The Gathering: A Party No One Could Forget

To whom it may concern:

I saw the story about The Gathering DVD on 7.30 tonight and I want to congratulate all who were involved in tackling this very real issue so directly. We lived in East Fremantle and my son's 18th birthday 'gathering' was gate crashed resulting in my husband being hit over the head with a beer bottle and receiving a laceration to his head that only just missed his eye, one son undergoing surgery to repair a pre existing injury to his knee that he had received at a prior gathering and the 18 year old requiring surgery to implant a plate and pins to repair his displaced fractured ankle received from a hit by a base ball bat. He was in hospital for two weeks and off work as an apprentice for 3 months. He is still suffering from post traumatic stress disorder that is triggered by any situation where he feels that he is under threat.

For me I had to witness what I considered to be out of control behavior long before the gate crashers arrived. Drinking 'goon' straight out of cask wine bladders was considered quite acceptable as was urinating anywhere that was convenient and having sex in the garden. I did intervene in one situation where I saw a boy, a friend of my son's that I know well coercing a girl to the bedroom. When I confronted him the next day he had no recollection of the incident such was his level of intoxication. I raised this particular issue with my son's doctor during one of our many visits as he informed me that he has young women coming to see him not even sure if they have had sex at a party but considering it a distinct possibility.

My sons were not innocent, their actions contributed to the situation getting out of control and both have had to learn a harsh lesson including dealing with the potential loss of their father who was targeted by 15 adolescent males. Fortunately the Police arrived in time however we all bear scars from that night both physical and mental. The point that I am making is that your depiction of these so called gatherings that are a supposed innocent version of a party was very accurate according to my experience. The behavior that young people are engaging in potentially has life long consequences yet they seem so unaware of the danger that they are placing themselves in by getting drunk as quickly as possible. I hope your DVD promotes discussion in the public domain as it is essential that parents work together to address this serious health issue. Well done!

Barb Howard

Dear Barb

Thank you so much for your kind comments and for sharing your own traumatic experiences of young people and binge drinking. Your story provides a powerful illustration of the reality we have tried to recreate in the resource.

We are hopeful that by watching 'the Gathering' young people will be more aware of the devastating consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and be empowered to plan ahead and make informed choices when socialising with friends.

Parents also need to be aware of the current teen 'culture' in order to support their children in making good decisions. Learning by experience in these instances is devastating and can have long term impacts on everyone.

Thank you again.

Janet Armarego

Hi,

This is a great initiative, however, the DVD is too expensive. Many people will want to see this video, but will be reluctant to spend the 60 dollars being charged.

Hi Mario

The Gathering was primarily produced as a resource for schools and organisations working with young people. The DVD is accompanied by comprehensive resource material containing key messages promoted in the scenario along with activities and student discussion questions and tasks.

We are very keen for everyone to have access to The Gathering and have made copies available in all the City of Melville libraries. Library membership is freely available to everyone.

Many thanks for your comments. We have now added the information regarding library borrowing to our website.

Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Janet Armarego.