The contented person, who moves amongst sense objects, free from attachment or loathing, gain or loss, wins eternal Peace

Heart of a Buddha

Global Children’s Alliance

July 2003 before leaving for Taiwan, I caught up with family and friends. Scot Mc Phie a Brisbane filmmaker wanted to work on a documentary called “ Hands of Change” It starts with me driving over Noosa Hill, when I walked on the beach and looked at Hasting Street. Lots of good memories flood back. My time working with artist mates setting up the Noosa Regional Gallery. It was here in 1991, I received an OAM for my work for the arts and indigenous people.

If the Mayor offered me a Hasting Street site to set up something for children - I would have said thanks but no thanks. Too many changes not to my liking. Thank heavens for Peter Bycroft pushing for The Noosa Design Manual in the 80’s I hate to think what it could be.

I read an article in a local paper about North Arm school. It’s motto is “Life Long Learning for Mind, Heart and Earth”. I phoned and arranged to include the school in the HOPE project. I found the principal, Genevieve, very much like Jean from Djarragun. Now with so many handprints, I looked in earnest for a place to house them.

I considered living at North Arm but still had a soft spot for Noosa Shire.
This I was probably due to my loyal friends from old Gallery days. I am never attached to buildings or places. So as long as I’m with good people, have a roof over my head and food for the belly I have everything I need.

November at Pomona in the hinterland I came across the old abandoned Scouts Hall at the base of the mountain. I was then given the keys from Noosa Shire Council find it’s unlocked anyway. A few of us check it out.

I always find I need quiet time to soak up the emotions of a place. Like my paintings or poetry if I do this solutions seem to appear easily. I decided to squat at the site for a few days even though I had a shared place not far away with all the creature comforts. I stayed overnight sleeping on an old vinyl lounge and let the vision became clearer.

After locking the door to the hall I was ready to put a proposal to council for the use of the site. But not before heading overseas again.
Puerto Rico here I come!

...next.....Puerto Rico