History
THE LIFESKETCH OF ELWYN & HELEN SCALE
Founders of Delhuntie Youth Care
THE BEGINNING
Elwyn grew up on a dairy farm in Gippsland (Victoria) with his two brothers in a dysfunctional family, very poor with a diet of week-old bread, rice and reject apples.
The physical demands of working from daybreak till sundown took its toll, but provided the foundations for a solid work ethic.
He endured living with hostility, insecurity and eventually when the family fell apart, his parents separated and Elwyn escaped to the city.
Leaving the Farm - 1963
Elwyn continued his challenging life and at 20 came to understand homelessness found refuge at his parents-in-law home for a short period and found a job interstate driving for nearly two years. From there he found security in Croydon Church and became a youth leader after marrying Helen.
From there life began a new meaning and felt the call of God to do ministry which was promised many years before after a nasty accident of a tractor rolling on top of him. From then on God opened doors that Elwyn never thought could possibly happen.
From a humble church investment project, a business of manufacturing wide car wheels and commercial semi-trailers – namely “Wheel-City”, servicing clients such as Peter Brock, Bob Jane, Leyland Brothers and other professionals. God blessed abundantly and Elwyn felt it was necessary to give proceeds of 1 in 8 back to God.
With many miracles this investment grew after 5 years and now due to intense youth work, Elwyn decided to sell out and look at the Australian youth scene that many were involved in - hippy living, drugs, questionable music and flower power. Innovative and managing six staff.
Ministry Coast to Coast and Outback Australia - 1967
At age 26, Elwyn and Helen decided to embark on a trek around Australia for 6 months in a small 4wd and caravan along with their 2year old son - armed with specimens of marijuana plants and drugs. Little did they know that in several month’s time, God would be opening the flood gates of opportunity that would stretch them way out of their comfort zone.
Many responded to the sign on the 4wd “Drugs the Decision, See Us for Details”, many enquired from junkies to business people, about our self supporting ministry. It didn’t take long before hippies would invite them into their hippie pads where they saw their incredible chaotic lifestyles. They were then requested by prominent members of society to speak to schools, service clubs, police and in fact they were asked by Sergeant Bidner to be an advisor for the Drug and Missing Persons Bureau. This really gave them an insight to what the needs were in society, that so many people were trying to escape from the pain of depression and hopelessness of what the world had to offer.
After living underground in Kings Cross communes, they were beginning to see a great need for a Centre where young people could make a decision of power to find true happiness. They never dreamed their trip would take them nearly 5 years and 150,000kms around Australia with hundreds of public programs warning of drugs and their affect with another 2 children born on the way. My wife was thrust into an awesome overpowering adventure but she learn tremendous skills of coping, patience and resilience in a devastatingly heartbreaking demoralising and self-destructive environment.
All this gave them an overwhelming decision that a Centre should be started, but with only $5,000 and a 50 acre property that had been bought earlier in Gippsland, most of their jeans had holes in the knees from pleading with god to know where to go and what to do. Then came the many incredible miracles: $60,00 worth of power was installed on the property free, donations of use of 5 new vehicles, an army tank, timber spa, water-slide, house building purchased for only $150.00 and the highways department paid them to build a 5 acre lake.
Elwyn and Helen could see that this was the evidence that God wanted the adventure ministry to go forward and thus Delhuntie was born. The program began of residential living for those who were struggling in society. Many were sent from ministers, care centres, police, criminals, magistrate courts, hospitals, mental health centres and it didn’t take long to establish God’s methods of healing, that has proved to be so successful.
In the beginning, the joy of recovery was so exciting. Simple home remedies and skills of diet and health (food and mood) were taught in an environment of love and care. It was soon established a method that Jesus used that was very ahead of it’s time in developing a success rate.
The greatest joy came from watching the young people go back to their everyday environment with a new outlook, a new perspective and filled with hope because they had their lives reconstructed and a new spirit restored. Of this Elwyn and Helen were abundantly grateful beyond expression, and after 40 years and thousands upon thousands coming through have found God’s methods of restoration so successful.
Towards the end of the residential program, it was evident by the results that were achieved, that these methods had become so fine tuned, in a process that could be compared to the intricate and detail involved in a surgical operation whereby the group was cut open, negative emotional scar tissue removed, internal wounds stitched thus allowing the real healing process to begin and closed up again to be protected from the harsh realities of the world when returning back to their homes and families.
Delhuntie Born – 1975
The program began of residential living for those who were struggling in society, many were sent from ministers, care centres, police, criminals, magistrate courts, hospitals, mental health centres, and it didn’t take long to establish God methods of healing, that have proved to be so successful.
In the beginning the joy of recovery was so exciting, suing simple home remedies and skills taught in an environment of love and care, it was soon established a method that Jesus used.
The greatest joy came from the watching children go back to their everyday environment with a new outlook, a new perspective and filled with hope because they had had their lives reconstructed and a new spirit restored.
Of this Helen and Elwyn were abundantly grateful beyond expression, and after 40 years and thousands upon thousands coming through have found God’s methods of restoration so successful.
Towards the end of the residential program, it was evident by the results that were achieved that these methods had become so fine tuned, in a process that could be compared to the intricate and detail involved in a surgical operation, where by the group was cut open, negative emotional scar tissue removed, internal wounds stitched, allowing the real healing process to begin and closed up again to be protected from the harsh realities of the world when returning back to their homes and families.
THE NEW DELHUNTIE
In 2011 a new site for Delhuntie Youth Care was found on the mid north coast of NSW near Bulahdelah. This Centre is currently in stage 2 of its development and is in full operation. Bulahdelah has become the focal point of our programs based all over the country. The new site has 200 acres of pristine coastal bushland with a diverse array of vegetation with rocky high rain forest peaks to beautiful low rainforest areas, with exciting breath-taking activities.
We are surrounded by state forests and the beautiful Myall Lakes National Park including access to the lakes and ocean within minutes from base camp. Delhuntie is an easy 2.5hrs drive from Sydney. We can offer our programs all over the country and have many satellite programs running in most states together with lovely rain forest walks, a large lake for swimming with heaps of activities surrounding it - haymans swing, bomb pole, icebergers, jetty, canoeing, sky walk and heaps of activities throughout the mountains. If you haven’t seen Jemaroo and the features of this breathtaking activity, you’ve been robbed of an exceptional experience.
A bride recently said “this swing bridge is sensational leading to the bush chapel”. Soon to be built “Death Before Glory” which will build your self-worth beyond your expectations. Ever thought how cool it would be to sleep in trees and be rocked to sleep by the gentle breeze to be awaken by bird calls!! Nothing better than around the fire at night sharing amazing stories – how Delhuntie was built and evolved.
OUR FOUNDERS
Restoring lives is what these dedicated people do best.
You too can become part of this world in a beautiful country setting.
Why not come and be trained?
Rodney Scale (AKA Roo)
National Director
Delhuntie Director, Rodney Scale, is someone you won’t forget when you meet. His lively, fun-loving, warm heart and big cheeky smile will keep you on your toes, second guessing what’s coming next!
His zest for life and passion for adventures in the great outdoors will fill you with energy, encouragement and strength.
His love for helping hurting hearts is seen in his gentle listening ear and wise words of wisdom.
His countless hours making Delhuntie tracks is testimony to his passion for transforming broken lives.
He is unshakable!
Rob Kent (AKA D4)
Manager (aka: D4)
Rob Kent is the Manager at Delhuntie Bulahdelah. He is known for his everlasting energy, like a bulldozer, hence his nickname D4. He is a vibrant bundle of wisdom, endurance, diligence and fun! He has many varied skills and experiences, and always has a great story to share.
He is your Delhuntie go-to man for almost anything and everything, including singing, early morning wake-ups, wild wilderness calls and dress-ups whenever possible! He will leave you in stitches and stick with you on the hardest Delhuntie challenges.
Above all the banter and fun D4 lives to help young people go further than they can ever imagine possible as he passionately helps restore lives at Delhuntie. Rock solid legend!
WE ARE VERY GREATFUL
Help us in restoring young peoples lives.
Together we can make a difference.
As Delhuntie is a not for profit organisation, we rely on your donations to help us help restore young peoples lives.
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