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End of an era – Farewell Pam Morris
Tony Trimingham
he Stepping Stones course I ran
in Port Macquarie in 2005 was
significant for several reasons.
The group was sponsored and
supported by the local drug and alcohol
service, and they had about 14
participants as I recall.
Theo Chang, who had been a telephone
volunteer for a while and shown
exceptional skills, and also lived in the
region, was invited along to sit in on
the group with a view to becoming a
leader of the course. That was the start
of a journey which continues, and
Theo’s contribution to Stepping Stones
is enormous.
One of the participants was a quiet, and
at this time, sad person named Pam
Morris. She cried a lot as she told her
own very difficult story. The group had
many challenges, some of them being
common to small town groups –
centred on the fact that many of them
knew each other and the relevant drug
using family member.
As I said to Theo at the time, especially
as these issues arose in the first
weekend, my mantra is ‘Trust the
process!’ Well, of course the group
finished well and there was an obvious
need for something to keep these
people sustained.
The last person I expected to step
forward was Pam, and quite honestly,
despite her willingness, I thought the
group might not last. Well, hasn’t she
proved me wrong!
Of all the people who have contributed
to the success of FDS, Pam is right up
there at the top, despite being burdened
by her own family issues, a very
debilitating illness, and also running a
hairdressing business.
Pam came to Mulgoa a couple of times
and was inspirational in talking about
how to successfully set up and run a
regional FDS service. Apart from
running the support groups, and
promoting and helping to run Stepping
Stones, she has single-handedly raised
thousands of dollars by knocking on
doors and pleading for financial
support. She also produced two very
successful adverts for FDS. She is one
of our respected life members.
Above all, Pam has been the
embodiment of the FDS model and is a
beautiful person. You will be missed,
Pam. We wish you a happy retirement,
and please keep in touch.