Symphony of Sunflowers LAUNCHED!!

It has been a couple of weeks since my initial post, so I thought I would pop in and update you on my experiences so far. It’s been a busy couple of weeks in between blogs, particularly leading up to the official launch of Symphony of Sunflowers. There has been much to do - arranging guest speakers, arranging photographers, sending media alerts, writing media releases etc. One of my main tasks has been to get the media contacts set up and preparing and sending media alerts to them. It's amazing how with a click of a button you can instantaneously inform people, without having to pick up the phone or call a press conference!

So, on Friday, April 17th, amidst much excitement, the concept of "Symphony of Sunflowers" was launched at Garden Week. Having been the first event that I have played part in and seen the planning that went in behind it all, I was apprehensive to see how it would all work out. Thankfully, everything went reasonably smoothly. WE had a wonderful bunch of speakers, including Paralympian Priya Cooper who inspired the audience and spread the wonderful message of inclusion of all children in the community- with or without a disability. Even though planting for the even will not occur till World Disability Day on December 3rd, creating early awareness now will give everyone, from schools to councils to universities, the opportunity to plan sunflower gardens in their gardening landscaping. The aim will be to spread this wonderful message, as well as raising funds to provide Therapy Focus clients with equipment to help them interact with others more easily.

One of the many things I learned from the launch is that you can never underestimate the value of good speakers. They can really help to cement your message and good speakers have the ability to inspire and encourage those listening to them. Also, I learned that even when you think certain media will turn up, depending on the type of news day they are having, they might leave you stranded. Unfortunately on the morning of the launch a boat full of asylum seekers was blown up, and obviously, due to its seriousness a lot of the media focused on this story. We had expected Channel 10 to come down and take some footage, but as a result, they were unable to attend. Despite there being no TV media presence, there were a couple of photographers from The West and Community Newspapers, so we were hoping they would be able to get some great shots to accompany a story.

With all the communicating we had done with various media outlets, the thought of not generating much actual publicity made me a little nervous. Sure enough, by Wednesday we had a great story in the West, as well as in various community and independent newspapers. It was an awesome feeling to open up the paper in the morning to see a picture of Priya Cooper and one of the Therapy Focus clients, lighting up the page with sunflowers in hand. I felt proud because in some small way I had helped get that story in the paper!! There is obviously a long way to go, but we are continuing to work on building awareness and we now want to get the message out to country WA.

Till the next post, enjoy your placements and I will update you again soon!

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