Hello!

An interesting occurrence happend to me only 2 weeks ago...

I was driving back from a wedding in Melbourne and by the time I got to Albury I knew it was time to be a responsible driver and pull over for the night!

I booked in to a Motel and asked for directions as to where to get some dinner! I was handed a map of Albury and - on foot - I took off on an expidition of the foraging type! My 16 year old daughter EJ was with me and she pointed out some tents and people across the road in a parkland area as we passed by on our search for sustenance!

In a short time we found a wonderful authentic Italian restaurant where we sat down and ordered! While we were waiting for our food I glanced over the map I had been handed and looked at the list titled "Local Attractions" There was the expected; the botanic gardens, the war monument and kids activities - all great but...then something caught my eye...

The last item on the list read: "Community Pizza Oven"...

WOW! What a way to get my attention! When our waiter brought our food out I asked him what it was all about to which he replied, "It's a pizza oven built in the park with the assistance of the local council and actually we supply the dough and it's on tonight - the whole community is welcome - you should go!"

Well, I couldn't have eaten my lasagne any quicker so with EJ in tow with her father's very good quality camera in hand we took off again back to the tents where we had passed by earlier!

As we walked across the grass to the tents there was music, laughter and that buzz in the air that you hear when people are sharing a special occasion together! EJ started snapping pics of the oven and I sought out the wonderful Albury Council workers to get the goss (and permission to take pics)!

I was pointed in the direction of Narelle (and her beautfiul newborn baby) who is the Arts Officer at the Council who told me briefly about how she first discovered a community pizza oven in Canada while surfing the web and that's where the idea came to her that it could work in Albury too! This night in particular was celebrating Harmony Day which was why there was entertainment but the oven is opened periodically for community use!

After spending only a small time there (and feeling abit like party-crashers), EJ and I walked back to our Motel excitedly talking about what a wonderful community venture the pizza oven was!

Two days later and I was back at work but I couldn't get the story out of my head so I contacted Vanessa at Albury Council (Narelle is on maternity leave) and asked if I could showcase their story! We are in the process of doing this now...

I am so glad I decided to stop at Albury and not the first highway-motel available! I had a fantastic night there and was so impressed with the sense of belonging and community spirit that was evident in the park! If only we could all have our own community pizza oven - I don't think I would cook at home ever again!

Thanks Albury Council for this wonderful, inspiring glimpse into your wonderful community life!

Finally...

The Network has also been developing a template for gathering ABCD stories which will be showcased on both this Ning website and the ABCD Asia Pacific website hosted by the Family Action Centre! There have been some wonderful stories which we hope will be reflective of other people's ABCD work and support them to continue supporting what is already happening in their communities!

We held the first meeting this week in preparation for the 2nd ABCD Asia Pacific Conference to be held in December here in Newcastle! There was some very exciting conversation generated about keynote speakers from overseas, such as the Coady Institute and others specifically from the Asia Pacific region! The shape of the Conference is taking form and looks to be highly energetic and dynamic - including a strong youth focussed stream!

There are also many events planned throughout the year by various Faciliators and Presenters so make sure you check the Events section on this site or email me directly at Dee.Brooks@newcastle.edu.au if you are not already on the ABCD mail out list!