Brett’s Story

My name is Brett and I grew up in Western Sydney around Parramatta (Eels supporter for life) and moved to Canberra for work in the late 1970s.  Like most people, I worked in the public service until I retired some years ago.  I married in 1980, and we had two daughters.  I now have two daughters and six lovable, boisterous, amazing, wild young grandsons who keep me feeling a young (and sometimes exhausted) septuagenarian. 

I first heard about Wayside in the late 1960s when Rev Ted Noffs was getting things started.  I remember hearing about the struggle on many fronts, responding to the need to support people in need in the Kings Cross community and not always getting the support Wayside needed.  I recall reading an article about Wayside that concluded that the world would be a better place with more people like Ted Noffs.  I didn’t know much about Wayside’s work, but I heard positive things about being there and respecting each person who comes in. 

A few years ago, an old school friend entering a fun run to support Wayside asked for sponsors.  I really didn’t know much about Wayside.  I checked out the website and read about the many ways Wayside works to help people, support, encourage, not just working for them, but with them.  A major positive was respecting the dignity of each person, regardless of their circumstances.  It seems like a genuine community spirit at work, doing things and not just talking about it.  I thought if I didn’t have a reason not to support Wayside, then I should do it.   

Even though I don’t live in Sydney and have not been near Kings Cross for many years, I have read enough stories about hardship in inner Sydney that it was an easy decision to leave a gift in my Will to Wayside.  The weekly Inner Circle messages are a window on the Wayside philosophy of acceptance and care for people, wherever they are in their life’s journey, and how to grow relationships that build community.  I don’t have feet on the ground there, but Wayside is doing something worthwhile that should be supported.   

If anyone were thinking about leaving a gift in their Will to Wayside, I’d ask them what their priorities are in life and listen to their answers, so we can have a conversation.  I don’t think my story is all that interesting or encouraging, but where appropriate I would point to the stories of people who come to Wayside and ask where they would be if Wayside wasn’t there.  I would say that it is an individual thing, and their gift will help make a genuine difference to each person who comes through the Wayside door long after we are gone.  It just feels like the right thing to do. 

Including Wayside in my Will was not difficult at all.  I was guided by the belief that my contribution will support the community well into the future, although I hope Wayside will be patient about getting it as I would like to be around for some time to come.   

I suppose when I think about my legacy, I’d like to believe that I have lived a useful life and not harmed other people along the way.  I hope this will inspire others to give and to care for their community. 

As sad as it is to say, in our affluent society there will always be people needing the support, friendship and love that the Wayside Chapel gives out in heaps.  Knowing that my gift will help Wayside continue to be there for those people gives my support purpose and meaning that goes well beyond just me.