The Churchill Tour Countdown is ON!

Only three weeks to go until Molly heads off on her whirlwind tour of U.S, U.K and Ireland to see how the other side of the world do things! Keep up to speed with what Molly is doing and who she is seeing.
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Four Footprints comes to the North West Region!

Four Footprints, formerly known as Four Funerals in One Day, is touring the North and West Metropolitan Region on Wednesday April 15. In this short play about the importance of stories in palliative care, the writer Alan Hopgood, in conjunction with Molly Carlile, aims to raise awareness of end of life issues in our community. See the promotional flyer.
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Four Funerals in One Day changes its name... or does it?

Due to the extraordinary events in Victoria over the past weeks, some sensitivities were expressed about the name of the play. In order to extend the reach of the play by not offending those who may feel sensitive toward the original title, an alternative title has been developed. “Four Footprints… (the importance of stories in palliative care)”. The stories contained within the play have not changed, nor has the intent for it to be a source of discussion for communities about the lived experiences of palliative care, death, grief and loss. So it is up to individual communities which title they choose to use, both are equally appropriate to the content and intent of the play. An open letter from Alan Hopgood is attached for those interested in exploring the alternative title.
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MC Molly Rules Utopia!

Molly Carlile has been crowned MC of the upcoming 2009 Utopia Retreat. How will she rein in the amazing powers of Steven Farmer, Dean Frenkl, Michelle Brennan, Susan Coombes, Margz Gill, Simone Matthews et.al, while saving some magic of her own... for her Key Note Presentation – I am sorry, but you’re not grieving properly! and her workshop I don’t know what’s wrong with me! There's only one way to find out... get involved in Utopia 2009! In its second amazing year, the highly acclaimed and extraordinary ‘Utopia International Retreat’ is once again gathering world class speakers across many disciplines to educate, enlighten and encourage those committed to conscious living. Over two and a half magical days, these inspiring presenters will share their knowledge, wisdom and experience in a nurturing, learning environment.
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Molly Awarded Churchill Fellowship!

"I am absolutely delighted to inform you all about ‘our’ Molly Carlile and a Churchill Fellowship This is terrific news! Molly has been awarded a 2008 Churchill Fellowship to travel overseas and explore health promotion activities using the arts. Her project, “Using the arts to support community ‘death discussions’”, will allow her to explore how the arts are being used in health promotion activities internationally. Molly hopes to identify successful strategies that can be applied to encouraging Australian communities to discuss issues of death, grief and loss using the performance, visual and creative arts as the catalyst.

"The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust has a vision of “Rewarding Australians striving for Excellence” and awards Fellowships annually to successful applicants across a range of disciplines. Applicants undergo a rigorous submission and selection process. This year 120 Churchill fellowships have been awarded nationally, 25 in Victoria. Molly will be presented with her Churchill Fellowship by the Governor of Victoria, Dr. David de Kretser AC, on July 18th 2008 at Government House, and plans to commence her Fellowship by travelling next year to the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland.

"I am sure you will all join me to congratulate her, as it is a magnificent achievement."

Anne Oakley, Chairperson
North and West Metropolitan Region Palliative Care Consortium


See news reports.

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Four Funerals in One Day

Four Funerals in One Day is a short play about the importance and value of stories in palliative care. By Alan Hopgood In collaboration with Molly Carlile. Touring metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria in 2009. Book early to avoid disappointment!



Actors: Margot Knight, Alan Hopgood, Babs McMillan, Michelle Hall
Proudly sponsored by Palliative Care Victoria, North and West Metropolitan Region Palliative Care Consortium and Southern Metropolitan Palliative Care Consortium.

Synopsis
This play is based on true stories and it is the positive attitudes of the story tellers that allows this play to be both informative and an entertaining comedy.

Karen is a community nurse caring for her first dying patient. Clarrie has had enough of being a burden on his family and wants to die now. Vi is tired and bad tempered and wondering why she stays working in palliative care, particularly as she has her own problems at home and Sue is walking the fine line of acting as a mentor for junior staff and supporting a colleague who isn’t coping. Four Funerals in One Day is a performance piece that explores the human reality for patients and professional carers living and dying in palliative care.

Four Funerals in One Day had its world premiere at the 9th Australian Palliative Care Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre on August 29th 2007. The impact of the play was tangible as the audience laughed loudly when they recognised elements of themselves and their colleagues in the characters. Many admitted later that they cried at times as well! The professional actors played their roles with empathy and humour and managed to hold the audience captive until the final curtain fell. Loud applause and long discussions followed.

Some of the responses from the 600 strong audience included:
• 98% thought the play was a good medium for delivering information
• 97% found the play entertaining
• 96% identified with issues in the play
• 83% agreed that the play raises issues that a general audience would understand
• 82% agreed that the play would raise awareness to assist palliative care workers

How can your organisation use “Four Funerals in One Day” to raise awareness of palliative care in your community?

With little infrastructure required, “Four Funerals in One Day” can be performed in local theatres, school or community halls, clubrooms or any venue that has a raised platform and access to basic lighting and sound systems. There are few props required and the actors provide their own costumes.

The basic cost for one performance of the play is $3500 (plus GST), plus transport and accommodation, if relevant.

For your investment you have access to a cast of highly reputable, professional actors who you will recognise from stage and screen. On completion of the performance Molly Carlile will Chair a community discussion of issues raised in the play which enables the hosting region to provide information about their local palliative care services to their local community.

The play runs for approximately 40 minutes, however with the following Community Forum, the performance can be tailored to suit the needs of the organiser to offer an extended programme. You might like to have a wine and cheese tasting or supper to accompany the Forum. The opportunities are only limited by your imagination!

It is suggested that organisations approach local businesses and service clubs to support the promotion of the play, provide a venue or donate goods. You could also charge an admission fee or ask for donations on entry. How you approach this is up to you.

“Four Funerals in One Day” will help your organisation to embrace Health Promoting Palliative Care in an innovative and creative way that both educates and entertains the audience.

How to bring Four Funerals in One Day to your town

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the 2008 tour. Enquires can directed to Palliative Care Victoria or Bay Street productions by completing the following form and either faxing or emailing to:
info@pallcarevic.asn.au
alanhopgood@hotmail.com




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Utopia

Utopia is an international conference for awakening souls. The inaugural Utopia International Conference was held on August 22-24th 2008 in Noosaville, Queensland. The 2009 conference promises to be even better. Stay tuned for more information.

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