We wish to announce that despite a planning permit having been rejected by the Shepparton City Council against the recommendation of the council planners, that the matter will be considered at VCAT in October 2018. Until then it’s life as usual for the residents and staff who remain positive and inspired by what we have achieved so far as a self funded Community of self leadership, demonstrating success and integrity in what could be considered adversity, however here at The Cottage we endeavour to focus on solutions.
The Cottage have seen over 70 residents come through the program and make amazing improvements in thier lives. We who experience these results everyday find it impossible to convey to those who haven’t experienced this ‘phenomena’ and the amazing human beings we have been privileged to come to know at the same rate as themselves.
This transformational model sees the growth and uncovery of brand new ideas and discoveries of potential sometimes never identified in a person, including ourselves as staff.
The emerging theme in our check-in meeting this morning was that of awe and gratitude for the grace and composure that was present in the Council meeting last evening, even in the event of rejection by the City Council for a permit which would enable The Cottage to continue operation unobstructed.
As we peacefully walked out of the Council chambers the realisation prevailed that this is ‘just a bend and not the end’
We shared dinner and spoke of transformation and the lessons and learning we continue to gain which has the effect of strengthening our faith muscle, trusting that this is all part of the process. History illustrates that nothing ever worth it came without challenges along the way and we strive to see the good.. the opportunities which if sought always come from a seemingly negative situation.
Part of the program at The Cottage is ‘Breakthrough Training’ which transforms the way we think, learning that there is a very large chunk of what ‘we don’t know we don’t know’ wherein lies ‘possibility’ Being awake to your mindset and how it drives you is at the heart of leadership.
The Council Meeting
Councillors Summer, Patterson, Hazelman and Abdullah voted in favour of the planning permit
Cr Fern Summer put forward the motion for the planning permit to be granted.
Security personnel estimated it was a much larger turnout than normal for a public council meeting, with onlookers filling the main gallery and spilling out into an adjacent hallway.
Cr Fern Summer stated ‘‘Some (residents of the area) say the issue has consumed their lives and is impacting on their mental health, but I struggle to understand that,’’ she said. ‘‘I’m a nurse and I deal with people who have addictions and I can tell you from experience they are not who you’d think.’’
Dozens of supporters of The Cottage reportedly arrived early; they commanded front row seats and displayed placards bearing slogans such as, ‘Please support The Cottage’ and ‘We need your support.’
Our company secretary Rob Bryant said ‘‘The support that came from some of the councillors showed they understood addiction completely. Fear has the others,’’ and ‘‘Our residents will be looked after no matter what.”
This is a foundation for change, we will continue to operate, this vision is bigger than us, we will do what is necessary to continue the great work – Joshua Simm Operations Manager.
Yours in Community Service
From The Cottage Team.
I’m really interested in the work you do. I have struggled with addiction on many levels and my son has also.
We appreciate the interest and your honesty Annette, the more people talk about what is happening for them the less isolated we will be as individuals and as a Community. This can only help to break down the stigma and heal our Community.