Monday Muses~Craig's Table

It was a sombre and somewhat peaceful day yesterday; I say peaceful because even though International Day of Mourning is far from without heartache and reflection, it is also a time to remember the loved ones who we all have lost, to sit in the comfort and warmth of the memories and to give thanks for the joy and love each of them gift to us. I walked through and around the Deceased Workers Memorial Forest yesterday, each of the Memorial Tree's has a family and a story that for the most part I will never know, not knowing doesn't actually matter, the strength comes from the support of so many to each other and to everyone. Sitting for a while at the first Craig's Table, reflecting on the happy times and watching the butterflies as they floated past. All of it combined into a family gathering unlike any other that I have ever been invited to attend.

Last week at Craig's Table was very short due to Easter and then ANZAC Day. Even though, the participants still gathered, they still sat in harmony with each other and chatted as close and supportive friends. It is interesting to watch each of them as they find ways to chat and simply be in each other's company. The natural laughter, the funny little stories and even the sharing of happy news, all of it adds to the texture that is now such a part of Craig's Table.

Even though it was a short week the conversations continued around what each of them are planning to move toward. The open workplace, a new direction for employment and the possibility of further study. One of them brought in some food to share, another brought in Easter Eggs to share. Each of them felt the emotion of belonging and all that that means and provides to each of them. I love walking past and sometimes being invited in for a short side conversation, or a longer "if this what then" conversation. Each time the chatter is deeper and in a defined direction. "Do you think it will be possible?" Do you think I can do xyz? All of it is about moving forward and through workers compensation in the least time possible and without impacting more on their own outcomes and abilities as possible.

The interesting part though is not the conversations we have at Craig's Table, the interesting conversation happen between Craig's Table and the workers compensation providers. Some of the providers are still truly amazed at what outcomes the participants are achieving and what new life goals are in place.

A question that Corey and I are asked constantly is "What is the criteria to place someone at Craig's Table?" We answer, 'the only requirement is that that a participant have conversational English." In my (humble) opinion every member of the injured worker community has the right to know that Craig's Table is an option for them.

Last week as I was tidying up the last of the notes from my Churchill Fellowship application I found a note that I had scribbled onto one of the 3 white boards I have in my unit "How can a person know that they have a choice if the choice is not known to them?" To me (and to Corey and to the participants and A Team) the question we were asked by one of the current participants is very valid "why wasn't I told 12 months back?" neither Corey or I can answer that question. For Corey and I it raises an even bigger question, "how many members of the injured worker community are looking for Craig's Table and have no knowledge that the help and support they are looking for is already in place waiting for them. At Craig's Table we are doing all we can to reach as many of the injured worker community as possible, we are reaching out as much as we are able to, our side of the bridge is very stable and secure.

There is a reason for this reflection this evening. Today I watched this video clip. The subject matter may be different, however the comments "we are all connected" ring so loudly to everyone at Craig's Table. Industry providers talk about improving workers compensation, everyone has ideas and there is an over-abundance of papers and presentations. There are "packages" to be bought on how to reduce the costs and imposts of a workplace injury. SafeWork Australia tells us Statistics and Research $61.8 billion the cost of work-related injury and disease to the Australian economy  with 77% of work-related injury and disease costs are borne by workers. Research (for the Churchill Fellowship)tells me that 1.5 people around the clock are injured right over Australia.

My hope is that the bridge builders from the workers compensation side understand that Craig's Table is more than willing and more than able to carry the challenges we are all facing. The invitation that Corey always offers is "if the gate is open, the kettle is on, please come sit and talk about all that can be done when we work as a team!"

And now it is late, Thank you to my beautiful friend Cheryle for cooking dinner and making sure that I had plenty to eat again. it really was like old times to sit and chat and eat freshly prepared home-cooked food. Time now to have a cup of tea then head to bed. I have another big day in Adelaide tomorrow before catching the red-eye special on Wednesday morning.

Yours in service

Rosemary

Social equity for injured workers

craigstable.net.au    Craig's Table Facebook

117 Magowar Road Girraween