[Dialogue] The Completed Life of John Telford

[Jo Nelson]

John and Elaine carefully set up the transition when we replaced them in Murrin Bridge in 1981. They had done an extraordinary job catalyzing self-reliance in Murrin Bridge and had thought through all the roles we would need to play. In about 10 days they gave us a thorough history of all of ICA’s work with Aboriginal people, successes and hard learnings, and introduced us as good people to both Murrin Bridge people and the white Australian community. Ever since I have felt that they were the salt of the earth. Their passion for Aboriginal peoples’ wisdom and inclusion never wavered. When they visited us in Toronto in 2017, they brought me a rare book about Ngiyampaa people recovering their heritage.

John, along with Elaine, was a true social pioneer that catalyzed lasting change. 

I celebrate his life with deep gratitude. 

From the mobile desk of
Jo Nelson 




> On Jul 22, 2022, at 6:45 PM, Sarah H. Buss via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
> 
> May we pause to be grateful for a life lived with such exemplary service. Peace and comfort,
> Sarah 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Jul 22, 2022, at 5:11 PM, Kevin Balm via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Dear OE/ICA Colleagues
>> I have the sad task of informing you of the passing of John Telford, Wednesday night Australian time. John (and Elaine) was an early member of OE/ICA in Australia and served in many ‘assignments’ in Australia and overseas since the late 60’s. Around the transition from assigned life John worked with CARE Australia in the middle-east and upon return to Australia, with Community Aid Abroad. It was around this time that I began my close association with John and Elaine. I had the honour of working with John delivering ToP facilitation training for Agriculture advisors (a role John played in an early part of his career) as well as working in Timor Leste in its post-independence years.  John and Elaine were integral members of Australia’s reconciliation movement serving on state and national task groups as well as helping develop some pioneering support materials. John remained an active member of the ICA, especially here in Australia throughout his time. For me, John most represented the power of followership in a world that overly glorifies leadership. He supported, drove and nudged into being many initiatives from the side lines.
>>  
>> Our deepest sympathies to Elaine and Michelle, Kathy and Amanda and their families at this time.
>>  
>> Kevin Balm
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