Frenchs Forest, NSW – 3 February 2025: Proveda (formerly CCNB) is hosting a special storytelling event to celebrate the launch of its Compassionate Connectors Program, a three year translational pilot funded by Proveda's key partner's Sydney North Health Network and The Wicking Trust. The program is designed to connect unique volunteers to individuals over 65 living with life changing diagnosis in the hope of building their social networks.
Danni Petkovic – Pink Slip to Death Can the deepest most pivotal connections occur in the unlikeliest of places? An unwanted meeting with a tough, burly country mechanic changed Danni's life forever. His generosity and care led Danni to compassionate connectors and to become a carer for her younger brother, who faced terminal brain cancer. The unlikely connection ultimately changed her life's trajectory, leading her to campaign for death literacy through Dying to Know and creating an end of life doula service.
Jean Paul Bell – Not Dead Yet Since 1996, Jean Paul has worked as a clown doctor around seriously ill and dying people, some young and others at the end of a long life. Working in aged and palliative care, he has brought humour into serious environments. He learned to read the room, for some, laughter was ideal.
Terence Kwan – Purpose from Tragedy How do you respond to the news that members of your family, including three young children, have been the victims of a terrible murder suicide? Terence's story will take attendees through the circumstances of this horrific tragedy, the events leading up to it, how it impacted family and community, and how it galvanised and provided direction for his sense of social purpose and contribution.
John Milham – My Connection: A Three Body Problem As life events unfold, orbit, create chaos, trauma and distress, it is only by letting go of everything that John has understood he is able to embrace the infinite solutions offered in the three body problem he found himself caught in. With those infinite solutions opening up new worlds, John has unlocked new connection, helping bring the loss and suffering some meaning. By laying bare three life-changing moments, he shares the learning he found to allow connection to his purpose, his truth and his freedom.
Helen Nippard – Moments of Connection Helen lives with her extended family on the Northern Beaches and is an active volunteer member with Proveda since 2018. Helen's story and reflections of end of life moments inspires and takes us on a journey of appreciation of what connection brings. Throughout her story, you can hear how these experiences are connected, within and between us.
