The beginnings of Stillpoint are earthed in the pain and difficulties encountered by the Woolcock family. In Helen’s words:

“In 1980 our family went through a major crisis when my husband John developed a malignant tumour. This threw me into great turmoil and I set about looking for some help for myself and also for a place I could go to be quiet and to think things through.

The kinds of understandings about myself and about life and relationships that emerged from this experience proved to be life-changing. But I never did find a quiet place. So when our lives had settled somewhat, we decided to set up a place where people could come to chat and have access to resources that we had found helpful.

Since then we have talked with many people about their own struggles. The details have varied but it seemed to us that what we found helpful could well be useful to others.”

Stillpoint was established in 1991 and operated as a business partnership between Helen and John Woolcock. An advisory board met as required to provide guidance in relation to a wide range of issues affecting Stillpoint’s operation. All activities were conducted in suburban Brisbane within the context of a private residence which adjoined the premises of the owners.

In 1999 a decision was made by the Woolcocks to broaden the ownership of Stillpoint by inviting a number of people who had shown interest in, and who had supported Stillpoint, to join what was called “The Stillpoint Mission Group”. At a three day workshop in January 2000, this group made some critical decisions including:

• The need to set up Stillpoint as a separate legal entity
• The need to relocate to alternative premises.

As of 13 February 2001, Stillpoint became A COMPANY, LIMITED BY GUARANTEE named “THE STILLPOINT CENTRE LTD.” On 19 February 2001 the Centre began operating from a suite of converted offices under a church at Rokeby Terrace, Taringa and in January 2003 we opened at our current address, in cooperation with the Toowong Uniting Church.

During the monthly meetings of the “Stillpoint Mission Group” in 2000, plans were made for the development of the centre. Among these developments was the establishment of various “interest” groups to oversee the ongoing work of Stillpoint and to foster new initiatives. These “interest” groups subsequently became called “MISSION GROUPS.” This necessitated a change of name for the main overseeing body originally called the “Stillpoint Mission Group” which then became “THE STILLPOINT STEERING GROUP”.

OUR PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

(A) Stillpoint is committed to simple and minimalist structures which fulfil legal requirements yet enable the nurture of relationships and group life.

Therefore the Stillpoint Steering Group is the main overseeing body for Stillpoint. However, with the registration of Stillpoint as a Company, there was the legal responsibility for appointment of a BOARD OF DIRECTORS including a Chairperson and a Secretary. Six (6) directors were elected from and by the Steering Group. The meetings of the Board of Directors run concurrently with those of the Steering Group and the minutes of these meetings constitute the minutes of the Board of Directors, as required by company law.

The Steering Group includes representatives of each of the Mission Groups and each Steering Group member serves on at least one Mission Group.

Mission Groups and the Steering Group meet in alternate months through the year, February to November. Each Mission Group reports to the next Steering Group meeting, and minutes are taken of each Steering Group meeting (by the Secretary of the Board of Directors.)

Membership of the Steering Group has been by personal invitation, originally by the Woolcocks and subsequently by these invitees. Invitations to join the Steering Group are made following agreement by its members. Appointments to the Board are made following advice and recommendations from the Steering Group.

(B) Stillpoint is an organisation which is centred on shared values, linked by strong relationships and open to various methodologies in implementing these values. Commitment levels vary depending on each person’s sense of call to the community.

Members of the Steering Group:

• are committed to live out the underlying faith and vision of Stillpoint as expressed in its statement of vision and beliefs
• participate in a mission group and contributing to its activities
• are willing to act within the framework of the “Principles and Practices” for the operation of Stillpoint.
• attend monthly meetings
• participate in an annual Steering Group retreat which allow them to reflect on their personal faith journey and current circumstances. In light of this, members will consider their ongoing membership of the Steering Group.

Mission Groups are established when three interested persons sense a calling to work on a particular goal within the vision and mission of Stillpoint, agreed to by the Steering Group. Currently there are five Mission Groups responsible for the various activities of Stillpoint, namely:

• Finance
• Centre coordination
• Resources
• Stillpoint formation (currently seeking new members)
• Stilltime.

Members of Mission Groups are:

• committed to live out the underlying faith and vision of Stillpoint as expressed in its vision and mission
• committed to fulfil the call of the group.

In addition to Mission Groups, WORKING GROUPS have also been established for specific tasks, with two currently in operation:

• Cyberstuff
• Publications and Communications ( under development)

Volunteers are encouraged to attend a Stillpoint orientation course.
Friends of Stillpoint are entitled to use the Stillpoint Centre, Library and to receive newsletters.
Library contributors make donations toward the cost of providing and maintaining Library resources.
Newsletter recipients receive a quarterly newsletter.
Regular Supporters contribute financially on a regular basis.
Sponsors make a substantial gift toward shaping our vision.

Stillpoint services are provided free of charge: donations are invited towards the support of all its activities. All gifts to the library are tax deductible to the donor.