Our centresOn Saturday 13th August, staff at South Coast Children’s Family Centre joined members of the local community at Warilla Barrack Point Surf Club to support Hayley Pymont’s inspiring journey with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
Hayley, 27 and a proud Wiradjuri woman who was cared by Barnardos in her younger years, organised a 1km & 3km fun run, to engage her community. Hayley invited 6 local service providers to share their information with the community, with the significance that these services have supported Hayley and her family, throughout her life.
We were invited to a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony circle, with Hayley sharing her emotional story and connection to Barnardos with the community. “I was with Barnardos as a child, I had such amazing time with my carer and I remember she took me shopping to buy a figurine, I still have that figurine at home with me today 20 years later”. Hayley recalled the night her sister informed her of her Barnardos’ carer’s passing, and how even more significance that figure holds for her. Hayley acknowledged how much the carer meant to her and what an inspiration she was throughout her childhood.
Hayley encouraged her community to reach out and accept help just as she did as a child. “My aim today is to help other people suffering with mental illnesses and also those with good mental health, that there are people and organisations around to assist and be there for you. No one should feel they have to do it alone. Everyone is worthy and everyone is important”
To conclude the event, Hayley set off on a 25kms run, as she trains to compete in Alice Springs and in preparation for the 42km Marathon in New York in November.
There was a true sense of community at the event, and we are grateful and proud to have been a part of this journey with Hayley and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
Thank you to Kristen Phillips, Mary Petrovic, Danielle Williams & Manager Sarah Beale for the great set-up and support provided to Hayley on the day.
