Thank you for your support of Social Inclusion Week! The inaugural Social Inclusion Week was a huge success with over 30 wonderful events (that we know of) held across Australia. The community in Caboolture, Queensland, came together for a sausage sizzle to raise money for the RSPCA; MAX Employment in Northam, Western Australia, brought the whole town together for a community BBQ and social cricket match; Macquarie University in Sydney and Melbourne High School hosted forums on social inclusion where panels of experts took questions from the public; the Bach to Blues Band hosted a fantastic jam session and celebration of connectedness though music; and, Knox Community Health brought the community in Bayswater, Victoria, together for a wonderful street party with Devonshire tea, market stalls, roller-skating displays and other fun activities. These are to name but a few.
I particularly want to thank the many, many people involved in taking the time to create and collaborate with other organisations and running events this year, for all their hard work. I also want thank all the other members of socialinclusionweek.com.au for your interest and help in getting the word out.

I look forward to working with all of you to build on our success this year to make Social Inclusion Week bigger and even better so that we are able to touch the lives of even more people, and return to the values of a community that truly cares about each, and takes responsibility for supporting and collaborating those around us who need a helping hand, and a smile that might just make the world of difference with such a small amount of effort.

Please mark Saturday November 20 to Sunday November 28 in your 2010 calendar as
Social Inclusion Week and the National Street Party and remember that it will be an annual event for all the years to come - in the last week of November.

Let's work together to make a difference! Let's take a stand to fight loneliness and isolation and put Australia on the map as the country know for it's caring and compassion.

And remember...."it's not about me, it's all about WE"!

Jonathon


Dr Jonathon Welch AM
Australian of the Year - Local Hero 2008 ANZAC of the Year 2008
RMIT Communicator of the Year 2008
Founding Music Director Choir of Hard Knocks
www.jonathonwelch.com

Create your own event and celebrate Social Inclusion Week or participate in the

Bring your neighbourhood community together with National Street Party on Nov 28 & 29, 2009!