Commencing a new job at The Spastic Centre (now called The Cerebral Palsy Alliance), Allambie Heights, Sydney in 1989, proved to be a timely career change for me, especially as it coincided with the privilege and pleasure of working with professional educators of Con and Maria’s calibre. New legislation had recently been introduced to de-institutionalise large ‘Care' facilities which required The Spastic Centre and other similar organisations to implement appropriate restructuring.
The Centre's Management recognised Con’s skills as an administrator complemented by a talent as a raconteur. An ideal combination to assist with such a major and potentially traumatic adjustment for most of The Centre’s adults! Not surprisingly Management duly appointed Con to co-ordinate a new program with an emphasis on ‘Outreach' into the community at large that would accommodate the needs and daytime care of 80+ adults (known as ‘Members’). Alongside their severe disabilities Con sought to provide opportunities to develop their sense of wellbeing and gifts.
His next calling (and I suspect, from above) led the 'Con & Maria Team’ to a very productive and fulfilling 3 years at the Mimili Community, assisting Anangu with their heroic transition to what is sometimes termed ‘The Space Age’.
Recent press articles have been reporting Mimili as a ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia. No doubt in part, due to Con's efforts to help the people of Mimili introduce, at their request, a Tourism Program complemented by an Arts one into their community. I believe, the many years of dedication and hard work provided by Hugh, Rob, Warren and numerous other altruistic people became a ‘launching pad’ for these programs.
Con's family, friends and colleagues are unlikely to forget his unique instinct, understanding and ability to maximise the use of the Art of ‘Story Telling and Humour’. Always ready with a joke or story that invariably included a subliminal educational element! The profound allegories he shared called ‘The Crucible Principle’ and ‘The Pearl and Dragon’ are the two most memorable for me. Beyond doubt he proved to be a true Master of the Art.
Well done CJ. Your soul will be well pleased.
Your friend,
Allan (Frank) Alexander.
