitar, and while it was incredibly stressful for me to put that together, I was still really grateful that we had done it. We had a modest turnout of mostly amazing friends and family, and made about $500. I also shaved my head, which was partly for the charity effort and partly because I was travelling to Germany with my mum a couple of weeks later and she loathed my luscious long locks.
What do you think makes BFAC different to other charity music events/fundraisers?
Most charity efforts either are transparent with their finances, but boring or even annoying e.g. telemarketers; or are lots of fun, but have very questionable financials, where a large portion of donations cover overheads and administration, and don’t actually go to the causes that they purport to be supporting. BFAC is about making genuine charity fun. We’re putting together real, high-quality, local talent, but also giving 100% of donations straight to our charity partners. We’re only able to do this thanks to our awesome network of sponsors, volunteers, and artists. We’re the definition of grassroots.
Tell us a bit about your history and experience with cancer.
I lost my mum to cancer in August 2015. She had battled two different types of cancer over ten years. I’m not sure what else to say — but it was just a heart-breaking experience watching my mum get sicker, and not being able to do anything about it. I’m very grateful for the support of our public health system, and of organisations like the Cancer Council, who help ensure that cancer patients don’t have to worry about other things like money on top of the cancer that they’re already dealing with.
Last year, you started up BFAC again after your mum had died. What drove you to keep it going?
Right after I lost her, I didn’t have the motivation to do anything else. I felt very depressed and disenfranchised with life, and BFAC was about the only thing I felt motivated to do at that point in time. It was a way of showing my respect, and my love.
What was the response like last year?
Incredible. We had all kinds of community members express support and appreciation for what we were doing; we jumped from 5 artists to fifty; we raised six times as much money (about $3000); got a bunch of new sponsors on board; and we created a really special day. I remember for months later, people were saying, “Oh, you were the guys in the orange shirts!” when I was chatting to them about BFAC, people that I’d just met.
What are you hoping for this year?
I’m hoping to be able to create an equivalent buzz to last year, but without it consuming my personal life in the same way that it did last year. I want to see Busk for a Cure grow bigger than me. I think that sums it up, really. And to show love to those who are going through the issues that we are supporting through our fundraising.
BFAC has obviously changed and grown over the years. What has your journey been like over that time? How has it effected you?
My life is completely different to how it was when I started it. In 2014 I had my mum — now I don’t. In 2014, I was in a relationship that I didn’t think would end — that’s now ended; definitely grateful for that now. In 2014 I was just starting my studio, Bunk Bed Beats — just recently, I’ve decided to stop taking on new business to focus on my own music. In 2014, I was studying at uni — now I have two degrees. In 2014, I would get angry at stupid things, and make others responsible for my happiness — now, I meditate regularly, and take responsibility for my own happiness. While many of my circumstances have taken a turn for the worse, others are finally glimpsing their potential, and I’m a happier person now than I was back then.
Looking forward — where do you see this going in the future? What do you want to see this become?
To quote Pitbull — worldwide! With a talented and committed community, I honestly believe that Busk For A Cure is a global concept. We’ve already had people last year, in Brisbane and Melbourne, ask about putting on their own BFAC events. This is history.
What is the message that Busk For A Cure tries to bring to people?
That sharing and helping others go hand in hand with having an awesome time.
Anything you want to add?
Being grassroots at it’s core, Busk For A Cure is a people’s movement. It couldn’t exist without people like you. So if you’re reading this, and getting inspired, get in touch, and get involved in how we’re contributing to our world.
I couldn't put it better than that! If you want to donate to help the charities that we're supporting, then click here. Otherwise, click here for more information about the Busk For A Cure event - less than two weeks away!
Sunday 7 May 2017
Interview #1 - Jacqui
This is the first post of a weekly blog, looking at the stories of various people involved with Busk For A Cure in different ways. I hope that it will help you to see the bigger picture of what happens with Busk For A Cure, the greater context it works within, and the impact that it has. These posts will come in the form of interviews, which I'll re-format a little to create what you read below.
To kick us off, we have Jacqui, who works at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre; one of the partners of our event, who also worked with us last year. One of our stages is also outside the Centre, as part of the Newtown Markets that runs every Saturday. But I'll let Jacqui talk more about that.
What is the purpose of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC)?
NNC provides services to the community to help with issues such as homelessness, ageing, mental health, boarding projects; at the moment, we're especially raising awareness about affordable housing in the area, that's a big issue. I think it’s quite sad that property has become what it is — and all of us here who work are finding it really hard to live and work in the Inner West. And I think we should all be looked after; it’s sad that we might have to leave this area just because of affordability. We also rely purely on donations, and our business development strategy, to implement projects.
We also have the front counter information and referral service. We work with drug and alcohol issues, domestic violence, etc. We have a really good knowledge of services in the area, that we can then refer people on to. There are also different activities we run at the centre — there's the one-stop shop on Thursday afternoon, where we work with Centrelink, there are homeless services, food, places people can do their washing, computers available. There are also knitting groups, art classes. It's about serving the disadvantaged.
What do you do here?
I work in business development, and raise funds through various projects — particularly the markets and the festival. The markets are a fundraiser for the NNC.
What is the importance of the Newtown Markets in the community?
It's about keeping it real, keeping it diverse, accepting everybody. Community engagement is also really important; including stakeholders, businesses, and again, working with the disadvantaged.
Why do you do what you do?
Community. I really like cottage industries — at the market, you’re helping artists, or makers, who survive off what they do on a non-corporate level, you help them achieve. And it's not just financial security through the market, but also a healthy livelihood. It’s also a gathering element — a sense of belonging and of gathering.
How does Busk For A Cure fit in with this community and your work here?
Breast cancer is out there — it happens, it’s real, and it’s great to support Helmut in getting the word out there; working together, and supporting each other.
What effect does it have on the community?
The energy from last year's event was brilliant; particularly the musical side, and how it was presented. The fact that Helmut has pulled in so many different people, from so many different areas is really what made the event. And by using NNC as a partner, because the values and ethics are quite similar.
What are you hoping may result from this year’s event?
Awareness, compassion. Also supporting local musicians. But it also works in well with what we do — and keeping the Newtown vibe.
Do you have a cancer story?
I had a friend with breast cancer not long ago — it’s a dark place to be in, the unknown. Help and support from friends and family are really important.
Do you have a story about what you do here?
I grew up here. This place is very community-based, particularly with the migrant population. I’m a migrant as well; and we still have the former Yugoslav group, and the Greek too. It’s very special to me, cause I can sense and feel that community, even though that’s dying out — and that’s really good to see. I'm glad to see that it’s had the longevity that it has, that we can still provide valuable service to the disadvantaged — the building hasn’t been turned into a casino, or something like that.
Thanks so much to both Jacqui and the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for giving me the opportunity for this interview. You can learn more about their work over here.
As Jacqui said, we pull in a lot of different people to make this event happen; it's not a one-man show! As such, if you'd like to get involved, with anything from music, to helping out on the day, to helping organise bits and pieces — please visit our website here, or get in touch with us here.
To kick us off, we have Jacqui, who works at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre; one of the partners of our event, who also worked with us last year. One of our stages is also outside the Centre, as part of the Newtown Markets that runs every Saturday. But I'll let Jacqui talk more about that.
What is the purpose of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC)?
NNC provides services to the community to help with issues such as homelessness, ageing, mental health, boarding projects; at the moment, we're especially raising awareness about affordable housing in the area, that's a big issue. I think it’s quite sad that property has become what it is — and all of us here who work are finding it really hard to live and work in the Inner West. And I think we should all be looked after; it’s sad that we might have to leave this area just because of affordability. We also rely purely on donations, and our business development strategy, to implement projects.
We also have the front counter information and referral service. We work with drug and alcohol issues, domestic violence, etc. We have a really good knowledge of services in the area, that we can then refer people on to. There are also different activities we run at the centre — there's the one-stop shop on Thursday afternoon, where we work with Centrelink, there are homeless services, food, places people can do their washing, computers available. There are also knitting groups, art classes. It's about serving the disadvantaged.
What do you do here?
I work in business development, and raise funds through various projects — particularly the markets and the festival. The markets are a fundraiser for the NNC.
What is the importance of the Newtown Markets in the community?
It's about keeping it real, keeping it diverse, accepting everybody. Community engagement is also really important; including stakeholders, businesses, and again, working with the disadvantaged.
Why do you do what you do?
Community. I really like cottage industries — at the market, you’re helping artists, or makers, who survive off what they do on a non-corporate level, you help them achieve. And it's not just financial security through the market, but also a healthy livelihood. It’s also a gathering element — a sense of belonging and of gathering.
How does Busk For A Cure fit in with this community and your work here?
Breast cancer is out there — it happens, it’s real, and it’s great to support Helmut in getting the word out there; working together, and supporting each other.
What effect does it have on the community?
The energy from last year's event was brilliant; particularly the musical side, and how it was presented. The fact that Helmut has pulled in so many different people, from so many different areas is really what made the event. And by using NNC as a partner, because the values and ethics are quite similar.
What are you hoping may result from this year’s event?
Awareness, compassion. Also supporting local musicians. But it also works in well with what we do — and keeping the Newtown vibe.
Do you have a cancer story?
I had a friend with breast cancer not long ago — it’s a dark place to be in, the unknown. Help and support from friends and family are really important.
Do you have a story about what you do here?
I grew up here. This place is very community-based, particularly with the migrant population. I’m a migrant as well; and we still have the former Yugoslav group, and the Greek too. It’s very special to me, cause I can sense and feel that community, even though that’s dying out — and that’s really good to see. I'm glad to see that it’s had the longevity that it has, that we can still provide valuable service to the disadvantaged — the building hasn’t been turned into a casino, or something like that.
Thanks so much to both Jacqui and the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for giving me the opportunity for this interview. You can learn more about their work over here.
As Jacqui said, we pull in a lot of different people to make this event happen; it's not a one-man show! As such, if you'd like to get involved, with anything from music, to helping out on the day, to helping organise bits and pieces — please visit our website here, or get in touch with us here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)