Fernvale man’s tale of resiliency to inspire those affected by January floods

Media opportunity:

What: Fernvale residents who lost homes and possessions in the January floods to be inspired to stay motivated and positive through global program, Discovering the Power in Me

When: This Sunday (22 May) and the following Sunday (29 May)

Time: 1.15pm-2pm: Lunch break

Where: Futures Complex, 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale

Thirty-three years ago, Fernvale’s Col Mackereth learned the meaning of resilience and focusing on the positive after he sustained quadriplegia diving into a shallow creek.

Just 18 at the time, Col went from enjoying the life of a typical teenager to spending 11 weeks in head traction, unable to move anything from the shoulders down.

“One simple mistake changed my entire life. But you cannot dwell on one thing that’s happened to you or you’ll never move past it,” Col said.

It’s this insight, coupled with his expertise in delivering the globally-recognised Discovering the Power in Me (DPM) program, which will be the basis for motivating flood-affected residents to try and move on following the devastating natural disaster earlier this year.

“I was one of the lucky ones in January. The floods wiped out the homes of our neighbours across the street and it got very close to our place, but we were spared,” Col said.

Like many people post-flood, Col and his partner Vikki wanted to do more.

“As part of the Spinal Injuries Association’s Peer Support team, I’d already started delivering DPM to people who were newly injured at the Spinal Injuries Unit,” Col said.

“But DPM isn’t just for people who acquire disabilities. Its themes of developing inner strength and resiliency can improve the mindset of all people.”

Developed in Canada by The Pacific Institute, DPM uses the best of applied cognitive psychology to provide people with the skills to get through particularly difficult situations, as well as being of use in everyday scenarios.

Knowing how much DPM had improved his thought patterns and perceptions, Col thought DPM would have a good effect on people who had lost their homes and possessions in the floods.

He contacted the Global Director of The Pacific Institute, Blake Williams, who was more than happy to donate 40 of the DPM packs, valued at more than $5,000, free of charge.

“The Somerset Regional Council has also generously donated the use of the Futures Complex for me to hold the sessions,” Col said.

Col said depending on demand, he hoped to hold another one to two DPM sessions in Fernvale following the first two-day program.

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said DPM focused on creating a mindset that encouraged creative solutions and focused on what could be achieved, rather than what had been lost.

“We’re delighted our organisation and Peer Support team, who have their own insight into building resiliency, are able to offer this program to people who are re-building their lives after the floods.”

The Spinal Injuries Association is the peak body for people with spinal cord injuries in Queensland, and since 1960 has supported and empowered its members and clients. For more information, please visit www.spinal.com.au, or for more about The Pacific Institute, visit www.thepacificinstitute.us.

Issued 18 May.