DR Andrew and Karen Moreton are hoping their concept of having Dubbo families tell their stories of hardship and suffering will provide inspiration to others.
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The Moretons will hold the first Australian Story in the Garden on November 1, where the Brooke family will talk about the challenge of living with a child with disability.
Greg and Angela Brooke were a happy family with three healthy children until their youngest daughter caught a virus similar to meningococcal in April 2007. The virus put her in a coma and doctors didn't expect her to live.
However she defied expectations and is now 16 years old, although she requires round-the-clock-care, which has placed a considerable strain on her family.
"Both Andrew and I work in health so I think both of us are acutely aware there is a lot of need in the community. There's a lot of suffering, a lot of chronic illness and chronic pain and people are living with sad stories," Karen said.
"The reality is not every story has a happy ending and I think our culture doesn't do a lot to address that.
"What is helpful to people in a sad situations is a chance to tell their story, to be heard and to be aware they're not alone in their suffering. That's where the idea came from. We thought it's spring and there are a lot of beautiful gardens in Dubbo. Why don't we combine that beauty with a community need to have stories told. We'll put the two together and have Australian Story in the Garden."
It is hoped the event will be an annual occasion with more families like the Brookes being given the opportunity to tell their story.
"In days gone by we used to sit around and tell stories, not just for entertainment but also to pass on wisdom. Things like resilience were shared about life and how to live it well," Andrew said.
"Nowadays most stories we hear are written by scriptwriters and read by actors. I think there is some value in hearing stories like Greg and Ange and Georgie's.
"This is the first one, chapter one, and a good one we think."
Australian Story in the Garden will be held on November 1 at 6.15pm on the property of Chris and Jacqueline at 11R Wilfred Smith Drive in Firgrove Estate.