Positive attitude in the bush

Jen Cowley OAM from the National Association for Loss and Grief in Bourke last week PHOTO TWH

Despite the toughest conditions on the land in decades, people in the bush should be recognised for their positive ‘can do’ attitude, according to one of Australia’s leading experts in loss and grief.

Jen Cowley from the National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) was in Bourke last week, working with the Red Cross.

She is a worthy recipient of an Order of Australia award for the input she has had into developing strategies to help individuals and communities deal with adversity, especially in the outback.

As well as her work as an advocate of NALAG, Jen is also a successful author of a children’s book and a biography of the Uluru family.

“NALAG is a passion and being awarded the OAM was overwhelming,” Jen admitted.

“As just about any award nominee will tell you, you don’t do the work you do for the accolades so it’s a bit of a shock to be singled out.

“I’m beginning to get my head around it now but none of these things is ever done as an individual and I am fortunate to be part of some incredible teams.”

“I have always been interested in the human condition, in humanity and people and I know the spirit of giving and community is alive and well in the bush,” Jen said.

“We need to embrace that, which is one of the reasons I have a deep and abiding passion for the bush and why I am committed to seeing country people get what they need and deserve.”

Jen was born and raised at the foot of the Warrumbungle mountains, and is now based in Dubbo but her work takes her to the furthest reaches of the Outback.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.