Guest Blog Post by Sharni-Marie Barney One of the challenges facing a lot of us today is the lack of “space” that is available in the day-to-day craziness that we now call life. With constant notifications vying for our attention, media oozing out of every device and expectations from colleagues, bosses, friends and families that we are always “on” it is near impossible to find the time or the location that is needed to think. And not just think, but process, create, discover and mull over new ideas. “Creativity flourishes in solitude. With quiet, you can hear your thoughts, you can reach deep within yourself, you can focus.” Creativity is an essential element in all forms of work and life. Without it everything becomes monotonous and tired: Businesses start to fail due to lack of innovation and fresh inspiration. Writers lose momentum and regular writing habits become bygone concepts. The artists’ “muse” vanishes. Relationships become uninteresting. Passion becomes a long lost fantasy replaced by “the grind”. I think you get my point. Here’s a few thoughts to consider: Recognise the need for creative space – This might be the first time you have thought about the need for constructive “time […]
A tree planting ceremony in the Norfolk Island National Park was a first in the history of the island. The tree 1/20 was planted at Palm Glen and is called ‘Sustainability’. It was planted in honour of the visit to the island of the Leadership Fellows from Comoros, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Tonga and Palau. They were funded by the Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to attend the Sustainable Islands Workshops conducted by EcoNorfolk Foundation Inc Limited, in partnership with the University of Sydney. While on Norfolk Island the group stayed at A-Frame Chalets @ Mokutu. The photograph shows the group sitting with their tree. It will be protected in a unique and picturesque sub-tropical rainforest found nowhere else in the world. The majestic and iconic Norfolk Island pine is a keystone species of this distinctive forest ecosystem. Each participant received a numbered certificate with their name and island identified. For details on how you can plant a tree in the National Park for your group please contact ecoNorfolk at celebrant@norfolk.nf or by phone at Int+ 6723 22385.
A-Frame Chalets @ Mokutu has recently enjoyed the company of 12 extraordinary people from islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Their homelands were diverse, including the Comoros Islands, Kiribati, Palau, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands and they were on Norfolk Island to participate in the Sustainable Islands Program, hosted by the Econorfolk Foundation and funded by the University of Sydney and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This special group of islanders loved the island vibe at Mokutu and took advantage of the gardens and pool area to relax and chill out after each information-packed day of their intensive program. Mokutu was like a little international village while they were here. Each morning they enjoyed a generous buffet breakfast at the Sublime Lounge Café before field trips to Farmer Lou’s, the electricity generation plant, the Waste Management Centre, Bigg Fresh Farm and others as well as attending lectures and workshops at Governor’s Lodge.The final barbeque hosted for the many friends the group had made during their stay, showed just how many people contributed to this successful program. The barbeque was held in the Mokutu garden with local musician, Yoyo, playing guitar by the pool, joined by […]