November 8, 2024

Edition #1: "Sowing Seeds of Connection"

Dear fellow farmers of change,

Welcome to the vibrant, fertile fields of A Curious Tractor!

We're thrilled to have you join our community of changemakers, creative thinkers, and compassionate souls. This newsletter is our way of cultivating connections, sharing stories, and growing together as we work towards a more just, regenerative world.

We firmly believe in the power of community.

Just as a single seed can give rise to a bountiful harvest, we know that when we come together, our collective actions have the potential to create transformative change.

This newsletter is an invitation to be part of that change โ€“ to plant your own seeds of ideas, to nurture the growth of others, and to celebrate the fruits of our shared labor.

Like a warm gathering around a campfire, we want this space to feel welcoming, inclusive, and alive with the spirit of connection. You'll find stories that inspire, ideas that provoke, and opportunities to get your hands dirty in the work of positive change.

Whether you're a seasoned activist or just beginning to explore your role in creating a better world, there's a place for you here.

Come and pull up a seat. Share your stories, your dreams, your triumphs, and your challenges. Listen deeply to the experiences of others, and allow yourself to be transformed by the power of empathy and understanding.

Together, we'll cultivate a community rooted in compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that a better world is not only possible, but already taking shape through our collective efforts.

With each edition of this newsletter, we'll explore different aspects of our work and our community. You'll have the chance to learn about our current projects, contribute your own ideas and feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for positive change. And just as a farmer tends to their land with patience, persistence, and care, we'll be here to support and nurture this community every step of the way.

So, once again, welcome to A Curious Tractor. We're so grateful to have you as part of this ecosystem of change, and we can't wait to see what we'll grow together.

With gratitude and excitement,

Benjamin and Nic

Your fellow farmers in the fields of change


๐Ÿซš The Soil: Nurturing Our Roots

We're excited to share with you the work we are part of in the field of youth justice, particularly through our project at The Food Connect Shed in the south of Brisbane. This project, a key component of our broader mission to support at-risk individuals and those transitioning out of the justice system.

It's all about creating a holistic network of resources and opportunities that empower young people to thrive.

At the heart of our approach is a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of those who are experts in these areas โ€“ especially the young people who are directly impacted by the challenges we're seeking to address. We believe that by listening to their stories, their insights, and their aspirations, we can co-create solutions that are more effective, more relevant, and more sustainable.

Over the next 6-12 months, we'll be experimenting with a wide range of ideas born from art, creativity, and the lived experiences of the young people we serve. We're committed to investing our efforts in the most promising initiatives โ€“ those that have the potential to make a real, tangible difference in the lives of young people and their communities. From innovative employment programs and culturally grounded mentorship to holistic wellness support and beyond, our aim is to create pathways for more young people to feel welcomed, valued, and empowered within their communities.

As we nurture these seeds of change, we invite you to join us in tending to the soil of youth justice reform. Whether you're an expert in the field, a passionate advocate for social change, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, there's a place for you in this work. Together, we can cultivate a more just, more compassionate, and more connected world โ€“ one where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

We encourage you to reflect on your own connection to this vital work. What experiences, insights, or skills do you bring to the table? How might you contribute to nurturing the roots of change in your own community?

Stay tuned for more updates from The Shed Youth Justice Project, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to get involved.


๐ŸŒพ Seeds of Change: Spotlight on Current Projects

In the vibrant garden of change that we're cultivating at A Curious Tractor (ACT), there's always room for new growth and inspiring collaborations. Today, we're excited to share one of our latest projects: "SMART Stories," a partnership with SMART Recovery Australia.

SMART Recovery is a global community of mutual-support groups, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and lead fulfilling lives in recovery through a science-based approach. Their work aligns deeply with our own mission to drive positive change through innovation, empathy, and collaboration.

SMART Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction is the Highest Goal | Journey Magazine

Through "SMART Stories," we aim to amplify the voices and experiences of those who have found hope, healing, and renewed purpose through SMART Recovery's programs. Our goal is to compile 365 moments of insight into brave recovery journeys that have never been captured before, creating an exhibition and story of bravery, hope, and connection to inspire the next 1,000 meetings over the next five years.

As part of this project, we're connecting with SMART Recovery's board members, ambassadors, facilitators, and participants to understand how they want their stories told. We're exploring innovative storytelling mediums to capture the essence of these journeys authentically and powerfully, while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all involved.

"SMART Stories" isn't just about raising awareness; it's about shifting the narrative around addiction and recovery from one of stigma and isolation to one of compassion, connection, and shared humanity. By showcasing the transformative power of community-based support, we hope to inspire more people to seek help and more communities to embrace SMART Recovery's approach.

If this project resonates with you, we invite you to get involved. Share the stories we'll be releasing, start a conversation in your community, or consider supporting SMART Recovery directly. Every action, no matter how small, is a seed of change that can contribute to a more understanding and supportive world for those in recovery.

Together, we can cultivate a future where every person struggling with addiction knows they are not alone and has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that help is available. Visit www.smartrecovery.org to find a meeting near you or access online resources and support.

What is SMART Recovery & How Does it Work?

๐Ÿ”ฅ The Campfire

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

There's something magical about gathering around a campfire. In the flickering glow of the flames, stories are shared, bonds are forged, and the warmth of community can be felt in the very air. At A Curious Tractor, we believe in the power of these gatherings to spark connection, inspire creativity, and fuel the flames of positive change.

We are busy working up some ideas and opportunities to connect so make sure you stay tuned to our fortnightly updates through email.

Whether you join us for a virtual workshop, share your story in the storytelling circle, or plant some seeds of change in your local community, know that your presence and participation are what make this community so warm, vibrant, and alive

Have an idea for a gathering or initiative you'd like to see in the future? Hit reply and let us know! We're always looking for new ways to stoke the flames of connection and collaboration.


๐ŸŽ‰ Harvest Stories

Celebrating Our Community's Impact

We're excited to introduce Dad.Lab!

A living experiment that aligns with our mission to drive positive change through innovation and empathy. The first offical Dad.Lab brought together fathers from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow as a community while applying an innovative mindset to the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood.

Recently, the first group of Dad.Lab participants spent a few days at Black Cockatoo Valley for a transformative two-day experience. Through activities like nature walks, creating Dad bios and posters, and building "soil networks" on living tables, the fathers discovered the power of connection and collaboration.

Chris, a Dad.Lab participant, shared a realisation: "Beyond practical, actionable insights, a profound realisation has been the sense of belonging. I've encountered what it means to feel seen as a Dad, a sensation previously foreign to me."

As Dad.Lab grows, we envision a future where these seeds of change inspire a wider movement of fathers supporting fathers. By embracing open sharing and collaboration, we believe we can cultivate a world where fathers are empowered, connected, and thriving.

Stay tuned for updates on Dad.Lab's progress and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can plant the seeds of change and nurture a brighter future for fathers everywhere.

To learn more about Dad.Lab and ACT's mission, visit our website or reach out. We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to drive positive change in the lives of fathers and their families.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Corner: Art and Expression

At A Curious Tractor, we believe that art has the power to illuminate, to inspire, and to ignite the soul. It's a universal language that allows us to express the inexpressible, to connect across differences, and to envision new possibilities for our world.

In this edition of the Creative Corner, we're thrilled to showcase a project that embodies this transformative power of art: The Confessional.

The Confessional is Nic's brainchild.

He has been pouring his heart and soul into this project for the past several months. It all began with a vision: to create a safe, sacred space where people could come to share their stories, their secrets, and their deepest truths.

To bring this vision to life, he started with an unexpected canvas: a horse trailer. Over countless hours, he worked to transform this humble vehicle into a work of art. He painted the exterior with vibrant, swirling colours that seem to dance and come alive in the sunlight. Each brushstroke is a testament to the care, the creativity, and the passion that he has poured into this project.

But The Confessional is more than just a beautiful object. It's an invitation to connection, to vulnerability, and to the power of shared storytelling. When you step inside, you're enveloped in a space that feels at once intimate and expansive. It's a place where the walls seem to whisper with the echoes of all the stories that have been shared within them.

Through The Confessional, Nic is creating a space for our community to engage in the profound, transformative act of authentic expression. He's reminding us that when we have the courage to share our truths, we open the door to empathy, to healing, and to the realisation that we are not alone in our struggles and our triumphs.

As you look at the images of The Confessional, we invite you to reflect on your own relationship with art and expression. How has creativity helped you to process, to heal, to connect with others and with yourself? What stories or truths are you longing to express?

We believe that every member of our community has a unique creative voice, and we want to celebrate and amplify those voices. So, we invite you to share your own artwork, poetry, music, or any other form of creative expression with us. Send us your creations, and we'll feature a selection in future editions of the Creative Corner.

Together, let's continue to harness the power of art to create a more connected, compassionate, and colourful world.

P.S. If you'd like to experience The Confessional for yourself, keep an eye out for upcoming events and opportunities. We'll be bringing this mobile art installation to communities across the country, creating spaces for storytelling, connection, and the power of shared truths.


๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿผโ€๐ŸŒพ Parting Thoughts: A Message from the Farmers

Dear friends,

As we come to the close of this first edition of our newsletter, we find ourselves filled with a profound sense of gratitude and hope. When we set out to create this space, we knew that we were embarking on a journey to cultivate connection, to nurture growth, and to sow the seeds of positive change. What we couldn't have anticipated was the incredible outpouring of support, engagement, and inspiration that we would receive from all of you.

Over the past few weeks, as we've been crafting this newsletter and tending to the various projects and initiatives it highlights, we've been constantly reminded of the power of community. We've seen it in the stories people have shared, in the ideas contributed, and in the enthusiasm shown for the work we're doing together.

We've been moved by the way people have come together to support one another, to lift up each other's voices, and to collaborate towards a shared vision of a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world. In a time when it's easy to feel isolated and disconnected, we have been shown incredible resilience and vitality that can comes from nurturing our roots and tending to our collective soil.

As farmers, we know that the work of cultivating change is an ongoing process. There will be seasons of planting and seasons of harvest, moments of abundance and moments of scarcity. But through it all, the strength of our community will be the nourishing, sustaining force that allows us to weather any storm and to keep growing towards the light.

So, as we close this edition of the newsletter, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you. Thank you for being a part of this community, for sharing your stories and your wisdom, and for believing in the power of connection and collaboration to create meaningful change.

As we move forward, we invite you to continue sowing these seeds of connection with us. Keep sharing your ideas, your experiences, and your visions for the future. Keep reaching out to one another, offering support and encouragement, and celebrating each other's growth. And most of all, keep believing in the incredible power of this community to cultivate a more verdant, vibrant, and nourishing world for all.

With deepest gratitude and hope,

Benjamin and Nic

Read our other posts

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At the Speed of Ceremony: Learning Partnership on Palm Island

This story captures a transformative journey to Palm Island, where the process of building beds becomes a powerful metaphor for community connection, cultural respect, and regeneration.

Spain Diagrama Trip Reflection

Spain Diagrama Trip Reflection

We owe it to our young people, our communities, and our society as a whole to do better. The time for change is now, and the Diagrama model shows us that a brighter, more hopeful future is within reach. Together, we can create a youth justice system that reflects our values, honors the potential of every young person, and helps to build a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable society for all.

Powering Change: A Curious Tractor's Journey

Powering Change: A Curious Tractor's Journey

At A Curious Tractor, we believe in the power of action to transform uncertainty into possibility. Our innovative PTO (Power Take-Off) approach allows us to channel our energy, resources, and knowledge into diverse initiatives, from youth justice to healthcare worker support. While we may not always know where we're heading, we're committed to making our journey impactful and far from boring. We invite curious minds to join us in cultivating meaningful change, powered by empathy and innovation.