depression’ ‘suicide’ ‘self harm.’ Just words of support, do your best, have fun doing it, be happy. Is it to late to bring the Cubs, Scouts, Girl Guides back? Maybe so, maybe so.
When I started work, I had this feeling that I needed to be of service, needed to help. I had low self esteem, still do in a manner, and just felt better about me, if I was helping another, or an animal, bird etc. so as my work developed, that lifted my profile and I was able to help various charitable causes out. I loved turning up at functions to do stuff, visit hospitals for sick children, talk to schools, MC functions etc. so when the opportunity to become a member of the fabulous Variety Club came, I grabbed it. Now fifty years later I am still with them, now a honoured ambassador. There was also the Bonnie Babes Charity, led by the gifted and passionate Rachel Porter, what a dynamic leader she was. This wonderful charity supported women who had sadly lost a child in or during childbirth, that was a huge understanding I was taught in the journey of motherhood, the courage needed by these women was consummate…. With these organisations was the fantastic Smith Family where I would do what I could in a similar fashion. I am also very proud and honoured to be an ambassador for Brave Hearts. The work that Hetty Johnston and her team have done to bring child sexual abuse cases to justice is to be applauded. Television Telethons were also something many of us did, don’t see them much these days, except the wonderful Melbourne Children’s Hospital Telethon.
on their journey. That of course goes for all the Life Saving Clubs in Australia.
This bloody COVID-19 virus that is amongst us is adding to troubles many have to deal with, without someone to talk with, to share thoughts emotions and feelings with, it is a place of darkness. Please hold your hand out to those who may just need a coffee, a tea and chat, a sense that they are not alone, and are understood, especially our young folk. Just remembered, an old and good friend, the legendary Ronald Dale Barassi once said to me,
“IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME’’ and he was correct……….. When I didn’t run or hide from a problem, faced it, fear left me to be replaced by faith, thank you for that Ron... STORY & RECOLLECTIONS COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM
These charities along with many others helped me as much as I hope I could do for them, I just felt better, not lost. As I have mentioned, my low self esteem coupled with my then disease of alcoholism, sober now thirty three years, and some say there are no miracles, there are, didn’t help at the time.
I also had a family that I tried my best to keep intact, just really didn’t know how to do that. Be a parent, not having the best childhood myself it was difficult for me. I just clung onto the values I learnt in the Scouts, and the Cadets….be of service, be of help…. Just be. Maybe that is why I would like to see these childhood groups reignited, the moto “We’ll do our Best’’….. I have a strong opinion that has also been a saviour for me, and I would think many others. It is to be a member of a club. In these troubled times that would be invaluable.
Clubs like tennis, football, golf, cricket plus my lifesaving club. Clubs have saved many souls, it gives one a sense of service, duty, comradeship. You become a part of this mixed group of souls, you discover how others live, eat, have beliefs, a chance to share. Many times that I have felt down, alone, maybe a little lost, a visit to a club helps you reconnect with humanity. In the past twenty or thirty years The Manly Lifesaving Club is my main go to club. Honoured on several occasions with being elected president, then a Life Member, and currently still a member and office holder. I love that the Nippers and Junior members have coaches and mentors to help guide them
TONY BONNER AM has appeared in an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed films, television shows and live theatre during his phenomenal career, which include ANZACS, THE LIGHT HORSEMAN, QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER and THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER.
He was awarded both The Sammy and Penguin Awards for ‘The Best Single Performance by an actor, in the 1978 Television Movie “END OF SUMMER.’ Tony was also nominated for “The Best Actor in a supporting role’’ by The Australian Film Institute in 2003 for the movie ‘LIQUID BRIDGE’ and received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from The Australian Screen Industry Network Awards in 2011.
Bonner was appointed a ‘MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA’ in 2017 for his services to the performing arts as an actor, surf Lifesaving and to the community through charitable organisations. AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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