Mothers' Retreat 2024

On Friday 19 April, 2024, Healing and Hope held its second Mothers’ Retreat Day at Scotchmans Hill, Drysdale..

Angela Cannon (Principal – Cannon Consulting) was the guest speaker. She has over 30 years’ experience in senior positions in the Victorian Public Sector and as a consultant to faith-based and values-based organisations, including schools, religious organisations and child welfare organisations. 

Angela’s consulting business focuses on providing independent and honest advice on professional standards to these organisations – particularly in the area of child and student safety. 

Guests also included:

Tom Hall, GGS Vice Principal
Residential Education, Care and Community, connected with the audience by sharing his story and history with GGS. He spoke sincerely about his role at the School, and, under the leadership of Rebecca Cody,how focussed the Senior Leadership Team is on addressing the culture at GGS to ensure the safety of today’s students.

Samantha Hazlehurst, GGS Student Safeguarding and Risk Officer
gave practical examples of her busy and varied role in minimising risk, and keeping children safe. 

Jane Hall, Clinical Counsellor The Wellbeing Paddock
shared a presentation of her work in equine assisted therapy and with children in particular. It was moving and informative and finished on a positive note as we look to the future and how Healing and Hope can explore options for effective and innovative ways to support survivors and their families.

The afternoon session was led by therapist Susan Bradborn to continue her connection with the mothers. Susan had met the mothers in late 2022 as part of the first Healing and Hope Mothers’ Retreat Day.

Costs for the event were met by those donors who responded to our EOFY campaign in 2023. Therapeutic gatherings such as this one, as well as our Fathers’ Retreat Day, rely on donated funds and Healing and Hope is grateful for the contributions that allow us to support those in need.

Healing and Hope acknowledges the kindness and generosity of Scotchmans Hill who provided the venue for the day at no charge.

Reflection of a mother

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and was so pleased that XXX could be there with me. 

For the first time we had mothers with their daughters, and I appreciated having conversations with other daughters, at lunch and while travelling on the ferry. Through our conversations I gained another perspective on how each family has had their own journey through this experience we’ve all had to share. Some family members may seem to have been touched lightly, or less obviously, while for others the hurt has been very deep and complex. It was good to be reminded that the ways in which siblings and family members have been affected by the abuse experience is unique for each person, and that this healing journey needs to take many different paths.

Hearing Tom and Sam from Geelong Grammar School speak about the way things have changed in the GGS culture was a very positive experience for me and, as always, it was a joy to have an opportunity to spend time with Tanya and Kate. I feel enormous gratitude for the work they do and for their friendship.

Mothers’ Retreat Day attendee, 19 April 2024.

Reflection of a mother

Whilst I didn’t come to Friday’s get together with great anticipation, I left the event knowing that I had gained some insight into the plight of many other individuals who have suffered at the hands of friends/family/peers.

I came home heartened at the good work that is being done. Thanks to Tanya and Kate for all they have done for us. Their effort and input have been amazing.

Mothers’ Retreat Day attendee, 19 April 2024.

Reflection of a sister

My experience with Healing and Hope illustrated to me that GGS is serious about addressing the impact of sexual abuse of children on families and wider systems. 

Tanya and Kate are warm and engaging and treated my mother and I with compassion and sensitivity. For the first time in a long time, it felt like GGS is acknowledging mistakes and making headway into changes for the future. 

More importantly for me, it felt like this was not just lip service but a true recognition of the experience that families of sexual abuse survivors endure.

Mothers’ Retreat Day attendee, 19 April 2024.