Deborah Coulthard, Psychoanalytic Psychologist
As a latte sipper who moved here to raise our family, I want to address my fellow tree huggers about the Camp Reserve.
The major focus of the redevelopment of the Camp is our young people. The removal of any tree needs to be taken seriously but in this case, there should be no hesitation. While my idea of sport is reading a book in the sauna or yin yoga, sport in country towns is the saviour of so many of our
young. Raising four sons here, I was immersed in the sporting world and what I witnessed was a structured activity that offered so much more than is understood by us bookish types. I cannot speak of netball or girls footy but am sure what I say will be the same for the females.
Firstly, there are all the men who give their time to stand around for hours in the cold or heat, encouraging youngsters to give their best, to try to overcome poor confidence, poor coordination or poor emotional regulation. It should be obvious to anyone who cares that there is a terrible dearth of good role models in the poor container called the ‘nuclear family’.
Footy teaches team work. You are not an individual on the field. You are a team. This is often the only sense of belonging a boy may have. It is also a place where he can safely express his anger. He can learn about healthy aggression in order to do his best for his team. I have seen withdrawn boys develop a voice after being encouraged to yell on the field. I’ve seen lonely boys be included and appreciated. I have seen despondent boys
become inspired to exercise their bodies and get strong. I’ve seen boys covered in mud, in crowded change rooms, singing their team song and know that it is the only time they will ever sing, as they sling their arms around each other, it can be the only time in that week, they’ll be touched by another person. People forget to be affectionate to teenage boys. No one sings the praises of these men who give of their precious time after work or weekends. No one sings the praises of these boys who are turning up for their mates and often have to cajole a parent to drive them to the oval.
I saw many boys drop out of footy because there was no one to take them to training. They were the boys who needed community more than anyone.
To be truly community, Castlemaine, to be truly selfless, find a boy from a troubled family and get him into footy. Drive him there and be someone he can trust. Celebrating the survival of two trees can be balanced by attending the funeral of a young man. I have attended too many. If asked, I am sure the trees would willingly lay down their lives for the life of one of our young people.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Beyond Blue at www.beyondblue.org.au
In the event of an emergency dial triple zero (000). A friendly ear is also available for those needing support locally at the Castlemaine Safe Space which operates Tuesdays 4pm-6.30pm, Thursdays 9.30am-12pm and Saturdays 1.30pm-4pm at 74 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine. Visit castlemainesafespace.org for more information