I’ve known both Bruce and Fiona for about six years, and always admired their contribution to the bush. Unfortunately funding has run out and the organisation is forced to close.
Many of you will recall that Bruce Campbell AM MBE was the founder of the ‘Year of the Outback’ and created a bush icon.
Since those early days there was a name change to ‘Outback Calling’ www.outbackcalling.com.au but the focus remained the same.
I don’t know what I can do as an individual, but I’ll speak to Bruce over the coming days to see if something can be done. I have a few ideas, but if you have any suggestions please send me a MM.
‘A Message to Friends, Associates and Supporters of Outback Calling Ltd, from Chairman Bruce Campbell AM MBE
It is with very deep regret that I inform friends, associates and supporters that whilst enthusiastic interest in the Outback Calling Campaign continues to pour in, circumstances are such that we have not been successful in securing resources necessary to continue Outback Calling Ltd in its present form to take the Campaign to the next level.
Those of you who have followed and shared in developments since the days of Year of the Outback 2002 will know that the journey we have taken has been a long (over ten years) and wonderful one…
Outback 2002 detonated a nationwide chain reaction. Country and city Australians rallied to a call with which they easily identified. Beneficial outcomes abounded.
Then came calls to continue what Outback 2002 had begun. A range of programs followed, but a sense persisted that much more was required. Some Federal Government funding then enabled the process to continue and facilitated intensive nationwide research to produce a fresh plan without losing the spirit Year of the Outback had generated.
This plan was based on a continuing, ever expanding Outback Calling Campaign. However for its implementation and the continued operation of Outback Calling Ltd resources were needed for an intensive endeavour to engage the interest of all Australians and the involvement of Rural and Regional communities in the ‘Campaign’, the principal objectives of which are -
• To heighten recognition of the real values of Rural Australia, its people, its industries
• To provide a stronger national voice for Rural Australia
• To be a driver of marketing to attract residents and travelers to Rural Australia
• To
foster career opportunities for
young Australian in rural regions
In total, to continue building on the foundations laid by the Year of the Outback programme and to persist with the work that nationwide
feedback has confirmed is so desperately needed.
Over recent weeks it appeared that a very suitable means of continuing the operation was at hand. However this has not materialized and hence this chapter of the Outback Calling Ltd must be brought to a close.
I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has, over the years participated in what has evolved to become Outback Calling. Time on time I have been humbled by demonstrations of individuals and communities working together to create ‘modern miracles’ throughout, and since, the Year of the Outback and by the inspired spirit of the people in the ‘Bush’.
It is this spirit that leaves me certain that the work that has been commenced is by no means at an end.
The Plan is now available. It has come directly from the successes and lessons learned from Year of the Outback and from Australia wide
feedback. It is achievable, it is vital and I know that in some way it will be brought to fruition.
For my own part I hope to write regularly through elements of the media on subjects which remain uppermost in my mind including advocating the implementation of the elements of the Outback Calling Campaign Plan, in particular the nationwide recognition of next year as “Outback Calling 2010” and in total doing all I can to ensure that the Outback message continues to be delivered.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have worked closely with me over the past decade, far too many to name, but those most recently being “Outback Calling Ltd” Directors…
John Amos, Stan Wallace, Mark Woolley and Fiona Campbell-Maybury; members of the National Advisory Council… Mrs Terry Underwood OAM, Dennis Algie, Grant Cochrane, Bruce Collins, Doug Brockfield, Dr James Fitzpatrick, Geoff Fader, Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick, Keith Rasheed; and National Operations Coordinator, Lois Allan.
Finally, I once again borrow the words of Leighton B Watts to whom I have referred so often in the past and who says it so
well…
It's a place they call The Outback and we're never far apart
For the Outback's not a place at all it's the beating of my heart.
May your travels take you safely and may we meet again soon on the road to the greatest place on earth… the Outback’.
Warm regards
Bruce Campbell AM MBE (On behalf of the Directors and Team of Outback Calling Ltd)
Chairman Outback Calling Ltd
Founder and Chairman – Year of the Outback
Regards
Kim