From its humble beginnings just 18 months ago, the Scone-based foundation has now become a driving force to create optimistic change within communities in our region – and throughout the nation.

And, WTAW initiated another world-first this week by hosting the two-day Upper Hunter Appreciative Inquiry Summit, a joint program between WTAW and the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA).

The partnership allows the two organisations to unite their resources, efforts and dedication so that together, they can improve the wellbeing of youth.

“We’re very happy with the response [to the summit],” WTAW co-founder Pauline Carrigan said.

“We’ve got more than 110 people here today, from teachers to students, interested residents, as well as council, mining, horse stud and sporting representatives.

“They’re not only local – some have travelled from Sydney or another state.

“It’s great to see so many Upper Hunter schools involved, too; including Muswellbrook High, Scone Grammar, St Joseph’s Primary (Merriwa), Muswellbrook South, The Yellow Cottage, St Mary’s Primary (Scone), Aberdeen Public, Merriwa Central, St Joseph’s Primary (Denman), Scone Pre-School, St James’ Primary (Muswellbrook) and Scone High.”

Best-selling author, workplace wellbeing teacher and playful change activator Michelle McQuaid led the summit.

A senior fellow at Melbourne University’s Graduate School of Education, she is a world leader in helping schools and organisations apply positive psychology practices to create lasting change and enable people to flourish.

“I’m delighted to be here today,” she said.

“WTAW is doing a fantastic job – and everyone’s been responsive, especially to the role-playing activities.”

The Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a strengths-based approach to creating change that has been used successfully in small and large projects with hundreds of organisations, schools and communities around the world. 

It is designed to connect, inspire and propel people across a system around an opportunity for change by discovering their strengths, dreaming of what might be possible, designing pathways forward and delivering upon the future they most desire.

“We’re hoping we can build pathways to help young people flourish across the Upper Hunter schools and communities,” Mrs Carrigan said.

“It’s a highly-engaging, informative and energising experience. 

“Every voice will be heard and valued. 

“This is not a talk-fest, it is a doing-fest that enables us create a shared vision of success for our young people and to pool our strengths and resources to make it a reality.”

The summit continues at the same venue on Saturday.